Showing posts with label breastfeeding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breastfeeding. Show all posts

Monday, September 24, 2012

Breastfeeding Gifts: A Pictorial

I don't like deceptive marketing practices, especially when my children's health is involved.  

C.J. turned a month old yesterday, and I finally had time to open my "breastfeeding gifts" from the hospital. These breastfeeding bags are of course promotions for formula companies. A million articles on why breastfeeding moms don't need formula samples are on the Internet. Even more exist why hospitals should not market formula. So I won't write about that, but my experience.

Before I left the hospital, a nurse walked in with these pretty bags:

They look nice enough.
I was dressing C.J. and when the nurse announced she had my "breastfeeding bags," I remarked that they looked a lot like formula bags. She rolled her eyes. I smiled at her, and she shrugged her shoulders, remarking that "reps give them to us." Yes, I know, I told her.

"And Similac." It's got the same ingredients, see?
All ready to go - complete with coupons.
Conflicting advice - do they start with Similac, or breastfeeding?
Scare tactics.
Breastfeeding bottles - and formula in case you decide to mix it.
That's what breastfeeding moms need - powder. For what I don't know.
The worst? The March of Dimes puts its name on this deceptive practice.
I've written before about our culture and television influencing our children's beliefs and health. It is my job as a parent to combat these messages, and to teach my children about them. I just wish I didn't have to start the fight before I leave the hospital.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Shame On: Rachel Ray

 We are behind the days of thinking breastfeeding needs "hidden."

The breastfeeding debate drives me nuts, it really does. Not because I hear different information or new points of view, but because I sit in disbelief that the argument still exists. Breast vs. Bottle? Really? They are different - formula is well, a plan, a blueprint (a 'formula' if you will) by scientists, that tries to copy breastmilk. But it can't - and it doesn't.



Every time I see a new formula commercial that says new and improved! now more like breastmilk! I think, huh. So all those babies that drank the old formula had an ingredient missing. That's sad. I wonder if other people watching the same commercials think, great! Now formula has more stuff in it! I am not being silly when I say the whole argument baffles me. I cannot wrap the idea that formula is better than breastmilk around my brain, so I never really engage in such arguments. I sit there dumbfounded.

Plus, instead of debating breast vs. bottle I think moms' time would be better served working to battle the trials and misconceptions moms face when trying to breastfeed. I think we should stop unethical practices by formula companies. I think we should work to get milk banks opened. I also think that the Nursing In Public (NIP) movement is important and comes at the right time. When others see breastfeeding as the norm and as something done everywhere, it becomes the norm. The secrecy surrounding it is gone.

I know some mothers cannot breastfeed. The public needs educated, and it angers me when I see a person with a large pulpit making thoughtless statements. 

The biggest argument against NIP is normally that NIP makes other people uncomfortable, which is where this post is headed. When I opened my Facebook today, I saw a Best for Babes post about a Rachel Ray show. An audience member asked 'Bethenny' (the show's guest) a question. That question and the conversation follows:

 Shea:  “I’m expecting my second child and strongly thinking of breastfeeding.   What are your rules for public breastfeeding, like where is it appropriate?”
Bethenny:  “I think, unless you are Pamela Anderson, you shouldn’t be showing anyone your breasts besides your husband and your baby.”
Rachael Ray:  “Exactly.”
Bethenny:  “I really do. I think you should find a corner, or there is always a back room, I just think it makes other people uncomfortable.   When you are a mother you think everyone is ‘in on’ what you’re ‘in on’, [. . .] but they’re not.  Because I didn’t know anything about [breastfeeding] until I was pregnant and I was sensitive to the fact that it would have flipped me out.  So I think, just keep it private.  But definitely breastfeed and do things your own way,  but in that one way, I would keep it a little bit private. Whipping out your boob at the dinner table is a good diet tip for everyone else. 

The idea that two women -Bethenny and Rachel Ray - use a television show to encourage hiding while breastfeeding astounds me. It is incredibly outdated and hypocritical of a television show host who discusses healthy eating and overall life styles to say "exactly" when discussing why women should cover up while breastfeeding.

I was mad when I read the article today. I don't watch Rachel Ray regularly and now that I have a low opinion of her show's content, I probably won't again. I still emailed the show's producers, and encourage you to do the same: showcomments@rachaelrayshow.com. Here is part of my letter, and you may use all or portions of it:

Breastfeeding is recommended by the WHO to continue for two years into the child's life. Naturally, women will be out in public for those two years, and even more naturally, she should not have to hide in a corner.

I expect Rachel Ray (and other public figures who regularly give health advice) to promote breastfeeding, not shun it. She should apologize, at the very least. I would prefer that she host a show on breastfeeding, and bring in experts to explain the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby, tips to successful breastfeeding, and more importantly, why it is absolutely legal to breastfeed in public.


Please consider making amends with a large audience group which this thoughtless comment offended.


I truly believe, loyal blog readers, that we must tell those in the public we do not appreciate such narrow-minded comments. Shame on you, Rachel Ray for telling that large audience that your reach daily to cover up while nursing their babies.

Now go write that email.


Photo Credit: Every Stock Photo

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Sesame Street Breastfeeding Clip

I wonder why this Sesame Street clip is not played on television anymore. I remember seeing it before and it made me very happy. I hope it makes you happy too.

(Thanks to Kelly Mom for finding it).

Thursday, April 1, 2010

April Fool's Day

So busy! So pretty! What a wonderful week with my kiddies. They have played hard-outside! It is wonderful. Not so much for my writing, but for everything else.

In honor of April Fool's Day, I am posting my favorite April Fool's joke, ever. It was for 2009's day and is by Dr. Jay Gordon. It was controversial and satirical, which is also great. Here it is:

Press Release

4/1/2009

American Academy of Pediatrics—For Immediate Release


Dr. David T. Tayloe, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics which represents 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists has announced that it is severing all ties with the infant formula industry.

"This method of feeding substitution has harmed millions of children both in America and throughout the world and we pediatricians can no longer continue our relationship with the manufacturers of infant formula." said Dr. Tayloe, who assumed the post of AAP President in October of 2008.

"Our alliance with the pharmaceutical industry is unethical. Our accepting millions of dollars and continuing to allow these business people to influence our policies while sponsoring our
speakers, conferences and conventions is an ongoing embarrassment and we will end this ethical problem right now."

"Further, I would like to apologize for our past mistakes involving the breastfeeding advertisement campaign and allowing the maker of Similac infant formula to print its corporate logo on the cover of a special edition of the academy's book on breastfeeding."

"Again, I can cannot express enough regret and can assure you that the AAP will immediately seek compliance with the WHO Code and will promote the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative."

Sincerely,
David T. Tayloe, MD, President of the American Academy of
Pediatrics April 1, 2009

And of course... I feel breastfeeding is beyond important, especially since breastfeeding surrounds my blog's theme of *education.* Here is another idea from Dr. Gordon which emphasizes why breastfeeding is so important:

"According to the AAP’s own Breastfeeding Section, at least one thousand new scientific and medical papers on topics related to breast and bottle feeding have been published in just the past four years. Taken as a whole, this mounting body of research reveals dramatically different health outcomes for populations of breast and formula-fed babies, even when controlling for socioeconomic and other factors."

Thursday, September 17, 2009

If We Want Preventive Health Care, Let's Talk About Breastfeeding

The health care reform talk on CNN and FOX and even my town's newspaper buy into "preventive health care." This makes sense: if Americans eat correctly, exercise, and generally behave, they will be less sick, feel better, work better, see the doctor less, and a beautiful cycle of wellness will abound. 

Not quite, but with preventive healthcare, all will save money.

Major news organizations ignore preventive healthcare overall, mainly because it isn't fun and Americans tend to be reactive rather than proactive. Spending money on new health fads has more possible news stories. So let's talk about money.

As the Peoria Journal Star reports, the annual insurance premium for a family paid by employers and workers recently rose from $7,220 to $13,397. That's an increase of nearly 86 percent. Conversely, the median earnings of Illinois workers rose just 17 percent, from $26,806 to $31,414. As an Illinois native, this bothers me. What bothers me more is that the article closes without any reference to preventive health care, which will lower doctor bills. Articles about expensive healthcare must reference that preventive health care is often the cheapest. Preventive healthcare, caring for yourself before you are sick, should start at birth with breastfeeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reported a study proving such a point. Thomas M. Ball and Anne L. Wright looked at three illnesses in infants: lower respiratory tract illnesses, otitis media, and gastrointestinal illnesses. Results were expected: 
There were 2033 excess office visits, 212 excess days of hospitalization, and 609 excess prescriptions for these three illnesses per 1000 never-breastfed infants compared with 1000 infants exclusively breastfed for at least 3 months. These additional health care services cost the managed care health system between $331 and $475 per never-breastfed infant during the first year of life.

Researchers concluded with the following: 

In addition to having more illnesses, formula-fed infants cost the health care system money. Health care plans will likely realize substantial savings, as well as providing improved care,by supporting and promoting exclusive breastfeeding. 

Undoubtedly, breastfeeding must be part of our nation's healthcare reform discussion. It is key in preventive health care. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized my point: 

Small steps are as important as system overhaul. Those who initiate change, large or small, are experiencing benefits today and creating the foundation for success in the future. 

Media, mothers, and concerned citizens: let's all openly discuss breastfeeding, how it can lower our health care costs, and most importantly, help babies. 

Unless common citizens promote breastfeeding and openly demand the abolition of the atrocity that is formula, babies will suffer. Excuses and self-comforting hinder the breastfeeding movement, as does cruelty and hatred.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Breastfeeding Moms Hold Nurse-In


Common sense and the law protect women and babies who breastfeed in public. Of course they breastfeed in public! The baby is hungry and the mom is building her milk supply.



Anyone who thinks differently is ignorant. Simply ignorant.



America is overwhelmingly obese and dumb. Bottlefeeding is the root of this. Look at research and you will not find anything else.



This argument (breastfeeding in public) is over. The law proves that. Caring and intelligent citizens must move on to teaching and helping new mothers breastfeed.



Society has changed in the past and it needs to change again. Bottlefeeding your baby is dangerous, and these women are just trying to accustom the public to the best and natural way to feed your baby.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Breastfeeding Misconceptions

As I head off to bed, I must jot down a few misconceptions I always hear concerning breastfeeding. If you truly understand how breastfeeding works, these may seem silly. For mothers with little breastfeeding knowledge, these excuses must seem very real.

My milk dried up because...
1. I took Benadryl.
2. I had the flu.
3. I got a vaccine. 

I didn't make enough milk because...
1. I nursed the baby and then had to pump because the baby wanted to keep nursing.
2. the baby wanted to nurse every three hours.
3. I never saw milk.

I needed to give the baby formula because...
1. his dad needed to feel close to him and feed him.
2. she would wake up hungry and wanted to nurse for hours.
3. I had a cesarean section.

As usual, I reiterate my belief that knowledge is key in understanding why women stop or never start breastfeeding. When women lie, they hurt others who may believe them. These excuses need explained away. 

Unless common citizens promote breastfeeding and openly demand the abolition of the atrocity that is formula, babies will suffer. Excuses and self-comforting hinder the breastfeeding movement, as does cruelty and hatred.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Shame On: Enfamil

Enfamil RestFull promotes the idea that babies will sleep better with this formula. Mead Johnson "Nutrition"'s website states the following unethical advertising and manipulations:
Your baby needs a proper amount of sleep to keep her healthy and happy. That's why we created new Enfamil RestFull, the formula specially designed to naturally encourage a good night's sleep.
  • A natural way to help keep your baby feeling satisfied.
  • Thickens gently in baby's tummy and digests slowly.

I do wish Mead Johnson "Nutrition" would answer the following questions:

1. In what way is this a "natural way" to keep baby satisfied?
2. The use of the word "feeling" before "satisfied" leads me to wonder the exact fullness for the baby. Will the baby be full or not? Will the baby be hungry, and think he or she is not? How long does this "feeling" last? Is there really such a feeling for an infant whose stomach is the size of a small fist? 
3. What chemical concoction makes this bovine based powered breast milk-imitation "thicken"?
4. "Gently." Really? Most formula fed babies cry because their stomachs hurt, or because they need the nurturing and comfort of their mothers. How is this gentle?
5. "Tummy." Nice word and a cute euphemism. We are on to you, Mead Johnson "Nutrition." Make everything associated with your junk-product sweet and moms will buy it. No more. 

I also wonder, in general, why a company with "nutrition" in the title would want formula to "digest slowly." As an adult, and I eat something I should not have eaten (very much like babies who are fed your formula should not eat formula) and it digests slowly, I am in pain. My stomach hurts and I always think, "I shouldn't eat ___. I won't eat ____ again." It is too bad that babies do not have advanced communication skills, leaving them only to cry.

Unless common citizens promote breastfeeding and openly demand the abolition of the atrocity that is formula, babies will suffer. Excuses and self-comforting hinder the breastfeeding movement, as does cruelty and hatred.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Angelina Statue: breastfeeding in our culture

I am not a fan of Angelina Jolie's acting. I do like that she is outspoken about breastfeeding. I am pretty outspoken, but she is more so, which is great because more people listen to her than they do me.  HA!

So... an artist made a statue of her breastfeeding twins. (Side note: it infuriates me that 'breastfeeding' is not a word according to spell checkers. That is how major breastfeeding organizations spell it. Again, everybody, catch up, update with breastfeeding!) It is a beautiful statue.

It even has a nice point.

But... why does it have to be a famous person? Everyone should breastfeed, and not because a famous person does. Must we emulate the rich, just because they are wealthy and beautiful? Part of me wants to think that any reason people breastfeed (even if it is lame--such as being like Angelina Jolie) is ok. The other part hates the copycat in others, and maybe the copycat in me.

Monday, August 3, 2009

World Breastfeeding Week 2009

This is World Breastfeeding Week! I had no knowledge of such a thing, but I stumbled upon information. Yay!

The theme for this year's World Breastfeeding Week is emergency readiness. The premise is that emergencies strike everywhere and we (society) cannot always be prepared. Infants are more liable to be injured or be without food. Nursing is so crucial in situations like this.

Please inform other nursing mothers and friends about this week.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Picture Breastfeeding

Here in Michigan on family vacation, we looked at older pictures. Quite the assortment--all funny. My mother-in-law, who very kindly rented the house, had pictures of my husband nursing for the first time. Ever. I looked at them sweetly, my husband being such a cute baby and all. Plus, at six months, I always get an awesome shot of my babies nursing. They are so cute at that age and always look at me when they nurse. Something in common with the MIL. 

As I look at these pictures, everybody else starts talking about my husband having to seek therapy from them, that they are weird, and accompany all this talk with weird eye and shoulder movements. I observe the situation and sigh. I am not going to send out Za's six month pictures because I don't want all the eye-rolling across the nation at numerous computer desks.

The final thought that made me chuckle was the picture of another baby (I don't know which grandchild) sucking at a bottle. Someday society (and my relatives) might point at that picture and say, "that poor baby, gosh it just hurts me to look at this, maybe he'll need therapy someday." Probably not, but maybe their bodies won't ripple when they see a baby receiving optimal nutrition. Maybe.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Baby Doll's Bottles

As a young girl with many younger siblings, my mom nursing a baby meant nothing to me.  I knew that is how babies ate, and left it at that. When my mom diapered a baby, I diapered my doll. When she breast fed, I lifted my shirt and pretended to do the same. I never had a bottle for my baby dolls, which I later learned my mom tossed - and rightfully so. I will do the same with my daughter, as I want to set an example for her.

The media primarily portrays babies eating from a bottle. This is not natural, and the media is doing a diservice in teaching our children that that is the normal way to feed infants. Unfortunately, it is partly my job as a parent to teach my children about deceptive practices of formula companies. 

Today I saw this article about a baby doll that nurses. The little girl wears a bib type thing and the baby nurses from a flower. The flower was probably the best substitute found for a nipple. Odd, but little girls probably don't want to think about a dark and large areola caused by pregnancy hormones. 

It is misleading that the flower changes when a "nipple becomes cracked." Nipples rarely become cracked if feeding is done correctly. This perpetuates the false notion that breast feeding hurts. 

The manufacturers of this doll had good intentions. It is sold in Spain, so a cultural difference probably exists. Promoting breast feeding to little girls is healthy for their futures and smart for society. The doll maybe needs a modification or two, but it is a welcome change from dolls with bottles.