Breastfeeding

Question 1

What are some advnatages of breastfeeding for the child?

Answer 1

Protect against many common childhood illnesses
Perform better on intelligence tests
Less likely to be overweight or obese
Less prone to diabetes
Provides all the energy and nutrients needed for the first months of life

Question 2

What are the advantages of breastfeeding for the mother?

Answer 2

Reduction in breast cancer risk
Reduction in diabetes risk
Reduction in ovarian cancer

Question 3

What is recommended for all breastfeeding and pregnant women?

Answer 3

Vitamin D
(breastmilk is low in vtamin D)

Question 4

Which antibiotics are not safe in breastfeeding?

Answer 4

Ciprofloxacin (potential joint problems), nitrofurantoin (G6PD deficiency) teicoplanin
clindamycin (antibiotic-associated colitis)
co-trimoxazole.

Question 5

Which pain relieving medication is not safe when breastfeeding?

Answer 5

Aspirin (Reyes)
Codine

Question 6

Should HIV infected mothers breastfeed?

Answer 6

No HIV-infected mothers should refrain from breastfeeding

Question 7

When is there no risk fo transmission for Hep B and mothers breastfeeding?

Answer 7

When the infant has received appropriate HBV immunoprophylaxis

Question 8

What are the possible issues associated with breastfeeding?

Answer 8

Cracked/sore nipples
Blocked duct and breast engorgement
Mastitis/abscess
Thrush and breastfeeding/ductal candidiasis
Insufficient milk

Question 9

What medication can be given for milk suppression?

Answer 9

Cabergoline

Question 10

When should treatment be offered for mastitis?

Answer 10

‘if systemically unwell
if nipple fissure present
if symptoms do not improve after 12-24 hours of effective milk removal of if culture indicates infection

Question 11

What is the medical management of mastitis?

Answer 11

Oral flucloxicillin 10-14 days

Question 12

Should the woman contine to breastfeed during treatment for mastitis?

Answer 12

Yes

Question 13

What can mastits develop into if let untreated?

Answer 13

Breast abscess

Question 14

What is the cut off weight loss for a baby in their first week of life?

Answer 14

Babies lose more than the 10% of their origional bodyweight

Question 15

What should be offered if a baby loses more than 10% of bodyweight in the first week?

Answer 15

Expert’ review of feeding- midwife-led breastfeeding clinics
Monitor weight until weight gain is satisfactory