Mayim Bialik: Her Parenting Philosophy is more than Just a Big Bang!

Thank you, Mayim. You just made my day! Your beautifully written portrayal of your breastfeeding journey with four-year-old son, Fred, speaks to what parenting is (and should be) all about. Our children are part of us. They are not something we own or are simply responsible for…they are us.

Despite having difficulty nursing both of her boys, Mayim proudly stated in her blog post that she “loved nursing Fred” and that “Fred loved and needed nursing.” She proudly proclaimed, “we did it, and we did it long, and we did it well.”  Congratulations, Mayim and Fred. You did it!

Admirably yours (for many more reasons than just being a fan of the Big Bang Theory),

Diana

To read Mayim’s complete blog post, click here.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Moms

While the benefits of human milk for babies are well known, less attention is given to the benefits that mothers receive from breastfeeding. 

Women actually enjoy numerous maternal benefits, including: 

• Reduced risk of breast cancer (pre- and post-menopausal) 

• Reduced risk of osteoporosis and ovarian cancer

• Faster return to pre-pregnancy weight

• Reduced risk of post-partum hemorrhage

• Reduced risk of post-partum depression

Besides improving our health, breastfeeding also affects the way a mother feels when she is actually nursing. The hormones of lactation – prolactin and oxytocin – have very profound, biological effects on a breastfeeding mom. For example, a new nursing mom may notice that when her baby begins suckling at the breast, she feels extremely tired and barely able to keep her eyes open. After nursing her baby, she is relaxed and ready for a nap. And since most babies nap after nursing, both mom and baby can conveniently rest at the same time.

Prolactin is the milk-making hormone. Released in the brain, it sends signals to the milk-producing cells in the breast to manufacture milk. But making breast milk is only half of the process. The milk must then be delivered, and this is oxytocin’s responsibility. 

Oxytocin helps the uterus contract in the early post-partum period, reducing blood loss. It also constricts cells in the breast, squeezing the milk forward into the milk ducts, allowing a well-latched baby to suck out the milk. Many women can feel the oxytocin working in their breasts. This let-down sensation is often described as a “pins and needles” feeling, or a tingling sensation. 

In addition to these physical effects, oxytocin influences a mother’s emotions. In fact, oxytocin has been called the “hormone of love.” With every nursing session, this love hormone circulates, helping mom feel tenderness and love for her baby. This process equips a new mom to cope with stress of the “fourth trimester.” It’s the mothering hormones of lactation at work!

Molly, IBCLC 

Breast Pumps

One of the most common questions we receive from our patients before delivery is about breast pumps.
Which one is best? 
Where can I buy one? 
And will my insurance help cover the cost?

As many of you know, health insurance companies are now starting to cover the cost of breast pumps. However, we’ve noticed different insurance companies have different policies regarding breast pump coverage. For instance, some require a prescription from your doctor, while others will only cover a manual pump. 

Therefore, we recommend that you contact your insurance company to find out their policy for pumps.

And of course, we’re more than happy to answer your questions about pump choices based on your needs. -Mary Jane, IBCLC

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.

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!

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

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