Is It Safe Using Drugs While Breast Feeding ?

Though most drugs enter breast milk, there is hardly any effect on the baby. This is because firstly the drug is diluted in a mother's body; further dilution occurs in breast milk after which only a fraction of the drug will be absorbed by the baby's intestines and only part of this drug will be free to act on the baby directly.

However, there are certain drugs that are absolutely prohibited during breast feeding. These include anticancer drugs, radioactive substances, etc. Aspirin, tetracycline, chloromphenicol and long-acting sedatives and tranquillisers are relatively contraindicated while breastfeeding.

Benefits Of Baby Massage And The Right Way Of Doing It

Research has shown that regular baby massage benefits the growth and development of the baby. It moisturises the skin and scalp, promotes mother-child bonding and baby massage enhances the psychological well-being of the child.

You could begin by massaging the scalp with a mild oil and then move over to the rest of the body. Rub some oil between your palms, hold the baby's foot with one hand and move the other hand from his buttocks to his foot. Follow the same motion with the other hand. Alternate both hands in this way, taking care not to squeeze the leg. Repeat this motion in the reverse. You can flex and relax the foot and roll the baby's leg between both hands. Repeat with the other leg.

Now, place both your hands in the centre of his chest and move them outwards around his chest. Next, place one hand on his belly button and move it gently downwards. Follow with the other hand. For the arms, place both hands on the centre of the baby's rib cage and move them outwards over his shoulders,upper, lower arms and hands in one smooth motion.

As for his face, put both your hands on his forehead and slide them down the sodes of his face with your thumbs massaging the sides of his nose. Lastly, make small circular motions over the baby's cheeks in front of the ears, loop around the ears and chin. Baby massage in this way will benefit a lot in overall development of the baby.