Articles

We'll be working on this soon. In the meantime, here are some useful links:

1. Should I breastfeed? (some varied opinions)

• It's not a simple answer
• Yes (Official word from the AAP)
• LCIM opinion: Almost always yes, barring high levels of toxic chemicals. Current research suggests that even if there is contamination the benefits outweigh the risks. However, if your child is developing abnormally, it may be prudent to have your breast milk tested.
• If you have to use formula, try Earth's Best organic formula. Another reasonable option is Baby's Only Organic formula. Never use soy formula.
• Vitamin D supplementation should be considered.

2. Diet for pregnant and nursing mothers

• Suggestions from the Weston-Price foundation
• Suggestions from Wendy Yu (coming soon)

3. Suggestions for introducing solid foods (great resource is wholesomebabyfood.com):

• What foods should I introduce first?
• Wendy's recommendations (coming soon)
• Important practical considerations when introducing foods.
• Forbidden baby foods
• Preparing homemade baby food

4. What is all the fuss about vaccinations? Does anyone have any well researched advice that is not biased one way or the other?

• Dr. Horn presentation on the issues surrounding vaccinations (note, you must be logged in to view this).
• Here is a link to the official recommendations of the CDC.
• Here is a link to an alternative viewpoint by board certified pediatrician.

5. Some suggestions for Colic

• Weston-Price (e.g., Rooibos tea)
• Wendy Yu - check for food allergies. Actually we have found it is often due to foods the mother is allergic to. IgE tests alone are often insufficient. You should request IgG and in some cases IgA as well.

6. My Child has a fever, what should I do?

• If it is not a dangerous fever (see below) and you are concerned, we recommend bringing the child in for an herbal consultation. We strongly recommend herbal medicine over conventional palliative care (like tylenol, etc.). Reducing fevers directly is something that is highly discouraged in classical Chinese medicine unless the fever is dangerous (enough to cause seizures, etc.). Appropriate herbs can lower the fever by killing off the microorganisms, which is not how tylenol works. Herbal medicine has been shown to kill a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria including flu viruses such as the H1N1 Swine Flu and others. It can also be used in conjunction with conventional care. Our experience is that children often experience relief very rapidly.
• Here is advice from Children's Hospital in Seattle on when fevers are dangerous.
• Here is general advice for colds and flu's.
• Dr. Palevsky's (pediatrician) advice for colds and flu's.

7. Are my baby care products safe?

• Many baby care product safety reviews can be found here

8. Unfortunately, we have to be concerned about these things. Here are some useful links:

• Department of Justice National Sex Offender Website
• Another website for sex offenders with a map
• Children's Safety Education
• Media reviews (movies, books, online, etc.) to give you an idea of whether something may or may not be appropriate for your child.