What's in the numbers? This week on the podcast we talk about numbers! Birth weights, how accurate they might be, comparing one scales weight to another, and all the variables to take into consideration when looking at numbers. Sometimes the scales might not be calibrated properly. What if the baby was weighed with a full belly and full of poop? The next weight might have your baby starving and …
General Breastfeeding
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 32: Breastfeeding Support Groups
Are breastfeeding support groups right for you? This week on the podcast, Barbara and Barb chat all things breastfeeding support groups. Why are they helpful and who might benefit from a breastfeeding support group? Many people feel that a "support group" is old fashioned or if you need to go to one, it is a sign of weakness. Far from it! Gathering with a group of like minded people feels …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 29: Breastfeeding In The News Roundup
All Things Breastfeeding has a news roundup this week on the podcast. We chat about important breastfeeding topics and some hot button issues this week! Join us while we lay it all out. The good and the bad. All Things Breastfeeding Show notes: 9 Things Your Lactation Consultant Desperately Want You To Know About Low Milk Supply Internet and Breastfeeding: Friend or Foe-podcast …
Breastfeeding support: Top 5 secrets
Breastfeeding can be really hard, especially in the beginning. According to the CDC, over 80% of mothers in the US begin breastfeeding but by 6 months we are down to only 50% of mothers doing any breastfeeding at all. What is going on? We do have many barriers that impact breastfeeding numbers here. There is family pressure not to breastfeed, poor support in the hospital, …
Baby Friendly? What are they afraid of?
I have been so surprised by the recent backlash against "Baby Friendly" hospitals. What is really shocking is the lack of any sort of fact checking that is going on in these laments. The authors are being critical of things that are not even true. For those of you who are not familiar with BFHI, the "Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative" (BFHI) was launched back in 1991 by the World Health …
Trusting your gut
I have always believed that breastmilk is the healthiest choice for most babies. Human milk is not just food, it has healing power. Recently, I have heard some new information that has taken belief to the next level. The first talk I heard back in the spring was about epigenetics. It turns out that we are what we eat. I have written a blog about this if you want more info about that. The most …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 25: Breastfeeding In Public
Summertime is in full swing and along with summer, comes a lot of outdoor activities, vacations, and trips out of the house with baby! Breastfeeding In Public can be scary and intimidating for new mothers, and seasoned moms alike. We will chat about how to feel more comfortable feeding your baby in public. Show notes: Breastfeeding Law Information: Clink Link below for Jake …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 24: Internet and Breastfeeding-Friend or Foe?
Breastfeeding and the internet-Is it a friend or foe? It can be both and this week on the show Barbara and Barb chat about how the internet has affected breastfeeding mothers today. Reliable breastfeeding resources: Kellymom , La Leche League , Jack Newman, Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor There are many other reliable websites, but these are a few of our absolute go-to's. You can …
Summer secrets: whole foods vs. processed
Summer is the time when our food choices here in Ann Arbor explode. We have at least six weekly, local farm markets in the area that offer a great variety of local produce and products. It is a time when eating healthy is easy. But do we always choose to? How important is this? Healthy eating? One of my dear Aunts was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last winter. We were really thrown for a loop! …
Who is the real enemy?
I just read a blog by Alison Stuebe about the World Health Organization and formula companies. She makes an important point about who, we as breastfeeding advocates, are fighting. We are not fighting formula or families who use formula. We are trying to fight formula manufacturers. They are the enemy. Why? Because there are huge profits to be made and where there is money to be made, there are …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 22: Nutrition for the Breastfeeding Mother
This week on the podcast we chat about nutrition for the breastfeeding mother. Does a nursing mom need to follow a special diet? We will tell you what we think! Shownotes: Learn how to make your own Nettle Leaf Infusion. Visit Kellymom for more information on nutrition while breastfeeding. In The News: Find a Miracle Milk Stroll Near you! Visit the NEC society to learn why …
A magic pill?
A substance that is so powerful that it is truly life changing, life saving. And we can make it ourselves for free? If the benefits from breastfeeding were packaged in a pill, remember breastfeeding is good for both mothers and babies, we would all be buying it. We would be giving it to our babies. Right? I just got back from a conference where I heard a woman speak about breastfeeding and …
3rd Annual Miracle Stroll in Ann Arbor!
To all of my readers, Thank you so much for being part of The Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor! Even if all you have ever done is read one of our posts, we are glad we have been able to be part of your life. I am now asking for something from you. This annual event, the Miracle Milk Stroll is very near and dear to my heart. I have always been a huge advocate for Banked Human Milk. We were …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 21: Introducing Solids
This week on the Podcast we are sharing our results from a recent survey on introduction of solids! We had over 500 participants and we are excited to share with you! Although we were promoting meat as a good source of protein on the show, for all of you vegetarians and vegans, we support you too! There are excellent legumes and other sources of good iron, not just …
Breastfeeding: Baby’s First Milestone? Food for Thought
I have a master's degree in education and have always been fascinated with child development. When young children are growing, they move from the concrete thinking to the abstract. Piaget's ideas of brain development were always a favorite of mine. His theories propose that children move through a set of cognitive development stages. As a teacher and a parent, I loved watching children learn …
Children, the gift that keeps on giving
My children have changed my life. For the better. I know when they are little, having children can be relentless. It is exhausting. They need things all the time. They don't sleep well. Not enough personal time or space for you. But, but... They grow and become their own beings. They make your heart swell with pride and break with their pain. Years ago I read parts of Buddhist book for mothers …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 16: Breastfeeding During The Holiday Season
This week on the podcast, Barbara and Barb chat about breastfeeding during the holidays! This time of year can be such a joyous season, but can also come with a lot of stress when you have young children. Breastfeeding mamas in particular may need to some help navigating this busy season-so let us help you! We have a lot of great ideas to help you enjoy the holiday season with your little …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 15: Breastfeeding and Medications
This week on the podcast Barbara and Barb chat about breastfeeding and medication safety. We share wonderful resources so that you can make informed health care decisions. In the news this week: Similac is back with another commercial getting us fired up here at the Breastfeeding Center in Ann Arbor! Resources of the week: Medication and Mothers' Milk by Thomas Hale Infant …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 14: Bottle Feeding Your Baby
This week's podcast episode is for everyone- Bottle feeding breast milk or formula feeding alike. Learning how to bottle feed your baby whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed is important information for parents and caregivers to have. How you give a bottle matters and we will discuss why! How can you make bottle feeding and breastfeeding work well together? Keep breast feeding the …
Who’s making you feel guilty?
I am tired of hearing about people feeling guilty, others trying to make you feel guilty, guilt trips, I am sick of guilt! How many of us feel guilty about decisions that we have made, or actions that we have committed on a daily basis? Little things like, I should have really recycled this, I shouldn't throw out this leftover food, or my dog could have really used another walk today. There are …
Is Similac stereotyping? Or just all about judging us?
As you can imagine, I have not been thrilled with Similac's new ad campaign, "the Sisterhood of Motherhood". They say we should not judge one another, all parents need support, not criticism. Who can argue with that sentiment? I am not bashing any mothers here! This about us being manipulated, not about mothers or ethnic groups. There first commercial, and please, don't forget for one moment …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 13: Breastfeeding Without Birthing with Alyssa Schnell
This week on the podcast, we have a wonderful interview to share with you. Alyssa Schnell IBCLC has a special place in her heart for helping mothers through adoption and surrogacy to breastfeed their babies. She is the author of Breastfeeding Without Birthing: A Breastfeeding Guide for Mothers Through Adoption, Surrogacy, and Other Special Circumstances. Alyssa is the proud mother of three …
Is breastfeeding in public dangerous?
Dangerous? Nursing in public? Give me a moment to explain. In the USA, many people strongly disapprove of breastfeeding in public. And they feel very free to share their opinions to these mothers. No wonder we are worried about doing it! Why does breastfeeding is public bring up such intense emotions? Make people feel so uncomfortable that they feel they need to act? When it comes down to it, …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 12: What Do You Really Need for Breastfeeding?
The breastfeeding market is exploding! There are so many products available and so this week on the podcast Barbara and Barb discuss what you really need for breastfeeding? Do you really need anything at all? Barb's favorite breastfeeding products: 1. A good breastfeeding pillow. Barb Loves the My Brest Friend Pillow. 2. Breast pads 3. Nipple cream. We really love Mother Love …