There are a multitiude of reasons why breastmilk is better for a baby, and while a mother may have the best of intentions, babies don't always cooperate. Some infants learn to latch on easily, and others have a much more difficult time.

In particular, babies with Down syndrome often have a difficult time breastfeeding due to hypotonia or low muscle tone, a poor suckling reflex, and more placid and sleepy nature. If you intend to breastfeed your baby with Down syndrome, you may want to checkout the websites below and consider a consultation with a lactation specialist.

About.com's Breastfeeding Guide Site

La Leche League Factsheet

Hypothyroidism - or an underactive thyroid gland - occurs quite frequently in people with Down syndrome. While some infants are born with hypothyroidism, called congenital hypothyroidism, others develop this disorder later in life.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism - decreased growth rate, constipation, lethargy or tiredness, decreased muscle tone and dry skin and hair - can overlap with the symptoms of Down syndrome, making it more difficult to diagnose in this group. Because of this overlap, it is recommended that all people with Down syndrome have regular screening tests to detect this disorder.

More on hypothyroidism and Down syndrome

Does your loved one have a sluggish thyroid? What were their symptoms?

Recently the CDC published their recommendations that all people with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Down syndrome, receive the vaccine for the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus which causes swine flu. This recommendation is based on the increased risk for illness and complications among people with neurodevelopmental disorders. There are many reasons that people with neurodevelopmental disorders have an increased risk to get ill but there are steps that you can take to limit their risk.

While it has been recommended that all people with Down syndrome, and other high risk groups, receive the H1N1 vaccine, this vaccine has not been without controversy. Do you plan to have your loved one receive the vaccine? Why or why not?

Poll

Just the Facts about Swine Flu

While I am frequently amazed at the inventive ways that parents raise awareness about Down syndrome, this story in the Boston Globe caught my eye for a different reason.

Karen Gaffney, a 31 year old woman with Down syndrome, swam 5 miles in the Boston Harbor, to raise awareness about the abilities of people with Down syndrome. When asked why she did the swim, she said:

"I did this swim to show people what people like me can do."

Given the fact that she swam in October, and only has the use of one leg due to a hip problem, I think it is definitely fair to say that Ms. Gaffney has a "can do" attitude and a healthy dose of determination!

Congratulations to Ms. Gaffney!