About.com Breastfeeding

Certain Antidepressants May Cause Lactation Difficulties

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:26:02 +0000

A new study which will be published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) shows that�women taking particular antidepressants may experience delayed lactation after giving birth and may need extra help to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Nelson Horseman, PhD, of the University of Cincinnati and co-author of the study states,"The breasts are serotonin-regulated glands, meaning the breasts' ability to secrete milk at the right time is closely related to the body's production and regulation of the hormone serotonin. �Common antidepressant drugs like fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs and while they can affect mood, emotion and sleep they may also impact serotonin regulation in the breast, placing new mothers at greater risk of a delay in the establishment of a full milk supply."

In this study, researchers observed the effects of SSRI drugs on lactation using laboratory studies of human and animal cell lines and genetically modified mice. �An observational study then evaluated the impact of SSRI drugs on the onset of milk production in postpartum women. �In this study of 431 postpartum women, median onset of lactation was�85.8 hours postpartum for the SSRI-treated mothers and 69.1 hours for mothers not treated with SSRI drugs. �The definition of "delayed secretory activation" is that it occurs later than 72 hours postpartum.

Horseman goes on to say that "SSRI drugs are very helpful medications for many moms, so understanding and ameliorating difficulties moms experience can help them achieve their goals for breastfeeding their babies. �More human research is needed before we can make specific recommendations regarding SSRI use during breastfeeding."

Certain Antidepressants May Cause Lactation Difficulties originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 21:26:02.

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Co-Founder of La Leche League, Viola Lennon, Dead At 87

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:05:52 +0000

Viola Lennon, co-Founder of La Leche League International and co-author of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, passed away last week. �Quite the pioneer, to say the least, the death of Lennon marks the end of an era.

Lennon credited her mother with having the strongest influence on her breastfeeding mindset. �She stated, "My mother portrayed breastfeeding as an enjoyable experience that brings you close to your baby." �(And that she did...10 babies!)

And we should take to heart another thought from Lennon: "Breastfeeding...led me to self-discovery and to a greater appreciation of the full humanity of the babies who were entrusted to me. Each woman needs to trust her own instincts, her own feelings, and her own sense of what will work for her with each baby. Women in the 1950s had forgotten the wisdom of previous generations in relation to breastfeeding. Mothers who tried to breastfeed on their own were almost always destined to fail. �The neighbors sent their children to watch me breastfeed because they knew the children would not see it anywhere else!"

May her memory be a blessing.

Co-Founder of La Leche League, Viola Lennon, Dead At 87 originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 14:05:52.

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Revisiting the Old "How Old Is Too Old" Argument...

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:23:28 +0000

It never gets old, does it? �The whole "How long is too long?" or "How old is too old?" argument is enough to stir the most mellow pot. �A recent article on Seattlepi.com, Moms Who Breastfeed Until Their Kids Are 4, 5, 6, made me think that it was time to dust off my poll�from a while back and breathe some new votes into it. �So, without further ado, please grace me with your opinion...How Old Is Too Old For Breastfeeding? �(FYI, as of today, the most popular answer is "2-3 years". �I'm curious to see if things change.)

Revisiting the Old "How Old Is Too Old" Argument... originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Monday, January 25th, 2010 at 20:23:28.

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Haiti Needs Breastfeeding Support!

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:46:13 +0000

In the aftermath of last week's terrible earthquake disaster in Haiti, I can't begin to tell you how many emails I've received from different organizations and groups asking for support. Mostly financial requests, the inundation has been overwhelming and I've been waiting until this weekend to sit down and speak with my husband about what we want to do.

But aside from giving money, I felt the need to give information.

You may recall the theme of the 2009 World Breastfeeding Week..."Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response. �Are You Ready?" �Timely, yes. �Ominous, scarily so. �But never has the need for breastfeeding been so great. �The International Lactation Consultant Association is "urging all health care providers and rescue workers to include breastfeeding support as a vital part of disaster relief and humanitarian aid efforts." �They are also discouraging donations of infant formula since this can increase illness and disease in an emergency.

Here is the press release: ILCA Encourages Breastfeeding Support in Haiti. �I would highly recommend that you read it and do whatever you can to assist in relief efforts. �And finally, I'll just put my two cents in here...I have about 250 postings on my "Selling�Breast Milk" blog from women trying to find good homes for their excess expressed milk. �How about donating it to a milk bank for some of the babies in Haiti? �Just a thought. �Would love to hear yours!

Haiti Needs Breastfeeding Support! originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 16:46:13.

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Treat of the Week for Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Breastfeeding Moms: Melissa's UNBELIEVABLE Vegan Cheesecake

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:25:50 +0000

Going dairy-free was the hot topic this week in my support group. Yes, there's one mom who has been a vegan for years and was able to give great guidance on different foods. On the other hand, there are many women who are bound and determined to taking the dairy out of their diets as their babies are having reactions to it. The great news is that, these days, there are so many different ways to switch it up!

In the midst of this discussion, I happened to mention that I recently concocted the most fantastic vegan cheesecake for my son, who has cow's milk and wheat allergies. �Being a diehard cheesecake fan myself, I can honestly say that no one would know the difference between my version and Junior's. �So, without further ado, I promised the women in the group that I would share it with the world, so here it is! �Enjoy! �(And let me know what you think!)

Melissa's UNBELIEVABLE Vegan/Gluten-Free Cheesecake

Crust: 5 tablespoons unsalted vegan "butter", melted, plus room-temperature "butter" for pan; 12 gluten-free graham crackers (3x5 inch); 1/4 c. sugar; 1/4 tsp. coarse salt

Filling: 2 1/2 lbs vegan "cream cheese", room temperature; 1 1/2 c. sugar; 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice; 1/2 tsp. coarse salt; Ener-G Egg Replacer (equivalent of 4 large eggs); 1 c. vegan "sour cream"

Preheat oven to 375. �Make crust: Butter a 9-by-3-inch springform pan. �In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until fine crumbs form; add melted butter, sugar, and salt, and pulse to combine. �Press crumb mixture into bottom and about 1 inch up side of pan. �Bake until set, 12 to 15 minutes; let cool on a wire rack. �Reduce over to 325. �Set a kettle of water to boil. �Make filling: Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese on medium until fluffy, scraping down side of bowl. �Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy. �Beat in lemon zest and juice, and salt. �Beat in egg replacer, slowly, scraping down side of bowl after each addition. �Beat in sour cream. �Wrap bottom half of pan in foil. �Pour in filling; place in a roasting pan. �Pour in boiling water to come halfway up side of springform. �Bake until just set in center, about 1 3/4 hours. �Remove pan from water; let cool 20 minutes. �Run a paring knife around edge; let cool completely. �Cover; chill overnight before serving.

�

Treat of the Week for Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Breastfeeding Moms: Melissa's UNBELIEVABLE Vegan Cheesecake originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at 18:25:50.

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List of Hospitals and WIC Programs Carrying Breastfeeding Discharge Bags

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:33:56 +0000

Although frequently mentioned and updated, I never get tired of hearing about the Healthy Baby Bounty Bags. �Even better, we now have an "official" list of hospitals and WIC programs carrying them...about 260 as of today! �Just amazing news. �Check out the list here and if your local hospital is not on the list, let's work to get them on it!

List of Hospitals and WIC Programs Carrying Breastfeeding Discharge Bags originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 at 21:33:56.

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I Want To Know...How Often Do You Pump?

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:02:42 +0000

The topic comes up all the time in my support group...how often everyone is pumping...There is one woman who doesn't have the slightest interest in the process; there is another who doesn't want to put the baby to the breast at all and exclusively pumps. So, that brings me to my question for all of you: How often do you do it? Please take my poll and let me know!

How Often Do You Pump?

Current Results

I Want To Know...How Often Do You Pump? originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 22:02:42.

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Medela Announces Winners of Virtual Human Milk Collection Campaign

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 01:25:44 +0000

November was National Prematurity Awareness Month and the uber-popular breast pump and breastfeeding accessory company, Medela, held a campaign entitled the "Virtual Human Milk Collection". �During this time, you were asked to visit�Medela's website to vote for four NICUs to receive $5,000 each in neonatal human milk support products for their facility from Medela. �I am happy to say that the results are in and the winners are announced! �Drumroll, please...

Memorial�Hospital at Gulfport, Gulfport, MS.
St. John�Medical Center, Tulsa, OK.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.
University�of New Mexico Hospital, Albuquerque, NM.

These NICUs will receive: Symphony^� Preemie^+�program cards, Symphony breastpumps, Waterless Milk Warmers�, Creamatocrit Plus�, Transport/Discharge Bags, BabyWeigh� scales and/or Medela NICU Education programs.

Congratulations to all four! �Excellent job!!

Medela Announces Winners of Virtual Human Milk Collection Campaign originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Sunday, December 27th, 2009 at 01:25:44.

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Something We Never Want To Think About...

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:45:07 +0000

I'm not quite sure how the planets are aligning this week. My job is typically a very happy one, even though it may seem against the grain that I'm dealing with breastfeeding problems, because (in the majority of cases) the issues are solved. �However, this week was an anomaly...within a 24 hour period, I had two phone calls from a client of mine, not to discuss anything about her own breastfeeding concerns. �The first call was yesterday--a friend of hers had just lost her 7-week-old baby to SIDS; the second call came today--her sister-in-law, due this Thursday with her second baby, found out this morning that there was no heartbeat. �Just devastated, feeling absolutely helpless, she called me to ask advice about how to help them on the breastfeeding front. �The mom with the 7-week-old was exclusively breastfeeding and would have to wean abruptly; the mom who had to deliver a stillborn baby would start to produce milk. �What to do? �I walked her through the weaning protocol and recommended that she buy CaboCreme, which suppresses lactation. �It's such a difficult position to be in, as your body has to learn that it no longer needs to produce milk, and those leaky reminders make it all the more challenging to overcome.

For any moms who have gone through this, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Something We Never Want To Think About... originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 at 09:45:07.

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Jingle Boobs: Managing Breastfeeding During the Holidays

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:09:48 +0000

The holidays are here, and with it comes the craziness of family events. �You may be breastfeeding a 2 week old or a 2 year old, but regardless, many women feel the extra stress during this time. �Whether it's concern about how to manage travelling or how to explain to your Aunt Millie that breastfeeding is a natural, normal thing to do, breastfeeding can (and should!) remain a constant. �Your baby will need the comfort and consistency during this wonderful, but hectic time of the year. �So, here's how to do it: Managing Breastfeeding During the Holidays. And, as usual, feel free to join my forum to talk about any issues you may have!

Jingle Boobs: Managing Breastfeeding During the Holidays originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 13:09:48.

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