Can I take antibiotics while I am breastfeeding my baby?

Yes,

Most antibiotics are quite safe during breastfeeding, even though small amounts may be secreted in the Breast Milk.

The only potential side effect in infants whose mothers are breast-feeding and taking antibiotics such as penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, and aminoglycosides are changes in their intestinal flora (bacteria that are normally present in the intestines). This may lead to loose stool and diarrhea in the infant, but these side effects are temporary.

You have to be careful only for a couple of antibiotics (which your doctor is anyways unlikely to prescribe) during breastfeeding.

Flagyl / Metronidazole is excreted in large quantities in breast milk and may lead to loose stools/ fungal infection in infants and is hence better avoided, or the milk discarded for 24 hours after a course of this medicine.

Chloramphenicol is a rarely prescribed antibiotic that CANNOT be taken during breast feeding, since it can lead to bone marrow suppression & serious liver damage. The good news is that this antibiotic is in any case very rarely prescribed nowadays.

For more information about antibiotic and other medicine safety during breast feeding read here

1. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21308045/ns/today-today_health/t/taking-antibiotics-safe-while-breast-feeding/

2. http://www.babycenter.com/0_drug-safety-during-breastfeeding_8790.bc

3. http://www.safefetus.com/

4. http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/breastfeeding/a/bfing_drugs_2.htm

When can I fly with my newborn baby ?

Ideally your healthy newborn should be around 2-3 months old before being exposed to the recycled air, germs and the large number of people on flight.

However for most healthy babies, 2-3 weeks is a reasonable time frame in case you cannot wait.

Get her examined by your pediatrician, including the ears, and carry medicines like Crocin (Acetaminophen) for any fever/ pain/ irritability, and you should be good to go !

Many parents worry that the changes in air pressure that happen when you fly can harm their baby's ears. It's true that "popping ears" during takeoff and landing can be a bit painful for some infants, but it won't cause any lasting damage. Your baby will feel more comfortable if he has something to suck on during takeoff and landing, so you may want to breastfeed or give him a bottle or pacifier. You can give him some infant pain reliever (such as acetaminophen) if his ears really seem to bother him.

Get more tips for traveling with babies here

1. http://www.babycenter.com/404_at-what-age-is-it-safe-for-my-baby-to-fly_7258.bc

2. http://pregnancy.about.com/od/newbornbabies/a/babyairplane.htm

3. http://www.ivillage.com/babies-it-safe-travel-plane-newborn/6-n-137695

Best Diaper Brands in India - A Pediatrician's Personal Choice

Many parents of young children, especially NRIs (Non Resident Indians) are worried when they come over to India for vacations. They are not aware of what diaper brands are available, and whether the available brands would "suit" the sensitive skin of their toddler/ infant.

A whole range of good quality diaper brands are now available in India. Here is a small selection (in no particular order)

• Pampers
• Pampers (Active) - Imported from Saudi Arabia!
• Huggies
• Momy Poko Pants (Can be worn like an underwear - no need to fasten adhesive strips)
• Wipro Baby Soft - Cloth like feel

Many of the upscale pharmacies in bigger cities also have a wide range of Imported Diapers. Hence I rarely advise parents to carry diapers in from abroad, unless the skin of the child is very sensitive, and allergic to a large number of available brands.

My personal favorite is surprisingly an Indian Brand - Wipro's Baby Soft Diapers. There are two reasons for the same...

1. It actually has a cloth like feel and is thus probably less likely to cause a contact dermatitis / allergic rash.
2. Its drying power is phenomenal, and the diaper remains significantly drier for longer than with other brands.

Full Disclosure: I use this brand for my daughter. I have NO financial relationship with the manufacturers of any diaper brands, including the ones that I am recommending. I have to buy them just like the rest of us :)

My Radio Talk on Big 92.7 FM

Just gave a talk on the common ear problems in children, including ear pain and infections and tips on ear cleaning, to the Chandigarh edition of BIG 92.7 FM.
Some photographs from the event, I enjoyed it.
I have been planning for an audioblog/ podcast, want to spread the word around - however unsure of the potential audience, and of course the time for the same ...
Any comments would be really appreciated