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Just because breastfeeding is natural doesn’t mean it’ll be second nature. Sometimes it takes time, practice and a whole lot of trial and error to get into a breastfeeding groove. Patience and persistence may be called for—right from day one. A healthy newborn’s instinct to breastfeed peaks about 20 to 30 minutes after they’re born, so you want to have baby right there next to you, ready to drink up your colostrum—that’s the nutrient-packed early milk you express after delivering....

This article is part of The Bump’s Doctor Spotlight series featuring medical professionals who are dedicated to supporting and preserving Black maternal health. These doctors share their experiences, insights and advice to help guide and empower women of color who are planning or navigating pregnancy. Even a routine visit to your doctor’s office can feel overwhelming at times—especially when you’re pregnant or trying to conceive. You’re likely bursting with questions and staggering under the avalanche of information....

Did you know you might get a fever during labor? In the past, it’s been suggested that epidural analgesia (the pain meds) is what causes laboring moms to burn up, but a new study in the August issue of Anesthesiology provides some surprising insight into the cause of maternal intrapartum fever (MIF). University of Alabama researchers studied 81 women in induced labor to monitor the possible development of MIF. Seventy-eight women received epidural analgesia and their maternal temperatures were recorded before and after the drug was administered....

Work prep [ ] Talk to your boss — what will your first week back to work look like? [ ] Get in touch with HR at least two weeks in advance. Let them know the day you’re coming back to work and find out what to expect. [ ] Buy some new (loose-fitting) work clothes, if you’re not fitting into your old ones. [ ] Set out the first week’s outfits — it will make your (hectic) mornings easier....

Yep, you read that correctly. Your toddler’s attention and learning capacity can now be tested using a dried grape. Researchers from the University of Warwick developed a simple test involving a raisin and a cup that can predict how well a 20-month-old will academically perform at age eight. Here’s how it worked: Researchers placed a raisin under an opaque cup within easy reach of a toddler. After three training runs, toddlers were asked to wait until they were given permission to touch or eat the raisin (a grueling 60-second wait time)....

Put your worries aside, mama. It’s fully possible to eat a vegetarian diet during pregnancy and deliver all the nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop. Like other mamas-to-be, you need to ensure you’re getting enough calories and nutrients (especially protein) from a variety of food. “Being vegetarian is no big deal,” assures Melinda Johnson, MS, RD, Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics at Arizona State University and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics....

Pros • Well made and beautifully designed • Ultra-portable and great for travel • Eases transition from bassinet to crib • Creates a comfortable sleeping and napping space for infants • Sturdy and versatile as a bed, play area, lounger and carrier Cons • Not easy to replace the cover after washing • Doesn’t collapse Bottom Line DockATot is a comfy little nest that keeps baby feeling snug in the crib all night long while giving mom and dad peace of mind....

What is roseola in babies? Roseola is a mild viral infection caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) or human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). It’s most common in kids under the age of one and causes a pinkish-red rash and high fever. Most kids get roseola before they turn two. What are the symptoms of roseola in babies? The most common symptoms are a high fever and reddish-pink rash. The fever — high and seemingly out of nowhere — comes first....

So much for sibling rivalry, kids — a new study reveals that moms and dads believe that their firstborns have higher IQs and perform better in school than their siblings. And as a middle child with a serious slew of issues (JK, mom!), I take personal offense to this. But, the proof, I hate to admit, lies in the proverbial educational pudding. Firstborns, study authors V. Joseph Hotz and Juan Pantano, from the National Bureau of Economic Research, found, are also considered to be more accomplished in mom and dads eyes — and it’s all due to the fact that parents are typically harder on the first child when compared to younger kids (the inner competitive nerd in me is melting as I type these words)....

If you’re constantly on the fence about whether too much iPad time is harmful for your baby, there’s a new study out from Seattle pediatrician Dr. Dimitri A. Christakis that may surprise you. Christakis, whose speciality is studying the effect of media on children, thought at one point that media use by babies and toddlers was detrimental to their learning. However, after doing more research, he’s changed his mind. This comes as surprising news, because Christakis, director of the Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, is the co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics 2011 guidelines that do not advise media use by toddlers younger than 2-years-old....

And the Winner Is: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Thought acne was just for teenagers? Think again. Raging hormones can cause breakouts during pregnancy. If you’re experiencing something reminiscent of your youth, you’ll a pregnancy-safe solution that kills acne-causing bacteria and decreases keratin production. The American Academy of Dermatology has deemed Azelaic acid safe for use during pregnancy (rejoice!) and The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% offers a potent dose, combatting pimples and keeping pores buildup free....

Tylenol is considered safe for moms-to-be and fetuses, but a new study says that it might not be doing anything at all for back pain. The George Institute for Global Health looked at acetaminophen , which is sold under brand names like Tylenol, Anacin and Panadol. While the drug has been proven to reduce headaches, tooth aches and pain after surgery, when it comes to the lower back, you might as well be taking a placebo....

We recently ditched our son’s crib and moved him into a “big boy bed!” and we were excited for him to have his own bed. Naturally, our thoughts were that he would get swept away into dreamland and wake up refreshed from a full night’s sleep in a spacious new bed. The rug is being pulled from underneath us on a nightly basis. This is yet again an episode of the adventures in parenting that no one can prepare you for....

One of the most fun parts of pregnancy for me was picking a baby name. I would pour over the baby name books and stalk the latest Social Security baby name rankings looking for the perfect name for my child. But there were a few things I never considered that now, I wish I had! Baby names are extremely subjective. I think we’ve all encountered a baby name or two that’s made us raise our eyebrows....

What is asthma in babies? Asthma is a common lung disease that can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. The latest research suggests that asthma is essentially the result of a hypersensitive airway. In other words, when the airway of someone with asthma is exposed to a trigger substance, such as smoke or an environmental allergen, the airway constricts and the tissue inside the airway becomes inflamed. At the same time, the body produces excess mucus in a misguided attempt to flush the allergen out of the airway....

Combatting diaper rash isn’t about finding the right diaper. It’s about frequent diaper changes and protecting baby’s delicate bottom with an extra barrier. Say hello to diaper rash cream. You want one with a strong dose of zinc oxide—that’s what makes Baby Pibu a hands-down winner. WHAT WE LOVE This lightweight and unscented balm goes on easy, without leaving behind any residue—on you or baby Chemical-free and hypoallergenic, this gentle cream packs a powerful punch with a 20 percent concentration of zinc oxide....

A new study led by Anita Kozyrskyj, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that babies born by C-section had a different set of microbes in their digestive tracts than babies who were born vaginally. Additionally, the study also determined that breastfed babies had a different makeup of bacteria in their bodies than other babies who were fed via formula. The study author, Kozyrskyj, said that her team of researchers goal was to show that a “decision about elective C-sections may cause changes that parents can’t see but nevertheless affect development....

“Aren’t you smart!” You’ve likely cooed those words—or something similar—to your little one before. As a parent, you of course take pride in every moment that shows off how bright your child is. “Listen to him recite his colors and shapes!” “She can name every country in South America!” “He knows how to spell his first and last names—backwards!” But while it’s wonderful to celebrate your tot’s smarts, intellectual intelligence isn’t the only thing you should be focusing on....

Meningitis in children isn’t widespread, but certain forms of the disease can have deadly consequences. The good news? With a timely diagnosis and the right medication, kids can make a full recovery. Here’s what to know about the causes of meningitis in children, how to spot the signs and get your kids the treatment they need. In this article: What is meningitis? What causes meningitis? Meningitis symptoms in children How to Test for Meningitis in Children Treatment for meningitis in children Meningitis prevention...

The last story I wrote for The Bump about hiring help for my children seemed to have a fairytale ending. After agonizing over the decision to seek help and all the trial and error of finding the right fit, we ended up with the perfect combination of nanny and sitter, welcoming her into the family and flourishing for over a year. Then we had to mess it up by moving states!...