Breastfeeding and allergies

Research into the connection between breastfeeding and reduced childhood allergies is dynamic and growing. Public health studies have shown that breastfeeding can have a long term impact on your child’s immune system. Breastfeeding may protect your child against inflammatory and autoimmune disease. It was more than 75 years ago that the first study... [Read more...]

Allergies and the Breastfed Baby

While human breast milk does not typically cause reactions in breastfeeding infants some mothers express concern that their child may react to something passed  into their breast milk. Only 2-3 babies who are exclusively breastfed demonstrate an allergic reaction and that is usually traced back to cow’s milk in the mother’s diet. If cow’s... [Read more...]

Inducing Lactation in Adoptive Mothers.

A growing number of adoptive mothers are exploring the option of breastfeeding their adopted child. A few prescription medications typically prescribed for other reasons have been shown to stimulate or enhance milk production.  Metoclopramide and other such medications must be prescribed by your doctor and do have side effects.  There are also herbal... [Read more...]

PKU and Breastfeeding

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic condition that affects 1 in every 16,000 newborns. Babies with PKU are unable to produce an enzyme that allows their body to absorb the amino acid phenylamanine. Should levels of phenylamanie build up in your babies body symptoms from rashes to central nervous system damage may occur. Babies with PKU require frequent... [Read more...]

Galactosemia and Breastfeeding

Babies suffering from galactosemia are unable to process galactose, one of the simple sugars formed by the digestion of breast milk. Galactosemia is a rare inherited disorder that affects about 1 in 60,000 newborns. Galactosemia and Breastfeeding are an incompatible combination. There may be no initial indication when your child first begins to breastfeed... [Read more...]

Diabetes and Breastfeeding

Although lactating can help you control your blood sugar as you transition from pregnancy to postpartum you’ll need to pay close attention to your diet. While you are breastfeeding keep water nearby and snacks within reach to help prevent becoming hypoglycemic while nursing. Although your normal insulin injections are generally safe to use while... [Read more...]

Nipple Preparation during Pregnancy

You may have heard it said that during your pregnancy you need to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding.  Some of the suggestions you may get are to rub your nipples with a towel or to continually try to express milk before your child is even born. Recent studies have shown that the body will  prepare your nipples for breastfeeding and there is little... [Read more...]