Breast Feeding Archives
New Study Says Breastfeeding Raises A Baby's IQ
May 06, 2008
For the latest bit of evidence in this department...there's a new study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Here's some information from The LA Times:
Increased breast-feeding during the first months of life appears to raise a child's verbal IQ, according to a study of nearly 14,000 children that was released Monday.
The study in Archives of General Psychiatry found that 6-year-olds whose mothers were part of a program that encouraged them to breast-feed had verbal IQs that were an average of 7.5 points higher than those of children in a control group.
The researchers said that their findings suggested that the longer an infant is exclusively fed breast milk, the greater the IQ improvement.
The results echo smaller previous studies that found children and adults who were breast-fed tended to have higher IQs than whose who were not...
The latest study tracked breast-fed infants born between June 1996 and December 1997 in Belarus. Half of the infants and mothers were assigned to an experimental program designed to promote breast-feeding, while the remaining infants and mothers received regular pediatric and follow-up medical care.
The breast-feeding program included increased counseling and instruction when women visited doctors or clinics.
At the end of three months, 72% of infants in the experimental group were still breast-feeding to some degree, compared with 60% in the group that did not receive breast-feeding support.
The researchers believe that what drove the results was the substantially higher number of infants who were exclusively breast-fed in the experimental group: 43% compared with 6% of infants in the control group.
All children in the study were interviewed and examined between 2002 and 2005, when they were an average of 6 1/2 years old. The children's academic performance also was evaluated by their teachers.
Besides the improvement in their verbal IQ scores, children in the experimental group scored an average of 4.9 points higher on tests that specifically measured vocabulary.
Compared with children in the control group, children in the experimental group had overall IQ scores 5.9 points higher than those of children in the control group and better academic assessments from their teachers, but the improvements were not deemed statistically significant.
Kramer said that more research was needed to determine whether the benefits were related to a component of breast milk or to the physical and social interaction between mother and child that is inherent in breast-feeding...
Tell Us Your Breastfeeding Problems-- Join Our Carnival
April 14, 2008
If you've had a baby, odds are you had some sort of confusion, at one point or another, about how to feed her. And if you were breastfeeding, part of it probably went like this. "Oh, man, my boobs are _______." (Fill in the blank with your own thoughts here).
So, in honor of all the breastfeeding challenges we've stared down and conquered, the April Breastfeeding carnival is focused on breastfeeding problems. We want to hear from you about how you overcame a challenge, and where you turned for help. If you used the internet, please share the link with us.
I know this is sort of last minute, but the deadline for submission is supposed to be tomorrow, April 15th (tax day). If the other breastfeeding bloggers and I pick your post, you'll be asked to link back to each of the other participants in the carnival on April 22nd.
Breastfeeding Mom in Maryland Could Face Jail Time for Postponing Jury Duty
March 25, 2008
When I was about 36 weeks pregnant with our first baby, I had to go to court for jury duty. I waddled my way into the courthouse and settled uneasily into the wooden bench. Fortunately, the lawyers took one look at me and let me go. Wise decision, I believe. Had they picked me, I would have had to raise my hand every hour to go to the bathroom.
Before that day, I had considered postponing my jury duty until after the baby was born. But I soon realized that didn't make sense since I was planning to work from home and breastfeed. Without a full-time sitter, jury duty would have been near impossible. I had served on a week-long trial once before, so I knew what I was in for.
Given the challenges of breastfeeding and serving jury duty, there are twelve states that actually exempt breastfeeding mothers from jury duty (California, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon and Virginia). Click here to learn about the laws in your state.
So it's a bit of a surprise to see what's happened to a Maryland mom. A judge sentenced her to a night in jail or a $150 fine, after she asked to postpone her jury duty. Here's the story from one of the local TV stations:
Elizabeth Jett's baby boy Henry was less than 12 weeks old when she was called for jury duty. "I think it’s a case of priorities. Taking care of your children should be your first priority. Jury duty can always come later," Jett said.
Jett asked to postpone and serve during the Summer, when Henry would be older and her mother, a full-time teacher, could take care of him and his five-year-old brother.
The Carroll County judge said Jett was in contempt of court, which Jett thought was unbelievable. "I was just shocked. I couldn’t even put it into words," she said.
Legislation that would allow nursing mothers with children under the age of two to be excused from jury duty was introduced for the second time. When the plan was proposed in 2004, many lawmakers shot it down.
Brian Frosh, Chair for the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, said the law would cause more people to try to postpone their duties, "If you start saying, we’re gonna excuse people for breastfeeding, you’ve gotta say ok to kidney dialysis, chemotherapy and all the other maladies that afflict the human condition."
Frosh said the law already gives judges broad discretion to excuse residents from jury duty, "So what we want is for judges to use their discretion liberally."
As for Elizabeth Jett, she has since asked for a waiver, because she can't afford the fine. The judge in the case, Barry Hughes, did not want to comment. The jury commissioner hung up on Andrea McCarren, as soon as she identified herself as a reporter.
Click on this link to watch the video from the TV station. You can read more about this story from the Baltimore Examiner.
Oscar News: Ryan Seacrest, Jessica Alba and Breastfeeding
February 25, 2008
Talk about chutzpah....During the Oscars red carpet last night, E host Ryan Seacrest asked Jessica Alba if she was planning to breastfeed. Maybe it was because of an interview earlier this month when she told Extra that she was worried about breastfeeding.
Watch this video courtesy of TMZ to see her answer. All I have to say is...you go girl!
Dads and Breastfeeding
February 24, 2008
If you're easily offended, don't watch this video. If, however, you want to see an irreverant take on breastfeeding, you'll get a good chuckle out of this one from the guys at Dad Labs.com.
So there you have it, my addition to the February Breastfeeding Bloggers' Carnival. To see what the other participants have to say, visit these sites:
* Tanya at the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog has some book reviews.
* Stacie at The Twinkies has a joke for us.
* Sinead at Breastfeeding Mums has a story about a pumping multi-tasking disaster.
* Amy at Crunchy Domestic Goddess shares several, shall we say, "titbits."
* Carol at Happy Sad Mama shares why she loves to nurse her toddler.
* Angela at Breastfeeding 1-2-3 has some search terms that lead readers to her site.
How To Make A Brisket And Get Your Kids To Eat
January 03, 2008
I once ate an entire brisket. Of course it didn't happen in one sitting. But slowly, over the course of four days, I polished off about 5 pounds of meat.
This wasn't supposed to happen. The boys (ages 1 and 3) and my husband were supposed to pitch in. In fact, the meal was designed to get the boys to eat some real protein. They were going through their white period-- bread, bananas, yogurt, noodles, oatmeal and some raisins for variety. Maybe an apple. Definitely nothing green.
I figured that perhaps I needed to get more creative. It was time to focus on giving them a good old fashioned meal. So here's what I did. I called my grandmother and followed her directions:
1. Buy a big hunk of brisket (first cut) from Fairway.
2. Saute some onions and peppers (add salt and pepper) and line the bottom of a glass pan with the mixture.
3. Add in a big can of crushed tomatoes and a package of dried Lipton onion soup.
4. Put the brisket on top. Add in more peppers and onions (not cooked-- but I don't know why). Some garlic cloves go in too.
5. Add in small, pre-peeled potatoes.
6. Cook at 350 for about two hours.
7. Add in mini carrots.
8. Cook for another hour or more. (It's not possible to over-cook a brisket). Periodically use a spoon to spread the sauce over the brisket.
9. Take the brisket out of the mix and cut it on a cutting board. Slice thinly, against the grain.
10. Add the slices back into the mix.
11. The result is an incredibly tender meat that tastes even better when you re-heat it and serve it on the second and third day.
Laboring all afternoon, I eagerly anticipated the oohs and ahhs as I put the meal on their plastic, disherwasher-safe plates. I envisioned them grabbing fistfuls of meat and smearing sauce on their cheeks. I thought I'd have to tell them to chew slowly as they smashed carrots and potatoes into their mouths.
Here's what happened instead. The carrots ended up on the floor, the meat was untouched. "Please, stay in your seat," I pleaded. "Here, just give this a little try. It's delicious. No, you can't have a cookie." As I cleaned up the dinner debris, I ate what they left behind. This scenario replayed itself out at lunch and dinner for the next few days, and my husband was only home for one dinner. Hence, my brisket gluttony.
There were many times, when the boys were babies, that I worried about whether or not they were eating enough. Even in the early days of breastfeeding, I looked forward to doctor visits to see if they had gained weight. That sense of bewilderment is probably what motivated me to write my book in the first place. And despite my concerns, I do know that the kiddies are on track. At nearly 40 and 30 pounds respectively, pushing them in the double stroller is a serious work-out. Who needs the gym? Just try bench-pressing these guys all day.
My mom says not to worry, that they'll eat when they're hungry. The pediatrician assures me they're fine and don't need vitamins. I even have a 6 foot plus cousin who spent most of his preschool years, as I recall, eating raisin bread and cheerios. So I know it's not that big a deal.
But I'm not giving up yet. Every night I try to give them a protein, a fruit and a vegetable. I've decided that if they won't eat it, tough. I'm not going to do fancy cooking gymnastics a la The Sneaky Chef or Deceptively Delicious. I don't have the time or energy to puree beans and hide them inside other dishes. I do give in to their inner Cookie Monster demands, but not as often as they'd like.
Last week, we spent time with my mom. The first night we were all together we sat down for dinner, and she pulled a brisket out of the oven. I watched her put a heaping portion on the kids' plates. I looked down at the carpet, quietly thinking about removing a red stain from the fibers. I excused myself from the table for a moment, with a shrug of resignation. When I returned, our 1 year old was actually picking at something on his plate, and best of all, his older brother-- well, he had a mouthful of food and was already asking for more.
I can't explain it. Same recipe. Same presentation. Maybe they were finally hungry. Or maybe it was the grandma touch. Come to think of it, hey mom, want to come to visit us this weekend? The kitchen is all yours.
Keeping a Feeding Log
January 02, 2008
When our first son was born I kept a meticulous journal of his feedings. I'd note the time he ate, which breast he ate from, and how long he fed. I also marked down wet and dirty diapers. I was on top of things, and pretty proud of myself. At least I was, until his pediatrician more or less dismissed my note taking. I handed him a copy of the log, and he gave it right back to me. "I don't need this," he said. But look at all my hard work, I felt like saying back to him. Look, even my handwriting is neat!
What I realize now, is that he was essentially saying, your son is fine. He's peeing and pooping and most importantly gaining weight-- you can relax.
But fast forward to our second son, I did the same thing again. I kept a journal for a couple of weeks because I found it helped me keep track of what was going on. In a post-delivery fog, and sleep-deprived state, it helped me to remember when he ate. It was especially important because he was a sleepy baby, and I had to wake him to make sure he ate frequently enough.
So, I still like the idea of keeping notes for a little while, at least. And I'm sure some moms do it longer. That's why I was excited to get a copy of this journal from Random House. "Time to Feed: A Journal for Recording Your Baby's Feeding Schedule" is a great gift for a new mom. In fact, I just gave it to a friend today. It has simple entry spaces for each feeding, whether its boob or bottle, breast milk or formula. Best of all, there is a basic guide to breastfeeding at the back of the book, written by La Leche League.
Answering Your Breastfeeding Questions
December 20, 2007
I've been doing some guest writing on The Nest Baby, a cool site for new moms. Readers have been submitting questions about breastfeeding and I've been answering them. You can check out all of the answers on this link. You can also jump right to the specific questions from these links:
Breastfeeding Positions
Breast Lumps and Nursing
Dealing with Thrush
Inverted Nippes
Milk Blisters
Newborn Eating Enough?
Getting Help At Home
Prepping to Nurse?
Prepping to Pump?
Pumping and Work
Pumping Problems
Storing Breastmilk
Travel while Nursing
Weaning and Milk Supply
Pumping Extra Milk
If you have a specific question, feel free to email me any time at mamaknowsbreast@yahoo.com.
A BreastFeeding Holiday Poem
December 19, 2007
Our neighbors have a wreath on their door. So of course, The Bortsky (age three) wanted to know what it was. "Why don't we have a wreath?" he asked. "Well," I paused, choosing my words carefully, "Sarah celebrates Christmas and she has a wreath and a tree. We celebrate Chanukah and we have a menorah." "Why?" he asked. I gave him a basic "we're Jewish" answer, and fortunately that sufficed.
I'll admit that even though Christmas isn't our thing, I like the lights and decorations at this time of year. Everything seems transformed. I liked watching the Christmas shows when I was a kid and I'm a sucker for a little Holiday lore. Hence, my own version of the traditional poem, "A Visit From St. Nicholas." I wrote this last year, and thought the newcomers to this site might appreciate it.
So back by popular demand...I bring you, once again...
‘TWAS THE BREASTFEEDER’S NIGHTTIME
By Andi Silverman, www.mamaknowsbreast.com
‘Twas a holiday eve and the babe was asleep,
Swaddled tight in his crib he made not a peep.
My boobs were depleted from feeding all day.
“Please don’t wake. Sleep all night,” to the babe I did pray.
But his lips, how they moved, as he lay in his bed.
Visions of milky breasts danced in his head.
Dad in his boxers and I in my sweats,
Could we get some shuteye? Go ahead, place your bets.
The moon on the breast of my t-shirt did glow,
Gave a luster to leaking spots set to grow.
My nursing pads were soaked, they fell out of place.
My bra had unsnapped. How I missed sexy lace.
For months I’d been feeding our babe everywhere.
Coffee shop, park bench, museum, movie chair.
All my modesty gone, nothing shy anymore.
If the kiddo was crying, I knew how to score.
And now with the holidays, things often got dire.
While out buying gifts, I sometimes drew ire.
I breastfed in clothing stores. Changing rooms rock.
I breastfed in bookstores. To the stacks I did flock.
When from the babe’s room there arose such a clatter.
We sprang from our bed to see what was the matter.
Away to his room we flew with a flash,
Threw open the door, in the dark I did crash.
What a klutz I can be, ‘twas those bags made me fall.
Sacks for our trip, all arranged in the hall.
We were going to Grandma’s, a five hour drive.
Holiday time—Will I make it alive?
One big huge duffle held all the babe’s stuff.
Diapers, wipes, onesies. Did I bring enough?
Now don’t forget burp cloths, crib sheets and toys.
Books and Bjorn, we’ll exhibit such poise.
On breast pump, on bottles, on stroller and boppy.
On car seat, on cradle, on blanket and binky.
Fill the back of the car, fill the trunk with our haul.
And we’ll drive away, drive away, drive away all.
Now don’t forget stopping to feed long the way.
Gas stations, McDonalds and rest stops, oy vey.
Of course there’ll be lots of those diapers to do.
Get out the Purell, you’ll be covered in poo.
When we finally arrive, now what will await?
Lots of food and embraces, it’ll be really great.
No, no one will not fight. I will not shed a tear.
Ok, a white lie— but rejoice in who’s here.
And what about wine or a champagne or two?
Will it make my milk bad? Old wives tale or true?
And will anyone say, “Can he now take a bottle?”
“How long will you breastfeed?” How these questions can throttle.
Now back to that “clatter,” the babe and that noise.
We had rushed right on in, leaping over the toys.
When what to our wondering eyes did appear,
Our babe still asleep, oh how sweet, oh how dear.
His cheeks, how they glistened, his hair soft and furry.
And I smiled when I saw him, despite all my worry.
How delicious, his belly, moving in and then out.
How precious, his lips in a sweet little pout.
He had not woken up! He did not need to eat.
He had had quite enough, his day quite complete.
And so back to our bed we did quietly crawl.
Happy Holidays to one, happy sleeping to all.
© 2006, Andi Silverman, www.mamaknowsbreast.com
The About.com guide to Urban Legends linked to this poem.
A Breastfeeding Blogging Bonanza
December 06, 2007
Moms love to tell their stories about childbirth. There's the "I pushed for 14 hours" story. The "you would not believe what happened to me..." story. The "I went all natural" or the "I begged for drugs" stories. And even the "I thought I was going to strangle (insert name)" story.
Now, it seems the story to tell is the breastfeeding tale. That's what happened today on the new collective blog, New York City Moms. The NY Moms blog is part of a larger blogging network that has sites focused on Silicon Valley, Chicago and Washington, DC. And today, in each region, the focus was on breastfeeding...the ups and downs of boobs, bottles and babes.
I'm new to blogging for NY Moms, and I was thrilled that they asked me to write the introductory post to today's entries. Click here for a full list of all of the entries from the day. The site administrators got so many requests from bloggers and readers to include their stories, that they ended up opening an entry where anyone can contribute. Click here if you have a tale to tell.
What's Best for Babes?
November 30, 2007
There are a lot of organizations, professionals and moms-on-a-mission who are devoted to promoting breastfeeding. They all do good work. Now here's another group that is taking a unique approach to increasing breastfeeding rates in the U.S. Best For Babes is a non-profit founded by two moms who are trying to harness the power of mainstream media. I had a chance to talk to the founders Bettina Forbes and Danielle Rigg about their plans. Here's what they had to say:
What is Best For Babes?
Best for Babes is dedicated to increasing breastfeeding rates and making breastfeeding mainstream. To accomplish this, BfB is the first and only entity to bring together celebrities, corporations, foundations, fashion, advertising and the media to give breastfeeding a makeover. Our motto is “inspire, prepare, empower”: BfB is providing inspiring images and role-models, smart info on how to avoid the "booby traps," and how to have a game plan for breastfeeding successfully. Our research and experience have convinced us that this strategy is the best antidote to persistently low U.S. breastfeeding rates.
Why did you start BfB?
Because new moms don't need more pressure or more guilt! They need solutions, and the inspiration to succeed at nursing. We are two moms who endured unnecessary breastfeeding problems ourselves and heard many similar stories from our peers. Danielle took her personal struggle and passion for breastfeeding and turned it into a degree as a CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) in 2002. Bettina was more recently certified. In our work we kept finding the same problem: too many moms weren’t being motivated, prepared or supported properly. At a time when breastfeeding is being encouraged as never before, women are still being set up to fail.
On the motivation side, we found that many women were being turned-off both by existing breastfeeding groups and by images with which they did not identify. Many moms also were scared-off by stories they heard about breastfeeding problems. The saddest part is that 95% of these problems are easily avoided with the proper guidance.
What are your goals?
We’d love to see the U.S. have the same breastfeeding rates as Sweden—where 99% of women initiate and 79% are still mostly breastfeeding at 6 months. In the U.S., the initiation rate is 64%, and only 14% are breastfeeding exclusively at 6 months. One of our most important goals is to provide celebrity and everyday role models. Many women have never seen another woman breastfeed and don’t know where to turn for support or inspiration.
We also want to simply get the most accurate information into women’s hands. Mainstream articles are not always evidence-based, and put little emphasis on prevention. So, we are educating women on how to be better prepared before birth—which hospitals have the best breastfeeding track record, how to find a pediatrician who is trained in lactation or has an IBCLC on staff, which health insurance covers lactation specialists; which employers provide pumping accommodations and on-site daycare. Women also need social support from families and friends. They need positive media images and stores and restaurants that are nursing-friendly. All of these make a huge difference in breastfeeding success We will also be asking for volunteers: Moms are a powerful force and we think the time is right to harness their energy. Moms deserve to be pumped up, geared up, and to feel fabulous about giving their best mom-made wonderfood™ to their babes.
What celebrities are on board with this idea?
Marilu Henner is one of our founding board members and has been terrific. She immediately “got” our concept and is tremendously supportive. Henner is a well-known actress and a New York Times bestselling author who has dedicated herself to helping people improve their health. We’re expecting other celebrities to jump in soon too.
What did you do before BFB?
Well, immediately before BfB, both of us were trying to figure out how to tend to two small children (apiece), our husbands, our homes, and still find time to change the world! Before that, Bettina worked in corporate philanthropy for Merrill Lynch where she managed a highly successful scholarship program for inner-city youth in ten major U.S. cities. The program received numerous awards, including the nation’s highest honor, the President’s “Points of Light” Service Award, in 1999. Danielle was an employment and labor lawyer working at a prestigious NYC firm, and, later, for a large corporation. She gave all that up when she found her calling to help women learn to breastfeed Danielle’s diagnosis with breast cancer at age 37, has motivated her even more to tout breastfeeding’s protective effect against breast cancer – especially the lesser-known benefit for breastfed baby girls.
What should we watch for next from BFB?
In August we were on the cover of Stork Magazine. This was the first in a series of gorgeous images plus smart info that we have planned for our advertising/media campaign. Look for interviews with us in prominent mainstream magazines, and cross-marketing projects with our partners. Also tune in to the “Boob Tube” at www.bestforbabes.com where we set the record straight on latest breastfeeding-related articles, research and products.
Does Breastfeeding Make Your Breasts Sag? New Study Says No
November 14, 2007
From December 2003 to March 2006 I was either pregnant or breastfeeding. Not a day off. I got pregnant with The Bear while still breastfeeding The Bortski. So for a while I wasn't quite sure how things would look in the boob department once I was all done with the baby feeding thing. So what happened? Let's just say my bra size has changed. I won't tell you which way it went....up or down. But let's just say that it's different. And almost any mom will tell you something similar.
All the literature I've ever read says that breast changes are due to the pregnancy itself, weight gain, weight loss and heredity. Breastfeeding has nothing to do with it. Now a study that came out last month confirms that breastfeeding doesn't make your boobs sag. Here's some information from WebMD.
"Expectant mothers should be reassured that breastfeeding does not appear to have an adverse effect upon breast appearance," report University of Kentucky plastic surgeon Brian Rinker, MD, and colleagues.
They interviewed 132 women who came to their plastic surgery clinic to get breast augmentation or a surgical lift for sagging breasts.
The women were 39 years old, on average. The majority -- 93 patients -- had had at least one pregnancy. Most of the moms -- 58% -- had breastfed at least one child.
Rinker's team noted the women's medical history, BMI (body mass index), pre-pregnancy bra cup size, smoking status, and other factors.
The bottom line: "Breastfeeding does not adversely affect breast shape, beyond the effects of pregnancy alone," conclude Rinker and colleagues
However, four other factors were linked to breast sagging:
* Older age
* Cigarette smoking
* Larger pre-pregnancy bra cup size
* Greater number of pregnancies
Age and cigarette smoking both hamper skin's elasticity, note the researchers.
When I first learned about this study, and realized it was done by some plastic surgeons, I was a bit skeptical. Their ultimate goal, obviously, is to plant the idea in women's heads that a boob job is the way to go post-baby. But put that aside for a moment, and focus on the study's bottom line. Breastfeeding is not going to change your figure. I guess it's nice to get a thumbs up for breastfeeding, no matter where it comes from.
Still Trying to Get Amazon to Let Me Create a Tag That Says Breastfeeding
November 07, 2007
So far, I haven't had any luck with my quest to create certain "tags" on the Amazon page that sells my book. Amazon won't accept any variation of the word breastfeeding. I wrote about this here and here last week. Since then, I wrote yet another letter to Amazon. I got a pretty lame response today.
Here's my letter.
To the Amazon Team:
I have been trying to create tags for various forms of the word breastfeeding. Breast feeding. Breast-feeding. Breastfeed, breast feed, breast-feed. Amazon will not let me do this. The title of my book is "Mama Knows Breast: A Beginner's Guide to Breastfeeding." So these tags are very important to me.
I wrote about my trouble with this on my blog. www.mamaknowsbreast.com My blog is linked through RSS to the Amazon site, so the post is visible on my sales page. Can someone please help me resolve this problem? Thank you.
Here's the response:
Andi, Thanks for contacting us at Amazon.com.
I'm sorry, but I will need to research the tag feature further. I
will write back to you with an answer within the next 5-6business
days.
Thank you in advance for your patience, and thanks for shopping at
Amazon.com.
Some Parenting Sites for You To Check Out
October 24, 2007
Here's what I've found recently:
About.com has a new breastfeeding Guide. Melissa Nagin is a lactation consultant in New York City. Click here for her bio. She has a great post right now on how she tried to teach her son economics using breastfeeding to illustrate the concept of supply and demand. (Full disclosure, my husband works at About, but I promise, he had nothing to do with this post!)
Jennifer at the Black Breastfeeding Blog, who I've mentioned before, has added a cool new audio function to her blog. (She's using utterz). If you want to hear the sound of her lovely voice, you can check out a review she posted of my book.
Finally, take a look at The Well Mom. Former ABC News Anchor Heather Cabot is running this site. The Well Mom aims to help moms take care of themselves while they are taking care of everyone else, too. She has a fantastic post on her site now about post-partum depression, and legislative efforts to increase funding for PPD research and outreach to moms. Heather also recently interviewed me about my book. Click here to read her piece.
Applebee's Nurse In
September 04, 2007
This story has been brewing for a while and I've been a little slow on the uptake. Sorry about that.
So a quick summary: There's a national nurse in on Saturday, September 8th at Applebee's locations across the country. It all started when an Applebee's employee in Kentucky asked a mom to stop nursing. Here's a good summary of the incident at Breastfeeding123. There's also a fantastic map of the nurse ins...so far there are 51 locations in 27 states.
Now, if you want to see if there's a nurse in near you, you can check out this Yahoo Group formed for the event.
Smoking and Breastfeeding
I had my high school experimentation with cigaretttes. (Sorry, mom). Fortunately I was never a smoker. I know it's a habit that can be very hard to kick. But if you are smoking and breastfeeding, here's yet another reason to quit... a new study has found that babies sleep less if their mother smokes. The nicotine in breast milk seems to shorten babies naps by one third.
The study was done by the Monell Chemical Senses Center. Here's their website, and here's the link to the press release.
Now some quotes from the press release:
“Infants spent less time sleeping overall and woke up from naps sooner when their mothers smoked prior to breastfeeding,” says lead author Julie A. Mennella, PhD, a psychobiologist at Monell.
The findings, published in the journal Pediatrics, raise new questions regarding whether nicotine exposure through breast milk affects infant development....
Total sleep time over the 3-1/2 hours declined from an average of 84 minutes when mothers refrained from smoking to 53 minutes on the day they did smoke, a 37% reduction in infant sleep time. This was due to a shortening of the longest sleep bout, or nap, and to reductions in the amount of time spent in both active and quiet sleep.
The level of sleep disruption was directly related to the dose of nicotine infants received from their mothers’ milk, consistent with a role for nicotine in causing the sleep disruptions....
An earlier study from Mennella’s lab demonstrated that breast milk nicotine levels peak 30 - 60 minutes after smoking one or two cigarettes and clear by three hours after the smoking episode. Emphasizing the many benefits of breastfeeding on infant health and development, Mennella notes that lactating mothers who smoke occasionally can time their smoking episodes to minimize nicotine exposure to their child...
For more on this story go to The Washington Post.
And one final thought...if you can't quit smoking, it's still best to continue breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics has said smoking is not a contraindication to breastfeeding-- translation, you can smoke and breastfeed, but you should quit. Here's some information from Kellymom on smoking and breastfeeding.
Mama Knows Breast Book Excerpt on The Celebrity Baby Blog
August 13, 2007
A number of months ago a friend got me a subscription to US Weekly magazine. I never knew, until the magazine started showing up in my mailbox, that I had a celebrity fascination. Likewise, I never knew, until I discovered The Celebrity Baby Blog, that I actually wanted to read about celebu-tots.
If you haven't read Celebrity Baby yet, check it out. I recently met the founder, Danielle, and she is really impressive. She's got a whole team working for her now, and they are the go to site for celebrity baby news. The site even has a page devoted to celebrity breastfeeding stories.
And best of all...Celebrity Baby is running an excerpt of my book right now. It's a synopsis of the first chapter. So for a sneak peak, click here. And while you're reading the post, check out the rest of the Celebrity Baby site. You, too, may find yourself hooked.
Moms, You Deserve a Mama Merit Badge
July 26, 2007
If you were a Girl Scout, you'll probably remember the merit badges you got for different accomplishments. Well now, Mamas, you too can get your merit badges from Mama Merit Badges. This one is my favorite.
Via Babble.
Super Model Eva Herzigova Breastfeeding
Most of us mere mortals don't look so stellar 7 weeks post-partum. Then again, most of us aren't super models. So if you decide to check out these pictures of model Eva Herzigova, 34, breastfeeding her baby, please (I beg you) don't compare yourself to her.
Herzigova is pictured in the German magazine Bunte with her son. The Celebrity Baby Blog has the link.
National Board of Medical Examiners Won't Give Breast Feeding Mom Extra Time to Pump During Her Exam
June 23, 2007
Imagine this: You have a 7 week old baby. 7 weeks. She eats all the time, around the clock. But you've got a huge test to take. You're a doctor (not to mention, you also have a PhD), and the test is required in order to move on to the next stage of your career. The test takes all day, but your baby needs to eat. And if you can't actually breastfeed her, you need to pump. So you ask the folks running the exam to make a special accommodation to help you. Their answer-- No.
That's what happened to Sophie Currier of Brookline, Massachusetts. Here are some snippets from the story in today's Boston Globe.
For Currier to begin her medical residency at Massachusetts General Hospital this fall as scheduled, she must pass the clinical knowledge exam run by the National Board of Medical Examiners by August. The exam is nine hours long and allows a total of only 45 minutes in breaks....
...When she called the board last week to ask for extra break time, she said she was told that the test provides special accommodations only for disabilities covered by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, and breast-feeding was not one of them.
Currier agreed that breast-feeding is not a disability. But it is physically demanding : "What am I going to do, express milk all over your computer?" she asked a board official.
In a statement faxed to the Globe, Catherine Farmer, the board's manager of disability services, wrote that the disabilities act "does not cover temporary conditions, such as pregnancy. . . . Furthermore, lactation, breast-feeding and breast pumping are not disabilities as defined by the ADA."
However, she added, examinees could use their break time outside the testing room for breast pumping, and if they finished sections of the test early, they could gain extra time for break...
...In a letter (Currier) is drafting to the medical board, she is going to request an extra 20 minutes of break time per day, she said -- the minimum she thinks she can manage.
We hear stories all the time of moms who run into trouble feeding their babies in restaurants, stores, and airplanes. But this one just takes the cake. A group of medical professionals-- The National Board of Medical Examiners-- a group that should know better than any other the importance of breastfeeding, is putting a new mom and her newborn in a difficult situation.
Good for Currier, for standing up to them, and taking her story to the media. Here's to hoping she gets some help and The Board comes to its senses.
Dads and Breast Feeding-- My Husband, My Co-Author
June 11, 2007
Welcome to the June Breastfeeding Carnival, a tribute to the Dads in our lives. At the end of this post you'll find entries from our usual cast of blogging characters, as well as some guests.
As I've been talking about ad nauseam here, I've been working on a book about breastfeeding that's coming out this September. In our house, this is our "third" baby. For nearly as long as we've had kids (going on 2.5 years now), I've been working on this book. And now, it's time to give credit where credit is due-- to my silent co-author, my husband. "Da-da," as the boys call him, has encouraged me every step of the way.
To begin with, he's a lactivist in his own right. He "covered" me while I breastfed on airplanes and in fancy restaurants. He brought me water while I was nursing, changed diapers in the middle of the night so I could go back to sleep, and even re-positioned an inconsolable newborn on my chest. So when I announced, one day, 5 months post-partum, that I wanted to write a book about breastfeeding, he said, "Go hire a babysitter and get to work."
Along the way, he contributed his own ideas; read draft after draft; reviewed contracts; helped develop my blog; and celebrated the book sale with champagne and flowers. Now, ever the MBA, he's devising ways to sell as many books as possible.
So thank you, "Da-da," for serving as an in house lactation consultant, and cheerleading me through this book process. This would not have been possible without you. Happy Father's Day. Maybe you should be the one doing any book signings!
And now for the other carnival contributors:
Jennifer, at The Lactivist, writes about how dads have to accept taking "second place" when it comes to breastfeeding. Her post is "Fathers and Breastfeeding: The Importance of Seconds."
Leisa, at Down with the Kids, (writing from Australia) contributes "Mothers' Milk: A Dad's Perspective."
Angela, at Breastfeeding 1-2-3, contributes "A Father's Take on Breastfeeding: Perception Versus Reality"
Kelli, at Nursing Your Kids, writes about the "Partnership" involved in breastfeeding.
Jessica, at hepatitis-epi, contributes her story about "Fathers and Breastfeeding."
Amy, at Musings of a Crunchy Domestic Goddess, contributes "My Hubby, the Lactivist."
Sinead, writing from Northern Ireland, writes "My Hubby, my Best Breastfeeding Buddy."
And a Dad, at Fine Whine, writes "Feeding on the Outrage, or Where are All The Boobs?"
A Nursing Hat?
June 01, 2007
Here's a new one.... Want to discreetly breastfeed your baby in public? Put one of these hats with an enormous brim on your babe's head. She'll be shaded from the sun and you'll be completely covered.
The MoBoleez hats come with some cute sayings too: "Au lait, s'il vous plait," "Milky Way," or "Time to tweet."
Now, I haven't actually tried one of these hats, but I did sort of concoct my own version last summer. I put my fuschia and white hat on The Bear's head while he was nursing. Of course it didn't stay on. Too big. And he managed to swat it away. Details. So maybe a hat properly sized for a baby will do the trick. Though I must say, I'd love to see what the baby looks like when she stops eating and sits up. Can she even see out from under that brim?!
Thanks to Babble for the "heads up" on this one!
NY Store The Upper Breast Side Has a New Location
May 23, 2007
I apologize up front to all of you who aren't in New York City. But if you make it here for any reason, you've got to go check out The Upper Breast Side-- a store dedicated to all things breastfeeding. Their slogan, "You bring your breasts, we've got the rest."
This Upper West Side (hence the name) institution recently moved to a new location at 135 West 70th Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam). I knew the store was moving, but I stumbled on the location today by accident, while watching a new mom carrying her infant in a sling. (I was impressed by her sling savvy. I was a total failure at the sling thing).
Anyway, this is THE place to go if you need a nursing top, breast pump, book-- you name it. They will even help you find the perfect bra size. One caveat, double strollers with side by side seats won't fit through the doorway. They'll help you out. But maybe bring an extra set of hands with you if you have to bring two kiddos.
Things That Happen After Weaning
May 10, 2007
I've been visiting my brother and sister in law and their 6 day old little peanut...the G Man...and the strangest thing keeps happening. Every time I see the baby, one of my breasts starts to hurt, as if milk was coming in. It's been nearly two weeks since I weaned The Bear, so it's a bizarre sensation. It happens as soon as I walk in the door. And stops once I've left. Some milk must be still lurking around in there.
Anyone else have a similar tale? Still lactating after weaning?
Silly Celebrity Breastfeeding Stories
May 01, 2007
Here are the latest celebrity breastfeeding "tit bits." I know, I know, hardly ground breaking news. But I can't help my celebrity fascination. Plus, as far as I'm concerned...the more talk about breastfeeding in popular media, the better.
Amanda Peet reportedly talked about using her breast pump in an airport bathroom on Live with Regis and Kelly. (via Breastfeeding123). (Could NBC please bring back Studio 60? I'd love to see Jordan pump in her office).
Tobey -Spiderman-Maguire does diaper duty (and a little awkwardly at that) after his wife breastfeeds.
Marcia Cross (Bree on Desperate Housewives) is breastfeeding her twins.
Tori Spelling talks about some challenges of breastfeeding. Seems like she might benefit from a little help from a lactation consultant. But kudos to her for trying, and not giving up.
And finally, here's one from a little while ago... Julie Bowen had vowed to "shock" her castmates by breastfeeding on the set of Boston Legal. I haven't heard any updates on this one yet...but I'm hoping to see something soon from this fellow class of 1991 Brown alum.
Weaned
April 29, 2007
It seems that we're done with breastfeeding. The Bear is 13+ months old, and yesterday was the first day in his life that he didn't have "bubbies." We were down to one feeding every day, usually around 5 a.m. He would wake up, eat for about 15 minutes, and then go right back to sleep for another hour or so.
But it had reached the point where I felt like a big pacifier. I wasn't sure he was actually getting anything to eat. It seemed he was just sucking to soothe himself back to sleep. Besides that, his teeth were hurting me a bit, even if I re-did his latch. And so, I think this is it.
I'm happy that we made it to the one year mark that is recommended, at a minimum, by the American Academy of Pediatrics. I know the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for two years, and that many people breastfeed their toddlers. But I've decided that I'm comfortable stopping now. It just feels right.
I'd like to sear in my memory the last time I breastfed The Bear. I have a bunch of impressions, but I'm not quite sure if they are specifically from the last time, or simply an amalgamation of the past few weeks. Of course it doesn't really matter. To me, this will always be what I remember.
It was around 4:30 in the morning. He started to whimper from his bedroom, so I walked down the hallway, making sure to avoid the stroller parking lot, and got him out of the room before he woke up his brother. I climbed back into bed and propped a pillow under my arm that held his head. I know he found my breast in the dark and I barely had to look to see that he latched on well. After a year of practice, we knew our routine by heart. I know he fussed a bit when I switched him from one side to the next, and that I winced when he bit me by accident. I know it was still dark and that I could hear the rain and thunder. Flashes of lightening lit the room periodically. I think I also heard some birds chirping outside our window, but I don't know if that makes sense. Would the birds have been out if it was raining? And besides, I've never noticed a ledge outside our 20th floor window where they could perch.
I know that once his sucking and breathing slowed, and he became heavier in my arms, I stuck my finger into the corner of his mouth and he popped off. He started to cry again, annoyed at the disturbance, and arched his back as I carried him to the Pak n Play in our room. I put him down on his back and he promptly flipped onto his stomach. I stroked the back of his head for a few seconds, whispered sh sh sh, and then slipped back into bed.
Will he remember any of this? No. His older brother, The Bortsky, certainly doesn't believe me when I tell him that he used to "have bubbies" once too. As far as he's concerned, "bubbies" are for babies, and he's been drinking from a Dora cup since the beginning of time.
But isn't that the way it's supposed to be? As moms, we remember almost everything. The smell of pajamas just washed in Dreft. Rubbing lotion on pudgy thighs. The wailing that kept us up at nights. And certainly, the bliss of a baby that has breastfed and fallen asleep.
Even though The Bear will never recall these 4 a.m. feedings, I imagine, on a certain level he'll remember that sense of contentment. Those were our moments together. Our moments alone, in the middle of the night. And our moments alone, even when we were surrounded by the outside world on a park bench.
Bye, "bubbies." The Bear may not miss you, but I think I will. Now I just have to figure out how to wean myself.
Breast Feeding and What I Didn't Expect When I Was Expecting
April 18, 2007
Welcome, once again, to our monthly Carnival of Breastfeeding. This time we're writing on the theme...What I didn't expect when I was expecting."
So here's my top ten list of things I didn't expect about breastfeeding when I was pregnant:
1. I had no idea that that newborns eat every two to three hours around the clock. And, that you start counting when the feeding starts, not when it stops. In other words, if you feed the baby at 9 a.m., you feed again at 11:00 a.m.
2. I didn't know what engorgement was, how to fix it, and that that it would make me look like a cartoon porn star.
3. I could never have imagined that I'd breastfeed during an OB-Gyn exam. True story.
4. I didn't know that I could get pregnant while breastfeeding. Turns out I didn't meet the Lactational Amennhorea criteria for breastfeeding as birth control.
5. I never thought my fear of dropping the baby would actually come true. I could never have imagined falling asleep while breastfeeding and that the baby (10 months) would fall out of the bed. (He was fine, thank God).
6. I didn't expect to comprehend why sleep deprivation is used as a torture device.
7. I didn't know that you can donate milk to human milk banks.
8. I never thought I would have to buy a padded bra after I had weaned my baby. I didn't realize my boobs would need all the help they can get.
9. I didn't expect to learn how to run a blog all because of my new fixation on breastfeeding.
10. And I certainly didn't expect to write a book about breastfeeding.
And now...I bring you what my fellow breastfeeding bloggers have to say: The Lactivist, BreastfeedingMums, The Motherwear Blog and Breastfeeding123.
And here are our guest bloggers: Spit up on my Shoulder, Adventures of a Breastfeeding Mother, New Mama's Nest, The True Face of Birth, Down with the Kids, and The Spice Choir.
New Study Shows Breast Feeding Protects Against Breast Cancer
April 17, 2007
My friend Kelley recently found out she has breast cancer. She has a three year old and a baby who is less than a year old. She was nursing the baby when she first detected the lump. Since then she's had a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, and now chemotherapy.
Despite this, Kelley has a bottomless reservoir of optimism. She's a reporter at WCVB TV in Boston, and she's even been providing viewers with updates on her story. There are on-line diary entries and video clips.
When I asked Kelley if it was ok to write this post, she sent me a quote (ever the reporter!) from one of her doctors. The doctor emphasized that breastfeeding can actually reduce the risk of breast cancer:
"On a population level, we'd see a 5 percent reduction in breast cancer cases globally if everyone breast fed. Also, breast cancer in young women is rare, so the vast majority of lumps are benign. A good way to differentiate is a clogged duct should go away. If you are activley breast feeding, it (the plugged duct) should be gone if the baby empties that breast. If you wean, it should dissipate in about two weeks. "
-- Dr. Hope Ricciotti, OBGYN, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Similar news today confirms that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
The most important finding of the new study is that breastfeeding seems to lower the risk of developing breast cancer that comes from having children later in life, said Dr. Giske Ursin, associate professor of preventive medicine at the University of Southern California medical school and the study’s lead author.
“Evidence suggests that women who have children after age 25 can reduce their risk of breast cancer by choosing to breastfeed,” Ursin says.
Please take a moment to read this story, and, for inspiration, visit Kelley's site.
Tori Spelling Talks About Breast Feeding
April 06, 2007
Here's the Tori Spelling baby scoop from US Weekly. And here's what Tori had to say when the reporter asked if she was breastfeeding:
"Yes. It's hard, but I love it. That's our time together, and I can give him the one thing he wants: food. Dean took a photo of me nursing, and I was horrified. I was like, "Oh, this poor baby must be so scared of this giant thing coming at him."
It's not clear to me from the quote what this "giant thing" is. The camera? Her boob? But I guess it doesn't really matter. So what I want to know, will Tori breastfeed on her new reality show, Tori & Dean: Inn Love? I don't plan on watching it, but if you do, let me know what happens.
Weaning Parties for Toddlers and Some Weaning Problems of My Own
April 01, 2007
I'm back home in Boston for the weekend, and lo and behold The Boston Globe had a story on the growing trend to breastfeed toddlers and young children.
At the start of the story we meet a little girl who is having a weaning party, complete with cake and friends.
On a recent Saturday evening, Ruth Tincoff and Bruce Inglehart of Wellesley had a party for Gwen, their not-quite-5-year-old daughter. They served six squealing girls squiggly pasta with red sauce and Gwen's favorite dessert -- vanilla cake with raspberry - and - lemon frosting. While the adults munched on veggies and dip, the girls played dress-up.
According to the piece, more and more moms are breastfeeding longer.
Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and from Abbott Labs' Ross Mothers Survey show a steady increase in the number of women who initiate breast-feeding, from 57 percent in 1994 to 72 percent in 2005. Less well-known is the gradual increase in the age at which breast-feeding stops. In 1997, 26 percent of mothers were still nursing their babies at six months; in 2005, 39 percent were. In 1997, 14.5 percent of mothers were still breast-feeding at 12 months; by 2005, the number had climbed to 20 percent.
No one keeps count beyond 18 months, not even La Leche League International, a lactation support system. Katherine Dettwyler , the nation's leading breast-feeding researcher, says women who continue to nurse typically keep quiet about it, sometimes even to family members, because the culture is so biased against it.
So why the new trend? Here's what the article says:
Public health campaigns account for the increase in women who breast-feed, says Lawrence. Those who stay with it, particularly beyond 18 months, tend to be highly educated. "This is not a cult," she says. "It's about education and learning that the benefits persist." Research shows that breast-feeding provides continued protection against infection and allergies.
There is also the matter of the mother-child relationship. For a working mother who is separated from her child all day, nursing in the morning and at night is a loving way to reconnect, says Naomi Bar-Yam of the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition.
As for me, here's the latest on the breastfeeding front with The Bear (12 months). We're down to just one feeding per day...unfortunately at 5 a.m. But we've had a few set backs lately. When I tried to transition him from formula to whole milk at 12 months, he rejected the milk. I tried mixing the formula with milk, and then tapering the formula until we were left with milk. That didn't work. Eventually, I just fed him when I was certain he was hungry and had no choice but to drink the milk.
Eventually I broke the formula addiction. But now that seems to be replaced by a general rejection of the sippy cup. Every day I find myself struggling to make sure he drinks enough, and thus monitoring the number of ounces he's getting. The pediatrician told me to aim for a cup and a half to two cups each day. (Our cups hold about 8 ounces). On days that I'm really concerned, I've fed him milk with a spoon, and even held the cup up to his lips for him to drink like a grown-up. He's thus earned a new nickname here, The Guzzler. This weekend we're trying some different style sippy cups.
I'll let you know how things are going in a week or so. I'm aiming to be done with breastfeeding by May. What then? I think we'll have a little family party. Vanilla cake, chocolate frosting.
Looking for PR Ideas For My Book
March 23, 2007
I just Fed Ex'ed another set of revisions to my publisher. Two down, one more to go. Now I have a long author questionnaire that I need to fill out for the marketing department. Part of this involves writing a list of websites, blogs, and media outlets that might want to write about the book.
Since there are literally thousands and thousands of sites that we moms visit, this task feels a little daunting. I know what I know...but I don't know what I don't know.
So if anyone has suggestions, send them my way. Let me know what sites you like; what magazines you read; what TV shows you watch. I'll add them to my list. I need all the help I can get!
In advance, thank you for your support.
Weaning
March 16, 2007
I'm planning The Bear's first birthday. A family brunch, complete with-- what else-- a bear shaped cake that I'm going to try to make myself. Wish me luck.
More importantly, wish me luck on something much bigger. I've started to wean him. I'm sure some of you are thinking...one year, it's about time. While others may say, one year, why not keep going?
The decision, in part, is a practical one. I'm starting to do more video production work outside of the house and I need the freedom. Also, I'm just plain tired. I've been pregnant or breastfeeding since December of 2003. That's when I got pregnant with The Bortski. I weaned him when he was 11 months old because I got pregnant. I know some people breastfeed through pregnancy, and then continue to tandem feed their toddler and newborn. But it wasn't for me.
Even though I'm ready, I'm feeling nostalgic about it. For a week now I've dropped one feeding, the 11 am one. We went straight to a sippy cup, instead of a bottle, given his age. And lo and behold, the first time I handed him the cup, he started drinking right away, like he knew exactly what to do. He'd never had a bottle or a cup before, only breast, so I was shocked. You mean I'm that dispensible?
I'd like to chalk it up to the fact that he has an older brother who he watches drink from a cup. Either that or he's quite talented! We all know how hard it usually is to get a breastfed baby to take a bottle or cup. The Bortski had a rough time of it when we weaned him. I thought he would get dehydrated he was so defiant about the whole thing.
But not The Bear. He's been drinking from that cup like a champ. Even so, it has been a rough week. His nap schedule has been all messed up. Instead of his usual two naps, morning and afternoon, he was down to one. Today, however, he seems to have settled back into his old routine.
So we'll see where we go from here. The afternoon feeding comes next. The question is, am I ready to wean myself?
Milk Shortage at Colorado Milk Bank
I first saw this story over at the Motherwear Breastfeeding blog...
The Mothers' Milk Bank in Colorado desparately needs donations. Their supplies are running low. That poses a serious risk for babies like 6 month old Julia Lam, who is getting donated breast milk while she undergoes chemotherapy.
To see Julia's story, you can watch this video from a Denver TV station.
To make a donation, go to the milk bank website or call (303)869-1888 or toll free (877)458-5503. You don't have to live in Colorado to help out.
ABC's SuperNanny's Negative Take on Breast Feeding
March 12, 2007
Supernanny needs a "time out" of her own. In Monday's season finale she sets out to fix the Walker family. One of the alleged chief problems, a 14 month old who, god forbid, is still breast feeding.
The Supernanny says to the mom: "So it really is in your court because I can help you either way. But the decision has to be yours."
As it turns out, mom wants to wean. She says, "I want to do it. I want to go ahead and try it...I'm ready to wean Alyssa (spelled?). I've been wanting to do it for months. I just don't know how to do. I don't know how to do it on my own."
Once the mom says that, the Supernanny's true feelings come through: "I'm glad that you've come to that decision because it show me that you're ready for personal growth which is good and there will be much benefit for you and Alyssa."
I could deconstruct this episode for the rest of the night-- the negative portrayals of extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping and sling-wearing. But bottom line, I think it's a shame that the show's producers depict breastfeeding as something to be avoided. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least one year, and as long after that as the mom wants. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for two years. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has set a goal that by 2010, 25% of all moms still breastfeed when their baby is one year old. (Healthy People 2010). As for the babies themselves, some anthropologists think children would self-wean somewhere around 3 and 4 years old.
Beyond this, the show completely ignores the health benefits that come from breastfeeding. Instead, Supernanny turns breastfeeding into something that is simply about the mother-child bond. She asks the mom, "Is the reason you're still breastfeeding her an emotional one?" The mom answers, "It's just the feeling of, you know, we love each other, you know."
Yes, weaning is emotional. I was weepy when I weaned our first son at 11 months and I get teary just thinking about weaning our second son. But come on, Supernanny, you could have at least tipped your hat to the mom for keeping at it for 14 months. It's no small feat.
Of course whether or not to breastfeed is a matter of personal choice. Breastfeeding works for some women, and not for others. But it's too bad that Supernanny and ABC didn't celebrate this mom's choice, and instead presented it as an obstacle to family harmony.
Go to your "naughty mat," Supernanny. Good riddance until next season.
And moms if you want some real advice on weaning, try Kellymom. There's good information about the benefits of extended breastfeeding too.
Breast Feeding Advice: Establishing Your Milk Supply
March 10, 2007
Welcome to our monthly breastfeeding carnival. This month, the booby brigade is writing about breastfeeding advice. Good advice. Bad advice and everything in between. At the bottom of this post you'll find links to the other blogs.
So, now for my two cents. First off, I'd like to do a public service announcement for lactation consultants. As far as I'm concerned, these professionals, the ladies with the IBCLC credentials, are goddesses. These days, whenever a mom asks me for help, I tell her to find an LC. If she's in New York City, I refer her to The Manhattan Lactation Group. If she's elsewhere, I suggest she get recommendations from an OB, midwife, pediatrician, hospital or friend. If she can't come up with any recommendations, I'll refer her to the International Lactation Consultant Association website. And most importantly, I'll add that not all LC's are created equal. They are just like any other professional. There are good plumbers and bad plumbers. Good lawyers and bad lawyers. Good LCs and bad LCs.
Second, I'd like to make a pitch for being a bit obsessive-compulsive shortly after your baby is born. This, I think, is what got me off to a good start with both of our kids. I was udderly (couldn't resist the pun) fastidious about feeding them every 2 to 3 hours, around the clock, for 24 hours, for a couple of weeks. In practice, that meant that I started a feeding every 2 to 3 hours after I started the last feeding. For example, if I feed the baby at 9:00 am, I fed again at 11:00 am (for 2 hours) or 12:00 (for 3 hours). Of course the schedule wasn't always so neat; if the baby wanted to eat sooner, then I fed him "on demand."
As I type this, it sounds insane. So crazy in fact, that I'm not sure I even actually did it. Did I really not sleep for more than a couple of hours at a stretch, for weeks on end?
My husband assures me this is so. He remembers going to our son's two week check-up. I reportedly handed the pediatrician the meticulous log I had been keeping. The log in which I wrote down the time of day, the length of the feeding, which breast, the number of pees and the number of poops. "Here, this is for your files," I said to the doctor. "Oh, that's fine, I don't really need it. Your baby's weight is just fine," he replied.
That was the end of my record keeping. In any case, after a few weeks, both kids started to go longer stretches, eating every 3 to 4 hours. By 12 weeks, they practically slept through the night. Later on, of course, they fell off the wagon and went back to eating in the middle of the night. But that's another story.
My point is that I think it was my nearly maniacal attention to the feeding schedule that helped me establish my milk supply and get the kids on the right track. If they didn't wake up on their own, I woke them to eat. If they were still sleepy, I stripped them to their diapers, tickled their cheeks and lips, even dug my fingernail into the heel of their feet. When the hospital nurse wouldn't release one of the kids from the nursery (because he had been spitting up black stuff), I practically banged down to the door to get in and feed him. I also put a big note on his bassinet saying "No bottles or pacifiers. Only breast milk."
Honestly, I don't know if it was this schedule, or sheer luck, that made breastfeeding work. And it was so exhausting, that I'm always afraid to tell pregnant friends what I did, lest they get scared off. Additionally, what worked for me, may not work for everyone. I'm not an LC. Just another mom, who muddled through this breastfeeding thing as best she could.
So that's my bit of motherly advice. Now, if you want to hear what some other mamas have to say, check out these blogs:
We've got the regulars from the Booby Brigade: The Lactivist, Breastfeeding123, the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog, and Breastfeeding Mums. We've also got a bunch of guest bloggers: Black Breastfeeding Blog, Mocha Milk, Cairo Mama, The Twinkies, Random Wonderings, and the Baby Gravy Train.
Read More »
An Update on My Book Mama Knows Breast
March 07, 2007
It finally feels real. My editor Melissa showed me a draft of the cover illustration and it's pretty cool! They've hired an illustrator whose work is really hip, colorful and fun. She's expert at drawing cherubic babies, as well as moms who look like they could handle any dirty diaper thrown at them with aplomb.
And now, I've just Fed Ex'ed my corrections to the first layout to my editor. For the past 4 days I've been utterly consumed by going over the book line by line. (I had to buy a pencil to do this). I have to say, I'm amazed that every time I read it, I find something to re-write.
Some of you have asked how I got to this point. So here's a bit of Mama Knows Breast history. It all started in March of 2005 during a family vacation in Miami. I off-handedly commented that since I was breastfeeding, this would perhaps be the only time in my life when I would actually look like all the other bikini-clad buxom babes strutting around. A family member, who has had a long career in book design, responded: "You should write a breastfeeding book!" Hmmm...not a bad idea I thought.
When we got home I spent hours searching the aisles at Barnes & Noble and surfing the internet to see if anyone had written a "hip" guide to breastfeeding. I found plenty of books about breastfeeding. Books that are great if you're looking for detailed, problem-specific advice. But I didn't find a book that matched what I had in mind; a book that would give people practical information in a fun, light-hearted manner; the book that I wish someone had given me when I was pregnant and utterly clueless about breastfeeding.
So I wrote a book proposal. I learned how to do this years ago in journalism school from a class taught by renowned author named Sam Freedman. This 50+ page document had a sample chapter and an overview essay that detailed the book's contents and potential audience.
The proposal was basically a pitch document that I used to find an agent. I sent it to 10+ agents and kept getting rejected. Then a cousin told me about her friend Abby who was writing a book called The Crafty Mamas: Book of 50 Fast, Fabulous and Foolproof Projects for Baby Gear. I met Abby and she introduced me to her agent Katherine at Curtis Brown. Katherine "got it" right away. I signed on the dotted line and she started shopping the proposal around (after she had me re-write it a few times).
Of course publisher after publisher rejected the book. Until finally, the folks at Quirk Books "got it." I turned in my first draft last August and we've been editing it for the past few months. Finally, the end is in sight. There will be two more sets of layouts to review. Sometime this spring we'll wrap things up and the book will be published in September.
At this particular moment, I have one thought...it's a good thing the gestation period for human babies is shorter. If it was as long as that of this book, we may well be extinct.
Breast Feeding Twins and Triplets
March 04, 2007
If the thought of breastfeeding one baby has ever seemed overwhelming to you, imagine what it's like to breastfeed twins or triplets. Believe it or not, it can be done.
Today's New York Times has a beautiful essay written by a mom who delivered her triplets prematurely at 26 weeks.
At the incubator, I stared through the plastic cover, unsure if I was allowed to put my hand through the side window. A nurse appeared, urging me on: “It’s O.K., you can touch them. Just be gentle and don’t rub. And talk to them — they definitely recognize your voice.”
I opened the window and placed my finger on Baby A’s leg. His knee was the size of an acorn.
The nurse also told me the boys needed my highly nutritious colostrum and pending breast milk and that she would return with bottles and suction cups.
The story is more focused, however, on the mom's decision not to "reduce" the fetuses from three to two, as her doctor counseled her to consider.
“You need to consider reducing to one or two fetuses. In triplet pregnancies the babies often are born very premature with a lot of complications. You may be saving the lives of the other two by eliminating one.”
While I am a feminist who believes in abortion rights, this was not the choice I had in mind. To spend years and tens of thousands of dollars trying to conceive a baby only to end with discussions of an abortion seemed to me an especially cruel twist of fate. But what would we do if the triplets were born with serious handicaps? It seemed an impossible choice. ...
What hasn’t weighed on me, as our boys have grown healthier and bigger (they’re now 4 and thriving in preschool) is our decision not to reduce. I often look at them and ask myself that impossible question: Which one wouldn’t be here?
But I feel no righteousness about our choice, only luck. Time and again I run into mothers at the playground with twins who notice my triplets (it’s hard not to) and gently ask whether I faced that decision, only to then confess their deep guilt at having reduced from triplets themselves.
On a totally different note, at the Oscars last week, Melissa Etheridge's wife, Tammy Etheridge talked about breastfeeding her twins. The Celebrity Baby Blog had this story:
Joan Rivers asked Tammy if she had exercised to get back into shape after giving birth to the twins. Tammy said, "No, I'm breastfeeding, I don't have to do anything else." Joan said, "Your breasts look great, so keep nursing!"
If you want to learn just how to feed triplets or twins, here are some good links from Kellymom, Mothering magazine and La Leche League.
To the moms out there who do breastfeed multiples...I'm in awe.
Breast Feeding Product Reviews
Angela at Breastfeeding 123 gets my vote today for hardest working, most diligent blogger. My eyes practically jumped out of my head when I saw her latest post.
Angela has compiled a fantastic collection of breastfeeding product reviews. Basically, she found reviews from all the breastfeeding bloggers out there, and provides links to the sites. If you click here, you'll find reviews of breastfeeding products, books and clothing. If you can think of it, she's got it. Here's a list of the reviews:
Breastfeeding bras
Breast pumps
Breastfeeding accessories
Breastfeeding art and calendars
Breastfeeding bloggers' stores
Breastfeeding and parenting books
Children's breastfeeding books
Children's breastfeeding toys
Sewing your own breastfeeding products
Nursing bracelets
Nursing covers
Nursing necklaces
Nursing pads
Nursing pillows
Nursing shirts
Slings
Breastfeeding videos
Kids' products
Bravo Angela. What an invaluable resource you've created!
Daycare and Breast Feeding
February 28, 2007
Is your baby in daycare and are you breastfeeding him? If so, have you ever run into any problems with the daycare center? Two moms, one in Ohio, and the other in Michigan, have.
In Ohio, a daycare center charged a mom an extra $50 per week because she was bringing in pumped breastmilk for her baby. (Click here for an update on the story). And in Michigan, a mom was restricted from breastfeeding her child in front of other children.
This story was first reported in the Motherwear Blog, The Lactivist and Breastfeeding123. The question is, is this a pervasive problem or are these isolated incidents? Tell us if you've had a similar experience.
Pennsylvania Nurse In Update
February 26, 2007
Roughly 150 people gathered at a Pennsylvania shopping mall this past weekend to support a mom who was forced to stop breastfeeding her baby in public. Leigh Bellini says a security guard asked her to put a blanket over her baby's head, feed her baby in the bathroom or her car, and even threatened to call the police.
The nurse in got its share of media attention. To watch a new clip from a CBS affiliate, click here. (Make sure you go to the right hand side of the page that pops up to find the link to the video). The piece has an interview with Bellini who says her goal is to get Pennsylvania to enact a law that would protect breastfeeding in public.
Angela at Breastfeeding 123 reports that a Pennsylvania State Senator has introduced a piece of legislation that is moving things in that direction. The Right to Breastfeed Act would allow a mom to breastfeed in any public or private place that she is otherwise allowed to be.
Pennsylvania Nurse In Saturday February 24th
February 22, 2007
A mom and her hungry baby are behind a nurse planned for Saturday in Pennsylvania. Leigh Bellini says she was at a shopping mall, trying to feed her son, when she had a little run in with mall security. She says they told her to cover her baby with a bl