Category Archives: culture

World Breastfeeding Week ends today, and the fifty-one weeks of the year I rarely post about nursing will resume again tomorrow. As someone who has been breastfeeding for the last twenty-five months, here are some ideas for everyone on how to promote breastfeeding year round.

For Everyone:
+ Make nursing women comfortable when you can. When a breastfeeding mother comes over to your home, briefly tell them they are welcome to nurse the baby wherever they feel comfortable. Personally, I like being near enough to enjoy conversation, even if I’m not comfortable being in the room (which has happened on occasion).
+ If someone starts breastfeeding in your presence, smile and maintain eye contact (which helps you not to notice moments of indiscretion.)
+ Always keep in mind that discomfort nursing in public is one of the top reasons women cite that they don’t breastfeed as long as they intend to. Many women (like me) have been spoken to unkindly, even while using blankets and trying very hard to be discreet. If you are uncomfortable with how someone is nursing, try to put yourself in their shoes. I had trouble nursing discreetly last week when I was travelling by myself, 600 miles away from home in 98 degree heat, with two small children. I can recall one compassionate smile that was a true encouragement to me.

For Breastfeeding Moms:
+ Consider nursing in front of your older sons, brothers and other male relatives. I honestly believe this is one of the best ways to shape our culture to have a healthy view of breastfeeding. When teenage boys see a woman nursing at the mall, it would be awesome if they would equate that with their mother, sister or dear aunt and not maxim magazine.
+ Nurse discreetly in public. This is a middle ground between the few who are indiscreet and others who won’t nurse in public at all. Use your husband as a blanket-holder if you are uncomfortable or practice at home. Again, society is shaped when women show that breastfeeding is a normal and discreet procress.
+ Be encouraged.  You are doing the very best you can for your children.  Don’t let others drag you down!

Breastfeeding in public is a touchy subject that spawns a great deal of debate. Here are some unsystematic and uncomprehensive thoughts on the matter. Continue reading →

Most women have some desire to breastfeed.  Many have told me, “I tried to breastfeed, but [I had problems, I didn’t make enough milk, etc.]”  Many people do not have extended networks of family and friends who breastfed and don’t have much support.  Nursing isn’t as easy as it seems like it should be.  Honestly, I believe it’s a bit challenging at first because God designed it to slow down new mothers to keep them resting and healing and not running around.  Anyway, it’s not easy and people have problems.  Who do they turn to?  Their pediatricians.

Several doctors and medical school students have confirmed for me recently that medical school education does talk about the importance of breastfeeding for the health of babies and some of the general advantages to babies and mothers, but the mechanics of it?  How to troubleshoot nursing problems?  Those are not generally well discussed in medical school curricula.

So, who should people call when they need help?  Breastfeeding experts, particularly international board certified lactation consultants and lay helpers like your local La Leche League leaders.  LLL is a great place to get breastfeeding support, before or after you have a baby.

Last year’s posts:
Introduction
When to Start Solids
WBW Link
Why I Demand Feed
WBW Roundup

Last year I wasn’t planning on blogging on breastfeeding the whole week, it just happened after people showed interest!

This week is world breastfeeding week.  Why are we “celebrating” it here on TCL for the second straight year?  In our conservative evangelical circles, breastfeeding is the norm.  But across the United States, breastfeeding is still languishing far below where it should be.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (the mainstream organization) recommends 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding.  No formula, no water, no solids.  Then to continue breastfeeding as primary nutrition for at least the rest of the first year.

Here are the most recent stats on breastfeeding in the United States.  In 2005, 72.9% of babies were breastfed at least once.   39.1% were still breastfed even a little at 6 months, but only 13.9% were exclusively breasted to 6 months.  At 9 months, 26.3% were still nursing.  Only 20.1% of babies made it to a year of breastfeeding.    Continue reading →