Tag Archives: Breastfeeding

Prevention

Some Women Are Still Confused About Breastfeeding

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Overheard conversation  today between two otherwise normal looking thirty-something women:

“She breast fed her first daughter for like one month, and her second one for like zero months.”
“I’m not going to breastfeed at all. I don’t like it.”
“Me either. I think it’s gross.”

My husband noticed my chin on the floor and told me not to stare.

I’m eavesdropping, I said.

“Well you don’t have to be so obvious.”

What century is this? It was all I could do not to grab my 19 month old and proudly start nursing him then and there, mere inches from these misguided souls!

In fact, the only thing that stopped me was the dress I was wearing- with no access whatsoever to my breasts.

I’m glad I was wearing that dress- it saved me from what was sure to turn into a public scene. (As if we weren’t already causing enough of one with 2 small wildly active boys in a restaurant!) I’m sure it would have only hurt the cause.

hand knit breast hat
Too bad it wasn’t cold enough for this hat!

But back to the question at hand. How can we reach these women? If hospitals are ceasing to give free formula samples, and news stories populate the airwaves claiming breastfeeding could save 900 babies a year, how can we convince these women that it is the furthest thing from gross you will endure as a parent?

I am here to tell you it is not easy. In fact I’m writing this from my bed as I have a random case of mastitis. With a 19 month old nursling I’m convinced this is some sort of record.

And I know there are very real reasons women can’t breast feed- breast reduction surgery, dehydration in childbirth, certain medications taken by mother, going back to work, etc.

But “I don’t like it” and “It’s gross” are not valid reasons.

Some people disagree with my stance, but I agree with the Surgeon General. Breastfeeding should not be considered a lifestyle choice.

It is a public health issue.

Breastfeeding, Products, Recommendations

Best Breastfeeding Pillow!

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I can’t let World Breastfeeding week go by without mentioning my absolute favorite breastfeeding “accessory.”

The Nesting Pillow – Organic Nursing Pillow with Washable Slip Cover

BN ad 180x

The Nesting Pillow by The Blessed Nest.

This is THE BEST nursing pillow on the market. I say this for many reasons, and here are my top 3:

  • It’s made of organic cotton, and filled with organic buckwheat. Need I say more? No, but I will: most nursing pillows are doused in flame-retardant chemicals and made with synthetic fillers and materials. Your newborn baby will be nestled up to this many times per day, with her nose mere centimeters from the toxins. Have you considered that?
  • It does not have to strap on or “clip on” to your body. Great for moms of all sizes, and those who don’t want to feel restricted while breastfeeding. This non-rigid design also means you can use it before the baby comes as a body pillow, can use it to nurse your baby long past the newborn stage, and a toddler can use it to lounge on…
  • It is great for travel! I take mine on the plane, and it serves as a great “bed” for my baby to nap on (on my lap) during the flight. Hmm, laying on a blissfully comfortable organic, eco-friendly and familiar pillow, or laying on the metal seatbelt??? What would your baby choose?
Products

World Breastfeeding Week

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Every day this week is dedicated to mama’s milk.

If you are currently breastfeeding a newborn, hang in there! It will get easier!

If you are currently breastfeeding a baby 6-12 months, congratulations on making it this far!

If you are breastfeeding a toddler, I’d love to hear from you! How is it going? What are the challenges you are currently facing? Do you have any words of wisdom to share?

My 22 month old son now politely asked for the “nurse cover” when we are out in public. The first time he did that my heart melted. I love how patiently he waits as I dig around in my bag for it.

If you are breastfeeding now (or will be soon) I highly recommend the Breastfeeding Support Kit by Earth Mama Angel Baby.

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Breastfeeding Support Kit

I had mastitis a total of 5 times, and I couldn’t have lived without the Booby Tubes.  The Nipple Butter was a miracle worker those first few painful weeks- I had a jar by my bed, the couch and the shower at all times. The tea is also good- not overpowering like some of the others out there.

Keep up the good work mamas!

Breastfeeding, Prevention

Get Breastfeeding Support

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llli

Since the news was published that 900+ babies lives could be saved per year I’ve spoken to many moms about how they tried to breastfeed and couldn’t do it.  Then I found these eye-opening stats at Busy Moms Breastfeed:

  • Prenatal Breastfeeding Education Is The Key To Avoiding Most Breastfeeding Challenges
  • 72% of women who planned to breastfeed for at least 6 months have weaned before their babies are 6 weeks old.
  • Most early breastfeeding difficulties can be avoided. These include; sore nipples, engorgement, mastitis, thrush, jaundice, and slow infant weight gain.
  • Crying is a late sign of hunger.By the time your baby cries you have missed as many as 5 feeding cues letting you know that your baby is hungry.
  • 80% of the immune system is located in the digestive tract. Breast milk coats the lining of your baby’s digestive track protecting it from harmful microbes.  Human milk also has special growth factors that will help your baby’s immune system mature.
  • Most first time mothers attend fewer than 2 hours of breastfeeding education classes

“Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life.” -American Academy of Pediatrics

To find the support you need, visit La Leche League International for a list of classes and lactation consultants in your area.

Prevention

Breastfeeding Could Save 900 Babies a Year

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If 90% of women in the US breastfed their infants for the first 6 months of life, it could save the lives of 900 babies a year, and save 13 BILLION dollars in health care.  These findings were just published in the journal Pediatrics.  Get involved in spreading the word about baby’s most important food. Support new moms who are breastfeeding with your time, running errands, doing laundry, cooking dinner. If you have experience breastfeeding, encourage her by offering tips on what worked best for you, and ask her how you can assist her. It can be a challenging and frustrating time for a mom who thought it would just “come naturally” but this is often not the case. Studies show that women have the most success when their partners are supportive and they have a community of loving guidance surrounding them.