Breastfeeding 101

Bantuan Diperlukan

2011-08-11T12:58:00.000+08:00

Taken from http://t.co/GtbGicq

Berita : Ahli SusuIbu.com - Kartini Waris Memerlukan Bantuan

Salam Sejahtera,

Salah seorang daripada ahli awal SusuIbu.com, Puan Kartini Waris (tini007, ahli sejak 2005/7/14) sedang menghadapi dugaan saat melahirkan bayi kembarnya baru-baru ini. Dugaan bermula pada 27hb Julai 2011, saat dimaklumkan beliau perlu menjalani pembedahan kecemasan kerana beliau menghadapi komplikasi dan pada ketika itu kandungannya hanya mencecah 28 minggu. Ketika itu beliau menerima rawatan di Hospital Putrajaya. Untuk menyambut kelahiran kedua-dua kembar pra-matang itu, mereka memerlukan dua ventilator untuk memastikan kembar tersebut mendapat sokongan kehidupan sebaik kelahiran. Walau bagaimanapun, disebabkan tiada kemudahan ventilator yang mencukupi di hospital tersebut pada ketika itu, carian fasiliti ventilator diperluaskan kesemua hospital kerajaan berhampiran, namun tidak berhasil. Dalam masa yang amat kritikal ini, Puan Kartini dan suami meneruskan pencarian ventilator di hospital swasta pula dan akhirnya menemui Hospital Prince Court.

Puan Kartini telah dipindahkan ke Hospital Prince Court pada hari yang sama, dan selamat melahirkan kedua-dua puteri kembarnya Aida dan Aishah. Walau bagaimanapun, perbelanjaan di hospital tersebut amat mahal dan berada di situ bukanlah kemahuan mereka tetapi atas dasar menyelamatkan nyawa kedua-dua bayi yang belum mengenal dunia. Menyedari keadaan ini, mereka telah berbincang dengan Pakar Neonatalogy di situ, Dr Anna Padma untuk memindahkan bayi-bayi ini ke hospital kerajaan secepat mungkin. Namun, disebabkan kesihatan bayi masih belum stabil, ianya tidak dapat dijalankan secepat mungkin. Ianya mengambil masa beberapa minggu serta masih perlu mencari hospital yang mempunyai kekosongan ventilator yang mencukupi.

Terkini, dimaklumkan pada 9 Ogos, 2011 kedua-dua bayi kembar Aida dan Aishah berjaya dipindahkan semula ke Hospital Putrajaya dan memulakan rawatan mereka di sana. Namun, sepanjang rawatan rapi di Hospital Prince Court selama 14 hari, perbelanjaan keseluruhannya mencecah hampir RM50,000.00.

Dengan ini, saya memohon jasa baik ahli SusuIbu.com dan pembaca sekalian yang budiman, agar dapat membantu Puan Kartini Waris dan keluarganya menghadapi saat getir ini. Segala bantuan bolehlah disalurkan sendiri kepada Kartini binti Waris ke Akaun Maybank beliau bernombor: 512080050944

Semoga dengan setiap bantuan yang dihulurkan kepada keluarga ini, akan dapat meringankan beban mereka dari sudut kewangan.

Salam Ramadhan Al-Mubarak!

17 Bulan

2011-05-08T02:24:00.002+08:00

Sudah agak lama blog ini tidak diupdate.. Haha.. apa nak buat, tuan punya blog tak ada internet connection.. cuma baru2 ni saja dapat install.. Moga-moga rancak kembalilah :)

Mungkin kerana status saya sebagai SAHM, maka sedar tak sedar sudah 17 bulan NaniNani menyusu. Ye lah, tak payah nak ready EBM, nak risau tentang stok bagai.. apa pun, saya tetap rindu dengan cabaran yang pernah saya alami semasa menyusukan Azri (#3) dulu.

Tapi setiap penyusuan mesti ada cabaran dan dugaan.. kalau saya, selaku SAHM, NaniNani akan demand menyusu tak kira masa, waima tengah sibuk menggoreng ayam di dapur.. hehehe.. cabaran lah sangat, ye?

Semoga sesi penyusuan anda kekal lancar dan manis sehingga 2 tahun (atau lebih?). Take care!

2 Minggu Lagi

2010-05-05T14:30:00.000+08:00

In less than 2 weeks NaniNani will turns 6 months :D

BUTTTT.. she already shown her readiness towards solids.. weeee. unlike Zeri, we only introduced solids when he was 7months+ old.. I'm hoping I can hold for just another 2 weeks.. sabar ok NaniNani?

Anyway, hasil discussion with Fid, she suggested to feed EBM in bowl instead of solids.. kalau NaniNani main2 je, means NOT YET.. tapi being malas.. as today, tak try pun lagi.. haha.. nasib la.. serius nak completekan 6 months exclusive dulu..

Semoga dipermudahkan. Amiin.

5 Months and Counting

2010-04-19T10:18:00.002+08:00

Yesterday marked our exclusive breastfeeding for 5th month. Alhamdulillah.

It means, just another 30 days to go before we can present ourselves with a diploma in breastfeeding :D Bagi diri sendiri saja-saja.. Jangan ada yang tanya pulak kat mana nak dapat :D

As to date, Arissa seems ready for her first solid.. but as long as we can postponed it, we will. Let us cherish our exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months OK? Her bro, Azri, started solid quite late last time.. somewhere at 7 months+ or so.

We are going to get her jab today. Tak sabar nak tengok berapa kilo dah anak dara yang sorang ni..

Till then :)

At This Moment

2010-02-06T15:34:00.002+08:00

Eventhough I'm a SAHM, at times whenever Arissa refuses to feed, I still have to pump. Guna apa? Medela Harmony tu la.. Heee..

Based on inventory yang saya tulis dalam Notes dalam handset, seems like, as of today, ada 12 bags X 4oz..

Alhamdulillah.

Almost 2 months

2010-01-12T21:32:00.002+08:00

It've been almost 2 months Arissa and I braced our exclusive breastfeeding journey.

Alhamdulillah, it went very well so far.

I bet she weighs almost 5 kg by now. Haha.. Lenguh tangan nak pangku lama2.. Kaki boleh kebas!

3oz

2009-12-12T11:31:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, I tested my Medela Harmony for the first time. Tercangak-cangak jugak la membaca how to assemble the pump. How to cleanse afterwards and yada yada yada.

My first try? Dapat la 3 oz :D Alhamdulillah.. Tengah fikir camne nak pujuk Zeri minum EBM.. ye la, dah 6bulan+ dia stop bf..

Later :)

New Journey With #4 :)

2009-11-23T21:52:00.002+08:00

Alhamdulillah, my breastfeeding journey with #4 started as early as the first 40 minutes she was born.

Tapi, hingga hari ini, masih tak dapat cooperation dari Zeri utk bikin tandem nursing.. asal ajak je, dia tunjuk adik.. haha..

Takpe, pelan-pelan kayuh gitu..

Short Update

2009-10-19T11:01:00.000+08:00

It've been quite some time, I didnt post any updates @ susuibu101.

Well, I'm still alive & kicking :) heavily preggy @ 35 weeks+ now. Can hardly wait to breastfeed #4.. Haha.. and how I wish I could practise tandem nursing with Azri.

I wonder whether he still wants to continue breastfeed or not after stopping for almost 5 months. We'll see huh?

Susu ibu penyelamat bayi

2009-08-03T10:00:00.000+08:00

Sumber: Utusan Malaysia

Oleh BINTU RASYADA A. RAHMAN

KASIH sayang yang erat terjalin tatkala si ibu menyusukan anaknya.

BAYANGKAN situasi ini. Anda berada di tempat kejadian satu kemalangan yang mana melibatkan sebuah keluarga. Si ibu mengalami kecederaan parah, begitu juga dengan bapa dan ahli keluarga yang lain.

Kuasa Tuhan, bayi kecil dalam keluarga tersebut terselamat dan hanya mengalami kecederaan ringan.

Bayi tadi menangis dengan kuat sekali, mungkin mencari ibunya atau mungkin juga kelaparan. Apa yang akan anda lakukan?

Situasi ini mungkin tepat untuk dikaitkan dengan tema sambutan Minggu Penyusuan Susu Ibu Sedunia pada tahun ini yang disambut bermula semalam hingga 7 Ogos.

"Penyusuan Susu Ibu: Tindak balas penting ketika kecemasan. Sudahkah anda bersedia?" nampaknya memberi sudut pandangan yang berbeza berbanding tema-tema sebelumnya.

Menurut Prof Dr. Jamiyah Hassan, jika mengikut takrifan yang diberi oleh Perikatan Tindakan Penyusuan Susu Ibu Sedunia (WABA), ia lebih kepada tindak balas ketika bencana alam seperti kejadian gempa bumi, tsunami, tanah runtuh dan juga ketika perang.

Namun dalam konteks negara kita yang tidak dilanda musibah alam yang dahsyat, ia boleh diterjemahkan dengan maksud yang berbeza contohnya seperti situasi di atas.

"Lebih tepat kalau kita terjemahkan ia kepada kecemasan atau darurat," ujar beliau yang merupakan Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Inisiatif Penyusuan Susu Ibu, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya (PPUM).

Selain itu katanya, kecemasan juga boleh dikaitkan dengan keadaan ibu-ibu yang mengalami masalah ketika menyusukan anak untuk kali pertama.

"Misalnya ibu mengalami masalah untuk menyusu di tengah malam dan bayinya menangis berterusan kerana kelaparan. Jadi bagaimana suami atau individu terdekat ibu ini boleh membantu mengatasi masalah tersebut. Ini juga merupakan satu situasi kecemasan yang perlu ditangani dengan tindakbalas yang bersesuaian," ujarnya yang juga merupakan Pakar Perunding Obstetrik & Ginekologi di Jabatan Obstetrik & Ginekologi, Universiti Malaya.

Sejajar dengan itu katanya, semua pihak terutama suami perlu dididik dengan pengetahuan mengenai kepentingan dan kebaikan penyusuan susu ibu terutama kepada bayi berusia di bawah enam bulan. Ini bagi membolehkan mereka bertindak dengan sewajarnya tatkala berlaku kecemasan atau bencana.

"Kami di PPUM sentiasa bersedia untuk berdepan dengan situasi sebegini. Boleh dikatakan hampir separuh daripada doktor dan kakitangan di sini dilatih dengan kemahiran serta pengetahuan mengenai penyusuan susu ibu," ujar beliau.

Bencana

Sementara itu, bila bercakap mengenai bencana katanya, antara yang biasa melanda negara ini pastinya banjir yang berlaku setiap tahun tidak kira di mana.

Ketika ini pastinya bekalan air bersih susah didapati. Bagi mereka yang menyusu bayi menggunakan susu formula, pasti akan berdepan dengan masalah untuk mendapatkan air bersih bagi membancuh susu dan juga mencuci perkakasan menyusu.

"Susu formula tidak menawarkan perlindungan imunisasi dan boleh membahayakan mekanisme pertahanan usus. bayi. Secara tidak langsung memudahkan jangkitan penyakit berlaku," katanya.

Bantuan susu ibu

Dalam situasi tertentu seperti ibu yang tidak dapat menyusu kerana masalah tertentu seperti sakit dan sebagainya kata Prof. Dr. Jamiyah, tindakan pantas seperti mendapatkan seorang ibu yang boleh menyusu mampu membantu menyelesaikan masalah ini.

"Di Malaysia kita belum ada bank susu seperti mana yang terdapat di beberapa negara maju. Namun jika berlaku kecemasan kita masih mempunyai pelan bantuan sampingan seperti mendapatkan seorang ibu yang sedang menyusu," katanya.

Ditanya mengenai sensitiviti masyarakat mengenai ibu susuan katanya, dalam waktu kecemasan pastinya kita akan ketepikan hal-hal lain.

"Apa yang penting adalah menyelamatkan bayi tersebut. Katakan anda seorang ibu yang boleh menyusu dan berada di tempat bencana, lalu ternampak seorang bayi kecil yang meraung, sanggupkah anda melihat bayi tersebut berterusan menangis tanpa memberi bantuan?" soal beliau.

Jelasnya lagi, dalam keadaan kecemasan pasti sesiapa saja akan menghulurkan bantuan tidak mengira kaum dan juga agama.

Dalam kes tertentu kata beliau, mungkin bantuan susu daripada ibu yang menyimpan stok dengan begitu banyak boleh membantu.

"Kita ada mengenali beberapa ibu yang mana berbuat demikian. Maka bila berlaku sesuatu kecemasan, kita akan meminta kebenaran ibu tadi dan juga suaminya untuk mendapatkan bekalan susu bagi membantu bayi kecil yang kelaparan," katanya.

Kesedaran

Ditanya mengenai kesedaran terhadap penyusuan susu ibu di Malaysia Prof. Dr. Jamiyah berkata, ia semakin meningkat terutama di kalangan ibu bapa muda.

"Kini kelibat wanita menyusukan anak dengan susu ibu boleh dilihat di mana-mana. Malah, kalau kita tengok di merata tempat misalnya kompleks membeli-belah, lapangan terbang dan hotel sudah mempunyai tempat khas penyusuan bayi. Ini memberi petunjuk yang baik tentang tahap kesedaran masyarakat mengenai kebaikan susu ibu," katanya.

Menurutnya, merujuk kepada data ibu-ibu yang melahirkan anak di PPUM, jumlah mereka yang memberi susu badan secara eksklusif (enam bulan pertama tanpa sebarang suplemen lain) melebihi 30 peratus.

Walaupun bilangan masih rendah kata beliau, ia sebenarnya sudah meningkat berbanding sebelumnya.

"Kita telah mengenalpasti beberapa kekangan penyusuan eksklusif terutama bagi wanita berkerja. Kerana itu kami menyeru kepada majikan agar memberi sedikit kelonggaran kepada ibu yang menyusu bagi membolehkan mereka memberi penyusuan eksklusif," katanya beliau.

Selain itu katanya, peranan suami dalam menjayakan penyusuan eksklusif amatlah penting.

"Dalam banyak aktiviti yang kami jalankan, saya menggalakkan suami untuk hadir bersama, supaya mereka faham dan tahu mengenai kepentingan serta kebaikan penyusuan susu ibu," katanya.

4 months preggy

2009-06-11T16:00:00.004+08:00

BUT no longer breastfeed.

My youngest at the moment, Azri, 22 months (going to be 23rd in 12 days) decided to wean himself.

He's more into yogurt, or Dutch Lady UHT.. be it the natural, or come with chocolate / strawberry flavor.

It's kinda sad. But come to think of it, perhaps that's the best for both of us. Eh, three of us (plus the baby in womb) :P

Still hoping that I can do tandem nursing when #4 arrives. Wish us luck!

3 months preggy and still breastfeed :)

2009-05-12T12:48:00.002+08:00

I'm already 3 months preggy with my #4.. My #3, who's gonna be 22 months in 11 days time, is still breastfeed.

However, I noticed that he becomes cranky once in a while. I dare not to check whether the breastmilk is still sufficient to his need or not.

From my readings, most women stated that by 5th month of pregnancy, the breastmilk is completely dry up!! By then, my #3 will be 2 years old, and I presume its time for him to wean.

I'll continue our journey once #4 arrives. Tandem nursing, shall we?

Breastfeeding while Pregnant

2009-03-26T13:30:00.003+08:00

Yes, I am in that situation right now. I'm officially 5 weeks and 6 days pregnant at the moment. And I am still breastfeeding my third son whom just turns 20 months recently.

Can we breastfeed while pregnant?

The answer is YES.

I share with you some of the excerpt I manage to get from the net.

Breastfeeding during pregnancy is fine for most women, although it's important to eat well. Hormonal changes in the early days may give you sensitive nipples making breastfeeding difficult. Nipple stimulation through breastfeeding or making love will cause mild uterine contractions, but, for most women, these are not strong enough to create a problem. However, if you have a history of premature delivery or miscarriage, or if you are bleeding, then you might need to think about weaning your older child.

Taken from here.

Another one

You may find well meaning friends and family express concern about the health and well being of your unborn baby if you continue breastfeeding during pregnancy. Here are some facts you should know about breastfeeding during pregnancy. These facts should arm you with the information you need to know to make appropriate decisions regarding your health and that of your unborn child.

Tandem breastfeeding is common. You don't necessarily have to wean your toddler or baby if you become pregnant while breastfeeding. You may decide to continue nursing both your babies after your pregnancy.
Breastfeeding during pregnancy will result in some uterine contractions, but uterine contractions are experienced regularly throughout pregnancy as with exercise or during orgasm.
Breastfeeding will not necessarily increase your risk of miscarriage, unless you are already at risk for miscarriage during pregnancy.
You will need extra rest and will probably feel more fatigued if you continue breastfeeding during pregnancy.
You will need to eat adequate nutrition to support your breastfeeding relationship and support the nutritional needs of your unborn baby. You may want to consult with a nutritionist to ensure you are eating enough to support both your children's needs, as well as your own.
Many women who breastfeed during pregnancy find their nipples are more tender than normal. You can try switching your baby's position to help alleviate this discomfort.
Many women find that their supply of breast milk decreases during their second trimester. You may need to supplement at this point if your baby isn't getting enough nourishment. Other times, the flavor of your milk may change around this time, and some babies self wean because they may not like the change.
Proceed gradually regardless of the decision you make. If you do decide to wean you should take your time so as to minimize the impact on your nursing infant.

Taken from here.

And the best (at least for me) is taken from here.

Premature babies

2009-03-08T12:26:00.000+08:00

Credits to http://www.bharian.com.my/Current_News/BH/Sunday/Sihat/20090215091518/Article/

Bayi pramatang perlu penjagaan rapi

Doktor di BM

SOALAN:

ISTERI saya baru melahirkan anak beberapa hari lalu. Bagaimanapun, anak saya dikategorikan sebagai pra matang dan masih lagi di hospital buat masa ini. Saya ingin tahu bagaimana untuk kami suami isteri kendalikan anak sebaik DIA dibenarkan keluar nanti. Selain itu, apakah kemungkinan masalah kesihatan yang akan dia hadapi?

Bapa Serba Tak Tahu,

JAWAPAN:

BAYI pramatang (premature babies) adalah bayi yang dilahirkan sebelum 37 minggu kandungan. Ada banyak sebab kenapa perkara ini boleh berlaku, antaranya mungkin gaya hidup ibu sendiri seperti merokok, mengambil makanan yang kurang berkhasiat, tekanan fizikal, pengambilan alkohol, dadah dan pelbagai lagi.

Selain itu, ia juga boleh disebabkan ketidakseimbangan hormon, masalah struktur rahim, penyakit ketika dalam kandungan, umur ibu lebih 35 tahun atau kurang daripada 19 tahun dan pelbagai sebab lain yang tidak diketahui.

Bayi pramatang memerlukan penjagaan lebih daripada bayi lahir cukup bulan. Justeru, kebanyakan bayi pramatang memerlukan penjagaan di unit rawatan rapi (ICU) sebelum pulang ke rumah. Di negara maju, lebih 90 peratus daripada bayi yang beratnya 800 gram ke atas akan terselamat dan bayi yang beratnya lebih daripada 600 gram mempunyai peratusan selamat antara 40 hingga 50 peratus. Bagaimanapun, komplikasi yang lebih ketara mungkin berlaku pada kanak-kanak ini.

Apakan keperluan bayi pramatang?

Haba atau kepanasan persekitaran yang cukup. Bayi pramatang tidak mempunyai lemak secukupnya untuk memastikan suhu badan kekal walaupun jika bayi itu diselimutkan. Bayi ini perlu berada di dalam inkubator atau alat pemanas sehingga berat bayi cukup untuk mengekalkan suhu badan.
Pemakanan dan tumbesaran bayi pramatang memerlukan keperluan nutrisi yang lebih tinggi. Ini disebabkan tumbesaran bagi kanak-kanak pramatang secara lazimnya adalah lebih cepat daripada kanak-kanak cukup bulan (catch up growth) lebih-lebih lagi kerana sistem pencernaan makanan adalah tidak efektif seperti kanak-kanak cukup bulan.

Apakah makanan untuk bayi pramatang?

Susu ibu adalah sumber makanan yang paling baik, tetapi bayi hanya boleh menyusu terus atau menggunakan botol selepas 32 minggu. Memulakan pemakanan bagi bayi pramatang perlu dilakukan secara sedikit demi sedikit. Jika tidak ia boleh menyebabkan masalah usus yang berbahaya.

Lazimnya bayi yang belum boleh menyusu, susu ibu perlu dipam dan diberi melalui tiub.

Susu ibu mempunyai khasiat lebih kerana ia mengandungi protein membantu melawan kuman dan mempercepatkan pembesaran. Oleh kerana bayi pramatang mungkin memerlukan lebih banyak kalori dan vitamin, terdapat formula dalam bentuk serbuk yang boleh ditambah dalam susu ibu untuk meninggikan lagi khasiat.

Masalah bayi pramatang

Jaundis (penyakit kuning)

Masalah yang paling kerap bagi bayi pramatang ialah jaundis. Penyakit ini disebabkan oleh bilirubin yang dihasilkan oleh pemecahan sel darah merah. Bilirubin ini menyebabkan kulit dan selaput mata putih bayi menjadi kuning. Jaundis adalah perkara biasa bagi bayi, tetapi jika tahap jaundis terlalu tinggi ia boleh menyebabkan kerosakan bahagian otak atau kecacatan pendengaran.

Apnea

Apnea adalah keadaan yang mana bayi berhenti bernafas. Pada masa itu degupan jantung menjadi perlahan sekali gus bayi mungkin kelihatan pucat dan biru. Apnea sering berlaku bagi bayi yang kurang daripada 30 minggu. Jika masalah apnea ini berlaku dengan kerap bayi memerlukan ubat untuk merangsang sistem pernafasannya.

Anemia (kurang darah)

Kebanyakan bayi pramatang akan mengalami masalah anemia. Ini mungkin menyebabkan bayi tidak membesar dan juga jika tahap anemia itu serius ia boleh menyebabkan kegagalan jantung.

Masalah pernafasan (respiratory distress syndrome)

Masalah ini disebabkan oleh paru-paru yang belum matang dan secara tidak langsung menyebabkan bayi mengalami masalah susah untuk bernafas. Masalah ini agak kerap berlaku.

Begitupun, masalah ini boleh diatasi dengan menggunakan sejenis ubat yang bertindak membuka paru-paru (dikenali sebagai surfactant). Ia membolehkan paru-paru bayi pramatang berfungsi dengan lebih baik.

Jika masalah pernafasan ini terlalu serius, bayi itu mungkin memerlukan bantuan pernafasan melalui mesin pernafasan. Penggunaan surfactant yang dibuat secara sintetik mengurangkan komplikasi masalah pernafasan.

Jangkitan

Jangkitan adalah masalah yang paling membimbangkan bagi bayi pramatang. Ini disebabkan bayi pramatang tidak dapat melawan penyakit sebaik bayi yang lahir cukup bulan. Jangkitan ini boleh berlaku sebelum bayi lahir, ketika proses melahirkan atau selepas dilahirkan. Cara membasuh tangan yang betul dapat mengatasi masalah jangkitan.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus(PDA)

Duktus arteriosus adalah salur darah kecil yang menyambungkan salur arteri paru-paru dan salur aorta. Bagi bayi pramatang yang mempunyai masalah PDA; bergantung kepada besarnya PDA itu, dia boleh mengalami masalah kegagalan jantung. Ada ubat-ubatan yang boleh mengecilkan salur darah ini. Begitupun jika ia tidak berjaya masalah PDA ini boleh diselesaikan melalui pembedahan.

Masalah Retina

Bayi pramatang mempunyai retina yang agak sensitif. Retina bayi pramatang boleh cedera dan ini boleh menyebabkan masalah penglihatan yang serius. Pada masa dahulu masalah ini dikaitkan dengan penggunaan oksigen yang berlebihan. Tetapi kaji selidik yang dijalankan tidak dapat memberi sebab kenapa ia berlaku.

Apa perlu dibuat selepas keluar dari unit rawatan rapi

Bayi pramatang memerlukan penjagaan yang lebih rapi. Rawatan susulan dengan pakar perlu dilakukan dengan kerap untuk menilai perkembangan bayi itu baik dari segi fizikal dan juga perkembangan otak.

The Sweetest Journey

2009-03-06T12:12:00.004+08:00

It've been a while I havent post anything here..

Well, my youngest, Azri is approaching 20th month soon.. that means, another 4 months for us to complete the 2-year course :) All this while, it have been the sweetest journey for both of us.. kan Zeri? ha ha ha..

Currently he consumes 8oz during the day which I pack in 2 bottles, 4 oz each.

He will continue with direct feeding with me whenever I'm home..

Wish us luck!

Let's Make this HISTORY!

2008-12-26T14:18:00.002+08:00

Tahap penyusuan badan rendah di kalangan ibu-ibu

KUALA LUMPUR: Budaya penyusuan badan di kalangan ibu-ibu di Malaysia sangat rendah - hanya 14.5 peratus daripada mereka memberikan susu badan kepada anaknya sehingga berumur enam bulan, menurut statistik Kementerian Kesihatan.

Ini disebabkan kejahilan mengenai nilai susu badan, kurang sokongan daripada anggota keluarga dan kakitangan penjagaan kesihatan serta kembali bekerja sebaik saja tamat tempoh cuti bersalin yang diwajibkan.

Sebab utama lain ialah makanan bayi komersial yang ada menggambarkan ia adalah sama jika tidak lebih baik daripada susu badan.

Bagi melindungi, mempromosi dan menyokong amalan penyusuan badan di negara ini, kementerian tersebut merangka satu kod etika produk formula bayi yang berkuatkuasa Ogos lepas.

Kod etika pertama diperkenalkan pada 1979 yang didapati tidak berkesan.

Salinan kod etika terkini diperoleh Bernama di sini hari ini.

Kod itu memberikan garis panduan yang jelas untuk mengawal promosi yang kompetitif dan mengiklankan produk komersial bayi yang mungkin dilihat mengatasi kemampuan susu badan.

Ia juga bertujuan memastikan penggunaan formula bayi sewajarnya, berkaitan produk dan makanan tambahan.

Tujuan utama kod itu ialah terhadap pekilang dan pengedar agar jangan memasarkan, mempromosi atau mengiklankan produk itu dalam cara sebagai mencabar atau mengatasi mutu dan kualiti terbaik susu badan.

Penyelidikan menunjukkan susu badan adalah yang terbaik untuk bayi kerana ia memberikan perlindungan terhadap penyakit dan membantu menjalin hubungan rapat antara ibu dan anak.

Mengenai kod itu yang dikaji semula, jururawat kesihatan kanak-kanak Tan Bee Lan berkata ia satu langkah yang sangat baik kerana syarikat menggunakan ibu yang mengandung, pekerja kesihatan, doktor dan malah kanak-kanak sekolah mempromosikan produk mereka.

“Kini diharap dengan kod yang lebih terkini dan berkesan ini, ibu-ibu janganlah terpengaruh dengan memberikan susu formula kepada bayi mereka,” katanya.

Tan yang bertugas dalam bidang ini selama 30 tahun berkata susu badan secara idealnya hendaklah merupakan satu-satunya sumber makanan untuk bayi sehingga sekurang-kurangnya enam bulan. - Bernama

SUMBER: Berita Harian, 26 Disember 2008
http://www.bharian.com.my/Current_News/BH/Thursday/Mutakhir/20081226125854/Article

Reminder for Moi

2008-12-18T21:57:00.003+08:00

My dear Azri aka Zeri will turns 17 months in a week time.. he's taking 8oz+ per day since he's a reverse cycle baby, eh, toddler :P

Meantime, my day production is getting lower. It's either 5oz, 7oz.. and sometimes 8oz.. Thank God for my frozen stocks which I hope I dont take it for granted.. With current frozen stocks, Zeri can tastes EBM at least until he turns 18 months.. after that, ibu have to, HAVE TO struggle to accumulate EBM for his next day @ babysitter's house.

Our hormones play their roles too.. Since I'm expecting my best friend to come (read: period) I should take Calcium Magnesium which I always forget to take :P

Medicine while breastfeeding

2008-11-26T21:47:00.002+08:00

We as human being, cant get away from being sick once in a while..

Jadinya, kita perlu berhati-hati dengan ubat-ubatan yang kita ambil. Nyatakan kepada doktor anda bahawa anda seorang ibu yang menyusukan anak.

Saya sendiri pernah terkena :P

Walaupun saya telah menyatakan perkara sedemikian, namun doktor terbabit tetap memberikan saya Sedilix DM Linctus utk melegakan batuk.

Apakah kandungan Sedilix DM Linctus?

Each 5ml contains:
Dextromethorphan HBr 15mg
Promethazine HCl 3.125mg
Pseudoephedrine HCl 30mg

Since ada item #3, which is Pseudoephedrine, makanya pengambilan ubat tersebut saya hentikan serta merta. Ia boleh menyebabkan pengurangan production yang agak ketara kepada diri saya ketika itu.

Artikel rujukan ada di sini. Jangan malu-malu nak klik :)

Khasiat Susu Ibu

2008-11-13T10:14:00.001+08:00

Asli atau tiruan?

Lazimnya kebanyakan orang tanpa ragu-ragu akan memilih yang asli. Namun begitu, masih ramai ibu bapa yang merelakan susu formula iaitu barang tiruan menjadi makanan pertama anak mereka. Mengapa susu formula atau susu tiruan ini dikecualikan sedangkan masyarakat sedar walau sebaik manapun sesuatu barang tiruan, ia tidak akan sebaik barangan asli?

Polisi Kebangsaan Penyusuan Susu Ibu menggalakkan semua ibu menyusukan anaknya dengan susu ibu sahaja selama enam bulan atau dikenali sebagai penyusuan eksklusif dan meneruskannya sehingga dua tahun. Makanan tambahan pula hanya dimulakan semasa anak berumur enam bulan.

Kebanyakan ibu hanya mampu menyusukan anak mereka sehingga dua bulan atau sepanjang tempoh berpantang dan apabila mereka kembali bekerja, ramai yang mengambil jalan mudah dengan memberikan susu formula. Ada juga segelintir wanita yang baru bersalin langsung tidak memberikan susu ibu kepada bayi mereka sejak dilahirkan walaupun menyedari susu ibu adalah makanan terbaik bagi bayi.

Menurut perangkaan 88.6 peratus ibu-ibu di Malaysia pernah menyusukan anak. Ini bermakna 11.4 peratus ibu tidak pernah menyusukan anak mereka! aripada 88.6 peratus ibu yang pernah memberikan susu, hanya 29 peratus yang mampu menyusukan bayi mereka secara eksklusif dan hanya 11.7 peratus yang menyambung penyusuan sehingga bayi berusia dua tahun.

KEBAIKAN SUSU IBU

Susu ibu mengandungi zat dan vitamin yang mencukupi dan berubah mengikut umur dan keperluan bayi. Ia mudah dihadam dan digunakan oleh bayi dengan berkesan serta melindungi bayi dari penyakit, mengandungi antibodi, faktor tumbesaran, enzim dan tiada pencemaran. Contohnya bagi bayi yang dilahirkan pra-matang, susu ibu yang dihasilkan sesuai untuk perkembangan bayi tersebut. Ia kurang laktosa, lebih protein, Laktoferrin dan Imunoglobulin untuk mencegah alahan dan jangkitan.

Susu awal ibu atau dikenali sebagai kolostrum yang berwarna kekuningan pula adalah makanan pertama yang sempurna bagi bayi dan mengandungi pelbagai kebaikan. Antaranya ialah mengeluarkan mekonium (najis bayi di awal kelahiran), mencegah penyakit kuning (jaundis), melindungi bayi dari jangkitan dan alahan (susu ibu kaya dengan antibodi dan sel darah putih), mencegah jangkitan dan penyakit mata (kaya dengan vitamin A dan E), mengandungi faktor pertumbuhan bagi kematangan usus sekaligus mencegah alahan dan bertindak sebagai imunisasi pertama untuk menentang bakteria dan virus. Jika bayi diberikan makanan lain sebelum dia diberikan kolostrum, makanan tersebut boleh merosakkan ususnya dan menyebabkan alahan.

Selain itu susu ibu juga melindungi bayi daripada kolik, lelah, penyakit kulit, hidung dan alahan kepada makanan, mengurangkan penyakit seperti batuk, jangkitan telinga, bronkitis, pneumonia, meningitis, dan cirit-birit. Ia juga mengurangkan risiko penyakit jantung, kencing manis, kanser dan obesiti kanak-kanak di kemudian hari. Selain itu susu ibu turut mengurangkan risiko sindrom kematian bayi, mengurangkan masalah karies gigi, penglihatan, pertuturan dan menguatkan pertumbuhan rahang.

FAEDAH TERSEMBUNYI

Terdapat banyak faedah lain yang diperolehi oleh bayi, ibu, keluarga mahupun masyarakat. Mungkin kebaikan-kebaikan ini nampak remeh tetapi ia sebenarnya memberikan kesan kepada kehidupan kita seharian. Kajian menunjukkan IQ bayi yang menyusu susu ibu adalah 5.2 mata lebih tinggi daripada yang tidak menyusu ibu. Bayi yang menyusu ibu akan jarang dijangkiti penyakit, membolehkan ibu bapa bekerja dengan senang hati tanpa perlu mengambil cuti untuk menjaga anak yang tidak sihat, selain meningkatkan produktiviti. Menyusukan bayi juga turut memberikan faedah kepada ibu tersebut dengan merendahkan risiko terhadap barah payudara dan ovari, mengelakkan pendarahan selepas bersalin, menjarakkan kelahiran kerana penyusuan merupakan cara perancang keluarga semulajadi, mempercepatkan proses pengurangan berat badan dan mengempiskan perut.

Penyusuan susu ibu juga akan menjimatkan wang kerana tidak perlu menyediakan barang keperluan untuk penyusuan, tidak perlu membeli susu formula dan mengurangkan perbelanjaan untuk rawatan perubatan kerana bayi yang menyusu ibu jarang sakit. Katakan anda memilih untuk membeli pam pemerah susu yang mahal, kos pembelian itu masih murah dibandingkan dengan kos untuk susu formula yang perlu dibeli setiap bulan. Pam yang menggunakan bateri walaupun berharga lebih kurang RM200, boleh digunakan sehingga dua atau tiga tahun. Jika susu formula, setin berharga lebih kurang RM40. Berapa jumlahnya sebulan? Berapa yang boleh dijimatkan dalam setahun?

Selain itu, penyusuan susu ibu juga membantu mengeratkan kasih sayang antara anak dan ibu, lebih masa terluang bersama keluarga, dan menyumbang kepada objektif negara dalam perancangan keluarga.

KEKURANGAN SUSU FORMULA

Antara kekurangan ketara susu formula ialah khasiatnya tidak akan sama dengan khasiat susu ibu walaupun pelbagai zat tambahan dimasukkan seperti Omega3, Docosahexanoic (DHA), Arachidonic acid (AA), dan vitamin B12. Masih tidak ada kajian yang boleh menentukan kadar sebenar sesuatu zat yang diperlukan oleh bayi. Berbeza dengan susu ibu, kandungan zatnya akan berubah mengikut keperluan. Zat-zat tambahan dalam susu formula juga membawa kesan sampingan lain seperti protein, walaupun ia telah diubah tetapi masih sukar dihadam manakala zat besi pula sukar untuk diserap.

Bayi yang diberikan susu formula juga terdedah kepada pencemaran bakteria apabila air bancuhan, peralatan botol dan puting tidak dibersihkan dengan sempurna. Bakteria membiak dengan cepat terutamanya jika susu dibiarkan dalam cuaca panas. Walaupun belum berbau masam atau basi, ia masih boleh membahayakan bayi.

Bayi juga tidak mendapat perlindungan daripada pelbagai penyakit kerana susu formula tidak mengandungi antibodi menyebabkan bayi yang diberi susu formula lebih kerap mendapat jangkitan penyakit seperti cirit-birit, demam, selesema, batuk dan alahan walaupun susunya dibuat secara bersih.

Terdapat juga risiko kekurangan zat makanan jika susu dibancuh terlalu cair ataupun jika dibancuh terlalu pekat, ia boleh mengakibatkan sembelit atau kerosakan pada organ tertentu. Sebab itu kita melihat ramai bayi yang mengalami kegemukan, mereka mendapat lebih zat daripada sepatutnya. Berbeza dengan susu ibu, susu formula juga tidak mengandungi enzim. Ini melambatkan penghadaman dan menyukarkan tenaga dibekalkan kepada bayi.

BAHAYA AIR

Selain susu formula, kebanyakan ibu bapa juga cenderung untuk memberikan air kepada bayi mereka dengan alasan mengelakkan bayi daripada haus, badan panas, sembelit atau untuk mencuci mulut bayi. Alasan-alasan tersebut adalah tidak berasas kerana susu ibu mengandungi 88 peratus air dan bayi yang hanya diberikan susu ibu dijamin akan mendapat cukup air.

Amalan memberikan air kepada bayi sebenarnya boleh mendedahkan bayi kepada pelbagai risiko termasuk merencatkan tumbesaran dan akal, mengancam nyawa serta mengakibatkan sawan tarik. Perut bayi yang baru lahir hanya memerlukan empat sudu kecil kolosterum (2ml) dan jumlah ini akan meningkat kepada 40 sudu (200ml) hanya setelah bayi menjangkau umur setahun. Oleh itu tumbesaran bayi yang diberikan air akan terencat kerana perutnya yang kecil itu sepatutnya diisi dengan susu ibu yang kaya dengan pelbagai khasiat untuk membantu tumbesarannya.

Air juga boleh menjadi pembawa kuman kerana pencemaran boleh berlaku di pelbagai peringkat sama ada sumber air atau bekas yang tidak bersih. Ini akan mendedahkan bayi kepada cirit-birit. Air juga akan menghakis salutan pelindung penyakit yang dihasilkan oleh susu ibu dan ini akan mendedahkan bayi kepada pelbagai jangkitan.

Bagi bayi yang mengidap jaundis, air yang terlalu banyak boleh merencatkan akal manakala bagi yang berumur di bawah lima minggu, air yang terlalu banyak akan mencairkan garam di dalam darah yang mengakibatkan suhu badan yang rendah, kembung atau sawan tarik.

Sumber: Bernama

*

2008-07-29T14:24:00.001+08:00

Sumber : Berita Harian 29 Julai 2008

COPENHAGEN: Ibu yang menyusu kini mampu menghasilkan susu berperisa pisang untuk bayi mereka dengan cuma mengunyah buah itu dalam masa sejam atau kurang sebelum waktu susuan.

Saintis berkata, susu ibu boleh dipelbagaikan perisa kerana dalam ujian, wanita mampu menjadikan susu mereka mempunyai perisa pudina dan jintan selain pisang.

Penyelidik percaya, pelbagai perisa susu ibu dapat mendorong bayi mencuba makanan baru apabila semakin dewasa. Kajian terdahulu menunjukkan apa yang dimakan ibu boleh memberi kesan kepada cita rasa bayi.

Kanak-kanak yang ibunya suka meminum jus lobak merah ketika hamil atau menyusu dilihat suka menikmati bijirin berperisa lobak merah.

Kajian terbaru penyelidik Denmark di Universiti Copenhagen menyiasat bagaimana perisa boleh dipindahkan daripada makanan kepada susu ibu. � Agensi

Monthly Meeting Minutes

2008-04-11T10:29:00.003+08:00

taken from mother to mother peer supporter in Penang.
(thanks to sis Shida aka charantya)

Date : 5 April 2008
Time : 4.30 pm
Venue : Caring Complex Meeting Room 3

Agenda 1 - Introduction

1.1 The meeting commenced at 4.30 pm.
1.2 The chairperson Dr. Balkees chaired the meeting.
1.3 Dr. Balkees started the meeting with a welcoming speech and a brief explanation about the formation of the Mother-to-mother Peer Support (MMPS) group.
1.4 Introduction continues where core members and new mothers briefly introduced themselves.

Agenda 2 – Myth Busting

2.1 Dr. Jamie started this month topic – Myth Bustings – top 10 myths.

2.1.1 Myth #1 – Breasts will sag.
Mother’s breasts will become bigger and bigger over the 10-month pregnancy period. If the mother didn’t breastfeed the baby, the breasts size will go down rapidly and sag. If mother breastfed the baby, the breast size will go down gradually. So the mother who do not breastfeed, the breasts sag more than the mother who breastfeed.

2.1.2 Myth #2 – Baby too attached to mommy.
Mother is the first person the baby sees, and breastfeed 12 times a day, needless to say, baby will be very attached to the mother. But it’s just last for 2 years, maximum 3 years or 5 years. Think about the baby’s lifespan, 70 years? 5 years out of 70 years, just very short. And breastfed baby is more independent compared to formula-fed baby, cause breastfed baby is being held more, he feels more secure, cry less, and more independent.

2.1.3 Myth #3 – Mom’s milk not as tasty as formula.
Tasty thing doesn’t mean its good for the baby. KFC and Char Kuey Teow are tasty, but it’s not good for you. Mother’s milk has way more nutrient. The sugar in breastmilk is 6.8g whereas formula is only 4.8g. More sugar in breastmilk, but its simple sugar, easily absorb by the baby. Whereas the sugar in formula is complex sugar, would not absorb as fast as simple sugar, baby would not get the nutrient fast.

2.1.4 Myth #4 – Formula have more nutrients.
Breastmilk has 300 over nutrients. Some even scientist doesn’t know their name yet. Not only nutrients, breastmilk has antibody, enzymes and protein that cannot be duplicated by formula milk companies at all. Mother’s milk is from human, formula milk is from cow.

2.1.5 Myth #5 – Small breast = No milk.
All mothers makes enough milk for the child and all child drinks only 75% of the mother’s milk, so all mothers can keep the 25% of their milk. Bigger breast, bigger capacity, baby drinks more, and sleep longer. Smaller breast, smaller capacity, baby drink less and sleep shorter. Small breast not equals to no milk, just that the small breast mother, her child has to nurse more. Bottom line, all women have enough milk.

Fenny, the core mother, successfully breastfed her youngest daughter for 3 years, shared her experience by saying that even though her breasts are small, every time when she’s breastfeeding her youngest daughter, she kept saying ‘mommy no milk already.’ But the daughter kept saying ‘no no, still have still have, a bit a bit’ and keep suckling.

2.1.6 Myth #6 – Colostrum is dirty.
Colostrums is yellowish. All mothers have 2 weeks of colostrums. First 4 days only few droplets, and very sticky. Formula can’t copy human colostrums. There are cow’s colostrums sold in the market, but not allowed to the children. In colostrums, there is antibody which protect baby’s gut, nose and eyes to make baby stronger. Colostrum is very tasty and very healthy. It’s not dirty, don’t throw away.

2.1.7 Myth #7 – Cannot take cold drinks/food limitation.
If the mother eats healthy and balanced diet, there is no food limitation. All in moderate.

Question #1: Can drink coffee?
Coffee will pass to the baby, and make the baby very alert, cannot sleep. But 2 cups of coffees a day is OK. If the mother still has to drink coffee (more than 2 cups), the mother can feed the baby first, and then only drink the coffee. Next feed would be 2 hours later, the coffee would have diluted by then.

Question #2: How long the coffee dilution will take?
It depends on how much you drink, and the concentration of the coffee. If more concentrated, need more time to dilute.

Question #3: After taking alcohol, the next pump must throw?
If the mother is social drinker (once a week), if the alcohol level is very high, if the mother is very worry, then the next pump can throw away. Otherwise, can still breastfeed. Mother who is chronic drinker, drink everyday until hang over, the baby will get alcohol syndrome.

2.1.8 Myth #8 – Breastmilk too watery.
If the expressed milk (in the bottle) sit on the table, after awhile, you will see 3 layers, which are grey watery colour at the bottom, yellowish milk colour in the middle and a thick fat layer on top. Whereas the formula is vice versa. The watery level is on top; the very thick formula is at the bottom. It’s not the way it should be. Its watery cause 80% of the breastmilk is water. Baby drinks for thirst. Breastmilk consists of foremilk and hindmilk. Foremilk is watery. Because it has more percentage of lactose and water. The first instinct human drink is for thirst, and that’s what the mother gives the baby first. The longer the baby suck, the fat will come, which is the hindmilk, and it’s thicker.

2.1.9 Myth #9 – Need to clean breasts before feeding.
Mother’s breasts have antibacterial properties. In the studies that show a mother-and-baby first skin-to-skin contact (1st hour after delivery), experiment has shown that the breast that they clean compare to the breast that they didn’t clean, the baby will automatically choose the breast that they didn’t clean, because of the mother’s smell. After cleaning, it only smells alcohol.

Question #1: Need to use milk to clean the breast?
Don’t have to. Just normal 2 showers a day. Don’t have to clean with cotton butt, or dettol, or sterilize the breasts.

Questions #2: Need to express a bit out first before feeding, due to the bacterial content at the initial part. Is that true?
No, don’t need to. There are many little small glands that lubricate the nipple, and its antibacterial. In special cases whereby express to release engorgement, yes, it helps, so that the nipple wont be so stress, and the baby can suckle. Other than that, don’t have to express before feeding, the baby can come straight.

2.1.10 Myth #10 – Breastfeeding takes nutrients from mommy.
Yes, true. The baby gets all the nutrients from mommy. If the mother eats healthy and balanced diet, it’s ok. The risk of osteoporosis in woman who has breastfed is lower than in woman who has not breastfed.

Agenda 3 – Dicussion

3.1 Novia
• Baby gets the antibody from her milk, seldom fall sick. Only recently mix with other children in the nursery.
3.2 Shida
• Even if baby fall sick, she will recover faster than formula fed baby.
3.3 Dr. Balkees
• The risk of getting infection is lower.

3.4 Question #1: Nipple confusion, is it true?
Must start off right, no bottle feeding for the first 2 months, even if baby is jaundice and has to stay in the hospital, request for cup feeding or spoon feeding, no bottle. Because sucking milk from bottle teat is easier than the breasts. Human/baby is lazy, will opt for the easier way. But after 2 months, when mother goes back to work, swap between bottle and nipple, its totally fine as baby will still prefer mommy’s breast. 1 month prior to work, start training baby with cup or spoon-feeding. Furthermore, bottle-fed baby is very difficult to wean off bottle.

Pushpa shared a case whereby a 1-month old baby who has been bottle-fed, the mother tried to direct feed the baby again. But baby refused. Tried to let someone else to carry the baby and bottle-feed him. Within 1 week, the baby decided to go back to the mother. Don’t give the baby choice to choose between bottle and breast. If he didn’t want direct feed, the baby is not going to get near mommy. Baby would choose mommy and the breasts.

3.5 Question #2: Will the milk get less if I only express and not direct feed?
No. Must pump as much as the baby drinks. Every 3 hours, 8 times a day. Otherwise, the milk production will go down. Most importantly, must pump at night. A lot of mothers tend to extend the time of pumping; this is the root cause of why milk supply goes down.

3.6 Question #3: C-sec mothers how to breastfeed baby in the first hour?
Even knock off or still drowsy after c-sec, request the nurse to bring the baby to the mother and let the baby suckle and have skin-to-skin contact.

3.7 Question #4: Breastfeeding and medication?
Most of the medication can be taken when the mother breastfeed, especially for running nose, cough and fever. Many doctors say cannot take medication when the mother breastfeed is because even doctor don’t have much knowledge in breastfeeding. It’s not in their syllabus. If have doubts, please contact person who is more aware of breastfeeding, please don’t stop breastfeeding.

3.8 Question #5: Short/small/inverted nipple cannot breastfeed?
Wrong. Mother with short/small/inverted nipple can breastfeed. Baby is suckling mother’s areola, not the nipple. When baby start suckling, he will pull out the nipple. Do not use nipple shield, baby will get confused.

3.9 Question #6: Can take ginger when baby jaundice?
CAN! It’s not the ginger that causes the baby jaundice. 80% of the babies have jaundice. If baby jaundice, should continue breastfeeding.

Agenda 4 – Sharing by Pushpa – LLL Leader

4.1 Pushpa started the sharing by telling her story. Then the importance of skin-to-skin contact between mother and the baby. Example giving was when you first time fall in love with a guy, you can’t think of anything else except for the guy. Feel like being with him all the time, near him, touch him, have skin-to-skin contact with him. The baby is the same. When the baby is born, the only person baby knows is the mother. How can we deny skin-to-skin with the baby. That is essentials.

4.2 Then Pushpa talked about the role of the fathers. He can change the nappies, bath the baby, massage the baby, talk to the baby, and compliment the mother. Tell the mother “You’re very beautiful!!” The most beautiful breasts are the lactating breasts.

4.3 Breastfed babies, where we spend a lot of time with them, when they grow up, they are more independent. Because they have all the secure and all the love. As we care for them, later they will care for us.

4.4 Human is mammals, the only thing that identify human, as mammals is we nurse our baby.

Meeting adjourned at 6.00 pm.

Menstruation & Breastfeeding

2007-12-17T14:22:00.000+08:00

I'm having my er, 1st period now and I notice a slight change in my milk supply. Googling around, and here are the outcomes.

Best remedy is always -- increasing your pumping sessions, aye..

Excerpt #1 from here

Although women do not ovulate during early lactation, the later stages of prolonged breast-feeding are frequently accompanied by menstruation. The factors influencing the onset of ovulation during breast-feeding form the main subject in the second part of this report. The reason why there is sometimes breast refusal during the menstrual cycle is unclear, but Hartmann and his colleagues (3) in Western Australia have found major, acute changes in milk composition occurring in the mid follicular and mid-luteal phases, though their exact signification awaits clarification.

Excerpt #2 from here

The return of menstruation does not mean the end of breastfeeding. The milk does not sour or "go bad" when you are having a period. The milk is no less nutritious when you are menstruating than when you are not. Some women do notice a temporary drop in milk supply in the days just prior to a period and for a few days into one. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Once the period begins and hormone levels begin to return to normal, the milk supply will boost back up again. Most babies can compensate well for this temporary drop in supply with more frequent nursing.

Nipple tenderness occurs for some women during ovulation, during the days before a period, or at both times. Some mothers report a feeling of antisiness while nursing at these times, too. As with the drop in supply this is also hormonally influenced and therefore temporary.

Some babies may detect a slight change in the taste of the milk just before a period, again, due to hormonal changes. These same babies may nurse less often or less enthusiastically during this time as a result.

For some women, the drop in milk supply and nipple tenderness associated with menstruation becomes more of a challenge. An effective treatment for these symptoms associated with the return of periods is to add a calcium/magnesium supplement to the diet upon ovulation and continue it through the second or third day of a period. The supplement should be 1500 calcium/750 magnesium but can be as low as 500 calcium/250 magnesium (the higher the dosage the more effective and quicker the results). It should be a combination pill. This much calcium should never be taken alone. If your cycles are not regular and you do not know when you ovulate, you can take the supplement the entire month until you begin to see a pattern to your flow. This type of supplement seems to work as it prevents the drop in blood calcium levels which occurs mid-cycle and continues through the second to third day of a period. It is this drop which is associated with the nipple tenderness and drop in milk supply as well as the uterine cramping so often experienced with menstruation. You only need to take one pill a day.

The herb, Evening Primrose, is also reported to alleviate nipple soreness brought on during ovulation or before a period. The dosage is one capsule per day.

Excerpt #3 from here.

Most women can breastfeed without a decrease in milk supply when menses returns. If you notice a decrease, try to nurse more often to build up the supply. This is the best way to treat a decrease. If that does not seem to work, you may want to try a calcium/magnesium suppliment (2 to 1 ratio). You must take half the amount of magnesium with the calcium so it will be absorbed. I'm not sure why this works, but it has been proven to increase milk supply after menses has returned (I know from personal experience!) Do not take coral sources of calcium because it can cause allergic reactions in your baby. For more info on dosage, see http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/natural-treatments.html#calcium.

And more #4 from here

Let Down Reflex

2007-11-28T19:51:00.001+08:00

I'm having a problem in getting let down reflex nowadays. While browsing, I found this article. Thought of sharing and hoping it will benefit us all.

The Let-Down Reflex (Milk Ejection Reflex)

What is the let-down reflex?

When you breast-feed, your baby's sucking stimulates nerves in your nipple. These nerves carry a message to your brain, and a hormone, called oxytocin, is released. Oxytocin flows through your bloodstream to your breasts, where it causes tiny muscle cells around your milk glands to squeeze milk out of the glands and into the milk ducts. This is known as the let-down reflex or the milk ejection reflex.

Once your let-down is working well (usually by 2 weeks after delivery), you may feel a pins-and-needles or tingling sensation in your breasts when you nurse or pump. Milk will usually drip from one breast while you are feeding on the other side. Sometimes your let-down will occur when you hear your baby cry or think about nursing your baby. A well-functioning let-down reflex helps ensure your breasts get emptied and your baby is easily getting milk.

Sometimes a woman's let-down reflex doesn't work as well as it should. This can cause breast-feeding problems. For example, you may have problems emptying milk from your breasts or your baby may not get enough milk.

What causes a poor let-down reflex?

Several situations may prevent the let-down reflex from working well.

You may have severely sore nipples that cause you to tense up before each nursing.
You may be stressed, anxious, or tense. For example, you may be trying to pump breast milk during a short break at work.
You may be separated from your baby. For example, if you have to pump at home while your premature baby is still in the hospital.
You may have had a previous breast surgery that has damaged the normal nerve pathways to the nipple, such as breast reduction or enlargement surgery. If you have altered sensation in your nipple after surgery (that is, your nipple is either somewhat numb or super-sensitive), it is possible that nerve damage from the procedure could interfere with your let-down reflex.

What can I do to improve my milk flow?

The following suggestions can help trigger the let-down reflex and improve milk flow:

Try to nurse or pump in a place that is familiar, comfortable, and restful.
Drink a beverage whenever you sit down to nurse or pump.
Play soft music or do relaxation exercises before you nurse or pump.
Gently massage your breasts before you nurse or pump.
Have your partner give you a backrub before you nurse or pump.
Put a warm washcloth or heating pad on your breasts, or take a warm shower before you nurse or pump.
If you are pumping because you are separated from your baby, put a photograph of your baby by the pump.

Are there medical alternatives to improve my milk flow?

A synthetic (man-made) form of oxytocin was formerly marketed as a nasal spray known as Syntocinon. The drug was sometimes prescribed for mothers of premature infants who needed help conditioning their let-down reflex when using a breast pump. Syntocinon is no longer on the market. However, a compounding pharmacist can make the same drug with a prescription from your health care provider.

Written by Marianne Neifert, M.D., and the clinical staff of The HealthONE Alliance Lactation Program, Rose Medical Center, Denver, CO. (303) 320-7081.

Taken from here.

Why feeding your baby will NOT make your breasts sag

2007-11-07T09:49:00.000+08:00

Breastfeeding does not make the bust sag, according to scientists.

A study has shown that smoking and ageing both affect how pert the breast remains - as does pregnancy itself.

But feeding a baby for around nine months will not add to the droop.

Experts hope the news will encourage more mothers to breastfeed and take advantage of the health benefits for their children.

Plastic surgeon Brian Rinker said he was inspired to carry out the study after hearing many of his patients blame their saggy breasts on breastfeeding.

He and his team interviewed 132 women seeking breast lifts or augmentation between 1998 and 2006 - 93 per cent of whom had experienced at least one pregnancy.

Among the mothers, 58 per cent had breastfed at least one child, for an average of nine months.

The researchers evaluated the womens' medical history, body mass index, pre-pregnancy bra cup size and whether or not they smoked.

There was no difference found in the degree of breast ptosis - sagging - between women who breastfed and those who did not.

But smoking was found to have an effect, according to Dr Rinker. He said that smoking breaks down a protein in the skin called elastin, which makes skin look young and supports the breast.

He added that pregnancy has a 'very strong contribution to breast ptosis' and that the negative effects increase with each child.

Dr Rinker, from the University of Kentucky, said: "Women may be reluctant to breastfeed because of this unfounded myth that doing so means the end of youthful breasts.

"A lot of times, if a woman comes in for a breast lift or a breast augmentation, she'll say 'I want to fix what breastfeeding did to my breasts'".

"Now, expectant mothers can relax knowing that breastfeeding does not sacrifice the appearance of their breasts."

The results of the study were presented at a conference of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

They follow research showing that breastfeeding makes babies brainier.

British researchers discovered that mother's milk in the first few months of life can boost a child's IQ by seven points.

This applies in nine cases out of ten, where the youngster inherits a common but newlyidentified 'brain-boosting' gene.

Britain has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in Europe.

Around a fifth of women choose not to, while a third of those who do try will give up within six months.

Breast-feeding is best for a brainy baby

2007-11-07T09:45:00.000+08:00

says study..

By DAVID DERBYSHIRE - More by this author » Last updated at 11:13am on 6th November 2007

Breast-feeding really does make babies brainier, a major study suggests.

British researchers have found that mother's milk in the first few months of life can boost children's IQ by seven points.

This applies in nine cases out of ten, where the youngster inherits a common but newly-identified "brain boosting" gene.

The finding adds to the mounting evidence that breast-fed babies are happier, healthier and brighter than those raised on formula milk.

It also helps resolve a long-running dispute about the benefits of breast milk on intelligence - and the role of nature and nurture in IQ.

The findings were welcomed by health campaigners, who say that Britain has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in Europe and that too little is done to support and encourage new mothers.

Around a fifth of women choose not to breast feed their babies, while a third of those who do have given up within six months.

The link between breast milk and intelligence was first discovered in 1929 and is often used as an incentive to encourage mothers to feed naturally.

However, a major study by the Medical Research Council last year suggested that the link was a myth.

It found that past research had failed to take into account the mother's background.

Not only were those who breastfeed usually brighter, they were more highly educated, older, better off and provided a more stimulating home environment, it found.

Now two studies suggest that breast milk helps babies whatever their family background.

In one, carried out on 1,037 children in New Zealand, IQ was tested at ages seven, nine, 11 and 13.

DNA samples were gathered from the participants when they reached 18.

The other study looked at 2,232 British twins, whose IQ was measured at five.

Both sets of research found that the IQs of breastfed children were seven points higher, even after their social background was taken into account - so long as they had inherited a particular gene from their parents.

The gene, FADS2, is involved in the way the body processes fatty acids in the diet.

Breastfeeding made no difference to the one in ten children who did not carry the gene variant, according to a team from King's College, London.

Previous research has shown that longchain polyunsaturated fatty acids (Pufas) accumulate in the brain during the months after birth.

They are present in human breast milk, but not cow's milk, and have recently been added to infant formulas.

Pufas are thought to be important to childhood brain development because they are essential for the efficient transmission of nerve messages and help to promote the growth of nerve fibres.

The findings appear in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Professor Terrie Moffitt, based at the Institute of Psychiatry in London, said: "The argument about intelligence has been about nature versus nurture for at least a century. We're finding that nature and nurture work together.

"Our findings support the idea that the nutritional content of breast milk accounts for the differences seen in human IQ. But it's not a simple allornone connection: it depends to some extent on the genetic makeup of each infant."

In the last decade, many infant formula makers have started adding two Pufas - docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) to their products.

But the children taking part in the gene study were born in 1972-73 in New Zealand and 1994-95 in England, before fatty acid supplementation of infant formula began.

The jury is still out on whether Pufa supplementation has made a difference. However, in laboratory tests, animals given fatty acid supplements have performed better at learning, memory and problem-solving tests.

Past studies have shown that breast-fed babies are less likely to suffer from asthma, eczema, heart disease and obesity later in life.

Rosie Doddes, a breastfeeding adviser for the National Childbirth Trust, said the benefits of breastfeeding to mothers and children were well established.

"In the early months, breastfeeding protects against respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.

"It's up to women to choose whether to breast feed or bottle feed, but we are very concerned that women are not getting the right support and information.

"Rates are relatively low in Britain compared to Europe, and very low compared with the rest of the world."