Good Health

THE best form of nutrition for babies, breast milk is the ideal food with the perfect combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrate and fluids. BENEFITS FOR BABY

- Reduces the risk of developing infections such as gastroenteritis, chest and ear infections.

- Reduces the risk of cot death. Research suggests that sudden infant death syndrome is less common in breast fed babies as they are less prone to infection.

- Developmental factors. One study reported that performance in childhood intelligence tests was better in children who had been breastfed.

- Long term-health advantages. Obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, eczema, diabetes, leukaemia and asthma are less common. BENEFITS FOR MOTHER - Health advantages. Breastfeeding mothers are less likely to suffer from breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and postnatal depression. Weight loss occurs more easily after giving birth which is another added advantage.

- Convenience. Zero preparation time and always available.

- Financial. Breastfeeding is free! COMMON PROBLEMS

- Breast discomfort and pain. Breast engorgement can occur from days 2-7 after giving birth when milk ‘comes in’. Regular feeding and hand expressing can help provide relief.

- Sore nipples are commonly caused by excess suction when the position for breast feeding is incorrect. Sometimes a thrush infection, where the nipple becomes sore, red and cracked, is the cause and accordingly your GP can prescribe medication.

- A blocked milk duct can cause a painful and swollen area in the breast. Pain increases during feeding as pressure builds up behind the blocked duct. It usually clears in 1-2 days. Frequent feeding and gentle massage whilst feeding may encourage healing. In some cases a blocked duct can progress to mastitis.

- Mastitis is an infection of the breast where an area of hardness, pain, redness and swelling develops. Mothers may also feel unwell and have a temperature. An antibiotic eradicates the infection and paracetamol can be taken to help relieve pain and temperature. DIET AND BREASTFEEDING

A normal, healthy diet is advised for breastfeeding mothers. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for all breastfeeding women, as well as breastfed babies. INITIATING BREASTFEEDING

A trained professional can best instruct mothers on how to latch their babies on correctly. Mothers who intend on breastfeeding should ideally make an appointment with their GP or practice nurse prior to delivery in order to specifically discuss breast feeding technique.

Some ingredients to reduce are Sodium lauryl Sulphate which is found in body washes and shampoos, basically anything that foams up. Ammonia, resorcinol, and PTB’s which are found in hair colour. Parabens or anything that ends in “paraben” are used as a preservative. Aluminium is found in deodorants and anti-perspirants. Petroleum (also listed as mineral oil or liquid paraffin) not only pulls moisture from your skin but is also listed by the World Health Organisation as a probable carcinogen. Oxybenzone is used in some sun screens and is linked with skin irritation, allergies, and hormone disruption.

You could be using more of these products than you think without even realising it. Some people may be able to eliminate the toxins from these chemicals efficiently. It depends on the overall toxic load that is placed on the body from other toxins. There can be toxins in food, toxins in the air we breathe, the household products we use, and medication. It can add up to a lot of toxins. If you’re in good health you may not have any adverse effects but if you have continued health issues you would do well to reduce your overall toxic load.

Look for products with the least amount of chemicals. That’s a good place to start.

While some products may be cheaper, they may contain more chemicals and that may cost you in the long run. So be careful about what you put on your skin. It’s your body.