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.

The Best Things for a Baby

With all the baby merchandise available, preparing for your new little one can seem like an overwhelming task. However, once the baby is home, you may come to realize that all the fancy merchandise can be a distraction from what baby really needs, a parent's love. When preparing for baby, start by focusing on the most important things because you can always pick up the "extras" later on.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best way to feed and bond with your baby.

Breastfeeding is the most natural way for a mother to feed and bond with her new baby. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the age of 6 months and the continuation of breastfeeding up to the age of 2 years and beyond. It is important for a mother to have the support of her spouse and extended family throughout the entirety of the breastfeeding relationship. Breastfeeding has its challenges, but for a family to nurture this relationship benefits the health and well-being of the baby.

A Baby Carrier

A baby carrier allows baby to be more involved in your day.

Invest in a quality baby carrier that accommodates the baby from birth and beyond. Try the carrier on prior to purchase to confirm whether you would feel comfortable wearing it with a heavy child. If possible, choose your carrier after the baby is born, as she will also have a preference for different styles of carriers. Benefits of "wearing" your baby include giving her greater involvement in your day, therefore providing a superior learning experience than she would have by simply leaving her in the crib. In addition, babies that are left too long lying down may end up having a flat or misshapen head, a medical condition called "plagiocephaly."

Family and Friends

Grandma and baby share a moment.

Time for baby to bond with family and friends is important at all stages of life. Expect your relatives and neighbors to be enamored with your little one, so much so that they may even want to wake baby up from a nap to spend more time with him. Take this in stride, as eventually family and friends can be relied upon so you can get some "me" time. Special time with family and friends helps baby develop new relationships beyond Mom and Dad. Take the time to mend any important relationships before baby arrives, as holding onto resentment and keeping distance from family members will be a disservice to your little one.

Play with Baby

Reading to baby early helps develop language and literacy.

Playing with your baby helps her learn about the world around her, teaches social interaction and develops motor skills. Playing with baby can include encouraging interaction with age-appropriate toys, reading to her, singing to her and gently encouraging movement. Get out of the house and let your baby experience new things, such as holding items at the grocery store, playing with fallen leaves, going for a swim or meeting other babies. During early life, it is important to not rely on television and other electronic devices to entertain baby, as this can have negative effects on the development of your child. Keeping the TV off also helps Mom and Dad by eliminating distractions and allowing them to tune into baby.

How to Begin Pumping While Nursing

One thing emphasized to new mothers repeatedly is that breast milk is best whenever possible -- at least in the first few months of a child's life. For busy mothers, breast pumps are the ideal solution to providing breast milk when they are not able to nurse. Some mothers have difficulty getting their milk to come out when pumping, however. Expert pediatrician and parenting consultant Dr. William Sears suggests nursing while pumping as a way to stimulate milk production. Nursing and pumping simultaneously will also save you precious time when you are running behind schedule in your day.

Instructions

1

Hook the pump up to one of your breasts. The way to hook it up depends on the type of pump you have, so you will need to consult your manual. Most breast pumps have a breast shield that goes over your nipple and suctions the milk out into a collection bottle. All you need to do is turn the machine on if the pump is electric. If you are using a manual breast pump, you will have to manually pump the designated squeeze handle at an even pace to get the milk out.

2

Wear a nursing bra that will hold the pump in place. That way, you will be hands free to nurse your baby with the other breast.

3

Bring your baby to your free breast, helping her to latch on. Hold her so that she is cradled along the length of your arm on the side she is nursing on. This way, she will be out of the way of the breast pump attachments.

Breastfeeding & the Diabetic Mother

Expectant mothers who have diabetes need not be concerned about breastfeeding their baby. Although there are many myths that breastfeeding is not good for the diabetic mother or child, there are many facts about the benefits of breastfeeding, even when diabetic.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is defined as the body's inability to produce enough insulin required to regulate your bodies blood sugar levels. According to Diabetes Health, "Breastfeeding is the optimal way of providing ideal food for the health, growth and development of human infants while simultaneously benefiting the lactating mother."

Decreased Insulin Use

When a diabetic mother breastfeeds, sugars from her blood transfer to the infant through the breast milk, lowering the daily blood sugar levels, which, in turn, requires a decreased use of insulin. Diabetic mothers might want to eat a bit more to ensure that their blood sugar levels do not drop too low and monitor their levels at all times.

Chronic Disease in Child

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. reports in its Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding that most recent studies on infant breastfeeding indicate lower instances of chronic diseases among children who were breastfed. It also suggests that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in those children. The report goes on to say that because babies born to diabetic mothers are already at an increased risk of developing diabetes later in life, breastfeeding is of utmost importance because it could lower the risk of the child developing the disease.

Remission

In La Leche League International pamphlet, The Diabetic Mother and Breastfeeding, it states that some diabetic mothers could benefit by a partial remission of their symptoms while breastfeeding as well as an increase in overall health because after birth, hormones pass through the mother that cause psychological and metabolic changes in the mother.

Weight Loss

Breastfeeding is a great calorie burner, which can promote weight loss. Since diabetes can sometimes be managed by weight loss, breastfeeding your infant would be an advantage for the diabetic mother.

How Does Breast Feeding Affect an Infant's Health?

Physical Health Benefits of Breast Milk

Breast feeding is one of the best gifts you can give your child. Breast milk is the most natural, healthy, and perfect form of nutrition for infants. By going straight from the breast into your baby, breast milk is less likely than formula to be contaminated. Your infant can gain long term health benefits from breast feeding. Breast fed babies are healthier and don't have to see doctors as often as bottle fed babies because of the antibodies in breast milk that protect your infant from viruses and bacteria. Breast fed babies are less likely to have ear infections, respiratory infections, eczema and diarrhea. They can digest food easier than formula fed babies and have lower rates of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics said studies indicate that breast fed babies have lower rates of diabetes, leukemia, high cholesterol, asthma and obesity. They are also less likely to develop diseases such as multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. The longer infants are breast fed, the fewer cavities they'll have during their lives.

Emotional Health Benefits of Breast Milk

An April 2007 study by the Department of Health and Human Services shows that breast fed babies are generally happier, more content, and well adjusted. When they're hungry, they don't have to wait for bottles to be cleaned and formula to be measured, mixed and warmed. They can be picked up and fed immediately. They feel closer to their mothers and form emotional bonds faster. The contact between mothers and infants gives babies comfort and makes them feel warm and secure. Breastfed babies sleep better and deal with stress better later in life.

Mental Health Benefits of Breast Milk

Premature babies that were breast fed had higher IQ scores at ages 7 and 8 than formula fed preemies. Scores on various intelligence and developmental tests at different ages were higher for children who benefited from breast feeding. In addition, studies show that breast feeding increases cognitive development or thought processes, such as remembering, solving problems and making decisions. Children that were breast fed as infants have fewer learning and behavior problems. They're more alert and less likely to be distracted. Research by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in April of 2007 shows that breast fed children are more mature and secure.

How to Lose Weight After a Cesarean Section

Most women are interested in losing weight after having a baby. And while many women are successful, those who have a cesarean, or C-section, may have a difficult time shedding the excess pounds. Cesarean sections involve surgery, and it can take up to 8 weeks for the incision to heal. As a result, some women don't begin to lose their pregnancy weight until 2 or 3 months after giving birth.

Instructions

1

Speak with your doctor before exercising. Although you may be anxious to begin losing the pregnancy weight, wait until your incision heals to start a workout routine. Exercising beforehand can weaken the stitch line. Talk to your doctor before engaging in any type of physical activity.

2

Take a brisk walk. Wait 3 months before beginning a vigorous workout after a C-section. In the meantime, build your stamina and take a brisk power walk. Walk for 30 minutes or longer at least three times a week. This will help you burn calories and fat, and lose the pregnancy weight.

3

Reduce your calorie intake. While pregnant, many women become accustomed to "eating for two." If you're trying to lose weight after a cesarean section, eat 500 fewer calories a day. Limit your carb and sugar intake, and stay away from fast and fried foods.

4

Breastfeed your baby. If you're unable to engage in physical activity due to pain from a C-section, consider breastfeeding your baby. Breastfeeding burns about 500 calories a day, and it'll help you shed the pregnancy pounds.

5

Exercise your abdominal muscles. Once your incision heals, participate in workouts that target your mid-section. Crunches, abdominal workouts and pilates can burn calories and sculpt your stomach.

How to Fight Jaundice in a Newborn

Jaundice is a very common condition affecting newborns. It is not dangerous in most cases, as it is simply a reaction to too much pigment, or bilirubin, in the body. The excess amounts of pigment cause an alarming yellow tinge to your baby's skin; however, never fear, as there are ways that you can fight jaundice safely and effectively.

Instructions

1

Allow your newborn's body to fight the jaundice by keeping him in a well lit area for 15 minutes at least twice a day. Sunlight naturally aids the body in the breaking down of bilirubin so that the liver can more easily process it. Often just exposure to sunlight is enough to eliminate yellowing skin.

2

Speak to your doctor about special sun lamps, or phototherapy lamps, if it proves difficult to expose your child to sunlight, or if two sessions of sun exposure doesn't seem to be helping. With special monitoring and the advice of your doctor, the addition of these lamps to your home can greatly assist in the treatment of jaundice.

3

Breast feed your baby if at all possible, as your milk contains vital nutrients that your newborn's body needs to not only fight jaundice but to grow strong and healthy.

4

Consider special formulas that can supplement regular feeding and breast feeding which are specially designed to help fight jaundice. Before switching or supplementing formulas, it is a good idea to speak with a lactation consultant or your pediatrician about all the possible special feeding options.

How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After Childbirth?

After the birth of a baby, many women wonder when their menstrual cycles and subsequently, fertility, will return. The answer to this depends on several factors, including whether or not the mother is breastfeeding her baby. Childbirth takes a toll on the mother's body, and therefore, achieving pregnancy in the weeks immediately following the birth of your baby is not recommended by most health care professionals. Because of this, it is important for mothers to know when they could become fertile again and take precautions to avoid pregnancy.

Ovulation after Childbirth

Most women experience three to eight weeks of bleeding following childbirth. In the first days immediately following the birth of your baby, this bleeding is bright red in color. As time passes, this bleeding, also known as lochia, will become lighter in flow and color, signaling the mother's uterus is nearly fully healed. The chances that a mother will ovulate during the first six weeks after giving birth is relatively low, although not impossible.

Once the postpartum bleeding has stopped and if the mother is not exclusively breastfeeding, she likely will resume ovulation around 10 weeks after childbirth. In fact, 80 percent of all women who do not breastfeed report that their period has returned by this time. Because of this fact, it is possible for a woman to become pregnant before she ever has a period. If a woman is not exclusively breastfeeding, she should talk to her health care provider about contraceptive options at her six-week postpartum checkup.

Breastfeeding

If a mother exclusively breastfeeds her baby, her chances of ovulating soon after giving birth decrease tremendously. In order for this to occur a mother must nurse her baby on demand and limit the amount of supplementation with a bottle. This method, known as the lactational amenorrhea method, has been proven to be 98 percent effective in preventing ovulation when used in this way.

The reason breastfeeding is so effective at preventing ovulation is because the hormone prolactin is produced in large amounts every time the baby suckles at the breast. Prolactin naturally suppresses ovulation. Mothers should be aware that this method will only work as long as they continue exclusively breastfeeding. Once the baby begins to take more solid foods, or begins sleeping through the night thereby increasing the amount of time between feedings, mothers should begin to use another form of birth control because ovulation could resume at any time.

Resuming Sex

Most doctors advise mothers to wait at least six weeks after child birth has occurred before resuming sexual activity. This is because the mother's body takes at least this long to heal and recover from the trauma of childbirth. Many woman find sex to be uncomfortable for several months to a year following the birth of their baby. This is very normal, but women should discuss any concerns they have with their doctors.

Around six weeks after giving birth, most women will return to their doctor for a postpartum checkup. At this visit, the doctor will examine the patient and make sure she is healing properly. Around this time, most doctors give the green light to resume intercourse and also will discuss appropriate birth control options.

Looking Ahead

A study in the British Medical Journal has found that women who wait less than six months between pregnancies are at an increased risk of complications in the subsequent pregnancy including miscarriage, preterm labor or neonatal death. Because of these heightened risks, most health care providers advise women to wait at least six months before trying to conceive again.

If a woman is still breastfeeding her baby, it is recommended she wean her child once she becomes pregnant again, a consideration mothers should make when deciding when to begin trying to conceive.

Considerations

Because every woman and situation is unique, remember that it is possible at any point after giving birth to become pregnant if you have unprotected sexual intercourse. If ovulation occurs and birth control is not used, pregnancy is a distinct possibility. Therefore it is important to discuss birth control options with your health care provider and partner if another pregnancy is not immediately desired.

How to Use Cloth Diapers to Make Nursing Pads

Using cloth diapers to make nursing pads is so easy that a new mother or father without sewing skills can easily create a dozen homemade nursing pads in under 30 minutes. The World Health Organization promotes breastfeeding a baby exclusively for the first six months of life and then continued breastfeeding for two years with complimentary foods, because the health benefits to the mother and the children are unparalleled by formula feeding. Multiple other authorities, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that infants are breastfed for at least 12 months. Nursing pads are one necessary item when nursing an infant, and the cost of disposable pads adds up quickly, so making reusable breast pads is a cost-effective venture.

Instructions

1

Lay a disposable nursing pad on a flat, clean cloth diaper, close to one corner. The disposable nursing pad serves as a homemade nursing pad pattern.

2

Trace the disposable nursing pad shape onto the cloth diaper using a marker or pencil. Repeat this action on the entire cloth diaper. This will result in about one dozen nursing pad outlines.

3

Cut the homemade nursing pads out of the cloth diaper.

4

Sew around the perimeter -- 1/8 or 1/4 inch away from the edge -- of each nursing pad with a sewing machine to finish it. Alternatively, use a serger to quickly and conveniently serge each nursing pad edge to finish them. You can hand stitch the edges if necessary, but this method will take more time.

Breast & Nipple Pain

Throughout a woman's life, problems with breast or nipple pain are sure to arise. Although these symptoms are often quite normal, they can sometimes indicate more serious problems.

The Female Breast: Identification

Understanding the anatomy of the breast, as well as the function of its various parts, may help to specify the location and possible causes of breast and nipple pain. The female breast is composed of fat, connective tissue, milk ducts, lobes, lobules and various blood vessels. The ducts, which link together the lobes and lobules, come to an end at the nipple.

Symptoms

Breast and nipple pain can manifest itself in different ways. Many women experience pain in the upper area of the breast. Pain can also be closer to the nipple, or even feel as if it is in the nipple itself. Often, breast and nipple pain is accompanied by lumps in the breast. Regularity of pain can vary.

Causes

Constant, dull aching pain in the outer extremities of the breast is a normal problem and often results from changes in the breast tissue, often referred to as "fibrocystic" changes. Pain in the nipple may indicate infection, or it could result from injury or friction. While nipple pain is not usually serious, see a doctor if you experience any nipple discharge. Other causes of breast and nipple pain include benign tumors, mastitis and cancerous tumors (although these usually do not cause painful symptoms).

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the underlying cause. In the case of fibrocystic breast changes, there is no cure. However, pain relievers may help to lessen pain. Other treatments include antibiotics (for mastitis cases), other medications and surgery (for breast abscesses or cancerous tumors).

Considerations

During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause, changes occur in the breasts that may cause painful symptoms. These are normal, and usually no object of concern. However, if your symptoms are accompanied by fever, or become very serious, be sure to see a doctor.

Milk Allergies and Breastfed Babies

Cow's milk protein sensitivity is the most common cause of digestive upset in newborns, but, thankfully, is generally outgrown by age 3. Depending on how sensitive your baby is, you might not have to eliminate all dairy from your diet, in order that the milk protein is not passed through your breast milk. Some babies are severely allergic, though, and require a strictly dairy-free diet for both themselves and their mothers.

Lactose Versus Cow's Milk Protein

There is a great difference between true lactose intolerance and the much more common cow's milk protein allergy. While many people will mistakenly claim that their baby has a lactose intolerance, according to Kelly Bonyata, IBCLC, an allergy to cow's milk protein is much more likely the cause of digestive upset or skin issues. Lactose intolerance is a much more rare diagnosis and would require cessation of breastfeeding, while continuing to nurse a baby that is allergic to cow's milk protein is far preferred to formula feeding.

Milk Protein Sensitivity Symptoms

A food sensitivity reaction generally doesn't show up in babies until 4 to 24 hours after exposure. If your baby is allergic to cow's milk protein, he might be fussy or gassy, as well as suffering from abdominal pain and cramping. Some babies also suffer from skin reactions, such as red rashes and eczema. More severe reactions would include diarrhea and vomiting. Babies only rarely suffer the extreme reaction of anaphylaxis, which involves immediate swelling, rashes or vomiting, right after exposure. Because swelling of the face and mouth can cause difficulty breathing, immediate medical care is needed.

Mother's Diet

Depending on how sensitive your baby is, you might only need to eliminate major dairy sources, such as milk, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt. If your baby is highly sensitive, you will likely have to eliminate all dairy sources, and be vigilant about reading labels on prepackaged foods--in order to guarantee they don't contain hidden dairy products, such as lactose and whey. Since it can take from 10 days to 3 weeks for an allergen to completely clear from a mother's breast milk, do not begin to reassess your baby's condition until at least 3 weeks from when you eliminated the potential allergens.

Baby's Diet

When your baby is 6 months old and ready to begin solids, do not introduce dairy products yet. Waiting to introduce dairy products to your previously allergic baby saves him from another potentially uncomfortable reaction. There are many other healthful options to feed him that do not include cow's milk. Your breast milk continues to be a complete nutrition, and the only milk needed until he is at least 12 months. By continuing to breastfeed beyond one year, you will continue to provide your baby with milk that is not only convenient and comforting, but also easily digestible.

Reintroducing Milk Products

Many babies outgrow their cow's milk protein allergy at around 6 months. At that age, you can begin slowly to introduce dairy products into your own diet, but observe your breastfed baby closely for any digestive upset, or other reaction. According to Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, once your baby is 12 to 18 months old, and only under the advice of your physician, you can slowly begin to feed him dairy and other foods containing cow's milk protein. Offer small amounts of foods containing cow's milk, preferably early in the day so you can watch him for any possible reactions. If he reacts to the cow's milk, do not continue to offer. Instead, try again after 3 years of age.

How to Prevent Dry and Cracked Nipples While Breastfeeding

As common an experience as it is, breastfeeding should not hurt. Although the first few minutes of each session might be intense, and soreness may occur after a good feed, chronic or enduring pain - especially in the form of dry or cracked nipples - is not at all necessary. Luckily, a few simply steps can radically reduce the occurrence of dry or cracked nipples.

Instructions

1

Prior to feeding, express a little milk. This will assist the let-down reflex, softening the nipples and allowing your baby to latch on more gently and easily.

2

Have your baby latch on correctly - an improper latch is a main cause of sore, dry or cracked nipples. Your baby latches onto the areola, not just the nipple. If the nipple doesn't reach all the way into the mouth, massage the areola with your thumb and forefinger, and push it outwards.

3

Let your baby start feeding on the breast that is the least sore - a baby's sucking is at its strongest in the first few minutes. After the intensity has subsided, switch to the other side.

4

For each feeding, change your baby's position slightly, so that the pressure of the feeding is distributed evenly throughout the breast. Rotate different types of breast-feeding holds: the cradle hold, the Australian hold, the football hold, and so on.

5

Be careful not to let your baby fall asleep at the breast, or suck for comfort without a proper latch. In addition, don't pull the mouth away from the breast without first breaking the suction.

6

After each session, allow your nipples to air-dry. Leave some breast milk behind on the nipples - the milk includes natural skin softeners. To reduce pain, apply cool compresses. In-between feedings, use proper breast support like cotton bras that won't irritate the nipples. At the same time, avoid breast-feeding pads with plastic liners - they can incubate bacteria.

Facts About Skin and Perfume

Perfume reacts with skin in many ways. Your skin sensitivity and chemistry affect which scents are appropriate for you. Your lifestyle and hobbies should also be considered when choosing a perfume.

Making the Selection

Perfume can have different effects on varying skin types. The best way to find a perfume that reacts well with your natural scent is to try it on your skin, preferably overnight.

Reactions

"Marie Claire" magazine reports, "Fragrance is the number-one cause of allergic contact dermatitis." As a result, people with sensitive skin may need to avoid perfume and scented products.

Breastfeeding

Nursing mothers should be aware that perfumes can affect your baby's willingness to breastfeed. Scented lotions, soaps and hygiene products can also prompt disinterest in feeding. According to KidsHealth, smelling "different" to your child is the problem.

Bee Stings

Perfumes can make your skin more appealing to bees. If you intend to spend time outside, avoid wearing sweet scents.

Warning

EczemaNet warns consumers about the dangers of cheap or counterfeit perfume. "These fragrances sell for much less, because they contain inexpensive ingredients. Antifreeze, alcohol and even urine replace the more expensive ingredients. And you don't want these substitutes on your skin."

Lexotanil Side Effects

The medication bromazepam is available under numerous brand names, including Lexotanil in some countries. Lexotanil is a sedative and muscle relaxant categorized as a benzodiazepine, and is similar to diazepam (Valium). Many side effects are possible.

Uses

Doctors prescribe Lexotanil to relieve anxiety, panic attacks and tension. It also is used to decrease symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or opiate drugs, and for short-term treatment of insomnia.

Common Side Effects

The most common Lexotanil side effects include drowsiness, dizziness and coordination problems. Some patients experience dry mouth, headache, lightheadedness, slurred speech or upset stomach.

Time Frame

Prolonged use of Lexotanil can cause psychological and physical dependence. Patients who take Lexotanil on a regular basis should never abruptly discontinue using it because severe withdrawal effects can result.

Concerns for Women

Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not take Lexotanil because it causes severe birth defects. Lexotanil also should not be used by women who are breastfeeding.

Contraindications

People with certain health conditions may not be able to safely take Lexotanil. These include kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, depression or a history of drug or alcohol dependency.