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Friday, April 28, 2006

Self Defense For Woman--Fight To Survive An Attack

SELF DEFENSE FOR WOMEN rnrnby Yoga Kat aka Katheryn Hoban rnrnIf there is ever a moment that you need to physically rndefend yourself, I say don’t hesitate. Fight back. It could save your life. Many physical attacks have been averted because the victim fought back. Statistics indicate thatthe woman who fights has a greater chance of survival andgetting away then a woman who does not resist. If a man is out to attack you, he is out to do you harm anyway. Fighting him will surprise him and because he wants to get away with the least amount of resistance in many cases he will let go of you to escape himself. An attacker doesn’t like a lot of noise, so make a lot of it. Yell as long and hard as you can. Say things that will attract attention.
“HELP HE’S ATTACKING ME!” - “I DON’T KNOW HIM!! HE’S TRYING TO KIDNAP ME! SOMEBODY HELP ME” - “CALL THE POLICE HE’S HURTING ME!” “HELP ME THIS MAN IS FOLLOWING ME!”
If you are in a public place and you are aware that someone is following you or trailing you. Look fully at his face. Make sure that he knows you see him. Say in a very loud voice “I SEE YOU. LEAVE ME ALONE NOW.” “POLICE!! POLICE!!” He will think twice about jumping you. Also if you are alone and you feel someone is following you don’t get yourself coered. Get into an open place, a public place, near people or a person. If you can ask someone to walk you to your car or train take the company and assistance. Again it could mean the difference between being vulnerable alone or avoiding attack with the company of someone else. These are some of the suggestions to avoid attack. They may sound obvious but they are for your reference. Avoid going to dark places by yourself if you can. Go with someone when you can. If there is a lit place or a light, stand under it. Move away from someone who is trying to coer you or crowd you, but don’t move to a place that could be more dangerous for you. For instance don’t move closer to the tracks of a train, if you don’t know what this person is capable of doing. Be aware of who is around you and how many are there. Be aware of people and how they are dressed. Be aware of erratic behavior such as drunkenness, hostility, or confrontational behavior. Be aware of alliances, even if a man is not near someone doesn’t mean that they are not a part of a team.
There will be signs of connection if you observe long enough. You will see interaction that they are trying to disguise; you will see signals to each other or looks. But if something starts to go down, they will make their alliance known. They will come after you together. Also don’t assume that just because you see a woman with a man that they cannot be a threat to you. Many times women can be the lure, and when you drop your guard, and then for many reasons, mostly to please the man that they are with, will let the man attack you or they will attack you together. There are lots of Bonnie and Clyde types out there. Just be aware of alliances.
Other suggestions: Don’t open your purse in public; prepare your money or keys before you leave a place. Carry a key firmly between your two fingers and your thumb with the pointed end exposed. If you are being coered don’t blindly run. Before you go in any direction know if there is an exit or a dead end. When you walk, be aware of the environment. Doorways that someone can hide in, aisle ways, hidden entrances, and natural landmasses that could deter youor is a potential hiding place for someone. Also be aware of places that have people that can help you. Are there coer stores that stay open late, restaurants, Fire stations, Police Stations. Be aware of call boxes and really observe if they are working or not. If you need to make a cell phone call, be aware of landmarks to give some good directions. If you carry a purse, it is better for you if your purse has compartments, and you always keep your things in the purse in the same place. Then when you need your wallet, your cell phone, keys or lipstick you can retrieve it with a momentary glance down or without looking down at all. An organized person is less of a mark or target than a disorganized person. A person who is focused and aware is also less likely to be a victim or a target than a woman who is spacey and distracted. Walk with purpose and direction, not like you don’t know where you are going. Have routes plotted out to your home, and school or store etc. But also have alteative safe routes, be prepared to change direction in a moment if need be. The point is if you know a few ways to get somewhere you can take decisive action and not run blindly. If you are attacked be prepared to fight until you have no more strength left in your body or until he is unconscious.
There are three main areas that a man is particular vulnerable his groin, his eyes and his knees. If someone is attacking you, punch, kick, knee, grab, hit, squeeze, strike, claw him or even bite him in his private parts until you can get free. If he drops to his knees from the blow, strike him in the eyes, or grab the back of his head and knee him in the face, or make fists with both hands and drop them on his head as hard as you can until he falls down. Kick him or punch him repeatedly in the groin area. If you go after his eyes, try to claw them out, or squeeze your hands and fingers together like a bird beak and jab your hands and fingers hard into his eyes. Be prepared that he will lash out at you with his fists or available hand.Brace yourself for any strikes or hits that he may throw at you. He is going to hit you and it is going to hurt. But don’t stop, our life is on the line! If he is attempting to hit you in the head or face with something like a hammer or a stick or hard object, cover your head with your arms and your hands. Keep your arms moving over your head to prevent damage to your head and face. It is better to receive hits on the arm than to your face or head. Kick him with your feet or knee him in the groin while he is attacking you. If you can’t reach his groin kick his knee hard with your heel. Keep kicking him until he releases you. If he knocks you down, curl your legs up to your body and keep your arms and fists by your face to protect your head and face. Look at your target and then really kick out your feet into one of his knees as hard as you can or if you can reach his groin. Forget about trying to reach his head or face, he may grab your legs or feet if you kick out at his face. Land solid blows or strikes to his knees, groin, and his eyes.
If you bring him down, also don’t stop now, go on the offensive. Go after him moving with your feet first. Close in on his head or his groin and use your feet like hammers or an ax and chop downward with your heel into his head or his groin repeatedly wherever he is exposed. Jab your hands into his eyes. Don’t think that just because he is down that he will not get up again. Don’t think that just because you kicked him in the groin once that he will not be able to get up again. He may be so enraged that he throws off the pain to come after you. So keep on the offensive until he stops, or he is unconscious, or that you can break away and get help. Even though you are unarmed you are not defenseless. Think of everything that you are holding as a potential tool or weapon. You can catch him by surprise. Even a rolled up newspaper or magazine, can become something of substance if used right. The end of a rolled up magazine or newspaper can be jabbed into his groin area. Your purse can also be slammed into his groin. A wooden umbrella handle can cause some pain if jabbed into his groin. A broach pin can be jabbed into his eye. A pen or a key can be jabbed into his groin or his eye. If you are wearing high heels, or a shoe with a strong heel, stomp on the instep of his foot. Slam a book or a briefcase into his groin. If he picks you up off the ground, from behind, elbow him repeatedly into his ribs, kick your heel back into his knees or kick up into his groin. Bite him on his hands. Use your hands like fist and slam your fist down and backwards into his groin area, or up and back into his nose. Use your hands like claws and make your hand firm in that claw and throw the hand back and down into his groin as hard as you can. Be aware of everything that you might be able to use.
If you get a hold of an object that is hard like a rock don’t throw it at him, because you may miss and not have another chance with it. Instead hold it firmly in your hand and when he comes at you smash it against his nose, or smash it into his groin. Hold onto the rock because after the first blow, he may not become unconscious, and he may try to use it on you. Don’t give him any advantage. You be ready to use your tool or weapon again until he stops, or the tool becomes a hindrance rather than a help to you. Even if he manages to get you down on the ground the situation is not lost. Keep your wits about you and your focus. He will expect you to fight and when you are down on the ground, you can pretend that you are cooperating, and then when he is sees that you are not resisting, he begins to ease up, then you twist your body out of his grab, roll onto your stomach, get your legs free, tu, look at your target and kick him either in his knee or his groin. If he is sitting on top of your chest towards your head, swing your legs up on either side of him and grab him across the chest with your legs and pull him backwards with your legs. When he falls backwards, release him with your legs, and once again go on the offensive with your feet, chopping him in the groin, or smash your feet down on his head or nose, since he is now on the ground, he will be lower and more easy to reach.
If he takes you down do your best to avoid getting your hands tied or handcuffed, but if that occurs you still have your legs available. Choose your moment, and then fight with all you got. Tell him that you have AIDS or HERPES. Anything to make him think twice. Remember if he is coming after you, it’s his life or yours. His intention is bodily harm. Your intention is to escape or defend yourself, your friend or daughter. When push comes to shove this calls for no-holds bar. There is a great self-defense course that I strongly recommend to all women. You can lea about a lot or all of the techniques that I have just described. In NYC it is called Prepare Inc, and in Boston it is called Impact Model Mugging. It’s website is www.prepareinc.com. The Boston website is www.impactboston.com. It is a course that is designed for women to fight with everything that they have, and it simulates real attacks, from men that are heavily padded and highly trained so that they can receive your blows and strikes with full force. It simulates all sorts of scenarios such as; grabs, takedowns, one person or multiple attackers, rapes, intimidation, robbery, and even the trash talk that the attacker might say. They teach you in a safe environment with a coaching system. You are with a coach the whole way who talks you through it, and if you can’t handle the simulation, it is halted for you. They teach you how to use your body, feet, legs and voice with power, from a standing position or after you have been pulled to the ground.
After the course, you know exactly how to react and what to do, and more importantly how to fight if you need to. It’s an intense 25 hour course and at this time it cost about $500.00 to $600. But you lose your fear and indecisiveness; and develop your confidence. When you finish you know that you can handle anything. It was the best course that I have ever taken and when you are old enough I would certainly enroll you. I have recommended it to my friends and sisters and students. So keep alert and remember keep this article as a reference. It could save your life. You can reach Yoga Kat aka Katheryn Hoban at katscoolcoer@yahoo.
_______________________
By Katheryn Hoban
Yoga Kat also known as Katheryn Hoban survived just such an attack. This article was written to prevent other women from being attacked. She can be reached at katscoolcorner@yahoo.com or 201 970-9340

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

How to Captivate a Man

You've gone on one or two dates with a guy, and you're crazy about him. Now how do you keep him interested? How do you keep him coming back for more?
It's easier than it sounds. You don't have to be able to speak a foreign language, live in a loft in a trendy neighborhood, drive a hybrid, or be able to bolt tequila shots without flinching. You don't even have to be particularly great looking. Or funny.
You don't have to be anything but yourself.
Sure, you may be thinking, but I'm not all that interesting. In fact, I'm actually kind of boring.
At the end of the day, who isn't?
The key to captivating a man is to cultivate and maintain interests of your own. This means:
1) You never cancel a night out with a friend to go out with him--ever. (Why don't you just tell the guy you're desperate and afraid to let him out of your sight?)
2) You continue to pursue your hobbies, your career, and your relationships with friends and family at the rate you did before you started dating.
In other words, you keep a full life.
If the guy tells you he can't see you this weekend, don't ask him why. Let him volunteer the information. If and when he does, tell him to have a good time and mean it. Chances are, he'll be intrigued enough to ask you what your plans are for the weekend. Keep your answer vague (especially if you don't already have plans). Tell him that you may go out with friends, and then go home and call one or two to line something up.
It's also quite attractive to a man when you are not available to pick up every time he calls. If the phone rings while you're in the shower, let him leave a message and wonder where you are.
I do not advise you to lie or to play games, and I do not advocate manipulation, but ask yourself:
Do you like men who follow you around, hang on your every word, and call you more often than necessary? Are you turned on by a guy who shows up after you've told him you need a night out with your friends? A guy who's afraid to let you out of his sight?
Of course not.
All of us--men and women--want a "prize" when it comes to dating and relationships. We want someone who will treat us well, but who isn't overly available. Overly available people are not interesting. People who have places to go and people to see are exciting--and a bit mysterious.
Keep a full life, and you will be interesting. You will be captivating. That man you're so crazy about will definitely come back for more!
____________________________________
by: Terry Hernon MacDonald
Terry MacDonald is the happily married author of "How to Attract and Marry the Man of Your Dreams." Sign up for free dating tips at http://www.marrysmart.com. Check out her blog at http://happygirlmusing.blogspot.com.

Celebrity Skin Care Products

If celebrities know one thing, it is how to stay beautiful. Just imagine the pressure they must be under to always look their best. In the case of the A-list actors and actresses, they can barely leave their homes without being photographed. Those photos end up on the covers of every magazine in every supermarket checkout in America. Poor Britney…
In recent times, a number of celebrities have launched their own skin care and cosmetic lines. It makes a lot of sense, if you think about it. Why not capitalize on the fame they have established in their respective careers? Smart celebrities have taken the endorsement scenario to another level entirely. Instead of endorsing existing products, many of them have simply launched their own lines.
Cindy Crawford is one such example. After a highly successful modeling career, Cindy dropped out of the modeling scene to settle down and start a family. A few years later, Cindy decided to capitalize on her name by launching a line of specialized skin care formulas. She partnered with the famous French cosmetic surgeon, Jean-Louis Sebagh, to create Meaningful Beauty. They offer a wide range of skin care products designed to reduce free radicals and stimulate the growth of collagen, both of which are necessary to fight the effects of aging. Well done, Cindy!
Fresh-faced freshmen, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, are everywhere these days. These girls have been in the entertainment industry since they were just a few months old, and they have build up a veritable cosmetic and fashion empire in recent years. These girls are highly influential with the "tween" crowd. They have a wonderfully fun line of cosmetics for young girls, that includes metallic mascara and sparkle applications that are crayon-like in their appearance. Smart kids, indeed!
Jessica Simpson has also started her own line of skin care products. After her recent television and movie endeavors, there is no doubt that she should be exploring her career options. Her line of skin care products is called Dessert Beauty, and is produced in conjunction with a fellow named Randi Shinder. This line is more focused on lotions and lip balms with scents like strawberry and vanilla bean. It's good to see that Jessica has plan B in effect!
__________________________
by: Alisha Burke
Alisha Burke lives in NYC, and is completely obsessed with Gawker Stalker. When she is not keeping tabs on her favorite celebrities, she writes for yourskin101.com – an amazing resource for information about skin care for teens ( http://www.yourskin101.com/specialized-skin-care/skin-care-teens.aspx ), skin disorders ( http://www.yourskin101.com/skin-disorders/skin-disorder-chart.aspx ), acne prevention ( http://www.yourskin101.com/zit-zone/tips-preventing-acne.aspx ) and more.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

How to Captivate a Man

You've gone on one or two dates with a guy, and you're crazy about him. Now how do you keep him interested? How do you keep him coming back for more?
It's easier than it sounds. You don't have to be able to speak a foreign language, live in a loft in a trendy neighborhood, drive a hybrid, or be able to bolt tequila shots without flinching. You don't even have to be particularly great looking. Or funny.
You don't have to be anything but yourself.
Sure, you may be thinking, but I'm not all that interesting. In fact, I'm actually kind of boring.
At the end of the day, who isn't?
The key to captivating a man is to cultivate and maintain interests of your own. This means:
1) You never cancel a night out with a friend to go out with him--ever. (Why don't you just tell the guy you're desperate and afraid to let him out of your sight?)
2) You continue to pursue your hobbies, your career, and your relationships with friends and family at the rate you did before you started dating.
In other words, you keep a full life.
If the guy tells you he can't see you this weekend, don't ask him why. Let him volunteer the information. If and when he does, tell him to have a good time and mean it. Chances are, he'll be intrigued enough to ask you what your plans are for the weekend. Keep your answer vague (especially if you don't already have plans). Tell him that you may go out with friends, and then go home and call one or two to line something up.
It's also quite attractive to a man when you are not available to pick up every time he calls. If the phone rings while you're in the shower, let him leave a message and wonder where you are.
I do not advise you to lie or to play games, and I do not advocate manipulation, but ask yourself:
Do you like men who follow you around, hang on your every word, and call you more often than necessary? Are you turned on by a guy who shows up after you've told him you need a night out with your friends? A guy who's afraid to let you out of his sight?
Of course not.
All of us--men and women--want a "prize" when it comes to dating and relationships. We want someone who will treat us well, but who isn't overly available. Overly available people are not interesting. People who have places to go and people to see are exciting--and a bit mysterious.
Keep a full life, and you will be interesting. You will be captivating. That man you're so crazy about will definitely come back for more!
___________________________________
by: Terry Hernon MacDonald
Terry MacDonald is the happily married author of "How to Attract and Marry the Man of Your Dreams." Sign up for free dating tips at http://www.marrysmart.com. Check out her blog at http://happygirlmusing.blogspot.com.

20 Reasons Women Choose Self-Defense At Home

Self-defense is a necessity. Crime and violence is on the rise and no neighborhood is immune from this terrible onslaught. Why take years to learn the basics of self-defense when you can learn some highly effective, deadly accurate moves in just a few hours. Practice them periodically and refine your knowledge.
Why Learn the Art of Self-Protection at Home?
1. Increase in your self-confidence.
The more you learn and understand the basics of self-defense; your self-confidence levels will increase. When your confidence goes up it will spill over into all areas of your life. People will notice a change in you. Your step will have more spring to it.
2. You work in areas where you have to walk alone at night to your car.
Most places women work at don’t offer security guards to accompany you to your car after work; you are on your own. Attacks in parking lots and parking garages are increasing. Those are areas that are usually semi isolated and not well patrolled or lit. They’re a prime place for attacks.
3. Reduce your worry so you can sleep better.
When people are plagued with fear and worry their sleep suffers. Lack of sleep creates anxiety, depression and a general bad mood. You get mad easy and your temper flares up quickly. Your relationship with your family and friends can suffer because of your lack of sleep.
4. Get more exercise.
Today our country has the most obese, out of shape and tired people, in the entire world. Heart attack rates have dramatically increased over the years. A lack of sleep can shorten your life span considerably. The exercise you get with our program isn’t a lot. But we do find that people start to feel better about themselves as they start to put more effort in the exercise portion of their lives. This in turn leads to greater health.
5. You’ll learn in your in your own home and at your own pace.
Most women today are very busy, as both husband and wife need to work to make ends meet. That just doesn’t leave a lot of time to travel to a dojo to workout several times a week.
6. You can invite a friend to workout with you.
It really takes dedicated people to drive themselves and workout trying to accomplish a goal such as self-defense. The chore turns into a fun task when you have someone to share the experience with. Invite a friend over and both can learn the program together. It makes the process that much more realistic too. Having a real person to practice the moves on is the way to go.
7. Violent crimes are increasing and happening in all neighborhoods.
It doesn’t matter where you live anymore; all neighborhoods are experiencing some sort of increase in crime. Granted, some areas are much safer than others, but the trend is still everywhere. You owe it to yourself and your family to prepare for any encounter.
8. Want to loose weight.
It’s a proven fact, any type of activity is good for you and most activities will help you hold or even loose weight. I understand some people have medical problems with their weight and I’m not talking to that segment of the population. The rest need to work in this area. How about being around to enjoy your grandkids?
9. No monthly fees.
With our program at PDS Personal Defense Systems you pay once and never have any monthly fees like you would have at a dojo or gym. Put the money you’ll save into a new wardrobe as the weight comes off and you tone up.
10. How to instantly spot potentially dangerous situations and avoid them.
It’ll surprise you, as you become more aware, how many dangerous situations are happening all around you. Learn to spot them and avoid them. If you can’t, learn how to deal with them in your favor with self-defense.
11. You’ll learn how to keep your mind active, alert, and open.
As your mind becomes more active, your senses start to open up and you’ll naturally become more alert to dangerous situations. You’ll spot them instantly and avoid them completely.
12. You’ll learn how to be in control and stay in control.
As you practice you’ll learn what control is, and when that happens you’ll know how to stay in control. Sometimes in a panic situation it won’t look like you’re in control, but in fact you will be. If things happen to get out of control, you’ll learn how to regain the upper hand.
13. You’ll learn you don’t have to be perfect to be extremely effective.
Unlike traditional martial arts, perfection isn’t necessary. Execution of each move, geared to your particular body style, is what makes this system work. If a particular move doesn’t feel right to you, keep the basic structure but change it to fit your body style.
14. You’ll learn to function automatically.
As you gain confidence and skill, through the action of the mind training the body training the mind, you’ll notice you’re starting to just react to certain situations. Women who don’t know how to react in panic situations tend to freeze up. Some will try to fight back but will actually only make the situation worse because they don’t know how to effectively strike their attacker.
15. You’ll learn how these techniques can be taught to every member of the family.
Once you learn the system, teach it to your family members. If they aren’t interested in learning everything, teach them some of the most lethal and important moves.
16. You’ll learn that self-defense is actually fun.
As you progress through the various lessons you’ll start to enjoy what is happening to you and your training partner. You’ll have a lot of fun as you progress in knowledge and understanding of women’s self-defense.
17. You’ll learn how to end every assault quickly and get back to safety.
An assault is generally won or lost in the first 5 seconds. You need to know the deadly moves to use during that time frame. If it drags out too long, you’ll become too tired and won’t be effective. Learn to strike quickly and precisely at the most sensitive pressure points on your assailant’s body.
18. You’ll learn about preventive defense, and how to stay out of compromising situations.
It’s better NOT to ever get into a fight. By noticing bad situations before they come your way you start to understand the art of preventive defense. Drive away from a questionable area; don’t walk through a crowd if it doesn’t feel right to you.
19. Learn to trust in your instincts.
This area is ignored much too often. Pay attention to that inner voice all of us have even if it seems silly to you at times. It is always better to be safe, than sorry.
20. Learn to always smile and look at the good in all situations.
This doesn’t mean you bury your head in the sand. It simply means start to become a positive person. Life is much too short to be a grump. Smile and enjoy what you have. If you don’t have much, smile and know that it’s up to you to move to a higher level in life.
The high paced world we are living in is becoming increasingly unsafe across all racial and class barriers. It is time to get the knowledge to fight back and regain our freedom.
____________________________
by: Ken Keiscome
Ken Keiscome has been studying martial arts since the mid 1970's. His training includes karate, wing chun kung fu, and defensive knife and stick fighting. He is the author of the workbook for the PDS Personal Defense System and has narrated and produced several self defense CD's. He believes that all women need to know a few lethal techniques to effectively defend themselves and escape to safety.
kenkeiscome@pdsPersonalDefenseSystems.com

Monday, April 03, 2006

How to Prevent Your Nipples Needing Band-Aids

In the olden days, mothers were told to toughen their nipples to avoid pain when the baby started breastfeeding. Rubbing with a wash cloth, pumping and even alcohol was once used to toughen the nipples.
The number one reason a new mother has sore nipples is poor positioning and latching, not the lack of preparation. Possibly, the baby is not turned toward the mother or the baby’s mouth is not over the nipple but on the tip. Some babies go onto the breast with a wide mouth, yet slide down to the tip of the nipple.
Another reason for sore nipples may be that the mom is feeling exhausted and doesn’t think she can deal with one more demand, including sore nipples. Some women are so happy that the baby is sucking, and accept the pain. Pain with latching is not normal and needs to be addressed. The sooner the mother fixes the problem, the sooner she will have pain-free breastfeeding.
PREVENTING SORE NIPPLES:
• First of all, the baby’s body needs to be completely turned in facing Mom. The baby's ear, shoulder and hip needs to be in a straight line. Occasionally, when observing a latch, I notice the baby's body facing away from Mom, yet the head is turned in toward the nipple sucking on the tip. Ouch! Make sure the baby's bottom is also tucked in close to help prevent this.
• You want to have a good breastfeeding pillow to help bring baby’s nose level to the nipple. The baby can not latch properly if the baby is sliding down. If you don’t have a breastfeeding pillow, use about 3-4 pillows.
• When an infant is skin-to-skin with its mother, the baby knows what to do instinctively. Not only will the baby wake up sooner, she will breastfeed more efficiently.
• The baby's mouth needs to be as wide as if eating a large sandwich. With one hand hold the baby’s neck and with the other hand, hold your breast in the "C" position. This position is called the cross cradle and the best position to use if you are experiencing sore nipples. With your nipple, tease the baby. Move the nipple from the baby’s nose to chin in a straight line. When the baby opens wide, as if eating a large sandwich, bring her into the breast quickly. This will not hurt the baby. It is like falling into a pillow. If the baby does not open wide, then you are to repeat this until she does.
• Make sure that you are holding your breast properly. Hold your breast in the "C" hold. Bring your four fingers completely underneath your breast and lift up. With your thumb, lay it on the top line of your areola. Remember to have your fingers stay on the edge of the areola.
• Sometimes, mothers feel discomfort during the first 10 seconds of an initial feed. This may or may not be normal. However, if pain continues throughout the feed and/or the nipple looks like a ski slope after the feed, then perhaps the latch and positioning need evaluating.
• You can also fix the latch while the baby is latched onto the breast. Get the baby to open wide first, bring her in and then check the lips. You want the top and bottom lips to be flanged, over the nipple, not tucked in. Depending on which breastfeeding position you are using, use your thumb or pointer finger to help flip the top lip out. To bring the bottom lip out, use your pointer finger and pull down in front of the baby's chin. You may need to do this several times during the feeding to teach the baby to keep her mouth open.
HEALING YOUR NIPPLES:
• With an improved latch, the soreness will improve immediately. If there is damage, it can take several days.
• Moist healing is preferred.
• Express your colostrum for its antibiotic factors.
• Small amounts of nipple ointments dapped into the nipple and surrounding areas
• Silicone comfort gel pads that go over the nipples
• Alternate between ointments and gel pads for soothing relief
• Air Dry
Have patience during this time. If you need more support, seek out your nurse, a Doula, Le Leche League, or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
__________________________________
By Julie Johnson
Julie L. Johnson is a wife and mother of three who has experienced every pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding situation there is and has lived to tell about. She is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant practicing in Southern California. Her website http://www.mybirthangel.com provides services and products to help ease the transition into motherhood.

How To Visit A New Mom And Have Her Love You Afterwards

Going to visit a new Mother and her tiny baby? As a Mom who has been there 4 times, I've had great and not-so-great experiences when friends came to visit postpartum. Make your visit a blessing instead of a drudgery with these tips.
1) Call beforehand and ask what you can bring her to eat
A new Mom, especially if she's breastfeeding, is hungry! Don't ask if she wants you to bring her anything. Most new Moms in our culture are unlikely to ask for help. Tell her that you ARE bringing her lunch and would she prefer Italian or Chinese? And make sure, if you're preparing something, that it's not loaded with empty carbs. New Moms have enough trouble going to the bathroom in those postpartum days! She needs good nutrition, not junk.
2) When you arrive, don't smell like a bouquet on overdrive
Newborn babies have sensitive skin. Some of them break out when they are held by someone with a lot of synthetic perfume on. When you go visit a new baby, don't smell like you've been attacked by Chanel No. 5. Skip the perfume. You're not on a date, ok?
3) Wash your hands
New Moms are particular about their babies, and neither she nor her newborn needs your germs. Wash your hands first and then ask if you may hold the newborn. And for goodness sakes, leave a sneezing, snotty nosed child at home!
4) Don't hog the baby
The new Mother's job is to rest and bond with her baby. Don't grab the baby and try to jolly her out of her cries when she obviously wants her Momma back. Hold the new baby briefly, perhaps while Mom uses the bathroom or cuddles her toddler, then give baby back. Now.
5) Do something useful
Ask Mom if you can watch her older child for a half hour so she can nap with the baby. Ask if you can load the dishwasher, or fold a load of laundry. Insist. Don't say "Is there anything I can do?". Say "What can I do?" At the very least, bring paper plates and disposable flatware. She may have forgotten to buy that, but it sure makes those postpartum days a little easier.
6) Keep your visit brief
Mom is tired, recuperating from childbirth and above all needs to rest and learn about her new baby. Counting fingers and toes, cooing, crying, breastfeeding and changing diapers takes all day! A new Mom doesn't need to play hostess. Don't stay more than about 15 minutes unless you're her best friend or close relative, and even then, keep it very brief.
If you remember these tips, the new Mom will really appreciate you, and she'll return the favor the next time you have a baby!
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By Carrie Lauth
Carrie Lauth has a lot more to say about new babies at http://www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio.com, a free Internet talk radio show and podcast for the natural mom, available on demand, 24/7.