My Reasons for breastfeeding were initially selfish. My husband and I went through years of infertility treatments until we were blessed with our daughter. We didn't have a lot of money leftover when we brought her into this world, so my plan was to breastfeed her to avoid the high costs of formula.

Plus, I was lazy. It was so much easier to nurse in the middle of the night rather than leave the bedroom to mix up a bottle and warm it. Instead, I could lie in bed with her, pull up my shirt and feed her, continuing to keep my eyes closed.

So for all practical purposes, breastfeeding just made sense.

Our nursing relationship has made it to five months so far with no end in sight. We've saved so much money not needing formula. And I have yet to make a 2 a.m. stumble out of my bedroom to prepare a bottle for her.

RELATED: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Breastfeeding

But it's become so much more than that. Was it hard in the beginning? Yes. Did I cry on more than a few occasions? I distinctly remember the night I burst into tears to my husband at three in the morning because she hadn't left my breast in six hours and the pain was unbearable. I have gotten up to pump in the middle of night because of engorgement. I've had to work my way through clogged ducts. I had to slather on gobs of nipple cream and wear little ice packs to try and manage the soreness.

It's all been worth it.

Breastfeeding has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I now look forward to it. I've become attached to it. Nursing has helped shape the powerful bond with my baby. I am the one that can always comfort her. I'm her safe place, her place she come when the world proves to be too overwhelming. I'm the sole source of nutrition for her.

Here's the thing: it hurts me to think that one day this will all be over.

In a month or so, she'll start trying solid food and I'm having a hard time with that. Is that being over-emotional? Maybe. I don't know if my infertility plays into it, or the traumatic hospital stay with her where holding her close was the one thing that kept me from unraveling, but I'm having difficulty letting go of exclusive breastfeeding. Because it's become so much more than providing milk for her.

My house is in desperate need of a good cleaning. The dishes always pile up at the end of the day and my poor husband dutifully cleans them without complaint when he comes home in the evening. I look at the toys scattered over the living room floor as I cradle my daughter in my arms. I should really vacuum, I think to myself.

There have been moments (OK, who am I kidding, there have been a lot of moments) when I wonder if I should be doing something else rather than lay with my baby and nurse. After all, she doesn't nurse to eat all the time. I suspect a good deal of our sessions are out of comfort more than a nutritional need. Should I sleep train? Try to cut down the nightly feeds so I can get more sleep?

RELATED: The Only Advice That All New Moms Need to Hear

Guilt is a powerful thing when you are a mom. We have to balance caring for our babies with the ever increasing amount of household duties. The laundry piles up. There's dog hair everywhere.

Here's the thing: it hurts me to think that one day this will all be over. So I treasure every breastfeeding session we have and I hope we have many more months of nursing.

I want to end with this: Enjoy those moments, if this is you, if these are your same thoughts. Spend a few more minutes sitting in that chair with your baby. There will always be dishes and laundry and pet hair to vacuum. Cuddle with your nursling because you won't know if that one time will be the last time.

Someday, whether it's next week or next year, it will be over and there will be plenty of time for all that other stuff. There will be plenty of time to feel that guilt over those toys scattered across the floor. There will be plenty of time to do "something else."

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Health

03:59:00

You may have an inkling that you're pregnant soon after you've conceived, when the fertilised egg attaches itself to the wall of your uterus (womb). This usually happens within about 10 days of conception. 

Or you may be unaware of any changes for weeks, only wondering if you're pregnant when you miss a period. 

Though you may experience some, all, or none of these, here are the top 10 signs of pregnancy. 

1. Prickling, tingling nipples

As pregnancy hormones increase the blood supply to your breasts, you may feel a tingling sensation around your nipples. This can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, and is sometimes noticeable within a week or so of conception. 

Once your body gets used to the hormone surge, this sensation will subside. 

2. Spotting and cramping

It's common to have some spotting at the time when you'd usually have your period. You may notice a slight pink or brown-coloured stain in your knickers, or when you wee, or feel slight cramping. Experts aren't sure why spotting in very early pregnancy happens, but it's thought to either be caused by the egg implanting in your uterus, or more likely, the hormones that control your periods kicking in. 

3. Feeling sick

If you're lucky, you'll escape this completely. However, morning sickness is a common symptom of early pregnancy. It often starts when you're about six weeks pregnant, though it can start as early as four weeks. You may feel sick and queasy, or even vomit. Despite the name, morning sickness can affect you at any time of the day, or night. 

4. Tender, swollen breasts

Once you are about six weeks pregnant, your breasts may become increasingly tender to the touch. It’s similar to how they feel before you have a period, but more so. 

You may notice that your breasts are larger and swollen, with blue veins visible just below the skin. Tenderness tends to be most common in the first trimester, easing as pregnancy progresses. 

5. Feeling tired

Exhausted? You may find yourself diving for your duvet as your body cranks up to support your baby, right from the early stages of pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones in your body are to blame, as these can make you feel tired, upset and emotional. 

Though fatigue is not a sure-fire symptom on its own, it's a common pregnancy symptom. You may find that tiredness wipes you out the most in your first trimester and third trimester. 

6. Needing to wee frequently

From about six weeks of pregnancy, you may notice that you're weeing more often. 

This is down to a combination of pregnancy hormones, a larger volume of blood in your system, and your kidneys working extra hard. If you feel pain or a burning sensation when you wee, though, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

7. Darker nipples

Skin changes are common during pregnancy. One of the first changes you may notice is the circle of skin round your nipples (areolas) getting darker. This can happen from about eight weeks. 

You may also find that the bumps around your nipples become more pronounced, and your nipples more erect. Your vulva and vagina may change to a deeper, purplish red, too, though you probably won't notice this! 

8. Food cravings and altered sense of smell

Food cravings can be a sign of pregnancy. 

You may go off some foods, but develop a craving for others. This can happen very early for some women, even before they've missed a period. Some women report a metallic taste in their mouth, others that they can’t stand the taste of coffee or a food they usually like, such as eggs. 

Your sense of smell may change as well, and you may find that you're more sensitive to aromas from food or cooking. 

9. A missed period

If you're usually pretty regular, and your period doesn't start on time, you'll probably take a pregnancy test before you notice any other signs. A missed period is one of the surest signs of pregnancy. 

But if your periods are usually irregular, or you lose track of when your next one is due, you may not realise that your period is late. In this case, tender breasts, feeling queasy and making extra trips to the loo may be early clues that you’re pregnant. 

10. The proof: a positive home pregnancy test

Most home pregnancy tests will give you a reliable result if you wait until at least the first day of a missed period. If a blue line appears in the test window, you're probably expecting. 

More tips and advice

• Discover how soon you can take a pregnancy test, and what to do if you think you're pregnant, but the test is negative.
• Check out our 50 reasons to be glad you're pregnant, and celebrate the exciting journey ahead!
• Join our friendly community to chat with others in the same situation.
• Head over to the BabyCentre blog to find out what all new mums-to-be need to know.

Health

05:29:00

To give your baby the best start in life, it's best to get your body in tip-top condition before trying to conceive. 

Not only will this increase your chances of getting pregnant, it will also set you up for a healthy pregnancy.

Should I reach a healthy weight before trying for a baby?

It's a good idea. Being a healthy weight will improve your chances of conceiving. A healthy body mass index (BMI) is between about 19 and 25. 

If you're overweight, losing weight will reduce the risk of certain health problems for you and your baby, especially if your BMI is 30 or higher. It may improve your fertility too.

Adopting a balanced diet and keeping fit now will also give you a great start to pregnancy.

If you're underweight, talk to your doctor about healthy ways to increase your BMI. You're more likely to have an irregular menstrual cycle if you have a low body weight. This can make it harder to conceive, particularly if you're missing periods. 

Fortunately, in many cases, achieving a healthy weight will get your cycle back on track.

Should I stop smoking, drinking and taking drugs before trying for a baby?

Yes. Smoking and drinking alcohol can both cause serious health problems for your baby if you do conceive. They also increase your risk of miscarriage. And there isn't a single illegal drug that's definitely safe for pregnant women and their babies. 

When you become pregnant, you're unlikely to realise straight away. So it's well worth quitting these harmful substances now, and protecting your baby in those crucial first days and weeks. 

Quitting smoking can be tough, but you're up to four times more likely to succeed with the right help. Your GP will be happy to refer you to your local stop smoking services, who will work with you to develop a tailored plan to help you quit. You can also visit the NHS Smokefree website or call their helpline on 0300 123 1044.

When it comes to alcohol, the safest thing is to avoid it completely. There is no way to know how much alcohol is safe during pregnancy. However, we do know that the more you drink, the higher your baby's risk of long-term health problems. Again, if you feel you need help to give up, talk to your GP, who'll be happy to advise. 

If you take any illegal drugs, be sure to tell your GP. She'll have seen it all before, so won't judge you. Instead, she'll refer you for some extra support, to help you give your baby a healthy start in life.

Should I see my GP before trying for a baby?

If you're fit and healthy, there's no reason to see your GP before trying. But if you have any concerns then paying a visit to your local surgery before you stop using contraception may be a good idea. Most surgeries provide a special check-up for couples who are trying for a baby, known as preconception care. 

Your check-up won't necessarily be with your GP. You may see a midwife or a practice nurse instead. Some private health insurance companies also offer these kinds of checks. 

However, it's important to see your GP if you have a long-running medical condition such as epilepsy, asthma or diabetes. 

If you're taking any medication, you may need to make some changes to your treatment. This is because some types of medicine aren't safe to take when you're pregnant, and it may be several weeks before you know you've conceived. However, you should never stop taking any medication without discussing it with your doctor first.

If you're changing your treatment, your body may need time to adjust. So ideally, try to make an appointment with your doctor at least three months before you want to conceive. 

Some over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen, aren't safe in early pregnancy either. Ask a pharmacist if you're not sure what to buy.

What should I expect at a preconception care check-up?

If you do decide to have a pre-pregnancy check-up, your GP or nurse will probably ask you about:

• whether your job involves working with hazardous substances
• whether you have any problems with your periods
• your general health and lifestyle
• how much exercise you do
• your emotional wellbeing
• your eating habits

Your doctor will also want to know about any existing health conditions you may have, such as:

• diabetes
• asthma
• high blood pressure
• epilepsy
• thyroid problems
• heart problems
• mental health issues

Other things you should discuss at your pre-pregnancy appointment include:

• Any genetic conditions in your family. Tell your GP if you have a family history of any hereditary conditions such as sickle cell disease, thalassaemia or cystic fibrosis, so she can arrange further support and advice.
• Your contraception. In most cases, the contraception you've been using shouldn't affect how long it takes to conceive. But if you've been using the contraceptive injection, it may take up to one year after your last injection for your usual fertility to return.

Your doctor may also ask about any terminations, miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies you've experienced. Talking about painful experiences such as these can be distressing. But your doctor needs to know what's happened in your past so she can ensure that you get the best care and advice now.

Should I have any medical tests before trying for a baby?

You may need to, but it depends on your circumstances and general health. Ask your GP or practice nurse whether you need to have a test done before you become pregnant. Common tests and screening before pregnancy include:

Screening tests for STIs

If you've ever had unprotected sex (including oral sex), it's worth being tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), even if you don't have any symptoms. You should be screened for:

• hepatitis B
• chlamydia
• syphilis
• HIV

Your GP may be able to do these tests at your usual surgery, otherwise she'll refer you to a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic. 

Having treatments for STIs before you conceive can greatly increase your odds of a successful pregnancy.

Cervical screening

If you're due for a cervical screening (sometimes known as a smear test) within the next year, you may be able to have it before you conceive. This is because cervical screening isn't usually done during pregnancy, as the natural changes to your cervix make the results difficult to interpret. 

Blood tests

If you have a pre-pregnancy check-up, and your GP or nurse is concerned that you may be anaemic, she'll advise you to have a blood test. This is because women who are anaemic sometimes need to take extra iron supplements during pregnancy.

Depending on your ethnic background and medical history, you may also need a test for genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia. This test will tell you how likely it is that you'll pass the condition on to your baby.

If you're not sure whether or not you're immune to rubella, you may be offered a blood test to check for sure.

Should I have any vaccinations before trying for a baby?

Many preventable infections can cause miscarriage or birth defects, so make sure your vaccinations are up to date. 

If you're not sure what vaccinations you have already had, your local surgery can check in your medical records. A practice nurse can also take a blood test to find out whether you've been vaccinated against certain diseases, such as rubella. 

If you need to be vaccinated with a live viral vaccine, as for rubella, you should wait one month after the vaccination before trying to conceive. This is a precaution, as it's thought that your body needs time to get rid of the injected virus. Speak to your practice nurse if you have any worries. 

If you're in a high risk group for hepatitis B, you can choose to be vaccinated against that disease as well. If this is the only vaccination you have, you'll be able to start trying straight away.

Should I take any supplements while trying for a baby?

As soon as you decide to try for a baby, start taking a daily supplement containing 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Taking folic acid has been found to greatly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. 

It's particularly important to have enough folic acid in the early weeks of pregnancy. This is when your unborn baby's brain and nervous system are first developing. You may not even realise you're pregnant at this point, which is why you should start taking folic acid as soon as you start trying. 

You can buy folic acid supplements from pharmacies. If you choose to take folic acid as part of a multivitamin, make sure it's suitable for pregnant women and doesn't contain vitamin A. Too much vitamin A could harm your baby if you conceive while taking it.

Some people need a bit more folic acid than others. Speak to your GP about getting a prescription for a 5mg (5000mcg) supplement if you:

• have a family history of neural tube defects, or your partner does
• have previously conceived a baby with a neural tube defect
• have diabetes
• have coeliac disease
• take medicine for epilepsy
• have a BMI over 30

Once you're pregnant, you'll also need a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D. 

While you're thinking about how to get ready for this exciting journey, find out which lifestyle changes you may want to consider, too.

Health

05:21:00

Looking to shed pounds in the New Year? Perhaps you’ve dieted and lost weight, only to regain it again. It can be frustrating, but the good news is that long-term weight loss is possible. While there’s no magic bullet, decades of research have yielded clear strategies for increasing your chances for success.

Here are 5 strategies proven to help you lose weight:

1. Keep a Food Journal
It may sound too good to be true, but there is one simple strategy that can help you double your weight loss: write down everything you eat and drink.

Studies indicate that writing down what you eat can help you lose weight and keep it off. In fact, one study showed that dieters who keep food journals lose, on average, twice as much weight as those who don’t track what they eat.

With apps like LoseIt and MyFitnessPal, it’s easier than ever to keep track of meals, snacks and beverages. And if you want to go low-tech, a simple notebook will do.

2. Get on the Scale
Afraid of stepping on the scale? You shouldn’t be. Regular weigh-ins are one of your best weapons in the battle of the bulge. According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers reported that people who weighed themselves daily lost about three times as much weight as those who were more lax about stepping on the scale. In fact daily weight checkers lost an average of 20 pounds, compared to an average of just seven pounds for those who weighed themselves only five days per week.

These findings support other studies indicating that more frequent weigh-ins lead to greater weight loss.

3. Eat at Home
Prepare more meals at home. I love this one because it will help both your waistline and your wallet. A recent study published by Public Health Nutrition found that people who eat at fast-food or full-service restaurants consume an extra 200 calories per day on average compared to those eating at home. Those calories added up to about 10% of their total daily intake. What’s more, the researchers found that people who ate out consumed more sugar, salt and saturated fat. Research findings consistently show that people who eat out frequently are more likely to be overweight or obese. Save money and your health by limiting meals out to no more than two per week.

4. Know Your Portions
You may not realize it, but we live in a ‘super-sized’ culture. Looking at data from national surveys involving more than 60,000 Americans, researchers found that serving sizes have gotten bigger over the past 20 years – not only at fast-food chains and other restaurants, but even in homes. How much bigger? The study found that hamburgers have increased by 23%; soft drinks are 52% larger; and snack foods like potato chips and pretzels are a whopping 60% bigger.

It’s no coincidence that as portions have grown, so have waistlines. In the 1960s, 45% of Americans were overweight or obese. Today that number is nearing 70%!

When we’re given larger portions, we eat and drink more. One way to fight back against supersizing is to use smaller plates, bowls and silverware. A recent review of 72 studies found that you can easily cut about 16% of your daily calories without feeling deprived.

When dining out, a simple rule to follow is to eat half of what is served. Have the server put the rest in a take-away bag and you’ll have a second meal for later.

5. Turn off the TV … and be careful what you watch!
Put down that remote and step away from the TV. The more time you spend watching television or staring at a computer screen, the less time you have for just about everything else, including physical activity.

What’s more, what you watch can influence how much you eat! Researchers at Hobart and William Smith Colleges found that viewing just 10 minutes of a food show may lead to cravings and overeating.

Tempted to watch TV? Limit viewing to just 2-3 hours a week and avoid watching food and cooking shows.

Health

07:24:00

Photo : www.fitwirr.com

Booty Boot Camp

If you feel your "rear view" needs a makeover, the right fitness routine can help give you a lift. Can you achieve the "perfect" Brazilian beach butt seen on TV? That depends partly on your body type and genes. But most everyone can shape up to look better in jeans. These pictures show you the moves.

Behind It All: Meet Your Glutes

The shape of the buttocks is defined by muscles known as the glutes. That's the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus, as well as the fat that lies over them. Walking, running, and climbing all work the glutes. Strength training that targets these muscles can help give you a tighter, more rounded look. Adding a few butt-busting moves to your routine may be enough to see a change.

Squat and Tone

The squat tops every list of butt-sculpting exercises. It directly works the glutes.You can build bigger bottom muscles by adding hand-held weights.

Form: Keep feet parallel, shoulder-width apart. Slowly lower the hips as if sitting in a chair; then return to standing.  Make sure your knees do not push out in front of your toes. Keep your torso tight and back straight.

Or Try a Ball Squat

If you're just starting out, a large ball can help with balance while you master the form. For each exercise on our list, aim for three sets of 15 reps. Try to do each exercise three times a week with cardio or exercises focused on other body parts on other days.

Form: Keep the ball between your low back and a wall. Slowly perform the classic squat. Walk your feet out in front so the knees stay behind your toes

Forward Lunge

This butt builder also tones the thighs and calves. It's a pretty good fat burner, too.

Form: With your feet parallel and hip-distance apart, take one giant step forward. Lower your body slowly, bending both knees, and return to standing. Repeat on the other side. Bend your knees no more than 90 degrees. Keep your front knee stacked right over your front ankle. Do not rest your back knee on the ground..

Or Try a Backward Lunge

When you step backward into a lunge, it works the glutes a little harder. Your workout gets variety, too. Lunges also add flexibility to your hips. They align your body better, too, something  that can suffer when people spend long hours sitting at a desk.

Form: Use the same posture as in a forward lunge, but step backward to position the lower leg. Don't let the front knee push out in front of your toes

Or Try a Side Lunge

The side lunge targets the muscle on the outside of the hips, the glutes, and tones the inner thighs, too.

Form: From a wide stance, bend one knee. Keep the shinbone under that knee straight up from the floor. If the knee falls inside the foot, use a shorter stance. Lean forward slightly. Put your hands where they help with balance..

On the Ball: Leg Lift

Leg lifts done while you balance on an exercise ball will strengthen your shoulders and abs, as well as your glutes. As you get more fit, try lifting both legs at the same time for a harder, beautiful-butt move.

Form: Keep your abs tight and back flat. Squeeze your glute muscles tight as you lift one leg. Just a few inches is fine when you're just starting out. Be careful not to use your lower back muscles.

On the Ball: Hip Lift

This small movement focuses on the gluteus maximus, the largest muscle in the body. Be careful not to use the back muscles; the glutes should do the work.

Form: Bend the knees 90 degrees, feet together. Squeeze the glutes and slowly move the thighs up off the ball. A small, controlled, 2-inch movement  is the goal.

Floor Work: Bridge

This classic is a super workout for the glutes, as well as the hamstrings and hips.

Form: Begin on your back with your knees bent, feet hip-width apart. Slowly peel your spine off the floor from the tailbone. Tighten the glutes and hamstrings as you do this. When your body has formed a long, slanted line from shoulders to knees, hold for a few seconds. Then lower slowly.

Health

07:14:00