Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC 2013-05-25T05:36:20-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/index.php?author=gina-ciagneCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC Good old fashioned elbow grease.Breastfeeding in Public: Where Do American Moms Really Stand?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.24525842013-01-11T16:35:26-05:002013-03-13T05:12:01-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/
Breastfeeding will continue to be a hot topic of conversation as we move into 2013. From attachment parenting and duration of breastfeeding to women's rights in the workplace and breastfeeding in public, the conversations being generated are surprisingly controversial.
Tipping Point
The tipping point for the media frenzy occurred around the now-infamous image that appeared on the cover of TIME magazine in May 2012.
However, public attention around the breastfeeding debate and how and when it's appropriate for children and adults to witness breastfeeding began in January 2012, when a group of parents petitioned for breastfeeding to be shown again onSesame Street.
This was followed by activities across the country that helped further move our society toward embracing breastfeeding and supporting moms who breastfeed, including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Latch On NYC initiative; the focus on breastfeeding in First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign; and the multiple nurse-ins across the country that were highlighted by the Great Nurse-In, which was held on the National Mall , in Washington, D.C. and attracted 600 moms.
Opinions Evolving
The fact is, breastfeeding advocacy and support for moms' choice to breastfeed in public, at work and in school have been building public interest and gaining support over the past decade.
The TIME cover simply brought the conversation to the water coolers and dinner tables of America. In general, I believe this is an extremely healthy discussion within our country, where our national community is still challenged with providing complete support for breastfeeding moms.
Following the TIME piece, dramatic accounts of moms' choices about breastfeeding were highlighted nearly every month in a broad range of news coverage. Stories highlighted our nation's struggle to agree about breastfeeding and feeding in public -- from the professor at American University breastfeeding her sick child in class to the Applebee's mom who was nearly dragged away in handcuffs to the Luvs commercial that featured a mom breastfeeding in a restaurant.
What Moms Think
It was amid this stirring of public discussion that a survey completed by Lansinoh asked mothers in the U.S. as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany and Turkey how they feel about breastfeeding in public, how strongly they connect breastfeeding to children's health and what motivates them in their feeding choices.
Some of the results were surprising.
The survey revealed that the biggest fear breastfeeding moms in the U.S. have is nursing in public. Forty percent of U.S. moms fear nursing in public. This ranked higher than concerns about breastfeeding-related pain (28 percent), baby not being able to latch (25 percent) or even the effect breastfeeding could have on their bodies (5 percent).
What was further uncovered was how differently American moms feel about breastfeeding compared with their counterparts in other countries. U.S. moms are the most uncomfortable with nursing in public. Moms in Turkey are the most comfortable, at 89 percent; moms in Germany are second-most comfortable, at 72 percent; and moms in the U.K. are slightly less concerned than U.S. moms are, sharing a similar level of discomfort at 38 percent.
Best News
The best news, however, is that moms across all countries overwhelmingly understand that breastfeeding has incredible health benefits, and cited babies' health as the No. 1 reason.
Within the U.S., however, there are distinctive differences across each region of the country. When we looked deeper at the data, the region that stood out to us as an example of what the rest of the country needs to achieve is the West Coast. Moms there have, by far, the highest positive ratings on breastfeeding awareness, comfort level and stamina.
West Coast moms, along with moms in the South, also ranked the highest for feeling supported by their healthcare professionals. Interestingly, TIME's article this week about breastfeeding challenges sheds light on the lack of breastfeeding education and awareness by mainstream medical professionals and the possible impact this may be having on mothers' breastfeeding success.
Onward and Upward
From nursing babies and toddlers to promoting breastfeeding directly after birth, it's clear that breastfeeding continues to inspire discussion. And with that we have the potential to gain a greater awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and the support moms need to not only start, but to continue nursing past the first few weeks, when challenges are most likely to occur.
Though progress was achieved in 2012 through these important conversations in making moms more comfortable, educated and outspoken on breastfeeding, there is still much to be done.]]>Hurricane Sandy: Tips on Maintaining Breastfeeding Success During an Emergencytag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.20400542012-10-29T15:15:03-04:002012-12-29T05:12:02-05:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/ Protecting Frozen Breast Milk
Back up generators are especially helpful for breastfeeding moms during an emergency. The generators can help to power your freezer, which often holds an abundance of liquid gold, the result of many hours of pumping.
For those that don't have access to a generator, here are some tips on other solutions:
Get a cooler and fill it with dry ice, keep it on hand just in case your electricity goes out and you have frozen milk stored in your freezer. Dry ice can be found at most local grocery stores.
If you can't get dry ice, prepare your freezer to stay cold longer by filling up your ice trays or have two bags of ice in a cooler.
Move frozen milk to the back of the freezer where it will stay colder longer than if it's in the freezer door.
If your electricity goes out, do not open the door, which will let the cool air out. If you have to open the door do it as quickly as you can.
Another great option is to seek help from family, friends and neighbors who may still have power (or a generator) and extra space in their freezer. Beyond this group, you also may consider your local religious or community centers, schools or an office to which you, your partner or friends may have access.
Please remember that refreezing partially thawed breastmilk is not recommended. Previously frozen milk that has been thawed can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, breastmilk that is thawed, heated and partially consumed (if baby starts a bottle and does not finish) must be used within an hour. See further tips about breastmilk storage and transportation at OnCloudMom.
Pumping with No Electricity
As frequent-traveler breastfeeding moms know, manual breast pumps can provide help in situations when you don't readily have access to electrical outlets or on the go. If you don't have a manual pump, or aren't able to get one, you should be prepared to do some hand expressing. See tips on best way to do The Marmet Technique for hand expressing at About.com. If you've been pumping in addition to feeding from the breast, or if you're regular feeding pattern with your child may be interrupted due to the storm, you will need to continue to express milk at the same quantities and schedule in order to avoid engorgement, which can lead to complications such as plugged ducts and mastitis.
Relactation
Another consideration for breastfeeding moms during emergencies also includes being aware of the possibility of relactation, something that can be triggered in your body naturally by stress, especially in moms who have recently weaned.
This can be frustrating, but depending on the severity of the impact of the storm on your situation, it can be a plus if you're suddenly without access to clean water or hygienic conditions. Breastmilk is still the safest and most effective food you can give your child.
Please take care and be safe this week.]]>Breastfeeding Support for Working Momstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.18807482012-09-13T15:16:24-04:002012-11-13T05:12:01-05:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/pumping at work, support for working moms and guidance for maintaining the work-life balance.
That's why the latest news story about a professor at American University who breastfed her sick infant during a class lecture jumped out at me. I've been there -- I was a working mom and I found myself pumping in the workplace during the day so I could keep up my milk supply and leave behind my expressed breastmilk for my care provider. Experiencing the juggle compelled me to go into breastfeeding advocacy and education.
This recent story made us want to share some of the blog posts we've created over the years to help working moms breastfeed their babies and keep a normal balance of pumping and breastfeeding when returning to work. Here's a snapshot of some of the topics we've covered that can help working, breastfeeding moms:
Breastfeeding moms win with the Affordable Care Act. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ensures breastfeeding, working moms have the time and a private place, other than a bathroom, to pump or breastfeed at work. A huge win for breastfeeding moms, it also requires health plans to cover breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling.
Your return to work: It's never too early to start planning. Separation from your brand-new baby is especially difficult when you're breastfeeding. Not only do you have to adjust to life away from your infant, you also have to get the hang of pumping breastmilk and fitting it into your busy schedule. That's why we asked Pamela Murphy, IBCLC, PhD, CNM to contribute this guest post all about making the return to work smoother for breastfeeding moms.
Breastfeeding 101: Breastmilk storage guidelines. We covered general breastmilk storage guidelines, as well as what type of container to use, how to warm your milk, what to know about thawed milk and how to know if your frozen breastmilk should be discarded.
Dr. Sylvia Guendelman on juggling work and breastfeeding after maternity leave. We interviewed Dr. Sylvia Guendelman, Professor of Community Health and Human Development at University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Guendelman was the lead researcher on the study "Juggling Work and Breastfeeding: Effects of Maternity Leave and Occupational Characteristics," which examined the relationship between breastfeeding and maternity leave before and after delivery among working mothers in Southern California.
What you should know if you exclusively pump breastmilk. Most moms who are away from their babies all day while at work have to pump their breastmilk to keep up their supply and also to leave behind their expressed breastmilk for their baby's care provider. Some of these tips, including how to ease soreness and how to create bonding, can help working moms who aren't always able to be with their baby.
We hope these help moms keep their supply up and continue breastfeeding when returning to work!
These breastfeeding tips and more can be found on OnCloudMom.com.]]>Breastfeeding Safely: Boosting Supply in a Time of Demandtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.17620312012-08-14T14:04:31-04:002012-10-14T05:12:02-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/Breastfeeding Pills' Risky Results" recently ran on The Daily Beast, discussing the fact that many nursing moms are turning to drugs to help them produce more milk. Studies show that there is no sound evidence to prove that the pills work, and doctors say that taking these pills can come with serious side effects. This form of "extreme breastfeeding" is becoming more popular -- but is it worth the risk?
Although many women chose to take pills like Reglan and Domperidone to boost milk supply, this is an "off-label" use and there are documented side effects and risks when it comes to using these GI pills to increase milk production. Many mothers have a worry that they will not be able to produce enough milk to sustain their babies. For some moms, this is just a worry and they find that by feeding on demand, exclusively breastfeeding (meaning nothing else including formula supplementation or water) and regularly stimulating their breasts (with baby feeding at the breast or, if separated, by pumping during a normal feeding session) they are able to maintain a very good milk supply.
For mothers who do experience low milk supply, there are a number of safe and natural ways to boost it. First, drink water. Water is extremely important for milk production, though excessive amounts of water are not necessary. Breastfeeding women should drink enough to stay properly hydrated throughout the day. There are also herbal supplements, like Fenugreek and blessed thistle, among others, that have been used around the world for years to boost milk supply. Certain foods, such as oatmeal and granola, may also increase production. Although oatmeal is a great food for breastfeeding moms, a well-rounded diet is essential -- supplementing oatmeal for three meals a day will not increase milk production.
Feeding baby at the breast is ideal and the best way to increase your milk supply. In addition, there are other actions mothers can take -- such as an extra pumping after you have nursed to ensure you have drained all of the milk from your breast, pumping in between feedings or at night before you go to sleep and after you have nursed. Many moms find that they have a high milk supply in the morning after sleeping, so try a morning pumping session if you can. Additional pumping sessions will trigger to your body to make more milk. Using a specially-designed warm/hot gel pack while pumping can also elicit more milk during a pumping session.
Check out The Daily Beast article by Eliza Shapiro here.
What do you think? Share your thoughts with me on the Lansinoh Facebook wall or with the breastfeeding community by tweeting using the hastag #BFchat.
Full disclosure: Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC is a Senior Director of Professional Relations for Lansinoh Laboraties, manufacturers of breastfeeding supplies and equipment.]]>Breastfeeding: Raising Awareness and Support During National Breastfeeding Monthtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.17284472012-08-01T13:06:04-04:002012-10-01T05:12:03-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/National Breastfeeding Month.
This year marks the second official National Breastfeeding Month. In 2011, the United States Breastfeeding Committee officially deemed August National Breastfeeding Month for our nation.
This is a time to reflect on how far our country has come in increasing breastfeeding awareness and where we're headed in our continued advocacy. Within recent years, two states have banned unsolicited formula freebies to new moms in hospitals and other states are looking to follow suit.
My hope is that this discussion continues to spark conversations among all of us, and that breastfeeding will be a subject that we can talk about freely and publicly. I want it to help us continue to make inroads in our efforts. Hopefully, with increased discussion, more moms will have information to make a truly educated decision on their infant feeding choice. They'll recognize the benefits of breastfeeding and the risks to not breastfeed -- all of which are substantiated by evidence-based research that continues to mount.
From these conversations, I want to see measurable progress in breastfeeding initiation and duration past the first few days, weeks, and months of a baby's life in the U.S. About 75 percent of moms in the United States initiate breastfeeding, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions' 2011 Breastfeeding Report Card. However, the numbers for duration drop in subsequent weeks and months, especially as moms return to work. I look forward to seeing those numbers grow as we celebrate more National Breastfeeding Months in the years to come and increase our support for breastfeeding moms and babies.
I'll be doing my part to support moms by speaking with other experts from within the breastfeeding community as well as providing information to our Lansinoh USA communities on Facebook and Twitter (#bfchat). These forums offer a safe haven where moms can ask their breastfeeding questions and answer calls for support. We will also be sharing our love and dedication to moms and babies by giving away hundreds of breastfeeding support products throughout the month. We're making sure we do our part because every bit of support helps moms and babies carry on in their breastfeeding journeys.
Join breastfeeding moms and advocates by observing National Breastfeeding Month during the month of August. We look forward to celebrating with supporters across the United States and around the world. How are you doing your part to spread the breastfeeding love this month?]]>Traveling While Breastfeeding This Summer? 13 Tips to Know Before Hitting the Road!tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16879482012-07-20T11:40:17-04:002013-05-13T10:49:04-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/breastfeed while on-the-go?
It might seem a little daunting, so here's some advice to help you keep up your supply while traveling.
Breastfeeding tips for when you're traveling with your baby
Plan to stop along the way. If you'll be on a long car trip, plan where you will stop to breastfeed. Even on hot summer days, babies who are exclusively breastfed or under six months don't need any fluids other than breast milk. It provides enough hydration so that no water or supplemental fluids are needed.
Prepare for takeoff. If you'll be traveling by air, try to sit in a window or aisle seat so you won't have people on either side while you are breastfeeding. This is not to hide away, but if your baby likes to kick and squirm while breastfeeding, your neighbors might not appreciate it. Also, breastfeed your baby during takeoff and landing. The suckling can help ease the ear pressure that often builds during those times.
Know your rights! Become familiar with the breastfeeding laws at your destination so you know where you can and cannot breastfeed in public. Some states and countries have more strict rules against it than others. Be respectful of local practices.
Get your immunizations. Be sure your immunizations are up-to-date and talk to your family health care provider about any immunizations your baby might need before traveling.
Remember that babies get jet lag, too. Jet lag affects babies too, and throwing off your little one's internal clock might make her fussy. You and your baby might need a few days to settle into the new routine, but the familiarity of breastfeeding can help comfort her. Also keep in mind that with the time changes, you might need to nurse on the schedule that is in accordance with your baby's schedule back home and you can gradually adjust to the time change if there is one.
Keeping your breastmilk supply up while traveling away from your baby
Prepare for your trip. If you are traveling without your baby, you will want to make sure to have expressed your milk as well as determined a feeding pattern with your nursling before you leave. Many moms have had success using some of the new bottles on the market that have specially designed nipples for breastfed babies, so there is less of a chance for nipple confusion. This way, baby takes the bottle when you're away and can get back to feeding at the breast when you return. This gives peace of mind for all involved, especially those caring for the baby while you're away. It is good to keep expressing breast milk to keep your supply in rhythm with the feeding schedule established with your baby. Many moms also use fenugreek, oatmeal and teas to boost and keep supply up, especially while away from baby.
Pump extra breastmilk. If you leave your baby at home with another care provider while you travel, one of the most important steps to take is to pump extra breast milk for your baby before you go. Be sure to pump enough for the full time you'll be away, plus enough for a few extra days, just in case you run into any delays or interruptions in your travel.
Be prepared for any breast pump issues. If you're planning to bring your pump on your trip, be sure to bring replacement parts in case something breaks or gets misplaced while you're traveling.
Stick to a pumping schedule. During your trip, it's important you pump to maintain your milk supply. Even if you are not able to fit in a full session, it's OK. Even a few minutes of pumping can help sustain your supply. Do your best to keep to your baby's regular feeding schedule in order to stimulate your supply.
Find a good place to pump. If you're traveling by air, check with the airline to see if it will let you use its lounge so you can have a quiet, clean place to pump. Many lounges have private rooms for conference calls or meetings, which you might be able to use to pump. Some airports have nice mother's lounges as well. Scope these out by calling the airport beforehand to make sure you'll be allowed to use these rooms. Try not to skip your pumping session even if these ideal settings are not available because you don't want to interrupt your supply.
Make sure you have a refrigerator to store breastmilk. Inquire with the hotel about the minibar fridge and make sure you'll be able to store your breast milk, as sometimes they're locked. If there's no fridge in your hotel room, see if the hotel will provide a small fridge in your room during your stay.
Stay healthy. Drink plenty of water, eat as well as you can and get enough rest while away. All of these things can affect your supply, especially if you are traveling without your baby.
Breast milk storage tips while traveling
Keep your breast milk cool. While breastmilk is OK to leave at (ambient) room temperature for up to ten hours, but remember temperatures can increase when you are traveling. Bring a cooler and frozen ice packs with you to keep your breast milk cool during travel. Also, keep your breast milk in storage bottles, as they are less likely than storage bags to get damaged while in transit.
Know the breast milk travel regulations. According to the TSA, moms flying with and without their child are permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint. Breast milk falls into the same category as liquid medications. The officers at the checkpoint might look at it for explosives or open it. Just remember to tell the officers that you have pumped breast milk and they'll lead you through the process.
I hope these tips will make traveling while breastfeeding a breeze for any mom. Feel free to add any tips of your own below.
These breastfeeding tips and more can be found on OnCloudMom.com. ]]>Who Defines [Modern] Motherhood?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.14755052012-05-04T10:50:23-04:002012-07-04T05:12:04-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/The Conflict: How Modern Motherhood Undermines the Status of Women. In it, Badinter expresses that moms who choose to stay at home to raise their children are infantile; breastfeeding reduces moms to "nursing animals" and parents who spend more time with their children are ultimately less happy, as they are often racked with guilt and anxiety that they never do enough for their children.
Since the dawn of time, women have been having babies and making decisions about how to raise them. But hand-in-hand with that, women have been judged for the choices they make. My reaction to Badinter's words is probably the same as yours: Why is it that women seem to judge each other for the life choices we make, especially in the mothering arena?
Let me narrow that even further to the breastfeeding arena, since it's the one I'm most passionate about. I'm a breastfeeding educator and counselor, so I am constantly talking to women about the breastfeeding relationship and its specific benefits and risks, as well as the practical issues related to both. And rather than damn women for their choices, whether or not they agree with my personal preferences, my role is to support women and help them along their chosen paths.
Badinter judges moms who stay home with their children for relinquishing "their independence" (I put that in quotes because who are we to say that stay-at-moms aren't independent and happy at home). But moms on the other side of the coin who choose to return to work also get judged. Some would say moms shouldn't even consider working fulltime -- that she chose to have a baby, and she shouldn't consider returning to work outside the home.
This paradox defines the crux of the "mommy wars," where judgment is passed without knowing another woman's context, framework, and the many facets that influence her parenting decisions.
When it comes to how mothers raise their families and how they decide what will work within their family dynamic, no one knows better than that mother herself. The simple truth is this: What works for one might not work for all. No two babies are the same, just as no two mothers are the same.
That's why I became an educator and advocate, so I could help women without judging, mistreating or damning those who make alternative decisions regarding their children. Myriad research proves that breastfeeding is best for most moms and babies, and that there are long-lasting health, societal, economic, and physiological benefits. That's why I educate moms to give them a well-rounded view about the options available and then help them start and continue breastfeeding. But in the end, it isn't my right or role to change a mom's mind, and it's important that I respect the decision she makes, without judgment.
This belief of "modern motherhood" extends far beyond the breastfeeding decision. I hope that we, as mothers, women, and people, eventually learn to be kind to each other and respectful of one another's mothering decisions. We can each continue to break the mold, and rebuild one personally suitable for ourselves and our families.
That is what I call "modern".]]>Breastfeeding Has Heart and Can Save Yourstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.12830682012-02-17T20:05:04-05:002012-04-18T05:12:01-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, just as it is men. One in three American deaths is from heart disease or stroke. This equates to about 2,200 deaths per day, according to the CDC. In addition to February being American Heart Month, the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women initiative places special attention on raising awareness and fighting heart disease in women.
In light of these statistics, it is important to take care of your heart, no matter your age or gender. Many ways to reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease or stroke are obvious -- exercise, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and don't smoke.
But moms have a secret weapon when it comes to reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease. That weapon is breastfeeding. Studies show that moms who breastfeed can lower their risk of developing heart disease and related issues.
In May 2009, Dr. Eleanor Bimla Schwarz and her colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on Health Care evaluated 140,000 postmenopausal women with an average age of 63. The study showed that women who breastfed for more than 12 months during their life were nearly 10 percent less likely to develop cardiovascular disease. They were also less likely to develop risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
The benefits of breastfeeding don't apply just to moms. Studies show breastfed babies get heart-healthy benefits well into adulthood. A study presented at the American Heart Association's 2007 Scientific Sessions looked at the long-term effects of breastfeeding using data from two generations of participants in the Framingham Heart Study.
The results show adults who were breastfed as babies had a lower average body mass index by .9 kg/m2 and were 55 percent more likely to have a high HDL cholesterol level. Maintaining a healthy weight and good cholesterol levels can be the difference between developing or avoiding cardiovascular disease. Here's something the study found that's surprising: Some of the babies in the study had only been breastfed for a month. If anything proves the power of breastfeeding to combat heart disease, it's that the life-long benefits can be seen after just one month.
Now I'm stepping into my role as a breastfeeding advocate. Beyond health improvements, there are vast fiscal and emotional breastfeeding benefits. It can save time and money, compared to formula, and fosters an irreplaceable bond between mom and baby which cannot be replicated by an artificial substitute.
Ladies, you're at just as much risk for cardiovascular disease as any man in your life, so take steps now to protect your heart. And if you or someone you know is pregnant and weighing the decision between breastfeeding and formula, save this article or share it right now. The research shows that breastfeeding works wonders for your heart, health, and baby. It also helps make us a healthier society with far-reaching benefits that last beyond the stage of breastfeeding.]]>America's Breastfeeding Resolution for 2012tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.11936812012-01-10T15:12:13-05:002012-03-11T05:12:01-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/issue rocked the media in the last months of 2011, and with the new year upon us, it's time America makes this its New Year's resolution: Stop condemning women for breastfeeding in public.
All this controversy begs the question: What's the big deal about a woman feeding her child in the most natural and healthy way possible, in public or anywhere else?
Studies continue to show the benefits of breastfeeding for moms and babies, and those benefits don't just end when breastfeeding ends. They are protective benefits that continue as babies grow into toddlers, adolescents, and adults. More moms are becoming interested in breastfeeding to give their children the best start in life. But, at the same time, they're expected to feed their children behind closed doors, under blankets, or in bathroom stalls. How are moms supposed to adhere to these near-impossible standards society has set for them? And more importantly, why should they?
Maybe this is a result of a general lack of knowledge about breastfeeding. Every state has different laws about breastfeeding in public. However, in many states, moms can feed their children whenever and wherever they need to. In Michigan (where Natalie was reprimanded) and Washington, D.C. (where Simone was harassed), women who are breastfeeding are exempt from public indecency laws. And in Washington, D.C., women can breastfeed in any public or private location. But, as these two examples show us, it is not enough just to have these laws in place; they must be understood and implemented correctly.
It's also important to know that there are laws protecting working moms. Federal laws have been enhanced to protect the rights of breastfeeding moms, such as President Obama's health care bill, which was approved as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010. It mandates that employers with 50 or more employees provide accommodations that allow a mom to breastfeed or pump in a private area other than a bathroom. So our country is definitely moving in the right direction. There are some segments, however, that have to catch up with their understanding and acceptance.
Being aware of these laws and not only accepting, but supporting, a mom's decision and right to breastfeed needs to be the next step. Breastfeeding is natural, healthy, and benefits us as a society. Its benefits can help improve babies' development and growth, and create a loving bond between moms and babies. It is, without a doubt, one of the most selfless acts a mother can do for her child, and it needs to become something for which we applaud women, not condemn them.
So aside from pledging to lose weight, or reorganize your closets, resolve to do this: Stop condemning moms for breastfeeding their children in public. Instead, let's celebrate the gift of happiness and healthiness that moms are able to give to their children every day through breastfeeding. ]]>Will the Decline of Formula Freebies Lead to Better Breastfeeding Practices in Hospitals?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.10001812011-10-10T11:16:39-04:002011-12-10T05:12:02-05:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/CDC's 2011 Breastfeeding Report Card indicated that breastfeeding rates are slowly rising in the U.S. But the country still has a way to go before it reaches the breastfeeding goals set by Healthy People 2020. Many say that improved support from birth facilities is integral to increasing breastfeeding rates. So why is it that so many new moms leave the maternity ward toting a bag packed with free formula samples? Doesn't this undermine plans they might have had to breastfeed? Studies show it does.
A report released by Toronto Public Health in Canada shows that Canadian women who don't get those freebie formula samples after giving birth are 3.5 times more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding after two weeks. That's 350 percent more likely. The author cites a similar study done in the U.S. in 2005 where that figure was a staggering 4.4 times more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding if mom was not given formula. Clearly, these sampling programs are a serious barrier to breastfeeding.
The breastfeeding versus formula war has been raging for decades, and there will always be moms who choose, for whatever reason, not to breastfeed. I'm a Certified Lactation Counselor, breastfeeding advocate, educator, promoter, and former breastfeeding mom of two. In both my and many scientists and health care providers' opinions, the evidence speaks for itself regarding the benefits of (and the risks of not) breastfeeding for both mom and baby. Research shows that it provides health benefits for moms and babies that simply can't be matched by an artificial substitute.
Formula is crucial when a mother is, for whatever reason, unable to breastfeed her child. But in the words of fellow breastfeeding advocate and Lactation Consultant Amy Spangler, "While breastfeeding may not seem the right choice for every parent, it is the best choice for every baby."
The dissemination of free formula in hospitals should be an exception to the rule rather than standard protocol. Breastfeeding support and promotion should be an instrumental part of every hospital's protocol and formula should be offered if and when a mother has been given the opportunity to be helped with breastfeeding, especially in the early days post-birth.
In response to requests received over the years by breastfeeding educators and hospitals that wanted to more proactively promote breastfeeding to their patients, Lansinoh began working with Cottonwood Kids in 2009 to support an alternative to hospitals' formula freebies called the Healthy Baby Bag. This breastfeeding-friendly gift bag was developed by Cottonwood's founder, Erik Maurer, who saw that there were few alternatives to formula companies' free hospital samples. Health care providers were asking for more educational breastfeeding materials and samples to hand out. Packaged inside each Healthy Baby Bag are samples, coupons, and helpful information about breastfeeding from some of the world's leading consumer product manufacturers.
"Cottonwood Kids has provided hospital birth centers with creative gifts for over 15 years," says Maurer. "Being in this market, I became inspired by the nurses, doctors, midwives, and doulas who wanted to stop giving away formula bags to their new moms and who were ardently promoting and supporting breastfeeding, but didn't have an alternative. Working with so many people who are dedicated to supporting moms and offering them healthy choices made me realize that there was a need for a low-cost, high-impact breastfeeding support bag that they could give to their patients."
The ultimate goal is to spread the Healthy Baby Bag program to every hospital where one of the 4 million annual U.S. births takes place each year. If Erik Maurer and Cottonwood Kids succeed, it could be a bright spot in the history of breastfeeding.
We have a long way to go before breastfeeding has the same promotional support in the maternity ward that formula has today. With more involvement from companies that support breastfeeding mothers, I hope that number will continue to grow.]]>It's Official: August Is National Breastfeeding Monthtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.9284182011-08-16T17:06:03-04:002011-10-16T05:12:01-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/United States Breastfeeding Committee has now proclaimed that August is officially National Breastfeeding Month in the U.S.
The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is an independent, nonprofit coalition of more than 40 nationally influential professional, educational, and governmental organizations. Its mission is an important one: Improve our nation's health by protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding.
In honor of the first official National Breastfeeding Month, I wanted to highlight some of the most important news to come out of the breastfeeding world this year. All of these events played a role in advancing the goals of the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee and the many other organizations committed to breastfeeding promotion.
U.S. Surgeon General issues Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin issued an important statement in January: the Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. It outlined the steps that family members, clinicians, friends, and employers can and should take to eliminate the barriers that keep many women from breastfeeding their babies. The purpose of the document is to provide direction to people who interact with nursing moms who can have an affect on breastfeeding duration rates in the U.S. It was significant that a figure like the Surgeon General was taking a public stance on breastfeeding support. Her recommendations included developing programs to educate fathers and grandmothers about breastfeeding; strengthening programs that provide mother-to mother support and peer counseling, creating a national campaign to promote breastfeeding, ensuring that the marketing of infant formula is conducted in a way that minimizes its negative impacts on exclusive breastfeeding, and many more.
Breast pumps are now tax deductible
The IRS announced in February that breast pumps are now a tax deductible expense. Women will be able to use the money they've set aside in pretax spending accounts to buy breast pumps. For those without flexible spending accounts, the cost of pumps will be tax deductible if their total medical costs exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. This new policy was years in the making, first proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2009. This was one of the most important developments in the breastfeeding community in the last year -- it's a tangible move toward more mom-friendly legislation that doesn't just promise something, but delivers something to women who want to breastfeed their babies.
Obama orders "appropriate workplace accommodations" for federal employees
The health care reform bill mandated for the first time that employers with more than 50 employees be responsible for providing a private place for breastfeeding moms to pump their milk at work. Obama took the new legislative protections to heart by issuing a memo to the Office of Personnel Management, asking federal personnel officials to draft "appropriate workplace accommodations" for federal employees who are also breastfeeding moms. While he was just following the rules, it was still exciting to see the POTUS take a minute out of his day to write a memo just for moms.
My company, Lansinoh Laboratories, is celebrating this month as well. We were a participating sponsor of the DC Breastfeeding Taskforce's Big Latch On, we sponsored the national Babies R Us World Breastfeeding Week event, and made donations to organizations including Native Health WIC in Arizona; Memorial Regional Hospital in Florida; La Leche League of Southern Indiana, New York, and Florida; Michigan District Health Department, and many more. It is so important that support is given not only to large-scale government initiatives, but also to the grassroots movements and breastfeeding coalitions who are there to help moms and babies every day. Breastfeeding groups and organizations nationwide have united over the past year to help put policy into practice, and we have been proud to offer them our support.
Thank you to the United States Breastfeeding Committee for making August our official National Breastfeeding Month. We look forward to celebrating all month long with moms across the country.]]>Tips for Breastfeeding: What Every Expectant Mom Should Knowtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8681442011-06-08T17:15:46-04:002011-08-08T05:12:01-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/
As a breastfeeding expert and mom of two, I've learned that nursing a baby requires education, a healthy body and support from loved ones. So in honor of Pregnancy Awareness Month -- an organization that promotes these same tenets -- here are some of the things that moms-to-be should know about breastfeeding as they get closer to their due date.
If your baby's latch and your body's position are correct, breastfeeding shouldn't hurt.
Lots of moms hear that breastfeeding is painful and are nervous to even try it. While some breast and nipple tenderness is normal when you start nursing, adjustments can -- and should -- be made if tenderness turns to pain and persists. Here are two things to try if you're experiencing any persistent discomfort.
First, remember the importance of good positioning. Make sure the baby's head and mouth are even with the nipple and that the baby is facing the breast. A second typical cause of pain is improper latch. Check to see that your baby is taking both the nipple and a good part of the areola tissue into his or her mouth. To get him to open his mouth wider, tickle him beneath the chin. Another helpful latching tip is to make sure that the baby's lips are both turned out. Mothers can use an index finger to flip their baby's lower lip up.
If pain persists after trying these solutions, ask for help from a lactation counselor or LC. What starts as a simple issue can become complicated if you suffer in silence.
When you're pregnant or breastfeeding, your health is directly connected to the health of your baby. So staying fit and eating right is more important than ever. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that healthy pregnant women exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week. This will give you more energy, help you sleep better, reduce discomforts like back pain and bloating, and get you prepared for labor and childbirth.
Most forms of moderate exercise are acceptable (even running, for those who ran regularly before becoming pregnant). But avoid exercises that require you to lie on your back after the first trimester -- or sooner if this position makes you dizzy or short of breath. The "talk test" will tell you if you're working too hard -- if you can have a conversation, your exertion and heart rate are within acceptable levels.
When it comes to calorie intake, pregnant and breastfeeding women need to account for the extra calories they're burning, but shouldn't overdo it at mealtime. During your pregnancy you'll generally need 300-500 calories extra per day in the second and third trimesters.
When breastfeeding, moms burn an additional 200 to 500 calories per day producing milk. So even if you're trying to drop the baby weight, be sure to eat 1,500 to 1,800 calories a day (probably closer to the high end of that range) so you don't put your supply in jeopardy. Most importantly, focus on eating healthy foods rich in nutrients like whole grains, lean proteins and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
Breastfeeding moms can get help from Dad.
While the physical responsibilities of nursing fall on Mom, a dad's behavior can either support or undermine breastfeeding success. In fact, Pediatrics published a study in 2005 that found that of the mothers whose supporting partners were taught how to help manage common breastfeeding problems, about 25 percent were still breastfeeding exclusively or predominately when their babies were six months old. Of those women whose partner was only educated on general health and nutrition, the breastfeeding rate at six months dropped to 15 percent.
Dads should take the time to learn about breastfeeding so that they understand and can get on board with moms' goals. This will keep them from getting frustrated with a crying baby who is taking a little time to learn to eat. That frustration is what leads many fathers to suggest formula -- they don't know how else to help. The best thing to do in those situations is understand that breastfeeding is new for the baby and the mom, and that encouragement and support is more helpful than supplementing with formula.
From the moment you conceive, your life is forever changed. And the experiences of pregnancy, birth and caring for an infant are magical, but also trying. Preparing your mind and body for these years, and asking for help when you need it, will alleviate some of the stress so that you can enjoy even more of this special time.
This is what Alisa Donner and Anna Getty had on their minds when they came together in 2008 to create Pregnancy Awareness Month. The mission of this annual, month-long event is to educate, empower, inspire and build a community of support for expectant women and families.
Alisa and Anna host an annual series of Motherhood Begins Now events across the country throughout the month of May, welcoming hundreds of pregnant women, new parents and those planning to start families for a day of family fun, information and inspiration. The goal is to educate expectant mothers, help them stay fit and healthy, and nurture them during and after their pregnancy.
Thank you to Pregnancy Awareness Month's board and founders for celebrating and supporting all the soon-to-be moms out there!]]>I.R.S. Deems Breast Pumps a Tax-Deductible Expensetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8217032011-02-15T16:41:00-05:002011-11-17T09:02:45-05:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/I.R.S. announced that breast pumps are now a tax-deductible expense.
Under this ruling, women will now be able to use pre-tax Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs) to buy breast pumps and related accessories. For those without FSAs, the cost of pumps will be tax-deductible if their total medical costs meet the required percentage of adjusted gross income.
For some families, this will be a nice way to save some money. But for the moms who struggle to pay for a quality breast pump, this policy will make it possible for them to continue breastfeeding their babies while they work and for the full 12 months recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. And that means the likelihood that the U.S. will reach the goals set in Healthy People 2020 for breastfeeding is much greater.
In a country where employers are only required to provide 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, the challenges associated with breastfeeding after the return to work are the No. 1 reason moms report as the cause for early cessation of breastfeeding. Breastmilk production follows the rule of supply and demand. If a breastfeeding mom regularly goes a full day without expressing breastmilk, her supply wanes and will eventually dry up, leaving her no choice but to use formula. When mom and baby are separated for an extended period, breast pumps make it possible to stimulate milk production while the pumped milk can be stored for later use.
Studies have shown that breastfed babies are protected against common childhood gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, stomach cancers and peptic ulcers; have a reduced risk of depression and behavioral problems; might even have higher IQ; and are less likely to be obese later in life -- a cause championed by First Lady Michelle Obama in her Let's Move Campaign to reduce the rate of childhood obesity.
Further, women who breastfeed are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Research has also shown that the longer a woman breastfed her babies, the less likely she is to develop breast cancer. And the weight loss many women report as a bonus of breastfeeding is a significant benefit in a culture plagued by obesity and its associated health risks.
To say this decision by the I.R.S. makes this a big day for breastfeeding would be a huge understatement. And it's a policy change that's been a long time in the making. It was January 2009 when the AAP and several other medical organizations penned a letter to Commissioner of Internal Revenue Douglas Shulman urging the I.R.S. to consider revising current I.R.S. policy and allow breast pumps and related equipment to be reimbursed under FSAs. Their argument was that it would increase access to breast pumps and promote longer duration of breastfeeding and improved health outcomes for infants and their mothers.
The response from the I.R.S. in September 2010 sought to justify their decision by reasoning that breast pumps and related accessories did not qualify because breastmilk was deemed by the I.R.S. to be simply a nutritious food. And since nutrition was not considered a medical condition, pumps and related accessories would not qualify for a tax break. Meanwhile, those same tax-sheltered accounts could be used to pay for dentures, braces, acne creams and more.
Apparently, at the time of the initial decision the mounting evidence-based research on the importance and benefits of breastfeeding and the uproar from various medical organizations was not enough to sway the I.R.S. Even research published in Pediatrics that found that if 90 percent of U.S. women breastfed exclusively for the first six months of a baby's life, the U.S. would save $13 billion per year and prevent 911 infant deaths was not enough to convince the I.R.S.
When the news of the I.R.S's initial response broke, the blogosphere and traditional media outlets lit up. How was it possible that breast pumps, necessary to express milk when mom and baby are apart, weren't considered medical care? I was one of the bloggers reporting on the situation, and directed readers to a petition to tell the I.R.S not to discriminate against breastfeeding.
Congress became involved in November 2010 and sent a letter to Commissioner Shulman that protested the way breast pumps were classified by the I.R.S. It was signed by 45 state representatives and read:
As strong supporters of efforts to improve infant health by making it easier for nursing mothers to breastfeed, we were troubled to learn that the Internal Revenue Service ruled that breastfeeding does not provide enough health benefits to qualify as a medical care expense, and, consequently, these expenses are not tax-deductible, and flexible health spending account cannot be used to pay for breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies.
This decision by the I.R.S is at odds with the growing body of medical evidence showing that breastfeeding has proven health benefits for both mothers and babies... we urge the Internal Revenue Service to reconsider its decision in this matter."
Today, all of us who were outraged by this injustice to moms and babies got the answer we were waiting for. It's a victory for families in the U.S., and a significant turning point as our country makes decisions that underscore the importance of breastfeeding.]]>Surgeon General Calls the U.S. Into Action on Breastfeedingtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8143162011-01-27T08:35:00-05:002011-05-25T18:30:24-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/ workplace support for breastfeeding moms mandated by 2010's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin issued the Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding on Jan. 20.
The Call to Action takes breastfeeding support recommendations to the next level, following the HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding. The HHS Blueprint was the first U.S. policy document on breastfeeding, released in 2000 by former Surgeon General David Satcher.
Dr. Benjamin's Call to Action expands on the 19 ideas listed in the HHS Blueprint, and presents 20 specific policies and activities that will effectively support, promote and protect breastfeeding. It outlines the many obstacles breastfeeding and pumping mothers face in the U.S. and identifies ways that families (especially fathers and grandmothers), employers, and health care professionals can support breastfeeding and pumping moms so they can meet the duration rates recommended by the World Health Organization and several other organizations.
In a press release, the Office of the Surgeon General highlighted the following as the key takeaways from the Call to Action:
Communities should expand and improve programs that provide mother to mother support and peer counseling.
Health care systems should ensure that maternity care practices provide education and counseling on breastfeeding. Hospitals should become more "baby-friendly," by taking steps like those recommended by the UNICEF/WHO's Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
Clinicians should ensure that they are trained to properly care for breastfeeding mothers and babies. They should promote breastfeeding to their pregnant patients and make sure that mothers receive the best advice on how to breastfeed.
Employers should work toward establishing paid maternity leave and high-quality lactation support programs. Employers should expand the use of programs that allow nursing mothers to have their babies close by so they can feed them during the day. They should also provide women with break time and private space to express breast milk.
Families should give mothers the support and encouragement they need to breastfeed
The CDC reported in its 2010 Breastfeeding Report Card that 75 percent of babies in the U.S. start out breastfeeding, but the number drops precipitously after the first few weeks and months postpartum. Six months after birth, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding falls to just 13 percent. A 2010 study published in Pediatrics shows that an increase in breastfeeding duration rates that aligned with official recommendation of the World Health Organization could save the U.S. $13 billion and 911 infant lives each year. Dr. Benjamin's Call to Action recommends the specific actions that will drive breastfeeding rates higher, aiming to meet WHO recommendations and the goals for initiation and duration set by Healthy People 2020.
This document heralds a long-awaited change to breastfeeding-related policy. The Surgeon General now demands that this urgent public health issue gets the attention it deserves. In the two years it took to develop the Call to Action, citizens, community leaders, thought leaders, policy makers, and businesses such as Lansinoh were called upon to make recommendations for the actions that would support, protect, and promote breastfeeding. I made recommendations on behalf of Lansinoh at the CDC hearing in July 2009. In my testimony I stressed that while breastfeeding is the normal way to feed an infant it's not always easy, especially for working, pumping moms who get little support from their family, employers and coworkers.
In my testimony I made the point that while it's extremely important to educate families, employers, and health care workers about the benefits of breastfeeding and risks of not breastfeeding, we won't make much progress without policy that supports these women. And not just through the first days of their baby's life, but the entire first year postpartum.
The Call to Action lays the groundwork for this policy by recommending a number of realistic actions that communities can put to work now. Breastfeeding is about more than feeding -- it is a nurturing, nourishing act that improves not only the lives of moms and babies, but the health and well being of our nation. It's in all of our best interests to respond to this Call to Action.]]>Breastfeeding: Why Won't The IRS Give Mothers a Breaktag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7811742010-11-17T09:09:12-05:002011-05-25T18:10:25-04:00Gina Cicatelli Ciagne, CLC http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-ciagne/health care reform bill included breast pumping support provisions. Mothers were given the right to adequate break time and a private place to pump their breast milk at work. But these legislative changes missed one key piece of the puzzle--the breast pump.
What can you pay for with these flexible spending accounts? Prescription acne medication, dentures, braces, acupuncture, birth control and much more. But a breast pump, which could extend a mom's ability to feed her baby breast milk for months or even years, must be purchased out of pocket.
The IRS explains that by its standards, breast milk qualifies as simply a nutritious food, and since nutrition is not considered a medical condition, important breastfeeding equipment doesn't qualify for a tax break. Following that logic, a breast pump would fall into the same category as your average kitchen appliance.
Studies have shown that breastfed babies are protected against common childhood gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, stomach cancers, and peptic ulcers; have a reduced risk of depression and behavioral problems; might even have higher IQ; and can mean lower rates of obesity later in life--a cause championed by First Lady Michelle Obama in her Let's Move Campaign to reduce the rate of childhood obesity.
Women who breastfeed are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Research has also shown that the longer a woman breastfed, the less likely she is to develop breast cancer. And the weight loss many women report as a bonus of breastfeeding is a significant benefit in a culture plagued by obesity.
What will it take to make the IRS understand that breast milk is much more than a nutritious, nice-to-have for babies? For starters, it will require education around the greater importance of breastfeeding to the health and wellness of moms and babies. I'd be interested to know who the IRS consulted when it came time to decide if breast pumps were important enough to be purchased using these accounts.
The IRS must understand the importance of breast pumps and other supplies in making continued breastfeeding a possibility in a country where employers are only required to provide 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The challenges associated with breastfeeding after the return to work is the number one reason moms report they stopped breastfeeding.
Yet medical professionals, the American Academy of Pediatrics (which petitioned the IRS to cover these expenses), and the U.S. branch of the International Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA), recommend women breastfeed their babies exclusively for a minimum of the first six months, and feed a combination of breast milk and other supplementary foods for an additional six months to reach a full year of breastfeeding. For a full-time working mom, it would be virtually impossible to reach this goal without the help of a breast pump.
Breast milk production follows the rule of supply and demand. If a breastfeeding mom regularly goes a full day without expressing breast milk, her supply wanes and will eventually dry up, leaving her no choice but formula. When mom and baby are separated for an extended period, breast pumps make it possible to stimulate milk production while the pumped milk can be stored for later use.
In our current economic climate, no one is asking for these expenses to be covered 100 percent, but some financial help could go a long way for many mothers. It could be the difference between affording a breast pump and not.
It's worth noting that the IRS states that mothers can get a note from their doctor or health care provider that explains why they should be allowed use these flexible spending accounts to purchase a pump. But this still places the burden squarely upon the mother to plead her case. And in the end, it could easily be denied.
The overwhelming response to this news, which spawned hundreds, if not thousands of comments, articles, and blog posts, has spurred Change.org to create a petition to tell Congress it can't discriminate against breastfeeding. Please take a moment to sign your name. And help spread the word by sharing this with as many friends and family as possible. Post it on Facebook. Send out a mass e-mail. Changing the IRS's position on breastfeeding could be one of the greatest successes for breastfeeding and, ultimately, for the health of our nation. I hope you'll be a part of it.
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