Beyoncé quickly regained her figure after giving birth (Picture: AFP/Getty)

And the singer urged all new  mothers to feed their babies the natural way if they want to shed the pounds quickly.

‘I lost most of my weight from breastfeeding and I encourage women to do it – it’s just so good for the baby and good for yourself,’ said the 30-year-old, who gave birth to daughter Blue Ivy in January.

She showed off her impressive figure as she donned a bikini during a holiday in the Caribbean with Blue Ivy and hubby Jaz-Z.

She also admitted to watching the calories in her quest to get her body shape back. ‘I counted calories. I worked out maybe three to four times a week. I did a lot walking in the beginning and now I’m running. But I had to work my way up. I couldn’t just go right from being pregnant to running,’ she said.

In true diva style, Beyoncé also told how she tried to look as glam as possible when she went into a New York hospital to give birth.

‘I did have a fresh eyebrow wax. I got my nails done, I got my feet done, had my hair done and I had my little lip gloss,’ the singer and actress told People magazine.

‘I didn’t feel that I looked beautiful during birth but who does?

‘After being pumped with all those fluids and gaining so much weight. I barely recognised myself. But after many hours of labour I could care less about anything but my child. I didn’t care how I looked.’

If you are looking for clothes that help you feed in public and are so stylish that even beyonce would wear them then head to: www.milkbug.co.uk

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/897874-beyonce-reveals-breastfeeding-blue-ivy-was-secret-to-rapid-weight-loss#ixzz1tedH1eKg

Baby cries……

I think: “oh no…please….NO” (whilst my heart sinks and a feel like crying)

Husband says: “I think she is hungry – are you going to feed her”

I think: “NO….you get your boob out and feel the pain for a change”

I actually say: ” Yes…give me two seconds…I’m on my way”

Those first few weeks of breastfeeding are by the toughest and for me very soul destroying. I had totally not got the latch right with my daughter (she was my 2nd child and I thought breastfeeding would be a doddle). This meant I had cracked, sore nipples – bleeding. The latch on was pain which ran through my very core and feeding her was painful, tearful and something I didnt want to do. Hence my heart sinking when I needed to feed her.

I kept thinking this wasnt what it was like last time – I remember it was hard at first, but this was on-going. I couldnt see how it was going to get better. When my daughter cried to be fed, my heart sank and I was scared of feeding her as I knew what the pain was that was about to come. When she did latch on, I would cry through the feeding. However I suffered in silence, I didnt want to tell my husband or midwife how hard it was. I kept thinking it would be ok, and that by admitting it wasnt right would mean that I would have failed. I soon became disillusioned by it all, and thought forget this – give her formula.

Though thats not something I really wanted to do – and I just wanted to see through it all. In addition to the pain, the milk was coming in and production hadnt regulated which meant the boobs were sore and gorged and no matter how many cabbage leaves I put on – it wasnt helping.

I finally caved in and asked for help when the midwife came and she came armed with improved techniques and advice on how to help the sore nipples heal. In a matter of a few days the pain subsided as the latch on was correct and the nipples started to heal. In a matter of a week I could latch her on without any pain and I wished I had asked for help earlier. That bliss lasted for a few days until the mastitis kicked in and the pain associated with that..however it would be my luck that the masititis got worse and developed into something more serious which required serious medical help in the form of surgery…….but thats another story and not something I want to shock anyone with

However out of all this – I am still breastfeeding and my heart no longer sinks when I need to feed – though the night time feeds I could do without. Finally it all feels natural.

My advice to anyone finding breastfeeding hard – don’t be a martyr. Get support from your midwife, health visitor or anyone else in the medical profession and keep an eye on how your feeding and how often.

Good luck.

As the days get shorter and colder   – wrapping yourself and baby up warm becomes a priority. This also means that when you are at public places you are removing layers in order to get the best postion to breastfeed in.

If you have layered up in order to feed in comfort – its worth looking at investing in some simple breastfeeding tops which you can put on under a cardi and coat. You can then just pull your cardi to one side giving you access to your top while keeping yourself warm.

This winter we have quite a few tops which are ideal to wear in this weather and we are pleased to stock a few new brands as well. CK england has been designed by a mum herself who is a designer and she has put a lot of attention to detail to each aspect. The material is supple enough to stretch to give access to the breast, but it retains it shape when put back. We simply love these tops, for their simplicity and elegance.

Its coming really close to the birth date now – and being organised is normally something us women are brilliant at! However pregnancy hormones can always clutter our minds. Here we extract a list from Babycenter which can be used to ensure you have the essentials packed and ready to go!

For labour:

For your birth partner:

After the birth:

For your baby:

We aren’t sure how this comment was supposed to stimulate debate – as breastfeeding is about feeding your baby and ensuring they are nourished and fed and not crying in hunger – whilst lovemaking is about satisfying a carnal desire….not a need like hunger!

Read below and tell us what you think……

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8654680/BBC-presenter-compares-breastfeeding-to-sex-in-public.html

The BBC has apologised after a local radio presenter compared breastfeeding in public to having sex in restaurant

The BBC has apologised after a local radio presenter compared breastfeeding in public to having sex in restaurant.

James Hazell hosted a debate about whether women should feel able to breastfeed in public during his show on BBC Radio Suffolk on Monday.

But when one of his guests described the act as ”the most natural thing in the world” the radio presenter launched an astonishing attack.

He said: ”Next time you are out having a meal at a restaurant, on the basis that it [breast feeding] is the most natural thing in the world, I will come in there with my wife and then make love right in front of you.

”Seriously though the point is valid isn’t it?

”The point being you say it [breastfeeding] is the most natural thing in the world, and that is fine, but there are a lot of natural things that we dont do in public.”

Mr Hazell has come under fire for his comment, which has been described as ”crass” by mum-of-two Laura Cardwell, from Ipswich, Suffolk.

She said: ”I was asked to do an interview on James Hazell’s morning show for BBC Radio Suffolk.

”I listened to the programme later with interest, only to find what should have been a positive affirmation for breastfeeding mothers was turned into crass and ignorant nonsense.

”I was appalled. There is nothing more natural than nursing your baby.

”Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but surely the point of being a radio host is to broadcast issues and listen to listenersâ feedback, not to push the hostâ s views on to us.”

A BBC spokesman said the comment was aimed to ”stimulate debate” and apologised. He said: ”We apologise if James Hazellâ s comments have caused offence to some of the audience.

”The comment was intended to stimulate a debate around the issues of breastfeeding in public and give listeners an opportunity to discuss the issue openly and to voice opinions for both sides of the argument.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14187905

By Michelle RobertsHealth reporter, BBC News

A mother’s stress can spread to her baby in the womb and may cause a lasting effect, German researchers propose.

They have seen that a receptor for stress hormones appears to undergo a biological change in the unborn child if the mother is highly stressed, for example, because of a violent partner.

And this change may leave the child less able to handle stress themselves.

It has already been linked to mental illness and behavioural problems.

The findings, published in the journal Translational Psychiatry, are based on a small study of 25 women and their children, now aged between 10 and 19.

And the researchers point out that the women involved in the study had exceptional home circumstances and that most pregnant women would not be exposed to such levels of stress day in and day out.

Furthermore, the researchers say the findings are not conclusive – many other factors, including the child’s social environment while growing up, might be involved.

But they suspect it is the child’s earliest environment, the womb, that is key.

For their study, they looked at the genes of the mums and the adolescents to find any unusual patterns.

Some of the teens had changes to one particular gene – the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) – that helps regulate the body’s hormonal response to stress.

Such genetic alterations typically happen while the baby is still developing in the womb.

And the scientists believe they are triggered by the mum-to-be’s poor state of emotional wellbeing at the time of the pregnancy.

Sensitive window

In the study, these mums had been living with the constant threat of violence from their husband or partner. And it would appear this continued stress took its toll on the pregnancy.

When the babies were followed up one to two decades later as adolescents, they had changes in the genetics of their GR that other teenagers did not.

This “methylation” of GR appears to make the individual more tuned in or sensitised to stress, meaning that they will react to it quicker both mentally and hormonally.

As people, they tend to be more impulsive and may struggle with their emotions, explain the researchers, who carried out detailed interviews with the adolescents.

Professor Thomas Elbert, one of the lead researchers at the University of Konstanz, said: “It would appear that babies who get signals from their mum that they are being born into a dangerous world are faster responders. They have a lower threshold for stress and seem to be more sensitive to it.”

The investigators now plan to carry out more detailed investigations following larger numbers of mothers and children to see if they can confirm their suspicions.

Dr Carmine Pariante, an expert in the psychology of stress at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, said: “This paper confirms that the early foundation years start at minus nine months.”

He added: “Pregnancy is uniquely sensitive to a challenging maternal psychosocial environment – much more than, for example, after the baby is born. As we and others have been advocating, addressing maternal stress and depression in pregnancy is a clinically and socially, important strategy.”

Summer is here – well sort of!! and all new mums want to me out and about enjoying the sun and meeting other mothers. This season we have selected a selection of items which are colourful and stylish. We bring to you the majamas collection  which we love and mums have been telling us they love too – made of super soft material and also very flattering as they can be worn both during and after pregnancy.

Milk nursing wear is also great as we have selected a number of sleeveless breastfeeding tops  - with side straps so to hide your bra straps and also the ruffle detail dress is going down well

All the items we have this season have good access for breastfeeding which will allow you to nurse in comfort and discretion where ever you. Our breastfeeding dresses come in a good selection of styles and colours and are perfect for wedding, christenings etc or whenever you want to wear something dressy but not have to worry about how you will feed your baby.

Have a look at the collection at: http://www.milkbug.co.uk/Spring-Summer-collection/

Maternity fashion has seen a massive boost with major brands and designers creating new looks for expectant mums. This fashion sense is now trickling down to breastfeeding clothes – mums can look stylish while they breastfeed anywhere. Here is a guide of styles for any occasion which can make breastfeeding comfortable and discreet.

Walk in the park: Look for tops which give easy access so that you can sit on a bench when your baby wants a feed. Try going for tops which have slits and push aside access rather than a top layer which can be tricky. As you will be walking look for fabrics which are light and breathable so that you don’t get too hot while walking. T-shirts are perfect.

Parties and christenings: This is the time to dress up and really show yourself and baby off. Breastfeeding dresses are perfect as they show your best bits and aren’t too clingy. If you don’t like dresses then go for longer length tops or have side gatherings which flatter your shape and have bolder colours and prints so that you do look you are dressed for a party.

Coffee shops and restaurants: Feeding in public places can be the most daunting as people will stare which makes you uncomfortable. Crossover tops are great for this situations as they give easy access and also give you the maximum coverage when feeding. Also tops with side access can work well for you, team this up with a wrap and again you have maximum coverage.

Sleepwear: Night time feeds can be tiring at any time and also uncomfortable if you are struggling to undo your bra whilst positioning your baby to feed through your neckline or waist. You can get PJs which are designed for easy access, or you can liven up your nightwear by wearing a nursing chemise.

Don’t forget that all these styles will only look good if you are wearing the right nursing bra which gives you support and shape so make sure you get sized up for the correct size. Also you don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe, just invest in two tops, one casual and one more party type. A camisole can be worn under your ordinary clothes and still give you discretion.

Enjoy being a stylish yummy mummy – have a look at what we have at www.milkbug.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1522716

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13863887

More new mothers are opting to try breastfeeding their babies, latest UK figures reveal.

The NHS Information Centre data shows more than eight out of 10 newborns are now breastfed at least once after birth, up from six out of 10 in 1990.

Experts said the increase was welcome and partly due to public awareness that “breast is best” for mother and child.

But the figures do not reveal how many mums stick at it for the recommended first six months of a baby’s life.

Many women struggle to continue to exclusively breastfeed. And the Royal College of Midwives is concerned that some new mothers are not getting the support they need to encourage breastfeeding.

Spokeswoman Jane Munro criticised the Department of Health in England for axing funding for National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, which runs this week.

“We do not want to see the ground we have gained lost.”

She added: “We know that many women stop breastfeeding when they leave hospital.

“This is why it is so important that they are able to get advice and support from their midwife, and that there are enough midwives with the time to offer these women the help they need.”

Smoking

The government said it was committed to training up to an extra 4,200 health visitors by 2015 who would “be able to help support women who want to breastfeed but may find it difficult”.

According to the latest figures, breastfeeding rates were higher in England than in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, although rates have risen in most areas.

And the percentage of women who are choosing to smoke either before or during pregnancy has fallen.