Skip to main content

Health Care

Lack of Support a Real Hindrance to Nursing Mothers

August 3, 2011
Even though my mother raised four children at a time when formula was considered superior to breastfeeding – hence why we were all bottle-fed – I always knew I would breastfeed my children. I remember taking early childhood development courses as part of my work in AmeriCorps in the late ‘90s, and...
Elisa Batista's picture

Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda

August 3, 2011
Growing up, I was not your typical little girl. I never dreamed of finding my Prince Charming. I never planned my “Big Fat Mexican Wedding”. And, I never imagined that I would be a mother. When my childhood friends were out playing house, I was playing office. When they played with their dolls, I...
Gloria Riesgo's picture

When Breastfeeding Doesn't Come Easy

August 3, 2011
Cross-posted from the Tiki Tiki blog . When I relocated to the U.S. from Ecuador and met my husband, we got married and a year later I got pregnant; what a blessing, we were so excited. During a prenatal care visit, my awesome doctor asked me if I was going to breastfeed. I found the question a bit...

The importance of breastfeeding from a pediatrician's perspective

August 3, 2011
As a physician, I have had many opportunities to see how important the support I provide is to mothers' feeding decision. I deal with many women for whom public nursing is difficult because of the disapproving looks and comments they receive. From letting them know of their rights to breastfeed...
Sahira Long's picture

Letter on Breastfeeding to Expectant Parents from Jane Morton, MD

August 3, 2011
Dear Expectant Parent, Before the big day, I would suggest you become familiar with three video clips, which can be accessed from the Stanford website. In our culture, the first time we typically closely observe a breastfeeding baby is when we have our own. It will be much easier to understand some...

Putting Together the Pieces of the Puzzle: The Landscape of Breastfeeding Support

August 3, 2011
World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is here and there is much to report from the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), your breastfeeding advocacy headquarters! This year’s theme, “Talk to Me! Breastfeeding – a 3D Experience,” reminds us that communication is critical to breastfeeding success...

The Good, the Bad and the Hope for Breastfeeding Rights

August 3, 2011
Roughly four million women give birth in the United States every year – and most choose to breastfeed (74 percent). After all, the nutritional value of breast milk is well documented. Numerous studies show that breastfeeding protects mothers and children from a range of acute and chronic health...

Breastfeeding: An Effective Tool for Preventing Obesity

August 3, 2011
Childhood obesity is a dangerous epidemic, as more than one-third of American children are now overweight or obese. Many of these kids will develop life-threatening conditions such as type-2 diabetes because of their unhealthy weight — some even before they graduate high school. Everyone from First...
Elizabeth Brotherton's picture

Serving Up Some Shut Up Juice

August 3, 2011
When my son turned a year old in February, I started to hear one question quite frequently: "You're STILL nursing him?!" Why, yes. Yes I am. When will I stop? No idea. I weaned my daughter at 14 months, and I was working full time. Now I am home, so maybe I'll nurse my son a little longer, and...

Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week! A MomsRising blog-a-thon

August 3, 2011
Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world. But that doesn't always mean that it's easy or that there's no learning curve. Many mothers need a lot of support from friends, family and employers to start and continue breastfeeding exclusively for at least 6 months as recommended by the...
Ashley Boyd's picture

Pages