Breastfeeding Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Breastfeeding. These conditions may be a cause or symptom of Breastfeeding or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.

  • MRSA MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria causes skin infections with the following signs and symptoms:...learn more »
    In This Article
    MRSA Article
    • MRSA infections facts
    • What is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?
    • What does a MRSA infection look like?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of MRSA infection?
    • How is MRSA infection transmitted or spread?
    • How is MRSA diagnosed?
    • How can people prevent MRSA infection?
    • How should caregivers treat MRSA patients at home?
    • What is the prognosis (outlook), and what are the potential complications for people with MRSA infections?
    • What is the treatment for MRSA infection?
    • What is a "superbug"?
    • Where are other MRSA information sources?
  • Pregnancy (Week By Week, Trimesters) There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pregnancy (Week By Week, Trimesters) Article
    • Pregnancy facts*
    • Introduction
    • What is the first trimester (week 1-week 12)?
    • What is the second trimester (week 13-week 28)?
    • What is the third trimester (week 29-week 40)?
    • How will my baby develop week by week?
    • What are the changes that happen to a woman's body during her 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy?
    • Body aches
    • Breast changes
    • Constipation
    • Dizziness
    • Fatigue, sleep problems
    • Heartburn and indigestion
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Itching
    • Leg cramps
    • Morning sickness
    • Nasal problems
    • Numb or tingling hands
    • Stretch marks, skin changes
    • Swelling
    • Urinary frequency and leaking
    • Varicose veins
  • Thrush Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus. Symptoms of Thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a...learn more »
    In This Article
    Thrush Article
    • Thrush facts
    • What is thrush?
    • What causes thrush?
    • What are risk factors for thrush?
    • What are thrush symptoms and signs?
    • How is thrush diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for thrush?
    • Are there home remedies for thrush?
    • What is the prognosis of thrush?
    • Can thrush be prevented?
  • Allergy An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. ...learn more »
    In This Article
    Allergy Article
    • Allergy facts
    • What does an allergy mean?
    • What causes allergies?
    • Who is at risk and why?
    • What are common allergic conditions, and what are allergy symptoms and signs?
    • Hay Fever
    • Asthma
    • Allergic Eyes
    • Allergic Eczema
    • Hives
    • Allergic Shock
    • Where are allergens? Everywhere
    • In the air we breathe
    • In what we ingest
    • Touching our skin
    • Injected into our body
  • Food Allergy The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs...learn more »
    In This Article
    Food Allergy Article
    • Food allergy facts
    • Introduction to food allergies
    • How do allergic reactions to food occur?
    • What are the symptoms and signs of food allergy?
    • Do infants and children have problems with food allergy?
    • What are the most common food allergies?
    • What is cross-reactivity?
    • What is oral allergy syndrome?
    • What is exercise-induced food allergy?
    • What conditions have mistakenly been attributed to food allergy?
    • What conditions mimic food allergy?
    • How is food allergy diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for a food allergy?
    • Are allergy shots effective for food allergy?
  • Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder (or manic depression) is a mental illness characterized by depression, mania, and severe mood swings. Treatment...learn more »
    In This Article
    Bipolar Disorder Article
    • Bipolar disorder facts
    • What is bipolar disorder?
    • What is the history of bipolar disorder?
    • What are the types of bipolar disorder?
    • What are bipolar disorder causes and risk factors?
    • What are bipolar disorder symptoms and signs in adults, teenagers, and children?
    • How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
    • What illnesses often coexist with bipolar disorder?
    • What are bipolar disorder medications and other treatments? Are there any home remedies or alternative treatments for bipolar disorder?
    • How is bipolar disorder treated during pregnancy and the postpartum period?
    • What are complications and prognosis/effects over time of bipolar disorder?
    • Can bipolar disorder be prevented?
    • Where can people find more information about bipolar disorder?
    • Where can people find support to help them cope with bipolar disorder?
  • Mercury Poisoning Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in water, soil, and the air. Mercury is also contained in some fish, some of the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Mercury Poisoning Article
    • Mercury introduction
    • General information about mercury and mercury exposure
    • What are the health effects and symptoms of mercury exposure or poisoning?
    • What about mercury in batteries?
    • What about mercury in dental amalgam?
    • What about mercury in fish?
    • What about mercury in fluorescent light bulbs?
    • What about thimerosal in vaccines?
    • What about mercury in thermometers for fever?
    • What about mercury in recycling and waste disposal?
    • How are mercury spills cleaned up?
    • What are more mercury-containing products?
    • How can I find out about mercury exposure where I live?
    • Related mercury poisoning article:
      Mercury Poisoning - on eMedicineHealth
  • Iron Deficiency Iron is a mineral our bodies need. Iron deficiency is a condition resulting from not enough iron in the body. It is the most...learn more »
    In This Article
    Iron Deficiency Article
    • Iron and iron deficiency facts*
    • What is iron and why do we need it?
    • What is iron deficiency and why is it a concern?
    • What causes iron deficiency?
    • Who is most at risk for iron deficiency?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency?
    • How is iron deficiency diagnosed?
    • How is iron deficiency treated?
    • Can iron deficiency be prevented?
    • Babies
    • Young children (aged 1-5 years)
    • Adolescent girls and women of childbearing age
    • Pregnant women
    • How much iron do I need?
    • What are dietary sources of iron?
    • Dietary sources of Vitamin C
    • Iron overload and hemochromatosis
  • Graves' Disease Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. Some of the symptoms of Graves' disease include hand tremors,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Graves' Disease Article
    • Graves' disease facts*
    • What is Graves' disease?
    • What are the symptoms of Graves' disease?
    • Who gets Graves' disease?
    • What causes Graves' disease?
    • How do I find out if I have Graves' disease?
    • How is Graves' disease treated?
    • What could happen if Graves' disease is not treated?
    • Does pregnancy affect the thyroid?
    • Do I need a thyroid test if I become pregnant?
    • I have Graves' disease and want to have a baby. What should I do before I try to become pregnant?
    • How is Graves' disease managed during pregnancy?
    • Can I breastfeed if I am taking antithyroid medicine for Graves' disease?
    • For more information about Graves' disease
  • Prolactinoma (Pituitary Tumor) Prolactinoma is an adenoma (benign tumor) of the pituitary gland. Causes of many prolactinomas are unknown. Symptoms in women...learn more »
    In This Article
    Prolactinoma (Pituitary Tumor) Article
    • What is a prolactinoma (pituitary tumor)?
    • What is the normal function of prolactin?
    • What is the pituitary gland?
    • Where is the pituitary gland located?
    • What problems are caused by a pituitary tumor?
    • How common is a prolactinoma?
    • What are the types of prolactinomas?
    • What causes a prolactinoma?
    • What symptoms are caused by a prolactinoma?
    • Aside from a prolactinoma, what else can cause prolactin levels to rise?
    • How is a prolactinoma diagnosed?
    • What follow-up tests are done after a prolactinoma diagnosis?
    • What are the goals of treatment of a prolactinoma?
    • How is a prolactinoma treated?
    • What medications are used to treat prolactinomas?
    • What is the surgical treatment of a prolactinoma?
    • How do I choose a skilled neurosurgeon?
    • Does a prolactinoma affect pregnancy and oral contraceptives?
    • Do prolactinomas affect oral contraceptives?
    • Is osteoporosis a risk in women with high prolactin levels?
    • Prolactinoma At A Glance
  • Colic in Babies Colic is crying or fussing that begins suddenly, lasting for a total of three hours a day and happening more than three days a...learn more »
    In This Article
    Colic in Babies Article
    • What is colic? What are colic symptoms and signs in babies?
    • What can be done to help with colic in babies?
    • What can the doctor do to help a colicky baby? What is the treatment for colic in an infant?
    • Colic At A Glance
  • Rickets Rickets is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium or phosphate. Infants and children who are exclusively breastfed, have...learn more »
    In This Article
    Rickets Article
    • Rickets facts
    • What is rickets?
    • What is the history of rickets?
    • What causes rickets?
    • What are rickets symptoms and signs?
    • How is rickets diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for rickets?
    • What is the prognosis for rickets?
    • How can rickets be prevented?
  • Asthma in Children Asthma, the main cause of chronic illness in children, has signs and symptoms in children that include frequent coughing spells,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Asthma in Children Article
    • What makes a child more likely to develop asthma?
    • Why are more children getting asthma?
    • How can I tell if my child has asthma?
    • How is asthma diagnosed in children?
    • What is the treatment for asthma in kids?
    • What asthma drugs can children take?
    • How do I give my child asthma medication?
    • How do I know when my child's asthma is well controlled?
    • Will my child outgrow asthma?
    • What do I do when my child has an asthma attack?
  • Breast (Anatomy and Function) The breast generally refers to the chest, however, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast (Anatomy and Function) Article
    • What is the breast?
    • How is the mammary gland designed?
    • How are human breasts different from those of other primates?
    • What happens to the breasts in pregnancy?
    • What is the function of the nipples and surrounding pigmented tissue?
    • What are other internal features of the breast?
    • What are cosmetic aspects of the breast?
    • How does breast tissue develop in the fetus?
    • What are the most common medical concerns about the breast?
  • Thrush and Other Yeast Infections in Children Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth...learn more »
    In This Article
    Thrush and Other Yeast Infections in Children Article
    • What are yeast infections?
    • Why do yeast sometimes cause symptoms?
    • How do babies get yeast infections?
    • What is oral thrush? What are symptoms of oral thrush?
    • How do children (and adults) acquire thrush?
    • How does yeast affect diaper rash?
    • Can thumb sucking cause problems with yeast?
    • Can a nursing mother acquire yeast infections from her infant?
    • How are thrush and other yeast infections treated?
    • Should a child with yeast infection be kept out of child care?
    • Are there other names for yeast infection?
  • Women's Health Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Women's Health Article
    • Introduction to Women's Health
    • Women's General Health and Wellness
    • Female Anatomy
    • The Female Reproductive System
    • Female Hormones
    • Diseases More Common In Women
    • Cancer In Women
    • Women's Cosmetic Concerns
    • Menstruation
    • Sexuality
    • Fertility, Birth Control and Infertility
    • Pregnancy
    • Motherhood
    • Menopause
    • The Mature Woman - Post Menopause
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that is spread from person to person via spit, semen, vaginal secretions, urine, blood, sexual...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Article
    • What is CMV?
    • What causes CMV?
    • How is CMV spread?
    • What are the symptoms of CMV?
    • How can I protect myself from CMV?
    • How is CMV different for someone with HIV?
    • How can I prevent CMV disease?
  • Menstruation Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a "period." When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed....learn more »
    In This Article
    Menstruation Article
    • What is menstruation?
    • What is the menstrual cycle?
    • What happens during the menstrual cycle?
    • What is a typical menstrual period like?
    • What kinds of problems do women have with their periods?
    • When does a girl usually get her first period?
    • How long does a woman have periods?
    • When should I see a doctor about my period?
    • How often should I change my pad/tampon?
  • Smoking (How to Quit Smoking) Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or...learn more »
    In This Article
    Smoking (How to Quit Smoking) Article
    • Smoking and quitting smoking facts
    • What problems are caused by smoking?
    • What is addictive disease and why is smoking considered addictive?
    • What are the signs of cigarette addiction?
    • Why should someone quit smoking?
    • What are the steps in quitting?
    • Getting ready to quit smoking
    • On the day you quit smoking
    • Staying quit
    • What methods can help a person quit smoking?
    • Behavioral modification and self-help literature to quit smoking
    • Nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking
    • What prescription products are available for smoking cessation?
    • How are nicotine-containing products used safely?
    • What is in the future for smoking?
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection. Symptoms and signs of AIDS include pneumonia due to Pneumocystis jiroveci,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Article
    • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) facts
    • What does AIDS stand for? What causes AIDS?
    • What is the history of AIDS?
    • What are symptoms and signs of AIDS?
    • What are risk factors for AIDS?
    • How is AIDS diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for HIV/AIDS?
    • What is the treatment for HIV during pregnancy?
    • What is the treatment for non-HIV-infected people who are exposed to the genital secretions or blood someone with HIV?
    • What are the complications of HIV?
    • What is the prognosis for HIV infection?
    • Can AIDS be prevented?
    • Is there a vaccine for HIV?
    • What research is being done to find a cure for HIV?
    • Where can a person find information about clinical trials for HIV and AIDS?
  • Childhood Obesity Fast food consumption and lack of exercise are just a couple of causes of childhood obesity. Health effects of childhood obesity...learn more »
    In This Article
    Childhood Obesity Article
    • Childhood obesity facts
    • What is childhood obesity? How is childhood obesity diagnosed?
    • How prevalent is childhood obesity?
    • What causes childhood obesity?
    • What are childhood obesity symptoms and signs?
    • What are risk factors for childhood obesity?
    • What are the risks, complications, and long-term health effects of childhood obesity?
    • What is the treatment for childhood obesity?
    • Can childhood obesity be prevented?
    • What research is being done on childhood obesity?
    • Where can people find more information on childhood obesity?
  • Infant Formulas Though human milk is the preferred feeding for infants, parents may consider formula-feeding if there is an inadequate supply of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Infant Formulas Article
    • Which is better, breastfeeding or formula-feeding?
    • What is in an infant formula, and how do I choose the right one?
    • Can I make my own infant formula?
    • So, what types of formula should parents give to their babies?
  • Fetal Movement: Feeling Baby Kick Week-by-Week Pregnancy can be one of the most joyous time in a couples life. Learn what your baby's first movements may feel like week by...learn more »
    In This Article
    Fetal Movement: Feeling Baby Kick Week-by-Week Article
    • Fetal Movement Introduction
    • When Will I Feel My Baby Kicking?
    • What Does the Baby Kicking Feel Like?
    • How Often Should I Feel My Baby Moving?
    • Should I Monitor My Baby's Kicking?
    • What If You Don't Feel Your Baby Moving?
    • Timeline of Baby Movement
  • Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs within a year after delivery. It is thought that rapid hormone changes...learn more »
    In This Article
    Postpartum Depression Article
    • Postpartum depression facts
    • What is postpartum depression? Are there different types of postpartum depression?
    • What are causes and risk factors for postpartum depression?
    • What are postpartum depression symptoms and signs?
    • How is postpartum depression diagnosed?
    • What are the treatments for postpartum depression?
    • What is the prognosis of postpartum depression?
    • Can postpartum depression be prevented?
    • Where can people get more information about postpartum depression?
    • Where can people get support for postpartum depression?
    • What research is being done on postpartum depression?
  • Children's Health Children's health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Children's Health Article
    • Introduction
    • Children's growth and development
    • Children's illnesses
    • Children's injuries
    • Children's behavior
    • Children's mental illness
    • Family health and children
    • Community health and children
    • Health care for children
  • Pregnancy Planning Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pregnancy Planning Article
    • Pregnancy Planning Facts
    • What is pregnancy planning and why is it important?
    • What are pregnancy symptoms?
    • What is a pregnancy calculator and calendar?
    • Who effective are home pregnancy tests?
    • How can diet and nutrition affect early pregnancy?
    • How does alcohol affect pregnancy?
    • How do high blood pressure and diabetes affect pregnancy?
    • What are examples of commonly-used medications that are dangerous in pregnancy?
    • How do kidney and heart disease affect pregnancy?
    • What infections affect pregnancy?
    • What inherited (genetic) diseases can play a role in pregnancy planning?
    • Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
    • Can I travel by air during pregnancy?
    • Can I have intercourse during pregnancy?
    • How soon after stopping birth control can I become pregnant?
    • How do we maximize our chances of becoming pregnant?
    • Can I do something to help my chances of conceiving a boy or a girl?
  • Pregnancy Body Changes and Discomforts Pregnancy can bring challenges like weight gain, stretch marks, varicose veins, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, problems...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pregnancy Body Changes and Discomforts Article
    • Introduction
    • Body aches
    • Breast changes
    • Constipation
    • Dizziness
    • Fatigue, sleep problems
    • Heartburn and indigestion
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Itching
    • Leg cramps
    • Morning sickness
    • Nasal problems
    • Numb or tingling hands
    • Stretch marks, skin changes
    • Swelling
    • Urinary frequency and leaking
    • Varicose veins
  • Oral Health Problems in Children Oral health problems in children include thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking, tooth decay, and early tooth loss. Get...learn more »
    In This Article
    Oral Health Problems in Children Article
    • Baby bottle tooth decay
    • How do I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?
    • Thumb sucking
    • Tips to help your child stop thumb sucking
    • Tongue thrusting
    • Lip sucking
    • Early tooth loss
  • Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC) Taking prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements should be discussed with your doctor. There are some...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC) Article
    • Is it safe to use medicine while I am pregnant?
    • How should I decide whether to use a medicine while I am pregnant?
    • Where do doctors and nurses find out about using medicines during pregnancy?
    • How do prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine labels help my doctor choose the right medicine for me when I am pregnant?
    • What if I'm thinking about getting pregnant?
    • Is it safe to use medicine while I am trying to become pregnant?
    • What if I get sick and need to use medicine while I am pregnant?
    • I have a health problem. Should I stop using my medicine while I am pregnant?
    • Are vitamins safe for me while I am pregnant?
    • Are herbal remedies or natural products safe for me when I am pregnant?
    • In the future, will there be better ways to know if medicines are safe to use during pregnancy?
    • For more information
  • Kernicterus (Newborn Jaundice) Jaundice in infants occur when the baby's liver may not be developed enough to efficiently rid the body of bilirubin. Symptoms of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Kernicterus (Newborn Jaundice) Article
    • What causes jaundice?
    • What are some of the signs and symptoms of jaundice?
    • Are some babies more likely to be jaundice?
    • Does jaundice always cause a problem?
    • What is kernicterus?
    • Who can develop kernicterus?
    • What are some warning signs and symptoms of kernicterus?
    • Can jaundice be treated and prevent kernicterus from developing?
    • How is jaundice treated?
    • What should I do if I think my baby has jaundice?
    • Is there a support group for parents of children with kernicterus?
    • What does the American Academy of Pediatrics say about jaundice?
  • Endometrial Cancer Prevention Endometrial cancer, or uterine cancer, affects the endometrium of the uterus. It's the most common invasive cancer of the female...learn more »
    In This Article
    Endometrial Cancer Prevention Article
    • What is prevention?
    • What is endometrial cancer (uterine cancer)?
    • Can endometrial cancer (uterine cancer) be prevented?
    • What are risk factors for endometrial cancer (uterine cancer)?
  • Breastfeeding: Common Breastfeeding Challenges Breastfeeding an infant can cause common challenges both for the mother an infant. Some challenges include sore nipples, low milk...learn more »
  • Breast Cancer During Pregnancy Breast cancer occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 pregnant women. Treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy involves surgery, but...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer During Pregnancy Article
    • Introduction
    • How is breast cancer diagnosed in pregnant women?
    • What if I do have cancer? Will I have to lose my baby?
    • Can I breastfeed my baby if I have breast cancer?
    • I had breast cancer, but I have been successfully treated for it. Is it OK for me to get pregnant? Will this harm either me or my baby?