Woman blowing nose
June 8, 2011

Breastfeeding in Mothers with E. Coli Infections

In the USA and many other countries, the predominant enterohemorrhagic E. coli subtype associated with disease is E. coli O157:H7. Recently, a large number of cases of antibiotic-resistant E. coli O104 have been reported in Germany, some in breastfeeding mothers. This particular species is known to secrete Shiga toxins and to produce potentially severe renal disease in humans. The question has arisen as to whether breastfeeding mothers should continue to breastfeed while undergoing therapy for this severe infection.
April 13, 2011
Benzocaine Topical Teething Products

Topical teething products containing benzocaine have been formulated to soothe the pain of teething in infants and children. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently reported that the use of benzocaine may increase the risk of a serious medical condition called methemoglobinemia. The symptoms of this condition include blue skin, lips, and nail beds, headache, lightheadedness, tiredness, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear after one application. Symptoms also may appear within a few minutes to a few hours after application.

March 17, 2011
Potassium Iodide for Radiation Exposure
Potassium iodide was approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) in 1982 for thyroid protection from radioactive iodine accidents.  Of the many radioactive elements released by nuclear accidents, radioactive Iodine-131 is a major component and a huge risk factor for humans.
January 24, 2011
Influenza Season Recommendations for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers

Vaccines

Pregnant Patients

The American College of Gynecology (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all pregnant women be vaccinated against the seasonal flu.  Pregnant women may receive the injectable vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy.  However, the live attenuated vaccine known as FluMist is not recommended in any stage of pregnancy. Thimersol is contained in small amounts in the multi-dose vials, but the single dose vials do not contain thimersol.

July 9, 2010
Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There has recently been a lot of discussion in the news about the potential hazards of taking antidepressants while pregnant. Some researchers are concerned that they increase the risk of birth defects. Proponents of antidepressants point out, correctly, that depression during pregnancy is also risky and can lead to premature delivery and other complications.
Bright Light Therapy for Depression
Woman next to light device
admin Fri, 07/09/2010 - 15:10
Some people dread the change of seasons. Shorter, darker days mean fatigue, oversleeping, too many carbs, and having a general sense of malaise: a pattern known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Seasonal affective disorder is depression that occurs during late fall and winter months, as darkness occurs earlier in the day. Symptoms include depression, lethargy, difficulty waking, and craving carbohydrates, which often leads to weight gain. Seasonal depression may be an issue for some of the women we see. Fortunately, safe treatments for pregnant and breastfeeding women are available.
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Depression
Common Conditions
Treatment
July 8, 2010
Bisphenol A Effects in Pregnancy
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical commonly found in mass-produced plastics. Recently, there is rising concern over whether or not BPA found in plastic may lead to untoward effects. Due to the prevalence of plastic in our daily lives, this issue is of major impact. As of right now, no one can say for sure. The National Toxicology Program has been studying the health effects of BPA extensively since 2008.
July 1, 2010
Breastfeeding Protects Against Infection
Results of a new study have just been released regarding breastfeeding and its confirmed protective effect against infections. This is very exciting and up-to-date news. While we all know by know that breastfeeding is beneficial to both the mother and the child, there is still some gray area over how long to breastfeed and what duration of breastfeeding is required to see any measurable difference.
June 23, 2010
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Initiation of breastfeeding as early as possible is beneficial for the mother and the child, (short-term and long-term); this view is now commonly accepted and commonly practiced. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is certainly not a new concept but is not widely known. This is unfortunate since the practice of SSC early after birth and during breastfeeding is highly beneficial.
June 15, 2010
Nipple Piercing Effects
Although it is currently thought that nipple piercing for the most part does not affect milk supply in a breastfeeding woman, there are case reports that show that trauma caused by nipple piercing can lead to blocked ducts. Researchers have also found that attachment problems can arise and cause difficulties in women wanting to breastfeed.
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