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Breastfeeding and Medications

There are several ailments and diseases that may affect a breastfeeding mother. It is known that most drugs and chemicals taken by the mother pass onto the breast milk from maternal blood to varying extents. While some of these agents are harmless for the breastfeeding baby some may cause serious harm.

28 Jul 2009

Breastfeeding: Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol

Much of what the mother takes during breastfeeding passes on to the baby. It is thus vital for breastfeeding mothers to watch what they consume.

28 Jul 2009

Breastfeeding and Allergies

Some babies may be sensitive to certain foods like milk and dairy products. These babies may not be allergic to their mother’s milk but may be allergic to the proteins that she passes in the breast milk after consumption of dairy products like cheese etc.

28 Jul 2009

Breastfeeding and Diet

A healthy diet is as important for a breastfeeding mother as it is for a pregnant mother. However, no special diet is needed for lactating or breastfeeding mothers.

28 Jul 2009

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

There are very few conditions when a mother cannot breastfeed. During simple infections and ailments like common colds, flu, gastrointestinal infections etc. babies can be breastfed if proper precautions and hygiene measures are followed.

28 Jul 2009

What is Breastfeeding?

Breast milk contains a wide range of nutrients that enable it to be the ideal dietary source for all infants.

28 Jul 2009

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis, also called BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. It happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina

27 Jul 2009

Myasthenia Gravis Treatment

Today, MG can be controlled. There are several therapies available to help reduce muscle weakness. Most persons with MG have good results from treatment. In some people MG, like many other autoimmune diseases, may go into remission (a period of time without symptoms) and muscle weakness may disappear completely.

27 Jul 2009

Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis

Unfortunately, a delay in diagnosis of one or two years is not unusual in cases of MG. Weakness is a common symptom of many other disorders. The diagnosis is often missed in people who have mild weakness or in those whose weakness is restricted to only a few muscles.

27 Jul 2009

Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms

The muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and swallowing are most often affected. The onset of the disorder may be sudden. Symptoms often are not immediately recognized as MG.

27 Jul 2009

Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that affects the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles. The name myasthenia gravis comes from Greek and Latin words meaning "grave muscle weakness." Today, however, most cases of MG are not as "grave" as the name implies. In fact, most people with MG can expect to live normal or nearly normal lives.

27 Jul 2009

Lupus Facts

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, which causes inflammation of various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints and kidneys. It may also affect the blood. The immune system normally protects the body against viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders. In an autoimmune disease like lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against the body itself. Lupus is NOT infectious, rare or cancerous. Although the cause of lupus is unknown, scientists suspect that individuals are genetically predisposed to lupus, and also know that environmental factors such as infections, antibiotics, ultraviolet light, extreme stress and certain drugs play a critical role in triggering lupus. Lupus strikes adult women 10 to 15 times more frequently than adult men. Lupus is more prevalent in African Americans, Hispanics and Asians. African American women are three times more likely to get lupus than Caucasian women. Both African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos tend to develop lupus at a younger age and have more symptoms at diagnosis (including kidney problems). Only 10% of people with lupus will have a close relative (parent or sibling) who already has or may develop lupus. Only about 5% of the children born to individuals with lupus will develop the illness. Sometimes people with lupus experience a "flare." This occurs when some symptoms appear for short periods then disappear. Even if you take medicine for lupus, you may find that there are times when the symptoms become worse. Learning to recognize that a flare is coming can help you take steps to cope with it. Many people feel very tired or have pain, a rash, a fever, stomach discomfort, headache, or dizziness just before a flare.... Lupus can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms come and go and mimic those of many other illnesses. Some symptoms of lupus can be transient such as joint and muscle pain, fatigue, a rash caused or made worse by sunlight, low-grade fevers, hair loss, pleurisy, appetite loss, sores in the nose or mouth, or painful sensitivity of the fingers in cold environments. Symptoms of lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and thousands of Americans die from lupus complications each year. With optimal care, most women with lupus can have healthy babies without endangering their own health.

27 Jul 2009

Lupus and Stress

Staying healthy takes extra effort and care for women with lupus. Sometimes, women with lupus may feel tired, and you may need extra rest because of your treatments. If you feel tired, make a point to allow yourself extra time in your schedule for rest.

27 Jul 2009

Lupus and Pregnancy

Today, most women with lupus can safely become pregnant. With proper medical care, you can lower the risks of pregnancy and deliver a normal, healthy baby. However, you must carefully plan your pregnancy. Your disease should be under control or in remission for 12 months before you get pregnant. Find an obstetrician (OB) who is experienced in managing high-risk pregnancies and who can work closely with your primary HCP. Plan your delivery at a hospital that can manage high-risk patients and provide the specialized care you and your baby may need. Talk to your doctor about which medicines are safe to take while pregnant.

27 Jul 2009

Lupus Treatments

There is no known cure for lupus, but there are effective treatments. Most of the symptoms of lupus are from inflammation (swelling), so treatment focuses on reducing the swelling.

27 Jul 2009

Lupus Flares

When symptoms appear, it's called a "flare." These signs may come and go. You may have swelling and rashes one week and no symptoms at all the next. You may find that your symptoms flare after you've been out in the sun or after a hard day at work. Even if you take medicine for lupus, you may find that there are times when the symptoms become worse. Learning to recognize that a flare is coming can help you take steps to cope with it. Many people feel very tired or have pain, a rash, a fever, stomach discomfort, headache, or dizziness just before a flare.

27 Jul 2009