NB Issue3 10 Finl Ipad

ISSUE
3
2010
My Sister
Breastfeeding with Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Endings and Beginnings
When Children
Aren t Invited
Spice Up Your Life
The
Womanly Art
of Breastfeeding
An Excerpt from Chapter Three:
Birth!
NEW
8th
Edition
lllusa.org
Beginnings
new
llli.org visit
to access breastfeeding resources and information
CLICK
HERE!
Order your printed copy
from magcloud.com
lllusa.org
Beginnings
new
Page 06
LLL
New Beginnings asks
LLL mothers what they think
of The Womanly Art of
Breastfeeding
Page 08
Mothers Stories

My Sister
Page 14
Toddler Tips
When Children
Arent Invited
Page 16
Staying Home
The Gentle Discipline
of Others Children
Page 18
Making It Work
Nighttime Separation
Page 20
Eating Wisely
Spice Up Your Life
Page 22
World Breastfeeding
Week Celebration

Exciting New Way for Any
Member to Support La Leche
League and Local Groups

Page 24
To Honor &
Remember

The
Womanly Art
of Breastfeeding
An Excerpt from Chapter Three:
Birth!
NEW
8th
Edition
lllusa.org
Beginnings
new
Page 04
NATIONAL BEST-SELLER
STORE.LLLI.ORG
SALLY HOBSON PHOTOGRAPHY http://www.sallyhobsonphotography.com | http://www.sallyhobson.blogspot.com
The following products are available from La Leche League International. Shop with confidence
that these items have been specially selected to help you on your parenting journey.
Breastfeeding
Mothers Guide to
Making More Milk
by Diana West, IBCLC, and Lisa Marasco, IBCLC
Latest research on the causes of
low milk supply and the way the
body makes milk. How to determine
causes for low milk supply and
effective methods for increasing
supply.
http://store.llli.org/public/prole/362
Mothering Your
Nursing Toddler
by Norma Jane Bumgarner
The classic handbook for mothers
who breastfeed their children
past infancy in an updated and
expanded edition. Puts the
experience of nursing an older
baby or child in perspective, within
the context of the entire mother-
child relationship.
http://store.llli.org/public/product/469
Mothering Multiples:
Breastfeeding and Caring
for Twins or More
by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada
Preparing for a multiple birth,
valuable information on
breastfeeding and caring for
multiples.
http://store.llli.org/public/product/217
breastfeeding
information
for more
information, call
800-LALECHE
or go to
llli.org
store.llli.org
online
store
parenting
forums
The Womanly Art
of Breastfeeding
NEW
8th
Edition
helpful
resources
A
N
A
TIO
N
A
L
B
EST-SELLER
!
Th
e O
n
e B
o
o
k

Every
N
u
rsin
g
M
o
th
er
N
eed
s B
y
H
er Sid
e
Editors Note

Issue 3 | 2010 | Volume 33 | Number
3 2010,
La Leche League International, Inc.
Managing Editor | Barbara Higham
Contributing Editors | Brenda Carroll,
Heather Davis, Cathy DeRaleau, Johanna Horton,
Gina Kruml, Barbara Mullins, Norma Ritter,
Lesley Robinson, Karen Smith, Sara Walters
Review Board | Barbara Emanuel, Gwen Gotsch,
Carol Kolar, Judy Torgus, Kathleen Whiteld

Art Director | Ronnelito Larracas
Cover Photo | shutterstock.com

Advertising Manager | ReNata Bauder
Web Development | Dave Davis, Shelly Stanley
Acceptance of paid advertisements does not
constitute an LLLI endorsement of the product
advertised.
Mailing Lists:
LLLI sometimes makes its mailing list of members
available to reputable outside groups. If you
prefer not to receive these mailings, notify LLLI.
Please include your mailing label or copy your
name, address, and codes exactly as they
appear on the label.
La Leche League International fully supports the
WHO (World Health Organization)
International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk
Substitutes. LLLI Board of Directors,
(1981,1988,1993,2006)
New Beginnings (ISSN-8756-9981, USPS #010-853) is
published by La Leche League International Inc.,
957 N. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg, IL. 60173 USA.
Supporting members of Canada should contact LLL Canada
at PO Box 700, Winchester, ON K0C 2K0, Canada, or
go to www.lalecheleaguecanada.ca with any questions
about issues.
BreastfeedingSometimes A Chal lenge

How many new mothers feel they are prepared for breastfeeding? How many of us wish we had
found La Leche League before the birth of our babies? It can make all the difference to our own
experience to hear about breastfeeding from other breastfeeding mothers. What better way to
start on the journey of motherhood is there than reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, the
cornerstone book of La Leche League? Read an excerpt on page 4 about birth and breastfeeding
from the completely revised new eighth edition of this iconic book.
The mothers stories in this issue are personal narratives that illustrate different challenges to the
breastfeeding relationship and how these moms have risen to them. Do you have a story youd
like to share? Whether it is about a difculty or relates to the happy course of breastfeeding,
New Beginnings would like to hear from you.
In Staying Home moms share their thoughts about how they respond when other peoples
children misbehave. Working moms In Making It Work tell us their ideas for handling nighttime
separation from their breastfeeding babies during their employment. And in Toddler Tips
mothers offer suggestions about what to do when an invitation excludes your breastfeeding child.
This is my last issue of New Beginnings as its managing editor. The magazine is going to
be produced by LLL USA from now on. I have very much enjoyed being a part of the New
Beginnings team and Id like to extend a warm welcome to Amy Nelson, who is joining the team
in my place, and thank every one of you who has contributed to the magazine to make it the
great support it is to moms and babies. Ill continue to be an avid reader in the future.

Barbara Higham | editornb@llli.org
Barbara Higham is a La Leche League Leader and editor of Breastfeeding Today for
LLLI and co-editor of Breastfeeding Matters for LLLGB. She lives in the spa town of Ilkley,
West Yorkshire in the north of England with Simon and their children, Felix (12), Edgar (8)
and Amelia (4).
Dear New Beginnings Friends,
La Leche League and New Beginnings have been a part of my life as a mother ever since I
became one 11 years ago. I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the transition of New Beginnings
to LLL USA. Before I became a mother, I worked as a journalist at a daily paper. I look forward
to now using these skills in my new role as Managing Editor for New Beginnings.
Let me briey introduce myself. My husband of nearly 13 years, Cory, and I have four delightful
children: Accalia (11), Cole (7), Ella (4), and Tylan (2). We live in a small town in South Dakota.
One of the things Im looking forward to most is connecting with mothers from all over the
United States. I hope youll feel comfortable in sharing your thoughts and stories. I can be
reached at nbeditor@lllusa.org.
Amy Nelson | nbeditor@lllusa.org
Barbara
Amy Nelson
lllusa.org
Beginnings
new
4 New Beginnings | Issue 3 | 2010
You might be surprised to see a whole chapter on birth
in a breastfeeding book; theres a trend today away
from learning about birth or taking childbirth classes,
trusting instead to an obstetrician and an epidural. But
becoming a mother isnt just getting the baby out. A
complex hormonal sequence during labor sets us and
our babies up to take on our new roles with condence
and enthusiasm, and if that sequence is too disrupted,
both early motherhood and breastfeeding can be
harder.
Weve been down this road before. A full half century
ago, when La Leche League was getting started, most
mothers were actually unconscious during the birth.
Mothers woke up from anesthesia to be handed a
freshly washed and dressed baby that they had to
assume was their own. It wasnt thrilling, but they were
certain it was better than the pain of an unmedicated
childbirth.
The women who started La Leche League were
interested instead in the unmedicated, partner-attended,
often at-home births that the new natural childbirth
movement promoted. They discovered that birth can be
exhilarating. They also discovered that breastfeeding
was a whole lot simpler and, well, natural after a
simpler, more natural birth.
But somewhere along the line, we found ourselves
back on that medicated birth road. Mothers are
usually conscious for birth today, but the majority have
some medicationssuch as an epidural anesthetic
that prevents them from feeling labor and birth.
Unfortunately, medicalized birth tends to disrupt a
mothers sense of motherhood and impede a babys
ability to breastfeed easily, just as it did in the 1950s.
Can you still breastfeed after any or even all of todays
interventions? ABSOLUTELY!!!
Moving Forward After a
Diffcult Birth
If you feel that what happened during birth is getting
in the way of your relationship with your baby, youre
not alone. Most mammal mothers have difculties if
Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, and Teresa Pitman
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
An Excerpt from Chapter Three: Birth!
2010 | Issue 3 | New Beginnings 5
Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, and Teresa Pitman
to the enjoyment. This releases
oxytocin, the bonding hormone.

Make some decisions about
himwhat hell wear, how to
hold him, how to comfort him.
Taking responsibility for him
helps you feel more nurturing
toward him.
If your baby wont latch,
understand that its just
temporary, and try to be
patient rather than panicked or
frustrated. Most babies will get
there in time.
Owning Your Birth
If absolutely everything you didnt
want happens to you, or even
if your birth just isnt what you
hoped, this was still your story
and nobody elses. Its a story that
you will probably want to tell in
detail someday to a caring friend
or maybe even to your child. At
some pointeven years laterit
can help to write it down. The
good parts and the bad parts,
what you saw and did, and how
you felt. Your story will become
precious to you for exactly what it
isthe beginning of your life with
your child.
There really is life after birth, and
it really will be wonderful (most
days). No matter how the birth
goes, most mothers and babies
can go on to breastfeed. In The
Womanly Art of Breastfeeding,
well show you the basics of
keeping your milk supply high,
your baby well-fed, and your
breast a happy place while you
and your baby recover from
any birth issues and learn to
breastfeed. There are good days
ahead.
The co-writers
Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC,
has been a La Leche League
Leader since 1985 and works as
a Lactation Consultant in private
practice, in Ithaca, New York.
She is the author of many articles
about breastfeeding, as well as
being a popular speaker. Diane
began her studies observing
animal behavior over 30 years
ago. See her collection of
Common Sense Breastfeeding
handouts http://www.normalfed.
com.
Diana West BA, IBCLC, is an LLL
Leader and a co-author with Dr.
Elliot Hirsch of Breastfeeding After
Breast and Nipple Procedures,
with Lisa Marasco of The
Breastfeeding Mothers Guide to
Making More Milk and author
of the Clinicians Breastfeeding
Triage Tool and Dening Your
Own Success: Breastfeeding
After Breast Reduction Surgery.
She lives with her three sons and
husband, Brad, in the picturesque
mountains of western New Jersey.
Teresa Pitman has been a La
Leche League Leader in Canada
for 30 years, and is the mother of
four children and the grandmother
of four. Shes the author or co-
author of 12 published books,
including two on breastfeeding
(with Dr. Jack Newman). Her new
grandson, Keagan, was born in
November last year (at home, like
two of his three older siblings).
He is the fourth child for Teresas
daughter-in-law Esmaralda, who is
also an LLL Leader.
they didnt feel labor or birth, or
if the experience was unusually
traumatic, or if the baby is
taken away from them. Many
human babies wont latch after a
difcult birth and some mothers
arent sure they even want them
to. This makes a lot of sense
biologicallythe birth didnt
happen the way it should
have, so neither of you received
the sequence of motions and
hormones that helps bonding
happen immediately. You and
your baby need to connect in a
fundamental way. Here are some
ideas to speed the process:
It can help to keep your
baby with you 24/7, even if
you dont feel like you want to
be with him yet. The familiarity
that develops with being
together will help your bodies
to recognize each other on
a primal level. Hell grow on
you. Bit by bit, youll nd more
about him to adore.
Spend as much of this time
as possible with your babys
bare skin against your bare
skin. Smell him, feel him, caress
him, savor him.
You could take a warm bath
together by candlelight, just the
two of you and no one else.
Stroke and massage him as
you enjoy the soothing water.
Admire his wonderful skin,
nuzzle him, kiss his toes. Let
him nurse while you soak if he
can and wants to.
Try holding your baby and
watching his face while friends
or family give you a relaxing
massagefoot, scalp, shoulder,
backanywhere that feels
good. Give yourself over to the
sensation and open yourself up
SALLY HOBSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Why would you
give a copy of The
Womanly Art of
Breastfeeding to a
pregnant friend?

It makes wonderful reading and
prepares her for life with her new
baby.
Tania Ruseva, Bulgaria
I give a copy to pregnant friends
because its the only childcare book
written by mothers, for mothers,
about real babies.
Rachel OLeary,
Cambridge, UK
When I need a shower gift, I buy
one from my La Leche League
Group to give to the mom. It
benets the mom and my Group
too. It is very easy to send by mail.
Karen Shaw, Falls,
Pennsylvania, USA
I give the book as a gift because
it is concise and touches on all the
various aspects of breastfeeding
and breastfeeding families
from nutrition to closeness and
togetherness, from early baby days
to older children.
Effath Yasmin, Mumbai, India
I choose to give or lend the book
to my pregnant friends because
it is a complete childcare manual
and covers the whole of La Leche
League philosophy, including
the role of the father in the
breastfeeding family.
Jilly Clarke, Medway, UK

Its got to be the best breastfeeding
book around!
Ginny Eaton, Leatherhead, UK
A mother once told me that when
she had given birth to her baby
she had been given pills to dry up
her milk without realizing. When
she sought help, someone gave
her a copy. She got her milk back,
and she remembers the book with
fondness as the one thing that
saved breastfeeding.
Helen Butler, Berks, UK
I havent given it to a pregnant
friend before but I denitely will
do because it covers many of
the aspects of baby care that
mainstream magazines and many
books overlook, including the
emotional aspects and practical
information about discipline,
sleeping, family, and breastfeeding
problems. I am currently pregnant
and a friend of mine is too, both
of us for the second time. We
agree that The Womanly Art would
have been such a boon to us
had we come across it in our rst
pregnancies.
Amanda King,
Buckingham, UK
The book makes a terric shower
gift, along with a sling! For me it
was a lifesaver to nd something to
sustain my belief in breastfeeding
actually, to create that belief.
Holly Hollander,
West Hills, CA, USA
How did you
come to read The
Womanly Art of
Breastfeeding?
I read a copy when I had my rst
baby and would re-read the parts
I needed, over and over again,
while nursing.
Rachel OLeary,
Cambridge, UK

LLL
New Beginnings
asks LLL mothers
what they think of
The Womanly Art
of Breastfeeding
Ruth Kitcher & Evangeline courtesy of SALLY HOBSON PHOTOGRAPHY
pediatric waiting area, instead
of magazines that tell them they
are too poor, too ugly, too this, or
too that.
Krystal Paulson,
Yankton, SD, USA
It is very readable, not academic
or prescriptive, and the style is
not dictatorial like some parenting
books can be. It is also geared
towards empowering mothers to
have condence in their decisions
and their instincts, which is
incredibly powerful.
Amanda King,
Buckingham, UK
I like the fact that it tells of real
mothers experiences and that
there was a photo of my Group
Leader in one edition.
Power to mothers of the world!
The Womanly Art has touched
the lives of so many of us, and I
hope will go on to touch the lives
of future generations. Do you think
that there will be a 25th edition
some time?
Sue Cardus, Coventry, UK
How many
editions of The
Womanly Art of
Breastfeeding have
you read and why do
you read each new
one?
I have read four editions and I
bought and treasure the 50th
Anniversary one signed by the
Founders. I look forward to seeing
how the new edition is different.
One so far, and Im looking
forward to the eighth edition,
which is an international version.
I cannot wait to read it and see
whats new!
I have every edition since the
old blue cover edition. I read
each new one to nd what has
been added and revised and to
appreciate changes in the layout.
When Im helping a mom by
phone I ask which edition of the
book she owns and I can refer
her to information on appropriate
pages in her edition.
Karen Shaw, Falls,
Pennsylvania, USA
I have read two editions and
each time I read the book I seem
to understand more and my
personality as a mother grows.
This motivates me to help others.
Effath Yasmin,
Mumbai, India
I look forward to the new edition,
to see how mothering through
breastfeeding ts into todays
world. We need female wisdom
more than ever!
Rachel OLeary,
Cambridge, UK
My mom had this book and used
it through breastfeeding three
children. I wish more people had
accurate information regarding
breastfeeding.
Adrienne Hodges,
Indianapolis, IN, USA
I read it when I rst found LLL,
when my rst son was 13 days
old.
Holly Hollander,
West Hills, CA, USA
A friend loaned me her copy of
the early blue cover Womanly
Art when I was pregnant. It was
the only source of breastfeeding
information I had and it got me
through the early months.
Karen Shaw, Falls,
Pennsylvania, USA
I borrowed it from my LLL Group
library.
Effath Yasmin, Mumbai,
India, Amanda King,
Buckingham, UK, Jilly
Clarke, Medway, UK
What do you like
best about The
Womanly Art of
Breastfeeding?
The simple, yet detailed way
all breastfeeding basics and all
unusual situations are covered.
The book has a very usable index.
I invariably nd that I turn to the
index rst and read the book one
topic at a time. It is the only book
I own that I seem to routinely read
back to front.
Karen Shaw, Falls,
Pennsylvania, USA
I love the fact that LLL mothers
are pioneers in promoting
and in studying breastfeeding.
This resource has helped so
many families achieve their
goal of giving babies the only
nourishment nature ever intended.
It makes me think of the saying
that a teacher affects eternityhe
can never tell where his inuence
stops. Congratulations to LLLI on
the new edition! We need to have
this book sitting on the tables for
women to read in the obstetric or
LLL
Ruth Kitcher & Evangeline courtesy of SALLY HOBSON PHOTOGRAPHY
was not suffering from classic
galactosemia because she
appeared to be healthy and
thriving. But if she did have one
of the forms of galactosemia,
continuing to nurse could cause
irreversible damage. Lisa very
much wanted to nurse Naomi. She
wanted to give her the immune
support, defense against allergies
and asthma, and the perfect
source of nourishment that human
milk provides. Lisa was also very
fearful that if she switched to a
bottle for the two to four weeks
while awaiting test results, Naomi
might not come back to her
breast. She did not want to lose
the option to nurse. Could Lisas
milk really cause Naomi harm?
At only two weeks of age, Naomi
began receiving soy formula and
Lisa began diligently pumping.
Every time she xed a bottle, Lisa
would cry tears of confusion,
anger, sadness, and helplessness.
She desperately wanted to let her
baby nurse, but knew possible
harm to her baby was not a good
option.
The test results came back,
and Naomi did have Duarte
My sister, Lisa, has been a
huge source of support and
encouragement to me since we
both became moms several years
ago. Our rst babies were born
11 months apart, and our second
children are just three months apart
in age. I have enjoyed being able
to share experiences and support
each other in our values concerning
birth, baby wearing, extended
breastfeeding, and parenting styles.
What an awesome friend she is!
Just two weeks after giving birth to
her daughter, Naomi, Lisa received
a phone call from her pediatricians
ofce. The Health Department
called concerning Naomis
newborn blood screen. You have
to stop nursing immediately and
start using soy formula, she said.
That was it. No explanation why.
Later that day, Lisa received a
phone call from a nurse at the
childrens hospital, who set up an
appointment for the following day.
Naomis blood screen was positive
for galactosemia, a potentially
life threatening condition. What a
shock! Galacto-what? Stop nursing?
What?! Whoever heard of such a
thing?
At the appointment, Lisa learned
that galactosemia is a rare
metabolic disorder in which there
is a decient amount of the enzyme
that breaks down the milk sugar
galactose into its useable form.
Galactose is found in both human
milk and cows milk. In an affected
person, the galactose builds up and
will cause kidney, liver, and brain
damage, which can be fatal. There
are different types of galactosemia:
classic galactosemia is the most
severe and Duarte galactosemia
is a milder version in which some
enzymes that convert sugars are
present. Further testing would need
to be done to determine if Naomi
had classic or Duarte galactosemia,
was simply an unaffected carrier,
or if the test was a false positive
common in the summer months
when Naomi was born.
Lisa and her husband were
now faced with the dilemma of
what to do while waiting the
two to four weeks to get the test
results. It seemed as if Naomi
My Sister
Mothers Stories
Photo: Sara Brown left & Hana, 9 months. Right Lisa VanDyne & Naomi, 6 months
Mothers Stories
Editors notes
It should be noted that, although
uncommon, classic galactosemia
is a very serious and life
threatening condition that is
incompatible with breastfeeding.
www.galactosemia.org is a good
resource to learn more about this
condition.
While La Leche League fully
supports the use of human milk
for babies, Leaders will not ever
suggest an informal milk-donation
arrangement. If a mother wishes
to discuss these options, the
Leader may provide information
about the risks and benets so
that the mother can make her own
informed decision based on her
situation. See the policy regarding
the donation of human milk
www.llli.org/Release/milksharing.html
galactosemia. Lisa learned that
treatment for Duarte galactosemia
is unclear. Medical opinion is
divided as to whether or not
a galactose-restricted diet is
necessary or even helpful. There
has been very little research to
support either stance. Many health
professionals recommend a strict
soy diet, but Lisa persisted in her
desire to give Naomi breastmilk.
Under the supervision of the
hospital dietitian, Naomi was
permitted to nurse part time as
long as her blood galactose levels
were checked every four weeks. A
small price to pay, Lisa thought.
To Lisas immense relief, Naomi
latched right on without difculty.
She was allowed to nurse two
times a day and receive soy
formula for all her other feedings.
Every four weeks, Naomis blood
levels were checked and when
they were within the range the
doctor deemed acceptable, she
was allowed to nurse once more
per day. For many months she
could nurse only two or three
times a day, but as she grew and
was eating less frequently, that
meant her ratio of human milk to
formula was increasing.
Lisa continued pumping every
few hours to maintain her milk
supply and soon had a freezer
full of pumped milk. She donated
a large box full of her pumped
milk to a nearby milk bank and
then met someone she called her
milk friend. Lisa was able to
provide milk for someone who
had not been able to establish
breastfeeding but wanted to
provide her baby with the benets
of human milk. Lisa supplied her
milk friend with her expressed
breastmilk for nine months. What
an awesome gift!
At Naomis rst birthday, she
was released from the doctors
supervision and told she could
carry on with life without dietary
restrictions. (It has been suggested
that the decient enzyme matures
in some mildly affected patients,
making dietary restrictions less or
fully unnecessary.) She is now 16
months old and a happily nursing
toddler. Pumping, bottles, formula,
and the emotional distress of
dealing with Duarte galactosemia
are a rapidly fading memory.
It would have been so easy for
Lisa to give up breastfeeding
Naomi, but she did not. I am
very proud of her for continuing
to breastfeed even though it
was not the easy thing to do.
She is an inspiration to others,
demonstrating that nursing with
Duarte galactosemia is possible
and worth the effort. I look
up to her and admire her for
persevering through this situation.
She is an awesome example of
determination and commitment.
Sara Brown, Troy,
Missouri, USA
S
he wanted to give her the immune
support, defense against allergies
and asthma, and the perfect source of
nourishment that human milk provides.
his first joke. I remember the lowsthe
nipple pain; feeling overwhelmed by
Olivers needs. But the hundreds of
normal days, the thousands of warm,
enjoyable but unmemorable feeds, fade
into a blur.
Attending LLL meetings and hearing
about other mothers breastfeeding and
parenting experiences have been
brilliant. Over the past two and a half
years I have gained so much from the
mothers I have met through LLL.
Theyve suggested tips for specific situa-
tions, changed some of my attitudes
completely, and given me true empathy.
Their experiences have helped me to
recognize the truth in the phrase this
too shall pass. This has really helped me
to enjoy the good bits and cope with the
rocky periods. I would like to say a
particularly warm thank you to my local
Leaders Ruth, Suzanne, and Barbara for
their listening ears, helpful information,
and, of course, their friendship.
Joanne Whistler
West Yorkshire Great Britain
Adapted from a story in LLLGBs Breastfeeding
Matters
A Gift from
My Sister
My younger sister, Jaime, has always
been one to learn a lot by reading. So
when she was pregnant, Jaime read and
learned a lot about breastfeeding. She
joined a La Leche League Group in her
area and established a wonderful breast-
feeding relationship with her daughter,
Erin.
When I became pregnant a month
after Erin was born, I asked Jaime about
breastfeeding. She told me several
positives about it and told me to look
up the number of my local LLL Group.
She didnt push information on me. In
her quiet way, she just recommended I
read about it and decide for myself. I
attended one LLL meeting late in my
pregnancy. I didnt read a whole lot
about it, just the basics, and thought
that my baby and I would figure it out
if it were meant to be.
I didnt talk to my husband about it
much or have him read anything about
it either. I remember him being very
shocked when late in the pregnancy I
announced that I would be exclusively
feeding the baby; we would not be
using bottles if all went well. I
remember he was not too happy about
it. Looking back now, both of us should
have read a lot more and given a lot
more thought to the subject.
My sister and I were not breastfed.
Our mom says it just was not
something you did then. So, we had
never really been around any breast-
feeding mothers. We were never taught
about it in school, and no one ever
talked to us about it. I believe that my
lackadaisical attitude toward breast-
feeding during my pregnancy came
from a lack of knowledge; knowledge
(thank goodness) that my sister learned
from a book and passed on to me.
When my daughter was born, I had
some complications, and it took seven
days for my milk to come inseven long
days in which my husband and I were
vigorously reading about breastfeeding.
Our LLL Leader, Jeanette, was awesome,
providing us with much needed support
and encouragement. She even came to
visit me at my house because I was too ill
to leave. And, of course, I called my sister.
At that point I was determined to breast-
feed. Seeing what a positive experience it
was for my sister made me all the more
eager to nurse my own child. I am so
glad that I did.
My 11-month-old daughter, Madison,
Issue 1, 2009 NEW BEGINNINGS 19
The
Mini
Just 20"x34"
of f loor space
Newborn
to 23 lbs.
For information on the benefits of co-sleeping
please go to www.armsreach.com
(800) 954-9353or (805) 278-2559
ARMS REACH CONCEPTS, I NC
2004 Arm's Reach Concepts, Inc. ARM'S REACH, CO-SLEEPER,
Mother &Child Logo and all other trademarks are stringently protected.All rights reserved.
Patents pending.
Baby sleeps snugly and safely
alongside adult bed
Converts to free-standing bassinet or changing table
I am pleased to recommend Arms Reach
as a wonderful nighttime attachment tool.
Dr. Wm. P. Sears,
Author The Baby Book: Nighttime Parenting
Award-winning
Fit Pregnancy
and
Parenting
Sisters Diane and Jamie and their babies
NB_issue1_09.qxd:06Nov_DecNB.qxd 4/16/09 1:23 PM Page 19
Free online version
Chapler 20, Tear-Sheet Toolkit.
(excerpt from The Womanly Art
of Breastfeeding 8th edition.)
DOWNLOAD
IT NOW!
P
h
o
t
o
:

C
l
a
i
r
e

H
o
y
l
e

a
n
d

b
a
b
y

B
e
t
h

Mothers Stories
disorder. I was also incredibly
frightened of miscarrying again.
But the pregnancy lasted and the
only obstacle was my gestational
diabetes.
The hospital staff was helpful
and supportive in my decision
to breastfeed and room in. They
did not supplement my daughter
with any formula. And though
we were separated for four hours
after the birth, Isabella Rose and
I shared a 40-minute, blissful rst
nursing session. The memory is
foggy because of the medications
I received, but I will remember it
forever. She latched on like a pro
and I marveled at her perfection.
We nursed round the clock, on
demand and exclusively from that
moment forward. And though
my baby slowly lost a bit of
weight, the hospital staff seemed
unconcerned as she was passing
urine and stools. Three days later
we went home. I felt my milk
come in on day four. My baby
nursed herself to sleep and she
seemed content. On the sixth day,
my breasts felt empty and on the
seventh day the crying started.
She was attached to me every
minute. Thank goodness for my
husband taking some time off to
stay home and care for our four-
year-old, because I did not have
one moment when Isabella was
not latched on. She was hungry,
she was nursing to sleep, but she
was not happy.
A local LLL Leader observed us.
The latch was still perfect, but after
weighing Isabella a few times
after nursing we found that little
to no milk was being transferred.
Shed lost close to 14 percent of
her birth weight. I couldnt pump
a drop, and the fullness I had
experienced shortly after birth was
gone. Tearfully, reality set in that
supplementation was inevitable.
Rule No. 1: feed the baby, by
any means necessary. Goats
rue, fenugreek, Motherloves
More Milk Plus, lots of water,
quinoanothing seemed to help
me produce more milk. I went
to an endocrinologist to check
my hormone levels. Long story
short, I received a diagnosis
of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
(PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal
disorder similar to diabetes.
Mothers, especially those who
noted no breast growth during
pregnancy, may have inadequate
mammary tissue. I began my
goats rue regimen again,
added shatavari (asparagus
racemosus), Motherloves More
Milk Special Blend and was given
a prescription for domperidone.* I
drank special teas as well. I got a
good pump and began working.
My supply has gone up, but only
slightly. Its minimal, but still more
than before.
Isabella Rose is now 12 weeks
old. She still latches on like a
pro. She refuses the breast in the
late evening, almost knowing
When I got pregnant with my rst child, a son, back in 2005, I
promised myself I would breastfeed him. I didnt educate myself or build
up a support system, like so many new moms do. I thought breastfeeding
would come naturally. After about two weeks of supplementing my
son Aidans feedings with formula milk, he was no longer interested
in breastfeeding, and we bottle-fed from then on. My well-intentioned
husband urged me on with praise and told me that I had tried my best.
Aidan needed to eat, he wasnt gaining weight and he was hungry.
After many tearful days and nights, and a brief bout of postpartum
depression, I found peace, vowing to educate myself and promising
myself that my future children would be breastfed.
When my son was almost a year old, I became pregnant again. I
quickly called my local La Leche League Leaders and started attending
meetings. Even after a miscarriage, I continued attending the meetings.
I needed and wanted all the information I could get. I read all the
breastfeeding books I could nd. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
proved to be an invaluable resource for me. I got to educate my
husband during this time as well and, two years later, armed with
knowledge, resources and an unfailing support system, I became
pregnant again. My main concerns at rst were 1) my recent diagnosis
of celiac disease and my prenatal health and 2) my rst son. He is a
wonderful, happy child, who is very high maintenance due to his autistic
I
ve redefined what breastfeeding means to me. Its
personally tailored to each baby. Every nursing
relationship is differentno two are alike.
Photo: Anna Earley and Izzy
Mothers Stories
When I was pregnant with my rst child I decided I would breastfeed. I
had a background in public health and had read several baby books,
so I knew the importance of breastmilk, but never did I imagine what a
big part of my life breastfeeding would become.
I had hoped to give birth naturally, but became the victim of a totally
medicalized experience. After a long induced labor and delivery,
which included an epidural, Owen entered the world. I put him to my
breast soon after his arrival, but found he wasnt very interested in
breastfeeding. We could barely wake Owen up to nurse. The hospital
intuitively that is when my breasts
have the least amount of milk in
them. I pump instead. Nearly
every feeding is followed by a
bottle. Nursing is her appetizer
and her bottle is her main
courseexcept for the rst feeding
of the day.
Already sleeping through the
night, she wakes to nd my
breasts full and leaking. She
nurses calmly, happily, on both
sides, and its enough. She nurses
herself back to sleep. If she
doesnt empty my breasts, I pump,
but thats not often. I know as she
grows, my morning supply may
have to be supplemented as well,
but for now, its enough.
Ive redened what breastfeeding
means to me. Its personally
tailored to each baby. Every
nursing relationship is different
no two are alike. Many are cut
short, accompanied by tears,
while others go on for years
without a hitch. Ours, though
supplemented, is continuing. Im
fortunate enough not to have
experienced a clogged duct,
mastitis, sore or bleeding nipples.
My babys latch is still as beautiful
as it was on day one.
She prefers a bottle at night,
but her very last nibble is at the
breast. Whether theres any milk
there or not, it brings her the
peace she needs to sleep. Shes
my dearest little nursling and Im
so grateful for the gift Im able to
give, however small it may be.
And even more grateful for the gift
its given me. This is mothering
doing everything I can to give her
whats best, no matter what.
Shes getting more breastmilk
than many babies do at her age.
And theres no end in sight. Until
that day, I will keep on taking the
extracts, the teas, and the herbs. I
will continue to pump after every
nursing session until the day that
signals the end. What that signal
will be we have yet to nd out. But
for now, this is how it is.
Its bittersweet and far from
perfect, a little sad, but also
wonderful.
Thank you La Leche League. I
could not have done it without
you.
Anna Earley, Bellport, Long
Island, NY, USA
* In many countries doctors prescribe
domperidone, a drug used to treat
gastrointestinal disorders, as a
galactogogue. It stimulates milk production
by increasing the milk-making hormone
prolactin. Domperidone has few side
effects, but it is currently not approved
by the FDA in the United States. Some
physicians, however, may be willing
to prescribe it for a mother who needs
to increase her milk supply. For more
information on domperidone in the USA
see
http://tinyurl.com/domperidone-safe
LLLI does not recommend the herbs referred
to.
Resource
Marasco, L., MA,
IBCLC, Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome Leaven April/
May 2005, 2729.
http://www.llli.org/
llleaderweb/LV/
LVAprMay05p27.html
G
oing back to work when Owen was three
months old was probably the most difficult
thing Ive ever done. It felt so wrong to be
separated from my baby.
Photo: Kelly Langdon and her baby
his second birthday, I realized I
couldnt remember the last time he
nursed. This realization saddened
me as much as it excited me. I
knew my baby was growing up
and becoming more independent.
But a part of me regretted
not having one last nursing
experience to savor.
A few weeks later, Owen hurt
himself and asked to nurse for
the rst time in weeks. I agreed
and pulled him up into my lap,
excited for one last nursing
experience with him. But as soon
as he latched on, he looked up at
me with his big blue eyes, lost in
thought, came off my breast for
the last time and said, No, no
mama. He pulled my shirt down
but continued to snuggle against
my chest. Our breastfeeding
relationship had ended, but it was
a relationship I was immensely
proud of and would treasure
forever.
Around this time I discovered I
was pregnant with my second
child. I wanted a natural birth
this time to start my breastfeeding
relationship in a more positive
way. I am convinced the drugs
I received during Owens labor
and delivery caused most of the
breastfeeding problems I had
with Owen. So I read natural
childbirth books, attended local
Birth Network meetings, and even
hired a doula. My entire labor
and delivery lasted less than
three hours and was completely
drug-free.
My daughter, Adler, latched
onto my breast within minutes
of her birth and didnt let go for
about 24 hours. As a result, my
milk came in very quickly, and
my breasts were extremely full
by day two. Adler did not latch
on well and my nipples were
bleeding by her third day of life.
I didnt waste any time getting a
lactation consultant to assist me.
It took us about four weeks to get
the hang of breastfeeding and
for my nipples to heal entirely.
There were days I couldnt feed
her at all and had to pump my
milk instead. And there were days
when I cried in pain throughout
all of the feedings. But again,
we made it, and now Adler and
I are reaping the benets. She is
a healthy three-month-old, who is
still an avid breastfeeder. I look
forward to our long breastfeeding
relationship.
While breastfeeding Owen
I turned my passion for
breastfeeding into a career
and became the Statewide
Breastfeeding Coordinator for
Nevada. I have been enjoying
my job for over a year now, and
feel extreme satisfaction every
time I help a new mom learn to
breastfeed. I am about to return to
work from maternity leave, but this
time I get to bring baby Adler with
me to the ofce.
Kelly Langdon, Carson City,
Nevada, USA
Mothers Stories are edited by
LLL Leader Brenda Carroll, who
lives in Shawnee, Kansas, USA
with her husband, Scott, and their
three sons, Ian, Noah, and Kyan.
She is an International Board
Certied Lactation Consultant in
private practice.
Please send your stories to
nbeditor@lllusa.org
staff was hesitant to release
us because no one had seen
him nurse and I had refused
any supplementation. We were
reluctantly released from the
hospital and told a nurse would
be sent to our home for a follow-
up visit in a weeks time.
Those rst days at home were
very difcult. Breastfeeding was
not going well and Owen was not
sleeping at nightnobody can
prepare rst-time parents for the
lack of sleep. He would latch onto
my breast and attempt to nurse,
but he was impatient and easily
frustrated. It seemed he was not
getting enough milk, as he would
suck for a few minutes and then
start screaming uncontrollably
like he wanted something more.
Eventually he refused to nurse
altogether and started screaming
every time I offered my breast
to him. I kept trying, and we
would cry together each time.
Even with the amazing support
of my husband and mother, I
felt lost and confused and didnt
know what to do. Id never
imagined breastfeeding could
be so challenging and thought I
must be doing something wrong.
I spoke to a lactation consultant,
and although she was comforting,
nothing she said helped our
situation.
It seemed to take a long time for
my milk to come in. And during
those rst few days I considered
feeding him formula on multiple
occasions. One day I woke from
a nap and my husband and mom
told me they had fed Owen some
formula using a syringe. The
formula seemed to satisfy him,
but made me feel like a complete
failure.
On Owens fth day of life I nally
woke up to full breasts and hoped
they would satisfy him. Once he
latched on and realized he was
getting milk and lots of it, he never
turned back. He gained weight
quickly and by the time he was
a week old he was happy and
thriving. But that was the longest
week of my life.
Going back to work when
Owen was three months old was
probably the most difcult thing
Ive ever done. It felt so wrong
to be separated from my baby.
The one thing that helped me get
through those days was pumping
my milk for him. To be providing
him with something no one else
could made me feel somehow
closer to him, even though I wasnt
with him.
I was on a strict schedule,
pumping twice a day at work
and going to his daycare center
every day at lunchtime to nurse
himI couldnt imagine any other
option. I kept this up until he was
13 months old when he started
drinking cows milk during the
day. But when I was home he
continued to breastfeed and those
times became special to us both.
My goal had always been
to breastfeed for a year, but
Owens birthday came and went
and I never considered ending
something that meant so much to
both of us. Many of my friends
were surprised I was nursing him
for so long, but no one was more
surprised than me. I never thought
I would be one of those women
nursing a toddler.
Owen nursed less and less.
Soon he only asked to nurse in
the mornings and evenings, and
eventually he quit his morning
session. But for months he
continued to nurse before bed.
Then just a few weeks shy of
Mothers Stories
Staying Home
When
mothers
become
grand-
mothers...
Grandparents
around the world
now have an online
magazine and
website just for them!
GRAND is perfect for grandparents
who want to...
Share their values and wisdom with the
next generation
Make their time with the grandkids
unforgettable
Learn whats new since they last changed
diapers
Grand
The ONLINE MAGAziNe foR GRANDpAReNTS
La Leche League international is a GRANDpartner
for Grandparents
TM
. Subscribe today with special code
LLpRA1 and GRAND will donate $2 to support
LLLis mission of building healthier families.
one-year (12 issues) $7.99; Two-years (24 issues) only $9.99
order at www.grandmagazine.com.
turn pages,
just like a real
magazine
Enjoy dazzling pages
with video, podcasts and
so much more
save articles, e-mail to friends or print out
GRAND_NewBeginnings0324.indd 1 3/25/09 2:54:01 PM
my family. She was thrilled that
I had made the effort to see her
marriedin her view the most
important part of the dayand
appreciated me being there. Im
sure I missed a great party in
the evening but I would not have
enjoyed it while worrying about
my little one. She, by the way, had
a great afternoon with her dad
and came away with a fascination
for penguins!
Jane Wightman,
Coventry, GB
Response
I think what you should do
depends on your child. 18
months is a tough age for a baby
at a wedding. Has he been in
a situation like this before? If
he has was he quiet and calm
or fussy and bored? Perhaps
your friend is nervous that an
outburst of crying may interrupt
the ceremony or other important
parts of the event that are perhaps
even being recorded on video.
I would say to her, The idea of
his presence seems to concern
you. Can we discuss why? The
resulting conversation may give
you some room to include him for
some parts of the wedding but not
others, when you can discreetly
remove him.
Is the wedding in or near a hotel?
Could you pay a caregiver to
watch your child and pop in
when needed to nurse him? As he
hasnt been away from you much,
perhaps a good friend or family
member could watch him? If they
are also to attend, could you all
take turns enjoying the wedding
and caring for him? Or perhaps
get him used to a new caregiver
by having her over to your home
ahead of time and going out
somewhere leaving her in charge.
Rebecca Ednie, Mt Albert,
Ontario, Canada
Response
This situation occurred for us twice
in the time my older daughter was
between 18 and 24 months. Like
you, I had a frequent nurser and
was not happy to leave her for
the day with anyone other than
her dad, or with granny for a
couple of hours. The invitation to
my cousins wedding was politely
refused and I explained that I
did not feel ready to leave my
daughter. They were surprised
and a little offended, but they
may (or may not) understand my
position if they ever have their
own children. Either way its not
been mentioned since!
The other wedding required
careful thought as it was of a very
dear friend and a long distance
from our home. We came to a
happy compromise. We ew
up to the wedding, treating it
as our summer break and spent
a couple of days in the city
enjoying ourselves as a family.
On the day of the wedding, my
husband took my daughter to the
zoo for a couple of hours while I
went by myself to the ceremony.
There were mutual friends there
and I had a chance to sit with
them and catch up on the gossip
before the wedding began. After
the wedding ceremony the bride
sought me out and we had a
lovely chat before I left to join
Toddler Tips
When Children Arent Invited
MOTHERS
SITUATION
A good friend of mine has
invited my husband and me
to her wedding in a few
months time. The invitation,
however, is not extended to
my 18-month-old, from whom
I have never been separated
for more than an hour or two.
My little boy is still nursing
frequently and I am not at all
happy about the thought of
leaving him with anyone in
order to attend the wedding.
I have tried to explain to
my friend why I dont want
to leave my toddler but it
was clear from her reaction
that she didnt understandshe appeared hurt
and offended. I really do value our longstanding
friendship but equally cannot contemplate separating
from my toddler at this stage. What have other
mothers done in similar situations?
Photo @ shutterstock.com
Toddler Tips
Response
Your friends apparent lack of
understanding must be really
frustrating! Im sure its because
she wants the wedding to be
perfect! (Didnt we all? Then we
remember the ubs and laugh!)
You dont mention if the wedding
is local or out of town. Either
way, perhaps you can hire a
sitter and have a room where the
event is being held. Then you can
pop in and out as needed. How
long does your child go between
feeds? Most ceremonies last an
hour or less. Could you attend the
ceremony and skip the reception
or vice versa? Maybe your friend
has a preference if you cant make
both. Have you asked if you can
bring your baby to the reception
and not the ceremony? If your
friend is amenable to that, try to
leave the main party if your baby
gets fussy as quickly as possible.
If you just cant make the schedule
work send her an extra nice
gift and make rm plans to get
together to look at her pictures
and talk about the honeymoon trip
as soon as you can. Let her know
that you really want to be there
and thats why you are asking
questions and making scheduling
attempts, not because youre
trying to have your (wedding)
cake and eat it too, so to speak.
Sonia Gasho, Arizona, USA
Response
I was in a similar
situation myself not
long ago, though
it wasnt a close
friend of mine,
but my husbands.
Our original plan
was to bring my
sister along and
have her watch
our sons during
the wedding and
check in before
the reception. In
the end, even this situation wasnt
going to work out for us. My
husband considered going alone
before eventually deciding that it
wasnt going to work for any of
us. The wedding was taking place
nine hours away. His friend was
disappointed but perhaps when
she becomes a mother some day
she will understand.

I sympathize with you and the
difcult situation you are in.
Im not sure how far away the
wedding is or what time of year/
temperature it will be, but perhaps
having someone watch your
18-month-old nearby (possibly
even outside?) could allow you
the freedom to check in frequently
with your toddler? Even if you
miss a lot of the wedding and/
or reception, at least your friend
will see you made an effort and
you wont have to compromise
anything with your child.
I wish you the best of luck and am
sure you will nd a solution that
will allow you to meet your childs
needs.
Rachel Leon,
Rockford, IL, USA
Response
When my baby was young, we
were invited to a wedding that
was far away, and I did not want
to leave my baby for so long.
Luckily, I was not the only one,
and my friend understood. She
asked at the hotel if they would
provide us with a baby room.
We brought our trusted babysitter
along with us and she stayed
in the special room along with
another babysitter or two and our
daughter. A few times during the
wedding, I slipped out to check on
them and breastfeed, and then I
was able to return to the wedding
to dance, eat, and celebrate my
friends happiness. Maybe you
can ask your friend if the facility
has a room you and a trusted
babysitter can use? Good luck.
Kari Kohl,
White Plains, NY USA
Response
When my son was a year old,
we ew out of state to attend my
medical school ten-year reunion.
Some of the activities, such as a
family picnic did include children,
while others did not. My parents
live about four hours away from
where the reunion was. They
drove down and met us there.
They got a room in the same
hotel. When it was time to go to
the formal dinner, I nursed my
son right before we left and he
went to sleep. We had changed
time zones so for my son it felt as
though it was an hour later. My
parents stayed in our room and
our baby slept the several hours
we were gone. We did not stay
until the party was over but we
did get to enjoy most of it. It was
very easy to relax and have a
good time knowing that he was
with family even though we were
in a new place.
I hope that helps you think of your
own solution.
Fran Weintraub,
Madison, WI, USA
Response
Being a recently married woman
as well as breastfeeding mom, I
feel that your concerns are very
valid. When I prepared the guest
list for my wedding I invited a
couple without their children. They
made it very clear to me that the
only way they could attend my
wedding was if their children were
included. I didnt give it a second
thought. If this person is truly your
friend I think that she will see your
concern. If she doesnt perhaps
dont go to the wedding.
Samantha Tascione,
Milton, Ontario, Canada
MOTHERS NEW SITUATION
Does anyone have any tricks
to get a child to sleep in until
later in the morning? My
daughter, who is 30 months
old, is waking really early
every day after going to bed
at a reasonable time and
sleeping through the night.
It doesnt matter what time
she goes to bed she always
wakes too early. Although
she is often in bed by seven
oclock, Im so tired myself
after being up so early that
Im ready for bed too and
my husband and I arent
getting any quality time
together.
Toddler Tips is edited by LLL
Leader Karen Smith in St. Charles,
IL, USA. She and her husband,
John, have two children, Liam
and Anastasia. Karen speaks and
writes on parenting topics as well
as writing ction.
Please send responses and new
situations to toddler.tips@lllusa.org
Staying Home
Response
It can be very difcult to correct other
peoples children, especially when you dont
know them. However, I think that needs to
be done from time to time. It often feels like
there is an unwritten rule of the playground
that all eyes be watchful.
I have four children, so it is impossible for
me to watch all of them at the same time. I
do my best to keep my eye on the younger
ones, since I feel they are the ones who
would encounter more situations that are
difcult. The older two are (I hope) old
enough to work through any disputes that
may arise.
I have been in a situation where another
persons child manhandled my own. My
response was immediate and denite. After
checking to make sure that my child was
not hurt, I spoke directly to the other child.
I got to his level and in a stern, but calm,
voice explained that such touching was
not allowed. Since his mother was not with
him at the time, I had him walk me over
to her and I then explained the situation.
She did not seem to like the fact that I had
intervened. She grudgingly offered an
apology and moved to another part of the
playground. Not long after, I saw my child
playing with her child again. Children are
extremely resilient and bounce back from
correction quickly. I think the idea is to make
sure that the child you are correcting is also
being respected.
I tend to align myself with like-minded
parents, through La Leche League
playgroups, and with moms that I have
known for a while, so that I am certain these
other parents will be both willing to correct
my children if necessary but will also do it
lovingly and gently.
I have also found myself in situations
where my children have been surrounded
by parents who do not practice loving
guidance. The best thing I can do in these
situations is simply reassure my children that
I love and respect them. It may not seem
like much, but when they see other children
being treated harshly, they get confused and
scared.
As for removing my child from a play area
when the other children are misbehaving
and not being corrected, it depends on the
situation. I will intervene with the child once
or twice, and then speak to their parent or
caregiver, but if that does not change the
behavior, or encourage the adult to pay
closer attention, I will leave. I dont see the
sense in keeping my children in a situation
that is disturbing to them. When we leave,
I explain to my children that they were not
misbehaving, but that they did not need to
be around children who were behaving in a
less than desirable way.
I try to shower my children with well-
meaning praise when they behave in the
way that I expect. They are learning that
when their actions are positive, they will be
rewarded with attention as well. I also try
to praise other peoples children when I see
them doing something nice, for example,
taking turns on a swing or sharing a toy. I
will make a point of telling that childs parent
or caregiver of his good behavior. I usually
tell the adult in front of the child, as well.
Sometimes children act out to get attention,
and even negative attention is okay. I feel
that if I praise a child for proper behavior,
that child will learn that good behavior will
garner attention too.
The bottom line is you must act in the way
you are most comfortable. Good luck in
nding your own comfort level!
Cathy DeRaleau,
New Castle, PA, USA
Response
When my children were smaller I came
across the same situations as you describe.
I particularly noticed that most of the
other children in play settings would be
unsupervised. I used to watch my children
closely and, like you, would be very quick
to step in if they seemed to be in trouble.
At this point I would pleasantly but rmly
explain what was needed for the benet of
The Gentle
Discipline of
Others Children
MOTHERS SITUATION
Being a stay-at-home mom, I often nd myself
in the company of other peoples children,
for instance at organized playgroups or
afternoons at the park. Occasionally, I
encounter children whose behaviors require
gentle discipline. The problem is if I do not
know these children or their parents, I am
not always sure how to approach them. My
standard response is to remove my child from
the situation and explain to him why those
behaviors are not acceptable. But, it does not
feel right to pull my child from play when he
was not misbehaving. How do other mothers
handle situations such as these?
Staying Home
Response
Although in our society its assumed
that parents will deal with their
own childrens behavioral issues,
thats not always possible. I think
its vital that children experience
different kinds of communication
with different people. We are as
diverse as the sticky situations they
get themselves into and surely the
term society suggests that it should
work as a whole.
I gently discipline other peoples
children as I do my own, knowing
that their parents may or may not
intervene. I expect the same from
other people, and am ready to
stick up for either child if necessary.
Generally it works very well,
because its clear that Im being
fair, not taking sides and Im setting
a good example for children who
are learning to resolve their own
disputes respectfully in the future.
The book How to Talk so Kids Will
Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk
by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
http://tinyurl.com/26nogbx/. is
excellent for ideas of what to say.
Sara Simon, Cheshire, GB
Response
When other children misbehave
around my kids, the way I handle it
depends on where the behavior is
directed. If a child does something
to my child, I will gently tell him
not to. I dont do it for the benet
of the other parent (if s/he is even
listening) Im doing it so that child
knows his behavior is not nice.
If another child is doing something
I dont permit my own kids to do, I
generally dont say anything to the
others. Instead, Ill say something
to my child if he tries to mimic the
action. If he repeatedly tries to
mimic the action, thats when I may
guide him to another play, toy, or
place.
I gure its not my job to apply
my own rules to someone elses
children, unless and until the other
childs behavior directly impacts
my kids.
Beth DeVivo,
West Pittsburg, PA, USA
My family has recently
changed our eating habits to
a healthier, almost completely
vegetarian, lifestyle. It has
been a difcult adjustment for
all of us, but especially for
the children. They are doing
very well with the changes,
but every time we get
together with my best friend
and her children, she brings
the children fast food lunches
to eat. When I talk to her
about the dietary changes
we have made, she insists
that one fast food meal is
not going to undo everything.
She gets angry and accuses
me of suggesting that she is
not as good a mother as
I am because she feeds her
children fast food meals. How
can I make her understand
and respect my familys new
diet?
Staying Home is edited by Cathy
DeRaleau, who lives in New Castle,
PA, USA with her husband and four
children.
situations to staying.home@lllusa.org
the offending children, for example,
Gently ... or We cant throw sand
in case it gets in our eyes or I would
verbalize the problem, You want a
turn on the seesaw on your own?
I found this type of vigilance quite
exhausting and preferred quieter
play dates with a single child and
an equally watchful parent. Parks
and ball pits are often quiet rst
thing in the morning, which can
be an advantage as not only are
there fewer children around but
the children arent yet tired and
hungry, which often leads to irritable
behavior.
Sometimes I think the only course
of action is to remove your child to
safety as confrontation with unknown
parents or children is undesirable.
Wendy Willow,
North London, GB

Response
Its so hard to know what the right
thing to do is. I try not to remove
my children if they arent doing
anything wrong, but sometimes its
necessary. The approach that I have
always taken when it comes to other
children is to separate the behavior
into three categories. 1) Behavior that
could hurt someone or is unsafe. 2)
Behavior that is of a bullying nature
and/or ghting. 3) Behavior that I
deem unacceptable from my own
children.
For the rst category I always
intervene, regardless of who the
child is. I will say something along
the lines of Oh we cant do that,
we could hurt our friends or Please
pass that to me, its not safe to play
with. The way I view it, if a child is
hitting another child in the head with
a hard toy someone needs to stop it.
If the mother doesnt step in I will. I
dont discipline though. I just stop the
behavior. If its serious, I will tell the
mother so that she can deal with it.
Bullying, whether through words or
actions, is such a hard thing to deal
with. Do you let the child gure it
out for himself? Or do you stop it?
I think it depends on the age and
development of the child. We all want
our children to learn independence
and I think giving them the tools when
they are young will help foster that.
For my own child, he was about
three or four before he was able
to tell another child, I dont like it
when you do that. Once we got to
that point I tried to sit back a little
more and let him use his own words
to solve his problems. Before that, I
helped mediate by saying things like
Why dont we each take a turn? You
had it rst so you get to take the rst
turn, and then you can pass it to your
friend or We dont use our hands
for hitting. We use them for helping.
Again, hoping the mother of the child
would intervene rst, but not waiting
too long for that to happen.
For behaviors I dont want to see in
my own children, I tend to explain
that we dont do that. Timmys
mom may let him do that, but we
dont do it because of xyz.
As mothers we need to come
together. The saying it takes a
village is so true. I expect other
mothers to step in if Im not available
and stop any unsafe or hurtful
behavior that my children are
displaying.
Jenn, NL, Canada
Response
I had a friend who was in a
similar situation and she decided
to bring the baby along. She took
her baby with her on business
trips so that her nursing routine
would not be interrupted. It
worked really well for the rst year
and then some time after that she
gently encouraged her husband
to establish a nighttime routine for
when she was gone so that the
baby could stay home with him at
night (and be happy) when she
had to stay over on business.
Some people might argue that it
would be deeply unsettling for a
baby to be away from home and
out of her normal routine but my
friend believed that she was her
babys routine and wherever she
was her baby would be settled if
they were together. The baby loved
the extra time with mommy and my
friend was able to keep her mind
on her work knowing that her baby
was geographically close to her.
She brought her nanny with her
and was able to negotiate for the
company to pay the plane ticket by
arguing that her babys nighttime
needs for her presence were as
important as the companys need
for her talent!
Something that Ive learned over the
years is to believe in my greatness.
That is, my talent is valuable and
it is okay to ask for things that will
help me balance motherhood and
working. Most companies want
to oblige and if it gives them the
reassurance that you will stay with
them longer and will be happier
they usually are able to back it up
with monetary support.
Best of luck.
Georgia Raphael,
West London, GB
Response
I can empathize with your situation,
as I was in a similar position a few
years ago. My job involved staying
away overnight every few weeks
and I did nd it hard at rst.
First, the milk. Does your son accept
expressed milk from whoever
usually looks after him when youre
at work? If hes reasonably happy
taking a bottle or cup in the day,
this will help during the night. If
your baby waits to drink until you
return, you (or preferably your
husband) may want to work on
encouraging him to take milk in
another way. Doidy cups are great
as they dont cover the babys
face when tipped back.* I found I
needed to express quite frequently
to avoid engorgement while staying
awayat least every three hours
day and night when my son was
little. Your need to express will
depend on your individual body,
but do keep an eye out for blocked
ducts and engorgement and dont
delay too long if you need to
express. It can be more difcult to
clear blocked ducts with a pump,
and even hand expression, than
with a well latched-on baby.
You might get away with some
longer periods without expressing
at night, but consider taking some
breast pads if you leak when you
get engorged, even if you dont use
them normally. Take it as a golden
opportunity to get a few more
hours uninterrupted sleep than
normal! If you take an insulated
bag and freezer packs, you should
be able to keep your bags/bottles
of expressed milk fresh enough
to use when you get back if you
need to. I have also made use of
hotel minibars and staff fridges to
store milk. If you ask, most hotels,
workplaces, and conference venues
will give you access to a fridge if
you explain what its for. Youll get
a few funny looks, but Ive never
had worse than this.
You dont say what sort of traveling
youll be doing, but if you travel by
airplane bear in mind the
Making It Work
Nighttime Separation
MOTHERS SITUATION
My new job will require a little travel and I shall
have to spend one night a month away from my
seven-month-old baby. While he is used to my being
away from him during the day for seven hours, four
days a week, he nurses a lot in the evening, nurses
to sleep at bedtime, and nurses during the night. I
am worried about how my husband will manage to
comfort him and get him to sleep. I am also concerned
about whether Ill need to pump more while Im away
overnight. Please can other traveling moms share how
they have coped with nighttime separation?
restrictions on carrying liquids on
as hand luggage. Even if they let
you take expressed milk through
security, you may be required
to taste the contents of every
container. As Id bagged 16 oz of
milk in 2 oz pouches, this was a
bit inconvenient!
As you recognize, its not
just about the milk. You are
understandably worried about
your sons need for comfort. His
preference is for your milk and
your body, but that doesnt mean
he cant be comforted by another
very familiar person. Things your
husband could try are: wearing
your son in a sling, putting on
the vacuum cleaner or other
white noise, dancing with him
to music, counting up to 100(0).
Your husband should note that its
not safe to fall asleep with a baby
on a sofa. It is better to share a
safe bed than accidentally fall
asleep on a sofa. For bedsharing
a safe bed has a rm mattress,
no pillows or duvets near the
baby, no gaps or bars in which a
baby could get trapped. Anyone
in the bed must not be a smoker,
be excessively tired, have drunk
alcohol or taken drugs. In any
case your husband may be
pleasantly surprised by how good
he is at settling your baby. The
lack of an easily accessible milk
bar can help!
By continuing to breastfeed
your son after returning to
work, youre maintaining that
special connection between you.
Congratulations on your new job,
and on nurturing your baby. Good
luck!
Jo Whistler,
Skipton, N Yorkshire, GB
Response
Spending time away from a baby
is hard for many working mothers.
Kudos to you for looking for ideas
beforehand! Continue listening to
your own mommy voice as you
gather different ideas. You know
your baby best!
You mention your son nurses
more when you are home in the
evening and during the night. This
tends to be the natural way many
breastfed babies use as a way to
reconnect with their mothers.
And for many mothers night
nursing helps them reconnect as
well. As you know, breastfeeding
can be so much more than just
nutrition.
Is it possible for your husband, a
family member, or friend to come
along with you on your once-a-
month travel days? This way, you
might be able to continue nursing
your son at night and not worry
about pumping?
Might it be possible to discuss
with your employer the possibility
of postponing your overnight
stays for just a few more months?
Many are surprised to nd their
employer very supportive of
breastfeeding. But, if a solo, one-
night stay is unavoidable, there
are certainly ways to help make
this time positive, loving, and less
stressful for everyone. Perhaps
try to schedule your travel day
close to the weekend. Having the
weekend to reconnect and focus
on both your baby and yourself,
get more rest to recuperate from
being away, and possibly have
your husbands or someone elses
help over the weekend could
prove to be helpful.

Most babies about your sons
age naturally begin feeling
separation anxiety when away
from their mother. You might
begin by including your husband
in your sons nighttime routines
so a positive association can
be formed between the two and
your baby learns to associate
feelings of safety and love at night
with both parents. In the same
way, some fathers nd frequently
holding their baby in a carrier for
short walks to be really helpful.
Most fathers can feel helpless with
a crying baby. Anticipating the
situation and preparing may help
you both. Reassure your husband
of the importance of holding and
comforting your crying baby
and especially that crying during
these situations is developmentally
appropriate for babies of your
sons age.
Since you are currently nursing
at bedtime and during the night,
you may want to express or
pump once in the night so you
dont become overly engorged. A
warm shower before expressing
or pumping is helpful for many
mothers. Some mothers nd
a particular hand expression
technique is helpful, the Marmet
Technique, to have as a backup
should something unexpectedly
come up and they are not able to
use their pump. An informational
sheet is available from http://
store.llli.org/public/product/294
or from your local La Leche
League Leader.

Most of all, try to be exible.
The ideas and support from LLL
meetings can be a wonderful
resource, as well as LLLIs message
boards http://forums.llli.org/
index.php. And, dont hesitate to
call your local Leader for help and
support while away, too!
Carla Bosman,
Dunwoody, GA, USA
Response
My daughter was also seven
months old when I rst spent any
time away from her. I borrowed
a hands free pumping bra and
an electric double pump. This
combination was useful as it left
both hands free to ick through
photos of my baby to help get the
milk owing. As soon as the milk
was owing, I was able to read or
watch TV, while just occasionally
adjusting the dial on the pump to
vary the rhythm. I didnt need to
pump very much, just enough to
make myself comfortable. As long
as you are not increasing your
supply by pumping just before you
go away, then I think you should
be ne.
I also used to nurse my girl to
sleep, so to help my husband
while I was away, I changed our
routine and started to wake her
slightly after she had nished
feeding. This meant she learned
to settle herself to sleep. My baby
slept really well for her dad, hours
more than she would for me. I
think the change of being with just
him instead, and perhaps having
to drink her milk from a Doidy
cup, (she wouldnt take a bottle),
meant she was worn out. Best of
luck!
Janet Foot, Rochester, GB
* Editors Note
The Doidy Cup is a UK design
to teach your child to drink
from a rim. The two-handled
cup slants so that children
can see the contents without
thrusting their heads forward
and downward.
I have been pumping a
couple of times a day at
work for almost a year. I am
fortunate that my employer
supports my decision to
breastfeed and provides a
suitable room for me to pump
while Im at work. However,
I am tired of pumping. I miss
having lunch with friends or
just getting out of the ofce
environment for a walk. If I
do stop pumping at work will
my baby wean? Do other
working moms stop pumping
and still continue to nurse
their toddlers?
situations for Making It Work to
making.It.work@lllusa.org
Making It Work
mixtures, cookies, spice cakes, and
meat and poultry dishes, but I love
to use it in soups, particularly with
carrots, butternut squash, or sweet
potatoes.
Nutmeg is good in both sweet
and savory dishes. It is great with
pumpkin, in both soups and pies.
Try it to give a kick to a spinach
quiche.
Paprika is a ground pepper that
can be mild or hot. A sprinkling
of paprika is frequently used as
an attractive garnish, but the hot
variety can give a kick to soups,
sauces and toppings.
Turmeric is the spice that gives
curry powder its yellow color. It
has a light, musky avor and is an
ingredient in prepared mustards. It
is a colorful addition to soups and
stews.
Here are a couple of recipes to try
Spinach Salad with Pesto
Ingredients
Prepared pestobasil leaves,
grated parmesan cheese, pine
nuts, ground black pepper
blended with extra virgin oil
Fresh baby spinach leaves
Fresh raw (or frozen, thawed, but
not cooked) peas
Fresh raw (or frozen, thawed, but
not cooked) fava beans or lima
beans
Extra pine nuts
Extra fresh grated parmesan
cheese
Toss all ingredients together until
well coated with pesto.
Dal (Lentil Curry)
Ingredients
10 ounces/300 grams lentils
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 slices of fresh ginger (or a tsp of
ground ginger)
Chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
leaves
1 tbsp ground turmeric
- tsp cayenne pepper (optional
to make it hotter)
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp whole cumin seeds
Bring lentils to the boil in 5
cups/1200 ml water. Add garlic,
ginger, coriander, turmeric, and
cayenne pepper. Cover, leaving
the lid slightly open for steam to
escape and lower heat to simmer
gently for an hour and a half. Stir
occasionally. Consistency should
be thicker than a soup. Add salt
and lemon juice. In another pan,
heat oil and add cumin seeds
for just a few seconds until they
darken. Put the dal in a warmed
serving dish and top with the
cumin seeds.
Eating Wisely is edited by LLL
Leader Lesley Robinson. She lives
in Ottawa, Canada with husband,
Mark. Her three grown children
have own the nest.
Please send stories and photos to
eating.wisely@lllusa.org
Spice Up
Your Life
Lesley Robinson
Good nutrition means eating a well-
balanced and varied diet of foods
in as close to their natural state as
possible.
Theres no need to be in a culinary
rut. Herbs and spices are a
wonderful way to enhance avor
and give pizzazz to your familys
meals. Many of them can be used in
a variety of ways and combinations.
Basil is a terric enhancement for
pasta dishes. Try pesto made from
chopped basil leaves, pine nuts,
grated parmesan cheese, blended
together with extra virgin olive
oil. Toss cooked pasta in pesto
or use it in salad dressings. Basil,
garlic, and tomatoes are a fabulous
combination. Sprinkle some basil
leaves as a garnish over tomato
soup made with garlic and a little
chopped basil.

Bay leaves are excellent in
tomato dishes, stews, as an addition
to pickling spices, sh dishes,
chowders, sauces, and stocks.
Discard leaves after cooking.
Chives are a member of the wild
onion family and are easy to grow
in your garden. Chives are a
multipurpose avor enhancer. Try
some chopped chives in mashed
potatoes, scrambled eggs, or dips.
Cilantro (coriander) is my
absolute favorite. It is wonderfully
versatile and shows up in Mexican,
Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, and
Mediterranean cuisines. Cilantro
makes a great addition to root
vegetable and squash soups.
Combining chopped cilantro with
garlic, fresh chillies, ground cumin,
lime juice, and lots of fresh diced
tomatoes makes a great salsa.
Dill is good for more than just
pickles. It is great in sauces with
salmon. You can make a great cold
sauce for smoked salmon with dill,
yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice,
and capers.
Oregano is another ubiquitous
and versatile herb. It is most
frequently found dried and crushed,
but fresh herbs are best for avor.
Use oregano in any tomato dishes
and try with a variety of vegetables
and salads.
Rosemary goes well in lamb,
chicken, and tomato dishes. You
can take the leaves off a sprig of
rosemary holding it between your
thumb and forenger and tugging
the sprig in the opposite direction
to the needles. For wonderful roast
chicken, use a combination of
rosemary leaves with other chopped
herbs under the skin and put a sprig
of rosemary and a lemon, cut in
half in the cavity.
Sage is used traditionally in
stufngs for poultry and goes well
with sausage meat.
Chilli peppers and chilli powder
give plenty of spice to your cooking.
There are many varieties of chilli
peppers. As a rough guide, the
smaller the pepper, the hotter they
are. Be careful when chopping
fresh chillies. Always remember to
wash your hands thoroughly before
touching your eyes, nose or mouth!
Cayenne peppers (slim and red)
are popular for a spicy heat. Other
varieties to look for are jalapenos,
chipotles andvery hothabanero
peppers. Chillies and chilli powder
are important ingredients in hot
curries, as well as in Mexican
dishes.
Cinnamon is not just for apple pie.
It can be used in everything from
pickling spice mixes to avorings for
coffee and warm spiced wine. Dont
forget its savory uses. Cinnamon
sticks can be added to curries,
soups, and rice dishes.
Coriander seed and ground
coriander have a completely
different avor from the leaves of
the coriander plant. These are great
in soups and curries.
Cumin seed and ground cumin
have a delicious nutty avor.
Roasted cumin seeds make a great
addition to spicy, yogurt-based
dips and ground cumin is useful for
curries.

Ginger is a versatile spice.
Its major uses include pickling
Eating Wisely
World Breastfeeding Week Celebration
Exciting New Way for
Any Member to Support
La Leche League
and Local Groups
Pat Johnston, WBWC Team
Have you ever wished for an easy way to raise funds for your LLL
Group, the Helpline, or another LLL entity? Have you read about large
World Breastfeeding Week Celebration events, but realized the woman
power was not available this year for your Group? Do you no longer
attend a Group, but would like to fundraise for the Helpline or donate
money to your former Group? Do you wish it were easier for members to
participate in WBWC?

Thanks to the WBWC Elite Platinum Sponsors, a slick professional
donation brochure is available for free for you to give to family and
friends, local healthcare professionals, or business contacts. There is
space to add an address label, or donors can make a secure online
donation and credit you and/or a Group. As an added bonus, WBWC
sponsors have provided prizes for individuals raising $250 or more,
including the new edition of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, and
Visa gift cards. And 90 percent of the funds raised can go to the LLL
entity of your choice. The remaining ten percent is split between the
WBWC Grants program and administrative costs. See the WBWC
FAQs for all the details.

A big thanks to Paul Torgus, son of Leader Judy Torgus, for the graphic
design and to our Elite Platinum Sponsors, Motherlove Herbal Company,
Mothering magazine, and Sleepy Wrap, Inc.

WBWC runs until September 30th so there is plenty of time. If your
local Group is registered for WBWC, the Leaders will take care of
the paperwork and mail the donation checks to the Area WBWC
Coordinator. Members who are fundraising independently can mail
checks to the WBWC Registrar: Pam Dunne, 7295 Highland Estates
Place, Falls Church, VA 22043. Additional materials (including
accounting and prize eligibility forms) and details can be found at our
Web site www.lllusa.org/wbw/
To receive your free donation brochures, send your name and mailing
address to Pat at pbjoh@hotmail.com. Leaders need to register their
Groups; members can opt to fundraise individually even if their Group is
not holding a WBWC event.
THANK YOU TO THE
WORLD BREASTFEEDING
WEEK CELEBRATIONS
2010 PRIZE SPONSORS!
PLATINUM Dual Elite LEVEL ($5,000+)
Mothering magazine
Motherlove Herbal Company
Sleepy Wrap/Boba
PLATINUM LEVEL ($4,000+)
Mothers Milk Tea
by Traditional Medicinals
AMYTHEST LEVEL ($2500+)
ERGO Baby Carrier, Inc.
SILVER LEVEL (200+)
Platypus Media
Science Naturally!
BRONZE LEVEL (Cottage Industry)
Fresh Baby
Mommy Necklaces
Over the Shoulder Baby Holder
The Umbilical Card
Wrapsody
Go GLOBAL with the LLLI International bag! made from 100%
recycled materials. Reusable for groceries, to tote personal items, and
to show your support for breastfeeding mothers and babies around the
world! (Measures 13x13x5.)
http://store.llli.org/public/prole/414
When Baby Is Unable to Come to Breast
or Cant Breastfeed Well
Sometimes a baby is unable to come to breast or cant drain the
breasts well enough to maintain mothers milk supply. Such situa-
tions can include prematurity, hospitalization for serious illness, a
physical condition such as cleft palate, and other conditions. If you
must establish a milk supply for a baby who cannot do so, your best
choice is a hospital-grade breast pump. These pumps are very
expensive to purchase (usually over $1,000 when new), so they are
usually rented, though some mothers choose to purchase them.
The ability of the breasts to produce enough milk for a larger baby
is set during the early postpartum weeks. Even if you have a tiny
premature baby, you want to be able to express about 30 ounces
(900 ml) every 24 hours by two weeks postpartum. If you are not
producing that much milk by two weeks, you may want to contact
an LLL Leader or lactation consultant for suggestions for increasing
your milk supply. The best way to establish optimum milk produc-
tion is to mimic the nursing frequency of a newborn. Mothers
should pump at least eight to 10 times every 24 hours. You may
choose to pump every three hours, or you may choose to pump
every two to two and a half hours during the day and take one
longer, five-hour stretch at night. (Timing is counted from the start
of one pumping session to the start of the next pumping session.)
Most mothers stimulate a higher prolactin level and therefore a
larger milk supply if they pump both breasts at the same time
(double pumping), rather than pumping one breast and then the
other. Double pumping also saves significant time through the
course of the day. Pumping 10 to 15 minutes for a single baby or
20 minutes if you have multiples is usually sufficient.
A middle-of-the-night pumping session is very important in estab-
lishing a full milk supply. Once a full supply (30 ounces every 24
hours) has been established for about two weeks, some mothers
find that they can forgo the middle-of-the-night pumping. Other
mothers need to maintain that middle-of-the-night pumping in
order to protect their all-day supply until they are about four
months postpartum.
Some mothers find that once they have had an established full milk
supply for about two weeks, they can return the rental hospital-
grade pump and purchase a retail electric double pump. The pack-
aging for such a pump should not say For Occasional Use.
However, these double pumps were not really designed for main-
taining a milk supply when baby is unable to come to breast or feed
well at breast. Other mothers find that if they try to switch away
from a hospital-grade pump, their milk supply starts to drop in a
week or two, and they need to go back to using the hospital-grade
pump to rebuild and maintain their milk supply.
Some mothers dislike the sound of an electric breast pump so much
that they have a hard time releasing (letting down) their milk. For
some of these mothers, using two one-handed manual pumps or a
pedal pump may be a better choice. However, when using manual
pumps to maintain supply for a baby who cant nurse well, it is very
important that the mother pay very close attention to making every
suction stroke as similar as possible to each other, and that she per-
form 50 to 55 suction strokes per minute.
When Mother is Separated from Baby
Due to Work, School, or Travel
Most mothers who experience separation of five hours or more
(perhaps even several days due to travel) will need to pump their
milk to protect their milk supply. Any retail double breast pumps
that do not state For Occasional Use are very good for this sit-
uation. There are also some non-hospital-grade rental pumps avail-
able, usually for a cheaper fee than hospital-grade pumps, that can
be used for this type of pumping. Again, a mother should make
957 North Plum Grove Road Schaumburg IL 60173 USA
847.519.7730 fax 847.969.0460 800.LALECHE
For more information
www.llli.org
May 2009, La Leche League International
No. 10220
This informational sheet may not be reproduced in any manner
without written permission from La Leche League International.
Pumping
Your Milk
A Guide to
Breastfeeding mothers may find them-
selves in a variety of situations in which it
seems necessary for them to pump their
milk. If you find the need to use a breast
pump, you may want to know which type is
best suited to your needs. With practice,
almost any type of pump will work, but dif-
ferent situations may make one type of
pump preferable to another. You may also
want to become familiar with manual or
hand-expression as this can be useful in
many situations. Information on manual
expression can be found in LLL publica-
tions, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
and Manual Expression of Breast Milk
Marmet Technique, or by contacting a La
Leche League Leader in your area.
The following describes the most common
reasons mothers use breast pumps and the
considerations that might make one type
of pump preferable over another.
Mastitis most frequently recurs when the bacteria are resistant or
not sensitive to the prescribed antibiotic, when antibiotics are not
continued long enough, when an incorrect antibiotic is prescribed,
when the mother stops nursing on the affected side, or when the
initial cause of the mastitis has not been addressed (such as milk
stasis). If mastitis recurs, make sure that a culture and sensitivity
test is done on the milk to discover exactly what organism is
involved and what antibiotic will eliminate it. Many organisms are
resistant to common antibiotics and repeated use of ineffective
medications increases the risk of an abscess.
Mastitis caused by methicillin resistant Staph aureus (MRSA) is
becoming more prevalent. Increased risk for hospital-acquired
MRSA, a virulent and difficult to treat situation, is seen in mothers
with a cesarean delivery, administration of antibiotics in the peri-
partum period, mothers with multiple gestation, and mothers who
have experienced in vitro fertilization. Outpatient infection with
MRSA also is becoming more common.
Prevention
Prevention is the best line of defense.
Avoid going for long periods of time between feedings
Make sure that all areas of the breast are well drained at each
feeding
Address any areas of the breast that remain hard by massag-
ing while nursing
Quickly begin to take care of plugged ducts. Massage over
and/or behind the blockage has been the commonly used
way to reduce and disperse the material obstructing the duct.
A different approach has been recommended whereby the
mother massages in front of the lump toward the nipple.
Begin by massaging close to the nipple, reposition the mas-
sage farther back until you are massaging directly in front of
the blockage. This is thought to help clear the way through
convoluted ductwork that may not be in straight alignment to
the nipple. Plugged ducts require prompt attention, because
they can start a cascade of events that leads to breast inflam-
mation and breast infection.
Troubleshoot the cause of sore or damaged nipples. Get help
from a La Leche League Leader, an International Board
Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), or other expert in
breastfeeding to make sure that your baby is positioned,
latched, and suckling correctly. Once a break in the skin
occurs, it increases your chances of a breast infection.
Consider the use of a suitable emollient that is safe for the
baby to ingest, such as HPA Lanolin. This can be soothing
and speed healing of a cracked nipple. You also may wish to
talk to your doctor about applying a medicated ointment to
the damaged nipple to decrease the likelihood of a breast
infection.
Due to the link between severe nipple soreness and infection
of the nipple by Staph aureus, some experts recommend
careful washing of the nipple with soap and water and the
application of a medicated ointment to promote wound heal-
ing and prevent progression to an infection that can eventu-
ally affect the breast. Talk with your doctor about this type
of breast infection.
847.519.7730 fax 847.969.0460 800.LALECHE
llli.org
August 2009, La Leche League International
No. 10221
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast. It is usually-
caused by backed up milk in a section of the breast. This
can progress to an infection if not treated. Delayed nipple
wound healing, stress, chronic engorgement, persistent-
breast pain, and breast masses (with or without fever)
increase the risk of mastitis. Areas of the breast that
remain undrained or that experience plugged ducts may
be focal points for bacteria to take hold and start an infec-
tive process. Milk production may drop from the affected
breast for a few days during the worst of the symptoms,
but it is important for the baby to continue breastfeeding
from that side to help prevent the infection from turning
into an abscess. The milk fromthe affected breast will not
harm the baby.
Mastitis
Care Plan for
847. 519. 7730 fax 847. 969. 0460 800-LALECHE
January 2010, La Leche League International
No. 10238
llli.org
TIP 1: Nurse early and often.
This is the key to establishing a abundant milk supply and getting
breastfeeding off to a good start. Mothers who nurse their babies within an
half hour after birth and continue to nurse at frequent, unrestricted intervals
are more likely to establish a good milk supply than mothers who nurse on a
restricted feeding schedule.
TIP 2: The more the baby nurses, the more
milk there will be.
The breast produces milk almost continuously. Frequent nursing and effective
suckling signal the mothers body to produce the amount of milk her baby
needs. So the more often the baby nurses, the more milk the breast will
make. This simple rule of supply and demand is the key to establishing and
maintaining an abundant milk supply.
TIP 3: Newborns usually nurse every one to two hours, or at
least ten to 12 times in a 24 hour period.
This frequent nursing is natures way of not only helping the mother provide a
wonderful source of comfort and nutrition for her newborn, but also to help
the mothers milk supply to become quickly established. Enjoy these special
nursing sessions and bond with your baby.
TIP 4: Dont look at the clock, look at your baby.
Your baby needs to nurse long enough to get the hindmilk, the milk that comes
toward the end of a feeding as it is creamy and high in calories. Encourage the
baby, if willing, to nurse from both breasts at least 10 to 15 minutes on each
side. It may take the milk two or three minutes to let down, or start to ow,
especially in the beginning. Babies who have had enough hindmilk usually have
relaxed bodies and may fall asleep at the breast. If your baby suckled both
breasts at the feeding, start the next feeding with the breast the baby nursed
from last. (Often small infants, like late preterm infants, only take one breast at
a feeding the rst few days, and they do just ne if they are nursing frequently
enough.)
TIP 5: Be sure your baby is suckling effectively.
Milk production depends on milk removal. Watch baby for signs of milk
removal. Does your baby have a large mouthful of breast tissue? Can you see
babys tongue between your breast and their lower gum? Are babys temples
moving as baby swallows? Can you hear baby swallowing your milk? Do you
feel like your breast has been drained after baby comes off the breast? These
questions may be helpful in assessing weather your baby is removing milk from
the breast. Sore or cracked nipples may be an indicator of improper latch or
positioning at the breast.
TIP 6: Breastfed babies feed more often than formula
fed babies.
Keep in mind that since human milk is perfectly suited to your baby, it will be
digested more rapidly and completely than non-breastmilk substitutes like
cows milk or soy-based formulas. Your breastfed baby will be ready to eat
again sooner than his bottle-fed counterpart. Remember the law of supply and
demand that is at work herethe more often the baby nurses, the more milk
your body will produce for your baby.
TIP 7: Count diapers to check if your baby is getting
enough to eat.
Sometimes a mother nds herself thinking that her baby is nursing all the
time, and wonders if this means that she doesnt have enough milk to satisfy
him. If he has six to eight wet cloth diapers (ve to six disposables) and two
to ve bowel movements per day (beginning the third day after birth) and is
not being given anything but your milk, you can be sure he is getting plenty of
nourishment. An older baby may have bowel movements less frequently, but
they should be plentiful.
TIP 8: You may need to wake your baby for feedings.
If you nd that your baby regularly sleeps more than three hours between
feedings, he may need to be awakened for feedings at least every two hours
during the day until your milk supply is well established. If the baby begins to
nurse less frequently, there will be a corresponding drop in milk production. If
nursings continue to be spaced farther and farther apart or if the baby nurses
less vigorously or for a shorter period of time at each feeding, the milk supply
will diminish. The law of supply and demand also works in reverse: the less often
the baby nurses, the less milk there will be.
TIP 9: Growth spurts cause babies to nurse more often.
Usually around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months of age you may
notice your baby nursing more often. Allowing your baby to nurse more often
for two or three days around these times will increase your milk supply to meet
his needs.
TIP 10: Remember that newborns nurse for many
reasons other than hunger.
Your baby may be nursing often because he
likes the feeling of security from the close body
contact that comes with nursing, because he
needs to satisfy his suckling need, or because
he nds the sound of your heartbeat and the
gentleness of your touch a great source of comfort
as he adjusts to his new world. If you have any further
questions or concerns, be sure to contact your La Leche
League Leader or other breastfeeding specialist.
Establishing
Your Milk Supply
A babys need for milk and his mothers ability
to produce it in just the right quantity is one
of natures most perfect examples of the law of
supply and demand. Understanding how the milk
supply is established and regulated makes it easier
to maintain an ample milk supply. Here are 10 tips
to help you.
** Breastfed newborns
should regain their birth
weight by 10 days to two
weeks of age. A baby who
is not gaining well should
be checked by a doctor.
847. 519. 7730 fax 847. 969. 0460 800-LALECHE
February 2010, La Leche League International
No. 10245
llli.org
How Milk Supply Works
During pregnancy, the breasts build a milk
factory in preparation for feeding your baby.
Hormones from the placenta aid this process,
and for mothers carrying multiple babies, extra
hormones create an even bigger milk factory.
Once the baby is born and the placenta comes
out, the milk factory opens for business and

within two to four days, milk production kicks
into high gear. From that time on, the factory
your breastsdetermine how much milk to
make by how much milk your baby takes out.
That puts your baby in charge of your milk
supply!
When a full-term, healthy baby is allowed
to nurse as often and as long as he needs,
a good supply of milk is usually established.
Most babies eat 8-12 times a day. If the baby
is unable to do the job due to premature
birth, separation, illness, or another condition,
milk must be removed from your breasts
by other means or else the milk factory will
begin to shut down. If you and your baby nd
yourselves in this situation and taking into
consideration how may times a day your baby
nurses effectively at the breast, pumping up to
8-12 times each 24 hours will help to ensure
a good milk supply. If your baby is not feeding
directly at the breast, a good goal for the
amount of milk you pump per day is at least
25 to 30 ounces (750-900mls).

Your milk factory is always making milk.
When your breasts are drained often, they
make more milk faster. If milk builds up and
isnt removed often or for a while, they make
milk more slowly. If your baby decides he wants
to eat more than your breasts
have stored up at the moment,
he will keep nursing and draining
your breasts until milk production
speeds up to meet his needs. If
you are making more than he
wants, the leftover milk he leaves
inside signals your breast to make
less and less until your supply
matches what he needs. How
often your baby feeds ultimately is
determined not by his age but by
your milk storage capacitythe
size of the warehouse in your milk
factory. The babies whose mothers
can store lots of milk may take
larger feedings less often, while the
babies of mothers with less storage
space get smaller meals and may
feed more often.

How Do You Know if Your
Milk Supply is Low?
Baby behaviors like fussing after
nursing, feeding often, or feeding
for short or long periods of time,
or changes such as softer breasts or less
leakage, may or may not indicate a low milk
supply. These behaviors are often just part of
the normal course of breastfeeding. Whereas
in the early weeks the breasts are full and
sometimes hard, this is related to additional
uids in the breasts as well as extra milk over
and beyond what your baby needs. As the
uid is lost and your breasts settle into milk
production that matches your babys needs,
the breasts will feel softereven though
there is plenty of milk in them, and more on
the way! Sometimes an increase in frequency
of feeding is an indication of an increase in
your babys need for mommy time, and does
not reect a supply problem. The best way
to tell is to look at your babys diaper output
and weight gain. In the rst 6-8 weeks, most
babies have at least 5-7 good wet diapers and
at least 3-4 stools larger than a US quarter
(2.5 cm). As they get older, they have fewer
but larger bowel movements. From the time
their mothers milk comes in until four to six
months of age, the babies should gain around
5-7 ounces (150-210 grams) per week.
Weight gain slows down gradually for the
rest of the rst year. Your babys health care
provider can tell you if he is continuing to gain
appropriately or if there is cause for concern.

Increasing
Your
Milk

One of the most common
reasons mothers give for weaning
sooner than they had planned
is concern about milk supply.
Living in a culture that is used
to measuring everything, it can
be difcult for mothers to trust
the breast when they cannot
see how much milk is inside it
or going into the baby. When
doubts begin to set in, mothers
often receive well-intentioned
but poor advice that may even
make the situation worse.
Fortunately, there are ways to
know if you are making enough
milk and ways to help increase
it, if needed. Understanding
how milk supply works and the
things that can cause problems
is key to nding the best way to
increase your milk.
www.midwiferytoday.com
Brought to Earth by Birth Harriette Hartigan
Tel: (541) 344-7438 (800) 743-0974 US/CAN
Fax: (541) 344-1422 E-mail: orders@midwiferytoday.com
For more info and to order: motherbabypress.com
Survivor Moms Mickey Sperlich, MA, CPM and Julia Seng, PhD, CNM
Motherbaby Press, Paper, 246 pages $34.95 + S&H
Learn how sexual abuse affects women during pregnancy and
childbirth and what you can do to help.
Read excerpts from 81 womens stories of birthing,
mothering and healing after childhood sexual abuse. The
book also includes some complete narratives, suggestions for
working together during maternity care and beyond, resources
and information from current research. Suitable for both
caregivers and pregnant survivors, Survivor Moms will help
anyone whose life has been touched by sexual abuse.
This stunning collection of black and white photographs
by one of the worlds master birth photographers cel-
ebrates giving birth and being born. Here is creation,
lived by each of us.
Through the poetry of photographs and the weaving
of words, experience what birth means to you.
www.midwiferytoday.com/books/BirthPhotos.asp
Motherbaby Press, Paper, 96 pages $25.95 + S&H
www.midwiferytoday.com/books/survivormoms.asp
store.llli.org
New items at
T
h
e

W
o
m
a
n
l
y

A
r
t

o
f

B
r
e
a
s
t
f
e
e
d
i
n
g
LLLI Information Sheets (Tear-Off)*
provide easy-to-read, and research-based
mothering topics/information for new moms. (50 sheets per pad)
*Available in Spanish, and will be available in additional languages soon!
A N
ATIO
N
AL
BEST-SELLER!
The O
ne Book
Every N
ursing M
other
N
eeds By Her Side
NEW
8th
Edition
To Honor

Lorraine Garrison
Thank you, Lorraine, for your guidance and your wisdom
back in the day. Im not sure I could have done nearly as
well as I did without your help. Thank you. You have made
a difference. From Suzanne Yost, Gainesville, GA
Liza Burlingame
I am so proud of you and your dedication to helping
mothers breastfeed. Love, Mom, Scottdale, PA
Ann Marie Lindquist
My son was born 8 weeks premature, and Ann Marie
helped me every step of the way from building supply,
beginning to feed with nipple shields, transition to breast,
dealing with too much supply, traveling for work and so much
more. My son will be 10 months this week and he successfully
continues to breastfeed thanks to Ann Maries continuous
support and dedication. She was inspirational at every
difcult step and provided natural and healthy solutions for
overcoming breast feeding issues to young working mother.
She is the best, and the whole family thanks you! The Patel
Family, Lexington, MA
To Remember
Kathy Baker
I originally met Kathy through my friendship with
her daughter when we were kids. She became a friend
when I began my journey of motherhood and sought her
advice through LLL. She always loved to see my kids,
and answered my questions about raising a large family.
In addition to being an ardent supporter of breastfeeding,
she always made whoever she spoke to feel special. This
remarkable lady will be missed greatly. From Sheri Blome,
Round Lake Beach, IL
In memory of Kathy Baker. From Nanette Morales,
Chicago, IL
In memory of Kathy Baker. From your Sonnenschein
Family: Heather Justus; Shannon Mahoney; Sue McGreevy;
Angela Pastor; Robin Degeare; Andre Ball; Becky
Barbalace; Brian Maguire; Daryl Harris; Rose Marie Joyce;
Mary Anne Barbato; Phil Nevins; Tracey Rhys; and Lynn
Smith, Chicago, IL
Mrs. Estelle Weinstein
Dear Lois and Family, We are sorry for the passing of your
mother and grandmother. We thought it would be nice to
honor her very long life with a gift towards support for a
new life and love. Love, Nina and Howard, Southeld, MI
To Honor and Remember
You can make a donation to La Leche League USA (LLL
USA) in the name of a family member or friend to Honor
or Remember them. Your tax-deductible donation will
show that you care about them while also helping LLL USA
further its mission to help mothers breastfeed.
For a minimum gift of $50, New Beginnings will publish
your special message of congratulations, encouragement,
appreciation, or condolences; limit tributes to 20 words.
Please keep in mind that La Leche League is a diverse
community whose main focus is helping mothers to
breastfeed. While we can respect personal beliefs
reected here because of the nature of the tributes, this
column is not intended for social commentaries outside
the focus of La Leche League International.
To submit a tribute gift, please send a check and the tribute
wording to LLL USA, 957 N. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg,
IL 60173.
NEW TRIBUTE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES!
For signicant events in the life of
someone you care about, have you
considered a tribute gift?
Help a new mother and baby
get the best start together by
giving the gift of The Womanly
Art of Breastfeeding today!
BUY IT NOW!
Toddler Tips
Crying
The Nursing Pads Women LOVE!
LANACare Organic
Wool Nursing Pads
Soothingly Soft Merino Wool absorbs moisture, keeping skin dry.
Benecial with vasospasms & many common breastfeeding problems. Only 2
pairs needed by most women. Natural lanolin content provides antibacterial
properties wash only occasionally with lanolin-replenishing soap.
v1 - Aug 7 2008
Imported by Danish Woolen Delight
Owned and operated by Nurse-Midwife/I.B.C.L.C. in Westford, Vermont
Call toll-free 1-877-878-6089, fax (802) 878-6091
info@DanishWool.com www.DanishWool.com
Contact us for FREE brochure with wool sample.
LANACare Organic Wool
Nursing Pads
Soothingly Soft Merino Wool absorbs moisture,
keeping skin dry. Benecial with vasospasms &
many common breastfeeding problems. Only 2
pairs needed by most women. Natural lanolin
content provides antibacterial properties wash
only occasionally with lanolin-replenishing soap.
v2 - Aug 7 2008
Owned and operated by Nurse-Midwife/I.B.C.L.C. in Westford, Vermont
LANACare Organic Wool
Nursing Pads
Soothingly Soft Merino Wool absorbs moisture,
keeping skin dry. Benecial with vasospasms &
many common breastfeeding problems. Only 2
pairs needed by most women. Natural lanolin
content provides antibacterial properties wash
only occasionally with lanolin-replenishing soap.
v2.1 - Aug 11 2008
APPROVED Aug 12 2008
Contact us for FREE brochure with wool sample!
Also Importing Organic Wool Clothing
LANACare Nursing Pads
Made of Soothingly Soft Organic Wool -
absorbs moisture, keeping skin dry.
Benecial with vasospasms & common
breastfeeding problems.
Only 2 pairs needed by most women.
Natural lanolin content provides
antibacterial properties for easy care.
v3 - Aug 8 2008
Imported by Danish Woolen Delight 1-877-878-6089 info@DanishWool.com
www.DanishWool.com

NB Issue3 10 Finl Ipad

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

NB Issue3 10 Finl Ipad

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ISSUE

You might also like