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