Breastfeeding a national issue: Acceptable or Repulsive?

Since the beginning of time breastfeeding has been the biological and healthy method for baby to receive the proper nutrition. Mothers also receive many health benefits from breastfeeding, according to Womenshealth.gov breastfeeding mothers are at a lower risk of developing diabetes type 2, breast and ovarian cancer and postpartum depression. In recent years many consider formula to be the natural process to feed a newborn, infant and even toddler without ever knowing there are health risks associated with formula for both a baby and a mother. Despite many efforts of our community raising awareness and accepting the breastfeeding benefits for mom and baby, many citizens of this country criticize breastfeeding as being inappropriate. To even go as far as feeling disgusted, after just seeing a picture of mothers breastfeeding  posted online, the internet or posters for campaigns to raise acknowledgement. Redefining the word “breastfeeding” in our society is a must because of what the citizens of this country believe it means.

According to CBS News in the article published “Mayor Bloomberg’s Infant Formula Plan Aimed at Promoting Breast-feeding in NYC Hospitals”, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is taking action on breastfeeding; he has implemented an initiative in which mothers will be encouraged to breastfeed rather than formula feeding right after giving birth at the hospitals. Formula will keep locked just as many of the other medications, and nurses will have to sign a form to give patients the formula. The Mayor had many disapproving his plan of action and has stirred up a big controversy; many pointing fingers at him and accusing him of being to forceful and not letting mother decide for themselves according to the article. Towards the bottom of the website article many commented on these issues saying, “I don't get it... Abortion is okay, but formula is bad?” “I can't believe Bloomberg is interfering in women's issues. They have SOOOO had enough of this crap,” “never write comments online about anything, but I HAD to on what this idiot mayor is involving himself regarding breastfeeding.”

The National Alliance for Breast-feeding advocacy says “it’s a good program.”  The executive director of the Alliance’s stated that keeping baby formula under lock will force the medical team to encourage mothers and promote breastfeeding, rather than handing out bottles. This will not only benefit babies and mothers from developing diseases, but the government saves money over time. It is obvious that what the mayor is trying to do for mothers was taken out of context, it is clear that he wants to create an environment where mothers are successful with breastfeeding. Our country is so twisted that we think that what is biologically normal for both our bodies to do to nourish our babies to can be described as repulsive.

            It is obvious that the citizens of this country have become way to sensitive and involved as well as outspoken in issues that are not relevant to their well-being. In this case many mothers have become intimidated by many who believe that breastfeeding their children in pubic is repulsive. In June of 2012 author Amanda Peterson Beadle published the article Controversy Erupts over Photos of Military Women Breastfeeding on Think Progress Health. Pictures of two military mothers’ breastfeeding their babies created a serious of disagreements in Fairchild Air Force Base outside of Spokane, Washington, when posters with this pictures when created during a campaign to raise breastfeeding awareness. Many disapproved of these pictures calling them according to Peterson Beadle “disgrace to the uniform.” Many women didn’t stop. There were some who were compared as beautiful heartfelt pictures “equivalent to urinating in public and criticism that broke with military tradition,” according to the article many inside the military had their fair share to say. She goes on to saying that there are Acts that protect working mothers that require accommodations in the workforce providing breastfeeding support. 

Another clear example of how distorted our society has become was the cover of Times magazine this year ignited a breastfeeding debated because a mother on the front cover is breastfeeding her 3 year old. The three year old is standing on a stool hands free while mom is also standing up straight. WTVR.com is the news channel covering the story, they posted the story on their Facebook were many attacked it by saying “it’s just gross and indecent,” “ewe,” not surprised how ignorant people have become. For many centuries there was no formula and mothers breastfeed for many and many years. Third world countries tend to extend the breastfeeding time-lapse to age three, according to parentdish.com. It is only in our society that breasts are seen as a sexual tool and not what they are actually intended for,” nourishing babies.” However, it is customary to see breast and even women nude exposing all their body on magazine covers; no one complains about that!

            It is imperative that Americans take a moment and analyze the importance of breastfeeding and start to acknowledge how greatly it benefits a baby, mother, community, government and even the environment. There are so many risks factors that come with formula feeding; it’s not the natural way of doing things. Many babies who try breast milk and later are formula feed prefer to be breastfed also tend to experience more constipation, spit up more and are more colicky among man other issues according to the Babble Baby Feeding Guide. There is also a risk of a child becoming obese since by not knowing the correct portions of formula to give an infant. Many children also experience tooth decay as a result of being bottle feed. There are many factors to put into perspective with determining what is best for baby and mother, making an educated decision can save a mothers or a baby’s life.

There are many reasons why as parents and community members we should take responsibility and make the much needed decision to shift our way of thinking, why formula should not be the 1^st choice and breastfeeding should be the norm. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that a baby is exclusively breastfed for the first six months of his/her life, after six months slowly introducing solids while continuing to breastfeed until 12 months of age, and continuing to breastfeeding for as long as baby and mother desire. Oregon is the 2nd state in our nation to have the highest breastfeeding with initiation rate over 90%, according to the Oregon Health Authority website. After six months only 35% of mother is breastfeeding because of an array of barriers mothers face, work, school, lack of support, trauma to the nipples, latch problems, etc. However, any amount of breast milk will benefit the child in the long run. Breastfeeding the first six months of life saves the government money but more importantly lives. Breastfeeding saves money and lives according the article” Study: Breast-feeding would save lives,” money published by USA Today that concluded that the analysis studied the predominance of common illness among children whom were not breastfeed, the treating of those diseases, including hospitalization.  An economists’ calculation was about 13 billion which was the estimated loss based on potential lifetime wages, including 10.56 million per death. The website also stated that “in 2001 the government cited in a reported that about 3.6 billion each year if 50% of mother breast-fed their babies for six months. Medical costs have climbed since then and breast-feeding rate has increased only slightly.” But the most important piece of evidence is that about 900 babies would be saved each year, this was depicted from a published online in the Pediatric journal. A published brochure from INFACT Canada share on it that there are risks that many are not aware of while formula feeding. Many of the risks include higher risk of ear, lung and infection from contaminated formula, lower intelligence, rick of allergy, asthma, heart disease, SIDS, obesity, childhood cancer, diarrhea and diabetes type I and II. The benefits for mothers who breastfeed are: it reduces the chance of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.  Breastfeeding also helps the mother heal quicker from delivery and helps bring mother back to pre-pregnancy weight. Breast milk changes from feed to feed, and on a day to day basis to fit the baby’s need, more importantly the bond that is created between the mother and baby is indestructible. 

While many are disgusted, repulsed or even overwhelmed by nature’s way of nourishing a baby, it is important to educate the American population with what the benefits of breastfeeding are. Remind them that this was the luxury that many of our ancestors practiced and that breasts are not to be used for sexual pleasure but rather to raise our children. Educating and redefining the work accommodations for “breastfeeding mothers,” in our society is an urgent matter. Actions that are sexual have become natural and the natural has become sexual. The Mardi Gras Carnival is a vivid example of this. It is the yearly celebration where women expose their breasts and other private areas for entertainment of others, this is a personal choice and so is breastfeeding. While some are offended by women breastfeeding in public and excited by others exposing themselves, dissecting the real reason behind both should be a must in our culture. It is very dissuading to see how a first world country cannot understand the importance of great health practices and having a healthy start to an adult life. Breastfeeding is nothing to be ashamed of. Better yet it’s something that society should take pride, for a healthier America.

·         Byran, Alix and Hall, Lorenzo. “Timely Debate And Controversy Over Breastfeeding Image.” WTVR. 2012. Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

·         CBS News Staff. “May Bloomberg’s Infant Formula Plan Aimed Promoting Breast-feeding in NYC Hospitals.” CBS News. 2012. Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

·         “Common Problems.” Babble. Courtesy of Disney. Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

·         InFact Canadas’s. “14 Risks of Formula Feeding.” Borner Brook, Newfoundland: Breastfeed In Action Group. Print.

·         Jones, Brent. “Study: Breastfeeding Would Save Lives, Money”. 2012 Web. 2 Now. 2012.

·         Paterlarou, Evridiki; Girvalaki, Charis; Brokalaki, Hero; Patelarou, Athena; Androulaki, Zacharenia; Vardavas, Constantine. "Current Evidence On The Associations Of Breastfeeding, Infant Formula, And Cow's Milk Introduction With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review."Nutrition Review. Vol.70(9).(2012): 509-519. Academic Search Premier. 1 Nov. 2012.

·         Womens Health.gov. 4^th Aug. 2012. Why Breastfeeding is important. 3 Nov. 2012. <> http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is-important/index.html#b>

How Safe or Dangerous is the "Cry It Out" Method

Often many parents struggle with night time sleep because it is most often when infants, baby’s and even toddlers wake up for many reasons, hunger, teething or just wanting to be comforted. As parents we are deprived of many things from date nights as a couple, using both hands to prepare a meal, hobbies such as scrap booking or just talking to a friend over the phone. It is very common the parents run to friends, family, pediatrician, Internet and stranger for advice on how to have your child sleep through the night. But are the techniques that are being suggested safe for our children?

 

The "cry it out" method was created by Dr. Richard Ferber the head director at the children’s hospital in Boston of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorder. He wrote a book in 1985,"Solve Your Child Sleep Problems," needless to say it was a controversial book in which he talked about letting baby sooth by itself. Dr. Richard Ferber well known and judged that it became known as "Ferberizing. Many deemed while other applauded. However, he was not the first to come up with the idea around "CIO method," in the 1880's with uproar about germs and transmitting infections and disease that it was advice that babies should be seldom touched. In the 20th century John Watson a self-proclaimed hard science talked down about affection because he argued that babies who are given "too much attention," could result in a failed adult, dependent, and even dangerous. A pamphlet was created by the government at the time that focused teaching mothers that a baby should be held up to the point of feeling tired, when that happened that happened then baby should be put down and not inconvenience the adult. A baby at the age of six months should start being taught to sit alone in a crib, because a mother might waste her time by having to watch and entertain her baby.

According to Ph. D Narvaez who wrote for Psychology Today stated that we can now confirm with neuroscience that letting a baby cry and become distress can be dangerous. There is more short and long term negative effect in the "Cry It Out," method then what could potentially be positive. The main reason many parents let their children cry for long periods can vary but the main one that parents attest to is because they want to teach their children to sleep through the night. However, the potential risks for “CIO,” are far more serious than many even imagine, “less intelligent, less healthy but and more anxious, uncooperative and alienated person who can pass the same or worse traits on the next generation,” according to the article written by Ph. D Narvaez. By reinforcing greater “independence” can actually be working towards making a being be more dependent. It is said that babies who cry for a long period of time and become distressed go into a depression stage that can be compared to what adult’s experience. Just because a baby stop crying does not mean he or she is content, it is very possible that the infant’s starts having health problems as well. The brain release cortisol which shrinks brain cells which eventually affect brain development.

Neurons die when the hormone cortisol is released in the brain when a baby is in great despair or distress, when great distress is experienced by a baby this can be a neuron killer according to Dr. Sears in the article Science Says: Excessive Crying Could Be Harmful.  Dr. Sears proves that scientist have found that developing brain tissue when exposed to the cortisol and adrenaline hormone for a prolonged period these nerves don’t form connections to other nerves and will degenerate. This is why it raises a red flag that parents leave their infants crying for days or weeks, the neurological effects that this has on baby’s brain are irreversible implications. One study done showed that an infant left to cry was 10 times more likely to have ADHD, antisocial behavior and poor school performance this pointed out by Dr. Sears. There is also evidence that vital organs are in distress due to the release of the hormones for prolonged crying.

According to Sarah Cassidy in The New Zealand Herald in the article Babies left to cry can suffer brain damage, warns parenting guru,  there are so many advantages of holding a baby, more specifically skin to skin. The skin to skin contact is better than an incubator in maintaining your baby’s temperature, a mother’s body temperature can raise or lower a couple degrees to hear or cool baby, it also helps regulate baby’s heart rate and blood sugars, baby cries less, bonding, having less issues with breastfeeding and helping increase milk supply due to the prolactin hormone being produced due to contact. It is obvious who mothers need to hold babies. Dads can help increase baby’s body temperature but not decrease; it’s recommended that dad’s put baby down once they feel warm to the touch.

Some people are starting to think that the first three months of a baby’s life is the 4^th trimester of the pregnancy and baby should be worn. This can be overwhelming for a mom to hear because they just got out of pregnancy and most want their bodies back, making this as a culture practice will make a new mom more at ease about caring for baby. A great way to wear baby is using a baby wrap, one usually runs about $40-$60 and even cheaper if bought as a second hand item, this can free hands up and help mom do things around the house or simply lay on the couch read or use the control to change the channel.

It is unnecessary to dispute weather or not it is safe for a baby to cry for a second or two, however, when a child cry for a prolonged period this can be devastating emotionally but also health wise. It is understandable cries and that not always will a parent or caretaker will be able to cater to needs right away and that at times a baby will be put down and cry for an instant, it is the crying that gets no response for a prolonged period that is worrisome. It is necessary to use good judgment based on scientific evidence when making a decision that will determine your child’s health as an adult and that can even pass to generations to come. It is also important to take into consideration that “controlled crying” have no ill effect on babies. Is the “CIO” method safe or dangerous you decide?

 

Cassidy, Sarah. Babies left to cry can suffer brain damage, warns parenting guru. The Independent. 22 April, 2011. Web Nov. 2012

Early childhood stress and neurobiological effects. Wikipedia. Nov. 2012

Narvaez, Darcia. Dangers of “Crying It Out.” Psychology Today. December 11, 2011 Web. 21 Nov. 2012

Sears, Williams. Science Says: Excessive Crying Could Be Harmful. Ask Dr. Sears. Web Nov. 2012

Welcome to Cafe Mama Lola

This is my first blog ever; it’s such an amazing and exciting experience. To think that many can access this page to exchange ideas, stories and anecdotes. This page is basically by a mama and for mamas but every one is welcomed and able to interact. Thank you for taking the opportunity and checking it out.
I am a breastfeeding counselor for a neighboring county; I do over the phone counseling and teach support breastfeeding groups at a WIC clinic. I am currently on becoming a Lactation Consultant, infant massage and want to in the future I want to become a child birth educator and a doula, provide these services to low income women in both Spanish and English. My passion is working with women and children.
I will be posting on various topics that interest me and am hoping to post on a regular basis. I will be posting on breastfeeding, baby’s and mama’s health, nutrition, sleep,common concerns among mothers, and many other hot topics.
Once again thank you for taking a peak, check in regularly and feel free to comment.

Mama Lola

Este es mi primer blog, es una experiencia maravillosa y emocionanate. Solo en pensar que muchos pueden usar la pagina par intercambiar ideas, historias y anectotas. Esta pagina es basicamente departe de una mama para mamas pero todos son bienvenidos pueden interactuar. Gracias por tomar un momento y darse la oportunidad de ver el blog.
Soy una consejera de lactancia de un condado vecino, yo doy conejeria por telefono y doy educacion de lactancia en groupos en clinicas de WIC. Actualmente me estoy certficando para ser una Consultante de lactancia, tambien para dar masajes a los bebes, en un futuro quiero hacerme educadora de partos, dula y proveer estos servicios a las mujeres de bajos recursos en Ingles y Español. Mi pasion es trabajar con mujeres y niños.
Yo estare publicando aqui varios temas que me interesand con la esperanza de estar publicando regularmente. Estare publicando de la lactancia, salud de bebe y mama, nutricion, el dormir, preocupaciones comunes entre mamas y otros temas que las mamas quieren saber.
De nuevo gracias por tomar un momento para ver este sitio, visite regularment y comente con libertad

Mama Lola