LilSugar

Could Nursing Reduce the Chances of Breast Cancer in Moms?

LilSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:00:10 -0700

While the debate over whether breast-feeding leads to smarter and skinnier children continues, the list of perks for mamas grows. Women claim it helps with everything from shedding the postpartum pounds to cutting the budget. A new report claims that women with a family history of breast cancer can reduce their risk by nursing. Take our quiz to learn more about the link that's been discovered.

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Would You Risk Your Own Health For a Baby?

babysugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:00:12 -0700

My dad recently asked me what I considered the most important thing in my life. I answered my family - my daughter and husband. I wasn't too surprised when he said his was his health as he's a doctor. "Mine is health because without my health, I couldn't take care of a family or exist for it," he said. I said that no matter the state of MY health, I would still wish my loved ones good fortune.

A daughter of a cancer survivor, actress Christina Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer. A rumored report said that the 36–year–old wants a family so badly that she's willing to put off chemotherapy treatment in an effort to have a baby. I am sure there are medical advantages, if not certainties, to having a child before undergoing cancer treatments; But, I can't imagine having cancer and not wanting to rid my body of it.

Even though my dad and I disagree on our priorities, I think being a healthy and active mother to a newborn is important. If you were 36 and diagnosed with cancer, would you choose to go though therapy or pregnancy first?
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Politics or Show Biz For Your Kids?

babysugar — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:00:35 -0800

Breast cancer is a cause near and dear to her heart, so Desperate Housewives's actress Marcia Cross has been putting her efforts into fighting for rights for women recuperating from mastectomies.

The Melrose Place veteran is using her star power to bring attention to a 12–year–old bill that would grant patients 48 hours to recover after their surgery. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia – you look good behind that podium!

When asked about her twin girls' future in show business or politics, she was very clear about her wishes for them. She told People,

I wouldn't actually want them to go into show business, but politics?" she pondered. "Maybe. Hmm. Senator Mahoney. President Mahoney. If they want to, I'll be there for them.

Which career path would you choose for your children?

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Odd or Endearing: Ailing Father Drink's Daughter's Breast Milk?

LilSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:48 -0700

Georgia Browne's breast milk benefits both her son and her father. While young Monty is the obvious recipient, the new mother also offered the liquid gold to her dad Tim who has terminal cancer after she found research suggesting that mother's milk helps kill cancer cells. She said:

‘It feels like I’m doing the most natural thing for the people I love. 'I’ve been there when he has drunk it and it’s just not an issue. 'Not many women can say their dad drinks their breastmilk. But I would do anything to give my dad more time with me, our family and Monty.’

Source

What to Expect at Your Postpartum Checkup

LilSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0700

Mamas wait for what seems like an eternity for their babies, so when they finally arrive it's a big relief. There's another wonderful thing that comes with holding the warm bundle of joy, clearing your calendar of prenatal appointments! But, before women can pencil in other activities, they need to go in for their six week postpartum checkup. Here's what to expect during the visit:

A thorough pelvic exam, including a pap smear, an examination of any episiotomy, vaginal tear, or C-section scar healing and a check of the uterus's return to its prepregnancy size.
A breast exam including a breast cancer screening and checks for infections and abscess that may result from breastfeeding.
Blood work to check for anemia or thyroid issues.
A mental health evaluation to screen for postpartum depression and determine the mother's overall well-being.
A discussion about birth control options. Depending on a woman's breastfeeding goals and her plans for subsequent children, her contraceptive options may vary from her prepregnancy ones. Be sure to discuss all options with your doctor.
Clearance for postpartum sexual activity. Many husbands view the six-week postpartum checkup as the green light for resuming sexual activity. If your doctor does say it is OK to proceed, discuss any tips she might have to get you started again.

Sheryl Crow Rocks, Rolls and Is Raising a Lil Humanitarian

babysugar — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:00:18 -0700

For all the fame and fortune that has come her way, mama Sheryl Crow seems to keep a modest head on her very sculpted shoulders. Mother to adorable two-year-old Wyatt, the talented crooner has overcome quite a few obstacles in the public eye while maintaining a genuine smile and staying true to herself. On her biggest parenting task, she said:

I know I have a responsibility... As a mom, the biggest thrill for me, but most humbling role is raising my kid as a humanitarian. I want him to grow up feeling he can do something for people less fortunate.

By attending events like "Stamp Out Violence" and publicly speaking out on breast cancer, the philanthropic rock star is practicing what she preaches. By the time he enters school, lil Wyatt may be singing, "All I wanna do is volunteer."

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Lil Links: Did Gwen Stefani Steal Her Son's Name?

LilSugar — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:00:58 -0700

Is Gwen Stefani a baby namenapper? - Celebrity Baby Scoop
Moby spout cover from Skip Hop - Cookie
How do you disguise bad words? - Celebrity Baby Blog
Getting by - looking for a job while pregnant - CafeMom
Younger women with breast cancer face added peril - Health
Kids digital camera reviews: the good, the bad and the blurry! - Alpha Mom
Monkey mamas give into tantrums too - ParentDish
Light drinking during pregnancy, is it ok? - The Mommy Files
The first entry of the bowl cut hair contest is here! - The Poop

Pacific Coast News

Wonder Woman: Gwyneth Paltrow

LilSugar — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 06:00:01 -0800

Oscar winner, fashion icon, women's health advocate and rock star wife, Gwyneth Paltrow juggles her many roles on a daily basis. Famously known for avoiding the red carpet with her husband, Coldplay front man Chris Martin, this wonder woman lives the jetset lifestyle - splitting her time between homes in London and New York. Among her charitable causes are the Robin Hood Foundation that fights poverty in NYC and breast cancer research, to which she donates an annual minimum of $500,000 from the sales of her Estee Lauder fragrance.

Mama to Apple, 4, and Moses, 2, Paltrow recently espoused on the age old dilemma of how working moms can be their best at home, at the office and for themselves in the latest edition of her e-newsletter, Goop.

To see her advice and pictures of Gwyneth with her tots, read more.

She said:

...it has been my personal experience (both as a child and a mother) that children are like little radios picking up our frequency. They know the real truth about what we are feeling versus what we are presenting and it is incredibly isolating to find a major discrepancy between the two. When in my grown-up sphere I am confronted with disappointment or my own intolerance and a bad mood to boot, I often name what is going on (in other words, I say, "Mommy is having a hard day, and I am feeling upset") so that the very mundane human “bad” feelings do not turn into some grim phantom in the room with me. Sometimes I don’t have the maturity in the moment, and when it fails me, I apologize at bedtime when my children and I are having a talk. I have felt my daughter’s whole body sigh in relief when I have simply and very specifically voiced regretting my own behavior.

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Source and Source and Source and Pacific Coast News

Would You Have Your Child Tested?

babysugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:00:04 -0700

If you had a crystal ball and could look into your child's future and know the probability of her developing breast or ovarian cancer, would you do it? If your answer is "yes," some of your curiosity could be satisfied.

There's a test in the medical community that tells a person if he or she is a carrier of the BRCA mutation, which can indicate a higher likelihood of cancer in the future. Estimated to cost about $3,000, the test is not something every family can afford. Price aside, many families may opt not to take the test, as it could put undue pressure or worry on a youngster who might otherwise lead a happy, carefree life. On the flip side, there might be potential benefits to knowing what a person's chances are for developing such a horrific illness. Having found out they have a higher chance of developing cancer, some people choose to avoid birth control or smoking, as both could potentially increase the likelihood of testing positive.

A moral dilemma arrives when parents make that choice for their minors, giving them no say in the matter. Tell me, if you had free access to such a test for your child, would you do it?
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Lil Links: Impress Your Holiday Guests With Snowglobe Soap

LilSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:00:22 -0800

Make some festive snowglobe soaps to impress your holiday guests - Alpha Mom
Can we ever get enough of these Beckham boys? - Celebrity Baby Blog
Guess who's the cutest lil baker in Tinseltown? - Celebrity Baby Scoop
A mother's New Year's resolution - Fit Pregnancy
Printable gift tags, last-minute gifts, music, and more! - CafeMom
Couple uses IVF to prevent passing breast cancer gene - Parent Dish
About a boy (and his dog) - The Poop