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Mindy Cockeram is a childbirth and breastfeeding educator with 11 years of experience. She currently resides in Southern California, where she teaches at a non-profit hospital. Her career began after the birth of her second child when she changed career direction and trained as an antenatal teacher with the National Childbirth Trust in London, England. She taught childbirth classes for both the Wimbledon & Wandsworth Branch of the NCT and for St Georges Hospital in Tooting, England. In 2009, she relocated to the US and re-certified with Lamaze International. She also attained her Lactation Educator certification from the University of California (San Diego) in 2015. In 2017, Cut Your Labor in Half: 19 Secrets to a Faster & Easier Birth was first published. Two years later, she published Breastfeeding Doesn’t Have to Suck: Tips, Tricks and Knowledge for a Great Experience. Pregnant Again? A Refresher for Childbirth & Breastfeeding was released in August 2021.Her popular teaching style, memorable catchphrases, and sense of humor cause her classes to fill up quickly. She also writes evidence-based articles for her website Learn4birth, as well as Lamaze’s educator blog Science & Sensibility International and several media outlets. She has also been a guest host for several Lamaze podcasts.
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Cheese is a rich source of protein, calcium, and certain vitamins and minerals. Consuming cheese while breastfeeding can help enhance the nutritional quotient of your postnatal diet, which is much required to fulfill your and your baby’s daily nutritional requirements. However, you should take certain precautions to ensure that the products you choose are safe for consumption during this period. Continue reading this post to learn more about the types of cheese, their health benefits for nursing mothers, the nutritional value of different cheeses, and ways to identify the appropriate product. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Eat Cheese While You Are Breastfeeding? [caption id="attachment_891064" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] While you are breastfeeding, it is important to have a healthy and balanced diet that will be nutritious for you and your little one. It is safe to eat most [simple_tooltip text="pasteurized" tooltip="Products that are made bacteria and pathogens-free by heating at controlled temperatures for a specific duration." ] cheese types while...
Salicylic acid is an organic acid that treats skin redness and inflammation. Although the medication works effectively, women worry about the safety of salicylic acid while breastfeeding. There are chances salicylic acid can pass into breast milk. To avoid the side effects of this medication, you should use it in limited quality and less frequently. However, before using salicylic acid, it is important to consult your doctor to understand its safety. Read on to know about the safety of salicylic acid in nursing mothers and its health benefits. [mj-toc] What Is Salicylic Acid? [caption id="attachment_889754" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Salicylic acid is a colorless organic acid, which belongs to the class of beta hydroxy acids. The acid is similar to acetylsalicylic acid, a prominent compound in aspirin. Salicylic acid is highly effective in minimizing inflammation and redness of the skin, which is why many use it to treat skin conditions like acne, inflammation and other skin problems while breastfeeding. Remember...
Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant made by combining two drugs — amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is a prescription drug used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder [simple_tooltip text="hyperactivity disorder" tooltip="A neurodevelopmental disorder that mostly begins in early childhood and results in difficulty paying attention and impulsiveness." ] (ADHD) and [simple_tooltip text="narcolepsy" tooltip="A neurological disorder that affects the sleep-wake cycles in the brain and leads to overwhelming feelings of lethargy and drowsiness." ] (1). However, many parents may wonder whether it is safe to use Adderall when breastfeeding. Since some drugs can seep into the breastmilk and affect the infant, such concerns are valid and should be addressed before consuming them. Read this post to learn if it is safe for lactating mothers to use Adderall and the possible side effects of the drug. [mj-toc] What Is Adderall? [caption id="attachment_890488" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Adderall is a combination of two nervous system stimulant drugs namely amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It belongs...
Grapes are a rich source of [simple_tooltip text="antioxidants" tooltip="Substances that prevent or reduce the effects of free radicals and prevent cell damage." ]and [simple_tooltip text="potassium" tooltip="A mineral and an electrolyte required by tissues in the body" ]. Though they are a good source of vitamin C, you may be wondering whether it is safe to consume grapes during breastfeeding (1). Consuming grapes by a lactating mother is not known to cause any side effects in the baby or even the mother. Additionally, consuming grapes has not been found to have any significant impact on breast milk production or contribute to breastfeeding problems in mothers. Instead, it has several health benefits, such as regulating blood pressure and digestion. However, if you notice symptoms such as stomach aches in your baby, consult your doctor to know whether grapes could cause such aches. You may also take an advisory from your lactation consultant before including grapes in your diet. Read on as we...
A few women experience [simple_tooltip text="insomnia" tooltip="A sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep or have a sound sleep." ] after pregnancy and may require medical intervention. Considering the importance of good sleep, your doctor may prescribe you to take Zolpidem or Ambien during breastfeeding. Zolpidem is a sleep aid sold under the name Ambien. It is used to treat short-term sleep issues in adults. However, if you’re asked to take Ambien while nursing, its sedative properties may concern you, and you may be worried that it may impact the wellness of your baby. Keep reading this post as we talk about Ambien, its safety, side effects, dosage, tolerance, and withdrawal during breastfeeding. [mj-toc] Why Ambien While Breastfeeding? [caption id="attachment_893829" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Ambien is a sleep-inducing agent. Although the drug does not help maintain sleep, it is an effective sleep-initiating agent. Ambien has [simple_tooltip text="anticonvulsant" tooltip="Drug that can treat epilepsy." ] and relaxant properties that help induce sleep....
Lactating women may be unsure about their dietary choices because whatever they eat will be shared with their infants. One such doubt is whether or not to eat pineapple during breastfeeding. Pineapple is a hydrating fruit that contains several essential nutrients, dietary fiber, and [simple_tooltip text="bioactive" tooltip="A type of chemical that can be found in trace amounts in plants and some foods" ]components that support long-term health (1). Most of these nutrients can be passed through breast milk and could help the baby too. But pineapple is acidic and can cause diaper rash in breastfeeding babies. This post addresses the most prevalent questions about pineapple, including its benefits for nursing mothers and ways to incorporate it into a breastfeeding diet. [mj-toc] Can Nursing Mothers Eat Pineapple? [caption id="attachment_887541" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Yes. Pineapple is a nutritious fruit that you can consume when nursing. There are no research studies to corroborate the belief that breastfed babies get diaper rash due to...
New moms are often concerned about the sufficiency of breast milk and tend to opt for methods such as mother's milk tea to improve lactation. Experts state that babies who are exclusively fed breast milk during the initial six months will grow into healthy adults. Breastfeeding needs to continue for up to 12 months. Therefore, most new moms strive to improve their breast milk production to give the best possible nutrition to their babies. There may be times when a mother's milk supply starts to decline, leaving her frustrated and heartbroken. But, the good news is that there are some effective and natural ways to increase milk production. For example, one of the widely used herbal drinks to improve lactation in new moms is mother's milk tea. If you want to explore more about this tea and ways to use it to boost breast milk supply, then read on. We provide important details on mother's milk tea that could help...
New mothers often have concerns about how safe it is to consume sushi while breastfeeding. This staple rice dish of Japanese cuisine is traditionally prepared with cooked rice, vegetables, and delicious seasonings. However, it also includes egg or raw seafood, which may be a cause for concern. In addition, since seafood is often exposed to mercury, it can be harmful to the mother and the baby (1). Read this post to learn more about the risks of eating sushi, its alternatives, and some tips on consuming sushi safely while nursing. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Eat Sushi When Breastfeeding? Sushi is safe to eat when breastfeeding unless it is made from fish that have absorbed potentially high levels of mercury (2). Large fish, such as bigeye and yellowtail tuna, swordfish, tilefish and shark are high in mercury and is dangerous for a developing baby. Post-birth, a mother’s body provides all the nourishment needed for the baby. While fish is a...
Food poisoning can happen to anyone who has consumed stale or toxic food. But it can raise some concerns if women experience food poisoning while breastfeeding. Mostly resulting from consuming contaminated food, it can cause you to vomit out of nausea and lead to dehydration, besides other common symptoms. Although the stomach infection is not known to cause any harm to the baby, you may need to consult your healthcare provider under certain circumstances. It can be cured with simple home remedies and medical treatments. Read on to know more about food poisoning in lactating women, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments. [mj-toc] What Is Food Poisoning? Food poisoning refers to the stomach upset and fatigue that occurs due to consuming contaminated food containing toxins and harmful microbes. Causes Of Food Poisoning While Breastfeeding [caption id="attachment_885443" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Food poisoning in breastfeeding mothers can occur due to the consumption of contaminated food that contains toxins and harmful viruses...
While breastfeeding, women are often advised to eat plenty of fruits to maintain a nutritious diet. However, not all fruits are beneficial for lactating women. Thus, some fruits to avoid while breastfeeding are citrus fruits, cherries, and prunes. Although they may not cause direct harm to the mother, they can induce undesirable reactions in the baby. Scroll through this article to learn more about the effects of these fruits on babies during lactation and why they should be avoided. This post also offers some safer alternatives to these fruits so that you don’t miss out on the essential nutrients they provide. [mj-toc] Fruits To Avoid While Breastfeeding When you are breastfeeding, you aren’t as rigid about your diet as you were during pregnancy. However, a proper and a healthy diet is highly desirable as it has a direct effect on your breast milk. Many a time, there is a possibility that your infant may fall ill or contract allergies due...
Most mothers enjoy drinking cranberry juice when breastfeeding. Cranberry juice is a delicious, tart-sweet drink often used to make mixed drinks. It has several nutrients and health-promoting compounds. However, it has no specific lactation-related uses. If you too love drinking cranberry juice, knowing about its safety for nursing mothers and their babies is vital to avert any health issues. Scroll down to read more about cranberry juice's possible health benefits and side effects for lactating women. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Consume Cranberry Juice When Breastfeeding? According to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), consuming cranberry juice is said to be safe (1). However, its consumption in large amounts can cause gastrointestinal issues and, over time, may increase the risk of kidney stones. [caption id="attachment_890405" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The use of cranberry juice for therapeutic purposes needs caution since its safety and efficacy for breastfeeding mothers and their babies is not established. 100% cranberry juice...
[mj-toc] If you are looking for a suitable alternative to breast milk, here’s our list of the best baby formulas to help you out. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mothers to breastfeed babies for the first six months of their lives (1). However, when breastfeeding may not be possible due to medical or non-medical reasons, parents should look for best baby formulas to help their child meet the daily nutrient intake. Baby formulas are designed to substitute for breast milk, containing all the essential nutrients in appropriate amounts. Different types and brands are available, making it difficult for new parents to choose the right formula for their children. So, our list includes detailed information with the pros and cons of each product to help you pick a suitable one for your little one. However, consult your child’s pediatrician before choosing any product. [amazon_custom_table asin_ids="B00MHTGXN0,B084ZCRG91,B001BM4JLC,B07DC8VB38,B08SXHG4WJ,B0B4WYS9LJ,B06WLH9LQF,B0B7WV66GS,B07N1BVM9R" titles="Best Overall: Baby’s Only Organic Formula,Best Non-GMO: Similac Pure Bliss Infant Formula,Best kosher-friendly : Earth’s...
Breast milk should be the only source of nourishment for a baby for the first six months. Thus, several lactating women may wonder how to increase milk supply safely. To ensure a good milk flow, mothers should start breastfeeding at the earliest and continue to do so more frequently. Good baby latching also ensures effective milk flow. Insufficient milk production is not a common concern since new mothers usually produce sufficient milk. However, if you have been facing issues with breastfeeding, this post will help you establish a normal milk supply (1). [mj-toc]How To Know If Your Milk Supply Is Low? [caption id="attachment_894283" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Here are some signs that alert the mother to a low milk supply (2): If the baby is losing weight past the three day mark or not gaining an adequate amount of weight (per your pediatrician’s examination) If the baby is producing less than the expected number of wet and dirty diapers for...
Many parents find it convenient to refrigerate breast milk to keep it fresh for later consumption. Many teething babies may also prefer cold milk as it offers relief from pain. However, this raises a common question in the minds of many parents: can babies drink cold milk? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, babies can safely consume cold, warm, or room-temperature milk (1). However, ensure that the milk is not too hot for the baby to avoid scalding. [mj-toc]Can Babies Have Cold Milk? [caption id="attachment_888906" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Your baby can drink breast milk at room temperature or slightly colder. It does not necessarily need to be warm (1). However, there is no evidence-based research on cold milk consumption by the baby. Hence, you should discuss feeding cold milk to your baby with the baby’s pediatrician and then decide according to the baby’s health status and preference between cold and warm milk. In order to avoid...