Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (NY) and Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) introduced the Breastfeeding Promotion Act in both houses of Congress on 11 June. This is the first time the bill has been introduced in the Senate.
Forty-seven states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have already implemented laws protecting breastfeeding mothers, but they are neither standardized and nor inclusive.  Please ask your Representative and Senators to co-sponsor the Breastfeeding Promotion Act to support a national policy to keep familes healthy.

The Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 (H.R. 2819, S, 1244) includes five provisions:

1) Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which protect breastfeeding women from being fired or discriminated against at work.

2)  Provides tax incentives for companies that create private lactation areas in the workplace or provide     breastfeeding equiptment or cunsultation services for their employees.

3)  Stipulates a performance standard ensuring breastpumps are safe and effective.

4)  Ensures breastfeeding equiptment and consultations are tax deductible by amending the Internal Revenue Code of the definition of medical care.

5)  Protects the privacy of breastfeeding mothers ensuring they have both breaks and a private place to pump.  (This applies to employers with 50 or more employees).

Breastfeeding is good for mothers, babies, and familes as a whole translating through our society.  Failure to breastfeed increases the baby’s risk of infections, diarrhea, SIDS, obesity, diabetes, asthma, and childhood leukemia, and increases the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers and diabetes.  Breastfeeding also has significant economic and environmental benefits for families, employers, and society.  Take a look at the wealth of compelling reasons to breastfeed right here at Boobiefed.

All major medical authorities recommend that babies are breastfed exclusively for their first six months and continue to breastfeed for at least the first one to two years of life. Many mothers start off breastfeeding with good intentions but lack the support they need to make it a success.  Only 12% of U.S. mothers continue to exclusively breastfeeding at six months and only 21% are still breastfeeding at one year.

Currently, 77% of women breastfeed their infants at birth but breastfeeding rates drop rapidly once they return home from the hospital. More than 50% of women with infants less than one year old have returned to work. Working mothers are more likely to stop breastfeeding early if they do not receive the support they need in the workplace.
Together we can change this! Tell Congress to support the Breastfeeding Promotion Act to provide the support mothers need.

Take action at: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5162/t/6359/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1697

The last time this act was introduced it failed to pass so let’s do everything we can to push it through this time around.

Related Reading

• Support the Breastfeeding Promotion Act
• Breastfeeding Promotion Act Re-Introduced
• Celebrating Our Commitment to Breastfeeding
• Cross Feeding: Reverting Back to Ancient Pastimes
• Allison C’s Story
• Breast Pumping and Returning to Work

You may remember, from reading My Story, that I struggled with low milk supply because of breast reduction surgery I’d had when I was younger.  I had such low supply that despite pumping after each feeding, I was still only able to pump two or three ounces in total a day.  This would never have been enough for him if I returned to full-time work and I probably would have kissed my nursing relationship with my son goodbye.  I am very fortunate that I was able to stay home with him and continue to nurse on demand as we do to this day.

I’m currently job hunting after about three years out of the corporate world.  Motivating my choice to stay home for so long seems to be challenging given the extended leave of absence I have taken from the work force, especially in the current economic climate.  Employers want to see company loyalty and I haven’t been able to show that for the last few years.  It got me thinking about examples of dedication and commitment in my life.  My commitment to breastfeed is a wonderful example.  I remember in the early days when Connor was about six weeks old and I was so desperate to nurse my child but couldn’t get my body to co-operate.  I nearly threw in the towel many times.  A Le Leche League Leader was on call to talk me through some of the darker days.  She told me to just to get through this feeding and I could give up after that if I liked.  Her support and words of encouragement carried me when I thought the dream of nursing my son was impossible.  There were middle of the night feeds that I did in tears calling out in frustration at the end for my husband to come and take over with a supplmental feeding because I couldn’t any more.  Despite all of this, I persevered until Connor and I found our groove.  I got the help I needed to maximize my milk supply and we found a way to make this work for both of us.  Twenty seven months down the road, Connor and I now enjoy the benefits of sticking with one another.  We both love breastfeeding so much.  He stuck with me like a champ through all the hard days until we came through the other side. 

Although your own nursing story may differ, many women struggle to breastfeed their children in the early days.  It often takes a great deal of determination and resolve to continue especially when you’re sleep deprived.  It would be so much easier just to hand the baby to daddy who can give him some formula so you can go back to sleep.  I am so glad that I didn’t give into this temptation.  What saddens me is that in an interview, my breastfeeding relationship and the commitment and dedication required are virtually irrelevant and perhaps even politically incorrect to mention.  Initially when preparing my resume, I listed Boobiefed and the work I’ve done on the site.  I was told it was too personal to include and recruiters suggested I remove it.  It is with huge sadness that I realise to potential employers this long nursing journey doesn’t mean anything and instead should be filtered.  I dream of the day when being a nursing mother is honored and respected and that extended breastfeeding is admired.  My hope is that extended breastfeeding becomes the norm as it used to be (and still is in many cultures around the world).  Perhaps then my choices won’t seem so shocking to corporate America.

This week my blog is personal because breastfeeding is personal and will change you as a person and a mother.  It will certainly have a dramatic benefit on your life as well as that of your child.  I will forever treasure my nursing relationship with my son and plan to breastfeed him until he’s ready to give up his boobies.  I am grateful that my husband acknowledges what a commitment nursing our son has been.  I know the bond we share, deepened specifically because of breastfeeding, is priceless.  I dream of a world where the boardrooms across the globe awaken to that realization as well and the discrimination that stands in the way of stay-at-home mother’s is broken down.

Related Reading

• Cross Feeding: Reverting Back to Ancient Pastimes
• Woman Nurses Dad to Health
• New Study Re-Enforces Breast is Best
• Village Breastfeeds Baby Moses
• Arkansas Pushes for Breastfeeding Bill
• Know Your Breastfeeding Rights
• Breastfeeding While Driving
• Celebrating my Second Year Nurniversary
• Allison C’s Story
• Going from “Ow” to “Wow”: Overcoming Painful Nursing

Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York wants to reintroduce the Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009.  She and other co-sponsors will hold a press conference help on 3 June at 11.30am on the Cannon Terrace at the Cannon Building on Capitol Hill. Among other things, this bill would:

• Add breastfeeding mothers in the workplace as a protected class under the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Provide incentives for employers to have private lactation areas for workers
• Create a performance standard for breast pump equipment
• Create tax deductions for pumping equipment

Here’s how you can help Representative Maloney:

1. Contact your Congress representative and ask them to sign as co-sponsors for the Breastfeeding Promotion Act.  The more co-sponsors the bill has, the more attention and support it will get.  All 435 Representatives need to understand how important this bill is to 70% of working mothers who want to continue breastfeeding their children once they return to work.  Call and email your Representative and speak to a legislative aid today!

2. Attend the press conference about the bill on June 3rd at 11:30 am on the Cannon Terrace at the Cannon Office Building, Independence Avenue and 1st Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003 if you live within driving distance of Washington, D.C.  You can also take Metro to the Capitol South station on the Blue Orange lines.  Pregnant and nursing mother, their partners, grandparents and all your nursing children are invited to show their support at the press conference.  Please RSVP to wchappel@myexcel.com with the number of adults/babies/children attending so we can be prepared (and have enough kid friendly snacks/drinks on hand) and to have final details emailed to all the night before the event.

3. Visit your representative’s office immediately after the press conference to ask them to support the bill.  All of the legislative buildings are near Cannon Office Building.  If you call ahead you can make an appointment to speak to someone.

4. E-mail wchappel@myexcel.com immediately “if you have a workplace lactation discrimination story you would like to share at the press conference.”   The speakers lineup is being put together now and some mothers may be invited to talk about their own stories.

Here are some of the economic benefits to the employers who support breastfeeding:

• Lower staff turnover and loss of skilled workers after they give birth
• Less time off for breastfeeding mothers because their children are more resilient to illness
• Lower healthcare costs for breastfed babies
• Increased productivity by happier employees
• Additional recruitment benefits for women
• Enhances company reputation showing its concern for the welfare of its employees and their families

There are three requirements to ensure a woman can successfully return to work and continue breastfeeding:

1. Time: Employees need enough time to take pumping breaks or work flexible hours.

2. Space: Clean, comfortable and private spaces for expressing and storing breast milk or nearby child care so employees can breastfeed on their breaks.

3. Support: Mother-friendly workplace policies which improve attitudes to breastfeeding. This should include educating staff, including management about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Just in case you don’t already know this, health insurance plans often cover the purchase of a breast pump. Pregnant women with insurance should look into this, because a quality breast pump can easily cost $300.

Please do what you can to support this bill and help give vital support to working breastfeeding mothers.

Related Reading

• Support the Breastfeeding Promotion Act 2009
• Cross Feeding: Reverting Back to Ancient Pastimes
• Allison C’s Story
• Celebrating Our Commitment to Breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding Protects Against Swine Flu
• Woman Nurses Dad to Health
• WA Passes Legislation Supporting Breastfeeding
• New Study Re-Enforces Breast is Best
• Breastfeeding Reduces Pain from Vaccinations
• New HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding: Have Your Say!

USBC Chair Joan Younger Meek, MD, MS, RD, FAAP, FABM, IBCLC, says “research clearly shows that breastfeeding provides a safe, reliable food source, full of disease-fighting cells and antibodies that help protect infants from germs and illnesses. Mothers exposed to influenza produce specific protection for their infants and transmit this through their breast milk. Infant formula does not provide these specific infection fighting properties. Unnecessary formula supplementation should be eliminated so the infant can receive as much benefit as possible from maternal protective antibodies and other immune protective factors.”  This re-enforces the importance of breastfeeding specifically in emergency situations.

Women can breastfeed while receiving antiviral medications. The CDC recommends a sick woman should continue breastfeeding and increase the frequency of feedings. If either mother or infant is too ill to breastfeed directly at the breast, the mother should pump breast milk for her baby instead.  If this is not possible, you may be able to get donated breast milk from the Human Milk Banking Associtaion of North America.

According to the CDC, the risk of transmission of H1N1 (swine) flu through breast milk is unknown.  It is, however, rare that seasonal flu is transmitted through breast milk.  Also, once the mother shows symptoms of flu, her infant has frequently already been exposed.  Breast milk can in fact give additional protection to your baby from the flu.

To protect against the transmission of  H1N1 (swine) flu breastfeed your children and ensure all parents and caregivers do the following to prevent spreading germs:

• Wash both adults and children’s hands with soap and water, especially if placed in the mouth
• Infants and mothers should enjoy lots of skin-to-skin contact
• Don’t share toys that have been in infant’s mouths.  Wash them with soap and water if placed in the mouth.
• Don’t share pacifiers or let adults put them in their mouths (including the pacifier ring/handle)
• Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

Breastfeeding boosts a child’s immune system and helps fight infection.  This is a good idea at all times but even more so since the H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak.  I’m glad to see yet another great reason why we should continue to keep our children boobiefed.

Related Reading

• New HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding: Have Your Say!
• CDC Finds Rocket Fuel in Formula
• Refuting “The Case Against Breastfeeding”
• Celebrating Our Commitment to Breastfeeding
• Support the Breastfeeding Promotion Act
• Woman Nurses Dad to Health
• Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding
• WA Passes Legislation Supporting Breastfeeding
• New Study Re-Enforces Breast is Best
• Breastfeeding Reduces Pain from Vaccinations

• “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2008 breastfeeding report card found that since 2000, breastfeeding of newborns has increased from 64 to 74 percent, and from 29 to 43 percent at six months. However, at one year, only 21 percent of babies continue to be breastfed.”
• Breastfeeding mothers reduce their risk of ovarian, uterine, thyroid and endometrial cancer.
• More specifically, studies found a significant inverse association between duration of lactation and breast cancer risk.  Looking at the information for 47 international studies reveals that “for every year a woman breastfeeds, she reduces her risk of breast cancer by an average of 4.3 percent … For example, if you had three children and nursed them each for two years, your risk for breast cancer would be reduced by 46.8 percent. In fact, one study found that women who’ve nursed for six years or more reduced their risk of breast cancer by as much as a 63 percent.  The multi-study report estimated that breast cancer rates could be cut by more than half if women increased their lifetime breastfeeding duration.”
• Mothers who breastfeed also reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and are protected against osteoporosis.  Breastfeeding may also help prevent lupus and obesity.
• “For each year of breastfeeding, a woman decreases her chances of getting type 2 diabetes by 15 percent, reported a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2005.  So if we consider the woman from the aforementioned example, in her six years of breastfeeding she’s earned a 90 percent reduction in her risk of developing diabetes.”  Breastfeeding decreases insulin needs in women already diagnosed with diabetes.

“We need to help mothers understand that extended breastfeeding does matter,” says Stacy Kucharczk, a certified lactation consultant and pediatric nurse.  “I often point out to mothers that the studies demonstrating the benefits of breastfeeding often show a dose-related effect, as in some breast milk is good, but more is better.”

The article also highlights that research illustrates breastfeeding reduces the likelihood and/or intensity of the following childhood (and possibly also adult) illnesses:

- Ear infections
- Bacterial meningitis
- Respiratory infections and viruses
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Asthma
- Allergies (nasal and skin)
- Urinary tract infections
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Diarrhea
- Lymphomas, leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- Necrotizing enterocolitis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Obesity
- Bacteremia
- Celiac disease
- Botulism
- Pneumonia
- Lung disease
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety/stress
- Bed-wetting
- Nearsightedness
- Increased intellectual, developmental, and cognitive aptitude

Aside from the Nursing by Numbers article there is extensive research illustrating the benefits of extended breastfeeding. Nursing continues as a valuable source of nutrition and disease protection throughout the breastfeeding relationship.  According to Dewey, in the second year (12-23 months), 448 ml of breast milk 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

It has also been shown that breastfeeding has a positive influence on cognitive development and improves IQ scores and grades in school.  The greatest gains were among those children breastfed the longest.  According to Sally Kneidel, “Research reports on the psychological aspects of nursing are scarce. One study that dealt specifically with babies nursed longer than a year showed a significant link between the duration of nursing and mothers’ and teachers’ ratings of social adjustment in six- to eight-year-old children.   In the words of the researchers, ‘There are statistically significant tendencies for conduct disorder scores to decline with increasing duration of breastfeeding.”  Elizabeth N. Baldwin continues discussing toddlers saying “breastfeeding is a warm and loving way to meet the needs of toddlers and young children. It not only perks them up and energizes them; it also soothes the frustrations, bumps and bruises, and daily stresses of early childhood. In addition, nursing past infancy helps little ones make a gradual transition to childhood … Meeting a child’s dependency needs is the key to helping that child achieve independence. And children outgrow these needs according to their own unique timetable.”

I have seen this with my own son.  He has been breastfed for 26 months and is fiercely independent compared to most children his age and perfectly happy to entertain himself because he knows he can come and connect with me through nursing any time he wants.  When friends recently babysat Connor overnight for the first time, they were so impressed at how well-adjusted he is compared to other kids they have cared for at the same age.  She described him as content, secure and stable as well as focused, calm and flexible.  I think one of the main contributing factors to this is extended breastfeeding.

Here’s what the experts have to say:

• Scientific research by Katherine A. Dettwyler, PhD shows that the minimum age children should nurse is two and a half.
• The American Academy of Family Physicians state children weaned before two years of age are at increased risk of illness.  Gulick reported that breastfed toddlers between the ages of 16 and 30 months get sick less and for shorter period compared to those that were not breastfed.  This is because there are abundant antibodies in breast milk throughout lactation. Some of the immunities passed via breast milk have an increased concentration in the second year of nursing and during weaning.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that “breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child… Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother… There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.”
• The American Academy of Family Physicians says “breastfeeding beyond the first year offers considerable benefits to both mother and child, and should continue as long as mutually desired.”
• The World Health Organization  encourages breastfeeding for at least two years or more.

Extended breastfeeding is beneficial to both mammas and their babies.  I am glad my son and I enjoy it so much.  I am trying to savor the experience as I know I’ll miss breastfeeding him when he decides to wean.  I hope this article gives moms out there the confidence backed up by scientific proof to continue nursing their babies despite any pressure they feel to wean.    It is wonderful to see that “breast is best” and continues to be so for both mother and baby the longer you breastfeed.  My hope is that mothers will continue to nursing their children as long as they want to and attitudes to extended breastfeeding around the world will become more accepting.  Show this article to your husband, extended families and friends so that everyone will know the value of your continued commitment to breastfeed your child.

References:

Dewey KG. Nutrition, Growth, and Complementary Feeding of the Breastfed Infant. Pediatric Clinics of North American. February 2001;48(1).

Gulick EE. The effects of breastfeeding on toddler health. Pediatr Nurs. 1986 Jan-Feb;12(1):51-4.

Hamosh M, Dewey, Garza C, et al: Nutrition During Lactation. Institute of Medicine, Washington, DC, National Academy Press, 1991, pp. 133-140.

Goldman AS et al. Immunologic components in human milk during weaning. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1983 Jan;72(1):133-4.

Goldman AS, Goldblum RM, Garza C. Immunologic components in human milk during the second year of lactation. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1983 May;72(3):461-2.

Mortensen EL, Michaelsen KF, Sanders SA, Reinisch JM. The Association Between Duration of Breastfeeding and Adult Intelligence. JAMA. 2002;287:2365-2371.

Baldwin, EN. Extended Breastfeeding and the Law. Mothering 1993 (Spring);66:88.

American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics. Feb 2005;115(2): 496-50.

The American Academy of Family Physicians. Position Paper on Breastfeeding. 2001.

World Health Organization. Global strategy on infant and young child feeding. 16 April 2002.

World Health Organization. Innocenti Declaration: World Declaration and
Plan of Action for Nutrition. Rome, December 1992.

http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html

Sally Kneidel. “Nursing Beyond One Year”. New Beginnings, Vol. 6 No. 4, July-August 1990, pp. 99-103.

Related Reading

• Medical Benefits of Breastfeeding
• Breast is Best – Overview of the Reasons for Breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding Reduces Cancer Risk
• New Study Re-Enforces Breast is Best
• Refuting “The Case Against Breastfeeding”
• Breastfeeding Protects Against Swine Flu
• Huge Cardiovascular Benefits for Mamma’s Who Breastfeed
• CDC Finds Rocket Fuel in Formula
• Village Breastfeeds Baby Moses
• Breastfeeding Reduces Risk of SIDS

The HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding was published in 2000.  It was the first comprehensive policy on breastfeeding and formulated a plan for the country based on public input.  The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) Office on Women’s Health, Office of the Surgeon General, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want your input on a new HHS Call to Action on Breastfeeding.  This is your chance to speak up and have your voice heard so we can make real change for the future of breastfeeding policy in this country and increase successful breastfeeding relationships across the United States.  The HHS wants to hear what you have to say about “policies, activities, or other initiatives to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding … (and) are especially interested in new ideas that will increase equity in breastfeeding rates among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.  Ideas should build on programs and policies that are recognized to be effective or evidence-based …  (They) welcome suggestions to adopt, expand, implement, research, or improve existing strategies.” 

Instead of being frustrated by feeling unsupported in your efforts to breastfeed you baby, stand up and ask for what you need and help future mothers to get the breastfeeding support they need too.  Share your comments at http://www.blsmeetings.net/owh_call_to_action_on_breastfeeding/index.cfm 

Tips to help you with your feedback:

“On the right side of the page are 12 topic areas for you to submit your comments. Individuals and organizations may comment on any or all of the 12 areas. In addition, you may wish to read and comment on comments from others in any of the topic areas. We very much appreciate your participation in this important work. All recommendations will be considered by the Steering Committee of Federal representatives from the HHS Office on Women’s Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Indian Health Service, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, and the Office of the Surgeon General.”

This is our chance to really make a difference and change the face of breastfeeding in America today.  The deadline is 31 May 2009.  Share your voice at http://www.blsmeetings.net/owh_call_to_action_on_breastfeeding/index.cfm

Related Reading

• Breastfeeding Protects Against Swine Flu
• Celebrating Our Commitment to Breastfeeding
• Support the Breastfeeding Promotion Act
• Woman Nurses Dad to Health
• WA Passes Legislation Supporting Breastfeeding
• New Study Re-Enforces Breast is Best
• Breastfeeding Reduces Pain from Vaccinations
• Renee Water’s Story
• CDC Finds Rocket Fuel in Formula
• Village Breastfeeds Baby Moses

A safe donor is someone who is a non-smoker, in good health, taking no medication and has more breast milk than her baby requires.  The mother needs negative blood tests for syphilis, hepatitis B and C, HIV 1 and 2, and HTLV 1 and 2 and they need their physician’s authorization to donate.  Donors are also required to prove they have immunity to rubella with no history of TB or herpes.  Once accepted as a donor, you pump and freeze your breast milk and it is collected once a month from your home.

The Mother’s Milk Bank of California states that donated milk goes to “infants in neo-natal intensive care units (NICUs) throughout California and the West.  Other infants receiving donor milk include:

• babies who are failing to thrive on formula
• babies and toddlers with life-threatening diseases or conditions
• children with failing immune systems or catastrophic diseases
• multiple birth babies, often with lactating mothers who can’t keep up with the milk required to nourish two or three infants
• adopted infants, whose moms believe in the value of breast milk but can’t produce their own
• babies of mothers whose breast milk isn’t suitable for consumption, either because of disease or prescription medications that pass through the milk”

Renee says, “Its such an easy gift to give.  If you are thinking about donating milk just do it!  They need the milk.  They showed me their freezer where they store the breast milk and it was almost empty.  It was so sad to think that so many babies won’t receive breast milk.”  Read here for more on Renee’s story.

There are eleven states in North America with milk banks including British Columbia, California, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas.  To find a milk bank in your state go to http://home.earthlink.net/~milkbank/mothersmilkresources.htm.  If you don’t have one nearby, some milk banks will ship a cooler to you.  You can also contact the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF issued a joint statement saying “The best food for a baby who cannot be breastfed is milk expressed from the mother’s breast or from another healthy mother. The best food for any baby whose own mother’s milk is not available is the breast milk of another healthy mother.”

Milk banks are taking off around the world and are having a huge impact.  Mothers in both the US and South Africa are donating their breast milk to iThemba Lethu, an orphanage in Durban, South Africa.  iThemba Lethu means “I have destiny”.  The children living there were orphaned because their mothers died of AIDS-related illnesses.  There are babies who arrive at the orphanage malnourished and diseased and the donated breast milk helps to nurse them back to health and is literally saving their lives.  For a more indepth look at at this story go to http://www.king5.com/health/children/stories//NW_120108WAB_aids_breast_milk_TP.1f0e6301.html.  The International Breast Milk Project assists mothers in the US to donate breast milk to babies in South Africa, a country with one of the highest HIV rates in the world.

For breast milk banks in other parts of the world see:

United Kingdom: http://www.ukamb.org/yourmilkbank.html

Australia: http://mothersmilkbank.com.au/news.htm

Mexico: Banco de Leche Veracruz + 52 55 14 45 51

India: Lokmanya Tilak Muncipal General Hospital, Sion, Mumbai (Bombay) – 400022, India.
Tel: (+91 22) 4076381
Fax: (+91 22) 4076100

I also could tell that there were milk banks operating across Latin America from news articles I read online but wasn’t able to track down any specific contact information.  If you have any further information to share about breast milk banks around the world, please post you comments here.  It saddens me that although this resource is available, it is difficult to find information online about how to reach them.

I hope this encourages those with excess breast milk to consider donating and helping to save lives.  For those out there who’s babies need breast milk, I hope the resources found here will give you in information you need to get the best for your baby.  Remember, milk can be shipped to you if you don’t live close to a milk bank.

Happy Breastfeeding!

Written by Renee Waters and Karen Carrington

Related Reading

• Boobies Without Borders
• Renee Water’s Story
• Village Breastfeeds Baby Moses
• Arkansas Pushes for Breastfeeding Bill
• Allison C’s Story
• Top 15 Reasons to Breastfeed
• Woman Nurses Dad to Health
• CDC Finds Rocket Fuel in Formula
• Milkscreen: A Simple Test to Detect Alcohol in Breast Milk
• Refuting “The Case Against Breastfeeding”

A family friend, nursing her four-month-old daughter, contacted Robbie and offered to donate some of her breast milk.  Robbie knew his wife wanted Moses breastfed and this opportunity seemed perfect.  Robbie then got in touch with Yoopers Nursers, an organization offering breastfeeding support for women in the upper peninsula of Michigan.  They helped to find 20 other mothers willing to take on the role of nursing Moses.  They created a schedule where he is fed at 9am, noon, 1.30, 4, 6.30 and 8pm by different mothers in the group.  Moses is fed pumped breast milk from these women at night and has been blessed by these dedicated mothers for two months.  Robbie hopes that he will find a way to continue providing breast milk for his son until he is a year old as per the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation.  Moses has benefitted tremedously from this cross-nursing group and has yet to get sick.  What a lucky baby to be getting all those marvelous antibodies from all these women.

I think this is a tremendous story about a father’s willingness to give the gift of breast milk to his child despite the circumstances.  I find it remarkable that these women are so devoted to breastfeeding that they open their hearts and breasts to Moses while continuing to nurse their own children.

My blog about Cross Feeding: Reverting Back to Ancient Pastimes addresses the issues involved in nursing someone else’s baby and the beautiful gift that it is as well as the factors to consider before doing this.  I think the story of Moses is a wonderful modern example of the success of cross nursing and what a positive influence it has.  They say it takes a village to raise a child.  I think it’s fantastic that this “village’”is helping to raise baby Moses through cross nurser breastfeeding.

Related Reading

• Woman Nurses Dad to Health
• Refuting “The Case Against Breastfeeding”
• Cross Feeding: Reverting Back to Ancient Pastimes
• Allison C’s Story
• Facebook vs Nursing Mother: Hitting Back at Accusations that Nursing is Sexually Explicit
• Celebrating Our Commitment to Breastfeeding
• New Study Re-Enforces Breast is Best
• The Skinny on Donating Breast Milk
• Renee Water’s Story
• CDC Finds Rocket Fuel in Formula

Rosin states “breast-feeding exclusively is not like taking a prenatal vitamin. It is a serious time commitment that pretty much guarantees that you will not work in any meaningful way.”  She says that breastfeeding mothers are really disadvantaged because they lose out on careers, income and promotions while relinquishing their independence and even their own lives all because they choose to nurse their children.  Wow, I think that’s a big generalization and I totally disgree.  I elected to stay home with my son full time as I felt this was the best thing for him, but I do work as a nanny part time as well as running this website (which requires daily work).  Sure, I’ve given up on full time employment but that was a conscious choice because I wanted to stay home and raise my son.  It had nothing to do with breastfeeding. 

In my opinion, if breastfeeding seemed like such a chore to Rosin, perhaps it is time for her to wean (she is still currently breastfeeding her third child).  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends you breastfeed for at least 12 months, and afterwards “for as long as mother and baby desire.”  If Rosin resents breastfeeding her children, she should simply stop.  I know plenty of mothers who love nursing their babies and treasure the bonding experience wanting it to last as long as their child is happy to continue.  I count myself amongst those.  I am appalled that she suggests that I am chained to my baby and breastfeeding keeps me from more fulfilling things in life.  Sure, in the 21st century you probably don’t spend all your time gazing lovingly into your child’s eyes while you sit there nursing for hours.  I read, watch TV, reply to email and talk on the phone or entertain guests, all while breastfeeding.  I incorporate it into my life instead of stopping my life to do it.  Frankly, with my crazy schedule and all the running around I do after my toddler, I’m happy to get a few minutes to sit down while he is attached to my breast.

The only time I have felt the burden of breastfeeding was very early on with my newborn when I felt I had to go and nurse him in another room as he needed some quiet while people were enjoying themselves.  Then I felt left out and that I was shouldering more of the parental responsibility.  I quickly learned to adapt and instead of withdrawing, I stayed part of the action proudly breastfeeding my son right there included in all the fun.

I also know plenty of moms who return to work and continue breastfeeding.  I have nannied for two such ladies, one a therapist and another an OB/GYN.  Both pumped while they were at work so their was breast milk while they were away from their daughters and then brought them to their breast when they were together again.  I really believe if you want to make pumping work for you, it is possible.  If your employers create conditions that don’t support you pumping then campaign to change it.

I actually wonder if Rosen wrote this knowingly controversial article simply to drum up publicity for The Atlantic and increase readership.  If you look at the article published in June 2008 on Foliomag.com, they outline the magazine’s strategy to save the 150-year old publication by increasing the focus on their website.  Something to ponder anyway especially since the web is abuzz with debate about this article and Rosen was even interviewed on the Today Show.  Sounds like good publicity to me.

From everything I have read, I definitely believe breastfeeding is one of the best things you can give your child.  I am so convinced of this that I pour hours each week into this website to support and encourage mothers out there to continue to nurse their children.  Also, watching my son grow and seeing how independent he is rewards me and I believe it is as a direct result of our breastfeeding relationship.

If you have any doubts about why breast is best I invite you to visit the information on Reasons to Breastfeed for a more detailed look at the motivations for breastfeeding.  Now, let’s get back to the important things like bonding with our babies.  One of the best ways I know to do that is breastfeeding.  See below under the edit section for another great way to get involved and have your voice heard.

**EDIT**

Additonal Information from the United States Breastfeeding Committee:

A storm is brewing against breastfeeding with the publication of Hanna Rosin’s article “The Case Against Breast-Feeding” in the April 2009 issue of The Atlantic. Rosin was also featured on the Today show on March 16 with NBC News Chief Medical Editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman. Although their discussion deplorably misrepresented the medical research on breastfeeding, it also appropriately highlighted a much bigger issue: it can be very challenging to achieve optimal breastfeeding recommendations in the United States.

View the clip from The Today Show:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/#29718430

The United States Breastfeeding Committee has sent a letter to the editor of The Atlantic, co-signed by many of its members and other national organizations:
http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/News-and-Events/2009-03-26-Joint-Atlantic-Letter-Editor.pdf

But we also need your help to bring an end to this unnecessary and irresponsible “debate” about the proven health risks of not breastfeeding, and to reframe the discussion to focus on what’s really at stake: support for mothers and families.

Write a letter to the editor of The Atlantic today using USBC’s easy online tool and sample talking points. Letters to the editor can reach a large audience, allowing readers to comment on the way issues are addressed in the mass media.

Take action: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5162/t/5508/letter/?letter_KEY=122

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Cross nursing is defined by Le Leche League as ”the occasional nursing of another’s infant while the mother continues to nurse her own child.”  Some of you may have heard of this before.  I came across it in my super crunchy mom’s group in Berkeley, California.  There was a gay mom nursing two babies, hers and her partners, as she was the primary caregiver.  With our modern day concept of families this seemed totally normal to me.

As far back as ancient times breastfeeding a baby other than your own was common place and many people used wet nurses.  Le Leche League defines wet nursing as “the complete nursing of another’s infant, often for pay”.  Before the days of formula this was life saving in many cases where the mother didn’t make enough milk.  It didn’t raise any eyebrows and certainly didn’t involve heated online debates.  Wet nurses lost favor especially after the introduction of formula but are making a comeback.  Robert Feinstock owns a Los Angeles based agency that provides wet nurses across America.  He says the demand has been steadily rising over the last few years despite the cost of at least $1000 per week (far more than a regular nanny makes).  If you choose to give your baby breast milk in any form other than from yourself it is important to screen for tuberculosis, syphilis, hepatitis-associated antigen, cytomegalovirus, herpes virus, HIV and other infectious agents.

I recently had a friend offer to breastfeed my son as a photo opportunity of this site but I declined.  I have no problem with other mothers doing it if everyone involved is happy.  Breastfeeding my son is something really special that just he and I do and I wasn’t ready to share that with anyone else.  I think it is a personal choice for everyone how they choose to get breast milk to their babies.  I think the exchange between Catherine, Laura and her baby was really beautiful.  What do you have to say about it?

Related Reading

• Celebrating Our Commitment to Breastfeeding
• Village Breastfeeds Baby Moses
• Allison C’s Story
• Support the Breastfeeding Promotion Act
• Woman Nurses Dad to Health
• New Study Re-Enforces Breast is Best
• Know Your Breastfeeding Rights
• Breastfeeding While Driving
• Celebrating my Second Year Nurniversary
• Going from “Ow” to “Wow”: Overcoming Painful Nursing