Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

~ “Nipple blanching and vasospasm” by Kellymom.com
~ “Seeking Relief,” NEW BEGINNINGS
~ “Brrrr…ouch! It’s the season for Raynaud’s” at the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog
~ “Treatment for Raynaud’s” by Dr. Jack Newman

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

Did you use nipple shields? Were they helpful or a hindrance? How did you get the proper size? Did you try the Medela brand and would you use it again? Were you able to wean from the nipple shields to the breast?

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

Chlorphenesin relaxes skeletal muscle and can depress the central nervous system and cause respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing) in infants. Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that is primarily used in cosmetics and medications. It also can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants.

Mothers should discontinue use of the product and watch for the following signs of infant distress (and seek immediate medical assistance for any of these symptoms):

~ decrease in an infant’s appetite
~ difficulty in awakening the child
~ limpness of extremities
~ decrease in an infant’s strength of grip
~ a change in skin color.

Mothers using the cream may suffer from dermatitis as well.

The FDA says consumers are strongly encouraged to report adverse events related to this product or any FDA approved product to MedWatch, the agency’s voluntary reporting program, by e-mail at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm, or by phone at 800-332-1088, or by fax to 800-332-0178. Consumers may also mail reports of adverse events to MedWatch, Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852-9787.

Thanks to Marijke at the new b5media pregnancy blog, Womb Within, for the information on this story!

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

~ Lanolin is a fatty derivative of wool.

~ According to the manufacturer, it’s safe to use even for people who are allergic to wool.

~ The Lansinoh company was founded by a nursing mother of two daughters. When she started breastfeeding, a La Leche League leader encouraged her to use lanolin for her sore nipples. Lanolin was not readily available at the time, but her husband was a physician and he procured a one-pound jar of it from the hospital pharmacy (to give you an idea of how much a one-pound jar is, now the product is generally sold in two ounce tubes or one-eighth of that one-pound jar!)

~ Lansinoh is bacteriostatic (can inhibit the reproduction of bacteria).

~ To remove Lansinoh stains from nursing bras, treat the fabric as you would treat any grease stain. Pre-treat the stain with a stain remover or laundry detergent. Some women find it helpful to use OxiClean (or a similar product like Vanish Oxi Action in the U.K.), while some pour hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain prior to washing.

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

It’s no secret that American women shave, pluck and wax unwanted hair as part of their elaborate beauty rituals. It’s not at all uncommon for women to have stray hairs around the areola (the darkened skin around the nipple). It’s certainly not necessary to remove them, but for women who desire to do so for cosmetic reasons, should they shave or pluck? The answer actually is neither one–shaving and plucking could cause infection through cuts or ingrown hairs. So what’s the answer? Carefully trim any unwanted hairs with small scissors.

Admittedly, I have been known to throw caution to the wind and wield a razor. Should you receive a cut from shaving or trimming with scissors, consider using the antibacterial and healing properties of breast milk. For a minor cut, express a bit of milk, apply a thin coating on the cut and allow it to air dry. Consult a doctor as necessary.

Come on ladies, fess up: shave, pluck, trim with scissors or “you’ve got to be kidding me?!”

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3