On Nursing in Public - Why Not Pump and Feed a Bottle?

I ran across an online discussion today about breastfeeding in public. Usually these discussions go one of two ways - they are dominated by those that are against it, or the overwhelming opinion is for it. I find it interesting how many of the most outspoken individuals against it are those that have not nursed or even those that don't have children. We still have a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings when it comes to breastfeeding. I'd like to address one major point that is often an argument presented by people that are against nursing in public:

Why don't you just pump and feed expressed milk from a bottle?

This is a suggestion usually from someone that is for breastfeeding, but against doing so in public (some would argue that means they aren't exactly pro-breastfeeding if they have exceptions, but that's a discussion for another day). Typically, this is a suggestion from women that don't have children or men, but that is not always the case. The reality though, is that it is not always possible or practical to pump and give a bottle. Let's "discuss."

Convenience

If it's one thing that pumping and bottle feeding is, it is not convenient. There are a few moms out there that feed exclusively pumped milk and many that pump because they are away from their baby due to work or other obligations. They will tell you that pumping is not convenient. Most of them hate it. Pumping takes time. Time away from your family, time away from your baby, time away from other obligations. Carrying expressed milk is a hassle if it's not necessary, even more so than carrying formula. Formula is often dry so all you need is bottles, the powdered formula, and some clean water. When carrying expressed milk, you need cooler bags and carrying extra just in case the baby is extra hungry or you are out longer than planned takes up way more space. All this leads to longer prep time before you leave whether you are bringing previously pumped milk or pumping it fresh. It also means that while you are out and about, you have to fuss with a bottle - find some way to warm it if your baby won't drink it cold - and deal with a fussy baby during preparation. If it's one thing a mom doesn't need, it's more to deal with when out with kids (or even at home). By choosing to breastfeed instead, it's a matter of lift the shirt and latch on. Little fuss, little hassle.

Pump Response

Here is something that seems to get passed over and may come as a surprise: not all women respond well to a pump. Our breasts are designed to express milk into a baby's mouth with a particular suckling pattern. Did you know there are varying suckling patterns? Yep! Certain suckling patterns send a signal to the mom's body to let down the milk so it flows for the baby. Our bodies are not biologically adapted to respond to artificial, electrically driven suction. While pumps attempt to mimic the suckling pattern of a baby, no pump does as well as a baby does. That means some women get little more than a drop when pumping. Even among women that do respond to a pump, the average amount pumped is between 1/2 and 2 oz. for both breasts combined after a 20-30 minute pumping session. And that's assuming the mom has a good quality double pump. When you take into consideration the fact that many babies take 3 oz. per bottle, that means that some moms that respond properly to a pump may need to spend 3 hours pumping for one bottle. Let's revisit that convenience factor. Not everyone has 3 hours to spend pumping for a single outing. And for women that don't respond at all, they don't have that option available to them. Much better to leave the pump alone (assuming the mom even has one) and just nurse the baby. Babies are far more efficient than a pump and can pull out more milk in far less time. Tons of moms can't get a drop from a pump - even moms with oversupply - but have no problem nursing their babies.

Supply and Demand

Let's take a look at the mechanism of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is based on a basic supply and demand principle. The more that is drawn out by nursing, the more the body will provide. Two problems can exist when pumping which makes pumping and giving bottles in public problematic. The first is that as discussed before, pumping does not pull out as much milk as nursing. That means the body is receiving a feedback not to produce as much as before because not as much is drawn out. This can greatly affect supply causing a decrease and lead to further issues breastfeeding. In addition, because of this supply and demand mechanism, it is recommended that a mom pump whenever the baby would normally be nursing if she is away from the baby. So, if it is time to feed and the baby is given a bottle, the mom should be pumping to be pulling out the milk that the baby otherwise would be pulling out to help maintain supply. I don't know about you, but it doesn't make sense to drag a pump with you everywhere you go so you can give your baby a bottle and pump at the same time. That just isn't practical. However, to maintain supply, that is what you need to do. Working moms typically need to pump multiple times a day (every 3-4 hours or so) to maintain supply while they are away from their baby. Even with pumping that frequently (which really isn't enough compared to how frequently some babies nurse, and every 3-4 hours is more than many moms are allowed) many working moms struggle to maintain their supply because the pump pulls out less than the baby would so their bodies tell them to cut down production. Allowing the baby to nurse on demand is the best way to maintain supply. That's not to say that it can't be done - many moms do it, but it's extremely difficult and certainly not worth the risk to supply just so you can give a bottle in public.

Nutritional Content

The claim has been made that expressed milk is the same as they get when nursing, so by pumping and providing a bottle, they are still getting the best thing from mom. A little known fact about nursing is that milk changes as the baby grows and develops. There is a mechanism in moms that responds to the baby's saliva and it alters her milk to suit the baby's needs at the current state of development. Exclusively pumped milk is not the same as milk consumed via nursing. Milk received when nursing is tailored to individual needs. Milk produced when a baby is a newborn is different than milk produced for a 10 month old, and it is the baby's development that indicates what they need, not the duration of nursing. This is why on the feeding hierarchy, nursing directly from mom is preferred to receiving expressed milk from mom. Now, technically, a few feedings of expressed milk isn't going to make a huge difference and it certainly is far better nutritionally than alternatives, however, it is important to know that what is in the bottle is not necessarily the same as what is received at the breast.

Nipple Confusion

Nipple confusion is a big problem when giving bottles. While some people will deny this even occurs, they are completely mistaken. When a baby nurses from the breast, they suckle with a specific pattern. Quick suckling will generate a let down, causing the milk to flow. After this, they switch to longer more forceful suckling to draw out the milk. When given a bottle, all they need to do is compress the artificial nipple and the milk flows freely and quickly. Sometimes, depending on the nipple, even that is more work than is required. What happens as a result is that the baby learns that they don't need to suckle as hard, nor do they even have the same latch as when they are suckling a the breast. There is little to no work required from the bottle and the milk is readily available. After learning that this instant source of milk is available, many babies, when returned to the breast will get frustrated. They don't want to work for the milk that they can get from mom because the artificial nipple is so much easier, thus, they form a preference for the bottle. The "confusion" part comes in when they don't understand the differences in latch. Latching on to the breast is much more specific and a proper latch is necessary for effective and efficient breastfeeding. Because babies simply suck on the bottle, they don't form the same latch necessary for breastfeeding and they get confused as to which they are supposed to do. They forget how to latch on to mom. For some babies, all it takes is one bottle to create this problem. And as we already discussed, the less the baby nurses at the breast, the less milk will be produced.

Overeating and Obesity

It is a well known fact that not breastfeeding can lead to obesity. This is in part due to the higher calorie content of breastmilk replacements. The other part of the equation is bottle feeding. Because milk is consumed so quickly when bottle feeding, babies can have the tendency to over eat. The milk comes so quickly that they stuff their stomach before their body signals their brain that they are full. It happens to adults too, that is why we aren't supposed to eat quickly. For a baby though, the problem is bigger than that, a
s they stuff themselves, their stomach expands and stretches. If it is constantly being expanded by too much milk, they will become accustomed to that feeling and the more it stretches, the more they will need to fill it. This means they take in far more than they would if they were nursing. Because nursing takes longer, babies learn to self-regulate and don't overeat. Bottle fed babies don't have this same advantage. They take what is given and what flows freely. That means that even babies fed breastmilk in a bottle are at risk of overeating and losing their ability to self-regulate their food intake which can lead to problems later in life.

So, if asked why not pump and give milk in a bottle, I have a whole list of reasons I'm willing to share. It's not convenient, it's not possible for some women,  it can affect supply, it is not as nutritionally sound, it can lead to nipple confusion, and bottle feeding can lead to overeating. It really isn't as easy as many people have been led to believe. I hope that more people can come to a better understanding of why it is not a practical option and begin understanding why breastfeeding is so important and should be welcomed in public, not just tolerated.

Do you have any additional reasons not to pump and give a bottle? Let me know in the comments!

On Cooking for Kids - Homemade Fruit Roll-ups/Fruit Leather

These were blackberry and banana fruit rolls. They looked
much better than they tasted, possibly because I'm not a fan
of super ripe bananas and the ones I used were pretty brown.
The kiddos didn't like them much either.

When I first was introduced to fruit leather, I was really confused. It sounded weird. Then I came to realize that it's basically strips of dehydrated fruit and other ingredients made as a healthy alternative to artificial fruit snacks like fruit rolls and other treats that have very little actual fruit in them. Some moms I knew even made their own fruit leather. I was fascinated and as someone that typically has treats in the car, purse, and/or diaper bag for my kiddos, I was really interested in another healthy option that didn't require an ice pack. I hate carrying around fruit, cheese, and other fresh snacks because of the requirement for refrigeration. I don't want to forget something that would spoil in the diaper bag if I happened to leave it in the car - not to mention the fact that I cram my little diaper bag full so to carry and ice pack and other snacks, I'd often have to carry another bag - who wants to do that?

I began looking into making these fruit treats, but was disappointed to find that they required a dehydrator which I did not have. I continued looking for recipes and found that they could be made with some success in the oven. Not mine, apparently. I'd like to offer encouragement to those that don't have dehydrators, but I'm not a success story in that respect. My oven goes to a minimum temp of 170 which is not low enough to dehydrate the fruit without burning ends and leaving the middle soggy. Keeping the door open or cracked to minimize the temp is not only a waste of energy and a good way to make an A/C pointless, but it's also a hazard to little ones when you have to keep it going for 10-12 hours. Not to mention tying up the oven that long. I had a few failed attempts at trying to regulate the temperature to keep it low, turning the oven on and off, opening the door frequently, etc. It didn't end well.

I got a dehydrator. Not specifically for this, but it was one of many reasons (along with setting dill on fire in the microwave while trying to dry it, but that's another story). I'm so happy about this purchase and now I make fruit leather on a regular basis. I've experimented with a lot of different kinds and I have my favorite methods, so here's some more insight on what I've made and how I've done it:

Strawberries & Cherries
- These can be done raw and whole. I've used fresh strawberries as well as thawed, previously frozen strawberries. I've only used fresh cherries, but I'd guess results would be similar with thawed, previously frozen cherries as well. 1 lb of fruit puréed in the blender with about 2-4 Tbsp of honey makes a perfect mixture. The honey is optional, of course, but sometimes if the fruit isn't fully ripe and sweet, it needs a bit of enhancement

Blackberries & Raspberries
- These can also be done raw and I've used both fresh and thawed, previously frozen berries. It's best to strain out the seeds from the puréed fruit when you use these and similar fruits. The seeds are edible, of course, but it does a number on texture. Even if you have a high powered super blender that chops the seeds, you'll still end up with a gritty texture, so I'd still recommend straining. 12 oz of fruit & 2-4 Tbsp of honey

Watermelon
- This one was mostly experimental, but turned out great. After removing seeds, purée the watermelon and strain off the liquid. The fruit leather is then made from the remaining pulp. Don't worry, there is still plenty of flavor. Don't discard the juice, it makes for a nice refreshing drink. I'm not sure on measurements on this, I just filled my blender with chopped watermelon pieces, strained, and added some honey.

Grapes
- Seedless grapes make this a lot easier. I cooked the grapes on the stove on low heat with a little bit of water until they started popping like cranberries and then put them whole in the blender. I then put them back on the stove on low heat and cooked down some more. I've only done this with red grapes, but I'm sure any variety would work. Once the grapes are thickened, you can set them up to dehydrate. 1 lb of fruit 2-4 Tbsp honey on this as well.

Apples & Cranberries
- For these, I set up my homemade sauces. I make unsweetened apple sauce from fresh apples (cook peeled apples with a small amount of water on the stove on low heat, purée once mushy to give a smooth texture), so for apple fruit leather, I just use that and sprinkle on cinnamon and sugar. I had made an excess of cranberry sauce from fresh cranberries for Thanksgiving last year and just used the sauce as-is for fruit leather - worked wonderfully.

I'm wanting to experiment with more fruit, but it will come as time goes on. I'll keep updating this blog with new ideas that have worked.

Ok, so, step by step:

Prepare fruit as described above, filling blender and purée.

Strain if necessary and blend again adding honey (or other sweetener of choice if any). You can see I'm really precise about measuring my honey.

The result after cooking and puréeing or just puréeing should be a relatively smooth liquid. If it is not smooth, blend for longer. If it is too runny, like in the case of watermelon, you may need to strain off some excess liquid so it doesn't run everywhere on your tray.

So, once you have your liquefied fruit mix, pour it out onto your dehydrator sheet. I like to oil mine because my sheets are not non-stick, and believe me, it will stick. Use your favorite oil or non-stick spray. Don't go overboard, you don't want the resultant fruit leather to be greasy.

I prefer not to spread it out too much because it will get significantly thinner as it dehydrates. Thicker pools will take longer, but result in thicker fruit strips, so this is what I prefer. In the picture below, it is spread out much more than I like and you can see it starting to creep out of the holes on the edge of the tray. That equals a big mess.

The temp setting may vary, but I like to do mine around 130 degrees. I do check on it from time to time and lower the temp if the edges are dehydrating too quickly or there are "cracks" developing. Alternately, I will increase the temp if it's going too slowly. The whole process can take 10-15 hours depending on the temp, fruit, and moisture content. In the picture below, you can see a "crack" in the upper left corner of the finished fruit. This is because it dehydrated unevenly. If your heat is too high, this can happen, so if you see it, you can cut back the temp. It doesn't ruin it, but it may not look as pretty and cut up as neatly, so it's entirely up to you.

Once the fruit is done, I peel it off the sheets and cut into 1 1/2 - 2 in strips that are about 3 - 4 in long depending on how big the whole fruit piece is. I like to use a pizza cutter for ease. You can cut them whatever size you like. I used to cut them to about fruit roll-up size and roll them, but I've been doing strips more lately because it's easier. And they last longer since the kids aren't eating such big pieces at a time.

And for a pretty display, you can roll them up and show them off.

I hope this helps if you are ever interested in making some of your own! Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to make them easily and quickly. Strawberry are by far the most common ones I make, but I enjoy trying new things. It's also a great way to prolong the life of certain fruits that aren't getting consumed quickly enough.

Have you made fruit leather? What fruits and combos have you made?

On Medications and Child Safety

Peracelsus, who is considered the father of toxicology, said, "All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; only the dose permits something to not be poisonous."

Last night I had a huge panic attack. Bedtime was late since I had pajamas still drying in the dryer. My children were playing around the house. I found my 3 1/2-year-old in the bathroom where he had discovered a bottle of liquid children's allergy medication that had a cap that had been shattered (the inner safety cap was still in place and functioning). He had in his hand, another bottle cap that he was trying to fit in its place. He told me that his younger brother had broken the lid. He was trying to put this new one on it. I took the bottle from him and found the pieces of the shattered lid and placed it back in the drawer they belonged in, taking inventory of the drawer and discovered that the extra cap had belonged to a missing bottle of acetaminophen.

Panic ensued at that point as I frantically rushed around the house trying to seek out that missing bottle of medication. All kinds of horrible thoughts filled my mind as I considered the repercussions of somebody getting a hold of that bottle. What if the kids actually got a hold of it and drank it? I was terrified of not finding it last night and leaving the bottle in the house if we left and letting one of our pets get to it. It's toxic to the dog and deadly to the cat. I tried to recruit the kids to help find the bottle, but that proved to be futile.

I eventually found the bottle set atop the bar in our kitchen. There were only a few drops at the bottom and I began to panic even more. I knew that the bottle had not been full, but it only had a few doses doled out from it. It had at least more than half of the medication originally.  

Aside from being a little cranky my little one was acting fine so I decided to call the after hours pediatrician number to see what they suggested I do. They took my information told me they would write it up and give me a callback. The wait between the initial call and the time they called me back with horrible. I tried to be patient and calm and continue bedtime, but really what was running through my head was getting the kids dressed in case we need to run to the emergency room. The callback basically told me that they weren't sure what to suggest since he wasn't showing any signs or symptoms of a problem. They instructed me to call poison control because they would have more data on the toxicity and what sort of things I needed to be concerned about. The call to poison control certainly put my mind at ease. As it turns out, even if the bottle had been full,  my little one would not have been able to consume what's considered a toxic dose. They told me that since he wasn't showing any adverse reactions that I should just keep an eye on him and call the pediatrician with an update in the morning. 

I was almost afraid to put him to bed last night, but I eventually did and this morning he still seems fine. I've been mulling the whole ordeal over in my head and I've come up with a few tips that may help other parents to avoid a situation like this.

Tips for Medicine Safety:

Somehow, my kid busted the safety cap.

1. Don't trust the child safety caps. Sure, they may be hard for us to open, but kids like a challenge. It's best if medications are completely out of reach or in a locked box where children can't access them. One of the biggest flaws in the design of my second bathroom is that there's no medicine cabinet so I had the kids' medications in the drawer. I will certainly be looking into other places to keep medications for the children and finding a safer alternative than just trusting the safety caps, because obviously, my two year old can get them open - and I always make sure the caps are secured properly.

2. Keep track of the quantity in the bottle. Yes, it seems anal, but it's important to know how much is in any particular bottle in the off-chance your kid gets in it. It can be as complicated as keeping an inventory and marking it anytime a dose is given or keeping a marker handy to mark the liquid level for liquid medications. Just make sure you know how much the initial quantity filled the bottle so you have an idea of the remaining amount comparatively.

3. Buy smaller bottles. It may not be cost effective, but it's safer. The less there is available, the less there is the potential to accidentally consume. Kids' medication is purposefully made to taste good and young kids have little concept of dosing. I was so relieved to learn that the full bottle did not contain enough for a toxic dose for my child's size and thankful that a larger bottle hadn't been available at the time I had purchased it. Normally, I go for the deal of bulk and larger sizes, but this is one area where I'm changing my tune.

4. Know your child's weight. Kids grow rapidly and just keeping track of weights from regular pediatrician wellness visits every six months is not accurate enough.  Poison control will need to know an accurate weight so they can calculate safe dosing and toxicity levels. Make sure to have a scale and weigh your kids regularly. For my kids it's a game, taking turns and watching the numbers come up. I've also figured out that doing this regularly helps them hold still better when being weighed at the doctor's office. Not to mention, it's a good thing to keep close tabs on so we are using car seats, carriers, and other children's equipment properly and safely.

5. Keep the number for Poison Control in an easily accessible location. I got the number from the pediatrician's office, but it's good to have if you call them first. I now have it stuck to the side of the fridge should I need it again, which I hope I don't. Poison Control varies by state, so make sure to have the number for your state.

6. Don't try to treat on your own. It is not recommended that you induce vomiting or try to address the problem on your own unless you are medically trained to do so. The time since they consumed the drug matters and inducing vomiting may have little effect or it may be more dangerous than letting the medication process through their system as I was told. Call for help immediately and wait for and follow instructions given.

I'm very thankful my little one is ok, but the experience opened my eyes. I certainly have learned from it and I hope others can as well. Please share these tips and if you have more, comment below!

On Lactation Cookies

Another post stolen from my Life Saving Milk blog as I feel it applies to many breastfeeding mamas, not just those donating milk. And really, who doesn't like cookies?

Cookies and Milk

I recently received an unexpected surprise. A sweet mama by the name of Kathryn contacted me after seeing my milk donation page, Life Saving Milk, on Facebook and told me about the lactation cookies she makes and wanted to know if I was interested in trying them out. I was thrilled! Many breastfeeding mamas are familiar with lactation cookies, especially if supply has been a problem and they are seeking ways to give it a boost. While the cookies don't make guarantees or medical claims, it's often an easy thing to add to your diet (after all, who doesn't like cookies?) that may help give your supply that little boost it needs.

Kathryn runs a small home-based business, Mason's Milk and Mommy's Cookies, making lactation cookies which she started making for a friend who had supply issues. Kathryn is a milk donor herself. One thing she has made sure to do is make cookies available for mamas (and their babies) that may have food allergies or sensitivities as she and her friend both have certain restrictions in their diets for their little ones. Read more about her story here. She also runs and maintains a Facebook page with the same name as her business.

It is very difficult to decide which variety to choose as she offers over 20 varieties of cookies! Many of these varieties are available free of allergens (as needed) and organic whenever possible (this is slightly restricted if allergies are a concern). Comparatively, Mason's Milk cookies are priced significantly lower than some popular commercial brands and according to Kathryn, contain far more galactagogues (supplements, often in the form of herbs and seeds, that may boost milk supply). While certain galactagogues may work individually, many mamas find that they work better in combination with others (of course, it's always a good idea to check with a lactation consultant or health care provider to see if any of these should be avoided should you have any medical conditions that cause them to be contraindicated). Kathryn also offers a dry mix in addition to all the premade cookies so you can make some up yourself.

I decided on the American cookies (blueberries, white chocolate chips, and cranberries) and received them  a few days after they'd been shipped out and I was pleasantly surprised at the speed of delivery. As recommended, I transferred the bag of cookies to a zip top bag to maintain freshness. I forgot about the recommended schedule for the cookies, which is available on the website, and went to munching. They were delicious! Certainly difficult to maintain the one cookie a day (after the first couple of days) recommendation. What can I say, they are yummy and I have no self control.

After my limited exposure (and my slip-up on the consumption schedule) it's hard to say if they helped boost my supply. It was also that time of the month and I, like many women, experienced a dip in supply so sadly, it was a bad time to judge that. I suppose I'll have to think about getting more cookies.

For the most part though, for a breastfeeding mom with supply issues, one that wants to boost supply for donating, or really, any mom that wants a good excuse to eat tasty cookies, I'd definitely say check them out.  Use caution though, as I mentioned before, certain galactagogues can be contraindicated so be sure what you are getting. Also, if donating to a milk bank, they may have restrictions about consumption of supply boosting supplements so be upfront with them about what you are taking, even in the form of cookies or teas. Happy munching!

On Breast Pumps

I recently posted this blog on my milk donation blog Life Saving Milk but I felt it was a good one to post here too. If you are looking into breast pumps, there are a lot of things to consider and here, I've provided an overview:

Pumps, Pumps, Pumps


It seems these days that when a mom is expecting and planning on breastfeeding, a breast pump soon becomes a "must have" item. A lactation counselor I know says it's actually better to wait until after the baby is born to find a pump that will suit your needs when they arise. Part of this is because in the first couple of weeks it's important to establish breastfeeding with the baby and not worry about pumping. If needed, that can come later. Some women never have need of a pump. With new changes to healthcare requirements, pump ownership may become more popular. And of course, if you are like me, you'd encourage pump ownership simply for the sake of donating. This was the main use of my pump with my second.

I received my pump as a gift from my mother-in-law. She's an IBCLC and made sure to get me a high quality pump. I use a Medela Pump In Style Advance. It really is a wonderful work horse. It's the only pump I can comment on as far as quality and how it works since it's the only one I've used, but it's not the only pump out there. It is very popular for a reason, but there are other choices.

The first thing to think about when you are considering a pump is that some moms don't respond to the pump well or at all. That's ok. Our bodies are made to respond to a suckling baby, not plastic cones mimicking the movement. Unfortunately, many women don't realize this and think that if they only pump a small amount that they are having supply issues. Pumping small amounts is never an indication of supply problems. The normal amount women pump is 1/2 - 2 oz. for both breasts combined per session that lasts 20-30 minutes. Many women find that as time goes on, they respond better and better to the pump (usually after multiple daily pumping sessions), but not all women find this to be true. It's important not to be discouraged. If you need to pump and provide expressed milk for your baby, consider increasing the number of pumping sessions. If you are simply building a stash or pumping to donate, just go with whatever works into your schedule. Any little bit helps. No matter your pumping situation, if you encounter problems, low yield, pain while pumping, etc., always seek the help of a lactation consultant. They are trained to not only help with breastfeeding, but also pumping and may be able to help you with positioning, making sure parts are sized correctly for you, etc.

So, when comparing pumps, here are a couple of things to consider. Think about what you want and what will work best for you.

Type of Pump
There are two basic types of pumps hospital grade and personal. Hospital grade pumps are typically the most powerful pumps available. They are owned by hospitals and other pump locations/nursing centers and typically rented out. Most moms don't use these for an extended period of time - usually only if providing for a baby that must remain in the NICU. If a pump is needed for extended use, like for moms that go back to work or those donating, a personal pump is usually preferred. These are a bit less powerful and vary based on manufacturer, but they are smaller and more convenient to carry around.

Pumping Mechanism
There are three different types of "pumping mechanisms" as I'll call them for pumps. Pumps come in manual, single electric, or double electric. A manual pump is just that. It is a pumping mechanism with a "trigger" like you find on spray bottles. The top attaches to a bottle or other collections container. As you pull on the trigger, milk will be drawn out and collected in the container. Manual pumps are great for their compact size and affordability  Many moms will get one of these as their starter pumps or if they are only going to be pumping a limited amount. Single electric pumps are electric pumps that will pump one breast at a time. They are electrically run so they are more powerful than a manual pump. Pumping may take more time since only one breast can be pumped at a time, but the cost savings can be a bonus. Double electric pumps allow for pumping both breasts simultaneously. These pumps are the most popular for working moms and other moms that pump multiple times a day because of the time savings. Some offer the ability to pump only one or both breasts at a time which is a nice feature.

Pumping System
Pumps come in one of two types of systems. This is a very important aspect to examine when choosing a pump and is often the most overlooked. Pump systems are either open systems or closed systems. While the style of system may or may not affect the efficiency/efficacy of pumping, it makes a difference to many moms who may be looking for a deal on pumps. An open system pump is a single user pump. It should always be purchased brand new and never sold or donated. With proper use, no milk should ever get into the electronics, but it is built without a mechanism to block any contamination of the parts so it they are never to be given to another user for hygienic purposes. Many "experiments" have been done where pumps of this style have been opened up and growths found which can not be cleaned out. It sounds gross, but since the pumped milk never comes in contact, it doesn't affect the milk, but it can pose health risks if shared by another mom. Similar to toothbrushes - you can reuse yours over and over, but you wouldn't want to use someone else's. These pumps may be more affordable or effective depending on the manufacturer and since some moms plan to use pumps for multiple children (and often run it down anyway after multiple kids), the single user requirement is a non-issue. Closed system pumps have a sort of cut-off that prevents anything from entering the electronics chamber in the unlikely event that milk or other contaminants go beyond the pump attachments. This is the system used for hospital pumps which is what allows them to be rented and used by multiple moms. Each mom simply purchases a new attachment kit. In the case of closed system personal pumps, these pumps can be used by multiple moms, purchased used, sold or donated after use. In most cases, these pumps are safe to use as long as the new user purchases their own pump attachments. Users may find that these pumps are more expensive than others depending on the manufacturer.

In addition to what I mentioned above, different pumps will have additional features or traits that make them more able to tailor to your needs. Some of these features may include a battery pack, car hook-up, and hands-free features. Some pumps come with parts and additional "goodies" that should factor into cost such as storage bottles, bottle cooler, and pump attachments.

In many cases, moms find that you pay for what you get. As a general rule, more expensive pumps are often more efficient and easier to use, but that doesn't mean there aren't other good quality pumps at lower prices. It's a good idea to talk to pumping moms that will have the same type of pumping requirements or habits to see what they use and which ones they like. Another option is to consult a lactation consultant as they will be able to help you choose a pump that suits your needs as well. Happy pumping! And remember, if you have extra stash or can donate some extra pumping time, NICU babies and other babies that are unable to get milk from their own mom will greatly appreciate your efforts and donations.

On Choosing Battles and Boycotting Formula Companies

I was recently reading a post on a natural mama Facebook page about boycotts and was reminded of a huge "battle" currently going on in regards to a certain formula company. There are many boycotting the company and all of its products, not just formula related, in an attempt to make an impact.

Here's the deal. Said company apparently has the unsavory practice promoting their formula in third world countries. As a result of marketing, and possibly incentives for health care workers, moms are convinced that formula is needed for their babies and they forego breastfeeding. Because of unclean water in many of these villages, the mixed formula becomes dangerous for the babies to consume which leads to illness and death. Another problem with advertising that convinces that formula is a superior baby feeding method is that poor families feel obligated to buy and feed said formula in an attempt to do what's best for their baby but at the detriment to their family income leaving little money for other needs like food, clothing, etc. for the rest of their family members. The general belief is that by boycotting the company, voices will be heard and formula companies will be forced to pull out of these countries, or at least adjust their advertising and incentives programs so that moms make the decision to breastfeed instead. Bad company gone, breastfeeding increased. Makes sense, right?

In my opinion, not really.

You see, decreasing purchases in the US isn't likely to do a whole lot, especially in third world countries. The sales in those locations won't falter by decreases in revenue in the States. If revenue stays the same in those locations, the company will enhance efforts to increase sales. If revenue decreases in those locations, efforts to increase sales will increase. Either way, if the market is there, marketing will continue and sales will continue. That's just business. Is it unfortunate? Sure. Are those moms being duped? Absolutely. Is there a chance that they and their family will suffer as a result? You bet.

The same happens in the states. Consumers believe that they are receiving a superior product. They may even believe that it's better than human milk or at the very least, just as good. Many moms are convinced that they have low supply or don't make enough for a whole slew of reasons so they turn to formula. In the US, there is a taboo against breastfeeding. This may or may not exist in third world countries. Of course, in most places in the US, although tap water may not be ideal, at least it's a whole lot safer than what may be found in third world countries that ends up leading to illnesses and death. Here's the thing though, it's not the formula company's fault.

What?!?!?!?!

Hear me out. As a business, it's in their own best interest to make a quality product to promote future and repeat sales. It's also in their own best interest to market their product effectively to promote new sales. That's business, and that's what they are doing. Are their prices too high? Possibly, but if sales continue, it's in the best interest of the business to keep them there or raise them. Are they making moms believe that their product is ideal for babies? Of course, that's effective marketing. Are they getting their products and advertising into doctors offices who end up promoting either directly or indirectly their products? Absolutely, it's an effective marketing campaign and it promotes sales. That's good business. Is it moral? No, but that isn't their focus, sales are.

I'm not endorsing the company/companies. I'm simply saying that as a business, they are doing their job to make goods, earn money for those goods, and pay their employees and production costs.

The problem in the third world countries concerning the lack of breastfeeding in lieu of feeding formula they can't afford (that may be dangerous because of the water) is not the formula companies fault. The problem is the same problem that affects breastfeeding rates in first world countries. Lack of education.

Moms need to learn how to breastfeed. They need to see it. They need to know why nature's system is superior and how it works. They need to know risks associated with formula feeding and the health and development issues that can be secondary to feeding formula. And all of this education needs to be available to them and louder than the marketing of the formula companies.

Just like here in the states, those moms are booby-trapped.

Instead of getting irate and emphatic about boycotting companies, consider that. How about instead of the ultimate form of inactivism, (because really, boycotting like this is doing nothing but not spending money), you spend money to donate to and get involved in programs that help educate and encourage moms in third world countries? How about teaching these moms about hygiene and health, including how to make their water safe for drinking for their whole family, and teaching them that breastfeeding is their baby's best chance in their circumstances. This is how you do something about increasing breastfeeding and decreasing deaths due to unsafe water being mixed with formula. Teaching them that breastfeeding is healthy and ideal for their babies will save their family the precious funds they've been spending on a product they think will keep their baby healthy and well. Organizations do exist. Get involved. Start your own organization or join and support another. That is how we really can make a positive impact.

On "Access to 'Women's Healthcare'"

I don't often get all riled up about political issues, but the whole uproar about access to women's healthcare and changes to insurance in regards to birth control availability has really gotten me frustrated with the way that women are viewed and I believe it's actually hurting us as women. I chose to write about this topic on this blog because, while it has very little to do with children, babies, and raising them, it does have to do with women as reproductive beings which leads to children, babies and raising them. Of course, since it is a personal blog, I feel the need to express my personal views on the subject. =)

People everywhere are getting worked up about the access women have to "healthcare," a euphemism that is commonly being used as a substitute for "birth control." While it seems that there weren't very many people upset about the inconsistent coverage of birth control before, since the mandatory changes to national standards of insurance coverage, the topic is huge. Now women and men alike are very opinionated about the topic, most of the loudest individuals are those insisting that coverage of birth control is a women's health issue and every woman needs access to be able to have control over her body and reproductive health, nay, her health in general. Despite the fact that the changes actually support this view, the loudest arguments reiterate how important it is.

I find the whole situation demeaning and rather than empowering women, I feel it does far more to suppress them. I can't deny the large number of women that use chemical or other pharmaceutical means to regulate periods and prevent pregnancies. I also don't understand why the push for coverage existed when millions of women have free access to contraceptives through government assistance programs. As far as I'm aware, the lack of coverage never was a concern - until coverage became mandatory. Now, that doesn't make much sense, does it.

But I said that it was demeaning and suppressive. How on earth can that be? Many of the arguments that are pro-coverage state ideas such as "women can control their reproduction/reproductive health," "it's empowering for women to be able to decide if/when they want to conceive," "it's a necessary part of life that all women need access to," etc. As I understand it, all of these arguments mean that by controlling if and when women start or add to their family, they are free to explore other opportunities, be it career, vocation, hobbies, whatever. Women can hold a job without being "tied down," they have freedom (another argument I've heard) and can participate in society as productive members. Again, how is this suppressive? It sounds liberating.

The fact is, our society is terrible about educating women about how their bodies work and has somehow convinced women that the only way they can control their reproductive health is by pharmaceutical intervention. To a certain extent, women aren't really to blame, they aren't taught about how their bodies work in terms of reproduction (with the exception of the most basic of concepts - why they bleed, how often, and that babies come from sex) because the people that are supposed to teach them don't know how reproduction works. Wait, what? Right. Female reproduction is presented in a cookie cutter format - anything that doesn't fit is fixed by pharmaceutical intervention. The problem is that if women actually understood what is going on with their bodies, they would realize that no fix is necessary in many of these cases because variation is normal. They are suppressed by the belief that perfect cycles are mandatory for reproductive health and therefore, they must be fixed. They are not given adequate education and they don't even know it.

So many people believe that women can't function without pharmaceutical intervention in regards to their reproductive health because the alternative is either being completely at the mercy of "luck" or so insanely time consuming and complicated that they are bound by charts and paperwork. A pill or IUD will just "fix" it and make everything predictable and easy. Here is where it is again suppressive. The belief that the only way that women can function as a productive member of society (and on the same level as men) is by artificial means, because the alternative is too volatile and unpredictable and therefore distracting or disruptive to the maintenance of careers - because a pregnancy means leaving work if even for a short time. Women believe they must implement intervention in order to control their bodies, which is in fact, tying them down - all while they believe differently. They are trapped by the "need" for these tools, because to them, the alternative is too uncertain.

So, all the while, women think they are controlling their reproductive health when in reality, they are being controlled by societal pressures, pressure and advertising from pharmaceutical companies, and lack of education. As a result, many women find that controlling their reproductive health actually can end up suppressing, limiting, or damaging it. Sometimes permanently.

So, what is the alternative? Take charge (there is an actual book entitled "Taking Charge of Your Fertility"). Natural Family Planning (NFP) training or a selection of in-depth books on reproductive health can teach women how the body works, how to monitor, and how to respond appropriately according to what they want in their life. The are educated to detect variances, what they mean, and how to respond. As a result, they aren't controlling their reproductive health, they are learning about it and how it fits in with their current life. The workings of the female body no longer are seen as a burden that is getting in the way of life, but as an adjunct to a healthy personal and family life. Women who know their body and how it works are educated and can make better (and faster) decisions about their life, career, and family without the (often harmful) side effects of intervention. This elevates women, rather than leaving them convinced that the only way they can go about life is by being tied to a pill (or other form of intervention). Sure, this education takes some time and attention - but most things in life that are worth anything do. It isn't a matter of control, it's a matter of embracing the female body and how truly amazing and awe-inspiring it is. And that, is truly empowering.

It is not a need or a women's right issue to have birth control provided. It is a need and a women's right issue to have the education provided.