Contraception - The Patch

At a glance: the patch


When used correctly, the patch is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Each patch lasts for one week. You change the patch every week for three weeks, then have a week off without a patch.
You don't need to think about it every day, and it's still effective if you vomit or have diarrhoea.
You can wear the patch in the bath, in the swimming pool and while playing sports.
If you have heavy periods or painful periods the patch can help.
The patch can increase blood pressure, and some women get temporary side effects, such as headaches.
Some women develop a blood clot when using the patch but this is rare.
The patch may protect against ovarian cancer, womb cancer and colon cancer.
The patch may not be suitable for women who smoke and who are 35 or over, or who weigh 90kg (14 stone) or more.
The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so using a condom as well will help to protect you against STIs.


How you use the patch

You can use the contraceptive patch on most areas of your body as long as the skin is clean, dry and not very hairy.
You apply a new patch once a week (every seven days) for three weeks, and then stop using the patch for seven days. This is known as your patch-free week. During your patch-free week you will get a withdrawal bleed, like a period, although this may not always happen.
After seven patch-free days, you apply a new patch and start the four-week cycle again. Start your new cycle even if you are still bleeding.
You should not stick the patch on:
sore or irritated skin
anywhere it may get rubbed off by tight clothing
your breasts
When you first start using the patch, you can vary the position every time you use a new patch to reduce your risk of irritation.


When the patch starts to work

The licence for the patch states that if you start using the patch on the first day of your period, it starts working straight away. This means you can have sex without getting pregnant.
The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare guidance states that if you start using the patch in the first five days of your menstrual cycle, you will be protected and won't need to use additional contraception.
If you start using it on any other day, you need to use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, for the first seven days.
You can talk to your doctor or nurse for more information about when the patch will start to work, and whether you need to use additional contraception.


What to do if the patch falls off

The contraceptive patch is very sticky and should stay on. It should not come off after a shower, bath, hot tub, sauna or swim, or after exercise.
If the patch does fall off, what you need to do depends on how long it has been off.
If the patch has been off for less than 48 hours:
stick your patch back on as soon as possible (if it is still sticky)
if it is not sticky, replace it with a new patch (do not try to hold the old patch in place with a plaster or bandage)
continue to use your patch as normal and change your patch on your normal change day
If the patch has been off for less than 48 hours before you replace it, you will still be protected against pregnancy and do not need to use additional contraception.
If the patch has been off for 48 hours or more, or you're not sure how long it has been off:
apply a new patch as soon as possible and start a new patch cycle (this will now be day one of your new cycle)
use another form of contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days
If you had unprotected sex in the previous few days, you may need emergency contraception. See your GP, nurse or local sexual health (GUM) clinic if you are concerned.



What to do if you forget to take the patch off

If you forget to take the patch off after week one or two, what you need to do depends on how long you have forgotten it.
If it has been on for:
Less than 48 hours longer than it should have been – take off the old patch and put on a new one. Continue to use your patch as normal, changing it on your normal change day. You don’t need to use any additional contraception and you are protected against pregnancy.
48 hours or more longer than it should have been – start a whole new patch cycle by applying a new patch as soon as possible. This is now week one of the patch cycle and you will now have a new day of the week as your start day and change day. Use another method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice if you have had sex in the previous few days and were not using a condom as you may need emergency contraception.
If you forget to take the patch off after week three, take the patch off as soon as possible and start your patch-free break. Start a new patch on your usual start day even if you are bleeding. This means that you will not have a full week of patch-free days. You will be protected against pregnancy and do not need to use any additional contraception. You may or may not bleed on the patch-free days.



Advantages and disadvantages of the patch

If it is used properly, the contraceptive patch is more than 99% effective in stopping you from getting pregnant. This means that if 100 women use the patch according to the instructions, fewer than one will get pregnant in a year. Other advantages of the patch are:
it is very easy to use and does not interrupt sex
unlike the combined oral contraceptive pill, you do not have to think about it every day – you only have to remember to change the patch once a week
the hormones from the contraceptive patch do not need to be absorbed by the stomach, so it is just as effective even if you vomit or have diarrhoea
like the pill, it tends to make your periods more regular, lighter and less painful
it can help with premenstrual symptoms
it may reduce the risk of cancer of the ovaries, womb and bowel
it may reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast disease
Some women may find that the contraceptive patch has some disadvantages and may wish to use a different form of contraception.
Some potential disadvantages of the patch are:
It may be visible.
It can cause skin irritation, itching and soreness.
It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to use condoms as well.
Some women get mild temporary side effects when they first start using the patch, such as headaches, nausea (sickness), breast tenderness and mood changes. These side effects usually settle down after a few months.
Bleeding between periods (breakthrough bleeding) and spotting (very light, irregular bleeding) is common in the first few cycles of using the patch. This is nothing to worry about if you are using the patch properly, and you will still be protected against pregnancy.
Some medicines can make the patch less effective. If you are prescribed new medicine or are buying an over-the-counter medicine, ask the doctor or pharmacist for advice. You may need to use an extra form of contraception while you are taking the medicine, and for 28 days afterwards.


Blood clots

The patch slightly increases your chance of developing a blood clot, which can block a vein (venous thrombosis) or an artery (arterial thrombosis, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke). If you have had a blood clot before, do not use the patch.
Your risk of blood clots is higher during the first year of using the patch. Your risk is also higher if:
you smoke
you are very overweight
you are immobile (unable to move) or use a wheelchair
you have severe varicose veins
a close family member had a venous thrombosis before they were 45 years old
The risk of arterial thrombosis is greatest if:
you smoke
you are diabetic
you have high blood pressure (hypertension)
you are very overweight
you regularly have migraines with aura (warning signs)
a close family member had a heart attack or stroke before they were 45

Cancer

Current research suggests that people who use hormonal contraception, such as the contraceptive patch, are at a slightly increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared with people who do not use hormonal contraception. However, further research is needed to provide more definite evidence.
Research also suggests there is a small increase in your risk of developing cervical cancer with long-term use of oestrogen and progestogen hormonal contraception.
For most women, the benefits of the patch outweigh the risks. However, discuss all risks and benefits with your GP or nurse before starting to use the patch. You will not be allowed to use the patch if you are considered to be at a higher risk of serious side effects

Eczema

Eczema

 

What is Baby Eczema?

Eczema refers to a number of different skinconditions where the skin is red and irritated. The skin is usually dry but ifit becomes infected, tiny blisters can form which become moist and ooze. Themost common type of eczema is ‘atopic dermatitis’ also known as infantileeczema or baby eczema, although it also occurs in older children.

Baby eczematypically develops in babies between 2 and 6 months old, starting as a red rashon the cheeks which then spreads to the face and trunk either as patches orcovering the skin. The chief characteristic of baby eczema is the intenseitching which can become unbearable, especially if the eczema becomes infected.Baby eczema typically flares up and then calms down although even betweenflare-ups skin tends to be dry and flaky

What causes Baby Eczema?

The causes for baby eczema are unclear but it doestend to run in families. Three-quarters of baby eczema sufferers have parentswith atopic conditions such as hay fever, asthma and eczema.

Every case of babyeczema has different triggers, but flare-ups are often the result of:

	·         Soap and detergents - especially biological washing powders, bubble bath, shampoo and soap
	·         Pollens and house dust mites (and their droppings)
	·         Animal dander, fur or saliva - it’s worth noting that lanolin is derived from sheep wool so if animals seem to be a trigger, creams containing lanolin may also be a problem
	·         Rough clothing, especially wool
	·         Diet - especially in babies that have suffered from digestive problems like colic and reflux
	·         Overheating
	·         Teething   Identifying and avoiding the triggers for your baby’s eczema is one of the most effective ways of treating them. However, this is easier said than done as each case of baby eczema.   foods associated with eczema

Dairy/milk and wheat products, acidic fruits, eggs, nuts, seafood,chemical food additives, preservatives and colorings are the most common foodscausing eczema. However, since every individual is different, it is possiblethat almost any food can cause a reaction in any given individual. DO NUT CUTANYTHING OUT OF YOUR DIET BEFORE SPEAKING TO A DOCTOR.

 

How to Stop Babies Scratching

The intense itching of baby eczema inevitably leadsto scratching. Once the skin has been broken, the chances of bacterialinfection are greatly increased. The most common type of bacteria to infecteczema is Staphylococcus aureus, which causes increased redness, cracking andoozing of the skin together with a high temperature and will requireantibiotics to enable the skin to heal. More serious complications can arisefrom infection with the herpes simplex virus. These infections can further intensifythe itching resulting in even more scratching. Another effect of the itching isdisturbed sleep for the whole family, as babies commonly scratch themselvesawake.

One way to stop the scratches is to keep fingersnails clean and short, however it may be also be necessary to cover the handsof babies and children who can’t stop themselves from scratching.  I personally highly recommendscratchsleeves.co.uk fabulous product , silk handed mitts that are like acardigan, there fore cand take off and that helps them to stop scratching

Keeping Eczema Babies Clean

Keeping eczema babies clean is key to keepinginfections at bay, but soap and bubble bath can make eczema far worse and theystrip the skin of its natural oils as well at the dirt. Hot water can alsodissolve the skin’s natural oils and dry it out, so eczema children should bebathed in tepid or warm water. Every child is different and you’ll need to findout what works for yours. Our approach is to avoid soaps and bath productsaltogether and use a micro-fibre wash mitt . When the dirt is just too much, weuse gentle, parben-free toiletries. I also use my sons mosituriser for a soapand shampoo

Baby Eczema Treatments

Eczema treatments aim to improve the moisturelevels of the skin using emollient (moisturising) creams and topicalcorticosteroids (usually hydrocortisone) which are prescribed to reduceswelling and redness during flare-ups.

There are aplethora of emollients and eczema creams available both on prescription andover the counter. Each case of baby eczema will respond slightly differently:what works for one child, may not work for another. In our experience an eczemaproduct has around a 50:50 chance of being effective for each sufferer, so itreally is a case of trial and error to find an effective treatment for yourbaby’s eczema. One thing to note is that moisturisers should be appliedgenerously and smeared over the skin (in the direction of the hair growth)rather than being rubbed in. This ensures that sensitive skin is not pulled andstretched unnecessarily and that sufficient moisture is supplied. I personallyhad to try about 10 different creams to find one that suited my sons skin.Please let us know below what works for your child so others can get a idea J  we r using diprobase at the moment but havejust started using Dream Cream from Lush as I don’t want too many steroids onhis skin J.

Infected excema

Antibiotics are usually prescribed if eczema becomes infected.

Large areas of infected skin are usually treated with antibiotic tabletsor capsules. The antibiotic most commonly prescribed is flucloxacillin, whichis usually taken four times a day for seven days. If you are allergic topenicillin, you may be prescribed:

• erythromycin - four times a day for seven days
• clarithromycin - twice a day for seven days

Small areas of infected eczema are usually treated with antibioticcreams or ointments applied directly to the infected area.

 

 

Hom» Eczema in

Eczema in Children

Eczema is unbearably itchy – so much so that it isoften known as the ‘itch that rashes’ rather than the ‘rash that itches’. Thisincessant itching inevitably leads to scratching, which increases the chance ofinfection resulting in even more itching and scratching.

About Childhood Eczema

As babies grow into children, their eczema willtend to settle into the folds of the skin: behind knees, inside elbows, on theneck and around eyes and ears, although dark skins can also be affected on theouter surfaces of knees and elbows. The rash typically becomes drier, with moreflaking of the skin, and turns red to brown-grey colour. Skin in affected areascan also become thickened and sensitive, especially if scratched regularly.These symptoms typically worsen and improve over time, with flare-ups occurringperiodically.

Eczema can also have a very real psychologicaleffect on children. Research shows that preschool children with moderate tosevere eczema are more likely to have emotional and behavioural problems thanother children and that they are more likely to be more dependent on theirparents. This is thought to be the result of poor self-image due to theirskin’s appearance and interrupted sleep affecting both their mood and abilityto learn. In some cases this lack of confidence can impact on the developmentof social skills.

Managing Childhood Eczema

One of the biggest problems with controllingchildhood eczema is the intense urge to scratch at itchy skin, which may thenbleed or become infected. These infections can further intensify the itchingresulting in even more scratching. Scratching at night can also result indisturbed sleep, making children grumpy and irritable, they may also find ithard to concentrate and learn. Continued scratching can also result in skinthickening. This thickened skin loses flexibility and, as eczema tends to beworst around joints, painful cracks can develop as a result of naturalmovement.

The key to controlling the physical aspects ofeczema is firstly a good maintenance routine which keeps the skin moist andsupple, this minimises the risk of infection; and secondly identifying andavoiding flare-up triggers such as harsh detergents, pets, food allergies,heat, etc. By keeping the physical symptoms under control, the destructivesecondary symptoms of disturbed sleep and low self-esteem can be minimised.

This means:

	·         Tracking down your child’s eczema triggers and finding ways to avoid or minimise them while maintaining as normal as possible family life
	·         Using moisturisers and emollients regularly and generously, not just during flare-ups;
	·         Keeping skin clean and undamaged to avoid infections
	·         Providing constant reassurance to support your child’s self-esteem

Eczema significantly improves or completely clearsup in many children as they get older. In around half of all cases, atopiceczema clears up by 11 years of age and in two-thirds of all cases it clears upby 16.

How to Stop Kids Scratching

Apart from the immediate damage caused byscratching itchy eczema, scratching can also turn into habit. To minimise thedamage and stop this habit forming, you will need to give you child someeffective strategies for dealing with the very real eczema itch. Fromexperience, being told to ‘stop scratching’ without being told how isincredibly frustrating; but learning how not to scratch is an important lifeskill for an eczema sufferer.

The most effective way to stop children scratchingtheir eczema is by minimising the itching with a good skin maintenance routineand avoiding known triggers. Keeping rooms cool, dressing itchy kids in loosecotton clothing and avoiding harsh soaps and detergents will also help. Whenthese measures haven’t worked, a cold compress (or even an ice cube) can oftenbe effective at stopping the itch - we keep a novelty gel filled compress inthe fridge for the purpose (which comes in handy for bumps and bruises aswell). Another method of avoiding scratching is to lightly tap the itch withyour fingers until it fades - the vibration created by the tapping interfereswith the nerve signals responsible for the itch. On really itchy days (ornights), children’s Piriton can be helpful, but it will make them drowsy.

If the itch just won’t go away - distraction can bereally effective, especially if it involves both hands. Watch your child andwork out if there is a time when they more likely to scratch. This will oftenbe when they are tired, slightly bored in the car, or pre-occupied watching theTV. Armed with this knowledge you should be able to come up with a strategy tohelp them. Fiddly toys like Lego, tangle toys and even a Rubik cube are greatfor keeping hands busy. We have found that character action figures are greatat keeping our son’s hands out of mischief while he watches the TV. We alsohave some great games on our mobile phones to keep his scratchy fingersoccupied when we are out and about.

If scratching is inevitable you’ll need to keepfingers nails clean and short to minimise the damage and risk of infection. Itmay be also be necessary to cover the hands of children who can’t stopthemselves from scratching when their hands aren’t occupied or they are bored.

 

Eczema and Sleep

Childrenwith eczema often find sleeping a problem as their skin can get hotter anditchier at night. This can affect their mood and concentration the followingday, especially during flare-ups. A bad night’s sleep does not set them up wellfor dealing with an itchy day. Here are some things that help our scratchy sonto sleep well and wake up bouncing:

	Applying moisturiser before bedtime stories to allow it time to soak in
	Wearing loose-fitting, cotton nightwear - short-sleeved pyjamas and mitts such as ScratchSleeves
	Keeping his bedroom cool and using a humidifier on nights when the central heating is on
	Using light cotton and natural-fibre bedding
	Keeping fluffy pets out of the bedroom, as they can make eczema worse
	Keeping house dust mites to a minimum by airing bedding daily, dusting with a damp cloth, machine washing soft toys regularly and replacing his carpet with hard floors and machine washable rugs

Referral

In some cases of atopic eczema, your GP may refer you to a specialist intreating skin conditions (dermatologist). You may be referred if:

• your GP is not sure what type of eczema you have
• treatment is not controlling your eczema
• the eczema is causing significant problems in your daily life
• it is not clear what is causing your eczema

A dermatologist may offer the following treatments:

• phototherapy - exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
• bandaging - medicated dressings or wet wraps are applied to your skin
• an immunosuppressant medication - to suppress your immune system
• very strong topical corticosteroids
• additional support on using your treatments correctly - including demonstrations from nurse specialists
• psychological support

Howto Use Wet Wrap Therapy
As the name implies, wet-wrap therapy involves wrapping wet bandages around theaffected skin. This is generally done before bedtime. The steps recommended byyour dermatologist may differ slightly to accommodate a patient’s specificneeds. However, the basic technique is as follows:

1.Thepatient soaks in a bath with bath oil. The water should be lukewarm, and thebath should last 5 to 10 minutes.

2.Afterbathing, pat the skin partially dry with a towel. Do not rub the skin asrubbing can irritate the skin.

3.Applymoisturizer and medication. This should be applied to the patient’s skin asdirected by your dermatologist.

4.Moistenthe bandages and wrap. The bandages are generally moistened by soaking them inthe bathwater or applying moisturizer. Note: When treating an infant or veryyoung child, moistened pajamas may be used instead of wet wraps. Special caremust be taken to prevent these children from becoming chilled.

5.Wrapthe wet bandages on the area to be treated. Wet bandages can be used on any areaof the body that the patient will tolerate, including the face.

6.Lockin moisture by applying dry bandages over the wet ones.

Benefitsof Wet Wrap Therapy
Thebenefits of wet-wrap therapy include:

*Skinre-hydration

*Morerestful sleep

*Reducedredness and inflammation

*Lessfrequent itching

*Decreasein the Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria found on the skin

Drawbacksof Wet Wrap Therapy
Wet-wraptherapy has some drawbacks. It is time-consuming. If you are treating a child,it requires a great deal of patience and supervision. Children tend to squirmwhen the bandages are being applied and may try to remove the bandages. As oneparent said, “It’s not a nice thing for any parent to have to do.” However,most parents agree that the results are worth the effort when other therapiesare not effective.

How to Maintain Results
Wet-wrap therapy is generally used for 1 to 2 weeks. To maintain the results,you must apply moisturizer frequently throughout the day and after bathing.Additionally, triggers must be avoided, and it may be necessary to continueusing medication.

If you feel that nothing will bring relief, be sure to talk with yourdermatologist about wet-wrap therapy. It may be exactly what is needed to “wrapup” severe eczema.

 

teenagers!

these tips may help:

      Avoid substances that stress your skin. Besides yourknown triggers, some things you may want to avoid include household cleaners,drying soaps, detergents, and scented lotions.

      Try to avoid hot water. Too much exposure to hotwater or overuse of soaps or cleansers can dry out your skin, so take shortwarm — not hot — showers and baths and wear gloves if your hands will be inwater for long periods of time. Be sure to gently and thoroughly pat your skindry, as rubbing with a coarse towel will irritate the eczema. Also, it isn'tthe water that causes your skin to react; it's the water evaporating that's notcaptured in the skin.

      Say yes to cotton. Clothes made of scratchyfabric like wool can irritate your skin. Cotton clothes are a better bet.

      Moisturize! A fragrance-freemoisturizer such as petroleum jelly will prevent your skin from becomingirritated and cracked.

      Don't scratch that itch. Even thoughit's difficult to resist, scratching your itch can worsen eczema and make itmore difficult for the skin to heal because you can break the skin and bacteriacan get in, causing an infection.

      Keep your cool. Sudden changes intemperature, sweating, and becoming overheated may cause your eczema to kickin.

      Take your meds. Follow your doctor's ordermatologist's directions and take your medication as directed.

      Unwind. Stress can aggravateeczema, so try to relax.

      There's good news if you have eczema — it usuallyclears up before the age of 25. Until then, you can learn to tune in to whattriggers eczema and manage the condition. For example, if you have eczema andcan't wear certain types of makeup, find brands that are free of fragrances anddyes. Your dermatologist may be able to recommend some brands that are lesslikely to irritate your skin.

      Your self-esteem doesn't have to suffer justbecause you have eczema, and neither does your social life! Getting involved inyour school and extracurricular activities can be a great way to get your mindoff the itch. If certain activities aggravate your eczema, such as playingsoccer in the grass, suggest activities to your friends that won't harm yourskin.

      Even if sweat tends to aggravate your skin, it'sstill a good idea to exercise. Exercise is a great way to blow off stress —just try walking, bike riding, or another sport that keeps your skin cool anddry while you work out.

 

 

 

http://www.scratchsleeves.co.uk/index.php?route=common/home

http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/eczema.html#

http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/wet_wraps.html

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Eczema-(atopic)/Pages/Introduction.aspx

 

Books for children (all on amazon)

Emmy’s Eczema – jack hughes

The itchy kids club: silly poems for itchy kids – jillgrabowski

 Books For adults

The eczema solution – sue Armstrong-jones

50 things you can do today to manager eczema – wendy green

Eczema what really workds – Carolyn charman and sandreaLawton

Simple eczema solution – dina Torrance

The eczema diet – Karen fischer

Postnatal depression in men/dads

Post Natal Depression in Dad's

Please remember that amongst the *Mums World* team there areNO medical professionals. Information has been collated from reputable websiteswhich will be listed at the end. If you are in doubt we recommendtalking to your GP, midwife/health visitor or in more urgent circumstancescontact NHS Direct. Becks, Dani, and Nic.

What are potential causes of postnataldepression among dads?

Change in lifestyle/relationships

Lack of sleep

Financial Pressure

Age

Increased workload at home

Increased pressures of fatherhood

Twofactors that DO have a significant impact on Dad’s experiencing PND:

Strained relationshipwith partner

It would appear that newdads are more prone to depression, both antenatally and postnatally, if therelationship they have with their partner has been strained throughout thepregnancy.

Partner experiencingpostnatal depression

There is also a moderatebut clear link between a dad experiencing depression and his partner alsosuffering from depression.

How does postnataldepression affect relationships?

Encouragingmums to support dads in their parenting choices and style may also be helpful.Dads who feel supported by their partners in finding their own ways of caringfor their baby are likely to develop a strong connection to their babies andare also unlikely to develop depression.

I think I’msuffering  from PND – how can I helpmyself? The following self-help ideas can help in overcoming PND:

Recognise that you maysometimes feel down or low about being a parent. Allow time for yourself, awayfrom work and family.

Make sure to talk toyour partner, family and friends about how you are feeling. Focus on theenjoyable aspects of parenting.

Try to maintain anyimportant hobbies or social events. It is also important to avoid negativecoping strategies, such as drinking too much or working too hard and stayingaway from home.

Although Postnatal Depression has mainly beenseen as a problem for mothers which causes are partly physiological, it is nowbecoming more increasingly accepted that new fathers also experience perinataldepression and it is now receiving more social recognition.

Although dad's most commonly experience PND 3-6 months post-natal; depressioncan actually begin during their partner's pregnancy when relationships arealready beginning to change and with the anxiety that often presents itselfwhen we are dealing with the unknown. Dads can have feelings of guilt or offeeling powerless if they experience their partners in birth trauma

Dads can feel left outas Mums tend to be the focus of increased attention from health professionalsand friends and family. Dads can experience both depression and anxiety as aresult of these new life changing experiences.

There tends to be acultural denial of Postnatal Depression in men.

Women often feel that they have done the hard work by carrying the unborn babyfor 9 months and then going through the pain of labour. With these often verydifficult life transitions, they have the belief that their husband / partnerwill be 'The Strong One' and be unaffected by this life changing experience.This can make it very difficult for men to admit that anything is wrong, evento themselves.

Treatment for dads with postnatal depression

It is recommended that the Dad canspeak to their GP and discuss how they are feeling, and be true about the extentof your feelings. Your GP may recommend attending counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help cometo terms with your emotions and understand the triggers points if you arefeeling aggressive. Your GP can also prescribe a course of antidepressants tohelp your mood improve.

Support for dads with postnatal depression

Family and friend can play a huge partin helping with recovery, be honest with them about how you are feeling, askthem to look after your baby for a couple of hours to allow you to do anactivity you enjoyed previously or socialise with your friends.

Many thanks to thefollowing websites which we have used to gather this information:

http://pnd.pss.org.uk

http://www.nct.org.uk/parenting/postnatal-depression-dads

http://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk

Bottle feeding your child

What you need for formula feeding.
A number of bottles and teats
Sterilising equipment.
Bottle/teat brush
Formula powder/sterile ready-to-feed liquid formula

Sterilizing your equipment
Make sure to wash your hands!
Clean the feeding bottle and teat in hot, soapy water as soon as possible after a feed, using a clean bottle brush.
Rinse all your equipment in clean, cold running water before sterilising
Follow the manufacter’s instructions on how to safely use your sterilizer.

Making a formula feed
1. Fill the kettle with at least 1 litre of fresh tap water from the cold tap (don’t use water that has been boiled before).
2. Boil the water. Then leave the water to cool in the kettle for no more than 30 minutes so that it remains at a temperature of at least 70°C.
3. Clean and disinfect the surface you are going to use.
4. WASH YOUR HANDS.

5. If you are using a cold-water steriliser, shake off any excess solution from the bottle and the teat, or rinse the bottle with cooled boiled water from
6. Stand the bottle on a clean surface.
7. Keep the teat and cap on the upturned lid of the steriliser. Avoid putting them on the work surface.
8. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and pour the correct amount of water into the bottle. Double check that the water level is correct.
9. Loosely fill the scoop with formula – according to the manufacturer’s instructions – and level it off using either the flat edge of a clean, dry knife or the leveller provided.
10. Holding the edge of the teat put it on the bottle. Then screw the retaining ring onto the bottle.
11. Cover the teat with the cap and shake the bottle until the powder is dissolved.

12. It is important to cool the formula so it is not too hot to drink. Do this by holding the bottom half of the bottle under cold running water. Move the bottle about under the tap to ensure even cooling. Make sure that the water does not touch the cap covering the teat.
13. Test the temperature of the infant formula on the inside of your wrist before giving it to your baby. It should be body temperature, which means it should feel warm or cool, but not hot.
14. if there is any made-up infant formula left after a feed, throw it away

Ready-to-feed liquid infant formula should be prepared and stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember that all feeding equipment will still need to be sterilised if you are using ready-to-feed liquid formula.

If made-up formula is stored in a fridge: use within 2 hours.
If made-up formula is stored in a cool bag with an ice pack: use within four hours.
If made-up formula is stored at room temperature: use within two hours.

When feeding, keep the teat full of milk, otherwise your baby will take in air.
Hold your baby fairly upright for feeds, with their head supported so that they can breathe and swallow comfortably.

Your baby may need short breaks during the feed and may need to burp sometimes. When your baby does not want any more feed, hold them upright and gently rub or pat their back to bring up any wind. This may be a very small amount.

Babies differ in how often they want to feed and how much milk they want to take. Feed your baby when they’re hungry, and don’t try to force them to finish a bottle. Don’t forget to throw away any unused formula or breast milk after the feed.

Never leave a baby alone to feed with a propped-up bottle as they may choke on the milk.
If you want support or further information on bottle feeding, talk to your midwife, health visitor or other mothers with experience of bottle feeding.




We hope you have found this evening informative. *Mums World* believe that every mother should feed their baby in the way they feel most comfortable, be that breast feeding or formula feeding or indeed a mix of the two.

Information was collected from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby & https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/start4life-updated-guide-to-bottle-feeding
Feedback is ALWAYS appreciated on topics held.
PP’s will resume shortly.
Becks, Dani, Joanna & Nic.