New Product Eases Breastfeeding Nipple Pain

Ninety-six percent of breastfeeding women experience nipple pain. It is the No. 1 reason women stop breastfeeding, says Puronyx, a women’s health care company. A new treatment for sore nipples, Soothies, may be just the thing breastfeeding moms need.

Developed by Puronyx, Soothies are the first and only glycerin gel pad for sore nipple relief. The pads cover the nipples, providing soothing, cooling relief that helps promote healing in between feedings. They also act as nursing pads, absorbing one to three days’ worth of leakage with one pad.

Soothies contain 17 1/2 percent water and 65 percent glycerin. The pads inhibit bacteria growth, are non-toxic and are supported by hospitals and lactation specialists nationwide, says Puronyx.

One pair costs $11.95. Soothies can be found in pharmacies, specialty stores and online at CVS.com or www.soothies.com. (8-19-03)

Experts Offer Advice on Breastfeeding

August 1-7 was World Breastfeeding Week, according to nursing products company Medela. And throughout August (the highest birth rate month in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau), new mothers are encouraged to contact lactation consultants for more information on the benefits of breastfeeding for babies and moms.

According to Medela, health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization all recommend breastfeeding for at least the first 12 months.

Although almost 70 percent of new moms start breastfeeding, less than 30 percent are still doing it after three months. A study by the CDC shows that this three-month marker coincides with the end of maternity leave for many working moms. Through its Healthy People 2010 initiative, the CDC wants to increase the percentage of moms who breastfeed through their child’s first year of life. (8-12-03)

Your Guide to a Healthy Post-Delivery Lifestyle

Experts with the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP) report that many new mothers neglect to maintain good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle after their babies are born. So the ARHP is offering a quick reference postpartum guide and a companion Post-Delivery Planner for New Mothers to help them stick with the healthy nutrition and exercise habits they had during pregnancy and make them last a lifetime.

The guide, Postpartum Counseling: A Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians, emphasizes that good nutrition, including proper amounts of calcium, iron and other nutrients, is the main ingredient of a healthy post-delivery lifestyle. There are also sections that discuss weight loss and exercise (including those ever popular Kegel exercises and tips on exercising while breastfeeding).

The post-delivery planner is designed for mothers to take to their six-week follow-up visit. The planner is filled with information and advice from the ARHP guide. It can be used by mothers and their doctor or nurse as a starting point for discussing any issues and developing a post-delivery care plan.

The guide and planner were developed with grant support from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. To see the guide and planner or to download them, visit www.arhp.org/guide. (8-5-03)

Breastfeeding Moms Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7

Thousands of breastfeeding families, their supporters and health care professionals around the world will participate in La Leche League's International's (LLLI) World Walk for Breastfeeding being held at locations globally during World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7.

Walkers will be making communities aware of the importance of breastfeeding for the health of mothers and babies, and at the same time, raising money to help La Leche League International (LLLI) fulfill its mission of giving mother-to-mother support, education and encouragement to all women who want to breastfeed their babies.

LLLI Walks are unique in that participants are most often families who walk with babies and other children. While the effect of raising awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding is always far-reaching, the actual distance covered by these families of Walkers is often not very far. Many Walks are held locally in conjunction with picnics, health fairs and other activities chosen to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding.

Those interested in participating in the World Walk for Breastfeeding or in sponsoring a Walker may visit the LLLI Web site at www.lalecheleague.org for information about activities in your area.

LLLI is a nonprofit organization that in addition to helping mothers, offers professional education through its Physicians Seminars, Lactation Consultant Workshops and International Conference. LLLI's office houses the largest compilation of breastfeeding research in the world. LLLI is also a source of books, pamphlets and other resources that are of help to breastfeeding families worldwide. (7-29-03)

Nursing Toddler Story Book for Kids

La Leche League International (LLLI) offers a variety of informative and story books for nursing families. Michelle the Nursing Toddler: A Story about Sharing Love is one such book available on LLLI’s Web site (www.lalecheleague.org).

The book is a simple story about growing up in a family with lots of love. Michelle thrives and blooms with confidence as she grows from an infant to a toddler. She has Mother’s milk, Daddy’s hugs and affection and visits from grandparents to keep her happy and secure.

The story is written by Jane M. Pinczuk, mother of Michelle – the inspiration behind the story – and a professional writer whose work has appeared in both The New York Times and The Washington Post. Colorful, watercolor illustrations by Barbara Murray make the book complete.

The book is $14.95 on LLLI’s Web site. Or you can look for it in your local bookstore. (7-22-03)

Breastfeeding May Make up for Smoking During Pregnancy

Research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health suggests that breastfeeding may compensate for any ill effects on a child’s brain caused by the mother’s smoking during pregnancy. Researchers found that after testing children’s math, spelling and reading at 9 years old, only formula-fed children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy performed poorly on the tests.

Dutch scientists studied the detailed smoking habits of mothers during pregnancy, then the feeding habits of their babies to determine the results. Babies who were breastfed only a few weeks after birth, or who were given a combination of breast milk and formula, were not included in the final results.

The researchers admit that there may be some psychological aspects of breastfeeding that influence cognitive development in a child or that breastfeeding mothers may differ somehow from mothers who bottle-feed. But they also say that the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids found in breast milk may help brain development. And that could counteract any negative effects of smoking during pregnancy. (7-15-03)

Breastfeeding Helps Prevent Sleep Disorders

Articles published in the March-April and May-June issues of Sleep Review demonstrate that breastfeeding helps a baby’s mouth shape properly to avoid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) later in life.

A newborn’s palate is soft and malleable, and the sucking/swallowing pattern an infant develops is what continues on through adulthood. Dr. Brian Palmer, D.D.S., author of the published articles, reports that bottle-feeding requires a much different sucking pattern and tongue position than does breastfeeding. Breastfeeding, he says, requires less forceful sucking and a more proper tongue placement (forward position in the mouth). This contributes to a lower roof arch and better breathing.

Bottle-feeding, on the other hand, often causes incorrect positioning of the tongue, because bottle nipples are much firmer than the breast. The incorrect tongue position, reports the articles, leads to a tongue thrust and/or incorrect formations of the palate. These malocclusions contribute to an increased risk of OSA and sleep-disordered breathing problems. (7-8-03)

New Video for Breastfeeding Mothers Returning to Work

Worried about breastfeeding when you go back to work?

A new educational video, Breastfeeding and Returning to Work, offers mothers and mothers-to-be information about the health benefits and advantages of continuing to breastfeed after returning to work or school. The video is designed for use by childbirth educators, health clinics, birthing centers, hospitals, La Leche League leaders and similar organizations.

The 12-minute video is produced by Eagle Video Productions, the same team that created the award-winning video The Benefits of Breastfeeding. The video is available in either English or Spanish. You can view clips of the video at www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_video.html. Or for more information on the video, go to www.eaglevideo.com/bwvideo.htm. (7-1-03)

CPSC Demonstrates Fireworks Hazards, Urges Consumers to Celebrate Legally and Safely on Independence Day

With Independence Day near and American patriotism high, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers to celebrate the occasion safely by not purchasing or using illegal fireworks and by adhering to safety guidelines if using legal ones.

At a press conference on the National Mall on June 27, Chairman Hal Stratton demonstrated the explosive and destructive force of illegal fireworks. He also demonstrated the hazards young children risk when using legal fireworks and sparklers and the dangers consumers face when they use fireworks in an unsafe manner. "The consequences of fireworks misuse can be severe burns, loss of eyesight, amputation and even death," Stratton says.

"Above all, never give fireworks, even sparklers, to young children," Stratton says. "Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That's hot enough to cause third degree burns."

Hospital emergency rooms in the U.S. treated about 8,800 people for fireworks-related injuries in 2002, according to a commission staff analysis. However, the number of injuries has decreased significantly from the highs of 1992 to 1994, when injuries averaged 12,500 a year. Stratton attributes the decrease to rigorous enforcement, more consumer awareness of the potential dangers fireworks pose and the production of a higher quality product by reputable fireworks manufacturers.

Through undercover buys, online purchases, inspections and investigations, CPSC is tracking down and shutting down illegal roadside stands, warehouses and retail stores that sell professional grade explosives to consumers and homes that serve as havens for the manufacture of dangerous fireworks devices.

As part of its fireworks enforcement program, CPSC actively works with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Justice Department's Office of Consumer Litigation; U.S. Attorney's Offices across the country and the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection to prevent millions of hazardous and illegal fireworks from reaching consumers. For example, since 1988, CPSC and the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection have seized or detained more than 400 million hazardous fireworks at docks across the country.

CPSC and ATF have worked closely to build criminal cases against manufacturers and distributors in Seattle, a retailer in Indiana and an importer/dealer in Kansas. These joint investigations led to the seizure of thousands of M-80s, M-100s, quarter sticks and professional fireworks marked for consumers that could have caused serious injuries or death.

Highly explosive M-80's, cherry bombs and quarter sticks have been banned under Federal law since 1966. Additionally, it is illegal to sell mail order kits that include the chemicals and components to make such large firecrackers.

If you do decide to set fireworks off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

• Make sure your fireworks are legal in your area.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• A responsible adult should closely supervise all fireworks activities.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.
• Light one item at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire. (06.24.03)
  
  

Down and Dirty With Breast Milk

You can never be too careful about avoiding germs – or can you? Australian researchers say exposure to pathogens (bacteria or viruses, for example) can encourage the production of antibodies in breast milk. The extra antibodies are produced even if the mother has not shown any symptoms of disease.

But an obsession with hygiene in Western societies may be inhibiting those extra antibodies from developing, reports a study published in a recent issue of Chemistry & Industry Magazine. This means that if mothers were exposed to pathogens more often, they might improve the quality of their breast milk. (6-24-03)

Hands-Free Breast Pump Fits In Your Bra (and Your Life)

The Whisper Wear Breast Pump is unlike any other breast pump. According to Whisper Wear, Inc., it is the world’s first truly hands-free breast pump. And as if that isn’t enough, it’s also very discreet. The pump fits inside a woman’s bra, and the entire pumping system can be used under a woman’s clothes.

An experienced lactation consultant and product specialist with Whisper Wear, Ellen Lundy, created the hands-free concept for the pump. "Breast milk is without question the best nutrition for a baby,” says Lundy. “When mothers choose to breastfeed, that choice often includes pumping. I dreamed of a way to make that easier, and the Whisper Wear Pump is a dream come true," Lundy says.

The pump’s innovative technology continues with the pumping action itself. The Whisper Wear Pump incorporates the phases of a baby’s suckling patterns into its design. Research says babies tend to exhibit a pattern of nursing, according to the company. And this breast pump includes cycles that mimic that pattern, like the Latch Cycle and the Rapid Cycle (which stimulates “let down”).

The design of the Whisper Wear Pump is such that only three parts actually come in contact with the breast milk, which makes it easier to clean and reduces the possibility of milk contamination during pumping, claims the company.

Two Whisper Wear Breast Pumps fit in a small, lightweight black bag with a shoulder strap no bigger than a purse. (6-17-03)

Is Plastic Compound Found in Kids’ Toys and Medical Devices Safe?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is asking for further study on the effects of phthalates on pregnant and nursing women, premature and full-term infants and young children. Phthalates are materials found in plastics – including toys and medical devices – that make them flexible and durable. Scientists in the past have come to mixed conclusions on safe levels of exposure to phthalates for these groups of people.

There have been no studies yet on the toxicity of phthalates to humans from exposure. But because of the differing opinions on their safety, the AAP says improved knowledge of these substances will help better determine what are acceptable exposure levels for babies and expectant or nursing moms.

In the report the AAP released on this matter, researchers claim that everyone is exposed to phthalates on a daily basis through contamination in food, indoor air, soil and products containing the substances. Two specific types of phthalates are more likely to affect children than adults. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is found mostly in medical devices like blood and IV bags, but it is also found in toys. Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) is used to make toys.

Children and babies are more susceptible to harmful environmental contaminants because their bodies are smaller, they eat more of certain kinds of foods and they mouth toys and other things that may contain the phthalate substance, says the AAP. Also, premature babies who have a lot of medical attention after they are born may have a higher exposure to the plastics ingredient through medical devices.

Manufacturers in the United States and Canada have removed DEHP and DINP from infant bottle nipples, teethers and other toys made for mouthing. They have also voluntarily begun to replace the less-toxic DINP for DEHP in other types of toys. (6-10-03)

What Makes Your Baby’s Skin So Soft?

Baby-soft skin – it’s the ultimate compliment. It’s the catch phrase used by moisturizer and lotion ads to get you to buy their product. So what makes babies’ skin so soft and smooth? Researchers at the Skin Sciences Institute of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center think they have the answer.

Vernix, that white, cheesy substance that coats your baby in the womb and is wiped off minutes after he or she is born (if there’s any left on the skin) may be the answer to what makes your baby’s chubby cheeks so silky soft. The study, presented in May at the annual Pediatric Academic Societies meeting, shows that newborn skin with vernix left intact “is more hydrated, less scaly and undergoes a more rapid decrease in pH than with vernix removed,” says Marty Visscher, Ph.D., the study’s main author. “These beneficial effects of vernix suggest that it should be left intact at birth.”

Vernix is a mixture of fats, proteins and water. Babies born early may still have it covering their body, while full-term infants have already shed most of it.

Researchers at the Skin Sciences Institute have been studying vernix for years. The hospital has four patents on vernix technology and wants to create a synthetic equivalent that could be used in many ways, from a film on diapers to a replacement for vernix on premature babies born before vernix develops to creams and lotions. “We view the production of vernix as analogous to infant formula as a substitute for milk,” says Dr. Visscher. (6-3-03)