How to Make Breastfeeding Easier

Everyone knows the saying breast is best but how does a new mother prepare for breastfeeding?

Your midwife will advise you on how and when to breastfeed, but she may not tell you what you need and what products are available to make breastfeeding easier.
So here is my guide to products that can help make breastfeeding easier.

The Nursing Bra
If you are out and about, you don't want to be wrestling with your bra in order to discretely feed your baby. Nursing bras have drop down clips above the cup to allow easy and comfortable breastfeeding. Normally you need to get measured two weeks before the birth due to the increase in breast size. However the best nursing bras have one cup size meaning that you do not have to make the uncomfortable journey into town to be measured. Simply order online using the your current chest size (e.g. 36)

Nursing Tops
The nursing top comes in various different styles all of which allow for easy access for breastfeeding. For example, some Cami style tops have clips on the straps similar to nursing bras whereas sleeved tops often have a lift up panel.

Breastfeeding Butterflies
Breastfeeding Butterfly Shawls offer great privacy. The baby is cradled in a sling which goes over mums shoulders while feeding.

Nipple Cream
Breastfeeding can make nipples sore and they can become dry and cracked increasing the risk of mastitis. At the first sign of any soreness apply a nipple cream such as Lansinoh.

Nursing Cushions
The nursing cushion is designed to hug a mother's body and provide a raised platform to support baby as they feed in comfort. However it also has other uses. Many women use it for back support during pregnancy or as a between-the-knees support cushion or as a wedge to rest under the tummy whilst sleeping on the side. When approx 3 months old, a baby can rest within the arms of the pillow to aid the digestion process and when learning to sit up themselves, the pillow can be positioned around baby to cushion them in case they topple backwards.

Breast pads
Even when not feeding breasts have a tendency to leak. Breast pads absorb excess milk preventing stains on your clothes. These are available from most chemists.

Muslin Cloths
The muslin cloth has numerous uses but the principal uses for breastfeeding are:
1) Wiping away excess milk from you and your baby after baby has unlatched from your breast.
2) Wiping up after winding your baby (as they are often slightly sick after a feed.)

Nursing Nightwear
Feeding your baby while half asleep is difficult enough without having to battle with your nightwear. Nursing pyjamas and nighties work in a similar way to nursing tops and are also very comfortable.

For more information on products for breastfeeding visit http://www.bunnybumpkin.com or follow us on http://www.Facebook.com/bunnybumpkin1

The Best Cruise Wear

It is apparent that when you are approaching the age before and after retirement, one of your aspirations is to go on various cruises. However, what do you wear for your cruise wear is the question that needs to be answered for many? Of course, for every woman who wants to enjoy her later years, a cruise is essential to relieving the stress, having fun and meeting new people.

Preparing for the cruise means that you have to do your research. Included in your research should be different ports where you will stop; the weather that you will encounter and how long you will be allowed on land. You also want to know what kind of entertainment the ship provides for its guests.

Quite likely, most ships will have a band with live entertainment on specific nights. Most ships have an indoor and outdoor pool where you can lounge at the poolside all day if you want to. There are casinos on many ships if you love to play the slot machines. Of course, you cannot avoid eating various meals in the restaurants. Most ships will also have guests congregate to play games and offer prizes.

With all of this being said, you will need semi-formal attire for the casinos or you can choose comfort in flats, capri pants and trendy top. A nice top and pair of pants or skirt will also do for such occasion. For the pool side, you will need a nice, sexy bikini, if you choose to be bold or a one piece bathing suit, if you want to be less conspicuous. A tankini and bottom is also another option, if you don't want to wear the bikini or one piece bathing suit. This is more conservative than the bikini. For the live entertainment night, you can dress up more formally with a stunning dress or pant suit.

When going off the ship, think about comfort. You want to have one or two shorts set; baggy shorts and loose top because you will be doing a lot of walking and may get hot. You can also wear a long maxi dress; loosely fitted as well and a pair of slipper. For bedtime, you can wear nice lingerie or pajamas will do.

There is not much to shopping for cruise wear since the most obvious have already been mentioned. You don't have to pack a punch when traveling on a cruise ship, but be sure to have no less than two bathing suits and two sets of clothing for the different events; especially if you are the kind of person who is indecisive about what to wear.

Sharon Capehart, Empress of Empowerment, is an Author, Coach, Speaker and Entrepreneur. Sharon will help you build a solid foundation of confidence, cultivate a success-oriented mindset, and walk with you on your journey to a life filled with Passion, Excitement and Personal Power. For more information please visit http://www.positivelywomen.com.

5 Questions Girls With Epilepsy Ask

There are many kinds of seizures and syndromes. Your doctor, neurologist etc., will prescribe medication for you and it's usually a trial and error, increase and decrease story. Commitment and routine is part of the success when good control with the correct medication is eventually found.

Certain seizures can be outgrown but medication should only be discontinued when given the OK by your doctor. This doesn't always work and medication is sometimes continued. There is always the possibility of "breakthrough seizures".

Medications are chosen for the type of seizures you are experiencing. Some control one type of seizure better than another. This is determined by your EEG and how the medication affects you. At your next appointment you need to let the doctor know how the meds controlled your seizures and if you had any side effects, did you feel strange or weird, so that the dosage can be adjusted.

Puberty is when you grow taller, weigh more, grow breasts and body hair. These physical changes happen quickly and dosages have to be adjusted for the new body size. During this time you'll experience frequent lab tests to check levels of meds in blood and make sure you have enough to keep you controlled.

WHAT GIRLS WANT TO KNOW
1. Do monthly periods increase seizure frequency?
Seizures are individualistic, what one person experiences are not typical for another person. It is not usual for a change in seizure pattern at the start of your period however some women have more seizures just before or at the start of their periods or around ovulation. There is no other explanation at present other than it seems to be hormonally related. I suggest you record your seizures if this is the case and report it at your next doctor's appointment.

2. Will my friends make fun of me?
Keeping secrets is always hard especially from your best friends and it's bound to come out at the most inopportune time. Who you disclose your epilepsy to is entirely your decision. You'll find that most people are going to be OK with it. It might help to chat to someone you trust for guidance to help you make the decision.

3. What if I have a seizure with my boyfriend?
Totally normal to worry about this one. Perhaps your parent, doctor or someone you trust could chat to him about what he could expect, so that he could help and support you if need be. He should be one of the people you include in everything, so that he's not left with unexpected surprises.

4. How can I get my parents to let me be more independent?
Parents are loving and only want wants best for you. You need to negotiate with them from the start. Let them know you will always make sure there is someone around who knows what to do if you have a seizure. Think through activities and if you're going eg. Swimming, don't go alone. Having epilepsy shouldn't restrict you in life you'll just have to take a few precautions. Your parents might have to talk to the doctor regarding these accommodations.

5. Everyone is doing drugs and alcohol. Why can't I indulge?
Drugs and alcohol can cause seizures and if you have epilepsy they may increase the risk of your having seizures. It can also react badly with your medication. Decisions are always our own to make but weigh the risks against doing because everyone else is doing them.

Lastly drugs are illegal and drinking alcohol underage is not good for anyone!!

Let me know what your thoughts are or what your experiences have been.
Follow me Amanda Birkett or @crosshair08

Feeling Confident About Your Womanhood

The female species is dynamic, strong, powerful, sensitive, intuitive, thoughtful, resourceful, creative and attractive all at the same time. What other species carries these wholesome attributes and still can remain feminine? When a woman can succeed in combining all of these amazing attributes and bring them into her personality and life, it makes her feel alive, vested, confident and positive. She is now confident of her womanhood. Without these qualities, low self-esteem can step in.

If you asked the typical male species what he thinks is attractive in a woman and what he looks for in a potential partner, he might say that he is looking for a woman who is attractive, easy going, caring and confident. And if all of this could be put into two words, he would probably choose 'femininity and confidence.' Most men are drawn to confident and attractive women.

How do you have confidence?
If you were born with thick lips and big eyes, you should use it to your advantage by choosing lipsticks and eye shadows that complement those features. If you have a wide hip, soft skin and thick eyebrows, you would wear clothing to complement your hips and shape your eye brows every two weeks. Use your best skin care product to improve and maintain the quality of your skin.

You are already created the way you look. There are many ways that you can change things that you don't like about your physical features. Facial plastic surgery and breast enhancement surgery are two ways that women choose to make themselves look better to increase their confidence. While I am not entirely suggesting that you resort to these methods, I want you to know that you have options. However, with that being said, in the meantime you can work with what you have and work on the things that make you unhappy. Muscle toning and cardio exercises are two ways to start.

If you are a woman reading this, have you ever put on an outfit, created a new hairdo, bought some new shoes and decided to dress up for a date or outing to stand in front of the mirror and think: "Wow! Is that really me?" Doesn't it make you feel confident?

Although, many may think that a dress, shoes or hairstyle is superficial, to a woman, it really isn't. This is what she uses to make herself feel confident on the outside; especially if she gets a lot of compliments on her appearance.

Look at Jennifer Lopez - she is a woman of irrefutable outer beauty. Her entertainment career calls for a certain image. In the past, her body language and Spanish accent didn't make her look or express herself like the Queen of England. However, she took steps to change that. Jennifer Lopez is only one instance that could serve as a motivation to other women who need help in boosting their femininity.

Mentally speaking
On the other hand, YOU are not just your physical image, but you have a spiritual and emotional side as well. In fact, women are more emotionally than men. A woman clearly uses her mind a lot and that is why she is the MOTHER of children due to her nurturing and thoughtful ways. To be and feel confident, a woman should nurture herself mentally.

She should believe in who she was created to be and tap into her spirituality to bring out a better person on the outside. This is quite possible since most women don't mind going to therapy to work out past issues. Confidence also comes from maintaining composure despite things happening in the environment around you. This is the difficult part for a woman because of the emotional connection with her world, but it can be done if she has a good support system.

Boosting confidence
Here are some things to boost your mental confidence:
• Think positively
• Hang around positive people
• Get rid of negative influences
• Educate yourself
• Read more books about self-development and stories that will empower you
• Live a balanced life; not overdoing anything
• Stay in your role and if you need help from others, choose who and ask for the help
• Feel worthwhile. You are here for a reason
• Create silence in your world and meditate
• Eat a balanced diet and exercise, which is a great reliever of stress
• Live a stress free life; slow down and have fun!

It is essential to hold on to your power as a woman by learning to believe in yourself. Create and improve a mental, emotional and physical balance to build harmony in your life and confidence with your womanhood.

Sharon Capehart, Empress of Empowerment, is an Author, Coach, Speaker and Entrepreneur. Sharon will help you build a solid foundation of confidence, cultivate a success-oriented mindset, and walk with you on your journey to a life filled with Passion, Excitement and Personal Power. For more information please visit http://www.positivelywomen.com.

Hair Loss Treatment for Females

Balding in men is considered a common condition. Unfortunately, balding in women is not perceived as such. But the fact remains that millions of women around the world also suffer from hair loss problems. The scientific name for this is called alopecia. There are many variances of alopecia. For instances, alopecia barbae and alopecia areata, and they are just two of the many others. They originate from the same family. Hence, their symptoms differ in terms of severity. Alopecia areata is hereditary. In one out of five persons with alopecia areata, someone else in the family also has it.

Baldness in the female population is not well received by the masses. The social image of a balding woman is negatively impacted and it creates the problem of lowered self-esteem and self-confidence. Beauty is skin deep and beauty is everything to a woman. Baldness leaves behind ugly blotches of exposed scalp that are unsightly and, many times, invites unwanted stares.

Hence, women must invest in female hair loss treatments to avoid putting themselves in such awkward situations. The methods and techniques used in the treatment are quite similar to those deployed for men. Nevertheless, there are subtle differences. The biological nature of the hair between men and women is different fundamentally. Thus, it entails some alteration to the treatment formula for women.

1. Allopathic Treatments
One such variance is the use of estrogen hormones supplements for women to combat hair fall and to encourage hair regeneration. Such alternate hair loss treatment works best for females who are past the age of menopause since the estrogen level in their body is very low. The oral intake or injections of estrogen can help boost the level and, in turn, stimulate hair growth again.

Another popular recommendation is the use of an FDA approved medication called Minoxidil (Rogaine). The reason why it is so popular is because it is clinically proven and it is very effective. However, females are advised not to exceed the recommended dosage since the side effect is hair over-growth. Sometimes, unsightly hair appears in areas that may cause embarrassment. For examples, above the lip area, underneath the arm pits and around the groin area, particularly along the bikini line, as well as the lower and upper limbs.

2. Homeopathic Treatments
This method is organic in nature and it is an effective alternative for treating female hair loss problem. The crux of the formula lies in the appropriate use of herbs containing natural extracts as part of the treatment. The benefits for using such alternatives are lesser risk compared to the synthetic medications and practically no side-effects owing to the slow pace of progress during treatment. Homeopathic treatments exist in the form of pills, or extra oral supplements.

Saw Palmetto is another famous herbal treatment option available for women. It works on the principle of inhibiting an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, reducing Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and increasing the production of good testosterone naturally. Apart from encouraging hair regrowth, it enhances sexual health, normal menstruation, promotes normal breast development and increases lactation.

Natural herbs like Sage and Rosemary when prepared well can be applied regularly on the affected hair portions as shampoo. Home remedies like massaging the scalp with specific oils are also advisable. These provide the necessary nutrients to the roots and they can help stimulate the hair follicles to grow again.

Since there are several alternative female hair loss treatments available as remedial measures for hair problems, it is important to do one's own research and listen to the guidance from health experts. With the appropriate prescription and follow-up actions, existing hair loss problem can be a thing of the past.

Learn more about caring for healthy hair from this website HairRestorationGurus.com.

How To Find The Perfect Lip Shade For Your Skin Tone

Have you ladies ever found it hard to find the perfect lip shade for your skin tone? So have I! If you've been dying to find a lip color that is actually going to work for your skin color and look amazing - take a look below girls. I've got the best tips and we're gonna explore what looks great with fair skin, medium skin and finally, dark skin! Who knows, maybe you'll be rocking out some awesome lip shades that you never thought would look good!

Fair Skin
Super fair skin, ivory skin and any skin that is super light is oh-so-pretty but isn't it hard to find something that looks awesome on your lips? You can't go too dark, but you also don't want to go too light - so what colors are left? Well, if you are looking for drama, red lips are a classic for any girl trying to get a little drama in their lives. If you want something that is an everyday look, go for something pink, something with a little purple undertone or head on over to something with some cool, rosy hues.

Medium Skin
If you have a medium skin tone, there are so many amazing shades that can work with your skin tone! Mauve pinks, berry, coffee brown and even magenta are just a few of the lip colors that go with your amazing skin tone! All you gotta do is pick a fantastic shade that goes with your outfit, apply and head out! Remember though, keep your blush in mind when choosing a lip color - you don't want to add too much color to your face, so if you are going with a bold blush, go with a rosy lip and vice versa!

Dark Skin
Finally, we've moved onto the beautiful and luscious dark skin. You ladies can pull off so, so many colors, it's amazing! Whether you want to slip into something super dramatic like a deep red or you want something darker such as a burgundy color, you've got the skin color to pull it off! All of the brown shades and even some terracotta lip colors look great with your skin too!

While these are just a few suggestions of what colors would work for your skin tone, don't be scared to experiment too! Experimenting is a great way to figure out which colors look great not just with your skin tone, but also with your eye color and finally with your cheeks! So, what are some of your favorite lip colors? Do tell!

Sharon Capehart, Empress of Empowerment, is an Author, Coach, Speaker and Entrepreneur. Sharon will help you to build a solid foundation of confidence, cultivate a success-oriented mindset, and walk with you on your journey to a life filled with Passion, Excitement and Personal Power. We want to help you, but the only way we can is to have you go directly to http://www.positivelywomen.com. Take action right now.

10 Totally Weird and Effective Tricks for Beautification

Just like when you start a diet and everyone around you suddenly becomes a weight-loss expert, when you need a beauty fix, bizarre advice is surely on its way. Amidst all the suggestions, the ones that don't require spending a lot of money are always the weirdest and always the most alluring. Here are my favorites.

Hair

Dry hair
There's a bunch of different products that claim to combat dry hair, but look no further than the confines of your kitchen. Coating your roots in olive oil can drastically hydrate your hair and give it an incredible shine. Mayonnaise too contains helpful oils to tame even the driest hair. Keep it on for at least 30 minutes and wear a shower cap to keep from making a complete mess.

Dull Hair
To restore shine and clarify hair, grab a bottle of beer. If you choose to go the non-alcoholic route, opt for vinegar instead. Don't worry the smell will wash out when you shampoo.

Highlights
Skip the salon or even box dyes at the supermarket. You can lighten your hair with a little homemade concoction of chamomile tea and lemon juice. Apply, then sit out in the sun for a while to achieve highlighted perfection.

Dry Shampoo
There are inexpensive dry shampoos everywhere now, but if you happen to have baby powder at home, why spend your precious money? Baby powder absorbs oil making your hair look refreshed while also adding volume. A common complaint of baby powder is that it doesn't entirely disappear on brunettes. Cocoa powder is your answer to white powdery roots.

Skin Care

Shaving Cream
Shaving Gel is cheap, but so unnecessary. Olive oil works as a great shaving gel and lotion, but if that's not your thing, hair conditioner does the trick even better.

Blemishes
So apparently Pepto Bismol contains acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, which bothered me at first, but then I got over it and figured if rubbing bright pink anti-diarrheal medication on my face prevents breakouts, then what the hell do I care?
We've all heard of the toothpaste trick; use it as a spot treatment before you go to bed and wake up zit-free in the morning. I've never had complete success with this, but toothpaste does do an extraordinary job of making angry pimples calm and more manageable.

If you love Biore strips, then quit buying them and instead use Elmer's glue to get rid of those blackheads. Apply a thing layer over you t-zone and peel off after it's completely dry.

This tip shouldn't be used all the time, but trust me, it's a good one. Glide a deodorant stick over your face, covering any areas where you might perspire and remain shine-free all day long.
Makeup and Nails

Lashes
Before you curl your lashes, use a blow dryer to heat it up. The heat will help set the lashes and give you a more defined curl. To make them appear thicker, pat them down with powder before applying your mascara.

Brows
A little hairspray can go a long way, which is especially true if you use it on your eyebrow. Spray a clean mascara wand and brush your brows into place. It will dry and keep every hair in place until you decide otherwise.

Primer
Dimethicone is the ingredient used in most pore-minimizing face primers, but you can also find this in Monistat's Anti-Chafing Powder Gel. This works like any other department store brand primer I've used and is a fraction of the price.

Nails
Wipe your nails with acetone before applying nail polish to remove dirt and oil. Your manicure will last twice as long and won't chip as easily. Adding a base coat before color will keep you from getting yellow stained nails.

http://www.BenevolenceInc.com aims to provide high-quality, affordable apparel and beauty products to intelligent, fashion-forward women. At least 50% of profits are donated to the Non-Profit Organization of the Month!

Beautiful Fall Fashion Trends to Watch Out For

I bet all of the things that are listed here, you have somewhere in your closet, so you won't have to go buy all new outfits for the changing of the seasons. So girls, you ready to see what beautiful fall fashion trends are out there this year?

Scarves
Scarves this year are a staple in fall fashion and they are a must to have in your closet! Whether you want a really flowing scarf or you are looking for a scarf just to keep your neck warm, really make a statement by sliding into s scarf for the day and pair it with your favorite pair of boots. This year girls, it's all about what scarves are out there and what outfit you are pairing with them! You can also use a scarf for a belt too, which can take the trend in an entirely new and different direction!

Amazing Boots
And that brings me to my next point, what fall season would be complete without a cute, amazing pair of boots? Boots are ideal for the fall and they are a staple for any girl that is going out for a night out on the town - or even if you just want to up the ante on your outfit! Whether they are booties or even just a pair of riding boots, it is your choice, you've just got to find a boot that goes with your fall outfit of choice!
Gray Colors
By far, the hugest color this year for fall is all about the gray! Whether it is silver, light gray or dark gray, it all depends on exactly what you are pairing it with. Gray is the color of the season girlies and it can be weaved in your entire outfit or you can just tie it together with a bit of gray. Pairing gray is so easy too, because it's a neutral color, so it can really and truly go with any color you are wearing!

Pastel Coats
Finally, the last fall fashion trends that you might not know about is all about the pastel coats! Whether you are slipping into a trench coat that is a pale pink or you are sliding into a canary yellow coat for the season, this fall is taken over by pastel colors in the coats. Petticoats are also huge this season, so why not switch it up a little bit and get your petticoat in a pastel color to really throw people off?

So girlies, now that you know all of the different fall fashion trends out there, how are you going to incorporate them into your style? Have you ever followed the fashion trends before? Remember, fall is right around the corner and with that comes the coolers temperatures, so you've got to be ready for anything!

Sharon Capehart, Empress of Empowerment, is an Author, Coach, Speaker and Entrepreneur. Sharon will help you to build a solid foundation of confidence, cultivate a success-oriented mindset, and walk with you on your journey to a life filled with Passion, Excitement and Personal Power. We want to help you, but the only way we can is to have you go directly to http://www.positivelywomen.com. Take action right now.