The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a worldwide program launched in 1991 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding. In 2012, 21,138 facilities in 152 countries were designated Baby Friendly. Baby Friendly USA (BFUSA) … [Read more...] about Baby Friendly Hospitals
Breastfeeding
Breastmilk as GDP
What if we counted breast milk production as part of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the same way that we count formula production? The $4 billion a year in US formula sales is part of the good news of our economy because of the distorted way that we count things: we don't count the health savings from breastfeeding or the actual value of breast milk production in our … [Read more...] about Breastmilk as GDP
What is Breastsleeping?
What did your health care practitioners recommend to you when your baby was born? Did they tell you is was acceptable to share a bed with your baby? Did that recommendation depend on any particular factors? THE OFFICIAL RECOMMENDATION In Western societies, unlike in many other cultures, the debate about where babies should sleep has been around for a very long time, and … [Read more...] about What is Breastsleeping?
Breastfeeding Slideshow
Watch this inspiring photo essay of breastfeeding images by Heather Crofts of Sweet Dreams Photography. Photographer Heather Crofts, M.S., is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, full-time mother of two exclusively breastfed boys and owner of Sweet Dreams Photography. She promotes positive breastfeeding images, raises awareness about extended breastfeeding and s … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding Slideshow
Breastfeeding Soothers
Here are some natural soothers to support your body and spirit while you're breastfeeding. FENUGREEK TEA More than 30 herbs are considered to be powerful galactagogues—agents that promote the secretion and flow of breastmilk. The best known is fenugreek. Numerous anecdotal accounts testify to the restorative powers of this herb and is commonly used to increase milk s … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding Soothers
Breastfeeding Prep
Experts disagree about the need to condition your nipples for breastfeeding. Some suggest that you rub your nipples with a clean, dry washcloth from time to time during pregnancy to condition them. You can also gently pinch your nipples and extend them. Here is a breast massage oil that can be used during pregnancy to soothe your changing breasts and soften your … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding Prep
Breastfeeding Solutions
What do you do when you have a breastfeeding question or concern? If you're like most mothers, you probably consult “Dr. Google.” But sorting through websites and threads to find what you’re looking for can take hours. And how do you know you can trust the sources you find? What if you had a fast, reliable resource at your fingertips? Enter the Breastfeeding Solutions smart … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding Solutions
Breastfeeding: A Feminist Issue
Why is breastfeeding the feminist issue of our time? Let’s start by defining feminism. According to Merriam Webster, feminism is “the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes;” the first known use of the word feminism was in 1895. Widespread concern for women’s rights dates to the Enlightenment, the European intellectural movement of the 17th and 18t … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding: A Feminist Issue
Formula Samples Decline
There's good news in the breastfeeding advocacy world. The distribution of formula samples is on the decline and limiting promotional materials from formula companies is fast becoming a best practice in US hospitals. According to a new report by Public Citizen, “Top Hospitals’ Formula for Success: No Marketing of Infant Formula”—co-released by the Ban the Bags campaign—the va … [Read more...] about Formula Samples Decline
Ban the Bags Redux
Ban the Bags is a national campaign to stop maternity hospital marketing in the form of gift bags provided by infant formula manufacturers. The campaign grew out of efforts in Massachusetts to stop aggressive formula company marketing tactics in hospitals. Multiple studies have shown that formula marketing campaigns undermine mothers who choose to breastfeed, and coopt medical … [Read more...] about Ban the Bags Redux