Aug. 26, 2005 — Colorado police are investigating a woman's complaint about how she was ordered to stop nursing her baby, thrown against her family car with her blouse still open, and taken away to jail in handcuffs in what turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.
"I'm in shock," said the woman's husband, Ricky Archuleta, describing the incident. "The baby's screaming. The kids start crying and screaming and I don't know what to do. I actually don't know what I said. I said something, and he [the state trooper] just yelled in the car and said, 'You need to be silent.' "
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Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Seminar Highlights Importance Of Exclusive Breastfeeding For Infants (BruneiDirect.Com)
Bandar Seri Begawan - Teachers and students from various secondary schools, colleges and higher institutions from the Brunei-Muara District yesterday attended an Optimal Infant Feeding & . Breastfeeding seminar held at the premises of the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Nursing College. The seminar was held in conjunction with the World Breast Feeding Week 2005.
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Tuesday, August 30, 2005
When a breast isn't just a breast: New law doesn't stem discomfort over public breastfeeding (The Daily Camera)
New mom Anne Michaels knows women who have no problem wearing push-up bras and revealing clothes that invite passers-by to check out their breasts. Yet, she says, they're uncomfortable when they encounter a nursing baby in public.
It's clear, she says, that mixing babies and breasts — as natural as it is — creates awkwardness for some people.
"In our society, the female body is something sexual," says Michaels, who lives in Boulder and breastfeeds her week-old son, Jack.
Discomfort with the practice has manifested in well-publicized events: A mom was asked to cover up or breastfeed in the bathroom at a Maryland Starbucks coffee shop in July 2004; this year in May celebrity journalist Barbara Walters commented on her TV show "The View" that a breastfeeding woman aboard a crowded flight made her "very nervous"; a Colorado woman was ticketed in July for indecent exposure while nursing her 1-year-old son at Carter Lake in Larimer County.
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It's clear, she says, that mixing babies and breasts — as natural as it is — creates awkwardness for some people.
"In our society, the female body is something sexual," says Michaels, who lives in Boulder and breastfeeds her week-old son, Jack.
Discomfort with the practice has manifested in well-publicized events: A mom was asked to cover up or breastfeed in the bathroom at a Maryland Starbucks coffee shop in July 2004; this year in May celebrity journalist Barbara Walters commented on her TV show "The View" that a breastfeeding woman aboard a crowded flight made her "very nervous"; a Colorado woman was ticketed in July for indecent exposure while nursing her 1-year-old son at Carter Lake in Larimer County.
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Monday, August 29, 2005
Enduring the trail: Riders, horses overcome obstacles in Saturday race (Santa Cruz Sentinel)
...A little more than six hours earlier, Jennifer Niehaus of Cloverdale had ridden Cheyenne XII across the finish to win the 75-mile race. Despite stopping to breast-feed her 5-month-old son at three of the vet checks, Niehaus came in an hour ahead of second-place Lindsay Graham of Napa on Phoenix Affair. She also took home the coveted best-condition award for the race....
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This is actually not a story about breastfeeding - but I loved the reference to the winning rider stopping to nurse her daughter! ~Ali
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This is actually not a story about breastfeeding - but I loved the reference to the winning rider stopping to nurse her daughter! ~Ali
Exclusive breastfeeding to be promoted (HomePageGhana)
Ho, Aug 25, GNA - Stakeholders in child welfare from the Volta and Eastern regions met in Ho on Wednesday to evaluate strategies to improve child survival in the country.
Survey reports presented at the forum, which was under the aegis of the Ghana Sustainable Change Project (GSCP), indicated that malnutrition is the leading cause of Ghana's under-five deaths.
Nutritionists, Public Health nurses, staff of National Council on Women and Development, Department of Children under the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs and the media attended the forum that is part of activities to mark the 2005 World Breast Feeding Week. Discussions were based on research findings that showed that though breastfeeding newborns was a universal practice in Ghana, the knowledge base on breastfeeding and complementary feeding was weak and must be improved.
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Survey reports presented at the forum, which was under the aegis of the Ghana Sustainable Change Project (GSCP), indicated that malnutrition is the leading cause of Ghana's under-five deaths.
Nutritionists, Public Health nurses, staff of National Council on Women and Development, Department of Children under the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs and the media attended the forum that is part of activities to mark the 2005 World Breast Feeding Week. Discussions were based on research findings that showed that though breastfeeding newborns was a universal practice in Ghana, the knowledge base on breastfeeding and complementary feeding was weak and must be improved.
click to read more....
Saturday event to highlight importance of breast-feeding (LONGVIEW NEWS-JOURNAL)
Longview Wellness Center's Women, Infants and Children Center will celebrate World Breastfeeding Month with a variety of activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Longview Mall.
The event spotlights the benefits of breast-feeding and encourages mothers to breast-feed their infants, said Jana Dunaway, breast-feeding coordinator for the Wellness Center.
"It's good for mom, and it's good for families," said Dunaway.
This year's theme, "Mother's Milk: It's More Than Just Food," was coined to emphasize the difference between breast milk and formula.
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The event spotlights the benefits of breast-feeding and encourages mothers to breast-feed their infants, said Jana Dunaway, breast-feeding coordinator for the Wellness Center.
"It's good for mom, and it's good for families," said Dunaway.
This year's theme, "Mother's Milk: It's More Than Just Food," was coined to emphasize the difference between breast milk and formula.
click to read more....
Alejandro's cute smile makes the billboards (Green Bay Press-Gazette)
A real charmer with a winning grin, Alejandro Martinez Koss was the grand prize winner in the second annual “Cutest Breast-fed Baby Contest” celebrated during the recent World Breast Feeding Week.
The 15-month-old son of Armando Martinez and Peggy Koss-Martinez of Green Bay was selected from a field of 60 entrants ages birth to 2 years. Judging was based on photos and an essay on why the mothers chose to breast feed.
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The 15-month-old son of Armando Martinez and Peggy Koss-Martinez of Green Bay was selected from a field of 60 entrants ages birth to 2 years. Judging was based on photos and an essay on why the mothers chose to breast feed.
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Local Mothers Want To Change Preception of Public Breastfeeding (KSDK NewsChannel 5)
World Breastfeeding Week was recently celebrated in St. Louis and around the world.
But while 75 percent of American moms nurse their babies at birth today, the topic still makes some people uncomfortable. Now, some local mothers who hope to change that.
Members of the University City chapter of the Le Leche League recently invited our cameras to a meeting. They'd like to see society encourage and support nursing mothers even more than it does today.
click to read more....
But while 75 percent of American moms nurse their babies at birth today, the topic still makes some people uncomfortable. Now, some local mothers who hope to change that.
Members of the University City chapter of the Le Leche League recently invited our cameras to a meeting. They'd like to see society encourage and support nursing mothers even more than it does today.
click to read more....
Breastfeeding gets business boost (Times Argus)
The Washington County Maternal Child Health Coalition sponsored a baby shower honoring Breastfeeding Women on Aug. 5. It was a well-attended and fun event.
We had chair massages, belly dancing lessons and infant message demonstration. There was face painting and yummy food. Also, we had raffle items from Zutano's (a Breastfeeding Friendly Business Award recipient), Medala Motherwear, Good Beginnings, Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice Agency and Sen. Bill Doyle.
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We had chair massages, belly dancing lessons and infant message demonstration. There was face painting and yummy food. Also, we had raffle items from Zutano's (a Breastfeeding Friendly Business Award recipient), Medala Motherwear, Good Beginnings, Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice Agency and Sen. Bill Doyle.
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Sunday, August 28, 2005
Woman's desire of 'complete motherhood' gets fulfilled .:. (New Kerala)
Bhuj: A 32-year-old woman managed to fulfil her desire of complete motherhood by being able to breast-feed her adopted child, with the help of neonatal treatment here.
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Breast milk is best for mother and child (Fredericksburg.com)
The American Association of Pediatrics strongly recommends breast-feeding. Breast milk has been shown to protect against infectious diseases, to guard against obesity, diabetes and asthma, and to lower the risk of SIDS.
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You can bank on it (edmontonsun.com)
We've heard of money in the bank now there's milk in the bank - and it's an idea whose time has come.
I'm talking breast milk, and Canada has one of its own in British Columbia, where the advertising slogan "Got milk?" is especially meaningful.
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I'm talking breast milk, and Canada has one of its own in British Columbia, where the advertising slogan "Got milk?" is especially meaningful.
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Fed Up: Dorian Ryan is frustrated with the public’s perception of breastfeeding. (Rocky Mountain Bullhorn)
“I think there is a large number of women out there who can [breastfeed] but won’t because of this.”
The “this” that Dorian Ryan refers to is illegal discrimination against breastfeeding mothers. Ryan had her first encounter with “this” several weeks ago on a beach in Loveland when she received an indecent exposure ticket for publicly breastfeeding her 1-year-old child.
A believer in the benefits of breastfeeding, she decided to fight back—and she won. Since April 2004, Colorado law has allowed women to breastfeed anywhere they have a right to be.
Breastfeeding is a free and healthy alternative to plastic bottles and commercially prepared infant formula. Research has shown that this earth-friendly act can reduce the risk of breast cancer in women as well as the risks of some childhood illnesses in kids, and strengthens the bond between mother and child.
In speaking out about the incident Ryan describes how Loveland park rangers, who claimed to be protecting her from the gaze of perverts, resorted to spying on her before issuing her a ticket.
click to read more...
The “this” that Dorian Ryan refers to is illegal discrimination against breastfeeding mothers. Ryan had her first encounter with “this” several weeks ago on a beach in Loveland when she received an indecent exposure ticket for publicly breastfeeding her 1-year-old child.
A believer in the benefits of breastfeeding, she decided to fight back—and she won. Since April 2004, Colorado law has allowed women to breastfeed anywhere they have a right to be.
Breastfeeding is a free and healthy alternative to plastic bottles and commercially prepared infant formula. Research has shown that this earth-friendly act can reduce the risk of breast cancer in women as well as the risks of some childhood illnesses in kids, and strengthens the bond between mother and child.
In speaking out about the incident Ryan describes how Loveland park rangers, who claimed to be protecting her from the gaze of perverts, resorted to spying on her before issuing her a ticket.
click to read more...
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Take it to the bank, breast milk is best (The Globe and Mail)
...There is now only a single human-milk bank in this country, at Women's and Children's Hospital in Vancouver, and it seems to be under constant threat of closing. The Vancouver breast-milk bank is a modest affair, but an invaluable service. Last year, it provided pasteurized breast milk to 255 babies. Some needed the service for only a couple of days; others were supplied for months.
Breastfed babies -- premature and otherwise -- are significantly less likely to die in the first year of life than those who are formula fed, even in prosperous countries like Canada. Researchers have found that breastfed babies are less likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome, and less likely to get ear infections, allergies and colds. Later in life, they are less likely to develop serious conditions like Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and breast and ovarian cancer...
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Breastfed babies -- premature and otherwise -- are significantly less likely to die in the first year of life than those who are formula fed, even in prosperous countries like Canada. Researchers have found that breastfed babies are less likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome, and less likely to get ear infections, allergies and colds. Later in life, they are less likely to develop serious conditions like Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and breast and ovarian cancer...
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Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Using Breast-Feeding to Build the Nation (allAfrica.com)
A nursing mother, according to the project co-ordinator, Colostrum International, Dr. (Mrs.) Olubunmi Ogundimu, stands to lose everything by not breast-feeding her baby. First is the health of the baby as she probably would have to be going in and out of hospital for one aliment or the other because the protective agents that are available in breast milk are not available in the infant formula, which this mother would probably opt for.
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Cal breast-feeding program earns honor (San Francisco Chronicle)
The California Breastfeeding Coalition is honoring more than 125 employers statewide today for helping women workers to breast-feed their babies, with UC Berkeley taking local honors.
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HLI takes a vacation
I'm off to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
My father is giving a talk in the Bullpen Theater about his new book, Red Sox Heroes of Yesteryear. We are very proud of him. :)
I'll be back at the beginning of the week!
My father is giving a talk in the Bullpen Theater about his new book, Red Sox Heroes of Yesteryear. We are very proud of him. :)
I'll be back at the beginning of the week!
Companies recognized for breastfeeding (San Mateo County Times)
Three Peninsula businesses are being recognized today for their extra support of employees who choose to breastfeed.
A 2002 state law requires employers to provide unpaid break time and a private space other than a bathroom stall for lactating mothers.
But Sequoia Medical Center, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center and Genencor International have gone beyond the law for new mothers, according to the San Mateo Perinatal Council.
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A 2002 state law requires employers to provide unpaid break time and a private space other than a bathroom stall for lactating mothers.
But Sequoia Medical Center, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center and Genencor International have gone beyond the law for new mothers, according to the San Mateo Perinatal Council.
click to read more....
Campaign will encourage breast-feeding until the age of two (Agencia Brasil)
Bras�lia - The importance of breast feeding until the age of two and the supplementation of breast-feeding after the sixth month were the themes chosen by the Ministry of Health for dissemination during World Breast-Feeding Week.
click to read more....
click to read more....
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
In Missouri, mothers can discretely nurse in public (News-Leader.com)
But critics say social customs dictate that breast-feeding is inappropriate in public.
Once, when Kari Nerness' daughter, Elizabeth, was an infant, Nerness happened to breast-feed her at Battlefield Mall.
That was six years ago, but Nerness remembers it because some passing women commented on how disgusting they thought it was.
They didn't say it directly to Nerness, "but I saw their faces," she said.
Did that convince her to offer Elizabeth a bottle instead?
Nope.
"I was going to be stubborn about it," Nerness said. "I was going to do what was best for my baby."
click to read more....
Once, when Kari Nerness' daughter, Elizabeth, was an infant, Nerness happened to breast-feed her at Battlefield Mall.
That was six years ago, but Nerness remembers it because some passing women commented on how disgusting they thought it was.
They didn't say it directly to Nerness, "but I saw their faces," she said.
Did that convince her to offer Elizabeth a bottle instead?
Nope.
"I was going to be stubborn about it," Nerness said. "I was going to do what was best for my baby."
click to read more....
Breast is best (Anderson Independent Mail)
August is National Breastfeeding Month; take time to learn a little more about natural nourishment
In a society of working moms, the sight of new mothers bottle-feeding their newborns is the norm, not seeing a baby nursing at the breast.
But Danielle Little, registered dietician at AnMed Health and mom to 15-month-old Ansley, said her decision to breastfeed her daughter was the natural choice.
"I think breastfeeding provides the most perfect nutrition you can give your child. Certainly in my profession I know the many benefits breastfeeding provides," said Mrs. Little, a member of the Anderson Breastfeeding Coalition.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months and for as long thereafter as the mother and infant desire. But according to Gina McCarty, a La Leche League leader for the Pickens Area, initiation rates for breastfeeding are between 60 and 70 percent but by six months only 20 percent of mothers are still nursing.
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In a society of working moms, the sight of new mothers bottle-feeding their newborns is the norm, not seeing a baby nursing at the breast.
But Danielle Little, registered dietician at AnMed Health and mom to 15-month-old Ansley, said her decision to breastfeed her daughter was the natural choice.
"I think breastfeeding provides the most perfect nutrition you can give your child. Certainly in my profession I know the many benefits breastfeeding provides," said Mrs. Little, a member of the Anderson Breastfeeding Coalition.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months and for as long thereafter as the mother and infant desire. But according to Gina McCarty, a La Leche League leader for the Pickens Area, initiation rates for breastfeeding are between 60 and 70 percent but by six months only 20 percent of mothers are still nursing.
click to read more....
Antiretroviral therapy reduces HIV transmission through breast milk (Aidsmap)
Treatment of HIV-positive breast-feeding mothers with antiretroviral therapy results in reduced viral loads in breast milk and anti-HIV drug levels sufficient to prevent HIV transmission, according to findings published in the 1st September edition of The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Although formula feeding is recommended for HIV-positive mothers in the developed world in order to avoid the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk, many mothers in developing countries breast-feed their babies due to the unavailability of milk formula or clean water, because of the elevated risk of disease and death in formula-fed children, or for cultural reasons. It is estimated that over 40% of all HIV transmissions from mothers to their children occur during breast-feeding
The findings from this study suggest that HIV-positive women may be able to reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus to their child by taking antiretrovirals during breast-feeding, at least where the drugs are available.
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Although formula feeding is recommended for HIV-positive mothers in the developed world in order to avoid the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk, many mothers in developing countries breast-feed their babies due to the unavailability of milk formula or clean water, because of the elevated risk of disease and death in formula-fed children, or for cultural reasons. It is estimated that over 40% of all HIV transmissions from mothers to their children occur during breast-feeding
The findings from this study suggest that HIV-positive women may be able to reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus to their child by taking antiretrovirals during breast-feeding, at least where the drugs are available.
click to read more....
Walk to support La Leche League (lamonitor.com)
La Leche League of Los Alamos is hosting the LLL in the USA Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week World Walk at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Urban Park. Activities will include: a short, symbolic walk, an ice cream social and a raffle. Proceeds will benefit La Leche League, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
click ot read more...
click ot read more...
Monday, August 22, 2005
STACEY GROSH: Breast feeding freedom (Herald Bulletin)
It’s an explosion of pressure anymore. Not just a leak. Trust me. I know about leaks.
But we’ll get to that later.
Everywhere a new mother turns the pressure is rising that they MUST breast-feed. But you MUST do it discreetly where no one will ever know what you are doing. Some people treat it like it’s something dirty or pornographic.
Whatever.
I’m all about breast-feeding. I did it with each of my three girls. But I’m not about making a woman do it, pressuring her or making her feel bad because she wants to use a bottle instead. I’m also a proud supporter of breast-feeding in public — an act that disgusts some even though they encourage you to solely feed your child that way.
click to read more...
But we’ll get to that later.
Everywhere a new mother turns the pressure is rising that they MUST breast-feed. But you MUST do it discreetly where no one will ever know what you are doing. Some people treat it like it’s something dirty or pornographic.
Whatever.
I’m all about breast-feeding. I did it with each of my three girls. But I’m not about making a woman do it, pressuring her or making her feel bad because she wants to use a bottle instead. I’m also a proud supporter of breast-feeding in public — an act that disgusts some even though they encourage you to solely feed your child that way.
click to read more...
The titillation factor (theage.com.au)
Why do men feel uncomfortable when mothers breastfeed in public? A group of young researchers at Victoria University is investigating. Geoff Maslen reports.
When Victorian MP Kirsty Marshall breastfed her new baby in State Parliament two years ago, she was ousted by a 146-year-old rule banning "strangers" from the House. The baby, of course, being the stranger.
In another incident, television personality Kate Langbroek generated controversy when she breastfed her newborn child on Channel Ten's The Panel. These events created public outrage and a subsequent newspaper poll revealed most people believed breastfeeding in the workplace should not be allowed.
The row gave a team of student investigators at Victoria University a topic to explore and they showed that you don't need several degrees to conduct high-quality research. In a unit on social research methods, the third-year psychology students were required to undertake an investigative project.
Three of the students - Catherine Clarke, Deborah Goraiski and Natalie Stead - spoke with their lecturer, Dr Wendy Saunders, about what they might do. Dr Saunders urged them to tackle something topical, even controversial; the students looked at each other and said: "Breastfeeding!"
click to read more....
When Victorian MP Kirsty Marshall breastfed her new baby in State Parliament two years ago, she was ousted by a 146-year-old rule banning "strangers" from the House. The baby, of course, being the stranger.
In another incident, television personality Kate Langbroek generated controversy when she breastfed her newborn child on Channel Ten's The Panel. These events created public outrage and a subsequent newspaper poll revealed most people believed breastfeeding in the workplace should not be allowed.
The row gave a team of student investigators at Victoria University a topic to explore and they showed that you don't need several degrees to conduct high-quality research. In a unit on social research methods, the third-year psychology students were required to undertake an investigative project.
Three of the students - Catherine Clarke, Deborah Goraiski and Natalie Stead - spoke with their lecturer, Dr Wendy Saunders, about what they might do. Dr Saunders urged them to tackle something topical, even controversial; the students looked at each other and said: "Breastfeeding!"
click to read more....
Battling breastfeeding taboos (STLtoday)
Jennifer Uhley of Pevely breastfeeds her child everywhere she goes, including the mall. She wears a camisole underneath her shirt so she can be discreet about it, but she says people still give her weird looks.
"I had a teenage guy come up to me and ask if it was pleasurable," Uhley said. "I told him to take a flying leap."
Members of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program want to educate mothers and mothers-to-be about the benefits of breastfeeding, but they also want to tear down the social taboos.
"The more people do it, the more socially acceptable it is," Michelle Sanders, Arnold, said. "It's like, ‘This is how it is, get over it.'"
click to read more...
"I had a teenage guy come up to me and ask if it was pleasurable," Uhley said. "I told him to take a flying leap."
Members of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program want to educate mothers and mothers-to-be about the benefits of breastfeeding, but they also want to tear down the social taboos.
"The more people do it, the more socially acceptable it is," Michelle Sanders, Arnold, said. "It's like, ‘This is how it is, get over it.'"
click to read more...
Is Buying Breast Milk Safe? (CBS News)
Cynthia Dewey and her husband knew, even before adopting their son Alex, that she would do whatever it took to provide him with mother's milk.
"I think it is a gift from God to breast feed," Cynthia Dewey tells CBS News correspondent Sandra Hughes. "My next best was to make sure he could get breast milk, so that he could grow healthy and strong, and be the best little boy he could be."
Like most moms, Dewey has gotten the message that breast milk is best, building immunities against ear infection, diarrhea and respiratory illness. So she's collected a freezer full of breast milk donated from women on the underground breast milk network.
click to read more...
"I think it is a gift from God to breast feed," Cynthia Dewey tells CBS News correspondent Sandra Hughes. "My next best was to make sure he could get breast milk, so that he could grow healthy and strong, and be the best little boy he could be."
Like most moms, Dewey has gotten the message that breast milk is best, building immunities against ear infection, diarrhea and respiratory illness. So she's collected a freezer full of breast milk donated from women on the underground breast milk network.
click to read more...
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Commodification of the Breast (INFACT Canada)
From INFACT Canada - Commodification of the Breast.
Please note: clicking onthe link below will open a .pdf document in a seperate window.
click to view...
Please note: clicking onthe link below will open a .pdf document in a seperate window.
click to view...
HMBANA Position Paper
The Human Milk Banking Association of North America has added a position paper to their site: "Donor Human Milk: Ensuring Safety and Ethical Allocation."
Please note: clicking on the link below will open a .pdf file in a new window.
click to view...
Please note: clicking on the link below will open a .pdf file in a new window.
click to view...
Mother's milk is priceless for life (Editorials - Baxter Bulletin)
Thanks for the excellent article by Sharon Miller, "Breastfeeding has its benefits" (Aug. 9, 2005). However, it is inaccurate to describe breast milk as free. In fact, it's priceless...
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Breastfeeding saving Afghan babies (BBC NEWS | Health)
Naseema desperately needed help.
She had already lost seven of her eleven children now the lives of her six-week old twins hung in the balance.
When Naseema, a mother in northern Afghanistan, came to her local health clinic her babies were severely malnourished.
She said she had not got sufficient breast milk to feed them, and had been feeding them sugar water with a little bit of powdered milk added whenever she could afford it.
click to read more....
She had already lost seven of her eleven children now the lives of her six-week old twins hung in the balance.
When Naseema, a mother in northern Afghanistan, came to her local health clinic her babies were severely malnourished.
She said she had not got sufficient breast milk to feed them, and had been feeding them sugar water with a little bit of powdered milk added whenever she could afford it.
click to read more....
Breast feeding and returning to work: Yes you can! (Williston Herald)
Breastfeeding is the natural and best choice for feeding a baby, all the experts agree. But for many mothers, a need to return to work after their child's birth makes breastfeeding seem like an impossible choice.
Not so, according to Liz Bustad, lactation consultant with the Upper Missouri District Health Unit. "It's a commitment, but it can be done," Bustad said.
The month of August is breastfeeding awareness month. The emphasis this year is on breastfeeding and returning to work, and how the two can be done together.
"North Dakota has one of the highest rates of women working outside of the home," Bustad said. With that in mind, it is even more important for employers to be supportive of mothers who choose to breastfeed their children.
click to read more....
Not so, according to Liz Bustad, lactation consultant with the Upper Missouri District Health Unit. "It's a commitment, but it can be done," Bustad said.
The month of August is breastfeeding awareness month. The emphasis this year is on breastfeeding and returning to work, and how the two can be done together.
"North Dakota has one of the highest rates of women working outside of the home," Bustad said. With that in mind, it is even more important for employers to be supportive of mothers who choose to breastfeed their children.
click to read more....
Breast is best (Evening Star)
A SUFFOLK children's centre is today at the centre of a drive to get new mothers breastfeeding.
New figures show that fewer women breastfeed in the UK than almost anywhere else in Europe – something the Department of Health is trying to address.
Now, the South East Ipswich SureStart Children's Centre, in Clapgate Lane, has introduced a number of programmes which has already encouraged scores of mothers in the Gainsborough, Greenwich, Priory Health and Racecourse areas of the town, to turn to breastfeeding.
click to read more....
New figures show that fewer women breastfeed in the UK than almost anywhere else in Europe – something the Department of Health is trying to address.
Now, the South East Ipswich SureStart Children's Centre, in Clapgate Lane, has introduced a number of programmes which has already encouraged scores of mothers in the Gainsborough, Greenwich, Priory Health and Racecourse areas of the town, to turn to breastfeeding.
click to read more....
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Motherhood strikes a nerve (The Arizona Republic)
...But what is it about breast-feeding that strikes such a nerve? We live in a society that glamorizes sexuality through skimpy clothing, suggestive dance moves and explicit lyrics. Yet the simple act of motherly care sets us aback. Why?...
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Breast-feeding . . . only in America (The Arizona Republic)
(letter to the editor)
...Only in America would people complain about the beautiful sight of a woman nursing her baby....
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...Only in America would people complain about the beautiful sight of a woman nursing her baby....
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Study Participants Needed!
Tom Hale (author of Medications and Mothers' Milk) and a group of pediatric colleagues are currently conducting an online survey concering the effect of antidepressants on breastfeeding, the infant, and the infant's outcome.
They need thousands of responses from as diverse a group of breastfeeding mothers as possible. Responses from those who have not used antidepressants are also needed, as a control group.
If you are a breastfeeding mother, please consider completing this survey and/or passing the URL along to others who will respond.
click to view and complete the survey...
They need thousands of responses from as diverse a group of breastfeeding mothers as possible. Responses from those who have not used antidepressants are also needed, as a control group.
If you are a breastfeeding mother, please consider completing this survey and/or passing the URL along to others who will respond.
click to view and complete the survey...
Friday, August 19, 2005
Breastfeeding Moms Have Rights, Too: Mothers nurse babies in Mystic River Park to raise awareness (Shore Publishing, LLC)
To celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Month, seven women met in Mystic River Park last week to nurse their babies in public.
Darlene Stefanski, who spearheaded the idea of a group demonstration, said breastfeeding month, recognized in August, helps educate the public about infant health and mothers' rights.
"Women shouldn't feel like they have to hide in a closet to feed their babies," Stefanski said. "So we gathered up some women and got together."
click to read more....
Darlene Stefanski, who spearheaded the idea of a group demonstration, said breastfeeding month, recognized in August, helps educate the public about infant health and mothers' rights.
"Women shouldn't feel like they have to hide in a closet to feed their babies," Stefanski said. "So we gathered up some women and got together."
click to read more....
Breastfeeding Saves Money (Burke Connection - Connection Newspapers)
To help new parents save money and improve the health of a mother and child, the Virginia Department of Health suggests mothers breast-feed their young children.
Mothers who breast-feed can save at least $700 on the cost for standard infant formula during the first year, according to estimates by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This figure can increase significantly if the child needs a specialty formula, according to the department of health. Savings can increase further due to the fact that breast-fed babies generally incur fewer health-care expenses and their parents lose less time from work to care for a sick child. At least $3.6 billion could be saved nationwide in health care costs if more mothers breast-fed their babies, according to the health department.
click to read more....
Mothers who breast-feed can save at least $700 on the cost for standard infant formula during the first year, according to estimates by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This figure can increase significantly if the child needs a specialty formula, according to the department of health. Savings can increase further due to the fact that breast-fed babies generally incur fewer health-care expenses and their parents lose less time from work to care for a sick child. At least $3.6 billion could be saved nationwide in health care costs if more mothers breast-fed their babies, according to the health department.
click to read more....
Duration of Breastfeeding Linked to Lower Risk of Later Overweight (MedPage Today)
BERLIN, Aug. 18-The longer an infant is breastfed, the less likely the child is to become overweight later in life.
So concluded German researchers on the basis of a meta-analysis that extends earlier research pointing to breastfeeding's benefit.
For every month of breastfeeding -- up to nine months -- the risk of being overweight was reduced by 4% (odds ratio 0.96/month of breastfeeding, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.98), reported Thomas Harder, M.D., of University Medicine here and colleagues in the September issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.
"The duration of breastfeeding is inversely and linearly associated with the risk of overweight," the investigators wrote. This effect lasted up to nine months, after which the benefit leveled off.
click to read more....
So concluded German researchers on the basis of a meta-analysis that extends earlier research pointing to breastfeeding's benefit.
For every month of breastfeeding -- up to nine months -- the risk of being overweight was reduced by 4% (odds ratio 0.96/month of breastfeeding, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.98), reported Thomas Harder, M.D., of University Medicine here and colleagues in the September issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.
"The duration of breastfeeding is inversely and linearly associated with the risk of overweight," the investigators wrote. This effect lasted up to nine months, after which the benefit leveled off.
click to read more....
Platte health department urges breastfeeding (Sun-News of the Northland)
The Platte County Health Department is recognizing August as breastfeeding awareness month. The health department calls breastfeeding one of the single most important decisions a new mother can make to assure health and contentment for her baby.
Jolin Mahoney, Parkville, said she always had the desire to breastfeed and the information that she received from the health department helped facilitate that desire with knowledge.
"They have signs posted everywhere and they really give you a lot of information," Mahoney said.
She said before the birth of her son Isaac, she received information from the health department about support groups and breastfeeding in general. She said this information along with guidance from WIC counselor Susan Brown gave her the confidence that she needed to successfully breastfeed her son.
click to read more....
Jolin Mahoney, Parkville, said she always had the desire to breastfeed and the information that she received from the health department helped facilitate that desire with knowledge.
"They have signs posted everywhere and they really give you a lot of information," Mahoney said.
She said before the birth of her son Isaac, she received information from the health department about support groups and breastfeeding in general. She said this information along with guidance from WIC counselor Susan Brown gave her the confidence that she needed to successfully breastfeed her son.
click to read more....
UC Davis Med Center Opens 'Lactation Corner' (KCRA.com)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- August is breastfeeding awareness month in California. While it might look easy to some, learning to breastfeed can be challenging, according to experts. Now, there's a new place where new mothers can turn for help in Sacramento.
Chelsea Riess' "miracle baby," William, was born 14 weeks too soon. Together, they're overcoming many challenges, including breastfeeding.
click to read more....
Chelsea Riess' "miracle baby," William, was born 14 weeks too soon. Together, they're overcoming many challenges, including breastfeeding.
click to read more....
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Duration of Breastfeeding and Risk of Overweight: A Meta-Analysis -- Harder et al. 162 (5): 397 -- American Journal of Epidemiology
Observational studies suggest a longer duration of breastfeeding to be associated dose dependently with a decrease in risk of overweight in later life. The authors performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of the existing studies on duration of breastfeeding and risk of overweight....
click to read summary....
click to read summary....
Mother faces challenges of breastfeeding (Sun-News of the Northland)
Jolin Mahoney, Parkville, said if the topic of breastfeeding received more exposure, children in our society would be healthier.
She said the physical bond between she and her 8-week-old son Isaac is amazing.
"When he cries, my body is urged to get him," Mahoney said. "I think that's due to breastfeeding."
Although the bond between Mahoney and her son is the most natural bond that humans know some see the act as a social taboo and reject the idea that mother's breastfeed in public places.
"It needs more exposure, in books, and health class," Mahoney said. "If people saw it more often, it wouldn't be so shocking."
The Platte County Health Department is recognizing August as breastfeeding awareness month. Both north and south facilities are offering information and samples to the Women Infant and Children Program participants and anyone who needs it.
click to read more....
She said the physical bond between she and her 8-week-old son Isaac is amazing.
"When he cries, my body is urged to get him," Mahoney said. "I think that's due to breastfeeding."
Although the bond between Mahoney and her son is the most natural bond that humans know some see the act as a social taboo and reject the idea that mother's breastfeed in public places.
"It needs more exposure, in books, and health class," Mahoney said. "If people saw it more often, it wouldn't be so shocking."
The Platte County Health Department is recognizing August as breastfeeding awareness month. Both north and south facilities are offering information and samples to the Women Infant and Children Program participants and anyone who needs it.
click to read more....
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Breast-feeding needs common sense (The Arizona Republic)
(letter to the editor)
Nursing in public - fine. Flashing - not fine.
A few months ago, while in a local fabric store, a woman carrying a toddler (about the size of a 3-year-old) walked in. ...
click to read more....
Nursing in public - fine. Flashing - not fine.
A few months ago, while in a local fabric store, a woman carrying a toddler (about the size of a 3-year-old) walked in. ...
click to read more....
Writer bares, shares nitty gritty of breast-feeding (Star Tribune)
My, how the pendulum has swung. A generation or two ago, formula and bottles were the royal road to motherhood. Breast-feeding was so, well, backwoods -- unhygienic, unscientific, just the teensiest bit icky.
But now breast-feeding has almost become a new front in the competitive mommy pageant. After all, you want to give your baby the realizing-full-potential-tippy-top best -- don't you? What could be more natural, nurturing and loving?
Until you've got cracked nipples and a baby that won't "latch on," and you feel like a lactating Fountain of Trevi. As you gaze down at your child suckling at your bosom -- latching on isn't the problem anymore -- you can't shake the image of sailors scraping a persistent barnacle off a ship's hull.
"Spilled Milk: Breastfeeding Adventures and Advice From Less-Than-Perfect Moms" (Rodale, $12.95) by Twin Cities writer Andy Steiner cuts through the dogma with a well-rounded view of what breast-feeding is really all about. The mother of a 5-year-old and 16-month-old interviewed women nationwide for a practical and often funny take on what it really means to feed your kid the way nature intended.
click to read more....
But now breast-feeding has almost become a new front in the competitive mommy pageant. After all, you want to give your baby the realizing-full-potential-tippy-top best -- don't you? What could be more natural, nurturing and loving?
Until you've got cracked nipples and a baby that won't "latch on," and you feel like a lactating Fountain of Trevi. As you gaze down at your child suckling at your bosom -- latching on isn't the problem anymore -- you can't shake the image of sailors scraping a persistent barnacle off a ship's hull.
"Spilled Milk: Breastfeeding Adventures and Advice From Less-Than-Perfect Moms" (Rodale, $12.95) by Twin Cities writer Andy Steiner cuts through the dogma with a well-rounded view of what breast-feeding is really all about. The mother of a 5-year-old and 16-month-old interviewed women nationwide for a practical and often funny take on what it really means to feed your kid the way nature intended.
click to read more....
Breast-feeding gold standard for infant nutrition (The Clarion-Ledger)
Decisions, decisions, decisions. Public school or private school. Spanking or time-out. Violin lessons or football practice.
Plenty of parental decisions have far-reaching consequences for children. However, I am hard-pressed to think of a parental choice with more health consequences than whether to breast-feed.
Providing human milk for your baby is one of the first things you do for your child. The benefits for your baby and you are both immediate and far-reaching.
During August, the state Department of Health will celebrate World Breast-feeding Month.
Mississippi mothers who are breast-feeding or have breast-fed in the past will receive gold ribbons. According to Laura Wright, breast-feeding coordinator at the Health Department, the gold ribbon is a symbol for the promotion and support of breast-feeding, and the gold color means breast-feeding is the gold standard for infant feeding.
click to read more....
Plenty of parental decisions have far-reaching consequences for children. However, I am hard-pressed to think of a parental choice with more health consequences than whether to breast-feed.
Providing human milk for your baby is one of the first things you do for your child. The benefits for your baby and you are both immediate and far-reaching.
During August, the state Department of Health will celebrate World Breast-feeding Month.
Mississippi mothers who are breast-feeding or have breast-fed in the past will receive gold ribbons. According to Laura Wright, breast-feeding coordinator at the Health Department, the gold ribbon is a symbol for the promotion and support of breast-feeding, and the gold color means breast-feeding is the gold standard for infant feeding.
click to read more....
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Mothers Urged to Breastfeed (allAfrica.com: Uganda)
THE Commissioner for Community Health, Dr Sam Okware, has warned mothers against shunning breast-feeding saying the act has increased infant mortality in the country.
He said the recent health demographic surveys indicate that the number of mothers who breast-fed their children tremendously reduced from 73 percent in 1995 to 64 percent in 2000.
click to read more....
He said the recent health demographic surveys indicate that the number of mothers who breast-fed their children tremendously reduced from 73 percent in 1995 to 64 percent in 2000.
click to read more....
Mom's prerogative :: The Daily Herald, Provo Utah
Aubrey Hammer says she respects women's right to breast-feed in public, but she needs more privacy to feed her 3-month-old son, Ethan, who -- when he's not sick -- loves to eat a lot.
"For me, it just didn't work well," Hammer said.
This month, The Associated Press reported a woman was asked to leave an Ogden store after customers complained she was breast-feeding.
Carol Olson, a breast-feeding coordinator for Utah County's Women, Infants and Children office, said incidents like that make her mad because they make young mothers leery of nursing in public. She works every month to help mothers and bring attention to breast-feeding issues, but is making a bigger push this month because August is National Breast-feeding Month.
"(Women) can breast-feed anywhere they want, anytime," she said. "Nobody has any right to kick them out or ask them to do anything."
click to read more....
"For me, it just didn't work well," Hammer said.
This month, The Associated Press reported a woman was asked to leave an Ogden store after customers complained she was breast-feeding.
Carol Olson, a breast-feeding coordinator for Utah County's Women, Infants and Children office, said incidents like that make her mad because they make young mothers leery of nursing in public. She works every month to help mothers and bring attention to breast-feeding issues, but is making a bigger push this month because August is National Breast-feeding Month.
"(Women) can breast-feed anywhere they want, anytime," she said. "Nobody has any right to kick them out or ask them to do anything."
click to read more....
Monday, August 15, 2005
A few words on expressing yourself at work (The Boston Globe)
As I heard the doorknob turning I could not believe my ears. Here I was, huddled in the corner, naked from the waist up, holding two plastic cones to my chest. I had reserved the conference room; I had even put a ''Do Not Disturb'' sign on the door, but here came this clueless engineer swinging through it.
Our eyes met, his uncomprehending at first and mine wide with disbelief. Finally realizing what was going on, he froze in place. I had to tell him in as calm a voice as I could muster, ''Please leave and close the door on your way out.'' He snapped out of his zombie state and exited red faced.
The door closed and that effectively put an end to my breast-pumping session. He was not a bad guy; actually he was one of the nicer engineers, just a little dense. I knew I was going to have to say something to break the ice. Later I told him that he at least owed me beads a la Mardi Gras. Clearly, this was an awkward work moment probably never covered by Miss Manners.
click to read more...
Our eyes met, his uncomprehending at first and mine wide with disbelief. Finally realizing what was going on, he froze in place. I had to tell him in as calm a voice as I could muster, ''Please leave and close the door on your way out.'' He snapped out of his zombie state and exited red faced.
The door closed and that effectively put an end to my breast-pumping session. He was not a bad guy; actually he was one of the nicer engineers, just a little dense. I knew I was going to have to say something to break the ice. Later I told him that he at least owed me beads a la Mardi Gras. Clearly, this was an awkward work moment probably never covered by Miss Manners.
click to read more...
Breast feeding in public (Capital News 9)
Decades ago breast feeding wasn't popular, and for some, it wasn't acceptable, especially in public.
"I think it should be done not in the public's eye," said one person.
Betty Neely said, "Even though it is a natural thing to do, I still feel there should be modesty involved in that."
Today, more moms are breast feeding. Donna Coglianese is pregnant with her first baby and plans to breast feed.
She said, "The benefits: it's natural, cost effective and really just the health benefits of it."
Many moms quit the first week because they don't know what to expect.
click to read more....
"I think it should be done not in the public's eye," said one person.
Betty Neely said, "Even though it is a natural thing to do, I still feel there should be modesty involved in that."
Today, more moms are breast feeding. Donna Coglianese is pregnant with her first baby and plans to breast feed.
She said, "The benefits: it's natural, cost effective and really just the health benefits of it."
Many moms quit the first week because they don't know what to expect.
click to read more....
Breast milk bank aids ailing newborns (Macleans)
For Frances Jones, the question "Got milk?" is more than a marketing slogan. As director of the only human milk bank in Canada, Jones distributes donated breast milk to babies for whom formula is not appropriate.
"We get babies with gut surgeries, kidney problems, cardiac surgeries. And in all cases we're supplying in situations where the biological mother -- for whatever reason -- isn't able to meet the baby's needs," Jones says. "We also get requests for babies with severe allergies who aren't tolerating anything else."
click to read more....
"We get babies with gut surgeries, kidney problems, cardiac surgeries. And in all cases we're supplying in situations where the biological mother -- for whatever reason -- isn't able to meet the baby's needs," Jones says. "We also get requests for babies with severe allergies who aren't tolerating anything else."
click to read more....
Best for babies: Community Hospital honored as being baby friendly (Herald Bulletin)
Since 1991 international health organizations have been promoting the benefits of breast- feeding for both mothers and infant. As a result Community Hospital Anderson has been named the second Baby Friendly hospital in Indiana.
Only 50 hospitals in the United States have earned the designation and 19,000 worldwide. During a Saturday ceremony, Community Hospital Anderson received its official designation. Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis also has the designation.
click to read more....
Only 50 hospitals in the United States have earned the designation and 19,000 worldwide. During a Saturday ceremony, Community Hospital Anderson received its official designation. Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis also has the designation.
click to read more....
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Breastfeeding laws minimal in Mass. (Lowell Sun)
BOSTON -- In the hectic life of a new mom also working a full-time job, Andrea Jackson treasures the 15 minutes of peace and quiet she has twice a day in the mother's room at Lowell General Hospital.
It's a place where she can relax and think about her 4-month-old son Nicholas without hearing his cries, without phones ringing, and without people coming in and out of her office.
The room is available in a private, sanitary setting for Lowell General employees who choose to continue breast-feeding after they return to work.
It's been a blessing for Jackson, the assistant coordinator of the hospital's volunteer department, who returned one month ago from a three-month maternity leave.
“I love going to that room,'' she said. “Going back to work is tough enough and this reminds me of the baby back home. The support here is so wonderful.''
If Jackson didn't have the benefit of a private room, she's not sure whether she would've continued breast-feeding.
“I can see if you didn't have a comfortable place that you might have to stop,'' she said.
“I know I am lucky.''
By providing a specific space for moms, Lowell General Hospital is in the minority among employers statewide, officials say. Breast-feeding advocates say Massachusetts is among the worst states in the nation when it comes to protecting nursing mothers in public and the workplace.
click to read more....
It's a place where she can relax and think about her 4-month-old son Nicholas without hearing his cries, without phones ringing, and without people coming in and out of her office.
The room is available in a private, sanitary setting for Lowell General employees who choose to continue breast-feeding after they return to work.
It's been a blessing for Jackson, the assistant coordinator of the hospital's volunteer department, who returned one month ago from a three-month maternity leave.
“I love going to that room,'' she said. “Going back to work is tough enough and this reminds me of the baby back home. The support here is so wonderful.''
If Jackson didn't have the benefit of a private room, she's not sure whether she would've continued breast-feeding.
“I can see if you didn't have a comfortable place that you might have to stop,'' she said.
“I know I am lucky.''
By providing a specific space for moms, Lowell General Hospital is in the minority among employers statewide, officials say. Breast-feeding advocates say Massachusetts is among the worst states in the nation when it comes to protecting nursing mothers in public and the workplace.
click to read more....
Neighborhoodtimes: Nursing mothers have rights, too (St. Petersburg Times)
usually don't run afoul of authority figures much these days, but recently I got myself into some hot water at North Shore Pool.
Here's how it went down: "I'm sorry, ma'am, but you can't do that here."
I was nursing my 6-month-old baby to sleep while I chatted with my friends and watched my older children swim. I thought it might help to let her know that Florida Law protects mothers' rights to nurse in public.
It didn't. She said that I could nurse, just not right there, at the pool edge. She suggested the women's locker rooms. Her supervisor suggested the sunbathing deck. He said the pool was supposed to be a "family-friendly environment."
The thing is, there is no segregation for breast-feeding moms. The right to nurse in public does not include exceptions (like pools or restaurants) or limitations (like only in restrooms or under a blanket).
Some moms carry a copy of the Florida law around with them in case they get hassled. Now I do, too.
click to read more....
Here's how it went down: "I'm sorry, ma'am, but you can't do that here."
I was nursing my 6-month-old baby to sleep while I chatted with my friends and watched my older children swim. I thought it might help to let her know that Florida Law protects mothers' rights to nurse in public.
It didn't. She said that I could nurse, just not right there, at the pool edge. She suggested the women's locker rooms. Her supervisor suggested the sunbathing deck. He said the pool was supposed to be a "family-friendly environment."
The thing is, there is no segregation for breast-feeding moms. The right to nurse in public does not include exceptions (like pools or restaurants) or limitations (like only in restrooms or under a blanket).
Some moms carry a copy of the Florida law around with them in case they get hassled. Now I do, too.
click to read more....
Life at the Top: The sensibility-offending attack of the lactating mammary glands ... (StandardNET/Standard-Examiner)
Depending upon whom you believe, August is either "Breastfeeding Awareness Month," "Breastfeeding Promotion Month," "Breastfeeding Success Month," "World Breastfeeding Month" or "Saint Suckle's Eve."
OK, so we just made up that last one.
But all of the rest are bona fide designations, used in actual various national publications recently. But whatever you call it, one thing is clear: The month of August has been set aside to celebrate that most basic of human liberties -- a woman's right to free expression.
Of breast milk.
Leading the charge are angry groups of lactating activists, who've cleverly christened themselves "lactivists." One particularly organized group of these lactivists even has its own Web site, www.lactivists.org. It's a site that they claim is dedicated to "those who are uncomfortable with public breastfeeding."
click to read more....
OK, so we just made up that last one.
But all of the rest are bona fide designations, used in actual various national publications recently. But whatever you call it, one thing is clear: The month of August has been set aside to celebrate that most basic of human liberties -- a woman's right to free expression.
Of breast milk.
Leading the charge are angry groups of lactating activists, who've cleverly christened themselves "lactivists." One particularly organized group of these lactivists even has its own Web site, www.lactivists.org. It's a site that they claim is dedicated to "those who are uncomfortable with public breastfeeding."
click to read more....
Breastfeeding still needed when babies start solid foods (Eaton Rapids Community News)
CHARLOTTE - For the best start in life, the Michigan Department of Community Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics and health organizations worldwide recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
This will be emphasized in August when Breastfeeding Awareness Month is observed throughout Michigan as well as in more than 120 countries worldwide.
The theme for this year's breastfeeding celebration is "Breastfeeding and Family Foods: Loving & Healthy." It focuses on breastmilk providing complete nutrition for an infant's first six months and emphasizes the benefits of continued breastfeeding while giving other foods after six months.
It also aims to help make the transition from fully breastfeeding to breastfeeding and eating with the rest of the family in a loving and caring way.
click to read more....
This will be emphasized in August when Breastfeeding Awareness Month is observed throughout Michigan as well as in more than 120 countries worldwide.
The theme for this year's breastfeeding celebration is "Breastfeeding and Family Foods: Loving & Healthy." It focuses on breastmilk providing complete nutrition for an infant's first six months and emphasizes the benefits of continued breastfeeding while giving other foods after six months.
It also aims to help make the transition from fully breastfeeding to breastfeeding and eating with the rest of the family in a loving and caring way.
click to read more....
Debate puts breast-feeding in the spotlight (East Valley Tribune)
Four-month-old Aiden Milliron may be horrified in a few years to realize he was at the center of so much fuss about breasts.
But his mother’s insistence that she be allowed to breastfeed him in public has galvanized support among nursing mothers and could very well change state law.
By thrusting breast-feeding into the public spotlight, Aiden’s hungry tummy is causing people to examine their views about the practice and setting up an emotionally charged debate encompassing motherhood, public health, indecent exposure, private property and family values.
And it’s revealed more stories of nursing mothers being asked to leave department stores, ballfields and other public places.
"I am one of many, many moms," Amy Milliron said. "I’m just the only one who said something."
click to read more....
But his mother’s insistence that she be allowed to breastfeed him in public has galvanized support among nursing mothers and could very well change state law.
By thrusting breast-feeding into the public spotlight, Aiden’s hungry tummy is causing people to examine their views about the practice and setting up an emotionally charged debate encompassing motherhood, public health, indecent exposure, private property and family values.
And it’s revealed more stories of nursing mothers being asked to leave department stores, ballfields and other public places.
"I am one of many, many moms," Amy Milliron said. "I’m just the only one who said something."
click to read more....
Event celebrates breast-feeding (The Olympian - Olympia, Washington)
When Molly Pestinger of Olympia decided to have children with her husband, Jason, she knew she was going to breast-feed.
She knew all of the health benefits and had been raised in a household with her mom serving as a leader of La Leche League, an international breast-feeding support group. To prepare, Pestinger started going to La Leche meetings when she was six months pregnant.
But when she tried breast-feeding with her newborn daughter, Kathrine, she struggled.
"We had all kinds of issues," Pestinger said. "She didn't latch on correctly."
When Kathrine was 4 weeks old, Pestinger went to a La Leche meeting for help.
"It was really important for me, for the sake of my children, as far as their health was concerned, and also the emotional, bonding aspect of it was really important to me," Pestinger said.
One mother at the meeting, who had weathered similar problems, shared sympathy and tips for making breast-feeding workable.
"Her biggest piece of advice was, 'Just stick to it. If you can just make it two months, you're OK,' " Pestinger said. "I definitely found that to be true."
click to read more....
She knew all of the health benefits and had been raised in a household with her mom serving as a leader of La Leche League, an international breast-feeding support group. To prepare, Pestinger started going to La Leche meetings when she was six months pregnant.
But when she tried breast-feeding with her newborn daughter, Kathrine, she struggled.
"We had all kinds of issues," Pestinger said. "She didn't latch on correctly."
When Kathrine was 4 weeks old, Pestinger went to a La Leche meeting for help.
"It was really important for me, for the sake of my children, as far as their health was concerned, and also the emotional, bonding aspect of it was really important to me," Pestinger said.
One mother at the meeting, who had weathered similar problems, shared sympathy and tips for making breast-feeding workable.
"Her biggest piece of advice was, 'Just stick to it. If you can just make it two months, you're OK,' " Pestinger said. "I definitely found that to be true."
click to read more....
Nursing publicly mom's choice - But some don’t support activity (The Daily Star)
Deciding to breast-feed her son, Xander, wasn’t much of a decision, Erin Van Cott said Wednesday.
"It seemed like really the only option," the 26-year-old said from her Oneonta home.
Xander was born in 2004. Despite it being hard at first, Van Cott said, she has been nursing him ever since.
Deciding to breast-feed in public isn’t much of a decision either, Van Cott said.
"If you’re hungry, baby is hungry too," Van Cott said. "We go everywhere with him.
"I’m one of the women who will nurse anywhere," she added.
New York law says a mother may breast-feed her child anywhere the mother has a right to be.
click to read more....
"It seemed like really the only option," the 26-year-old said from her Oneonta home.
Xander was born in 2004. Despite it being hard at first, Van Cott said, she has been nursing him ever since.
Deciding to breast-feed in public isn’t much of a decision either, Van Cott said.
"If you’re hungry, baby is hungry too," Van Cott said. "We go everywhere with him.
"I’m one of the women who will nurse anywhere," she added.
New York law says a mother may breast-feed her child anywhere the mother has a right to be.
click to read more....
A boost for breastfeeding - The Boston Globe - editorial
INFANTS AND their mothers would be healthier if more mothers would breast-feed their babies. A Food and Drug Administration study of why women don't, or stop after a short time, found that a principal factor is their embarrassment over the reaction nursing causes when it is done in public. Changing that reaction in squeamish America will take time -- Barbara Walters riled nursing mothers recently when she said on TV that the sight of a woman breastfeeding near her in an airplane made her ''uncomfortable." A step in the direction of making nursing more routine is state legislation that would end the harassment that nursing mothers too often face.
click to read more....
click to read more....
Filipino artists paint nursing mums to mark World Breastfeeding Month (Channelnewsasia.com)
MANILA : Some of the Philippines' most renowned artists have collectively chosen a special subject for their masterpieces.
In a departure from the traditional nude figure, they painted mothers suckling their babies to help celebrate World Breastfeeding Month in August.
An invitation to join a special live painting session drew an enthusiastic response from some of the Philippines' most famous artists.
click to read more....
In a departure from the traditional nude figure, they painted mothers suckling their babies to help celebrate World Breastfeeding Month in August.
An invitation to join a special live painting session drew an enthusiastic response from some of the Philippines' most famous artists.
click to read more....
Friday, August 12, 2005
A Muslim Mother's Thoughts
A story was circulating this summer in which U2's Bono claimed to have witnessed a group of Muslim women stoning a foreign aid worker for breastfeeding her baby publicly.
This blog entry does a great job in analyzing the story. I recommend giving it a thoughtful read.
click to read more...
This blog entry does a great job in analyzing the story. I recommend giving it a thoughtful read.
click to read more...
Hathor- The Evolution Revolution
Hathor the Cow Goddess has taken on Chandler, Arizona in four new cartoons. 1 and 4 are my personal faves. :)
click to view and laugh
click to view and laugh
Chandler rescinds policy on breast feeding on city property (KVOA TV, Tucson)
The Chandler City Council has voted unanimously to scrap a controversial breast-feeding directive which could have subjected nursing mothers to criminal charges.
Though the council made no objections to the directive when it was released on Monday by city Community Services Director Mark Eynatten, city officials in the southeast Phoenix suburb said the public outcry that ensued couldn't be ignored.
On Thursday night the council answered the pleas of about 40 mothers who filled council chambers by axing the directive and instead opting to form a committee to study the issue.
click to read more....
Though the council made no objections to the directive when it was released on Monday by city Community Services Director Mark Eynatten, city officials in the southeast Phoenix suburb said the public outcry that ensued couldn't be ignored.
On Thursday night the council answered the pleas of about 40 mothers who filled council chambers by axing the directive and instead opting to form a committee to study the issue.
click to read more....
KPHO Phoenix - Breast-Feeding in Public Okay for Now
Nursing mothers in Chandler can breast-feed on city property, at least for now.
Several mothers gathered Thursday night in protest to a proposed order that would require mothers to cover up, go to a private area, or risk a citation for criminal trespassing if they breast-fed in public.
click to read more....
Several mothers gathered Thursday night in protest to a proposed order that would require mothers to cover up, go to a private area, or risk a citation for criminal trespassing if they breast-fed in public.
click to read more....
Breast-feeding has benefits (The Republic)
QUESTION: I'm considering breast-feeding my baby and was wondering if I will be in good company. Are more women breast-feeding today?
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The Benefits of Breastfeeding (WCAX-TV)
Lynn Stuhlmueller is a mom on the go. With four children, including a new infant, she has found creative ways to get work done.
After checking on her two year old twins napping, she puts 7 month-old Zach on her back. But despite the hectic schedule she always takes time for one activity.
Breast feeding the baby is a priority.
"As crazy as it can get here it is nice to just have a few minutes to sit down and not worry about the phone or whatever else is going on," she says.
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After checking on her two year old twins napping, she puts 7 month-old Zach on her back. But despite the hectic schedule she always takes time for one activity.
Breast feeding the baby is a priority.
"As crazy as it can get here it is nice to just have a few minutes to sit down and not worry about the phone or whatever else is going on," she says.
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Clarian Opens Mother's Milk Bank to Help Sick Babies (WISH-TV - Indianapolis, Indiana)
Doctors in our state now have a new tool to help premature and sick babies. They say it boosts baby's immune systems, helping them heal more quickly. It's been around as long as life itself: it’s mother’s milk.
Alexis was born 15 weeks premature, weighing just one pound, 13 ounces. At the Methodist Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Alexis and other babies benefit from the latest technological tools to support their care.
But another treatment that is much less high-tech is also essential in helping these babies thrive: breast milk. "We started her on the donated breast milk, very small qualities and worked her way up. She's now totally on donated breast milk she's now three pounds three ounces,” said Dr. Howard Harris, Methodist Hospital.
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Alexis was born 15 weeks premature, weighing just one pound, 13 ounces. At the Methodist Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Alexis and other babies benefit from the latest technological tools to support their care.
But another treatment that is much less high-tech is also essential in helping these babies thrive: breast milk. "We started her on the donated breast milk, very small qualities and worked her way up. She's now totally on donated breast milk she's now three pounds three ounces,” said Dr. Howard Harris, Methodist Hospital.
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Breastfeeding Baby: Breastfeeding baby steps: 12 ways to get ready before your baby comes (Pregnancy & Baby)
Like walking, breastfeeding is a skill. Both come naturally, but both require practice. Babies take baby steps before they run, and pregnant moms should take their breastfeeding "baby steps" before their hungry newborn arrives. Breastfeeding counselor Marie Zahorick has twelve tips to help you prepare.
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Breast-feeding debate rages in Chandler (East Valley Tribune)
Chandler needs to have a policy or law that doesn’t treat breast-feeding mothers like criminals — at least that’s how one city councilwoman sees it.
In fact, the entire state needs a law that guarantees a mother’s right to breastfeed in public, say a group of East Valley mothers who met with legislators this week.
Councilwoman Donna Wallace has set aside time on tonight’s council agenda to discuss the issue with the possibility of giving city staff direction to draft an ordinance.
A city law would overrule an "administrative directive" presented at a Monday council study session. The directive requires women to cover themselves while breastfeeding at city facilities, and directs facility supervisors to help mothers find a more private location if needed. It also states that a mother who refuses to cover herself or move can be charged with criminal trespassing.
"In the directive, nursing mothers are seen as criminals," said Wallace, who included in the council agenda 57 pages of e-mails she received on the issue.
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In fact, the entire state needs a law that guarantees a mother’s right to breastfeed in public, say a group of East Valley mothers who met with legislators this week.
Councilwoman Donna Wallace has set aside time on tonight’s council agenda to discuss the issue with the possibility of giving city staff direction to draft an ordinance.
A city law would overrule an "administrative directive" presented at a Monday council study session. The directive requires women to cover themselves while breastfeeding at city facilities, and directs facility supervisors to help mothers find a more private location if needed. It also states that a mother who refuses to cover herself or move can be charged with criminal trespassing.
"In the directive, nursing mothers are seen as criminals," said Wallace, who included in the council agenda 57 pages of e-mails she received on the issue.
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Breastfeeding Baby: Help! I'm afraid to try breastfeeding (Pregnancy & Baby)
While breastfeeding may be best for baby (and pretty darn good for mom, too, knocking off pregnancy weight and preventing diseases) many moms are reluctant, even afraid to breastfeed. Why? The reasons women can be intimidated by breastfeeding are as varied as, well, women. Any of these concerns sound familiar?
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New breast-milk bank gives nourishment to newborns (Indianapolis Star)
For newborn babies, especially those born prematurely, breast milk can be more than a luxury -- it can be life-saving medicine. Beginning today, Indiana will have an official dispensary for babies whose mothers cannot give them that vital natural nutrition.
The Indiana Mothers' Milk Bank opens to provide donated human milk for premature or sick babies whose mothers cannot breastfeed.
"There is so much research that shows the enhanced outcomes for babies that are breast-fed as opposed to formula-fed," said Mary M. Weber, chair of the milk bank's board of directors and program administrator for Clarian Women's Services.
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The Indiana Mothers' Milk Bank opens to provide donated human milk for premature or sick babies whose mothers cannot breastfeed.
"There is so much research that shows the enhanced outcomes for babies that are breast-fed as opposed to formula-fed," said Mary M. Weber, chair of the milk bank's board of directors and program administrator for Clarian Women's Services.
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Breastfeeding Baby: Hand expressing breastmilk (Pregnancy & Baby)
Your question: How can you hand express breastmilk? - Juliette G.
The expert answers: Hand expression is when a woman manually "milks" the milk producing sinuses just behind the nipple.
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The expert answers: Hand expression is when a woman manually "milks" the milk producing sinuses just behind the nipple.
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Thursday, August 11, 2005
Nursing? The Rox play ball: Stadium lets moms breast-feed (BostonHerald.com)
Although a majority of Herald readers responding to an online poll say breast-feeding doesn't belong in the stands at sports arenas, a Brockton baseball stadium that offers a luxury suite to nursing mothers is putting Fenway Park and other major venues to shame.
Moms are free to breast-feed in their seats at Campanelli Stadium while watching the Brockton Rox, but the minor-league park also reserves one of its dozen $20,000-a-year luxury suites for mothers who want to nurse away from the crowd.
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Moms are free to breast-feed in their seats at Campanelli Stadium while watching the Brockton Rox, but the minor-league park also reserves one of its dozen $20,000-a-year luxury suites for mothers who want to nurse away from the crowd.
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Wednesday, August 10, 2005
The Arizona Republic: Councilwoman vows to challenge Chandler's breast-feeding policy
Chandler City Councilwoman Donna Wallace doesn't like the breast-feeding "directive" issued by parks officials earlier this week and said she plans to seek a municipal law on the subject Thursday night.
"I have concerns over the fact that it has criminal penalties for nursing," Wallace said of the directive. "Breast feeding all over the world is a natural function and a woman's right."
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"I have concerns over the fact that it has criminal penalties for nursing," Wallace said of the directive. "Breast feeding all over the world is a natural function and a woman's right."
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the Mail online | Mail - news, sport, showbiz, health and more | Mother told breast is not best at the palace
A mother was told to stop breastfeeding her baby as she toured a royal palace.
Staff at Hampton Court Palace told Margaret Mikkelsen, 30, to use the mother and baby room if she wished to continue feeding her six-month-old daughter Stella. Miss Mikkelsen said the order, which came from a woman warder, left her self-conscious and upset.
"What I object to was the look of disgust on the member of staff's face," she said yesterday.
"It made me feel I was doing something disgusting.
"I'm sure the mother and baby room is very nice and it's great that they have one, but it shouldn't be a requirement."
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Staff at Hampton Court Palace told Margaret Mikkelsen, 30, to use the mother and baby room if she wished to continue feeding her six-month-old daughter Stella. Miss Mikkelsen said the order, which came from a woman warder, left her self-conscious and upset.
"What I object to was the look of disgust on the member of staff's face," she said yesterday.
"It made me feel I was doing something disgusting.
"I'm sure the mother and baby room is very nice and it's great that they have one, but it shouldn't be a requirement."
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The Medical Minute: Breastfeeding -- all natural, all the time
Natural foods and medicines have been popular for some time. So why is it only about 70 percent of American women feed their new babies the most natural way, by breastfeeding? At five months, only a third of mothers continue the practice. With the exception of the British Isles, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy, almost all women in the world breastfeed their infants at birth.
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Breast defense - Female sports fans battle for right to nurse at stadiums
Women in favor of public breastfeeding are demanding the right the nurse their infants in the stands at sports arenas, but say they feel pressured to leave their pricey seats and feed their babies in bathrooms or first aid stations.
``They've paid for their seat, they have the right to be in that seat, so they have the right to breastfeed their baby there – that's our understanding of the law,'' said Lezlie Densmore of La Leche League in Massachusetts.
None of the area's three major sports venues have written policies on breastfeeding, creating confusion among mothers over what is allowed.
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``They've paid for their seat, they have the right to be in that seat, so they have the right to breastfeed their baby there – that's our understanding of the law,'' said Lezlie Densmore of La Leche League in Massachusetts.
None of the area's three major sports venues have written policies on breastfeeding, creating confusion among mothers over what is allowed.
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Local efforts aim to promote breast-feeding by poor women
Jill Von Bruck breast-fed each of her sons, Alex and Aaron, for nearly 2-½ years. The Woodinville mother said she did it not only because of the nutritional value of breast milk, but also for the bonding benefits.
"My mother thinks breast-feeding is disgusting," said Von Bruck, 32, who was raised on formula. "I don't understand how someone would not nurse. That's what breasts are for."
Von Bruck is an exception in America, where at least 80 percent of mothers wean their babies off breast milk before they are a year old. And as an African-American mother, nursing her boys until their preschool years practically made Von Bruck an oddity.
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"My mother thinks breast-feeding is disgusting," said Von Bruck, 32, who was raised on formula. "I don't understand how someone would not nurse. That's what breasts are for."
Von Bruck is an exception in America, where at least 80 percent of mothers wean their babies off breast milk before they are a year old. And as an African-American mother, nursing her boys until their preschool years practically made Von Bruck an oddity.
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KPHO Phoenix - Breast-feeding moms told to cover up or be cited
CHANDLER, Ariz. Mothers who breast-feed on Chandler city property must cover up, go to a private spot or leave if someone complains.
Refuse and you could face criminal charges.
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Refuse and you could face criminal charges.
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The Politics of Breastfeeding
Is breast always best? Conservative cultural mores are clashing with generational shifts in attitudes towards mothering.
When Barbara Walters recently commented that being seated near a breastfeeding mother on a flight had made her "very nervous," the remark set off a torrent of so-called "lactivist" events around the country, at which breastfeeding mothers, their babies, and their supporters staged public "nurse-ins."
Their view is that breastfeeding is a natural, honorable act and should be no more controversial than sipping a latte or noshing on a sandwich in a café. After all, they argued, babies need to eat, and breast milk is one of the healthiest choices mothers can make for their infants.
Walters' comment landed her in a political hornet's nest, where increasingly conservative cultural mores butt up against generational shifts in attitudes toward mothering and women's roles, resulting in a new front of the culture wars.
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When Barbara Walters recently commented that being seated near a breastfeeding mother on a flight had made her "very nervous," the remark set off a torrent of so-called "lactivist" events around the country, at which breastfeeding mothers, their babies, and their supporters staged public "nurse-ins."
Their view is that breastfeeding is a natural, honorable act and should be no more controversial than sipping a latte or noshing on a sandwich in a café. After all, they argued, babies need to eat, and breast milk is one of the healthiest choices mothers can make for their infants.
Walters' comment landed her in a political hornet's nest, where increasingly conservative cultural mores butt up against generational shifts in attitudes toward mothering and women's roles, resulting in a new front of the culture wars.
click to read more....
Breast-feeding moms told to cover up or be cited
Mothers who breast-feed on Chandler city property must cover up, go to a private spot or leave if someone complains. Refuse and they could face criminal trespassing charges.
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Mother in plea for breastfeeding law
A woman who was stopped from breastfeeding her baby while touring Hampton Court Palace has called for the law to be changed to prevent harassment of new mothers.
Margaret Mikkelsen, 30, said England should follow the example of Scotland which introduced a law last November making it a criminal offence to deliberately obstruct breast or bottle feeding in a public place where children are allowed.
She was on a tour of the palace in south-west London with her family and relatives, who were visiting from the US, when her six-month-old daughter, Stella Faulkner, became hungry.
She sat down and was feeding the child discreetly when a female warder came over and directed her to the mother-and-baby room. "She suggested quite strongly that I should move. I didn't want to leave the tour and my family so I had sat down where I was so I could catch up with them quickly."
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Margaret Mikkelsen, 30, said England should follow the example of Scotland which introduced a law last November making it a criminal offence to deliberately obstruct breast or bottle feeding in a public place where children are allowed.
She was on a tour of the palace in south-west London with her family and relatives, who were visiting from the US, when her six-month-old daughter, Stella Faulkner, became hungry.
She sat down and was feeding the child discreetly when a female warder came over and directed her to the mother-and-baby room. "She suggested quite strongly that I should move. I didn't want to leave the tour and my family so I had sat down where I was so I could catch up with them quickly."
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Breast-feeding beats stress
WOMEN who breast-feed may make better mothers, experts said yesterday.
They experience less stress than bottle-feeding mothers and that makes them better able to care for their babies, according a clinical trial conducted in Montreal.
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They experience less stress than bottle-feeding mothers and that makes them better able to care for their babies, according a clinical trial conducted in Montreal.
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Moms embrace breast-feeding as best option for babies 08/09/05
Newborns reap a variety of health benefits from their mother's milk.
Breast-feeding aids in the development of a baby's brain, the growth and protection of its immune system to withstand illnesses, allergies, infections, and lowers its risk of childhood cancer and obesity, said Charlene Burnett, registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant at Truman Medical Center-Lakewood.
"We always tell moms breast-feeding is like having a flu shot, it's like being inoculated of all the germs in the air," she said. "The mom protects the baby from all those germs with her breast milk."
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Breast-feeding aids in the development of a baby's brain, the growth and protection of its immune system to withstand illnesses, allergies, infections, and lowers its risk of childhood cancer and obesity, said Charlene Burnett, registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant at Truman Medical Center-Lakewood.
"We always tell moms breast-feeding is like having a flu shot, it's like being inoculated of all the germs in the air," she said. "The mom protects the baby from all those germs with her breast milk."
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Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Chandler wants nursing moms to cover up
Chandler will continue asking breast-feeding mothers to cover up in public or take mealtime elsewhere. In response to a group asking the city to recognize a woman’s right to breast-feed in public, administrators proposed Monday to only slightly alter the policy.
Now, employees must refer complaints about breast-feeding mothers to supervisors, instead of handling it themselves.
Supervisors will then "discreetly review the situation and determine if the complaint is or is not reasonable," according to the proposed policy. If the complaint is deemed reasonable, the mother will be asked to cover herself and the child or move to a more private location.
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Now, employees must refer complaints about breast-feeding mothers to supervisors, instead of handling it themselves.
Supervisors will then "discreetly review the situation and determine if the complaint is or is not reasonable," according to the proposed policy. If the complaint is deemed reasonable, the mother will be asked to cover herself and the child or move to a more private location.
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Breast-feeding makes babies healthier
EXETER - What better place for the WIC program to promote the benefits of breast-feeding and wholesome baby foods than the farmers market at Swasey Parkway, where area residents who value freshly harvested and often organic local produce go each week to shop?
August -7 was World Breast Feeding Week, a World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) initiative.
This year’s theme - Breast-feeding and Family Foods: Loving and Healthy - promotes exclusive breast-feeding for six months after birth, the benefits of continuing to breast feed to age 2, and also informs parents about appropriate complementary foods and drinks when adding solids after babies reach 6 months of age.
Staff from the Exeter WIC program were on hand at the farmers market last Thursday to demonstrate simple home baby-food preparation techniques, and to discuss the benefits of breast-feeding.
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August -7 was World Breast Feeding Week, a World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) initiative.
This year’s theme - Breast-feeding and Family Foods: Loving and Healthy - promotes exclusive breast-feeding for six months after birth, the benefits of continuing to breast feed to age 2, and also informs parents about appropriate complementary foods and drinks when adding solids after babies reach 6 months of age.
Staff from the Exeter WIC program were on hand at the farmers market last Thursday to demonstrate simple home baby-food preparation techniques, and to discuss the benefits of breast-feeding.
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Breastfeeding has its benefits
The best source of nutrition for newborn babies can't be found in stores. In fact, it's free. Experts agree that mother's milk is best for infants for several reasons, but there are benefits for the breastfeeding mother as well, according to registered nurse Cathy Leppold, board certified lactation consultant at Baxter Regional Medical Center's Women's Center.
The mother's milk contains nutrients best suited for the baby's development and antibodies that protect the child from infection, Leppold said. Breastfed babies also are less likely to develop allergies and dental problems, she said.
"Benefits for the breastfeeding mother are less well-known," she said. Breastfeeding can help prevent excessive bleeding after the birth, and it can delay menstrual periods for mothers who do not use formula, foods or pacifiers as substitutes for feeding the baby at the breast.
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The mother's milk contains nutrients best suited for the baby's development and antibodies that protect the child from infection, Leppold said. Breastfed babies also are less likely to develop allergies and dental problems, she said.
"Benefits for the breastfeeding mother are less well-known," she said. Breastfeeding can help prevent excessive bleeding after the birth, and it can delay menstrual periods for mothers who do not use formula, foods or pacifiers as substitutes for feeding the baby at the breast.
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Nursing in public
A little decorum not too much to ask
Breast-feeding is a healthy, natural and convient way to feed babies. But it is not a public event.
I am the mother of four children and still a little uncomfortable seeing a bare breast in public.
I don't understand the problem of using a bib or handkerchief to cover the breast so that the nipple is not showing.
I am a big defender of Space Coast Tourism Office assistant director Bonnie King, who recently was criticized by letter writers after saying mothers should exercise some discretion if they must breast-feed in public.
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(more letters to the editor at Florida Today)
Breast-feeding is a healthy, natural and convient way to feed babies. But it is not a public event.
I am the mother of four children and still a little uncomfortable seeing a bare breast in public.
I don't understand the problem of using a bib or handkerchief to cover the breast so that the nipple is not showing.
I am a big defender of Space Coast Tourism Office assistant director Bonnie King, who recently was criticized by letter writers after saying mothers should exercise some discretion if they must breast-feed in public.
click to read more....
(more letters to the editor at Florida Today)
Would you let another woman breastfeed your child?
Charlotte Edwardes was initially shocked to find her newborn at another woman's breast. Now she wonders why she was so squeamish about a practice as old as motherhood itself
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Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach Celebrates Breastfeeding Success Following World Breastfeeding Week
81% of Babies Breastfed Within the First Hour of Birth as Part of First 5 LA Grant to Improve Breastfeeding Rates
LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the birth of her premature twins, Michelle Gingras did not think it would be possible to breastfed her twins Leah and Tyler. Thanks to innovative practices and encouragement from nurses, physicians and lactation staff at Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, Michelle has been successful in providing her twins with breast milk.
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"Mother's milk is an excellent source of nutrition for a growing infant," says Bonnie Henson, clinical operations manager, Perinatal Education and Lactation Support Services, Miller Children's Hospital. "Research shows that breastfed babies have fewer ear infections, allergies and childhood diseases than formula fed babies. Breast milk is especially important for the premature infant due to their compromised immune systems."
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LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the birth of her premature twins, Michelle Gingras did not think it would be possible to breastfed her twins Leah and Tyler. Thanks to innovative practices and encouragement from nurses, physicians and lactation staff at Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, Michelle has been successful in providing her twins with breast milk.
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"Mother's milk is an excellent source of nutrition for a growing infant," says Bonnie Henson, clinical operations manager, Perinatal Education and Lactation Support Services, Miller Children's Hospital. "Research shows that breastfed babies have fewer ear infections, allergies and childhood diseases than formula fed babies. Breast milk is especially important for the premature infant due to their compromised immune systems."
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Nurse Here Now - Breastfeeding comes out of the closet!
A fabulous new site has just been launched:
...Nurse Here Now is all about: Empowering breastfeeding moms to nurse wherever we are, whenever our babies need it, in spite of the fact that our culture would like to pressure us into thinking it is a shameful and impolite act. We know that breastfeeding is not a shameful act that should be hidden, it is a normal everyday parenting activity, and we are passing this message on to all nursing mothers.
click to check it out...
...Nurse Here Now is all about: Empowering breastfeeding moms to nurse wherever we are, whenever our babies need it, in spite of the fact that our culture would like to pressure us into thinking it is a shameful and impolite act. We know that breastfeeding is not a shameful act that should be hidden, it is a normal everyday parenting activity, and we are passing this message on to all nursing mothers.
click to check it out...
State law recognizes right to breast-feed
Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Lawbreakers certainly learn that quickly if they run afoul of any of the myriad laws and ordinances that create order in society.
So, too, should those with the task of law enforcement be aware of what is on the books.
Passed by the Colorado Legislature and signed into law in 2004, Senate Bill 88 gives women in the state of Colorado the right to breast-feed their babies in public.
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Lawbreakers certainly learn that quickly if they run afoul of any of the myriad laws and ordinances that create order in society.
So, too, should those with the task of law enforcement be aware of what is on the books.
Passed by the Colorado Legislature and signed into law in 2004, Senate Bill 88 gives women in the state of Colorado the right to breast-feed their babies in public.
click to read more....
Winter: New moms in America bearing unjust burden
Motherhood took it on the chin last week.
One blow came in a story about a 41-year-old mom busted for breast-feeding at a lake in Larimer County. The other was in an Associated Press story stating that of 168 countries, the United States ranks 163 in maternity-leave benefits.
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One blow came in a story about a 41-year-old mom busted for breast-feeding at a lake in Larimer County. The other was in an Associated Press story stating that of 168 countries, the United States ranks 163 in maternity-leave benefits.
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Breastfeeding mums set record
Hundreds of women around the country staged a mass breastfeeding session in an effort to beat a world record and to show that breastfeeding in public needs to be more widely accepted.
The Latch On campaign is part of the Breastfeeding Week and an attempt to beat the world record set in America of 1130 mothers breastfeeding at one time.
So on Saturday, 657 mums and their babies took part to protest the views some hold when it comes to women breastfeeding in public.
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The Latch On campaign is part of the Breastfeeding Week and an attempt to beat the world record set in America of 1130 mothers breastfeeding at one time.
So on Saturday, 657 mums and their babies took part to protest the views some hold when it comes to women breastfeeding in public.
click to read more....
Doctors say breast is best for babies and moms
'Today' contributor Dr. Judith Reichman offers some insight on feeding recommendations for infants and moms
We’ve all heard the expression “the next best thing to mother’s milk.” This implies, of course, that breast milk is a standard example of “best.” Yet, in a report published this year by the American Academy of Pediatrics, it was found that less than 60 percent of women breast-fed their newborns at the time of hospital discharge. And only 21 percent were nursing at six months, often adding formula supplements. As more and more studies are conducted, scientists give us increasingly persuasive reasons to breast-feed. Contributor and gynecologist, Dr. Judith Reichman, was invited to appear on “Today” to discuss why “breast is best” when it comes to the health of both baby and mom.
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We’ve all heard the expression “the next best thing to mother’s milk.” This implies, of course, that breast milk is a standard example of “best.” Yet, in a report published this year by the American Academy of Pediatrics, it was found that less than 60 percent of women breast-fed their newborns at the time of hospital discharge. And only 21 percent were nursing at six months, often adding formula supplements. As more and more studies are conducted, scientists give us increasingly persuasive reasons to breast-feed. Contributor and gynecologist, Dr. Judith Reichman, was invited to appear on “Today” to discuss why “breast is best” when it comes to the health of both baby and mom.
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The importance of breast feeding
Meet Dr. Melinda Clark Gambelunghe, a full-time pediatrician. She does shift work and has on-call duty at Albany Medical Center. She's also breast feeding her 6-month-old son, Caleb. Her day starts at 5:30 a.m.
She said, "I pump at least three times a day at work, usually at four hour intervals."
Breast feeding was never not an option, especially because of the bonding experience.
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She said, "I pump at least three times a day at work, usually at four hour intervals."
Breast feeding was never not an option, especially because of the bonding experience.
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Ready to eat
Newborns should breast-feed exclusively and as often as they want for the first six months, if possible, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
After six months, breast-feeding should continue as often as the child wants, and complementary foods can be introduced in small amounts.
Complementary foods are those given along with breast milk to meet a baby's needs for growth. Until 2 years of age, continue complementary foods, gradually increasing quantities and frequency as the child gets older.
Babies are ready for complementary food if they can sit up with support and have good head and neck control. Also, they're ready if they have lost the "tongue thrust" reflex and are able to swallow solids.
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After six months, breast-feeding should continue as often as the child wants, and complementary foods can be introduced in small amounts.
Complementary foods are those given along with breast milk to meet a baby's needs for growth. Until 2 years of age, continue complementary foods, gradually increasing quantities and frequency as the child gets older.
Babies are ready for complementary food if they can sit up with support and have good head and neck control. Also, they're ready if they have lost the "tongue thrust" reflex and are able to swallow solids.
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Moms call for right to breast-feed
Raina McConnell wants to be able to spend a nice day on the town with her kids, shopping, relaxing and maybe getting a bite to eat. She could, she said, if more people viewed breast-feeding as a ``natural act'' instead of a sexual one.
McConnell, 25, of Kalamazoo, ignores those people anyway and breast-feeds her 9-month-old daughter, Marley, whenever she is hungry.
She said many other young mothers don't feel that comfortable, which is why she organized a group of women who met at the Kalamazoo Mall Saturday for a ``nurse out.'' The goal was to counter those in society who feel that a baby's mealtime should be kept in the shadows.
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McConnell, 25, of Kalamazoo, ignores those people anyway and breast-feeds her 9-month-old daughter, Marley, whenever she is hungry.
She said many other young mothers don't feel that comfortable, which is why she organized a group of women who met at the Kalamazoo Mall Saturday for a ``nurse out.'' The goal was to counter those in society who feel that a baby's mealtime should be kept in the shadows.
click to read more....
Breastfeeding less popular in cities than in countryside
BEIJING, Aug. 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Fewer urban mothers breast-feed their infants than mothers in China's countryside, partially due to the shortage of baby-sitting rooms at workplaces and worries about the impact of breastfeeding on their figures.
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Debate swirls over public breastfeeding
It could stem from Barbara Walters' recent comments on ABC-TV's "The View," when she said it made her "uncomfortable" to be seated on an airplane next to a woman who was breastfeeding her infant.
Or it could be the story of a North Chicago, Ill., woman being asked to leave the wading pool area at Six Flags Great America last month. The woman claims she was told to stop and take her child to one of two designated "breastfeeding rooms" so people who had complained would not be offended.
Either way, debates about breastfeeding in public have sprung up all around the country of late.
click to read more....
Or it could be the story of a North Chicago, Ill., woman being asked to leave the wading pool area at Six Flags Great America last month. The woman claims she was told to stop and take her child to one of two designated "breastfeeding rooms" so people who had complained would not be offended.
Either way, debates about breastfeeding in public have sprung up all around the country of late.
click to read more....
Moms opt for breastfeeding
The breast or the bottle? Many new moms consider the choice of how to feed their babies a matter of personal preference, but mother’s milk is by far the healthier choice, says Sarah Schira of Brandon’s La Leche League.
The League held its second annual walk for breastfeeding at the Riverbank Discovery Centre yesterday to encourage more moms to lay off the bottle and opt for the more natural approach.
click to read more....
The League held its second annual walk for breastfeeding at the Riverbank Discovery Centre yesterday to encourage more moms to lay off the bottle and opt for the more natural approach.
click to read more....
Breastfeeding Walk
15 years ago a declaration was signed to outline how governments and medical institutions can help promote breastfeeding. Just this past week, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich signed legislation to allow nursing mothers to be exempt from jury duty.
click to read more....
(includes a link to videofootage of the Breastfeeding Walk)
click to read more....
(includes a link to videofootage of the Breastfeeding Walk)
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Breast-Feeding For Working Moms
If breast-feeding is so highly recommended by health care professionals, why don't more moms do it?
Many moms find that continuing to breast-feed after they've returned to work is often highly inconvenient. For breast milk to continue to form, breast-feeding must take place in regular intervals. If moms are away from their infants for several hours at a time, they must pump instead. In fact, pumping must occur even more often than feedings -- it's recommended that working mothers pump every 2-3 hours. The milk can then be frozen and stored for future feedings.
Lots of moms run into problems taking a break every few hours to pump -- and they face another quandary in finding an adequate location.
Employers are becoming more and more accepting of breast-feeding moms who need to take time off to pump during the work day. Hundreds of companies provide "lactation programs" that include rooms to breast-feed or pump and break time in which to do it.
click to read more....
Many moms find that continuing to breast-feed after they've returned to work is often highly inconvenient. For breast milk to continue to form, breast-feeding must take place in regular intervals. If moms are away from their infants for several hours at a time, they must pump instead. In fact, pumping must occur even more often than feedings -- it's recommended that working mothers pump every 2-3 hours. The milk can then be frozen and stored for future feedings.
Lots of moms run into problems taking a break every few hours to pump -- and they face another quandary in finding an adequate location.
Employers are becoming more and more accepting of breast-feeding moms who need to take time off to pump during the work day. Hundreds of companies provide "lactation programs" that include rooms to breast-feed or pump and break time in which to do it.
click to read more....
Study: Breast-Feeding May Ease Mom's Stress
New moms are often overcome with the stress of losing sleep with their new babies. But one potential stress-reliever is good for your baby, too.
A study of 50 mothers and their babies from Douglas Hospital Research Centre in Montreal found that mothers who breast-feed are less stressed than those who bottle-feed their children.
Researcher Claire-Dominique Walker said it's well established that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants.
"Our work now shows that there is a reciprocal benefit of breast-feeding to the mothers -- they react less to stressful situations," Walker said in a news release. "This means they will focus more on their children and have more energy for activities such as attending to their infants and producing milk. This is an obvious gain for the children."
click to read more....
A study of 50 mothers and their babies from Douglas Hospital Research Centre in Montreal found that mothers who breast-feed are less stressed than those who bottle-feed their children.
Researcher Claire-Dominique Walker said it's well established that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants.
"Our work now shows that there is a reciprocal benefit of breast-feeding to the mothers -- they react less to stressful situations," Walker said in a news release. "This means they will focus more on their children and have more energy for activities such as attending to their infants and producing milk. This is an obvious gain for the children."
click to read more....
Health agency's breastfeeding drive gains support
A TOTAL of 24 establishments from all over Region 11 have initially expressed their commitment to support the Department of Health's call to provide their mother employees a breastfeeding center.
As per data of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) 11, there are more than 2,000 establishments, which employ 10 or more workers, in Region 11 to be inspected.
Dole 11 regional director Ma. Gloria Tango said Friday that their office is joining hands with the DOH since they believe that through the establishment of breastfeeding centers in the workplace, the company's mother employees become more productive.
click to read more....
As per data of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) 11, there are more than 2,000 establishments, which employ 10 or more workers, in Region 11 to be inspected.
Dole 11 regional director Ma. Gloria Tango said Friday that their office is joining hands with the DOH since they believe that through the establishment of breastfeeding centers in the workplace, the company's mother employees become more productive.
click to read more....
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Hospital's special Mom's Place busy: Pumping breast milk makes care of infants easier
More than 20,000 ounces of breast milk have been stored and about 5,700 moms have pumped at Mom's Place, the lactation center at Driscoll Children's Hospital, since it opened in May 2004.
For mothers who have children being treated at Driscoll and hospital employees who are breast feeding, Mom's Place provides a calm, sanitary environment, said Laurie Beck, lactation program coordinator. The lactation center is the only one in South Texas, she said.
click to read more....
For mothers who have children being treated at Driscoll and hospital employees who are breast feeding, Mom's Place provides a calm, sanitary environment, said Laurie Beck, lactation program coordinator. The lactation center is the only one in South Texas, she said.
click to read more....
4 women arrested in breast-feeding protest outside hospital
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Four women were arrested while protesting a hospital's policies on breast-feeding, which the demonstrators said undermines efforts of mothers who want to nurse their babies.
About 15 protesters, some holding signs and others nursing infants, protested Friday outside Harrisburg Hospital. After being told they were trespassing on private property, police arrested four who did not leave.
"I hope we drew attention that something is up ... I can tell you that we are not stopping today," said protest organizer Salem Hamilton, of New Cumberland, who was arrested along with her husband, William Hamilton.
Maureen Trovato, 46, of Lower Paxton Township, said nurses at the hospital take newborns from their mothers for four hours shortly after birth and that the separation is unnecessary.
Trovato, who was left holding the crying toddler of another protester who had been arrested, also said that the protesters also object to baby formula samples the hospital gives to new mothers — including those who want to breast-feed.
"Why can't (formula companies) wait until we get out of the hospital to market to us," she told The Patriot-News of Harrisburg.
click to read more....
About 15 protesters, some holding signs and others nursing infants, protested Friday outside Harrisburg Hospital. After being told they were trespassing on private property, police arrested four who did not leave.
"I hope we drew attention that something is up ... I can tell you that we are not stopping today," said protest organizer Salem Hamilton, of New Cumberland, who was arrested along with her husband, William Hamilton.
Maureen Trovato, 46, of Lower Paxton Township, said nurses at the hospital take newborns from their mothers for four hours shortly after birth and that the separation is unnecessary.
Trovato, who was left holding the crying toddler of another protester who had been arrested, also said that the protesters also object to baby formula samples the hospital gives to new mothers — including those who want to breast-feed.
"Why can't (formula companies) wait until we get out of the hospital to market to us," she told The Patriot-News of Harrisburg.
click to read more....
You Can't Do That Here!
I'm feeling a bit cantankerous right now, having logged yet another story in which yet another mother has been kicked out of a yet another space for - GASP! - breastfeeding.
Yes, I know, she wasn't physically removed, just asked if she 'would feel a little more comfortable elsewhere' - which is generally recognized as the polite version of 'Leave.' But I digress.
Being a peevish gal by nature, I'm going to play a little game called You Can't Do That Here!
If you'd like to play along, come on over.
Yes, I know, she wasn't physically removed, just asked if she 'would feel a little more comfortable elsewhere' - which is generally recognized as the polite version of 'Leave.' But I digress.
Being a peevish gal by nature, I'm going to play a little game called You Can't Do That Here!
If you'd like to play along, come on over.
Breast-fed baby, mom given cool reception: Rifle family was on tour of state Capitol
Five-month-old Nicholas Monroe got hungry Friday while touring the state Capitol with his parents.
His mom, 27-year-old Steph- anie Monroe, of Rifle, decided that two comfortable-looking couches in the reception area of the governor's office would be a good place to breast-feed him.
An office receptionist, she says, told her to go somewhere else, suggesting the basement of the building.
The basement, however, is undergoing renovation, has no air- conditioning "and there's construction workers all around," Monroe said.
click to read more....
His mom, 27-year-old Steph- anie Monroe, of Rifle, decided that two comfortable-looking couches in the reception area of the governor's office would be a good place to breast-feed him.
An office receptionist, she says, told her to go somewhere else, suggesting the basement of the building.
The basement, however, is undergoing renovation, has no air- conditioning "and there's construction workers all around," Monroe said.
click to read more....
University Hospital: It seeks a baby-friendly certification by educating the young Utah mothers
After giving birth to her first daughter, Julie Sibthorp was confused about how to breast-feed her baby.
Looking back, she credits the staff at University Hospital with helping her learn how to properly feed Lily, now 2, for six months.
The guidance from the lactation specialists encouraged her to breast-feed the latest addition to her family - Ava, born Wednesday evening at University Hospital to Sibthorp and her husband, Jim.
"I think the fact that it was easy the first time made it easy to continue," said Sibthorp, holding her 7-pound, 1-ounce daughter Friday just before they were discharged. "The longer you breast-feed, the better it is for your baby."
University Hospital is working to be named a baby-friendly hospital, part of a three-year initiative by the World Health Organization to support and promote breast-feeding. Only 48 of the 16,000 baby-friendly hospitals worldwide are in the United States.
click to read more....
Looking back, she credits the staff at University Hospital with helping her learn how to properly feed Lily, now 2, for six months.
The guidance from the lactation specialists encouraged her to breast-feed the latest addition to her family - Ava, born Wednesday evening at University Hospital to Sibthorp and her husband, Jim.
"I think the fact that it was easy the first time made it easy to continue," said Sibthorp, holding her 7-pound, 1-ounce daughter Friday just before they were discharged. "The longer you breast-feed, the better it is for your baby."
University Hospital is working to be named a baby-friendly hospital, part of a three-year initiative by the World Health Organization to support and promote breast-feeding. Only 48 of the 16,000 baby-friendly hospitals worldwide are in the United States.
click to read more....
Advocates tout breastfeeding benefits
This week, around the world, is designated to bringing attention to the benefits of breastfeeding. It comes in the midst of a controversial ad campaign, which says breastfeeding is the best way to feed babies up to 6 months old.
Advocates say breastfeeding helps the mother and baby to bond, gives the baby necessary antibodies, and it can even help with development.
Some maternity stores provide nursing rooms. And Memorial Hospital just got a silver medal from the state, for giving its employees time and space to breastfeed.
click to read more....
Advocates say breastfeeding helps the mother and baby to bond, gives the baby necessary antibodies, and it can even help with development.
Some maternity stores provide nursing rooms. And Memorial Hospital just got a silver medal from the state, for giving its employees time and space to breastfeed.
click to read more....
Simply the breast advice
TWO mums who overcame problems to breastfeed their babies have set up a website to support other women.
Alison Baum and Carly Silver founded Express Yourself Mums to give sound advice about breastfeeding in a climate of confusing information and lack of support.
Both Alison's sons Josh, two, and David, four, were born with cleft palates and had trouble sucking.
She expressed her breastmilk until both were seven months old - feeding them with a special squeezy bottle - until surgeons repaired their palates.
"David had a very tough start to life with trouble swallowing, feeding and breathing and Josh was born with a cleft palate and meningitis," says the 36-year-old from Cricklewood.
"Emotionally I felt giving them breastmilk was a difference I could make.
"I had to express milk nine times a day which meant I couldn't do much else until a friend suggested the halter neck bra that lets you use a breast pump with your hands free. It simply changed my life."
click to read more....
Alison Baum and Carly Silver founded Express Yourself Mums to give sound advice about breastfeeding in a climate of confusing information and lack of support.
Both Alison's sons Josh, two, and David, four, were born with cleft palates and had trouble sucking.
She expressed her breastmilk until both were seven months old - feeding them with a special squeezy bottle - until surgeons repaired their palates.
"David had a very tough start to life with trouble swallowing, feeding and breathing and Josh was born with a cleft palate and meningitis," says the 36-year-old from Cricklewood.
"Emotionally I felt giving them breastmilk was a difference I could make.
"I had to express milk nine times a day which meant I couldn't do much else until a friend suggested the halter neck bra that lets you use a breast pump with your hands free. It simply changed my life."
click to read more....
WIC event celebrates breast-feeding week
"Do we have a lot of hungry babies here?"
The mothers gathered at the park cradled their babies and smiled, empty strollers circled like wagons around them on the grass.
"Everybody ready?" asked Sandi Storch, breast-feeding coordinator for Alameda County WIC. "Anyone need more time?"
"One, two, three -- latch!"
A bluegrass recording offered an upbeat "Bon appetit!" to the 32 babies who nursed simultaneously Thursday afternoon at Oakland's Mosswood Park, one of seven locations joining a mass breast-feeding event that stretched across Alameda County.
click to read more....
The mothers gathered at the park cradled their babies and smiled, empty strollers circled like wagons around them on the grass.
"Everybody ready?" asked Sandi Storch, breast-feeding coordinator for Alameda County WIC. "Anyone need more time?"
"One, two, three -- latch!"
A bluegrass recording offered an upbeat "Bon appetit!" to the 32 babies who nursed simultaneously Thursday afternoon at Oakland's Mosswood Park, one of seven locations joining a mass breast-feeding event that stretched across Alameda County.
click to read more....
World Breast-feeding Week proclaimed
PIERRE - This week has been proclaimed World Breast-feeding Week in South Dakota by Gov. Mike Rounds to recognize its importance as a health issue.
The theme this year is "Breast-feeding and Family Foods: Loving and Healthy."
Participants in the observance are members of the South Dakota Breast-feeding Coalition, which includes the Department of Health, SDSU Cooperative Extension Service, the Indian Tribal Organization WIC (Women, Infants and Children) programs, Northern Plains Healthy Start, Early Head Start, La Leche League, Sioux Valley Hospital, Avera McKennan Hospital, Rapid City Regional Hospital, SDSU College of Nursing, USD School of Medicine, Sacred Heart Medical Clinic, Avera St. Luke's, independent lactation consultants and practicing physicians.
"The Department of Health encourages moms to exclusively breast-feed for at least sixth months and to continue to breast-feed after foods are introduced to improve infant and family health in South Dakota," said Kim Beck, County Community Health Nurse, in a release.
click to read more....
The theme this year is "Breast-feeding and Family Foods: Loving and Healthy."
Participants in the observance are members of the South Dakota Breast-feeding Coalition, which includes the Department of Health, SDSU Cooperative Extension Service, the Indian Tribal Organization WIC (Women, Infants and Children) programs, Northern Plains Healthy Start, Early Head Start, La Leche League, Sioux Valley Hospital, Avera McKennan Hospital, Rapid City Regional Hospital, SDSU College of Nursing, USD School of Medicine, Sacred Heart Medical Clinic, Avera St. Luke's, independent lactation consultants and practicing physicians.
"The Department of Health encourages moms to exclusively breast-feed for at least sixth months and to continue to breast-feed after foods are introduced to improve infant and family health in South Dakota," said Kim Beck, County Community Health Nurse, in a release.
click to read more....
Friday, August 05, 2005
Celebrating breastfeeding: Local group recognizes World Breastfeeding Week
Breastfeeding can save $3.6 billion in healthcare costs, according to USDA estimates. Organizations are celebrating that and other benefits of breastfeeding this week while they observe World Breastfeeding Week.
According to UNICEF and the World Health Organization, 1.3 billion infant lives can be saved annually through exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
And breastfeeding meets all of a baby's nutritional needs, said statewide media representative Bev Benda-Moe.
"It's made of live cells that change constantly to meet babies' developmental needs every minute and hour," she said.
click to read more....
According to UNICEF and the World Health Organization, 1.3 billion infant lives can be saved annually through exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
And breastfeeding meets all of a baby's nutritional needs, said statewide media representative Bev Benda-Moe.
"It's made of live cells that change constantly to meet babies' developmental needs every minute and hour," she said.
click to read more....
Moms: Breast milk does a baby good
UNION CITY — It was hardly a world record, but nearly 300 women from Union City and other East Bay cities turned out with their wee ones Thursday to let the planet know breast milk does a baby good.
Organizers at four Alameda County Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children and the Alameda County Breastfeeding Coalition were attempting to bust Australia's world record of 1,664 mothers breast-feeding in multiple locations at one time.
click to read more....
Organizers at four Alameda County Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children and the Alameda County Breastfeeding Coalition were attempting to bust Australia's world record of 1,664 mothers breast-feeding in multiple locations at one time.
click to read more....
Mother knows best
They sat on benches and chairs around the Uncle Wilber Fountain downtown, breast-feeding in unison.
Some covered themselves with a light blanket while others nursed openly.
“This is the first time I’ve had any skin showing — ever — in public,” Kimberly Sudol said after 12-week-old Kaden got his fill.
About a dozen moms and their children braved the morning drizzle in a show of solidarity for a northern Colorado woman who was ticketed last month for breast-feeding her son at a lake in Larimer County.
click to read more....
Some covered themselves with a light blanket while others nursed openly.
“This is the first time I’ve had any skin showing — ever — in public,” Kimberly Sudol said after 12-week-old Kaden got his fill.
About a dozen moms and their children braved the morning drizzle in a show of solidarity for a northern Colorado woman who was ticketed last month for breast-feeding her son at a lake in Larimer County.
click to read more....
Breastfeeding fund bid fails
A BID by the Australian Breastfeeding Association's (ABA) Victorian branch to gain State Government funding has proved unsuccessful.
The association asked for at least $100,000 to assist in its work helping nursing mothers and promoting breastfeeding.
One of ABA's directors, Barbara Glare from Koroit, said she met with Community Services Minister Sherryl Garbutt last week but was disappointed to report that the Government didn't plan on providing any funding.
click to read more....
The association asked for at least $100,000 to assist in its work helping nursing mothers and promoting breastfeeding.
One of ABA's directors, Barbara Glare from Koroit, said she met with Community Services Minister Sherryl Garbutt last week but was disappointed to report that the Government didn't plan on providing any funding.
click to read more....
Overall decline in breastfeeding in Middle East, North Africa worries UN
August 2005 – Even though individual countries including Syria and Egypt have achieved over 50 per cent breastfeeding rates for infants, the lack of continued support for exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life has led to a recent decline in the practice in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
click to read more....
click to read more....
Breastfest sees largest turnout ever: Organizers impressed with turnout, community support at fourth annual event
MOSES LAKE -- Breastfest 2005 in Civic Park brought the largest number of businesses and families in the four years Moses Lake has held the event.
Organized by the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and the Moses Lake Breastfeeding Coalition, Breastfest was held in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week.
Festivities kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with a symbolic walk around Civic Park, followed by guest speakers and several community businesses that came to show support for breastfeeding moms.
click to read more....
Organized by the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and the Moses Lake Breastfeeding Coalition, Breastfest was held in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week.
Festivities kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with a symbolic walk around Civic Park, followed by guest speakers and several community businesses that came to show support for breastfeeding moms.
click to read more....
More Ghanaian children under five to die of malnutrition if......
Accra, Aug. 4, GNA - One out of every nine Ghanaian children is likely to die of malnutrition before the age of five if improved complementary feeding practices from birth were not adopted, Dr Gladys Ashitey, Deputy Minister of Health, said on Thursday.
She said there was very little improvement in the malnutrition situation in the country as the demographic health survey report of 2003 had revealed that 30 per cent of children under five years were stunt, 22 per cent were underweight with six per cent of the children of six to 59 months having severe anaemia.
click to read more....
She said there was very little improvement in the malnutrition situation in the country as the demographic health survey report of 2003 had revealed that 30 per cent of children under five years were stunt, 22 per cent were underweight with six per cent of the children of six to 59 months having severe anaemia.
click to read more....
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Shocking? It shouldn't be, advocates say
Mothers overcome stereotypes for babies
Liz Glissman was reluctant to breast feed her baby under the glaring eye of a news camera.
But when 6-month-old Cal got hungry, Liz decided his needs were more important than worrying what critics would say.
"I'm cognizant of people around me because I don't want them to be uncomfortable, but I'm more focused on him," Liz said.
Those who are uncomfortable by breast feeding shouldn't be, said Angie Eyberg, an RN, lactate educator and soon-to-be breast feeding consultant.
"People think it's sexual and it's not," she said.
click to read more....
Liz Glissman was reluctant to breast feed her baby under the glaring eye of a news camera.
But when 6-month-old Cal got hungry, Liz decided his needs were more important than worrying what critics would say.
"I'm cognizant of people around me because I don't want them to be uncomfortable, but I'm more focused on him," Liz said.
Those who are uncomfortable by breast feeding shouldn't be, said Angie Eyberg, an RN, lactate educator and soon-to-be breast feeding consultant.
"People think it's sexual and it's not," she said.
click to read more....
Several resources in Fond du Lac offer information about breastfeeding
The first week in August marks the annual World Breastfeeding Week, initially designated by WHO/UNICEF in 1990.
This year, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action has given the week the theme, “Breastfeeding and Family Foods: Loving and Healthy.”
Across the nation, a variety of breastfeeding support groups will use this week to draw attention to the significant health benefits of mothers’ milk as the first and best food for all babies, and the foundation for healthy lifelong eating patterns.
For example, several studies now show that breastfeeding has a positive effect on reducing obesity later in life, especially when human milk is the exclusive food for the first six months of life and is then extended in combination with healthful solid foods into the toddler years.
click to read more....
This year, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action has given the week the theme, “Breastfeeding and Family Foods: Loving and Healthy.”
Across the nation, a variety of breastfeeding support groups will use this week to draw attention to the significant health benefits of mothers’ milk as the first and best food for all babies, and the foundation for healthy lifelong eating patterns.
For example, several studies now show that breastfeeding has a positive effect on reducing obesity later in life, especially when human milk is the exclusive food for the first six months of life and is then extended in combination with healthful solid foods into the toddler years.
click to read more....
Breast vs. bottle
It looks like the breast-versus-bottle debate is continuing to divide America's moms. A survey in the latest issue of BabyTalk magazine found that 59 percent of moms sometimes feel criticized for the way they have chosen to feed their baby.
click to read more....
click to read more....
Breastfeeding honored, encouraged at SVMC
BENNINGTON -- It's a short season in the life of a baby and mother, but the results are lifelong.
Women's and Children's Services celebrated those area mothers who have chosen, or will choose, to breastfeed their offspring. The Wednesday night open house and party, which happens yearly in the midst of the larger World Breastfeeding Week, drew women with a combined 58 years of breastfeeding to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center last year, and organizers estimated more would come this year.
Between bites of crackers and cheese, mothers and expecting mothers mingled at the hospital, sharing their take on why they are all for breastfeeding.
click to read more....
Women's and Children's Services celebrated those area mothers who have chosen, or will choose, to breastfeed their offspring. The Wednesday night open house and party, which happens yearly in the midst of the larger World Breastfeeding Week, drew women with a combined 58 years of breastfeeding to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center last year, and organizers estimated more would come this year.
Between bites of crackers and cheese, mothers and expecting mothers mingled at the hospital, sharing their take on why they are all for breastfeeding.
click to read more....
Breast feeding's good for baby -- and mom, too
DECATUR - Breast feeding offers numerous health benefits for the child, but the mother can benefit also.
The National Institutes of Health said breast milk offers perfect nutritional balance for the infant, boosting the immune system and lessening food allergies compared to cow's milk or commercial formulas.
The stronger immune system not only diminishes the need to visit a doctor but it also is much kinder to the wallet to breast feed, said Karen Shiflett, a registered nurse and coordinator of the Women, Infants and Children program at the Macon County Health Department.
In addition to encouraging mother-child bonding, breast feeding also helps mom with weight-control issues. Shiflett said breast feeding burns up to 500 extra calories a day, and the action of the hormone release during the breast feeding contracts the uterus to help the stomach area shrink quicker than in the nonbreast feeding mother.
click to read more....
The National Institutes of Health said breast milk offers perfect nutritional balance for the infant, boosting the immune system and lessening food allergies compared to cow's milk or commercial formulas.
The stronger immune system not only diminishes the need to visit a doctor but it also is much kinder to the wallet to breast feed, said Karen Shiflett, a registered nurse and coordinator of the Women, Infants and Children program at the Macon County Health Department.
In addition to encouraging mother-child bonding, breast feeding also helps mom with weight-control issues. Shiflett said breast feeding burns up to 500 extra calories a day, and the action of the hormone release during the breast feeding contracts the uterus to help the stomach area shrink quicker than in the nonbreast feeding mother.
click to read more....
Scoop: Rejection of breastfeeding call fails mothers
Govt rejection of breastfeeding call fails mothers and babies
It is horrifying that the Government has rejected the Health Select Committee's recommendation that breastfeeding mothers should be given greater legal protection, Deputy Chair of the Committee Sue Kedgley says.
click to read more....
It is horrifying that the Government has rejected the Health Select Committee's recommendation that breastfeeding mothers should be given greater legal protection, Deputy Chair of the Committee Sue Kedgley says.
click to read more....
Concerns over breast feeding in Rajasthan - NDTV.com - News on Concerns over breast feeding in Rajasthan
This week is being celebrated all over the world as breast feeding week
But while there is a strong tradition of breast feeding in India, the practice is still surrounded by myth and superstition.
In rural Rajasthan, valuable colostrums, which is secreted in the first few hours after birth, is rarely given to infants.
"In the first two days, no milk comes. We give a child water and jaggery. The first milk that comes is dirty. You can't give a child that yellow fluid," says Santosh Bai.
While Santosh Bai denied her children colostrum, in other rural communities a newborn is breast fed only at an auspicious time.
Noble intitiative
But a UNICEF initiative launched with the state government is now fighting these old wives tales.
Draupadi, Santosh Bai's daughter-in-law fed her new born baby half an hour after delivery with the support of her local health worker
"I tell people to feed their baby in the first half hour after birth and give them colostrum. It helps build immunity. That's very important," says Krishna, community health worker.
click to read more....
But while there is a strong tradition of breast feeding in India, the practice is still surrounded by myth and superstition.
In rural Rajasthan, valuable colostrums, which is secreted in the first few hours after birth, is rarely given to infants.
"In the first two days, no milk comes. We give a child water and jaggery. The first milk that comes is dirty. You can't give a child that yellow fluid," says Santosh Bai.
While Santosh Bai denied her children colostrum, in other rural communities a newborn is breast fed only at an auspicious time.
Noble intitiative
But a UNICEF initiative launched with the state government is now fighting these old wives tales.
Draupadi, Santosh Bai's daughter-in-law fed her new born baby half an hour after delivery with the support of her local health worker
"I tell people to feed their baby in the first half hour after birth and give them colostrum. It helps build immunity. That's very important," says Krishna, community health worker.
click to read more....
Support During Breast-Feeding Can Be Key For Mother, Child
Breast-Feeding Provides Baby With Natural Antibodies To Fight Illness
CARY, N.C. -- Baby formula versus breast feeding is a decision every new mom has to make. It can be a hard choice, depending on job issues and how well mother and child adapt to nursing. However, there is plenty of support for mothers who decide to breast feed.
click to read more....
CARY, N.C. -- Baby formula versus breast feeding is a decision every new mom has to make. It can be a hard choice, depending on job issues and how well mother and child adapt to nursing. However, there is plenty of support for mothers who decide to breast feed.
click to read more....
Local 'lactivists' stage 'Nurse-out,' exhibits
BRATTLEBORO -- The rights of breastfeeding women and their children are on the line. Nursing mothers and children are in the spotlight due to an increase in activism around the country. Locally, a "Nurse-out" is planned in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1-7) in Brattleboro to coincide with the Gallery Walk Aug. 5.
The "Nurse-in" will begin at 5 p.m., with nursing mothers and their babies gathering in the courtyard of the Hooker-Dunham Building (down the alley off Main Street between Gallery in the Woods and the Trust Company of Vermont) to have their photo taken and sent to the Associated Press for national broadcast.
click to read more....
The "Nurse-in" will begin at 5 p.m., with nursing mothers and their babies gathering in the courtyard of the Hooker-Dunham Building (down the alley off Main Street between Gallery in the Woods and the Trust Company of Vermont) to have their photo taken and sent to the Associated Press for national broadcast.
click to read more....
Breast feeding toddlers
Some Australian mothers are breast feeding their children past the first two years of their child's life and well into childhood.
For many parents it is a confronting scene and not a very common sight, a child hopping up on mums lap for a feed. For Alison Veitch and her five-year-old daughter Jasmin it is a daily ritual.
"I don't want to feel ashamed and I don't want other people to feel ashamed and feel they need to, what we call, closet feed," Ms Vetich said.
click to read more....
For many parents it is a confronting scene and not a very common sight, a child hopping up on mums lap for a feed. For Alison Veitch and her five-year-old daughter Jasmin it is a daily ritual.
"I don't want to feel ashamed and I don't want other people to feel ashamed and feel they need to, what we call, closet feed," Ms Vetich said.
click to read more....
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
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The woman behind a petition calling for legislative protection of breastfeeding in public believes the Government has missed the point of her campaign.
Auckland woman Liz Weatherly said the Cabinet's response earlier this week to a select committee recommendation on the subject lacked commitment.
"The Cabinet has focused on the health benefits of breastfeeding, which completely misses the point," she said in a statement.
"The petition was about the need to explicitly protect breastfeeding as a fundamental human right in the same way as pregnancy and childbirth are protected."
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Auckland woman Liz Weatherly said the Cabinet's response earlier this week to a select committee recommendation on the subject lacked commitment.
"The Cabinet has focused on the health benefits of breastfeeding, which completely misses the point," she said in a statement.
"The petition was about the need to explicitly protect breastfeeding as a fundamental human right in the same way as pregnancy and childbirth are protected."
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Breastfeeding legislation considered
The government has stopped short of picking up a select committee's recommendation to give greater legal protection to breastfeeding mothers.
The Health Committee recommended the government explore the legislative options for protecting breastfeeding in public places, for example by amending the Human Rights Act.
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The Health Committee recommended the government explore the legislative options for protecting breastfeeding in public places, for example by amending the Human Rights Act.
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Scanning technology reveals mysteries of girl mummy
SAN FRANCISCO - Researchers led by Stanford University and Silicon Graphics Inc. have uncovered some of the mysteries surrounding a 2,000-year-old mummy without peeling back any of its bandages, or even opening its gold-plated coffin.
Using a state-of-the-art CT scanner that rotated all the way around the tiny mummified girl, San Jose-based Silicon Graphics Inc. took 60,000 images, and then created 3-D models that allowing scientists to look at her resin-filled body cavities, her facial features, even her baby teeth.
Among their conclusions: the girl was between 4 and 6 years old, and must have been breast-fed until shortly before her death.
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Using a state-of-the-art CT scanner that rotated all the way around the tiny mummified girl, San Jose-based Silicon Graphics Inc. took 60,000 images, and then created 3-D models that allowing scientists to look at her resin-filled body cavities, her facial features, even her baby teeth.
Among their conclusions: the girl was between 4 and 6 years old, and must have been breast-fed until shortly before her death.
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Corporate Accountability Advocates Call on UN Special Representative to Advance Human Rights Standards for Transnational Corporations
BOSTON, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- A statement from Kathryn Mulvey, Executive
Director Corporate Accountability International:
"Corporate Accountability International and our members are hopeful that the appointment of Professor John Ruggie as the United Nations' first Special Representative on human rights and transnational corporations will move the global community beyond the voluntary initiatives of the Global Compact toward enforceable global standards to hold corporations accountable for human rights abuses.
"The role of Special Representative on issues of human rights and TNCs carries enormous responsibility. Corporate Accountability International has
campaigned for nearly three decades to protect people from dangerous corporate actions, including Nestle's irresponsible infant formula marketing and Philip Morris/Altria's interference in public health policies. The United Nations' World Health Organization has since passed codes for infant formula marketing and the groundbreaking global tobacco treaty -- formally known as the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) -- to defend people from these corporate abuses. The United Nations' creation of a Special Representative on human rights and transnational corporations is an important step for them corporate accountability movement, acknowledging the need for more comprehensive international control of corporate abuses."
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Director Corporate Accountability International:
"Corporate Accountability International and our members are hopeful that the appointment of Professor John Ruggie as the United Nations' first Special Representative on human rights and transnational corporations will move the global community beyond the voluntary initiatives of the Global Compact toward enforceable global standards to hold corporations accountable for human rights abuses.
"The role of Special Representative on issues of human rights and TNCs carries enormous responsibility. Corporate Accountability International has
campaigned for nearly three decades to protect people from dangerous corporate actions, including Nestle's irresponsible infant formula marketing and Philip Morris/Altria's interference in public health policies. The United Nations' World Health Organization has since passed codes for infant formula marketing and the groundbreaking global tobacco treaty -- formally known as the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) -- to defend people from these corporate abuses. The United Nations' creation of a Special Representative on human rights and transnational corporations is an important step for them corporate accountability movement, acknowledging the need for more comprehensive international control of corporate abuses."
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Milk Bank Needs Donations
All this week, Austin's Mother's Milk Bank is celebrating World Breast Feeding Month. Tuesday, they gathered to cheer on the local moms, who donate their milk to babies in need across the nation.
Officials with the milk bank stress how important that gift is.
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Officials with the milk bank stress how important that gift is.
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All Mother's Urged to Exclusively Breastfeed - World Breastfeeding Week Underway in Liberia
"Yoh, yoh," UNICEF's Henrietta Howard cried out in her native Kpelle language, issuing a traditional message to grab an audience's attention. On cue, more than 200 women -- many holding their infants - attending the launch of World Breastfeeding Week in Liberia yesterday in this rural village, quieted down and replied, "Yoh, yoh!"
For the next 90 minutes, speakers ranging from ZorZor's paramount chief to UNICEF Liberia's representative, musicians, students, government officials, dancers, mothers, and actors from community theatre groups all presented a clear message: exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of a newborn's life and then continue to breastfeed while providing nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods for two years or longer.
"Exclusive breastfeeding is the number one preventive intervention for child survival, with the potential to save at least an additional 1.3 million lives per year," said UNICEF Liberia Representative Angela Kearney. "Continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding, which is the theme of this year's World Breastfeeding Week, could save nearly 600,000 children. This reflects the potential to save at least 5,000 more child lives each and every day.
UNICEF wants every child to have a healthy start and we must work together to build a healthy society."
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For the next 90 minutes, speakers ranging from ZorZor's paramount chief to UNICEF Liberia's representative, musicians, students, government officials, dancers, mothers, and actors from community theatre groups all presented a clear message: exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of a newborn's life and then continue to breastfeed while providing nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods for two years or longer.
"Exclusive breastfeeding is the number one preventive intervention for child survival, with the potential to save at least an additional 1.3 million lives per year," said UNICEF Liberia Representative Angela Kearney. "Continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding, which is the theme of this year's World Breastfeeding Week, could save nearly 600,000 children. This reflects the potential to save at least 5,000 more child lives each and every day.
UNICEF wants every child to have a healthy start and we must work together to build a healthy society."
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MIDDLE EAST: Decline in breastfeeding raises malnutrition concerns
DUBAI, 3 August (IRIN) - 'Inappropriate feeding practices' are a major cause of malnutrition among children in the Middle East and North Africa region, according to aid workers promoting World Breastfeeding Week, which runs until Sunday.
"Only about half of the mothers - or fewer - in MENA countries exclusively breastfeed their infants for up to three months," said Mahendra Sheth, regional health adviser for the United Nations Children's Fund in the Jordanian, capital, Amman.
The duration of breastfeeding is gradually declining in most countries in the region, and especially in urban areas, due to aggressive advertising of formula milk and poor maternity arrangements, Sheth said.
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"Only about half of the mothers - or fewer - in MENA countries exclusively breastfeed their infants for up to three months," said Mahendra Sheth, regional health adviser for the United Nations Children's Fund in the Jordanian, capital, Amman.
The duration of breastfeeding is gradually declining in most countries in the region, and especially in urban areas, due to aggressive advertising of formula milk and poor maternity arrangements, Sheth said.
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kellymom.com :: Should breastfeeding continue when mom is sick?
Continuing the HIV/Exclusive breastfeeding theme, here's a link to some additional studies...
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Exclusive Breastfeeding Reduces Risk of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission
Breastfeeding causes nearly 40 percent of all pediatric HIV infections, yet also prevents millions of child deaths every year by protecting infants from diarrhea and other infections. Finding ways to make breastfeeding safer for infants of HIV-infected mothers has been an urgent research priority. A study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the University of Zimbabwe and Harare (Zimbabwe) City Health Department found that exclusive breastfeeding substantially reduces the transmission of HIV from mother to infant and infant death, compared with partial breastfeeding. Infants who were introduced to solid foods or animal milk within the first three months were at four times greater risk of contracting HIV through breastfeeding compared to those who were exclusively breastfed. The study is published in the April 29, 2005, issue of AIDS.
“International guidelines currently recommend that HIV-infected mothers should avoid all breastfeeding, but only if replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe,” said Jean Humphrey, ScD, principal investigator of the ZVITAMBO Study Project and associate professor with the Department of International Health at the Bloomberg School. “For the large majority of African women, this isn’t the case and breastfeeding is the only choice. Our findings indicate that for these mothers, delaying introduction of all non-breast milk foods will substantially reduce the risk of HIV and death for their infants.”
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“International guidelines currently recommend that HIV-infected mothers should avoid all breastfeeding, but only if replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe,” said Jean Humphrey, ScD, principal investigator of the ZVITAMBO Study Project and associate professor with the Department of International Health at the Bloomberg School. “For the large majority of African women, this isn’t the case and breastfeeding is the only choice. Our findings indicate that for these mothers, delaying introduction of all non-breast milk foods will substantially reduce the risk of HIV and death for their infants.”
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Feeding a Child When You Are HIV-Positive
WHILE breast-feeding is essential for child health, breast-feeding by HIV infected mothers significantly increases the incidence of HIV infection among infants.
According to the April issue of AIDS, breast-feeding causes nearly 40% of all paediatric HIV infections.
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According to the April issue of AIDS, breast-feeding causes nearly 40% of all paediatric HIV infections.
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Week promotes breast-feeding
There is nothing as integral to an infant’s growth and development as its mother’s milk.
In support of breastfeeding, the United States Department of Agriculture declared Aug. 1 to 7 as World Breastfeeding Week, encouraging all expectant mothers to make the best choice for their babies.
Patricia Fifer, a nurse and breast-feeding instructor at Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital, said Thursday that nothing compares to a mother’s milk.
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In support of breastfeeding, the United States Department of Agriculture declared Aug. 1 to 7 as World Breastfeeding Week, encouraging all expectant mothers to make the best choice for their babies.
Patricia Fifer, a nurse and breast-feeding instructor at Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital, said Thursday that nothing compares to a mother’s milk.
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The Middletown Press - News - 08/03/2005 - Mothers share commitment to breast-feeding
MIDDLETOWN -- This year’s World Breast-feeding Week theme was embraced by about 17 mothers and their happy babies at Middlesex Hospital Tuesday in a celebration of "Family Foods, Loving and Healthy."
The annual event, held during the hospital’s breast-feeding support group weekly meeting time, opened with a ceremonial walk around campus, then featured staff awards, a slide show, speakers and a discussion.
On the heels of the February recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics to exclusively breast-feed babies for the first six months of life, this year’s WBW focused on the costs of introducing other foods and drinks before six months age. The AAP also revised its 1997 policy by supporting nursing for the first year and beyond.
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The annual event, held during the hospital’s breast-feeding support group weekly meeting time, opened with a ceremonial walk around campus, then featured staff awards, a slide show, speakers and a discussion.
On the heels of the February recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics to exclusively breast-feed babies for the first six months of life, this year’s WBW focused on the costs of introducing other foods and drinks before six months age. The AAP also revised its 1997 policy by supporting nursing for the first year and beyond.
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'Learned art' guarantees best possible nutrition for your baby
The recent power plant explosion highlighted why breastfeeding is especially important in Bermuda, the head of a local breastfeeding organisation said.
Speaking as World Breastfeeding Week kicked off at the beginning of August, Lena Ostroff, chairperson of the local La Leche League (LLL) said, "Becoming a new parent is challenging enough without the additional worry and stress of dealing with power failures, water shortages and tropical storms. Pregnant women and new moms on the Island need not fear these special circumstances."
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Speaking as World Breastfeeding Week kicked off at the beginning of August, Lena Ostroff, chairperson of the local La Leche League (LLL) said, "Becoming a new parent is challenging enough without the additional worry and stress of dealing with power failures, water shortages and tropical storms. Pregnant women and new moms on the Island need not fear these special circumstances."
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IOL: Restaurants urged to support breastfeeding mothers
Restaurants, hotels and cafes must support ‘babies who lunch’ – infants who are fed by breastfeeding mothers on their premises, the Government said today.
The Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health and Children today launched the ‘babies who lunch’ initiative at Dublin restaurant Romanza’s as part of World Breastfeding Week.
Maureen Fallon, national breastfeeding co-ordinator for the unit, said the scheme follows research which found evidence of discrimination against women who want to breastfeed in public service areas in Ireland.
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The Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health and Children today launched the ‘babies who lunch’ initiative at Dublin restaurant Romanza’s as part of World Breastfeding Week.
Maureen Fallon, national breastfeeding co-ordinator for the unit, said the scheme follows research which found evidence of discrimination against women who want to breastfeed in public service areas in Ireland.
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Benefits of breastfeeding
Polly is a single mother with a 5-month-old baby. And she's doing what she can to provide for him. She has nursed Cal from birth and sees how strong and healthy he is growing.
Nutritionally, mother's milk alone provides optimal nourishment for baby's first four to six months of life. As other foods are added to the diet, breast milk remains the ideal food for infants for at least 12 months. Strong evidence that breastfed infants have far fewer health problems has now spurred the World Health Organization to recommend that children be breastfed up to 2 years of age and beyond.
What's good about it? Milk produced by one's own species is uniquely superior to all other milk substitutes, according to a recent position paper by the American Dietetic Association. It contains the right mixture of nutrients in the right form to be better absorbed than other infant foods.
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Nutritionally, mother's milk alone provides optimal nourishment for baby's first four to six months of life. As other foods are added to the diet, breast milk remains the ideal food for infants for at least 12 months. Strong evidence that breastfed infants have far fewer health problems has now spurred the World Health Organization to recommend that children be breastfed up to 2 years of age and beyond.
What's good about it? Milk produced by one's own species is uniquely superior to all other milk substitutes, according to a recent position paper by the American Dietetic Association. It contains the right mixture of nutrients in the right form to be better absorbed than other infant foods.
click to read more....
Bay Area breast fest aims for world record
BERKELEY — Berkeley's breast-feeding guru is gearing up for a breast fest that she hopes will bust Australia's world record for the most mothers breast-feeding in multiple locations at one time.
In Union City and six other Alameda County locations, hundreds of women will gather at parks, clinics and community centers to breast-feed their babies at one time.
If 1,665 mothers show up for the marathon, Alameda County will take the record from the folks down under.
"This is going to be a celebration of World Breast-feeding Week, but we are also trying for the world record," said Ellen Sirbu, the coordinator of the Berkeley Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
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In Union City and six other Alameda County locations, hundreds of women will gather at parks, clinics and community centers to breast-feed their babies at one time.
If 1,665 mothers show up for the marathon, Alameda County will take the record from the folks down under.
"This is going to be a celebration of World Breast-feeding Week, but we are also trying for the world record," said Ellen Sirbu, the coordinator of the Berkeley Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
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Breastfeeding room debuts at GMH
In an effort to spread awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, Guam's Breastfeeding Coalition commemorated Breastfeeding Week with a ribbon-utting ceremony for the opening of the island's first breastfeeding room. Situated inside the Guam Memorial Hospital is "Mother's Haven," a room where right after birth, mothers can feed their newborns.
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Breastfeeding discrimination remains
While research indicates that most Irish people are very accepting of mothers breastfeeding outside of the home, there have been some worrying episodes of discrimination in public service areas, the National Breastfeeding Coordinator, Maureen Fallon, has said.
Speaking to irishhealth.com, Ms Fallon said that 'a number of mothers have been asked to move or leave hotels, public houses and other social events'.
"This is obviously very upsetting for the mother, who doesn't want to be intruded upon when she is feeding her baby", she said.
She added that while research indicates that most people are accepting of breastfeeding in public places, many mothers simply do not see it as something they can do.
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Speaking to irishhealth.com, Ms Fallon said that 'a number of mothers have been asked to move or leave hotels, public houses and other social events'.
"This is obviously very upsetting for the mother, who doesn't want to be intruded upon when she is feeding her baby", she said.
She added that while research indicates that most people are accepting of breastfeeding in public places, many mothers simply do not see it as something they can do.
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Groups use week to urge mothers to nurse : Breast-feeding awareness campaign puts spotlight on stalled legislation
For Nicole Steineger, breast-feeding her three children has been a natural choice.
It’s convenient, too.
“It goes with me where I go,” said Steineger, whose youngest child is a year old. “If I’m in the middle of an aisle at Target and my baby needs to eat, I can do that. I don’t have to prepare anything.”
Organizations including the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and La Leche League International, are using this week — World Breast-Feeding Week — to raise awareness of breast-feeding’s health benefits.
“It’s a public health issue,” said Jane Tuttle, a La Leche League leader in Lawrence. “I think it’s something doctors should encourage. Doctors don’t hesitate to tell people to lose weight or quit smoking. They shouldn’t hesitate to tell mothers to breast-feed.”
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It’s convenient, too.
“It goes with me where I go,” said Steineger, whose youngest child is a year old. “If I’m in the middle of an aisle at Target and my baby needs to eat, I can do that. I don’t have to prepare anything.”
Organizations including the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and La Leche League International, are using this week — World Breast-Feeding Week — to raise awareness of breast-feeding’s health benefits.
“It’s a public health issue,” said Jane Tuttle, a La Leche League leader in Lawrence. “I think it’s something doctors should encourage. Doctors don’t hesitate to tell people to lose weight or quit smoking. They shouldn’t hesitate to tell mothers to breast-feed.”
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Moms encouraged to breast-feed babies
Hospitals in the Twin Counties are encouraging mothers to breast-feed as part of a weeklong awareness campaign, officials said.
The World Alliance for Breast-feeding Action has declared Aug. 1 through Aug. 7 as World Breast-feeding Week. During this week, all mothers who give birth at Heritage Hospital will receive a free breast-feeding kit, said Janet Bridgers, lactation consultant with Heritage Hospital.
"The kits are only for people who breast-feed their babies exclusively," Bridgers said.
The breast-feeding kits include a breast pump, breast-feeding pads and an instructional video.
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The World Alliance for Breast-feeding Action has declared Aug. 1 through Aug. 7 as World Breast-feeding Week. During this week, all mothers who give birth at Heritage Hospital will receive a free breast-feeding kit, said Janet Bridgers, lactation consultant with Heritage Hospital.
"The kits are only for people who breast-feed their babies exclusively," Bridgers said.
The breast-feeding kits include a breast pump, breast-feeding pads and an instructional video.
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August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month
KIRKSVILLE) August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Missouri. It is a time for advocates to promote the health benefits to both mother and child, and to encourage the support of co-workers, families and the public.
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Breastfeeding mom asked to leave store
OGDEN -- A woman recently received complaints for doing something she has encouraged many other women to do -- breastfeed.
Dana Martin, of Evanston, Wyo., is a labor and delivery nurse who routinely stresses the importance of breastfeeding to new mothers. But last month she was breastfeeding her baby in Newgate Mall when an employee from The Quilted Bear asked her to leave because the act was indecent.
She was told someone had complained to the cashier, even though she and the baby were covered by a blanket, she said.
"My family was so embarrassed that we just let security take us out," Martin said. "I promote and teach breastfeeding every day. What if some of my patients knew or saw me (being asked to leave)?"
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Dana Martin, of Evanston, Wyo., is a labor and delivery nurse who routinely stresses the importance of breastfeeding to new mothers. But last month she was breastfeeding her baby in Newgate Mall when an employee from The Quilted Bear asked her to leave because the act was indecent.
She was told someone had complained to the cashier, even though she and the baby were covered by a blanket, she said.
"My family was so embarrassed that we just let security take us out," Martin said. "I promote and teach breastfeeding every day. What if some of my patients knew or saw me (being asked to leave)?"
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Breastfeeding Family Foods: Loving And Healthy
Breastfeeding Family Foods: Loving And Healthy
“Editor’s notes: World Breastfeeding Week is being observed August 1st to 7th. Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants and has a unique biological and emotional influence on the health of both mother and infant. Tune in to “Joining Hands for Health” this Wednesday evening at 7:30 P.M. on Radio Bahamas 1540 and 810 A.M. when Registered Nurse Mrs. Trineka Williams and Registered Midwife Mrs. Linelle Thompson join host Mrs. Audrey Lightbourn as they discuss The Techniques and Benefits of Breast Feeding.”
Today, more women are making a choice to breastfeed. Statistics show that, in hospital, the majority of new mothers breastfeed. However, by one month post delivery a decline in exclusive breastfeeding occurs and most women begin to bottle feed their babies; either alone or in combination with the breast. By three to four months even fewer mothers tend to breastfeed. This is not the breastfeeding pattern recommended by healthcare professionals.
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“Editor’s notes: World Breastfeeding Week is being observed August 1st to 7th. Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants and has a unique biological and emotional influence on the health of both mother and infant. Tune in to “Joining Hands for Health” this Wednesday evening at 7:30 P.M. on Radio Bahamas 1540 and 810 A.M. when Registered Nurse Mrs. Trineka Williams and Registered Midwife Mrs. Linelle Thompson join host Mrs. Audrey Lightbourn as they discuss The Techniques and Benefits of Breast Feeding.”
Today, more women are making a choice to breastfeed. Statistics show that, in hospital, the majority of new mothers breastfeed. However, by one month post delivery a decline in exclusive breastfeeding occurs and most women begin to bottle feed their babies; either alone or in combination with the breast. By three to four months even fewer mothers tend to breastfeed. This is not the breastfeeding pattern recommended by healthcare professionals.
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WIC Program Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week Aug. 1-7
What is WIC doing to celebrate WBW?
The OCO WIC Program, in collaboration with Oswego Hospital and Cornell Cooperative Extension, will be promoting WBW at the Oswego Farmers market on August 4th with a display of breastfeeding promotional materials along with free give-a-ways and a raffle.
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The OCO WIC Program, in collaboration with Oswego Hospital and Cornell Cooperative Extension, will be promoting WBW at the Oswego Farmers market on August 4th with a display of breastfeeding promotional materials along with free give-a-ways and a raffle.
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Breastfeeding babies past 12 months
Breastfeeding toddlers: it's considered a social no-no, which means very few mothers end up breastfeeding their babies past 12 months of age. A University of Western Sydney researcher has carried out Australia's first study of mums and bubs who breastfeed beyond infancy - looking at why these women are bucking the trend against premature weaning, and asking the toddlers themselves how they feel about breastfeeding.
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Survey highlights benefits of long-term breastfeeding
A survey has found children who are breastfed up to and beyond two years of age benefit psychologically as well as physically.
The University of Sydney's Dr Karleen Gribble says less than 1 per cent of Australian children are still breastfeeding on their second birthday.
She says her research shows that some mothers buck the trend because they and their children enjoy it.
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The University of Sydney's Dr Karleen Gribble says less than 1 per cent of Australian children are still breastfeeding on their second birthday.
She says her research shows that some mothers buck the trend because they and their children enjoy it.
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Laws against nature: Breast-feeding advocates unite
In an age when "nursing" rooms come standard in St. Louis area shopping malls and are considered an employee benefit in progressive companies, it's a wonder that some folks still get stirred up at the sight of a woman breast-feeding in public.
But they do.
Not long ago, "The View" host Barbara Walters' comments on a nursing mother being indiscreet sparked a protest by breast-feeders outside ABC-TV's New York studios. A woman who appeared to be breast-feeding during a C-SPAN telecast in June was a topic for a chuckle on Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" and subsequently grist for the blogosphere.
Julie Friedman, 40, of Clayton, recently recalled a few disapproving looks when she nursed her daughter. There was also the fifty-something woman sitting next to her in a Chesterfield restaurant who asked whether there was "someplace else" she could nurse.
"I was actually really shocked," Friedman said last week. "I told her, 'No, I'm sorry you don't like it.' "
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But they do.
Not long ago, "The View" host Barbara Walters' comments on a nursing mother being indiscreet sparked a protest by breast-feeders outside ABC-TV's New York studios. A woman who appeared to be breast-feeding during a C-SPAN telecast in June was a topic for a chuckle on Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" and subsequently grist for the blogosphere.
Julie Friedman, 40, of Clayton, recently recalled a few disapproving looks when she nursed her daughter. There was also the fifty-something woman sitting next to her in a Chesterfield restaurant who asked whether there was "someplace else" she could nurse.
"I was actually really shocked," Friedman said last week. "I told her, 'No, I'm sorry you don't like it.' "
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The International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes: is it still relevant?
The International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes: is it still relevant? by Ted Greiner, PhD
This paper is a talk given at the international meeting “Allattamento e Politiche per l’Infanzia Dieci Anni dopo la ‘Dichiarazione degli Innocenti,’” at the famous Innocenti Center (where the original Innocenti meeting took place) in Florence, Italy on March 16, 2000. It uses some pieces of the earlier paper on this site called “The Infant Food Industry: Why and How it Promotes its Products.”
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This paper is a talk given at the international meeting “Allattamento e Politiche per l’Infanzia Dieci Anni dopo la ‘Dichiarazione degli Innocenti,’” at the famous Innocenti Center (where the original Innocenti meeting took place) in Florence, Italy on March 16, 2000. It uses some pieces of the earlier paper on this site called “The Infant Food Industry: Why and How it Promotes its Products.”
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An idea finds its time to help the premature
I wasn't prepared to give up, says Orna Kaufman-Sternreich. She was determined to feed her daughter breast milk despite a difficult birth that made it hard for her to nurse. The infant's need for breast milk became particularly acute after she was released from a neonatal intensive care unit.
The baby was not premature but had developed medical problems during birth. Kaufman-Sternreich discovered, on an Internet nursing forum, that Galit Liron, a Tel Aviv resident, had been blessed with an abundance of breast milk. Liron pumped her breasts to extract milk which was frozen for Kaufman-Sternreich's baby. "My husband traveled to her home two or three times a week with a cooler to bring food for the baby," Kaufman-Sternreich, a Bat Yam resident, relates. Kaufman-Sternreich later began to nurse on her own.
Problems of this nature are currently solved in a highly personal fashion but this may soon be different: In a preliminary hearing one month ago, the Knesset passed a proposal, presented by MK Naomi Blumenthal (Likud), to establish a breast milk bank in Israel. According to Dr. Dorit Nitzan-Kalusky, head of the Health Ministry's food and nutrition authority, Israel is one of the first nations to officially recognize the need for a milk bank of this type.
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The baby was not premature but had developed medical problems during birth. Kaufman-Sternreich discovered, on an Internet nursing forum, that Galit Liron, a Tel Aviv resident, had been blessed with an abundance of breast milk. Liron pumped her breasts to extract milk which was frozen for Kaufman-Sternreich's baby. "My husband traveled to her home two or three times a week with a cooler to bring food for the baby," Kaufman-Sternreich, a Bat Yam resident, relates. Kaufman-Sternreich later began to nurse on her own.
Problems of this nature are currently solved in a highly personal fashion but this may soon be different: In a preliminary hearing one month ago, the Knesset passed a proposal, presented by MK Naomi Blumenthal (Likud), to establish a breast milk bank in Israel. According to Dr. Dorit Nitzan-Kalusky, head of the Health Ministry's food and nutrition authority, Israel is one of the first nations to officially recognize the need for a milk bank of this type.
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Health News of Tuesday, 2 August 2005
Takoradi, Aug 2, GNA- Mr Winfred Wunu, the Western Regional Nutrition Officer, on Tuesday expressed regret that only about 22 per cent of nursing mothers in the Region exclusively breastfeed their children in the first six months after delivery.
He said the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has intensified education at health facilities and community outreach programmes aimed at reversing the trend.
Mr Wunu who disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Takoradi, said the education was aimed assisting mothers to form "Mother to Mother Support Groups on Breastfeeding" to serve as a platform for pregnant women and nursing mothers to discuss issues concerning breastfeeding.
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He said the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has intensified education at health facilities and community outreach programmes aimed at reversing the trend.
Mr Wunu who disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Takoradi, said the education was aimed assisting mothers to form "Mother to Mother Support Groups on Breastfeeding" to serve as a platform for pregnant women and nursing mothers to discuss issues concerning breastfeeding.
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Longer benefits of breastfeeding
CHILDREN who are breastfed until the age of two are demanding their mothers continue breastfeeding well into childhood.
New Australian research asked toddlers and mothers how they felt about breastfeeding, and received some frank responses.
Mother-of-three Fiona Telford-Sharp, 34, of O'Halloran Hill, said she had planned to feed her son Liam, 3, until the age of two.
"Now I ask him if he wants to stop and he says it's `yummy' and he doesn't want to," she said.
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New Australian research asked toddlers and mothers how they felt about breastfeeding, and received some frank responses.
Mother-of-three Fiona Telford-Sharp, 34, of O'Halloran Hill, said she had planned to feed her son Liam, 3, until the age of two.
"Now I ask him if he wants to stop and he says it's `yummy' and he doesn't want to," she said.
click to read more....
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Apology issued to Colorado mother
Attorney Mitchell Tacy reports that Dorian Ryan, the Colorado mother wrongly ticketed for breastfeeding in public, has finally received an apology from Carter Lake Park Officials, almost one month after the incident.
Mr. Tacy writes, "Women should always stand up for their and their children's right to breastfeed... in public, private, or anywhere they have a right to be. Any fear or hesitation that Dorian had about taking on the County, ended about twenty minutes after we sent out the press release when the print, radio, and television reporters started calling. She received overwhelming support.
"Thanks for your support."
Thank you, Mitchell Tacy and Dorian Ryan, for standing up for these rights. You've made more of an impact than you will ever realize.
Mr. Tacy writes, "Women should always stand up for their and their children's right to breastfeed... in public, private, or anywhere they have a right to be. Any fear or hesitation that Dorian had about taking on the County, ended about twenty minutes after we sent out the press release when the print, radio, and television reporters started calling. She received overwhelming support.
"Thanks for your support."
Thank you, Mitchell Tacy and Dorian Ryan, for standing up for these rights. You've made more of an impact than you will ever realize.
Only 14 Percent Of Angolan Children Are Breastfed - UNICEF
Luanda, 08/02 - Only fourteen percent of Angolan children are breastfed until three months old, reads a report released by the United Nations Children` Fund (UNICEF) today in Luanda on the occasion of World Breastfeeding`s Week, that started on Monday going up to August 08.
click to read more....
click to read more....
Local lactation specialists now on-call
When Deanna Becker had her third child, she wanted to try natural breastfeeding.
But she had had problems breastfeeding her first baby, and she didn't even try with her second.
"No one in my family breastfed," says Becker, now a mother of five and an incoming student in the University of Montana nursing program. "If you can't turn to your family, who can you turn to?"
With her third, she walked into the WIC office and asked for help - and breastfeeding the rest of her children went smoothly.
click to read more....
But she had had problems breastfeeding her first baby, and she didn't even try with her second.
"No one in my family breastfed," says Becker, now a mother of five and an incoming student in the University of Montana nursing program. "If you can't turn to your family, who can you turn to?"
With her third, she walked into the WIC office and asked for help - and breastfeeding the rest of her children went smoothly.
click to read more....
Breast-feeding prevents child deaths: UN
Breastfeeding and good nutrition in the first two years of life could keep two million children from dying every year in the developing world, the UN Children's Fund said on Monday.
The deaths of around 5,500 children every day and the chronic illness and lost opportunities for millions more could be avoided with the right combination of food, UNICEF said in a statement timed with the start of World Breastfeeding Week.
An estimated 63 per cent of children under six months in the developing world are not adequately breastfed, which leaves them with limited defences against killer diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea, UNICEF said.
click to read more....
The deaths of around 5,500 children every day and the chronic illness and lost opportunities for millions more could be avoided with the right combination of food, UNICEF said in a statement timed with the start of World Breastfeeding Week.
An estimated 63 per cent of children under six months in the developing world are not adequately breastfed, which leaves them with limited defences against killer diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea, UNICEF said.
click to read more....
Let us now pause for station identification
Periodically, I'll be making a post like this, to help keep this blog and myself on track.
Welcome to the Human Lactation Information blog, or HLI for short. This blog started as a personal journal on another site, as just a place where I noted articles, information, research, and the like for my own personal use. I moved over to Blogger in early June, as it seemed the blog was a better format for my purposes.
I don't focus on current items, though they certainly represent the majority of what you'll see here. If it catches my eye and I want to remember seeing it, I'll note it, so pretty much anything to do with breastfeeding is fair game.
If I have anything to say about an item, I generally make a comment rather than editorialize within the body of the post. I welcome your comments, and indeed encourage them - so don't be shy. (I do ask that you sign your name, rather than leaving an anonymous comment, because I want to encourage discussion and dialogue!)
I use my real name because I am accountable for what I say in this blog. I work at a local agency as a breastfeeding counselor and am active in a local non-profit that supports childbirthing and breastfeeding families. I do not presume to speak for either of these organizations, however, and nothing I write here should be construed as anything other than my own personal opinion.
I now return you to your regular programming. ;)
Welcome to the Human Lactation Information blog, or HLI for short. This blog started as a personal journal on another site, as just a place where I noted articles, information, research, and the like for my own personal use. I moved over to Blogger in early June, as it seemed the blog was a better format for my purposes.
I don't focus on current items, though they certainly represent the majority of what you'll see here. If it catches my eye and I want to remember seeing it, I'll note it, so pretty much anything to do with breastfeeding is fair game.
If I have anything to say about an item, I generally make a comment rather than editorialize within the body of the post. I welcome your comments, and indeed encourage them - so don't be shy. (I do ask that you sign your name, rather than leaving an anonymous comment, because I want to encourage discussion and dialogue!)
I use my real name because I am accountable for what I say in this blog. I work at a local agency as a breastfeeding counselor and am active in a local non-profit that supports childbirthing and breastfeeding families. I do not presume to speak for either of these organizations, however, and nothing I write here should be construed as anything other than my own personal opinion.
I now return you to your regular programming. ;)
Monday, August 01, 2005
Agencies encourage mothers to breastfeed babies: Breastfeeding offers benefits for mother and child
August is World Breastfeeding Month, and state and local health agencies are encouraging mothers to breastfeed babies beyond 6 months of age.
Allison Adams, health educator and program director for Buffalo Trace District Health Department, said breastfeeding provides several benefits for both mother and child.
Breast milk builds stronger immune systems, so breastfed babies may have fewer illnesses overall and fewer hospitilizations.
Breastfeeding also lowers the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, and decreases the chance of osteoporosis for the mother.
click to read more....
Allison Adams, health educator and program director for Buffalo Trace District Health Department, said breastfeeding provides several benefits for both mother and child.
Breast milk builds stronger immune systems, so breastfed babies may have fewer illnesses overall and fewer hospitilizations.
Breastfeeding also lowers the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, and decreases the chance of osteoporosis for the mother.
click to read more....
Oklahoma Trails in Breast-Feeding Stats
TULSA, Okla. — Preconceptions about breast-feeding and barriers to continuing after a return to work or school are the main reasons Oklahoma mothers don't try it even once, a newly released study by the Oklahoma State Health Department shows.
A random statewide survey found that 68.9 percent of mothers between 2000 and 2002 tried breast-feeding. That's up from 1999, when 66.5 percent of Oklahoma mothers said they started breast-feeding.
Nationally, 70.9 percent of mothers tried it, according to a survey in 2003, the closest year available for comparison.
Mothers who didn't attempt breast-feeding were most likely to say they "didn't like it" (43.5 percent), followed by a return to work or school (29.5 percent) or having other children to care for (27.4 percent), the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey found.
"A lot of people don't think they can do it," said Carol Monlux, a certified lactation consultant at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, on Monday. "Or maybe they don't have a support system in place."
click to read more....
A random statewide survey found that 68.9 percent of mothers between 2000 and 2002 tried breast-feeding. That's up from 1999, when 66.5 percent of Oklahoma mothers said they started breast-feeding.
Nationally, 70.9 percent of mothers tried it, according to a survey in 2003, the closest year available for comparison.
Mothers who didn't attempt breast-feeding were most likely to say they "didn't like it" (43.5 percent), followed by a return to work or school (29.5 percent) or having other children to care for (27.4 percent), the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey found.
"A lot of people don't think they can do it," said Carol Monlux, a certified lactation consultant at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, on Monday. "Or maybe they don't have a support system in place."
click to read more....
Tonight's radio show on Intl BF Week, PLEASE CALL IN TO THIS
Tonight, Monday, August 1, Arly Helm will host a call-in program on International Breastfeeding Week:
What is it, why is it important to focus attention on breastfeeding for a week (and in many places, a month) every year?
Arly is inviting breastfeeding advocates and professionals to call in with a perspective on the public health aspects of breastfeeding, on the political aspects of breastfeeding (multinationals vs. the NGOs, and the governments which waffle between them, for example), and all other insights on the importance of breastfeeding--personal stories highlighting the importance of breastfeeding also welcome.
If you are out of Arly's immediate area, you may either call long distance at 530-265-9555 or email her during the show at womenscollective@kvmr.org as she is trying to get a young person to stand by to take emails while she is engineering the broadcast.
Listen live at www.kvmr.org from 8 to 10 pm Pacific Daylight Time (California time); make the necessary adjustments for your own time zone to determine when to tune in.
Arly would love to hear from voices from all over the US and all over the world. Let's celebrate International Breastfeeding Week on international community radio with joy and a positive look toward the future.
Yours in milk,
Arly Helm, MS, IBCLC
Studio 530 265 9555 Call from anywhere, not toll-free
Toll-free in Northern California only 1 800 355 KVMR (355 5867)
www.womenscollective@kvmr.org
What is it, why is it important to focus attention on breastfeeding for a week (and in many places, a month) every year?
Arly is inviting breastfeeding advocates and professionals to call in with a perspective on the public health aspects of breastfeeding, on the political aspects of breastfeeding (multinationals vs. the NGOs, and the governments which waffle between them, for example), and all other insights on the importance of breastfeeding--personal stories highlighting the importance of breastfeeding also welcome.
If you are out of Arly's immediate area, you may either call long distance at 530-265-9555 or email her during the show at womenscollective@kvmr.org as she is trying to get a young person to stand by to take emails while she is engineering the broadcast.
Listen live at www.kvmr.org from 8 to 10 pm Pacific Daylight Time (California time); make the necessary adjustments for your own time zone to determine when to tune in.
Arly would love to hear from voices from all over the US and all over the world. Let's celebrate International Breastfeeding Week on international community radio with joy and a positive look toward the future.
Yours in milk,
Arly Helm, MS, IBCLC
Studio 530 265 9555 Call from anywhere, not toll-free
Toll-free in Northern California only 1 800 355 KVMR (355 5867)
www.womenscollective@kvmr.org
New law allows nursing mothers to skip jury duty
SPRINGFIELD -- A new state law will let nursing mothers skip jury duty if they request it.
Previously, judges could excuse jurors on a case-by-case basis, but there was no automatic exemption for women who needed to breast-feed their children. Legislation signed Monday by Gov. Rod Blagojevich guarantees that nursing mothers will be excused if they want.
click to read more....
Previously, judges could excuse jurors on a case-by-case basis, but there was no automatic exemption for women who needed to breast-feed their children. Legislation signed Monday by Gov. Rod Blagojevich guarantees that nursing mothers will be excused if they want.
click to read more....
Breastfeeding Week Begins
Teresa Hudgins knows what babies need. As an nurse and lactation consultant, she spends her days teaching new moms about breastfeeding.
“To encourage them to continue to breastfeed past 6 months,” she says.
During World Breastfeeding Week, Teresa and North Georgia Medical Center’s Lactation Center are especially busy getting the word out on all the ‘how tos’ and ‘whys’ of breastfeeding.
click to read more....
“To encourage them to continue to breastfeed past 6 months,” she says.
During World Breastfeeding Week, Teresa and North Georgia Medical Center’s Lactation Center are especially busy getting the word out on all the ‘how tos’ and ‘whys’ of breastfeeding.
click to read more....
Bay State law feeds controversy
Americans may be more comfortable with seeing women breast-feeding, but in Puritan Massachusetts, moms can still be cuffed for nursing in public.
While laws proposed to protect nursing mothers have been stalled at the State House, a nationwide survey released today found more people endorse breast-feeding and are comfortable with moms nursing in public than they were a year ago.
But you'd better beware in the Bay State.
Massachusetts isn't among the 30 states that allow women to breast-feed in any public or private locations or the 15 states that exempt breast-feeding from public indecency laws.
In fact, women who breast-feed in public in Massachusetts can be charged with indecent exposure, a misdemeanor, or lewd and lascivious conduct, a felony.
click to read more....
While laws proposed to protect nursing mothers have been stalled at the State House, a nationwide survey released today found more people endorse breast-feeding and are comfortable with moms nursing in public than they were a year ago.
But you'd better beware in the Bay State.
Massachusetts isn't among the 30 states that allow women to breast-feed in any public or private locations or the 15 states that exempt breast-feeding from public indecency laws.
In fact, women who breast-feed in public in Massachusetts can be charged with indecent exposure, a misdemeanor, or lewd and lascivious conduct, a felony.
click to read more....
Milk bank to serve at-risk babies
Wisconsin is taking a step forward for maternal and child health.
That's the assessment of Jill Innes, a public health nurse who's helping to coordinate an initiative to establish a Madison area "milk depot" for human breast milk.
"This is all about helping new babies, including preemies, reap the benefits of breast-feeding," says Innes, who works for the Madison Department of Public Health and is a member of the Madison Breastfeeding Promotion Network.
The network, which includes several health care providers, is the driving force behind the milk depot project.
"This is very exciting because there has been no place to access human milk locally until now," Innes says.
click to read more....
That's the assessment of Jill Innes, a public health nurse who's helping to coordinate an initiative to establish a Madison area "milk depot" for human breast milk.
"This is all about helping new babies, including preemies, reap the benefits of breast-feeding," says Innes, who works for the Madison Department of Public Health and is a member of the Madison Breastfeeding Promotion Network.
The network, which includes several health care providers, is the driving force behind the milk depot project.
"This is very exciting because there has been no place to access human milk locally until now," Innes says.
click to read more....
Group touts the bond of breast-feeding for mothers
....Babies who are breast-fed for at least the first 26 weeks of their lives are less at risk for ear infections, allergies, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, lymphoma and gastrointestinal illnesses, said Maggie Quadagano, lactation consultant for Greenwich Hospital's Post-Partum Visit Program.
"Breast-feeding is your baby's first immunization," Brown said, explaining that human milk contains more than 300 ingredients, including white blood cells, antibodies, vitamins and hormones, that are not reproduced in baby formula.....
click to read more....
"Breast-feeding is your baby's first immunization," Brown said, explaining that human milk contains more than 300 ingredients, including white blood cells, antibodies, vitamins and hormones, that are not reproduced in baby formula.....
click to read more....
Breastfeeding Promotion Ongoing
KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry will continue to hold various promotions to step up awareness among the people on the importance of breastfeeding, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said Monday.
He said the measure was to safeguard, support and promote breastfeeding in the country.
click to read more....
He said the measure was to safeguard, support and promote breastfeeding in the country.
click to read more....
THE EXPERTS OFFER ADVICE
BREASTFEEDING MYTHS addressed by:
Dr. Pat Colander -- Middlebury pediatrician; breastfeeding representative for the Vermont chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians; certified lactation consultant; La Leche League leader
Dr. Eliot Nelson -- University Pediatrics in Williston and full-time faculty member at UVM College of Medicine
Karen Flynn -- Administrator of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) at the Vermont Department of Health
Kathleen Bruce -- Pediatric nurse and internationally board certified lactation consultant
Dr. Lewis First -- Chief of pediatrics for Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care
click to read more....
Dr. Pat Colander -- Middlebury pediatrician; breastfeeding representative for the Vermont chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians; certified lactation consultant; La Leche League leader
Dr. Eliot Nelson -- University Pediatrics in Williston and full-time faculty member at UVM College of Medicine
Karen Flynn -- Administrator of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) at the Vermont Department of Health
Kathleen Bruce -- Pediatric nurse and internationally board certified lactation consultant
Dr. Lewis First -- Chief of pediatrics for Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care
click to read more....
Natural but not necessarily easy
Sonya Sapir, Vickie Durgin and Topaz Weis are nothing if not determined.
The three mothers range in age from 29 to 24 to 43, respectively, and live in different towns: Williston, Monkton and Burlington. They don't know each other, but share a common belief that breastfeeding is ideal for all babies.
This credo does not necessarily mean that Sapir, Durgin and Weis have had an easy time of it. Despite varying degrees of difficulty, however, they remain undeterred when it comes to nursing their children:
"It just makes sense," Sapir says of breastfeeding her 8-week-old son, Colden.
"I like looking into my babies' eyes while they nurse," acknowledges Durgin, the mother of toddler Hunter and his brother Hayden, who turns 1 this week. "At the end of a hectic day, it's a way of saying, 'Mommy loves you.'"
"I want the absolute best for my daughter," says Weis, who adopted 3-month-old Kiki in mid-May.
World Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1-7, is a time for parents and health professionals to celebrate the advantages of drinking mother's milk.
"Most pediatricians recognize the nutritional, immunological, social, economic and developmental benefits of nursing," observes Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics for Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care. "The best thing a mom and dad can do is breastfeed their baby for as long as possible."
click to read more....
The three mothers range in age from 29 to 24 to 43, respectively, and live in different towns: Williston, Monkton and Burlington. They don't know each other, but share a common belief that breastfeeding is ideal for all babies.
This credo does not necessarily mean that Sapir, Durgin and Weis have had an easy time of it. Despite varying degrees of difficulty, however, they remain undeterred when it comes to nursing their children:
"It just makes sense," Sapir says of breastfeeding her 8-week-old son, Colden.
"I like looking into my babies' eyes while they nurse," acknowledges Durgin, the mother of toddler Hunter and his brother Hayden, who turns 1 this week. "At the end of a hectic day, it's a way of saying, 'Mommy loves you.'"
"I want the absolute best for my daughter," says Weis, who adopted 3-month-old Kiki in mid-May.
World Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1-7, is a time for parents and health professionals to celebrate the advantages of drinking mother's milk.
"Most pediatricians recognize the nutritional, immunological, social, economic and developmental benefits of nursing," observes Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics for Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care. "The best thing a mom and dad can do is breastfeed their baby for as long as possible."
click to read more....
Moms' 'nurse-out' backs breast-feeding in public
Breast-feeding moms gathered at Woodfield Mall on Sunday to make a quiet statement after a local controversy over the right of mothers to nurse in public, and to mark World Breast-Feeding Week, Aug. 1-7.
The "nurse-out" came the day before Gov. Blagojevich is set to sign legislation that would exempt nursing moms from jury duty, if they request it.
click to read more....
The "nurse-out" came the day before Gov. Blagojevich is set to sign legislation that would exempt nursing moms from jury duty, if they request it.
click to read more....
More moms find benefits in breast-feeding new babies
World Breast-feeding Week, celebrated this week in more than 120 countries, is a great outreach tool for the breast-feeding movement.
The World Alliance of Breast-feeding Action promotes awareness of the benefits of breast-feeding.
The theme of this year's campaign is "Breast-feeding and Family Foods: Loving and Healthy," and its goals are to:
- Emphasize the value of continuing to breast-feed children until they're 2 or older.
- Make known the risks and costs of giving other food and drink to breast-fed babies before 6 months of age. (This goal supports the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which suggests six months of exclusive breast-feeding.)
- Update information about other food and drink needed by older breast-fed babies.
- Share ideas for making complementary feedings easier, healthier and a time for learning and love.
AAP revised its breast-feeding policy in February, noting the considerable advances in the scientific knowledge of the benefits of breast-feeding and the mechanisms underlying these benefits, and in the clinical management of breast-feeding.
click to read more....
The World Alliance of Breast-feeding Action promotes awareness of the benefits of breast-feeding.
The theme of this year's campaign is "Breast-feeding and Family Foods: Loving and Healthy," and its goals are to:
- Emphasize the value of continuing to breast-feed children until they're 2 or older.
- Make known the risks and costs of giving other food and drink to breast-fed babies before 6 months of age. (This goal supports the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which suggests six months of exclusive breast-feeding.)
- Update information about other food and drink needed by older breast-fed babies.
- Share ideas for making complementary feedings easier, healthier and a time for learning and love.
AAP revised its breast-feeding policy in February, noting the considerable advances in the scientific knowledge of the benefits of breast-feeding and the mechanisms underlying these benefits, and in the clinical management of breast-feeding.
click to read more....
Breastfeeding a priority to save lives and nurture childhood potential
Zorzor, LIBERIA (UNICEF/1 August 2005): During World Breastfeeding Week, which gets underway today, UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other partners, is urging all mother’s to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of a newborn’s life and then continue to breastfeed while providing nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods for two years or longer.
“Exclusive breastfeeding is the number one preventive intervention for child survival, with the potential to save at least an additional 1.3 million lives per year,” said UNICEF Liberia Representative Angela Kearney. “Continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding, which is the theme of this year's World Breastfeeding Week, could save nearly 600,000 children. This reflects the potential to save at least 5,000 more child lives each and every day.
click to read more....
“Exclusive breastfeeding is the number one preventive intervention for child survival, with the potential to save at least an additional 1.3 million lives per year,” said UNICEF Liberia Representative Angela Kearney. “Continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding, which is the theme of this year's World Breastfeeding Week, could save nearly 600,000 children. This reflects the potential to save at least 5,000 more child lives each and every day.
click to read more....
Mother's milk
Buying donor milk off the Web could be harmful
To breastfeed or not to breastfeed.
Is that the question? Or is it the more recent controversy over whether buying breast milk on the Internet is safe?
Mothers who may not be able to produce milk due to health conditions like breast cancer are able to receive breast milk from donors through a Web site.
Kathy Willis, a certified lactation counselor at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, is not in favor of women buying breast milk over the Internet without first checking the screening process of donor mothers. Willis, however, does endorse breast milk from approved donor banks.
''When you get breast milk from a donor bank there are very strict screenings,'' Willis said.
In many ways, it's comparable to donating blood. Even after the mothers and their breast milk are screened, the donor milk is also pasteurized and re-tested before it is shipped. A mother's milk can carry a number of diseases, including hepatitis and HIV.
Also, ''the moms that are donor moms do not get any money for their milk,'' the lactation counselor said.
click to read more....
To breastfeed or not to breastfeed.
Is that the question? Or is it the more recent controversy over whether buying breast milk on the Internet is safe?
Mothers who may not be able to produce milk due to health conditions like breast cancer are able to receive breast milk from donors through a Web site.
Kathy Willis, a certified lactation counselor at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, is not in favor of women buying breast milk over the Internet without first checking the screening process of donor mothers. Willis, however, does endorse breast milk from approved donor banks.
''When you get breast milk from a donor bank there are very strict screenings,'' Willis said.
In many ways, it's comparable to donating blood. Even after the mothers and their breast milk are screened, the donor milk is also pasteurized and re-tested before it is shipped. A mother's milk can carry a number of diseases, including hepatitis and HIV.
Also, ''the moms that are donor moms do not get any money for their milk,'' the lactation counselor said.
click to read more....