A practical guide to successful breast-feeding management
Article Abstract:
In the past, the practice of breast-feeding was passed on from mothers to daughters. However, in the early 1950s, formula feeding became more popular and the prevalence of breast-feeding decreased. The development of safe, inexpensive infant formulas, the influence of social and cultural factors, and failure of the health community to promote breast-feeding contributed to this trend in infant feeding. The incidence of breast-feeding began to increase again in the 1970s and by 1983, it was estimated that 62 percent of mothers breast-fed their infants. New mothers may need guidance in the practice of breast-feeding as well as in finding solutions to common problems of breast-feeding, such as cracked nipples. Since the pediatrician is involved in the follow-up care of a mother and infant and is responsible for ensuring appropriate nourishment of the child, he or she has the opportunity to provide guidance to nursing mothers and to help solve problems associated with breast-feeding. A guide for training pediatricians who wish to counsel mothers about breast-feeding before and after childbirth is described. The guide addresses specific aspects of breast-feeding, including preparation for breast-feeding; prenatal concerns such as inverted nipples, nipple preparation, and previous breast-feeding experience; and specific aspects of breast-feeding, such as duration and frequency, proper positioning of infant, and attaching the infant's mouth to the nipple. In addition, early problems of breast-feeding are discussed, such as infant jaundice, breast engorgement (fullness due to fluid accumulation), sore nipples, appetite spurts, plugged ducts (passages through which milk flows out of the breast), and inflammation of the breast. The danger signs of an inadequate milk supply are also listed. Counseling mothers about breast-feeding is another approach to preventing disease and ensuring well-child care. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Diseases of Children
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-922X
Year: 1991
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Does breast-feeding protect the hypothyroid infant whose condition is diagnosed by newborn screening?
Article Abstract:
Congenital hypothyroidism, a condition that is present at birth, is caused by inadequate thyroid gland secretion. The resulting lower basal metabolism causes symptoms such as obesity, dry skin and hair, low blood pressure, slow pulse, a sluggishness of all functions, and arrested physical and mental development. Congenital hypothyroidism can be treated with hormone replacement therapy and early diagnosis is desirable. Screening infants for this disorder leads to faster diagnosis than waiting for clinical symptoms to appear. Breast feeding has been shown to provide small amounts of thyroid hormone to infants; receiving human milk may afford the infant with congenital hypothyroidism some benefits. A group of 107 infants, diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism after newborn screening, were compared; approximately half received breast milk. The other half were formula fed. Testing of neuropsychological abilities was performed at one, three, five, and six years of age. The children's thyroid hormone, or thyroxine, levels were also measured. Adjustments were made to account for differences in parental I.Q. scores, socioeconomic factors, and dose levels of hormone supplementation therapy. Differences in thyroxine levels were noted in the infants at one and two months; breast-fed babies had significantly higher levels of thyroxine than formula-fed infants. At three years, children with ectopic thyroid glands (glands that are in an abnormal location) who were breast-fed performed better on several tests. However, no overall benefits of breast feeding were evident when tests of intellectual function were evaluated. Higher early thyroxine levels in the children who were breast-fed provided no significant advantage when they were compared with formula-fed children at later developmental stages. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Diseases of Children
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-922X
Year: 1990
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