The Best Breastfeeding Positions

Changing positions aids improve breast drainage

Changing positions during the day will help drain all the quadrants of your breasts and prevent plugging or poor drainage. The portion of your chest that your baby’s chin is pointing to receives the strongest pull and waste during the feeding. Spinning your baby into a different position at each food is suggested, particularly for the 1st week or two, while you and your darling are education to breastfeed and you are structure up confidence in your technique.

Whatever position you decide on for the feeding, your baby must always be facing on to your body-baby’s knees, tummy, and chest should meet your body. Baby’s arms must be opened wide and spread around your breast. Use many pillows to support your baby, your arms and your back. Footstools are useful and stop strain on your back and muscle tension. Some mothers like to use a breastfeeding pillow, available to be used with one baby or multiples. Members of the family and friends can facilitate adjust the pads for support during feedings. Take care to require advantage of all the help available. Also, be guaranteed to keep a large container of fresh water within reach. Thus you usually have something to drink while you’re breastfeeding.

Here are some recommended positions to do. You and your baby can eventually find your preferred positions. Initially, learn the cross-cradle, cradle and football positions; these positions give you the most control of your breast and also the baby’s head-the secret to correct positioning.

The football hold

This is a comfortable position to use instantly once a cesarean section delivery as a result of the baby is positioned away from your incision.

Sit up supported by pillows and footstool if required.
Babe sits on a pillow at your side.
Baby’s body is turned towards you, therefore his/her knees, tummy, and chest face your body.
Baby’s arms are spread wide around your breast.
When nursing the right breast, you may hold your chest with your left hand in a “C” hold, shaping your nipple and areola into a sandwich for baby to know.
Your right hand is around your baby’s neck, supporting the base of his/her head, your arm supporting his/her back, keeping the baby’s body close to you.
Reverse your hands for nursing the left breast.
The modified football hold
Sit up supported by pillows and footstool, if needed.
Baby lies on a pillow at your aspect.
Baby’s body is turned towards you and wrapped around your body.
Baby’s knees, tummy, and chest face your body.
Baby’s arms are spread wide around your breast.
The hand support for your breast and your baby’s head are similar as in football; reverse for opposite breast.
The cross-cradle hold
This position is advantageous within the early days of breastfeeding because your breast, and also the baby’s head and body, are well supported.

It’s also shown to be successful for preterm babies who want further support and head control.

Sit up supported by cushions and footstool, if desired.
Babe lies across the front of your body supported on pillows.
Baby’s knees, tummy, and chest are facing your body.
Baby’s arms are spread wide around your breast.
Baby’s eyes are looking up towards your face (and shoulder).
When nursing the right breast, you can hold the breast in your right hand in a “U” hold, shaping your breast and areola into a sandwich for baby to grasp.
Your left hand will be about baby’s neck, supporting the base of his/her head while your arm supports his/her back, keeping the baby’s body close to you.
Reverse your hands for breastfeeding the left breast.
The cradle hold
This position is optional after you and the baby are latching without difficulties, and baby needs little guidance from you.

Sit up support pillows and footstool, if needed.
Baby lays crossway the front of your body supported on pillows baby’s knees, tummy and chest are facing your body.
Baby’s arms are spread wide about your breast.
Baby’s eyes are looking up towards your face (and shoulder).
When nursing the right breast, you will hold the breast in your left hand in a “U” Hold, shaping the breast and areola into a sandwich for baby to grasp.
Your right forearm supports Baby’s head with your hand supporting baby’s bottom. You will use your forearm to guide your baby onto your breast (placing baby’s head in the “crook” of your arm often puts baby’s mouth far to the side and at the wrong angle to latch onto your breast).
Reverse your hands for nursing the left breast.
Traditional side-lying
Lie entirely on your side, knees bent, supported by pillows between your knees, behind your back, and under your head (body pillows are great support).

Baby lies on his/her side with tummy, knees, and chest facing your body, lower arm tucked under your breast, top arm on top of your breast.
Baby’s face is looking at your breast with his/her mouth near with your nipple.
Baby’s body is horizontal level to your body with his/her feet point towards the bottom of the bed.
If the baby’s mouth is under your nipple, place a closed towel or baby blanket below baby’s head to boost baby’s mouth to your tit.
You should place a tightly rolled towel or blanket behind your baby to stay baby from going onto his/her back.
When nursing the right breast, you will hold your breast with your left hand in a “C” hold, shaping your breast and areola into a sandwich for baby to grasp.
Your right arm will form an outline around your baby’s body on the bed and will guide the baby onto your breast.
Turn onto your left side and opposite the positions for breastfeeding the left breast.
Upside down side-lying
Follow the directions for traditional side lying, but your bottom arm is raised up and positioned above your head along with your pillow.

Baby lies on his/her aspect with tummy, knees, and chest facing your body, his/her lower arm tucked below your breast, baby’s top arm on top of your breast.
Baby’s face is viewing your breast with his/her mouth level with your tit.
Babe’s body is horizontal to your body with his/her feet pointing towards the highest of your bed.
If the baby’s mouth is below your tit, place a folded towel or baby blanket below your baby’s head.
You could put a tightly rolled towel or baby blanket behind your baby to stay baby from going onto his/her back.
When nursing the right breast, you’ll hold your breast with your left hand in “C” hold, shaping the breast and areola into a sandwich for your baby to know while your lower arm is up and under your pillow.
This is a useful position to empty the top quadrants of your breast and should be very comfortable once a cesarean delivery if your tummy is sore and swollen.
You may want to facilitate with putting your baby into this position and keeping baby shut throughout the feeding.
Turn onto your left side and reverse the hands for nursing the left breast.
Prone position
This position will be helpful if you feel that your milk flow is just too quick or too forceful for your baby. Gravity slows down the stream.

Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and used pillows too and support your head.
Baby lies on your tummy trying down at your breast; arms spread wide around your breast.
An alternative is to put your baby on his/her tummy, lying on pillows at your aspect with his/her face looking down at your breast and baby’s arms spread wide around your breast.

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MBAs in the Internet Industry – Part 2

In the first post of this article “Reasons for an MBA graduate to go into the Internet industry… Are there any?” I discussed mainly the current difficulties and drawbacks that exist today for an MBA Graduate that chooses to go into the Internet Industry. There were many reasons against making this choice, the most relevant being: There is not an MBA culture in this industry, there’s no hiring expertise and programs for MBA’s, salaries are lower and there are very few positions available (big companies recruit very little and smaller companies don’t even consider it).The question here is obvious for an MBA graduate considering this in this field:
Why would I choose an industry where there is no culture at all, my title isn’t recognized like in many other industries, there are much less positions available and on top of that, salaries are lower?Although with this outlook the Internet industry might seem very unattractive, there’s always another side of things. We MBA’s also have our advantages in this industry… and some are very powerful indeed…When less (in the industry) means more (opportunities)As mentioned in the first part of this posting, comparatively there are very few MBA’s in the internet industry. This was first seen as a bad thing, because being less means less people are able to recognize the value of an MBA Graduate, and also means lower salaries…. But it can also be seen as a good thing. Less MBA’s in the industry means there is less competition. There will be less people in the industry with the same set of skills that your MBA gave you, and that’s quite an advantage. It could be a drawback in the short run that turns into an advantage on the long run. Later in your career when it comes to Top Management positions, it doesn’t matter how good the leading technician was at programming, if you don’t have the skills to manage people or have direct P&L responsibility for example, you won’t get promoted. Guess who will be in a better position to get a promotion at that point…A different angle on thingsMBA’s have (or at least should have) the ability to see a business opportunity faster than average. The knowledge acquired during the MBA gives you the tools to look at one market/industry and study it, dissect it, analyze its competitive landscape and see things in a different perspective. These tools should be an advantage to spot business opportunities that currently people within the industry haven’t seen.Fundraising… our biggest assetEven great ideas need proper funding to get started. If you look at the greatest achievements in the Internet Industry (let’s say Amazon, Google, Yahoo and Microsoft for example) their founders were not only great programmers but also, and maybe even more important, great businessmen. Everyday millions of software developers, programmers and people in this industry come up with great ideas, brilliant ideas that never materialize because lack of proper business planning and access to capital. Being an MBA gives you the necessary knowledge in accounting, finance, HR and Marketing to create a strong and coherent business plan to be used for fundraising. MBA’s have also the required tools to discuss head to head ROI’s, Marketing Ideas, cash flows and competitive strategies with Private Equity Firms, Business angels, banks and the like. In a young industry like this one, where most of innovations come from small start-ups with little capital, this is a skill that can be very valuableMarketing… a very valuable skill to have in this industryOn the early days of Internet most of the biggest success stories (Napster, Google, eBay, etc) didn’t have to rely on traditional marketing strategies to be successful. Most built their initial success on word of mouth and viral marketing because the innovation they brought to the market was so significant that almost nothing else was needed. Nowadays, most of the marketing for companies related to the Internet industry is still online marketing (SEM, SEO, Social Networking, Blogging, etc), and still dominated by webmasters and programmers. Nevertheless, in my opinion this is changing and at a fast pace. Online marketing is still marketing at the end of the day and should be managed by someone with the right marketing mindset, not a programmer or a webmaster. Increasing competition in this area means more professional management will be needed. MBA’s that enter the industry now, will have in some years the necessary experience when this change materializes. The days where you can have an amazing new idea and it builds itself into a multimillion company just trough word of mouth are over (or very close to be over, there are still “Facebook’s” and “MySpace’s” kind of companies that arise every now and then). Now, new Internet companies need more professional marketing strategies, they need to include offline advertising, branding, alliances with offline companies, etc and here is where the Online Marketing Gurus can’t help them. MBA’s are in a privileged position to take leadership in these kind of roles.Entrepreneurship… You can really be an entrepreneur in this industryIf your idea of a job is to work for a salary your whole life and your only goal is to get promoted to have a bigger check, then this is not the industry for you. On the other hand, if you are an entrepreneur this industry is probably much better to be in than other ones. Imagine starting a new business from scratch in the… FMCG/Retailing Industry? …. In the Steel Industry? … In the Banking Industry? … Probably not a feasible idea unless you’re a millionaire. The internet industry does provide an environment where you can start your own business (typically with much less money than other industries), get the appropriate funds and work on your own. As mentioned before, the MBA does give you some competitive advantages than many other people in the industry don’t have, like in fundraising and marketing.
 Finally and most important… choose what you likeFinally, just as a disclaimer, the idea of this article wasn’t to put the Internet Industry above others, but just to give it the place it deserves. Every industry has its advantages and disadvantages. If you choose the consulting industry you know you’ll earn a lot of money in salary and bonuses but you’ll have to work long hours and travel a lot. If you choose to work in a public/state owned institution you know salary won’t be great, but you’ll have a pretty stable and predictable career path. If you choose the Internet Industry, I hope now you know more or less what to expect. After finishing your MBA you can pretty much go to any industry you could think of in almost any country so…Why not choose something you really like?… And if it happens that you like the Internet industry after the MBA… Why not go for it?

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Interviewing For Construction Jobs & Building Trades Jobs – Two Interviewing Styles

When interviewing for construction jobs or building trades jobs, there are basically two types of interviews: the screening interview and the hiring/selection interview. Both of these are styled differently and you need to be prepared for both.Screening Interviews Screening interviews are used to qualify you for selection before you meet with a construction hiring authority. Screeners will try to weed you out rather than get you hired. These construction interviews are normal for companies who receive hundreds or thousands of solicitations for a single construction job opportunity. Screening interviews are usually quick, efficient and low cost strategies that result in a short list of qualified candidates. They assist Operations Managers to save critical time by eliminating unqualified candidates.If invited to a face-to-face screening interview, it will usually be with a third-party construction recruiter or someone from human resources. Human resource interviewers are typically experienced and often are professionals skilled at construction interviewing and screening candidates. They may not understand the details of the job that you interview for, but they are effective at judging character, intelligence, and good fits for the company culture. They are also good at identifying potential “red flags” or problem areas with your work background and general qualifications.Your toughest task might be to get past the screeners to the Operation’s Managers. Be prepared to explain any discrepancies in your background (i.e. gaps in construction employment or construction education, frequent job changes, layoffs, etc.).Some examples of screening interviews include telephone interviews, computer interviews, video- conference interviews and the structured interview. The purpose of these interviews are to screen you and eliminate you from selection of for the various construction jobs you are interviewing for. The result of this process results in a short list of a few finalists since there may be several dozen candidates to weed out.Telephone InterviewsTelephone interviewing is the most common way to perform an initial screening interview. It helps both the construction interviewer and the candidate get a general sense of mutual interest in pursuing things beyond the first construction interview. It also saves time and money, and may be tape recorded for review by other interviewers.During a phone interview, your goal as a candidate should be to arrange a face-to-face meeting. If this is not possible, try to arrange another time to talk, or get the name/address of a suitable contact in the employer’s firm so that you can submit a construction resume.If you are caught off guard or unprepared with an incoming interview call, ask to meet in person, or reschedule the appointment for a more convenient time. Remember that the person calling is the one who establishes control. Therefore, it’s to your advantage to place the call at a more convenient time.Tips for phone interviews:
At the start of the conversation, make sure to write the person’s name down correctly. Ask for the correct spelling. Ask their phone number so that you can call them back if cut off.
Keep the following items handy: copy of your construction resume, list of employer questions, pen, paper, research material on the employer, and any other notes you might have. It may also be a good idea to have a glass of water nearby.
Dress up as though you are going to a face-to-face meeting. This usually will help to enhance your energy level and professional presence.
Always try to smile speaking on the phone. People can usually sense when you’re smiling or frowning.
Try to speak in a loud, clear voice considering that most phone reception reduces phone sound levels.
Ask several clever questions as if you were in a face-to-face meeting.
If you place the call, don’t let the long-distance phone charge shorten the construction jobs interview.
If confronted with a question you do not have a simple and effective answer for, state that the question may be better answered in person.
Thank the interviewer for his/her time, and follow up with a “thank you” letter. Computer InterviewsThese construction interviews are used to weed out top candidates from dozens or hundreds of candidates that may be applying for a specific job opening. Computer interviews involve answering a series of multiple-choice questions that will pre-qualify candidates for a potential job interview and/or request resume submission. Some interviews are handled through the telephone with push buttons, while others require accessing a web site to complete the construction job interview with a computer keyboard and mouse. Computer interviews are often timed. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to go in as an alias in order to get a sense of questions and timing before applying under your real name.Video-Phone and Video-ConferencingVideo-conferencing systems provide the transfer of audio and video between remote sites. More than half of the largest U.S. companies utilize video-conferencing as a means of convenient communication and as an alternative to more costly face-to-face meetings. Basically anyone in the world can perform video-conferencing with the use of a microphone, camera and compatible software. Video-conferencing is now available via the Internet. The continuous drop in cost makes it a popular resource for construction businesses as well as home use.Tips for video-conferences:
Video-conferencing has similar video and audio qualities to that of a home video camera. Be sure to choose an outfit that looks good on you. To avoid problematic imaging, wear solid colors (not stripes or plaids).
In order to become comfortable during video-conferencing, practice a mock construction job interview using your home video camera.
For the best reception, choose full-face (straight) camera angles instead of angled views. Seek professional help for make-up matters.
If given a choice, use full view or wide-angle shots rather than close up shots. Leave the close up shots to the professionals.
Keep in mind that there usually is a lag between the spoken and heard word. Smile and maintain eye contact as if you are in a face-to-face interview.
Avoid jerky motions because only fluid motions maintain video integrity. Structured InterviewsThis type of construction jobs interview is used to identify the best candidates by asking them the exact same questions. Employers attempt to create a common evaluation tool by providing an “apples-to-apples” comparison of construction candidates. Unfortunately, no two interviews are ever alike. Personal biases will affect the evaluation. Third-party recruiters or the employer’s Human Resource department usually handles these interviews.Construction Hiring or Selection InterviewsIn contrast to screening interviews, there are the more traditional construction hiring (or selection) interviews from Operation’s Managers, department heads and construction executives who may be your ultimate bosses. These construction managers understand the technical qualifications needed to fill their vacant construction positions and the team chemistry needed to keep their departments running smoothly. As interviewers, they are usually less prepared or skilled at construction interviewing.In fact, many spend only a few minutes looking over a construction resume before the construction interview and rarely prepare questions or strategies. Most do not like interviewing. They see it as an unfortunate, but necessary, task that takes away from job production. Employers feel that they must assume a position of control. If the situation is handled properly, they are usually more than willing to allow candidates to take the lead.Construction Hiring interviews are two-way streets where you also will be interviewing the construction employer for job suitability. Most of these construction interviews will take place in an office setting in one of several formats: one-on-one interviews, serial interviews, sequential interviews or panel interviews.One-on-one interviewsThis is the traditional interview where candidates meet with employers on a face-to-face, or one-on-one, basis. Each construction interview is somewhat unique and is loosely structured. Both parties typically walk away with a more natural sense of whether or not the fit is right.Serial interviewsCandidates are passed from one construction interviewer to another throughout the course of a day. No decision is made on your suitability until the final construction job interview has taken place and all interviewers have had a chance to discuss each other’s interview. If facing serial interviews, try to find out something about the next interviewer (and the issues important to him/her) before the meeting. Also remember that you only have one chance to make the right first impression so make sure you are energized and ready for the next interview before taking it on. If you are not, excuse yourself to go to the restroom for a break or try to reschedule the balance of the interviews for another time.Sequential interviewsSequential interviews are the traditional means of interviewing whereby a candidate will meet with one or several interviewers on a one-on-one basis over the course of several days, weeks or months. Each interview moves the candidate progressively towards greater detail in respect to the position, the construction company and ultimately an offer. Testing may be one of the sequential interviews, as well as meeting with the top brass or even a third-party consultant.Group or panel interviewsIn this situation, a candidate will go before a committee, sometimes as large as 10 people. This is usually done for efficient scheduling purposes in order to accommodate the management panel. Here candidates are evaluated on interpersonal skills, leadership, and their ability to think on their feet while dealing with issues in a stressful situation.If confronted with this type of construction interview, candidates should try to identify the leader and the immediate supervisor of the position being considered. Think of the board as a single individual and try not to be intimidated by the numbers. It may be difficult to exercise any degree of real control over the panel, but try to focus on one or two key members and control their reaction to you. However, it is important to make eye contact and communicate individually to each panelist.

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