Breast Feeding
Posted by: JaandM, October 29, 2009 in 12:19 pm
I was in a group of moms who were talking about breastfeeding even though our youngest children are now in Kindergarten. I winced knowing what I would hear. “I breastfed for over a year with all three of my children!” “I just loved breastfeeding.” “Pumping was a breeze.” I waited for the conversation to pass. But it didn’t and was suddenly directed to me. “Um…me?… I didn’t even try. Wasn’t interested in the whole concept…it’s not for everyone. (chuckle)” Awkward silence ensues. Finally, I hear, “Well…to boost the baby’s immune system, didnt’ you want to give it a try ?” “No, I’m selfish.” Awkward laughter. Subject successfully dropped.
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Posted by: Amie Maberry, October 5, 2009 in 8:10 am
In a perfect world and perfect family, breastfeeding is best! I attempted breastfeeding for a short two months with my first son, I made it to just short of 4 months with my second son, when I was pregnant with number 3, I vowed I’d make it to a year breastfeeding. I don’t have problems with formula persay, except that its expensive, and I have good stuff for free to feed him, but I was dead set, I was going to make it to a year. I got past the biting, it hurt, no doubt, but I drudged through it, only to be shortened anyway because I found out I was pregnant with baby number 4 (surprise). Because of how close they were, I was told it was in the best interest of my body and the new baby, to go ahead and wean. Guess I could try with the fourth?
Posted by: Frogmama, September 27, 2009 in 11:56 am
One night, when I was seven months pregnant, I had a minor explosion. (I like talking about my pregnancy from the safe distance of motherhood; I can finally acknowledge that I rivaled Emily Rose from the “Exorcist” in terms of possessed behavior.) My husband, Chuck, was on the phone with his brother, Mike, who is a father of two. I was lying in bed, pillow under my knees, trying to make my way through the latest parenting magazine. I overheard Chuck tell Mike, “She’s going to try.”
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Posted by: LeslieS, September 18, 2009 in 9:49 am
After leaking all over my shirt in the middle of a meeting a few weeks ago, I didn’t think it was possible that it could get worse. Well, yesterday I forgot to bring my pump to work! How could I forget that monstrosity? My pump-in-style is bigger than my child. But I left it sitting on the kitchen floor. So, of course I don’t realize it’s at home until my breasts are bursting with milk. I close my office door and look next to my desk where I usually keep it. When I realize it’s not there I immediately go online for solutions. I rush to the bathroom to try to “hand express” but only a little comes out. After one of my single co-workers catches me with my boob over the sink, she backs out of the bathroom in horror. So then I decide I’ll just run to the closest store and buy another pump. 20 minutes later I return with a cheap single electric pump but it’s working at a snails pace. The receptionist intercoms me to let me know that my boss is looking for me. I’m supposed to be in a meeting. I pump just enough to relieve some of the pressure and close down shop. I will never forget that damn pump again!
Posted by: , August 4, 2009 in 1:48 pm
Last night on Showtime’s WEEDS, the main character (Nancy) finds herself in a bind when her breast pump breaks in the bathroom of a restaurant. ?She enlists the help of her brother-in-law (Andy) to suck out some milk and relieve the pressure. ?(The episode is aptly named, Suck and Spit) First of all, let me start by saying that I breast fed two babies for over a year, suffered engorgement many times and ?NEVER considered asking my husband to suck my breasts! ?I especially wouldn’t ask someone I wasn’t romantically involved with. ?And believe me, I’m not a prude. I don’t know anyone else who would stoop to that level. ?
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Posted by: honestbaby, June 24, 2009 in 12:08 pm
A woman in Grand Forks, North Dakota who was accused of breast-feeding her 6-week-old baby while drunk has pleaded guilty to child neglect. Stacey Anvarini (26 years old), could face up to five years in prison when she’s sentenced on the felony charge in August.
Police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at Anvarinia’s home on April 13, 2009 and found an intoxicated Anvarinia breast feeding her baby. Health officials say alcohol consumed by breastfeeding mothers can be absorbed into an infant’s system.
Judge Sonja Clapp says Anvarinia will not have to register as an offender against children. Attorneys say that this is the first case of drunken breast-feeding to be prosecuted in North Dakota.
Posted by: S. Stein, June 11, 2009 in 12:43 pm
When I first began breastfeeding my newborn, I couldn?t imagine how I would fit pumping into my lifestyle when I went back to work.? Then along came the Medela Swing. The portability and efficiency of the Medela Swing make it the perfect pump for an active mom.?The Medela Swing, which is about the size of a portable CD player (and weighs in at only 2 pounds),? fits easily into a handbag or briefcase.? Yet, the Swing also has the Medela 2-Phase Expression technology, which mimics a baby’s natural nursing rhythm, to make pumping comfortable and efficient. The first phase simulates a baby’s initial rapid sucking to stimulate the milk to flow and the second phase simulates the baby’s slower, deeper sucking to express the milk as quickly as possible.? For such a small pump it is surprisingly strong and fast. ?Exactly what every mom wants.
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Posted by: Tori Phelps, April 12, 2009 in 12:12 am
“Do you plan to breastfeed?” It’s the first question a pregnant woman usually hears after her condition is announced or becomes obvious, and it’s as likely to come from a complete stranger (or a boss!) as it is a close friend or family member. The debate over breast vs. bottle is emotionally charged, and most of the heated debate comes from mothers themselves. Instead of banding together and telling the world to mind their own business, moms often turn on each other by criticizing a choice that’s different from their own. When people on opposite sides of this particular mommy war disparage each other’s choices, it feels like their commitment to their child is being questioned. And nothing brings out the big guns faster than that.
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Posted by: J Corbin, March 18, 2009 in 6:23 am
When Salma Hayek spontaneously decided to start breastfeeding an ailing infant in Africa it made headlines across the world. Reactions ranged from concern and outrage to compassion and admiration. The actress herself admitted that she was filled with conflicting feelings afterward, not because she cared what people thought, but because she worried that her own child might think it was an act of betrayal. In the end she was proud of her actions and hoped that her daughter would understand and grow up to be a caring and generous person. Yet many still frown upon her actions for reasons that are far too selfish in our increasingly despairing world. Why should helping a baby in need ever be seen as anything but good?
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Posted by: honestbaby, March 6, 2009 in 10:51 pm
1. Educate yourself. Before you give birth read up on the basics of breastfeeding or take a course so you have some idea of what to expect. Don’t under estimate mental preparation.
2. Keep trying. Don’t be discouraged if the baby doesn’t latch on right away. Sometimes you both need a little practice and time together.
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