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These infections are caused by one or more types of bacteria invading the bladder, urethra, or other parts of the urinary tract. Common UTI symptoms include a burning sensation on urinating and frequent urination. Backache and fever may also accompany the infection. Doctors say that at least 50 percent of all women will contract a bladder infection, sooner or later. Here are several expert recommendations for reducing the discomfort of UTI.

1) Drink a lot of water or juices— urologists say you should drink plenty of fluids— water and juices—to flush out the bacteria that are causing the inflammation. While there’s no conclusive evidence, some recent studies suggest that cranberry juice may indeed be an effective treatment for UTI.

2) Avoid coffee, tea and alcohol—these fluids may irritate the urinary tract.

3) Soaking in a hot bath— many women find this a good way to get relief from UTI.

4) Try an anti-inflammation drug— both aspirin and ibuprofen may help to reduce the inflammation in the bladder.

5) Get more vitamin C in your system— some doctors say that large doses of vitamin C can acidify the urine enough to disrupt the growth of bacteria. Before you begin taking vitamin C as a treatment for UTI, you should get your doctor’s approval.

6) Urinate before intercourse— an empty bladder can reduce the likelihood of irritation in the pelvis by allowing more space. It also helps get rid of bacteria that may be present in the vagina.

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One of the most important decisions a. mother makes in the months preceding her baby’s birth is how she will feed her baby. According to medical childcare experts, more and more mothers these days are choosing to breast feed. The decision seems to be a wise one because the American Academy of Pediatrics has labeled breastmilk as the “perfect” food for a baby during the first year of life. Moreover, breast milk is easy for the baby to digest, and it provides antibodies until the baby’s body can make them on its own. Breastfeeding also provides a special closeness for mother and baby, and it helps restore the uterus to pre-pregnancy size.

Here are several things a mother can do to ensure successful breastfeeding:

1) Go to breastfeeding classes before the baby is born.

2) Try to nurse the baby as soon as possible in the delivery room. Research shows that babies who begin nursing almost immediately after delivery are more successful at breastfeeding.

3) Nurse your baby as often as 8 to 12 times a day for the first few weeks, and let the baby nurse as long as he or she wants. The more a baby nurses, the more milk a mother will provide.

4) Allow the baby to nurse from both breasts during each feeding. Nurse on one side until it appears the baby is losing interest, then offer your baby the other breast.

The next time you feed your baby, begin with the side you ended with the time before.

5) Don’t give your baby supplemental bottles or a pacifier until you have been nursing successfully for more than three weeks and the baby is gaining weight.

6) The key to success for any breastfeeding mother is to pay attention to her baby, and having the support of those around her in her decision to breastfeed. Some experts even recommend joining breastfeeding support groups.

Any prospective mother considering breastfeeding her baby should consult a pediatrician who is supportive of breastfeeding and can help with any questions or problems that might arise.

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