Breastfeeding in the News
Welcome to Breastfeeding Experiences!
As a breastfeeding mother, no doubt you are interested in breastfeeding issues. Now you can keep up to date with the latest stories on this page of breastfeeding news. Click on the title of any article to read the full version.
* Image on this page courstesy of coloniera2.
Breastfeeding News
About.com Breastfeeding
Updated :
My Hearty Laugh of the Day Goes To...
...the two men who stole four new breast pumps from the Babies R Us on 110th Avenue Northeast in Seattle, WA. (My good friend, Kevin, sent me the police blotter from The Seattle Times.) The total amount of loss was more than $1,000.
Not making light of the fact, and surely not condoning, that these men committed a crime, I have to tip my hat to them for choosing to rip off something so worthy. They clearly know what's best.
And I want to believe that they knew four women in desperate need. That's where I'm leaving it.
My Hearty Laugh of the Day Goes To... originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Saturday, March 6th, 2010 at 16:43:34.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Publ.Date : Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:43:34 +0000
Breast Milk Cheese
The shout-out of the day goes to my friend, Jennifer, for alerting me to this great story...
Chef Daniel Angerer and his wife and business partner, Lori Mason, own Klee Brasserie in New York City. Making their mark in the food world, they have begun making cheese from breast milk! Angerer states that "being a chef, you're curious about anything in terms of flavor -- you look out for something new and what you can do with it." Angerer has commented that his wife's breast milk reminds him of the cow's milk that he'd pick up from a farm in Austria when he was a child..."It was still warm and it would sour the next day." The esteemed chef says that two gallons of the breast milk yielded almost two quarts of cheese. "After two weeks aging, it was somewhat like a raw-milk cheese -- it had all the flavors in there. It tastes just like really sweet cow's milk. It wasn't like, 'Hey, this is such an amazing cheese.' It's just like, 'Can you use human milk? Yes, you absolutely can!'" So cool to know!
Angerer is so excited about how everything turned out and he has posted a recipe for "My Spouse's Mommy Milk Cheese" on his blog, and you can go for a little taste-test if you'd like! "Our baby has plenty back-up mother's milk in the freezer, so whoever wants to try it is welcome to try it as long as supply lasts (please consider cheese aging time)."
Breast Milk Cheese originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Friday, March 5th, 2010 at 20:23:17.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:23:17 +0000
Monday Morning Quarterback Talks...Breastfeeding?
I'm pretty sure that sending me a recent article was my husband's way of luring me into sports. While we are both runners and have the love of that sport in common, I have to say that I'm bored by the majority of others. His dream is to have that wife that sits with him and watches baseball (watching grass grow is more thrilling), basketball (the celebrity spectators are the highlight), and football (does "Friday Night Lights" count?), screaming at the television in unison. (Give me a marathon to watch, and I'll sit for hours, though.) I think I might have pretended to like sports when we first started to date, but that was just to get into his good graces. At any rate, he knows that my passion is all-things-breastfeeding, so I'm sure he was raising the roof when he came across the following from Peter King from Sports Illustrated. He writes a column called "Monday Morning Quarterback".
Here it is, from a section entitled "Enjoyable Travel Note of the Week":
"Had my head buried in my MacBook Air on an AirTran flight home to Boston for 15 or 20 minutes Sunday, and I paid no attention to the woman and baby across the aisle until I heard the sound of a baby struggling a bit. I turned to see the woman positioning the tot for some breast-feeding. No blanket, no clothing covering anything. Just a breast. You don't want to jerk your head away or you're a prude. You don't want to focus on it too long or you're a perv. So I, uh, moved my head deliberately back to the computer and MADE ABSOLUTELY SURE I DIDN'T LOOK THAT WAY FOR THE REST OF THE FLIGHT. See how open-minded I am?"
I have to admit, my gut reaction wasn't great, but then I sat down and thought about what he said and, truth be told, he wasn't so off. I had a similar experience on the train today. Two mothers with infants were sitting across from one another nursing their babies in the same fashion that Peter King described and I began to stare. (Not because of the act, but more because I was trying to check out the latch!) I realized, midway through my gawking, that these women had no idea what I did for a living and I promptly turned away. For all they knew, I was some crazy lady ogling them because they were breastfeeding in public. So I get it. I hear what King is saying. And quoting from my husband, "He is one of the few sports writers I like. Very knowledgeable and seems like a very nice guy." So I, by default, like him.
But as far as attracting me, it's still a no-go on the sports.
Monday Morning Quarterback Talks...Breastfeeding? originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 16:00:13.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Publ.Date : Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:00:13 +0000
Royal Caribbean is Representin'!
Stuck in the Miami Airport on my way home from vacation, I'm reflecting on a blast of a week. Of course I had a great time feeling the sun after dealing with horrible snow at home; watching my daughter become a "Rock, Paper, Scissors" World Champion; and losing money at my nightly "Let It Ride" habit. But what always makes me smile is when I get into conversations about my job with non-Americans. For starters, everyone is always amazed that my job exists. During a pedicure, my Jamaican "spa therapist" wanted details on aspects of my work and couldn't believe that breastfeeding was such a big deal in the United States. She said, "Oh, Melissa. I'm sorry, but this doesn't make any sense to me. Why would someone call you to help you with their breastfeeding problems? We just help each other in Jamaica. Friends and family that have breastfed just help each other." And then she added, "But good for you!"
Hmmm, a funny response. Not the first part, but the last. "Good for you" resonates with me in a somewhat disturbing way because it implies that my work is out of the norm, which it shouldn't be. I long for the day where the high-five isn't necessary.
But the big shout-out of the week goes to Benjie Perez, our head waiter in the dining room. On a slow day in Georgetown, Grand Cayman, where everyone else got off the ship to explore, Melissa decided to stay aboard with the over-75 crowd, essentially having the ship to herself. Since Benjie wasn't in a major rush to attend to many other diners, we got to talking. He is from the Philippines and has two children who were, of course, breastfed. Much to the dismay of the elderly conservatives around me who overheard the conversation, I was loving the fact that Benjie knew a ton about breastfeeding--inverted nipples, engorgement--and I thought, "This is what it's all about...I need to hear this!" Royal Caribbean is an amazing microcosm, every culture and ethnicity represented, and breastfeeding is a major part of it.
Americans need to get there! And we are slowly but surely achieving that. So, breastfeeding sisters, help your friends and family. That's the first step. And it's not much to ask.
Royal Caribbean is Representin'! originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Sunday, February 21st, 2010 at 12:35:10.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Publ.Date : Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:35:10 +0000
Happy Valentine's Day!
What was once a romantic holiday focused only on you and your partner has, most probably, taken a different turn. As a new mom, going out to dinner may actually require some work now. Everything from expressing your breast milk to timing a feed so you can have a glass of wine with your dinner can add an element of stress to this holiday of amour.
It doesn't have to be that way, though.
If you and your loved one want to celebrate, just plan ahead. Having a baby means that spontaneity has already gone out the window, so embrace your "planning self"! Some quick tips: If you're not a regular pumper, plan to do so in the morning, when your supply is at its highest. Also, plan to feed the baby right before you leave, but leave a bottle of expressed milk in the fridge, just in case!
Oh, and most importantly, don a sexy bra! You'll feel like a new woman! Enjoy!
Happy Valentine's Day! originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 22:01:54.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Publ.Date : Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:01:54 +0000
Certain Antidepressants May Cause Lactation Difficulties
A new study which will be published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) shows that women taking particular antidepressants may experience delayed lactation after giving birth and may need extra help to achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Nelson Horseman, PhD, of the University of Cincinnati and co-author of the study states,"The breasts are serotonin-regulated glands, meaning the breasts' ability to secrete milk at the right time is closely related to the body's production and regulation of the hormone serotonin. Common antidepressant drugs like fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs and while they can affect mood, emotion and sleep they may also impact serotonin regulation in the breast, placing new mothers at greater risk of a delay in the establishment of a full milk supply."
In this study, researchers observed the effects of SSRI drugs on lactation using laboratory studies of human and animal cell lines and genetically modified mice. An observational study then evaluated the impact of SSRI drugs on the onset of milk production in postpartum women. In this study of 431 postpartum women, median onset of lactation was 85.8 hours postpartum for the SSRI-treated mothers and 69.1 hours for mothers not treated with SSRI drugs. The definition of "delayed secretory activation" is that it occurs later than 72 hours postpartum.
Horseman goes on to say that "SSRI drugs are very helpful medications for many moms, so understanding and ameliorating difficulties moms experience can help them achieve their goals for breastfeeding their babies. More human research is needed before we can make specific recommendations regarding SSRI use during breastfeeding."
Certain Antidepressants May Cause Lactation Difficulties originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 21:26:02.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Publ.Date : Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:26:02 +0000
Co-Founder of La Leche League, Viola Lennon, Dead At 87
Viola Lennon, co-Founder of La Leche League International and co-author of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, passed away last week. Quite the pioneer, to say the least, the death of Lennon marks the end of an era.
Lennon credited her mother with having the strongest influence on her breastfeeding mindset. She stated, "My mother portrayed breastfeeding as an enjoyable experience that brings you close to your baby." (And that she did...10 babies!)
And we should take to heart another thought from Lennon: "Breastfeeding...led me to self-discovery and to a greater appreciation of the full humanity of the babies who were entrusted to me. Each woman needs to trust her own instincts, her own feelings, and her own sense of what will work for her with each baby. Women in the 1950s had forgotten the wisdom of previous generations in relation to breastfeeding. Mothers who tried to breastfeed on their own were almost always destined to fail. The neighbors sent their children to watch me breastfeed because they knew the children would not see it anywhere else!"
May her memory be a blessing.
Co-Founder of La Leche League, Viola Lennon, Dead At 87 originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 14:05:52.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Publ.Date : Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:05:52 +0000
Revisiting the Old "How Old Is Too Old" Argument...
It never gets old, does it? The whole "How long is too long?" or "How old is too old?" argument is enough to stir the most mellow pot. A recent article on Seattlepi.com, Moms Who Breastfeed Until Their Kids Are 4, 5, 6, made me think that it was time to dust off my poll from a while back and breathe some new votes into it. So, without further ado, please grace me with your opinion...How Old Is Too Old For Breastfeeding? (FYI, as of today, the most popular answer is "2-3 years". I'm curious to see if things change.)
Revisiting the Old "How Old Is Too Old" Argument... originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Monday, January 25th, 2010 at 20:23:28.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Publ.Date : Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:23:28 +0000
Haiti Needs Breastfeeding Support!
In the aftermath of last week's terrible earthquake disaster in Haiti, I can't begin to tell you how many emails I've received from different organizations and groups asking for support. Mostly financial requests, the inundation has been overwhelming and I've been waiting until this weekend to sit down and speak with my husband about what we want to do.
But aside from giving money, I felt the need to give information.
You may recall the theme of the 2009 World Breastfeeding Week..."Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response. Are You Ready?" Timely, yes. Ominous, scarily so. But never has the need for breastfeeding been so great. The International Lactation Consultant Association is "urging all health care providers and rescue workers to include breastfeeding support as a vital part of disaster relief and humanitarian aid efforts." They are also discouraging donations of infant formula since this can increase illness and disease in an emergency.
Here is the press release: ILCA Encourages Breastfeeding Support in Haiti. I would highly recommend that you read it and do whatever you can to assist in relief efforts. And finally, I'll just put my two cents in here...I have about 250 postings on my "Selling Breast Milk" blog from women trying to find good homes for their excess expressed milk. How about donating it to a milk bank for some of the babies in Haiti? Just a thought. Would love to hear yours!
Haiti Needs Breastfeeding Support! originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 16:46:13.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Publ.Date : Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:46:13 +0000
Treat of the Week for Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Breastfeeding Moms: Melissa's UNBELIEVABLE Vegan Cheesecake
Going dairy-free was the hot topic this week in my support group. Yes, there's one mom who has been a vegan for years and was able to give great guidance on different foods. On the other hand, there are many women who are bound and determined to taking the dairy out of their diets as their babies are having reactions to it. The great news is that, these days, there are so many different ways to switch it up!
In the midst of this discussion, I happened to mention that I recently concocted the most fantastic vegan cheesecake for my son, who has cow's milk and wheat allergies. Being a diehard cheesecake fan myself, I can honestly say that no one would know the difference between my version and Junior's. So, without further ado, I promised the women in the group that I would share it with the world, so here it is! Enjoy! (And let me know what you think!)
Melissa's UNBELIEVABLE Vegan/Gluten-Free Cheesecake
Crust: 5 tablespoons unsalted vegan "butter", melted, plus room-temperature "butter" for pan; 12 gluten-free graham crackers (3x5 inch); 1/4 c. sugar; 1/4 tsp. coarse salt
Filling: 2 1/2 lbs vegan "cream cheese", room temperature; 1 1/2 c. sugar; 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice; 1/2 tsp. coarse salt; Ener-G Egg Replacer (equivalent of 4 large eggs); 1 c. vegan "sour cream"
Preheat oven to 375. Make crust: Butter a 9-by-3-inch springform pan. In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until fine crumbs form; add melted butter, sugar, and salt, and pulse to combine. Press crumb mixture into bottom and about 1 inch up side of pan. Bake until set, 12 to 15 minutes; let cool on a wire rack. Reduce over to 325. Set a kettle of water to boil. Make filling: Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese on medium until fluffy, scraping down side of bowl. Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy. Beat in lemon zest and juice, and salt. Beat in egg replacer, slowly, scraping down side of bowl after each addition. Beat in sour cream. Wrap bottom half of pan in foil. Pour in filling; place in a roasting pan. Pour in boiling water to come halfway up side of springform. Bake until just set in center, about 1 3/4 hours. Remove pan from water; let cool 20 minutes. Run a paring knife around edge; let cool completely. Cover; chill overnight before serving.
Treat of the Week for Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Breastfeeding Moms: Melissa's UNBELIEVABLE Vegan Cheesecake originally appeared on About.com Breastfeeding on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at 18:25:50.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Publ.Date : Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:25:50 +0000
Make Money Online