Kudos to the National Action Against Obesity President MeMe Roth who has taken a stand against Unilever, maker of Suave Shampoo for a commercial they are currently running equating breastfeeding with flat hair and a flat chest. In a Fox News interview on the Bill O'Riley show, Roth expressed her concern over this jab at breastfeeding that may prevent children from receiving this protection against obesity. Newsflash, Suave - no 80 year old woman has perky, perfect breasts (unless she bought and paid for them and has had them replaced every 10 years or so) regardless of the way she fed her babies.
It is so encouraging to see someone outside of the world of "breastfeeding advocacy" recognize and promote breastfeeding in regards to obesity prevention (or any other health issue). She encourages everyone to write a letter expressing discontent to Unilever at unilever.com. Believe it or not, I actually wrote! I used the form here. If I get a response other than a form letter, I will let you know.
Also, new research indicates that mamas who have a baby after 25 years old have even more reason to breastfeed. It reduces their increased breast cancer risk. See this article here for more information. It just keeps getting better to give your baby the best (or the normal, right?)!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Ronald McDonald House...Or Why you can't Trust Clowns
So, I don't have a lot of time to post this morning but I want to alert you to a situation going on in Texas regarding a breastfeeding mother and child undergoing treatment. They are staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Houston Texas and were asked to only breastfeed i their room as to not offend other house guests. You can read about the saga so far at The Reluctant Lactivist.
I don't write letters. I am not a very good lactivist in that sense. But I am pretty sure I will be writing about this one. And you should too.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
I don't write letters. I am not a very good lactivist in that sense. But I am pretty sure I will be writing about this one. And you should too.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Oprah says Happy National Siblings Day!
My two older children have this thing where they will randomly declare "Brother day" or "Sister day" and proclaim the coordinating sibling as "king for a day" of sorts. Well, who knew a sibling day really exists. Apparently Oprah (she knows everything, doesn't she?) knows about sibling day and decided to celebrate by having special brothers and sisters on her show today.
One story was about the Diamond Sextuplets - the first surviving set of African-American sextuplets! You can read about them on Oprah's site. Here's the best part: Mama Diamond breastfed/pumped for her babies for SIX - count 'em - 1-2-3-4-5-6 MONTHS!! She deserves a medal!
Here's my favorite quote from the Oprah story:
Raising six brand-new babies isn't an easy task. Simply feeding them can be a challenge—especially since Diamond decided to breast-feed all six! "The doctor told me Mother Nature would take care of this all," she says. "I was pumping about 50 to 60 bottles a day."
They are smart parents. First of all, can you imagine the formula bill for SIX babies? Breastfeeding is always touted as a smart financial decision, but for them it was probably the only way they could still eat! And who is this doctor? I want to give him a big kiss! And a big professional pat on the back for realizing that this mama really could make milk for her babies! She was her own personal milk bank! This is an inspirational story for us all and goes to show what a little encouragement from a medical professional can do to encourage breastfeeding/pumping for high risk/NICU babies or any baby/mom couple.
Thanks to Angela over on Breastfeeding 1-2-3 for the heads up on this story!
One story was about the Diamond Sextuplets - the first surviving set of African-American sextuplets! You can read about them on Oprah's site. Here's the best part: Mama Diamond breastfed/pumped for her babies for SIX - count 'em - 1-2-3-4-5-6 MONTHS!! She deserves a medal!
Here's my favorite quote from the Oprah story:
Raising six brand-new babies isn't an easy task. Simply feeding them can be a challenge—especially since Diamond decided to breast-feed all six! "The doctor told me Mother Nature would take care of this all," she says. "I was pumping about 50 to 60 bottles a day."
They are smart parents. First of all, can you imagine the formula bill for SIX babies? Breastfeeding is always touted as a smart financial decision, but for them it was probably the only way they could still eat! And who is this doctor? I want to give him a big kiss! And a big professional pat on the back for realizing that this mama really could make milk for her babies! She was her own personal milk bank! This is an inspirational story for us all and goes to show what a little encouragement from a medical professional can do to encourage breastfeeding/pumping for high risk/NICU babies or any baby/mom couple.
Thanks to Angela over on Breastfeeding 1-2-3 for the heads up on this story!
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Breastfeeding and Babywearing
I have been thinking about slings/carriers/wraps more than usual lately. I use them every day to carry around my baby, but it is such a part of my daily life, that I hadn't really given it much actual thought in a while. However, I am considering adding slings to my business inventory again so I have been on the hunt for the best slings.
I hope that babywearing will catch on in the Black community, because after all, our African sisters and ancestors have always carried their babies. In this Washington Post article from 1994, An Idea Still Looking for Traction in Kenya, Carol Mandi, editor of an East African Women's Magazine, EVE shares her thoughts on picking the good ancient traditions from the bad. A statement that has always struck me to my core, she says:
"But carrying on your back, well, that is just a wonderful custom that keeps the baby emotionally stable and lets the mother feel bonded. We can't stop being African women just because we are suddenly thrust into the modern world. What next? They will tell us to stop breast feeding in public? No way."
Yet, African-American women seem to want the biggest stroller, keep the baby in the carseat and never carry him/her and breastfeed in public? No way! For a people so often concerned with remembering and honoring our past, there are many basic nuggets of wisdom we have too quickly forgotten. Instead of worried about feeling bonded to our babies we are overly concerned with spoiling our precious little ones.
Babywearing often comes up with breastfeeding because a lot of breastfeeding mothers enjoy closeness with their baby and say that keeping the baby close helps them feed the baby quickly, easily and sometimes hands free. Not only that, the sling can act as a nursing cover or changing pad. For those of you unfamiliar with babywearing I thought I would share some basics from NINO (Nine In, Nine Out: A non-profit babywearing organization.
What is babywearing?
Babywearing is the practice of carrying your baby close to your body in a sling, pouch,wrap, or other baby carrier.
Why wear your baby?
Rest those tired arms
A baby carrier distributes baby’s weight across your body, making it much more comfortable than carrying a baby in arms. Many caregivers carry even older babies quite a lot. Most carriers are usable from birth up to 35 pounds (16kg).
Freedom of movement
Wearing baby frees you to take care of the house, run errands, eat out, and enjoy the outdoors without struggling with a stroller. The baby carrier is your stroller, portable crib, coverup, and more.
Free your hands to care for other children
Babywearing can help keep your baby content while making you more available for
other children.
Soothe fussiness, reflux, and colic
Some babies crave constant motion. Others spit up unless they remain upright. Some babies enjoy being swaddled. Others insist on being held constantly. A baby carrier allows you to address all of these issues with ease.
Share the load
Father, older siblings, grandparents, and other caregivers now have a powerful tool to comfort and bond with baby.
Slings promote bonding
Wearing baby fosters trust and attachment. A baby whose needs are met promptly now will be more secure later. Baby carriers are also a great way to bond with foster or adopted children.
Make frequent feeding easier
Newborns want to eat all the time, but new mamas sometimes feel tied down. Feed on the go — some moms even breastfeed with both hands free — in a baby carrier.
Carried babies tend to cry less
Research shows that carried babies cry 40-50% less. When your baby is close you will
become aware of his needs more quickly. Babywearing makes long-term carrying easy.
Carried babies tend to be more alert
Babies that are carried see the world from an adult point of view, and adults will tend to interact more with a baby whose face they can see. Babies are less likely to be bored and can learn more about their world when they are up higher.
Carried babies are safer
Protect your baby from unwanted touches of strangers by sharing your personal space – a great way to keep babies safe from germs during cold and flu season.
There are several different types of carriers. Most women and children carrying babies and children around the world use a simple scarf or long peice of fabric often referred to as a Wrap or scarf. Brand name wrap styles include Moby Wrap, Moby D, Didymos and Rebozo. Pouches are popular among first time moms, those new to babywearing and those who prefer the simplicity of a single piece of fabric. Pouches can be accented with padding on one or both rails, pockets and key rings. Pouches include the Urban Pouch, Hotslings and Mama's Milk. Ring slings come both padded and unpadded and are perhaps the most well known style of baby "sling". There are virtually hundreds in this style, from small SAHM manufactures like Soul Baby NYC who sell to friends, on their own websites or on EBAY to larger companies like Maya Wrap who use Guatemalan fabric for their signature vibrant colors. There are Asian-styled and inspired carriers such as the popular Mei Tie and Podegi and soft-structured carriers like the popular Ergo Carrier.
There are so many carriers (and I my listing is a mere nod to the thousands of styles and many many manufactures/designers out there) to choose from that every mom can find one that fits her fashion sense, lifestyle, budget and baby's personality. Slings now come in such beautiful fabrics and accessory choices, they are truly a fashion accessory for moms AND a way to carry baby and still have hands free. And, yes I do think a stroller still comes in handy sometimes...it is nice to have something to put the heavy diaper bag or packages in! Sometimes the stroller is a nice change of pace for a long stroll or extensive airport travel with an older (but still slow walking) child. Having traveled in airports and being a yard sale junkie - I can tell you there is nothing better than being able to keep baby close, protected from strangers and safe in a sling/carrier. If you have never tried a carrier and you have a child under 30-35 pounds, give it a try. You will wonder what took you so long! And beware, they can be as addicting as cute shoes...and as expensive too. But at least you and your baby will look good and be comfortable!
For more information on babywearing visit thebabywearer.com and mamatoto.org
Here's where I need your help. What is your favorite carrier? I would like to carry two - three different styles so moms have plenty to choose from. Maybe a pouch for beginners, a ring sling and a wrap. I would love your recommendations and raves. If you make or sell them, feel free to boast about it too! Just leave a comment with your babywearing experiences!
I hope that babywearing will catch on in the Black community, because after all, our African sisters and ancestors have always carried their babies. In this Washington Post article from 1994, An Idea Still Looking for Traction in Kenya, Carol Mandi, editor of an East African Women's Magazine, EVE shares her thoughts on picking the good ancient traditions from the bad. A statement that has always struck me to my core, she says:
"But carrying on your back, well, that is just a wonderful custom that keeps the baby emotionally stable and lets the mother feel bonded. We can't stop being African women just because we are suddenly thrust into the modern world. What next? They will tell us to stop breast feeding in public? No way."
Yet, African-American women seem to want the biggest stroller, keep the baby in the carseat and never carry him/her and breastfeed in public? No way! For a people so often concerned with remembering and honoring our past, there are many basic nuggets of wisdom we have too quickly forgotten. Instead of worried about feeling bonded to our babies we are overly concerned with spoiling our precious little ones.
Babywearing often comes up with breastfeeding because a lot of breastfeeding mothers enjoy closeness with their baby and say that keeping the baby close helps them feed the baby quickly, easily and sometimes hands free. Not only that, the sling can act as a nursing cover or changing pad. For those of you unfamiliar with babywearing I thought I would share some basics from NINO (Nine In, Nine Out: A non-profit babywearing organization.
What is babywearing?
Babywearing is the practice of carrying your baby close to your body in a sling, pouch,wrap, or other baby carrier.
Why wear your baby?
Rest those tired arms
A baby carrier distributes baby’s weight across your body, making it much more comfortable than carrying a baby in arms. Many caregivers carry even older babies quite a lot. Most carriers are usable from birth up to 35 pounds (16kg).
Freedom of movement
Wearing baby frees you to take care of the house, run errands, eat out, and enjoy the outdoors without struggling with a stroller. The baby carrier is your stroller, portable crib, coverup, and more.
Free your hands to care for other children
Babywearing can help keep your baby content while making you more available for
other children.
Soothe fussiness, reflux, and colic
Some babies crave constant motion. Others spit up unless they remain upright. Some babies enjoy being swaddled. Others insist on being held constantly. A baby carrier allows you to address all of these issues with ease.
Share the load
Father, older siblings, grandparents, and other caregivers now have a powerful tool to comfort and bond with baby.
Slings promote bonding
Wearing baby fosters trust and attachment. A baby whose needs are met promptly now will be more secure later. Baby carriers are also a great way to bond with foster or adopted children.
Make frequent feeding easier
Newborns want to eat all the time, but new mamas sometimes feel tied down. Feed on the go — some moms even breastfeed with both hands free — in a baby carrier.
Carried babies tend to cry less
Research shows that carried babies cry 40-50% less. When your baby is close you will
become aware of his needs more quickly. Babywearing makes long-term carrying easy.
Carried babies tend to be more alert
Babies that are carried see the world from an adult point of view, and adults will tend to interact more with a baby whose face they can see. Babies are less likely to be bored and can learn more about their world when they are up higher.
Carried babies are safer
Protect your baby from unwanted touches of strangers by sharing your personal space – a great way to keep babies safe from germs during cold and flu season.
There are several different types of carriers. Most women and children carrying babies and children around the world use a simple scarf or long peice of fabric often referred to as a Wrap or scarf. Brand name wrap styles include Moby Wrap, Moby D, Didymos and Rebozo. Pouches are popular among first time moms, those new to babywearing and those who prefer the simplicity of a single piece of fabric. Pouches can be accented with padding on one or both rails, pockets and key rings. Pouches include the Urban Pouch, Hotslings and Mama's Milk. Ring slings come both padded and unpadded and are perhaps the most well known style of baby "sling". There are virtually hundreds in this style, from small SAHM manufactures like Soul Baby NYC who sell to friends, on their own websites or on EBAY to larger companies like Maya Wrap who use Guatemalan fabric for their signature vibrant colors. There are Asian-styled and inspired carriers such as the popular Mei Tie and Podegi and soft-structured carriers like the popular Ergo Carrier.
There are so many carriers (and I my listing is a mere nod to the thousands of styles and many many manufactures/designers out there) to choose from that every mom can find one that fits her fashion sense, lifestyle, budget and baby's personality. Slings now come in such beautiful fabrics and accessory choices, they are truly a fashion accessory for moms AND a way to carry baby and still have hands free. And, yes I do think a stroller still comes in handy sometimes...it is nice to have something to put the heavy diaper bag or packages in! Sometimes the stroller is a nice change of pace for a long stroll or extensive airport travel with an older (but still slow walking) child. Having traveled in airports and being a yard sale junkie - I can tell you there is nothing better than being able to keep baby close, protected from strangers and safe in a sling/carrier. If you have never tried a carrier and you have a child under 30-35 pounds, give it a try. You will wonder what took you so long! And beware, they can be as addicting as cute shoes...and as expensive too. But at least you and your baby will look good and be comfortable!
For more information on babywearing visit thebabywearer.com and mamatoto.org
Here's where I need your help. What is your favorite carrier? I would like to carry two - three different styles so moms have plenty to choose from. Maybe a pouch for beginners, a ring sling and a wrap. I would love your recommendations and raves. If you make or sell them, feel free to boast about it too! Just leave a comment with your babywearing experiences!
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