A Link a Day: ‘Babywise’ Linked to Babies' Dehydration, Failure to Thrive

From: peaceful parenting

"On Becoming Babywise, has raised concern among pediatricians because it outlines an infant feeding program that has been associated with failure to thrive (FTT), poor weight gain, dehydration, breast milk supply failure, and involuntary early weaning."

I did glance through this book once a couple of weeks ago. Definitely contrary to any advice I would give to a new mother. Babies are not all identical, you can't just fit them into the same mold.

After all I have heard and read about this book, I was almost sick when I saw several copies of it prominently displayed at Babies 'R Us.

To anyone considering this book: Put it down and just listen to your baby.

A Link a Day: Hidden Booby Trap: Is Your Lactation “Specialist” an Impostor?

Hidden Booby Trap: Is Your Lactation “Specialist” an Impostor?

"All too often, new parents are getting poor breastfeeding guidance from so-called hospital lactation experts, some of whom are not even experts at all! " 

Although you don't need an official title to be knowledgeable, it's wise to be wary of those with good intentions, but bad advice.

I have experienced this first hand. The hospital where my son was born had what they called "Lactation Counselors." I know now that these nurses had only about 2 hours of training in breastfeeding. I have recently discovered that my son may have an upper lip tie. This could be the reason we did not get off to a smooth start with breastfeeding. No one liked his latch, but never articulated to me why or how to fix it. In stead I was told it was because he was premature and was given a nipple shield, which did work for us. If this has been properly diagnosed in the beginning, I may have had it corrected by now, but instead I'm afraid that it may have to be done under general anesthesia because he is older.

Don't be afraid to ask for the best. Everyone deserves the best help they can get. Make sure your nurse or consultant is an Independent Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

A Link a Day: Making Milk When There's No Baby to Feed

Making Milk When There's No Baby to Feed

"Tanya and Jessica talked about the experience of lactation after mothers lose babies – either in pregnancy, at birth, or as infants – and the range of feelings and challenges it rasies [sic]." 

This is a podcast interview with a graduate student who studied women who donated their milk following the loss of their baby.

It's nice to see this topic discussed, mothers need to know that they most likely will have to deal with making milk even without a baby. This podcast touches on the lack of support many of these women get about this issue because it is such a sensitive one, and how it can be healing to know that the milk can help other babies.

Very moving topic.

A Link a Day: Breastfeeding in Emergencies

UNITED STATES BREASTFEEDING COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON INFANT/YOUNG CHILD FEEDING IN EMERGENCIES

"Consider informal human milk donation in a situation where the infant is not with the
mother or she is not lactating, and the person responsible for the baby prefers feeding donor breast milk, and understands the risks and benefits of feeding unpasteurized breastmilk from a healthy donor. 

"Consider the use of pasteurized donor human milk when refrigeration, transportation, safe water, and basic infrastructure are in place, if an infant’s mother is not available due to separation or death, or as supplement when a mother’s milk supply is inadequate. 

"Control the distribution of purchased infant formula so that it is offered only to those
infants who do not have access to human milk. "

All these points are awesome. This document is intended for all local, state, and federal emergency policy.

There is much more good information in the statement, including offering information on relactation, and providing lactation professionals to breastfeeding women.

A Link a Day: LactMed

LactMed Search

"A peer-reviewed and fully referenced database of drugs to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed. Among the data included are maternal and infant levels of drugs, possible effects on breastfed infants and on lactation, and alternate drugs to consider" 

From the United States Medical Library's Toxnet (Toxicology Data Network), LactMed is a resource I feel every lactating woman and medical professional needs to have on hand.

It lets you easily search for a particular drug, like 'amoxicillin', or even a keyword, like 'antibiotics.' The results will give you detailed information about the effects and potential side effects of medications on the breastfed baby.

I cannot tell you how valuable this is. In our culture, at least in my neck of the woods, breastfeeding is not considered the "norm." I was even advised by a dentist to find out from my pediatrician which medications I could take while breastfeeding. In my opinion, it's the prescribing doctor's responsibility to know the safety of all medications prescribed to his/her patient and her baby. The next time I needed a prescription, I knew better. I pulled out my phone and looked up the drug right there at the office. It turns out that the drug he chose was not the best option, and I was able to get a different prescription before I even left his office. I made sure to give him the link.

A Link a Day: Hospital Support for Breastfeeding

Hospital Support for Breastfeeding

"Babies who are fed formula and stop breastfeeding early have higher risks of obesity, diabetes, respiratory and ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and tend to require more doctor visits, hospitalizations, and prescriptions."

 Only 4% of our nation's hospitals are considered baby-friendly as described by the World Health Organization and UNICEF. This is terrible. There is so much information available about the risks of exclusive formula feeding, yet those in positions to help new mothers the most, seem to be ignorant of them. Or worse yet, do nothing with such information because maybe it would be inconvenient to change hospital policy and practices. In a country where most of our births happen in hospitals, it is up to them to educate mothers and to realize that every baby deserves the best food for him-- his mother's milk. It is awesome when a mother can be an advocate for her baby and speak up about unnecessary pacifiers and supplements. Unfortunately, not all women, maybe most women, are not convicted, or brave, or outspoken enough to speak up to hospital staff. The doctors and nurses are supposed to know and do what's best for babies, why is it that we as mothers, cannot put our full faith in them?

A Link a Day: The Business Case for Breastfeeding

I'm starting a new series about pregnancy, birth, and childcare. Everyday I will post an interesting link about one of these topics, and include my thoughts on the subject. Here's the first one:

The business case for breastfeeding

"...one-day absences to care for sick children occur more than twice as much for women who formula-feed their children." 

This is really a no-brainer. Healthy kids and healthy moms means more productive employees, and lower health care costs. Finally, following California's lead, our federal government has extended the right to pump milk at work to most American women. This is a huge step forward culturally for our nation. Not only is it healthier for moms and babies, but it is a step that will help change our mindset. It will be a relief for women who have grudgingly had to choose between nursing their baby and returning to work. I am grateful that not only is my employer accomodating for my needs, but that if necessary, I can quote federal law to back me up.

Kids Are Cheap (If You Want Them To Be)

Like the rest of us, I'd rather not throw my money in the drain. I would spend my last dime on my child if I needed to, but there are many ways you can cut costs and at the same time have a healthier, happier baby.

Most of these choices were not made in order to save money, they are just a reflection of my parenting style and philosophy.

1. Cloth diapers.

Not quite sure exactly what drove me to look into cloth diapers, but once I did I was convinced it was the way to go for my family. I like that they have a smaller impact on the environment, they are more natural and cooler against a baby's bottom, and they are so much cuter!

Cost comparison: (Average cost for a child from birth to 3 years)

Disposable diapers: $2,400

Cloth diapers: $400

Savings: $2,000

2. Cloth Wipes

It just seems to follow naturally that if you are going to buy cloth diapers, you might as well get cloth wipes also. For all the same reasons.

Cost comparison: (Estimated cost from birth to 3 years)

Disposable Wipes: $240

Cloth Wipes: $45

Savings: $195

3. Milk

I'm sure most people are familiar with the myriad of reasons why baby formula is inferior to natural mother's milk. Another major reason to avoid it it cost.

Cost comparison: (Estimated cost from birth to 12 months)

Formula: $1,260

Mother's Milk: $0

Savings: $1,260

4. Solid Foods

In contrast to the above, I bet most don't realize that babies do not need to eat purees, or baby "cereals" at all. Think about how a woman in a developing nation might feed her child. Children learn to eat what their families eat. The only food I have ever bought especially for my child is sweet potatoes. They are super nutritious, but the baby is the only one with a taste for them!

Cost Comparison: (Average cost from 6-12 months)

Cereal and Purees: $242

BLW: $0

Savings: $242

So, let's add all this up.

Total Savings: $3,697

That sure would be a nice addition to his college fund...