Be thankful for modern medicine. It can get us through a common cold and is often critical when managing a chronic condition. But when you’re breastfeeding, every medication can get into your breast milk. While some medicines are compatible with breastfeeding, others are not. So what’s a mom to do?

For starters, do your homework. For over-the-counter medications, read the packaging.  There should be information for breastfeeding mothers. And if you’re taking a prescription, be sure to tell your doctor that you’re breastfeeding…

… the “bible” on breastfeeding and medications is Dr. Thomas Hale’s Medications and Mothers’ Milk. You can look up a medication and check its safety for breastfeeding. You can also call the InfantRisk Center associated with Dr. Hale at 806-352-2519. They can answer questions about drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, chemicals, vaccines, and other substances. Of course, there’s now even an iTunes and Android app that has the book’s information. (Here’s a YouTube video showing how it works.)

Another resource is the LactMed database. Type in a medication and you’ll get a comprehensive look at its safety information. Finally, don’t forget that herbs require some research as well. I also recommend reading this La Leche League article about Maternal Medications and Breastfeeding.

As we went through the parks, I was amazed to see so many toddlers and babies.  When our kids were that age I think I was too tired to have enjoyed the trip.  But maybe I should just embraced the exhaustion.  In fact, the Disney parks seem designed with new parents in mind.  Well located bathrooms, plenty of benches and food at every turn.  But it’s not just that.  The parks also have designated Baby Care Centers.  I have a Flickr album with photos from each of the parks that you might want to look at.

You can of course breastfeed anywhere you’d like in the parks. But if you’re looking for a quiet, designated space, with soft lighting, the Baby Care Centers are a good choice. Some of the rooms even have signs welcoming breastfeeding moms.  The only thing I didn’t entirely like, was that the Disney website indicates that the Baby Care Centers are sponsored by Carnation formula.  This information isn’t anywhere in the parks.  Nevertheless, as with just about everything Disney, you’ll find what you need at the Baby Care Centers, and move on to the next adventure.

As for the kids, they only have one question of course… when can we go back?!

Disclosure:  Disney gave me some tickets for park entrance.

Put a bib on. It’s time to take the plunge and give your baby solid foods. By the way… that bib should be for you! You’ve never quite seen a mess like a baby and solid foods.

So how do you do it? Go slow. Introduce new foods one at a time. Try that new food for a few days or more before adding another one. This can help you watch out for any allergic reactions. Click here for the rest of the story.

“People do think if a doctor gives something it must be good for you,” Merewood said.

Written by: AP Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner can be reached at www.twitter.com/LindseyTanner

Forget about your images of postpartum hospital bliss.  You won’t unpack that beautiful bathrobe.  You won’t put on makeup for your first family photos.  You won’t brush your hair.  And that blue and white hospital gown, oh why bother changing?  You are wiped out.

But here’s one thing you will be focused on — feeding your baby.  If you plan on breastfeeding, it’s important to get things off to an early start.  Right from the beginning, immediately after birth, a baby can learn how to latch on to breastfeed, and this is crucial for developing your milk supply.  For those early days of feedings, your body will produce colostrum, a nutrient and antibody rich milk that is thick and slightly colored. A few days later, breast milk that is thinner, and more white, “will come in.”

So what can you do to get things going? Click here for the rest of the story.

First of all, being pregnant is work. Giving birth is work.  And raising kids is work. You may not get paid for it, but it does require physical and mental exertion and long hours.

Now that we got that out there, let’s put it aside and focus on what happens when you’ve got to get back to the office. How are you going to handle those meetings, conference calls and work trips while continuing to breastfeed?  With multi-tasking of course. Spend your maternity leave establishing a good breastfeeding routine. Feed your baby on demand, whenever she shows signs of hunger. Make sure she’s latching on well for each feeding and gaining weight. And if you are having any discomfort or problems, get help as soon as possible from a lactation consultant. It will be harder to take the time to get advice once you’ve gone back to the office…

For the rest of the blog post, continue reading here at the giggle GAB site.

Welcome to newborn land. Your days and nights blend together. You can’t remember the last time you washed your hair. And you’re going a little stir crazy. We know. We’ve been there.

So, guess what. It’s time to put on some clean sweatpants and go for a walk.  Take that baby and get out of the house.  Sure, you may have to feed her while you’re out and about.  But breastfeeding in public… in other words, anywhere other than your own sofa… isn’t as hard as you may think.  Here are some tips for taking the show on the road.

Click here to keep reading.