Is it Safe to Take Levaquin for a Nursing Mother?

Levaquin is a powerful antibiotic drug most commonly used for the treatment of urinary tract infections. Trace amounts of Levaquin in breastmilk may negatively affect a breastfeeding child, but these risks are unlikely if the drug is taken as prescribed.

Unknown Factors

No studies have confirmed the amount of Levaquin excreted in human breastmilk. However, lactation experts like Dr. Jack Newman note that drugs generally pass into breastmilk in very small doses and are unlikely to affect a nursing infant.

Theoretical Risks

In theory, the small amounts of Levaquin in breastmilk can harm a child's joint development. This risk is most serious if the mother takes Levaquin for an extended period of time.

Time Frame

Doctors usually prescribe Levaquin for only a short period of time (3 to 7 days). This time frame is probably too short to adversely affect a child's development.

Alternatives

Some naturopathic physicians may recommend fruit extracts like cranberry or blueberry, which may treat urinary tract infections with fewer side effects for nursng mothers.

Considerations

If a mother chooses to discontinue nursing while taking Levaquin, she may resume breastfeeding after her treatment has ended. Lactation consultants may recommend that she "pump and dump" to maintain a steady milk supply.

How to Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding With No Period

Mothers who enjoy breastfeeding their new babies may not be aware that nursing slows the return of fertility. While many new parents may be relieved that the chance of another pregnancy is lowered by breastfeeding, others may be torn between continuing the breastfeeding relationship between mom and baby, and conceiving another child. Fortunately, there are some concrete steps mothers can take to hasten the return of fertility while still nursing.

Instructions

Monitor Nursing Habits

1

Record each nursing session in a notebook. Label the top of the page with the date. Each time you nurse your baby, record the length of time. Don't forget to record night sessions as well, since these are a very important factor in return of fertility.

2

After about two or three days of recording all nursing sessions, examine your data. Pay close attention to the average number of nursing sessions per day, as well as the time of day at which they occur.

3

Cut back on the number of nursing sessions per day. If your baby is older than six months and has started solids, try to begin by replacing one afternoon or late morning nursing session with solid foods.

4

After a couple of days with one reduced nursing session, try to take away another. If you do this until your nursing sessions are between four and seven hours apart, your period is much more likely to return, allowing for the next baby to be conceived.

5

Of course, regular intercourse will always increase your chances of conceiving.

How to Build a Full Milk Supply With a Breast Pump

Breast-feeding provides benefits to both mother and child. The American Association of Family Practitioners reports that breast-feeding helps prevent negative health conditions, provides a bonding experience between mother and child and nourishes the baby. Some women who choose to breast-feed find that their milk supply doesn't come in fully at first. The baby is suckling, but little or no milk is coming out. If you wish to nourish your baby exclusively with breast milk, one way to increase your milk supply is through the frequent and proper use of a breast pump.

Instructions

1

Clean and sanitize your pump and accompanying accessories. If the pump is new, a simple washing and rinsing with soap and water will suffice. If you've had the pump in storage, you might want to soak the components overnight in a bleach-and-water solution first. Do not put the electric part of a pump in water. Some pumps might be dishwasher safe, but it is best to check the manufacturer's instructions.

2

Assemble your pump according to the manufacturer's directions.

3

Place the pump's shields over your breasts so that the areolae are covered as much as possible and the hole or stem in the center of the shields is centered over the tip. With some electric pumps, pumping is as simple as holding the shields in place and turning a knob on the pump. With manual pumps, you may need to have one hand free to work a lever or other mechanism, so you may only be able to pump one side at a time.

4

Pump for about 30 to 45 minutes. If you do not have a double pump, you'll need to spend 30 to 45 minutes on each side.

5




Until you and baby get a routine going, it may be helpful to schedule pumping times.

Pump often. Since newborns tend to feed every two hours, pumping on the hours baby isn't feeding is a good idea. Also, as baby starts sleeping longer intervals, pump during his naps. The frequent use of the pump usually increases your milk supply because your body thinks the baby is feeding often, and it naturally makes more milk.

How to Decrease Breast Size After Baby Birth

Breast size increases immediately after giving birth, and breasts may remain larger for three months to a year or more, depending on how long you nurse your baby. Some women find that even after they have weaned their baby, their breasts are larger than they were before they got pregnant. For others, breasts are smaller and droopier. Because you cannot focus fat loss on specific areas of the body, including the breasts, breast size needs to be decreased with exercise and overall fat loss.

Instructions

1

Prepare for breast engorgement two to three days after the baby is born. Breasts will get larger and will become full and heavy with milk. Breastfeed the baby or use a pump to expel the milk.

2

Breastfeed the baby regularly in the first days after engorgement to keep the swelling down. While breasts seem larger immediately after birth, and will remain full-looking while breastfeeding, for some women they will revert to their pre-pregnancy size after nursing.

3

Exercise 30 minutes per day after your doctor gives you the OK. This will help you to lose baby weight and accumulated fat, including fat in your breasts. Engage in cardiovascular exercises, including fast-paced walking, aerobics, biking or running.

4

Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy over full-fat dairy once you have stopped breastfeeding. A low-fat diet should help you lose weight and decrease your breast size. Use an online calculator to determine your recommended daily fat intake.

5

Strength train with free weights or gym equipment, focusing on the pectoral muscles two or three times a week. Use the seated chest press, the seated incline chest press, the pectoral fly machine and the weight-assisted dip/chin machine. Use a setting that causes muscle fatigue, but not pain, after 12 repetitions. Work up to three sets of repetitions.

6

Add push-ups to your exercise routine to work the muscles under the breasts. Push-ups can be done in a modified position, on bent knees. Start with five or 10 a day and work up to 20 to 30 a day. Push-ups can be done anywhere and at anytime, including while your baby is napping.

How to Stop Falling Asleep While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a healthy choice for your baby. Not only does this form of nourishment encourage proper development, it soothes your baby and deepens the bond you have with one another. However, because it's also relaxing for the mother, it can cause drowsiness. Because falling asleep while breastfeeding can cause you to smother your baby or drop her, it's crucial to find ways to keep your eyes open until your baby has nursed and is safely tucked back into her crib.

Instructions

1

Get up to nurse your baby in the night. If you bring your baby into your bed to breastfeed, you're more likely to fall back asleep. Instead, move to another room and don't get too comfortable. Sit on the couch and watch television or move to a chair and sit up straight. Each of these will help keep you awake until your baby is done eating. Turning on the lights might help, too.

2

Do things to keep yourself awake if you tend to fall asleep while you're nursing during the day. Read a picture book out loud to your baby or call and chat with a friend while your baby nurses. Even watching television can help keep your eyes open while you're breastfeeding.

3

Walk around while you're nursing. This might take a bit of practice, but try cradling your baby just like you do when you're sitting down to breastfeed. Walk around the house or throw a blanket over your chest and go for a walk around the block. You'll squeeze in a bit of exercise, but walking will also prevent you from falling asleep.

4

Look for distractions. Watch your older children play, ask your children to put on a play for you or talk about your next family vacation with your partner. When you're actively engaged in something else, you're less likely to fall asleep.

5

Ask your partner or another adult that's with you to keep a close eye on you while you're nursing. Remind that person to wake you up immediately if you appear to be dozing while your baby nurses.

Breastfeeding Awareness Ideas

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2012 report card on breastfeeding revealed that breastfeeding rates are on the rise. However, less than half -- 47.2 percent -- of mothers are still nursing their babies at 6 months old, and only a quarter -- 25.5 percent -- are nursing their babies at 12 months old. While many local, state and national initiatives are in place to provide support for nursing mothers and improve breastfeeding rates, any nursing mom can work toward boosting awareness. Whether you're an activist-minded mama with lofty goals or simply someone who wants to support other nursing moms, you can find an awareness opportunity for you.

Nurse in Public

Learning to nurse a tiny newborn, especially for first-time moms, can be overwhelming, and it might take you several weeks or months to get into your nursing groove. Once you do, give yourself the freedom to get out of the house, and nurse your baby in public. Wearing nursing-friendly clothes, using a nursing cover or receiving blanket for modesty and finding comfortable public spots to nurse can make public breastfeeding simple. When you nurse in public, you immediately raise awareness by showing those people you encounter that breastfeeding is a normal, natural and healthy way to feed your baby.

Latch On

Join in on national and international movements that raise breastfeeding awareness. One well-known annual event, the Big Latch On, brings together breastfeeding mothers across the world at the same time, aiming to beat previous records or set a world record of the number of mothers nursing at the same minute. Such events provide support for breastfeeding mothers, raise public awareness of breastfeeding and encourage communities to support public breastfeeding, since most of the Latch Ons take place in public places. Be a part of history while raising awareness at the same time.

Join a Support Group

Being a new mother can be isolating, even when you have the support of family and friends. When you join a breastfeeding support group, you can connect with other nursing mothers while becoming a part of your local breastfeeding community. In addition to building relationships, these groups may allow you to work with other breastfeeding mothers on local awareness projects. Ask your hospital, lactation consultant, obstetrician or pediatrician for recommendations for breastfeeding support groups, or check out La Leche League International.

Be Open About Your Experience

Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy way to nourish your baby, and speaking out about your experience can help empower other women. Rather than judging mothers who might be considering using formula, you can simply speak about your breastfeeding experience honestly, answering questions and highlighting both the benefits and challenges you've experienced on your breastfeeding journey. Reach out to new mothers and offer advice and support, whether you're talking about how you dealt with the middle-of-the-night feedings during the newborn stage or what breastfeeding products worked best for you. Your voice can raise breastfeeding awareness in your community.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in a Baby

Tooth decay in babies can happen when liquids containing sugar stay in a baby's mouth for long periods of time, such as when the baby is sleeping. Here are several ways you can prevent toothy decay in your baby.

Instructions

1

Never let a baby go to sleep with a bottle filled with formula, milk, juice or any other drink that contains sugar.

2

If a baby has to have a bottle to fall asleep, then fill the bottle with a little bit of water.

3

Clean the baby's gums at least once a day with a soft, damp washcloth. If the baby has teeth, clean them with a soft baby toothbrush or with a wet washcloth. It's a good idea to wash the baby's gums and teeth after they have had the last bottle of the day.

4

If a baby is breastfed, don't let the baby sleep all night feeding on the breast. It is the same as putting a baby to sleep with a bottle in its mouth.

5

Never dip a pacifier into syrup, honey, sugar or anything sweet. Try to avoid giving the baby any sweets, even if it is just on the pacifier.