Breastfeeding Informant and Parent too!

The Jaundice Dilemma and Good Questions to Ask

2011-08-24T00:23:00.000-07:00

When you are a new Mom, you want nothing more than a healthy baby to take home. Many times the medical condition such as Jaundice is a familiar term and something parents deal with as they learn to feed their baby. Luckily it is not the threat it once was. Jaundice is the condition that turns a baby's skin and eyes yellow. In technical terms it means an elevated bilirubin. Here's a complete explanation of Jaundice by Dr. Jack Newman: Breastfeeding and Jaundice

One of the issues that a Mom is conflicted with is that the doctor typically tells her that she needs to stop breastfeeding and give formula to the baby because of Jaundice. But if you understand the basic notion that babies with Jaundice need to feed frequently in order to flush what causes Jaundice in the first place, why would telling a Mom to give formula be the best option? Formula in itself is difficult for a baby to digest, even less by a very newborn baby with a tiny stomach size. It is a harder food to process since it is not compatible with human babies (human milk for human babies is). So why do doctors tell Moms to formula feed a Jaundice baby? That is a mystery that I will never understand. Could it be the lack of knowledge? What about not having enough time to assess how breastfeeding is going? If doctors could take just a few minutes to assess breastfeeding and encourage a Mom to breastfeed more often to help her baby lower her baby's bilirubin levels, then why not do so? Is it just easier to tell someone to feed x amount of formula just to guarantee the amount a baby eats? Perhaps. But even so wouldn't breastmilk be the preferred food in the bottle. Many newborns have a hard time digesting formula and end up with a harder elimination process. So if the goal is to get baby to eat and poop more often what do Moms need to do? They need to avoid formula that can constipate and make babies sleepy, and breastfeed more often. Now if only the AAP could get more doctors on-board with this...since we can't change that, what about becoming more active patients in the doctor's office? Here are some suggestions:

If your baby is diagnosed with Jaundice, be sure to ask your doctor the following questions before feeding formula to your baby:
- I am very committed to breastfeeding, can you explain why formula is the only alternative?
- How long do I need to formula feed my baby?
- Help me understand what are the benefits of formula feeding my baby because of the Jaundice?
- What if I feed the baby my milk in a bottle instead?

Asking these questions can help your doctor realize how important breastfeeding is to you. Even if the recommendation still comes down to giving your baby formula for a short period of time, then be sure to follow what La Leche League calls the 3 Keep's: Keep the baby fed, Keep the milk flowing, and Keep trying. Once your doctor has given you the green light to resume breastfeeding, then you will have the ability to do so. Don't give up and play an active role in your child's medical care from day one because not even your doctor is perfect and they need a little reminder once in a while.

Our Peer Counseling program sees many cases of babies with Jaundice that thrive better on breastmilk than they do on formula. Typically with formula you get drowsy and constipated babies. On breastmilk, babies feed often, poop often, and thrive.

Wow...This Summer Has Been Busy!

2011-08-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

This summer has really taken a toll on my writing and while I haven't been able to post new entries, I have been thinking of many. As a little preview, here are some of the topics: Jaundice from a Peer Counselor's Perspective and through a Mother's Eyes, Echo Parenting--Coming Soon to Woodland Hills, and Teaching Tolerance with Conditions, What is That About? I hope to have these posts up on the site this month (that's my goal).

Thanks for your continued interest in reading my blog. Hope you are enjoying your summer!

Parenting is Tough...No Matter How "Simple" You Try To Make It

2011-06-28T01:19:00.000-07:00

When I was recently handed the latest edition of "Breastfeeding Answers: Made Simple," a 900 page book, I asked myself, "what is so simple about that (talking about the size of the book)!?" and I figured no wonder people get turned off by Breastfeeding...it's not as simple as we present it to be. While I understand the thoroughness of the author in writing this book (she's been writing it for quite sometime and this is her 2010 edition) , I'm guessing that anyone that would attempt breastfeeding and found this book, might run in the opposite direction. But the truth is the word "simple" isn't one that should be associated with parenting or any activity related to parenting. I don't know any parent that has had it entirely simple and easy...because it wasn't designed to be that way. Even for the most easy-going person, parenting is a time to get to know someone on a whole different level and it can test every limit you know because you are in your own uncharted territory. You're getting to know someone that is a little person that requires a lot of love, care, empathy, and comfort during the tough times that you might face with teething, illnesses, and just plain womb-sick, my idea of home sick--from the womb. On top of getting to know that person with all of these complications, you are getting to know yourself now as a parent. You now have graduated from one or two adults in love to, two adults and a little person. And that little person is here to change you and your significant other in every way possible. And here's the tricky part: It isn't easy and no one knows you and your child better than you do BUT as I have found, learning from what others have done to make their parenting experience more pleasant is definitely worthwhile. No parent should ever claim to know or have all the answers. All we have our ideas that may or may not work. But it is up to us as parents of that little one person to give it a try and make things better in our relationship with our child. As I jokingly mentioned to some friends over the weekend, I figure my kids look at me like I'm a clown--constantly making them laugh, cry, scream, grunt (the latest tactic my kids are using to intimidate each other), and when they're upset about something I pull out all the balls I have (both literal and figurative) and start tossing them up in the sky for me to juggle and them to see. The more balls I throw, the more tricks I end up doing and as long as I can keep them going something is bound to work. And that's all that parenting is. Kids need to know we can juggle as we try to figure out a way to get through whatever life throws our way.

As for Breastfeeding...it isn't simple! It can be pretty complicated and while juggling our new life, some of us are tempted to try things that may make our juggling act less crazy. But if for you this is one that goes under the "must-do" category just like all other baby caring activities, then you must realize that feeding your baby any other way will not "simplify" your life. With all the growing information out there about how risky it is to give formula to infants it might complicate your life and your baby's in the long run. One of the many reasons Moms give up on Breastfeeding their infant is that it is too stressful and difficult. What we have found in our program is that this is true for most parents...and surprisingly those are two things all parents struggle with! Not because they are breastfeeding but because they are now parents. Parenting is difficult and stressful! And surrounding ourselves with people that help us keep our sense of humor, live life no matter what gets handed to us, and reminding us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel either with time things getting better or by giving us suggestions and tools to try, makes us better, more well-rounded people through the process of learning. We learn to recognize the humanity we all need to share with others especially with our children. So our children really can make a difference in our lives--if we let them. And while we have our share of tough days, in the end they are worth it because we end up coming out of it learning something new about ourselves.

Happy Summer Everyone...Weekly Entries Starting This Week!

2011-06-19T02:18:00.000-07:00

Since I have completed my studies and to mark the beginning of Summer, I hope to write on a weekly basis starting this week and posting on Sundays. Please be sure to follow me on this journey as I begin to write more often exploring parenting, politics, breastfeeding updates, and more. Thank you for taking the time from your busy life to read my entries!

How I Survived a Master's Program...while being a Mom

2011-06-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today marks the last step I needed to take in order to complete my degree at Cal. Lutheran University having taken the Comprehensive Exam and completed my program. While I had considered doing my thesis project on creating a network for Moms based on their own community to help them with their breastfeeding goal, I have decided to concentrate more on the aspect of working for programs already in place. That is why I am proud to be the Supervisor of the Peer Counseling Program at Northeast Valley Health Corporation WIC Program in Sylmar, CA—I am actively participating in the implementation of a federal program at the street-level. The ideas that I had to revisit in order to prepare for the six hour long strenuous exam reminded me of the highlights of this program and the important aspects to carry on as I move forward with my career in Public Administration.

But never did I imagine that those same key components would also serve as useful in my life as a parent. The ideas of Mary Parker Follett, which defines the concept of power-with and how the traditional model of power-over is not sustainable. Every parent should learn that this same concept can be applied to our own power struggles with our kids. Her idea is that power-over someone, similar to the dominant paradigm idea in parenting “just do as I say” cannot be maintained without constantly having to use more power every time. I see this all the time with my 4 year old son which is why I try to empower him as much as possible to figure it out on his own. Today after trying every other way to help him understand, I finally resorted to sitting down with him to draw out a feelings chart. With a simple smiley, crying, sad, and mad face, I was able to help him understand how hitting me and his sister makes us feel. He really seemed to get it. I don’t know how long that will last but at least it gives him a visual tool for figuring out feelings, whether his or someone else, and how important it is to be aware of the impact we have on others. I gave him a responsibility not to hit his sister or me and a tool to use to visually understand feelings. Sometimes it really helps to draw out versus simply talking about it. Today this worked. Tomorrow is a new day and as anticipated will come with its own set of opportunities.

In my world of parenting, I am not perfect, I don’t know what I’m talking about every time, but I strive to live in an inward learning environment and am apt to testing out theories as a way to connect when nothing else helps. Not always does change have to happen outwardly in others but usually inwards in the way we perceive a problem, solution, or state of being. It is that learning environment that makes all aspects of life more tolerable. The more rigid we are to that environment, the harder time we will have as we learn to adapt and be a part of the reality of our life versus what we think should be happening. Allowing ourselves to exist in that learning environment is the way we have survived, not only in the programs we implement, but also how our ancestors survived the conditions they were exposed to. There are certain aspects that we should learn from that past as we move forward as a society. Parenting is not easy but if we anticipate certain aspects of it, we will be more willing to adapt. Flexibility and adaptability seem to be a common thread of most ideas: at work, at home, with our kids. Those are the tools that I see across the board in life that not only prepare me as a public administrator but also with my job as a Mom and Wife.

Erica Jong and Her Mother Madness

2010-11-14T14:38:00.001-08:00

So it seems that the article published in the Wall Street Journal by Erica Jong has really hit a nerve for those that have read it. My initial response was defensive and aggressive. Those of you that know me, know that I find a way to settle down and realize what is really going on before writing about something I am passionate about. In this case I needed to think about what the article was really saying. After a few days of marinating the ideas Ms. Jong talks about, here is my response. Overall her article is trying to tell moms reading the WSJ, keeping in mind who the target audience reading this newspaper is, to not feel guilty when parenting, she does it by criticizing those Moms that are doing things that she considers "attachment parenting."

Not only does she attack the idea of cloth diapering, breastfeeding, carrying your baby in a sling, co-sleeping, making your own baby food, and other aspects of AP, she also attacks Dr. Sears, a doctor that has science on his side. Unfortunate for her, the ideas of Attachment Parenting have been greatly studied and are actually the way that humans have been raised since our existence. While it is true we don't live in the Stone Age anymore, it has become the trend to study some of these habits still practiced in villages across the globe. Much of the research is very encouraging for those that chose this type of parenting style. The University of Notre Dame has conducted studies that show that much of what AP and other parenting styles that encourage breastfeeding and continually holding your child, shows a higher ability to become independent, secure, trusting, moral individuals with a high self-esteem and empathy towards others. Isn't that what every parent hopes to reach in raising their child? Her article also mentions AP as if the parents that practice this type of parenting are extremist deep-end parents that don't allow others to care for their children. Well Ms. Jong is deeply incorrect. Most of the AP practicing parents that I have met are parents that look for other like-minded families, creating a tribe or village in which they know their children will feel safe in and the parents feel safe congregating their children among. If only Ms. Jong had actually taken a moment to perhaps understand this type of parenting style a bit more. If she did, it isn't apparent in her article.

Finally, it is important to emphasize the one thing that she does mention only at the end of her article worth valuing: "...do the best you can. There are no rules." This statement is very true and one that I hold close to my heart because had I followed the rules, I probably would not have breastfed my child. I would not have listened to my instincts because much of what she says, many people think and are not reluctant to tell you. Many times I was told from complete strangers to people in my own family and friends,"your baby should be sleeping through the night by 3 months, your baby needs to cry it out to learn how to sleep, your baby isn't full--give him formula." I tried some of these rules and they didn't work for my family--it isn't fair to make one parenting style invalid and wrong in order to make others not feel guilty. Usually for me, guilt rises when I start to compare myself to other people and what they are or aren't doing.

Ms. Jong if you truly had every intention on helping those Wall Street Journal career moms feel better about working 50 hours a week, it would have been better to spend the pages of this prestigious newspaper writing about how comparing your parenting styles to others are what make for a guilty society. Comparing yourself to a mom that is a stay at home mom when you are unable to is where the guilt takes over. Instead it would have been valuable to reassure career moms that it isn't always quantity that is important but quality. Quality of a good caretaker at home or the day care center where your child is. Quality of time spent when you are home with your child doing things that build your relationship up with trust and love. That is what is the most important.

As for attacking Madonna, Angelina Jolie, and Gisele Bundchen, I'm not even certain what she was hoping to do there. No one I know looks up to these individuals because they are merely entertainers even when it is their real lives, it is still entertainment to the rest of us. If she wants us to take her seriously, she needs to present some research and studies done that state mothering/parenting in this way is madness. Until then, this just seems like another article written by a feminist stuck in the past. It's time to move forward and realize we are not our parent's generation...a generation keep in mind that has been labeled one of the "most selfish, self-absorbed, and self-preserving generations." In fact in another article written by Professor Gregory Foster, titled "Baby Boomers: The Ungreatest Generation" he writes speaking about his generation that "our most visible members are unrepentantly shameless self-promoters, intent on being someone rather than doing something." I think in this case, Ms. Jong is more focused on being a feminist rather than being an example of a career mom. She fits the bill here, and unfortunately for her most of the moms today are of another generation and be it reactionary (as she calls it) or wanting to not be like our parents, we are armed with studies proving that what we are doing can help make the next generation a better society. While I know that doing all that I do as a mother doesn't guarantee that my child will be a genius or never get sick, I know that I've done the best that I could, in an informed and well-educated manner.

To read Ms. Jong's article, click here.

For more information on the research done by the University of Notre Dame, click here.

To read Professor Gregory's article, click here.

Election Night - November 2nd, 2010

2010-11-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

Last night, I had a chance to view the election results from a different perspective than the usual television recap. I was able to attend an election night party, which quickly turned into a victory party for one Ventura County candidate. Regardless of partisanship, it was a group of hardworking people that believed in someone that is a great candidate and now is the Assemblymember elect in his district. This is what it's all about...actually participating in the governmental process of electing an official in your area that you believe in.

Jeff Gorell, whom I first met as my professor at CLU, will make for a great legislator in Sacramento and not because he promises to do a good job but because he knows that to work in Sacramento it means getting along with everyone in order to get things done--even those that differ in ideology. I am excited to see someone in office who not only understands the way government works but also sees both sides of the coin. I get the impression that for him it is more about becoming a statesman and I look forward to seeing this politician work his way to becoming the next hardworking politician to shake things up in Capitol Park. There really is a lot of work to be done. The legislatures approval rating is still at an all time low but not because of the people there necessarily. The budget process needs reform and this election hopefully paved the way for something to change.

I hope that with the passing of Prop 25, making the vote to pass the budget a majority (more than half of the legislators votes) rather than super majority (a 2/3 requirement of votes) will make it easier to get work done. While there is some controversy on whether this will indeed help, we can only find out by trying it out. The recent problems Sacramento's Capitol Park is experiencing are coming from the same place as the nation's capital...polarization. Political polarization in recent years has kept good policies from passing. Extreme groups on both sides of the spectrum pretty much keep anything from actually happening. As most of us have seen in recent years, this has not been productive. This is what is wasting government dollars. Extremism is not only in the terrorist groups that are constantly thinking up ways to hurt democracy...it also exists within our own country. The extremism of the two major political groups is keeping the nation from moving in any direction and holding it hostage. Just like everything else in life...moderation is the only way to a balance in government. Let's not forget that government is for and of the people. The polarization exists because we have created it and allow it to continue to flourish among us.

I hope everyone had a chance to vote yesterday...my ballot was both blue and red in color and not because I was going for a colorful ballot but because I took the time to really find out about the candidates online and voted accordingly. With the internet, namely google, there is more opportunity to do some homework before getting to the booth. Hopefully those choices made during this election will reflect the general opinion of the public. Ultimately this is what the government is supposed to achieve with an election. Let us hope that those elected will do the job to the best of their ability.

The Breastfeeding Dilemma

2010-09-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

As daunting as any long term task can seem, many Moms today seem to be dismayed by the idea that they will be "required" to breastfeed their baby. Required by whom...you guessed it: hospitals. This seems to be the number one topic in the past few weeks as a recent article was written in the LA Times about Breastfeeding and Public Policy. The policy here would be requiring hospitals to go "Baby-Friendly" and ditch the formula bags that end up cluttering our nursery floor (at least that's what happened to me with my first child, the second time around I refused it). But what can we take away from this article and some of the comments posted on it: people still have a lot of guilt revolving around the breastfeeding topic. The spectrum is greatly divided by those that are pro-breastfeeding and those pro-formula. The way I see it is like talking about pro-cooking at home and pro-eating out. Those are the choices we get and each has their own set of consequences. So lets look at it from that point of view since breastfeeding is such a heated and sensitive topic that stirs a lot of emotions (mainly guilt) from some folks. Pro-cooking at home: takes time, requires efforts to learn how to cook, and can be cost efficient BUT the benefits are many. They benefit in knowing what they are eating (depending on how homemade the meal is), controlling the portion size, and reusing some of the leftovers to make other meals. Those that are pro-eating out will pay a huge amount more in money for their food, will produce more environmental waste, and will not always know what's in their meal BUT they will save time. Because this analogy is supposed to bring a smile to your face about a sometimes difficult topic, it is an exercise displaying that all of us make decisions, whether they are the best ones or not unfortunately depends on the outcome and that's something we won't know until later. Is it a risk to eat out everyday? Well if you are eating McDonalds everyday, every meal, just ask the guy from the movie Super Size Me. In the end, most of us tire of the endless take out and the unnecessary cost of eating out constantly that we usually resort to making at least some of our meals at home.

Now imagine a baby that has no choice but what you offer to feed it. Babies taste the foods you ate that day in your milk. They know when they are full and not when you think they are full. They sleep long enough to digest the easiest food to digest for them and not oversleep because they went into a food coma. The baby you're feeding will rely on you to feed them from the very beginning with the most nutritious food that is available today--your milk now and the vegetables and fruits from your local grocery store that you prepare later on. Why not start them off with the most nutritious milk that is available from you and not the shelves? All it takes is a little effort and a lot of patience to make it happen.

Breastfeeding is not the easiest task in life but it will be the first giant step towards a healthy lifestyle for your child...in a time when the statistics are high for kids with childhood obesity, diabetes, and other diet induced diseases. Just like I recently read from a farmer...if your great grandparents didn't eat it, think twice about putting it in your mouth; the same goes for feeding an infant.

Now as for the hospital policy mandated by the state to go baby friendly, it would require that hospitals stop accepting "free" products to distribute (actually it's not free and paid by those that pay for formula just like anything else pharmaceutical companies distribute for "free"). In the end the problem isn't the access to formula, it is the access to any alternative to a mom that is pro-breastfeeding. If she has decided before that she will formula feed and has her mind set, nothing is going to change her mind. In that case, the formula should get billed to their insurance just like any other medication. It's about controlling pharmaceutical companies marketing tactics--which I'm all about as I type this blog entry and watch about five commercials about Cialis or Cymbalta within a few minutes. It's all about marketing for them and selling their product.

If you would like to read the LA Times article, here is the link: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-cross-barnet-breastfeeding-20100913,0,7036470.story

Breastfeeding Forward Project Has Been Launched!

2009-12-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

Please go to the following website and tell me what you think!

http://breastfeedingforward.org

This is my grad project. I hope that you are interested enough to sign up to become a Peer Counseling Mom.

Thanks for your interest!

The Politics of Breastfeeding and the Influence of Infant Formula

2009-11-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

As I continue to do research for my final paper regarding breastfeeding policy, I seem to have found a common denominator as one of the problems...formula companies. Unfortunately, they have more money than the grassroots efforts conducted by local/state/national/international organizations and have been winning the minds and pockets of people for many years. Here in the US alone, they seem to have the government by the pocket and society blindfolded into believing them. I know, this probably sounds like the rantings of a breastfeeding supporter, but really formula is at the root of the problem. Not the product itself, but how it is marketed by formula companies. Like I have said, formula has it's place in this world just like c-sections do. It can save a baby's life when the Mother is no longer around and donor milk isn't available because of hospital policies (which is another policy advocacy campaign I will address at a later time). But it seems that profit is now the bottom line with the manufacturers of formula and they fail to see their unethical behavior. It seems so common now that profit keeps people from thinking straight and clearly. How do they do it? Their latest efforts have been into marketing the latest fad with regards to DHA/ARA supplements added to formula. This formula, also known as designer formula, is what is selling now more than ever. The AAP in an article which can be found at http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/20/5/209 talks about how how back in 2002 the FDA approved its use but with the condition that more research be conducted. Seven years later it seems that the research has been forgotten. According to a more recent article posted on the Consumer Federation of California (http://www.consumerfedofca.org/article.php?id=1103) both the manufacturers of the DHA/ARA and formula companies have not conducted the research they needed to in order to validate their claims. What is wrong with this scenario? No one is regulating these companies. The government has failed to make them accountable meanwhile consumers continue to pour money into their pockets while failing our children and wasting resources. Failing our children because it comes back to the fact that formula is not nor will ever be remotely close to breastmilk in value to an infant's body. It is so critical now more than ever that we make our government aware that we know what is going on behind the curtains. Just like everything else we purchase as consumers...do the research. Be prepared as a new Mom to do the right thing and make the right choices. Formula should be the last resort after seeking out help from peers, consultants, and medical advisors. If we are able to curb the demand of formula and refuse to continue to pour money into manufacturers pockets, perhaps then we can make a statement and make use of the supply and demand theory...again we collectively can make a change.

A Breastfeeding Advocate is Born

2009-10-31T22:02:00.000-07:00

While I've always considered myself a breastfeeding advocate I don't think it was until recently that I realized what that meant. Of course I encourage breastfeeding, educate women about it, and help them realize their goal, but what have I done on the policy side to make things change on a different level? That level of course being the political one. Now I've realized how there are so many opportunities to participate in the political spectrum and make change happen. Even though both AB 513 (Lactation Services paid by managed care) and SB 527 (informing state pregnant employees of the breastfeeding accomodations available when they return to work) were vetoed by our Governor, we breastfeeding advocates see this as a victory...why? Because the bill made it through both houses. Our representatives are aware of our need for both of these types of bills and rest assured that we will be back!

Breastfeeding Doll...Going A Little Too Far?

2009-09-04T00:38:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if any of you have heard about this but there is a new doll out there that instead of having a bottle to feed the baby, it comes with a little apron like top that a little girl or boy can wear to breastfeed the baby. Here's the link if you want to see it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqYoZVroBZs&feature=player_embedded

While I am a big support of breastfeeding, I think this doll is a bit weird. Most people have shared that reaction. My question is why did a toy company feel compelled to make a doll and market such a doll, when a child can mimick Mommy breastfeeding just with any doll! No special things required. Now I understand that most dollies come with a cute little bottle to feed the baby and this is what you usually find at Target/ToysRUs. But really why can't you show your daughter or son that you can "ditch" the bottle and pretend to feed the baby just like Mommy does without any special equipment. People that's exactly what breastfeeding is about...no special equipment required. Just you and baby...and a desire to try and learn.

So what do I think about this doll? I think it's just another marketing ploy for a toy company trying to make money off of something that is becoming more popular--breastfeeding your baby. Hey maybe this is a sign of a good thing. Even doll companies are trying to make money off of breastfeeding because even they know that this is where the future is. Toss this doll under the unnecessary toys list. Luckily it is manufactured in Spain and not sold here in the US (at least for the time being).

The Bar Method and Breastfeeding

2009-08-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

In the past few months (since Tiffany was 2 months old) I have been attempting to workout in an effort to loose the "baby weight" and get back into shape hoping to avoid the back problems I had with Jason postpartum. While on this adventure of trying different workouts and enjoying the company of people on the same track of living healthier lives, I discovered The Bar Method in Agoura Hills. So in the month of August I set out on my new adventure. What I have discovered is truly amazing and addicting at the same time.

Not only have I lost 7 lbs since I started going to the Bar Method, I feel stronger and leaner as I slowly shrink back to normal! My body (and every body is different) makes loosing weight VERY difficult while I am breastfeeding. Not only am I constantly craving foods I shouldn't eat, running and typical cardio makes me uncomfortable. The Bar Method has proven to be a great combination of isometric exercise that makes me sweat off these extra pounds without running or doing cardio while strengthening my core and helping me avoid back problems. I encourage Moms out there that can afford the studio or at least the videos to try this exercise out. Without a doubt, it is not easy but the one hour you put in to making your body "shake" as it strengthens your muscles, your body will thank you by giving you results.

If you are in the northwest part of the Valley, consider going to the Agoura Hills studio (it's off of the 101 between the Chesebro and Kanan exits in Agoura Hills) and if you mention that I told you about it, you can take a class using Bar Bucks and pay only $10 for the first class. Go to the website for information on the videos or about the studio: www.barmethod.com

Even Starbucks Gets It

2009-08-28T23:46:00.001-07:00

Today as I ordered my usual, Decaf Hazelnut Iced Soy Latte (talk about a mouthful!) the barista at Starbucks wrote it down on the cup as usual and I politely checked to make sure he had the order correct by asked him "definitely decaf and soy, right?" and he reassuringly said "yes" and then asked, "you have a kid, right?" How did this young man know, I wondered and without asking him I just answered "yes!" While I can only speculate, most likely he knew because perhaps some other mom still wanting to enjoy a latte while breastfeeding a baby that is sensitive to caffeine and milk, found an alternative in soy and decaf and ordered the same thing. I think next time I'll ask him how he knew this. Regardless it is very encouraging that a young man knew that a woman placing this order would do so because she might be a breastfeeding Mom. If anything it is very hopeful for the future that someday his wife will have the positive encouragement she will need in order to breastfeed their child. I truly hope that someday breastfeeding becomes the norm and formula the exception. I think then we will see a huge improvement in the health of society as a whole. Meanwhile as we still fight against the currents, it seems that it is easing up slowly...which is definitely a move in the right direction.

Breastfeeding May Help Moms Have a Lower Risk of Heart Disease

2009-08-24T01:20:00.001-07:00

Please take the time to read the following clip from WALB News in Albany, NY:

By Serena Gordon, HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, April 21 (HealthDay News) -- Breast-feeding isn't just good for baby, it may also boost mom's cardiovascular health as she ages, new research suggests. Women in their 60s who had breast-fed for more than 12 months over their lifespan were nearly 10 percent less likely to develop cardiovascular disease, and significantly less likely to develop heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, researchers report. "We found that the longer women breast-feed, the lower their risk of heart attacks, strokes or heart disease," said Dr. Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, an assistant professor of medicine, epidemiology, obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on Health Care.

Results of the study were published in the May issue of the journal Obstetrics and amp; Gynecology.

It's well-established that breast-feeding can benefit infant health, yet just 11 percent of American mothers breast-feed exclusively for the first six months of their babies' lives. In addition to benefiting babies, breast-feeding can help women lose pregnancy weight, since breast-feeding helps women burn almost 500 extra calories a day. Breast-feeding has also been shown to improve glucose tolerance and the metabolism of cholesterol, according to the study.
Although a previous study noted a 23 percent reduction in heart attack risk in women who had breast-fed for a total of two years or more, it wasn't clear whether breast-feeding for shorter periods would have any long-term impact on a mother's health.

To assess whether or not breast-feeding could make a difference in cardiovascular health years later, Schwarz and her colleagues used data from the Women's Health Initiative that included nearly 140,000 postmenopausal women. The average age of the women in the study was 63.
The women provided information on their diets as well as their breast-feeding history. Researchers also collected information on body mass index (BMI, a ratio of weight to height) and the women's medical histories. All participants sent in an annual medical review during the study. The average time in the study was just under eight years.

The study authors found that women who breast-fed for one or more months were less likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, but it wasn't until after six months of total breast-feeding time that the trend toward lower heart disease risk became statistically significant, according to Schwarz. "Even one or two months is going to improve a woman's heart health, but the longer women breast-fed, the more benefit they got," she said.

After a year of breast-feeding, the odds of having high blood pressure dropped by 12 percent; the odds of diabetes decreased by 20 percent; the rates of abnormal cholesterol levels went down by 19 percent; and the overall risk of cardiovascular disease fell by 9 percent, compared to women who never breast-fed, according to the study.

According to Schwarz, the reason breast-feeding may benefit women even many years later is because it "resets the body after pregnancy. There are certain hormonal and physiologic changes the body expects to go through after pregnancy and when those changes don't happen, that leaves certain body systems in a precarious way."

Dr. Nieca Goldberg, director of the New York University Langone Medical Center Women's Heart Program, said many factors could be at play. "Breast-feeding really mobilizes fat stores and has an impact on cholesterol. It also increases levels of [the hormone] oxytocin, which can relax blood vessels." However, she cautioned that the study only showed an association, not a cause-and-effect relationship. It could be that women who choose to breast-feed are women who are healthier in general, she noted. But, Goldberg added, the issue still warrants further study. She said it's important for researchers to look specifically at things women do when they're young and how they might affect heart health.

SOURCES: Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, M.D., assistant professor, medicine, epidemiology, obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on Health Care, Pittsburgh; Nieca Goldberg, M.D. director, women's heart program, New York University Langone Medical Center, and associate professor, New York University School of Medicine, New York City; May 2009, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC.

My time will be very limited...

2009-08-20T22:55:00.000-07:00

As a warning to my one follower and to anyone else that may stumble upon my humble blog, I think it is only fair that I warn you that I will not be posting as often as I'd like to until mid next year (May 2010). I will be taking 3-4 grad school classes a term in order for me to finish school on time and graduate in May. Hopefully you all will still be interested in what I have to post but my postings will be less frequent than they already are! But I do promise that once I am done with school, I plan on dedicating more time to writing and getting more information out to those of you that have made me worthy of your time.

"I Don't Think I Have Enough Milk..."

2009-08-12T01:15:00.000-07:00

So the other night as I was handing the baby over for my husband to hold (because I needed a quick bio-break) I told him that she wanted to eat so I was going to run to the restroom before I fed her. Before he took her, he quickly felt his man boobs, and told me, "I don't think I have enough milk." After giving my husband a quick kiss for his silliness, I smiled and walked away wondering why we as humans think that as a first reaction. While this story is funny simply because he is a man that hasn't been prepared for breastfeeding a baby (although some men have been known to produce milk but I'll talk about that some other day), he isn't alone when it comes to this question. Many women find that they do the same thing and often ask themselves whether they "have enough milk." Best indicator to tell you that is...your baby's weight gain. If your baby is gaining weight, then you better believe you are producing enough milk for that precious bundle of joy. Your baby is the best indicator when it comes to knowing when he/she has had enough milk and when they want to eat again. Babies refuse to latch-on when you try to get them to eat and they don't want to. Latching on is not the same as sucking. But when a baby is given a bottle nipple, that baby can suck like it's a pacifier while getting milk they don't necessarily want or need. Keep this in mind next time your baby's caregiver offers them a bottle. Make sure they try to mimick what your baby ordinarily does when at the breast...he/she takes breaks and rest a bit while sucking or switching sides. Find the slowest flowing nipple possible and remind the caregiver to read the baby's cues and to not assume that the baby is always hungry; make sure they honor your wishes. While you are away from your baby, pump when you normally would give the baby a feeding in order to keep your milk supply up. Depending on your baby's growth spurts, they may be needing more milk and you want to be sure to have it readily available.

Hug your baby for me and I hope you are all doing well. Be sure to let me know if this has been helpful to you. Feedback at this early stage is very important in order to improve this idea and make it better for all.

Why Are We Always One Step Behind?

2009-08-07T01:19:00.000-07:00

Did you know that women in Sweden get plenty of paid time off to breastfeed their baby? They are allowed 1 year of paid leave and an additional 6 months unpaid leave. It is no wonder that they have a 70% exclusively breastfeeding rate at 6 months. So what are we doing to catch up to the rest of the world? A new petition is being circulated and we can all help by signing it.

Please go to: http://momsrising.democracyinaction.org/o/1768/t/9251/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=923

Read more about this important petition which could help women get more paid leave. There is a direct coorelation between paid leave and exclusively breastfeeding rates and this could definitely bring more awareness to this issue. We all know what breastfeeding can do for a baby, now it's time to help do something to raise the amount of Moms that do it in this country. Coincidentally, they also have a lot less people suffering from obesity and weight problems in Sweden. They are obviously doing something right...and breastfeeding is the key!

This week is Breastfeeding Awareness Week...

2009-08-07T01:02:00.000-07:00

In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Week, be sure to acknowledge those women in your life that have helped you breastfeed your little one. Perhaps they gave you some information, support, or were just there to listen, I'm sure they helped you achieve your ultimate goal. Most importantly, see if there is anyone that might need your support and help to "pay it forward" and keep the sisterhood alive with regards to helping each other achieve success in breastfeeding our babies. This is a vital element in order to keep the number of people aware of how important it is to breastfeed our little ones.

I hope this finds everyone in good health. The meeting I attended brought up a few new ideas and I hope to start designing a website tool that will help new moms with breastfeeding.

Upcoming Event:
Local BFing Moms in the San Fernando Valley, be sure to SAVE THE DATE- October 3rd from 10 am to 1 pm. We will be meeting at the Anthony C. Beilenson Park in Lake Balboa to gather the most breastfeeding babies to latch-on at 11 am local time. All breastfeeding mothers and supporters are welcome to attend. Contact Lindsey Nelson lindseyn@firstright.org and tell her Peggy Zherdev told you about this event. I plan on being there. If you recognize me, be sure to say hello. I'd love to chat!

Coming Out of the Bathroom

2009-07-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I mean literally the bathroom. It seems that today's society still prefers that a breastfeeding Mom stay in the bathroom to feed her baby and I think it's time that we step out of the stalls. Not only does society keep women in the bathroom to feed, the conversation about breastfeeding has been shut out too. Many Moms are staying in the bathroom figuratively speaking, avoiding the topic of how they feed their baby, when their presence out in the open could help encourage a struggling first time Mom with breastfeeding. Are we as a society so hypersensitive that we can't talk about a topic that is necessary to parenting? I know that I have avoided this topic with people simply to avoid sounding as Bill Maher, the nighttime commentator on HBO said, "...get[ting] all La Leche..." Talking about how you feed your baby is no different than talking about how you taught your baby to sleep through the night or how long you waited to feed solids to your baby. However these are topics that are openly discussed among Moms while breastfeeding isn't.

This coming month, if you have the opportunity, take a chance and breastfeed out in the mall, at your spa (I actually saw two Moms pumping while at Glen Ivy and felt encouraged to see them there), while running an errand, at the gym, or anywhere else. Keep in mind the only place in California that you cannot breastfeed in public is in the privacy of someone else's home and they ask you not to. Those of us that have the opportunity to share our positive experience with someone else that could use it, should not hesitate to do so. Being positive about something should not bring anyone down, it should uplift them. As Gini Baker, my instructor from UCSD said, "you did the best you could with the support and information you had (Harriet Hartigan)." Talking about breastfeeding could mean the difference in having the proper information and support to a new Mom that can help keep her breastfeeding her child if this is what she desires.

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month (BAM) which is why I say take a chance and nurse your baby outside of those bathroom walls. Nowadays, there are so many useful tools to breastfeed like Bebe Au Lait nursing covers and Glamourmom nursing camis. With these items no one sees more than your baby's head. Use those Belly Bands you bought for your expanding belly during pregnancy to cover your tummy so you breastfeed more comfortably. Although I sound like a commercial promoting these items, I only mention them because they do help you feel more capable of breastfeeding without struggling so much.

So next time you start looking for the nearest stall to hide while you breastfeed, consider sitting quietly in a public area with your Bebe Au Lait cover and nurse your baby with pride and joy. Who knows, you might encourage a Mom without even sharing a word about it.

Breastfeeding Task Force of LA

2009-07-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

I plan on attending this meeting with Tiffany if anyone is interested in carpooling with me. Here is the information for it:

July 28th, 2009, from 9:00 am to Noon

Celebrating Success - Excited about the Future

• Network with your peers

• Meet the new board of directors

Be part of our exciting new activities to reach out to:
community
hospitals
legislators

Location: South LA Health Projects

2930 W. Imperial Highway Suite 601

Inglewood, CA 90303

Contact person: Deborah Myers Phone: 323-905-1235

Here's the website for more information: http://www.breastfeedingtaskforla.org/meetings/upmeeting.htm

Let's Start a Prenatal Group...

2009-07-19T00:58:00.000-07:00

Anyone interested in having a prenatal group meet about breastfeeding, please contact me. Ideally I would like to start a group in September and have a monthly meeting. The logistics of the meeting can be discussed as soon as we have potential members. This would be a free group that can just meet at a park or at my own private home on weekends (I have a big yard with lots of toys and things for older siblings to stay occupied with); we can even discuss possible child care again depending on how many people get involved. Remember this is a free class so please spread the word around to moms that could use a prenatal support group. Later on that same class can meet postnatal when Moms need the most support with breastfeeding and so many other things including how to help get out of the slump that sometimes leads to postpartum depression. Moms that are already breastfeeding and would like to help support new moms are encouraged to come and help talk about this important topic.

Home Cooked Meals vs. Eating Out

2009-07-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

Every afternoon as a stay at home mom (temporarily while on leave) I am daunted by the question of what to make for dinner! I'm sure I'm not the only one. But there is one person I don't have to worry about...my 11 week old daughter. Isn't it nice to not have to worry about making a fresh meal for my daughter because my own body without me thinking about it is taking care of it. I wish making a meal for the rest of my family were so easy! That's the beauty and simplicity of breastfeeding.

But breastfeeding is an option just as we choose to cook or to buy take out. If you compare breastfeeding to cooking at home every meal versus eating out, you might want to reconsider. Anyone with children knows that if you decide to eat out every night, your child will also have to eat out with you and a child has limited choices when it comes to take out. That is exactly what you sacrifice when you decide to give your child artificial breast milk (ABM) when you can make it yourself. Breast milk is a live milk that is uniquely made for your baby. That also means that whatever you ate that day, your baby will also have a taste, adding flavor to the milk and making it more interesting for your baby. Formula/ABM doesn't have this. It is a predigested protein from cow's milk and it's the same thing every day, every feeding. Can you imagine what it would be like to eat the same thing every day for a year? Why do you think doctors don't recommend cow's milk before the age of 1? Because your body isn't ready for it (some nutritionists believe you don't need cow's milk at all and can get calcium from other sources)! But that's a different blog...

Look I'm not saying that formula/ABM is evil. I think it has it's place too. What would babies born to Moms that didn't survive child birth do if it wasn't for formula/ABM? Of course it is absolutely necessary to have this alternative. But unfortunately it seems that people have decided to abuse this alternative and made it the rule not the exception. Make sure if you are choosing to breastfeeding your baby, that you avoid feeding formula to your infant especially at the beginning. Later on you can explore that option but at first be sure to breastfeed as often as you can. Don't start having your child eat out every night when you can make a wholesome meal without even having to think about making it! And if you need help with breastfeeding, feel free to email me and I will do my best to help!! Best of luck everyone and I wish you success with your breastfeeding efforts!