Breast Feeding & Baby Growth

Newborns come out into the world ready to feed and grow. They are ready to use their primitive sucking reflex and, under conditions of natural childbirth, they are also ready to gradually crawl towards the breast and feed. The benefits of breastfeeding are so immense that many doctors and health professionals, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusive breast feeding for the first six months of a baby's life. The AAP recommends a continuation of breastfeeding along with solids from six months until the baby is one year or older. WHO recommends breastfeeding to continue until at least age two. Indeed, the benefits go far beyond nurturing the physical growth of the baby. Breastfeeding also supports the baby's cognitive and social-emotional development, the nursing mother's health and the health of the environment.

Physical Growth Considerations

Special accommodations help make breastfeeding a success

The AAP states that human milk is a unique and superior food for human babies. More specifically, each human mother makes the best food for her own baby. The quantities of nutrients in the milk vary depending on how frequent feedings are, the nutrition and physical health of the mother, and the duration of the feeding. For example, higher fat concentration in the milk is present towards the end of the feeding. If a baby is having a growth spurt and is suddenly nursing more frequently, the baby will receive this high caloric fat that is still stored in the breast from the previous feeding. It is important to note that according to the WHO growth charts, breastfed babies weigh less than formula fed babies. The implication is that people should not compare the rate of growth of breastfed babies and formula fed babies, as this comparison might lead to the wrong conclusion that the breastfed baby is not feeding enough.

Health Benefits

Breastfed babies are healthier babies

Breastfeeding newborns have the advantage of sharing some of the immunities of their mother through the breast milk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that breastfeeding children can also avoid certain illnesses altogether. If they do become ill, the illness is shorter or less severe. On their list of such illnesses are bacterial meningitis, bacteremia, diarrhea, respiratory tract infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, ear infection, urinary tract infection and late onset sepsis in preterm infants. In addition, they state that breastfeeding provides other health benefits, such as a lower rate of sudden infant death syndrome, obesity, diabetes, certain cancers and asthma. The FDA further considers that in the U.S., infant mortality rates are reduced by 21 percent in infants who nurse. It is essential to note that the health benefits of breastfeeding last throughout the lifetime. For example, adult women who were breastfed as infants have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who were formula fed.

Emotional and Social Significance

Breastfeeding promotes emotional closeness between mom and baby

Breastfeeding is an interaction that supports bonding and attachment. The natural ability to nourish baby's body and soul is a huge confidence booster for the mother. The frequent physical closeness promotes an intimate close-up study of emotional expressions and social responses between mother and baby. As mother learns to respond to baby's cues, and baby learns that his or her cues produce a response, they become more sensitive to each other. In essence, they develop a common language that is the foundation of communication. The immediacy of the response and the ability to anticipate that a response will occur supports the development of trust.

Cognitive effects

Breastfeeding promotes the cognitive development of infants. Dr. Sears shows that breastfeeding infants have higher IQs than those who are formula fed. Breastfed babies also grow to be children with higher grades in school. In addition, the longer a baby breastfeeds, the greater the IQ advantage is. The unique content of breast milk provides neurological advantages. Breast milk fats are essential building blocks of the brain. Breast milk sugars are significant for brain development. The activation of the senses during breastfeeding, as well as the many chances to closely examine facial expressions and reactions, provide ample opportunities for learning and stimulation.

Secondary Benefits

Breastfeeding mothers and baby girls have lower rates of breast cancer

Breastfeeding supports many secondary benefits for the baby. Mothers who breastfeed are healthier. Studies show that women who breastfeed have lower risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, hip fractures and osteoporosis. With decreased infant illnesses, fewer of the family's resources are spent on doctor visits and medications. With a perfectly prepared, warmed and delivered human milk, the family spends less time and money on shopping and preparing food. Breastfeeding is also good for the environment. It decreases the use of cans of formula and plastic bottles, so that the environmental burden of producing, packaging, transporting, and disposing of baby feeding supplies is reduced.

Potential

Successful breastfeeding can happen even in the highly medicated reality of births in the U.S.

Since potential benefits of breastfeeding are so immense, it is important to educate, encourage and support breastfeeding mothers throughout the process. Some mothers begin nursing with ease. However, in the highly medicated reality of births in the U.S., which includes routine epidurals, Pitocin, analgesics and narcotics, many women lack the physical capacity to advocate for themselves and their babies following childbirth. Some babies might experience difficulties being alert during nursing from the medications they were exposed to during childbirth. Therefore, education regarding the benefits of breastfeeding should include fathers and other family members who are involved in the care of the baby. They can be breastfeeding helpers and advocates right from the start.

Newborn Weight Loss Calculation

Breast-fed newborn babies may lose up to 10 percent of their birth weight in the first week of life without cause for alarm or medical intervention; however if they lose more than 7 percent in the first 72 hours, the breastfeeding method should be observed by a trained professional. The weight loss calculation is usually performed by a doctor or nurse about one week after birth. Formula fed infants typically lose 5 percent of their birth weight in the first week. There are multiple explanations for why a newborn might lose weight.

General Conditions

The most common theories about newborn weight loss are: babies are born with extra weight to help with the stress caused by labor and the transition to life outside the womb; and for a breast-fed baby, his mother's milk does not come in fully for three to five days. Some women mistakenly give up breastfeeding before their milk has come in, concerned that their baby is not gaining weight. However, breastfed babies are receiving colostrum, which contains all essential nutrients but comes in small quantities. Lactation consultants or breastfeeding education classes before birth can help to counteract this trend.

Special Conditions

The use of intravenous (I.V.) fluids in labor causes a large shift of fluid from the mother to the fetus. Therefore, the newborn infant's initial weight loss may be greater than 10 percent maximum due to surplus fluid loss. Dry heat from radiant warmers and incubators can also cause excessive fluid loss for a newborn if he is left there for a long period. Lastly, giving newborn babies water or formula can also contribute to weight loss.

Steps to Ensure Accurate Weight Loss Calculation

A trained medical professional such as a doctor or nurse usually weighs the infant before he leaves the hospital and about one week after birth. The scale should be balanced and the newborn's clothes and diaper removed. The calculation performed is birth weight ,less current weight = difference, then difference divided by birth weight to derive percentage weight change. Depending on the results, such as a breast fed baby losing more than 10 percent of his birth weight, the pediatrician's attention may be required. However, most babies will regain their birth weight within two to three weeks and their initial weight loss will be within the normal range.

How to Sew Boutique-Style Nursing Covers

Make an attractive nursing cover to use for privacy when nursing an infant in public instead of an ordinary blanket. Use a lightweight fabric for the nursing cover and choose a fabric that best expresses your personality. Use a solid-colored earth tone fabric for a demure nursing cover or use a brightly colored patterned fabric for a bold nursing accessory. You can embellish the edges of the nursing cover with a length of satin ribbon, or decorate the entire cover with imitation gemstones or iron-on decals.

Instructions

1

Cut a 36-inch by 30-inch rectangle of the fabric of your choice.

2

Place the rectangle on a flat surface with the wrong side facing upward and fold over 1/4-inch of fabric on the two 30-inch-long sides and one of the 36-inch-long sides. Use an iron to create a crease along each fold line.

3

Fold over another -inch of fabric on each of the three sides. Press the folds with the iron. Sew the three sides of the fabric in place with a zigzag or small straight stitch.

4

Fold over -inch of fabric on the remaining 36-inch-long side. Use the iron to crease the fold. Fold over another -inch of fabric, crease it with the iron and sew it in place with the same stitch as the other three sides.

5

Cut a 4-inch-wide by 30-inch-long strip of the same fabric. Place the fabric wrong side down and fold the strip in half lengthwise to make a 2-inch-wide by 30-inch-long strip. Sew 1 short end and the long edges together with a straight stitch. Turn the fabric tube right side out.

6

Cut a 1 -inch-wide by 29-inch-long strip of 1/8-inch-thick foam padding. Insert the strip of foam padding into the fabric tube. Fold the open end of the fabric inward to make a smooth edge and sew the edge closed.

7

Find the center of the 36-inch-long side of fabric with the -inch fold. Lay the padded strip of fabric along the -inch seam line with each end 6 inches away from the center of the side. Pin the short ends of the strip to the fabric and sew it in place with a tight straight stitch. Double back over the stitching to reinforce.

How to Cure Baby Constipation

If your baby is having dry, hard stools that are painful to pass, she is likely constipated. Timing alone is not enough to identify a case of infant constipation -- some babies, especially breastfed babies, can go three or more days between bowel movements without any distress. A baby who strains and cries while eliminating, who seems to have a stomachache or abdominal pain, and whose stools are firm and perhaps blood-streaked may be constipated and in need of your help.

Instructions

1

Increase your baby's fluid intake. If you are breastfeeding, nurse more frequently. If your baby is on formula, talk to your pediatrician about adding bottles of water to the feeding schedule.

2

Dilute 1 ounce of prune juice in 1 ounce of water and feed it to a baby over 2 months old once or twice a day. If she refuses the prune juice, try adding it to a bottle of pumped breast milk or formula.

3

Lay your baby on her back and pump her legs. The activity will sometimes loosen things up. If your baby is crawling, encourage her to do a few laps around the room.

4

Remove constipating foods like apples, bananas and iron-fortified baby cereals from your babys diet. Re-introduce them slowly after her system returns to its normal pattern.

5

Increase baby's fiber intake with cereals like oatmeal and barley. Foods like apricots, peaches, peas, beans, pears and prunes are all good foods to loosen things up. Try stirring the pureed fruit or vegetable into the baby's oatmeal or barley cereal if she refuses to eat it straight.

6

Consider switching formulas if your baby drinks it. Ingredients in formula such as iron can cause constipation in some babies. Others are sensitive to soy proteins or cows milk proteins present in formula. Talk to your babys pediatrician for advice before making a change.

7

Add 1 teaspoon of light corn syrup to your baby's bottle. The syrup can help loosen and lubricate the hard stool.

8

Ask your pediatrician about over-the-counter remedies that are safe for your baby. A stool softener may help. Use it only as a last resort, however, so that the babys digestive system does not become dependent on the product.

How to Breastfeed After Breast Reduction

Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding is possible after breast reduction surgery in most cases. With more than 50% of all breast reduction surgery patients able to breastfeed (and specialists estimate the number is considerably higher), expectant mothers who have experienced breast reduction surgery may find themselves needing to learn how to breastfeed after breast reduction.

Instructions

How to Breastfeed After Breast Reduction

1

Call your breast reduction surgeon and ask him or her which method they used for the reduction. Some surgical techniques lead to higher breastfeeding success rates. Knowing which surgical technique was used is important information you can pass on to breastfeeding professionals.

2

Contact a lactation consultant. Most hospitals with maternity wards have part- or full-time lactation consultants on staff. Ask your midwife or obstetrician for a referral to a lactation consultant of you cannot find one easily. La Leche League is another great resource for breastfeeding in general. No matter which source you turn to, be certain the breastfeeding expert you choose has experience helping mothers wishing to breastfeed after breast reduction.

3

Take fenugreek capsules and eat one to three servings of oats each day after birth. Both are galactogogues, or substances that encourage breastmilk production.

4

Hook up an electric breastpump and empty the breast entirely after the baby is done feeding. If you cannot afford an electric breastpump, consider renting one from a hospital lactation consultant's office. Some health insurance policies will cover the charge. Some Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) offices will provide electric breastpumps as well.

5

Store the pumped breastmilk in your refrigerator and use within 24 hours. If you do not produce enough breastmilk to meet your babies needs and supplement with formula, pour the pumped breastmilk into the baby's next formula bottle.

6

Do not give up! If you can produce even a small amount of breastmilk, it makes a difference for your baby and for your health.

Food Recommendations for a Toddler With a Stomach Virus

A toddler with a stomach virus may have difficulty holding down foods and liquids. The sick toddler may not have an appetite during the stomach virus. A parent or caregiver should gently encourage the toddler to try foods that are easy to digest and have good nutritional value. Fluids are also an important component to recovery from a stomach virus.

Fluids

A toddler with a stomach virus needs plenty of fluids. This will prevent dehydration, which can cause serious complications for toddlers. Water is not recommended as it doesn't absorb well and doesn't replace the electrolytes that toddlers need. Drinks such as Pedialyte, which replace electrolytes, are recommended.

Crackers and Toast

Crackers and dry toast are typically the first bland foods that toddlers should eat with a stomach virus. They are easy for toddlers to digest, making it easier for the toddler to hold them down.

BRAT Diet

The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is commonly recommended for toddlers recovering from a stomach virus. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a more balanced diet with more nutrients for toddlers recovering from a stomach virus.

Breastfeeding and Formula

If a toddler is still receiving breast milk or formula, these should be continued. The regular breastfeeding schedule should be maintained if possible. Formula-fed toddlers may still want to take their formula. Pedialyte or a similar drink is also an option.

Avoid Sugar and Citrus

Foods high in sugar should be avoided in the diet of a toddler with a stomach virus. Citrus fruits and other acidic foods should also be avoided. These foods are more difficult for toddlers to digest and may upset their stomachs.

Avoid Dairy

Dairy foods are often a staple in a toddler's diet. A toddler with a stomach virus should not consume dairy as it can make symptoms such as diarrhea worse. Dairy products are more difficult for toddlers to digest.

Back to Normal

The Mayo Clinic recommends gradually reintroducing the foods that a toddler eats on a regular basis. The toddler's primary caregiver knows his usual diet better than anyone. The caregiver should slowly offer the toddler's usual diet, making sure to include the foods that offer the most nutritional value.

Neonatal Use of Diclofenac Sodium

Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, otherwise known as an NSAID. These types of drugs block prostaglandins, which are produced by the body and cause inflammation, pain and sometimes fever. NSAIDs reduce prostaglandins in the body, therefore minimizing inflammation, pain and fever. Prostaglandins do have important functions, such as protecting the lining of the stomach from acid and supporting the body's blood clotting function. Therefore, taking NSAIDs can have negative effects, such as ulcers and bleeding. For pregnant women, there are added risks.

Use

NSAIDs can be used to treat headaches, arthritis, sports injuries and menstrual pain. Aspirin, used to inhibit blood clotting and to prevent strokes and heart attacks, is an NSAID. The NSAID diclofenac sodium is used primarily to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which include inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain. Cataflam and Voltaren are two brand names of diclofenac sodium. The latter is used for long-term treatment, while the former is used for immediate relief of pain.

Pregnancy & Birth

A 2001 study, which combined population-based observation with case-controlled research, looked at whether the use of NSAIDs caused adverse outcomes during pregnancy. The study concluded that the use of NSAIDs, such as diclofenac sodium, was not specifically associated with birth defects, preterm delivery or low birth weight. However, the study did conclude that there was an association between NSAIDs and spontaneous abortions, or miscarriages.

Fetal Risk

Diclofenac sodium taken by pregnant women has been proven to cross into the placenta. Risk to the fetus can include suppression of fetal renal function, as well as premature closure of the ductus arteriosus--the vessel that connects the lungs with the heart--and pulmonary hypertension. Use of diclofenac sodium in the third trimester nearing delivery increases these risks.

A 1998 report showed that a woman who took diclofenac sodium for two weeks at the 34th week of her pregnancy developed premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus. The mother took the drug for back pain and to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. At 41 weeks, the fetus's heart was enlarged and showing signs of early cardiac failure, causing doctors to perform an emergency C-section. The baby was successfully resuscitated.

Breastfeeding

No reports have been found studying the use of diclofenac sodium while breast feeding. According to the manufacturer, the drug is present in the milk of nursing mothers, but the manufacturer does not cite how much is actually present. Some drug reviewers have stated that the drug is safe for use during breast feeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics approves the use of an NSAID similar to diclofenac sodium during nursing.

Side Effects

Patients who take diclofenac sodium--whether pregnant or not--will need to have frequent doctor checkups because of the possibility of ulcers and internal bleeding that can occur. Other side effects include cramps, abdominal swelling, anemia, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention, gas, headaches, heartburn, indigestion, itching, nausea, rashes, ringing in the ears and vomiting. To deal with some of the side effects, doctors recommend that patients take the drug with food, milk or an antacid. It is also recommended to take the drug with a glass of water and to avoid lying down afterward. These steps will help relieve the irritation that diclofenac sodium can cause to the digestive tract.