Healthy Holiday with Baby… How to Safeguard Your Baby without Being Rude.

During the holidays, it can be a challenge to keep our babies safe from undue exposure to bacteria and viruses.  After all, tis the season for colds and flu!  But this is also the time to get out and enjoy the company of family and friends.   Holiday parties… Air travel… Hoards of people in stores and malls… Great uncle Harry (with his weird wiry whiskers) who wants to kiss all over your baby!

The good thing is that if you are breastfeeding, you are providing a unique level of protection only you can give your baby.  When you are exposed to pathogens in the environment, your body naturally produces antibodies and delivers them to your baby through your breast milk.   Even though your breast milk is a powerful force, additional measures should be taken to minimize exposure.  Here are just a few easy things you might consider:

·       Encourage family members and friends who are ill to stay away.  If someone in your household becomes ill, remind them to cough or sneeze into a tissue or toward their armpit (not into their hands).   Did you know that droplets fly at about 100 miles per hour when someone sneezes without covering their nose?

·       Wear your baby at parties.   A baby wrap or sling discourages people from asking if they can hold your baby and prevents baby from being passed around.  You can also keep a portion of the wrap hanging so that if you find yourself in close proximity to someone who appears to be ill (sniffling or sneezing),  pretend you are shielding your baby from bright light or noise and cover his head (loosely) until you are far enough away.

·       If others are permitted to hold your baby, ask that they wash their hands first.  Blame your discourteous behavior on your healthcare provider!  Explain that you are not trying to be rude, but that this is what your pediatrician has suggested you do.  Carry a small container of hand sanitizer.  It might be useful, even for yourself, if you’ve been shaking a lot of hands (goodness knows where those hands have been).

Gatherings are fun, and I would encourage you to socialize!  Just know that by taking a few precautions, you can dramatically reduce the chances of your baby (and you!) becoming ill.  While holidays are a great time for sharing… there are some things better left unshared!

Air Travel With Baby

As we look forward to the up-coming holidays, some of you may be considering air travel with your baby.  Fortunately, traveling by air with a breastfeeding baby can be very easy.  Mothers who are comfortable with direct breastfeeding in public places will find traveling to be a breeze!  Nothing extra to carry except, perhaps, a blanket or nursing cover-up!  (See Hooter Hiders or Bebe au Lait for some ideas.)  Mothers who prefer to bring bottled milk will be happy to hear that going through airport security has become much less of a challenge than in previous years.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security has modified its rules for bringing breast milk, formula and juice through the security checkpoints.

Basically, breast milk is now considered to be in the same category as liquid medication.  (How very appropriate given its healing properties!!)  It is exempt from the 3-1-1 rule.  Carry-on is permitted in bottled quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoints.  The TSA screeners will inspect the milk, however, they will not ask mother or infant to test taste it.  The passenger may be asked to open the bottle(s), and contents may be tested for explosives.  I’m not sure how that is done, but I cannot imagine it would be harmful in any way.   If you are traveling with a large amount of milk, it might be better checked in a suitcase and packed in Ice.  For more information, here is the direct link to the TSA’s webpage on Traveling with Formula, Breast Milk, and Juice.

Some of you may wish to bring your breast pump along on your trip.  Although breast pumps are permitted, the TSA gives the following notification:  “Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.”  I am not aware of anyone recently having had difficulty carrying on a breast pump, regardless of whether electric or battery operated.  The TSA allows travel with dry cell batteries in carry-on or checked baggage.   If you will not need to use your pump during your trip, consider packing it inside your checked or carry-on luggage.  It will be better protected and less at risk for damage.

One final note.  Flying with an infant poses the possibility of their experiencing ear pain associated with cabin pressure changes.  Children and adults are encouraged to swallow in order to equalize ear pressure.  An infant may be encouraged to swallow if fed (by breast or bottle) during the planes ascent and descent.  The trick is not to offer the feeding too soon.  Wait until you feel pressure changes.   Your baby may signal you himself by becoming wiggly or irritable.  A few swallows usually does the trick nicely.

Enjoy your flight! 

Variations in Human Milk

Like leaves in the fall, breast milk comes in an assortment of colors!  During direct breast feedings we don’t see milk color because it travels unseen, directly from breast to baby.  However, in those instances where we do see the milk (for example when baby spits-up or during milk expression), its color may be surprising (if not alarming)!  Breast milk comes in a beautiful array of colors. It ranges from clear (not really a color), to light yellow, deep orange, pink, red, rust, and even hues of green, blue and purple!
 
Here are some explanations.  In the beginning, colostrum is often seen as a deep yellow-orange color due to the large amount of beta-carotene.  It may also be seen as a rusty color, possibly due to old blood that has collected in the milk ducts during pregnancy.  If mother is experiencing trauma to the nipple, it is not unusual to see pink (strawberry) or red milk as a result of bleeding of the nipple itself.  Maternal diets rich in seaweed and kelp, or where mom takes certain vitamins, may have green tinged milk.  Gatorade, for one, has also been implemental in producing green milk.  A bluish tinge to milk is very often seen, especially in mature milk.  Rarely, there are reports of oral medication causing milk color variations (one in particular resulting in black milk).  More commonly, gentian violet, applied topically as a treatment for yeast, lends itself to a colorful situation.   Purple-tinged everything…baby spit-up, expressed milk, clothing…everything!
 
Not to worry if these variations are noticed.  Breast milk is the best and safest milk for baby, regardless of its color. Furthermore, mothers’ milk almost never remains the same color.  It varies from day to day, time of day, method of expression, how long it has been sitting (separation), maternal diet, etc.  So enjoy the showy rainbow of color.  It’s good, healthy entertainment!
 
Note: Unless milk is found to have a foul odor or is refused by baby, it may be used for feeding.  A persistent change in milk color, odor or refusal of infant to take feedings from a particular breast should be evaluated by a physician.

Nursing Is Normal…Even in Public!

When I was a new mother, I remember feeling shy about nursing my baby outside, in public places.  Before leaving the house I would ask myself “What if she needs to eat while I’m in the supermarket?”  My answer would be “Well, I’ll go to my car”.  Or, “What if I’m in a department store? …Well, I’ll go to a dressing room”.   I remember practicing in front of a full length mirror to see if I could latch my baby without anyone knowing what I was doing.  I got really good at it!  I am happy to report that these days' mothers have a lot more support and options for feeding in public than I did.  In fact, legislation has been passed to allow for this!  Still, we have a long way to go before we reach the level of comfort that many women enjoy in places around the world.
Just last evening I happened to see a YouTube video that was produced as a volunteer project in Quebec, Canada.  As part of the “Nursing Is Normal” movement that began in the United States, this video is one of several that have been made in an effort to promote and protect breastfeeding outside the home.   A photographic display of mothers feeding in public, it is based on the theory that the more we see mothers nursing out and about, the more we will accept it as a cultural norm.  If you’d like to see it, click here.  Also, if you have speakers, you may enjoy the toe-tapping, ragtime piano accompaniment to the slides.  Kick up your heals and enjoy the fun.  Remember…Nursing IS Normal!

Breast Milk Feeding Mothers Stand Up and Be Proud!!

The other day, an expectant mother lowered her head in humiliation and told me that she “did not breastfeed” her first baby.  As she continued to share her story, it became evident that she actually pumped and fed him her breast milk… exclusively, for more than 6 months!!  Apparently, he was never able to latch.  My heart sunk as I realized she took no pride in what she had accomplished.  

If anyone deserves the recognition and pride that comes with human milk feeding, it should be this mother and all those like her (and I know there are many of you)!   Anyone who has to exclusively pump and feed should be extremely proud given the fact that it requires twice the amount of time and energy.  The bottom line is that baby is provided the very best.   Regardless of how your baby is breast milk-fed, he is breastfed!!  So, when someone is inquiring about how your baby is/was fed, pump dependant mothers please stand up and be proud!  That’s right!  Stand up and proudly report that your baby was breastfed.  No one needs to know the how’s and why’s unless you want to share. 

To pump and feed is to breastfeed.   Mothers who have breastfed in this way should be given awards for what they have done.  I, for one, thank them for the dedication in raising their children.  After all, these babies are the future of our world!

Mastitis (Breast Infection)

Mastitis is the inflammation of breast tissue.  It may be the result of milk flow obstruction (blocked milk duct), bacterial infection (most often S. aureus) or non-infectious inflammation.  Mastitis is most commonly seen within the first 2-12 weeks post-partum and can be a real bear!!  If you are experiencing a low-grade fever with a painful reddened area of the breast, you might try very warm compresses (or a shower) with gentle massage of the affected area during and in-between frequent breastfeedings.  Nurse your baby in different positions so that he uniformly empties the breast.  Be sure to drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest.  You might also try an over-the-counter NSAID (like ibuprofen) to reduce inflammation and pain.  Follow the old breastfeeding adage… “Heat, Rest, Empty Breast” and hopefully things will resolve.

If there is no improvement within about 24 hours or if you experience flu-like symptoms (body aches, chills, nausea) and a persistent or abrupt rise in body temperature, you should call your healthcare provider for further direction (usually a 10-14 day course of antibiotics).  It is not uncommon to feel as though you’ve been run over by a truck!  Although you may feel rotten, breastfeeding should be continued!  Nurse baby on the affected breast first and use heat with gentle massage intermittently during the feed to encourage milk flow and ejection.  If baby refuses to feed on the affected breast, you may have to empty it by manual expression or with a gentle breast pump.  In any case, the breast must be emptied.  Please remember that we (lactation consultants) are here to answer questions.  If you find that you are having recurrent episodes of mastitis, please arrange for a thorough lactation evaluation.

Early Milk Supply and Prematurity

A few weeks ago I had the extreme pleasure of spending an afternoon with Dr. Paula Meier, Director of Clinical Research and Lactation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.  Dr. Meier’s landmark research contributed to the development of a breast pump product that assists pump-dependant mothers of prematurely born infants to produce volumes of breastmilk similar to those mothers of full-term, direct-breastfeeding infants.  I sat across the table from Dr. Meier in a small group as she discussed her research.   I was TOTALLY in awe!

Numerous studies have shown that mothers delivering prematurely often struggle to reach adequate milk supplies for their infants.  Dr. Meier’s research coupled with uniquely engineered technology now provide a specific pattern of stimulation via mechanical support that assists these mothers in ”coming to volume” in ways they might never have otherwise.  This new technology also has a “programming effect” on subsequent maternal milk volumes, decreasing the number of women who experience milk supply issues.

I am pleased to report that we (here at Missouri Baptist) are able to support our mothers and their prematurely born infants in this evidence-based, best practice through our recent purchase of this newest technology.  So, mothers of pre-term babies, fear no more!  We will help you get off to the best possible start in providing breastmilk for your baby.  Thank you Dr. Meier!

Blood Sugar Levels in the Early Neonatal Period

Maintenance of normal blood sugar (glucose) levels is a critical component of health, regardless of one’s age.  For the newborn infant, it can be a very serious matter if blood sugar levels are too low.  Almost all newborn infants experience a drop in blood sugar levels immediately after birth followed by a rise again within a few hours.   This is a normal process of adaptation to life outside the uterus as the infant transitions from continuous trans-placental feeding (through the umbilical cord) to intermittent oral feeding after birth. 

For some infants who are at higher risk, this transition may be complicated and result in persistent low blood sugar levels.  Infants at risk include those who have gone beyond their due date, are small or large for gestational age, are delivered of diabetic mothers or had stress during or after their birth.  Stress may occur due to a variety of conditions including having become too cold after birth.

There are several ways in which a mother can assist her newborn in stabilizing and maintaining normal blood sugar levels.   First, if a mother knows her infant will be at higher risk of low blood sugar, she can try to collect any colostrum that might be available in the days before anticipated delivery.  Even drops can make a significant difference!  A needle-less 1 cc syringe may be used as an easy collection and storage device.  The colostrum may be kept refrigerated or frozen, then fed to the infant (in addition to a direct breast feeding) right after birth.  Colostrum is the best stabilizer of blood glucose, so baby should be given as much colostrum as is possible.  Frequent effective breast feedings thereafter is the key.  However, if levels remain low, a supplemental feeding of formula or IV therapy could become necessary.

Another practice known for its benefit in blood glucose stabilization is skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth for at least one hour.  This keeps baby toasty warm, (protecting him from cold stress) and facilitates effective breastfeeding right from the start.

Remember that your body is so very capable of taking care of your baby’s needs.   Assist your baby as he transitions to life outside your uterus.  After all, you are his world!

Premature Mothers Milk - Colostrum for Premature Babies

We have known for a very long time the importance of colostrum to all newborn infants.  However, studies published in the recent past suggest that colostrum produced by mothers of premature infants contains considerably HIGHER concentrations of immune-globulins and other protective elements than colostrum of mothers having delivered full-term infants.  In fact, they suggest that the earlier a baby is born prematurely, the greater the concentration of protective elements found in its mothers colostrum.   Not surprising.  It is yet another testament to how our bodies naturally protect our babies, regardless of gestational age!

More important than ever is the need to express colostrum for our prematurely born infants, even if we do not plan on breastfeeding!  While it is important to note that manual (hand) expression remains advisable, technology in mechanical expression (electric breast pumps) has risen to a new level of precision in facilitating the production and collection of colostral milk.  Here at Missouri Baptist, in accordance with the World Health Organization, we recommend that all babies receive their mother’s milk as soon as possible in the days following birth.  So much so, in fact, that we’ve just purchased 20 new State-of-the-Art, hospital-grade electric breast pumps (Medela Symphonies) to add to our already sizeable fleet!  Due to the newest technology, mothers of premature and full-term babies alike will have pumping regimes designed specifically to their pumping needs.  Our lactation consultants, post-partum and NICU staffs are pleased to be at your service.  Our goal is to help you and your baby get off to the best possible start!

When Breastfeeding Baby Refuses to Take Bottles

Planning for a return to work can be anxiety producing to say the least.  Fortunately, things often go better than expected, especially if you are able to plan carefully in advance.   However, on occasion, our sweet little friends decide to complicate the process by refusing to take a bottle!  Have no fear…eventually things work out if you hang in there.

Here is a list of some things to consider if you are being challenged:

 Bottle Giver – If your baby will not take a bottle from you (which is often the case), see if your partner or other caregiver has some success.  Baby may sense your presence in the room, so you might want to disappear for a while. 

Nipple Types – These days there are so many different choices!  Buy only one of two or three types of bottles with slow flowing nipples.  If your breastfeeding baby is introduced to a bottle with a fast flow nipple, he may choke and release the nipple quickly with overwhelm.  Conversely, if he is older or if you have a rapid and forceful milk ejection reflex, he may prefer a fast flow nipple.  So you might enlarge the nipple hole just a bit if he takes the bottle initially but seems frustrated with a slow flow.

Degree of Hunger – Try offering the bottle before your baby exhibits signs of hunger.  If that doesn’t work, try waiting until hunger signs are becoming evident (fussing and rooting).

Taste – I recommend teaching a breastfed infant how to take a bottle using fresh breast milk in the bottle.  If you are using previously frozen milk, and your baby is persistently refusing the bottle, I would suggest you perform a taste test: defrosted vs. freshly expressed milk.  In about 1 out of every 500 cases, previously frozen breast milk takes on a different (often soapy) flavor.  This has to do with changes in the lipid fraction of the milk during the freezing process (more on that later, but call the lactation office if you find this is in fact the case).

 Temperature - Is the nipple and milk warm (body temperature)?  While most babies enjoy their milk at room temperature or even cold, some have a “gourmet” palate that demands perfection.  A warm nipple is the expectation of your breastfed baby as milk is delivered directly from your soft and warm breast.  Something cold and firm may not be acceptable to your baby.

Sense of Smell – Babies are very sensitive and acutely aware of their own mothers scent.  Try rubbing the bottle nipple on the skin of your breast so that it smells more like you.  You might also have your caregiver place something that you have worn (yes, I mean your well worn, smelly tee shirt!) near baby’s face while the bottle is being offered.

Motion - Rocking, swaying, or riding in a car seat might mesmerize your baby enough to accept a bottle.

Trickery - Try slipping the bottle into baby’s mouth while she is sleeping in care giver’s arms (not flat on her back in bed).  She may awaken to discover that drinking her mama's warm, sweet milk from a different container isn’t so bad after all!

In any case, please don’t give up.  If all else fails, there are alternate ways to feed your baby (including by cup if necessary).  Some babies may opt for smaller indirect (bottle or cup) feedings during your work hours followed by frequent requests to feed directly from your breasts when you are at home.  As long as he gets an adequate 24 hour intake, he'll be fine.  You’ll see.  Things eventually work out and you will be proud of yourself for hanging in there!

FDA Recall of SimplyThick

Thickening of breast milk or formula is sometimes recommended in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in infancy.  Earlier this month, the FDA issued a recall of Simply Thick, a thickening agent manufactured by Thermo Pac, LLC.  They are investigating a possible link between the product and several cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal condition seen most often in premature infants.

The FDA is aware of 15 cases of NEC, including two deaths, involving the use of Simply Thick mixed in the breast milk or formula of premature infants.  Until the investigation is concluded, the agency is recommending that parents stop using the product in infants born at or before 37 weeks gestation.

Here’s a link to the FDA consumer update:  http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm256250.htm

The Milk Bar is….Open

Hi there!  My name is Molly and I’m filling in for Diana this week.  I am an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant here at Missouri Baptist.  I work with moms and newborns on the postpartum floor, and I also facilitate our breastfeeding support group that meets on Thursday mornings at 10. 

One issue that came up this week in our meeting is how newborns need to nurse often, and at different intervals.  Imagine this:  You have just nursed your baby and he has fallen asleep at your breast.  You are congratulating yourself on a job well done, another feeding accomplished.  Now you’re looking forward to closing the “milk bar” and putting your breasts away for a couple of hours.  But wait!  Just 20 minutes later, your baby is stirring and seems like he wants to nurse AGAIN.  Could he really be hungry so soon after finishing his last session?  This scenario is a familiar one for many new moms, and it can be frustrating and confusing. 

Here is one explanation for what’s happening.  When your baby sucks, either at the breast or on a pacifier, his sucking activates his parasympathetic nervous system, which triggers his GI tract to release hormones.  The purpose of this is to aid in digestion.  One of these hormones is cholecystokinin, or CCK.  When CCK levels rise, they induce the baby to feel full and sleepy.  When CCK levels fall, your baby becomes alert and hungry.  So as your baby nurses, or sucks on a pacifier, his CCK rises and he starts to feel very drowsy…after 20 minutes or so, he succumbs and drifts into dreamland.  If he has been breastfeeding, he has had a nice little meal; but with a pacifier, he has missed out on any calories. 

At the breast, this whole process works magically by enabling your baby to nurse for a period of time, drink some milk, and digest it.  By putting him to sleep, it prevents your newborn baby from working too hard and too long.  Hey, sucking is a lot of work when you only weigh 7 pounds!  Afterward, your baby will take a cat nap, and while he isn’t sucking, his CCK starts to drop.  Like an alarm clock, it awakens him a short time later and he demands to nurse again.  It’s time for seconds!  This gives him a chance to top off his meal, in case he didn’t get enough the first time.  Also, it keeps the “milk bar” open and busy, which provides plenty of stimulation to build a generous milk supply.  However, beware of the pacifier, because in these instances, sucking on a pacifier may satisfy your baby, but without the benefit of the meal for him, and the stimulation for you. 

Hopefully understanding this system can help you, as a new mom, feel confident in offering the breast as many times as your newborn requests it.  The result will be a nice weight gain for your baby, and plenty of milk at the bar! 

MoBap Moms Breastfeeding Get-Together

Hello St. Louis Breastfeeding Moms,
We are starting a new MoBap Moms Breastfeeding Group.
This group of breastfeeding mothers and their babies meets in a comfortable and supportive environment while they discuss various aspects of breastfeeding.  Led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, these get-togethers are designed to boost confidence, develop skills and lend support to mothers who are breastfeeding one or more babies. 

 Breastfeeding Get-Together Meetings are held weekly and at no charge!  So, jump in at any time!

When:    Every Thursday morning, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Where:   3rd floor Childbirth Center Classroom (located on the mother-baby area).
Parking:  FREE Valet parking at the front door of the North Entry (Building D) or in the North Entry (Building D) parking garage.

For more information, please call: 314-996-5751 (Registration is not required)

Hope to see you there!

Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding

Did you know that women who breastfeed their children for more than six months reap a variety of long-term benefits?   First of all, exclusive breastfeeding reduces the incidence of some forms of breast and ovarian cancers.  It is also known to improve bone density over time by decreasing then increasing with each successive breastfeeding cycle.  The hormones relaxin and oxytocin, known as the “mothering hormones”, are released during feedings.  These “mothering hormones” allow us an easier adaptation to the challenges of early post-partum infant care, thus reducing the chances of severe post-partum blues.  Finally, on a lighter note, the act of producing breast milk alone burns more than 500 calories per day!  You can’t beat that as a great method of losing our baby weight!

More on the Value of Skin-To-Skin

Now, more than ever, researchers are convinced that frequent and prolonged skin-to-skin contact results in better breastfeeding outcomes.  Studies are showing that skin-to-skin improves the rate of exclusive breastfeeding.  In one study, babies who spent more than one hour skin-to-skin with their mothers during the first 3 hours after birth were most likely to exclusively breastfeed during their first few days.  Furthermore, there seems to be a dose-response relationship between skin-to-skin and breastfeeding.   The longer mother and baby spend in skin-to-skin contact, the longer breastfeeding remains exclusive.  This, of course, translates to longer durations of breastfeeding (months and years), healthier outcomes, financial savings to the family, etc.  Known to be a “best practice” for both mom and baby, skin-to-skin begins at birth and can be continued for several weeks.

News Release from The United States Congress, Feb 10, 2011 It is about time!!!!

Breastfeeding Equipment to be Allowed as Medical Tax Deduction and Reimbursed by Flexible Health Spending Accounts

Washington, D.C. – In response to a request from Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Representatives Sander Levin (D-MI) and Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced they will reverse a ruling that denies equipment used to help women breast feed from being covered as a health care expense.  The previous ruling excluded breast pumps from coverage under flexible health spending accounts and made them non-deductible on tax returns.

  Merkley, Harkin, Levin, and Maloney wrote to IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman in November to call for the decision to be reversed.  Senators Merkley and Harkin were joined by 9 other Senators; 32 other House members joined Reps. Levin and Maloney.

  In response to today’s decision, Senators Merkley and Harkin and Reps. Levin and Maloney released the following statement:

  “Today’s decision is a huge victory for nursing mothers everywhere.  Modern medicine has documented numerous health benefits linked to breastfeeding, including a reduced risk of illness in infants and a reduced risk of cancer in mothers.  And because breastfeeding is so effective in preventing disease, it also happens to save billions in health care costs.  We thank the IRS for their careful consideration and quick response.”

Breastfeeding with Anxiety and Depression

This discussion comes up all the time.  Women who suffer with anxiety and depression often worry that pharmacological treatment for their symptoms would contraindicate breastfeeding.   NOT true!  There are many medications that have been studied in depth and believed to be safe for use during lactation.  As well, there are a number of non-pharmacological therapies that have been shown to be effective.   Depressed mothers are physically and psychologically in pain.  They may not be able to sleep.  They often feel lonely, isolated and sad for no apparent reason.   Depressed mothers may experience frequent bouts of crying and feelings of being out of control or terribly anxious.  So, please, if you are struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Speak to your doctor, a family member or friend.  If you’d like, there is a wonderful local resource for telephone support called the Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Support network.  They can be reached at 314-644-7001 (or toll free at 1-877-644-7001).  There is nothing to feel shy or embarrassed about.  In the long run, it will be better for both you and your baby if you are treated.  Remember, you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of your baby.   Don’t be shy.  Get help!      Additional Note: If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call 911 or The Life Crisis Hotline at 314-647-4357 immediately.

In The News… Breastfeeding Can Boost Academic Test Scores…Especially in Boys!

A new study published in the January issue of Pediatrics found that, at ten years of age, children who were breastfed for at least six months achieved higher scores in math, reading and writing than those breastfed less than six months. The most interesting result was that it was especially important in boys! Here’s the link to an article in MSN Today Enjoy!