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An interesting aspect about language and culture is how a single word could represent many things such as the word .. Adobo. Adobo is considered to be a national dish with a long history of original family recipes and variations from different regions that reflect Filipino culture and diversity.
So what makes an adobo dish an adobo? Adobo is cooked pickled meat. It came from the French word “adouber” which means “to dress a knight in armor” and then eventually meant “to arrange, to construct, to tan leather and to dress foods”. The Spaniards first introduced “Adobar” with its marinade using local vinegar rather than grape wine from Spain. Vinegar is the important ingredient in the dish that brings flavor, tenderizes the meat and preserves it for days without refrigeration.
Since Adobo has been part of our usual menu, it is also a good source of nutrients depending on the variety of its ingredients. Here are examples of different Adobo variations and their corresponding nutritional benefits and health tips:
1. Adobo sa Gata. This adobo recipe uses gata or coconut milk. This is a popular variation in Bicol where coconut cream and chili are key ingredients in most dishes. Since coconut milk is a source of medium-chain fatty acids, it is a good adobo variation for those trying to increase their calorie intake when trying to gain weight or recover from illnesses. However, for those trying to control their calorie intake like those trying to lose weight, eat this dish in moderation or with less coconut milk.
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Short answer is YES. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), “COVID-19 Vaccination is recommended for all people 12 years and older, including people who are breastfeeding”. However, clinical trials on COVID-19 Vaccines in the US did not include breastfeeding mothers - thus, there is limited data on the safety and effects of the vaccination on the breastfed baby and on milk production or excretion. Regardless of this, COVID-19 vaccines are proven safe and do not cause infection to both the mother and baby. It also helps prevent COVID-19 among breastfeeding mothers. Some studies have also shown that those who received the mRNA type of COVID-19 vaccine are able to produce antibodies that are passed through the breastmilk which can also be a source of protection for breastfed babies. However, more studies are needed regarding the extent on how these antibodies can give immune protection for the baby.
Here are some reminders and tips for breastfeeding mothers who are considering getting vaccinated and breastfeeding tips after vaccination.
Read more: Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers?
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Breastfeeding mothers are often concerned about the safety of drinking medications or receiving vaccinations while breastfeeding. Some medications are able to pass through the breastmilk and be indirectly ingested by the infant while some medications do not. To make things simpler, here is a quick list of medications that are safe to drink, medications that must be taken with caution and medications that are avoided while breastfeeding.
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Short answer is - YES! But it depends if the mother has an untreated active TB or is already receiving TB treatment. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection of the lungs due to the bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually affects the lungs but can also infect the kidney, spine and brain and can be fatal when left untreated. It can be spread through the air from one person to another through coughing, speaking or singing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
“Mothers should temporarily NOT breastfeed but CAN feed expressed breast milk if the mother has untreated, active tuberculosis. The mother may resume breastfeeding once she has been treated appropriately for 2 weeks and is documented to be no longer contagious.”
Read more: Can Mothers with Tuberculosis Continue Breastfeeding?
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Cleft lip and cleft palate are some of the most common congenital oral and facial deformities in newborns. It could be due to a genetic predisposition or exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy such as nicotine from smoking or second-hand smoke, alcohol and antiepileptic drugs. These substances can affect the normal development of the face and lips leading to incomplete closure of the lip and palate. Infants with cleft lip and/or palate will have difficulty in feeding, hearing, speaking and can also have defects in their teeth. Thus, these infants need special feeding techniques such as feeding in the upright position like the clutch hold position, special feeding bottles because they can't create an effective sucking pressure due to the incomplete closure of their mouth. Treatment should be started as soon as possible through surgery. The initial non-surgical management options are nasoalveolar molding and lip taping to reduce size of the lip defect which should be started at 2 weeks of age then surgical repair must be initiated by 3 months of age to optimize feeding and speech development.
Here are some breastfeeding tips for babies with cleft palate that you can do at home:
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HIV or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks our body’s immune system which leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - a disease that makes the body vulnerable to many infections. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease and can be passed from an infected individual through their body fluids. Recent studies have shown that there is a risk of transmitting HIV through breast milk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), “The best way to prevent transmission of HIV to an infant through breast milk is to not breastfeed. In the United States, where mothers have access to clean water and affordable replacement feeding, CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that HIV-infected mothers completely avoid breastfeeding their infants, regardless of ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) and maternal viral load. ”
