A mother is furious after she was prevented from breast-feeding her baby in a store's changing room.
Staff at Zara, a clothing shop in Oxford's Clarendon Centre, told mother-of-two Jenny Hall that she would not be able to feed her eight-week-old son Owen while she was shopping.
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Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Mum MP wins breast-feeding fight (ANSA.it - News in English)
House creche will be 'example' for working world, she says
(ANSA) - Rome, May 29 - An Italian MP has won her battle to get a nursery installed in the House so she can breast-feed her three-month-old baby .
"I'm obviously happy with this result but I wish it had come a little sooner," said Donatella Poretti, who has had to use the House's infirmary since parliament convened three weeks ago. Radical Party MP Poretti went as far as threatening to breast-feed little Alice in front of her fellow MPs after getting no response from two letters to House Speaker Fausto Bertinotti .
Now the House administration has found a suitable room, which until now was used by MPs' aides .
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(ANSA) - Rome, May 29 - An Italian MP has won her battle to get a nursery installed in the House so she can breast-feed her three-month-old baby .
"I'm obviously happy with this result but I wish it had come a little sooner," said Donatella Poretti, who has had to use the House's infirmary since parliament convened three weeks ago. Radical Party MP Poretti went as far as threatening to breast-feed little Alice in front of her fellow MPs after getting no response from two letters to House Speaker Fausto Bertinotti .
Now the House administration has found a suitable room, which until now was used by MPs' aides .
click to read more...
Friday, May 26, 2006
MP threatens to breastfeed in Parliament (Poltical Gateway)
ROME, May 25 (UPI) -- A new mother newly elected to the Italian Parliament is threatening to breastfeed in the House chamber unless a baby-care room is provided.
Donatella Poretti, a member of the Radical Party, said she has been using the parliament building's infirmary to feed her daughter, Alice, the Italian news agency ANSA reported."
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Donatella Poretti, a member of the Radical Party, said she has been using the parliament building's infirmary to feed her daughter, Alice, the Italian news agency ANSA reported."
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Thursday, May 25, 2006
LETTER- Breastfeeding not sexual (The HooK)
"In your recent story about Tom Rose's 'Ween' license plates ['WEEN win: DMV okays recalled plate,' May 18], the DMV's primary concern was said to be the chance that the plates might have a 'sexual connotation.' Your article then says that Rose was upset by the implication that his plates related to weaning, or the cessation of breastfeeding.
This reinforces the misconception that breastfeeding is sexual. While nursing and sex are both loving acts that involve the breast, breastfeeding is no more sexual than bottle feeding. It is a way of nurturing and caring for babies. "
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This reinforces the misconception that breastfeeding is sexual. While nursing and sex are both loving acts that involve the breast, breastfeeding is no more sexual than bottle feeding. It is a way of nurturing and caring for babies. "
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Tit for Tat Pro-choice Feeding Options (Bostonist)
Today we flipped on the radio for a bit of a dose of news. First thing we hear is about breastfeeding. The issue of the day was the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's approval of the "gift basket" with infant formula distributed to mothers in state maternity wards. Pro-breastfeeding groups had pushed for a ban on the distribution of free infant formula – before the Govnah stepped in and according to the Boston Globe " Romney objected to the ban, saying it deprived women of the right to decide whether they wanted to breast-feed their babies or give them formula." Wait. So Romney's pro-choice on breast feeding – but abstinence only for sex education? The result of the proposed prohibition was a Romney shake up of the Public Health Council (who oversees the Department of Public Health), removing several pro-formula-ban members.
click to read more...
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Breast milk: the perfect food for babies (Kennebec Journal)
Thank you so much for your important and informative Mothers' Day editorial, "The Gift Our Mothers Never Wanted To Give."
While there is no doubt that unnecessary industrial chemicals are accumulating in mothers' bodies and breast milk, it is important to note that breastfeeding remains by far the best form of nourishment for infants.
click to read more...
While there is no doubt that unnecessary industrial chemicals are accumulating in mothers' bodies and breast milk, it is important to note that breastfeeding remains by far the best form of nourishment for infants.
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Wednesday, May 24, 2006
State OKs hospitals giving away free baby formula to new mothers (WHDH-TV)
BOSTON (AP) -- Hospital maternity wards can continue to give away free infant formula to new mothers, state health officials said Tuesday, ending a monthslong debate over the gift diaper bags.
The decision by the Department of Public Health disappointed breast-feeding advocates, who argued that the brand name baby formula gifts were designed to turn harried new mothers toward a less healthy alternative.
"Formula marketing campaigns targeting new mothers do not belong in our state's hospitals. Hospitals should market health, and nothing else," said Dr. Alison Stuebe, a Boston obstetrician and advocate for the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition.
click to read more...
The decision by the Department of Public Health disappointed breast-feeding advocates, who argued that the brand name baby formula gifts were designed to turn harried new mothers toward a less healthy alternative.
"Formula marketing campaigns targeting new mothers do not belong in our state's hospitals. Hospitals should market health, and nothing else," said Dr. Alison Stuebe, a Boston obstetrician and advocate for the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition.
click to read more...
Hospitals get OK to resume formula gifts (BostonHerald.com)
State public health officials yesterday said that hospitals can continue distributing free formula bags to new moms, drawing the ire of pro-breast-feeding mothers who say the move was pure politics.
“It has a devastating effect on breast-feeding moms. When nursing moms get the bags, they are more likely to use formula,” said Dr. Melissa Bartick, a member of the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition.
Three dozen Bay State hospitals give out the free bags, which are emblazoned with a company logo and filled with formula, bottles and other gifts. Eight hospitals ban the bags, saying breast-feeding is healthiest for baby and mom.
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“It has a devastating effect on breast-feeding moms. When nursing moms get the bags, they are more likely to use formula,” said Dr. Melissa Bartick, a member of the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition.
Three dozen Bay State hospitals give out the free bags, which are emblazoned with a company logo and filled with formula, bottles and other gifts. Eight hospitals ban the bags, saying breast-feeding is healthiest for baby and mom.
click to read more...
State allows gifts of formula for infants (The Boston Globe)
In a victory for Governor Mitt Romney , the state's public health commissioner announced yesterday that hospital maternity wards in Massachusetts can continue to hand out gift bags with samples of infant formula. Last winter, the Public Health Council had imposed a ban on the bags, but then, at Romney's urging, it reversed its decision and ordered further study.
The five months of debate over gift bags with formula crystallized scientific and political issues regarding both breast-feeding and the Public Health Council, which governs the state Department of Public Health.
To public health specialists and powerful members of the Legislature, the episode demonstrates the perils of politics intruding into healthcare.
click to read more...
The five months of debate over gift bags with formula crystallized scientific and political issues regarding both breast-feeding and the Public Health Council, which governs the state Department of Public Health.
To public health specialists and powerful members of the Legislature, the episode demonstrates the perils of politics intruding into healthcare.
click to read more...
Mass. governor's formula call protested (United Press International)
BOSTON, May 24 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts pro-breastfeeding group is unhappy with the governor for allowing hospitals to hand out industry-sponsored formula kits to new mothers.
The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition supported a state health department ban on hospitals giving out the bags, which include formula, bottles and gifts.
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The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition supported a state health department ban on hospitals giving out the bags, which include formula, bottles and gifts.
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Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Theyre Simply The Breast (from Blackburn Citizen)
NEW mums flocked to Blackburn to promote breast feeding in public and create a new British record.
The event, called the "Big Feed", was organised by a group based in Darwen and saw 700 women across the country taking part to score a new record for simultaneous breast feeding.
click to read more...
The event, called the "Big Feed", was organised by a group based in Darwen and saw 700 women across the country taking part to score a new record for simultaneous breast feeding.
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Monday, May 22, 2006
Working mothers don't breast-feed enough (The Washington Times)
Many working mothers in this country and abroad do not breast-feed their babies, suggesting maternal employment can be a liability in providing infants with the benefits of breast milk, according to new research.
"A lot of new mothers start out breast-feeding [when they return to work]. But during the first two weeks, if they don't get the support they need [to continue breast-feeding], they quit," said Lori McBride, national coordinator of Nursing Mothers Counsel, a California-based group that encourages mothers to breast-feed.
click to read more...
"A lot of new mothers start out breast-feeding [when they return to work]. But during the first two weeks, if they don't get the support they need [to continue breast-feeding], they quit," said Lori McBride, national coordinator of Nursing Mothers Counsel, a California-based group that encourages mothers to breast-feed.
click to read more...
Breast is still best for children (Sheffield Today)
THESE women know breast is best for their little ones as they joined together to celebrate National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.
Midwife Karen Harrison helps run the Breastmates breastfeeding cafe at First Start in Firth Park, Sheffield.
The cafe, which has been up and running for more than two years, offers help and support to expectant mums and mothers who are breastfeeding.
Karen, of Dronfield, said: "The cafe started with the hope of trying to increase the number of breastfeeding mothers in the area. We have found mothers breastfeed for longer if they have support."
The cafe - open on Monday from 10.30am to 12pm - is a free initiative funded by Sure Start.
"We feel the initiative has been very successful," added Karen.
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Midwife Karen Harrison helps run the Breastmates breastfeeding cafe at First Start in Firth Park, Sheffield.
The cafe, which has been up and running for more than two years, offers help and support to expectant mums and mothers who are breastfeeding.
Karen, of Dronfield, said: "The cafe started with the hope of trying to increase the number of breastfeeding mothers in the area. We have found mothers breastfeed for longer if they have support."
The cafe - open on Monday from 10.30am to 12pm - is a free initiative funded by Sure Start.
"We feel the initiative has been very successful," added Karen.
click to read more...
I couldn't breastfeed my baby (BBC NEWS)
For the first nine weeks of baby Emiley's life, her mother was unable to breastfeed her.
A traumatic 46-hour labour with forceps and ventouse had left Emiley and mother Cherise Jones, feeling very sore, and the baby was reluctant to breastfeed.
Doctors had been worried about Cherise's heart during the labour and needed to monitor her carefully.
Two hours after the birth she was given the all-clear. But Emiley, whose head was sore following her delivery, would not latch onto the breast.
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A traumatic 46-hour labour with forceps and ventouse had left Emiley and mother Cherise Jones, feeling very sore, and the baby was reluctant to breastfeed.
Doctors had been worried about Cherise's heart during the labour and needed to monitor her carefully.
Two hours after the birth she was given the all-clear. But Emiley, whose head was sore following her delivery, would not latch onto the breast.
click to read more...
U.S. women face barriers to breastfeeding (United Press International)
WASHINGTON, May 19 (UPI) -- Many U.S. mothers face a series of challenges to breastfeeding because the potential inconvenience at work often appears to outweigh the heath benefits.
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Activists want state to protect right to breastfeed in public (Charleston Daily Mail)
West Virginia is being left behind in a nationwide move by states to protect the rights of mothers to breastfeed in public, and advocates here say they're going to start pushing harder for similar laws.
Earlier this month, Mississippi became one of six states this year to rewrite laws to give breastfeeding moms more leeway to breastfeed in public places and more protection from being prosecuted under state public indecency laws.
Now, just six states -- including West Virginia -- have not acted on calls from mothers across the country to clarify legislation they say inhibits mothers from breastfeeding babies.
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Earlier this month, Mississippi became one of six states this year to rewrite laws to give breastfeeding moms more leeway to breastfeed in public places and more protection from being prosecuted under state public indecency laws.
Now, just six states -- including West Virginia -- have not acted on calls from mothers across the country to clarify legislation they say inhibits mothers from breastfeeding babies.
click to read more...
LiveJournal doesn't care how you feel about breastfeeding or anything else - The Social Software Weblog
A row has erupted over LiveJournal's threat to shut down a user's account if the icon image of a baby and mother's breast mid-meal isn't removed. (pic on left) The user is part of a breast feeding advocacy group, so this is some fight to pick. Though it's acceptable to breast feed almost anywhere in real life, LJ is of the belief that the sight of breastfeeding in search results on the LJ site would be unacceptable. What if said user had a signed letter signifying that the breast was at least 18 years old? Indecency policies are rife with absurdity and I'm sure that LJ wants to avoid the kinds of labels that MySpace gets in media and popular culture - so this could go on indefinitely.
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Ireland's only human milk bank (IrishHealth.com)
It is well known that Ireland has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe, with only around four in 10 mothers choosing to breastfeed their babies. However some mothers are willing not only to feed their own children in this way, but also to donate some of their breast milk to help sick and premature babies throughout the country.
"The mothers who do this are simply fantastic", says Ann McCrea, a lactation consultant who works in the country's only human milk bank.
click to read more...
"The mothers who do this are simply fantastic", says Ann McCrea, a lactation consultant who works in the country's only human milk bank.
click to read more...
More than just genetics: Lifestyle choices impact GI health (Eureka News Alerts)
LOS ANGELES (May 22, 2006) – Lifestyle factors, such as daily breakfast choices and childhood home environments, have a significant impact on the gastrointestinal system, affecting your metabolism, body mass index and the likelihood of developing GI-related conditions, according to new research presented today at Digestive Disease Week® 2006 (DDW). DDW is the largest international gathering of physicians and researchers in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery.
"While some lifestyle factors may be difficult for patients to change, other simple adjustments such as eating a healthy breakfast can result in a striking improvement in GI health," said Lee Kaplan, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School and director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center. "These changes should not be underestimated and doctors and patients should work together to improve health and quality of life."
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"While some lifestyle factors may be difficult for patients to change, other simple adjustments such as eating a healthy breakfast can result in a striking improvement in GI health," said Lee Kaplan, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School and director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center. "These changes should not be underestimated and doctors and patients should work together to improve health and quality of life."
click to read more...
Stop Blaming Nursing Moms (Today's Parent)
“We lost centuries of knowledge about breastfeeding in little more than a generation.”
It takes a village to help a mother breastfeed.
Earlier this year, Statistics Canada released a report on breastfeeding practices. Among other things, it showed that of the mothers who start out breastfeeding, about one in six does so exclusively for the first six months of an infant’s life — the period now recommended by both Health Canada and the World Health Organization. This led The Globe and Mail to say, “the vast majority of women are ignoring public-health recommendations.”
Hardly. Those recommendations weren’t even in place when the women in this survey were breastfeeding, between 1998 and 2003. It’s going to take a while for the idea of exclusive breastfeeding for six months to become standard advice given by doctors — some of whom are still obsessed with getting four-month-old babies on cereal — let alone common practice among mothers. Also it’s clear, as this report shows, that most moms want to breastfeed and that they understand the value of breastmilk to their babies (more on this later). The key issue is why they stop, and I assure you it’s not out of zeal to ignore expert advice.
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It takes a village to help a mother breastfeed.
Earlier this year, Statistics Canada released a report on breastfeeding practices. Among other things, it showed that of the mothers who start out breastfeeding, about one in six does so exclusively for the first six months of an infant’s life — the period now recommended by both Health Canada and the World Health Organization. This led The Globe and Mail to say, “the vast majority of women are ignoring public-health recommendations.”
Hardly. Those recommendations weren’t even in place when the women in this survey were breastfeeding, between 1998 and 2003. It’s going to take a while for the idea of exclusive breastfeeding for six months to become standard advice given by doctors — some of whom are still obsessed with getting four-month-old babies on cereal — let alone common practice among mothers. Also it’s clear, as this report shows, that most moms want to breastfeed and that they understand the value of breastmilk to their babies (more on this later). The key issue is why they stop, and I assure you it’s not out of zeal to ignore expert advice.
click to read more...
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Romney overhauls panel that backed ban on baby formula giveaways (WFSB)
BOSTON -- Gov. Mitt Romney has removed members of the state's Public Health Council who wanted to ban the giving away of infant formula at maternity wards, according to a published report Saturday.
The council had approved what was believed to have been a first-in-the-nation ban on the distribution of gift diaper bags with brand name baby formula and other goodies to new mothers.
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The council had approved what was believed to have been a first-in-the-nation ban on the distribution of gift diaper bags with brand name baby formula and other goodies to new mothers.
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BREAST FEED MUM ANGER AT NO 10 BAN (Mirror.co.uk)
A MOTHER-of-two collared by an armed policeman yesterday for breastfeeding on the Prime Minister's doorstep.
Stella Onions, 43, claimed the officer told her he could lose his job if he allowed her to continue to feed her 21-month-old son Zac.
She was in Downing Street to deliver a petition to No 10 calling for a law to allow women to breastfeed in public.
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Stella Onions, 43, claimed the officer told her he could lose his job if he allowed her to continue to feed her 21-month-old son Zac.
She was in Downing Street to deliver a petition to No 10 calling for a law to allow women to breastfeed in public.
click to read more...
Formula Ban Supporters Removed From Health Council (cbs4boston.com)
(CBS4) BOSTON There is a changing of the guard on the state’s Public Health Council, and the advocates for breast feeding are the ones losing out.
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Saturday, May 20, 2006
Keeping abreast of a trend (globeandmail.com)
Few roles in life leave you as open to judgment as parenting. And nothing is quite so heated as the battle over the breast.
Vancouver's Nicole and Kim Critten found that out when they began distributing a line of nursing covers through their company Bug & Pickle (http://www.bugandpickle.com). The name of the product didn't help, either: Hooter Hiders.
Created to allow mothers to nurse in public without exposure, the California-designed cover is more effective than the old receiving-blanket standby. It has a strap to keep the cloth from sliding off, and a rigid collar holds the fabric away from the mother's neck to maintain a clear view of the baby.
But it's sparked a storm in Vancouver circles, in newspapers, blogs and even on radio. The Nik and Val Show on CFUN 1410 recently devoted an afternoon to the debate.
"Our callers were split right down the middle," co-host Val Cole says. "There were people who like it and then there were those who thought it was the most ridiculous thing they'd ever heard of."
click to read more...
Vancouver's Nicole and Kim Critten found that out when they began distributing a line of nursing covers through their company Bug & Pickle (http://www.bugandpickle.com). The name of the product didn't help, either: Hooter Hiders.
Created to allow mothers to nurse in public without exposure, the California-designed cover is more effective than the old receiving-blanket standby. It has a strap to keep the cloth from sliding off, and a rigid collar holds the fabric away from the mother's neck to maintain a clear view of the baby.
But it's sparked a storm in Vancouver circles, in newspapers, blogs and even on radio. The Nik and Val Show on CFUN 1410 recently devoted an afternoon to the debate.
"Our callers were split right down the middle," co-host Val Cole says. "There were people who like it and then there were those who thought it was the most ridiculous thing they'd ever heard of."
click to read more...
Private profits versus public health
Masachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has made it clear that private profits matter more to him than public health with his recent actions.
More than 78,000 babies were born in Massachusetts in 2004. They can't possibly compete with an $8 billion a year industry. Deep pockets matter more than deep dimples, eh, Mitt? It's no surprise which side of the issue our running-for-president-and-rarely-seen-in-the-state governor comes down on.
Hospitals should market health, and nothing else.
Shame on you, Governor Romney.
More than 78,000 babies were born in Massachusetts in 2004. They can't possibly compete with an $8 billion a year industry. Deep pockets matter more than deep dimples, eh, Mitt? It's no surprise which side of the issue our running-for-president-and-rarely-seen-in-the-state governor comes down on.
Hospitals should market health, and nothing else.
Shame on you, Governor Romney.
Romney ousts 3 at health council (The Boston Globe)
Gone are backers of a ban on infant formula giveaways
Governor Mitt Romney completed a major overhaul of the state's Public Health Council yesterday, abruptly ousting members who championed a ban on giving away infant formula at hospital maternity wards.
Romney has said that he believes that mothers should continue to receive gift bags of infant formula if they want them, and he asked the council in February to reverse its earlier approval of a ban.
The panel, which establishes public health policy in Massachusetts, did reverse the ban, but at the same time ordered administrators at the Department of Public Health to spend three months reviewing the issue. The administrators are scheduled to report their findings Tuesday.
In an interview last night, one of the council members replaced by Romney said she would have liked to have remained on the panel.
''I think the changes were political," said Phyllis Cudmore, who used to work in the healthcare industry. ''I'm disappointed not to be part of the process now."
click to read more...
Governor Mitt Romney completed a major overhaul of the state's Public Health Council yesterday, abruptly ousting members who championed a ban on giving away infant formula at hospital maternity wards.
Romney has said that he believes that mothers should continue to receive gift bags of infant formula if they want them, and he asked the council in February to reverse its earlier approval of a ban.
The panel, which establishes public health policy in Massachusetts, did reverse the ban, but at the same time ordered administrators at the Department of Public Health to spend three months reviewing the issue. The administrators are scheduled to report their findings Tuesday.
In an interview last night, one of the council members replaced by Romney said she would have liked to have remained on the panel.
''I think the changes were political," said Phyllis Cudmore, who used to work in the healthcare industry. ''I'm disappointed not to be part of the process now."
click to read more...
Monday, May 15, 2006
Salon is given thanks for the mammaries (Scotsman.com News)
A BEAUTY salon is set to be given an award for accommodating women who want to breastfeed.
The Breastfeeding Friendly Awards have been set up by East Lothian council chiefs to encourage businesses to think about the needs of nursing mothers.
Health visitor Chris Kelly is due to present the first award to Hazel Hunter, proprietor of the Nail & Beauty Salon in Bridge Street, Tranent, tomorrow.
In East Lothian, statistics show many new mothers find it difficult to maintain breastfeeding for the recommended six months.
click to read more...
The Breastfeeding Friendly Awards have been set up by East Lothian council chiefs to encourage businesses to think about the needs of nursing mothers.
Health visitor Chris Kelly is due to present the first award to Hazel Hunter, proprietor of the Nail & Beauty Salon in Bridge Street, Tranent, tomorrow.
In East Lothian, statistics show many new mothers find it difficult to maintain breastfeeding for the recommended six months.
click to read more...
Mothers demand breastfeeding law (BBC NEWS )
Mothers are demanding a law is introduced allowing women throughout the UK to breastfeed in public.
The National Childbirth Trust backs the call, saying women should feel "confident and comfortable" feeding their babies.
Scotland already has a law allowing women to breastfeed in public, and an NCT survey found 79% of mums want a similar law everywhere.
A government spokeswoman said it was reviewing the need for legislation.
The NCT is supporting MP David Kidney's Private Member's Bill for a breastfeeding law in England.
click to read more...
The National Childbirth Trust backs the call, saying women should feel "confident and comfortable" feeding their babies.
Scotland already has a law allowing women to breastfeed in public, and an NCT survey found 79% of mums want a similar law everywhere.
A government spokeswoman said it was reviewing the need for legislation.
The NCT is supporting MP David Kidney's Private Member's Bill for a breastfeeding law in England.
click to read more...
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Expressed delivery (Columbia Daily Tribune)
Jill Youse’s breast milk project is taking off.
The 28-year-old Columbia woman packed up a second shipment of 100 to 200 pounds of breast milk this morning that will go to a group in South Africa that takes in HIV/AIDS orphans.
Youse, a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company, was in the news last month for donating 1,000 ounces of her own breast milk to iThemba Lethu, a not-for-profit organization in Durban, South Africa. Soon thereafter, she was contacted by 10 other women around the country who wished to put their extra breast milk to good use as well.
Youse said she initially didn’t want to breast-feed her daughter Estella when the baby was born nine months ago but changed her mind. She since has started the International Breast Milk Project to make use of the extra milk she produces and stores in her freezer.
click to read more...
The 28-year-old Columbia woman packed up a second shipment of 100 to 200 pounds of breast milk this morning that will go to a group in South Africa that takes in HIV/AIDS orphans.
Youse, a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company, was in the news last month for donating 1,000 ounces of her own breast milk to iThemba Lethu, a not-for-profit organization in Durban, South Africa. Soon thereafter, she was contacted by 10 other women around the country who wished to put their extra breast milk to good use as well.
Youse said she initially didn’t want to breast-feed her daughter Estella when the baby was born nine months ago but changed her mind. She since has started the International Breast Milk Project to make use of the extra milk she produces and stores in her freezer.
click to read more...
Brown goes to aid of mothers who breastfeed in public - (Sunday Times)
THE chancellor Gordon Brown is supporting a campaign to outlaw harassment of mothers who breastfeed their babies in public.
Brown, who is anxious to increase his appeal to women, has endorsed a pressure group presenting a petition to Tony Blair on the issue tomorrow. The campaigners believes it ought to be an offence for anyone to try to prevent a baby being breastfed. Similar legislation was introduced in Scotland last year.
The call for change follows reports that up to 50% of breastfeeding women say they are made to feel uncomfortable in public. In some cases passers-by have called police.
click to read more...
Brown, who is anxious to increase his appeal to women, has endorsed a pressure group presenting a petition to Tony Blair on the issue tomorrow. The campaigners believes it ought to be an offence for anyone to try to prevent a baby being breastfed. Similar legislation was introduced in Scotland last year.
The call for change follows reports that up to 50% of breastfeeding women say they are made to feel uncomfortable in public. In some cases passers-by have called police.
click to read more...
A Mother's Memory - New York Times
Q. My late mother, who grew up in Yorkville, told me that as a little girl she would take the subway "all the way downtown" to get breast milk for her twin baby brothers. She remembered that the milk was free, and that it came from contributing mothers who were also poor. Is there a record of this?
A. Yes. The organization was called the Mother's Milk Bureau. It was founded in 1921 and run until about 1950 by the Children's Welfare Federation, a consortium of service groups. It provided nourishment for premature and sick babies whose mothers could not nurse them adequately. The New York Times reported in 1938 that the bureau's central station was at 34th Street and Ninth Avenue, and that in 1937 it distributed more than 5,000 quarts of milk to 600 babies.
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A. Yes. The organization was called the Mother's Milk Bureau. It was founded in 1921 and run until about 1950 by the Children's Welfare Federation, a consortium of service groups. It provided nourishment for premature and sick babies whose mothers could not nurse them adequately. The New York Times reported in 1938 that the bureau's central station was at 34th Street and Ninth Avenue, and that in 1937 it distributed more than 5,000 quarts of milk to 600 babies.
click to read more...
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Gifts should not be hospitals' bag - The Boston Globe
GOVERNOR ROMNEY'S spokesman, Eric Fehrnstrom, says, ''Pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers market their products to hospitals, and everything from doctor's stationery to the vending machine in the lobby bears a corporate insignia. No one is seeking to end those practices, and yet there is a very vocal minority of breast-feeding advocates who want to take a punitive approach with mothers who choose formula" (''Some hospitals forgo baby-formula handout," Page A1, May 8).
click to read more...
Yes, that's my letter. Woo hoo!
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Yes, that's my letter. Woo hoo!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Rally Aiming To Set Feeding Mums Free (from Thisisbradford)
Up to four hundred mums and their babies are expected to attend a breastfeeding rally.
The event is being held as part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, which runs from May 14 to 20.
Janette Westman, infant feeding advisor at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We want to give out a message to women who are thinking about how they are going to feed their baby that you don't have to be locked in your home if you breastfeed.
"It is possible to lead a normal life and facilities will be available for mums to breastfeed their babies in public."
click to read more...
The event is being held as part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, which runs from May 14 to 20.
Janette Westman, infant feeding advisor at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We want to give out a message to women who are thinking about how they are going to feed their baby that you don't have to be locked in your home if you breastfeed.
"It is possible to lead a normal life and facilities will be available for mums to breastfeed their babies in public."
click to read more...
Mass. hospitals end formula freebies (United Press International)
At least five Massachusetts hospitals no longer allow baby formula companies to provide gift bags for new mothers.
State officials are considering a total ban, the Boston Globe reports.
click to read more...
State officials are considering a total ban, the Boston Globe reports.
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Mum MP in breast-feeding fight (ANSA.it - News in English)
First-time MP and proud new mother Donatella Poretti is flying the flag for working moms throughout Italy, claiming the right to breast-feed her daughter in parliament. "I need a room with the bare minimum to feed Alice, change her diaper and let her get some rest," said Poretti, 38, in a break from voting for a new Italian president .
For the time being, between one voting session and the next, Poretti is forced to leave the assembly every two hours or so, using a corner of the House infirmary to give two-month-old Alice her regular dose of mother's milk .
Poretti, a Florentine journalist elected for the Radical Party, has written to new House Speaker Fausto Bertinotti in the hope of having a baby-care room added to the array of plush facilities in the hulking building .
"A parliamentary creche would be an important signal for the rest of the country, for all the moms who have to choose between work and taking care of their babies" .
click to read more...
For the time being, between one voting session and the next, Poretti is forced to leave the assembly every two hours or so, using a corner of the House infirmary to give two-month-old Alice her regular dose of mother's milk .
Poretti, a Florentine journalist elected for the Radical Party, has written to new House Speaker Fausto Bertinotti in the hope of having a baby-care room added to the array of plush facilities in the hulking building .
"A parliamentary creche would be an important signal for the rest of the country, for all the moms who have to choose between work and taking care of their babies" .
click to read more...
An update from the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition...
An udate from the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition...
Hi all,
Our strategists have suggested emphasizing Romney and family values at the demonstration on Friday, in addition to emphasizing money. Additional sign suggestions include:
"Gov. Romney, 'Special Interests' is not a Family Value"
or "Gov. Romney, Drug Company Profits aren't Family Values."
"The Romney Tax: $700 per Family"-- this refers to the additional $700+ a year that formula-feeding parents spend on the brand name formulas advertised by the bags, when they could've saved money on store brands.
We must also emphasize that we are not just a "very vocal minority" of advocates as ROmney's spokesperson said in yesterday's Globe.
If you are a health care professional, please wear scrubs and/or white coats on Friday.
If you are bringing your children, remember photographers love photos of kids: if you can emblazon them somehow with a message like above, and we can get it in the paper or news, it could go a long way.
See you 10am, Friday, May 12, in front of the Dome, rain or shine.
Thank you!!
Melissa Bartick, MD
Chair, Mass. Breastfeeding Coalition
See you there.....
Hi all,
Our strategists have suggested emphasizing Romney and family values at the demonstration on Friday, in addition to emphasizing money. Additional sign suggestions include:
"Gov. Romney, 'Special Interests' is not a Family Value"
or "Gov. Romney, Drug Company Profits aren't Family Values."
"The Romney Tax: $700 per Family"-- this refers to the additional $700+ a year that formula-feeding parents spend on the brand name formulas advertised by the bags, when they could've saved money on store brands.
We must also emphasize that we are not just a "very vocal minority" of advocates as ROmney's spokesperson said in yesterday's Globe.
If you are a health care professional, please wear scrubs and/or white coats on Friday.
If you are bringing your children, remember photographers love photos of kids: if you can emblazon them somehow with a message like above, and we can get it in the paper or news, it could go a long way.
See you 10am, Friday, May 12, in front of the Dome, rain or shine.
Thank you!!
Melissa Bartick, MD
Chair, Mass. Breastfeeding Coalition
See you there.....
Monday, May 08, 2006
Promoting breastfeeding through art exhibition (The Star - Maylasia)
SUCKLING babies at their mothers’ breasts were illustrated using various mediums and techniques in the ‘Mo-ther’s Love II – 2006’ art exhibition.
Portraits of serene women breastfeeding their babies against a rural backdrop interspersed with poster-like paintings and more expressionist oils.
Jointly organized with the World Alliance for Breast Feeding Action Coun-cil (Waba), the exhibition held at Galeri Art Point in Chow Thye Road, Penang, features 30 paintings by 13 Malaysian ar-tists.
This second art exhibition is aimed at promoting breastfeeding among mothers.
click to read more...
Portraits of serene women breastfeeding their babies against a rural backdrop interspersed with poster-like paintings and more expressionist oils.
Jointly organized with the World Alliance for Breast Feeding Action Coun-cil (Waba), the exhibition held at Galeri Art Point in Chow Thye Road, Penang, features 30 paintings by 13 Malaysian ar-tists.
This second art exhibition is aimed at promoting breastfeeding among mothers.
click to read more...
The right formula (The Boston Globe)
The more breast milk the better, studies show -- but they don't tell mothers how to balance the ideal with the real demands of family and work
By Stephen Smith | May 8, 2006
Ellen Savage would like you to know this: ''I'm not an earthy-crunchy type. But from everything I was told and everything I believe, breast is best."
Which is why, when she was pregnant with her daughter Abigail, she envisioned nursing as fulfilling, nurturing, and good for her baby's health. After all, there are literally hundreds of scientific studies showing the medical benefits of breast-feeding -- for both baby and mother.
''But it takes a lot of work," said Savage, who lives in Bourne and continues to nurse her 2-year-old. ''More work than I ever imagined."
click to read more...
By Stephen Smith | May 8, 2006
Ellen Savage would like you to know this: ''I'm not an earthy-crunchy type. But from everything I was told and everything I believe, breast is best."
Which is why, when she was pregnant with her daughter Abigail, she envisioned nursing as fulfilling, nurturing, and good for her baby's health. After all, there are literally hundreds of scientific studies showing the medical benefits of breast-feeding -- for both baby and mother.
''But it takes a lot of work," said Savage, who lives in Bourne and continues to nurse her 2-year-old. ''More work than I ever imagined."
click to read more...
Some hospitals forgo baby-formula handout The Boston Globe)
As the state's policy makers debate whether to ban maternity ward gift bags, a growing number of Massachusetts hospitals are quietly doing away with the formula-filled freebies on their own.
The state's busiest baby unit, at Brigham and Women's Hospital, banished gift bags provided by infant formula companies on Feb. 1. Last week, Cambridge Health Alliance replaced them with bags emblazoned with the alliance's logo -- but without formula. And administrators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where 5,000 babies are born each year, intend to eliminate the sample and coupon giveaways by the summer.
The hospitals' action represents a confluence of trends sweeping the healthcare industry. After being stung by revelations showing doctors indulging in expensive meals, gifts, and trips paid for by pharmaceutical companies, hospitals are eager to project a different image.
click to read more...
The state's busiest baby unit, at Brigham and Women's Hospital, banished gift bags provided by infant formula companies on Feb. 1. Last week, Cambridge Health Alliance replaced them with bags emblazoned with the alliance's logo -- but without formula. And administrators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where 5,000 babies are born each year, intend to eliminate the sample and coupon giveaways by the summer.
The hospitals' action represents a confluence of trends sweeping the healthcare industry. After being stung by revelations showing doctors indulging in expensive meals, gifts, and trips paid for by pharmaceutical companies, hospitals are eager to project a different image.
click to read more...
Sunday, May 07, 2006
latest update from the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition...
Thank you for taking the time to sign the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition's petition urging Gov. Romney to eliminate hospital-based formula marketing. In the past two months, we've gathered more than 3,300 signatures from 50 states.
If you are in the Boston area, we hope you'll join the Coalition for a demonstration in front of the State House, on May 12 at 10 am, to present the petition to the Governor's office. Bring babies, signs, and bodies to the Beacon Street side, in front of the dome. Let's show the Administration that we don't want the government protecting the big drug companies who sell baby formula at the expense of mothers, babies, consumers, and taxpayers.
We need a head count!
Please let us know if you are interested in coming and how likely you are to attend -- please reply to this email at demonstration@massbfc.org. We will contact you with any last-minute details.
In order to be effective, it is vitally important to demonstrate a respect for a woman’s feeding choice, whatever it may be. Parents who choose formula are hurt by marketing, too. Health care providers are encouraged to wear scrubs or white coats.
For more information on the demonstration, and for updates on the status of the regulation, please visit:
http://www.massbfc.org/demonstration.html
If you have friends or colleagues who may be interested in this issue, please share this information with them, and invite them to sign the petition as well.
Thanks again for your support on this important public health issue!
Melissa Bartick, MD
Chair, Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition
If you are in the Boston area, we hope you'll join the Coalition for a demonstration in front of the State House, on May 12 at 10 am, to present the petition to the Governor's office. Bring babies, signs, and bodies to the Beacon Street side, in front of the dome. Let's show the Administration that we don't want the government protecting the big drug companies who sell baby formula at the expense of mothers, babies, consumers, and taxpayers.
We need a head count!
Please let us know if you are interested in coming and how likely you are to attend -- please reply to this email at demonstration@massbfc.org. We will contact you with any last-minute details.
In order to be effective, it is vitally important to demonstrate a respect for a woman’s feeding choice, whatever it may be. Parents who choose formula are hurt by marketing, too. Health care providers are encouraged to wear scrubs or white coats.
For more information on the demonstration, and for updates on the status of the regulation, please visit:
http://www.massbfc.org/demonstration.html
If you have friends or colleagues who may be interested in this issue, please share this information with them, and invite them to sign the petition as well.
Thanks again for your support on this important public health issue!
Melissa Bartick, MD
Chair, Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Demonstration!!!
from the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coaltion's website:
The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition wants you to join concerned citizens at the State House on Friday, May 12 at 10 am. We're gathering on Mother's Day weekend to tell the Administration to keep formula marketing out of our state's hospitals.
In the last two months, the MBC has collected more than 3,000 thousand signatures from across the country urging the Governor to implement the Public Health Council's regulations on formula marketing in hospitals. Passed after extensive public hearings last summer, the rule would stop hospitals from marketing infant formula to new mothers. The Romney Administration put the regulation on hold in February, and a decision is expected in late May. On May 12, health advocates plan to gather at the State House and present the petition to Gov. Romney's office.
Hospital-based formula marketing co-opts health care providers, giving their implied endorsement to formula feeding, and to expensive brand-name baby formula. During their hospital stay, our state's families deserve sound medical advice, not commercial sales pitches. This Mother's Day, let's speak in one voice: Hospitals should market health, and nothing else.
We need a headcount!
Please let us know if you are interested in coming and how likely you are to attend: email us at demonstration@massbfc.org. We will send you talking points, and any last minute details.
click to read more...
The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition wants you to join concerned citizens at the State House on Friday, May 12 at 10 am. We're gathering on Mother's Day weekend to tell the Administration to keep formula marketing out of our state's hospitals.
In the last two months, the MBC has collected more than 3,000 thousand signatures from across the country urging the Governor to implement the Public Health Council's regulations on formula marketing in hospitals. Passed after extensive public hearings last summer, the rule would stop hospitals from marketing infant formula to new mothers. The Romney Administration put the regulation on hold in February, and a decision is expected in late May. On May 12, health advocates plan to gather at the State House and present the petition to Gov. Romney's office.
Hospital-based formula marketing co-opts health care providers, giving their implied endorsement to formula feeding, and to expensive brand-name baby formula. During their hospital stay, our state's families deserve sound medical advice, not commercial sales pitches. This Mother's Day, let's speak in one voice: Hospitals should market health, and nothing else.
We need a headcount!
Please let us know if you are interested in coming and how likely you are to attend: email us at demonstration@massbfc.org. We will send you talking points, and any last minute details.
click to read more...
Monday, May 01, 2006
Lawmakers consider free admission to shows for breast-fed infants (ABC6.com - WLNE-TV)
Mothers who are breastfeeding their infants may soon be able to bring those children to the theater and other live performances for free.
House lawmakers at the General Assembly approved a bill yesterday to permit free admission to shows for children under one year old if they are being breastfed by their mothers. The Senate has yet to approve it.
click to read more...
House lawmakers at the General Assembly approved a bill yesterday to permit free admission to shows for children under one year old if they are being breastfed by their mothers. The Senate has yet to approve it.
click to read more...
Helping mums become bosom buddies (Chester Evening Leader)
A GROUP of new mums have completed a 12-week course to help women who want to breast feed their babies.
After successfully ending a 12-week course based on the La Leche League Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Programme, the first 20 Bosom Buddies are providing help and support to other mothers in the Blacon and Ellesmere Port Sure Start areas.
The buddies are all mums who have already breastfed their own babies and want to help and support other mothers to do the same. .
One of them, Lisa Ruffell, said: “I have successfully breastfed two children myself. You think you know all about it but the Peer Support Programme has taught me loads more about how we make milk and how breast feeding works.
“With this new knowledge I can now help other mums because I understand how problems occur and I can put it into context and give better information.”
click to read more...
After successfully ending a 12-week course based on the La Leche League Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Programme, the first 20 Bosom Buddies are providing help and support to other mothers in the Blacon and Ellesmere Port Sure Start areas.
The buddies are all mums who have already breastfed their own babies and want to help and support other mothers to do the same. .
One of them, Lisa Ruffell, said: “I have successfully breastfed two children myself. You think you know all about it but the Peer Support Programme has taught me loads more about how we make milk and how breast feeding works.
“With this new knowledge I can now help other mums because I understand how problems occur and I can put it into context and give better information.”
click to read more...
How to wear a baby -- stylishly (Chron.com)
When Tracy Urban had her first child 18 years ago, infant slings, she says, "had a hippie image associated with them."
A decade later, when Germaine Caprio gave birth to her first, she was so desperate for fashionable yet practical nursing garments that she drew up a pattern herself and had it sewn by a seamstress.
Today, these women head successful companies that cater to the needs of new moms. Urban helms Parenting Concepts, the manufacturer of SlingEZee Baby Slings; Caprio is the founder of Majamas, a line of comfort-driven, stylish nursing clothes.
Urban and Caprio will be in town this week to co-teach courses in wearing a baby at A Woman's Workshop, the teaching annex of A Woman's Work in Rice Village.
They'll be teaching new and not-so-new moms about the benefits of carrying their babies in a sling and how to facilitate breast-feeding by wearing nursing-friendly but nonfrumpy tops, says Sandy Lemke, owner of A Woman's Work.
click to read more...
A decade later, when Germaine Caprio gave birth to her first, she was so desperate for fashionable yet practical nursing garments that she drew up a pattern herself and had it sewn by a seamstress.
Today, these women head successful companies that cater to the needs of new moms. Urban helms Parenting Concepts, the manufacturer of SlingEZee Baby Slings; Caprio is the founder of Majamas, a line of comfort-driven, stylish nursing clothes.
Urban and Caprio will be in town this week to co-teach courses in wearing a baby at A Woman's Workshop, the teaching annex of A Woman's Work in Rice Village.
They'll be teaching new and not-so-new moms about the benefits of carrying their babies in a sling and how to facilitate breast-feeding by wearing nursing-friendly but nonfrumpy tops, says Sandy Lemke, owner of A Woman's Work.
click to read more...
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