Preparing for Emergencies: What breastfeeding moms should know

Posted by Gina Ciagne from OnCloudMom
If you've looked at a newspaper or turned on the TV you know a hurricane headed up the East Coast.

We can't rarely be sure how dangerous or destructive any storm will be, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared for the worst-case scenario: extended power outages, unexpected time away from home, or being stuck at home unable to leave.

Many breastfeeding moms rely on electric pumps, refrigerators, and freezers. If that sounds like you, review the checklist below and be sure you're prepared for Hurricane Irene.

• Keep a cooler of dry ice on hand just in case your electricity goes out and you have frozen milk stored in your freezer.
• If you can't get dry ice, fill up your ice trays or have two bags of ice in a cooler. Keep it near an air conditioning vent or unit while the power is still on to keep the ice cold.
• If your electricity goes out, do not open the door, which will let the cool air out. If you have to open the door do it as quickly as you can.
• Remember even in non-emergency situations to keep your frozen milk in the back of the freezer (not in the freezer door). It stays frozen and colder in the back around other frozen items. Partially thawed milk cannot be refrozen.
• Have extra batteries on hand in case your electricity goes out and you need to use your pump.
• Familiarize yourself with hand expression in case you don't have batteries and need to pump. Remember that the baby is the best way to remove your milk, so even if you are predominantly a pumper and breastfeed sporadically in an emergency situation, you should focus on feeding the baby on demand. You can also use a manual pump.
• If you need to be away from your baby and a disaster is imminent, be sure to leave extra expressed milk with their caretaker. If you are caught in traffic or can't get to your baby immediately the baby can still be fed with your milk. Always leave more milk than you think your baby will need (two extra feedings worth, at least). Keep your pump with you to ensure that your body is not getting the signal to make less milk.
• If a mom is not breastfeeding and she finds herself with no formula or access to clean water, it is possible for a mom to relactate. Her milk was there in the beginning when she gave birth, and she will have to initiate by attempting and/or feeding every two to three hours to trigger the milk to let down. It will not be immediate, but your supply will return.

Stay safe and dry! And be sure to share this list with your breastfeeding friends.

Article from: Lansinoh: Breastfeeding, Preparing for Hurricane Irene: What breastfeeding moms should know, August 25, 2011.
Updated to reflect current events by cls

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Vasospasm of the Nipple - Raynauds Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is a term used to describe intermittent loss of blood flow to some extremities due to a spasm in the blood vessels (vasospasm). The most commonly affected areas are the fingers and toes, but it can affect the nipples as well. The constriction of blood flow causes a loss of color and severe pain. Raynaud’s phenomenon is known to occur in up to 22% of otherwise healthy women of childbearing age, and is now recognized by many lactation experts as a treatable cause of painful breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding women with Raynaud's phenomenon experience debilitating nipple pain that usually follows the feeding (although it can occur during the feeding) and may last for hours. When the warm mouth of the baby comes off the breast, the face of the nipple, or part of the nipple, will blanch white and burning pain begins. The nipple can go through several color changes (white, blue, red) and the entire breast may throb. Poor positioning and poor latch may cause nipple damage, nipple blanching and pain, and are thought by some to trigger the problem. However, the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon can occur even without improper breastfeeding techniques and nipple damage. Not all nipple vasospasm is Raynaud’s Phenomenon and may fully resolve if the latch can be improved and the damage healed. Exposure to cold is also a known trigger in Raynaud's phenomenon.

Treatment Options include the following:

• If your nipples are sore and damaged, make an appointment to see a lactation professional who can evaluate your latch technique and help you to improve it.


• Prevent or decrease any cold exposure to your breasts. Heat will usually stop the vasospasm, which will increase blood flow to the nipples and help alleviate the pain.
  
  • Cover breasts and keep them warm. Even your warm hands can help.
  
  
  • While nursing, keep the opposite breast covered and warm.
  
  
  • Wear hand warmers inside your bra when going out into cold air.
  
  
  • Use dry heat when experiencing pain. Try a hair dryer or heating pad to warm breasts. Wet, warm compresses will help during use, but when removed, evaporation will occur causing cooling, and the pain can start again.
  
  
  • Massage olive oil, warmed between your fingers, into the nipple when it is burning. Press forward from the base of the nipple which helps blood flow forward into the nipple.
  
  


• Don’t smoke. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and can increase episodes.


• Avoid caffeine and other stimulants. Check labels to make sure soft drinks don’t contain caffeine.


• Avoid vibration. Use a good quality breast pump that has a smooth, comfortable action.


• Reduce stess. Try a post partum yoga class, a few minutes of meditation or a little nap when the baby is sleeping. Let others help with cooking and chores if at all possible.

Medication:

• Nifedipine. (one 30 mg., long-acting tablet/daily). This prescriptive medication is a calcium channel blocker and vasodilator used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It has been shown to be very effective in quickly relieving the pain of Raynaud’s phenomenon and might be the best course of treatment. Very little of this medication enters the milk so it is considered by the American Academy of Pediatrics to be a safe option for breastfeeding women. Call your primary care physician or your obstetrician to discuss. Try Nifedipine for two weeks; if the pain returns you can go back on the medication.


• Vitamin B6. Take 100-200 mg daily for 4 days, then 25 mg/day from then on. If pain free for 2 weeks, try weaning off altogether.


• Fish Oil has been helpful to some women. A recent study suggests that a higher than usual dose (perhaps 12 g daily) is required to get results. Check with your physician.

See Our Class: Postpartum Yoga with Robin Gruver

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This Sunday (August 28th, 2011)!
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This article has not been prepared by a physician, is not intended as medical advice, and is not a substitute for regular medical care. Consult with a physician if medical symptoms or problems occur. Revised 01/06

Table-Top Clip-on Chair Recalled by phil&teds USA Due to Fall and Amputation Hazards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2011
Release #11-306     

Firm's Recall Hotline: (855) 652-9019, CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772, CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: "metoo" Clip-on Chair

Units: 54,000 (these were the subject of a product safety alert issued May 6, 2011)

Importer: phil&teds USA Inc, of Fort Collins, Co.

Hazard: Missing or worn clamp pads allow the chairs to detach from a variety of different table surfaces, posing a fall hazard. In addition, when the chair detaches, children's fingers can be caught between the bar and clamping mechanism, posing an amputation hazard. Also, user instructions for the chairs are inadequate, increasing the likelihood of consumer misuse.

Incidents/Injuries: phil&teds and CPSC have received 19 reports of the chairs falling from different table surfaces, including five reports with injuries. Two reports of injuries involved children's fingers being severely pinched, lacerated, crushed or amputated. The three other reports of injury involved bruising after a chair detached suddenly and a child struck the table or floor.

Description: The product is an infant/toddler chair with a nylon fabric seat and a metal frame that clamps onto tables using two metal vise clamps. The upper part of each clamp rests on the table top and has either a rubber pad on its underside or a rubber boot covering the clamp. The chair is sold in three fabric colors - red, black and navy. Chairs subject to this recall do not have black plastic spacers between the cross bar and the clamps.

Sold through: Buy Buy Baby, Target, Toys R Us and their online sites; philandteds.com; Amazon.com; other online retailers; and a variety of independent juvenile specialty stores from May 2006 to May 2011 for between $40 and $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact the company to receive a free repair kit and revised user instructions. Consumers who previously received a repair kit with only rubber boots should also stop using the chair and contact the company for the new repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact phil&teds USA at (855) 652-9019 or visit the company's website at www.philandteds.com/support

Chairs included in this recall do not have black plastic spacers between the cross bar and clamps

Chairs not included in this recall have black plastic spacers between the cross bar and clamps

---

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Ask the Pediatrician in Westlake Village

Don't miss this chance to ask three local pediatricians anything as you prepare for your newborn. 

Expectant parent's questions will guide the discussion. Parents of newborns are also welcome.

Hollywood: Tues. Aug. 9th, 2011 @ 6:30 - 8:00pm

Santa Monica: Thurs. Aug. 25th, 2011 @ 6:30 - 8:00p (see Pediatrician Panel)

Westlake Village: Wed. Sept. 14th, 2011 @ 6:30 - 8:00pm

Here are some possible topics:

• Well baby care: what is the schedule?
• How will I know if my baby is sick?
• When should I call the doctor?
• Which thermometer is best to use?
• Normal Baby Behaviors (hiccups, sneezing, burping)
• Skin care-rashes, wipes, diaper cream, lotion, powder
• What is colic and can it be prevented?
• When might my baby sleep more?
• Blocked tear ducts
• Whooping cough epidemic (Pertussis)
• Vitamin D supplement
• Vaccines

Snack will be served and don't miss out on our Grand Prize Drawing!

$10 per couple. Space is limited to 14 couples. Register today by calling

Santa Monica: 310-998-1981, Hollywood: 323-469-5300

Westlake Village: 805-777-7179

Our Pediatrician Panel 

Dr. Peter Antall is a general pediatrician and a partner at Conejo Children’s Medical Group in Thousand Oaks. Peter grew up in both Cleveland, Ohio and Boston, MA. He attended George Washington University School of Medicine, completed his residency at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, and then completed one year of fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Stanford University. Peter is a full time practicing general pediatrician but has many other professional interests. Peter has been chief of pediatrics at Los Robles Hospital, he has created and currently manages the ER pediatrician program at Los Robles, and he has developed a smartphone app called Pocket Pediatrician. Peter is also the Pediatric Medical Director at Specialists On Call, a telemedicine company based in Westlake Village. Peter is an avid bicyclist and lives in Westlake Village with his wife, three daughters, and a multitude of pets.

Dr. Carla Tahan is a Board Certified Pediatrician and member of the AAP who has been practicing general pediatrics for 17 years.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from UCLA and pursued graduate studies in Public Health with an emphasis in health education.  She also spent some time teaching in the Los Angeles and Fresno Unified School Districts.  She went on to get her medical degree from George Washington University and completed her pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.  In 1999, Dr. Tahan started her own private practice in Oak Park in association with Dr. Andrew Matthew.  She currently lives in West Hills with her husband and her two children, Michael (10 yrs) and Christina (8 yrs).

Betsy Weisz graduated from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1979 and received her MD from Albany Medical College four years later.  While in medical school, Dr. Weisz met her future husband, Dr. Russell Spadaro.  The two then did their pediatric training together at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

After residency Dr. Weisz worked for CIGNA Healthcare in the San Fernando Valley where she eventually became the Chairman of the Pediatric Department as well as the Pediatric Department Head at Medical Center of North Hollywood.  In 2001 Dr. Weisz joined the staff of North Oaks Pediatrics.  In April 2008 Dr. Weisz became a founding partner at Oak Tree Pediatrics and More.

Dr. Weisz is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  She is an active member at Los Robles Hospital and is currently the Chairman of the Pediatric Dept and the Vice-Chair of the Credentials Committee.  She is also bilingual in English and Spanish.

30% OFF Glamourmom & Hands Free Bustiers and More (until Sunday)

Don't miss the sale this weekend. You have only until midnight Sunday. We've got the popular Glamourmom tanks on sale for 30% off!! The versatile Full Bust Tops, Long Tanks and Long Tops are easy to dress up for a night at Sur or keep casual. Wear them with your fav mommy jeans for your next Mommy and Me class. We are also offering to our Pump Station family the popular Medela Hands Free Pumping Bra Bustiers and Velvet Delight Nursing Bras from Cake. The Plunge and Balconette are definitely not your mother's nursing bra. NO Kidding!

Pick up a copy of The Nursing Mother's Companion 6th Edition recommended by Pump Station's Wendy Haldeman MN, RN, IBCLC. Get one for you and a friend.

Don't forget FREE GROUND SHIPPING for orders over $50 still applies, so pick up two tops!!

See All Sale Items, more Tops and more colors.

Full Bust Grape

Full Bust Black

Nursing Mothers Companion

Cake Velvet Delight

Sale ends Sunday Aug 14, 2011 at midnight. Offer good online and in stores, while supplies last. Limited Quantities. Shipping Fees apply (see details for free ground shipping on orders over $50)

Ask the Pediatrician in Santa Monica

Don't miss this chance to ask three local pediatricians anything as you prepare for your newborn. 

Expectant parent's questions will guide the discussion. Parents of newborns are also welcome.

Hollywood: Tues. Aug. 9th, 2011 @ 6:30 - 8:00pm

Santa Monica: Thurs. Aug. 25th, 2011 @ 6:30 - 8:00pm

Westlake Village: Wed. Sept. 14th, 2011 @ 6:30 - 8:00pm (see Pediatrician Panel)

Here are some possible topics:

• Well baby care: what is the schedule?
• How will I know if my baby is sick?
• When should I call the doctor?
• Which thermometer is best to use?
• Normal Baby Behaviors (hiccups, sneezing, burping)
• Skin care-rashes, wipes, diaper cream, lotion, powder
• What is colic and can it be prevented?
• When might my baby sleep more?
• Blocked tear ducts
• Whooping cough epidemic (Pertussis)
• Vitamin D supplement
• Vaccines

Snack will be served and don't miss out on our Grand Prize Drawing!

$10 per couple. Space is limited to 14 couples. Register today by calling

Santa Monica: 310-998-1981, Hollywood: 323-469-5300

Westlake Village: 805-777-7179

Our Pediatrician Panel

Dr. Sonya Sethi Gohill is the proud owner of Brentwood Pediatrics, a small private pediatrics office in Brentwood. "Dr. Sonya" grew up in Los Angeles, and attended Stanford University, where she graduated with distinction.  She then attended medical school at UCLA, and stayed there for residency. She has been in private practice since 2002, and opened her own office in June, 2010. She is also trained as a certified lactation educator. Dr. Sonya lives in Santa Monica with her husband and two sons, Dilan (5) and Jaiden (2). 

Bob Hamilton, M.D. is a pediatrician who has practiced in the Santa Monica area for the past 27 years. He is a graduate of UCLA's School of Medicine and did his pediatric internship and residency at UCLA as well, serving as Chief Resident during his final year of training. Dr. Hamilton is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UCLA and has served as President of the Los Angeles Pediatric Society. He is the father of 6 children and has 3 grandchildren. 

He enjoys gardening, biking and reading and leads medical mission teams to Africa twice each year. He is the founder of Pacific Ocean Pediatrics and practices with Jenna Roberts, M.D. and his daughter, Noel Salyer, M.D.

Tyler D. Krohn, M.D. is currently a pediatrician at Santa Monica Pediatrics and an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. His partners include renowned pediatricians Marshall Sachs, Dennis Woo, Sharon Kaminker, and Chiaki Jutabha and their group is one of the oldest and most well-respected pediatrics practices on the Westside of Los Angeles. After graduating magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a focus on biomedical science and health care studies, he moved to Los Angeles  where he received his Medical Doctorate from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. He then began his career in pediatrics doing his internship and residency training at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, which has been ranked as one of the top 10 children’s hospitals in the United States and the best children’s hospital on the West Coast (Source: US News & World Report). He has spent time in the leadership of the American Academy of Pediatrics and has conducted research in the area of cystic fibrosis, which is an area of particular interest to him. He and his wife live in Brentwood with their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Henry and Jack, and they are currently expecting their first child.

Watch us on Jimmy Kimmel!

Hey everyone! Tune into Jimmy Kimmel Live Tuesday, August 9th and watch Jimmy Kimmel and Jessica Alba take a Childbirth Education Class in our Hollywood store. Our own Elaine Stuart ICCE (who teaches in our Westlake store) led the class with some of our other Pump Station & Nurtury™ future Moms & Dads present! 

This is sure to make you laugh!

Check your local listings for exact dates and times.

Interactive Breastfeeding Documentary

A Documentary project in Chicago, IL by Ryan Comfort & Laura Zinger

About this Project:

We are Ryan & Laura, part of a 5-person crew traveling across the country in a 40-foot pink bus to learn about the landscape of breastfeeding across America. Within two weeks, we have already heard hundreds of moving personal stories and met many organizations that are taking action to empower breastfeeding moms.

We are seeking funding to turn the amazing footage we are capturing into a feature-length documentary that will challenge the way America thinks about and supports breastfeeding moms.

What are two single people with no kids doing promoting breastfeeding?

Independently, we had both stumbled onto the topic of breastfeeding and began to develop projects around it: Laura as a documentary filmmaker, Ryan as a social entrepreneur. Since then, we have both been active observers, delving deeply into the world of being a breastfeeding parent and the challenges that new moms face. We are both determined to use our respective skill sets to help the breastfeeding movement further empower moms to reach their personal breastfeeding goals.

Interactive Documentary? What does that mean?

The world knows that the best documentaries cause people to think, ask questions and feel something strongly. Well, we want to take it one step further and cause people to take action.  The documentary will be accompanied by a website that documentary watchers will be able to visit to learn how they can help empower moms, based on what we learn during our cross-country road trip.

You really think a documentary and website can create social change?

As outsiders with big, crazy ideas (40 feet big!), we’ve been able to engage with national leadership and learn how prominent organizations are working tirelessly to empower moms to reach their breastfeeding goals. And through the bus tour, we will be spending time with thousands and thousands of people in over 30 cities on a grassroots level. Piecing together these stories and everyone’s energy in a collaborative way, via a fun, engaging, nonjudgmental website that will further mobilize the breastfeeding community and increase its impact. Once we get the support community in one place, new moms will never have to feel alone nor unsupported ever again!  The documentary will play a key role in raising awareness about breastfeeding and all the support that is available.

It’s working already!

A highlight of the bus trip, after only one week, came when we were in Portland parked outside a grocery store.  A dad saw the 40-foot bus and came up to ask how much longer we would be there. Within an hour, he returned with his wife and their newborn. While they had had a positive start with breastfeeding, the past few days had been challenging and the mother was becoming very frustrated. The mom was able to receive help from a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant on the spot, as well as learn about all the local (and many of which were free) resources in her area that could help her succeed. We could see her body language go from stressed to feeling relaxed as she felt supported. By creating a community where everyone comes together, these kinds of interactions can happen thousands of times a day. We want to put an end to mothers feeling alone and unsupported during their breastfeeding journeys, — there is no need for that, because the breastfeeding community is passionate, large, and ready to provide love and support to anyone who needs it!

THIS PROJECT WILL ONLY BE FUNDED IF AT LEAST $210,000 IS PLEDGED BY MONDAY SEP 19, 9:10PM EDT.
Click here back this project.

Resource
http://www.kickstarter.com
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1135246957/interactive-breastfeeding-documentary?ref=live

The Milk for Thought Bus is ending its Tour with The Pump Station & Nurtury! Stay tuned for exact dates. Help us spread the word about breastfeeding. Support is available.