Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of death for infants in their first year of life, according to data analyzed by scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

The researchers looked at records of infants between 28 days and 1 year old and concluded that promoting breastfeeding can potentially prevent up to 720 post-neonatal deaths in the United States each year. (The study appears in the May issue of the journal Pediatrics.)

Records at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of 1,204 children who died between 28 days and 1 year old of causes other than congenital defects or cancer were examined and compared with the records of 7,740 children still alive at 1 year. The scientists found that children who were breastfed had a 20 percent lower risk of dying between 28 days and 1 year than children who were not breastfed, and the longer the child was breastfed, the lower the risk of death.

Results were the same for black and white children.

Breastfeeding can be a challenge for some mothers, but one North County woman offers a solution. Sheri Menelli of Encinitas, a certified clinical hypnotherapist, has recorded a CD to help both new and experienced mothers produce an adequate supply of breast milk. "Breastfeeding Meditations" contains "guided meditations" designed to reduce the tension that often inhibits milk production.

"According to the World Health Organization, the number-one reason women stop breastfeeding is a perceived lack of breast milk," Menelli says. "Many times that lack is due to stress, or they have difficulty producing enough milk when they pump."

The CD, she adds, helps mothers improve their attitude toward breastfeeding; brings about relaxation; increases the supply of milk through visualization; and creates a better bond between baby and mother.

The meditations also are useful for mothers who must pump their milk because their infants have extended hospital stays.

The CD is $15.99. Call (760) 431-2228, or visit www.menelli.com or www.amazon.com.

Another North County woman has come up with a solution to the discomfort many perimenopausal women experience because of hot flashes and night sweats. Beverly Beck Ellman of Carmel Valley says that "the single menopausal symptom that bothered me most was hot flashes that awakened me at night. My clothing was drenched. I had to get up and change my nightgown two to three times each night."

Beck Ellman's friend and neighbor, Dr. Maria Lyn Sardo, a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs reconstructive surgery on breast-cancer patients, told her about a synthetic fabric used in athletic wear. It absorbs moisture better than natural materials.

"The bells went off," Beck Ellman says, so she and Sardo, whose breast-cancer patients often experience instant menopause because of chemotherapy, put their heads together and came up with CoolZs sleepwear. There are about a dozen styles, and the sale of one will benefit breast cancer research. CoolZs are available at Nordstrom and at www.CoolZs.com.

"The sleepwear also works well for women who are overweight and tend to overheat at night, and pregnant women who face fluctuations in body temperature," Beck Ellman added.

E'Louise Ondash of Vista is a registered nurse and freelance writer. Contact her at elo3@cox.net.