Staph Infection Causes in Babies

There are many species of the staphylococcus bacteria and each type causes a variety of staph infections in babies. Staphylococcus bacteria can be found everywhere, usually on a healthy person's skin, and cause an infection when the bacteria enters the body or skin. Babies with staph infections can suffer from a range of illnesses, from moderate skin infections to life-threatening toxic shock syndrome. The most common forms of staph infections in babies are bullous and nonbullous impetigo, bacterial conjunctivitis and staph food poisoning.

Causes

Skin staph infections in babies, such as impetigo, are a result of the staphylococcus bacteria entering the skin through a wound such as a cut or scrape, an insect bite or a rash such as eczema or the common diaper rash. Bacterial conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye," is often caused by a staphylococcus bacteria infection in a baby's eye as a result of touching or being touched by an infected person or object and rubbing their eyes. Staph food infections in babies are caused from staphylococcus bacteria that has been eaten or ingested.

Symptoms/Signs

The symptoms and signs of a staph infection in a baby will depend on the type, location and severity of the infection. Babies with a bullous impetigo skin staph infection tend to have fluid-filled blisters on their stomach, diaper region, face, arms and legs. Bullous impetigo staph infection blisters burst and create round, open sores that seep with pus and are surrounded by dead skin. Nonbullous impetigo infections are usually located around the mouth, ears or nose and have a red pimple or bump that turns into a crusty, yellow, patchy sore. Bacterial conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," leads to redness and/or itching in one or both eyes. A staph bacterial conjunctivitis infection will also usually produce drainage in the infected eye. Signs of a staph food infection are dramatic and severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Staph food infections do not usually result in fever, which is what makes this type of infection distinguishable amongst other types of food poisoning such as salmonella or clostridium.

Prevention/Solution

Absolute prevention of any type of staph infection may prove impossible since the staphylococcal bacteria are literally all around you and your baby. Vigorous hand washing is the best way to prevent passing and acquiring skin and eye staph infections. Keep all wounds, sores and openings in your baby's skin covered with sterile bandages until healed. Avoid sharing your baby's items with anyone else and do not share your personal items such as towels, sheets, clothing and razors with others. Prevent staph food poisoning by making sure that all prepared and cooked foods are immediately refrigerated after eating. If you need to leave food out, keep a time restraint of two to four hours before storing.

Considerations

Babies who have eczema are more likely to develop impetigo staph infections. Babies with impetigo are contagious until the rash has completely healed. Babies with bacterial conjunctivitis or "pink eye," are contagious until they have been on medication a minimum of 48 hours.

Warning

Staphylococcal bacteria are able to survive on objects such as towels and pillow cases, making it easy to pick up the infection from coming into contact with an infected surface. Staph infection-causing bacteria are also resistant to high levels of salt, extreme drying and hot temperatures.

How to Use Jenny Craig After Pregnancy

Many new moms will want the help of a weight-loss program to lose post-pregnancy pounds. Jenny Craig is a weight-loss program that is safe for women after pregnancy and those who are breastfeeding. Jenny Craig consultants evaluate each individual's nutritional needs and calorie intake requirements, so you can lose weight safely on the program. A doctor's approval is still important, however. Your doctor will be able to determine if your body is ready for diet and exercise after your pregnancy.

Instructions

How to Use Jenny Craig After Pregnancy

1

Have your doctor determine whether or not a weight-loss program is safe for you after your pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, a doctor's approval may be required to start the program and he will need to recommend a vitamin supplement.

2

Call (800) 597-JENNY for a free consultation. Your program director will help you determine a weight-loss plan based on your nutritional needs, desired amount of weight loss, eating style and activity level.

3

Begin the program by eating the provided meals that are tailored to your needs.

4

Exercise moderately, increasing gradually throughout the program by adding strength-training exercises.

5

Participate in weekly meetings with a consultant to monitor your progress. These can be done in person or over the telephone.

6

Halfway through the Jenny Craig program, prepare yourself for planning and making your own meals. You will need to demonstrate to your consultant that you are able to do this.

7

Transition out of the Jenny Craig program once you have reached your goal weight. You will begin to receive fewer Jenny Craig meals and will receive a maintenance menu.

Can You Take Birth Control Pills While Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding moms may not think birth control is a priority, but since you may ovulate before your first post-partum menstrual period, you should choose a birth control option at six week post-partum or as soon as you resume sexual activity. While there are non-hormonal options, some new mothers may prefer birth control pills.

Types

There are two types of birth control pills. They are progestin-only pills and combination pills. Neither has been proven harmful to babies through their mother's milk, but they have different effect on a mother's milk supply.

Progestin-Only Pills

The best birth control pills for breastfeeding mothers are progestin-only pills. These are commonly referred to as "mini pills." They are least likely to negatively affect a mother's milk supply, or your newborn baby.

Combination Pills

Combination birth control pills, which contain both progestin and estrogen, may reduce a mother's milk supply and disrupt the nursing process. Some physicians are uncomfortable with the lack of long-term studies on the effects of hormones that pass into your milk via combination pills.

Time Frame

The biggest effect on a mother's milk supply is within the first six months after giving birth. If you can hold off that long, it is best to wait until your baby is over six months old to start birth control pills, so that a good milk supply is established.

Considerations

The effect of hormonal birth control on a mother's milk supply is the same, no matter how the contraceptive is administered. Oral contraceptives, implants and patches will all have the same effect, if they they contain the same hormone.

How to Transition from Nursing to Pumping Breast Milk

Transitioning back to work after having a baby can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Although continuing to breastfeed your new baby once you return to work can be difficult, the effort can also be extremely rewarding. Pumping at work can help you feel close to your baby while you are apart, and also allow you to maintain the nursing relationship when you are home. Most importantly, you can continue to provide your little one with breast milk even when you can't be with her.

Instructions

Transitioning Back to Work

1




A bottle can be introduced around four weeks of age.

Introduce your baby to the bottle when she is around three to four weeks old. Pediatricians warn that introducing the bottle earlier than this can result in "nipple confusion" and may make breastfeeding more difficult. (See Reference1.) Just one bottle every few days when you baby reaches three to four weeks of age will allow your little one to become accustomed to a bottle and will give you a break.

2

Start pumping around three to four weeks after the birth of your baby. The best time to pump is after the first morning feeding because typically plenty of milk will be left over even after your little one has had her fill. Do this regularly to get your body accustomed to pumping and also to build up a supply of breast milk to store in the freezer.

3

Transition your baby to more frequent bottle feedings in the week before you return to work. If she won't take a bottle from you, enlist a friend or spouse to help out. (See Reference 2).

4

Pump at the same times that you were previously breastfeeding once you return to work. Prepare to spend about half of an hour setting up, pumping and cleaning up your pumping supplies. If scheduling your pumping times according to your previous breastfeeding schedule is not possible in your line of work, just try to pump at roughly three- to four-hour intervals. Any amount of breast milk you are providing is wonderful.

5

Remember to have all pumping supplies on hand. You will need all the pumping parts, storage bags for your milk, a way to clean your pumping supplies and a cooler for the milk if you do not have access to a refrigerator.

6




Looking at a picture of your baby when pumping can help you relax.

Try to find a quiet space to pump. Talk to your boss about this beforehand. Pumping while people are knocking on the bathroom door can be stressful. To help you relax, tape a picture of your baby on the wall in your pumping space. If you have more trouble pumping at work than you did at home, a video or tape recording of your baby can be helpful.

How to Wean From Breast Milk

There are several reasons you may want to wean your child from breastmilk. If you are returning to work, you may no longer be able to consistently breastfeed. If your baby is not growing properly on breast milk, your child's pediatrician may suggest you begin weaning. You may also simply feel that it is time to have your child move onto regular milk or formula.

Instructions

1

Drop one feeding of breastmilk and substutute it with something else. Offer your baby a bottle of either milk or formula, depending on the age of the child and the pediatrician's advice. If you are weaning to formula because the child is not growing at an appropriate rate, you may need to offer a bottle after a normal breastfeeding session.

2

Nurse for a shorter period of time at any given feeding. It is important to provide enough food and milk or formula during the day to ensure that your baby is not hungry. If after nursing, your baby is still hungry, offer a bottle.

3

Drop the bedtime feed last. The feeding time right before bedtime is a way to help your baby calm down in preparation for sleep and is often a special time for mom and baby.

4

End all breast milk feedings. If necessary, you can do this abruptly, but it may be a rough transition for the baby. Weaning gradually will help your baby adjust to the new milk or formula and will help your body adjust to the changes in demand for breast milk. It is best to drop feedings gradually to prevent engorgement.

How to Breastfeed a Newborn in the First Week After Birth

Breastfeeding brings food, love and comfort to a newborn. All experts agree that breastfeeding is the best choice for your infant. The benefits of breastfeeding for your baby include reducing the risks of allergies, colds, ear infections and other diseases. Breastfeeding also benefits you by creating a strong bond with your baby, lowering the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, and helping you lose weight. At first, breastfeeding maybe challenging, particularly if this is your first child. However, the following steps will help guide you in the learning process.

Instructions

1

Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding before the baby arrives, especially if you are first-time mom. You can take a class on breastfeeding and get help from lactation consultants.

2

Breastfeed your newborn as soon as possible after birth. You can breastfeed right in the delivery room. Studies showed that a babys sucking instinct is most powerful 30 minutes right after birth. This sucking instinct lasts about two hours.

3

Do not be alarmed if your milk first comes out yellowish. This thick and yellow milk is called colostrum, which is highly concentrated in protein, carbohydrate and antibodies. Colostrum comes in small quantity. It is easy for a newborn to digest. It supplies your newborn everything she needs in the first few days. Colostrum also has long-lasting effects beyond the first week, boosting your baby's immune system and helping your baby to fight against harmful bacteria.

4

Know that a good feeding position is important. There are several positions you can try. In the cradle position, you hold your baby with the babys head and neck supported by the crook of your arm. For the football hold, you can start by placing the baby on a pillow. You can then hold the back of the babys head in the palm of your hand and support his shoulder and spine with your forearm. Put the baby's legs between your body and arm. Hold the baby like you are holding a football.

5

Bring the baby to the breast, not vice versa. Once your newborn feels that your breast is close by, she will open her mouth. Make sure that the baby's lips are latched on properly to your breast. If you feel pain, release the latch and retry.

6

Establish your baby's needs by feeding him nothing else but your breast milk. Feed your baby whenever he is hungry and not based on a schedule. Don't worry that there is not enough milk. The more milk your baby feeds, the more milk will be made. Frequent feeding leads to the release of a hormone called prolactin into your bloodstream. This hormone, along with other substances, turns on production of alpha-lactalbumin, which causes more lactose and milk to be made.

7

In the first week, you may experience some contractions in your lower abdomen during breastfeeding. This is normal and often referred to as after pains. They help your uterus to regain its normal size.

What Will Help Babies Grow Taller?

As with other aspects of babies' growth, their height will increase at various rates depending on the baby. Height is often hereditary, so if the parents are especially tall, the baby is more likely to grow taller than other babies of the same age. On average, a baby will grow one to two inches a month for the first three months of life, and another two inches between four and seven months old. There are also ways for you to help increase the rate of growth in your baby.

Breastfeeding

Not only does breastfeeding help prevent illness, allergies and infections, but the vitamins and minerals also help increase the rate of growth in your baby. Breastfeeding is one way to help your baby get taller at a more steady rate if you are able to. Breastfeed your baby from the time she is born up until at least six months or longer if you prefer. This is a benefit that may lead you to breastfeeding as opposed to giving formula.

Introduce Solid Foods

Feeding your baby a healthy, nutritious diet is an important part of his development and growth. To help him grow taller, begin feeding him solid foods between four and six months, or when he shows signs he is ready. These signs typically include holding his head up for long periods of time, sitting up comfortably, showing interest in what you are eating and making chewing motions with his mouth. For growth, you want to introduce healthy solid foods which are pureed such as sweet potatoes, applesauce, bananas, peaches and pears. You may also begin introducing rice cereal to his diet by mixing it with breastmilk or formula.

Encourage Activity

Physical activity is also important in your baby's growth, which includes height and weight. Encourage activity by allowing ample time and space to crawl, scoot and eventually walk. You also want to limit the amount of time she spends in the car seat, stroller, swing and playpen as these typically confine her to small spaces without much room to move around and get more physical activity. Get her to move and crawl more by playing games with her on the floor that require movement as well as getting her toys that she will push around and eventually walk with when she has the ability to do so.

Doctor Checkups

Getting checkups from your baby's pediatrician is important to keeping him healthy and getting up-to-date reports on his rate of growth. His doctor will record and maintain a growth chart each time you bring him in for a wellness visit so this is the time to speak to the doctor about any concerns you have regarding your baby's height and the rate at which he is growing.