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