Proud to have been able to breastfeed my babies
Save the Children released a report this past Sunday highlighting the barriers women face in their decision to breastfeed. Rather than supporting a moms desire to breastfeed, moms in developing countries instead experience roadblocks. Did you know that breastfeeding is critical to preventing malnutrition and saving children’s lives in the developing world? Breastfeeding immediately after birth could help save 830,000 newborn babies from dying a year, and exclusive breastfeeding for six months could save even more babies and children. To me it is staggering that Save the Children’s report has identified legislative barriers, aggressive marketing tactics, and cultural myths that prevent those first bonding moments of breastfeeding between mother and child. As someone who has breastfed both of my children, I feel lucky, honored and above all blessed to have had the support and health to do so.
Save the Children identified the ‘Power Hour’, that initial breastfeeding moment when babies suckle the colostrum as a lifesaving consumption of a Superfood. The colostrum jump starts a baby’s immune system – and why if mom is healthy and able to, would you not want to provide this for your baby?
On the heels of President Obama’s State of the Union address pledge to help to save children around the world from preventable deaths, Save the Children’s new report investigates what is keeping more women from breastfeeding immediately after birth or continuing for six months.
- Save the Children, Superfood for Babies press release
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I was lucky enough to work with The SITS Girls and Graco this past weekend on a launch event at Babies R Us in Union Square. I was assisting for this event, so it was an added bonus to also have Graco Brand Specialist Denise on hand who was able to walk me through the many unique features of the Graco SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40.
Because they have made their newest car seat not only versatile, but easy to use, she was able to walk me through some of the finer points in no time. I was then able to dazzle a few bloggers and moms-to-be who wandered by for the event with my knowledge.
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I was lucky enough to preview the upcoming season’s range of Leading Lady, specialist in quality lingerie for mothers-to-be and new moms, as well as full-figure bras, sleep/leisure bras and other specialty lingerie and accessories. Leading Lady’s Director of Design, Haidee was on hand to explain the intricate details, colors and fabrics that they use on their lingerie.
It is apparent that their lines of camis, bras and other lingerie are well thought out with their attention to detail rivaling most other brands. My personal favorite amongst the nursing bras is the “Baby Sees It” range with patented printed sling that encourages baby to nurse by providing visual stimulation. The red, white and black pattern is an ingenious addition for the baby with the wandering eye.
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In the past when I have been going through something that I felt no one understood, I have found solace from this community in the advice and comments that you leave. It has taken me a long time to write this post, because a part of me was ashamed and sad. But, I watched my friend Vanessa go through a similar situation very recently and then read the post she wrote, When Losing Your Breast Milk Means Losing Your Identity and it broke my heart. So if you do nothing else, please visit her site and show her some support. It would mean the world to me.
Isla at the end of August, just shy of 10 months
I mentioned in my BlogHer wrap up post that I was very sick leading up to the conference at the beginning of August, throughout it, and am now only coming right in the past week or so. I can’t remember the last time I was that sick – cold chills, bad cough, horrible sinus headaches and a blocked ear for the better part of 3 weeks. After BlogHer I went to the doctors, he couldn’t find anything – just a bad cold with bad sinus blockage, lots of fluids was the only remedy. Til this day, I still can’t believe that’s all it was, but at least I am over it.
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Earlier this week I had the pleasure of taking a sneak peek at Leading Lady’s 2012/2013 range of nursing bras and camis – new designs and styles, as well as their longstanding favorites among nursing mamas. I had a really good conversation with their Director of Design Haidee about fit and how to make sure you have that all important lift – it’s good for your posture and even better for your breast health.
I’m looking forward to sharing some photos with you next week about their innovative designs, but in the meantime take advantage of this fantastic offer that Leading Lady is running for the rest of World Breastfeeding Week – save 20% off nursing bras and free shipping!
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Today is the first day of World Breastfeeding Week. I consider myself lucky to have been able to breastfeed both of my children. Though this was my choice, I also choose not to question people who do not breastfeed. After all, you never know what is happening in someone else’s world. Mothers sometimes do not breastfeed by choice, for medical reasons and for so many others reasons that they are entitled to. All I wish for every mama is that they are able to love and nurture their child.
Though I did breastfeed, with my son had terrible reflux which made me hate breastfeeding in public. I was embarassed when he chucked all over friends’ couches and carpets. And felt powerless when he cried after every feed and strangers wondered why I didn’t soothe him – I couldn’t! I got over it, but it was a big barrier for a first time mama.
Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Ghada, Mama goes BAM
And with my daughter, we struggled at the beginning with her gaining weight and me assuring the doctors that I was in fact producing enough milk, she just needed the time to grow as a baby who arrived earth side 3.5 weeks early. This is Isla’s story of returning to the hospital by ambulance just 2 weeks after she was born and our worst nightmare and struggles with the hospital.
I asked some of my blogging buddies what they Wish They Knew About Breastfeeding Before They Started, and here is what they said. These are some clever ladies.
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