Free Breastfeeding Series Preview

I’m so excited to pair with Karen Phippen to bring a free preview class of our upcoming three week series.

Breastfeeding can be hard. Let us help make it easier.
This class will be held at the home of The Healing Tree Doula and Massage:  370 South 500 East Suite 207 in Clearfield.
We encourage you to RSVP so that we have enough seats for everyone!

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Favorite comments on lactation in general

“I miss being able to lactate, actually. It was a very powerful feeling.” [That’s because your breasts are yearning to be used for their original purpose. When we realize the intrinsic value of human body parts and human life in general, our joy becomes fuller and we feel more powerful.]

“Breastfeeding helps me to maintain a basic level of respect for my body. I may not like it sometimes, and I may often wish I was smaller/firmer/flatter/tighter/more pert, but knowing my body has an important purpose helps me silence those self-destructive voices that we are all victim to at times….There’s something wonderful about breastfeeding that can’t be explained, quantified or compared. The feeling that wells up in your heart when the … person … is looking you straight in the eye whilst feeding from your breast is something quite astonishing. Breastfeeding is pure love; not just the transference of nutrients and antibodies but the fostering of love and trust that will last a lifetime.”
“PERMISSION TO BE LAZY REST. Every nursing [woman] knows that when you start breastfeeding the sofa becomes your permanent residence, your best friend, your throne. You have absolutely no choice but to let others cater to your every need. Drinks made, dinner served, house cleaned, shopping bought, cushions plumped. WAISTLINE. Breastfeeding releases hormones which cause your uterus to shrink more quickly to its pre-pregnancy size. The uterus of non-breastfeeding mothers will never shrink back. It will always remain slightly enlarged (Chua S, Arulkumaran S, Lim I et al. “Influence of breastfeeding and nipple stimulation on postpartum uterine activity.” Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1994; 101:804-805). Furthermore, breastfeeding burns up to 500 calories per day (double that if you’re nursing twins). Unlike Weightwatchers, Slimming World and Jenny Craig, breastfeeding is proven to enhance your figure (Kramer, F., “Breastfeeding reduces maternal lower body fat.” J. Am Diet Assoc 1993; 93(4):429-33). What’s more, having a va-va-voom cleavage flatters your thinning waistline even more. NATURE’S SPLIFF. Breastfeeding makes you high, in a pleasant, calm, serene way. Nursing stimulates the release of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin in the mother’s body. These hormones relax the nursing mum and make her feel more nurturing toward her baby. The effect is similar to cannabis yet legal and you can do it in public. Furthermore, as the hormones are passed through the breast milk, nursing acts like a natural baby tranquilizer. Which leads us to… SLEEP. Whoever created the ‘lying down whilst breastfeeding’ position needs [an] award or something because it has preserved the sanity of many.”

“I’ve also never been a super touchy-feely person, often wanting my personal space, but now I can say that the act of breastfeeding is the one thing that has helped me cope with my new life with a baby. It reminds of how special and miraculous this whole motherhood thing is. It forces me to slow down and take it all in. It’s like this designated pause throughout the day — a welcomed break in the busyness of life…Who knew an I-need-my-space kind of person could love such an intimate affair? Becoming a mother is a process, but loving things I didn’t know I would or could, I now know, comes much more naturally than I thought.”

 

“It is my excuse to eat LOTS of Cake. I eat what I like.  When I like.  OK so this is mainly cake and the excuse is I’m breastfeeding I need the calories. Ok ok ok I probably don’t and if I do its from good healthy food not beautiful blissful toblerone cheesecake.  But hey.  I’m breastfeeding what’s your excuse?…  I take time out for cuddles…

Breastfeeding is AN ACHIEVEMENT. Something which is often overlooked and I, for one, I am amazingly proud of myself for achieving. I love breastfeeding for giving me that confidence to be proud in my ability to give what I want to give to my children.”

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Scientists Want to Completely Rethink How They Make the Flu Vaccine

Scientists Want to Completely Rethink How They Make the Flu Vaccine
This year's deadly season has given drugmakers a sense of urgency in the war on the ever-mutating influenza virus.

February 28, 2018 at 11:35AM
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Seth Meyers Checks In To See If The President Has Kept His Word On Fighting The Opioid Epidemic

Seth Meyers Checks In To See If The President Has Kept His Word On Fighting The Opioid Epidemic
He vowed to do everything "in his power" to fight the drug issue ravaging communities across the country.

February 28, 2018 at 09:17AM
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Spring Snowdrops

Spring doesn’t officially begin for another three weeks, but at my Bedford, New York farm, signs of the coming season are emerging more every day. Among the first [&hellip...

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Sneeze Into Your Elbow, Not Your Hand. Please.

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The Seductive Confinement of a Weighted Blanket in an Anxious Time

The Seductive Confinement of a Weighted Blanket in an Anxious Time
Heavy specialty blankets have been used for decades as therapeutic aids. Now they're going mainstream.

February 27, 2018 at 09:46AM
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Blooming Witch Hazel

It’s wonderful to see the gardens transform this time of year. Last week, we had a brief stretch of warm, springtime weather. Many of our spring bulbs began [&hellip...

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Skin to Skin and Breastfeeding

Skin to skin is a practice that has become so widespread in the last few years. When I first started working with moms and babies, skin to skin after delivery wasn’t a “thing”.   In fact, I remember attending a birth as a doula several years ago and I requested that the baby stay with mom and the response I got from the nurse was “she can have the baby when we are done”.

Going from that, to encouraging skin to skin as soon and often as possible is a big jump. The benefits of skin to skin are just amazing, and I am disappointed that this isn’t something we have been doing all along. I mean…really…it’s so natural. When you think about it, as adults we like to be skin to skin with our partner if we can. It’s such a calming, comfortable place to be. Why wouldn’t your newborn baby want to be skin to skin with mom? It’s the next best thing to being in the womb. Babies that are skin to skin with mom after delivery are calmer babies overall, their body temperature regulates easier, respirations are even, breastfeeding is easier and oxytocin is flowing. If mom cannot be skin to skin with baby right away, this is a good time for partners to step up and tuck that baby into your shirt.   Sometimes called “Kangaroo Care”, skin to skin has been known to save the lives of preemie babies in the NICU. This is one of the most important things you can do for your baby in the first weeks of life (and beyond).

 

This week on the Badass Breastfeeding Podcast, Dianne and Abby talk about the benefits of skin to skin. Check it out here:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/episodes/650573-episode-27-skin-to-skin

You can also check out this link on 10 benefits of skin to skin (there are more than this, but you have to start somewhere!)

https://babygooroo.com/articles/10-benefits-of-skin-to-skin-contact

 

 

 

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F.D.A. to Expand Medication-Assisted Therapy for Opioid Addicts

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Pruning My Linden Trees

Time for some high pruning and maintenance for the trees at my farm. Recently, my longtime arborists at SavATree came with a crew to do some upkeep on [&hellip...

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Depression Takes My Body Away

Depression Takes My Body Away
And clothing can help me get it back.

February 25, 2018 at 04:30PM
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What's The Difference Between Fetuses And Aliens?

What's The Difference Between Fetuses And Aliens?
You'll either be more scared of pregnancy after watching this, or kind of pumped about growing an alien inside of you.

February 25, 2018 at 04:10PM
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The costs of camouflaging autism

The costs of camouflaging autism
Many girls hide their autism, sometimes evading diagnosis well into adulthood. These efforts can help women on the spectrum socially and professionally, but they can also do serious harm.

February 25, 2018 at 12:51PM
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A Brief History Of Fecal Transplants, Also Known As Consuming Other People's Poop

A Brief History Of Fecal Transplants, Also Known As Consuming Other People's Poop
Fecal transplants are undeniably gross, but they're also the best treatment for many people with stubborn bacterial infections.

February 25, 2018 at 12:04PM
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Taco Bell Is Officially More Popular Than Burger King. But Which Is Worse For You?

Taco Bell Is Officially More Popular Than Burger King. But Which Is Worse For You?
Taco Bell just surpassed Burger King as the fourth most-popular restaurant chain in America.

February 25, 2018 at 02:51AM
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How Killer Rice Crippled Tokyo and the Japanese Navy

How Killer Rice Crippled Tokyo and the Japanese Navy
For centuries, the illness known as kakke ravaged Japan's wealthy and powerful, and for centuries the culprit went unnoticed: fine, polished, white rice.

February 24, 2018 at 11:41AM
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The States Taking The Opioid Epidemic Seriously (And Not), In One Map

The States Taking The Opioid Epidemic Seriously (And Not), In One Map
A quick visual guide to whether your state is doing enough.

February 24, 2018 at 08:54AM
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Norm Bloom & Son Copps Island Oysters

As many of you know, one of my favorite foods is oysters. I love serving oysters at parties out on my large porch, where guests can gather and [&hellip...

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Papaya Apple Smoothie

This is a great lactation smoothie for breakfast

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ripe papaya
• 250 ml Almond milk
• 1/2 Apple
• 1 tbsp dates syrup

Procedure:

Blend the above ingredients in a blender until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Brown sugar or honey can be added as a sweetener.

Serve by adding ice cubes if you like it cold.

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Patients Eagerly Awaited a Generic Drug. Then They Saw the Price.

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Bill Gates Explains Why Saving Lives Doesn't Lead To Overpopulation

Bill Gates Explains Why Saving Lives Doesn't Lead To Overpopulation
Contrary to what you might think, improving medicine and healthcare environments do not lead to overpopulation. In fact, it's the opposite.

February 23, 2018 at 02:37PM
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What Poisons Are in Your Body?

What Poisons Are in Your Body?
Our bodies are full of poisons from products we use every day. I know — I've had my urine tested for them.

February 23, 2018 at 01:15PM
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Come Thirsty: Rudy The Redhawk is Lactating!

Cherry Street Market, Seattle WA — That’s right students! Rudy the Redhawk has started lactating again and he will be at C-street until the milk runs dry. Make sure you bring a cup and a strong thirst because boy-oh-boy is Rudy’s milk good! For those new students among us, here are a few pointers and a little background on this famous occasion.

First, do not put your mouth directly on Rudy’s udder! This will make him mad and could lead him to storm off and would deprive everyone of the delicious frothy nectar. Instead, make sure you squeeze the bag-like organ until your cup is full.

Second, Rudy’s lactation cycle is irregular, so if you have class during this time we advise you to skip it because no one knows when Rudy could be lactating again. Remember it’s also only one cup per person!

Third, be patient! There will be lots of people in line and the liquid ambrosia comes out boiling, so make sure you put it in the refrigerator until it is a drinkable temperature. You don’t want to end up like Father Juseppi, Father “Steve-daddy” Sundborg’s predecessor who was scalded by the delicious milk.

Finally, hold your nose. Rudy’s warm secretion often smells of a combination of wet dog, sriracha, and bistro pizza. This is completely natural and just goes to show how dedicated Rudy is to Seattle University’s athletics!

If you have any further questions about the decadent udder pus from our hero Rudy, please direct them to your SGSU representatives. Their contact information can be found here: https://www.seattleu.edu/sgsu/about-sgsu/

Cheers!

Mark Wilson (writer emeritus)   

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Almost there

Went to the doctors yesterday for my 39 week checkup at the OB/GYN. I learned that I gained two pounds from last week and that I am no more dilated than I was last week and the week before. From when I was pregnant with my first son (LM) I am not surprised that this one (SM) is not progressing fast. Although I hear that second and more children are usually faster than the first. I feel this is false for me, which is alright.

I have not had any of those more prominent signs that active labor will be here soon. I believe it was a frustration of my employer as well because they asked when I plan to have my last day before my leave. I didn’t have a good answer for them, I just said whenever SM comes. So I only have three days of work left and two of them are days that if I cannot make it int work will not be a role that will hurt the store.

I find it interesting still to see that shocked looks customers give me when they ask when I am due. In which I reply little less than a week and their eyes get so wide. They don’t have much to say after that. Yesterday however a customer had a lot to say, she was saddened that our country does not allow for better care of pregnant mothers and their newborn. Stating that in Britain they are in the hospital for a week after birth and that when mothers go home a nurse will visit to ensure everything is going well. Here, I believe the hospital I will be delivering at only has 24 hours after birth unless there are complications.

With SM being around the corner I have been trying with my husband to really instill into LM that a baby will be here soon. When I told him that two days ago LM said something about me having sweet dreams when SM is here. I was so moved by those words yet cautious in that well, I hope I can sleep and not be woken every hour. LM wasn’t that bad at night, but that doesn’t mean anything.

Also, if there are any mothers out there with resources about how to get either 1) better lactation or 2) cheap formula. When I had LM I dried up quickly and was unable to give him as much mothers milk as I wanted. I also and not in a position financially where I can afford $30+ a week for formula. It is not fair to mothers who cannot provide their little ones because their bodies aren’t producing. Why should a mother worry about affording food for their baby when they are already stressed enough. I can understand why it was stolen a lot at my previous job.

If I do not have SM before March 2nd I will have another ultrasound to check his size as well see the fluid levels around him. I will most likely also be setting a date to be induced. This date will be what My husband and I feel best for him to be able to help take care of the family after birth. Now the waiting game begins, will it be SM who picks his birthday or us?

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Measles Cases in Europe Quadrupled in 2017

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Boobbix breastfeeding cookies

A few weeks back, I started to feel like my milk supply was suffering slightly. My breasts weren’t feeling as ‘full’ as they usually did as we approached feeding time, and Heidi was becoming quite restless during feeds. I was also finding myself having to offer her both sides to fill her, something I had never had to do before! I drank more water, tried to pump at least once a day, to get my supply increased but it was hard getting a chance to pump and I didn’t really notice a big difference with the extra water.

I had heard of breastfeeding cookies before, an Australian mum I follow on social media had posted about them on her Instagram and being pregnant at that time, I was quite intrigued. So I looked them up! I found a company called Boobbix in the UK. They have won 3 ‘Loved by Parents’ awards and shortlisted for the Mother & Baby awards 2017, so I figured they must be good. It would be worth a try right?

The website has lots of information about the cookies, the ingredients and why they are great for breastfeeding mums! They use four main ingredients all of which are galactagogues, milk boosting ingredients! They are packed with Oats which are full of iron, vitamins, anti oxidants, fibre and wholegrains. Oats are packed with calories which is much needed for every breastfeeding Mum as we are encouraged to eat an extra 300-500 calories a day! Flaxseed is another ingredient which is extremely good for both Mum and baby. They are full of omega 3 which is of course beneficial to brain and eye development and Mums levels lower when breastfeeding as babies take a lot from their Mums! So this is a great top up for both of us. Brewers Yeast is not only full of B vitamins, amino acids, protein and iron, but it is also known to help with fatigue and boost moods! It has been used as a natural milk supply increaser for years. Ever have someone tell you to drink a beer to boost supply? Same yeast! Finally we have fenugreek, another natural supply booster.

Boobix also use organic and free range ingredients. They are available in 4 different flavours; Oatmeal and raisin, Chocolate chip and oat, Cranberry and almond, and Peanut butter and chocolate chip.

I decided to order one box to see how I got on with them. I chose oatmeal and raisin. They cost £9 per box and despite only choosing the standard delivery, they arrived within 2 days!

When I opened them I was impressed to see each cookie was individually wrapped! Perfect for popping one in your bag and no need to worry about them going soft or stale. I was excited to try them! So I popped the kettle on for a cup of tea and sat down to try one. O.M.G!!! These are delicious!!

They are a soft, chewy cookie, my favourite kind, and the flavour was just incredibly delicious! The raisins were so juicy and the cookie itself was very thick. Normally when I open a packet of biscuits I could just eat and eat until they are gone, but these are actually quite filling! So I am happy to stop at one, despite the temptation to have just one more! The packet recommends 1-2 cookies per day, I opted for 2 since they are so tasty! One in the morning, one in the evening.

After a few days I started to feel like I was definitely a little ‘fuller’ again and by the time I was finished the box, Heidi had been less restless during feeds and I was no longer having to offer both sides. I was impressed! Not to mention the fact I had cut way down on eating chocolate as these had become my preferred snack of choice! And even my husband said they were the nicest cookies he had ever tried!

I got online and ordered 2 more boxes. Another oatmeal and raisin and a chocolate chip and oat this time too! Again they arrived fairly quickly. The chocolate chip and oat are also extremely tasty! But the oatmeal and raisin are still my favourite so far! Boobbix…you have a new fan! Even when I don’t feel like I need a milk boost, I feel like I could still turn to these cookies for a healthy, filling guilt free snack! Whats not to love about that!

Get your Boobbix lactation cookies here! Have you tried them already? Let me know what you think!

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Here's Why It's Physically Impossible To Poop On Vacation

Here's Why It's Physically Impossible To Poop On Vacation
Vacation-induced constipation is totally a real thing.

February 23, 2018 at 07:48AM
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Pruning Roses in My Flower Cutting Garden

It’s always a good sign of warmer days ahead when my gardeners start working in the flower cutting garden. Last week, Wilmer started the task of pruning the [&hellip...

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Ponkotsu Damashii – My Girlfriend Is My Mom’s Friend – A 40 Year Old Housewife #SVSCOMICS.COM#

READ_MORE

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Opening Mental Hospitals Unlikely to Prevent Mass Shootings, Experts Say

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What I Saw Treating the Victims From Parkland Should Change the Debate on Guns

What I Saw Treating the Victims From Parkland Should Change the Debate on Guns
They weren't the first victims of a mass shooting the Florida radiologist had seen — but their wounds were radically different.

February 22, 2018 at 11:06AM
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Cutting Pussy Willows at the Farm

Like many of you, every year I eagerly await those first signs of spring. This week in the Northeast, we had a day of record warm temperatures - [&hellip...

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Hospitals Are Asking Patients To Take Out Loans On The Spot To Pay For Urgent Medical Care

Hospitals Are Asking Patients To Take Out Loans On The Spot To Pay For Urgent Medical Care
Hospitals increasingly team up with lending institutions to offer low- or no-interest loans to patients to make sure their bills get paid. But critics say the complexity of hospital pricing means consumers should be cautious.

February 22, 2018 at 07:45AM
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Peanut Butter Apple Smoothie

This is a yummy peanut butter smoothie to prepare for breakfast

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp peanut butter ( You can add more if you like)
• 200 ml Almond milk
• 1/2 Apple

Procedure:

Blend the above ingredients in a blender until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Brown sugar or honey can be added as a sweetener.

Serve by adding ice cubes if you like it cold.

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Exposures and Birth

A Curious Documentary About One Man's Attempt To Replace All Of The Bacteria In His Body

A Curious Documentary About One Man's Attempt To Replace All Of The Bacteria In His Body
After a lifetime of gastrointestinal problems, a self-described biohacker decided to take the matter into his own hands.

February 21, 2018 at 03:25PM
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Growth Spurts, Growing Pains, and Breastfeeding

I don’t know why I never thought of it before, but I should’ve known that when your baby is going through a growth spurt that their feeding habits would change. It’s just not something that ever crossed my mind. Thankfully my angel of a lactation consultant called me this week to talk about what to expect.

Babies generally go through two big growth spurts, one at 3 months and another at 6 months, which means we’re coming up on the first one pretty quick. That means the baby is going to cluster feed more often, sometimes what feels like all day. Let them. They’re trying to gear up your body to produce more in the weeks to come. They also go through growing pains and suckling is their comfort (and mine won’t take a pacifier to save his life, so this Mama is stuck). Don’t freak out thinking you’re not producing enough (I did and spent tons of money on supplements and contraptions, so I’ll soon do a product review and tell you what’s worth it and what’s not). I know it’s hard to trust your body because you’re constantly worried about your little, but don’t give up. For tough times like this I highly recommend finding yourself a lactation consultant who can remind you that this is a normal stage all babies go through and that it won’t last forever. Most hospitals offer this service for free, so be sure to ask.

Sometimes you just need to hear a professional tell you that everything is ok. I’ve needed to remind myself multiple times this week, specifically as I sat in a gas station parking lot feeding my boy for 40 minutes when he had just eaten 30 minutes before. Being a parent is hard, so please take full advantage of all the extra support you can. It will put your mind at ease and you’ll sleep so much better at night, trust me.

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Being BRAVE, one day at a time.

Psalms 127:4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior’s hands. Before I

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Pruning My Black Raspberry Bushes

Pruning chores are in full swing at my Bedford, New York farm. I love growing berries and have been growing them for many years. I have several large [&hellip...

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so breastfeeding didn't work

So breastfeeding didn’t work out… the world is still turning.

It took me a while for me to be okay with that, though. I got dealt a really crappy hand with my breastfeeding journey. I thought we had it down at the hospital, I really did. The truth is, though, S was REALLY small. I initially made a lot of milk – which I expected. I mean, I have the tatas for it; people told me that I’d have no problem… right?

Three days into bringing her home I felt like I had the flu. My breasts were hard as rocks and my mom told me it was totally normal and that it was just my milk really coming in. It wasn’t… I had mastitis. By the time the antibiotics worked, I had gotten an actual cold.

Now, there are a lot of breastfeeding advocates online and I don’t blame them. The problem I have with some of them are how they shame mothers who do not breastfeed. I can’t speak for all women but I tried EVERYTHING. I mean EVERY. THING.

I met (and still do) with a lactation specialist every single week.

Pumped between feedings, power pumped, pumped directly after feedings

Fed every hour – demand fed

Lactation cookies

Lactation teas

Lactation herb capsules that made my armpits smell like maple syrup

Fed on one side while pumping on the other

Pumped while Riley fed her

Tested my thyroid

I even went on this medication called Reglan – whose side effects are drowsiness and depression.

Now, a side effect of depression on my already building postpartum depression was a ton of fun, lemme tell ya. I wanted to kill everyone and if I wasn’t in a fog feeding the tyrant, I wanted to slip into a deep coma every time I did get to close my eyes.

Breastfeeding is supposed to let off these good hormones that build a bond with your baby during each feed. Well, I dunno if it’s what I had, but there’s a thing called dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-Mer) where upon let down (when the milk starts coming in time to feed, happens about 2-3 times per feed) it gives them a feeling of dysphoria that causes a feeling of deep sadness or depression.

So… I literally cried when I would look at my sweet daughter every time I fed her – I couldn’t look at her. I wasn’t diagnosed with this but I’m gonna place a large bet on yes, I had that.

It took me a couple weeks to admit this to my lactation specialist because it made me feel like a terrible mother but she thanked me for telling her and she told me to only breastfeed when I felt like it (ended up being in the mornings just to bond with S for a bit) and then exclusively pump after that. We were supplementing with formula already because we figured out she wasn’t getting much from me. After exclusively pumping, we learned I was making about half what she needed per feeding even after everything we tried. Reglan brought me up a little bit but it went straight back down after 10 days and there was no way I was going back on that shit – I’d end up in jail.

The truth of the matter is, Scarlet was just too small to signal to my body what she needed from me because she couldn’t get it out before falling asleep- she would use way too much energy. This lead to my body making about half of what it planned on. My lactation specialist (bless her) was the one that called it off. She told me to start weaning off already and spare my sanity. I made it two months and I’m proud of it.

SO…..

STOP SHAMING MOTHERS FOR FORMULA FEEDING. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH.

All of this that I just shared – literally the worst experience ever. I’d give birth every single day if I didn’t have to go through the first two weeks of my breastfeeding journey ever ever ever. Hell, I’d do my whole pregnancy over to avoid that. THAT’s how awful it was for me. So please, if you’re a woman who loved breastfeeding and marches down streets with signs that say “breast is best” that’s wonderful, but please, remember the women who aren’t as lucky as you. I’m just happy that my baby girl is healthy and thriving – I wouldn’t have been able to give her that. The best gift she has given her future sibling is that I know what I have to do to keep this from happening again… cause formula costs a fortune. 

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City Noise Might Be Making You Sick

City Noise Might Be Making You Sick
For a century, urban commotion has been treated as a moral failing of individuals. Fixing it will require systemic changes to environmental noise.

February 20, 2018 at 07:05PM
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Supplements are a $30 billion racket—here’s what experts actually recommend

Supplements are a $30 billion racket—here’s what experts actually recommend
There are more than 90,000 vitamin and dietary supplement products sold in the US. They come in pills, powders, drinks, and bars. On the whole, we believe them. But should we?

February 20, 2018 at 03:37PM
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We've long blamed carbs for making us fat. What if that's wrong?

We've long blamed carbs for making us fat. What if that's wrong?
Despite all the magical claims, there's a lot we still don't understand about the low-carb diet.

February 20, 2018 at 02:32PM
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Missouri Fought For Years To Hide Where It Got Its Execution Drugs. Now We Know What They Were Hiding.

Missouri Fought For Years To Hide Where It Got Its Execution Drugs. Now We Know What They Were Hiding.
The state of Missouri did everything it could to keep secret where it got the drugs it used to put 17 inmates to death. Now, BuzzFeed News has discovered the supplier is a pharmacy repeatedly found to engage in hazardous practices that could put patients — and convicts — at risk.

February 20, 2018 at 12:08PM
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This Disease Kills Half The People It Infects. Why Isn't More Being Done To Prevent It?

This Disease Kills Half The People It Infects. Why Isn't More Being Done To Prevent It?
Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that quietly causes thousands of deaths each year. Meet the doctor who made it his mission to make the world take notice.

February 20, 2018 at 09:38AM
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"Orchid Extravaganza" at Longwood Gardens

I love visiting gardens whenever I can, especially during this time when many conservatories are filled with colorful orchid displays. If you're in or near historic Kennett Square, [&hellip...

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She Survived Breast Cancer, But Says A Treatment Side Effect 'Almost Killed' Her

She Survived Breast Cancer, But Says A Treatment Side Effect 'Almost Killed' Her
"Cancer was a piece of cake," Virginia Harrod says. "It was the lymphedema that almost killed me."

February 20, 2018 at 07:49AM
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White Choc Lactation Biscuits

Boobie bikkies, lactation cookies, milky boob biscuits… so many names for these little gems designed to increase/aid milk supply. I love lactation cookies, my midwife from last baby..not no.4 baby the one before. Well she makes them but being baby no. 4 and not having stacks of cash floating around (not that we ever had stacks anyway) I decided to make my own and you know what… they turned out just as good ! This recipe makes 50 ! Yes 50 boobie biscuits. The girls are doing an awesome job thus far but what a great excuse to indulge a little 😉 plus bf makes me sooooo hangry… um hungry 😂😎

The kids love them too so hola lunchbox treats. Plus they’re actually quite healthy.. minus the butter and sugar 😂

• 2 tbsp flaxseed meal (or flaxseeds but you need to grind them)
• 4 tbsp water
• 250grm butter softened
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla ess
• 2 cups plain flour
• 4 tbsp brewers yeast
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup saltanas
• 1 cup choc chips (I used white becuase I don’t like dark)

1. Firstly mix flaxseed with water and set aside. Set oven to 180 deg and line trays with baking paper

2. In a mixer mix butter and sugar until smooth

3. Add one egg at a time still mixing

4. Add flax and water plus vanilla and continue mixing

5. Then add in flour, yeast, baking powder and salt until combined

6. Stir in saltanas and choc and oats

7. Roll into balls around a tablespoon size and flatten slightly.

8. Cook for 12 mins and then let cool on tray for 5 mins before putting on a cooling rack

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As Some Got Free Health Care, Gwen Got Squeezed: An Obamacare Dilemma

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The uniqueness of lactation

Under normal circumstances, lactation is the only uniquely feminine thing a woman can do on a continuous basis, almost all her life, and suffer no ill effects.

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Doctors Said Immunotherapy Would Not Cure Her Cancer. They Were Wrong.

By GINA KOLATA from NYT Health http://ift.tt/2Gru9BV
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Breastfeeding in the Medical World

I have told my story about how I got into the world of birth and lactation many times. If you don’t know, I’ll summarize for you – it was completely an accident. I didn’t know anything about lactation when I had my kids. I learned a lot when I was a new mother, and then when my marriage broke up my twins were just 2 years old, so I had to get some kind of job. I started as a peer counselor and the rest is history.

I wasn’t used to rubbing elbows with hospital staff. As a breastfeeding peer counselor who was trying to learn, grow and succeed, I did many hospital visits, networked with different groups and learned as much as I could. It worked. I learned a lot, gained a ton of confidence, and went back to school for my bachelors and then a masters. I became very comfortable interacting with doctors and nurses, medical directors, professors…anyone and everyone who happens to find themselves in the lactation and birth community. Some became very good friends; good enough to interact socially and spend time together outside of work.

Every once in a while I still come across a medical professional who doesn’t seem to accept “Lactation Consultant” as a professional title, let alone one that has years of education behind it and even more clinical experience. It doesn’t happen often anymore, but when it does it still catches me off guard. I am one of those personalities that finds good in everyone, so when I feel insulted, it is especially hurtful. Besides, doesn’t everyone have worth? If there is one thing I have learned in my years of becoming who I am, I have found that everyone has worth; everyone has something to bring to the table. If someone acts as if they do not need anyone else for anything, they will soon figure out why that is the wrong attitude to have.

Check out this week’s episode of the Badass Breastfeeding Podcast. Dianne and Abby will talk about Dianne’s recent interaction with a doctor, and Abby will tell stories about her interactions with authority figures. You don’t want to miss this one!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/episodes/645653-episode-26-so-this-is-what-the-doctor-said

 

 

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The Health Repercussions Of Being A Latina Nanny

The Health Repercussions Of Being A Latina Nanny
Job insecurity, stigma and the disparity in privilege are all factors that take a toll on women of color who work in childcare.

February 19, 2018 at 10:31AM
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How Can I Get My Husband To Admit He's Addicted To Pokemon Go, And Other Advice Column Questions

How Can I Get My Husband To Admit He's Addicted To Pokemon Go, And Other Advice Column Questions
A roundup of the most interesting, thought-provoking and surprising questions that our favorite columnists addressed in recent days.

February 19, 2018 at 08:54AM
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America at Home: Grandparents in the Attic, Children in the Basement

By PAULA SPAN from NYT Health http://ift.tt/2CrTPfl
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A Day at QVC

I’m having so much fun on QVC - not only do I get to show you all the wonderful products from my growing collections, but I get to [&hellip...

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Lassa Fever Erupts in Nigeria

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Lactation Support

When I was pregnant for the first time, I planned to breastfeed my baby. Though I’d never really witnessed anyone nursing a baby, I assumed that it was just the most natural thing in the world, and that my baby and I would just instinctively know what to do.

Was I ever in for a surprise! I gave birth at a hospital, and the lactation support there was less than ideal. My baby was given bottles of sugar water and a pacifier, and by the time I was discharged three days after his birth, he’d really only had one decent feeding. That one feeding was roughly facilitated by a grouchy older nurse, who essentially mashed my breast in one hand, and shoved my baby’s head onto it with the other. Somehow, though, that worked, and my baby fed contentedly. I was completely uncertain how I would ever replicate that event, given that I would be missing the two extra arms required to make it happen.

To this day, I remember clearly being discharged from the hospital and thinking frantically, “What makes them think I can take care of this baby all by myself?!?” I didn’t know really anyone who had breastfed a baby, there was little support in the area where I lived at the time, and though my husband was supportive, he was also pretty inexperienced, and much to my dismay, was rather unable to produce milk. Feeding my baby–keeping him alive–was all on me. Cue postpartum hormone swings, an abundant increase in production of milk, and a less than ideal latch from my sleepy, small, and kind of early baby, and I was a bit of a mess in short order.

Friend, if you are struggling with breastfeeding, have gotten less than ideal help and advice, I’ve been there! And now, I’m here to help you. I attended many years of La Leche League meetings, soaking up all the mother-to-mother wisdom there, and making friends that have lasted a lifetime. As I began developing as a childbirth professional, I moved beyond the mother-to-mother model. In 2016, after a ninety hour didactic course, and documenting over 1000 hours of professional support of breastfeeding mothers, I passed my examination to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. As the name implies, it is an internationally recognized certification to provide professional support to nursing pairs, and it is the gold standard of lactation certification designations.

Your initial meeting with me includes a detailed review of the issues you are experiencing with breastfeeding, as well as a general overview of your birthing experience. Then we work out a plan for you and your nursling, which may include follow-up visits for weight checks and assessment of the plan. I can typically get you in for an office visit within one business day from the time you call, and for a home visit within two business days of your call. I can evaluate your little one for tongue tie, and I have a referral network, if needed, for the revision of ties and follow-up care.

What are you waiting for? Call the midwife!

P.S. That first baby I referenced above? I managed to keep him fed well enough as an infant, and I’m grateful that he’s a confident, competent, compassionate young adult who manages to feed himself these days. Oh, and he breastfed until he was two and a half years old, no grouchy nurse required.

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Doraine Bailey's review of "Under One Sky"

The following review was graciously provided by Doraine Bailey, MA, IBCLC, RLC

“Under One Sky” by Chris Auer, RN, IBCLC

If you want to know what a lactation consultant does, read this book. Chris Auer isn’t going to give you the secret to the best latch ever, or which nipple cream is most effective, or how to hold the breast just so to maximize milk expression. However, in “Under One Sky”, she’ll help you understand that lactation consulting isn’t just about technique, it’s about wisdom and skill to bring that technique to a breastfeeding mother, baby, and family.

In over 100 vignettes from her 40-plus years of practice as a maternity nurse and lactation consultant, Chris shares the stories of mothers, colleagues, and her own family in those moments when their lives came together with breastfeeding. In the introduction, when Chris talked about helping moms from many different countries, I thought that the book might be a sort of travelogue of adventures as a visiting nurse. However, the diversity wasn’t in the places that she traveled to; rather, it was in the families from all over the world who were in her domain, at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. This perspective is a great gift, as a means to remind us that populations are more mobile than ever and that we, as lactation consultants, have a responsibility to reach across cultural differences to provide humane care at one of the most vulnerable times of a woman’s life – her first connection with her child.

The stories cover a wide range of experiences. Some tell a complete story of a family’s joys, challenges, disappointments, or devastations. Others provide praise, and sometimes criticism, of colleagues, family members, and institutions in their relation to breastfeeding. Some stories launch a discussion of medical, economic, political, historical, and cultural factors that have often created barriers to women attaining their breastfeeding goals. Several present the real truth that not every woman wants to breastfeed or enjoys it, that bad and sad things can happen, and that what we envision often isn’t our reality. These stories demonstrate is that sometimes all we can do, as professionals and compassionate human beings, is to do the best we can.

I am often approached by women who have become passionate about breastfeeding and want to become a lactation consultant to help others. Along with the other guidance I give, I’m also going to encourage them to read “Under One Sky.” This fabulous memoir is a poignant, humble, and joyous glimpse into what it means to be a breastfeeding support professional.

-Doraine Bailey, MA, IBCLC, RLC

Lexington, KY

Author, ILCA World Breastfeeding Week Action Kits, 1997-2014

Editor, ILCA Globe, 2006 – 2014

“Under One Sky” is available on the Praeclarus Press shop and on Amazon

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Could The Sea Be Destroying Surfer's Immune Systems?

Could The Sea Be Destroying Surfer's Immune Systems?
A worrying new study suggests that surfers are three times more likely to host antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their guts compared with non-surfers.

February 16, 2018 at 10:38AM
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