Breastfeeding
Medical Author:
Allahyar Jazayeri, MD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Breastfeeding BenefitsWith rare exceptions, breast milk is the preferred feeding for infants and confers unique benefits. Breastfed babies (for at least six months) may be at reduced risk for many acute and chronic diseases, including gastrointestinal tract infection (like diarrhea), irritable bowel syndrome, lower respiratory tract infections (like a cold), urinary tract infections, otitis media (ear infections), and allergic reactions (like atopic dermatitis and asthma). Breastfeeding also has been shown to reduce pain in infants undergoing painful procedures. Introduction to BreastfeedingBreastfeeding or bottle feeding your newborn baby is a personal decision. If you choose to breastfeed, it will be helpful if you are in a supportive environment and have resources to assist you with questions you may have or breastfeeding problems that may develop. The following breastfeeding tips may also be helpful:
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Dehydration in Children Overview
Dehydration means that a child's body lacks enough fluid. Dehydration can result from not drinking, vomiting, diarrhea, or any combination of these conditions. Rarely, sweating too much or urinating too much can cause dehydration . Infants and small children are much more likely to become dehydrated than older children or adults, because they can lose relatively more fluid quickly.
Causes of Dehydration in Children
- Dehydration is most often caused by a viral infection that causes
fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and a decreased ability to drink or eat.
- Common viral infections causing vomiting and diarrhea include
rotavirus,
Norwalk virus, and adenovirus.
- Sometimes sores in a child's mouth (caused by a virus) make it painful to eat or drink, which helps to cause or worsen d...
- Common viral infections causing vomiting and diarrhea include
rotavirus,
Norwalk virus, and adenovirus.
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Counseling the Breastfeeding Mother »
In the time before managed care and "drive-through" deliveries, the vast majority of newborns remained in the hospital for several days after birth.
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