What Happens When Breastfeeding isn't an Option

Breastfeeding your child is a joyful experience that most expecting moms look forward to. However, it is an unfortunate fact that due to various reasons, this isn’t always possible. Some mothers are unable to produce enough breastmilk due to hypoplasia, which occurs when the glands in the breast are underdeveloped. Other reasons for not being able to breastfeed include postpartum depression or a previous breast reduction surgery which can negatively impact milk production. Whatever the reason might be, new moms should rest assured that not being able to breastfeed is not the end of the world.

Baby Formula Nutrition

When you can’t breastfeed, you must invest in a good quality baby formula. Good brands like Alula offer infant to toddler formulas that provide complete nutrition for your baby, so you won’t need to worry about your child’s growth and development. While doctors do recommend breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for your newborn baby, you don’t need to be concerned about their health in the slightest – a good formula will take care of the job, and some even provide extra vitamins and minerals which otherwise may need to be supplemented. 

Pumping and Supplementing

If you are able to express milk and it’s just not quite enough, you can always consider pumping and supplementing your breastmilk with formula. A good breast pump is going to be a great investment in this case, and you can express and store your milk during bottle-feeding periods. Do some research on the best way to go about this combination method. 

Consider Donated Breast Milk

If your heart is set on breastmilk for your little one or formula isn’t going to cut it, but you can’t express yourself, using donated breastmilk is another option you could think about. Research shows that donated breast milk from another woman can nourish your baby just as well as your own. You can check in with your hospital if this is available or otherwise check in with a milk bank in your area. However, keep in mind that this method may be less accessible since premature babies and babies with certain medical conditions are prioritized by these institutions. 

Don’t Be Hard on Yourself

Many moms who can’t express enough milk to feed their babies feel that they are failing them. This is never the case! Keep in mind that there are many mothers out there facing the same problem as you, and many healthy, happy children who were raised on formula. You can still create a strong emotional bond with your baby while bottle-feeding, too, so don’t be distressed about missing that skin-on-skin contact. This can still be generated by holding and cuddling your baby close while feeding them.

If this is a problem that you’re struggling with, don’t forget to reach out for support from your partner, friends and family, and a mental healthcare professional if that’s what you need. Postpartum depression is common after giving birth, and struggling with meeting your baby’s needs could contribute to this. Make sure that you’re providing not only for the baby’s needs but your own too. 

Understanding Alimony and the Different Types

When a marriage comes to a halt, it does not end the obligations of one spouse to another. Spousal support involves monetary aid offered by one spouse to the other upon separation under a court order. People are eligible for alimony if they were married, lived together, or have a child together. The support could be short-term or long-term. The court considers the situation of both partners to determine the amount and period for which they will give support.

Different types of alimony are. 

Temporary Support

It is the support paid when separation takes place, but the divorce process is not complete. The temporary agreement is not necessarily filed in court, and it indicates the amount and when you will make it. If the court is involved, the judge has to determine fairness and whether the party was forced to officiate the agreement.

Temporary alimony can be adjusted, especially if the matter was not filed in court. However, if the agreement was made in court, the judge must order the new payment plan.

Permanent Spousal Support

Permanent support is granted after long periods of marriage, and the legality varies depending on the state. In some laws, the support may continue until the receiver dies or remarries. In other states, the support stops if the receiver moves in with another person. You may even be able to use a tool like this Maryland alimony calculator to work out how much you may be entitled to, or how much it is you may be paying.

Rehabilitative Support

It is short-term assistance given to a spouse to help them acquire the necessary skills and enable them to work. It is granted until the receiver can support themselves financially. People who qualify for this kind of support include stay-at-home parents that take care of the children.

A court order may specify the duration of the payments, which is renewable. The agreement should contain a review provision that allows the parties to make changes. The receiver is responsible for completing the study and searching for employment. If the contributor suspects that the receiver is not making efforts to financial dependence, they can write to the court to be granted termination.

Reimbursement Support

Reimbursement alimony is a way of compensating a spouse for the sacrifices made during the spouse's education. The support is not based on the need for financial support. It is expected that once the schooling partner completes education and earns a better income, the party that sacrificed will be a beneficiary of the higher standards of living. If the marriage ends before getting these benefits, the partner who sacrificed is eligible for reimbursement support.

In some cases, the court may give the recipient part of marital property as compensation and payback for the support. Reimbursement support can be paid in a lump sum or can be spread over a duration of time. 

Spousal support is considered as income to the receiver and therefore taxable. It is commendable to consult a tax professional to help you make the right decision regarding lump-sum payments. It would help if you also paid attention to the grounds on which alimony is terminated. The laws vary in states, and in some, the contributor can reduce the amount or terminate the agreement if the receiver moves in with another person.

If there are circumstances that the receiver would like to amend, it is advisable to request an alteration to the agreement before termination. Support laws vary with different states, and it is important to understand your region's law with the help of a lawyer before getting into the contract. They will guide you on the best decisions to make depending on individual circumstances.

How to Add a Personal Touch to Your Home

Your home is your personal space. It’s your area to relax and be yourself.

 

What turns a house into a home are those small personal touches. The things you display around your house convey your personality, or showcase your achievements and memories.

 

Here are the best ways you can add a personal touch to your home. Even if you're renting or you hate clutter, these tips are easy and appropriate for you!

 

1. Print Out Your Own Photos

 

The photos you take capture the most special memories that you want to remember forever. There is no better way to keep these memories at the forefront of your mind than to print them out and hang them up around your house.

To add an even more meaningful touch, you might consider creating a Moon Phase Print that encapsulates the magical moments in your life. For example, check out what was the moon phase on your birthday? It's a unique way to highlight those special dates that you and your loved ones can treasure forever.

 

Lots of people are using laser printers to print out their favorite family photos. These machines are an affordable way to bring your photos to life in bright colors.

 

Get yourself a laser printer, print a few photos, and you’re ready to display them across your home. You could even print some out to gift to other people if you have photos with them.

 

2. Show Off Your Achievements

 

If you’ve had an amazing achievement in the past, and have an award to show for it, you should be proud of yourself. What better way to display your pride than having up your awards in your home?

 

You could hang up your certificates in some beautiful frames, or place your trophies on your sideboard. Whatever achievements you have to show, having then displayed is a great way to add a personal touch to your home.

 

3. Display Your Homemade Accessories

 

For those of you who love arts and crafts, displaying your homemade accessories is a lovely way to add your personality to your home. They reflect who you are, and showcase your skills and hobbies.

 

Maybe you have painted your own canvases that could be hung up in your bedroom. Or maybe you have created patterned ceramic vases that would make a great addition to your living room. Because these accessories are home-made, they’re one of a kind and add a unique touch to your house.

 

4. Hang Up Your Children’s Work

If you have young children who love painting and drawings pictures for you, it’s always lovely to hang them up around your home. Not only does this add a personal touch to your living space, but it also makes your child proud and happy that you’re showing off their work. You may want to laminate their artwork to keep it looking like new.

 

5. Display Travel Purchases

 

If you love going on city breaks, chilling by the beach, or exploring exotic countries, you likely have lots of items that you’ve purchased on your travels. Displaying these in your house helps you to re-live the memories and show them to any guests that visit your home. It's like showcasing your steps across the world!

 

Whether you have a bunch of fridge magnets or unique seashells that you’ve spotted whilst on vacation, displaying them gives your home an amazing personal touch.

6 Things for Elders to Consider When Moving in Retirement Homes

When you are young, you would most likely prefer to live close to your workplace. But after your retirement, you can choose a retirement home according to your personal preference. It is best to go for a place like Sienna Living that offers the best surroundings so that you can enjoy your years after retirement. 

Besides getting to know about your cost of living, safety, climate, and living conditions, there are many other factors that you should keep in mind before deciding on an active adult community in Downingtown, or wherever you are. Keep reading for more information. 

Quality of Healthcare:

No matter how active your body is, you will need medical care and assistance to improve your deteriorating health in your later years. It would be hard to travel to a different area when you need good quality medical treatment, especially for the 55+ communities in Pennsylvania.

When choosing a retirement home, it's vital you research the variety of services and reviews for each home. Whether you're looking for care eastern suburbs, or a home in another location, you can search 'best retirement home near me' to find the most suitable for you and your family.

Availability of Senior Services:

Some nursing homes may not be equipped well with senior services important to improve the quality of life. Even though medical services are essential, interacting with social activities is important for elders to stay mentally active.

Ensure what services they offer, like senior activity centers, clubs, home care providers, organizations, and transportation services for people with mobility disabilities.

Social Life:

If you enjoy the company of people and love to interact, then look for a retirement home with a large senior population. Elders who have strong social support have a reduced risk of many diseases including depression and high blood pressure.

Other than your retirement residence, you can look for social groups having a particular interest. Look into the kinds of social opportunities you would be exposed to before signing up for a senior community.

Daily Life Hobbies:

Sometimes if you miss out on your hobbies and activities you enjoy, it can have adverse effects on your mental health. It is best to look out for your favorite shops and places before selecting the location of your retirement community. 

Ask yourself if you will be content without having your favorite and tea and coffee from a particular shop. Check if there are any art museums, restaurants, and movie theaters if you are interested in any. It is essential to go out occasionally to enjoy the fresh air and indulge in a different environment.

Costs of Health Insurance:

You can get health insurance from your company if you are eligible for medical care at age sixty-five. If not, then you will have to purchase a health insurance policy from an insurance company. The costs of insurance vary from country to country. It also differs according to the policies included in your insurance plan.

Search the insurance plans and costs available in the location you are moving to. Learn how much your insurance terms will cost you and what benefits you can get.

Living Closer to the Airport:

If you plan to travel to other places even after shifting to a retirement home, it is best to choose a home facility near the main airport. It can allow you to easily make travel plans and save costs on a taxi or a bus. Traveling in an airplane takes hours already so it is best to reduce the distance on your way to the airport. 

An airport nearby will also work in your favor if you have family and friends who live abroad. It will be easy to reach you and spend quality time with them. 

4 Strategies for Staying Healthy This Summer

With Summer just around the corner, it is important to keep the health of you and your family top of mind. Whether you are staying home all summer or looking to take a trip, knowing how to create and maintain some healthy habits is crucial. Here are some ways to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy this summer.

Stay hydrated

With the summer heat building up during these longer days, it is important to keep yourself hydrated. Suffering from dehydration can lead to health problems like headaches, fainting, and even heat stroke. Keeping a reusable water bottle with you at all times can ensure you are drinking enough water daily. If you have children that struggle with picky eating habits and who hate the taste of plain water, consider infusing it with some of their favorite fruits. Using strawberries or lemons can give the water a fresh taste and encourage them to drink more! 

Keep protected

Having fun in the sun is a great way to stay active and curate some healthy habits. Going to the beach, taking a hike, or any outdoor activity is great for getting the right amount of exercise. When you are outdoors it is incredibly important to keep yourself protected from the sun. Having a strong and dependable sunscreen will keep you and your family safe from the dangers of sun exposure. Too much sun can lead to conditions like sunburn, sun poisoning, and sunstroke. While wearing accessories like hats can also help create a barrier between you and the sun, you should be vigilant with applying and reapplying sunscreen.

Be prepared

With summer being the perfect time for spontaneity, it is essential to have a go-bag prepped in advance with the little things you might normally forget on a trip. Having this bag ready will help you cover your bases and decrease the stress of forgetting important items on your journey. Include the things you and your family will most certainly need, like toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap—any and all of your basic hygiene items are generally necessities for a trip. 

Also be sure to include a stocked first aid kit that makes sense for you and your family’s needs. If anyone suffers from severe or life threatening allergies, you should pack an EpiPen to be safe.  Similarly, if you or a loved one has vision issues you should make sure you include prescription contacts in the kit. Having a fresh pair of contacts available can save you if you lose or break your glasses and can’t immediately replace them. Being prepared for any scenario will help keep you and your family safe this summer wherever you are. 

Practice self-care

Taking care of your health is more than taking care of just your physical health; your mental health is a large component of your overall wellness. After all of the changes 2020 brought, the world opening up can cause a great deal of anxiety for those who haven’t experienced the hustle of crowds in a long time. Make sure you make time to practice self-care in whatever way you need to keep your mental health in check. This could include taking walks alone, picking up a journal, or spending time meditating. Talking as a family about how to combat any anxieties you may be facing can be a great way to keep the lines of communication open about mental health as well.

Keeping up with healthy habits is a great way to maintain a positive lifestyle this summer. As a family, it is important to work together and help each other stay as happy and healthy as possible.