Breastfeeding – Reconstructive Surgery Optional?
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow is one of a handfull of Hollywood big timers who lives a holistic lifestyle and understands the importance of breastfeeding for moms and babies. So, at first I was put off that she reportedly blames breastfeeding for “changing her shape for the worse”, and plans to have a “boob job” which she considers “reconstructive surgery”.
I tilt toward persuading everyone that breastfeeding is best, and that there are no drawbacks whatsoever. (Ok, I might even glaze over some of the challenges — notice the choice of the word, I didn’t say ‘problems’ ). My knee-jerk reaction was “Shh, Gwyneth! Don’t say that. Some moms won’t breastfeed if they believe your experience is universal.” Which, of course, it’s not! Breastfeeding doesn’t often cause a drastic change in the shape of the breast any more than aging does.
But, there is another way to look at it — Hoorah for Gwyneth Paltrow. She breastfed a baby for longer than most, even though it was changing her look. She was willing to give the baby the best possible nutrition, even tho! And, who knows. Maybe knowing that ‘reconstructive surgery’ was a possibility kept her going. Maybe knowing that breast augmentation is available might help other moms make the choice to breastfeed, too. I hope so.
MA State Bans Formula Freebies
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10577255/from/ET/
This is a good thing. Unfortunately the article makes it all about people trying to force moms to breastfeed and how guilty that will make them feel. The truth is it doesn’t make anyone breastfeed. Heck, it doesn’t even stop formula companies from sending you free stuff to your door, it just removes the “blessing” of the medical establishment. You can write them at: letters@msnbc.com and Health@MSNBC.com
Hop to it! (And be sure to vote in the poll at MSNBC)
Breastfeeding Activism
The 3 minute Activist at ProMoM.org is updated, be sure to fill out your letters!
http://www.promom.org/3min/
Co-sleeping
Here’s a question: If co-sleeping has been proven to facilitate breastfeeding and breastfeeding has been proven to prevent SIDS, then doesn’t co-sleeping help prevent SIDS too? I’m no math wizard, but isn’t this a simple algebra problem? If b (co-sleeping) =a (breastfeeding) and a (breastfeeding) = c (SIDS prevention) then doesn’t b=c too?
Like I said, I’m no math genius, but it seems like a simple answer to me.
I have co-slept with two babies/children and have found the benefits to be enormous. Not only did I get more sleep with them right next to me, not having to get up every 2 hours to nurse, but it also helped to heighten my senses and motherly instincts. For example, once when my daughter was about 4 months old, half asleep I reached down and caught her as she rolled off the bed, right before she hit the ground. I pulled her back up close to me (she was still sleeping) and went back to sleep.
Could I have been more responsible and put up a bed rail? Yes. But my point is still the same.
Wouldn’t it have been much wiser of the AAP to suggest breastfeeding for SIDS prevention rather than pacifier use, which not only can cause structural problems in the mouth, but interferes with breastfeeding?
Co-sleeping and breastfeeding have kept our species in existence. Think about it. Long ago in cave people times, if mothers didn’t co-sleep and breastfeed, their babies would have died from starvation and been carried off by wild animals. It’s worked for countless generations! It’s nature’s way.
Cosleeping dangerous?
As the mother of seven and the aunt of a nephew who died of SIDS, I’ve done a fair bit of research on the matter. While I’m often outraged at what the media and doctors tend to say about cosleeping, I usually keep my mouth shut. That has become harder to do in the last few weeks as the AAP has said that it is an absolute no no to sleep with your baby, even with the foresight to protect yourself with basic measures.
Parents, January 2006, in an article, entitled Cosleeping? Read This on page 52, they go as far as to say that there are 10 studies showing how dangerous cosleeping is for babies.
Read these and come back for a fast opportunity to let Parents know what you think:
https://www.askdrsears.com/news/headlines1005.asp
http://www.lalecheleague.org/Release/sids.html
http://www.infactcanada.ca/action_alert_Oct_2105_1.htm
http://newsinfo.nd.edu/printerFriendly.cfm?topicid=14702&seltopicid=218