The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO) and delegates from WHO member states meet every year in Geneva, Switzerland to determine policy, appoint directors, supervise financial policies, and approve the budget. This year's meeting took place May 21st through the 26th. One of the items on this year's agenda was a … [Read more...] about US Undermines Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding
What is the WHO Code?
On May 21, 1981 the Code of the Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes was adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO). While many in the US consider breastfeeding a lifestyle choice, in fact, lack of breastfeeding results in 4000 infant deaths a day worldwide. Just 37% of babies worldwide are exclusively breastfed for the first six months even though an exclusively breastfed … [Read more...] about What is the WHO Code?
Breastfeeding Will Travel
Being a new mom comes with rewards and challenges, but it shouldn’t stop you from indulging your wanderlust. We know traveling with a new baby is tough enough, and adding breastfeeding to the mix can bring up additional concerns while on the road. Not to fear, we are here to help. Don’t let breastfeeding challenges impact your next adventure, whether it be a weekend trip or a gl … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding Will Travel
How to Increase Milk Supply
Do you feel like your breasts aren’t able to produce enough milk to keep your baby full and growing? Are you starting to suspect you might have a low milk supply and that your breastfeeding and pumping techniques aren’t solely to blame for your low output? Are you losing sleep because you’re wondering what you can do to amp up your low supply and make sure you don’t have to reso … [Read more...] about How to Increase Milk Supply
Natural Discredited
There's a 2016 study from Pediatrics that is making its way around Facebook right now. It's authors conclude that we mustn't use the word "natural" to promote breastfeeding because this fosters a world view in which factory-made things like vaccines become suspect. They say that "We should think twice about referencing the word "natural" in breastfeeding promotion, even if it … [Read more...] about Natural Discredited
Breastmilk Medicine
Recently my toddler granddaughter fell and cut her lip and my daughter had the presence of mind to give her some frozen breastmilk to suck on for relief and to reduce the swelling. This got me thinking of other medicinal uses for breastmilk. We all know of the health benefits of breastfeeding, but in countries such as Mexico, Russia, Africa, South America, and India, breastmilk … [Read more...] about Breastmilk Medicine
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 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