Clockwise from top left: Marge, Homer, Bart, Santa’s Little Helper (dog), Snowball II (cat), Lisa, and Maggie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In “The Simpsons” Episode that aired December 9th 2012, there was a little bit of a breastfeeding appearance, Well not a little bit, it was quite a big one.

Marge tries to fit in with “hipster” moms who all breastfeed their babies. Now when it comes to the Simpsons family, they are a picture of what is wrong with western American civilization. Homer being the over weight lazy father, Bart being the always in trouble child, Marge being an over worked mother, and Little Maggie who is the somewhat neglected baby… The only child they seemed to do everything right for is Lisa.

I’m not 100% a fan of how breastfeeding was portrayed in the t.v episode, however Marge did turn to say at the end, “the only child I ever breastfed was Lisa, for 9 months” (I’m paraphrasing as I cannot remember exact words) Maggie then looks at her with jealous eyes. You can tell that Lisa is a genius and that stems from breastfeeding.

No I am not a fan of the “If you won’t breastfeed Maggie, that’s fine, we’ll do it for you” Because I am not the type to force any mother to breastfeed…. But I do let every mother that I know, know how I feel about breastfeeding. I will try my best to help mothers who cannot breastfeed, as well as help mothers understand why breastfeeding is best for baby, as well as mother.

What are your Thoughts on the episode? Did they go to far? Did they offend breastfeeding mothers? Or did they find the right balance to not offend either formula or breastfeeding mothers?

Marge pretends to breastfeed Maggie

Public Feedings

In Ontario, by law you are allowed to feed your baby anywhere. This includes restaurants, parks, shopping centers or your in-laws home. “According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission policy, no one should prevent a mother from breastfeeding her child, ask her to cover up or move her to another area.”

You can breastfeed discreetly, or breastfeed out in the open without any covers. It is up to you and your baby. What makes you feel comfortable.

A woman also has the right to pump while at work. She is to be given a private comfortable area where she may express milk for her baby.

Know your rights and educate yourself.

What to do if someone Comments?
Pass them a blanket to put over their head.

“What can I do if someone asks me to stop breastfeeding in public?
1. Do what you need to do so that you can breastfeed your child comfortably.
2. Talk to the owner, manager, or the individual who asked you to stop breastfeeding. Tell the person:
• It is your right to breastfeed in public.
• You will make a complaint to the Ontario Human Rights Commission if you are asked again to leave, move or cover up.”

Source Click here

Partners Support.

It is important for a partner to support his wife during breastfeeding. How can Dad help?

Sit next to your partner while feeding, rub babies head, or moms shoulders. Help her get as comfortable as she can. Encourage mom to stay in the room, many times mom will feel uncomfortable when breastfeeding for the first few times in public. It can be frustrating to have to leave the room and listen to conversation from afar and not get to participate.

Moms Likely to Suffer from Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Many women have heard about common medical problems such as bladder infections and ovarian cysts. Although it is a common problem, pelvic organ prolapse, or POP, isn’t discussed very much. This may cause some women to assume they are feeling the effects of getting older instead of experiencing a serious problem.
Pelvic Floor
A woman’s pelvic floor consists of connective tissues and muscles that support the bladder, uterus and rectum. When the pelvic floor becomes stretched or weakened, theses organs slip lower in the pelvis area. This creates extra pressure on the vaginal walls. The added pressure causes pelvic organ prolapse.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
POP doesn’t occur quickly. Instead, it’s a result of damage over time. For example, pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, frequent constipation, chronic coughing, hysterectomy and pelvic surgery are just some of the reasons why a woman’s pelvic floor tissues weaken or stretch. Genetics plays an important factor too. A woman’s chances of developing POP increases if other women in her family have the condition.
Physical activities also damage the pelvic floor, such as such as lifting weights and participating in high-impact sports like long-distance running.
The reason why most women develop POP after the age of 50 is because of menopause. During menopause, lower estrogen levels cause the pelvic floor to become less elastic. This weakens the pelvic floor even further. Sometimes, women think they are experiencing symptoms of menopause instead of POP.
Preventing POP is possible for some women. Of course, women can’t control some of the risk factors associated with POP, like a difficult vaginal delivery, age or genetics. However, they can try to reduce the risk of developing POP by maintaining a healthy weight and doing daily Kegel exercises. Also, not smoking may decrease chances of developing a chronic cough, which weakens pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms
A lot of women may experience POP symptoms without knowing what’s happening to their pelvic floor. POP symptoms include:
Painful sex
Fullness feeling in the lower abdomen
Pain in the lower back
Irregular vaginal spotting or bleeding
Feeling like organs are coming out of the vagina
Bulge in the vagina
Loss of urination control
Treating Pelvic Organ Prolapse
When POP symptoms range from mild to moderate, physicians often advise women to make lifestyle changes, including exercising more, eating healthier and losing weight. A device inserted into the vagina, called a pessary, may also be used to support the pelvic organs.
Surgical Intervention
The more severe the symptoms, the more likely a physician may suggest surgical intervention. Although surgery can offer great symptom relief, there are risks. Many surgeries use transvaginal mesh, which is inserted through the vagina to provide support for prolapsed organs. Women who have had transvaginal mesh implants have reported complications at alarming rates. These complications include:
Damage to organs
Mesh erosion
Mesh protruding through the vaginal walls
Mesh shrinkage
Thousands of women have been affected by these complications and have sought compensation through the filing of vaginal mesh lawsuits against mesh manufacturers. Women should ask their doctor about traditional surgery options that do not use transvaginal mesh.
Elizabeth Carrollton writes to inform the general public about defective medical devices and dangerous drugs for Drugwatch.com.

©The BestFed Project

On warm summer days, do you need to give baby water. The simple answer is no, babies under 6 months only need breastmilk. However they may need more feedings than usual to stay hydrated.

Check out these beautiful photographs of Carry and Baby P

By All Things That Grow Photography

Birth photography is becoming popular these days. We take photographs of all our other important memories, why not the birth of our child.
Well dad can just take the photos can he not?
The father should be allowed to enjoy the process and help out his partner during contractions. He needs to be a support, and focus on what is important. On top of that the photos that are taken during birth with a point and shoot do not compare to that of a professional birth photographer, Someone who has witnessed birth before and knows what to do when the unexpected occurs.

What do the fees cover?
The base fee covers the photographers on call time fore 3 weeks prior and 2 weeks after your due date.
Photography during labour and for up to two hours after.
A private online gallery for your viewing purposes after photographs are digitally developed.
USB Flash with between 40 -100 images. In both black and white as well as colour.
Add-on’s include
Photo books
Prints
Thank-you Card (for your birth team)
Birth announcements – Custom designed.
Maternity Photography Session
Newborn Photography Session
**Doula Services
What if I end up needing a scheduled c-section?
There are so many chances to take photographs with a when you have a c-section as well.  I capture moments before the baby is born, as well as the moments after the baby is born.
Do the photographs remain private?
I will only upload teasers to facebook with your permission, and will only upload photographs that you approve of. I take a woman’s private moments very seriously, and if you do not want photographs to be shared we will discuss this.
I’ve decided I’d like more information what do I do now?
Call to book your free consultation, where we can talk, discuss your needs, and the photographs that you would like taken.
705.262.6066
Ask for Kayleigh.

I look forward to hearing from you.

C-sections are getting a lot of publicity lately and with it we’ve seen a rise in the percentage of c-sections being performed in Canada. In recent statistics, Canada is seen to have almost 25% of women receiving a c-section to birth their babies. These statistics are not as frightening as they should be to most women. In the U.S., the statistics are closer to 1 in every 3 women receiving a c-section, however in the U.S. women have the ability to elect a c-section instead of having a natural birth. They call it Designer Birth, what a wonderful name for such an un-wonderful procedure. As you may know, many of the stars have done it, such as Victoria Beckham “To Posh to push” and Britney Spears.
If you do end up requiring a c-section, here is some information that may help you prepare for every situation. Please talk to your doctor about all the concerns that you may have.

C-Section Prevention
Before Labour:
Getting a breech baby to turn is easier than it sounds for some; here are two natural, proven methods to get your little peanut to do the 180:
Pelvic Tilts are common and most women know about these, these are more effective when done on the stairs (use the lower stairs and have your partner help you)
Moxibustion is a form of acupuncture. By lighting a moxi stick and holding it to your baby toe, this causes your uterus to contract helping baby turn.

Here are some reasons that you will or may need a c-section:

Hard Indicators. These are indicators that a C-Section is most likely unavoidable.
Health Problems of the mother including but not limited to:
Severe Toxemia,
Uncontrollable Diabetes
Heart Condition
Back/Hip Problems
Placenta Previa or Placenta Abruption
Prolapsed Cord
Transverse Position
Active genital herpes and/or HIV/AIDS

Soft Indicators. These are indicators that a c-section may be ordered, but not necessarily needed.
Repeat C-Section – This is the #1 reason for c-sections, however in most cases you do not need a repeat c-section.
Failure to progress
Cephalopelvic Disproportion
Fetal Distress
Breech Baby

Preparing for a C-Section

There are many reasons that you could know that you are going to have a c-section. What you need to understand when going in for a c-section is that it is a major abdominal surgery. It is not to be taken lightly. You will need more emotional and physical support than a woman who is having a natural birth.

WHAT TO PACK IN THAT BAG.
When you go in for a c-section you are required to stay anywhere from 3-5 days, therefore you will need a lot more in your suitcase. Also, different hospitals have different rules, some will have an area for your husband/partner/support person to stay the night, while others do not allow anyone to stay past visiting hours.  If your hospital does allow for a support person to stay the night, then remember to pack some extras for them too.

For Yourself:

Lots of underwear – Look for the granny panties that are tight and come right up to your rib cage with a good hold. This will hold your stomach in place after the c-section and will help you feel a little more mobile. This is not the time for those sexy little panties.

Clothing – Choose clothing that is loose in the waist. Pack a few of your husband’s shirts and sweatpants. Your incision will likely bleed for a few days, so pack things that you don’t mind getting stained.

Books – Bring something that you will enjoy reading while baby sleeps. Even though you may not find the time to read, having the option is comfort enough.

Nursing Bras & Breast Pads – Bring a few. Who knows when your milk will come in, and you don’t have a washing machine to wash the ones you have. Get inexpensive sleeping nursing bras at Walmart, these are great for the first few days and slide aside easily. Pack half a box of breast pads.

Slippers and Bath Robe – Bring a cozy robe and a comfortable pair of slippers that slip on and off quickly.

A nice going home Outfit – Pack something nice but comfortable. Remember baggy is key.

Recovery

Everyone recovers differently; some may take a few weeks, while others may take a few months. Have your partner do research and find ways that they can help you recover. Recovery with a c-section is more difficult than a natural birth by far, but there are so many things that you can do to make your recovery easier.

Hire A Postpartum Doula. A postpartum doula will help you with your little daily routines, you need to discuss with her what she is willing and not willing to do to help you after your baby is born. Some postpartum Doulas will cook meals, tidy house, help you with breastfeeding and run errands for you.

Deal With Your Pain. Take the pain medications that the nurses give you, usually Tylenol 3’s. Remember to keep up with the dosage that the doctor has prescribed so that you will be taking them before the pain comes back. You will not win an award for not taking the pain medications, there is a time and place for medication and this is it. Being a new mom with all the hormones and emotional changed is hard enough, there is no need to have to deal with unnecessary pain.

Stool Softeners And Fibre. Back in the day, you could not leave the hospital until you had had your first bowel movement. Now most hospitals will let you leave sooner. Most women admit to holding in that bowel movement because they are afraid to push, afraid that their incision will come apart, or simply because it hurts too much. Your incision will not come apart.

Let That Gas Go! This really is a big one, as a lot of the pain you get when you are in recovery is from gas from the air that got trapped inside you. This gas will come out, and it really can hurt when trapped inside. Don’t be afraid of farting either.

Drink Lots Of Water.

Light Exercise. Such as walking and even lifting your own baby. Don’t try to get rid of your “baby weight” right away, it’s not worth tearing or hurting yourself; the weight will come off when it’s good and ready.

Breastfeed. Breastfeeding has many great benefits, not only for your baby but also for you. When your baby nurses, it helps shrink your uterus, it also helps you lose that “baby weight”. Unlike a mother who has given birth vaginally, you will not be able to do as much with yourself to lose the weight, so breastfeeding can be even more beneficial for you.

Eat Yogurt And Take Probiotics. When you have a c-section you are given antibiotics, this may make you more susceptible to a yeast infection in you, and thrush and a yeast infection in your baby. Getting your daily dose of probiotics will help prevent the over growth of the candida bacteria in your and your baby’s system. Also, ask your local pharmacy or naturopath about probiotics for your baby.

Sleep. We’ve all heard ‘sleep when baby is sleeping’, however when you have had a c-section, the pain may be too much to handle sleep. Use pillows to prop you to an incline to help you sleep. Also, ask for help to get baby to you when it is time to feed. Every time you get up to retrieve baby yourself, you’re causing pain and making it harder to fall back to sleep.
If you have had a c-section, your risk of postpartum depression is higher. Please review symptom of postpartum depression with your partner after the baby is born. Ask your partner to get you help if you display any of the symptoms.
Now that you’ve had a c-section will you have to have another?  Studies are proving that VBAC (Vaginal birth after Cesarian Section) may be a better option. Watch for next month’s article featuring VBAC Births.

https://secure.cihi.ca/estore/productFamily.htm?locale=en&pf=PFC1656

http://bill131.ca/2011/02/28/one-in-four-babies-born-by-caesarean-section/

http://www.csectionrecovery.com

Related articles

• Preparing For a VBAC (radiantbeginnings.net)
• Recovering from Childbirth (enfamil.com)
• Are You a Doula? You’re Invited to This Virtual Party! (thefeministbreeder.com)

What mother doesn’t miss this? The sleepy breastfeeding babe! So happy with the golden liquid that mother provides that he doesn’t even open his eyes.

This actually can become a frustrating moment for some mothers. When babe keeps falling asleep mid-feed and doesn’t complete a feed. This means that they will wake in half an hour with a strong hunger wanting more, only to fall asleep again soon after the latch.

How to remedy this?
When babe is a sleepy feeder and is not getting enough there are a few simple things to do to wake them.

1. Keep a damp cloth near by and wipe their eyes when they start to doze off.
2. Break the suction with your finger, this will often get baby to re-latch and start sucking again.
3. Undress baby- Keeping baby cool will often keep him awake for the feeding. It is hard to sleep when you are not warm and cozy.
4. Tickle and touch baby’s body.
5. Try a nice bath with baby.

If baby is still sleepy after you have tried all of the above, Leave him/her, Baby is probably very tired and needs his/her sleep.