170 Countries Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week

Over 170 countries are celebrating World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) this week to improve breastfeeding rates globally by raising awareness. Partners of the week in the 170 countries, including UNICEF, hope to broadcast the benefits of breastfeeding in order to educate the public.

msmagazine.com

Breastfeeding problems tied to moms' depression

New moms who have particular difficulty breastfeeding may be at greater risk of postpartum depression, a new study suggests. The findings, reported in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, do not prove that breastfeeding problems are the cause of depression symptoms. But researchers say that new mothers and their doctors should be aware that the two can go hand in hand.

reuters.com

Breastfeeding babies do not need extra water, though formula-fed babies often do

Your breastmilk contains enough water for your baby, even in hot, dry climates. Formula contains higher concentrations of salts and minerals than breastmilk does, so that extra water is often necessary for the kidneys to excrete the extra salt. Also, because of less efficient metabolism, formula-fed infants lose more water. In breastfed babies, not only is extra water unnecessary, giving bottles of water to quench baby's thirst may also lessen the desire to breastfeed. This will interfere with the balance between mother's milk supply and baby's demand. Bottles of water are also likely to cause nipple confusion. A baby who is too warm or thirsty, but not hungry, can satisfy his need for more water by feeding more frequently and just enough to get the watery foremilk, but not necessarily the creamier hindmilk. Breastfeeding babies are great self-thirst-quenchers.

askdrsears.com

Breastfeeding probably doesn't stave off multiple sclerosis relapse

Breastfeeding is often encouraged for women with multiple sclerosis. It's not only good nutrition for the baby, studies have suggested it may protect the mother against a relapse of the disease. A study published Wednesday casts doubt on that assertion, however. Researchers followed 298 women with multiple sclerosis for one year after delivery. About one-third of the women breast-fed their babies for at least two months and the remaining did not breastfeed or only did so for a very short time. Researchers found no protective effect for breastfeeding. It did not worsen the relapse rate, either. They did find that women who had relapses during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a relapse in the postpartum period compared with women who remained healthy during pregnancy. It could be that those women are more likely to breastfeed their babies.

latimes.com

Breastfeeding in public given thought following bus incident in Michigan

As the Detroit Free Press reports, a 32-year old mother was nursing her two-week-old son on a SMART bus when the bus driver ordered her to cover up or to get off the bus. Moon argues that the baby was in a football wrap and that not much was being exposed. She also refused to get off the bus until her child was finished breastfeeding. As a result, mall security officers boarded the bus at the next stop and began questioning Moon. Under state law concerning breastfeeding, Moon cannot be charged with public indecency. A law that, apparently, the bus driver was unaware of. The SMART authorities have said that they will remind drivers that breastfeeding is allowed on buses.

collegenews.com

The Breast Milk Cure

Nicholas Kristof writes in the New York Times, 'What if nutritionists came up with a miracle cure for childhood malnutrition? A protein-rich substance that doesn’t require refrigeration? One that is free and is available even in remote towns like this one in Niger where babies routinely die of hunger-related causes? Impossible, you say? Actually, this miracle cure already exists. It’s breast milk.' Only 9% of babies are exclusively breast fed for the first six months, many others are given tainted water in the mistaken belief that that's what babies need.

nyt.com

Breastfeeding Protects Against SIDS

Breastfeeding may substantially reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), especially when breast milk is the sole nutritional source, a meta-analysis showed. Any breastfeeding was associated with an independent 45% reduction in risk of SIDS, Fern R. Hauck, MD, MS, of the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, and colleagues reported in the July issue of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for any duration was associated with a 73% reduction in SIDS.

medpagetoday.com

Few Babies in Child-Care Centers Receive Breast Milk: Study

While new mothers are strongly encouraged to breast-feed their babies for at least a year, a small study of child-care centers suggests that relatively few are set up to help moms to do so. The research, led by doctors at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, revealed that only 12 percent of infants enrolled in child-care centers in two counties near Cincinnati were being fed their mother's milk, even though 96 percent of the center directors said they'd be comfortable facilitating the practice.

consumer.healthday.com

Bamboo: Conscious Family Living is a new digital magazine and website

Dedicated to natural family lifestyles, all that encompasses natural parenting, holistic health, organic foods, green living, the celebration of nature and creativity and more. The premier issue, focusing on pregnancy, is coming this spring! Sign up for your free subscription to the digital magazine and enjoy online chats in the parent community forum, find eco-deals, get updated conscious news and hear about local events and resources.

www.bamboofamilymag.com

Moms Who Return to Work Later Breastfeed Longer, Research Finds

A new study has found that new mothers who took longer maternity leaves were more likely to breastfeed and continued to nurse their babies longer, compared with women who returned to work sooner. The study, 'The Effect of Maternity Leave Length and Time of Return to Work on Breastfeeding,' published in the June 2011 issue of Pediatrics, looked at the effect that total maternity leave length, paid maternity leave length, and time of return to work had on both breastfeeding initiation and duration.

about.com

Research update: reduced risk of MS relapse in moms

Mothers who breastfeed exclusively are at lower risk for multiple sclerosis relapse. We are very pleased to see the research piling up on this issue, since many women are advised to wean early to resume medications which are viewed as incompatible with breastfeeding. This may mean that mothers with MS can breastfeed longer in the future.

breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com

Over 100 baby products loaded with toxic chemicals

Flame retardant chemicals appeared in the majority of baby products that scientists tested in a recent study, including car seats, nursing pillows, changing pads, baby carriers and rocking chairs. Of the numerous chemicals identified in the study, some are classified as probable carcinogens. Some are known to disrupt hormonal systems. And some have been linked to brain damage. The researchers were particularly surprised to detect one chemical that they thought had been phased out years ago. The study was not able to quantify the health risks of baby products that are treated with these chemicals. Still, the findings are worrisome enough that it’s worth seeking out alternatives, said lead researcher Heather Stapleton, an environmental chemist at Duke University in Durham, N.C.

msnbc.com

Another tip to breastfeed longer: no goals, no pressure

"I constantly hear women setting goals about how long they want to breastfeed. Don’t do that! Just take it one day at a time. Setting a goal automatically instills a sense of pressure, as if breastfeeding is this thing you HAVE to do. It also sets you up for failure if you don’t make your goal. The only goal you should make is that you aren’t going to have any goals. That way you don’t beat yourself up if you contemplate quitting. If you feel like quitting, give it a day and if you still feel like quitting then stop. Easy as that. Do your best, that’s it."

blogs.babble.com

A tip to breastfeed longer: don't overpump

'When I breastfed my first baby I did it all wrong. My boobs would fill up, she would feed for maybe ten minutes on one side and then I'd use my electric pump to empty both boobs. I'd pump until the milk was gone. I pumped so much I had a freezer full of frozen milk and giant, leaky boobs. The more you pump, the more milk your body produces. If baby does not empty your boob pump a little, like an ounce and that is it. Your body will take cues on how much milk to make and eventually, not a problem. The first month of breastfeeding can be difficult, but once you get past that hurdle your breasts settle back down to about the same size they were while you were pregnant and don't leak as much.'

blogs.babble.com

Babies' first foods may have lasting impact on health

Health professionals have long known about the benefits of breastfeeding for babies, but new research reveals that the food babies eat in their first days of life may have a long-term impact on their health. The study conducted at Claude Bernard University in Lyon, France showed that babies who were breastfed for the first four months of life had lower blood pressure at the age of three compared to high protein formula-fed babies.

independent.co.uk

May is Pregnancy Awareness Month® (PAM)

Just 4 years ago two moms (Anna Getty & Alisa Donner) decided to declare that each May would be dedicated to celebrating pregnancy and providing encouragement, inspiration, and education about pregnancy and being a parent via PAM. Throughout the month of May there are events in many cities nationally as well as weekly FB contests and Twitter Parties with fabulous giveaways. A live radioblog show hosted by Anna & Alisa and weekly newsletters round-up the online activities during the month. Please log onto the Pregnancy Awareness Month® website to learn more.

pregnancyawareness.com

A tip to breastfeed longer – get comfortable breastfeeding in public

Go to the mall or a park or some place where people are around, find an out of the way bench and do your thang. One of the major benefits of breastfeeding is the convenience. But if you aren’t taking advantage of that by breastfeeding on the go, you’re missing out on half of that convenience. You may initially feel like everyone is staring, but they aren’t. Remember how you feel when you see a woman discreetly breastfeeding – you don’t think twice about it, do you? Exactly. So just do it. You aren’t alone, check out I Did It! I Breastfed In Public by Roni and you’ll feel a lot better.

blogs.babble.com

Nursing mothers' brain response to their babies' cries is different than formula feeding mothers

The breastfeeding mothers surveyed for the study showed greater responses to their infant's cry in brain regions related to caregiving behavior and empathy than mothers who relied upon formula as the baby's main food source. This is the first paper to examine the underlying neurobiological mechanisms as a function of breastfeeding, and to connect brain activity with maternal behaviors among human mothers.

breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com

Expressed milk? No, FedExpressed - just for Elton and David's baby

With two fathers, Zachary Furnish-John might have thought that a diet of infant formula beckoned. But Sir Elton John has emerged as an unlikely champion for nursing mothers after the singer revealed that he has breast milk specially flown in from the US to feed his four-month-old son. Not just any breast milk either: the pop star's son drinks milk pumped by his surrogate mother and sent via FedEx to the planet's most famous two-dad household. Sir Elton, who became a father on Christmas Day aged 63, along with his 48-year-old partner David Furnish.

independent.co.uk

Today's tip to breastfeed longer: The right nursing bra

You're going to be wearing this nursing gear all the time, try various tanks and bras on until you find the most comfortable one and then buy three. Buy tanks to wear around the house and also buy nursing bras to wear under clothing. If you’re comfortable and can get baby to the boob in one fell swoop you won’t feel like breastfeeding is a hassle at all. In fact, you will realize how convenient it is compared to mixing formula and keeping it cool then heating it up and all the shenanigans that come with preparing formula. For some quick & easy tips on how to choose a great nursing bra click over to this post I wrote a while back: Why I Now Swear By Nursing Bras And How To Choose A Good One.

blogs.babble.com

UK Association for Milk Banking's video shows the journey of donated milk

While there are just 10 milk banks in North America (though more are in develoment), there are 12 in the UK, serving a far smaller population. UKAMB has helped to establish milk banks in South Africa, Cameroon, the Philippines, Australia, and several European countries. Check out the video which shows the process of donation, from the donor mom through to the recipient babies. The song in the background was written by a donor mother who wrote it to benefit UKAMB.

breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com

Actress Courteney Cox on breastfeeding

"It took a lot of persevering through the early weeks because my daughter didn't latch on properly and it really hurt," said the actress, who has one child, "but I'm happy I stayed with it because not only do I have a special bond with my baby, it's easy now, and is extremely healthy."

telegraph.co.uk

Breastfeeding and fitness

Many women find that they lose more weight initially while breastfeeding but that they plateau after a few months once the baby starts nursing less often. At that point, it is important that women kick up their exercise program so that they burn more calories, and that they really watch their food intake to make sure they are eating a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, low-fat proteins, and low-fat dairy products.

storknet.com

Most babies do not get enough vitamin D

Just going outside in the sunlight is usually not enough and sunlight exposure is difficult to measure. Factors such as the amount of pigment in the skin of your baby and skin exposure affect how much vitamin D is produced by your body from sunlight. In the more northern parts of the world during the winter, the amount of sunlight is not enough for any baby. Exposing infants and children to sunlight has been shown to increase the risk for skin cancer later in life. We now recommend that infants and young children not be in direct sunlight when they are outside, particularly infants younger than 6 months of age. Sunscreens should be used on all children when in sunlight but it prevents vitamin D formation in the skin. A vitamin D supplement is recommended.

aap.org

Sugar Molecules In Breast Milk To Treat Food-Poisoning

The glycans, the sugar molecules found in human breast milk, could be marshaled to tackle food-poisoning, Australian researchers say. The discovery by Dr Christopher Day from Griffith University has been hailed as a major breakthrough in tackling a common cause of bacterial food-borne illness.

medindia.net

Company sorry for breastfeeding gaffe

A company managing housing at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, apologized to a military spouse who had been prohibited from breastfeeding her baby. Jess Lanham, who lives with her in-laws while her husband serves in Afghanistan, drove to the base with two of her three daughters to apply for military housing. After starting to breastfeed her baby, the woman handling Lanham's application informed her she could nurse her baby in the toilet, find another office in the building or come back at another time. When Lanham asked why she was being denied the ability to feed her child, the woman replied the company had to keep a "business atmosphere."

upi.com

Examining cells from a woman's breast milk may help evaluate future breast health, new research suggests

"It looks as if we can use the cells from breast milk to assess breast cancer risk," said Dr. Kathleen Arcaro, an associate professor at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She is to present her findings this week at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Orlando, Fla.

umass.edu

Today is Children's Day in Taiwan

Children's Day is a time of festivity for Taiwan's young. The occasion is marked by the Children's Day Celebration honoring model students from around Taiwan and by numerous parent-children activities sponsored by government and civic organizations. Thus, the day not only lets the kids become king for a day, but also helps to strengthen the bond between parents and their children.

gio.gov.tw

Breastfeeding by Diabetic Moms Cuts Babies' Obesity Risk

Experts say breastfeeding also benefits moms by helping them recover from gestational diabetes. A new study has found that if babies are breastfed for six months or more, then their increased risk of obesity is reduced to levels seen in offspring not exposed to diabetes during pregnancy, says study researcher Dana Dabelea, MD, PhD, an epidemiologist and associate professor at the Colorado School of Public Health.

webmd.com

Brain Growth in Infants Linked to Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Duration

Brain growth in babies is associated with the amount of time and energy mother's invest, says research. The study of 128 mammal species, including humans, shows that brain growth in babies is determined by the duration of pregnancy and how long they suckle. The Durham University research concludes that the longer the pregnancy and breastfeeding period in mammals, the bigger the baby's brain grows.

medindia.net

Is there such a thing as being too young to learn to breastfeed?

The Breast Milk Baby doll, from Berjuan Toys of Spain, is specifically designed to teach little girls how to breastfeed an infant and learn about the bond between mother and child. Along with the baby doll, the Breast Milk Baby comes with a special cloth top for the youngster to wear. The shirt has flowers painted on it to illustrate where the nipple is and where the girl should guide the doll's mouth to suckle. The goal of the doll is to spread the message that breastfeeding is a positive health choice for the child, a message that one is never too young to learn, according to the company press release.

nydailynews.com

How to Save Money on Breastfeeding

First, breastfeeding saves money by reducing ear infections, asthma, and obesity, and mothers who breastfeed face lower rates of ovarian and breast cancers, according to the US Surgeon General. To save money, 1) skip the accessories: nursing pillows, expensive nursing tops; 2) get free advice from hospital lactation consultants to twitter chats to your local La Leche League; 3) skip the $400 breastpump, a $150 model works fine (just don't buy a used one); and 4) take advantage of the new US flex spending rules.

money.usnews.com

Celine Dion has credited breastfeeding with helping her to lose weight after giving birth

The singer welcomed twin sons Eddy and Nelson in October 2010 following several rounds of IVF treatments. 'You get busy with twins and you feed them so they help you to recover very fast. So I helped them help me,' she explained to Canada's CTV. She went on to confess that while she feels 'lucky' to have shed the baby weight so easily, she was not concerned with returning to her slim figure.

digitalspy.com

Bill proposes changes to breastfeeding law

A bill making its way through the Tennessee state legislature would get rid of the age restriction on how old a child can be to be breastfed in public. Under current Tennessee state law, women who breastfeed a child older than twelve months in public can be arrested for public indecency. This law was enacted in 2006. Tennessee is apparently the only US state with such a law.

wkrn.com

Are you prepared?

As our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan, it's a good time for all of us to prepare for potential disasters. Breastfeeding is a great way to feed your baby in an emergency.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic. ~Adrienne Cook

Study finds pacifiers don't interfere with established breastfeeding

Many experts fear that pacifiers can interfere with successful breastfeeding. However, a new review finds no association between the devices and early cessation of nursing. The review did not provide information on whether pacifiers might cause breastfeeding difficulties like cracked nipples, or whether they affect infant health or development negatively. "We recommend that until further information becomes available…mothers make a decision on the use of a pacifier based on personal preference," the review authors concluded.

physorg.com

Breastfeeding raises IQ

The most comprehensive UK study of breastfeeding to date shows that it continues to have an effect on a child's mental ability right through secondary school. Researchers at Oxford University and the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) in Essex studied more than 10,000 children from the Bristol area and found that those breastfed exclusively for at least the first four weeks of life consistently outperformed those put on the bottle from birth.

independent.ie

Breast Milk Ice Cream Confiscated Amid Health Concerns

A restaurant in London, which was selling ice cream containing human breast milk, has had its supplies seized by council officials amid fears it is unsafe. Viruses, including hepatitis, can be passed on through breast milk. The Icecreamists, in Covent Garden, London, said the milk had been screened in line with blood donor requirements.

medindia.com

New breastfeeding music!

Beware. If you listen to Whip it Out: Songs for Breastfeeding, you may be humming 'there's a nakie in the house' for days. Seattle singer-songwriter Moorea Malatt's album, Whip it Out, is sweet and funny and lovely to listen to. There are songs of silliness, of support, lullabyes, and even one about postpartum depression. Moorea is donating $1 of each sale to La Leche League International and $1 to Best for Babes.

kickstarter.com

Mom's best friend?

New research form the University of Montreal Psychiatry Department shows dogs can calm kids. Dogs reduce levels of cortisol (the 'flight or flight' stress hormone) in children on the autistic spectrum.

emaxhealth.com

Breast milk ice cream goes on sale in Covent Garden

The dessert, called Baby Gaga, is churned with donations from London mother Victoria Hiley. Mrs Hiley, 35, said if adults realised how tasty breast milk was more new mothers would be encouraged to breastfeed. Each serving of Baby Gaga at Icecreamists costs £14. Mrs Hiley's donation was expressed on site and pasteurised before being churned with Madagascan vanilla pods and lemon zest.

bbc.co.uk

Today is IBCLC day!

If you work with a certified lactation consultant, you might want to send them a quick note wishing them a happy IBCLC day. It's also Dr. Seuss day!

iblce.edu.au

New Breast Cancer Screening Test

The US Food and Drug Administration just approved the first X-ray mammography device that provides three-dimensional images of the breast for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. The new Selenia Dimensions System, 'could significantly enhance existing diagnosis and treatment approaches' to breast cancer, Jeffrey Shuren, head of FDA's office of medical devices, said in a statement. Radiologists generally recommend mammography 6 months after weaning to make images more readable with less error.

latimes.com

Nap Needs

Zero to eight weeks - three or four naps, for a total of six to seven hours, 2 - 6 months - three naps for a total of five hours, 6 - 12 months - two or three naps, for a total of three and a half hours, 8 - 12 months - two naps, for a total of three hours.

Is it true that boys attraction to wheeled toys is an inborn preference?

In recent studies with rhesus monkeys, boy rhesus monkeys strongly preferred playing with toy vehicles when given a choice between those and soft stuffed animals. Since most rhesus monkeys are not watching TV - it must be biologic predisposition.

psychologytoday.com

Black is the New Brown

Brown rice is healthy, but have you heard the latest? Like brown rice, black rice has an outer layer of antioxidant-rich bran, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol. Unlike the bran found in brown rice, however, black rice bran contains anthocyanins, the purple and reddish pigments also found in blueberries, grapes and acai. These compounds decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer.

cnn.com

News to help you lose

Drinking two glasses of water before meals while cutting back on portions may hep with weight loss according to a new study in the journal Obesity. Water can help you to fill up making you less likely to overeat; it may also serve as a reminder that you're trying to slim down.

nytimes.com

Breastfeeding mom strikes a pose

Claire Dederer discovered yoga after hurting her back due to uncomfortable breastfeeding positions. Initially resistant to yoga, 'white female self indulgence' she was willing to try anything to relieve the back pain she was experiencing. The book, 'Poser - my life in twenty three yoga poses' allowed Dederer to become a better wife, mother, sister, friend and daughter.

clairedederer.com

Breastfeeding benefits from top to bottom - part 3

Immune system-breastfed babies respond better to vaccinations. Human milk helps to mature baby's own immune system. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of childhood cancer; Endocrine system-reduced risk of getting diabetes; Kidneys-with less salt and less protein, human milk is easier on a baby's kidneys; Appendix-children with acute appendicitis are less likely to have been breastfed; Urinary tract-fewer infections in breastfed infants; joints and muscles. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is less common in children who were breastfed; Skin-less allergic eczema in breastfed infants; Growth-breastfed babies are leaner at one year of age and less likely to be obese later in life; Bowels-less constipation. Stools of breastfed babies have a less-offensive odor.

askdrsears.com

Juggling work and motherhood

Employment and early return to work are both factors associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding, a study from Scotland found. More flexible working conditions and more generous employment leave could help to prolong breastfeeding among working mothers.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Breastfeeding benefits from top to bottom - part 2

Throat - children who are breastfed are less likely to require tonsillectomies; respiratory system - evidence shows that breastfed babies have fewer and less severe upper respiratory infections, less wheezing, less pneumonia and less influenza; heart and circulatory system - evidence suggests that breastfed children may have lower cholesterol as adults. Heart rates are lower in breastfed infants; digestive system - less diarrhea, fewer gastrointestinal infections in babies who are breastfeeding. Six months or more of exclusive breastfeeding reduces risk of food allergies. Also, less risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in adulthood.

askdrsears.com

Happy Valentine's Day!

"Life's greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved." - Victor Hugo

Breastfeeding pumps now deductible, IRS rules

In a reversal of a long-held government position, families can use pre-tax funds for lactation supplies. Breast pumps and other lactation supplies are now tax deductible as medical expenses, the US Internal Revenue Service said yesterday. Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics asked the IRS to allow this deduction, but the agency initially denied that request.

msnbc.com

Breastfeeding benefits from top to bottom

Breastfeeding is good for every part of baby's body--from the brain to the diaper area. Here's a partial list: brain-higher IQ in breastfed children. Cholesterol and other types of fat in human milk support the growth of nerve tissue; eyes-visual acuity is higher in babies fed human milk; ears. Breastfed babies get fewer ear infections; mouth-less need for orthodontics in children breastfed more than a year. Improved muscle development of face from suckling at the breast. Subtle changes in the taste of human milk prepare babies to accept a variety of solid foods.

askdrsears.com

New website launched

The Virginia Department of Health and the University of Virginia Office of Continuing Medical Education announce the launch of a new website dedicated to providing the latest evidence-based guidelines for infant and toddler nutrition.

infantandtoddlerfeeding.org

Starting Infants on Solids Before 4 Months Raises Childhood Obesity Risk

A new study shows that formula-fed infants or infants who stopped breastfeeding before 4 months and started eating solid foods before 4 months of age were six times more likely to be obese by age 3 than infants who started solid foods later.

webmd.com

FDA approves drug to reduce risk of preterm birth in at-risk pregnant women

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration just approved Makena (hydroxyprogesterone caproate) injection to reduce the risk of preterm delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy, in pregnant women with a history of at least one spontaneous preterm birth.

fda.gov

Increasing your milk supply

Nap and night nurse: one of the most powerful ways to stimulate increased milk production is to take your baby to bed and nurse. This relaxes both you and your baby and stimulates longer and more frequent nursings. It also increases your milk-producing hormones and reminds you that breastfeeding your baby is the most important thing you can do at this stage of your life together.

askdrsears.com

Increasing your milk supply

Try switch nursing: for babies that suck at a leisurely pace or who fall asleep a few minutes into a feeding. Switch nursing will encourage a baby to suck more vigorously for a longer period of time so that he gets more of the creamier, high-fat hindmilk. In switch nursing, you let the baby feed on the first breast until the intensity of his suck and swallow diminishes. Before he drifts off into comfort sucking, sit him up and switch him to the other breast and encourage him to nurse actively again. When his sucking slows, go back to the first breast, and finally, finish feeding on the other breast. Burp him or change his diaper between sides, if that will help to wake him.

askdrsears.com

Breastfeeding and Diet

You should add calories but the right calories! Complex carbohydrates are among the best foods you can eat while breastfeeding. Build these food into your daily diet: vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, squash, and beans; fruits such as apples, berries, plums, oranges, peaches, and melons; and whole grains such as whole-wheat bread, rye bread, and brown rice.

webmd.com

Breastfeeding and Exercise

Several old studies looked at before-exercise breastmilk and after-exercise breastmilk and found that breastmilk after exercise has higher concentrations of lactic acid (produced by exercise) and the babies were judged to be less accepting of the after-exercise milk. Wide publicity has been given to this research and can still be found in current magazines. But, after reviewing many studies, Dewey and McCrory, in 1994, concluded that exercise gives breastfeeding mothers better cardiovascular fitness and that exercise during breastfeeding is safe for most women and most babies do accept the milk.

breastfeeeding.com

Suggestions for handling criticism for breastfeeding in public

The La Leche League International offers a few different ways to respond: ignore the comment or change the subject; share information on breastfeeding with the other person; make a joke about the situation or yourself to lighten the mood; show that you are recognizing their viewpoint by asking further questions without agreeing or responding to the criticism; be empathetic, show that you understand their feeling and meaning.

llli.org

Will my baby bite during breastfeeding?

Babies often have six to eight teeth by 1 year of age. It is not possible for your baby to breastfeed and bite at the same time. When a baby is latched on well, the nipple extends far back into the mouth. The nipple does not come into contact with his/her teeth.

Breastfeeding Helps Reduce Levels of Environmental Toxins In Mother's Body

A new Norwegian study has found that the levels of environmental contaminants in a mother's body decrease during breastfeeding. The study also found that the contaminants are reduced by 15 - 94 percent in breast milk.

medindia.net

Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr encourages other mothers to breastfeed

Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr has shared on a website a picture of her breastfeeding newborn son Flynn to encourage other mothers to choose the natural option for their child. The 27-year-old model and husband Orlando Bloom welcomed the new member in their family earlier this month. Kerr later uploaded the intimate photo of herself nursing the baby on her Kora Organics website.

starpulse.com

US Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding

Adding her support to increasing breastfeeding, the US Surgeon General outlines these obstacles: lack of experience or understanding among family members, not enough opportunities to communicate with other breastfeeding mothers, lack of up to date instruction and information from health care professionals, hospital practices that make it hard to get started, and lack of accommodation to breastfeed or express milk at the workplace.

surgeongeneral.gov

Medela Pump Recall

If you purchased a Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump between March 1 and June 30, 2010, your pump may be recalled. 'On a very small number of these pumps, a component on the control board, after a period of usage, may cause the motor to slow down or stop.'

medelabreastfeedingus.com

US Federal breastfeeding policy detailed

US executive branch agencies and departments must provide employees with 'a reasonable break time to express breast milk' up to one year after the birth of a child. Breastfeeding employees must be given access to a private area other than a restroom that is shielded from public view and intrusion by coworkers.

washingtonpost.com

Do I need to limit the amount of fish in my diet while breastfeeding?

Fish are a good source of high-quality protein and are low in saturated fat. But, nearly all fish contain mercury. Smaller fish contain less mercury, generally, than large fish: try salmon, cod and sole. Check out pump@work's education section for timely and helpful information.

Which foods might give my baby gas?

Most mothers do not need to change their healthy diet while breastfeeding. Some foods that may cause a problem include dairy products, eggs, peanuts and other nuts, wheat, soy, corn, tomatoes, onions, cabbage, berries, spices, pork, seafood, citrus fruits and juice and chocolate. If you suspect a sensitivity, try eliminating that food for a week. Keeping a journal helps!

iVillage.com

The Scottish government is advising women who are planning a pregnancy to take vitamin D supplements

The government will also urge new mothers not to wait too long before introducing solid food to their babies. The new infant strategy aims to highlight how nutritional choices start before conception and do not end after breastfeeding.

bbc.co.uk

Too much breastfeeding 'puts children off greens'

Breast is best for babies, but delaying the introduction of solids beyond six months may lead to the development of unhealthy eating habits later in life.

independent.co.uk

Facebook Sparks Row After Removing Breastfeeding Page

Social networking giant Facebook has stirred up a new controversy with nursing mothers after deleting a page, dedicated to breastfeeding and followed by thousands, over the weekend for violating the terms of service.

medindia.net

Free lullaby album

Download a terrific lullaby album for free from the Texas WIC program.

breastmilkcounts.com

Céline Dion and breastfeeding

Ten weeks after delivering twin boys, Céline Dion, 42, says she is coping day by day with sons Nelson and Eddy. I am changing diapers and breastfeeding and that is something where no one can take my place. It's tiring but an intense joy. I didn't have these children to not take care of them, to give myself to them 200 - 300 percent.

people.com

Breastfeeding Duration and Academic Achievement at 10 Years

A new study published in Pediatrics tracked 2868 babies for 10 years and found that ten-year-old children who were predominantly breastfed for 6 months or longer had higher academic scores than children who were breastfed for less than 6 months, with boys being particularly responsive to a longer duration of breastfeeding.

aapublications.org

TSA apologizes for 'Breast Milk Screening' incident

The US Transportation Security Agency has apologized for the 'discomfort and inconvenience' caused by security agents delaying a passenger who wanted her breast milk visually inspected, not x-rayed. Watch the video on youtube

blog.tsa.gov

One little word

Breastfeeding can be all encompassing - need some time to think about yourself? In 2011, try selecting one word that you can meditate, focus and reflect upon. I've chosen the word EXPLORE - excited for all the discoveries this year will bring. Other ideas: play, peace, vitality, nurture, story.

bigpictureclasses.com

What's the name of your lactation room?

At the US Congress they are called: Lactation Lobby, Lactation Station, Milk Factory and Boob Cube. What's the name of your lactation room?

nytimes.com

New Law Can Make It Easier for Breastfeeding Moms to Pump at Work

The new Affordable Care Federal legislation has updated the labor codes to require pumping space in all 50 states for hourly employees working at businesses with 50 or more employees.

ivillage.com