Review: Milkscreen Moms
August 19, 2008
My friends and family frequently tease me about my comfort level with topics most people find taboo. As a nurse, I’ve learned to become comfortable talking about pretty much anything. Patients and families will only open up about these topics that can significantly affect outcomes when they sense the nurse is knowledgeable and approachable.
We all know that “breast is best” for both mother and baby. There is a wealth of information available both online and in print detailing the why and how to of breast feeding. Not surprisingly, there is little information about the moderate use of alcohol during the time (which can be as long as a year or more) that mother and baby are nursing. I’d like to start by saying there are numerous issues that need to be considered before a woman decides to consume alcohol while she has a young baby (which will not be discussed at present). What I will say is that a mother should always use her best judgement considering first and foremost the safety of both her and her baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises breastfeeding women to avoid alcoholic beverages because alcohol is concentrated in breast milk and can inhibit milk production. An occasional alcoholic beverage can be consumed as long as breastfeeding is avoided for two hours after the drink (AAP).
That being said, what about the occasional glass of wine with dinner? Upspring Baby, started by moms, has developed a product to give moms some reassurance about this topic. Milkscreen is a two minute test designed to detect the volume of alcohol concentrated in breast milk. Alcohol metabolism is individual and depends on numerous factors including body weight, type of alcohol consumed, and food intake. Alcohol can affect an infant in numerous ways including sleep disturbances and disrupted feeding patterns. It would be prudent for a mother to use this test if she is planning on consuming alcohol since pumping and dumping does not “remove” the alcohol from the breast milk.
Milkscreen is available at stores nationwide and comes in packs containing 3 test strips ($4.99), 8 test strips ($9.99) or 20 test strips ($19.99).
*Bonus* In recognition of World Breastfeeding Awareness Month, Milkscreen is offering consumers a rebate good for a free 3-pack (up to $5.99 off) or 40 percent off a 20-pack (up to $8 off) throughout August. Be sure to visit Babies R Us, Target, or Amazon.com to purchase Milkscreen.
So what do you think about this topic? Discuss amongst yourselves…
Resources:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Firsts…
August 19, 2008
Motherhood is filled with firsts, each more exciting than the one before. Every day I wake up with anticipation for the day ahead. I am blessed to stay home with my son as much as I do, considering I work part-time. I’ve been there for his first purposeful smile, his first coos and babbles, his first giggles, the first time he rolled over, the first time he sat up and started crawling, his first words, and his first steps.
My husband and I are now on the verge of giving my son his first haircut. My son has the most beautiful dark brown curly hair. He gets complimented on it all the time. But it’s to the point where it’s so long that it’s getting tangled and unruly. So we’re wondering…when…how…who… I want to make it memorable. I’m planning on taking pictures and saving a lock of his hair. Apart from that I’m just waiting until the right time…if there is a right time….
