Crazy Recommendations and Straight Talk on Immunities in New Borns

This week I received a telephone call from a relative.  Her first grandchild will be born in late September.  She learned that the pediatrician chosen has recommended no one be allowed to see the baby until it is six months old!!!!!  No grandmas, aunts, uncles; no one. She and the other grandma have no other grandchildren.  They are devastated!!!

The death rate among infants from COVID is minuscule.  In California not a single child has died of the virus.  Why on earth would a young family be told not to allow anyone to see their baby?  As a doula, this not only sounds strange it sounds dangerous.  Aunts and grandmas are invaluable to new mommies.  Their experience, support and advice are a great source of encouragement to young mothers.  In addition, they are the ones who care for baby while exhausted mommy and daddy rest up.  Family members do the cooking and laundry, they shop, they share information learned when they were young parents.  I ask again, how could this exclusion of all family members even be considered?

I don’t have the details but perhaps the pediatrician has no children?  Perhaps she missed the the med-school unit on the necessity of emotional and practical support of patients?  I have no idea, but I am flabbergasted!!  I will do some research and try to figure out what is up.

Below find some interesting articles on immunities in infants.  More information to come:

20 Things To Know About Baby’s Immune System

Understanding some key points about a baby’s health and that bitty body’s ability to protect itself can be reassuring and helpful.   By Amy Smith    Dec. 23, 2018

https://www.moms.com/20-things-to-know-about-babys-immune-system/

How Breast Milk Protects Newborns

Written by Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC

https://kellymom.com/pregnancy/bf-prep/how_breastmilk_protects_newborns/

 

 

 

Alcohol and Breastfeeding

There are many articles and opinions on the consumption of alcohol when breastfeeding.  Often new moms are confused by the discussion.  Many say no alcohol at all.  Scientific research says a little is OK.  Your pediatrician my have another opinion.  This is one of those areas where you have to decide for yourself what you think is best for you and your baby.  Below are articles from several sources discussing this topic.

Personally I believe those who are saying no alcohol at all are doing so because of the danger of a mom not understanding her own situation with alcohol.  Drinking alone as a new mom is not a good thing.  Drinking strong alcohol is not good, you need to be aware of your self and your baby.  If you have any tendencies toward over drinking, if you have ever had a problem with drinking, if you are unable to control your drinking my recommendation is stay 100% away from any alcohol.  The risks are not worth a drink.  For alcoholics their ability to discern their own desire or need for alcohol is skewed.  If you think you might be in this category please do not drink.  Please seek help.  Please be honest with yourself, this is really tough to do.  Out of love and concern for your baby do not allow yourself to get into trouble.

Being a new mommy is the most wonderful thing.  Having a precious little one to love and care for is an incredible joy.  It is also exhausting and stressful.  Alcohol is not a way to deal with this stress.

If you and your family enjoy a small glass of wine with dinner as a relaxing and social time science would say that is OK.  You are in the company of others so you will tend not to over drink.  Your baby will not be alone.  The risks to you and your baby are low.  Again, this is if you are being honest with yourself and do not have a drinking problem.

My personal recommendation would be wine only and in small amounts: one small glass per day.    Strong drink impairs your ability to function.  You have to be at 100% to take care of yourself and your little one.  I would never recommend drinking alone, only in a social situation where there are others present.  Read the articles below and share any you have found.  This is a controversial topic.  We can all learn more as we go.

JUDY

 

www.cdc.gov › vaccinations-medications-drugs › alcohol

Generally, moderate alcohol consumption by a breastfeeding mother (up to 1 standard drink per day) is not known to be harmful to the infant, especially if the mother waits at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing.

Anything you eat or drink while you’re breastfeeding can find its way into your breast milk, and that includes alcohol. An occasional drink is unlikely to harm your breastfedbaby. … To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, it’s safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.

 

Breastfeeding and drinking alcohol-Your pregnancy and baby guide

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/breastfeeding-alcohol/

 

Alcohol

Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. However, moderate alcohol consumption (up to 1 drink/day) is not known to be harmful to the infant.

https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/vaccinations-medications-drugs/alcohol.html

 

Breastfeeding and Alcohol

By Kelly Bonyata, IBCLC

https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/lifestyle/alcohol/

 

 

 

 

 

COVID CASES IN CALIFORNIA………

In the state of California not one child has died from COVID 19!!! Think of that: 39.51 million people; 366,000 cases of the virus, 7,500 deaths.  Yet, according to state statistics, not one person under the age of 18 has died!!  Have you heard that anywhere?  Yet, schools will not be open in the Fall……………Why?

 

How To Survive the Heat: You and Baby Stay Dry!

Stay as dry as possible!!!

For Breastfeeding Mommies:  When it is especially muggy be careful of plastic covered breast pads.  Use only cotton fabric or cotton paper pads.  These will breath allowing your nipples to remain dry and comfortable.  Use lanolin or other lotions frugally, the goal is to stay as dry as possible.  The heat will pass and you can reinstate your previous favorites.

For Baby:  Avoid plastic and nylon clothing, blankets, and diapers.  Baby can not tell you whether or not she is sweating.  Pay special attention to baby’s skin.  If she is at all wet with sweat remove her clothing and let her air dry.  If there is a safe place on the floor let her lie on a soft towel or cotton blanket.  This may sound crazy, but under the coffee table is safe from older siblings and falling objects.  My eldest son was 15 months old when baby #2 arrived.  He would never have injured his baby. My concern was he would pull #2 off the sofa or bed in an effort to help.  Thus, I left #2 out of traffic lanes on the floor.  There were lots of full body hugs but no bumps or bruises!

For all family members:  Stay dry and wear cotton.  Have cotton towels available to sit on, rather than leather or slick surfaces on which sweat will accumulate.  As much as possible reduce your activity level.  Read books, watch an educational video, nap!!  For rashes and moisture related skin issues I recommend Caldesene Powder. Photo included.  This medicated powder is like magic for everything from diaper rash to adult moisture related skin issues!  If your little ones have a rash in their arm pits, some one has jock itch, or diaper rash, lightly dust with Caldesene.  Use sparingly. Any recommendation comes with the disclaimer that every family, mama, & baby are different.  This powder works wonders for us, I hope it will do the same for you!!  It has no talc, Zink Oxide is the active ingredient.  CVS has a generic brand called: CVS Medicated Powder