GotMom Glossary

Active Lesions: Open breaks in the skin; or loss of part of it.

Antibodies: Proteins in mother’s milk and colostrum which provide immune defenses for the baby.

Baby Sling: One of several baby carrying devices that hold a baby close to an adult body.

Breast Milk Substitutes: Any animal milk or other products such as soy, rice, or lamb designed as “formula.”

Cessation: To stop.

Contraindication: Something (as a symptom or condition) that makes a treatment or procedure undesirable.

Colostrum: Milk secreted for a few days after childbirth; characterized by high protein and antibody content

Engorgement: When breasts fill with milk, and become tight and painful to touch.

Holds—Cradle, Cross-Cradle, Football, Lying Down: Several holds designed for efficiency and comfort when nursing.

Hepatitis A, B, C: A-liver inflammation. B&C-viral hepatitis, spread through blood and sexual contact (B only)

Herpes: A sexually transmitted disease with occasional lesions.

HIV: (human immunodeficiency virus) The virus that is responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Immunoglobins: Proteins that provide local immunity.

Inflamed: Swollen.

Legumes: The fruit or seeds of certain plants (as peas or beans) used for food.

Mature Milk: The final stage of breast milk containing vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which aid the baby's digestion.

Nursing Bra: A bra designed for discreet nursing.

Osteoporosis: A loss in the amount of bone mass, leading to brittle bones.
Thrush: A skin infection.

Transitional Milk: The second stage of breast milk consisting of higher fats, and calories to help baby develop.

Tuberculosis: A viral infection of the lungs.

Umbilical Cord: The cord connecting the fetus to the placenta.