Step No. 1 - Relax. Play gentle music (such as classical or rhythm and blues) and get as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Step No. 2 - Breathe in sharply, quickly and deeply using the chest and the diaphragm, but keep to a comfortable rate. Allow the tummy to expand as the diaphragm presses downward into the abdominal cavity. You may also choose to breath in slowly, but remember that exhaling should still be twice as long.
Step No. 3 - Breathe out in a slower, more relaxed way. Breathing out should take twice as much time as breathing in. Gradually extend your exhale phase until it's approximately twice the length of your inhale phase. Do not count or use any kind of timekeeper, simply relax and let the air flow out. A short pause between exhale and inhale phases is normal. Do not force the air out sharply because the compression of the chest to expel the air also increases the blood pressure accordingly. Breathe out to dispel as much air from your lungs as possible.
Step No. 4 - Once you are used to this pattern, gradually slow your rate of breathing. Do not slow to a point of discomfort. If you feel any strain at all, you need to back off. Remember, you must stay relaxed to get the benefits.
Step No. 5 - Continue for 15 minutes. Repeat 4 or 5 times a week.
The breathing rate must be adjusted voluntarily. Our tendency is to not breathe enough volume and to not breathe at a high enough rate. Breathing exercises are required many times a day to break the old breathing patters. Practice technique regularly. If one practises the technique once every hour, over time your breathing pattern should automatically change as you become accustomed to breathing properly.
Also watch these videos
Breathing Exercises to Lower Blood Pressure (This video demonstrates the technique. It is advisable to download this video and view them few times.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEfP37J91Us
Reducing Blood Pressure with Breathing (This video clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of breathing for hypertension)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5fzM9dUTSA
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Saturday, 15 June 2013
Infant sleep positioners: Consumer Warning - Risk of Suffocation
Infant sleep positioners: Consumer Warning - Risk of Suffocation
AUDIENCE: Parents, Consumers, Pediatrics
ISSUE: FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning not to use Infant sleep positioners. In the last 13 years, the federal government has received 12 reports of babies known to have died from suffocation associated with their sleep positioners. Most of the babies suffocated after rolling from the side to the stomach.
BACKGROUND: The most common types of sleep positioners feature bolsters attached to each side of a thin mat and wedges to elevate the baby’s head. The sleep positioners are intended to keep a baby in a desired position while sleeping. They are often used with infants under 6 months old.
RECOMMENDATION: Consumers are warned to stop using infant positioning products. Never put pillows, sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under the baby or in the crib. Always place a baby on his or her back at night and during nap time. See the Consumer Update for links to additional information, including product photos.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Infant Sleep Positioners Pose Suffocation Risk
Two government agencies are warning parents and other caregivers not to put babies in sleep positioning products as two recent deaths underscore concerns about suffocation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the warning after reviewing reports of 12 known infant deaths associated with the products.
The most common types of sleep positioners feature bolsters attached to each side of a thin mat and wedges to elevate the baby’s head. The sleep positioners are intended to keep a baby in a desired position while sleeping. They are often used with infants under 6 months old.
To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be placed to sleep on their backs on a firm surface free of soft objects, toys, and loose bedding.Advice for Consumers
STOP using infant positioning products. Using this type of product to hold an infant on his or her side or back is dangerous and unnecessary.
NEVER put pillows, sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under the baby or in the crib.
ALWAYS place a baby on his or her back at night and during nap time.
REPORT an incident or injury from an infant sleep positioner to the Consumer Product Safety Commission by visiting www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx5 or calling 800-638-2772, or to FDA's MedWatch program6.
Suffocation and Other Dangers
In the last 13 years, the federal government has received 12 reports of babies known to have died from suffocation associated with their sleep positioners. Most of the babies suffocated after rolling from the side to the stomach.
In addition to the deaths, the commission has received dozens of reports of babies who were placed on their back or side in the positioners only to be found later in hazardous positions within or next to the product.
“We urge parents and caregivers to take our warning seriously and stop using these sleep positioners so children can be assured of a safe sleep,” says Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
FDA pediatric expert Susan Cummins, M.D., M.P.H, says parents and caregivers can create a safe sleep environment for babies if they leave the crib free of pillows, comforters, quilts, toys, and other items.
“The safest crib is a bare crib,” she says. “Always put your baby on his or her back to sleep. An easy way to remember this is to follow the ABC’s of safe sleep—Alone on the Back in a bare Crib.”
Medical Claims
Some manufacturers have advertised that their products prevent SIDS, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus—or flat head syndrome, a deformation caused by pressure on one part of the skull.
Although in the past FDA has approved a number of these products for GERD or flat head syndrome, new information suggests the positioners pose a risk of suffocation.
As a result, FDA is requiring makers of FDA-cleared sleep positioners to submit data showing the products’ benefits outweigh the risks. FDA is also requesting that these manufacturers stop marketing their devices while FDA reviews the data.
Infant sleep positioner manufacturers who are making medical claims without FDA clearance must stop marketing those products immediately, agency experts say, adding there’s no evidence the devices have benefits that outweigh the risk of suffocation.
“At this time, there is no scientifically sound evidence to support the medical claims being made by the manufacturers of these infant sleep positioners,” says Cummins.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page7, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
Posted: September 29, 2010
The Original article as copied above may be found at :
Source: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm227733.htm
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
AUDIENCE: Parents, Consumers, Pediatrics
ISSUE: FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning not to use Infant sleep positioners. In the last 13 years, the federal government has received 12 reports of babies known to have died from suffocation associated with their sleep positioners. Most of the babies suffocated after rolling from the side to the stomach.
BACKGROUND: The most common types of sleep positioners feature bolsters attached to each side of a thin mat and wedges to elevate the baby’s head. The sleep positioners are intended to keep a baby in a desired position while sleeping. They are often used with infants under 6 months old.
RECOMMENDATION: Consumers are warned to stop using infant positioning products. Never put pillows, sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under the baby or in the crib. Always place a baby on his or her back at night and during nap time. See the Consumer Update for links to additional information, including product photos.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Infant Sleep Positioners Pose Suffocation Risk
Two government agencies are warning parents and other caregivers not to put babies in sleep positioning products as two recent deaths underscore concerns about suffocation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the warning after reviewing reports of 12 known infant deaths associated with the products.
The most common types of sleep positioners feature bolsters attached to each side of a thin mat and wedges to elevate the baby’s head. The sleep positioners are intended to keep a baby in a desired position while sleeping. They are often used with infants under 6 months old.
To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be placed to sleep on their backs on a firm surface free of soft objects, toys, and loose bedding.Advice for Consumers
STOP using infant positioning products. Using this type of product to hold an infant on his or her side or back is dangerous and unnecessary.
NEVER put pillows, sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under the baby or in the crib.
ALWAYS place a baby on his or her back at night and during nap time.
REPORT an incident or injury from an infant sleep positioner to the Consumer Product Safety Commission by visiting www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx5 or calling 800-638-2772, or to FDA's MedWatch program6.
Suffocation and Other Dangers
In the last 13 years, the federal government has received 12 reports of babies known to have died from suffocation associated with their sleep positioners. Most of the babies suffocated after rolling from the side to the stomach.
In addition to the deaths, the commission has received dozens of reports of babies who were placed on their back or side in the positioners only to be found later in hazardous positions within or next to the product.
“We urge parents and caregivers to take our warning seriously and stop using these sleep positioners so children can be assured of a safe sleep,” says Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
FDA pediatric expert Susan Cummins, M.D., M.P.H, says parents and caregivers can create a safe sleep environment for babies if they leave the crib free of pillows, comforters, quilts, toys, and other items.
“The safest crib is a bare crib,” she says. “Always put your baby on his or her back to sleep. An easy way to remember this is to follow the ABC’s of safe sleep—Alone on the Back in a bare Crib.”
Medical Claims
Some manufacturers have advertised that their products prevent SIDS, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus—or flat head syndrome, a deformation caused by pressure on one part of the skull.
Although in the past FDA has approved a number of these products for GERD or flat head syndrome, new information suggests the positioners pose a risk of suffocation.
As a result, FDA is requiring makers of FDA-cleared sleep positioners to submit data showing the products’ benefits outweigh the risks. FDA is also requesting that these manufacturers stop marketing their devices while FDA reviews the data.
Infant sleep positioner manufacturers who are making medical claims without FDA clearance must stop marketing those products immediately, agency experts say, adding there’s no evidence the devices have benefits that outweigh the risk of suffocation.
“At this time, there is no scientifically sound evidence to support the medical claims being made by the manufacturers of these infant sleep positioners,” says Cummins.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page7, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
Posted: September 29, 2010
The Original article as copied above may be found at :
Source: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm227733.htm
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Is it Dangerous to Swim Within an Hour of Eating?
Most children have probably heard from their parents that they must wait at least an hour after eating before hopping into the water for a swim. Otherwise, they could suffer cramps and drown. The theory behind this tale is actually pretty sound and has to do with a shift in blood flow in the body.
When you eat something, your body increases the blood flow to your stomach muscles to help with digestion. The larger the meal you scarf down, the more oxygenated blood your stomach needs for digestion. But this means less oxygen available for your arms and legs, which require an increased amount during exercise (whether you’re swimming, running, or cycling). Depriving your muscles of vital oxygen can lead to cramps, conceivably increasing your risk of drowning.
[What Causes a Charlie Horse?]
For recreational swimmers, the risk of getting cramps after eating is actually very low; your body has more than enough oxygen to share between your stomach and limbs. The real danger lies with those who eat huge meals before vigorous, triathlon-level exercise. Such cases can indeed lead to cramps and even vomiting. But even then, the medical consensus has long been that it’s unlikely to result in drowning; that is, unless the swimmer all-out panics and forgets how to float.
This story was provided by Life's Little Mysteries, a sister site to LiveScience. Follow Life's Little Mysteries @llmysteries. We're also on Facebook & Google+.
Source: http://www.livescience.com/22444-is-it-dangerous-to-swim-within-an-hour-of-eating.html?cmpid=514626
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
When you eat something, your body increases the blood flow to your stomach muscles to help with digestion. The larger the meal you scarf down, the more oxygenated blood your stomach needs for digestion. But this means less oxygen available for your arms and legs, which require an increased amount during exercise (whether you’re swimming, running, or cycling). Depriving your muscles of vital oxygen can lead to cramps, conceivably increasing your risk of drowning.
[What Causes a Charlie Horse?]
For recreational swimmers, the risk of getting cramps after eating is actually very low; your body has more than enough oxygen to share between your stomach and limbs. The real danger lies with those who eat huge meals before vigorous, triathlon-level exercise. Such cases can indeed lead to cramps and even vomiting. But even then, the medical consensus has long been that it’s unlikely to result in drowning; that is, unless the swimmer all-out panics and forgets how to float.
This story was provided by Life's Little Mysteries, a sister site to LiveScience. Follow Life's Little Mysteries @llmysteries. We're also on Facebook & Google+.
Source: http://www.livescience.com/22444-is-it-dangerous-to-swim-within-an-hour-of-eating.html?cmpid=514626
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Sunday, 9 June 2013
Ten surprising facts about premature babies and breastmilk
Written on March 15, 2013 by Nancy Holtzman RN IBCLC CPN in Breastfeeding Your Way, Caring for Your Newborn, Featured, In The News, Newborn Care, Postpartum Issues and Concerns
Multiple studies reinforce the importance of exclusive human milk for premature infants. Even partial use of breastmilk has significant benefit.
Please note that almost all these studies support the benefit of “Dose-Dependent” human milk response. This means that the best outcomes were found with the use of exclusive mother’s milk feeding, or the “highest doses” of human milk feeding, but in most studies, even partial use of mother’s milk showed benefits. Full data, more info and references
1. More colostrum for early preemies: Mothers who deliver a very preterm baby actually have colostrum longer than women who deliver at or closer to term. Colostrum is so critical for preterm babies to receive that NICUs may swab the baby’s mouth with colostrum if the baby is too young or small to begin milk feedings by breast, bottle or feeding tube.
2. It’s “Super-Colostrum”! Preterm colostrum has the absolute highest concentration of antibodies found in breastmilk than at any other time. Preterm colostrum also has very high concentrations of human growth factors, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective components which provide a “coating” to help mature the premature baby’s intestinal lining. This allows the premature GI tract to be able to begin digesting milk earlier.
3. Good bacteria: Mother’s milk contains over 130 oligosaccharides and pre- and probiotics not found in any other mammal’s milk (or formula) which colonize the premature baby’s gut with healthy bacteria, prevent growth of pathogens and help prevent severe intestinal infections and intestinal inflammation common to preterm babies.
4. Skin to Skin helps mother, baby and milk supply: In addition to many other benefits including better heart-rate and breathing regulation and promoting infant weight gain, providing skin to skin “kangaroo care” also helps to increase a mother’s milk production when she is expressing milk for her preterm or critically ill baby.
5. You can’t fool mother nature: Despite decades of trying, researchers have been unable to create any human milk substitute that mimics the antibody activity, reduces the inflammatory response and improves the premature infant’s health and development better than his mother’s own milk.
6. Mother’s Milk… or another mother’s milk: When a mother’s own milk is not available, the official recommendation for premature infants is Donor Human Milk from a certified milk bank. Some new mothers have medical or surgical complications or may have delivered their baby so early in pregnancy that they are unable to provide the milk that their baby requires. When a mother’s own milk is not available, the next best option is Donor Human Milk from a certified milk bank rather than infant formula. Learn more about Donor Human Milk
7. Gut Feeling: Premature babies fed with their mother’s milk or Banked Human Donor Milk rather than formula have lower rates of a severe and potentially fatal complication called NEC – Necrotizing Enterocolitis – a devastating digestive tract infection that destroys portions of the premature infant’s bowels, requiring dangerous and costly surgery and prolonged hospital stays.
8. Multi-system miracles: In addition to a lower incidence of severe inflammatory illnesses of the intestines, feeding human milk also helps reduce many other serious preterm complications including Retinopathy of Prematurity- which causes vision impairment or blindness, sepsis – a severe blood infection, and chronic lung disease of prematurity.
9. Discharged sooner: Very low birth weight preemies who received exclusive or higher doses of breast milk throughout their NICU stay were discharged on average one to two weeks sooner than those who received little or no mother’s milk. The babies were also able to be discharged at a lower weight than their formula-fed peers. Mother’s Milk fed infants also had a lower rate of re-hospitalization after discharge.
10. Long term health benefits: There is a dose-response correlation (some is good, more is better) between the volume of mother’s milk received during NICU stay and better health outcomes during the first three years of life including higher scores on tests of neurological, cognitive and developmental milestones.
Learn more about these topics and view references:
Improving the Use of Human Milk During & After the NICU Stay
Paula Meier et al. Clin Perinatol. 2010 March; 37(1): 217–245.
For more information, view our free webinar, Preemies, Breastfeeding and Human Milk.
Support is needed!
Every drop of breastmilk is packed with benefit. When a mother is pumping for a premature baby, it’s a stressful and time consuming commitment. Provide support, encouragement, and a hands-free pumping bra! If you know a family with a baby in the NICU or recently discharged to home, offer to help by providing activities for other siblings, rides to the hospital, drop off meals or assist with errands.
View the recording of our weekly Breastfeeding Webinar & Chat to learn more about Premature Babies, Breastfeeding & Human Milk.
About Nancy Holtzman RN IBCLC CPN
Nancy is a Vice President at Isis Parenting and leads Clinical Content. As one of the original co-founders, she was instrumental in the creation of many prenatal and new parent programs at Isis Parenting, helping to develop the Isis vision in its earliest stages. Nancy has over 25 years of clinical nursing experience including ten years at Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital, and is a mother/baby nurse educator, a board certified lactation consultant and board certified pediatric nurse. She is the founder of the Great Beginnings New Mothers Group series which has now reached over 10,000 Boston-area mothers. She speaks and writes for a national audience about breastfeeding and infant development, and has served on the board of MLCA, the Massachusetts Lactation Consultants Association. She received a BS from Northeastern University College of Nursing, and a Certificate in Advanced Pediatric Assessment from Boston College. Nancy lives in Boston with her husband, two teens and a rescued Bichon. Find her tweeting about all about babies at @nancyholtzman
Source: http://www.parentingstartshere.com/index.php/2013/03/15/ten-surprising-facts-about-premature-babies-and-breastmilk/
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Multiple studies reinforce the importance of exclusive human milk for premature infants. Even partial use of breastmilk has significant benefit.
Please note that almost all these studies support the benefit of “Dose-Dependent” human milk response. This means that the best outcomes were found with the use of exclusive mother’s milk feeding, or the “highest doses” of human milk feeding, but in most studies, even partial use of mother’s milk showed benefits. Full data, more info and references
1. More colostrum for early preemies: Mothers who deliver a very preterm baby actually have colostrum longer than women who deliver at or closer to term. Colostrum is so critical for preterm babies to receive that NICUs may swab the baby’s mouth with colostrum if the baby is too young or small to begin milk feedings by breast, bottle or feeding tube.
2. It’s “Super-Colostrum”! Preterm colostrum has the absolute highest concentration of antibodies found in breastmilk than at any other time. Preterm colostrum also has very high concentrations of human growth factors, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective components which provide a “coating” to help mature the premature baby’s intestinal lining. This allows the premature GI tract to be able to begin digesting milk earlier.
3. Good bacteria: Mother’s milk contains over 130 oligosaccharides and pre- and probiotics not found in any other mammal’s milk (or formula) which colonize the premature baby’s gut with healthy bacteria, prevent growth of pathogens and help prevent severe intestinal infections and intestinal inflammation common to preterm babies.
4. Skin to Skin helps mother, baby and milk supply: In addition to many other benefits including better heart-rate and breathing regulation and promoting infant weight gain, providing skin to skin “kangaroo care” also helps to increase a mother’s milk production when she is expressing milk for her preterm or critically ill baby.
5. You can’t fool mother nature: Despite decades of trying, researchers have been unable to create any human milk substitute that mimics the antibody activity, reduces the inflammatory response and improves the premature infant’s health and development better than his mother’s own milk.
6. Mother’s Milk… or another mother’s milk: When a mother’s own milk is not available, the official recommendation for premature infants is Donor Human Milk from a certified milk bank. Some new mothers have medical or surgical complications or may have delivered their baby so early in pregnancy that they are unable to provide the milk that their baby requires. When a mother’s own milk is not available, the next best option is Donor Human Milk from a certified milk bank rather than infant formula. Learn more about Donor Human Milk
7. Gut Feeling: Premature babies fed with their mother’s milk or Banked Human Donor Milk rather than formula have lower rates of a severe and potentially fatal complication called NEC – Necrotizing Enterocolitis – a devastating digestive tract infection that destroys portions of the premature infant’s bowels, requiring dangerous and costly surgery and prolonged hospital stays.
8. Multi-system miracles: In addition to a lower incidence of severe inflammatory illnesses of the intestines, feeding human milk also helps reduce many other serious preterm complications including Retinopathy of Prematurity- which causes vision impairment or blindness, sepsis – a severe blood infection, and chronic lung disease of prematurity.
9. Discharged sooner: Very low birth weight preemies who received exclusive or higher doses of breast milk throughout their NICU stay were discharged on average one to two weeks sooner than those who received little or no mother’s milk. The babies were also able to be discharged at a lower weight than their formula-fed peers. Mother’s Milk fed infants also had a lower rate of re-hospitalization after discharge.
10. Long term health benefits: There is a dose-response correlation (some is good, more is better) between the volume of mother’s milk received during NICU stay and better health outcomes during the first three years of life including higher scores on tests of neurological, cognitive and developmental milestones.
Learn more about these topics and view references:
Improving the Use of Human Milk During & After the NICU Stay
Paula Meier et al. Clin Perinatol. 2010 March; 37(1): 217–245.
For more information, view our free webinar, Preemies, Breastfeeding and Human Milk.
Support is needed!
Every drop of breastmilk is packed with benefit. When a mother is pumping for a premature baby, it’s a stressful and time consuming commitment. Provide support, encouragement, and a hands-free pumping bra! If you know a family with a baby in the NICU or recently discharged to home, offer to help by providing activities for other siblings, rides to the hospital, drop off meals or assist with errands.
View the recording of our weekly Breastfeeding Webinar & Chat to learn more about Premature Babies, Breastfeeding & Human Milk.
About Nancy Holtzman RN IBCLC CPN
Nancy is a Vice President at Isis Parenting and leads Clinical Content. As one of the original co-founders, she was instrumental in the creation of many prenatal and new parent programs at Isis Parenting, helping to develop the Isis vision in its earliest stages. Nancy has over 25 years of clinical nursing experience including ten years at Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital, and is a mother/baby nurse educator, a board certified lactation consultant and board certified pediatric nurse. She is the founder of the Great Beginnings New Mothers Group series which has now reached over 10,000 Boston-area mothers. She speaks and writes for a national audience about breastfeeding and infant development, and has served on the board of MLCA, the Massachusetts Lactation Consultants Association. She received a BS from Northeastern University College of Nursing, and a Certificate in Advanced Pediatric Assessment from Boston College. Nancy lives in Boston with her husband, two teens and a rescued Bichon. Find her tweeting about all about babies at @nancyholtzman
Source: http://www.parentingstartshere.com/index.php/2013/03/15/ten-surprising-facts-about-premature-babies-and-breastmilk/
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
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