I inadvertently stubled onto a breastfeeding Web page of one Dr. Andy Aronfy. I was hoping that some of you might want to respectfully (after all, he does seem to be in favor of BF, misinformed though he may be) correct some of his misstatements. His email addy is below. Here is the URL: http://www.erols.com/agaronfy/breast.htm And here's the text for those of you without easy Web access: This will not be a long dissertation on all aspects of breast feeding -- that would require a book. What will be covered are a few common problems which are most frequently brought to our attention by breast-feeding mothers. What follows includes some advice about a few common problems which mothers will encounter occasionally during breast feeding. Three things are important for a rich and abundant milk supply: emotional stability, copious liquid intake OTHER than milk, and complete emptying of the breasts at every feeding. So mothers should make a conscious effort to drink lots of water, juices, and caffeine-free sodas day and night. Supplementary feedings and formulas are unnecessary for the first four to six months of life. Occasionally they may be detrimental to the infant, because the absorption of some of the nutrients in breast milk (such as iron) may be prevented. Human milk is a complete food for infants during the first six months --with the exception of fluoride for healthy teeth. The mother's diet is very important: avoid spicy and heavy foods, gas-creating foods (cabbages, beans), constipating foods (chocolate). Avoid too much milk and dairy products such as cheese, and ice cream. Cow's milk is for calves! It is also best to avoid peanut butter, pizza, and eggs. How does a mother know if her baby is getting adequate nourishment -- if her milk is rich enough? If the baby looks healthy, gains weight appropriately (about a pound every two weeks during the first few months), and if there are plenty of wet diapers (six or more a day), then there is nothing to worry about. If the mother's nipples are sensitive and sore, nipple shields should be used during breast feeding. (They are available in drug stores.) Sore nipples are not a reason to discontinue nursing. If the mother has an infection -- even if she has a fever -- she may continue to nurse. (Exceptions are: if she has tuberculosis or AIDS.) Some medications may not be given to nursing mothers: birth-control pills, radioactive drugs, antithyroid drugs, illicit drugs, narcotics, alcohol, sleeping pills, laxatives, ergot (for migraine), antifungal drugs, most psycho-active drugs, anti-cancer drugs, some heart medications, sulfa drugs, tetracycline-related drugs. If you have doubts about a medication, give us a call. Call us if you have any questions about breast feeding. Or drop us an email note: [log in to unmask] Janice Berry Columbus, OH *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html