(by 45 people)
Created by Jo_Bradshaw
i am just a young mum who breastfeeds. I got great support when my daughter was born in NZ, and through my site www.mohk.org.uk I'm trying to reverse... (more...)
Your fans are waiting!
It sucks doesn't it! Or not, as the case may be. There's no question that breastfeeding has a shoddy image; it just ain't the done thing in Western society (writing this I as am in the UK). Why? perhaps because the formula guys have done such a great job of exploiting the natural paranoia, insecurities and self-doubt almost every woman giving birth in modern times experiences. It used to be that by the time a mother actually gave birth, the whole nurturing lark had been drummed in so thoroughly from years of growing up in an extended family where everyone helped and breastfeeding was the norm, that she wouldn't have to think twice about a)being able to breastfeed [not enough milk eh???] and b) being supported in doing so. Those days are long gone, and young expectant mums have very few role models, sadly. So, here's my bit to reverse the trend and reclaim breastfeeding! (nb the image is my go at designing a universal breastfeeding icon in response to a call for entries by Mothering magazine)
Real Yummy Mummies? They breastfeed.
Who or what is a yummy mummy anyway? Surely one can't be yummy in the truest sense unless one is lactating. Quite.
See, my gripe is that the media is quite comfortable examining ad nauseum the minute detail of today's young, clever, blonde twenty- or thirtysomething mums who in the name of yumminess are seen pushing empty prams around Portobello Rd in their Manolos whilst nanny dear bottlefeeds the baby and cleans up the poop and sick. And we, the consumers of this media bile are quite happy being informed of the latest hair, cardi, drug-addled-boyfriend, crappy-yet-catchy song or inane blathering nonsense issuing from our favourite chavtastic yummy. But, on a hint of a whisper of the word 'breastfeeding', we run a mile. We are repulsed, freaked out, scared and disgusted. But from a semantic point of view, surely only a breastfeeding mummy is truly yummy. Oh - some of our media dahlings do breastfeed. And that's great. But the media can't sell that, can they? Instead of using a prime opportunity to 'sell' the idea of breastfeeding as a fantastic and miraculous way to protect and nurture a child, all we get is the odd sarcastic aside when a celebrity puts her extreme weight loss postpartum down to breastfeeding. It's a wasted opportunity to promote some role models. Sad, yes, that today's young women are growing up in a world where they need to depend on celebrities for their role models, but, since this is the case, why not use that reality to do good work. Use the wiles the formula manufacturers have honed for so long to turn the tables and 'market' breast milk back to the next generation.[Yup, Emma Thompson did breastfeed] Links for when you need HELP!
helplines, charities, support
- Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (UK)
- One of the UK's breastfeeding support charities - peer counsellors, great and invaluable Yahoo chat group where mums and bf counsellors can discuss problems and issues.
- Little Angels Breastfeeding Support (UK)
- A fantastic peer support group based in the North of England where breastfeeding rates among young mums especially are bad.
- The Breastfeeding Network
- UK site offering help and support: you can phone a counsellor and find information and resources on all aspects of breastfeeding.
- NCT :: The National Childbirth Trust
- The best known breastfeeding/parenting charity in Europe. Valuable information, and huge network of breastfeeding counsellors with local branches and phone numbers. Parenting classes and fundraising too.
- La Leche League International: Breastfeeding Information and Support
- The La Leche League International mission is: To help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.{they are very pro-bf and anti premature weaning}
- National Breastfeeding Campaign (Ad Council materials) (USA)
- Help, information and past ads run to promote breastfeeding. A USA based-site by the department of health. Look, Tony Blair! See - you too, should be spending money on BF ads! Go ask George all about it.
- Fathers Direct - The National Information Centre on Fatherhood
- Fathers Direct is The National Information Centre on Fatherhood in the UK. Woohoo! Info for dads on all things, but also breastfeeding!
- Dr. Jack Newman's Articles on Mama Dearest
- Articles by JACK NEWMAN, MD, FRCPC, a Toronto pediatrician who has practised medicine since 1970. His articles are well known and published throughout the world. Here Canadian site Mama Dearest hosts an amazing collection of JN's articles and videos including the 'myths of breastfeeding' series. A must read.
Links for when you need INSIGHT and sometimes HUMOUR!
Breastfeeding gems from around the web
- Best Beginnings (UK)
- Leading BF campaigner Alison Baum's new site. She is acting as a central point to coordinate the campaign for greater support for breastfeeding in the UK. You MUST go and sign up to support the Breastfeeding Manifesto!! I have been working closely with Alison on all aspects of design. She has been working miracles in spearheading a coalition of over 35 organisations now known as the Breastfeeding Manifesto Coalition. It includes 4 Royal Colleges, plus the leading BF charities in the UK.
- UK BF Manifesto
- This is the home of the Breastfeeding Manifesto, a document outlining 7 key objectives the UK Government should adopt to promote BF. It was sent to Tony Blair and all MPs in Oct 2006, and has had its official launch in Parliament during UK breastfeeding week in May 2007.It is rapidly gaining support among MPs and members of the public; if you go to the site you can download a pdf of the manifesto, check whether your local MP has signed up, and add your own support.
- 101 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Child - The Natural Child Project
- 101 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Child by Leslie Burby. Need I say more?
- Hathor the Cow Goddess and the Evolution Revolution
- Absolutely unstoppable, unique and dead funny! Cartoons, blog and more.
- breastfeedingisnormal.org - Web Banners
- You must download these and put them on your webspace. I would if I could work it out. Great, pro-bf web banners, some of which made me laugh so hard I nearly peed my pants. Actually I did pee my pants. Ahem. Lots of serious and very useful info on here too.
- Express Yourself Mums - National Breastfeeding Survey
- If you can, fill out this survey commissioned by the excellent support and advocacy cite ExpressYourselfMums. A general breastfeeding and a workplace survey. They desperately need more respondents. Also a great selection of articles, products and help.
- Breastfeed.com: Articles: It's in the Bag
- Article about what every hospital should have: BF friendly goody bags for new mums.
- BREASTFEEDING AWAY FROM HOME
- The parenting guru Dr William Sears shares his thoughts and advice on Nursing in Public
Celebrities who breastfeed
real yummy mummies!
- Davina McCall (Big Brother presenter)
- Sadie Frost (UK actress and ex of Jude Law)
- Kate Beckinsale (UK actress)
- Tilda Swinton (seen on our screens as the witch in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe)
- Elle Macperson (UNICEF ambassador for breastfeeding)
- Lucy Lawless (Xena: warrior princess)
- Jerry Hall (need we say more)
- Sara Cox (Radio 1 DJ and ex party girl)
- Sharleen Spiteri (Lead singer of Texas)
- Emma Thompson (acclaimed UK actress)
- Liz Hurley (I think)
- Keely Shaye Smith (most famous for being Pierce Brosnan's wife)
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Sarah Maclachlan
- Kate Winslet
- Angelina Jolie (still going strong I guess)
- Jools Oliver
- Gwyneth Paltrow
- anyone got any others? leave them in the guestbook, please. Especially those who have breastfed for 6 months or longer.
Cool Books for Real Yummy Mummies
(by real I mean lactating, honey)
Immunity Foods for Healthy Kids
Recipes for breastfeeding mums, babies, children and moody teens who won't eat but who could be fooled into drinking a smoothie. Great sections on superfoods, disease-specific recipes, plus not too scarey explanations of immunity and the importance of diet.
Amazon Price: (as of 05/17/2008)
The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
This is a must for every parent who doesn't feel that great leaving a baby to cry. The best thing about this book is that Pantley herself describes her own progress and uses herself as the guinea pig to formulate a series of suggestions to try. Unlike the Ford women who er, has no direct experience being a mother.
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 05/17/2008)
The Time Traveler's Wife
Just one of my favourite books of all time and good for having 'howly bags' as my dear friend Moss would say!
Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 05/17/2008)
Baby Om: Yoga for Mothers and Babies
This is very cute and not at all intimidating. Yoga for 0-1 years to do with you as you regain [!] your pre-pregnancy body, and discover your baby actually loves being bounced on her tummy in the air and it helps her to do farts too!
Amazon Price: $12.24 (as of 05/17/2008)
Healthy Mother, Better Breastfeeding
I've only just borrowed this from my library and am already sticking it full of post it notes. Very interesting section on 'where did our mothering instinct go?' inlcuding link between some mineral deficiences (magnesium and zinc) and motherly love deficiency. Hmmmmm, interesting....
Amazon Price: $29.70 (as of 05/17/2008)
My Blog: infant nutrition and breastfeeding
struggles of a lactating 20-something!
Jo and Amie from Milk of Human Kindness take on the world, share thoughts, articles, ahem, philosophy and more lighthearted banter in this definitive blog of the most unusual situation of two young mums breastfeeding in bottle-obsessed Britain.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byon message: my tees at CafePress
all profit goes straight back into our campaign to promote breastfeeding
m_o_h_k mummy bib
Bib
Price: 7.50
m_o_h_k organic 'reduce food miles' tee
Organic Cotton Tee
Price: 26.50
m_o_h_k Trucker Hat
Trucker Hat
Price: 16.50
m_o_h_k Jr. twotone gert lush tee
Jr. Ringer T-Shirt
Price: 24.00
m_o_h_k Infant/Toddler mummy tee
Infant/Toddler T-Shirt
Price: 15.50
Get in touch
want me to add you? want to get into a group with me?
I'm a sucker for feedback. So go: feed. back. ta.
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freelief
Another lactivist! Love your "normal" logo. I have a few simple breast is best designs at CafePress but definitely should look into adding more. I once wrote an article on breastfeeding for Epinions but haven't really thought much about it in a while. Posted January 28, 2008 |
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desertgrace
I breastfed all three of my children back in the 1980's until they were 18 months. None of them had a bottle ever! They went straight from breast to cup. I didn't care what anyone said or thought, I did what was best for my children. They are now healthy intelligent successful adults. Posted December 13, 2007 |
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iamnotfruit
Lovely entry, I am glad people out there are working to move breastfeeding out of a taboo realm. Posted November 29, 2007 |
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BlessedMama
AWESOME LENSE! Adding to my faves! 5*! I am a breastfeeding mom, myself. My first for almost a year and this one for six weeks, so far! Thanks! Posted November 18, 2007 |
45
Posted November 13, 2007
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kristysul
How could something so natural get such an abnormal image? I LOVE breastfeeding! It's easy and simply, so intimate and tender, and WOW how the weight melts away! Great lens and good luck! Posted November 08, 2007 |
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hmsweaver
Great lens! I breastfed my three kids and loved it, despite some unpleasant bits of soreness and mastitis, etc. Used lots of Lansinoh ointment! Jennifer Garner breastfed her daughter, Violet, for over a year. Posted November 08, 2007 |
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Christopher_Scott
I'm always doing for doing things natural. Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed a new born. . Come over to A DAY OF HOPE Posted October 12, 2007 |
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VAFamilyMom
Love your lens! I'm currently breastfeeding! Just amazing... no bottles in my house. ;) Posted September 23, 2007 |
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mignonne
So many people who bottlefeed complain about the hassle, when they could have easily avoided it. Too many formula companies say that their formula is what's best for the baby, but giving a baby formula, is like giving him/her McDonalds. The whole reason women have breasts is to feed their children. Posted September 07, 2007 |
Links for when you want to BLIND them with SCIENCE
facts, figures, research
- UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative
- Guidelines adopted by Baby-Friendly hospitals in the UK. Read how hospitals can become Baby-Friendly and find your nearest Baby-Friendly facility. (NB Baby Friendly in the context of breastfeeding)
- WHO | Weight-for-age (Girls)
- At last! Real growth charts based on breastfed babies not formula fed ones. For those who like charts, that is. Me, I prefer to use my eyes. Healthy, happy baby? check. Lots of wees and poos? check. Nice full face? check. Yippee!
- WHO | Weight-for-age (Boys)
- Thanks Travis - this one's for the boys
- Kathy Dettwyler's Thoughts on Breastfeeding
- Thoughts on Breastfeeding by Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D. This lady is THE guru on breastfeeding. Someone tells you you shouldn't be feeding your toddler? Refer them to Ms Dettwyler and she'll sort them out.
- Journal of Human Lactation
- Need we say more? A whole journal about lactation. Cool.
- Suck on This - baby junk food industry
- Fantastic and comprehensive article from Pat Thomas of The Ecologist Magazine.
My must have music for relaxing
Did you know that stress inhibits let-down of milk? Would be useful if you were about to be eaten by a tiger: really wouldn't want to be sitting around feeding your baby, would you!
Before Sleep Comes
The most gorgeous lullaby album, recorded by Luka when he had tendonitis and could only play his guitar very gently. I have played it about 650 times and still not getting sick of it. Can't say that for many other baby lullaby albums!
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 05/17/2008)
Vote!
Maybe you are a nursing mother, maybe you have been, or maybe you've never picked up a baby in your life. But you can put yourself in the position of a nursing mum in modern Britain or USA or any other society where the bottle still rules. Ask yourself which one of the options below would give you the biggest confidence boost to nurse in public.
Hmmm... more trojan horse advertising by the artificial baby milk industry
Sneaky aren't they?
If you look at the Google ads on this page chances are there is one by milupa-aptamil, a baby milk manufacturer. This pees me off no end, especially as I have no control over these ads and can't block them. That they can get their ad onto a page by using targeted keywords [like breastfeeding] is testament to the wiles of this industry. Should they be allowed in on the grounds of their research into nutrition and breastmilk? Their useful forums on breastfeeding? Tell you what, I'll save you the trouble of clicking through onto their page. Here's an excerpt from one of their forums:*****************************************
Press report below:
Friday, November 25, 2005 11:23:00
MILAN (AFX) - Italian authorities have ordered the nationwide seizure of Numico baby milk products Milupa Aptamil 2, Aptamil soia and Babymil, said Ansa news agency, citing a prosecutor's decree.
The seizure covers the entire production of the three products with sell-by dates between December 2005 and in the first months of 2006, it said.
The seizure is being ordered because of the risk of contamination of the milk with ITX (isopropylthioxanthone), a chemical used in printing ink in the cartons, it said.
The seizure order follows a similar contamination risk in Nestle baby milk products with similar packaging, which Nestle has withdrawn from sale.
In a separate development, Ansa reported that Italian Health Minister Francesco Storace has received a letter from Nestle chairman Peter Brabeck containing an unreserved apology by Brabeck.
Yesterday, Storace threatened to sue Brabeck over his comments on the safety of Nestle's baby milk products.
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Fighting back against the formula tide
useful resources for toppling the bottle
"The incidences of bottle homage are often subtle enough that we do not see them. They operate as a sort of smokescreen. Although doctors, nurses, mothers and even formula manufacturers endlessly drone that "breast is best," they have not succeeded in surmounting the societal perception that the bottle is nonetheless okay, that it is really almost as good-indeed, that it is still the social norm. This normalization of the bottle takes place on a variety of levels and through a variety of media. Formula ads trumpet the putative benefits of artificial milk ("closer than ever to breastmilk"), but the real message-that bottle-feeding is the norm-is conveyed through less visible forms of representation. And while the media are discreet and the offenses hard to pinpoint, the message is presented persuasively enough that the many studies proving that breastfeeding is essential for normal human health and that formula can be harmful do not speak as loudly as the cultural cajolings that whisper to parents that bottle-feeding is just fine: Go ahead, you were bottle-fed, and you turned out alright." [Stephanie Ondrack]
So here are some links to help turn the tide:
- BFLG - Monitoring Code Violations
- If you think a formula company has violated the Code (International Code for the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes) by inappropriate advertising, you can go to this site and submit your information. This is a UK site but has links for other countries.
- The International Code in full
- Full text of the International Code of the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
- Mothering Magazine
- Consistently Pro-breastfeeding with articles and an online forum (including a lactivism section)
stuff!
you don't need much equipment to breastfeed. But some things might come in handy
Whisper Wear Reusable Nursing Pads
Price: $8.99
Have you used disposable breast pads? Some of them are like wearing a sanitary pad down your top. Much nicer to have soft, washable fabric I reckon, and brownie points for not adding to landfill.
Now's Lanolin Pure 5oz
Price: $5.99
Personally I used pure lanolin for cracked nipples and it was great (and you don't need to wash it off)
Boppy Original - Patchwork Glen
Price: $26.95
You don't need this per se, but it really does come in handy when you are both just learning the art of nursing, as it brings your baby up closer to your boob (they are generally too little to just fit comfortably in the crook of your arm if you are new to this game), plus it gives good support for side-holding positions. Plus it keeps your tummy warm. Yippee!
ERGO Baby Carrier w/ Solid Lining
Price: $92.00
Ohmigod! I've only just bought one of these and my daughter's 19 months, and it blows all the other carriers out the water I've tried. Should do right through till she's starting school, and I can still carry her on my front as well as back. For tiny babies theres's the infant insert (below), and you can also breastfeed in the front position. Oh yeah, and there's a wee hood thing to clip on for when they fall asleep and the head won't loll around. Cool!
Earth Mama Angel Baby Booby Tubes
Price: $19.89
Is it a frankfurter? A pair of earrings? No, it's Booby Tubes! Now I've never used these, but having suffered a bout of mastitis which floored me completely, anything which fulfils the 'heat, rest and drain the breast' mantra must be good. Either that or a 3 hour long shower!
Breastfeeding at work: information and rights
does your company have a bf policy? they should! research, recommendations and reports here.
- Managing Pregnancy Event Report September 2004
- This report of the Managing Pregnancy Events of the Equailty Exchange September 2004.
- NCT :: Breastfeeding Awareness :: Supporting Breastfeeding As An Employer
- The National Childbirth Trust (UK)
What employers can do to support breastfeeding; what employees can do, plus excellent links and examples of best practice policy. - Breastfeeding and returning to work - example policy from Scotland
- Breastfeeding and returning to work POLICY STATEMENT
Breastfeeding and returning to work
In addition to acting within EC and Scottish Law, NHS employers in Scotland
should adopt the following code of practice in support of employees who
are breastfeeding.. - Independent Online Edition > Health Medical
- Mothers rate McDonald's as the worst place for breastfeeding
- New York Times Examines Issues Surrounding Breast-Feeding At Work
How you can help
Breastfed Babies Eating Out...
If you've read all this and want to help or act there are several things you could do. In our home town of Bristol, England, my dear friend Amie and I have started a campaign to get cafes and restaurants to sign up to say they welcome and support nursing mums. We give them a cute sticker to say so and then we list them on our website. So far we've signed up 25 or so, but the only thing holding us back is lack of $$$! We can't do another (bigger) print run until we've raised enough money and are fundraising and writing for grants as I speak, as well as planning a social business to create our own revenue stream and promote breastfeeding. But, if you really want to help, please check out our wishlist on the excellent site WhattoGive (see below). If you are interested in getting some stickers done for your own local campaign, we will email you the graphic files under our open source policy of getting as much pro-bf material out there as possible! Breastfed Babies welcome here...
List of participating eateries and shops
Cafes & Restaurants:
AVENUE Cafe, 96 Henleaze Rd
@BRISTOL, Harbourside, 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org.uk
BISTRO LA BARRIQUE, 225 Gloucester Rd, 0117 944 5500
BLUE JUICE, 39 Cotham Hill, 0117 973 4800
BOCACINA, 184c Wells Rd, Lower Knowle, www.bocacina.co.uk
CAFE DELIGHT, 189 Gloucester Rd, 0117 944 1133
CAFE UNLIMITED, 209 Gloucester Rd, www.cafeunlimited.co.uk
CAKE, 1b Pitville Place, Cotham Hill, 0117 973 2007, www.cakecake.co.uk
FRESH & WILD, 85 Queens Rd,Clifton Triangle, 0117 910 5930, www.freshandwild.com
GOLDBRICK HOUSE, 69 Park St, 0117 945 1950, www.goldbrickhouse.co.uk
GRAIN HOUSE Cafe Bar @ YHA, 14 Narrow Quay, 0117 922 1659
HALO, Gloucester Rd
LA BARRIQUE, 225 Gloucester Rd, 0117 944 5500
LA BOHEME, Cotham Hill
NANDO's, 49 Park St, 0117 929 9263, www.nandos.co.uk
PLANET PIZZA, 187 Gloucester Rd, 0117 907 7112, www.planetpizza.co.uk
PRONTO CAFE, GLoucester Rd
QUARTIER VERT, 85 Whiteladies Rd, 0117 973 4482, www.quartiervert.co.uk
RIVERSTATION, The Grove, 0117 914 4434, www.riverstation.co.uk
ROCOTILLOS, 1 Queens Row (Triangle), 0117 929 7207
THE FOLK HOUSE CAFE, 40a Park St, 0117 907 7948
THE PICKLED ONION, 10 Cotham Hill, 0117 923 8840
WATERSHED CAFE BAR, 1 Canons Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, 0117 927 5101, www.watershed.co.uk
Shops and public places
BORN, 64 Gloucester Rd, 0117 924 5080, www.borndirect.com
MOTHERCARE (& Cafe), Eastgate centre, Eastville, 0117 951 8200
THE NATURAL NURSERY, 209 North St, Southville, 0845 890 1665, www.naturalnursery.co.uk
Make a pledge!
help us promote breastfeeding
- Our wishlist on WhattoGive
- This is a list of all the funds we need to raise to keep our campaign going. If you'd like to contribute, you can use PayPal (and then you can create a WhattoGive list for your wedding, dog's birthday or Barmitzvah! Hurrah!)
