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Breastfeeding Information At a Glance

December 2, 2011 | Leave a Comment

breastfeeding information at a glanceMy kids are much too old for breastfeeding but I thought that this is a perfect topic to push because it is both healthy for the kids and the mother and free.  Where else will you get that good a deal?  Now, I know that there is some controversy surrounding breastfeeding.  Some women do not believe in it, some do not think it is important or different, etc.  This is not a venue to hold matches between those two points and to judge which one is better.  This is simply an informative post as to the positives and negatives of breastfeeding, keeping in mind that breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed an infant and that it cots nothing monetarily.

The Pros of Breastfeeding

For Mom:

  • A reason to eat and not to gain. In fact, you lose weight!  A breastfeeding mom needs more that 500 extra calories a day because the body just burns more while breastfeeding.
  • It is easy and requires no expense or fuss.  You so not need much more than a comfortable place to prop yourself and your child.
  • For those who are comfortable and used to the routines, it is possible to sleep during feedings, especially those night time ones.
  • They say that it is a way to foster a bond between mother and child.
  • There’s less spitting up, no stains and the poop doesn’t smell!
  • There are anti cancer benefits.  Research shows that the longer you breastfeed, the lower your risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
  • May give you a longer break from getting your period again but ovulation may still occur so this is NOT a birth control method.
  • A lot of breastfeeding moms say it feels awesome and is a real confidence booster!

For Baby:

  • Breast milk provides natural antibodies.  This is usually found in the colostrum or the opaque part of the breast milk.  Breastfed babies get more protection against ear infections, colds, and viruses: If the child does have any of the above, the severity will most likely be lessened.
  • Breast milk is said to help the brain grow and develop
  • They say as well that there is less learning and behavior difficulties
  • Less diaper rash and other skin problems due to the natural milk. When rashes occur it is usually a reaction to what the mom is eating and then transmitting through the milk than a reaction to the milk itself.
  • It is proven that there is less colic and  less crying because of the natural suction from breastfeeding
  • Breast milk is easy to digest.
  • Research has shown that breast milk protects against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, leukemia, some childhood cancers, and juvenile-onset diabetes
  • And breastfeeding moms swear that their babies LOVE the taste!

The Cons of Breastfeeding

  • Breastfeeding takes time.  Newborns feed every 2 to three hours and so breastfeeding moms follow this schedule even at night.
  • If the dad or the grandparents want a turn at feeding the baby, mom still has to pump the breast milk out which may not be as comforting as having the baby feed directly off the breast.
  • Breastfeeding is tiring! It takes a lot of energy for your body to make milk, so the mother can often feel quite fatigued.
  • Contrary to popular belief, this is not second nature. Almost all moms have at least a moment where they learn how to properly feed their babies.  This may cause some anxiety and frustration.
  • There may be other problems as well that make breastfeeding difficult. Some common problems are mastitis, inverted nipples, babies not being able to latch properly, plugged milk ducts and engorgement if the baby is not feeding frequently or properly.
  • Finally, for the career woman, breastfeeding can be a real challenge.  The schedule alone is something that requires a lot of management and support from the workplace.

So, is breastfeeding for you?  It is an entirely personal choice.  I do not believe there is a right or wrong answer as every loving mother has their stand on why she chooses what she chooses in the care and development of her child.  Certainly, these are points for anyone to mull over before making that decision.

Did you breastfeed your child?

Brian
Brian

Brian is the founder of Kids Ain’t Cheap and is now sharing his journey through parenthood.

 
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Filed Under: Baby Stuff, Healthy Living & Eating Tagged With: Breast Feeding, Child, Cons, Mother, Pros

To Homeschool Or Not…Part 1

May 11, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Getting #homeschool notebook samples ready for Connections conference in West Palm Beach with @karinkath.If you are a parent, there is one thing for sure you think about from the moment your precious one/s enter the world…how to educate them. This is certainly one of the thoughts that entered my mind and has taken, it seems, permanent residency there. It is just so important to me that my kids get the right schooling, the best schooling for them.

Now, before anyone jumps on me in anger, this is not a ‘Tiger Mom’ post. Far from it. I have neither the years of experience, the certainty, or the guts to let it all hang out there the way Amy Chua did. This is more a post looking at whether to homeschool my kids or not.

Why am I looking at Homeschooling in particular? Of all the approaches, why this? The answer is simple. I have very good friends who espouse Homeschooling and who swear that it is the best thing to hit education since the advent of the textbook. But what is homeschooling exactly? Let me go through a very simplified and brief approach to Homeschooling.

How to get started homeschooling

I am not sure how it is defined or the processes that go into it in other countries but here in Manila, in a nutshell, Homeschooling is the parent or guardian taking responsibility and control of educating their children at home instead of sending them to an institution like public or private school. Here, the parent or guardian signs up of joins an accredited Homeschooling group first. This group must have the proper licenses and must have a curriculum approved by the Department of Education. The parent or guardian must keep in touch with the head of this group and give updates and reports about the progress of their child. There are two main reasons for this; that the parent is able to go to an authority for help should this be needed; and there is some form of check and balance still existing to make sure that the parent or the guardian is keeping up with the level requirements. After this, the parent is left to look at the level curriculum and create their own school schedule for this kids. This should include the subjects and topics in detail, the way this will be taught, the reinforcement, the activities about the activities, the testing. Main testing will be done at accredited centers and exams to certify that the child has passed from one level to the next should be given by the Department of Education.

Here are some Pro’s and cons to Homeschooling:

Homeschooling Pros

  • Children are taught according to their learning styles and interests.
  • Parents have more control over how and what their children are taught.
  • Children can progress slowly or quickly, according to their abilities.
  • Schedules are based on what the parents thinks is an important distribution of activities.
  • Flexible schedules allow time for breaks, field trips, vacations.
  • The cost of homeschooling for a year is about 1/10 the cost of a year in private school.
  • Parents can transmit their values to children and shelter them from negative influence.

Homeschooling Cons

  • Parents must help children improve upon their weaknesses and not just cater to their strengths.
  • Parents take on sole responsibility for their children’s education.
  • Family crises, illness and lax supervision by parents can interfere with learning.
  • Parents must purchase own materials and be in-charge of the teaching styles that will best help their children learn.
  • Parents must search for activities such as sports and music that can be extra-curricular activities or supplements to learning.
  • Parents must give children increasing independence and a chance to learn to stand for their values.
  • Parents must be vigilant about ensuring their children still have socialization with their peers.

I have been thinking about this seriously and have had long talks with my friends about whether homeschooling is the way to go or not. I will post again about my progress on this topic.

What is homeschooling like where you live?

Brian
Brian

Brian is the founder of Kids Ain’t Cheap and is now sharing his journey through parenthood.

 
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Filed Under: Education Tagged With: Cons, Homeschool, Pros

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Basic Principles Of Good Parenting

Here some basic principles for good parenting:

  1. What You Do Matters: Your kids are watching you. So, be purposeful about what you want to accomplish.
  2. You Can’t be Too Loving: Don’t replace love with material possessions, lowered expectations or leniency.
  3. Be Involved Your Kids Life: Arrange your priorities to focus on what your kid’s needs. Be there mentally and physically.
  4. Adapt Your Parenting: Children grow quickly, so keep pace with your child’s development.
  5. Establish and Set Rules: The rules you set for children will establish the rules they set for themselves later.  Avoid harsh discipline and be consistent.
  6. Explain Your Decisions: What is obvious to you may not be evident to your child. They don’t have the experience you do.
  7. Be Respectful To Your Child: How you treat your child is how they will treat others.  Be polite, respectful and make an effort to pay attention.
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