August 2011 Newsletter

Dear Dr. Hale,

I’m a breastfeeding mom.  I love the outdoors, but the mosquitos are terrible where I live.  Will it hurt my baby if I use insect repellant? Can I put insect repellant on my baby?

Worried Mom

Dear Worried Mom,

It’s officially summertime and along with the warm weather comes all types of insects that buzz, sting, and bite.  While the itchy aftermath is enough to keep most people guarded from insect bites, we must also remember that sometimes the situation doesn’t just end with a bump. Mosquitos and ticks can carry painful or even potentially fatal diseases, such as Lyme Disease, Malaria, and West Nile Virus, which wreak havoc long after the red bumps have disappeared. In order to protect yourself and your children, be sure to follow the CDC’s guidelines for the usage of insect repellents when participating in outdoor activities.