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

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