Health Tip: Risk Factors for Premature Birth
Premature birth is defined as any baby born at fewer than 37 weeks' gestation.
Here's a list of potential triggers of early labor, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
* Diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease.
* An infection.
* Insufficient prenatal care.
* An unhealthy diet.
* Preeclampsia, a condition occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy and characterized by high blood pressure and abnormal protein in the urine.
* Substance abuse.
* Becoming pregnant at age 17 or younger.
Health Tip: Using a Breast Pump
A breast pump allows mothers to extract and store breast milk for instances when they can't be present for a baby's feeding.
Here are suggestions on how to use a breast pump, courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
* When using the product for the first time, carefully read the entire instruction manual.
* Wash your hands with warm water and soap for 10 seconds to 15 seconds, then dry thoroughly.
* You may want to wash your breasts if you have used a cream, ointment or other topical product.
* Make sure your pump is properly assembled, and that you are in a comfortable place where you can relax.
* Position the breast shield carefully on your nipple, so that it does not pull or pinch.
* Once you are comfortable and the pump is properly in place, turn it on or begin pumping manually.
* Typically, you can expect to pump for about 10 minutes to 15 minutes per breast. But your session should only last as long as it is comfortable.
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