Friday, May 11, 2012

A Time to be Extreme?

The headline reads “Are You Mom Enough? Why attachment parenting drives some mothers to extremes…”  The cover of this month's Time seeks to incite controversy (and sell magazines) as one sees a 26 year old mother standing in somewhat of an audacious pose while her 3 y/o son stands on a chair suckling at her breast.  I could scream!!!   The article itself discusses a philosophy of parenting, called “attachment parenting”, which encourages breastfeeding, baby wearing and safe co-sleeping.  Although I have not yet read the article (and acknowledge that some things can be taken to extremes), I feel “extremely” disappointed in Time magazine’s cover photo that, in my opinion, exploits the act of breastfeeding and belittles a parenting style that, for the most part, represents good, evidence-based and instinctual parenting.   In a video clip posted on the magazine’s website, the author claims that there is “no evidence to show that wearing your baby… or sleeping with your baby will change how they will turn out”.   On the contrary!  Even from birth, via the act of skin-to-skin positioning, close physical contact with an infant has been shown to improve physical and cognitive outcomes!  She also makes the statement that “sleeping with your baby is a new phenomenon” (wrong… families have slept together for hundreds of years all over the world) and that “a lot of people who are attracted to attachment parenting are kind of reacting to their own (difficult) childhoods” (a pretty good reason, I’d say).   I hope I will be pleasantly surprised in reading the article. Regardless, I will stand firm in my belief that human infants deserve to be breast-fed long-term if possible (at least one year), and that, physiologically, human infants and young children need to be carried close to our bodies, whenever possible.  Lastly, I don’t think I have ever met a loving parent who hasn’t, on many occasions, brought their child into bed for a family snuggle,warmth and the security that every precious child deserves. Here’s a link to the Cover Photo or, to read Forbes magazine’s take on this.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Breast Milk and Oreo Cookies… Where is the Controversy?

Literally and figuratively speaking, this is a very "sweet" ad.  Never meant to be seen by the general public?  I seriously doubt it.  Great social marketing campaign?  Absolutely!  What could be better than breast milk and cookies in representing some of the best things in life?  Well, maybe the cookie isn't the most nutritious, but who cares!  This is a feel good ad that brilliantly highlights warmth, innocence and the anticipation of a tasty treat.  Glad the company took the initiative. 

FYI, for those of you who are wondering, babies at about 4-6 months of age are often "distracted" at the breast.  Gentle nipple stretching does occur as a baby contemplates release, but it usually doesn't hurt.  Although touched up a bit (and oreo cookies not likely given by moms), this picture looks fairly realistic to me.  Let me know what you think!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Breast Pump and Empty Bottles… An Airport Security Risk?

Late last year we discussed issues related to breastfeeding and air travel (Dec, 2011).  Today, an incident was reported that might be of interest to those of you who travel by air with a breast pump (as many working moms do).  Clearly, in this case, it was one TSA agent’s mistake.  But, I think it will do well in helping to educate others.  Here’s a link to the article if you are interested. http://on.msnbc.com/wxhpwQ

Thursday, March 1, 2012

New Mom joins the Breastfeeding Club


Congratulations to new mom Beyonce Knowles for breastfeeding her sweet baby Blue Ivy out and about town.  Welcome to the club!
Here’s a link to the story (sent by my daughter) http://bit.ly/woTyrU

Friday, February 10, 2012

Should Breastfeeding be shown on Sesame Street?


Recently I saw this headline.  “Should breastfeeding be shown on Sesame Street?”  In other words, should children be exposed to one of the healthiest, most natural wonders of human nature?  Personally and professionally, here’s what I have to say.
My two daughters grew up in an environment rich with images of pregnant mothers and breastfeeding babies.  You see, I began my career as a Childbirth Educator.  I taught classes out of my home.  There were posters, model pelvises and visual aids everywhere!  Our house was filled with the essence of reproduction.  Even our family pets got into the swing of things by exemplifying procreation (dogs, guinea pigs, mice, finch… boy did we have finch!!).   My daughters used to nurse their baby dolls, and even give birth to them!
Those little girls have grown into wonderful, accomplished young women, each breastfeeding their own sweet babies.  They approached breastfeeding with a sense of confidence and normality.  There was never a decision to breastfeed.  It was just the way infants were fed!
When I saw the above mentioned headline, I took a fond walk down Sesame Street memory lane.  (My favorite character was Snuffleupagus.  I loved his name).   Historically, breastfeeding had been portrayed in a discrete, gentle and sweet manor on Sesame Street.   I actually recall seeing the 1977 episode where Big Bird learns about breastfeeding!  (Here’s a link to the segment if you’re interested:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-L-Fg7lWgQ ).   Apparently, breastfeeding has not visited Sesame Street at all for a very long time.  Indeed, disappointing.
Years of professional experience have shown me that breastfeeding is largely affected by our psyche.  Women who were raised in environments where breastfeeding was practiced openly and without cynicism are undoubtedly more relaxed and confident about the process.   So, my answer to the question…?    ABSOLUTELY!  Let’s set our children up for future breastfeeding success!
BTW, thank you www.bringbreastfeedingback.com  (Bring Breastfeeding Back to Sesame Street) for letting me borrow your drawing.  Its darling!