FAQ's -- QUESTIONS MANY
EXPECTANT & NEW MOMS ASK !


Nuriel & Chakia Guevara


Pregnancy Faqs

Labor Faqs

Newborn Baby Faqs

Breastfeeding Faqs

Faqs for those
Breastfeeding Challenges

... Below are many current articles, videos
and links of interest to New Parents

PREGNANCY FAQS

Essentials For Baby

What about exercise?

Nausea in Pregnancy

12 Ways to Boost Your CALCIUM

Pregnancy Nutrition Guides

Your Healthy Pregnancy Diet

Gestational Diabetes -
Risk Factors

Where Does The Pregnancy
Weight Go?

Reduced Obesity-Mom & Babe

Food Safety
Foodborne Risks in Pregnancy

Avoid These During Pregnancy!





Day Brighteners While Mom is
on Bed Rest

The Effects of 'Bed Rest' On
Postpartum Recovery and
Breast Milk Supply

LABOR FAQS

Comfort Measures for Labor

Eating During Labor

Enhancing Your Partner's
Labor Environment

Checking for Relaxation

Posterior Possibilities
[Back Labor]

Clarifying Your Feelings
About Pain Medications
In Childbirth

Acupressure Techniques

Why Do Women
Delivery Early?

NEWEST GUIDELINES ON BREASTFEEDING
American Academy of Pediatrics.
Policy Statement: Source reference:
Breast Feeding and the Use of Human Milk.
Pediatrics 2005;115:496-506.

NEWBORN BABY FAQS

Interviewing a Pediatrician

Managing Visitors - After Birth

Normal Newborn Behavior

*United States Breastfeeding
Committee Position on AAP's
new SIDS Recommendations*

GUIDELINES FOR SAFE SLEEPING

'How-Tos' of Calming a Baby

1) Postpartum Depression
or is it 'just' 2) Baby Blues?

BREASTFEEDING FAQS

Ways Colostrum Assists Newborns

Disease Prevention

Breastfeeding 6-Months
Protects Against Lung Disease

Treatments for Yeast/Thrush

Preventing & Removing
Gentian Violet Stains

Common Myths - Breastfeeding

Reverse Pressure Softening -
A NEW Treatment for Breast
Engorgement

BREASTFEEDING: A Great Way
To Shed Pregnancy Weight!

Does Breastfeeding Cause
Sagging Breasts?

Safe use of alcohol while breastfeeding
1) yes, it is safe - 2) No, it is not safe:

Dairy-Sensitive Baby & Breastfeeding

View Online:

Latch on

Breastfeeding Videos

Anatomy of a Nursing Breast

Expressing Breastmilk




W.H.O. Growth Charts

C.D.C. Growth Charts

Solid Foods for the Breastfed Baby

NEW GUIDELINES ON BREASTFEEDING
American Academy of Pediatrics.
Policy Statement: Source reference:
Breast Feeding and the Use of Human Milk.
Pediatrics 2005;115:496-506.

FAQS FOR THOSE
BREASTFEEDING CHALLENGES

Manual Expression of Breastmilk

When Latching Your Baby

Vitamin D 'Deficiency' &
Breastfed Babies

Breastfeeding Through a
Pregnancy & Tandem Nursing

A Breastfed Child is Leaner for Life

Doctors Challenge Baby-Feeding Myths

CONTAMINANTS: Minimizing Exposure
to Pollutants While Breastfeeding

Twins & Higher Multiples

After Breast Surgery?

What is a Lactation Consultant?

Guide to Rapid Reduction of Milk Supply

Comfort Measures for Mom While Weaning

See online: Positioning Twins

See Online: Positioning Photos

- "...this baby is too big"
- "...your baby won't latch"
- "...why, your milk isn't in yet"
- "...your baby is just too hungry"
- "...your baby is nursing too often"
- "...that tiny amount won't satisfy him"
- "...when you pump, 'nothing' comes out"

WAYS COLOSTRUM ASSISTS NEWBORNS

• The newborn fed colostrum exclusively has an enormous advantage over
  the artifically fed baby due to protective immunities that are offered. This
  makes a huge difference in the development of the immune system of your
  baby (Lucas 1998).
  
  
• Colostrum is a living fluid, resembling blood in its composition. It contains
  over 60 components, 30 of which are exclusive to human milk
  (Neville and Neifert 1985).
  
  
• A newborn is birthed into our environment sterile. Immediately, bacteria
  begin colonization on the baby's skin and in his mucosal membranes, which
  are located throughout his body (Hanson 2004).
  
  
• The newborn's stomach at birth is the size of a marble, which means that
  it holds less than a quarter of an ounce of milk (Scammon and Doyle 1990).
  
  
• Colostrum's small doses are designed for the human infant. These early
  feeds are easily digestible. The laxative qualities encourage passage of
  meconium, baby's 1st stool.
  
  
• As meconium is expelled from baby's intestines, his stomach grows to
  the size of his fist. This growth occurs rapidly during the 1st 3days.
  
  
• Frequent breastfeeding should be encouraged. It is common for newborns
  to "wake-up" on the 2nd day of life and want to go to breast often.
  Frequent feedings encourage the transition to a mature milk supply to
  begin as soon as possible (ILCA 2000).
  
  
• Having unique qualities, colostrum is species specific and designed for
  development of human infants (Lawrence and Lawrence 1999).
  
  
• Even 1 supplemental bottle of artificial infant milk can sensitize a newborn
  to cow's milk protein (Kalliomaki & Isolauri 2003).
  
  
• Formula changes the gut flora in breastfed babies by breaking down the
  mucosal barrier that colostrum provides them (Ogawa et al. 2002).
  
  
• This violation allows pathogens & allergens entry into the baby's system
  (Ogawa 1992). For this reason, artificial supplements should not be given
  to infants who are at a high risk for allergies (Zieger 2003).
  
  
• In susceptible families, cow's milk proteins may also increase the risk of
  a child developing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Zieger 2003).
  
  
• Colostrum encourages the optimal development of the infant's heart, brain,
  & central nervous system (Oddly 2002; Rivers 2003).
  
  
• These qualities may account for the prolonged secretion of colostrum in
  mothers delivering prematurely. Special components offer the premature
  infant the best chance for optimal development of his fragile organs.
  (Lonnerdal 2003)

Interviewing a Pediatrician? Here are some questions
suggested for mothers in search of a breastfeeding-friendly
doctor, to assist in interviewing for choosing her baby's caregiver.

• How many babies in your practice are breastfed for ... 3 months?
  6 months? 12 months? Beyond? (The doctor's explanations/rationalizations,
  which are almost always offered, are equally as informative as the numbers.
  Hopefully the doctor claims higher rates than the prevailing area rates.)
  
  
• How do you counsel your patients about breastfeeding? Do you refer
  problem situations to others? If so, to whom do you refer patients?
  
  
• Who in your office handles routine breastfeeding questions from
  patients? What training does this person have? (This reveals how the
  office prioritizes breastfeeding support and patient education)
  
  
• What do you do when a mother has mastitis? (or other breastfeeding
  problems -- just looking for basic breastfeeding management knowledge
  with this.)
  
  
• What do you do when a 4 month old's rate of weight gain is dropping
  off? (This checks the doctor's familiarity with normal growth patterns of
  breastfed infants.)
  
  
• Are there situations in which you would advise the use of formula?
  If so, when? (The desired answer would be along the lines of, "if the
  lactation consultant and I felt that we exhausted all the other options
  and things still weren't working ..." Of course anyone can think of plausible
  situations where formula use would be appropriate. The *attitude* of the
  doctor and some reference to it being a 'last resort' is what you are looking
  for.) * What is your personal experience with breastfeeding? (This may be
  considered borderline inappropriate, but the AAP's own surveys of its members
  show that personal experience is the single most important factor in doctors'
  ability to provide breastfeeding support and correct information. So I think
  its fair game.)
  
  
• What handouts or other informational sheets do you have about
  breastfeeding? (If the doctor has a wide variety of La Leche League
  publications on hand, a copy of the AAP book to loan out, video, flyer
  for local La Leche League meetings, etc., that would be a good sign.
  If the doctor says, "Uhm, we don't have many people ask for that here,"
  I think that also might be useful to know.

  This would tell you a couple of things: a) person could review the content
  of said information to determine if it was really good material or not; b)
  even if his/her attitude toward breastfeeding is "pro", does the pediatrician
  really have the support tools on hand to help if problem does arise?
  (Handouts obviously don't take place of actual observation/coaching, but
  they can be an indicator of a "prepared pediatrician"); c) does the overall
  attitude of the pediatrician show interest in teaching and counseling
  patients? This is critical, not just for successful breastfeeding, but for
  successful parenting: most pediatric problems need education, not
  prescriptions.

  I think the factual part of the answers is not nearly as revealing as how
  the doctor phrases things and whether she/he equivocates. I not worry
  too much about the exact answers (weight loss etc) but to listen 'between
  the lines' to get the real scoop. Good 'hunting'!
  
  Compiled by Sharon Mattes, IBCLC, RLC, AAHCC; September-2004

Preventing and Removing Gentian Violet Stains

While Gentian Violet is regaining popularity as an effective treatment
against oral, nipple/breast, and diaper area thrush, it can also result
in unsightly purple staining. Take heart in knowing that the purple DOES
go away, and relatively quickly, from both yours and your baby's skin.

Following are some tried and true tips for preventing as much of the
staining as possible and ideas on how to get those stains out that just
couldn't be prevented!

Tips for preventing stains or lessening the worst of them:
~ Only use 1-2 DROPS of gentian violet. Put it on a little dish and dip a
swab in it. Then squeeze all you can from the swab before painting your
baby's mouth with it.
~ The baby should then be turned over onto his stomach so that a minimal
amount of the solution is swallowed. If baby drools purple, it is too much.
~ Put lanolin, Vaseline, or olive oil on baby's lips and around baby's mouth
before swabbing with Gentian Violet. This will keep the solution from being
absorbed into the skin so much.
~ Remove all of your clothing down to the waist before swabbing areola.
Undress baby to his diaper for mouth application.
~ Wear nursing pads (disposable are best) inside bra to avoid staining it.
You can also cut up old diapers, handkerchiefs, etc. to use as "makeshift"
pads while you're using the Gentian Violet.
~ Have burp cloths on hand for catching purple baby drool. If you have any
of the disposable bed pads left over from your birth, these are great for
putting under baby when you turn her on her tummy after painting her
mouth with the the Gentian Violet.
~ When you're using Gentian Violet, wear old clothes or things that can be
easily bleached.

Removing Gentian Violet stains:

~ Gentian Violet will rub off counters and skin with rubbing alcohol, if used
immediately.
~ Spray stained fabric with aerosol hair spray; then wash normally.
~ One mom reported having good luck with ZOUT stain remover, even after
the stains were dry. Another used Didi 7 with similar results. Any item that
can be safely bleached with chlorine bleach should come clean.
~ A cotton swab/ball with vodka can get stains off baby's face. Rinse vodka
off immediately after cleaning stain. Rubbing alcohol will work on baby's face
too. One mom reported that baby wipes worked pretty well, too (she used
Huggies Supreme Natural Care Unscented wipes).

Flora, BSed, IBCLC: From tidbits shared by mothers who have battled with thrush.
Special thanks to Kelly Bonyata, LLLL and Paula Yount, CBE for helping me get this list together.

Positive verbal assurance

Hands and knees

Kneeling, leaning forward

Take Charge Routine

Massage

Relaxation countdown

Empowering phrases

Hand Massage Affirmation

Music Rhythmic motion Rice Sock Hydrotherapy

Cool Cloth Double hip squeeze Knee Press Fan Friction Rub

Combing Hair Accupressure - Hand Combs

Roving Body Check Holding and or Touching (with prior permission)

Stand and Sway Stomp, Stomp, Squat

Offer nourishment - food or beverage (with prior permission)

Acknowledge her pain, encourage her to vocalize, weep, etc.

Bunny Hop & Hula Hula Dance Aromatherapy

Report on what you see, Remind her that her baby is coming

Lunge Warm wet compresses Birth Ball

Reminding to empty bladder every hour Reminding of "basement" Kegel exercise

* For Information and Comfort Techniques
especially for 'Back Labor'
see Posterior Possibilities.doc

Eating & Drinking In Labor

Once upon a time women were discouraged from eating during labor, not for
any nutritional reason, but in case the mother needed an emergency general
anesthetic. If vomiting occurred under general anesthetic, food in the stomach
could be aspirated into the lungs - a potentially fatal situation. Today, except
in a true emergency, most women needing a cesarean birth opt for epidural
rather than general anesthetic. (If you have a special situation that makes a
general anesthetic a high probability, calories and fluids will be given to you
intravenously.)

Doing work requires calories and fluids, and the hard work of baby
birthing is no exception. Eating and drinking during labor are not only
safe, but necessary. Try these labor-friendly food suggestions:

Grazing (small, frequent nibbling) throughout labor is easier on the squeezed
intestines than gorging on large meals. Labor slows the digestion process.

Stick to proven favorites that you consumed during pregnancy and know
you can easily digest. For most women, proven labor-friendly snacks include
crackers, gelatins, and light soups.

The best energy-providing and stomach-friendly foods are
carbohydrates: fruits and juices for quick energy, grains and pasta for a
steady supply of time-released energy. Honey provides a quick burst of
energy at a low point, especially if you don't feel like eating.

Avoid gassy foods, fatty and fried foods, and carbonated beverages.

DON'T BECOME DEHYDRATED - it throws your body's physiology off,
depletes your energy, and slows labor. As you progress in labor, your body
diverts some blood and energy from your digestive system to the system
working the hardest - your uterus.

Therefore, if you overload, even on liquids, your stomach is likely to
expel its contents.

Take sips after every other contraction, a thirst-quenching job your
partner can assist you with. Here is a time-tested recipe for "Laborade":

1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup mild honey
1/4-1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1-2 calcium tablets, crushed

Add water to make one quart. Another 8 ounces of water may be added
for a milder flavor, or you can flavor with your favorite juice.

©THE BIRTH BOOK: Everything You Need To Know To Have A Safe &
Satisfying Birth 1994; p 213 William Sears, M.D., Martha Sears, R.N.

• Have a Special Someone bring you some yummy massage lotion or oil from
  a place like Bath and Body Works. Then (this is the best part) have them
  massage your achy shoulders and back when they come to visit you. Ask them
  to pay special attention to the area between your shoulder blades (but not on
  your spine) and your lower back (sacrum). Be sure to turn on your side put a
  pillow between your legs, and just let go.
  
  
• Have someone bring you the envelopes for the baby announcements and
  address them.
  
  
• Ask your care provider to send a physical therapist in to see you. She will be
  able to help you learn "stretching exercises" to keep your arms and legs in
  shape gently without causing harm to your baby. (Helps you sleep better, too)
  
  
• Take time each day to focus on your breath. Breathe with the rhythm of life...
  slowly. This is especially helpful if you need medications to slow or stop
  contractions.
  
  
• Pick a name for baby, then announce your decision to your partner when they
  come to visit (timing is everything)
  
  
• Call La Leche League and talk with a Leader about breastfeeding - they love to
  talk and are very helpful. http:www.lalecheleague.org
  
  
• Keep a journal - write poems to baby, jot down world events, feelings about
  baby, record glimpses of your experience
  
  
• Ask someone to bring a pillow from home. The familiar fragrance is soothing.
  
  
• Spray your favorite fragrant mist into the air.
  
  
• Keep a Polaroid camera in your room and take pictures of those "angels" who
  help you everyday. You may want to put these in your baby book.
  
  
• Keep your hands busy - if you crochet or cross-stitch, make something for
  baby -- if you don't know how to do these things, have someone show you!
  
  
• Read books totally unrelated to pregnancy, birth, babies - ask friends to bring
  their favorites to you.
  
  
• If you just have to read about pregnancy, etc. focus on the newborn --
  The Baby Book by William Sears, M.D. is a great resource.
  
  
• Ask someone to bring tapes of relaxing music (not Aerosmith) and spend some
  time each day - 15 to 20 minutes, consciously practicing relaxation.
  
  
• Call on friends- just to talk, to vent, and to ask questions.

  Remember, lots of people are thinking of you, praying for you and your
  little one, and wishing you all the best.

` Your arms, love, and care
` Two breasts - preferable, but one will do
` A place for baby to sleep
` DIAPERS - newborns use 90 - 100 per week (but grow very quickly,
``` so don't buy a gross of newborn size disposables)
` "Puddle" pads - to put on your lap - saves on laundry
` Lightweight, soft blanket
` Receiving blankets, and/or lambswool

` Soft white washcloths for diaper changes
` Soft cloth diapers or "burp" pads
` 3-4 cotton nightgowns
` 3-4 cotton t-shirts
` 2-3 easy to wash strechy suits that snap down the front
` 1 cotton cap & sweater for cool or windy days
` 1 blanket sleeper for really cold days
``` (makes getting in and out of the carseat easier)

OK, go ahead and buy a cute outfit or two - it's fun
(Check carefully before buying - check out Consumer Reports website for recalls)

` Diaper bag - medium sized - you don't need a "trunk"
` Car seat
` Borrowed clothing for newborns - save your money for the clothes baby
``` won't outgrow before having a chance to wear them
` Baby sling or soft carrier
` Rocking chair
` A support system - LaLeche League, friends, family members
` Rest, good food, plenty of fluids (for you)

 
Q: I'm already 30 weeks pregnant. Why should I
spend all this time learning about nutrition? I thought
that was only important in early pregnancy.

In childbirth Preparation classes, you will learn about Kegels, Tailor sitting, Squatting, pelvic tilts, 'Butterfly" exercise and more for toning muscles you'll
use giving birth. Exercising generally helps the birth process and gets you back into shape faster after your baby is born. It's never too early (or late) to start. Elizabeth Noble has an excellent book called Essential Exercises For the Childbearing Year.
     
If your midwife or doctor has given you the OK, start walking, swimming, or doing any other type of exercise. Most women find that walking 30 minutes or more five times a week helps them sleep better, increases their sense of well-being, gives them more energy, and helps balance weight gain.
    
Have a toddler? Get a wagon, put a blanket in the bottom and pull your little one behind you. Use a sling or a stroller and take toddler along. As long as they're in your arms or in a wagon or stroller, you will be able to get a decent workout. Then choose other times to allow your littleone to walk alongside you. You'll examine spiders, doodle bugs, flowers and so much more - practice your squats at these times and most of all, enjoy your time together with your little one !

MOTHER AND BABY BOTH WINNERS AT THE WEIGHT LOSS GAME ~ January 4, 2006 (Schaumburg, IL)

According to a recent study which appeared in The American Journal of Epidemiology1 the breastfed infant’s risk of future overweight declines
the longer breastfeeding continues. While even one month of breastfeeding
reduces this risk by 4 per cent, statistical analysis of 17 original studies
revealed that breastfeeding through nine months of age, reduced the
rate of future overweight by thirty percent.

It is not known why infants who are breastfed have this reduced risk of
obesity. However, there is some speculation about the effects of nutrition
on the developing areas of the brain that control appetite and body weight.

It is also not clear whether the effect continues beyond the ninth month of breastfeeding since the study did not consider breastfeeding beyond this point.

Although most of the studies analyzed included infants who were only
partially breastfed, it seems logical that exclusively breastfed infants might
derive even greater benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics and most health organizations worldwide recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the
first six months of life with continued breastfeeding along with complementary
foods after this time.

Previous studies have also shown that breastfeeding mothers also return to
their pre-pregnancy weight sooner than their formula feeding counterparts.
It appears that breastfeeding mother and baby are both winners of the weight loss game.

La Leche League International (LLLI) is a nonprofit organization that offers information and encouragement ­ primarily through personal help ­ to those
women who want to breastfeed their babies. LLLI is the world’s largest
resource for breastfeeding information. LLLI has a Health Advisory Council of
more than 40 professionals in the areas of pediatrics, obstetrics, allergy,
nutrition, psychology, family practice, and related fields. LLLI is active in 69
countries and on the worldwide web.

For more information about breastfeeding, visit the LLLI web site at www.lalecheleague.org or call 1-847-519-7730.
Harder, T. et al. Duration of Breastfeeding and Risk of Overweight: A
Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Epidemiology 2005 162:397-403.

 

Published first by Baby Dallas Magazine in two parts Fall 2000, and Spring 2001

When a woman contemplates breastfeeding, she may feel her personal
circumstances are unlike thoseof most other women. Even after reading
about routine breastfeeding, she still has reservations about how nursing
can work for a woman facing unique challenges. Motivated women have
succeeded at breastfeeding despite all kinds of obstacles. Whatever the
specific situation, she may be surprised to find that nursing, whether
partial or exclusive, is probably feasible.

The Effects of Bed Rest On Postpartum Recovery &
Breast Milk Supply:

© "Potential Effects of Bed Rest / Activity Restriction on Postpartum Milk Supply",
Judith Maloni, PhD, RN, FAAN, excerpted from my conference notes at the
6th Annual Conference for Advanced Practitioners, Breastfeeding Multiples:
Management & Support, April 2000, Rush University College of Nursing

• The current technology in fertility has brought an increase in twins and
  higher multiples. Along with this trend comes an increase in prematurity,
  pregnancy induced hypertension and other medical situations which call
  for long periods of bed rest for many more pregnant mothers.
  
  
• Bed rest effects every major organ system rapidly, with head down bed
  rest having more rapid and profound effects. The intensity of side effects
  of bed rest increases by the length of bed rest, and the type of activity
  restrictions.
  
  
• Bed rest is a type of sensory deprivation - an environmental sameness that
  is not typical of everyday life. As a result activity restriction leads to sensory deprivation and social isolation, which continues to increase until inactivity is terminated. Sensory deprivation leads to a dulling of the cortical processes.

  Side effects of bed rest during pregnancy & postpartum:
  Muscle weakness, Fatigue, Backache, Joint pain
  Cardiovascular deconditioning, weight loss
  Orthostatic hypotension, shortness of breath, dizziness
  Isolation & loneliness, boredom, moodiness
  Difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating
  Familial stress, worry about health of baby & self
  
  Additional effects during postpartum:
  Muscle soreness, Prolonged recovery, Worry about health status
  Stress reaction-depression, Trouble with ambulation

• Postpartum recovery from bed rest varies among women and depends
  upon how long and how severely activity was restricted as well as how
  quickly the woman is able to remobilize.
  
  
• Aside from the emotional stress to a mother and her entire family, the above
  are very real physiological effects, which you rarely anticipate and which may
  cause you to feel that there is something "wrong" with you. Knowing what
  physical changes to expect may help you to adapt your expectations and to
  recover more rapidly.

• Nursing twins is certainly possible and can be very rewarding. Breastfeeding
  triplets can also be accomplished and more than a few women have nursed
  higher multiples, usually partially. Advance knowledge and intense commitment
  can be major strengths. Before she embarks on breastfeeding multiples, she'll
  want to consider the following unique challenges and be prepared to focus on
  ways to prepare herself and her family.
  
  
• Babies are likely to have increased risks for medical problems including
  prematurity, cesarean delivery and respiratory distress, which may cause a
  delay in beginning breastfeeding with the possibility of supplemental feedings
  and separations from mother.
  
  
• Maximizing milk supply is best accomplished by obtaining a hospital grade
  electric pump if any doubt exists about either twin's ability to nurse well.
  The goal is to establish a generous milk supply from the start and as the
  babies grow and mature and are able to obtain more milk with nursing,
  you can taper your use of the breast pump until you no longer need to
  express residual milk.
  
  
• Many helpful techniques for nursing multiples can be found by contacting
  your local La Leche League Group Leader, or Lactation Consultant, and
  reading. (see Mothering Multiples by Karen Gromada)

© Dr. Mom's Guide to Breastfeeding, Marianne Neifert, MD 1998, PLUME, Penguin Putnam, Inc.

• Many women have concerns about the possible impact of breast surgery on
  their ability to breastfeed. If surgery is a future possibility, care can be taken
  choosing the surgical method least damaging to function. If surgery has already
  been done, careful checking on the type and location of incisions will help assess whether supplementation may be required to complement your milk supply.1
  
  
• Breast Augmentation: Generally, women who receive implants are advised that
  the surgery will not affect their ability to breastfeed. This can be evaluated based
  on some of the following factors.
  
  ...Disruption of milk ducts - Surgery may cause injury to milk ducts if
  incisions are made around the areola, which may decrease a woman's
  chances of providing a full milk supply.

...Nerve damage - The nerve supply to the nipple plays an important
role in triggering the normal hormone responses involved in breastfeeding. Regrowth of nerves is known to occur, though slowly.

• Breast Reduction: This surgery is more disruptive than augmentation surgery
  and carries an increased likelihood of nerve or duct damage and subsequent
  inability to provide a full milk supply.During this surgery, excessive breast tissue
  and skin are removed, the breasts are re-shaped and the nipples are often
  repositioned at a higher level. Sometimes the nipples are removed and reattached during the procedure, while in other instances they can be repositioned without
  being removed. A large amount of milk producing alveoli may also be removed
  which may affect milk production ability.
  
  
• Breast Biopsy: New needle biopsy techniques are available and have less
  chance of interfering with normal breast function. As in previous discussion,
  the location of the incision determines whether this surgery affects a mother's
  ability to produce a full milk supply. If an incision is in the vicinity of the areola,
  cuts milk ducts preventing proper drainage, it can interfere with normal milk
  flow and production.
  
  
• Breast Cancer: We know that radiation therapy for breast cancer causes
  radiation damage to the milk glands and ducts, preventing full lactation from
  that breast. The treated breast often does not undergo normal pregnancy
  changes and the milk does not come in abundantly on that side at delivery.
  However, breastfeeding from the breast that was not irradiated is still
  possible. Baby can receive an ample milk supply by nursing exclusively from
  the untreated side.

© Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, 2nd Edition K. Auerbach, PhD, IBCLC & J. Riordan, EdD, RN, IBCLC, FAAN, 1999,
Jones & Bartlett Publications

Contact www.bfar.org For interested mothers who have experienced or are considering breast reduction surgery.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0912500867/bfar-20
To purchase the book 'Defining Your Own Success: Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery' by Diana West

http://www.bfar.org/presurgery.shtml Article, Should You Have Breast Reduction Surgery?

For Health Care Professionals interested in further education in this area:
contact www.bfarinfo.org

Many women are still breastfeeding when they discover they are pregnant
again. Although breastfeeding offers some protection against conceiving, particularly during the first six months after birth, it is certainly possible to become pregnant while nursing.
Here are some of the most common questions.

Q. Does pregnancy cause any negative effects on lactation?
A. Although some women state that their milk supply does not change, for
most women the milk supply rapidly decreases within months of conception
as the milk returns to a more colostrum-like composition. This change is
thought to be caused by pregnancy hormones, which may heighten nipple sensitivity, causing some women who were comfortably nursing to become extremely sensitive for no other apparent reason. This condition is unique
to each pregnant woman.

Q. Is it necessary to wean because of the pregnancy?
A. For a mother breastfeeding a toddler who is already receiving other sources
of nutrition, obtaining less milk from nursing will not likely place him at risk. On
the other hand, if mother is exclusively nursing a young infant, the change could cause failure to thrive as a result of mother's diminishing milk supply unless baby receives supplemental nutrition.

Q. Are there harmful effects of nursing on the developing fetus?
A. A well-nourished mother should have no difficulty providing for both the
unborn baby and the nursing child. She should be sure she is gaining weight
at the appropriate rate and adding nutritious foods to her diet as well as
getting sufficient rest.

Q. Can breastfeeding during pregnancy cause premature labor?
A. A small percentage of women may experience uterine contractions during breastfeeding. In most cases, breastfeeding will not affect the fetus in any
way, and there is no evidence that uterine contractions are associated with
fetal loss. (Sexual intercourse also causes uterine contractions, and is not normally contraindicated during pregnancy.)

Q. Will the new baby receive colostrum?
A. Yes, the colostrum is present at the end of pregnancy and increases after delivery, and later transitions into mature milk. There is evidence that the body produces a greater amount of colostrum when a toddler nurses through a pregnancy. The true milk has been found to come in sooner after birth when
the mother nursed during a pregnancy and the colostrum content of her milk
was higher longer into the postpartum period and early weeks after birth.

Q. Can you continue nursing the older baby even after the newborn's arrival?
A. Of course! The new baby has a real need for mother's milk to fill nutritional requirements. In the early weeks, the newborn should nurse first, before the older nursling, for the full benefit of the colostrum. You should alternate breasts and feedings between the two nurslings, as the newborn needs both foremlk and hindmilk as well as extended sucking. The older nursling may adapt more easily
to a new sibling because he does not feel "ousted".

© "Nursing Two, Is It For You?" Gail Berke, La Leche League International, 1989

© "Breastfeeding Through Pregnancy and Beyond", Nursing Mother's Association
of Australia, La Leche League International, 1999

'HOLD OFF ON SOLID FOODS UNTIL BREASTFED BABY
IS 6 MONTHS'
February 06, 2006 (University of Rochester Medical Center)

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found
another reason to keep those fancy baby spoons in the drawer until
infants reach 6 months old. Babies who are breastfed - exclusively -
for the first 6 months have fewer cases of pneumonia and ear
infections than babies who were introduced to other foods between
4 and 6 months.

The study, in February's Pediatrics, is the first to document a decreased risk
for respiratory-tract infections during the first two years for children who
receive only breast milk until they are six months old.

The study was led by Caroline Chantry, M.D., of the University of California
Davis Medical Center, but was executed largely at Golisano Children's Hospital
at Strong with the help of Cynthia Howard, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor, and Peggy Auinger, M.S., senior research analyst. Howard is also the pediatric director of the mother-baby unit at Rochester General Hospital.

"This study supports the current recommendation to exclusively breast-feed healthy term babies until they are 6 months old," Howard said. "Even two
months makes a difference."

Infants who were fully breastfed for at least 4, but not 6 months were almost four times more likely to develop pneumonia than infants who
were fully breastfed for a full six months. Recurrent ear infections were
almost two times more likely. The data of 2,277 children from 6 to 24-months
old were analyzed from National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey III,
a nationally representative cross-sectional home survey conducted from 1988
to 1994.

Chantry said her recommendation to parents eager to feed their healthy, full
-term babies solid foods will change only slightly: "We recommend holding
off on solid foods until about 6 months, as breast milk has everything
the baby needs until then. The more breast milk your baby receives, the
greater the health benefits of breastfeeding for both of you.' And now I might
add, 'For example, babies fully breastfed for 6 months have fewer ear
infections than those fully breastfed for only 4 months."

The study also adds to growing evidence that breastfeeding benefits are
dose- and duration-responsive, Howard added. Earlier studies have shown
that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months decreases the risk for
diarrheal diseases.