Things you must know about pumping or expressing breast milk for your baby:

1. Wash all equipments (breast pump and milk containers) in hot soapy water, then sterilize them.
2. You can use hard-sided plastic or glass containers to store the milk. Or, find freezer milk bags designed for storing human milk.
3. Wash your hands before expressing or pumping.
4. Use a wide mouthed container if you plan to express your milk by hand.
5. If you use a breast pump, either mechanical or electric one, don’t forget to read the instructions.
6. Warm the milk by heating it under warm, running water. Gently swirl the milk to redistribute separated parts of the milk.
7. Never use a microwave to warm the milk.

Where you can store the milk: (Source: La Leche League)
* at room temperature (66-72°F, 19-22°C) for up to 10 hours
* in a refrigerator (32-39°F, 0-4°C) for up to 8 days
* in a freezer compartment inside a refrigerator (variable temperature due to the door opening frequently) for up to 2 weeks
* in a freezer compartment with a separate door (variable temperature due to the door opening frequently) for up to 3 to 4 months.
* in a separate deep freeze (0°F, -19°C) for up to 6 months or longer.

It is the best decision for a mother to give breast milk to her baby. Why?
1. Breast milk is the best nutrition for a newborn.
2. Breastfeeding creates a very special bond between mother and baby.
3. Breastfeeding is practical and economical.

However, there are moms who cannot breastfeed their babies for some reasons. How do they feel actually? Find it out here.

Last night, I had spent more than an hour reading this blog about the Adventures of An Awesome (Sometimes) Mother.

After I finished, umm… no, actually while I was reading, I already decided that I chose the blog as the Blog of the Week.

Evan, 2,5 years old, Awesome’s Mom eldest son, has just had another heart surgery. You can see the photos from the hospital stay here.

You don’t know anything about Evan?

He was born with a complex heart defect. He has endured multiple surgeries, has survived a stroke, has a pacemaker and is dealing with eating issues.

I was and still shaking reading this blog. I couldn’t help myself to shed these tears, especially when I looked at Evan’s photos. And I could not imagine if I have to experience something like this family has.

But Evan and his caring parents can go through all these.

Evan is a lovely tough boy. He is an awesome little fighter.

This Blog of the Week award is an honor and support for him. And his mommy and daddy. And his little brother Harry.

I hope everything will be fine with the little man. My heart and prayers go to your family, Awesome Mom.

I know it’s late, my dear Hailey… I’m really sorry.

But I mean it. I mean it when I’m saying that your mama is one of the best and luckiest moms in the world…

that she has a very lovely, cute, energetic little girl with beautiful eyes and smile…

and that she has a wonderful, exciting, inspiring idea about the butterfly theme on your birthday party last weekend….

Happy 2 years old, Hailey…

And thank you, Jenny, for sharing those adorable pictures!

What about you, moms? How did or will you celebrate you little ones birthday? Wanna share it here? Come on, please

Studies show that there are numerous benefits you can get from exercising while you are pregnant. Exercise improves your energy levels, blood circulation, and enhances your chances for an early recovery.
Another reason for exercise is moms who work out while getting pregnant has shorter and easier labor.
So, what are the exercises then?

• Walking – It’s the best overall exercise for pregnant mothers anywhere. Low impact, but really good for your heart and blood flow. Walking is usually safe throughout the entire pregnancy. Moreover, it’s the cheapest exercise among all. You can do it anytime anywhere.

• Swimming – Swimming eases the heaviness you feel from weight gain associated with pregnancy. It also provides you with optimal cardiovascular benefits and helps you feel light and refreshed. You’ll sleep better, burn your calories, and stay fresh as you can deal with physical and emotional challenges during pregnancy.

• Yoga – This exercise helps you maintain your muscle tone and stretch out ligaments during pregnancy. If you’re interested, a prenatal yoga class is definitely a good endeavor. You can do yoga almost anywhere. Many women feel comfortable doing it at home. Please beware that it can be harmful if you don’t do it correctly. So, advice from practitioners is definitely essential.

Always consult with your obgyn doctor before starting any program. You should also commit to exercises regularly. Generally at least 30 minutes of exercise and 4-7 days a week is recommended.
**Tips before and during the exercises:
- drink a lot of water to keep you fresh and avoid you from dehydrated
- avoid over-heating as it can endager you and your baby
- stop exercising when you start feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- always do warming-up before the exercise to reduce injury
- cool-down after activities to help your heart rate return to normal

Enjoy your pregnancy!

Are you wondering what your baby will be able to accomplish when he/she reaches 9 months old?

As I look into my baby, the first tooth came in when he was that age, while a friend of mine’s baby girl already had her first tooth while she was 6 months old.

Or, my baby could stand up on his own by holding onto something at that age. In the meantime, if I’m not mistaken, the baby girl of my friend just started to crawl.

What I’m trying to say is that every baby is unique. You should not be worry too much if your baby has not been able to do something you expect he/she can do. However, if you suspect anything, such as a delay in the development, it’s better if you schedule an appointment with a pediatrician.

If you are still curious about the development of a 9-month-old baby, Ashlee (New Mama’s Nest) shared everything about her cute little boy Xavier, who just reached 9 months old early this September.

Thanks a lot for sharing, Ashlee…. Happy 9 months, Xavier!

At the moment, we, at InsParenting.com, are in great happiness. The wife of one of our staff, DH, just delivered their first child.

The baby boy arrived yesterday morning through a caesarean section. The baby weighs in at 6 pounds, 2 ounces, 20 inches!

Mother and baby are healthy. I visited them yesterday afternoon and had a chance to see the baby boy who was still in the baby room.

Oh God, he is so cute. Too bad I could only see him from a distant. DH’s wife told me the baby gets his daddy’s curls.

Congratulations to DH and wife! We are so happy for you, guys!