Breast Feeding

New parents want to give the best to their newborn infants; of course breast milk is considered to be the best nutrition for babies first "food." Please keep in mind, for those new mothers who are unable to breastfeed their newborns; the only other acceptable alternative is infant formula.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that newborns are breastfeed for at least 6-14 months, some form of solid foods can be introduced between 4-6 months, but a baby should drink breast milk or formula, not cow's milk, for a full year.

Breast-feeding is good for new mothers as well as for their babies. Of course as in all aspects of life, there are pros and cons to breastfeeding:

Advantages of Breastfeeding:

  • Breastfeeding soon after delivery helps minimize bleeding.
  • Breastfeeding often satisfies sucking urges
  • Breastfed babies have fewer allergic reactions
  • Breastfed babies have less of a tendency to be overfed.
  • Breast milk contains maternal antibodies and immunities to help baby develop an immune system
  • It may be easier for a nursing mother to lose the pounds of pregnancy as well, since nursing uses up extra calories.
  • Lactation also stimulates the uterus to contract back to its original size. But it is recommended not to diet during breastfeeding, a well- balanced nutritional diet is the sensible way to go.
  • There are no bottles to sterilize or carry around, and no formula to buy, measure and mix.
  • It's the most complete and balanced nutrition for an infant
  • Gives baby protective antibodies (to protect her/him from illness)
  • Nursing at night is easy as well. No one has to stumble to the refrigerator for a bottle and warm it while the baby cries. If she's lying down, a mother can doze while she nurses.
  • Nursing is also economical, the money you save on formula you can put towards your bigger appetite (just kidding ladies).
  • Many women don't menstruate while breastfeeding (big plus)
  • New birth control pill is now available to be taken while breastfeeding, The "Mini-Pill" Progestin only pill. These pills do not appear to change or interfere with the quality or quantity of breast milk. For more information, please contact your OBGYN.
  • Breastfeeding helps develop a closeness between mom and baby.
  • Keeps you well-endowed (a benefit for your husband)

Advantages of Bottle-feeding.

For all its health benefits, breast-feeding does have some disadvantages:

  • In the early weeks it could be painful and uncomfortable. Your nipples can crack and you can become engorged (too much milk), possibly baby not eating enough.

  • A bit of a life style change: Special nursing attire and bras recommended (for easy access). Finding private feeding areas, if out in public.

  • Breastfeeding mothers can experience leaking from their breasts (especially in the early weeks. Of course, so can non breastfeeding mothers!).

  • Special balanced diet, and try to avoid irritating foods; including smoking, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and restlessness in your newborn, or even a decrease or loss of milk supply or production

  • Pumping milk with breast pumps can be tricky to manage initially, but milk reserves will give you a well deserved break from breast feeding.

  • Some women just don't feel comfortable with the idea of nursing. They may be concerned about modesty and the possibility of having to nurse in public.

  • Some women experience a decreased sex drive when breastfeeding

  • Breastfeeding mothers need to be accessible to the baby at all times (especially during the early months) or utilize breast-pumping

  • The father will not be able to participate in feeding until you are able or willing to pump.

In the January 1994 issue of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics included the following in a list of drugs that are usually compatible with breast-feeding: ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION OR GIVING ANY MEDS TO YOUR INFANT.

  • acetaminophen

  • many antibiotics

  • antiepileptics (although one, Primidone, should be given with caution)

  • most antihistamines

  • alcohol in moderation (large amounts of alcohol can cause drowsiness, weakness, and abnormal weight gain in an infant)

  • most antihypertensives

  • aspirin (should be used with caution)

  • caffeine (moderate amounts in drinks or food)

  • codeine

  • decongestants

  • ibuprofen

  • insulin

  • quinine

  • thyroid medications

Drugs That Are NOT Safe While Nursing

A nursing mother can take some drugs, upon doctors approval or recommendation. She can pump her milk and discard it during this time to keep up her supply, while the baby drinks previously frozen milk or formula. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION OR GIVING ANY MEDS TO YOUR INFANT.

Drugs that should never be taken while breast-feeding include:

  • Bromocriptine (Parlodel): A drug for Parkinson's disease, it also decreases a woman's milk supply.

  • Most Chemotherapy Drugs for Cancer: Since they kill cells in the mother's body, they may harm the baby as well.

  • Ergotamine (for migraine headaches): Causes vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions in infants.

  • Lithium (for manic-depressive illness): Excreted in human milk.

  • Methotrexate (for arthritis): Can suppress the baby's immune system.

  • Drugs of Abuse: Some drugs, such as cocaine and PCP, can intoxicate the baby. Others, such as amphetamines, heroin and marijuana, can cause a variety of symptoms, including irritability, poor sleeping patterns, tremors, and vomiting. Babies become addicted to these drugs.

  • Tobacco Smoke: Nursing mothers should avoid smoking. Nicotine can cause vomiting, diarrhea and restlessness for the baby, as well as decreased milk production for the mother. Maternal smoking or passive smoke may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and may increase respiratory and ear infections.

PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS AN INFORMATIONAL PAGE ONLY, WE ARE NOT PRO OR CON BREASTFEEDING. IF YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR OR PEDIATRICIAN.

If you have any information that will be informative to our customers, please e-mail us at info@expectinginstyle.com.

Thank you.

 

back to top