Swine Flu and Breastfeeding

We are all hearing about "Swine Flu"...
Here is a link to the CDC website on Swine Flu with regards to being pregnant or breastfeeding.
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/clinician_pregnant.htm

"Women who are breastfeeding can continue while receiving antivirals.
However, women who are ill with swine influenza A (H1N1) should take
steps to reduce the risk to their infants, such as frequent hand
washing and possibly wearing a mask (see below). The risk for swine
influenza transmission through breast milk is unknown. However,
reports of viremia with seasonal influenza infection are rare.

Efforts to identify the risk for pregnant women from swine influenza A
(H1N1) during 2009 are underway. Enhanced surveillance for
hospitalized patients with swine influenza A (H1N1) has been
initiated."

**
Please remember that mothers have breastfed their babies through a variety of illnesses, from colds and infections to chronic conditions including asthma and diabetes. Your baby is exposed to any illness you have before you know you are sick. One of the beauties of human milk is that when your body makes antibodies to combat an illness, these antibodies are passed directly into your milk, giving protection and disease-fighting abilities to your baby, too.

If you are wondering if you can take a medication while breastfeeding, check out this link... http://llli.org/FAQ/medications.html and for more information, call or email one of us. Most of us have access to Dr. Hale's book MEDICATIONS AND MOTHER'S MILK and can read you that information directly or even email it to you!

Making More Milk

How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?

Once mother's milk comes in, usually on the third or fourth day, the baby should begin to have 6-8 wet cloth diapers (5-6 wet disposable diapers) per day. (An easy way to feel the weight of a wet disposable diaper is to pour 2-4 tablespoons of water in a dry diaper.)

In addition, most young babies will have at least two to five bowel movements every 24 hours for the first several months, although some babies will switch to less frequent but large bowel movements at about 6 weeks.

A baby that is sleeping rather than feeding every 2-3 hours or is generally lethargic may need to be assessed by a health care provider to make sure that he is adequately hydrated.

These are additional important signs that indicate your baby is receiving enough milk:

* The baby nurses frequently averaging at least 8-12 feedings per 24-hour period.
* The baby is allowed to determine the length of the feeding, which may be 10 to 20 minutes per breast or longer.
* Baby's swallowing sounds are audible as he is breastfeeding.
* The baby should gain at least 4-7 ounces per week after the fourth day of life.
* The baby will be alert and active, appear healthy, have good color, firm skin, and will be growing in length and head circumference.

The physical act of breastfeeding is more than the quantity of milk that is supplied, as you will find once you hold your baby in your arms. Breastfeeding is warmth, nutrition, and mother's love all rolled into one. Understanding and appreciating the signs of knowing when your baby is getting enough to eat is the one of the most important things a new mother can learn. If you have any concerns regarding your baby, they should be addressed with your health care practitioner.

** For those moms out there who are not sure if they are making enough milk or if they KNOW they aren't making enough milk, there is a book for you!! It is called Making More Milk by Diana West, BA, IBCLC and Lisa Marasco, MA, IBCLC. It is a wonderful resource for moms with different issues of supply. This book will help you play detective and figure out the best solution for your situation.

Here is a recent book review on Celebrity Baby Blog about MMM. Check it out or tell a friend about it. You'll be glad you did!

Human Milk Donations

Have a stocked fridge of breast milk that you think you'll never use? Are you making enough for twins or more while nursing a singleton?
OR in need of donor milk due to adoption or medical reasons?

Have you heard about the Human Milk Banking Association of North America?

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) is "a multidisciplinary group of health care providers that promotes, protects, and supports donor milk banking."

There is an interesting history and lots of facts on human milk banking in a full article from Leaven... click here.

Save Lives - Make Hospitals Safe in Emergencies

To celebrate World Health Day (WHD), sponsored by the World Health
Organization on April 7, LLLI and WABA are pleased to announce a joint
statement that features the role of breastfeeding in relation to the WHD
theme "Save Lives - Make Hospitals Safe in Emergencies."

The PDF of the LLLI/WABA statement can be found at the following link under the subheading "Documents and Statements" - http://www.llli.org/advocacy.html.


* World Health Day
2009 - Save Lives - Make Hospitals Safe in Emergencies.

You can also link directly to
http://www.llli.org/docs/WorldHealthDay2009.pdf

Time did not allow for translations of the statement, but please do follow
up with a translation to your language if it is possible to do so. The joint
statement is also posted on the home page of the WABA website -
www.waba.org.my

Updated information on Memberships

We have had some questions about the changes to LLLI memberships.

All memberships sold from April 1, 2009 forward will not include a print publication. New members purchasing a regular, sustaining, or premier membership will receive access to an electronic publication.

Because New Beginnings is transitioning to an electronic format, new members may receive a paper copy before the transition is complete.

If you have found LLL of Charleston helpful to you and would like to buy a membership which will benefit your local group and LLLI as well please read on...

The best way is to join through a local Group, so that funds will be available in YOUR vicinity to help mothers and babies. With your membership, your local group can receive a small portion of the funds to be able to purchase new pamphlets, books and other resources for your Group.

To join your local Group, sign up with a Leader at your next meeting. If you can’t make another meeting soon, but are still interested you can simply email or call our Leader Elizabeth.

$25 Supporting Membership
$40 Regular Membership - includes a one year subscription to NEW BEGINNINGS (now on-line only)
$100 Sustaining Membership
$250 Platinum Membership

All Membership levels includes a 10% discount in the LLLI Online Store

Thanks so much for your support!
Please remember that you don't have to be a member to attend meetings or for phone/email help.

The Leaders of La Leche League of Charleston, SC

Brittan, Elizabeth, Kimberly, Mandy, Marlo, Naomi & Samara