Come to the Dark Side, We Have Breast Milk AND Cookies

So excited about this guest post from Karen Orchard.  In addition to being a great writer, she is a home-birthing, breastfeeding, cloth diapering PHARMACIST!  She also does some cool things with yarn (links can be found at the bottom of her cleverly written post).

Honestly, I was never much of a Star Wars fan.  Star Trek was where it's at for me.  The entire pursuing knowledge for the sake of discovery is more my style.  Ideas and learning motivate me.

I want to share with you how someone as unlikely as myself would turn into a home-birthing, extended breast feeding, and cloth diapering mama.

Berry Patch Mama - The Pharmacist 

Actually, I think me becoming a pharmacist is stranger than me becoming everything else I am.  Yes, you read that right, I am a pharmacist.  Honestly, I know perhaps one other pharmacist who gave birth without an epidural and insisted on taking breaks at work for an entire year to pump.  I am a strange bird in my habitat.  Most other pharmacists I know gave up on pumping after a week.  Not me!  I viewed it as my right, my baby's right.  Don't mess with Mama Bear!  I didn't back down, even when ten years ago my district manager wouldn't arrange a private place for me to pump.  My solution?  I sat in the corner out of view of customers, facing the wall.  It was a terrifying thought at first, but it became a routine and my coworkers got used to it.  Luckily they were all female.

Honestly, I'd never really wanted children.  I'd never thought much about it, which might have been a good thing.  My head wasn't filled with all sorts of cliched and romantic notions or dramatic portrayals from movies and TV.  Our families shape many of our ideas about things, especially child rearing.  Perhaps it was something of a blessing I was an only child for 7 years.  I had not a single cousin until I was 6!  I was never around other babies or children.  I hadn't all that much to 'go off of'.  As far as medications,  I came from a family where aspirin was the strongest analgesic in the house.  You didn't go to the doctor unless it was serious.  My father routinely believed he could think himself out of a cold.  The man never missed a day of work.  I didn't know any pharmacists and my parents weren't in the medical professions.

My mother was a woman ahead of her time.  She claims it was all the Phil Donahue she watched.  She was determined to have a natural birth and breastfeed in the early 70s, when people weren't doing any of those things, including having children.  You know, the whole Population Bomb thing and all had just come out.  Mom remembers there were no maternity clothes to be found in the department stores.  Modern women were liberated, you didn't need to breastfeed.  Be a modern woman, use formula! Working 9 to 5 and all that.

So, why the heck would I even become a pharmacist?  Poor guidance counseling for one.  I didn't know any pharmacists and my parents weren't in the medical professions.  It was ultimately my love of science and my practicality of wanting a steady, secure pay check.  Originally, I intended to go into pharmaceutical research and development, but I sure am glad I don't work for a pharmaceutical company now.  Maybe that's what makes me different.  I entered into pharmacy under the naive notion that science and concrete facts were what lies behind the pharmaceutical industry.  I think we all know what drives the pharmaceutical industry and health care these days, but 25 years ago in high school I wasn't so enlightened.  As you can imagine I am a tiny bit disillusioned now by it.

When I became pregnant 11 years ago I embarked on my usual strategy to deal with everything.  Research!  I love investigation, research,the thrill of the hunt.  I visited message boards (we were pre-blog and Facebook back in those days).  I found one for Attachment Parenting.  A term I had never, ever heard in my life.  I found it very fascinating and very reasonable.  It made sense!  That's what I like.  You see, I question everything.  I'll never accept anything without knowing the "why".  Then I found the Mother of all Attachment Parenting communities, Mothering.com (pun intended).  I was hooked!  I studied.  I read books.  Not cream puff books, like "What to Expect When You're Expecting".  I read Sheila Kitzinger, Laura Shanley, and Ina May Gaskin.  Unassisted Childbirth really made an impression on me.  I never did have an unassisted birth, but the book is just amazing!

The world would be a much better place if truth and fact were the highest of our pursuits.  If exploring strange new worlds and boldly going where no one has gone befo-....  oh I did mention I am a little bit of a Star Trek TNG fan.  That's the sort of scientific pursuits and world I'd have liked to live in.  I thought someday I'd be Dr. Beverly Crusher.  However, this isn't the 23rd century.

Really, we aren't that far removed from bleeding people, drilling holes in people's skulls, and the invention of antiseptic.  200 years ago doctors warned not to bathe too often, or else you may let the 'bad airs' in through your pores!  Ridiculous, isn't it?  Yet today, we aren't that much more sophisticated.  There is a plethora of standard protocols in hospitals based on little to no scientific evidence or good reason.  Most hospital procedures are based on mitigating liability, not science or medicine.  True story.  In light of that, I think you, as a lay person, should keep in mind that the medical profession doesn't have the best track record on sound, reasonable advice based on scientific fact.  If it doesn't make sense to you, ask "why?".  If you don't get a answer that makes sense, do some investigative work and find out the truth.

Above all things, I think the truth about things is the most important thing for me.  I won't hide behind ideology, or political correctness, or popular opinion, or "because that's the way we've always done it.  That's why I believe in natural birthing and all the other things I believe in.  Because they are  reasonable, rational, and logical.  Live long and prosper and have a great birth!

Oh hey, PS, I just discovered a woman pharmacist I work with is due this weekend and it's her second birth at the local Midwife Birthing Center!  When she told me I believe I did a fist pump and exclaimed "Oh yeah!"

Karen Orchard  

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Extended Breastfeeding - Guest Post by Clarissa Leigh

When I was asking for guest blog posts, I was excited to share this one on extended breastfeeding.  I've nursed my own babies anywhere from 15 months to 28 months.  I have to say, the most rewarding relationships have been the ones that were breastfed the longest.  Maybe that's a coincidence, but I like to think that breastfeeding was good for us both.  Thank you, Clarissa, for being willing to share your story.

My son has just turned one, (sob, how did it go by so fast??) and I knew from the moment I found out I was pregnant that I was going to nurse him. It wasn't even a question. I knew many in my family and many friends who had nursed. The one thing I didn't think about was how long I would nurse for. I don't think I had a goal in mind.

Our nursing relationship got off to a great start, we had no problems, and he quickly grew attached to his milkies, as did I. My favorite times in life are nursing him to sleep. As he got older, I was asked how long I would nurse for, and I started asking myself that as well. I did research, I prayed about it, and I thought about it often.

The more research I did, the more I realized that nursing past a year, or extended breastfeeding, has so many benefits. Once I determined the benefits, I knew I would be nursing longer than the norm, and average so often seen nowadays. However I found other reasons, besides the health and nutritional benefits that I would continue to nurse.

1.) It is comforting. As Wilbur gets older and starts walking, and getting more teeth, he needs comfort. The easiest way to comfort him is to nurse him. It calms him down and makes the pain less. I do not want to take away his lovey, his comforting technique, it would be unfair to him, and I like having the power to quickly calm him down.

2.) It gets him to sleep so quickly and easily. Wilbur has never been a good sleeper, even as a newborn, he just does not like sleep. When he gets really tired, it is so easy to get him to sleep by nursing him, also when he wakes up in middle of the night, we don't have to be up for an hour or more.

3.) It helps him maintain his since of normalcy. He is learning and growing so much every day, why would I want to change something else in his life? He needs something that he can come back to when he is overwhelmed by how much he is learning and changing.

4.) It is quick and easy. We have been giving Wilbur a cup since he was 5 months old, sometimes with some expressed breast milk, sometimes water, most often coconut water. He refuses to hold a sippy cup himself, he wants to drink out of a regular cup. If I stopped nursing at a year, he would still need to drink some milk, and in order for him to drink that, I would have to pour the milk in a cup, and sit and hold him for the hour or so it takes him to drink anything out of a cup. With continuing to nurse him, when he tells me he wants milk, it is very easy to let him have it.

5.) I know it is good for him. Everywhere you look, everyone has a different idea or opinion on what kind of milk is best, is it raw cow’s milk, is it whole milk, is it goats milk, is it coconut milk, is it almond milk, is it rice milk? I do not want to be having mommy guilt or second-guessing myself about another topic, and by now, I know he isn't allergic to anything in my diet, and that my milk is perfect for him.

6.) I have already mentioned this, but the health and nutritional benefits. According an article published by Fitzgerald Health Education Associates, Inc., extended breastfeeding into the second year of life provides 29% of energy requirements,  43% of protein requirements, 36% of calcium requirements, 75% of vitamin A requirements, 76% of folate requirements , 94% of vitamin B12 requirements, 60% of vitamin C requirements - Dewey 2001 (source). That is amazing, there is nothing else I could give him that is that nutritious, that wonderful for him. Breastmilk also contains numerous antibodies. No parent wants to see their child sick, and thankfully, Wilbur has only been sick once, and if I can prevent him being sick, I will, to the utmost of my abilities.

7.) The last reason is a selfish one on my part, and that is I love the snuggles, I love giving him what he needs, I love being the one he wants when he wants milkies, I love seeing him so happy and content while I am nursing him. He is such a big boy, and walking around everywhere, and playing by himself so much, that I don’t get many, so if I am able to do something to insure I get more and more snuggles, I will.

Have you practiced extended breastfeeding? What were the reasons that led you to that decision?  

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Breastfeeding Advocacy in Texas

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about a nurse-in that took place at Ft. Worth Magaizne after an advice columnist called breastfeeding in public "ick".   One of the women following the nurse-in contacted me about some Texas bills on the table. Rather than me tell you about them, I asked if she would write us a post, keeping us all in the loop.

I mentioned in my post that I feel that nursing in public is harder now than it was when I was breastfeeding just a few years ago.  It is important that we all do what we can to promote the normalization of breastfeeding so new mothers don't have to fight to feed their babies in public.  

Thank you Krisdee Donmoyer for writing this post to help us understand the laws and our real rights.  

"I am a stay-at-home mom with three sons, ages 10 months to 7.5 years.  I've felt strongly about breastfeeding since before my first son was born, but when I was told to move to a private room 8 months ago while discreetly nursing my baby in the empty lobby of our school, advocacy became my calling.  I went through proper channels at my school district (Austin Independent School District) for two months, asking for a mother & baby-friendly breastfeeding policy, & when they put the opposite in writing, I went public, asking for letters to the district through the Facebook page & blog I started, Keep Austin Nursing in Public.  I'm now the Outreach Coordinator for Central Texas Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition, as well, and I have been very involved in a grassroots effort to garner support for the breastfeeding bills in the House this session.

There are laws that aim to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals, but existing laws leave room for improvement.  Currently there are two bills in the Texas House Calendars Committee which would strengthen breastfeeding legislation.  And Texans can help make this happen, in as much or as little time as they have to spend supporting them.  

Passed in 1995, Texas Health & Safety Code 165.002 states that a woman has the right to breastfeed her baby anywhere she is authorized to be.  Most women who breastfeed can do so in public without ever being harassed.  But it does happen, and that knowledge and the fear of it happening serves as a barrier to breastfeeding for many women.  In fact, 40% of women cite worrying about nursing in public as their greatest barrier to breastfeeding.   2012 Lansinoh Breastfeeding Study for more on this study.   House Bill 1706  would go a long way to abate the fear of nursing in public.

In its present form, the law can be circumvented by revoking a mother's authority to be in a place of public accommodation.  Moms may think that it's already illegal to infringe on their rights, but as terrific as it is, 165.002 simply states that we have a right.  HB 1706 closes that loophole, making it illegal to toss a mother out, or even to interfere with or restrict breastfeeding.

It also provides for education that the law exists, via the Comptroller's office.  If you're a breastfeeding advocate, it may be hard to imagine that not everyone knows there is a law about nursing in public, but many people have no idea.  So this aspect of HB 1706 is huge.

Still, knowing a law is on the books doesn't mean all people will follow it.  Moms who have faced discrimination since 1995 have told their harassers that they're protected by law, but that hasn't always stopped the discrimination.  In large part, that's because they're not truly protected.  HB 1706 will change that by giving our right-to-breastfeed law an enforcement provision - a consequence for flouting the law.  If a mother's right is violated, she will have the right to sue for damages not to exceed $500 plus reasonable attorney fees.  Realizing that they could have a lawsuit on their hands if they ignore the law, business owners are more likely not only to follow it, but to train their employees so that they will follow it as well.  Far from resulting in rampant lawsuits (which are likely to be cost prohibitive for families, and may not interest the majority of lawyers), the mere possibility of a lawsuit will decrease harassment incidents, paving the way for increased breastfeeding rates.

The other bill, HB 741, supports mothers in the work place.  Though about 80% of Texas mothers initiate breastfeeding, by six months, only 13.7% are still breastfeeding exclusively, despite the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization to breastfeed exclusively for the full first six months.  Breastfeeding rates begin to drop off around the time that mothers return to work, and are trying to balance the demands of their job with the need to express milk with a breast pump on the same supply and demand schedule as their baby.  The need for time and a place to pump led to the Fair Labor Standards Act requiring reasonable accommodations for hourly employees. However, salaried employees are exempt.  HB 741 extends those accommodations to salaried public employees, including teachers.  

Both of these bills are vital to changing the culture in our state to one that is more supportive of breastfeeding.  A more supportive culture will lead to improved breastfeeding rates, which will significantly improve the economy as well as public health.  So we are all stakeholders in this.

At the moment, the bills are in the Calendars Committee.  If they are set for a date on the House floor as soon as possible, there will be time for them to be voted on by the 150 House Representatives, and if they pass them, they'll go to the 31 Texas Senators for another vote.

It's easy to support the bills, to be a part of this historic legislation.  You can spend just five minutes sending a sample email you personalize a bit to legislators whose email addresses are all in one place for you at TXBFLeg.com.  It doesn't take long at all to call legislators, and a phone call also makes a great impact.

Have more than five minutes?  Want to do more?  There's plenty to be done. Contact USBFLeg@gmail.com and join the grassroots movement to support legislation that will support breastfeeding moms and babies."


This is Donna again.  Side note I wanted to add about contacting your legislators.  There is also things going on at the state level with our Texas birth centers.  I was recently asked to go to Austin to meet with my state rep about this bill.  There were about 25 of us that went to this initial meeting. Before heading to the capital building, it was made very clear -- if you have to breastfeed your baby during your meeting, LEAVE the room.  Do you think these breastfeeding and birth advocates and professionals liked hearing that?  Of course not.  I understood it though.  We do not want to be seen as hippy radicals who are in-your-face, not if we are to make real impact.  Make no mistake, I wore my cowboy boots to the capital building and my hair was extra big that day.  :-)

So, when you contact your state rep, whether by phone or email, be respectful and professional.  That will be heard -- and listened to -- more than the anger that we sometimes feel over this issue.  Good luck!  I do believe that we have the power to make positive change for this next generation of breastfeeding mothers.

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Breastfeeding - The "ICK" Factor

I am conservative in nearly all areas of my life.  I am a generally a rule follower too.  Unless, of course, the "rules" are stupid, in which case I have no problem speaking up.  

This week in Ft. Worth has been eventful.  An advice columnist in Ft. Worth Magazine posted a nasty response to a question about breastfeeding etiquette in church.  You can read the (short) article here.   I admit, it was incredibly rude and stupid, but I found it as entertaining as I did offensive.  I might add that I was also offended by the "Also check to make sure your phone is on silent so that I am not subjected to whatever lame Country song you have downloaded for your ringtone" comment.  

As you can imagine, people were - rightfully so - up in arms.  It's amazing the article was published, but I suspect they all found it humorous and didn't think much of it.  The salt on the wound came when the writer and the magazine apparently refused to apologize, so the breastfeeding moms of Ft. Worth organized a Nurse-In with over 140 in attendance.  We have an amazing natural birth and breastfeeding community!

Back to the "ick" statement.  I've decided that the only thing that really changes people's minds about breastfeeding is either doing it themselves or being around it A LOT, like every day. Talking about nourishment, baby's right to eat, mom's right to breastfeed, etc. -- well, no one cares.  People just think it's gross.  I had a guy in class several years ago who was super freaked out about his wife breastfeeding in public.  Of course, she had the baby, he lived and breathed life with a breastfeeding baby...  yadda, yadda, yadda, he didn't want to sit in a restaurant by himself, she breastfeeds wherever, whenever.  It became normal because it was their life. He witnessed the normality of breastfeeding and changed his tune.

So why the "ick"?  It was a woman who wrote the article, not a man.  I guess I could see how men only want to see breasts as sexual.  It's kind of a bummer to see them in action feeding a baby.  I hear women use the argument "That's what they are for," but that's only half correct.  Breasts are sexual and that cannot be ignored.

Let's talk about sexy breasts for a minute.  We have become so accustomed to seeing breasts pushed up, exposed cleavage, plunging necklines, and seductive poses.  It's all about arousal.  Thumb through a National Geographic (remember snickering at those when you were in elementary school?) and seeing topless women in villages in Africa and there's nothing sexy about it.  It's all about how breasts are portrayed to make you think and feel. Normal women with normal breasts don't typically look like the women in the media.  Most women have normal, non-greased-up-and-shiny breasts.

My point here is that it's OK that breasts are sexual and are capable of feeding a baby.  They are dual purpose.  I have a friend that calls breasts and genitalia "life-giving parts" and explains to her kids that we cover those parts because they are sacred.  Follow me here.  I'm still on the "ick" factor... If someone has not breastfed a baby or been around breastfeeding A LOT, they really only see breasts as sexual.  Everyone knows that breasts produce milk (giving life), but many have never been exposed to breastfeeding. (Pun intended.)  Because it is so ingrained, I don't know that their minds can be changed without life experience.

If you have read my blog for a long time, you know how I feel about breastfeeding covers. These weren't around during my 7+ years of breastfeeding. I have never thought these would be good for breastfeeding. Turns out I was right.  Look what is happening in our culture. Things are worse for breastfeeding moms when they are out in public than ever before. There is now a very strong feeling by the general population that breastfeeding should be covered or hidden.  It is expected.  I honestly believe that the (stupid) "hooter hider" covers are  partially to blame.

Back to the article this week, one of our Birth Boot Camp Instructors was interviewed on the radio this week, as she herself breastfeeds in church. Hear it here.  The interviewer made the comment at the end, "My mom didn't breastfeed me because she just likes me as a friend." That statement is ICK!  Janie (the interviewee) jumped on that right away and asked if he was implying that breastfeeding is sexual, to which he adamantly denied.  Whatever dude.  Whatever.

I know what you are thinking now - is Donna saying that we should be out there more than ever?  In your face?  Uh, no.  Do I think breastfeeding women should cover?  Uh, no.

I subscribe to the idea that people really do need to be around breastfeeding to become comfortable.  But it's not going to happen in their one encounter with you!  I propose that women simply modestly breastfeed wherever they might be.  Make eye contact.  Smile.  The argument from the "ickers" seems to be that breastfeeding women are "making a show" of it, which is ridiculous.  (Don't give them ammunition - don't make a show of it!)

I don't want to see any woman and baby banished from wherever they might find themselves - even church! - to a bathroom or their car.  A timely and a very awesome post by The Feminist Breeder  sums it up.  Next week, we will plan on diving into Breastfeeding Activism and the most effective way to go about this sensitive topic.  In the meantime, I'm headed off to a very awesome Birth Boot Camp Instructor training workshop this week.  Woo-hoo! Join us!

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#Giving Tuesday - Birth Boot Camp joins forces with Best for Babes

As part of #GivingTuesday, Birth Boot Camp® will be donating $75 from every online childbirth education class sale to Best for Babes from Tuesday November 27 through Tuesday December 4.

The Best for Babes Foundation is the only mainstream non-profit cause dedicated to helping women overcome the many barriers they face that end their breastfeeding journey too early. Their mission is to help moms Beat the Booby Traps®-the cultural & institutional barriers that prevent moms from making informed feeding decisions and from achieving their personal breastfeeding goals, whether that’s 2 days, 2 months, 2 years, or not at all; to inspire, prepare & empower™ moms; and to give breastfeeding a makeover and give moms the solutions they need to make it work and feel fabulous!

They are harnessing the power of celebrities, the media, advertising, corporations, health-care professionals, health and disease foundations, moms and breastfeeding advocates to put positive pressure on the Booby Traps® to increase breastfeeding rates and improve the health of moms and babies.

Birth Boot Camp® is committed to training couples in natural birth and breastfeeding through accessible, contemporary education and offers online childbirth classes.

Birth Boot Camp makes childbirth education easy, effective and accessible with live or online classes to best fit your needs and desires. Our unique and fun curriculum is geared towards couples working to have an unmedicated natural birth.

Sign up for the most comprehensive online natural birth classes available today and support a wonderful cause!

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Weaning

A former student asked me recently how to wean her baby.  I've described my experiences many times over the years, but I don't know that I've ever done it here.  I hope this information is helpful and weaning is a process that is not painful for mom or baby.

Women typically have mixed emotions when it comes to weaning their babies from the breast.  They do it for many reasons too.  As usual, I have opinions on this topic, but I appreciate that everyone is in a different boat.

I am fortunate that I've always been able to stay home with my babies.  Well, I take that back.  Our first was born when my husband was a student at Brigham Young University.  I did work for about 3 months, but when we went on a week-long trip to Seattle, I didn't take a pump and he didn't have any bottles.  When we returned and I went to work, my husband called me in the middle of my shift -- freaking out -- that Daymon wouldn't take a bottle no. matter. what.  I always say that's a smart baby that insists on the breast!  If that's true, I had a genius on my hands!  David said he'd rather work and go to school full time than deal with that again!

My children all breastfed for varying lengths of time:
1st baby - 15 months
2nd baby - 19 months
3rd baby - 24 months
4th baby - 28 months

It should be noted when they all started solid food too:
1st baby - 5 months (ate everything except bananas)
2nd baby - 6 months (very picky eater, spewed everything back at me, meals were messy)
3rd baby - 9 months (just wasn't ready to eat till then, ate table food, not much baby food, not very picky)

4th baby - 12 months (wouldn't eat anything, didn't like the texture and would spit everything out, it wasn't for lack of trying to give her food that she started this late)

The one thing they all had in common was that I never "forced" them to wean.  With the first two babies, as they got older, they would eat food, play, and nurse occasionally.  I let them nurse whenever they showed interest.  It was so easy.  Perfect temperature and I always had it with me.  Breastfeeding is the easiest parenting "tool" I had.  It fixed everything.  Crying, temper tantrums, tiredness.  I honestly don't know how I would have parented if I had given my babies bottles.  It just seems so much harder.

Weaning was something that just happened naturally.  They got older and interested in other things.  They ate table food.  Eventually, we were down to just nursing to go to sleep, or first thing in the morning.  With my son, his last "feeding" was at 2:00 in the afternoon, during "Days of Our Lives".  I really wanted him to nurse so I could watch/hear my show!  He wanted to be on the floor playing.  One day I realized it had been 4 days since he had nursed.  I pumped a bit for relief and never experienced "let down" again.  It was over.  It wasn't painful because it was gradual.  My little boy was growing up and it was OK.  It was exciting to see him grow up.

Every child is different, of course.  So is every mom.  My 3rd baby was 2 and I felt like I was in a "window" to stop nursing.  I didn't want to nurse till she was 3 or 4.  I have a close friend that breastfed one of hers till 3 1/2 and she said she had wished she had weaned during the "2-year window".  I actually had a conversation with Abby about it and she agreed that she was done.  The nursing that was hardest for her was the morning nursing.  On day 3, she woke up at 5:00 a.m. starving!  David fed her lots of food and we went back to sleep!

I never experienced let-down again, didn't get engorged, babies weren't crying to be nursed.  It was painless.  Another close friend encouraged her 2-year-old with "drinking yogurts," something he loved to have, but was reserved for special occasions.  She wasn't telling him NO to nursing, but YES to the yogurt drinks.

The process should be gradual and as natural as possible.  It's exciting to see them grow.  It's a little bittersweet, but isn't the entire process.  They very likely won't remember nursing, no matter what age they wean.  For a long time, Darcy remembered laying down with me to nurse for naps, but she doesn't anymore.

In fact, our children will have very few memories from being little, but as mothers, we will remember breastfeeding our babies and nurturing them as they grow.  Enjoy every moment.

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Natural Birth, Breastfeeding, or Intactivism -- Could You Pick A Platform?

I saw the question "If you could just choose one issue, what would be your #1 platform?  Natural birth, breastfeeding, or intactivism?" posed on a birth facebook page this week and was shocked by how many people said "intactivism" would be their platform if they could only choose one thing to be most passionate about. 

If you read my blog EVER, you know that I feel so strongly about natural birth (I'd have to link to nearly every post here!) and not circumcising.  I've written on these topics on Banned From Baby Showers for 4 years now and taught it for nearly a decade.  I'm a certified Natural Childbirth Educator for crying out loud!  I even wrote my own curriculum called Birth Boot Camp, which many of you are getting certified to teach!

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, allow me to tell you why BREASTFEEDING would be my platform if I had to pick just one topic to preach on.

As you know, I had an epidural with my first baby because I was scared to death of labor and childbirth.  Didn't feel a darn thing when I birthed my baby.  I had heard enough people say they they "couldn't" breastfeed, so I was hopeful that it would "work" for me.  It did, mostly, thanks to some great advice I received before my baby was born.  He never had a drop of formula and we blissfully breastfed and bonded for 15 months.  That baby will be 16 this week. 

Breastfeeding was the coolest experience I had ever had, witnessing my baby grow healthy and chunky on my milk.  I thought it was pretty cool that I could leave the house without anything but a diaper and I had everything I needed to feed him with me at all times.  My husband was in college at the time, so the fact that breastfeeding was free was extremely beneficial. 

I'll admit, my main motivation for breastfeeding my first baby was that it was free.  We really couldn't afford formula, so I was thrilled that it "worked" for me.

Each time I breastfed a new baby, the duration got longer.  19 months, 24 months, and number 4 breastfed for 28 months. That time of my life is over now, but I reflect with contentedness and happiness.  I wish this for all new mothers, that they are able to breastfeed and receive the help and support they need to successfully breastfeed. 

My favorite quote is "Breastfeeding is a mother's gift to herself, her child, and the Earth."

I feel like I always have to have a disclaimer when I make statements like "Breastfeeding is possibly the most important thing you will ever do."  Again, I'm very aware that there are legitimate reasons why a woman or baby may not be able to breastfeed.  One of our requirements to be a Birth Boot Camp Instructor is that the applicant has breastfed at least one baby for at least one year.  While the Board feels that this is incredibly important, we do have a few trainees who have appealed to the Board asking to waive this requirement due to their situation.  I'm saddened that some women try their hardest and it just isn't meant to be.  These are not the women I am speaking to. 

With that being said, I believe that the majority of women and babies ARE able to breastfeed and SHOULD breastfeed.  It has been documented time and again that breastfeeding benefits both mothers and babies.  The benefits are not just immediate, but last a lifetime for both the child and the mother.

So why not natural birth as my number one platform?  I believe that natural birth is healthiest for mom and baby and a good choice all the way around.  I'm sure you are painfully aware that less than 10% of women choose natural birth.  At least 1/3 of women are having cesareans in the US today.  I, myself, had an epidural with my first baby.  Regardless of how your baby comes out, YOU SHOULD DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR POWER TO BREASTFEED YOUR BABY!  It will help with bonding, postpartum depression or baby blues, your baby will be healthier, and you will release prolactin -- the "mothering hormone"-- which makes you more calm and nurturing.  Did I mention that you'll have more money in your bank account?

Why not intactivism as my number one platform?  Anyone who has sat in my class knows how I feel about this topic.  But at the end of the day, it is a decision that parents make.  I hope I was able to shed light on the function and purpose of the foreskin.  Most people that sit through my class do not circumcise, and that makes me happy.  But if they come back to a reunion and disclose that they did circumcise, I could care less as long as they are breastfeeding!

We didn't circumcise our son 16 years ago, but I don't feel that that helped us bond or was good for either of our emotional or physical health, in the same way that breastfeeding has been.  It was a good choice, I believe, and certainly one that I don't regret.  He's good with it too.  Everyone's happy.  But breastfeeding has potentially protected him from several diseases, given him a solid "gut" (the kid NEVER throws up), and a million other health benefits.  I also got health benefits from breastfeeding, including reduced risk of developing breast or ovarian cancers.

I'm also going to choose breastfeeding as my number one platform because I have 3 daughters.  By choosing circumcision as my number one, I'm not giving the girls anything.  All of my children have benefited from breastfeeding, but not natural birth, and circumcision only pertained to one child.

As an educator, I hope to inform expectant parents of all their choices.  But at the end of the day, regardless of how they give birth or whether their son gets to keep his foreskin, I hope all mothers and babies breastfeed and feel supported in this most sacred time of their life.

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Pediatricians & Formula Paraphernalia - A Bad Combination

I am sort of bossy, but I try not to tell people how to do their jobs -- unless they are doing them wrong!  I have found myself twice in the last few weeks insisting that my pediatrician's office remove coupons for free formula from their check-out desk.

Let me back up.  When we first moved to the Ft. Worth area seven years ago, we got a reference for a pediatrician, but only stayed there for about a year.  The last straw was when I went to pick up my kids' medical records and -- you might think I'm a bit of a fanatic at this point! -- they asked me to write my kids' names on a pad of paper shaped like a bottle with "Similac" down the side.  I refused to use the paper and asked for a regular piece of paper.

Fast forward:  we've had the same pediatrician for about 5 years until she developed breast cancer.  I never saw any formula anything -- samples, coupons, or notepads!  When she got sick, they brought on a new doctor.  While I think she likes to hear herself talk, at least I didn't see any formula paraphernalia since she joined the practice.

Low and behold, the doctor we used when we first moved here recently joined this practice too and now there are coupons for free formula!  Ugh.

This is not an attack on people that formula feed.  I realize there are a million reasons why someone might want coupons for free formula, but again, that is not the issue at hand.  This post is about the pediatrician and whether or not they should display formula paraphernalia. 

So why is this a problem?  First of all, the biggest problem that I see is that it's NOT pushing breastfeeding.  By the very nature of having the coupons at the check-out, it sends a message to the parents that formula is endorsed by the doctor.  Who can resist a "FREE" coupon for anything?  Breastfeeding is also free, but I don't see a sign anywhere that reminds the parents of this simple fact.

"Please don't offer my mommy formula coupons unless she asks."

It is well documented that breastfed babies have fewer trips to the doctor's office -- something that benefits them for a lifetime, not just as a baby.  When the pediatricians make a comment about never seeing my kids, I always point out that they were exclusively breastfeed with no formula.  I hope they make the connection, but it's funny when you have a teenager sitting on the table.  Do the pediatricians even recognize the difference breastfeeding makes long-term? So the question must be asked -- Do they push formula so they see the kids in the office more often and therefore, make more money?  Just a thought...

When I said something to the receptionist the first time I saw the coupon, I definitely caught her off guard.  She didn't know what to say.  I wasn't letting it go, however, so she told me to hand her the coupons, obviously so she could end the conversation.  I asked if she was just going to put them back out the minute I walked out the door.  Pushy, I know.  While she said no, when I was back a couple weeks later, there they were!

When I said something the next time to a different receptionist, I went into the whole story about being there for 6 years and never seeing anything about formula in the office until the newest doctor came on staff.  Again, silence.  They don't see the problem and they don't know what to say.  How can they not see that this promotes formula-feeding and sabotages the breastfeeding relationship?!

Shortly after I posted about this on the BFBS Facebook page, a reader sent me a link to an Academy of Pediatrics statement on the distribution and display of formula materials in pediatrician offices.  Read it here.  It's all about the reasons why having formula materials in a pediatrician's office is a conflict.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and will be setting up an appointment with the head pediatrician to share it.

Several people suggested taking the coupons and throwing them away, but this doesn't solve the problem.  Then the doctors and receptionists think there is such a demand, they just get more.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe there is a kickback from the formula company for distributing the coupons.

I told the last receptionist that since it's an area for "free" items, I'll bring her a stack of Resource Guides for the Tarrant County Birth Network promoting Mother-Friendly maternity care and plenty of great lactation consultants!  Again, silence.

I believe that it is so important that we speak up about the messages doctors send to new and vulnerable mothers.  We cannot expect change to happen and the normalization of breastfeeding to occur unless we advocate for breastfeeding.  If you are reading my blog, birth and breastfeeding have likely had a huge impact on your life.  Don't be afraid to share that, even if it means defending and promoting breastfeeding to your pediatrician. 

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Breastfeeding In Tents

You've heard from Shannon before through bits and tidbits here.  You've seen her birth video.  She has grown to be a close friend -- my joke is that I talk to her about every 15 minutes!  She is probably the most clever person I know, as comes through in her writing.  She is in charge of marketing for Birth Boot Camp and I'm grateful to have her on the Board of Directors.

This week we were discussing Breastfeeding Tents that are starting to be used at a number of baby fairs and events.  Neither of us particularly like them.  Shannon wrote this post and summed it up nicely for my Banned From Baby Showers readers.  Enjoy.

I don't like Breastfeeding Tents. I kinda think they suck, actually.

Before you get riled, give me 4 minutes and then you can decide if it's worth the time to insist I be excommunicated from the crunchy mom club (I homebirth, ingest placenta and nursed until 3 --  my stripes are legit).

1) They are bad for breastfeeding moms. They imply you should nurse your baby in them.  In fact, I have been approached at an event while nursing and told there was a breastfeeding tent. I was sitting within eyesight of it. I didn't need to be told.  I have no desire to interrupt my conversation or relocate it somewhere I don't want to be.  Even if I see it as optional, the person who told me about the tent did not.  She thought I needed to be in the tent.

This makes the tent more offensive, in my opinion, than the controversial Hooter Hider, or nursing cover.  At least with a nursing cover, I have to pack it in my bag and make the choice to put it on my body.  A Breastfeeding Tent is kinda like having a stack of Hooter Hiders in the corner for "those" breastfeeders.  And empowering someone to walk up and hand me one.

2) They are offensive to moms who bottle-feed.   Do those moms not also deserve a special place to put their feet up and rest on a soft rocker while their baby eats?  Or should they just sit in the sun and suffer?  While I'm all about breastfeeding, I have no idea why the bottle feeding mom next to me made that choice, or if it was made for her.  She isn't a second-class mommy, she doesn't love her baby less and she shouldn't be excluded from the Tent of Happiness and Joy.  Oh wait, it's called a Breastfeeding Tent.  Bet she feels really great about going in there and mixing up a bottle. And if she fought really hard for a breastfeeding relationship and lost, she's gonna feel even better about herself after hanging out outside of the tent.

3) There is an easier way to still give moms a quiet place to nurse without alienating everyone. Just don't call it a darn breastfeeding tent. Call it a Baby Pit Stop, call it a Mommy Oasis, call it whatever you want -- just find a name that says it's a spot to feed and care for babies without shaming (by insinuating some moms should hide or others just plain aren't welcome there). I totally get that babies are distracted at some ages and mommies need to sit and look at what they are doing while nursing their baby. Some bottle-feeding babies are also distracted and need a quiet spot. If you are a super shy mom who is just getting started breastfeeding and REALLY needs the privacy you won't be comfortable in a small nylon tent where anyone could wander in anyway.

I'm not saying to banish the tent, just change the marketing a little. Go on, someone in your organization can come up with a catchy name.

P.S. One more thing - breastfeeding moms are not the only ones who need information on breastfeeding. The masses should be exposed to the breastfeeding propaganda. Otherwise you are just preaching to the choir. Sequestering the breastfeeding information within a tent only for certain people implies that breastfeeding is for an exclusive group.

It's not. Breastfeeding is something every mom should feel is accessible and attainable, and the marketing of those promoting it should reflect that.

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Confessions of a Former Babywise Advocate

 A few years ago I had a mom in class that asked a lot of questions about Baby Wise vs. Attachment Parenting and it spurred me to write a blog post on the topic.  Fast forward 2 1/2 years and this same mom wants to become a Birth Boot Camp Instructor.  I knew she had "done" Baby Wise with her baby and that is not what Birth Boot Camp teaches.  She came clean and told me her story of scheduling her 1st baby and practicing Attachment Parenting with baby #2.   Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your story here.

"I am writing this post in hopes that I can encourage mothers in the art of mothering. I prepared for my first birth like many moms. Regular prenatal care, vitamin supplementation, proper protein, reading birth books, taking natural childbirth classes, and making a birth plan were all a part of the wonderful anticipation of being a mother for the first time.

We all receive tons of unsolicited advice when expecting, don't we? It may come from family and friends, but some times complete strangers at the check out, checking you out, nodding their head) saying, "So.... when are you due; pretty soon, huh?" I first heard of "Baby Wise" in line at a check out, then from a friend who it to me. I put it on my list to read along with all the other books Donna had us reading for class. 

One thing about me is, my personality lends itself to a schedule.  I like having a game plan and being in control. My mother always motivated me with check lists and it actually worked. I used to put things on the list I had already done, just so I could check them off and see the accomplishments. Yes, I am one of those "A-type" people. This may have been because I was a first born, or because of the influence of my mother who was a first born, or just because that's my God given organized personality. Any how, when seeking a plan for my firstborn, I went ahead and read "Baby Wise" because I had heard a baby needed to be on a schedule.

Our first born daughter was born at home! So, we got the unmedicated, natural birth we had planned for and loved the experience. I remember saying to my husband, directly after birth, "If that is how birth is, than we can have lots more kids!" I had my husband, midwives, their assistants, my doula, and our new baby all in my master bathroom at the time of her birth. I believe there were nine in all.

She latched on to nurse like a pro just after birth. She loved her sling, "The Over the Shoulder Baby Holder". After much research, we decided not to vaccinate at all. My two main goals were to exclusively breastfeed our baby for the first year and to have her sleeping through the night by at least 10 weeks. What was I thinking!!! What I did not know at first was that my two goals were diametrically opposed. I went on believing that if I scheduled her and followed the eat, wake, sleep pattern like what the "Baby Wise" book said, I could have the best of both worlds. "Baby Wise" made us think that if I we were going to be wise parents, we would follow a written schedule.

I live my born-again life with integrity towards God. 1 Corinthians 15:3b-4 "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." I believe a life worth living is found only in knowing and serving Jesus Christ. I love my husband and we both wanted to give our daughter the very best. Unfortunately, we were misinformed. 

It is true that a baby can sleep through the night at 8 weeks, can move to a crib in his/her own room at 6 weeks, can be a happy baby, and can nurse well for a while. I know because mine did. If there was ever a "just like the book baby" it was Alayna. Her patterns of eat/wake/sleep were exactly as the book said they would be. When she went "off her schedule," this is what we call now going through growth spurts, teething, or crying. Sadly, we looked in the book to see what to do for her, as if it were an all purpose magical baby users manuel. I hate to say it, but it's true. People stopped me all the time to tell me what a sweet, happy baby she was. They told me she was an easy baby and I was "lucky" to have her sleeping through the night so soon. She was very contented and seemed to be thriving in every way we knew of at that time until she was 7 months old.

I began seeing her demand for more milk and I was not producing enough to satisfy her. Up till then, nursing had been wonderful for us, but I soon realized that her metabolism was geared for large amounts of food at set intervals and that my milk supply was hindered by scheduling. It made my body so rhythmic that it would not let down until a certain time had lapsed. Unlike demand feeding, where a child communicates hunger and mother's milk is always there ready to flow! We were both getting so frustrated. She was hungry and unhappy and I was worried my dreams were vanishing. I went out and bought the best pump I could find. I had never tried a pump before until she was 8 months old. While this did help my supply a little, it turned out to be a big pain. I was nursing my daughter on schedule and tied down to a pump the rest of the time. I began realizing that my 2 goals were not compatible. I wish I had known that exclusive demand feedings at the breast were the most healthy and natural way to go. Sure I was told, but I had not experienced the freedom from a schedule yet.

I shared my frustrations with a close friend who recommended us visit her "Natural Doctor" in Houston, TX. My husband and I prayed about it and decided to get some professional help. We had never been to a Wellness Doctor before. Dr. Hopkins at CWA taught us many things about wellness, healthy eating, nursing, and how our bodies work best eating foods designed for us specifically. I was given whole food supplements to strengthen and richen my milk supply. He taught us and challenged us not to schedule our daughter anymore. In time a demand nursed baby will find his/her own routine that promotes his/her individual health. We prayed some more and chose to put a fresh priority on our baby's optimum health. We quit "Baby Wise" thinking and stepped out in faith to the unknown world of possibilities available through what the book calls, "Attachment Parenting!" My husband and I tried to un-schedule our 10 month old. The most surprising thing happened. I could not, try as I might, to un-schedule her. It was the hardest thing in the world, but I was able to get off the breast pump and go back to just nursing her for another 4 months. Proverbs 13:20 "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise:" I am so thankful for the true wisdom of our Christian Doctor.

It was so impossible to unschedule our scheduled baby. For 8 months out of 10, that schedule had become such a part of her we could not separate the two. I am sad to say, she only knew life through the "glasses" of a schedule. She was quite addicted to it. I mean, if she did not have meals at set times her sugar levels would plummet. With it, came crashing down tears and unrest. If we were away from home during "nap time" she would have a melt down. She seemed to "need" her schedule for weeks and months after we took it away. The regular ups and downs of daily living without a schedule were hard on her at first. It was not until she weaned herself at 14 months (too early for me) that we really saw full improvement in her ability to enjoy life to it's fullest. Who knows how long she may have nursed if we had never introduced a schedule?  Her mood swings went away and her over all health improved by 94% from her first check up with Dr. Hopkins at 10 months old.

I always felt very attached to my baby, but compared to my second born, she was actually too independent.  I would even say, she was unattached emotionally and we didn't even know what we were missing.  I am grateful our 3-year-old has recovered, but we will never have those early years to do over again.

After our second home birth, we talked about how, in some ways, it would be like parenting for the first time all over again. I was looking forward to guilt-free co-sleeping! I loved it and we got better rest than we did following "Baby Wise".  My husband cherished more time with our baby in our bed than I had ever dreamed possible. And because we were doing many things more naturally like demand-feeding, it was easy to go on dates. We were not on a time schedule dependent on when the baby would need to be in bed . 

Hannah nursed exclusively for 12 months and 1 week. Around 13 months we bought a king size bed to accommodate for needed space. I did not want space to be the reason to move her out of our bed before she was ready. She still nurses on demand and loves snuggling in her sling at 18 months old. I had never allowed myself the privilege of napping with my first baby in my bed, so I made up for it with our second. She stayed in our bed at night for over a year and then occasionally on an as-needed basis. She was still in our room in a pack-and-play until one particular night when she motioned "up, up" to the old out-of-use crib in her sister's room. Now that Hannah is 18 months old she sleeps in her own bed in her big sister's room because she wants to do things just liked Alayna. If she is sick and needs to nurse more frequently she knows she is always welcome back with us.

Recognizing that God has called me to function as His agent defines my task as a mother. Ibelieve our culture and "Baby Wise" have reduced parenting to providing care. Parents often see the task in these narrow terms. The child must have food, clothes, a bed and some quality time. In sharp contrast to such a weak view, God has called me to a more profound task than being a care-provider.

Mothering is a pervasive task. It does not end even when we are sleeping. In our homes we need to parent our children in God's behalf. Whether waking, walking, talking, singing, resting, or nursing, I must be involved in helping my children to understand life, herself and her needs from a biblical perspective. The best advice I can leave with you for mothering comes from Deuteronomy 6:5-7 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." 

The task God has given me is NOT one that can be conveniently SCHEDULED."

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FREE GEORGIA! Statewide Nurse-In March 5

It's amazing how breastfeeding laws vary from state to state.  I am fortunate to live in a state (Texas) where a woman has the right to breastfeed her baby anywhere she has the right to be.  Other women and babies in various states are not so fortunate.  Georgia sure has had their set of issues over the last several months.  There are people who are shaking things up, trying to push for change, but they can't do it without support.  If you are in or near the state of Georgia, I hope you'll participate in this movement.   This Nurse-In takes place March 5.  Spread the word. 

Here is an email I received from the organizer, Lindsey:


"LOVE the blog!! My name is Lindsey Mangham, and I'm (now) the sole organizer for the Georgia Statewide Nurse-in: Warner Robins location. Having read your Jan. 30th post on NIP, I know that we share the same ideals on this issue. I was hoping that you would be willing to take on the story of Nirvana 'Harley' Jennette (the head organizer of the nurse-in) and help our cause.

The Georgia Statewide Nurse-In is a grassroots movement made up of both local and national supporters who are working to normalize breastfeeding in the state of Georgia and to put a stop to the ongoing harassment and discrimination that mothers and children fall victim to on a daily basis.

Our mission is to establish a change in Georgia state laws so that the laws protect a mother's right to breastfeed and a child's right to receive nourishment in any place, public or private, that the mother and child are allowed to be, so that breastfeeding is not considered indecent exposure, so that a mother can not be arrested or ticketed for feeding her child, and so that any form of harassment to a nursing mother and child will be an offense punishable by law. We will begin by staging a statewide nurse-in to introduce ourselves to the legislators of Georgia and to the general public as we establish change in our laws. We will not back down until the laws are put into place.

Here is the press-release of the story: http://www.free-press-release.com/news-statewide-nurse-in-scheduled-to-establish-better-protection-for-breastfeeding-mothers-in-georgia-1329104955.html

and here is a link to the original news story about Nirvana: http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Breastfeeding-backlash-starts-movement/9DKa8ocO2kWRz-E48UmIKQ.cspx

Her contact info is at the end of the press release!

Here is the FB event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/141362565979722/
And here is a link to the petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/establish-better-protection-for-breastfeeding-mothers"

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Cultural Covering of Breastfeeding

I wrote a long post on this topic last night, but my husband put the kibosh on it, saying that I would probably offend people.  I decided to try again.  Please know that I am sincerely not trying to offend people with my opinion.  This post is not directed at the individual, but rather our culture. Please read with an open mind.

I posted this week on the BFBS Facebook page my belief that the breastfeeding covers have done more to hurt the NIP (Nursing in Public) cause than help it.  Before I go on, I know plenty of people that use the covers.  I am glad that they are breastfeeding and not giving their baby a bottle of formula.  I realize that for some women, it's all they can do to actually be out in public breastfeeding, even with a cover.  I've had moms come to childbirth class reunions and wear the covers and say, "Screw you, Donna, I'm using it!"  I don't really care.  I really don't.  I love them for that.  I really don't care about the individual use of the covers.  I am, however, concerned about the perpetual use -- the expectation that all breastfeeding women should cover -- that concerns me.   I think women are being told to cover up more often because of the covers.

We all know that the breasts are totally sexualized in the United States.  Breasts are sexual, like it or not.  I'm not going to tell you to not think of breasts that way.  But it is OK that they have a function too.  People -- men and women -- are uncomfortable with this.  We see breasts and cleavage hanging out everywhere we go, but using them in a functional way, to nourish a baby through sucking at the breast, makes just about everyone uncomfortable. We want rights and we demand that everyone not sexualize the breast, but then we wear the covers which, in effect, hides their function.

Several people commented on the Facebook page that they were concerned about men, teenagers, and children being exposed to breastfeeding.  This perpetuates the problem, that we are not allowing them to be around breastfeeding.  I've seen people make comments that "Everyone knows what's going on under there," but that's not necessarily true.  A lot of people have no idea what's going on under there because they've never witnessed a woman breastfeeding, especially if everyone is using these covers!  Children don't know what you are doing.  Teenagers probably don't know either.  Even if they do, it is obvious that you are hiding it, so by the very nature of the hiding behavior, it must be shameful or embarrassing.  They do not learn that breasts serve another purpose besides sexual excitement. 

I was at the park with a friend a couple of years ago who had a nursing baby.  My children were back and forth from the picnic table, but my son (then about 12), was hanging out at the table with us.  She always breastfed anywhere, so I was surprised when she asked if she should cover or go sit in her car.  For a split second, I thought maybe she should cover.  I immediately told her of course not.  Feed her baby.  She did, and Daymon didn't even bat an eye.  He didn't try to look away or look uncomfortable.  I think he was already aware that breasts have a function and the baby needed to nurse.

Likewise, my girls have never acted weird about it either.  They see women breastfeeding in our house all the time.  They don't look away or act embarrassed.  It's just how women feed their babies.  But I don't act weird about it -- or even draw attention to it -- and so they don't either.  Occasionally  I will have someone using a cover and at least one of my girls will stare.  She'll look confused, knowing there was a baby in her lap before, but now they are all covered up.  She has no idea she is feeding her baby.

I am happy you are choosing to breastfeed. I just want women to have confidence in themselves to breastfeed in public.  There are so many ways to wear your clothing.  You do not have to be immodest to not use a cover.  I believe that our children -- and husbands -- will be more excepting of breastfeeding and it will become accepted, not shameful, if women will just casually nurse their babies without hiding.  People often say they are covering because it makes them more comfortable, and this is what makes me sad -- that they are made to feel uncomfortable in our society. 

I realize that you may sweat bullets when you have to nurse in public.  It is stressful for some women. I don't want women to feel like they are damned if they do and damned if they don't.  All I am trying to get across is that if you feel like you could easily handle nursing in public without a cover, from a cultural perspective, I think it's good for people to see women proudly breastfeeding.   If you just can't get over it, then by all means, use a cover, knowing you are doing the best you can.  I promise I won't say a single thing to you if I see you using a cover!

Before I let you go, I wanted to show you the bathroom my students -- and everyone else that comes to my house -- uses.  It is devoted to pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.  It's gorgeous!  For some, it's probably their only exposure to breastfeeding!  Enjoy.  If you come to my house, don't forget to ask to use my bathroom. 

"Breastfeeding is a mother's gift to herself, her child, and the earth."

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