Caffeine And The Nursing Mom

Does the caffeine I eat or drink get into my breast milk? Could it harm my baby?
Caffeine does enter your bloodstream, and some portion of what you eat or drink shows up in your breast milk. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, if you consume more than 300 milligrams of caffeine a day (what you may get from one strongly brewed 8-ounce cup of coffee), it might affect your baby. That's why it's probably best to restrict your intake while breastfeeding.

Although one or two cups of moderately caffeinated coffee, tea, or soda aren't likely to affect either of you, more might make one or both of you irritable, jittery, agitated, and sleepless. If you want to have a cup or two of coffee or tea a day while nursing, keep in mind that the caffeine in your milk will peak about an hour after you ingest it. And make a conscious effort to drink at least eight glasses of water every day as well because caffeine can make you dehydrated, which is not good for your breast milk supply.

If the caffeine seems to bother your baby, you may want to cut it out of your diet until after you've stopped breastfeeding. Your baby's body processes caffeine more slowly than yours does, so it could be a few days before the caffeine is completely out of his system.

How much caffeine is in my favorite foods and beverages?
Caffeine is in all the usual suspects (coffee, tea, and cola) as well as in chocolate, other soft drinks (including some orange sodas and root beers), and "energy" drinks. Believe it or not, there's usually even some caffeine in decaffeinated beverages. It's also in some over-the-counter drugs, including some headache, cold, and allergy remedies. The amount of caffeine in coffee and tea varies widely, depending on whether they're brewed or instant, weak or strong. Check the chart below for caffeine amounts in some common foods and beverages.

Item	Amount	Caffeine
Brewed coffee, drip method	8 ounces	100-300 mg
Brewed coffee, percolated	8 ounces	65-275 mg
Instant coffee	8 ounces	50-190 mg
Espresso	2 ounces	40-70 mg
Cappuccino	2 ounces	40-70 mg
Decaffeinated coffee	8 ounces	1-8 mg
Brewed tea	8 ounces	35-175 mg
Green tea	8 ounces	8-30 mg
Instant tea	8 ounces	40-80 mg
Iced tea	12 ounces	65-75 mg
Coffee ice cream or frozen yogurt	1 cup	8-85 mg
Soft drinks	a 12-ounce can	30-60 mg
Hot cocoa	8 ounces	3-30 mg
Chocolate milk	8 ounces	2-7 mg
Milk chocolate	1 ounce	1-15 mg
Dark or semisweet chocolate	1 ounce	5-35 mg
Baker's chocolate	1 ounce	26 mg
Chocolate syrup	1 ounce	4 mg

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Breasts Leak Or Spray Milk (birth to 12 mo.)

What is it?
Leaking or spraying breasts are a natural, though sometimes embarrassing, part of breastfeeding. (Many moms-to-be start leaking during pregnancy.) Some women never leak milk, while others leak a little at almost every feeding. Mornings — when your milk supply is at its peak — tend to be leaky for many women throughout nursing.

What causes it?
Your breasts leak when they become so full of milk that they overflow or when your letdown reflex kicks in unexpectedly.

What can I do about it?
There's no surefire way to avoid leaking or spraying, although nursing before your breasts become too full does help. If you're really producing far too much milk in the early days of nursing, be sure to nurse often and to experiment with different positions. While you won't actually produce less milk, you'll soon establish a breastfeeding rhythm that's best for you and your baby.

You can't control your milk overflow, but you can plan for it. If one breast always leaks when your baby is nursing on the other, put a cloth or breast pad inside your nursing bra ahead of time. When you're out and about, either with or without baby, carry an extra top and breast pads (stick them in your diaper bag or purse) or wear prints that are likely to camouflage a milk stain. If you feel letdown happening at an inopportune moment, cross your arms and hug yourself, pressing gently against your breasts. This may stop the unexpected flow.

Finally, do wear nursing pads inside your bra, but make sure you change them when they get damp so bacteria won't breed on your nipples.

How long will this go on?
You'll probably leak the most during your first few weeks of nursing, while you're establishing the right milk supply for your baby. Many women find that the problem goes away almost completely over the first six to ten weeks of breastfeeding.

In the meantime, as you and your baby figure out a mutually satisfying system of supply and demand, remember that your leaking breasts are a sign of your body's enthusiasm for making milk for your baby.

Can I still nurse?
Yes. In fact, the more often you breastfeed, the less likely your breasts are to overflow.

Will it affect my baby?
No — except that he'll benefit from your increased desire to nurse!

source from http://www.babycenter.com

New Uses For Breast Pads

Got dirty windows or a dripping pipe? Have no fear if your breast pads are near. BabyCenter moms offer up 17 ways to turn your superabsorbent dud protectors into all-purpose household helpers.

1. "They are great if you want a bit of padding that looks natural for a night out...they're way less expensive than push-up bras!"

2. "Sometimes I wear breast pads when I want to wear a camisole without a strapless bra, but don't want my nipples to show through."

3. "I used to place a used breast pad in the crib with my baby at bedtime so that she could have my scent with her. That always helped her sleep better."

4. "My sister used a breast pad inside a shoe that was a bit too big to keep the heel from rubbing."

5. "Disposable breast pads soaked in witch hazel make great wipes for your bottom half after delivery."

6. "I use my washable nursing pads to clean mirrors and glass tables, and they're lint free!"

7. "Breast pads are great for placing under drips in pipes."

8. "I once left the house without any menstrual pads, and the breast pads in my diaper bag worked great when my postpartum bleeding started unexpectedly."

9. "My husband used a breast pad as a large bandage for a cut. It worked pretty well, although he got a lot of teasing for wearing a nursing pad on his leg."

10. "When I'm painting, I use breast pads to wipe off excess water from the brush after I've rinsed it. They're absorbent, convenient, and much easier to use than paper towels!"

11. "They're good makeup-remover pads."

12. "Breast pads are super coasters. They're so absorbent — the liquid never touches the table!"

13. "Breast pads are perfect for taking off nail polish."

14. "Breast pads are great for scrubbing toilets (not the disposable kind!)."

15. "I soaked pads and froze them in zipper-lock bags to soothe my breasts during the first weeks of breastfeeding."

16. "I use washable cotton breast pads to wax and polish boots."

17. "A breast pad works great to prevent a spontaneous "shower" from a baby boy!"

source from http://www.babycenter.com

20 Tips From Breastfeeding Veterans

Friends and family members who mean well are sometimes all too ready to offer guidance to new parents, whether you want it or not. Take whatever advice you get with a grain of salt. After all, nursing is a different experience for every mother and every baby, so what works for one woman may not work for the next.

That said, there are plenty of time-tested techniques for improving milk flow, clearing blocked ducts, and more. Read on to find out how some of our BabyCenter members faced, and overcame, some of breastfeeding's most common challenges.

Here's what some breastfeeding mothers have to say:

I attended a class offered at the hospital. It gave a lot of the basics along with the encouragement that if breastfeeding didn't seem like second nature at first, baby and mom eventually would find their rhythm.
— R.L., Racine, Wisconsin

Don't watch the clock to see how often or how long your baby is nursing. Instead, go with your instincts. If your baby is rooting around or crying, then feed him or her — even if you just did.
— Gina Locke, Grapevine, Texas

Make sure your baby's mouth covers a large part of the underside of your nipple. I spent the first few weeks in a lot of pain because my baby wasn't latching on properly. What a difference the correction made!
— Heidi Hudson, Oakland, California

I'm a pediatrician mom of a 3-year-old whom I breastfed for eight months. My son was extremely hard to start: Despite making our first attempts (unsuccessful) in the first hour, and knowing what to do, it took almost two days to get him latched on. In the interim, we finger-fed with an SNS (Supplemental Nursing System) and glucose water while I pumped to get my milk supply going. The SNS was a lifesaver. We finally hooked it to my breasts and were able to get him latched on by the third day.
— Dara Hogue, Cupertino, California

I used Lansinoh lanolin ointment on my nipples faithfully morning and night, and never experienced any cracking or bleeding when I started nursing. My soreness was minimal, and the ointment soothed my skin when it was chafed. I have very fair, thin skin, so that was a wonderful tip for me! I even included a tube with my shower gift to a friend.
— Rachel L. Sarantopoulos, Dayville, Connecticut

I have been solely nursing my baby since birth and now, at 9 weeks, she's a big healthy baby. I had very sore latch-ons at the start, and I found that if I stayed ahead of her intense hunger I was better off. I would check on her around the time I thought she would be waking to eat and watch for tongue-sucking and lip-smacking in light sleep. If I put her to the breast when she showed early signs of hunger, she wouldn't suck as hard as when I waited until she was fully crying and starving.
— Kathy Kent-Knurek, Chicago

The best — and probably hardest — breastfeeding advice is to relax! Remember that you and your baby are learning.
— Sandy Kenniston, Green Bay, Wisconsin

When I had my daughter, I knew I wanted to breastfeed. Unfortunately, she didn't latch on right away, so I began supplementing with formula. Hospital staffers tried everything from round-the-clock attempts to pumping and inserting feeding tubes in the baby's mouth while I tried every nursing position known. The baby knew how to suck, but she just wasn't getting the knack of it. Finally, we tried the plastic breast shield. My baby was able to suck the large plastic nipple and draw the milk rather than search for my small nipple.

I had visions of using the shield from then on, but luckily I lost it and was forced to teach the baby to take my own nipple. I had to use a syringe to "pull" the nipple larger, but in time, thanks to the baby's suckling, my nipples conformed. The rewards for not giving up have been great!
— Alison O'Donnell, Pawtucket, Rhode Island

I've had a real problem with leaking breasts. The nursing pads never worked well enough for me, so I came up with my own solution — sanitary napkins! I buy the ultra-thin kind and fold them in half. I can wear them all day and they never leak. It's cheaper, too.
— Cindy Brown, McKinney, Texas

For me, preparing for nursing meant reading all I could. I had several magazine subscriptions going while I was pregnant and almost every issue had an article on breastfeeding. I found new facts and ideas in each, but the bulk of the article was the same. Every time I read these articles, it reinforced all the information I had previously read. When the time came to put it all to use, I felt pretty confident. I felt like I really understood what was coming next and as a result, breastfeeding seemed relatively easy.
— Ginger Renae Koontz, Pasadena, Maryland

I didn't "ease" into breastfeeding. It was one of the hardest, most frustrating, heart-wrenching things I've ever done. I stuck with it though, and four months later I have a healthy, entirely breastfed baby boy. I suggest telling mothers it may be hard and frustrating. With all the talk about how it is so good for you and the baby, and what a great bonding experience it's supposed to be, a new mother feels guilty if she dreads each feeding and wonders if perhaps she doesn't love her baby enough. Eventually she'll get the hang of it, but the odds are pretty good that she'll actually hate it the first couple of days — or even longer.
— Libby Bollino, Abbeville, Louisiana

When I started breastfeeding, I felt like I needed two or three extra hands. I was so nervous about holding my newborn and supporting his head properly that trying to get him in the right position to latch on seemed impossible. It wasn't until several months later that I got a breastfeeding pillow as a shower gift. It's amazing. It props the baby up into the perfect spot so I can concentrate on the latching-on, which is the hardest part when you're new to nursing. I wish I'd had one of these when I was learning to nurse and fumbling around with ordinary pillows and blankets and propping and leaning.
— Laura Jaglowitz, Hedley, British Columbia

Long before you nurse — and before you get pregnant — quit smoking. It's awful to smoke around your baby, and I've read that smoking flavors your milk and can make it taste off.

Invest in a huge supply of bottled water or add another filter pitcher to your supply. You'll be very thirsty while breastfeeding and it is absolutely imperative that you drink your water!
— Deb Koslowsky, Tujunga, California

The single most beneficial thing I did was to attend a La Leche League meeting while I was pregnant. I learned a tremendous amount and got to see other women nurse their babies, which I had never really seen before. After my baby was born, I continued to attend LLL meetings and have received a great deal of knowledge, support, and encouragement from the leaders and the other mothers. I also made some terrific friends.
— Debbie Strelevitz, Rock Tavern, New York

My mother gave me a great tip for getting through those first couple of weeks when breastfeeding hurt: Drink very cold water through a straw as the baby is latching on. The cold water will help defer the pain. Other things that help include listening to relaxing music and minimizing distractions so that you can relax and focus on the task at hand.
— Wendy Katzman, Seattle

When my daughter was born, I told my breastfeeding consultant about my horrible experience with mastitis and bleeding nipples when I breastfed my first child. She recommended some herbal products that have worked great: lecithin, for avoiding clogged milk ducts; blessed thistle, for increasing milk flow when I return to work and need to pump; and alfalfa, for enriching my milk. I haven't had any episodes of mastitis. I swear by the herbs — they've made all the difference!
— Ruth Tutterow, Greensboro, North Carolina

Take all the help and support you can get. The lactation consultant got my husband involved in the learning process so he would know how to help me get the baby latched on until I was able to do it by myself.
— Candice Gray, Paulina, Louisiana

The best advice I got for dry and sore nipples came from my doctor. She said not to bother buying those expensive ointments but instead, after breastfeeding, express just enough milk to spread on the nipples. It really does work with the dryness and cracking.
— Anonymous

During those early stages, I frequently got blocked milk ducts. When I could feel the full duct even after Doug had fed, I'd put on the warming bag (the kind that you heat in the microwave). I'd also take one ibuprofen tablet. The next time I fed him, I'd start with that breast and massage and "milk" the duct as he sucked. Sometimes I'd keep the warming bag on as he sucked. Usually after three or four feedings it would clear.
— Laurie Reid, Toronto

Avoid underwire nursing bras.You're more likely to get a breast infection like mastitis. Plus, they're not nearly as comfortable as the racing-bra styles.
— Heather H., Maryland

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Breastfeeding: Getting Started (birth to 12 mo.)

How to start breastfeeding
The first time you hold your newborn in the delivery room, put his lips to your breast. Your mature milk hasn't come in yet, but your breasts are producing a substance called colostrum that will help protect your baby from infection.

Try not to panic if your newborn seems to have trouble finding or staying on your nipple. Breastfeeding is an art that requires patience and lots of practice. No one will expect you to be an expert in the beginning, so don't hesitate to ask a nurse to show you what to do while you're in the hospital. (If you have a premature baby, you may not be able to nurse right away, but you should start pumping your milk. Your baby will receive this milk through a tube or a bottle until he's strong enough to nurse.)

Once you get started, remember that nursing shouldn't be painful. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. His mouth should cover a big part of the areola below the nipple, and your nipple should be far back in your baby's mouth. If latch-on hurts, break the suction — by inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your nipple — and try again. Once your baby latches on properly, he'll do the rest.

How often you should nurse
Frequently. The more you nurse, the more quickly your mature milk will come in and the more milk you'll produce. Nursing for ten to 15 minutes per breast eight to 12 times every 24 hours is pretty much on target. According to the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you should nurse your newborn whenever he shows signs of hunger, such as increased alertness or activity, mouthing, or rooting around for your nipple. Crying is a late sign of hunger — in other words, ideally you should start feeding your baby before he starts crying.

During the first few days, you may have to gently wake your baby to begin nursing, and he may fall asleep again in mid-feeding. To make sure your baby's eating often enough, wake him up if it's been four hours since the last time he nursed. Once your baby becomes alert for longer periods, you can settle into a routine of feeding every one to three hours (less at night as he starts to sleep through).

How to get comfortable
Since feedings can take up to 40 minutes, pick a cozy spot for nursing. Hold your baby in a position that won't leave your arms and back sore. It works well to support the back of your baby's head with your hand, but the position you choose really depends on what's comfortable for you. If you're sitting, a nursing pillow can be a big help in supporting your baby. Don't feed until you and your baby are comfortable because you'll be sitting (or lying) in that position for a while.

What you should eat
A normal healthy diet is all you need while you're nursing. Experts used to recommend that nursing moms get an extra 400 to 500 calories a day, but new research shows that you don't need that calorie boost, says breastfeeding expert Kathleen Huggins, author of The Nursing Mother's Companion. You'll want to maintain a well-balanced diet for your own health, but you don't need to follow complicated dietary rules to successfully nurse your baby.

You may want to limit caffeine, and avoid chocolate, spicy foods, and other irritants that get into breast milk and can bother your baby. Be sure to drink lots of fluids — the oxytocin released by your body while you breastfeed will make you thirsty and help remind you to drink.

Remember that although breastfeeding is natural, it can be difficult in the first days of your baby's life. Take the time to get encouragement and advice from a lactation consultant or friends who have nursed — their support and tips will be invaluable.

Problems you may encounter
Although women have nursed their babies for centuries, breastfeeding doesn't always come easily. Many women face difficulties early on. Some of the most common problems you may encounter in the first six weeks include:

• Engorgement: an overfull breast

• Sore nipples

• Mastitis: a breast infection

Don't suffer in silence. Call a lactation consultant or your doctor (especially if you think you may have a breast infection) if your physical discomfort is getting in the way of nursing properly.

What you may be feeling
Some women adjust to breastfeeding easily, encountering no major physical or emotional hurdles. But many new moms find it hard to learn — so if you're feeling discouraged, you're not the only one.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed by your baby's constant demands in the beginning. If you feel like giving up (or just want professional advice), consider calling an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). These experts in the art of breastfeeding will watch you nurse your baby and make recommendations. You can also talk to your doctor or midwife about any health concerns that may be getting in the way of successful breastfeeding.

Where to get help
Breastfeeding help and support is just a phone call away. La Leche League International, an organization that offers encouragement and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies, can send you information or put you in touch with a La Leche League chapter near you. You can reach LLL headquarters or get advice from LLL's breastfeeding hotline by calling (800) 525-3243. If you attend local meetings, you can meet other new moms and get breastfeeding assistance.

A board-certified lactation consultant can also offer advice on how to breastfeed properly and give you hands-on help. To find one near you, call the International Lactation Consultant Association at (919) 861-5577 or use that association's online lactation consultant finder. You can also call the hospital where you delivered your baby, your doctor or midwife, or your child's pediatrician for a referral

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery (birth to 12 mo.)

Condition
Breast reduction surgery

The potential problem
Surgical reduction of the breasts can damage nerves and milk-producing ducts and glands, making breastfeeding difficult.

Can I breastfeed?
Most likely. If your nipple and areola are still attached to the breast tissue beneath them, there's a good chance you'll be able to nurse. However, if the nipple was removed and then placed on a reconstructed breast, damage to the nerves (which stimulate the release of hormones that are necessary for milk production and letdown), milk ducts, and breast tissue may limit your milk flow and diminish sensation in your nipples.

In general, breast reduction surgery is more likely than breast augmentation to interfere with nursing.

Solution
You won't know the extent of any nerve damage until you try nursing. Ask a lactation expert for guidance and support. On the third day postpartum, you can try pumping for five minutes on each breast after every nursing session to help bring more milk in. It's likely that you'll need to use a fully automated pump that pumps both breasts at once to stimulate your letdown reflex.

Let your baby's doctor know about your surgery. She'll need to keep a close eye on your baby's weight gain to make sure he's getting enough to eat. (Learn how to tell if your baby's getting enough milk.)

If you're able to produce only part of the milk your baby needs, you might consider using a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) to boost your baby's milk intake. The device consists of a plastic pouch to hold breast milk or formula and attached thin, flexible tubes that run down the breasts to each nipple. Since your baby takes both nipple and tube into his mouth when he suckles, he benefits from all the breast milk that's available. For more information, call Medela at (800) 435-8316.

If you're thinking about having your breasts reduced but want to nurse your baby, postpone surgery until after you've given birth and nursed your last child.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Gene May Explain Why Breastfeeding Boosts Intelligence

A very common gene can help explain why breast-fed babies tend to grow up to be more intelligent than those raised exclusively on bottled milk.

Breast-fed babies who shared the genetic variant outscored bottle-fed peers in intelligence tests, researchers said. The variant to the FADS2 gene, involved in processing fatty acids, is found in about 90 percent of people, they added.

"For 100 years, the intelligence quotient has been at the heart of scientific and public debates about nature versus nurture," Terrie Moffitt of Kings College London and colleagues wrote in their report, published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"Evidence that nature and nurture work together drives a nail in the coffin of the nature-versus-nurture debate."

The study looked at 3,200 children in Britain and New Zealand.

Breast-feeding has many advantages for children including reducing infections, respiratory illnesses and diarrhoea, earlier research has shown. A study presented at an American Heart Association meeting on Monday added healthier blood cholesterol levels to that list.

Although scientists have been looking at potential links between breast-feeding and intelligence for decades, the direct relationship has not always been clear.

The researchers studied the FADS2 gene involved in processing omega 3 fatty acids found in foods such as salmon, nuts and avocados and turning them into nutrients for the brain.

In both countries, breast-fed children had a higher IQ by about 6 to 7 points, but only if they had a variant that made the gene more efficiently process fatty acids.

For those with the less common — and less efficient — variant, breast-feeding made no difference when it came to intelligence, the researchers said.

The researchers ruled out alternate explanations, saying the effect of FADS2 applied equally to babies with normal and low birth weight. The effect was also the same no matter the mother's social class or IQ.

The team also tested the mothers' DNA and concluded that the FADS2 gene did not somehow alter the quality of breast milk.

"We took cells from the children and then analyzed DNA and then we compared how they scored on IQ tests and looked up if they were breast-fed as babies," Moffitt said in a telephone interview. "It was very straightforward."

While the researchers have found at least one gene linking intelligence and breast-feeding, they said they still need to better understand how FADS2 processes nutrients in breast milk.

They also acknowledge that many other genes also likely have a role in intelligence but say their study offers a different approach to unraveling the human genome, Moffitt added.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Breastfeeding May Protect Against Common Allergies

Atopic disease — which includes eczema, asthma and food allergies — may be delayed or even prevented in high-risk infants if they are exclusively breast-fed for at least four months or fed infant formula without cow milk protein.

That's the conclusion of a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that's published in the January issue of Pediatrics. The report replaces an earlier policy statement from the AAP.

"Basically, it probably does not matter what pregnant or lactating women eat," said Dr. Frank Greer, an author of the report, professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin and chairman of the AAP Committee on Nutrition.

"The best prevention for atopic [allergic] disease is exclusive breast-feeding for four months," he added. "And if your infant comes from a family with significant atopic disease, then weaning from breast milk to a partially or extensively hydrolyzed [hypoallergenic] formula [without cow milk protein] may delay or prevent the onset of atopic disease, especially atopic dermatitis [eczema]."

Greer added that this recommendation would also apply to formula-fed infants who are at risk for atopic disease.

The timing and introduction of solid foods has no protective effect on the prevention of atopic disease, according to the new report.

"With the increase in asthma and food allergies that we've seen recently, we had hoped that maternal diet, breast-feeding and early childhood diet might all have some factor in decreasing incidence," said Dr. Jennifer Wu, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to significantly impact, according to studies already done. The only one that seems to be impacted is the atopic dermatitis, which is decreased by about one third by breast-feeding. But the studies that have been done so far have not proven that breast-feeding will significantly impact childhood asthma or food allergies."

The incidence of allergic diseases such as asthma, food allergies and various skin conditions has exploded during the past few decades. In children 4 years of age and younger, the incidence of asthma has risen 160 percent, while the incidence of atopic dermatitis has almost tripled. And the incidence of peanut allergy has doubled just during the past decade, according to the report.

While genetics certainly plays a role in the development of these diseases, environmental factors such as diet are also strongly related.

The new report reviewed different evidence on nutrition during pregnancy, breast-feeding and the first year of life that might affect the development of allergic disease. Its major findings are as follows:

• Currently, there is no evidence that what a mother eats during pregnancy or breast-feeding plays a major role in preventing atopic disease in infants. There is some evidence, however, that avoiding certain foods during breast-feeding may help prevent atopic eczema.

• Exclusive breast-feeding for at least four months for infants at high-risk of developing atopic disease decreases the risk of developing eczema and cow milk allergy during the first two years of life.

• In high-risk infants who aren't breast-fed exclusively for four to six months, the use of hydrolyzed infant formula (as opposed to formula containing cow milk) may delay or prevent the onset of atopic dermatitis.

• Exclusive breast-feeding for at least three months protects an infant against wheezing in early life.

• There is no good evidence to support the use of soy-based infant formula to prevent allergies.

• There is no evidence to suggest that delaying the introduction of solid foods before the recommended 4 to 6 months of age will have an effect on the development of atopic disease.

• There is no convincing evidence to suggest that any dietary intervention will prevent atopic disease after 4 to 6 months of age.

"It's a mixed picture," Wu said. "We don't have proven efficacy for breast-feeding. It may mean that we need more robust studies and a longer-term follow-up for kids."

The new report is titled "Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children: The Role of Maternal Dietary Restriction, Breastfeeding, Timing of Introduction of Complementary Foods, and Hydrolyzed Formulas."

What you can do:

Breastfeed your child if you can. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding your baby for at least the first year of life, and longer if both you and your child wish to continue.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Breast Preference: Nursing On One Breast Only (birth to 12 Mo.)

Is it normal for a baby to prefer one breast over the other?
Infants, especially newborns, may have periods of preferring one breast to the other. You may notice your baby fussing, pulling away, or simply refusing to suck from one breast. If your baby is refusing to feed from one side, you'll need to pump that breast regularly in order to maintain your overall milk supply. (You may also need to offer the expressed milk you to your baby to supplement his feedings.)

What causes it?
A newborn may struggle to latch on to one breast over the other because of breast engorgement, a difference in the nipple, or poor latch-on technique. An older baby may reject one breast because it has a low milk supply or flow compared to the other breast. You can end up with a low milk supply in one breast if your baby only nurses from one side each feeding and you sometimes forget to switch to the other breast for the next feeding or you frequently begin nursing on the same breast. This is why it's important to remember to alternate breasts at each feeding.

What can I do if my baby won't alternate?
If your baby is very young (under 3 months) try to gently and persistently encourage him to nurse at the less-preferred breast by always offering the shunned breast first, when he's hungriest. The problem with allowing your baby to nurse on one side only is that he may not be able to get enough from just the one breast, and you may lose your milk supply in the other breast if he's not nursing from it regularly.

If you're unable to get your newborn to nurse from both breasts equally, you'll need to protect your milk production by pumping the shunned breast with a fully automatic pump after each nursing session until you're able to get your baby to latch on to that side. (Keep trying!) You'll probably also need to use the expressed milk to supplement your baby's feedings. Seek out the help of an experienced lactation consultant if you're struggling.

If you've been nursing successfully for at least a few months and your milk is well established, you may choose to abide by your baby's preference. If your child is getting enough and her breast preference poses no real adversity for you, you can go along with it. By this time, maintaining your milk production in the shunned breast would probably not be an issue, but you may want to pump milk from it anyway if you're concerned about looking "lopsided." (Your breast will shrink somewhat once it's no longer being nursed or pumped.) If you do start to appear lopsided, don't worry too much — your breasts will usually become even again after weaning.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

How To Tell Whether Your Baby's Getting Enough Breast Milk

How can I tell whether my baby's getting enough breast milk?

During the first couple of weeks, you may wonder if your baby's getting enough milk, especially if he wants to nurse all the time or is fussy after feedings. Because breast milk is digested within a couple of hours of consumption, your baby should seem hungry all the time (that is, every one to three hours) once the first sleepy day or two have passed.

Most newborns want to nurse eight to 15 times a day after the first three to four days of life. Feed your baby as often as he needs it. Schedules have no place in your routine while you're getting breastfeeding under way.

Lactation consultants and pediatricians can tell whether your baby's getting enough milk by how much weight he gains. Newborns normally lose between 5 and 9 percent of their birth weight before regaining it by the time they're 2 weeks old. They should start gaining at least an ounce a day by the fifth day after birth. Have your baby's doctor check his weight if you're concerned.

There are other ways to gauge whether your baby's getting enough milk, and there are signs that he may not be receiving enough. Dehydration in newborns is rare, but it's important to know the signs of a healthy eater so you can alert your pediatrician if anything seems amiss.

Signs that all's well:

• Your baby eats at least every two to three hours or at least eight times a day for the first two to three weeks.

• In the first month, your baby has at least three stools a day and they lighten to a yellowy-mustard color by the fifth day after birth. After the first month, the stools become less frequent. Some babies will even go a day or two between stools.

• He's gaining an ounce a day by the fifth day after birth until at least 3 months of age.

• He wets seven or eight cloth diapers a day, or five to six disposables. Disposable diapers are more absorbent, making it hard to tell when one is wet. If you're not sure, take one off and compare its weight to a dry disposable. A wet one should feel slightly heavier. (Note: Wet diapers alone are not enough to determine whether your baby is getting enough milk. A dehydrated baby can still wet a diaper. Stools and weight gain are the best ways to tell how your baby's doing.)

• You can hear your baby swallowing while nursing (if the room is quiet).

• Your breasts feel softer after nursing.

Warning signs that your baby isn't getting enough
Signs that your baby isn't getting adequate milk usually include most of the following:

• Your baby has lost 10 percent or more of his birth weight in the first five days of life. Remember, it's normal for a newborn to lose between 5 and 9 percent of his birth weight right off the bat. But by the fifth day, he should start gaining at least an ounce a day.

• You rarely hear your baby swallow.

• Your breasts don't feel softer after nursing.

• Your baby is fussy or lethargic much of the time.

• Your baby has dimples in his cheeks or makes clicking noises while nursing.

• Your baby is wetting fewer than six diapers in a 24-hour period after the five days following birth.

• Your baby doesn't have a bowel movement at least once a day or has small, dark stools five days or more after birth.

If you notice any of these signs, call your doctor or a breastfeeding consultant.

One of the hardest things about beginning breastfeeding is feeling confident that you're giving your baby enough milk. Don't hesitate to check in with a nurse or lactation consultant. Typically, you'll feed your baby while the consultant observes you and gives you invaluable tips for breastfeeding success.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Drug Safety During Breastfeeding

Whether you're suffering from congestion brought on by allergies or pain associated with a more serious health problem, you're probably ready to head to the medicine cabinet for some relief. Although many medications are safe to use while breastfeeding, almost any drug will get into your milk to some degree and can occasionally affect your milk supply. To be safe, you should always check with your child's doctor before taking any kind of medication, even over-the-counter drugs.

The information in our chart was compiled by Philip Anderson, a pharmacist and the director of the Drug Information Service at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center. If you have more questions about how a drug you're taking might affect your breast milk or your baby, call the UCSD information service at (619) 543-6971, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time, Monday to Friday. Or check the U.S. National Library of Medicine more complete drug database.

Safe to Take in Usual Doses

Name of Drug	Brand Name	Use
Acetaminophen	Tylenol	Used for pain relief
Acyclovir	Zovirax	Antiviral for herpes infections
Antacids	Maalox, Mylanta	Used to treat upset stomachs
Bupivacaine	Marcaine	A local anesthetic
Caffeine	coffee, soft drinks	A stimulant
Cephalosporins	Keflex, Ceclor, Ceftin, Omnicef, Suprax	Antibiotics for lung, ear, skin, urinary tract, throat and bone infections
Clotrimazole	Lotrimin, Mycelex	Used to treat yeast and fungal infections
Contraceptives (Progestin-Only)	Micronor, Norplant, Depo-Provera	Used for birth control
Corticosteroids	Prednisone	Used to treat inflammation of joints and other conditions
Decongestant nasal sprays	Afrin	Used to treat stuffy noses
Digoxin	Lanoxin	Used to treat heart problems
Erythromycin	E-Mycin, Erythrocin	Used for skin and respiratory infections
Fexofenadine	Allegra	Antihistamine for allergies and hay fever
Fluconazole	Diflucan	Used to treat yeast infections
Heparin and LMW Heparins		Keep blood from clotting
Ibuprofen	Motrin, Advil	Used for pain relief
Inhalers, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids	Albuterol, Vanceril	Used for asthma
Insulin		For diabetes; dosage required may drop up to 25 percent during lactation
Labetalol	Normodyne, Trandate	Used for high blood pressure
Laxatives, bulk-forming and stool softening	Metamucil, Colace	Used to treat constipation
Lidocaine	Xylocaine	A local anesthetic
Loratadine	Claritin	Antihistamine for allergies and hay fever
Low molecular weight heparins (enoxaparin, dalteparin, tinzaparin)	Lovenox, Fragmin, Innohep	Anticoagulants
Magnesium sulfate		Used to treat preeclampsia and eclampsia
Methyldopa	Aldomet	Used to treat high blood pressure
Methylergonovine (short courses)	Methergine	Used to prevent or control bleeding after childbirth
Metoprolol	Lopressor	A beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure
Miconazole	Monistat 3	Used to treat yeast infections
Nifedipine	Adalat, Procardia	Used for high blood pressure and Raynaud's syndrome of the nipple
Penicillins	Amoxicillin, Penicillin VK	Used to treat bacterial infections
Propranolol	Inderal	A beta blocker used to treat heart problems, and high blood pressure
Theophylline	Theo-Dur	Used to treat asthma and bronchitis
Thyroid replacement	Synthroid	Used to treat thyroid problems
Vaccines (except smallpox)
Vancomycin	Vancocin, Vancoled	An antibiotic
Verapamil	Calan, Isoptin, Verelan	Used for high blood pressure
Warfarin	Coumadin	Used to treat or prevent blood clots

Probably Safe in Usual Doses
Little is known about the effects of these drugs on a breastfeeding infant, but if there is an effect, it will probably be mild. In rare cases, a child will have an allergic reaction.

Name of Drug	Brand Name	Use
ACE inhibitors	Enalapril (Vasotec), Benazepril (Lotensin)	Used to treat high blood pressure
Acyclovir and valacyclovir	Zovirax, Valtrex	Antiviral for herpes infections
Anticholinergic agents	Pro-Banthine	Used to treat intestinal and gall bladder spasms; may reduce milk supply
Anticonvulsants	Depakote, Dilantin, Tegretol (avoid ethosuximide, phenobarbital, and primidone)	Used for seizures and mood disorders
Antihistamines	Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton	May reduce milk supply and cause infant drowsiness or fussiness
Antituberculars	INH	Used to treat tuberculosis
Azathioprine	Imuran	Used to suppress the immune system following organ transplants
Barbiturates (except phenobarbital)	Fiorinal, Fioricet	For sedation and tension headaches
Bupropion	Wellbutrin	For depression
Clindamycin	Cleocin	Used to treat abdominal and vaginal infections
Oral Decongestants	Sudafed, Entex PSE	Used to treat congestion associated with colds or allergies; often reduces milk supply
Ergonovine (short course)		Used to treat uterine bleeding. May reduce milk supply.
Fluconazole	Diflucan	Antifungal
Gadolinium	Magnevist, Omniscan	Contrast agent for MRI studies
Haloperidol	Haldol	Used to treat psychosis
Histamine H2 blockers	Cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), nizatadine (Axid), and famotidine (Pepcid — preferred)	Used to treat stomach problems
Hydrochlorothiazide (low doses)	HydroDiuril	Diuretic for high blood pressure
Lorazepam	Ativan	Used to treat anxiety
Methimazole	Tapazole	Used for hyperthyroidism; less than 20 mg/day is probably safe
Metoclopramide	Reglan	Used for gastrointestinal problems and to increase milk supply
Midazolam		Sedative used in anesthesia
Naproxen	Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve	Used for pain relief; okay if baby is at least 1 month old
Oxazepam	Serax	Used to treat anxiety
Paroxetine	Paxil	Used to treat depression
Phenothiazines	Compazine (anti-nausea), Stelazine, Thorazine (anti-psychotic)
Propofol	Diprivan	Sedative used in anesthesia
Propylthiouracil (PTU)		Used to treat hyperthyroidism
Quinidine		Used to treat heartbeat irregularities
Quinolone antibacterials	Cipro and Levaquin; Noroxin is preferred	Treatment of urinary tract infections and gonorrhea
Salicylates (occasional use)	Aspirin	Used for pain relief
Sertraline	Zoloft	Used to treat depression
Spironolactone	Aldactone, Aldactazide	Used to treat high blood pressure
Sulfisoxazole	Gantrisin	Used to treat urinary tract infections
Sumatriptan	Imitrex	Used to treat migraines
Tetracyclines <>	tetracycline, doxycycline	Used to treat acne and urinary tract infections
Trazodone		Used for depression and sleep
Tricyclic antidepressants (avoid doxepin)	Elavil, Tofranil, Pamelor	Used to treat depression
Verapamil	Calan, Isoptin, Verelan	Used for high blood pressure

Potentially Hazardous
You should avoid or use these drugs with caution, particularly while breastfeeding a newborn or premature infant.

Name of Drug	Brand Name	Use
Acebutolol	Sectral	A beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.
Atenolol	Tenormin	A beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.
Antihistamine/decongestant combinations	Contac, Dimetapp	Used to treat colds and allergies; may reduce your milk supply
Benzodiazepines	long-acting Librium, Valium, Dalmane	Used to treat anxiety and for sleep (lorazepam, oxazepam preferred)
Chlorthalidone	Hygroton, Thalitone	Diuretic used to treat high blood pressure; may reduce milk supply
Citalopram	Celexa	Antidepressant; can cause infant drowsiness
Clindamycin	Cleocin	Used to treat abdominal and vaginal infections
Clonidine	Catapres	Used to treat high blood pressure, may reduce milk supply
Contraceptives (Estrogen-containing)	Ortho-Novum, Lo-Ovral, Loestrin	Used for birth control; may reduce milk supply
Doxepin	Sinequan	Used to treat depression
Egotamine	Cafergot	Used to treat migraines
Ethosuximide	Zarontin	Used to treat epilepsy
Fluorescein IV		Used to diagnose retinal problems
Fluoxetine	Prozac, Serafem	Used to treat depression
Iodinated contrast media		Used to examine kidneys; withhold breastfeeding temporarily
Lamotrigine	Lamictal	Used for seizures and mood disorders
Lithium (monitor infant serum levels)	Lithobid	Used to treat bipolar disease
Metronidazole	Flagyl	An antibiotic used to treat some intestinal and genital infections
Nadolol	Corgard	A beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems
Narcotics, especially meperidine in addicts, or with high doses in neonates	Tylenol #3, Vicodin	Used for pain (one tablet every four hours maximum)
Nefazodone	Serzone	Used for depression
Nicotine
Nitrofurantoin	Macrobid	Used to treat urinary tract infections (safe after the baby is one month old
Phenobarbital, anticonvulsant doses		Sedative and anticonvulsant
Piroxicam	Feldene	Used to treat arthritis and pain
Primidone	Mysoline	Used to treat seizures
Reserpine		Used to treat hypertension
Sotalol	Betapace	Used to treat heart problems
Thiazide diuretics, long-acting or high doses	Aquatensin, Enduron, Lozol, Renese	For high blood pressure or edema
Venlafaxine	Effexor	Used to treat depression

Not safe to take
You shouldn't use any of these drugs while breastfeeding. If you must take them for health reasons, you should stop breastfeeding — either temporarily or permanently — depending on how long you need to take them. To keep your milk supply up you can "pump and dump" — that is, use a breast pump and discard what you collect until you're ready to breastfeed again.

Name of Drug	Brand Name	Use
Amantadine	Symmetrel	Used to treat the flu or Parkinson's disease; may reduce milk supply
Amiodarone	Cordarone	Used to treat heart problems
Antilipemics (excluding resins)	Lescol, Lipitor, Lopid, Mevacor, Pravacor, Zocor	Used to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood
Antineoplastic agents		Used to treat cancer
Aspirin (large doses)		Used to treat arthritis
Cocaine
Chlorampenicol		Used to treat serious infections
Clozapine	Clozaril	Used to treat schizophrenia
Dipyrone (dipirona in Mexican drugs)		Used for pain and inflammation
Gold Salts	Myochrysine	Used to treat arthritis
Iodide	Betadine	Used for douching
Lipid-lowering drugs	Baycol, Lescol, Lipitor, Lopid, Mevacor, Pravacor, Zocor	Used to lower the level of fats in the blood
Metamizole (Dipyrone)		Analgesic/anti-inflammatory. Banned in U.S. but available in Mexico
Salicyclates, large doses	Aspirin	Used to treat arthritis

source from http://www.babycenter.com