Dog Bite Prevention Week

     The week of May 19th through 25th is dog bite prevention week. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a good two page information sheet about preventing dog bites. With more outdoor time, the warm weather months are always when we see and hear more about children suffering from dog bites. Here is a link to the AAP page on preventing dog bites. Help your children be safe out there!

Natural disasters.

     The horrible tragedy in Oklahoma this week makes me wonder how children recover from these events. My children were recently in a car accident that resulted in significant car damage but only dings and scratches to my children. And it was very stressful for my family.
     The American Academy of Pediatrics has a webpage with many good resources for dealing with these tragedies. You may find it helpful, whether you are thinking about how to discuss these with your children or you yourself are responding to catastrophic event. Here is a link to the American Academy of Pediatrics webpage.

Medications for colds, allergies, and sinus infections that are safe during breastfeeding.

     We are often asked for our advice regarding medications that breastfeeding mother's may take while they have symptoms of colds, allergies, and sinus infections. We generally advise to avoid medications as much as possible while breastfeeding. However, we recognize breastfeeding mom's may want to take a medication to help with their symptoms.
     Based on our experience, what we have read, and scientific research, this is what we want you to know:
1. Know that decongestants (such as Sudafed) and antihistamines (such as Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl, and Allegra) sometimes decrease a mother's milk supply. This is hard to know if this is going to happen to you, but be especially cautious if you struggle with your milk supply.
2. Side effects for infants can include drowsiness, wakefulness, and irritability. If they happen with one dose, they are likely going to happen each time you take the medication. If worrisome, stop taking the medication. Your infant may not show any sign of side effects, however.
3. Sudafed (decongestant) or Benadryl (antihistamine) are generally considered safe to take and are options for you to take.
4. The less-sedating antihistamines for allergies (Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra) are also fine.
   
      As always, I like what the website Kelly Mom has to say about this issue. Please call if you have questions!

Swaddling Infants

     Swaddling infants is a hot topic. We as pediatricians are often asked about swaddling. Many factors apply in my opinion of swaddling: comfort of the infant, safely of the infant, how it impacts SIDS risk, and how it impacts the sleep. I believe the American Academy of Pediatrics statement is the best advice on swaddling. On this link to an article at Healthy Children is an article about swaddling and good advice on swaddling.