The return visit of Aunty Flo!

There aren't any set formulas for determining when a nursing mother will resume her periods.

Some women produce enough oestrogen to begin menstruating again even before they've weaned their babies, sometimes as early as 6 weeks - 3 months postnatal. But others, particularly those who have breastfed for a long time, nursed exclusively or had irregular menstrual periods before pregnancy, will have a break from menstruation until 7 months after they've weaned. Be sure, however, that you're eating enough and haven't been losing weight too quickly; as strenuous dieting especially when combined with strenuous exercising can temporarily hold off the return of the menstrual cycle.

Keep in mind that just because you're not getting your period doesn't mean you can't get pregnant again!

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How long to feed?

Many believe that keeping initial feedings short (5 minutes on each breast) can prevent sore nipples by allowing them to toughen up slowly.

Would you believe that sore nipples actually result from incorrect positioning of the baby on the breast, than length of feeding. So as long as your positioning is correct, there is no need to reduce the time your baby spends on the breast. Instead, follow your babies own nursing pattern.

Be warned, some newborns an take up to 45 minutes to complete a feeding (average time is 20 - 30 minutes). So don't stop baby from feeding after 15 minutes on breast one, rather wait until he seems ready to quit and then offer the second breast.

Ideally, at least one breast should be emptied at each feeding. A good tip is to fasten a safety pin to your nursing bra on the side you started with at the previous feeding, or you can tuck a nursing pad in your bra cup on that side.

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Baby Pimples

No need to grab the Clearasil after spotting a few whiteheads on baby's face.

These blemishes are temporary and not a sign of future complexion trouble. The best treatment for these milia, which are caused by clogging of the newborns immature oil glands, is no treatment at all - avoid the temptation to squeeze, scrub or treat. They'll disappear spontaneously, usually within a few weeks.

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