The Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog

Exclusive pumping: Chris' story

Today I'm very pleased to post a breastfeeding story by Chris, who lives in Chicago.  Chris exclusively pumped for her baby after a long struggle with nursing at breast.  I think that her story does a great job of highlighting the challenges and rewards of exclusing pumping, and also highlights some misconceptions about it.   

What happens when you can’t overcome a breastfeeding challenge? If you’re like me, you end up exclusively pumping breastmilk for over a year.

My breastfeeding journey was not at all how I’d planned it. In the months leading up to the birth of my son I worked hard to lay a good foundation for breastfeeding. I read “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding”, attended La Leche League meetings, took a “How-to” class, and opted for an epidural free birth.

My son was born full-term and healthy. That is to say, there wasn’t a reason in the world why we shouldn’t be able to breastfeed. But we couldn’t. Our attempts at nursing were evaluated by three lactation consultants, my LLL Leader, and countless friends and relatives who had successfully breastfed. No one could get my son to latch and no one could tell me why.

When I started pumping at the hospital, I assumed it would be a temporary fix. Two weeks later I started to think that this might go on for much longer. The “experts” I consulted for guidance were unprepared and frankly were unsupportive about exclusively pumping. I was told it would be impossible to effectively establish and maintain my milk supply. I tried anyway, and you know what, they were wrong.

After three months of trying, I finally gave up attempting to nurse. Emotionally it was too hard to be “rejected” over and over by my son. So I found myself on a road much less traveled as I continued to pump. He thrived on my milk and I took comfort in that. He was getting much of the same benefits of breastmilk, just not the traditional way. Just after his first birthday I started to “wean” from pumping as he transitioned to cow’s milk.

We may have failed at nursing, but I feel like I succeeded at breastfeeding. Some of the challenges are the same with pumping as with nursing, clogged ducts, mastasis, cracked nipples. But in my experience the challenges of exclusively pumping were not understood or acknowledged. There is a misconception that pumping is somehow easier and more convenient than nursing. Believe me, there is nothing convenient about relying on a breast pump to feed your child. Forget “sleeping when the baby sleeps;” you have to pump when the baby sleeps. In the beginning, it’s usually 8 to 12 times a day, although most women can cut back as the baby gets older. Pumping in public? Forget it, although I was known to discreetly do so when necessary. It’s also hard if not impossible to soothe a crying baby or entertain a mobile baby while pumping. A simple question, “Are you breastfeeding or bottlefeeding?” becomes very complicated to answer.

Emotionally you also have to deal with the loss of a nursing relationship. That has been the hardest part for me. I’m trying to look forward now. I’m pregnant with my second child and hoping that nursing, not pumping, is in our future.

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The top ten breastfeeding stories of 2007.

Like last year, I've put together some highlights of this year in breastfeeding-related news, in no particular order.  Hope you enjoy this summary!

Nationwide nurse-ins held at Applebee's.  Applebee's set off a national furor after instructing a nursing mother in Kentucky to cover up, a violation of Kentucky law.  When confronted with the issue Applebee's proposed that all of their restaurants be stocked with blankets for covering nursing mothers.  Protests were held in 43 states.  Thanks to Hathor the Cowgoddess for the use of the Applebee's cartoon at right!

Sophie Currier vs. The National Board of Medical Examiners.  Harvard MD/PhD candidate Sophie Currier asked for extra time to pump during her medical boards.  Without it she would have had a total of 45 minutes per day of testing to eat, pump, and go to the bathroom.  Her request for an additional 20 minutes per day was denied by the board, but she won in court on appeal, and was granted the extra time. 

La Leche League turns 50.  Who knew that seven pearl-wearing mothers at a picnic in 1957 would change the world?  They did, and this year La Leche League held a huge conference in Chicago to celebrate.  They released the book The Revolutionaries Wore Pearls to commemorate the anniversary, and one TV station produced a great video tribute. 

My Space, Facebook, and You Tube remove breastfeeding images.  Social networking sites this year sent the message:  breastfeeding is indecent - but bring on the porn!  The image to the left is one of the breastfeeding photos removed from My Space.  Friends of breastfeeding set up petitions on My Space and Facebook in protest.  The jury isn't quite in on You Tube.

Formula companies try to pit moms against each other, while actually trying to protect marketing in hospitals.  This year the formula industry created what appear at first to be grassroots websites representing a breastfeeding version of the mommy wars.  But anyone who dug just a little deeper could easily see that the sites were an attempt to rally mothers behind the formula companies' ability to market formula in hospitals - a practice which some hospitals are now curtailing.  These websites earned the industry a bronze "Falsie" award.

Legislation on breastfeeding introduced in many states.  Legislation was introduced in many states to protect the right to nurse in public, require that employers accommodate pumping moms, exempt mothers from jury duty, and improve access to breastfeeding support.  There were rallies to support both state and federal legislation.  So far the states of New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Kentucky, California, Oregon, and Wyoming have passed breastfeeding-related legislation, and there are probably more I've missed.

Bisphenol A raises fears about baby bottles and formula cans.  A federal study and lots of press attention around the issue of plastics used in baby bottles and formula cans got lots of us taking a hard look at our Avent bottles.  The focus is on Bisphenol A (BPA), a component of some polycarbonate plastics that appears to leach out of bottles and can linings and into breastmilk or formula.  BPA acts like estrogen, and has been linked to impaired hormonal function, cancer, developmental toxicity, learning problems, hyperactivity, and insulin functioning. The plastics industry stands by its claim that BPA is a-okay, but mothers trying to play it safe are switching to glass and plastics without it. 

TSA changes its breastmilk on board policies.  No more dumping milk at the security checkpoint!  The skies got just a little friendlier to pumping moms this year when the TSA lifted its restriction on carrying pumped milk on board, allowing mothers traveling without infants to carry on milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it's declared at the security checkpoint.

Federal study quantifies the health benefits of breastfeeding, is then squashed.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a major study showing how much breastfeeding helps prevent certain diseases and health conditions (i.e. breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS by 36%).  Then, according to a report in the Washington Post, the study was promptly buried.  The Washington Post also reported on the ugly history of the last breastfeeding promotion campaign.

Philippines wins major battle to protect breastfeeding.  The battle over formula marketing in the developing world focused on the Philippines this year, with a challenge (supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) to the Philippines' "milk code."  Unicef Philippines argued that 16,000 babies die each year in the Philippines because of formula use, and produced a video to make its case.  The Supreme Court sided largely with Unicef, allowing much of the code to take effect.

Oh, let's squeeze in one more:  More celebrities talk about breastfeeding.  You can check out Kelly's round-up on this topic, and for my favorite moment, check out this clip of Julia Roberts (forward to 1:20).  You can even test your celebrity breastfeeding knowledge with this quiz!

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2007 brought more studies, more reasons to breastfeed.

Like last year, I'm taking a look back at the year's breastfeeding research.  As always, there is yet more evidence of the importance of breastfeeding in protecting the health of mothers and babies.

The big news in breastfeeding research was a giant federal study which looked at over 9,000 breastfeeding related studies from developed countries and quantified the "risk reduction" associated with breastfeeding.  A few of their conclusions:  breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS by 36 percent, and reduces your risk of breast cancer by 28%.

In addition, research showed this year that, for babies, breastfeeding:

• Reduces your baby's risk of heart disease in adulthood
• Doesn't cause dental caries
• Helps your baby sleep better
• Reduces your child's risk of sleep apnea and other sleep disordered breathing
• Protects children from obesity
• Develops your baby's vision
• Reduces your baby's risk of Type II diabetes later in life
• Helps babies develop a taste for vegetables
• Reduces allergy risk
• Makes your baby smarter (if they have the right genes?)

Research from this year also showed that, for mothers, breastfeeding:

• Reduces your risk of rheumatoid arthritis
• Doesn't cause your breasts to sag
• Reduces breast cancer risk for "older" mothers (over 25, ahem)
• Reduces your risk of heart attack
• Helps you keep weight off
• Maintains your insulin and cholesterol levels
• Is considered a top ten way preventing cancer (recommendation, not a study)

And a few more studies revealed new information on breastfeeding:

• Drinking organic milk while pregnant and nursing may reduce the risk of allergies
• Newborns show the same rooting behaviors when fathers hold them skin to skin
• Smoking while breastfeeding makes your baby sleep less
• Kangaroo care for full term babies helps them self attach, yields better vital signs

I'm creating a new category for silly breastfeeding research this year.  According to these studies, breastfeeding:

• Is an aphrodisiac - the smell of it, that is
• Reduces your child's risk of excema - if you laugh first
• Causes upward social mobility - a tad far fetched, don't you think?

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Guest post: Kelly's celebrity breastfeeding round-up for 2007

For a round-up of celebrity breastfeeding news in 2007, I'm turning the blog over to reader and blogger Kelly, shown to the left with her son Austin (18 months and still nursing).

As the year comes to an end, I wanted to take a look back at some of the moms in the media who shared their breastfeeding experiences this year. I'm thankful these women in the public eye have been open about their efforts, and hope they encourage new moms to choose to nurse their own babies.

Lactivist of the year:  Maggie Gyllenhal.  No one can top Maggie's "so what?" attitude!  She turned an papparazi's intrusive photo into an opportunity.  Maybe other moms would have stayed home next time, but not Maggie.  The gossip columns were abuzz with her next outing:  "boldly" nursing her daughter Ramona at a NYC sidewalk cafe.  As blogger Stephania Pomponi Butler put it, "You'd think she had an agenda or something.  Like, is she trying to show people that breastfeeding is natural and breasts are for feeding babies?"

New to the Club:  Keri Russell.  Everything about Keri Russell, mom to five-month old son, River, is natural and promotes attachment parenting. From wearing her son in a sling, to her committment to breastfeeding, she's a down-to-earth mom a lot of us can relate to.

Graduating class:  Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Garner.  Gwen "nursing gives you superhuman powers" Stefani breastfed son Kingston well after he was a year old. Kudos for Gwen for promoting extended breastfeeding.  Gwen has said so many positive things about breastfeeding, she's one of my favorite celebrity moms!

Jennifer Garnner breastfed her daughter Violet for 14 months.  I love that she was so committed to nursing Violet, "pumping in the car on the way to the Oscars, and in airplane bathrooms" and how much she treasured their bond.  She says, "I really loved [breastfeeding].  It gave me peace and a sense of purpose."

While acceptance of breastfeeding is gaining momentum, some still wince at the thought of an "older baby" nursing. Thanks to these moms for extolling the virtues of extended breastfeeding.

Dad Power:  Will Farrell.  Finally, my personal highlight of 2007. Who could not love Will Farrell and his red carpet breastpump moment?  Highlighting a breast pump as the evening's "must-have" accessory at the Golden Globes Ceremony shows that dads are a big part of a family's breastfeeding success.

Tanya's note:  Here's my favorite celebrity moment of the year:  Julia Roberts accepting the Cinematheque award (fast forward to 1:20).

Here's to a healthy 2008 and and many MANY more breastfed babies!

The best Christmas pageant ever.

This story started circulating last year, I believe, and I think it's a holiday classic.  I wish that I could track down and thank the mother who took the time to write up this scene from her daughter's play.  Happy holidays, everyone!

Went to Abigail's school Christmas concert (no "proper" Nativity this year).  Each class did a little something followed by a song or two.  Anyway, Ab's class did a Nativity scene, with Ab as Mary (How proud was I?).  A few mins into their bit Ab promptly lifted her dress & shoved baby Jesus up it. The script then wandered away from what they'd learnt and goes as follows....

Joseph: "What are you doing?"
Mary: "I'm feeding our baby."
Shepherd: "Have you got a bottle up there then?"
Mary: "Don't be silly he's having milk from my booby."
Joseph: "That's disgusting."
Mary: "No, that baby milk they have in Tescos is disgusting. My baby's having proper milk."
Shepherd: "What's a booby?"
Mary: "Those sticky out bits ladies have."
Shepherd: "They're not boobies, they're nipples."
Mary: "No they're not, they're boobies."
Joseph: "So why can't Jesus have milk from a bottle then?"
Mary: "Because I haven't got a breast pump with me - you forgot to put it on the donkey."
Shepherd: "Can't you ask the teacher for a bottle to feed Jesus with?"
Mary: "No because this is the best way to feed Jesus. Anyway bottles haven't been invented yet and even if they were I've just had a baby so if you think I'm faffing about round Tescos to buy baby milk when I make proper milk in my boobies you can think again."

I felt a teeny bit sorry for their class teacher - she did try her best to steer them back towards their proper lines but she was laughing so much she didn't really stand a chance. The line about Joseph forgetting the breast pump finished her off - she slid to the floor and couldn't get up for laughing....

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A few holiday travel tips for breastfeeding moms.

I'm off to California today for the holidays, and I thought I could offer a few tips for travel with a nursing baby.  I'm sure that you can think of more.  Please add to my list!

If you're planning a long drive, budget time for feeding stops.  Babies, especially young ones, need to feed frequently (as if you could forget!).  Plan to stop as needed.   

Stay hydrated.  Flights, long car rides, and dry indoor heating can leave you dehydrated.  Keep water on hand and drink when you can.

If you're flying, breastfeed to help your baby regulate ear pressure.  Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to help your baby regulate his or her ear pressure as your plane changes altitude.

Expect some changes to your routines, but stay cued-in to your baby.  In the craziness of the holidays feeding and sleeping routines often get turned upside down.  Some babies become so distracted that they forget to eat, or become so over-stimulated that they have a hard time sleeping.  Stay cued-in to your baby's needs, and consider feedings an opportunity to connect in the chaos.  Be alert to signs of "holiday weaning."

If you're flying and are pumping, know the new TSA policies.  The TSA recently revised its policy on carrying breastmilk on board.  Check out the new guidelines here.

Say yes/say no.  You'll have your hands full just taking care of your baby.  Accept offers of help, and do your best to say no to extra responsibilities.

Remember, it's your baby.  If you'll be around family and friends who don't support your decision to breastfeed, remember that only you can decide what's right for your family. 

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Wordless Wednesday: Snow faces

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Motherwear's letter to the Massachusetts legislature.

Here is a letter Motherwear recently sent, along with letters from our local breastfeeding task force, local Moms Rising/Motherwoman group, and 100 individuals, to the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Health in support of Senate Bill 78.  This bill would provide legal protection for breastfeeding in public, and require employers to accommodate pumping mothers in the workplace.

The bill has passed out of the committee, given a new number, and will soon be headed to the House, where it died last year.  You can weigh  in on this bill, too, through the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition's advocacy page.

Dear (Senator or Representative):

On behalf of Motherwear International, Inc., I am writing to urge you to vote in favor of Senate Bill 78, "An Act Relative to the Public Health Benefits of Breast Feeding."

Motherwear has been supporting breastfeeding for over 24 years.  We publish the only catalog exclusively for nursing moms.  Motherwear's commitment to nursing doesn't stop at the clothing.  We want all women to feel empowered with the knowledge they're giving the best possible start to their babies.

At the root of our mission is our desire to support breastfeeding women and create a nurturing environment for them and their families.  We want to help women foster a long and satisfying breastfeeding relationship with their babies, educate others about the benefits of breastfeeding, and empower more mothers to nurse their babies longer.

We are dismayed that Massachusetts is one of only a handful of states that does not protect mother nursing their children in public.  We believe that a woman should not be forced to delay feeding her hungry child because of fear of how she will be treated.  Children should not be required to be fed while their mothers are perched over public toilets in cramped bathroom stalls.  Passage of legislation to protect the rights of mothers to breastfeed will send a powerful message that the State of Massachusetts recognizes the individual and societal benefits of nursing.

We also support this legislation because it requires that employers make reasonable accommodations for mothers who want to pump in the workplace. 

If a woman is to be able to successfully breastfeed her child, it is imperative that her rights to feed her child in the optimally beneficial way be protected.

Please vote YES on the passage of Senate Bill 78.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Taylor, CEO

Motherwear International, Inc.

Act now to keep 560,000 families from being cut from the WIC program.

WIC, the federal Women, Infants, and Children program, is an important part of our country's breastfeeding support system.  It's the only targetted government support of direct breastfeeding help that I know of.  And right now - really the next couple of days - its growth is in serious jeopardy. 

WIC provides supplemental food, nutrition education, referrals for pregnant women, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women, infants, and children to age five.  The mothers and children supported by the program are considered at nutritional risk. 

For years WIC was known as the "free formula" program, and it probably still is in some communities.  But program changes in the last few decades have turned it into a critical support for breastfeeding for lower income families.  In some communities it's the only source of breastfeeding help around.  And very recent changes to the program have improved the kinds of food families can get and align it with the current recommendations regarding exclusive breastfeeding.

Here's the thing I love about WIC:  much of the breastfeeding help it provides is through "breastfeeding peer counselors," often former or current WIC moms who help other moms.  Research has shown that peer counselors increase the initiation and duration of breastfeeding.  It's a cheap, effective way to increase the breastfeeding rate in a population less likely to breastfeed.  And it looks like it's working: breastfeeding rates among WIC particpants are on the rise.  WIC also makes great promotional and education materials like this poster showing some differences between breastmilk and formula.  Here's a recently released video on the breastfeeding program. 

So, what's the problem?  WIC is in danger of becoming a casualty of the current budget impasse in Washington.  For the last ten years there has been a bipartisan agreement to fully fund the program, but this year the President, the House, and the Senate have all approved a funding level which will not be enough to cover the projected caseload.  With higher food prices, increased numbers of eligible families, and declining rebates, the program costs are increasing, and the funding levels being discussed in Washington just won't cover the need.

So stop reading this right now and send an email asking that WIC receive enough funding to not have to cut half a million families from the program.  It'll take 10 seconds.  For more information on the issue, see the National WIC Association website.

Um, you're still reading this.  Get going to that website and protect the program now!

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This is indecent.

Well, not to me, but it is in the opinion of one member of the city council of Lubbock, Texas, which banned the painting to the left from a show in the Buddy Holly Center this week.  Also banned was a nude of a pregnant mother.

I was contacted by Annie Harrison, who is the model for the painting, and who is understandably a bit peeved that this touching, dare we say normal, moment between her and her daugher Samantha is being labeled indecent.

Here's a local press report on the incident:

"A city of Lubbock official banned two drawings - one with nudity - from an art show in a city-run facility, a move the artist says could discourage her West Texas colleagues.

The predominantly pencil-sketched images of a nearly fully clothed mother who is breast-feeding and a nude pregnant woman were banned from the Buddy Holly Center, a cultural facility that pays tribute to the late rock 'n' roll star and regularly displays various art forms.

'I was very surprised because I had shown there in 2003 and had shown many nudes,' Lahib Jaddo said Tuesday. 'I am mad at the city.'

...'We will continue to review exhibits on a case-by-case basis using good judgment about the nature of what is displayed in a city-owned facility which hosts events attended by children,' City Manager Lee Ann Dumbauld said through [a city spokeswoman]."

The artist accuses the city of making the decision to ban the paintings without even seeing them, noting that the decison was made over the phone.  The museum is a city-run facility. 

Fortunately not everyone in Lubbock agrees with the city, including this blogger and her readers.  If you'd care to email the council or mayor, their contact information is here.

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