Nursing Basics

Nursing Basics



Got breastfeeding issues? Get advice from the experts -- moms who got it right. Paid pros, like lactation consultants, are great, but sometimes mom-to-mom tips ("this worked for me") are the ones that really click.



Avoid comparisons. I think the biggest mistake nursing mamas make (I did this too) is compare themselves to what other nursing mamas are doing. Each nursing relationship is unique. I expected my nursing experience to be like my sister's and we are worlds apart: she had too much milk, I had too little.



Trust yourself. Before you quit, give yourself time (6 to 8 weeks) to adjust to breastfeeding.



Keep well hydrated. Get a water bottle with a straw (my hospital gave me one), and keep it filled to the brim. You never know when you'll get thirsty, and it might not be a convenient time [like while you're nursing] to get more water.



Get a Boppy. I love my Boppy. I still use it for my 9-month-old. To me, it just makes it easier to have one hand free while you nurse.



Your pump can help with problems. If you have inverted nipples, I found that pumping a few minutes to draw them out helped.



Keep at it even if you have a cold. Your breast milk will [help] keep your child from catching your cold. I learned this from my midwife and after trying it during the winter months when I got sick. And even when my baby did get a cold, I found it was very short lasting.



If you need to, supplement. You can do both -- breast feed and formula feed. It doesn't have to be only breast milk, but every drop your child gets is beneficial.



Don't worry if your baby looks tiny. My doctor told me babies don't start looking chubby until they're into their 8th pound. It took us 6 weeks to get there.



Practice nursing in public. I feel uncomfortable about nursing in public, so my plan is to buy a nursing camisole to cover my tummy and practice in front of a mirror so that I know what people can and can't see. As for other people giving me unpleasant looks, I don't plan on looking up! I will just look lovingly at my daughter.



Diaper Check



The scoop on poop. My pediatrician said after one month, breastfed babies may go up to 10 days without a poop and that is normal. However, in the first month you should see dirty diapers more often. Obviously, they don't magically hit one month and start going longer stretches, but those are the general guidelines. My daughter is 3 months old and usually goes every day, but occasionally goes 36 hours and then has a massive blowout!



Seedy is good. If her poopy diaper [looks like it has] seeds in it, that's leftover hind milk that her body doesn't need. Be happy. Your baby is well fed.



Don't worry if the poop comes in different colors. When I called the pediatrician about my son's stool having different colors, I was told that anything in the yellow, brown, or green hues is not a problem.



How wet is wet? To tell if my daughter's diaper was wet enough, I used to pour 4 tablespoons of water into a clean diaper. That's how I was told I could tell what a wet diaper felt like.

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Acupressure for Weightloss

The secret of reducing weight lies in your palms, soles and the two fingers — the index finger and the thumb. Does it sound incredible or unbelievable? It need not, because it is absolutely true that deep finger pressure helps one to reduce the excess weight without having to depend on external help. Acupressure is being widely practised in almost all parts of the world by specialised practitioners as welt as common man.

When we get hurt on the body or get hit on the head our immediate reaction is to press the affected part. We massage our temples with pain balms when it aches and, press the abdomen to relieve stomach ache. But there are specific areas in our body, palms and soles to give pressure and relieve the pain or whatever other disorder afflicts us. By giving pressure on the specific points of these areas, disturbed functions of the internal organs are restored to normalcy and cure is obtained.

The skin of the palm and sole are drier than the-skin in other parts of the body. The large number of sweat glands, concentrated in the palms is highly sensitive to the change in temperature. They contract in cold weather and in nervous condition make the palm cold. They expand in heat and during fever and panic.

Power in the palm and sole

The palm and sole are equipped with a rich supply ot selective

nerves and nerve endings. That is why we can feel with our hands what we even cannot see with the eyes. With the lips of our fingers we can feel our pulse which none of the other organs can do.
Our body consists of two forces -- positive and negative -which together create the electricity to sustain life. This is a priceless provision of nature installed in our body. The palms and soles serve as the switchboard to the entire network of the nerves in the whole body. This electric power is lowered at limes when one is sick, tired, depressed or when one'suffers from chronic illness.
Acupressure has originated from the same roots as Acupuncture. Our body functions with the help oiprana or energy or Qi as it is called in Chinese. This energy flows in a definite pathway or channel in our body connecting ihe various organs. Any imbal­ance in the level and flow of this energy results in illness and disease.

Acupressure uses finger pressure on the acupuncture points as well as the reflex points in the paim and sole. Acupressure is an effective method of treating oneself at home. Especially in obesity, Acupressure gives best results if followed with palience.

The organs and the various systems, like digestive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems in our body are inter-connected in their function where, if one of the organ over or under-furtctions, the other subsequently gets affected. Finger pressure on the reflex points of the body corrects the functions of these disturbed organs.

There are around 38 points located in each of our palms and soles. By stimulating these pointstthe interruption created in the flow of the energy in the channels connecting the internal organs of the body gets regularised.

If you can treat, heal and cure obesity successfully, you have cured almost all diseases and discomforts of your body. The secretion of the hormones by the Endocrine glands, plays a very important role in the increase in body weight. [ This has been explained in one of the previous chapters.] By stimulating the points related to these glands in ihe palms and soles, ihe abnor­mal secretion of hormones is corrected. Giving pressure controls appetite stimulates the pituitary gland to govern the secretion of hormones in proportion to the requirement of the body and reduces fatty tissues in the body. (See illustration)



But there is a catch in accupressure too as in other type of natural self treatment. Yes, it is the role of diet that is complementary.


The Correct Method of Giving Pressure to the Points



AH the points on the palm and sole must be given hard pressure as if pumping. Place the thumb on the point and the four fingers on the back side of the hand. Do not press continuously but without lifting the finger press hard once and release a bit and press again. The points located on the body must be pressed rotating the finger on and around the point. Each point on the palm and the sole should be pressed at least ten to fifteen times in a session. Press the points in the given order. Also press the points in both ears as given in the illustration.

Instructions to give pressure

While giving pressure start with the right sole first, then the left sole, right palm and left palm in the lasi.

First give pressure lo the centre point solar plexus, then all other points and finally the kidney point, h can be as follows:

1. Solar plexus
2. Pituitary, pineal
3. Thyroid
4. Adrenal
5. Pancreas
6. Lungs
7. Mean — liver
8. Stomach
9. Colon
10. Bladder
11. Kidney

Give pressure to the points in both the ears.




Each session should lust for at least twenty minutes. This self treatment must be given after bath and before breakfast in the morning and before meals in the evening. Never give pressure on a full stomach, neither when you are extremely tired , nor when there is fever and for women during their monthly cycle. Some people go for a body massage to reduce weight but massage is not necessary if acupressure is given regularly for two to three months.

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Overweight, Big hips from overnourishment, Cellulite

Overweight
Big hips from overnourishment

Cellulite

For cosmetic or beauty reasons, many people are concerned with their weight. Most people have good reason to be concerned. The health risks associated with an overweight condition can be serious. Illnesses such as diabetes, backache, hardening of the arteries, and osteoarthritis are the most common reasons why your doctor will recommend that you should lose weight. Most cases of obesity are caused by a calorie input that is greater than energy expenditure. In other words, people are eating more that their bodies can use.

The excess is stored as fat in all the usual places around the body, the waist, hips, upper thighs, and breasts are the favorite resting places for those transformed desserts that now add unwanted girth to your once slim body. Many people are worried about the formation of cellulite which appears as dimples or lumpiness in the fatty tissue.

The way to lose weight is to reduce the calorie intake to below the body's requirements and to regulate the metabolism. The amount of food and drink put into your body must be less then the amount of energy that is used in your day to day activities. The greatest amount of weight loss usually occurs in the first week of a reducing diet, mostly because of fluid loss. A realistic weight loss goal is one to two pounds per week. Emotional factors also play a large role in eating and weight gain.

Shiatsu

Full body treatment helps to increase circulation throughout the entire body. Shiat­su also relaxes the individual so that they may gain insight into excessive eating pat­terns, thereby removing the emotional fac­tors in being overweight. Remember that not everyone must look like a movie star. How­ever, body weight should be appropriate for bone structure and your physical activity. It is certainly possible to be a few pounds over the average weight and be healthy. Superfi­cial body fat is not the real danger. It is the fat that is stored in and around the vital organs such as the heart that is of concern. Fat on the waist mirrors excess fat building up in vital places within.

Diet

Desserts, cream sauces, cheese, snack foods, and other high fat and high sugar foods, as well as overeating, all contribute to in­creased weight. It becomes clear to us that diet is the foundation for solving an overweight problem. The macrobiotic diet, which is high in complex carbohydrates (grains and vegetables) and low in re­fined sugars and fats is an appropriate solution. Generally, it is bet­ter to have regular, small meals than to try to starve yourself and over-compensate later with "reward" foods. Meals must be balanced and satisfying. Include a wide variety of whole grains, such as bar­ley, corn, whole wheat, brown rice, millet, fresh garden vegetables and seaweed with miso or tamari broth soup. Avoid peanut and other nut butters as well as nuts in general. To effect the greatest weight loss, fruit intake should be limited, perhaps not even every day. En­joying food and not suffering emotionally is the key to understand­ing food and putting it in its place. Food is an enjoyable part of life that allows us to live. Be honest with yourself in your relationship to it and it won't control you.

Making minor changes in the daily routine occasionally is helpful to keep your interest renewed. Changes in your exercise rou­tine or diet go a long way to keep you interested in life and not be­come bored. As an example you may want to avoid salt for one week or not eat rice for three days—any change that gives you a break from the normal routine and gives you the opportunity to self-reflect. Some people enjoy fasting once a year or eating only whole grains for several days occasionally. All of these suggestions are simple yet quite helpful.

Exercise

Increase your energy output with the help of exercise. Exercise that makes the pulse increase and body sweat for twenty minutes at a time quickly burns away the pounds. Walking, swimming, danc­ing or aerobics can be used. Do something that you really enjoy!

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Epilepsy, Tremor, Shaking

Epilepsy

Tremor

Shaking

In earlier times this illness was thought to be associated with possession by evil or even divine spirits. Actually, epilepsy is disorganized electrical activity in the brain. This leads to attacks of disturbed sen­sory or motor functions.

Shiatsu can be used to reduce the fre­quency and shorten the time of seizures. Diet
is also very important. The brain and the digestive system are re­lated.; if we can clean the intestines, then the brain will be benefi­cially affected.

Shiatsu

Full body treatment should be complet­ed. Frequently pounding the head with the fist, along with deep abdominal massage is helpful.
PressGV20,GB20, GV26

Moxibustion

Warm each point for 2-5 minutes. SP 6, ST 36, UB 13, UB 15, UB 23, CV 12.

Diet

Within the standard macrobiotic diet, more strengthening foods are taken in order to control epilepsy. In addition to fifty-sixty per cent whole grains like brown rice, eat many vegetables. Also the method of cooking should incorporate a longer cooking time such as baking and a waterless style. (See macrobiotic cook books.) However for those who are very tight and rigid, their cooking should also include lightly cooked vegetables in order to soften the body.

A major cause of seizures is the repeat­ed overconsumption of liquid. Therefore excessive drinking of wa­ter, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, beer, wine, and alcoholic drinks should be avoided. Overeating is a common habit of people with epi­lepsy. Recreational activities other than eating should be encour­aged

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Acupressure Point for Strain arms tension

Acupressure is a traditional healing practice that involves the application of finger pressure to specific acupuncture points on the body. This point stimulation promotes circulation, eases muscle tension, and stimulates the body's inherent healing ability, making it ideal for people who have arm tension and aches from prolonged keyboarding, writing, or any other repetitive movement.

Instructions:

With your thumb or middle finger at a 90 degree angle to the skin, apply gradually increasing pressure. Hold for 2-3 minutes. Each point will feel different; it may be achy, sore, or tense.
The pressure should not be painful or uncomfortable - don't try to bore a hole into your arm!
The points do not have to be used together to be effective, so choose the most tense points if you do not have time for the whole routine.

Try these Acupressure Points:

1.
Swamp of the Curve (LI 11)
Bend your arm so your palm faces your chest. The point is at the outer end of the elbow crease.

2.
Third Mile (LI 10)
From LI 11, draw an imaginary line to your thumb. The point is 3 finger widths down this line. Feel the area for the most tender point.



3.
Outer Marsh (LU 5)
Make a fist, bending your elbow slightly. The point is at the elbow crease on the outer side of the tendon.



4.
Bottom of the Valley (LI 4)
The point is at the highest spot of the muscle between the thumb and index finger when they are brought close together. Caution: do not use this point if you are pregnant.


5.
Inner Gate (PC 6) and Outer Pass (TW 5)
TW 5 is on the outer forearm, 3 finger widths up from the wrist crease and midway between the two long arm bones. PC 6 is exactly opposite, on the inner forearm between the two tendons.


6.
Great Mound (PC 7)
At the midpoint of the inner wrist crease, between the two tendons.


7.
Energy Pool (TW 4)
The point is in the hollow at the center of the wrist crease, on the back surface of the hand.




8.
Marsh at the Crook (PC 3)
Make a fist, bending your elbow slightly. The point is at the elbow crease on the inner side of the tendon.


The above demonstration should not be used as a substitute for treatment. It is intended to maintain health and prevent disease only. Any newly arising arm or wrist pain should be examined by a qualified practitioner.

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Acupressure Point for Stress

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture in that it is derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Where it diverges from acupuncture is that it does not use needles but pressure to heal or relieve pain. The pressure can be applied with the tip of the finger or knuckle. The method involves applying a deep massaging type of pressure around various pressure points. This article will outline the theory behind acupressure and how it is used to relieve stress.

Chinese philosophy has talked about a life force that runs through the body for thousands of years and it is taken as one of the fundamental principles of traditional Chinese medicine. The life force is called chi. We are born with chi energy that is inherited from our parents. We can also create chi energy by eating and drinking.

The energy runs throughout our bodies from points in the body called meridians. The energy flows from one meridian to another to form a pathway of energy that is constantly flowing. This flow of energy gives a person their vitality. A free flowing chi indicates that the body is healthy.
The meridians are the areas where acupuncture and acupressure can be used to heal. If a person becomes stressed, is suffering from anxiety or some kind of everyday illness it is said that the chi is out of balance. This is described as bad energy, bad food or stress causing a blockage in the free flowing chi energy. By performing acupressure on specific meridians, the energy can be unblocked and the chi can flow freely again hence restoring health.

Chinese medicine has learned through trial and error over thousands of years which illnesses are related to certain meridians in the body. If you were to see a traditional Chinese medical practitioner they would ask about your problems and then work on the specific pressure point.
This can also be learned by the individual. There are many books that teach people about chi and where the meridians are for certain illnesses, organs in the body or parts of the body.
Acupressure and acupuncture are now widely recognized in western societies as effective therapies for a variety of complaints including stress related problems but scientific research still disputes the underlying theory of chi.

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Numbness, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Paraplegia

Numbness

Paralysis
Hemiplegia
Paraplegia

Paralysis is the loss of muscular function in a part of the body, caused by damage to the muscles themselves or to a part of the ner­vous system. There are many diseases that cause these symptoms, including muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, diabetes, polio-myletis, and multiple sclerosis. The most common cause is stroke, which is caused by a hemorrhage (bleeding) or blood clot in the brain.

Hemiplegia is paralysis of one side of the body resulting from damage to or disease of the part of the brain that controls the motor nervous system. The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body. Stroke is the most common cause of this disease. After a stroke, the limbs are, at first, limp, but they soon become stiff and may suffer cramps.

Paraplegia is paralysis of the lower limbs, often accompanied by problems controlling the rectum and the bladder.

Treatment should be directed toward increasing circulation and muscle strength. Shiatsu and exercise can be helpful.

Shiatsu

Full body shiatsu with special emphasis on the affected area is necessary. Additionally, attention should be paid to the neck, spine, and kidney areas.
With the receiver lying face down, press, near the spine, the area from the shoulders down to the end of the shoulder blade. Hold each point for 3-5 seconds. Repeat many times.
Do the same type of treatment in the area near the kidneys.

Diet

Due to the causes of stroke, either he­morrhage or blood clots, the foods which help to promote these conditions must be eliminat­ed. These include saturated fats like those contained in meat, eggs, and dairy products, as well as sugar and other expansive (yin) foods. The standard macrobiotic diet will gradually dissolve the deposits of fat and cho­lesterol. Mineral rich foods like seaweeds and hard, green leafy vegetables will restore the blood vessels to their normal strength and flexibility. Oil use should also be limited, with occasional use of sesame, toasted sesame, or corn oil preferred.

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