World Breastfeeding Week 2008 Photo Contest

I know a lot of y'all are both avid photographers and avid breastfeeding supporters. Combine those passions and participate in the WBW 2008 photo contest! Deadline February 29, 2008. Details here.

What are we looking for?

We need stories that illustrate support for breastfeeding. We are looking for any photo that TELLS A STORY of support. It may be a who, a what or a where! You may be the person who provided the support or the person who received the support.

Illustrate the kind of support you provided or that you received in a photo. When taking photos, think globally and locally! We encourage you to submit photos that reflect different ethnicity and that include breastfeeding children, from a newborn to a child of 2 years or more. Support takes place in different environments, so the support you illustrate may be in a home, in a museum, in a marketplace or in a field.

(Note: I don't know the photographer of the above picture, neither do I know where I found it to give proper credit. If you do see it elsewhere online with credit to the photographer, please let me know so proper attribution can be given. Thanks!)

January 12, 2008 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7th

Join in encouraging mamas and promoting breastfeeding during World Breastfeeding Week! Unlike years past, I won't be posting daily on this topic, but I know that Kristen and the Lactivist and others will be. Or follow the WBW news to see what is going on around the world or in your neighborhood.

August 01, 2007 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

World Breastfeeding Week: August 1-7, 2007

World Breastfeeding Week is quickly approaching. I've already seen other mothers, bloggers, lactivists posting about WBW--now is the time to start planning how you will be involved, in your local community or online.

Need ideas?

Caption contest at The Lactivist.

Florida WBW Events

New Zealand Sponsored World Wide Latch-On

Why Aren't Black Mother Breastfeeding?

Historic Breastfeeding Photos

WBW Photo Contest (Not the official one.)

The "official" WBW Photo Contest

Arte de Leche Exhibition This looks so cool--I wanna go!

BabyTalkers WBW GiveAway

Here at TulipGirl, we'll have a week of posts and links and art for World Breastfeeding Week 2007, as we have in years past. Our little part to encourage breastfeeding mamas.

July 10, 2007 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Nurturing, Nursing Mothers

"Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me." Psalm 22:9-11

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." Isaiah 49:15,16

"For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance." For this is what the LORD says: "I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." Isaiah 66:11-13

"But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." Psalm 131:2,3

"But we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

Be encouraged. God who has given us our children, has given us also means to physically nourish them and spiritually nurture them. We may lean into Him, each moment of each imperfect day.

For more mommy-inspiration, check out Parenting Decisions.

This post concludes our World Breastfeeding Week 2006 series.

August 07, 2006 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

More WBW 2006 Blogging

More people are blogging in support of World Breastfeeding Week and mamas and babies around the world.

August 5:
Echo of Love
Misplaced Mama
No Such Thing
Color Me Red

Five Minutes for Mom
This Classical Life
Life With An Axe
Jo's Cafe
(Another) Day in the Life
Confessions of a Political Junkie

August 6:
Nursing Two
Arch Words
And Then There Were Four
Girl from FL
Blogging Baby Malcolm
Mommy @ Home
Oddly Complete
Jihad of a Woman
Only the Best
Hannah
Rinsed With Gold
MomSquawk

August 7:
Blog on Breast
Charity Grace
Rambling Moo
This Classical Life
Gaggle of Girls
Love Never Fails
liminal musings

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2006 series.

August 07, 2006 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Art

Over the past several years, I've shared some of the examples of breastfeeding art that have moved me.

Now I've found a website that is combination art history and lactivism:
Breastfeeding Art. I especially like the timeline.

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2006 series.

August 05, 2006 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Blogging WBW 2006

Here are some blogs who are sharing thoughts on breastfeeding, in support of World Breastfeeding Week 2006.

August 3:
MereMortal Mom
Mountain Mama
Angelic Momma
Out of Cute
This Classical Life
PonderFool
SweetPea
Green Goddess
Celebrity Baby Blog
Mary Ann Liebert **Academic papers! Interesting. . .
PickleBums
Bin and Mitch
Geek in Your Country
Mama's Village
In The Agora **Sadly, not that supportive
This Side of Somewhere
Orlando Sentinal Blog
And She Calls Me Mommy
NeoBean
My Journey
Eric's Blog-O-Rama
Squirrel Stories **Kudos for a great blog post title
BlogCritics
Tracker

August 4:
Living a Full Life
Life Story (Indonesia)
Debra Kloskey
Perfect Mom
Blue Door
Suicide Girls
Where It's At
Charity Grace
This Classical Life
Blonde Mom Blog **Another With A Great Post Title
The Politicker
Mama Life
Rantings of a SAHM
Oh, Baby
mooshoopork
vwsistah

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2006 series.

August 04, 2006 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Art X

“The Audrey Samsara Triptych” © Amy Jenkins 2004

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2006 series.

August 03, 2006 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

John Calvin, Lactivist

John Calvin, in commenting upon Genesis 21:7 states:

". . .the Lord does not in vain prepare nutriment for children in their mothers' bosoms, before they are born.

But those on whom he confers the honor of mothers, he, in this way, constitutes nurses; and they who deem it a hardship to nourish their own offspring, break, as far as they are able, the sacred bond of nature.

If disease, or anything of that kind, is the hindrance, they have a just excuse; but for mothers voluntarily, and for their own pleasure, to avoid the trouble of nursing, and thus to make themselves only half-mothers, is a shameful corruption."

(Posted on TulipGirl in December 2005. Found quote via Pastor Lane)

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2006 series.

August 02, 2006 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

World Breastfeeding Week 2006

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action has chosen the theme of Code Watch: 25 Years of Protecting Breastfeeding for this year's August 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week.

By the term Code Watch, they are referring to the 1981 International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, which was designed to limit the undermining of breastfeeding through advertising.

As in years past, I'll be posting this week in support of breastfeeding. Just my little online contribution to World Breastfeeding Week. If you are posting about breastfeeding, too, let me know!

So, hooray for all those who are blogging on breastfeeding for WBW!

August 1st:
This Classical Life
Heart, Mind and Strength
Mom Squawk
The Marmot's Hole (Korea)
Domestic Psychology
BurmaNet News
Belly Tales
Celebrity Baby Blog
Women's Health News
Susan D'Arcy
Knitted in the Womb
IrwanIrah (Singapore)
And Baby Makes Four
Wired for Noise
Sazz (Australia)
Blogging Baby
Got Sophia
Mom's Milk Anywhere
Footprints
dotMoms
Pieces of Us
MumSpotting (Singapore)
Basta
Crunch Mama
Cigar Theology

August 2nd:
No Such Thing
Charity Grace
Count It All Joy
View from the Prairie Box
Dorian Kaye
The Juggling Act
Birth Write
Amanda's Blog
I'm a Geek in Your Country
Aurelia Ann
And the Seasons Go 'Round
Confession Time
Dry Eraser Thoughts
Kitten Licks
Christi's Blog
Blogging Kellan
What's Hot for Tots
Plantain

August 01, 2006 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding, Babies and Big Girls

"When DD3 pretends to be a Mommy, she is a very good one. She rocks her babies, she sings to them, she snuggles them in a blanket. And then she says she needs a paci and a bottle. She has no memory of the hours I spent nursing her. She has no memory of seeing anyone nurse. Heck, she has no memory of seeing people do most of the things I did with her as an infant. . . .

I so want DD3 to grow up knowing that it is normal, natural, healthy, and God’s design for a woman to nurse her babies."

New WHO Growth Charts

Via an e-mail from Ted Greiner, breastfeeding advocate, I heard that the World Health Organization has updated its infant and child growth charts. Greiner says, "Based on careful studies of breastfed babies living under "ideal" conditions in several countries, WHO has determined that they grow at similar rates and that this growth pattern is the ideal one. Thus they have issued a series of new growth charts. . . The previous international ones were based on how largely bottle fed American babies grew."

The new charts can be found here:
Child Growth Standards
WHO Child Growth Media Centre

April 28, 2006 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Not a Picture to Promote Breastfeeding.

I'm warning you.

(Via darjeelingirl)

February 17, 2006 | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

William Gouge: Theologian and AP Advocate

Thanks to Lydia, Nathan's Helpmeet, who has drawn my attention to the works of William Gouge--specifically his pages upon pages of reflection on the Bible and breastfeeding. Lydia quoted a passage on cry-it-out and breastfeeding, but the section below really stood out to me.

Among other needful things, the milk of the breast is fit for young babes, and with it they are to be nourished. I think none doubt of the equity of this. It hath in all ages, and in all countries, been accounted the best food that can be for young babes. The metaphor, which S. Peter useth, taken from young infants [in the words, As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the word (1 Peter 2:2)] confirmeth as much. So doth also the desire which such infants have to the milk of the breasts: and the ability, and promptness which is in them to suck: and God's providence in causing a woman's breasts to yield forth such milk: and the constant manner of nourishing little infants after this manner, commended in the Scripture: and [to conclude] the natural instinct which many unreasonable creatures have thus to nourish their young ones.

. . .

God hath given to women two breasts fit to contain and hold milk: and nipples unto them fit to have milk drawn from them. Why are these thus given? to lay them forth for ostentation? There is no warrant for that in all God's word. They are directly given for the child's food that cometh out of the womb; for till the child be born, there is no milk in the breasts: anon after it is born, milk ordinarily floweth into the breasts: yea a great part of the meat which they eat turneth into milk. They make this admirable work of God's providence to be in vain, that dry up this spring, and suffer not their children to partake of the benefits of it.

--William Gouge, On Domestical Duties

January 19, 2006 | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Babywise "Trade-Offs"

Ezzo discusses "trade-offs" with Babywise:

"We wish everything in this book worked perfectly for each mom/baby combination when it comes to lactation.

"...in parenting there will always be tradeoffs...while most moms can [breastfeed longterm*] with Babywise, we recognize not all moms can because no philosophy comes without trade-offs."

-- Babywise, pp. 63, 64

* while "longterm" is not defined, Babywise says mothers using the program breastfeed for just over 8 months on average.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a minimum of one year of breastfeeding.

(Via Ezzo.Info)

January 13, 2006 | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Neat Noonie News!

I made the short list on The Lactivist blogroll! Thanks, Jennifer!

And in recognition of that, here are some of my favorite writings on breastfeeding:

The Original Noonie Page

A Few Of My Favorite Things 2005, 2004

Play Ball! (Militant Breastfeeding Cult)

Breastfeeding and Babywise: The Realities, The Practicalities

Contented Cows Give Sweet Milk

January 11, 2006 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

I Thessalonians 2:7-8

7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

I Thessalonians 2:7-8

December 17, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Martin Luther: Theologian and Cloth Diaper Advocate

Now observe that when that clever harlot, our natural reason... , takes a look at married life, she turns up her nose and says, "Alas, must I rock the baby, wash its diapers, make its bed, smell its stench, stay up nights with it, take care of it when it cries, heal its rashes and sores... ?

What then does Christian faith say to this? It opens its eyes, looks upon all these insignificant, distasteful, and despised duties in the Spirit, and is aware that they are all adorned with divine approval as with the costliest gold and jewels. It says, O God, because I am certain that thou hast created me as a man and hast from my body begotten this child, I also know for a certainty that it meets with thy perfect pleasure. I confess to thee that I am not worthy to rock the little babe or wash its diapers, or to be entrusted with the care of the child and its mother. How is it that I, without any merit, have come to this distinction of being certain that I am serving thy creature and thy most precious will? O how gladly will I do so, though the duties should be even more insignificant and despised. Neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labor, will distress or dissuade me, for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in thy sight...

God, with all his angels and creatures is smiling--not because the father is washing diapers, but because he is doing so in Christian faith.

--Martin Luther

Last week we read of John Calvin's breastfeeding advocacy. I'm beginning to wonder if this is going to turn into a series on Great Theologians and Attachment Parenting?

(Via Carol, via Cheryl.)

December 11, 2005 | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Mommy, Remember When?

"Mommy, do you remember when I was screaming my head off for moonie? When I was a baby? I was crying and screaming my head off, and then you gave me moonie." --C5, who hasn't breastfed in years. And who only screamed his head off when we were boarding planes.

December 10, 2005 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

John Calvin: Theologian and Lactivist

John Calvin, in commenting upon Genesis 21:7 states:

". . .the Lord does not in vain prepare nutriment for children in their mothers' bosoms, before they are born. But those on whom he confers the honor of mothers, he, in this way, constitutes nurses; and they who deem it a hardship to nourish their own offspring, break, as far as they are able, the sacred bond of nature. If disease, or anything of that kind, is the hindrance, they have a just excuse; but for mothers voluntarily, and for their own pleasure, to avoid the trouble of nursing, and thus to make themselves only half-mothers, is a shameful corruption."

(Via calvinist and lactivist Pastor Lane)

December 02, 2005 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Studies

Observational studies suggest a longer duration of breastfeeding to be associated dose dependently with a decrease in risk of overweight in later life. The authors performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of the existing studies on duration of breastfeeding and risk of overweight. . . . The definitions of overweight and age had no influence. These findings strongly support a dose-dependent association between longer duration of breastfeeding and decrease in risk of overweight.

Read the study here.

And remember, scientific findings in health studies show patterns, and aren't guarantees of positive or negative outcomes. Just ask my healthy as a horse smoking, ice-cream-and-tastee-cakes eating grandmother-in-law.

August 18, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Don't Just Eat Carrots.

Want good eyesight? Breastfeed.

August 15, 2005 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding and the Bible

Spring Nursing, Mt. Monadnock Susan Wadsworth.jpg

Spring Nursing, Mt. Monadnock
Pastel and Pencil by Susan Wadsworth

"For you will nurse and be satisfied
at her comforting breasts;
you will drink deeply
and delight in her overflowing abundance."

For this is what the LORD says:
"I will extend peace to her like a river,
and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream;
you will nurse and be carried on her arm
and dandled on her knees.

As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

Isaiah 66:11-13

The Bible is full of imagery of breastfeeding and nurturing mothers. What can we learn about God's design for breastfeeding? Start studying with these articles by Cyndi Egbert and Nancy Campbell.

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2005 series.

August 07, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Challenges

For some mothers, breastfeeding comes easily. For others, it entails overcoming a series of obstacles. When one problem is solved, another one crops up. Latch problems, mastitis, low supply, reflux, thrush, working and pumping. . .

For me, my firstborn latched on like a pro. I had normal engorgement and mild mastitis, both pretty usual and minor. However, when he was a bit older I had a problem with my supply, that was related to being misinformed about how breastfeeding really works, and how scheduling can undermine breastfeeding. With my fourth, even with all the previous experience I had, I found it to be tough going to get my newborn to latch well.

So, I'd like to ask those who have overcome breastfeeding struggles, What motivated you to keep breastfeeding? What helped you deal with the challenges you faced while breastfeeding?

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2005 series.

August 06, 2005 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Art IX

You can contact artist Jennifer Staumbaugh at jenstumby at sbcglobal dot net.

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2005 series.

August 05, 2005 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

A Few of My Favorite Things

Some of our favorite things about breastfeeding are. . .

"How my now-weaned preschooler rubs my belly affectionately and tells me about when he was little and ate noonie." -- TulipGirl

"How it forced me to stop and relax. Boy, do I miss that when stressed. :)" -- Andrea R.

The loving caress of my daughter's hand on my skin, her sweet nursing smiles and the way she looks when she drifts off to sleep happy and milk-drunk. --Kristen

The baby's breath after breastfeeding--the sweetest smell ever. --Pam

The way my 15 month old giggles when he says "nah-nah" and then settles down as he starts to nurse. --Mel

The reminder that there is always something simple and beautiful under all the chaos of the world. --Jess

the "take some time out to put your feet up, drink a cold glass of something refreshing, and snuggle with baby" relaxation. It often meant that I had to consciously focus on myself and my baby, instead of everything else that I thought was "important." --CarolynM

"The milk drunk look of bliss on my babys' faces." --Deputy Headmistress

"But one thing I love are the grins while they are still latched on and the "smack smack smack" sound that makes. :-)" --Keer

"My seventh child used to happily hum while he was nursing.=)" --Deputy Headmistress

"when my toddler would stop and look up at my face, and smile with that wide milky grin, as if to say "oh, that's where you are"." --Tracy

"When her eyes roll back into her head when she first latches on as if to say, "Oh yeah, that's the stuff." :)" --Amy

When my boys. . .tandem nurse, look up at me when nursing and start giggling and give me big milky smiles.... it just makes me relax, breathe and concentrate on the good things in life... --Melissa

The playful way she swats mother breast while she nurses.
We co-sleep so her meals are always available. --Vegan Momma

The way my 2yo can seem so old and independent until she nurses and I catch a glimpse of the newborn she was once again. --Jess

And on a more selfish level, how easy it is. Both of us hardly wake up to nurse at night, somehow it just happens - and we sleep so well because of it. --Mel

Have your say! What are your favorite things about breastfeeding?

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2005 series.

August 05, 2005 | Comments (15) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Laughs or Lactivism?

http://thecowgoddess.com/exposedbottle.html

(Thanks to Heather Cushman-Dowdee for permission to post Hathor in all her Cowgoddess glory.)

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2005 series.

August 05, 2005 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Blogging on Breastfeeding

It's World Breastfeeding Week! Here are some great posts I've read in that encourage breastfeeding. If you don't see your name here, just leave your name and url in the comments, so we can all come over and read your breastfeeding writing!

Cam @ Ms. Understood

Tracy @ The Secret of Living (and she has a new blog look!)

Vegan Momma @ Vegan Momma

Lawanda @ Lovin' Life

Kristen @ This Classical Life, and yet again

Kristen @ This Classical Life, even yet again

Umm Zaynab @ Muslim Mother's Thoughts

Umm Zaynab @ Muslim Mother's Thoughts, again

Umm Zaynab @ Muslim Mother's Thoughts, and again

greenemama @ fresh milk delivered daily

gid (a guy!) @ the gidcumbs

Mommy Blawger @ The Mommy Blawg

Carol @ Parenting Decisions

Carol @ Parenting Decisions, again

Andrea @ Atypical Life

Anne @ Our Homeschool

David @ Starbellys
Christine @ Mumspotting

Christine @ Welcome to my Brain

Jennifer @ My One Long Day, again

Jennifer @ My One Long Day, and again

Jennifer @ My One Long Day

Crystal @ Mama Domain

Kristen @ This Classical Life

Kristen @ This Classical Life, again

Kristen @ This Classical Life, and again

Amy @ Musings of a Crunchy Domestic Goddess

Roxanne @ Adventures of a Breastfeeding Mother

Marvel @ TreeHuggerz

Beanmom @ Partial to the Bean

Beanmom @ Partial to the Bean, again

Beanmom @ Partial to the Bean, and again

Angela @ Oh Baby Baby

Angela @ Oh Baby Baby, again

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2005 series.

August 05, 2005 | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Art VIII

Mother and Child, by Joanne Burns

(Via the ProMom Gallery)

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2005 series.

August 04, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Hop on the Lap and Tap

Check out these lap-baby computer games with a breastfeeding theme. Seemed a bit weird when I first heard of them, but they're pretty cool.

Breastfeeding Left and Right Game

Dress the Breastfeeding Baby

Breastfeeding Coloring Pages

Breastfeeding Games in French and Spanish

(Via Kym at GCM.)

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2005 series.

August 03, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding in the News

World Breastfeeding Week 2005 Headlines

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2005 series.

August 03, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Art VII

Rosamunde and Her Newborn Nursling, by Sora

These gentle Cotton Mother Dolls are designed by a homebirthing, breastfeeding mother in a way that reflects the artistry of God's birthing and breastfeeding design.

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2005 series.

August 02, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Art VI

Breastfeeding Statue from Spain

From the collection of Ted Greiner.

This post is part of a World Breastfeeding Week 2005 series.

August 01, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

World Breastfeeding Week 2005

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action has chosen the theme of Breastfeeding and Family Foods: LOVING & HEALTHY for this year's August 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week.

Like last year, I'll be doing a series of posts in support of breastfeeding as my little online contribution to World Breastfeeding Week 2005. If you are posting about breastfeeding, too, let me know!

August 01, 2005 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Coming Soon. . .

World Breastfeeding Week
August 1-7, 2005

July 23, 2005 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Babywise and Breastfeeding: The Realities

Dr. Matthew Aney a practicing pediatrician in California, states:

"On Becoming Babywise, has raised concern among pediatricians because it outlines an infant feeding program that has been associated with failure to thrive (FTT), poor weight gain, dehydration, breast milk supply failure, and involuntary early weaning. A Forsyth Medical Hospital Review Committee, in Winston-Salem N.C., has listed 11 areas in which the program is inadequately supported by conventional medical practice.

. . .

I have reviewed numerous accounts of low weight gain and FTT associated with "Babywise" and discussed them with several pediatricians and lactation consultants involved.

. . .

This advice is in direct opposition to the latest AAP recommendations on newborn feeding (AAP Policy Statement, "Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk," Pediatrics, Dec. 1997):

"Newborns should be nursed whenever they show signs of hunger, such as increased alertness or activity, mouthing, or rooting. Crying is a late indicator of hunger. Newborns should be nursed approximately eight to 12 times every 24 hours until satiety."

Ezzo-related delayed growth, slow weight gain and Failure to Thrive is sadly common. Our son was one of those babies who seemed to do great with Babywise and then was diagnosed Failure to Thrive. Lori's son was hospitalized when he was less than a month old due to dehydration and FTT.

For every Failure to Thrive diagnosis, there are many undiagnosed examples of delayed and slowed growth. If you spend any time among Ezzo mothers, you'll commonly hear reassurances that it is common for babies to thin out, be "petite", slow their growth rate, be smaller than their peers. And yes, while half of babies are below the 50th%--this common pattern of Ezzo mothers are seeking reassurance for their small babies is disturbing.

Chapter Four of Along the Infant Way (the "new" Preparation for Parenting and "Christian" Babywise) is titled "Facts on Feeding." That title implies that the material contained within that chapter is factually accurate. On the contrary, it is mostly comprised of Ezzo's opinions, the Parent Directed Feeding "philosophy," partial-truths, and medically unsupported claims about breastfeeding the PDF way.

Sadly there are just enough actual breastfeeding facts scattered about the chapter, that a new mother with limited knowledge of breastfeeding will assume the rest is accurate. Without more experience or knowledge, it can be difficult to discern Ezzo's faulty feeding "facts."

I recommend to all mothers, both those who are planning on using Ezzo's ideas and those who have rejected them, to read the following carefully-documented articles about how breastfeeding works:

How Does Milk Production Work?
by By Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC

Examining the Evidence for the Cue-feeding of Breastfed Infants
by Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC and Jan Barger, MA, RN, IBCLC

While what Ezzo teaches about feeding may line up with the needs and supply of some infant/mother nursing dyads, there is a hard-to-ignore pattern of Ezzo's parent-directed feeding undermining mothers' milk supply. This collection of case studies was documented by a then-GFI supportive breastfeeding counselor who was volunteering as an Ezzo Contact Mom.

The mothers I have known who have breastfed while using the ideas presented in Babywise have usually struggled with milk supply, typically around 4-5 months, and often transitioning early to formula feeding. It is also common to hear Ezzo moms discussing starting solids earlier than the AAP recommended 6 months because their babies seem hungry and unsatisfied with breastmilk. Again, these situations are common among mothers who are very supportive of Babywise and are seeking advice among other pro-Ezzo parents.

Of course, Gary Ezzo will disagree with the breastfeeding information provided in this post--and he does in this article on the GFI website, "Myths and Misconceptions". Gary Ezzo can be persuasive--but look closely at what he writes. Does he really back it up with medical documentation or simply make assertions based on his opinions?

This post is part of the Ezzo Week 2005 series focusing on Gary Ezzo's parenting teachings.

July 16, 2005 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding and Babywise: The Practicalities

The mamas I've known who have been successful in breastfeeding until one year (per the AAP recommendations), have usually altered the Ezzo PDF guidelines significantly.

These are the most common modifications.

1. Never going beyond 3 hours between feedings, except for when baby is sleeping at night. (Current Ezzo materials assume it is normal for babies at 9-15 weeks be going between 3-4 hours, and be down to 4-6 liquid feedings at 4-6 months.) After losing my milk supply while breastfeeding my first, I attempted to never go beyond 3 hours when feeding my second. I still lost my milk supply, but not until 6-7 months.

2. Follow an Eat/Wake/Eat/Sleep cycle, instead of the Eat/Wake/Sleep cyclef. I have seen this advocated by a Contact Mom, but can't remember who. This is what we started to do when our third son was born. (Later we went the route of cue-feeding. I was able to successfully breastfeed my third while cue-feeding, and may have been able to on an eat/wake/eat/sleep cycle.)

3. Breastfeed at night. While one of Ezzo's selling points is the promotion of "sleeping through the night" from an early age for babies, because of the way the breastfeeding hormones work, many mothers have found the best way to keep up their milk supply is to have at least one and possibly two night nursings throughout the duration of the nursing season. Experienced moms have found that this night nursing does not cut into their rest or their baby's rest as much as Ezzo warns.

4. Switching to cue-feeding, and building routine and rhythm in other areas of their infant's day.

I think these article provides some good ideas:
But I Don't Want to Nurse All the Time OR Watch the Clock!
Establishing a Routine While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding and the Bible

Soooo. . . feedback from breastfeeding, Babywise moms. . . What's worked for you?

This post is part of the Ezzo Week 2005 series focusing on Gary Ezzo's parenting teachings.

July 16, 2005 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

The Noonie Page

Cheerleading the Breastfeeding Mother

May 17, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Exclusive Breastfeeding and HIV

A Zimbabwean study finds HIV-positive mothers are less likely to transmit AIDS to their infants if they breast feed exclusively.
. . .

They found that babies fed a mixed diet including animal milk and solids were three times more likely to die of AIDS than those fed nothing but breast milk. Babies where breastfeeding was predominant were less likely to die.

. . .

"Our findings indicate that for these mothers, delaying introduction of all non-breast milk foods will substantially reduce the risk of HIV and death for their infants," Humphrey said.

From UPI / Washington Times.
More details on the study.

We discussed this a year ago, when similar results were released.

April 29, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Rocket Scientists and Tiny Babies

You could take it as an insult, but God does not credit us with being rocket scientists when it comes to taking care of the next generation. Instead he pre-programs caregiving behavior on the part of mothers AND he pre-programs babies to elicit caregiving from their mothers. An obvious example is how a nursing mother's breasts gush milk in response to hungry-baby sounds. Just in case she can't figure it out from the way her baby is frantically mouthing anything that gets near...her breasts start to tingle and next thing she knows, the front of her shirt is milky. It is not the most subtle of hints. But considering how tiny and vulnerable babies are, it's a hint to heed. This milk-ejection reflex subsides after the first few months of nursing. By that time a nursing mother and her baby have sync'ed up well and the mother knows her baby's subtlest signs of need for nursing.

But it doesn't stop there. . .

Read the rest over on the Yellow Porch.

March 20, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

True To Life Crayons

I found the below "crayon reject" over at Keel The Pot.

Note: That color gold is only found in the diapers of exclusively breastfed babies. Thought that was interesting. . .

You are

What Rejected Crayon Are You?

March 10, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding in a Non-Maternity Setting

Note to self, linked to read later.

Breastfeeding in Nonmaternity Settings
Jeannette Crenshaw MSN, RN, FACCE, LCCE, IBCLC

AJN, American Journal of Nursing
January 2005
Volume 105 Number 1
Pages 40 - 50

February 27, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Lactating Mama's High-Calorie Granola Bars

Lactating Mama's High-Calorie Granola Bars
Two different quantities are listed for each ingredient - the first if if using a 10 1/2" X 15 1/2" jelly roll pan, the second is if using a 13" X 18" jelly roll pan.

4 or 6 cups oats
2/3 or 1 cup coconut oil (or melted butter for non-vegans)
1/2 or 3/4 cup honey, molasses, or maple syrup (or combination)
2 or 3 eggs or equivalent in eggs substitute
1/2 or 3/4 tsp. vanilla
1/2 or 3/4 tsp. salt
up to 1 or 1 1/2 cups of any or all of the following: shredded coconut, raisins, almonds, walnuts, pecans, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, chocolate or carob chips, and/or your favorite nuts/seeds/dried fruit.

1. spread oats on baking sheet and bake at 350' for 15-20 minutes to toast. can bake longer at lower temp or shorter at higher temp depending on your schedule. should be a nice golden brown when finished.

2. transfer oats to large bowl. add salt and any other chosen dry ingredients and mix to blend.

3. combine wet ingredients in smaller bowl, and mix until blended.

4. add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix well.

5. press mixture into greased jelly roll pan of appropriate size (see above). you can also line the pan with parchment paper instead.

6. bake at 350' for 20 minutes. cool. cut into bars. store in refrigerator in sealed container.

*if using chocolate/carob chips either a)allow oats to cool before adding the chips to the mix or b)after pressing mixture into pan, sprinkle chips on top and press the chips into the mix.

*you can substitute additional honey/maple syrup/molasses for the eggs/egg substitute, but the bars are a bit more sticky and have less protein.

super yummy. lots of calories. lots and lots of oats.

(Via Atarah, posted here.)

February 19, 2005 | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

AAP: Breastfeeding

This week the American Academy of Pediatrics has released their updated policy statement on Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Read the full statement here.

Update: Knitted in the Womb, Cuddles and Kisses, Uncle Sam's Cabin, Muslim Mother's Thoughts, and NeoBean, are also blogging on the updated AAP statement.

February 04, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Mothers and Babies and Bloggers

[It is] so rewarding and satisfying to my mother heart to know I have been created to meet my baby's needs.

Babies were born to be breastfed.

January 17, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

From Australia

Check out this commercial. (Short download.)

January 15, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Love in the Family

More for the Mommy-Inspiration files. . .

You cannot spoil anyone by truly loving them (meaning always doing what is best for them, not what is expedient or easy). Loving means meeting needs as you see them. And that can and does include the important skill of delaying gratification and learning to live WITH your fellow human beings, all at appropriate ages.

If love is your motivating force, you will be able to enjoy a relationship with your family from birth to old age. That isn't to say all will be rosy, but at least you will know that your motivation is on track even when your practice is a bit out of whack for a time. I remember telling my oldest when he was 12 that he could always trust my motivation was love for him even if things didn't always seem that way in the moment.

I try to live that every day, to love and act from love all the time. And even when I fail at it from time to time, I know where the mark is again. . . .Just live, love and be loved. We only get this moment right now... --Patti, Mom to 9 in Ohio

January 15, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

The Beauty of Cue-Feeding

Babies will usually fall into predictable rhythms on their own and those rhythms will be a unique synergy between their unique needs and their mother's unique milk supply that is right for them and that automatically adjusts as their needs and their mother's milk supply vary. --taketime

Update: Carol has come "out of hibernation" to write a must-read post for new moms. Gid has a new baby and some in-the-midst-of-everything good things to add.

January 14, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding, Interrupted

Well, our telephone is out--likely until next Monday or Tuesday. So my series of posts in honor of World Breastfeeding Week 2004 is interrupted.

So, I'd like to ask those who have overcome breastfeeding struggles, What motivated you to keep breastfeeding? What helped you deal with the challenges you faced while breastfeeding?

What was it that kept you from having your breastfeeding interrupted?

August 07, 2004 | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Art V

August 05, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Art IV

"The Wet Nurse"
by Mattia Pretti
from the Breastfeeding Art Gallery

August 04, 2004 | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

Some of our favorite things about breastfeeding are. . .

"are the milky smiles when he pulls away after nursing." -- TulipGirl

"the graceful ways my babies have used their hands while nursing. So delicate, almost like a hand-ballet." -- Melissa

"reading to the older one(s) while nursing. The last book I read that way was Baby Island." -- LizaQ

"The "ahhh, Sweet Nectar" expression babies wear when they've drunk their fill, nursed a bit more just for comfort, and are so completely relaxed that their heads loll back with the deep, peaceful, completely intoxicated contentment that comes with being comforted so deeply and so well. It's like holding Joy itself in the crook of your arm." -- Dy

"beautiful to enjoy vicariously." -- Earth Girl

"looking at his pudgy little hands and feet and knowing that it came from me. " --Angie

"as a prospective breastfeeder, my favorite thing is not having to buy formula!" --Lenise

"The sweet sounds a little one makes as they nurse. The contented smacks and sighs as their tummies fill." --Selah

"the way she'll smile with the breast in her mouth, as if we share something special between just the two of us." --Anne

"Going from squalling, frustrated pre-toddler to angelic sleeping baby in 90 seconds at the breast." --KatyM

"The sweet way their tongues curl around the breast as they suckle." --Kim

"The way she curls her whole body around me, hands around the breast she's nursing and legs around the free breast. And the look she has when she's rooting initially -- an "ohmigosh! milk is coming! yay! yay! yay!" -- she's so excited she can barely latch on." --Kristen

"When my kids hold hands while they nurse and the special bond it brings them. . ." --Tenn

"when he would just stare at me and touch my face with his hands. It's such a special bonding moment and it built the close relationship we have now. " --Christina

Have your say! What are your favorite things about breastfeeding?

August 03, 2004 | Comments (28) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Art III

Mother and Child by Sigrid Herr

"She is nourishing her child, offering food, growth, and life. Their relationship is one of perfect love, unconditional trust and harmony. Who gives and who receives? Both do."

This and other mother/child art available through Attachments.

August 03, 2004 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Sites by and for Nursing Mamas

Gentle Christian Mothers: Breastfeeding Resources

Parenting Decisions: Carol's Feeding Baby Page

VioletJoy's Breastfeeding Joys and Challenges

Jeri's Breastfeeding Information

Laurie's Breastfeeding Basics

Tessa's Breastfeeding Page

Alexandra’s Noonie Page

August 02, 2004 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Art II

"Awaiting Chair" John Beahm
from the ProMom Art Gallery

August 02, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Art I

Madonna Nursing the Christ Child 1609 Orazio Gentileschi.
Collection of National Museum of Art of Romania.
© 1997 National Museum of Art of Romania.

August 01, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding in the Bible

‘For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance.’ For this is what the LORD says: ‘I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.’ -Isaiah 66:11-13 NIV

I am amazed at how God has designed the way children are nurtured, nourished and comforted at their mother's breasts to reflect the same way He nurtures, nourished and comforts us.

I recommend this Breastfeeding Bible Study by Cyndi Egbert for both mothers and all Believers, as a way to understand God's nurturing care for us, His adopted sons.

August 01, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

World Breastfeeding Week: August 1 - 7

Exclusive Breastfeeding: the Gold Standard Safe, Sound, Sustainable

Check back each day this week for world news, information, art, and inspiration in support of World Breastfeeding Week and noonie-mamas everywhere!

Update: Also blogging about World Breastfeeding Week 2004
Bag and Baggage
Starbellys
My Domestic Church
Marsupial Mom
Mungo's Mathoms
Curmudgeonry
House of the Chakram
Breastfeeding News Weblog

July 31, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Noonie Encouragement

Have you seen this new website?

Lactations: Daily Inspirations for the Nursing Mother.

Yours truly is quoted with Today's Inspiration. *grin* Check back daily for noonie encouragement.

June 11, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Nutrition for Brain Dev't

"How often do we, as adults, need to eat to keep up our metabolism? Doctors recommend "six small meals a day" to keep up our energy, to repair tissue, and we don't even have to worry about making synaptic connections or growing and developing at an exponential rate the way infants do! . . . I have a real problem with someone telling mothers that their newborn, the baby with a stomach the size of its fist (look at a newborn's fist!) is supposed to do all that work off feedings that are spaced three hours or more apart." --Dy

The size of an infant's stomach.
Nutrition and early brain development.

June 10, 2004 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Contented Cows Give Sweet Milk

"Oxytocin. . . which is released by the pituitary gland, is the hormone that stimulates the mother's letdown. . . This is a wonderful hormone that has a calming affect upon the mother. Every time the milk 'lets down' she experiences a feeling of relaxation and calm and sometimes sleepiness comes over her. God is good. When we do things His way, we get His benefits. He knows that mothers need this calming hormone and He has graciously provided it for us." --Nancy Campbell

May 29, 2004 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink

Free Groceries for Life

A mother-friend of mine wrote this analogy which illustrates how scheduled feedings work against the way breastfeeding works. A good read for breastfeeding and expectant mothers. And for the scientific side of things, read this article.

May 17, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever

(From Breastfeeding News via Jordana)

May 15, 2004 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding and HIV

“Exclusive breast-feeding seems to protect against the transmission of HIV through breast milk, which is counterintuitive, I know,” --Donald Thea, Zambian Exclusive Breastfeeding Study

March 12, 2004 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding Resources in Ukraine

Links for later reference, on breastfeeding and mothering in Ukraine.

La Leche League Russian Handouts
Mother's Source IBFAN in Ukraine
1999 UNICEF Study: Young Mothers in Ukraine
WABA Ukraine Breastfeeding Status
Maternal and Child Care Center "Levoberezhye"
Safe Motherhood Project
Ukraine Breast Cancer Support
Childhood and Motherhood in Ukraine UNICEF Report
Kangaroo Care Poster Four Study in Ukraine
Babies.Kiev.UA in Russian
Sling.Com.Ua in Russian (Good Resource!)

March 06, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Breastfeeding and Meds

Dr. Thomas Hale is the expert on the impact of medications on breastfeeding.

Some mothers are fearful that any prescription medication they need will harm their baby, and so do not even consider breastfeeding. Thankfully, more research is being done in breastfeeding pharmocology, and mothers don't have to make fear-based decisions.

I recommend all pregnant or nursing mothers read how drugs enter milk.

For research on specific drugs, Dr. Hale's forums are open for browsing. Health professionals may register and ask questions.

January 15, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Oklahoma Lactivism

Kudos to Rep. John Carey, who is working on pro-breastfeeding legislation that will exclude breast-feeding women from public indecency laws and exempt from jury duty breast-feeding mothers and moms who may have a difficult time finding childcare.

January 02, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

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