The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a new clinical practice guideline titled Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of Gestation. This new guideline, which replaces the 1994 guideline, reaffirms that all infants should be breastfed and gives specific recommendations for breastfeeding jaundiced infants.…

The February 2007 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology includes an article called “Breastfeeding: Maternal and Infant Aspects.” In this two-page article, the Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women and the Committee on Obstetric Practice co-authored their opinions regarding breastfeeding practices and beliefs. Here are some of the highlights: ACOG…

Alcohol passes freely into mom’s milk and usually peaks around 30 - 60 minutes after consumption and 60 - 90 minutes when taken with food. It also passes freely out of mom’s milk and her system. It takes a 120-pound woman two to three hours to eliminate one serving of…

In the past, we were unaware of the properties in breast milk which protect it from bacteria. Because of our new awareness, the guidelines for storage has increased significantly. One study found no increase in bacteria levels in breast milk stored at room temperature for 10 hours vs. refrigerated for…

If baby gets most of its nourishment from the breast, with only occasional expressed milk, the type of storage container is not a major consideration. It is only a consideration when most of baby's nourishment is expressed. Research is conflicting as to which container is best for fresh, unfrozen milk.…

Any milk expressed within a 24 hour period can be expressed directly into the same container if the previously expressed milk was stored between 32° - 60° F. Storage recommendations are then based on the time and date of the first milk expressed.When adding fresh milk to already frozen milk:…

Fortunately, we have a lot of choices with breast pumps. Deciding which pump to purchase can be a challenge. When assisting in a woman’s decision, the first question is: How much time she will be away from her baby? The longer the time (such as working full time) the better…

The decision whether or not to continue breastfeeding through a pregnancy is an individual one. Allowing mom to discuss and separate out her feelings (physically and emotionally) can be of help to her.  Considerations include: Age of the nursing child Child’s readiness to wean Whether mom is experiencing breastfeeding related…

Some sources suggest a breastfeeding mother needs to consume an extra 500 calories a day, but recent studies indicate this recommendation may be a bit too high. The Subcommittee on Nutrition During Lactation (1991) recommends a breastfeeding mom consume about 2700 calories per day. In actuality, most women consume around 2200-2400…

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York has been a passionate advocate for children and families - and perhaps the fiercest advocate for breastfeeding moms. In 1999, Congress passed her Right To Breastfeed Act. This allowed new moms the right to breastfeed on federal property, which includes offices, monuments, and parks,…