| How to Treat Mastitis Posted: 20 May 2018 05:00 PM PDT Mastitis is a common condition in breastfeeding women. This condition can be caused by tight clothing, missed feedings, poor alveolus drainage, or an infection. It usually only affects 1 breast at a time and results in a breast that is sore, hard, and red. This can make breastfeeding and pumping very uncomfortable, and some women may even give up on breastfeeding as a result. If you get mastitis, there are several things you can do to treat it. Contact your doctor first of all since mastitis may cause an infection that requires medical treatment. Then, follow your doctor's instructions for self-care and pain management. EditSeeking Medical Help - Call your doctor right away if you suspect mastitis. Mastitis is a medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, the condition may worsen and lead to a serious, whole-body infection, which could require hospitalization to treat. Call your doctor if you notice symptoms of mastitis including:[1]
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- A red, painful, hard lump on your breast
- Body aches
- Chills
- Rapid heart rate
- Malaise
- Red streaks and shiny skin on your breast[2]
- Burning sensation during breastfeeding or at other times
- White discharge coming from your nipples, sometimes tinged with blood.[3]
- Ask your doctor about diagnostic testing. If you suspect mastitis, your doctor will be able to perform diagnostic tests and reviews to make sure you are treating the right problem. Generally, diagnosis for mastitis includes a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests such as culture or sensitivity.[4]
- Often, a diagnosis can be made without having to do a full culture.
- Take the full course of prescribed antibiotics. Your doctor will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear the infection. Take the full course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. Not finishing the antibiotics may make it harder to treat any future infections you get.
- The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for mastitis include dicloxacillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and cephalexin. Take the antibiotics over the course of 10 to 14 days as instructed by your doctor. If the first course of antibiotics does not clear the infection, then your doctor may order a stronger antibiotic.[5]
- A small amount of the antibiotic may get into your breast milk. Check with your doctor or midwife to ensure that the antibiotic is safe for breastfeeding. In most cases, the antibiotic will only cause some mild loose stools in your baby, but this should go away after you complete the course of antibiotics.[6]
- Get an ultrasound to rule out an abscess. In some cases, mastitis may progress and create an abscess in your breast. When this happens, your doctor may need to drain and irrigate the abscess. If your doctor suspects an abscess, they may order an ultrasound of your breast to check for one.[7]
EditUsing Self-Care Measures - Breastfeed your baby as often as possible. Keeping milk flowing through your breasts will help to clear the infection and reduce your discomfort. Breastfeed your baby as often as possible starting each feeding with the affected breast. Do not worry about the milk harming your baby. Your breast milk is safe for your baby to drink even if you have an infection.[8]
- If you are not able to breastfeed, then pump or hand express some milk instead.
- Proper positioning during breastfeeding is also important to ensure that your breasts are being emptied fully. Ask your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant for advice on how to properly position your baby during breastfeeding.
- Get plenty of sleep and rest. Recovering from mastitis requires lots of rest.[9] If possible, take some time off from work to catch up on your sleep. Ask your partner to take over some of your household tasks until you feel better. You may also want to have a trusted friend or family member help you with childcare so that you can get a nap during the day.
- Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated will help your body to fight the infection and it will also help to ensure that you can keep up with your little one's breastfeeding demands. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.[10]
- Use over-the-counter pain medications. Mastitis can be very painful, but the pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or paracetamol (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil). Follow the dosing instructions on the package or ask your doctor for dosing instructions.
- Do not take aspirin while you are breastfeeding. This medication passes through to the breast milk and it is not safe for your baby.[11]
EditSoothing Sore Breasts - Take warm showers. The warm water will feel good on your breasts and it may also help to clear any clogged ducts. Take a warm shower daily and let the water run over your breasts.[12]
- You could also take a warm bath and immerse your breasts in the water to help soothe them.
- Apply warm compresses. Warm compresses may help to ease pain in your breasts throughout the day and loosen clogged ducts. Take a clean cloth and hold it under warm running water. Then, wring the excess water from the cloth and place the warm cloth over the sore area of your breast. Leave the compress on until it cools down. Repeat as needed during the day.[13]
- Place a green cabbage leaf in your bra. Cold, raw green cabbage leaves can help to soothe engorged breasts by reducing the engorgement. Get a head of cabbage and remove one of the leaves. Then, insert the cabbage leaf into your bra so that it is cradling your breast. Leave the leaf there until it is no longer cold. Repeat as often as needed.[14]
- Wear loose fitting clothing. Tight bras and tops will only irritate your already tender breasts. Instead, wear loose, comfortable bras or camisoles and tops while you are dealing with mastitis.[15]
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| How to Make a Chinese Paper Lantern Posted: 20 May 2018 09:00 AM PDT Chinese paper lanterns have a long tradition, dating back to the Eastern Han dynasty, when they were used to worship Buddha. Now, they are used during the Lantern Festival to celebrate the last day of Chinese New Year.[1] Making your own lantern is easy, and while it won't light up, it can be just as pretty and unique as a traditional light-up lantern. EditCreating a Simple Lantern - Get a sheet of construction paper. The exact size does not matter, but it needs to be rectangular. Something around would be good, though.
- For a traditional lantern, choose red paper.
- If you want a less-traditional lantern, you can pick a different color.
- Cut a strip from 1 of the short ends. Use a pencil and ruler to draw a line going across the width of the paper, from the 1 of the short edges. Cut the strip off with scissors, then set it aside.[2]
- This will eventually make the lantern's handle.
- For a longer handle, cut the strip from 1 of the long edges instead.
- Fold the paper in half lengthwise. This is also known as the "hot dog" fold. Make sure that the long edges match up. Keep the paper folded; do not open it up.[3]
- Run your fingernail back and forth across the folded edge to make it nice and sharp.
- Cut slits into the fold, stopping from the raw edge. Draw a horizontal line across the length of your paper, from the top, raw edge. Next, cut slits into the bottom, folded edge. Make each slit the same with, and don't cut past the horizontal line that you drew.[4]
- Make the slits about apart. Start and finish the slits from the left and right edges of the paper.
- Erase any pencil marks that you made once you have finished cutting the paper.
- Unfold the paper, roll it into a cylinder, then staple it. Unfold the paper first. Bring the narrow ends together, then overlap them by to form a cylinder. Staple the overlapped ends at the top and bottom to hold the cylinder together.[5]
- Make sure that the folded crease is sticking out, not in. If you were to squash the lantern between your hands, the slits should flare out like a daisy.
- You can also use a glue stick to hold the lantern together, but you'll have to secure the paper with clips until the glue dries.
- Staple both ends of the strip to the top of the lantern. Take the strip that you cut off earlier. Place 1 end against the top edge of the lantern. Overlap it by about and staple it in place. Bring the other end to the opposite side of the lantern, overlap it by another , and staple it as well.[6]
- Make sure that you are stapling both ends of the handle to the top of the lantern--not the top and bottom. They should be across from each other.
- For a nicer finish, put the ends of the handle on the inside of the lantern.
- You can use a glue stick or tacky glue for this step, but you'll need to clip them in place until the glue dries.
EditMaking a 2-Tone Lantern - Get 2 pieces of paper that are 2 different colors. One of the colors will go on the outside of the lantern, while the other color will go on the inside. Construction paper will work the best, but you can use cardstock as well.
- For a traditional lantern, use red for the outside of the lantern and gold for the inside.[7]
- You can also use red paper for the outside, and yellow for the inside.
- Cut a strip from the short edge of each paper. Use a pencil and ruler to draw a line going across the width of your first sheet of paper, from 1 of the short ends. Cut the strip off, then set it aside. Repeat this step with the second sheet of paper.[8]
- When you are done, you should have 2 sheets of construction paper and two wide strips.
- Cut two strips from the long edge of 1 sheet. Choose 1 of the sheets of construction paper to go on the inside of your lantern. Cut two wide strips from 1 of the long edges. Set these strips aside for later.[9]
- Don't cut a wide strip. This may seem like a time-saver, but it will just create more work later on.
- Don't cut the other sheet of construction paper. You want to keep that sheet at full-size.
- Use a ruler and a pencil to draw guidelines for cutting, if needed.
- Overlap the short ends to form a cylinder, then glue or staple them. Take your sheet of paper that you just cut. Bring the short ends together and overlap them by about to create a tube. Staple the tube at the top and bottom edges of the seam to hold it together, then set it aside.[10]
- You can use a glue stick as well. Use clips to hold the paper together until the glue dries.
- Fold the larger piece of paper in half, hot dog style. Take your second sheet of construction paper--the sheet that you want to be on the outside of the lantern. Fold it in half lengthwise or hot dog style so that the long edges match up.[11]
- Run your fingernail along the folded edge a few times to make it neater.
- Cut slits into the fold, stopping from the top. Use a ruler and a pencil to draw a horizontal line across the length of your paper first, below the top, raw edge. Next, cut vertical slits into the bottom, folded edge of the paper, stopping at this horizontal line.[12]
- Make the first and last slits from the left and right edges of the paper. Make all of the other slits about apart as well.
- Do not cut past the horizontal line or into the folded edge.
- If you need to, draw cutting guides for the slits. Be sure to erase any pencil marks once you have finished.
- Unfold your paper and form it into a cylinder as well. Open up your paper first. Bring the narrow ends together, then overlap them by to form a tube. Staple the seam at the top and bottom to hold it together.[13]
- Make sure that this tube is big enough to slide over the first tube that you made.
- You can use glue instead of staples. Clip the tube together until the glue dries.
- The crease needs to be sticking out, not in. If you were to squash the lantern, the fringe should flare out.
- Tuck the first cylinder into the second one, then staple the top edges. Take the first tube that you made, and slide it into the second tube. Align the top edges, then secure them with tape, staples, or glue.
- The outer tube will be longer than the inner tube. The next step will resolve this.
- The tube with the fringe cut into it should be on the outside.
- Make sure that the side seams align for an even nicer finish.
- Align and staple the bottom edges of both lanterns together. Push the bottom edge of the outer lantern until it aligns with the bottom edge of the inner lantern. Secure the bottom edges of both lanterns with glue or staples, like before.[14]
- This should cause the outer lantern to flare out so that you can see the inner lantern.
- Use 1 of the shorter strips to make a handle. Take 1 of the shorter strips that you cut from the beginning. Staple both ends to the top of your lantern to create a handle, making sure to overlap them by .[15]
- It does not matter which color of strip you use for this step. You can use the strip that matches the outer lantern, or the strip that matches the inner lantern.
- It doesn't matter if you add the handle to the outside or inside of the lantern. The next step will cover it up.
- Wrap the longer strips around the top and bottom edges. Take 1 of the long strips that you cut off from your inner lantern. Coat the back of the strip with glue, then wrap it around the top of your lantern, making sure that the edges align. Repeat this step with the second strip for the bottom edge.[16]
- For a fancier lantern, use scalloped scissors to cut the slits. You can also alternate the width of the slits by making some narrower.[17]
- Decorate your lantern with glitter glue or sequins. You can do this for the strips and/or the top and bottom edges.
- Wrap patterned washi tape around the top and bottom edges of your lantern for a nicer finish. You can also use ribbon or strips of scrapbooking paper instead.
- Cut paper streamers into lengths, then glue them to the inside, bottom edge of your lantern.
- For a more traditional look, hang the lantern to your ceiling or a stick with a piece of string.[18]
- You can hang these lanterns outside, but don't let them get wet, otherwise they will get ruined.
EditThings You'll Need - Construction paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Stapler
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| How to Handle a Kitten Posted: 20 May 2018 01:00 AM PDT Kittens are small and delicate creatures, and handling these fluffballs requires more care and gentleness than many other animals. You can bond with a kitten and gain its trust by petting it, playing with it, and holding it. Interacting with kittens who are older than 2 weeks is easy and can be a fun experience for all animal lovers! EditPicking Up a Kitten - Be gentle and patient when picking up the kitten. Kittens are very small and fragile, so make sure you're using a very light touch and gentle care. If the kitten shows signs that it doesn't want to be touched, like avoiding your touch or running from your hand, leave it alone and try again at a later time.[1]
- Watch out for the mother cat, who may not want anyone handling her kittens. She may bite or scratch people to prevent them from touching the kittens.
- Children under the age of 5 shouldn't handle kittens as they can be unknowingly rough with the kittens.[2]
- Approach the kitten from the side. This will help you avoid scaring the kitten as it is resting or playing. Make sure it sees you coming and is okay with being touched or held. If it's an emergency, you might have to approach quickly to touch the cat, but be careful not to frighten it.[3]
- Talk to the cat in a calm and quiet voice as you approach it, which will let the kitten know that you are there.
- Place your dominant hand palm-up below the kitten. Your hand will provide the support for the kitten. As you place your hand under it, let it get used to you and smell your hand.[4]
- Never pick up a kitten from its scruff. This can cause issues with the kitten's neck and damage their hind legs because it is not secure.
- Secure the kitten by curling your fingers around their body. Keep your grip soft but firm so that you won't drop it. You should curl your hand so that four fingers wrap around its chest and your thumb completes the circle from the other side.[5]
- Use your other hand to secure its hind legs. This hand should also be palm-up and securely under the kitten's belly. You might find it helpful to cup the kitten's hind legs so it isn't dangling in the air as you lift it.[6]
- Using both hands will help the kitten to feel secure and keep it from trying to escape your hands as you hold it.
- Hold the kitten to your chest. Bring the kitten up to your chest slowly and allow it to rest there for a moment. You can place the kitten on your skin or just hold it near your chest. This gives you extra control and allows the kitten to get used to your scent and the feeling of being held.[7]
- As it's resting against your chest, you can pet its back or head with one of your fingers, or just let it get used to your presence.
- The heat from your body can also help the kitten to feel more relaxed as you hold it.
- Put the kitten down when it begins to squirm or resist being touched. Kittens are usually very vocal when they don't want to be handled. Squirming, crying meows and scratching are all signs that the kitten wants to be put down. Gently move your hands to the floor and release the kitten from your grasp to avoid dropping it.[8]
- Remember that kittens have sharp claws and will naturally scratch if they feel threatened.
- Try sitting down to pick up the kitten if it's squirming. Sitting down will allow you to be closer to where the kitten is and lessens the chance of you dropping a squirmy kitten. Sometimes, sitting down will encourage the kitten to come to you by crawling into your lap or onto your hands.[9]
- Being at ground-level is a good way to get kittens used to your presence without seeming threatening or scary. Remember, you're a lot bigger than the kitten is so it might be scared!
EditSocializing Your Kitten - Allow your kitten to explore its surroundings. When you first get your kitten, it can be tempting to never let it out of your sight. However, kittens are natural explorers, and the sooner you let it get used to its surroundings, the sooner it'll feel comfortable in its new home. Keep an eye on it at first, especially if it's very small. Once you're sure that there's nothing that could hurt or trap the kitten, you can let it explore alone.[10]
- A great way to do this is by leaving doors open to new rooms after removing anything that could harm a tiny kitten. Letting the kitten explore its new surroundings on its own accord will lessen the stress of moving to a new home!
- Before letting a kitten loose in the room, make sure all wires are covered and taped away.
- Remove anything unhealthy from the room so the kitten doesn't accidentally chew on it. This could include toxic plants, strings, yarn, rubber bands, ribbon, electrical cords, cords from blinds, and small objects that could choke the kitten. You should also do your best to block or remove areas that could trap the kitten, such as gaps under or between furniture.
- Make sure there aren't any holes in the wall that the kitten could crawl into.
- Socialize your kitten with food and treats. Be careful when touching a kitten while it eats, as it may be protective of its food, especially if there are other cats or kittens in the home. Start by gently touching its back while it eats to get it used to you being there. After a while, put some food in your hand or on a spoon and let it eat from there.[11]
- This is especially useful for very shy kittens who haven't had much experience around humans.
- You can also use baby food in turkey, chicken, or beef flavors on your finger to entice the kitten to interact with you during feeding time. You should only use a small amount, however, such as the amount that fits on your fingertip. Otherwise, you may be overfeeding the kitten or could upset its stomach.
- Play with the kitten every day using toys and treats. There are plenty of ways to bond with your cat, but one of the most fun and entertaining ways is through play. Encouraging it to "chase" or "hunt" a cat toy or feather can show it that you're not going to hurt or scare it. Avoid leaving the cat alone with toys that have long pieces of string, as they can get tangled in the string and suffocate.[12]
- You can reward your kitten for playing nicely after a few minutes by giving it a small piece of food.
- Aim to play for about 15 minutes at a time each day, about 2-3 times per day, to avoid getting it too tired but still keeping it engaged.
- Pet your kitten's head and back lightly as it is lying down. Using your pointer finger or the back of your hand, gently smooth the fur of the kitten along its head and back. This gets the kitten used to your touch and shows it that you're gentle. Make sure to approach slowly and quietly so you don't startle the kitten![13]
- If the kitten is sleeping, don't disturb it! Only pet the kitten when it's resting but still awake.
- This is especially useful for cats who might be skittish or frightened by humans because it gets the kitten used to your touch.
- Waiting until the kitten is resting allows you to approach it quietly and calmly.
EditCaring for Your Kitten - Allow newborn kittens to bond with their mother for at least 8 weeks. You should never separate a kitten from its mother and littermates before it is 8 weeks old because this time is crucial for the socialization of the kitten. It allows the mother to care for the kittens and teach them survival skills.[14]
- Time with its mother is crucial for the kitten to learn how to be a cat. This includes learning how to curtail its hunter instinct when necessary to limit aggressive behavior.
- Kittens who are removed from their mothers before this age can exhibit aggression, litter training issues, and have trouble eating.
- If you find a kitten that has been orphaned by its mother, you can care for the orphan by feeding it with a bottle and keeping it warm, which can save its life.
- Create a safe, warm area for your kitten to sleep and rest. Many people use boxes or small pet beds to give their kitten a place to relax and nap. Kittens need to be kept warm because they're small, so include a small blanket, towel, or t-shirt and a hot water bottle for it to cuddle with.[15]
- Try not to disturb your kitten when it's sleeping because good sleep is important for its growth. If you want to pet your kitten while it's lying down, be sure to check that it's awake first!
- Make sure your kitten has plenty of time to rest at night and during the day!
- Make sure your kitten always has access to food and water. Kittens are growing animals and need food and water to be healthy and happy. Have a small bowl of water on the ground for the kitten and refresh it with new water every day. Leave a bowl of food on the ground as well, and refill it as needed when it is empty.[16]
- As your kitten grows up, you can move to feeding it only twice a day because it will need less food and only eat when it's hungry.
- Keep the food and water bowls in the same location to teach your kitten to eat and drink in those places only.
- Clean the bowls in warm, soapy water once a week. Make sure they are rinsed and dry before you refill them.
- Groom your kitten regularly by using a brush. Grooming your kitten once per week while it's young will get it used to being touched and handled. Gently run a brush over its back and the top of its head while it is lying down or sitting.[17]
- Each time you groom the kitten, let it smell and get used to the brush before you touch the brush to its fur.
- Talk softly and quietly around kittens. When they are very young, kittens have sensitive ears and can be scared by loud noises and unexpected sounds. Try to whisper to other people or talking in a slow and soothing voice to your kittens. Always remain positive when talking to it, as a harsh tone can cause it to become anxious.[18]
- After the kitten gets a little older, you can use a normal volume.
- You can get kittens used to noise by turning on a TV or radio to play softly in the background all day. If you leave home during the day, this can get your kitten used to regular noises and the sound of people talking.[19]
- Cover potential hiding places under furniture or in tight spaces that could be dangerous. At first, your tiny kitten might want to run and hide in a place where it feels safe. Allow it to explore in rooms that have been kitten-proofed with nowhere to get stuck, trapped, or lost. As your kitten grows up, you can remove these barriers because there is less of a chance of it getting trapped![20]
- You can block off cracks under furniture using folded towels or t-shirts.
- It might also be helpful to put up barricades to keep your kitten in one room as it's getting used to its new home.
- Touching the kitten's paws will prepare it for having its claws trimmed in the future. Gently touch the paws with your pointer finger at first to get it used to having its paws handled.
- Never hold a kitten that is younger than 2 weeks old as it can be stressful for the kitten.
- If you don't own the kitten, always ask the owner before handling or picking up the kitten to make sure it's okay.
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