Patient's question:
The dosage of Eken for newborns, is it one pill daily or every other day? Additionally, my nipple has been severely damaged by the baby during breastfeeding. Should I continue feeding or pause for a while until the nipple heals, and then resume? How should the nipple be treated? In...Doctor's answer:
The dosage of Eken for newborns is one tablet per day. Routine supplementation with fish liver oil (i.e., vitamin AD preparation, such as Eken) is recommended starting from the 15th day after birth, one tablet per day. During the summer when outdoor activities are frequent and sunlight is abundant, the dosage can be adjusted accordingly.Principally, breastfeeding is recommended. The mother should take calcium supplements, and if the baby shows no signs of night sweats, restlessness, or other calcium deficiency symptoms, additional calcium may not be needed within the first four months. However, adjustments should still be made based on the baby's individual condition. If calcium deficiency symptoms reappear, calcium supplements should be provided promptly.
For mixed or formula feeding, estimate how much calcium the baby is consuming from milk to ensure it exceeds the recommended daily intake (300 mg for infants aged 0-6 months). If the intake already meets or exceeds this amount, additional calcium may not be necessary. Adjustments should still be made based on the baby's specific condition. Organic calcium sources are generally preferred, such as amino acid chelated calcium, lactate calcium, or acetate calcium.
Advice: If the nipple is cracked during breastfeeding, increase the frequency of feeding on the affected side. You can temporarily stop feeding on that side for a day and apply vitamin E ointment to promote healing. Wear a nipple shield during breastfeeding. After each feeding, gently clean the nipple with cool water (avoid hot water or soapy water, as this will only make the skin rougher and drier). Allow it to air dry and maintain ventilation as much as possible.