July 28, 2008
ABC News: Baby Feeding by Moms Friends
My Comment:
"I was tandem nursing my two year old son and my newborn when A mother in my church community adopted a very ill newborn. He had multiple surgeries to heal his damaged heart and bowell, and when released from the hospital, was not doing well on formula. A woman in our congregation convinced his mother to let some of us breastfeed him to supplement his formula feeds.
Five mothers helped breastfeed him for a few weeks while he recovered from surgery. He had a big turnaround with his health and lived two more happy years before he died at the age of two from his heart condition. This was a very sweet experience for all of us. Nobody pumped, we just latched him on and he nursed like a pro.
I also tried to nurse my best friends baby once when I was tending him, and he used his two new little baby teeth to bite me so hard I bled."
Babytalk Poll: 45 Percent Say Cross-Nursing is 'Disgusting' or 'Weird'
By ANN PLESHETTE
July 28, 2008 —
Breast-feeding, what many believe to be the most intimate act between a mother and child, is also generally believed to be an act exclusively between a mother and child.
According to experts, however, there is a growing trend of cross-nursing, in which a mother will allow another woman to breast-feed her baby.
"I think that it's just not been our social norm," said Morgan McFarland, who has been breast-feeding her friend Sarah Griffith's son since he was just 3 months old. "In some cultures, it is, and you would think nothing of, you know, nursing your neighbor's child if something happened, or nursing your sister's baby if she has to go to work."
To Lisa Moran, editor in chief of Babytalk magazine, the rising trend is not surprising.
"Cross-nursing is the logical extension to the rise in breast-feeding rates that we've seen in the past 15 years," she told "Good Morning America." "Moms are really committed to breast-feeding exclusively and finding new ways to do that. Cross-feeding, cross-nursing is one of those."
Not everyone sees cross-nursing so clearly, however.
According to a poll by Babytalk, 45 percent of people say cross-nursing is 'disgusting' or 'weird.'
McFarland believes some people have problems with an implicit "sexuality" connected to breast-feeding.
"They assume that anything that is to do with breasts has to be sexual," she said. "So, it's, I guess, bad enough if you're doing it with your own child. But then, you add another child to the mix and they're really concerned about it. It's silly."
Though it is seen by some as taboo, other experts have more practical concerns.
Leigh Anne O'Connor, leader of La Leche League International -- an organization that provides support to breast-feeding mothers -- warned parents that the milk their children gets from another woman should be screened for diseases, such as tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis-associated anitigens.
Rather than accepting milk from a friend, the La Leche organization recommends mothers try milk banks where the milk is screened and pasteurized.
But, for McFarland, cross-nursing is about more than the health risks and benefits.
"I think that a move back towards cross-nursing, or even just getting together with your nursing babies and sharing stories and becoming comfortable talking about the topic ... meets a very primal need for us -- that sense of bonding in the community."
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:06 AM
May 7, 2008
Uh...ya think?
I always crack up when I listen to mothers debating what type of milk to feed to children. We have the whole anti bovine track of thinking, and then some believe you should just give babies goats milk....maaaa maaaaaaa ma. Other more enlightened mommies, enlightened at least in their own minds, believe it is best to feed children almond milk, rice milk, soy milk (yucky), or just juice up fresh veggies and bottle feed it to them laced with some wheat grass juice. In all of these debates (and I have witnessed dozens of them in person and especially in chat rooms) no one EVER talks about mothers milk being best for babies, toddlers, and even older children.
I'm wondering when we as a society are going to put mothers milk up on the proverbial pedastal that it deserves....
QUOTE
"Children who were breast-fed exclusively for the first three months of life or longer scored nearly six points higher on IQ tests at the age of 6 than children who weren't breast-fed exclusively, a new study has found.
The finding buttresses previous research that has suggested that children and adults who were breast-fed as infants scored better on IQ tests and other measures of cognitive development, such as thinking, learning and memory, the study authors said.
"Long and exclusive breast-feeding makes kids smarter," said lead researcher Dr. Michael S. Kramer, of McGill University and the Montreal Children's Hospital, in Canada.
And if we are going to talk about breastfeeding, we HAVE to talk about birth because natural birth is a mothers key to being able to nurse her child exclusively. Go here to read more on that topic.
QUOTE:
"Given the widespread use of epidurals and their popularity with mothers...a large percentage [of women]...appeared uninformed about potential side effects of epidurals" (Declerq et al. 2002). While it is well known that epidurals provide a high level of pain relief, what women may not know is that one of the many side effects of epidurals is the possible interference with breastfeeding initiation and duration."
What Makes Human Milk Special?
Sally Myer
Nebraska
From: NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 23 No. 2, March-April 2006, pp. 82-83
The most common reason mothers probably choose to breastfeed is the knowledge that human milk is the superior infant food. It contains live cells, like those in blood. Some components of human milk also enhance the effects of others, so the ingredients of human milk work together. In contrast, only a small percentage of some ingredients of formula are absorbed; mixing ingredients in formula does not guarantee they will act together the way they do in human milk.
Human Milk Is Designed for Babies
Human milk is species-specific. The milk of each mammal species has adapted to supply its offspring with what is needed for optimal growth and survival. Some species' milks are relatively high in fat to lay down a thick layer of body fat, while those with high protein use it for rapid growth and maturation. Those species that need readily available sources of sugar to meet the needs of their rapidly growing brains have milk that is higher in carbohydrates. Humans are the slowest growing and maturing mammals, but also have the most advanced brains. So it makes sense that the protein content of human milk is relatively low while the level of carbohydrates is high.
Human milk contains levels of vitamins and minerals appropriate for the healthy, full-term, human infant. It is ever-changing -- from the beginning of the feeding to the end, from feeding to feeding, and from day to day. The infant provides many signals that stimulate some of the changes in his mother's milk. When following her infant's feeding cues, a mother can be assured that her child will benefit from those changes. For instance, if the milk taken at a particular feeding is lower in fat (fat is the most variable constituent of mother's milk), the infant will become hungry again sooner. If his cues are followed and he receives the next few feedings close together (cluster feeds), the higher fat milk he receives (fat content goes up when the breast is less full) will ensure his overall fat intake is adequate.
Human Milk Has Anti-Infective Properties
Breastfeeding mothers often notice that their children are sick less often than children who aren't breastfed. Human milk provides different kinds of defense against disease, including secretory antibodies against specific pathogens. It also contains lactoferrin, which not only is the source of iron for breastfed infants, but also appears to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Other components in human milk protect infants on a molecular level because their actual shape hinders certain pathogen's access to the infant.
Because human milk has protective qualities, infants who are not breastfed have more emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and treatments with antibiotics. The protective effects extend beyond weaning. (See the table below.)
Human milk offers immunological protection against many chronic diseases. According to Outcomes of Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding, compiled by Ginna Wall, MN, IBCLC, and Jon Ahrendsen, MD, FAAFP, human milk feeding is associated with less risk of the following diseases: celiac disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, sudden infant death syndrome, childhood cancer, autoimmune thyroid disease, appendicitis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, helicobacter pylori infection (associated with gastric ulcers), Crohn's disease, colitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, tonsillitis, allergies, atopic disease, and asthma. (This comprehensive report can be found at www.lalecheleague.org/docs/Outcomes_of_breastfeeding_June_2007.pdf *.)
The mechanism of these apparent long-term immunologic benefits remains unclear, although theories abound. Human milk contains bioactive components that enhance the growth and development of the human infant.
One gastrointestinal hormone, cholecystokinine (CCK) signals sedation and a feeling of satiation and well-being. During suckling, CCK release in both mother and infant produces a sleepy feeling. The infant's CCK level peaks twice after suckling. The first peak occurs immediately after the feeding. It peaks again 30 to 60 minutes later. The first CCK rise is probably induced by suckling; the second by the presence of milk in the GI tract. The drop of infant CCK levels 10 minutes after a feeding implies a "window" within which the infant can be awakened to feed from the second breast or to reattach to the first side for additional fat-rich milk. Waiting 30 minutes after the feeding before laying the baby down takes advantage of the second CCK peak to help the infant to stay asleep.
Human Milk Contains Essential Fatty Acids
The essential fatty acids in human milk optimize cognitive function and vision. Studies have found that premature infants who received human milk via feeding tube were more advanced developmentally at 18 months and at seven to eight years of age than those of comparable gestational age and birth weight who had received formula by tube. Such observations suggest that human milk has a significant impact on the growth of the central nervous system. Also, breastfed infants have higher visual acuity. These benefits of human milk can be attributed to the presence of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Although some formulas have recently added these ingredients, it is unknown if they will have similar effects long-term.
The hormones, live antibacterial and antiviral cells, and essential fatty acids are just some of the reasons why human milk is the vastly superior infant food. It is a truly unique substance that cannot be copied artificially.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the Nebraska Area Leader's Letter.
* This link updated in May, 2007
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 7:45 AM
March 29, 2008
Freebirth: A Message to Obstetricians from Jenny Hatch, "Physician Heal THYSELF!!"
This video is hosted on My Share Page at One True Media
In the past few months four obstetrics societies have made public statements about Unassisted Childbirth.
The Canadian Doctors (SOGC):
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
The Australian and New Zealand Doctors:
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
The Royal College (RCOG) in the UK:
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)
And in a recent article in the Denver Westword Newspaper (I was interviewed for this story)
A Spokesperson for ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) claimed freebirth was "dangerous".
Childbirth goes solo.
By Jared Jacang Maher
Published: May 10, 2007
"According to the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the organization "strongly opposes" any birth not performed inside a hospital. A spokesman for the ACOG has a one-word assessment of freebirth: "dangerous."
I have just one message for these doctors, and it is this:
"The moral of the proverb is counsel to prove your trustworthiness with your own affairs before attempting to tell others what they should do."
Break out of the Matrix!
When the various obstetrics societies PROVE that they have the will to reform themselves internally by setting up standards of care that are more about the mother and the baby than they are about the doctor and staff at the hospital, then I will feel more open about listening to any edicts they have about my lifestyle.
Hey Doctors: why don't you set some goals....
1. No inductions before 41 weeks
2. 10% C-section rate
3. No elective C-sections
4. Full acceptance of Lay and Nurse Midwifery both in the home and at the hospital
5. A Complete and total acceptance of VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean)
6. A willingness to embrace proper prenatal nutrition as the foundation for a healthy pregnancy as outlined by the Brewer Pregnancy Diet
When society stops locking up our midwives for bogus reasons, embrace and promote natural mothering as the IDEAL for a new baby (Natural Childbirth, Attachment Parenting, and Long Term Ecological Breastfeeding), then I will believe you have found your soul as doctors.
Until then? Well, I am going to continue promoting freebirth and encouraging families to break away from your way of giving birth, because frankly, the way you do it stinks.
Lamaze International has a white paper on Elective cesarean Vs. Vaginal Birth (PDF)
American College of Nurse Midwives:
RISKS OF CESAREAN DELIVERY ARE UNDERREPORTED,
BENEFITS OVERSTATED
Media Briefing Highlights Concerns In Advance of NIH Conference
QUOTE:
"Only women themselves can tell us if they are actually demanding cesarean section surgery. With what we are learning from Childbirth Connection today, we now know that women VERY rarely schedule first cesareans by choice without a medical reason," says Susan Hodges, president of Citizens for Midwifery. "Only women can tell us what kind of informed consent process was provided to them. Citizens for Midwifery believes that women are not being given adequate and unbiased information about all the risks and benefits of cesarean sections. Research is needed to understand who and what are now influencing decisions to perform major abdominal surgery 'for no medical reason' despite substantial evidence that all cesareans increase harmful risks for mothers and babies."
Free yourself from the Matrix~!
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 2:35 PM
January 24, 2008
Motherwear Blog: From Afghanistan with LOVE
Standard-Times photo by Patrick Dove
Every two weeks since early September 2007, young Silas Bohl has received a special package from halfway around the world. His mother, Capt. Ginger Bohl, is deployed with the Air Force in Afghanistan. The packages contain 30 to 40 pounds of frozen breast milk that travels in a convoluted, globe-trotting shipping route from the war zone to the Bohls' home. Ginger Bohl's deployment wraps up in mid-January, and she hopes to be back in San Angelo in time for Silas' first birthday.
Standard-Times photo by Patrick Dove
Mike Bohl unpacks a cooler of frozen breast milk with his son Silas in their San Angelo home. The milk comes from Bohl's wife, Air Force Capt. Ginger Bohl, who is deployed in Afghanistan.
From Afghanistan with love.
Thanks to reader Kelly in Nevada, here's a pretty inspiring story for you:
Air Force Captain Ginger Bohl, deployed to Afghanistan in August when her son was about 6 months old, has been sending pumped milk back to him ever since.
The San Angelo, Texas Standard Times reports:
"It's my wife," says Michael Bohl, her husband and Silas' father. "She is an amazing woman - her spirit, her faith, everything about her just shines."
Ginger Bohl, an Air Force captain, is an active-duty doctor deployed in Afghanistan from Goodfellow Air Force Base. Since leaving in late August, Bohl has sent home biweekly shipments of her breast milk, frozen and shipped in 30- to 40-pound quantities directly to the Bohl family.
Thirty-five pounds of milk is about 4 gallons' worth. This delicate commodity makes it halfway across the planet, a distance of more than 8,000 miles, in just three short days.
The father notes that Ginger has been very lucky to have an power and a freezer at her post, and that the family is lucky to be able to afford the shipping costs. He suggests a moratorium on deployment for breastfeeding mothers beyond the current four month limit. He also notes that the importation hasn't always been smooth:
Shipments have been held up by customs and the USDA because of the potential for infectious diseases.
"There's one guy at JFK (airport in New York City) who is now very informed about the benefits of breast-feeding and why we needed the milk right away," Bohl said. "I was even sent to the IRS to get the milk because they thought we were running some kind of Afghani breast-milk ring."
Ginger Bohl will return home in a few days. Her husband says:
"She's been gone for so long, nearly half of his life," Bohl said. "Every time he hears her on the TV [through a webcast], he crawls up to touch it. He knows her face and her voice. He knows his mommy. I know it won't be a problem."
Just a little comment. Mothers in the military should not be sent away from babies under three years of age!!! This is absolutely nuts.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 5:52 AM
January 12, 2008
Motherwear Blog: Top Breastfeeding Stories of 2007
Top Nursing stories from 2007!
Jenny Hatch
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:23 PM
October 11, 2007
La Leche League: Modest Breastfeeding
"I decided, with not much surprise, that I would only be comfortable breastfeeding around my husband, mother, and sisters. That was where I would draw the line. I resigned myself to the fact that any visitors to our home during feeding time would not be entertained until breastfeeding had finished. I would have to excuse myself to the bedroom for mother and baby time.
Since my comfort zone for breastfeeding my child would be limited to my immediate family, this would mean I would be restricted to few public engagements after the baby arrived. I knew I would be comfortable breastfeeding in my home and my parents' home, but definitely not in public. I decided that family parties, long shopping trips, and vacations were out of the question.
Although I was certain about my pre-baby decisions, I discovered that I actually loosened up a little after Madeline arrived. I discovered I could be a little more flexible. I found I was comfortable breastfeeding in the new mothers' room at the local baby superstore. I nursed in a friend's bedroom during a huge housewarming party. I even nursed in front of my husband's best friend. I'll admit I never did reach a comfort level to breastfeed at the mall, in front of my in-laws, or during trips to the park. I didn't take many trips outside of my home and my social engagements were limited. I was still rather conservative but much braver and open about my inhibitions than I thought I could be. Having a child changed the way I thought about my breasts. Why? Maybe it was all the poking and prodding they did at the hospital, the hospital gowns that left little to the imagination, reading every written piece about breastfeeding I could find, or quizzing my friends about breastfeeding.
Maybe it was the realization that my breasts were not sex objects but rather a source of food and comfort for my baby. And certainly, it was becoming a mother and doing what I felt was best for my baby. I let go and let love happen and everything else fell into place."
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:03 PM
True Face of Birth Breastfeeding Art
These pictures are simply beautiful.
I have several pictures of me nursing my babies on my blog and web site. I purposefully put those pictures into my montages because I believe these images are important in the public airwaves to normalize breastfeeding, and get our young people used to seeing breasts function as nature intended.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 4:16 PM
April 12, 2007
Mercury, Autism and the Global Vaccine Agenda: Link to a presentation by David Ayoub MD
www.robodoonproductions.com
1 hr 31 min 16 sec - Aug 15, 2006
www.radioliberty.com
David Ayoub, M.D. goes through the relations of Mercury to Autism as well its connections to “National Security Study Memorandum 200”; for ... all » population control. Showing its shocking connections to today’s G.A.V.I. Are powerful forces really trying to help the poor people or could it be for another agenda; the sterilization of the poor? This is an upsetting video, so brace yourself.
When you have a couple of hours to yourself, take the time to review this movie.
UPDATE:
Given the brewing scandal at the world bank around Wolfowitz's girlfriend, and the fact that they are meeting this week in America, perhaps it is time for them to acknowledge the roll they have played in the Vaccine scandals.
WAPO via Austin Bay:
"His acknowledgment, though cryptic, was a major new development in an unfolding scandal at the global lending institution, which seeks to help the world’s poorest countries. With annual meetings of the the bank and the International Monetary Fund convening in Washington this week, the World Bank’s executive board is discussing Wolfowitz’s future."
After watching Dr. Ayoub talk about the world bank and how they are "helping" the poorest nations on the earth, I have to question just about everything the world bank does and stands for.
Wolfowitz should be fired and the world bank exposed for the frauds around the vaccine controversys.
UPDATE:
More on the World Bank Situation:
From Huff Po Writer Steve Clemons
"One other tidbit about Wolfowitz that I have confirmed is less dramatic than securing his girlfriend a nearly $200,000 salary -- but still quite fascinating.
I now know from a second source -- as my first would only discuss this matter firmly off the record -- that Wolfowitz and Kevin Kellems had dinner at the Aquarelle Restaurant at the Watergate Hotel last year with a very prominent member of Washington's journalistic community.
The journalist in question had not met Wolfowitz previously and Kellems played a "relationship-brokering" role. What is interesting about this particular meeting -- as far as I understand the details of it -- is that the journalist in question, who I cannot name but can attest for his solid reputation as a serious writer, assumed that the topic of discussion at dinner would be Wolfowitz's global economic development agenda, his view of how to make the World Bank relevant to 21st century security and economic challenges, and so on.
Instead, Wolfowitz -- as recently as one year ago -- was still manically obsessed with the connection between Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda. Wolfowitz reportedly brought with him to dinner an enormous binder of materials, articles, essays, reports, intelligence, etc. -- arguing that the connection between Hussein and bin Laden's operation was real and robust.
I can't report on the journalist's reaction to the dinner -- other than to say he was "surprised."
If Wolfowitz has been spending time hiring people like Robin Cleveland and Kevin Kellems -- as well as pushing the career of his girl friend "illegally" -- and obsessing about validating his bad decisions in the build-up to the Iraq War, then he has not been attentive to his real and fundamental responsibilites at the World Bank.
If all the rumors about his resignation tomorrow are untrue, Paul Wolfowitz should make them true as soon as possible."
My long time readers know that I am a Neo-Con and completely supported and continue to support the invasion of Iraq and the taking down of Sadaam Hussein. I also understand why Mr. Wolfowitz would want to validate and justify his actions and promotion of the War in Iraq.
What I would like to know is how much money Vaccine manufacturers had tied to this decision to yell and scream about Weapons of Mass Destruction the past six years. Don't get me wrong, I know those weapons are real and are a big threat. What I question is how much the Government has been influenced by Big Pharma to push it in the Media to soften up the populace into welcoming the idea that Vaccines are the answer to all of those threats?
I believe we all need to watch this very closely, and understand that our soldiers are being used as Gunea Pigs by being shot up with all the vaccines for WMD (Anthrax etc) The fact that our soldiers who have refused vaccines go to prison tells me how powerful the drug lobby has been in relation to these major decisions around weapons of mass destruction.
I am all for American Imperialism if it means freeing nations from despotic rule. But if American Imperialism boils down to hype to make more money for pharmaceutical companies, then I believe it is time for those particular frauds to be exposed!
Perhaps this World Band scandal will help open up the records and we can understand just exactly who has profited from the war in this sicko fashion.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 4:39 PM
February 12, 2007
Amanda Terfansky Counter Speaking at the 2nd International Husband/Wife Homebirth Conference
Amanda Counter Speaking at the 2nd International Husband/Wife Homebirth Conference in 2001.
This conference was held in July of 2001. Amanda was one of the parents who spoke at this conference dedicated to husband and wife home childbirth.
No Professionals were allowed to attend.
If you would like to purchase the E-Video, Please go here.
If you would like to purchase the transcript to the conference, Please go here.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 7:25 AM
December 14, 2006
A limpet on the mother rock
Sarah J Buckley MD in Australia
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 5:02 PM
July 6, 2006
Title should have read....better for all babies
Study: Breast Milk Better for Preemies
"NewsMax.com Wires
Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Chicago - The tiniest premature infants fed with breast milk in the hospital did better on tests of mental development later in life than did others fed only formula, a study has found.
The research, outlined in the July issue of Pediatrics, is the first to show the benefits of breast milk for babies born weighing less than 2 pounds, 3 ounces. With medical advances, hospitals are saving more of these babies, some born more than three months early.
For these infants, brain development that normally would occur in the womb during the third trimester of pregnancy must occur in the neonatal intensive-care unit of a hospital, said study co-author Dr. Betty Vohr of Brown Medical School. Ingredients in breast milk, particularly fatty acids, seem to help the brain develop properly, she said.
Even when the researchers took education and income into account, the breast milk babies scored higher on tests of mental development when they were 18 months old than the formula babies."
I will refuse to believe America is an educated and enlightened society unless and untill the vast majority of mothers in America are happily nursing their own babies.
Cows milk is for building the bones of a baby calf. So if you want your child to be a bone head, be sure to feed them formula derived from cow's milk.
Breast milk is Brain Food so, if you want your child to be smart, be sure to feed them mothers milk.
Paul, Allison, Jenny, and Ben
So far in our family Allison holds the record for years breastfed. She demanded that she be fed Mommas milk well into her fourth year. Ben is still nursing at three and a half. Whenever I ask him when he plans to wean he holds up five fingers, and says, "when I'm five".
Allison with Ben
"What Makes Human Milk Special?
Sally Myer
Nebraska
From: NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 23 No. 2, March-April 2006, pp. 82-83
The most common reason mothers probably choose to breastfeed is the knowledge that human milk is the superior infant food. It contains live cells, like those in blood. Some components of human milk also enhance the effects of others, so the ingredients of human milk work together. In contrast, only a small percentage of some ingredients of formula are absorbed; mixing ingredients in formula does not guarantee they will act together the way they do in human milk.
Human Milk Is Designed for Babies
Human milk is species-specific. The milk of each mammal species has adapted to supply its offspring with what is needed for optimal growth and survival.
Some species' milks are relatively high in fat to lay down a thick layer of body fat, while those with high protein use it for rapid growth and maturation. Those species that need readily available sources of sugar to meet the needs of their rapidly growing brains have milk that is higher in carbohydrates. Humans are the slowest growing and maturing mammals, but also have the most advanced brains. So it makes sense that the protein content of human milk is relatively low while the level of carbohydrates is high.
Human milk contains levels of vitamins and minerals appropriate for the healthy, full-term, human infant. It is ever-changing -- from the beginning of the feeding to the end, from feeding to feeding, and from day to day. The infant provides many signals that stimulate some of the changes in his mother's milk. When following her infant's feeding cues, a mother can be assured that her child will benefit from those changes.
For instance, if the milk taken at a particular feeding is lower in fat (fat is the most variable constituent of mother's milk), the infant will become hungry again sooner. If his cues are followed and he receives the next few feedings close together (cluster feeds), the higher fat milk he receives (fat content goes up when the breast is less full) will ensure his overall fat intake is adequate."
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 4:35 PM
February 8, 2006
Extraordinary Breastfeeding
Written by Veronika Robinson, Editor, The Mother magazine ~ as seen on Richard and Judy, Channel Four, February 1st, 2006
"My family's story is simple. We chose to let our daughters wean themselves when they were ready. They both weaned at a similar age. Bethany was seven (despite stating on the documentary that she was five) and Eliza was a couple of months shy of her eighth birthday. Bethany drew huge media attention by the fact she requested to breastfeed for a 9th birthday present. The media played on her statement that breastmilk is better than a million melons. Better than mango, even.
In the media frenzy around the publicity, there were many factual errors. The Daily Mail, to whom I gave an interview, fabricated quotes left, right and centre and in one particular quote, wrote the exact opposite of what I said. They hounded me for a family photo on the day of my mother in law's funeral. Not only was my story fabricated, but the other two women involved also had their stories altered in favour of how the Daily Mail thinks their stories should be! In Sophie's case, they stated (wrongly) that breastfeeding caused the break-up of her first marriage.
I also gave an exclusive interview to NOW magazine by email, but they too, sadly, managed to misquote and change the tone of what I said, despite it being written in black and white.
It was an honour to be a guest on the Richard and Judy show a few hours before the documentary went to air. They publicly stated that they could find no medical or psychology expert to come out against full term breastfeeding. Of course they couldn't! Studies show that it is psychologically beneficial to breastfeed this way."
The longest I have breastfed a child was my oldest daughter Allison who was four and a half when I pried her off. I would have let her continue, but I was expecting my fourth and still nursing Jeff, and just felt like I was overwhelmed being pregnant and nursing two children. She did NOT want to wean, but we convinced her it was best for the new baby.
I am still nursing three year old Ben. He just loves to nurse all day long.
I was a columnist for Veronikas magazine for a couple months. Subscribe if you can, it is an excellent introduction to all facets of natural Mothering.
"Helen Neumann remembers running into her parents' bedroom during a nighttime thunderstorm and climbing into their bed. Four years old, she opened the snaps of her mother's flowered flannel nightgown and nursed. "I remember it as warmth," explains Helen, who lives in Iowa City. "The flannel was soft; I felt safe there."
Although her older sister weaned herself at 11 months, Helen continued to nurse at night until she was about five years old. Now, at age 30, with a baby of her own, Helen is still close to her mother, talking to her on the phone almost every day and visiting frequently."
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 5:34 AM