Foods and Drinks to Avoid When You’re Breastfeeding

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breastfeeding, diet, diet after pregnancy, Villa Majella

During pregnancy, it’s important for you to be conscious of what you’re eating and drinking, as the nutrients or lack there of, could effect the development of your child. Between caffeine, sushi and chocolate withdrawals, you couldn’t wait for your baby to arrive, so you could once again consume all the foods that make you the happiest. Unfortunately, if you are choosing to breastfeed, you need to maintain a similar diet as you did when you were pregnant. Here is guide of foods and beverages you will want to eliminate or decrease your exposure to while you’re breastfeeding.

Coffee

I know you’re irritable and you probably haven’t slept for days, however, if you drink that cup of coffee before feeding time, the likelihood the caffeine will make its way into your milk is very high. This could cause a number of outcomes. Your baby could become fussy right before breastfeeding or it may be difficult to get your child to lie down for a nap. Another effect of caffeine is your baby’s stomach may also get upset, because babies aren’t able to digest caffeine as quickly as adults can. If you can wait to drink your cup of coffee until your baby has gone down for a nap, you will be thankful that you did.

Dairy

Not being able to consume dairy products when you’re breastfeeding is kind of ironic. In any case, you want to avoid it for many reasons. If your baby has eczema, other skin irritation or they tend to have a hard time latching right before it’s time to breastfeed, your baby may be experiencing an allergy to dairy. To ensure the allergy doesn’t develop further, cut out dairy from your diet for multiple weeks. If your babies skin irritations clear up or you notice your baby is much more relaxed during feeding time, the dairy may have been the issue. If you are craving dairy products, try consuming other types such as almond milk or goat cheese.

Spice and Citrus

This one really depends on your baby’s sensitivities, as many babies appreciate variation in the flavors of the breast milk they consume, and if you’re eating spicy or citrusy foods, you can serve your baby a plethora of flavors. However, for some babies, your obsession with spicy food could be disruptive to their feeding time, sleeping habits and digestive system. The signs that will illustrate your baby’s sensitivity to these foods include fussiness after feeding time, uncontrollable screaming, sleeping and waking abruptly, skin irritation, wheezing or green stools. Symptoms can be immediate or even 24 hours after you last breastfed.

Alcohol

Good news, you can have a glass of wine every now and then, even if you choose to breastfeed. Keep your alcohol intake to one glass a day, and if you’re breastfeeding, wait two hours per drink before breastfeeding, to ensure the alcohol doesn’t get into your milk.

Fish

This is a grey area, as there are some fish that you can consume and some you can’t while your breastfeeding. Just like when you were pregnant, you want to make sure you aren’t eating fish that have high mercury levels, because you don’t want your baby ingesting those toxins. This would include shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. If you are craving fish, reach for low mercury level fish such as salmon, canned light tuna or catfish.

Chocolate

Don’t worry, you don’t have to give up chocolate entirely when you’re breastfeeding, however, be aware that chocolate does have a lot of caffeine in it, and you don’t want that caffeine being transferred into your milk and eventually to your baby. Chocolate also has a laxative effect on your baby. Not only will their runny poops upset your baby, but you will also become frustrated. If you notice your child is having diarrhea after you consume chocolate, you may have to part ways with your love of chocolate for a little while.

Hope you learned some fun facts about what not to consume while you’re breastfeeding. If you stick to these six suggestions, you may find breastfeeding to be a relaxing and stress-free time for you and your baby.

Resources:

http://www.mom365.com/baby/breastfeeding/10-foods-to-avoid-while-breastfeeding.aspx

http://www.babycenter.com/404_are-there-any-foods-i-should-avoid-while-breastfeeding_8906.bc

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/breastfeeding-nutrition/art-20046912?pg=2

http://www.parents.com/advice/babies/newborn-care/what-foods-should-i-avoid-while-breastfeeding/

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/foods-not-eat-breastfeeding-newborn-baby-1882.html

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5 Reasons to Exercise During Your Pregnancy

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diet, diet during pregnancy, exercise, Exercise during pregnancy, nonprofit, pregnancy, Villa Majella, workouts

Back in the 1950’s, many doctors discouraged women from exercising during their pregnancy, because they believed it could harm the development of the baby in utero. Doctors were also concerned about the mother’s well being, as there is a higher risk of injury to women who do exercise. Pregnant women do have increased flexibility, which can cause injury during exercise, however, if the woman stays within the line of motion that she had before pregnancy, her risk of injury is low.

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology, it’s perfectly healthy for active women to continue to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day during their pregnancy. They also encourage women who were not previously active to start exercising when they are pregnant.

There are many benefits pregnant women can experience if they exercise during their pregnancy. Even the babies can reap the benefits too, long after the mother has given birth. There are more benefits out there, but here are the most important ones.

Sleeping Better

During the last month of pregnancy, it can be difficult for mothers to sleep through the night. The American Pregnancy Association says if you exercise regularly, but not too close to when you’re falling asleep (at least three hours before you go to bed), it will assist in tiring you out and allowing you more restful sleep.

Less Painful Delivery

Did you know active mothers tend to have shorter, less painful labors, if they engage in continuous exercise during their pregnancy? Due to the amount of energy you exert during exercise, you can build up and maintain stamina that will assist you during the birthing process including shorter first and second stages of labor. Pelvic toning can decrease episiotomies/tearing during labor. Scientific research has also shown that 75% of women who exercise regularly are less likely to need a forceps delivery, and four times less likely to need a Cesarean section.

Easier Weight Loss After Birth

A healthy, pregnant woman will gain on average between 25-35 pounds. Anything over that will make it more difficult for the mother to lose that weight after the baby is born. When a pregnant woman exercises, she will keep excess weight off and maintain muscle tone. Furthermore, the British Journal of Sports Medicine says women who exercise three times a week during their second and third trimester, can decrease the risk of their newborn being overweight later in life.

Less Chance of Constipation

When women are pregnant, their progesterone levels tend to increase; causing soon-to-be mothers left feeling uncomfortable and constipated. Regular exercise and a high fiber diet can help to combat constipation. Good foods to consume during pregnancy that are high in fiber are almonds, legumes, broccoli, collard greens, blackberries and whole grain spaghetti.

Exercise Improves your Mood

When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins that make you feel happy. During pregnancy, feelings of depression can be stronger than during postpartum. By exercising, those depressive tendencies will decrease, leaving you feeling content and healthy.

Resources

• http://www.fitpregnancy.com/exercise/prenatal-workouts/33-reasons-exercise-now
• http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/exercise-during-pregnancy-myth-vs-fact?page=2
• http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/effects-of-exercise-on-pregnancy/
• http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2014/05/08/exercise-during-pregnancy-benefits-mom-and-baby-too/#.VRnIHkK5fHg
• http://www.befitmom.com/exercise.html http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/science-of-happiness/exercise/
• http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/08/06/exercise-during-pregnancy_n_3713711.html?
• http://bjsm.bmj.com

What to Consider When You’re Placing Your Child for Adoption

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adoption, adoption law, adoption law offices, adoption resources, nonprofit, Villa Majella

Photo taken from ababystepadoption.com

Being pregnant is such a wonderful time in any woman’s life. Sometimes, pregnancy can come when you aren’t ready to be a parent. Fortunately, there are many families in the world, waiting for a chance to be parents. Considering adoption can be incredibly difficult and daunting. Fortunately, Villa Majella has a highly experienced and professional adoption lawyer, Doug Donnelly, available for referral, to assist you in any questions or concerns you have regarding placing your child for adoption.

Many of you who are coming to this blog may have many unanswered questions about the adoption process including are you able to pick the adoptive family, how to ensure your child grows up with a religious upbringing, how to have a role in your child’s life after the adoption process has been completed, concerns of involvement of the birth father, how to get your bills paid during and after your pregnancy, and are you able to change your mind once the adoption has been finalized? We are here to answer these questions for you.

 Am I able to pick the adoptive family?

Absolutely, it is encouraged that you pick a family that you feel embodies the lifestyle and morals you want your child to grow up with. Adoption agencies have family profiles that have already been screened under specific guidelines, so you know you are choosing from a pool of perspective families who are loving, and emotionally and financially ready to care for your child.

Photo taken from theguardian.com

How can I ensure my child grows up in a religious household?

During the adoption process, you will be allowed and encouraged to have a discussion on religious preferences with the potential adoptive family, to ensure your child is brought up in the religious environment that rings true to you.

How can I play a role in my child’s life after the adoption process has been completed?

Either before or after the child is born, but before the placement, the mother and the adoptive family can prepare and sign something called a “Postadoption Contact Agreement,” also sometimes referred to as an “Open Adoption Agreement.” Under California law, if that agreement is in writing and signed by all concerned, and if it is filed in the adoption case, that agreement is enforceable under California law. This will ensure the birth mother can have contact with the birth child, if that is her wish.  Some of these agreements go further and authorize the birth parent(s) to have visitation rights with the child after the adoption. Arrangements of that type are sometimes referred to as “cooperative adoption,” and are considered somewhat controversial, for fear it could cause a dysfunctional upbringing for the child, or confusion regarding who is the “mother” or “father.”

The traditional “closed” adoption is almost non-existent under California law, at least in an independent adoption, you are required to know a great deal about the adopting parents including their full legal names, and what they do for a living. In fact, if you request to know their address, the law requires the address be provided to you.

How much does the birth father have to be involved in the adoption process?

According to the California Law, the birth father is seldom required to be involved in the adoption process. The only exceptions to this rule, which would then require the birth father to be involved, would be the following:

1. If you and the father are or have been married.
2. If the father has received the child into his home, and has publicly acknowledged that the child is his child.
3. If the father and you have both, at the hospital, signed a California state form in which you both agree he is the father of the child. This form is called a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity.
4. If the father has done everything he could have done to take responsibility for the child, both emotionally and financially, during the pregnancy, starting within a short time after he knew or should have known of the pregnancy.

If any of the exceptions above apply to you, than the father’s consent and involvement are required, and the child cannot be adopted without his consent.

However, in all circumstances, even if the father’s consent to the adoption is not required, the law still requires the birth father be notified that the child is being placed for adoption. Even if the birth father files a lawsuit against the adoption, the only way he will have a chance of winning is if he can prove the child is better off with him than with the adopting family you have selected.

What financial assistance is the adopting family allowed to provide?

Under California Law, the adoptive parents can pay all medical bills related to the pregnancy including doctor visits, counseling, and even reasonable and necessary living expenses for the period of time when the mother is no longer able to work (usually the last three months before the mother gives birth.) The law also allows them to assist for up to six weeks after the mother gives birth. As always, there are limitations to these rules. Always be specific about your financial needs to your lawyer, so they can better explain what is and is not legally allowed.

Photo taken from http://www.mooreaphoto.com/galleries/babies/

What if I change my mind after I give birth and I want to mother my child?

There are only a few instances where you can change your mind and get your baby back once you have handed the child over to the adoptive family. Since there are two primary types of adoption, how long the law allows you to change your mind will depend upon the type of adoption involved.

Agency Adoption: In an agency adoption, the birth mother signs something called a “relinquishment,” which the agency then files in Sacramento. Once that relinquishment is filed, which can take up to 10 days, the relinquishment becomes binding and the mother is no longer able to change her mind, except with the consent of the agency. The mother can ask that the agency hold the relinquishment for a time, and refrain from sending it to Sacramento, if the mother wants more time to think it over, or if she wants to have it held until the father’s rights are terminated.

Independent Adoption: In an independent adoption, the mother signs something called ”consent,” and by law can change her mind until sooner of:

1. 30 days have elapsed since she signed the consent.
2. One business day has elapsed since she signed a form waiving the 30 day revocation period.

Within these guidelines, California Law states if the mother changes her mind, the child MUST be returned to her with no questions asked by the adoptive family. If you choose to waive the document stating your right to change your mind, you will need a lawyer to advise you. The law allows for the adopting parents to cover the cost of your legal representation. If you are not in California but you want to sign the waiver, you don’t need a lawyer. However, if you choose to have one, the adoptive family can still cover that cost.

We hope the information above has answered some of the questions you may have regarding your choice to place your child for adoption. For more resources on adoption, please visit the Law Offices of Douglas R. Donnelly, or visit his website.

Resources:

http://adoptionlawfirm.com/birthparents.html
http://www.mooreaphoto.com/galleries/babies/
http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/sep/26/adoption-and-care-statistics-england
http://ababystepadoption.com