fat soluble vitamins stay in the body, can lead to toxicity

Take vitamins with care and watch daily recommended dosage.

Please watch the amount of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K) with care. it is stored in the body and can lead to toxicity. not to exceed 100% of daily recommended dosage, and depends on what you eat in your diet.

Following is from my pharmacist friend:
"Regarding your question about vitamins, I don't think it matters on what brand of vitamins that you take. It is more important on the amount and which vitamins. I always tell my patients that just because it is vitamins or herbals (natural), it is not always safe. Not all excess vitamins are been eliminate in the urine, some vitamins are fat soluble and it stays in the body thus it can lead to toxicity. If you have any question, ask the pharmacists near you. They can help you pick the right vitamins for you. By the way, do take extra 1000mg of Calcium for your bone. "

Babies need some sun exposure for Vitamin D.

The amount of vitamin D in human milk is small: 20-136 IU/liter in mothers who are not vitamin D deficient. However, the vitamin D in human milk is in a form that is very easily used by the baby and therefore adequate for most infants, when combined with a small amount of sun exposure.

From kellymom.com: Infants (0-12 months) should not exceed 1,000 IU per day.

Anyone aged 1-50 years should not exceed 2,000 IU per day.

Some say breastfeeding babies need extra vitamin D, some say it's not true... another example of conflicting and confusing breastfeeding info.

The American Academy of Pediatrics said:

Why is it necessary to give vitamin D supplements to my breastfeeding baby? Doesn’t human milk have all the essential nutrients for babies?
human milk does not contain enough vitamin D to prevent rickets. Sunlight is the usual source of vitamin D production in the skin. You should give the drops once a day, every day. But, if you forget one day, it is all right. The vitamin D is stored in the baby and there will be enough in the baby’s body to prevent rickets.

a lactation counselor said to me that this study was conducted on a group of women who do not have healthy diet. Looks like at long as baby and me go out at least 24 min/day or about 3 hours/week to get sunlight exposure needed to achieve adequate vitamin D status, then we're good. FDA increased vitamin D dosage to 1,000 IUs Daily, since it helps with calcium absorption.

I wasn't sure if the prenatal vitamins, DHA supplements, Viactiv calcium + vit D & K, baby's polyvisol vitamins, and the food I eat are too much. My family physician said depends on my diet that day. If I meet the daily nutrition intake, I can adjust the dosage as needed.

I like my friend's advise, just follow your instinct no matter what anyone else says, and you'll be fine.

Breastmilk provides healthier baby.

Speaking of breastfeeding, this video really helps when I was having latching problem in the beginning.

i found my breastfeeding class really helpful. like hold your boob like a sandwich LOL :) but the nurses at the hospital were really helpful and they had lactation counselors to come and help whenever i ask for them. get as much brown part in baby's mouth as possible. sometimes i had to push the baby's head in. as soon as the mouth is open up.

Start breastfeeding as soon as the baby is out of your womb (and chest to chest skin contact!), because the breast milk will start producing the more baby sucks at your nipple. and the baby is more efficient at sucking than the breastpump. You're not supposed to get a lot in the beginning and that's okay. it's packed with good stuff. If the baby needs to be in NICU, use or borrow hospital's breast pump, because if you don't do it within 2 days, your milk supply will stop and it's really hard to restart!! I wish they tell patients that in the hospital, because a lot of new moms don't know and think they don't have enough of milk. drink warm soup to help the blood circulate around your chest. and keep hydrated - ask your family to always give you something to drink when you breastfeed.

I heard it's possible to restart lactating with medication, but it'll be another challenge on top of all others you have to do. Breastfeeding is not easy and it helps to have support and guidance. I got advise from my local La Leche League lead (I attended LLL meeting prior to birth and it helped to establish a group prior to delivery). Don't be afraid to ask LLL leaders and various lactation counselors for help. breastfeeding was not as easy as it seemed and it helps to have support and guidance.
La Leche (donation accepted) 24 hrs helpline 877-452-5324

my local community family support center offers lactation counselors for free. Latching may hurt a little in the beginning, but you and the baby are trying to find the nursing position that works for both of you. try all different holding positions. New moms, don't give up and don't let anyone tell you your milk is not enough or good, because it will be plenty the more baby sucks and the healthier you eat. The bonding and the nutrients for healthy baby are worth it. I just love holding Jasmine and have her eyes looking at me and her little hands on me. oh get a pacifier ready in the hospital too. and cute outfit for the photo :)

However, if you can't breastfeed for whatever reason, don't worry, my neighbor a devoted mom had to formula feed her children, but they grew up tall and healthy.