Turn on the oven to 325 degrees F (162 degrees C). Lay a sheet of parchment paper onto your baking sheet. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to your baking sheet, making them easier to remove. If you're having trouble getting the parchment to lay flat on the baking sheet, spray the bottom of the baking sheet with cooking spray before you lay the parchment on it.

Summary: Preheat the oven.

Doctors recommend six months of exclusive breastfeeding at the start of your baby's life, followed by at least six more months of partial breastfeeding complemented with other foods (until your baby is one year old). Between six to 12 months, you should start adding solid foods into your baby's diet, as breastmilk alone will no longer be sufficient to meet all of your baby's growth and nutrient needs after six months. Interestingly, despite medical recommendations, only 79% of women in the United States breastfeed initially, and this number drops to 46% of women who have continued breastfeeding through to six months. Doctors are hoping to increase the percentage of women who are compelled to breastfeed by providing the latest evidence in support of its benefits, both to the baby and to you as a mother. Physicians recommend breastfeeding except in rare cases, such as if the mother has an illness that is transmittable through breastmilk such as HIV, or if the mother has other problems with breastmilk or breastfeeding. If you worry this may apply to you, speak to your family doctor, your obstetrician (a specialist), or a lactation consultant (someone who specializes in breastfeeding) for further information. Certain medications are not compatible with breastfeeding so women on regular medications should consult their doctor. The antibodies (immune system molecules) passed on to your baby through breastmilk are perfectly designed to fit the needs of your baby. As a result, breastfeeding diminishes your baby's likelihood of catching an infection, and also increases his or her capacity to fight off any bugs he or she may come in contact with early in life. This means less of a chance of your baby getting respiratory infections, ear infections, or other illnesses. Up until six months of age, your baby can feed off of breastmilk exclusively and receive all of the key nutrients they need, except for vitamin D (which many pediatricians will recommend for breastfeeding babies). The breastmilk even naturally changes in composition as your baby grows, in order to be a perfect nutrient match one that is so specifically tailored to your baby's growth that it cannot be fully matched by any store-bought formula. Breastfed babies experience fewer episodes of diarrhea, suffer less gastrointestinal problems, and have a reduced risk of food allergies. In addition, studies indicate that the benefits are carried over into adulthood by lowering the risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. For instance, research shows that breastfed babies have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), although the reasons for this are not fully understood. Breastfeeding has also been linked to reduced rates of certain childhood cancers (mainly leukemias), as well as to diminished rates of cardiovascular (heart) disease, diabetes, and obesity. In addition, breastfed babies suffer less from skin disorders than do formula fed babies. Research has also shown that babies that are breastfed for at least 12 months have a higher IQ.

Summary: Be aware of the current medical recommendations. Boost your baby's immune system through breastfeeding. Provide tailored nutrition to your baby with breastmilk. Reduce digestive stress by breastfeeding. Explore the numerous other health benefits of breast milk.

Everyone is unique, and different people will have different habits and quirks. Pay attention to how they typically behave. When someone reveals that they like or dislike a certain thing, make a mental note about it. That information could be useful later, to help you be a better friend to them. People are often pleased to discover that you remember things about them. For example, if your friend gets distracted by a display at an art supply store when the two of you are at the mall, make note of what caught her interest. She may be delighted if you buy her something similar to that for her next birthday. If your boyfriend turned quiet and looked uneasy when your friend told him details about a medical procedure, then you'll know he probably wouldn't enjoy watching a medical drama. Everyone is sensitive to certain things, whether they'll admit it or not. It's part of being human. By noticing what upsets someone, you can help avoid and de-escalate high-stress situations. What scares them? What puts them on edge? What is important to them? What do they want to protect? People's pasts can reveal their habits, and the important experiences that helped shape them. However much you know about their past, keep it in mind, because it can help you understand what they do and how they feel today. What are their favorite memories? Their favorite memories can reveal what they care about, and what they want out of life. What are the worst things that happened to the person? Whether the events were just upsetting or seriously traumatic, the person will probably try to avoid similar experiences in the future. Everyone is unique, and people with different backgrounds will react differently to situations. Especially if someone is very different from you, be careful about making assumptions. Here are a few of many factors that can influence a person: Culture: Different cultures have different social norms. For example, eye contact is considered polite in most western cultures, but considered a sign of disrespect or aggression in some eastern cultures. Gender: Men are often expected to be tough, and to avoid showing emotions besides anger. Women are often expected to be passive and easy to get along with. Watch how the person navigates gender expectations. Disability: People with some disabilities (like autism and ADHD) have different body language, such as avoiding eye contact or fidgeting when listening. If you aren't sure what someone thinks or how they feel, it can be worth asking politely. They may be happy to clarify for you. "I noticed you checking the time. Do you need to leave?" "I saw you wince when he raised his voice. Are loud voices something that bother you?" "I'm having a hard time reading you right now. Is something upsetting you, or am I misreading you?"
Summary: Notice patterns in how someone acts. Figure out what they like and dislike. Notice what the person is sensitive to. Keep their past in mind. Keep their differences in mind. Don't be afraid to ask questions.