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If you breastfeed or express milk for your baby than your pediatrician has probably already counseled you on the importance of minimizing infant drug exposure. This may sound easy but when your head is pounding from an extreme migraine you will want to know what your best options are to avoid exposing your baby to chemicals that could be harmful. Here are a few tips that can help you make good medication choices and hopefully provide alternatives that are just as effective.
-Whenever possible, try to avoid the use of nonessential medications. There are several categories of medications and most that are prescribed by your physician should be safe for breastfed babies. However, if you can safely avoid taking medications for the period of time that you will be breastfeeding or expressing milk, then you will be protecting your child from any potential harm that those medications could possibly cause.
-There are many great non-drug therapies that can help you avoid the need for traditional medications. You may want to try some of these ideas:
1. Instead of analgesics: When that headache starts or your body is sore and you need a pain medication, consider trying some simple relaxation techniques like massage, aromatherapy, or a warm bath.
2. Instead of cough, cold or allergy medications: Coughs, colds and allergies are bothersome when you are breastfeeding because most medications are not recommended for nursing mothers. If you need some relief try using saline nose drops, cool mist, or steam. Also, be sure you are eating antioxidant rich foods and getting adequate sleep.
3. Instead of anti-asthmatics: If you have asthma, there aren’t many alternative options besides avoiding known allergens.
4. Instead of antacids: Antacids are actually counterproductive. If you have acid-reflux than you probably do not have enough hydrochloric acid in your stomach. You should consider taking a hydrochloric acid supplement, reducing your meat consumption and improving your mineral consumption.
5. Instead of laxatives: Eating high fiber cereals, prunes, vegetables, and drinking a lot of water during can help to relieve constipation.
Mother’s milk is the ideal food for any infant and should be more seriously considered for infants that are born preterm. Not every mother will want to breastfeed. However, if you are a mother of a preterm infant here are a few reasons why breastfeeding is the best option you can provide for your baby according to a lactation consultant.
1. Research has shown that infants born prematurely have increased morbidity and mortality rates if they are formula fed compared to infants that are fed human milk. This is likely due to the diverse nutrients and beneficial immune enhancing components of human milk. If a mother is unable to breastfeed her child, there are still other ways of acquiring human breast milk. Human milk banks are available throughout the country. There are also special preterm formula options that are better than regular formula.
2. Infants that are fed human milk have been found to have an easier time tolerating solid foods with fewer food allergies.
3. It takes preterm infants that are formula-fed twice as long for gastric half emptying to occur compared to breast-milk fed infants.
4. Breast milk contains the enzymes lipase, amylase, and lysozyme as well as others that are important for preterm infants with underdeveloped intestinal systems. These enzymes can help to speed up the maturation of a preterm infant’s intestinal system.
5. Preterm infants have been found to gain more weight in their bones and tissues compared to formula fed infants.
6. Human milk helps develop visual acuity and retinal health. Retinopathy is higher in formula-fed infants that are preterm.
7. Breast milk has also been found to help with the cognitive development of infants. Preterm infants that are fed breast milk have been shown to have higher IQs. This is due to the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are present in breast milk.
8. Breast milk provides valuable immune support which is beneficial for preterm infants that are often in special care nurseries and are frequently in contact with many different people.
There are several issues that can make breastfeeding challenging for mother or baby. Here are a few reasons why infants or mothers may choose to discontinue breastfeeding.
Infant-related causes:
Multiples: When multiple children are involved, there is a marked increase in the potential for early weaning, which can occur for several reasons. If one child has a difficult time breastfeeding, the other child or children could be affected. Having multiple children is a very exhausting job. Mothers of multiples may find it challenging to take the time to work with the child that is not nursing as well as the other(s). If the mother’s milk supply is not being expressed enough because of a sucking or latching on problem with one or more children than the mother’s milk supply will eventually decrease for all of the nursing children.
Often, if there is a problem with milk consumption due to proper suckling or latching-on then the child may show inadequate or inconsistent growth.
Maternal-related causes:
Many mothers choose early weaning because of pregnancy or birth complications that occur. Sometimes there is an underlying maternal condition that can cause delayed, infrequent, or insufficient milk emptying. This can result if there is a difficult breastfeeding schedule, ineffective breastfeeding, or inadequate compensatory milk expression.
Some women get confused with their infant’s breastfeeding patterns. Mothers of multiples may have a difficult time differentiating one infant from another. To help reduce confusion, it can be helpful to keep a breastfeeding log to note which child ate, at what time and for how long.
Nipple pain or damage can occur more often when a mother has two or more children to breastfeed. The more children there are to nurse the more likely that there will be ineffective breastfeeding. Also, ineffective breastfeeding is very common in preterm and near-term multiples. They often have immature suck-swallow-breathe coordination. With more than one infant to feed, it can be difficult for sore or damaged nipples to heal.
There are many useful and important tips that a lactation consultant can provide to a mother of an infant. Encouragement by a lactation consultant can also help mother’s to overcome push through the pain and discomfort of nursing during the first few weeks, when breastfeeding is most challenging and the lactation consultant advice will be the most sought after.
Ideally a pregnant woman will seek a consultation with a lactation consultant prior to the birth of her child. This early consultation is a can provide a mother with a lot of great information about what she can expect after her baby is born and give her time to find the tools she will need to effectively breastfeed her newborn.
There are several great nursing accessories that a new mother can make great use of. A lactation consultant can provide valuable insight into some of the better choices that are available on the market. For example, which brand of nursing pads works best? Should you use disposable nursing pads or fabric pads? Which brand of cream should you use on cracked or sore nipples? If you plan on expressing milk, which type of breast pump will work best for your particular needs? There is a lot of great information that a lactation consultant can provide to help mother’s find and use the best equipment.
Being a mother doesn’t mean that you know how to breastfeed a baby. The breastfeeding process can be extremely challenging for any mother. Even experienced mothers can have a difficult time. A mother should never feel bad about seeking the help of a lactation consultant. Although breastfeeding is a natural part of life it does not always come naturally.
A lactation consultant is also a great resource on how to relieve pain from engorgement. The first few days after the mother’s milk comes in can be extremely painful for some women. This is because the breasts often become engorged with milk. A lactation consultant can share tips on how to relieve the discomfort quickly and easily.
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Lactation Consultant: Evaluation, Explanation During a Consultation
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During a lactation consultation the mother and lactation consultant will discuss any concerns or questions that the mother has about breastfeeding, expressing milk, latching on or any other lactation question. The lactation consultant will not only answer any questions but will also observe the mother as she feeds her baby. Careful evaluation of the feeding process can help the consultant to determine if there is anything that needs to be changed or adjusted in how the mother and infant relate to each other during the feeding process. The way that the mother positions her infant for feedings can make feedings difficult. The lactation consultant will observe how the mother positions the infant. She will not position the infant for the mother. If there are any problems with the way that the mother positions the baby the consultant will show the mother how to position the baby and then will allow the mother to try the position herself so that she is able to perform the position on her own. This evaluation time is meant for the lactation consultant to identify where any problems may be in the feeding process. The consultant should not push on the back of the baby’s head, compress the mother’s areola or insert the areola into the baby’s mouth. When the infant is done feeding the lactation consultant will check to see how the nipple looks. She will be looking to see whether the nipple comes out of the infant’s mouth round and of equal color with the areola. There should be no evidence of trauma on the nipple. If there is any abnormal nipple shape, blisters or blanching of the nipple then the consultant will make a special note. After a feeding the consultant will also evaluate how the baby and mother are feeling. Is the baby calm, satiated and relaxed? The lactation consultant will note if the baby is irritable or fussy after a feeding. Does the mother have any pain in her shoulder, neck or back after feedings? Does the mother appear to be relaxed or does she seem stressed? The lactation consultant will ask questions to see how the mother felt about the position she was using to feed her baby.
A lactation consultant can be a valuable resource to mothers who have questions about feeding their babies. A lactation consultation with a trained lactation consultant can allow the consultant to assess the mother and any concerns she may have feeding her infant. The lactation consultant can offer suggestions and provide information that can help the mother to overcome any difficulties that she may be experiencing.
During a lactation consultation the lactation consultant will want to collect an accurate and complete history about the mother. The lactation consultant will want to determine if any breastfeeding problems are a manifestation of another problem. This step in the consultation is important because a lactation consultant will not be able to create an effective feeding plan without certain types of information.
Subjective and objective information is needed for accurate data collection. Subjective data are details that are related by the mother about her history. This information is based on the mother’s own interpretation. Most often this type of information cannot be verified.
Objective data are details that are based on direct observation or measurement. This type of information can be obtained as the lactation consultant observes and assess the mother or from medical records. A lactation consultant will want objective information about the infant. For example, what is the infants weight, gestational age or blood glucose level? The consultant will also evaluate the mother’s breasts for size, nipple shape, swelling or surgical scars that may be causing difficulty with nursing.
The information obtained during a lactation consultation can help the mother and the consultant to create a feeding plan and determine what physical obstacles are impeding her milk production or which nursing techniques are most effective.
A breast shell is a two piece plastic device that has a dome or cup shape with a concave backing that is contoured to fit the shape of a woman’s breast. It is recommended by a lactation consultant to be used by mother’s who have flat or inverted nipples or who may have very sore nipples from nursing. Breast shells are also effective at collecting leaking milk and relieving engorgement.
Breast shells are designed to evert a flat nipple. The shell of the device comes into contact with the breast. There is a small opening that allows for just enough room for the nipple to protrude through. This helps to keep the nipple accessible to the infant.
There are several different types of breast shells. Most brands have a larger opening that keeps the bra from coming into contact with the nipple. This can allow air to circulate better. There are brands that have cotton liners on the backing for a more comfortable fit. Some shells have a cotton pad in the bottom that is effective at absorbing leaked milk.
There are some disadvantages to using breast shells. For some women the breast shell is not effective at everting flat or retracted nipples. Irritation can occur if the breast shell has too much contact with the skin or if there is moisture buildup in the shell that can cause skin irritation. Sometimes if the mother leans forward, the drip milk that accumulates in the shell can leak out and make a mess. Some breast shells can be seen under the bra and are not very discreet looking. Some shells will require the mother to wear a bra that is one size larger to accommodate the shell. This is a disadvantage because if the shell is not worn the bra will be too large to wear regularly. Shells have even been linked to cases of plugged ducts and mastitis, which is very painful for breastfeeding mothers.
There is very little evidence to support the effectiveness of breast shells at helping to evert flat or inverted nipples. It may be that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages of using such a device but that decision is ultimately up to each woman.
Some people just seem to like to give others a hard time. Maybe it’s because they are insecure or angry, and unhappy with their own circumstances, or perhaps its because others have given them a hard time and they feel they need to do the same to people to compensate. Whatever the reason, it is important to recognize these people and not take their behavior personally if directed towards you. Bite your tongue. Yes, this can be painful, even in the figurative sense, but when a difficult person is giving you a hard time, bite your tongue and ignore it. However, if the situation starts to interfere with your work or your reputation, you may have to confront the person. If you can help it, it is always better to try to resolve conflict with another directly rather then going to a supervisor.
When you do approach someone about a situation, be calm. Prepare yourself for what you want to say, and stay focused. Don’t ever use degrading or insulting language. This serves no purpose. Remember that people who are seemingly difficult by nature can be defensive and intimidate you without much effort. Keep this in mind and say what you rehearsed. Make sure the timing and circumstances are right, and make sure you are in private so you don’t embarrass the other person by talking within earshot of others. Learn to be a diplomat. People who are quick to criticize and are difficult in general are often in need of some attention themselves. Sometimes showing them respect and appreciation by giving them some praise and attention will calm them down and get them off your case.
Immunization has helped to dramatically decrease the incidences of measles throughout the world in countries with immunization programs. This is very beneficial and recommended by midwifes, because the measles virus is very contagious and has been known to cause epidemics. Unfortunately there are many deaths that still occur in children aged one to five who live in developing countries that do not offer immunizations against the measles virus. The measles virus can spread very quickly. Because the virus requires a human host to survive it has adapted to become highly infectious. Approximately 90 percent of people who come into contact with it, who have not been immunized or have previously been exposed to the virus, will become infected. Most often the measles virus is spread remotely through air droplets. So, if you are on an air plane with someone who has the measles, a simple sneeze or cough could potentially infect everyone on board. Babies and young children are the most susceptible for catching the measles. The symptoms of measles usually develop 8 to 14 days after the initial infection. There are two phases that occur- the pre-eruptive catarrhal stage and the non-infectious rash stage. Each stage has specific symptoms associated with it. The catarrhal stage can last for 1-2 days. Often this stage will be accompanied by a cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and a high fever. Small red spots with white centers often develop on the mucus membranes in the mouth. The non-infectious rash stage usually begins 3 to 5 days after the first onset of symptoms. A rash will appear on the head and neck and will spread to the entire body. Initially the rash will be red with flat discrete spots. After a week, the spots will combine to form larger areas of red that will eventually fade into a brownish color. This usually occurs before the rash disappears completely. Once the rash has disappeared the fever will return back to normal and the patient should recover within 4 to 5 days. Some common complications of measles include: -A bacterial infection in the middle ear. -Inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. -Conjunctivitis -Bronchitis -Gastro-enteritis -Croup There is a measles vaccine that can be administered to infants between 12 -15 months. This is known as the MMR vaccine and is a two part vaccine with the final booster being administered at 4-6 years.
Bottle fed infants are at the greatest risk for developing candidiasis, a fungal infection that can affect the mouth, alimentary canal, skin, vulva, vagina and anus. This infection is also common in children and adults. The symptoms for candidiasis will be vary depending on the particular area that is affected.
Candida is a natural part of the normal flora in the human body. The mouth, skin, vagina, and alimentary canal are areas of the body that are home to candida. Under normal health conditions, candida helps the body. However, the bacteria can proliferate and become pathogenic. This often occurs if a person has a weak immune system, is diabetic, or takes certain types of medications like antibiotics.
Candidiasis is caused by the fugus Candida albicans. There are several different types of Candida that can affect the body and create infection. Some infections may be caused by taking medications, such as antibiotics, steroid inhalers, or contraceptive pills. These types of medications can disturb the natural balance of the body and allow the fungus to multiply out of control. Several disorders such as Addison’s disease and hypoparathyroidism have been associated with candida.
These are some common symptoms associated with skin candidiasis:
-Red, itchy, plaque-like lesions may develop under the breasts, and in the folds of the skin. This is common for infants who have a lot of baby fat and obese people.
-Babies may have sore, raised red rash with pimples in the anal cleft and vulval regions.
Oral symptoms can include:
-White patches on the mucus linings of the oral cavity and pharynx. These patches will be sore and are often accompanied with redness of the palate and mucosa.
-The corners of the mouth may crack.
-This infection can affect the esophagus, making swallowing difficult.
-Some patients will have a sore tongue.
Genital symptoms include:
-Vaginitis often results when the candida proliferates out of control. This usually causes inflammation and a thick white discharge with itching. The mucosa lining often swells and is sore.
