Sunday, October 21, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Registered for my residency hours!
each aspiring IBCLC must log 1000 hours whenfollowing the educational path i am taking, and i start mine next month! how nervewracking to start something so important to the process. i know there will come a time i am done and ready for the next chapter, but for now..i stand at the beginning of these 1000 hours and i look on excited and nervous! bring it on moms, im here for ya!
name change?
contemplating a name change.
right now i go on the tag best-feeding.blogspot.com and the title being The Best is Breast.
yes the best would be breast. and the breast is best. but i dont want to isolate. i want to EDUCATE.
i dont want anyone to feel bad about their choice, but i want moms empowered to make a choice for their littles that nourishes them as much as possible.
i dont want anyoen feeling put down or defensive.
i aim to be a safe place. a happy place. a booby place.
:)
hmmmm thinking thinking...
right now i go on the tag best-feeding.blogspot.com and the title being The Best is Breast.
yes the best would be breast. and the breast is best. but i dont want to isolate. i want to EDUCATE.
i dont want anyone to feel bad about their choice, but i want moms empowered to make a choice for their littles that nourishes them as much as possible.
i dont want anyoen feeling put down or defensive.
i aim to be a safe place. a happy place. a booby place.
:)
hmmmm thinking thinking...
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
I wish all Mammas knew: 1st draft-unfinished.
i want to dispel some myths about breastfeeding. i want to be candid, and to be honest. i dont want to offend. and i dont want anyone to feel bad. i want this all in the open.
to all parents that formula feed. first and foremost: i believe NO ONE should make you feel negative about your method of baby feeding. whether it is intentional and breastfeeding wasnt right for you, or you tried and it didnt go as planned, or whatever reason. FORMULA feeding does not make you a bad parent, just like BREASTFEEDING does not a good parent make. i dont support anyone making you feel like less of a parent for this at all. this Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding debate among mothers HAS GOT TO END. because ultimately it isnt anyone else's business how you feed your child. (my business, however, is the business of education on breastfeeding. so if you have questions, lactation consultants are there to help. they are professionals and will help you make educated decisions about breastfeeding) no one knows your story but you and whoever you choose to tell and i strongly wish that everyone would leave well enough alone. seek out information. make your choice, and end the hate between mothers over something that only makes up a SMALL portion of motherhood.
so theres that. that being said there are some things i want to say for breastfeeding mothers, in support of breastfeeding, to dispel any myths that a LOT of mothers, both breastfeeding and non, may not be aware of. these myths could damage the breastfeeding relationship and discourage you from continuing if you dont know how to get through them :) hope they help some!
Myth #1: breastfeeding and formula are made equal.
TRUTH: this is very untrue. the World Health Organization (WHO) have regulations on labeling for formula companies. these companies are reqired to post on their label that it is secondary nutrition. it is not superior to, or equal to breastfeeding. the reason for this is science. there have been numerous studies done to show that while formula feeding is acceptable and an option in nourishment for your child, it is not medically superior. formula is not a generic breastmilk, it is a substitution. think of it like this. the formula will get the job done, it is approved for consumption, but its not a replacement if breastmilk is available. that is because after study after study, it has been found that formula increases the risk of many diseases. SIDS, necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory illnesses, even cancer risks are increased with formula feeding. the list goes on. does it CAUSE these things? no medical journal will say as such, but they will readily admit that it does raise the risks, and as other studies have shown, there are so many complex nutrients and antioxidants in breastmilk, that not all of them have been discovered or logged or researched yet. formula companies will repeatedly try and try to make it as close as possible for the benefit of the babies using it, but as of yet, none have been found to be as nutritious.
i HATE when people call it POISON. it makes it have a bad name and makes those who use it feel horrible or feel as though they are being attacked for how they feed their baby. there is a place in this world for it, and its should never be outlawed or taken away from those who need it, for whatever reason. its an important back up once all avenues of breastmilk feeding have been exhausted, or if an educated mother chooses to use it.
MYTH #2: my supply ran out.
TRUTH: we've ALL heard this from someone. i can think of ten people EASILY who told me they stopped nursing because their supply ran out. i was one of them. when i had my son, my supply dropped when i went back to work, and i had VERY little information on how to bring it back. the truth of the matter is there are SO many ways we can impact our milk supply both negatively and positively. so many things can cause it to drop a little and because we dont KNOW better, we think its gone. so many unassuming things can drop a supply: peppermint, sports bras, too little calories, dehydration, too much alcohol or caffeine use (without proper hydration) just to name a few. i mean heck, the first day of a sickness i had, my supply dropped TEN OUNCES. so many things can influence how much you make, and if you dont know how to boost it, you might lose it. but even then its not one forever. (see MYTH #3.) things to increase? Pumping can help boost by stimulating, nursing on demand or offering the breast frequently, teas like Mothers Milk Tea has been known to help, supplements like Fenugreek and Blessed thistle are helpful, there are even RX medications that may help. these are thigns to talk to your LC or doctor about. having an LCs number is SO important. the new insurance regulations Obama just passed ensure you have enhanced support. talk to your insurance company about LC coverage. it doesnt have to end! i know its hard and it may temporarily take a little extra time out of your day. but if you want it, you can get it back and resume nursing just like normal as if nothing ever happened.
MYTH #3: i adopted my baby/i weaned already, so i cant breastfeed.
TRUTH: if you want it, you can get it! it is VERY possible to nurse and lactate for an adopted baby, or if you regret weaning and want to go again. babies are often responsive to it, and it is very good for bonding and nourishment of a child, especially if your child has been sick frequently, or came from a country with less development that needs a little extra nourishment. this is a great thing to talk to an LC about. youll need some very strong support and care from a certified lactation consultant. its worth it!
MYTH#4: i have a medical condition/take a medicaton and cant nurse.
TRUTH: you might not think you can, or google may tell you that you cant, but this is not always the case. talk to your doctor. if you want to nurse, other medications may be available, or they may monitor you if you arent going to take it. and some medical conditions were once thought to NOT be safe, but are found to be safe for nursing. its very unusual or a condition to not be safe! talk to your doctor and a lactration consultant. do not be afraid to ask questions and express your desire to breastfeed. more often than not, it IS possible.
MYTH#5: i had to stop because i went back to work.
TRUTH: recent changes to law in many of the united states have been changed to accomodate the breastfeeding mother. a mother in these protected states are required to have have a private safe clean place, NOT a bathroom or high traffic area, in which to express milk. they are required to have an unpaid break for pumping for about 30 minutes every 4 hours. in some cases, a note from a doctor enables more breaks if you need to boost supply. look into your states breastfeeding laws. you can still breastfeed after youve gone back to work! :)
MYTH #6: giving my baby a bottle or pacifier early on isnt too bad.
TRUTH: this can be detrimental to a baby in the beginning weeks. a little infant can become permanently confused or begin to prefer a faster flow. waiting to introduce these things a little longer can be SO supportive to your relationship with breastfeeding. if this is needed, there are ways to do it correctly o ensure your relationship with breastfeeding isnt permanently damaged.
MYTH#7:once my baby has solids, they dont need as much breastmilk.
TRUTH: the American Academy of Pediatrics now reports that babies should not be fed any cereals, purees or foods of the like until after 6 months of age. and at that point, breastmilk should be offered first, and then food slowly introduced and not to be used as a primary source of nutrition for babies under one (and then some accoring to other journals as well). introducing any other foods or sources of nutrition before breastmilk can lower your supply and is not conducive of a healthy lifestyle. solids of any kind arent even necessary right at 6 months. talk to your pediatrician and LC about the right path for you.
MYTH #8: my baby wasnt gaining weight. we had to switch him to formula.
TRUTH: while sometimes, in rare cases, your doctor may suggest a supplement, you can express your desire to EBF and work out a plan that is right for your individual baby. even if supplementation is necessary, it does not have to be an outright switch to formula. very little can go a long way in helping your baby, and just because your baby is not growing at a fast rate, does NOT indicate a problem with your breastmilk's nutritive values. lots of mothers only temporarily substitute, or are preparing for their child to be introduced to solids which help weight gain also, or their baby hits a growth spurt shortly after and they end up not needing to supplement. this is a huge one to talk to your doctor about, and get support from an LC to ensure if you NEED to supplement that you can evenutally go back to breastmilk only.
ill update more later. but if you are a breastfeeding mother and want to continue, but are facing struggles, dont think its the end. there are lactation specialists that can help!
and as always moms, love each other, support each other.
to all parents that formula feed. first and foremost: i believe NO ONE should make you feel negative about your method of baby feeding. whether it is intentional and breastfeeding wasnt right for you, or you tried and it didnt go as planned, or whatever reason. FORMULA feeding does not make you a bad parent, just like BREASTFEEDING does not a good parent make. i dont support anyone making you feel like less of a parent for this at all. this Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding debate among mothers HAS GOT TO END. because ultimately it isnt anyone else's business how you feed your child. (my business, however, is the business of education on breastfeeding. so if you have questions, lactation consultants are there to help. they are professionals and will help you make educated decisions about breastfeeding) no one knows your story but you and whoever you choose to tell and i strongly wish that everyone would leave well enough alone. seek out information. make your choice, and end the hate between mothers over something that only makes up a SMALL portion of motherhood.
so theres that. that being said there are some things i want to say for breastfeeding mothers, in support of breastfeeding, to dispel any myths that a LOT of mothers, both breastfeeding and non, may not be aware of. these myths could damage the breastfeeding relationship and discourage you from continuing if you dont know how to get through them :) hope they help some!
Myth #1: breastfeeding and formula are made equal.
TRUTH: this is very untrue. the World Health Organization (WHO) have regulations on labeling for formula companies. these companies are reqired to post on their label that it is secondary nutrition. it is not superior to, or equal to breastfeeding. the reason for this is science. there have been numerous studies done to show that while formula feeding is acceptable and an option in nourishment for your child, it is not medically superior. formula is not a generic breastmilk, it is a substitution. think of it like this. the formula will get the job done, it is approved for consumption, but its not a replacement if breastmilk is available. that is because after study after study, it has been found that formula increases the risk of many diseases. SIDS, necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory illnesses, even cancer risks are increased with formula feeding. the list goes on. does it CAUSE these things? no medical journal will say as such, but they will readily admit that it does raise the risks, and as other studies have shown, there are so many complex nutrients and antioxidants in breastmilk, that not all of them have been discovered or logged or researched yet. formula companies will repeatedly try and try to make it as close as possible for the benefit of the babies using it, but as of yet, none have been found to be as nutritious.
i HATE when people call it POISON. it makes it have a bad name and makes those who use it feel horrible or feel as though they are being attacked for how they feed their baby. there is a place in this world for it, and its should never be outlawed or taken away from those who need it, for whatever reason. its an important back up once all avenues of breastmilk feeding have been exhausted, or if an educated mother chooses to use it.
MYTH #2: my supply ran out.
TRUTH: we've ALL heard this from someone. i can think of ten people EASILY who told me they stopped nursing because their supply ran out. i was one of them. when i had my son, my supply dropped when i went back to work, and i had VERY little information on how to bring it back. the truth of the matter is there are SO many ways we can impact our milk supply both negatively and positively. so many things can cause it to drop a little and because we dont KNOW better, we think its gone. so many unassuming things can drop a supply: peppermint, sports bras, too little calories, dehydration, too much alcohol or caffeine use (without proper hydration) just to name a few. i mean heck, the first day of a sickness i had, my supply dropped TEN OUNCES. so many things can influence how much you make, and if you dont know how to boost it, you might lose it. but even then its not one forever. (see MYTH #3.) things to increase? Pumping can help boost by stimulating, nursing on demand or offering the breast frequently, teas like Mothers Milk Tea has been known to help, supplements like Fenugreek and Blessed thistle are helpful, there are even RX medications that may help. these are thigns to talk to your LC or doctor about. having an LCs number is SO important. the new insurance regulations Obama just passed ensure you have enhanced support. talk to your insurance company about LC coverage. it doesnt have to end! i know its hard and it may temporarily take a little extra time out of your day. but if you want it, you can get it back and resume nursing just like normal as if nothing ever happened.
MYTH #3: i adopted my baby/i weaned already, so i cant breastfeed.
TRUTH: if you want it, you can get it! it is VERY possible to nurse and lactate for an adopted baby, or if you regret weaning and want to go again. babies are often responsive to it, and it is very good for bonding and nourishment of a child, especially if your child has been sick frequently, or came from a country with less development that needs a little extra nourishment. this is a great thing to talk to an LC about. youll need some very strong support and care from a certified lactation consultant. its worth it!
MYTH#4: i have a medical condition/take a medicaton and cant nurse.
TRUTH: you might not think you can, or google may tell you that you cant, but this is not always the case. talk to your doctor. if you want to nurse, other medications may be available, or they may monitor you if you arent going to take it. and some medical conditions were once thought to NOT be safe, but are found to be safe for nursing. its very unusual or a condition to not be safe! talk to your doctor and a lactration consultant. do not be afraid to ask questions and express your desire to breastfeed. more often than not, it IS possible.
MYTH#5: i had to stop because i went back to work.
TRUTH: recent changes to law in many of the united states have been changed to accomodate the breastfeeding mother. a mother in these protected states are required to have have a private safe clean place, NOT a bathroom or high traffic area, in which to express milk. they are required to have an unpaid break for pumping for about 30 minutes every 4 hours. in some cases, a note from a doctor enables more breaks if you need to boost supply. look into your states breastfeeding laws. you can still breastfeed after youve gone back to work! :)
MYTH #6: giving my baby a bottle or pacifier early on isnt too bad.
TRUTH: this can be detrimental to a baby in the beginning weeks. a little infant can become permanently confused or begin to prefer a faster flow. waiting to introduce these things a little longer can be SO supportive to your relationship with breastfeeding. if this is needed, there are ways to do it correctly o ensure your relationship with breastfeeding isnt permanently damaged.
MYTH#7:once my baby has solids, they dont need as much breastmilk.
TRUTH: the American Academy of Pediatrics now reports that babies should not be fed any cereals, purees or foods of the like until after 6 months of age. and at that point, breastmilk should be offered first, and then food slowly introduced and not to be used as a primary source of nutrition for babies under one (and then some accoring to other journals as well). introducing any other foods or sources of nutrition before breastmilk can lower your supply and is not conducive of a healthy lifestyle. solids of any kind arent even necessary right at 6 months. talk to your pediatrician and LC about the right path for you.
MYTH #8: my baby wasnt gaining weight. we had to switch him to formula.
TRUTH: while sometimes, in rare cases, your doctor may suggest a supplement, you can express your desire to EBF and work out a plan that is right for your individual baby. even if supplementation is necessary, it does not have to be an outright switch to formula. very little can go a long way in helping your baby, and just because your baby is not growing at a fast rate, does NOT indicate a problem with your breastmilk's nutritive values. lots of mothers only temporarily substitute, or are preparing for their child to be introduced to solids which help weight gain also, or their baby hits a growth spurt shortly after and they end up not needing to supplement. this is a huge one to talk to your doctor about, and get support from an LC to ensure if you NEED to supplement that you can evenutally go back to breastmilk only.
ill update more later. but if you are a breastfeeding mother and want to continue, but are facing struggles, dont think its the end. there are lactation specialists that can help!
and as always moms, love each other, support each other.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
affordable care act statute:
COOOOOOLLL!
check THIS out!
SOURCE: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/08/womensprevention08012011a.html
Breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling: Pregnant and postpartum women will have access to comprehensive lactation support and counseling from trained providers, as well as breastfeeding equipment. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective preventive measures mothers can take to protect their health and that of their children. One of the barriers for breastfeeding is the cost of purchasing or renting breast pumps and nursing related supplies.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
YAY OREGON!!!
SOURCE: http://www.mnn.com/family/babies-pregnancy/stories/cdc-report-more-moms-in-us-are-breastfeeding
Photo: OLJ Studio/Shutterstock
CDC report: More moms in U.S. are breastfeeding
According to state-by-state data, nearly 50 percent of moms in Oregon still breastfeed their babies at 12 months.
By Melissa BreyerTue, Aug 07 2012 at 12:14 PM EST
Photo: OLJ Studio/Shutterstock
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its Breastfeeding Report Card for 2012, and the results are heartening for breastfeeding advocates: More moms in the U.S. are nursing their babies.
Nearly 47 percent of moms breastfed their infants for six months in 2009 (the latest year for data), up from 44 percent in 2008. And more moms tried breastfeeding as well, from 75 percent in 2008 to nearly 77 percent in 2009, which marks the biggest increase in the past decade.
The Breastfeeding Report Card, now in its fifth year, provides perspectives on state and national trends in breastfeeding data.
The report card noted the disparities in breastfeeding rates from state to state. Less than half the women in Mississippi have ever breastfed, as opposed to nearly 90 percent of women in Washington state who at least tried it. In Oregon, 49 percent of moms were still breastfeeding at 12 months, compared to 11 percent of mothers in Kentucky.
The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life, with breastfeeding in combination with other foods for up to two years and beyond.
The report coincides with World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1–7), an awareness campaign launched by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action. The first World Breastfeeding Week was celebrated in 1992, and now involves more than 170 countries and is endorsed by UNICEF, WHO, FAO and IPA.
Hapy World BREASTmilkFEEDING WEEK
SOURCE:http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Tulsa-Health-Department-celebrates-World/qOVxx6oRUkuIUIjOEMt3bw.cspx
In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, the Tulsa Health Department will host a reception honoring mothers in the Women, Infants & Children program who choose to breastfeed.
The event will be held on Friday, August 10th at 11:00 a.m. at the Southwood Baptist Church, located at 10110 East 41st Street in Tulsa. Approximately 100 local women take part in the event each year.
The theme for this year's celebration is Support Breastfeeding: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility, which focuses on the importance of supporting mothers who choose to breastfeed. Supporting breastfeeding is important for mothers and their infants, as well as for employers, the community, and the environment. Every day a mom breastfeeds is one more day of better health for both mom and baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants receive only human milk (no formula, food, or water) for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding and the addition of complimentary foods for up to one year or beyond.
Many women who would like to breastfeed make the decision either not to breastfeed or to wean early, due to their need to return to work. According to recent data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 74.6 percent of Oklahoma mothers breastfeed initially, but only 34.9 percent continue to breastfeed for six months or longer. Many women who choose not to breastfeed cite returning to work or school as the reason. Continuing to breastfeed after returning to work can be a challenge for many working mothers, and having a supportive workplace can impact a mother's decision on whether or not to continue to breastfeed throughout her baby's first year
“Workplaces that provide a supportive environment can help ease the stress and help mothers feel good about their decision to combine working and breastfeeding,” said Tulsa Health Department Director Dr. Bruce Dart. “An environment where breastfeeding is supported will encourage women to meet their breastfeeding goals.”
Oklahoma has a program in place to recognize worksites that have met criteria to become breastfeeding friendly. These worksites allow flexible break times and a private location for nursing mothers to express milk, have access to a nearby water source for washing hands and breast pump equipment, and have a written breastfeeding policy.
The Tulsa Health Department has resources to help inform mothers, breastfeeding advocates, health professionals, and the community on how they can actively support mothers to continue to breastfeed for at least the baby’s first year and beyond.
Tulsa Health Department celebrates World Breastfeeding week
| Updated: 8/06 11:39 am | Published: 8/06 11:38 am |
In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, the Tulsa Health Department will host a reception honoring mothers in the Women, Infants & Children program who choose to breastfeed.
The event will be held on Friday, August 10th at 11:00 a.m. at the Southwood Baptist Church, located at 10110 East 41st Street in Tulsa. Approximately 100 local women take part in the event each year.
The theme for this year's celebration is Support Breastfeeding: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility, which focuses on the importance of supporting mothers who choose to breastfeed. Supporting breastfeeding is important for mothers and their infants, as well as for employers, the community, and the environment. Every day a mom breastfeeds is one more day of better health for both mom and baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants receive only human milk (no formula, food, or water) for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding and the addition of complimentary foods for up to one year or beyond.
Many women who would like to breastfeed make the decision either not to breastfeed or to wean early, due to their need to return to work. According to recent data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 74.6 percent of Oklahoma mothers breastfeed initially, but only 34.9 percent continue to breastfeed for six months or longer. Many women who choose not to breastfeed cite returning to work or school as the reason. Continuing to breastfeed after returning to work can be a challenge for many working mothers, and having a supportive workplace can impact a mother's decision on whether or not to continue to breastfeed throughout her baby's first year
“Workplaces that provide a supportive environment can help ease the stress and help mothers feel good about their decision to combine working and breastfeeding,” said Tulsa Health Department Director Dr. Bruce Dart. “An environment where breastfeeding is supported will encourage women to meet their breastfeeding goals.”
Oklahoma has a program in place to recognize worksites that have met criteria to become breastfeeding friendly. These worksites allow flexible break times and a private location for nursing mothers to express milk, have access to a nearby water source for washing hands and breast pump equipment, and have a written breastfeeding policy.
The Tulsa Health Department has resources to help inform mothers, breastfeeding advocates, health professionals, and the community on how they can actively support mothers to continue to breastfeed for at least the baby’s first year and beyond.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)