My name is Jane Squires. I am very excited to have Lactnet available to
me.  I run a breastfeeding support group through my "Outreach Job".  We
meet every Tuesday, and I have met some very interesting mom's and
babies. I have learned a tremendous amount from the mothers and am so
glad I have had the blessing from my supervisor to do this important
piece for our community. I work in a Community Health Setting in West
Virginia.

My Problem: One mother is nursing her third child.  All her children
have been nursed for at least 18 months.  They have all gained weight
well, and the two oldest were never sick.  The baby is six months old.

For the past two months she has been diagnosed with earinfections.  She

has been on: Bactrim for ten days.  When she returned to the ped (who
by the way is very supportive of breastfeeding--his wife breastfed all
four of their children--)The infection was still there.  Cefzil was the

 next drug of choice.  Ten days later still an infection. Next choice
was Augmentin, and after this course of antibiotics the ear infection
was still present. I was called by mom yesterday and the Ped. has
started her on Ciprox.  This will be a two week course.  Now of course
baby has developed Thrush, and mothers breasts are getting sore,  etc
etc. Baby weighs 18 pounds, and is exclusively breastfed.  However one
thing that I have observed when Cindy breastfeeds is that baby lies on
her lap on her back, as Cindy has large pendulous breasts, and this is
comfortable for Cindy as well as the baby. I mentioned this to Cindy
and we have decided to have her feed baby in an upright position for
the next several weeks to see if this makes a difference.

My question is two fold:  Do you think I am on the right track for the
positioning? and  What effect if any does this prolonged use of these
various antibiotics have on the development of teeth or other
organs/structures of such a young child?

My own son who is now 7, was on prophylactic antibiotic therapy for 3
months from 2-5 months.  He was exclusively breastfed, and my third
child.  His teeth are terrible.  He has had several extractions, and
root canals.  My two older children same husband etc,  have perfect
teeth.  They were never on this regimen of antibiotics.

I appreciate any info. on this.
Jane Squires RN BSN ACCE  Martinsburg WV