Bye Prep, Hello Big School!!

I have been busy the past few days thus the increasing number of reposts. I have a scheming 6 year old, an independence-hungry toddler and a teething baby. Tactics vary everyday so, my hands are full and wishing that I had 2 extra pairs.  I even had yesterday's breakfast dirty dishes still on the sink and the house in total chaos.  When Thursday came, I had to wake up early at 5am and literally dragged hubby off the bed for Khym's 8 am preparatory graduation.  I had trouble with the corsage. The night before, I tried to make one and clumsily pulled off 4 petals off those lovely orchid blooms. I struggled to complete my corsage anyway. And then later realized that a lot of peddlers sold them at the school gate for only 20 pesos. Grrr... I ended up buying one because the second time I checked on Khym, the petals were really falling off. Anyway, as the ceremony started, I was crossing my fingers hoping that Khym's hyper mode would mellow down. He was fidgeting on his seat and complaining at first but later settled down.

The rest of the ceremony went on smoothly. Khym managed to sit through the whole 2 hours UNTIL their closing chorus when he got hold of his playful spirit again.

We had yummy lunch at my parents' place right after.  This is the first time that I get to experience what it feels   like to attend your kid's Graduation Day. The feeling is unexplainable. I'm soooo proud! :D

Ella's 2nd Birthday

My niece Mariella turned two today.  I sent my kids over by 5pm and hoping that Khym would get over his party-spoiler mood.  He really gets too anxious with those kiddie games blurting out that he couldn't win any.  I had to repeat my party booster sentences to cheer him up! By the time I got there, I saw my spaghetti-smeared kids grinning from ear to ear. It was another party worth attending based on those silly expressions alone. I then wondered why they were missing in most photos and later found out they were huddled in one corner pigging-out by themselves mindless of the photo ops. 

{the birthday girl}

{hovering over the birthday cake}

Time flies by so fast,really. Next month, my other niece Karesse will turn 2 too. And by May, I'd be hosting another kiddie party for my toddler Kliven. It's like blinking year after year. Before I know it, they'll all be grown-ups.Sigh, it makes me feel old.  Kids do grow up faster than we think :))

8 Baby Fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2011

Very cute baby fashion coming to the high street.

Appliquéd details
Colourful decorative extras give baby and children's clothing the cute X-factor. From multi-hued dresses, to beautifully crafted skirts and necklines - the applique trend is a great spring/ summer must-have for little ones.

• Pink short sleeve blouse, £20, Mamas & Papas.(Ages 0 to 23 months)
• Baby applique sun dress, £14, M&S. (Available late March)
• Beige cotton flower applique skirt, £22. Laura Ashley Girls. (Ages 2 to 8 years)
• Autograph cotton crochet tunic, £9, M&S. (Ages 3 to 24 months)

Gingham

These punchy, bright gingham prints are a great alternative to checks. From laid back chunky gingham, to baby twin sets and quirky shirts - this trend comes in many different guises.

• Gingham blouse and bloomer, £20, Little White Company. (Ages 0 to 24 months)
• Blue check shirt, £35, No Added Sugar. (Ages 3 to 12 years)
• 3-piece gingham set boys, £36, Mamas and Papas. (Ages 0 to 23 months)
• Boys orange and white gingham shirt set, £15,Baby K for Mothercare. (Ages 3 months to 5 years)

Polka dots

Pretty polka dots are back once again and this timeless trend looks great in big spots in punchy colours.

• Spotty jersey dress, £10, Mothercare. (Ages 18 months to 8 years)
• Red spotty dress, £6, Florence and Fred atTesco. (Available end of March)
• Blue beach scene dress, £18,  Mothercare.(Ages 0 to 3 years)
• Spotted dress with frills, £17.99, Zara. (Age 6 to 9 months)

Hello Sailor

Ahoy! The sailor chic trend is back with a bang, with quirky boat prints and anchor decorated babygros.

• Fifties boat dress, £24, Mini Boden. (Ages 0 to 4 years)
• Nautical three-piece set, £15, Blue Zoo atDebenhams. (Available in mid-March)
• White and blue long sleeved sailor body, £25.99,Moonkids, available at Nordic Kids. (Ages 9 to 12 months)
• Shiver me timbers t-shirts, £14, Frugi. (Ages 2 to 8 years)

Tutti Fruity

Raspberries, pears and strawberries - oh my! Fruit dominates t-shirts and tops this coming season, so stock on these fruity tees now.
:

• Applique raspberry top, £19, Frugi. (Ages 0 to 24 months)
• Pear long sleeved t-shirt, £5, George at Asda.(Available mid-March)
• Strawberry t-shirt, £19.99, Toby Tiger. (Ages 6 months - 6 years)
• Strawberry babygro, £22, Busy Peas. (Ages 0 to 18 months)

Wild West

Cowboys and Indians galore this spring/ summer, so treat your little one to these charming wild west themed clothing.

• Boys cowboy braces, £12, Cath Kidston. (Ages 2 years plus)
• Indian V neck vest, £30, Cath Kidston. (Ages 1 to 6 years)
• Brown shirt, £7.44, Little Duckling. (Ages 2 to 7 years)

Hawaii

Bring the sunshine here with these funky Hawaiian print shirts!

• Hawaiian shirt, £10, Mothercare. (Ages 18 months to 8 years)
• Surf print t-shirt, £33.50, Molo Kids, available atNordic Kids. (Ages 2 to 8 years)
• Hawaiian shirt, £38, Miniature.

Denim delights

Light denim is the choice of denim to wear this coming season. From adorable twin sets to boxy dresses, deck your little one in this trend.

• Denim chambray tunic, £14, JoJoMaman Bebe.(Ages 6 months to 4 years)
• Gathered three quarter length coat, £19.99, Zara. (Ages 18 months to 3 years)
• Denim twin set, £9.99, H&M online. (Ages 4 to 9 months)

CREDIT:MADEFORMUMS.COM

Skin Cancer Prevention: AAP Releases New Sun Safety Guidelines

Here in the Philippines, it's an early morning ritual to head outside with the babies to enjoy the sunshine and get the much needed Vitamin D boost. But with our time now and the worsening ultraviolet rays, sometimes it makes me wonder if I'm really doing the right thing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) report on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure in children, rates of skin cancer—including melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer—are on the rise, even in young people. Published in the March 2011 issue of the journal Pediatrics, updated sun safety guidelines from the AAP call on parents and caregivers to step up skin cancer prevention efforts by making sure children wear proper clothing and hats, timing outdoor activities to minimize peak midday sun, applying sunscreen, and wearing sunglasses. AAP guidelines also stress that infants younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protected with clothing and hats.

mustelausa.com

Have older kids? The report also addresses the use of tanning beds by tweens and teens. According to at least one national survey, 24 percent of non-Hispanic white teenagers 13 to 19 years of age used a tanning facility at least once. In their report, the AAP supports legislation prohibiting access to tanning salons or use of artificial tanning devices by children under the age of 18.

For Baby

According to skin cancer experts, only six severe sunburns in a lifetime increase risk of melanoma by 50 percent. How best to protect your baby's skin? "It is important that parents, teachers and physicians ... encourage children to wear at least 30 SPFsunscreen and reapply it every two to three hours spent outdoors; avoid sun exposure during peak hours of intensity from 10 AM to 4 PM, and wear sun-protective clothing. One study estimated a 78 percent drop in skin cancer risk if parents protect their children from significant sun exposure in the first 18 years of life," says Dr. Thomas Rohrer, secretary of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, in a released statement.

To check for signs of skin irregularities or potential problems, Dr. Rohrer recommends that parents and caregivers monitor their children's moles and freckles for the ABCDEs—asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, and evolving. If any of these signs are noticed, be sure to bring it to the attention of your child's pediatrician.

Credit: Babyzone.com

Foods to avoid at 4 to 12 months

As your baby grows, he'll be eager to sample food from your plate – and you'll be eager to introduce some variety to his diet. But not all foods are safe for your child. Some pose a choking hazard, and a few aren't good for your baby's still-developing digestive system.

Honey: Honey can harbor spores of Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism. An adult's intestinal tract can prevent the growth of these spores, but in a baby the spores can grow and produce life-threatening toxins.

Peanut butter: The sticky consistency of peanut butter and other nut butters can make it tough for a young child to swallow safely.

Cow's milk: Stick with breast milk or formula until your child's first birthday. Why? Your baby can't digest the protein in cow's milk for the first year, it doesn't have all the nutrients he needs, and it contains minerals in amounts that can damage his kidneys.

Choking hazards to watch for:

Large chunks: Pea-size pieces of food are safest — they won't get stuck in your child's throat. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and green beans should be diced, shredded, or cooked and cut up. Cut fruits like grapes, cherry tomatoes, and melon balls into quarters before serving. Cut meats and cheeses into very small pieces or shred them.

Small, hard foods: Nuts, popcorn, cough drops, hard candies, raisins, and other small dried fruit and seeds are potential choking hazards.

Soft foods: Soft foods like marshmallows and jelly candies can get lodged in your child's throat.

Credit:BabyCenter.com

Daddy's Back to Work

After almost 3 agonizing months,Daddy is off to work again and the so-called conflict over at his workplace has finally been settled.  And here I am, back to the usual screechy silly me and alone with the kids the whole weekdays. So much has happened in the past months that it felt like I've aged a few years or so. It's unbelievable that we managed to hang on as a family.  We did anyway and I'm so thankful. I kind of gotten used to Daddy Ryan being home all the time, those 2months,  and having him help me with my day-to-day chores. It somehow eased the heaviness of my mommy duties.  It's nice having him as an assistant while I do my back-breaking mommy job. His break from work allowed us to bond as a family and the kids were thrilled having him around.  But....it's just time to go back. So my arms are achy once again from carrying the little one and then, afternoon naps are non-existent--again!!.  The 2 younger kids were puzzled when Daddy's gone the whole day today. I think they also have gotten used to his presence.  Anyway, toothy smiles were brimming from ear to ear when Daddy got home this evening.  And I was tired from the whole day's kiddie combats.  I'm so glad tomorrow's a weekend!:)

Potty Learning

Just recently, Klive exhibited signs that he's ready for toilet learning.  I can now tell if he's pooping because he says "POOP!" after every bowel movement completed with a few gibberish sentences.  One of these days, I'll be shopping for potty chairs once again and training pants too!  And will be bracing myself for a few potty accidents along the way.  My oldest son Khym had one major potty accident years back and that included the bed, floors, door and walls.  You paint the picture.  It was not a pretty sight and not to mention gross.  But somehow, amidst the doubts that I may not be able to properly potty train him, I did anyway.  Now with my second son, it's probably the ripe time to introduce him to the basics of toilet training.  My only problem is, he's currently having chronic pooping.  Which means he poops several times daily but we ruled out diarrhea because the stools are not of loose consistency.  It could probably be because of the foods he ate or he suddenly developed milk allergy.  We don't know for sure but he's okay and not having tantrums-the usual sign that he's out of sorts. With potty learning, timing is very important.  Before you head to the store to start looking for the perfect potty, look for some of these signs of potty-readiness in your toddler:

• Physiologic readiness.  
• Regularity.
• Increased awareness of the pertinent bodily functions.
• An interest in neatness and in being clean and dry.
• An understanding of the key concepts; the difference between wet and dry; clean and dirty up and down.
• Familiarity with the toilet terminology used in your household.
• The ability to communicate needs and to understand and follow simple directions.
• An interest in wearing underpants instead of diapers.
• The ability to some simple self-dressing.
• Curiosity about the bathroom habits of others--following others into the bathroom, watching and or trying to imitate them.

With all these, PATIENCE is particularly crucial to success.

As It Happened

Last Friday's devastating quake/tsunami disaster in Japan brought me to tears and prayed for the people who's lives were lost and those who were greatly affected by it.  As it happened, I was busily napping with the 2 kids while Khym was at school taking his Final Exams and hubby Ryan with him.  Earlier before, I was silently saying a prayer asking God to guide Khym in answering his test questions... I should have said a special prayer for those people who's lives are going to change that day.  If only I knew.  As I napped, thousands of people were suffering that afternoon.  But we all know, calamities such as this are oftentimes unpredictable and it makes me sad.    We know some people who are living in Japan but thankfully they live in the mountain part and far from Sendhai where it actually happened.  Anyway, as I rose from my sleep and the kids still sleeping, I was shocked when I saw the terrible news on CNN.  And even more terrified when  CNN issued a tsunami warning to several countries including my country the Philippines.  As I watched the local news, I learned that our province Southern Leyte was at Alert Level No. 2.  By 5 pm, mom came and told us to stay in their home for safety's sake.  Theirs is a few kilometers away from the city.  I was panicking as I packed whatever I could carry.  I settled with whatever could fit in my kids' big diaper bag.  I was not alarmed at first but the sky turned gloomy and rain began to fall.  It kind of signaled that something was going to happen.  And so off we went.  Later that night, it rained up until the morning of the next day.  The wind was blowing hard, it actually felt like there was a brewing storm.  The tsunami warning was lifted by 8pm at Friday night and PHIVOLCS reported no damage or huge waves within our area.  By now, we are back at home safe and sound.  I am relieved that it's all over but as I turn on the tv, I still get so sad when I see the devastation and all the horror.  I just hope Japan will recover from this tragedy sooner in time and for other countries to be fully prepared for calamities such as this.  Let us help them in forms of thoughts and prayers. 

Cookies and Cream Ice Blended Coffee

If you're a coffee lover like me, this yummy drink is a must-try! Get your caffeine fix in the coolest way. Robert Francisco of Boyd’s Coffee shares his recipe of an icy, sweet treat!

Makes 1 (16-ounce) glass

2 (3-ounce) shots espresso

1/8 cup powdered coffee creamer or vanilla yogurt

1/8 cup sugar

3 to 4 pieces chocolate cookie sandwiches

1 (16-ounce) glass ice cubes

1  In a blender, place espresso shots, powdered coffee creamer or vanilla yogurt, sugar, chocolate cookie sandwiches, and about glass ice cubes. 

2  Blend until the ice is fine and slushy. Garnish with whipped cream and a crushed chocolate cookie sandwich.

Substitution tip  Don’t have espresso? To make one shot, dissolve 2 teaspoons instant coffee in 2 tablespoons water.

Current Baby Product Recalls

We are all about safety when it comes to our kids.  Here's a list of some of the current baby product recalls as of this year.

Baby Jogger Jump Seats

Mar. 1, 2011 - Nearly 2,000 Baby Jogger Jump Seats sold in the U.S. and Canada are recalled because the seat can disengage from the stroller if it isn't fully locked into place. This poses a fall hazard. Four incidents, including minors injuries, were reported. The jump seats were sold from Jan. 2008 to now, and are designed to fit City Elite, City Classic and Summit strollers. Stop using the jump seat or visit babyjogger.com to receive safety straps and assembly instructions.

BOB Jogging Strollers

Feb. 23, 2011 - About 337,000 BOB jogging strollers are recalled because a drawstring on the stroller can get wrapped around a child's neck, posing a strangulation hazard. One incident where an 11-month-old baby had the drawstring around her neck was reported. Eleven BOB stroller models are affected, including both singles and doubles. This number is stamped on the frame of the stroller or on a white label on the right rear stroller leg. All affected strollers have a yellow/orange drawstring at the rear of the canopy. This drawstring is used to gather up the loose fabric when the canopy is folded back. Remove the drawstring to remove the hazard. If you're using a Sun Shield or Weather Shield, you also must order a retrofit kit from bobcanopy.com.

Burlington Basket Company Bassinets

Feb. 16, 2011 - About 500,000 Burlington Basket Company bassinets are recalled because they can collapse if the folding legs are not fully locked into place. Two injuries were reported. If your bassinet was made before June 2010 and has folding legs with plastic pins to attach the legs to the basket, it is included in the recall. Be sure the legs are fully locked before using the bassinet. You must insert the end tabs fully into the holes on the leg assembly and twist one-quarter-turn to lock. You can watch a video of proper assembly at the company website. Visit burlingtonbasket.com to order new instructions and labels for the bassinet.

Summer Infant Baby Monitors with Cords

Feb. 11, 2011 - About 1.7 million Summer Infant baby monitors with cords are recalled because the cord poses a strangulation hazard when placed too close to baby's crib. Two infant deaths have been reported as a result of being tangled in Summer Infant baby monitor cords. All Summer Infant baby monitors with cords that were purchased in 2003 or later are included. Visit SummerInfant.com to order new warning labels or download new safe installation instructions at SummerInfant.com. Keep all baby monitors, of any brand, at least three feet away from cribs to prevent entanglement and strangulation.

Summer Infant Handheld Video Monitors

Feb. 11, 2011 - About 58,000 Summer Infant Slim & Secure handheld video baby monitors are recalled because the rechargeable battery can overheat and burst, posing a burn hazard. Five incidents of the batteries overheating have been reported, including three incidents where the battery ruptured and caused minor property damage. The silver and white, #02800, and pink and white, #02805, monitors are included in the recall. Check the lower right corner of the battery in the handheld unit to see if it is unmarked, or has the letters "MP" or "BK" on it. If so, it is included in the recall. If the battery is marked "TCL," it is not included in the recall.  Visit www.summerinfant.com to exchange the recalled battery for a new one. It is safe to use the baby monitor with the AC power cord in the meantime.

Sassy Refreshing Rings

Jan. 31, 2011 - About 37,000 Sassy Refreshing Rings Teethers are recalled because pieces of the black plastic can come off while baby is chewing on the teether/rattle. This poses and ingestion hazard. No injuries were reported.  Visit sassybaby.com for information on returning the product for a replacement.

Land of Nod Rosebud Cribs

Jan. 26, 2011 - About 300 Land of Nod Rosebud cribs are recalled because the drop side hardware can break or fail, which can allow the drop side to detach. This poses a risk of entrapment, suffocation or strangulation. No injuries have been reported. These cribs were sold in white or antique white and have a label that says "Status Furniture" on the lower part of the headboard. The model number 910 is listed on the instructions. Stop using the crib immediately and email recall@landofnod.com to receive a merchandise credit for the price of the crib ($599).

Phil&Teds Strollers

Jan. 21, 2010 - About 22,000 Phil&Teds V1 Classic and V2 Sport strollers are recalled because a consumer's fingers can be caught in the hinge when folding or unfolding the stroller. This poses a risk of laceration or amputation. Three injuries were reported. An additional 7,200 strollers sold in Canada are part of the recall. The V1 Classic was sold in red only and has serial numbers 0308/0001 to 0510/0906 on the inside of the folding hinge. The V2 Sport came in red, orange, green, black, charcoal, navy and a graffiti print, and has serial numbers 0308/0001 to 0510/0840. Visit philandteds.com to order a hinge cover repair kit.

Discovery Toys Mobile Phones

Jan. 12, 2011 - More than 3,500 Discovery Toys Toddler Talk mobile phones sold in the US and Canada are recalled because the antenna can break off. This poses a choking hazard.Three incidents of the antenna breaking were reported. The red and blue plastic phone has a clear plastic antenna. Only model 1231 is included in the recall. "Discovery Toys" is stamped into the red plastic on the back of the toy. Visit discoverytoysinc.com to return the toy for a replacement.

Vulli Cool-It Soother Teething Rings

Jan. 12, 2011 - About 8,000 Vulli Cool-It Soother teething toys are recalled because the liquid inside the ring is untreated, which can allow bacteria and mold to grow inside ring if it is punctured. Ingesting bacteria or mold can cause illness in babies. Stop using the toy and visit sophiegiraffeusa.com (PDF) for instructions on returning the teething ring for a replacement.

Kid O Rattles

Jan. 12, 2011 - About 1,500 Kid O Prisma and Duo rattles are recalled because the colorful beads can come off if pulled or twisted forcefully. These beads pose a choking hazard. The Prisma rattle is bell-shaped with a ring handle. The Duo rattle has two interlocking rings with a bead on each ring. Return the rattle to the store where you purchased it to receive a full refund or visit kidoproducts.com for instructions on mailing the rattle to the manufacturer for a refund.

Hot Kids Sweatshirts & Jackets

Jan. 11, 2011 - About 18,000 Hot Kids hooded jackets and sweatshirts in toddler and kid sizes are recalled because they have a drawstring at the neck and waist, which is a violation of federal safety standards. A drawstring at the neck or waist can allow a child to become entrapped or be strangled. Various styles are included, but all have the brand name Hot Kids, MJC or MJ Collection on the label at the neck. Remove the drawstring to remove the problem or return the item to a Hot Kids store for a refund.

PajamaGram Hoodie Footies

Jan. 11, 2011 - About 800 Pajamagram Hoodie Footie infant and toddler pajamas are recalled because the metal snaps that attach the hood to the pajamas can detach, posing a choking hazard. The Winter Whimsy style was sold in sizes for newborns to 5T and has the code GPU#SUNHFH1 or GPU#SUNHFH2 on the tag at the neck. Stop using the recalled pajamas and visit pajamagram.com to receive a replacement item.

CREDIT:www.about.com

Stylish Diaper Bags for Daddies

Whenever I choose diaper bags for my kids, the ones with cartoon characters and other kiddie embellishments always catch my fancy.  And then I hand them to dad and dad won't have much choice but to parade in those colorful diaper bags.  There might be a slight cringe, it may not show but I just know if given the chance, he might have chosen something else for himself.  With our time now, innovative people created stylish diaper bags for dads that I'm sure he won't shy away from.  I found this hip bag for equally hip dads that's multi-functional, dads can't help but strut in these babies.

These are perfect gifts for Fathers Day or even Baby Showers.  The good thing is, if not used for storage of baby things, they can also be used as laptop bags among others.  There's a huge array of hip bags to choose from at DIAPERDUDE.  So go and check them out!

Brilliant Babies

Everyday,while I get bored out of my wits watching tv, this tv shopping network ad never fails to air on tv and thus, catching my full attention.  It's this YOUR BABY CAN READ program that I'm itching to get my hands on.  According to its official website, 

 "The current practice of starting to teach reading in school is too late. When children develop reading skills during their natural window of opportunity, from about birth to age four, they read better and are more likely to enjoy it.

In fact, studies prove that the earlier a child learns to read, the better they performed  in school and later in life. Early readers have more self-esteem and are more likely to stay in school. Meanwhile, a national panel of reading specialists and educators determined that most of the nation's reading problems could be eliminated if children began reading earlier."

And the reviews?  Well, there are some who think that it doesn't work, that they think those kids are just memorizing what they see.  And the good reviews are plenty anyway so I believe it does work.  It costs around 3,995 pesos in the Philippines or around 92 dollars.  I think it's a good purchase so hubby and I are thinking of buying one.  It's also available on the internet for free but with my slow internet connection, it would probably take forever.  I've been meaning to find some good stuff on the net for reading purposes because Khym,my 6 year old is such a slow reader and had no interest in reading even if a whole array of reading choices is sprawled in front of him.  I started doing research and found other freebies available for download at www.brillbaby.com

  

I downloaded their flashcards for infants and kids and they became an instant hit with my kids.  My 7 month old loves the infant stimulation cards and babbled while I flashed them.  Khym was interested only to boast that he could do better than Kliven, my 1 year old.  LOL.  Kliven was well....occupied with other things to say the least.  He was repeating the words I say while playing with his toys and not looking up.  Oh well,kids are a handful..  It's a good thing, we moms are always on the lookout for freebies and products that could eventually make them Brilliant!!  Hooray to our brilliant babies and to us, smart moms! ;)

Taking medicines safely while breastfeeding

Most drugs that go into your body will also go into your milk, so before you take any medication, you need to consider how it will affect your baby and whether or not it has any effects on lactation. While most medications are safe to take while breastfeeding, it's wise to talk to your doctor or your baby's doctor before taking anything.
Here are some general guidelines.

There are three issues to consider when considering taking medication while breastfeeding:

1. Do you need the drug?
2. Will the drug affect the baby?
3. Will the drug affect your ability to make milk?

COMMON MEDICATIONS THAT ARE SAFE TO USE WHILE BREASTFEEDING

The safety of the following medications is established for short-term use only. If you are required to take one of these for more than one or two weeks, consult a physician.

acetaminophen	asthma medications (cromolyn, inhalant bronchodilators)	Kaopectate
acyclovir	barium	laxatives
anesthetics local (e.g., dental work)	chloroquine (antimalarial)	muscle relaxants
antacids	cortisone	pinworm medications
antibiotics (tetracycline* and sulfa**)	decongestants	propranolol
anticoagulants	digitalis	propylthiouracil
anticonvulsants	diuretics	silicone from implants
antihistamines	ibuprofen	thyroid medications
aspartame	insulin	vaccines
		vitamins
* Avoid taking tetracycline for longer than ten days ** Avoid in newborn period

DRUGS THAT REQUIRE CAREFUL MONITORING BY A PHYSICIAN WHEN TAKEN WHILE BREASTFEEDING

Whether these drugs and medications are safe to take while breastfeeding depends on many factors: the dosage, age of infant, duration of therapy, and timing of dosage and breastfeeding. Consult a physician knowledgeable about drugs during breastfeeding if you need to take any of the following medications long-term.

alcohol	general anesthetics*	morphine
antidepressants	indomethacin	oral contraceptives
aspirin	isoniazid	Paxil
codeine	lithium**	phenobarbitol
Demerol	metoclopramide	Prozac
ergots	metronidazole (Flagyl)***	Valium
		Zoloft
* It is safe to breastfeed six to twelve hours after most general anesthetics. ** Some authorities consider lithium absolutely contraindicated while breastfeeding; others believe lithium can be used cautiously, as long as blood lithium concentration in the baby is monitored. *** Authorities recommend giving the mother a single two-gram dose and having her discontinue breastfeeding for only twelve to twenty-four hours.

DRUGS THAT SHOULD NOT BE USED WHILE BREASTFEEDING

amphetamines	heroin	Mysoline
antimetabolite drugs (anti-cancer drugs)	Lindane	nicotine
cocaine	marijuana	Parlodel
cyclosporine	methotrexate	PCP
		radioactive drugs for diagnostic tests*
* May need to stop breastfeeding temporarily. Consult a nuclear medicine specialist.

-www.drsears.com