Wendy R. Haldeman's Page

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommends that all exclusively breastfed infants receive Vitamin D supplementation of 200 IU per day beginning during the first 2 months of life. Many of our mothers are questioning the need for Vitamin D supplementation for their Southern California babies. What is the purpose of this vitamin? What are good sources? How much sunlight is necessary to avoid supplementation?

Vitamin D is actually not a vitamin, but rather a steroid hormone. Its… Continue

Newborns and very young infants are often troubled by painful gas. If the baby is distressed, you can bet that the parents are stressed and looking for the perfect remedy.
The truth is that almost all babies under 12 weeks of age will experience some level of gastric upset on a daily basis. The majority of babies will magically recover with time as the leading cause of gas is an immature gut. Babies are also anatomically challenged due to their lack of abdominal muscle tone making it difficult t… Continue

A common concern among novice breastfeeding mothers is what to do when your nursing infant needs to be fed and you are away from the safety and comfort of your home, your favorite nursing chair and your breastfeeding pillow. The baby begins to whimper and show signs of hunger. Your palms grow sweaty. The baby starts to wail. Suddenly everyone is looking at you. What to do?

This is a dilemma faced by breastfeeding mothers every day. Sadly, some women decide not to breastfeed because they are so… Continue