Breastfeeding

Lucy Lawless in her best role ever.

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Nursing babies are so funny!  They see a boob and they attack!

You can breastfeed anywhere discreetly.  I do it and sometimes people don't even have a clue of what I'm doing until they want to look at the baby and realize the child is attached.

You can nurse as long as you and your baby feel comfortable.  One year to four years, though most of us (my friends and I) stop (upon mutual agreement of child and mommy, usually) around 2 or 3 years.

Breastfeeding is a commitment, no doubt.  It is absolutely the best thing you can do for your child, and we each want to do what's best for our child, and it also has bonuses for us moms too.  It's very worth any inconvenience and actually is much more convenient than bottle feeding. 

And don't worry about dad not being able to bond without a bottle, there are other ways for dad and baby to bond. 

Now it's time for you to feel committed to breastfeeding and doing what's best for you and your child.
 

• it provides security and can help calm a fussy baby more quickly than a bottle (also helps calm a busy mommy!);
• it offers powerful DHA for brain development;  (it's important that YOU get your DHA and Omega 3s to pass on to the baby - eat eggs from hens fed a high omega diet and eat safe Wild Alaskan Salmon)
• breastfed babies may be smarter and have greater academic achievement according to New Zealand researchers;
• it promotes bonding between mom and baby;
• it promotes healthy jaw and mouth muscle development (the baby must use 20 to 60 times more muscular effort to get the milk from breast!)  This creates stronger muscles and jaws and promotes a healthy formation of their mouth and head.  This in turn lowers the risk for braces, promotes proper breathing, correct speech development, healthy teeth, nose breathing over mouth breathing, and better hand-eye coordination!;
• can correct cranial strains from birth;
• it forces even the most powerful type A personality of moms to rest;
• and offers special immunities that last a lifetime for the baby;
• lowers risk of colic since it takes longer unlike the bottle where the milk just pours right in with little sucking;
• breastfeeding helps the mommy (shrinks uterus faster, lowers risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers, helps us lose weight, lowers risk of osteoporosis, protects us against anemia, and is an amazingly empowering experience to know that it is YOU and only you (for the first 6+ months at least) that is keeping that baby happy and fed properly);
• breastfeeding also helps the child later in life (less risk of obesity, higher IQ, less chance of ear infections and other sickness; it lowers risk of diabetes, food allergies, SIDs, childhood cancers, vision problems, and even cavities);
• breastfeeding lowers cardiovascular risk later in adult life and lowers chances of a stroke in adult life;
• There is a huge difference in the poopies of babies fed formula (very smelly) and breast milk (not bad at all). 
• And breastfed babies have the most delicious soft skin ever!  That is really true - take the test and feel the leg of a breastfed baby versus a formula fed baby.  Breastfed babies are much softer.
• Breastfed babies smell sweeter.  Take a whiff.  You'll know a breastfed baby.

• Get your Omega 3s from Salmon!  Brain growth is at it's peak in the last trimester and first year of life. That's another reason why breast milk is so important it's about 1/2 fat!  EFAs are critical to brain development, healthy cells, and absorption of vitamins.

• Get enough calcium into your diet.  Nursing will tap your bones for calcium for the baby if you don't get enough in your diet.  This can cause havoc on your teeth not to mention osteoporosis down the line.  So do yourself a favor, and make a Super-Protein Power Smoothie with milk, frozen bananas, a touch of honey, wheat germ, powdered organic nitrate-free milk for extra calcium and protein, vanilla, and maybe a dash of cinnamon.  You could use frozen blueberries or strawberries too.
   
• Eat Fermented Foods as breastmilk and colostrum encourages flora growth in your baby as well keeping your baby healthy and the immune system strong. The Probiotic Diet

• Eat a healthy varied diet.  You need more calories when nursing.  I am so famished when nursing an infant - so feel good and eat well.

• Fresh Water - 8 - 10 glasses a day.  Basically, drink a glass of water every time you nurse.  At the beginning, this could be every hour.  Have a water handy whenever you nurse, even at night.

• Avoid alcohol - it is strongest within a half hour to hour after drinking and does get into the breastmilk. 
   
• Avoid caffeine as it enters breastmilk.  Though, a cup of coffee now and again is said to be fine.
   
• Be cautious of essential oils, especially: bitter almond, basil, clary sage, clove bud, hyssop, sweet fennel, juniper berry, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rose, rosemary, senna, cascara sarada, sage, thyme, goldenseal, barberry, oregon grape root, and wintergreen.
   
• Avoid smokers.  The baby breathes deeper and more often that adults and those toxins should be avoided by you and the baby.
   
• Avoid processed meats.  Processed meats that contain nitrates (all of them unless you get them from the health store) which are readily passed to the nursing child.
   
• Avoid fumes from dry-cleaning, paints and finishes, glues, construction, new furniture, gas.  Avoid toxic chemicals and cleaning products.
   
• Avoid bottom feeding fish and predatory fish including swordfish, shark, tuna, and crab because of mercury levels.  Safe Fish CHEC List for Children, Teens and All Women of Child-bearing Age.  Use this list as a guide but there are other considerations.
  
  There is so much mercury in fish right now and it can pass through breastmilk and have a devastating effect on the nervous system and brain of your child, therefore I think it is best to avoid most fish. It is, however, important to get Omega 3s which you can get through cleaned fish oil or supplemental pills, though I'm not a big fan of additional pills. I think the best way is DHA eggs and Wild Alaskan Salmon from Vital Choice.

To understand which fish is "safe," we must look at the lists for fish that have the least amount of mercury and then compare that to the list of fish that is not overfished.  The "safe" fish includes wild pacific salmon, sardines, and haddock. This list changes so check the links to be sure you have the most current information.  And understand that even these "safe" fish have some mercury.  Mercury is even in the farm-raised fish like Tilapia and Trout (and farm-raised fish are not as high in the Omega 3s anyway so there is a lose-lose there).

Mercury can cause nerve damage to your baby so just be careful and cautious when and if eating fish.  Omega 3s are critical, however, to the growing baby.

Essential Fatty Acids in Mothers and their Neonates
Omega 3s and Infant Retinal Development
The Vital Role of Essential Fatty Acids for Pregnant and Nursing Women
Short Chain versus Long Chain Omega 3s
National Advice on Mercury in Fish for Pregnant Women
Fish Pregnant Women CAN Eat
New Federal Report Warns of Mercury Threat to Kids
Which Fish Now?  April 2004  Green Guide

Which Fish Are Safe To Eat, Delicious Organics

Absolutely avoid Tuna (canned and fresh).  Although, if you MUST have Tuna, I'd highly recommend avoiding all commercial brands in the stores and instead stick with the brand from Vital Choice since they use the youngest Tuna which therefore have the least amount of mercury. 

Avoid:

Albacore White Tuna Bluefish Bonito Carp Catfish, Wild Cod Crab Dover Sole Great Lakes Salmon Grouper Halibut Jacksmelt (PBDEs) Lake Trout

Largemouth Bass Lobster Mackerel Mahi-Mahi Marlin Mussels, Blue Northern Pike Orange Roughy Oysters Perch Pollock Porgy Red Snapper

Rockfish Salmon, Great Lakes Salmon, Farmed Sea Bass Shark Snapper Swordfish Tilefish Tuna Steaks Tuna, Canned Walleye White Croaker Whitefish, Lake Yellow Tail

Brainfood Report: What pregnant woman should know about mercury contamination of fish

Tuna Could Soon Carry Mercury Warning

FDA under fire on planned warning of mercury in fish

The Benefits of Breastfeeding Outweigh Any Risk

If you're like me, you'll cry every day as you drive to work.  I know some moms like going back to work, and indeed I enjoy my job, but I cried the entire drive as I left and I just couldn't ever get home quick enough.  It was harder for me than the baby, I think, at least on the surface.  If you have the luxury of staying home with your child, enjoy it, cherish it, thrive in it - you are indeed a lucky woman and that baby is one of the luckiest in the world to have you there.  Remember that every day.  And remember that everything is new to your little one so even peeling potatoes is an exciting adventure!  You don't have to spend a lot of money; your baby just wants you.

If you're going back to work, get a good pump.  I used the Medela Pump In Style.  It works great and does both breasts at once!  And it looks professional.  I didn't even have an office (am in sales) and I would walk around with that on one shoulder and my other bag and it was so discreet no one knew.  I can tell you every bathroom in my area that had electric plugs available and that worked.  I felt like I was educating others as I had to use public restrooms and the noise was and what I was doing was always a conversation starter.  Pack a picture or two of the baby in the pump too and look at those while you pump.  You need to relax too.  I pumped when I was full so that the pump just took what I let down.  Once the flow stopped, I did too.  Don't make this a stressful situation, remember for whom you are doing this and gaze at the picture to allow you to relax and let the good stuff flow.

My three only had breast milk.  They are healthy kids with strong immune systems and good eating habits (well, at least the first and last have good eating habits!)  My first got the bottle much more than my second or third because he took the bottle (with the second, I actually ran home to nurse mid-day too) and the third actually comes with me and waits for me with a loved one until I'm out of my meeting.  This is possible.  Very possible.  In fact, I was the number one sales rep in my company during the years that I nursed and pumped with my first two.  (Okay, I admit it, it's harder with the third, but I'm still working fine.) 

If you're going back to work, pump first thing in the morning to stock up some supply in the freezer.  Don't let your baby cry, however, if he or she wants to nurse, nurse.  I usually woke up  before the baby and pumped.  Don't worry about not having enough.  You'll make more.  The more you nurse, the more you make.  I've spoken to many moms who say they don't make enough milk.  Sometimes that is true and other times it is not having the proper support and understanding of how our body works.  My tips on this are:

1. drink enough water - a glass every time you nurse or pump
2. get enough sleep - ha!  okay, go to bed earlier - and make sure the room is dark
3. nurse during the night - especially if you're working, you may even find that your baby nurses more at night once you start working.  Your baby prefers you to the bottle so he or she may just eat less during the day and more at night.  Another great reason to co-sleep so you can actually get some sleep while you nurse at night.
4. nurse - nurse on demand.  The more she eats, the more you'll make.  Some milk is let down but some is created "on the fly" so to speak so you'll make what they eat.  I usually pumped out what was there (that also saved me stress and aggravation of trying to get some into the bottle) and then I nursed the baby on the, well, deflated boobs and the milk came as she sucked.  A woman's body is amazing!
5. oh!  And be sure to use BOTH your breasts!  You don't want to be lopsided, do you?

What do do with the pumped breast milk?  Fresh at room temperature, it will hold for 10 hours.  It keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 8 days and will keep frozen for 3 months, though freezing does destroy some of the immune building properties so use fresh whenever possible.  If frozen, defrost it and gently heat it under running warm water or place the container of milk in a bowl of warm water and use within 24 hours of defrosting.  Never heat breastmilk in the microwave.  Try using glass bottles over plastic if possible but if not avoid polycarbonate bottles.   Please note that your milk will change color and odor based upon your diet so don't be distracted by an odor that your unfamiliar with or a color that looks odd to you.  The milk will have a green to blue tint to it.  The first milk is immunity rich colostrum vital to the health and future of your child.  To create the most nutritious milk, eat a diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables, wild mercury-safe fish, grassfed meats, grassfed organic dairy and eggs. 

If you are not sure if your baby is eating enough - check the output - pee and poop are sure signs that the wee one is eating enough.  Diapers can be deceiving too.  Many are made of Super Absorbent Polymers that make them appear dry when they are wet.  Many new moms are afraid that they are not producing enough so they supplement with formula.  The irony is, that supplementing with formula will actually cause the very problem you are worried about - you will make less milk because the baby will be at your breast less.  The more time at the breast, especially during night feedings too, the more milk you will make.  You have everything you need to take care of your baby with your two arms and two breasts.  Revel in that.  Enjoy the completely natural and utterly amazing being that you are as a mother.  If you think you are not making enough, check the diaper or use a cloth diaper to really see if there is output.  If there is, you are fine.  If you are concerned, seek the guidance of a La Leche League leader or a pediatrician who supports breastfeeding.  Most moms do not need to supplement and only do so out of fear and trying to do what's best for their baby when what's best is what's most natural and you CAN do it!

If you are a working mom and want more information or support, contact me.  You CAN do it!!  Breastfeeding takes commitment.  Breastfeeding and the working mom with pumping takes utmost dedication.  When we made the decision (or had the surprise news) to have this new little person, we made the commitment.  We do it for our children's health, for their smarts, for our bonding, for their good future decision-making, for our health, for the world's future, and we do it to relish in the wonderful experience of motherhood that we have been blessed to have - we are so very lucky!  You will be so glad you did this!  And the rest of the world with thank you for the fine person you helped nurture who will impact this world in ways we may not be able to imagine yet today!

Have a working mom story to share?  We'll post it here:

I just wanted to tell you that your web page was a real source of inspiration for me, and I wanted to share my story. I went back to work when my son was 4 months old after being exclusively breastfed from day one. We worked on getting him to take a bottle about two weeks before my return to work and he did pretty well. It really helps that I have a wonderful, supportive daycare provider (she breastfed her son until he was 2 1/2).

My first day back, I began pumping at work with my Medela PIS. At first, I was a little intimidated. I work in a big office, and I had only been working there about 7 months before going on maternity leave. I actually pumped in my car for the first couple of days because I was so nervous about asking for a room. Thankfully one of my coworkers went to our office manager, and they have made a conference room available to me for the 3 times I need to pump. Everyone here has been REALLY supportive. Of course, I've overheard the occasional jokes from some of the guys in the office, but I don't care! I'm proud of what I'm doing, and so many women have shared their admiration with me while I'm at the sink rinsing my pump parts...

You are SO right about first having to make the commitment!! I honestly had to make up my mind to do it and stick with it. That was key. The first couple of weeks were a little tough, but once my body got used to the pump, it's been smooth sailing! On average, I pump about 5 oz more a week than my son eats, so I have quite the stash building in the freezer. I just wanted to emphasize to those in doubt - You CAN do it. Make the commitment. Think positive and don't give up. It's all worth it. Some days are better than others, but I've learned not to let my day be ruled by the amount of milk I pump. It all works out in the end. :)

Kimberly

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I have been back at work for two weeks, and I'm glad that I made the decision to pump so that my son can have breastmilk 24-7.  I use the Avent ISIS IQ Duo and I can do it quickly, quietly and easily.  It's totally worth it.  Though it seems like a hassle, it's worth it!

I work for a large company, and they have "health rooms" that are easy to slip in and do my business.  They have a chair, counter and plug, so it's private and easy.  If your employer doesn't have anything like that, just ask your boss, HR director or office manager what they would suggest, and I'm sure they will comply - especially if you are a good employee!  They will find a way to make it work for you.

I feel better leaving my son, knowing that he's getting the best for ALL of his meals.  I know it doesn't work for everyone, but if you can, do it.  And, since I'm still breastfeeding, I have that closeness with my son in the evenings and at night where I get to hold him peacefully.  I love it.  Just do, it! You won't regret it.
- Michelle

Have a working mom story to share?  We'll post it here:

Breast Pumps:

• Pumping Moms
   

• 101 Reasons to Breastfeed your child is a great uplifting list.  Whenever you're feeling like you can't do it or when you are not getting the proper encouragement with friends or family, or if you are not sure if you want to breastfeed, this is a really nice quick list.
• Breastfeeding and Attachment Parenting by Dr. Sears is a wonderful support for parents and offers solutions to common, and not so common, breastfeeding problems.  This site is a great one with information on everything from breastfeeding to childhood illnesses.  Dr. Sears is a tremendous resource for pregnancy, breastfeeding and parenting.
• Breast-feed Without Fear, The Green Guide
• Fats in your diet affect your baby
• Mothering Magazine is a wonderful resource of encouragement and support with great stories articles and insight.  The May/June 2005 issue has a lot of information about breastfeeding and the effect on dental health.
• Womb To Grow is a great resource for women in the South Florida area looking for a natural birth experience.  Michele is also a La Leche League leader and is a fountain of helpful information.
• Breastfeeding Cuts Cardiovascular Risk, Yahoo News, May 2004, UK study
• Breastfeeding Studies, The Lancet
• Seven Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby, Dr. Mercola
• When Mothers Nurse pictures and stores
• Feeding Babies, New Trend Publishing
• Mother's Milk Breastfeeding - the best pumps at the best prices
• Guest Elizabeth N Baldwin, Esq. on Breastfeeding in public, StorkNet
• Breastfeeding Issues, Attorney Elizabeth N. Baldwin, Compromise Solutions
• Storing and Transporting Breast Milk, Dr. Sears
• Storage and Handling of Breastmilk, Breastfeed Essentials
• Why Breastfeeding in Public is not Indecent, Culture Kitchen
   

Yoga

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