NPR State of Things covers Breastfeeding and Feminism
Thursday’s airing of “The State of Things” with Frank Stasio on NPR covered Breastfeeding and Feminism.
The Bricks :: Feature Articles
Breastfeeding—friendly?
The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics both state that exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a child’s life is the best start. The WHO’s baby-friendly hospital initiative requires hospitals, among other things, to ban formula advertising bags. The “Ten Steps” towards becoming baby friendly create an environment where women feel celebrated and supported as they breastfeed, rather than an inconvenience to staff. You can find a complete listing of all baby friendly hospitals and birth centers on the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Website here.
Motherhood, beauty, art
Through the ages, these three words have often been used synonymously. However, in the midst of nursing pads and showerless days, morning sickness and achy hips…your glow may be forgotten.
10 things NOT to say to an overdue pregnant woman
Ah, the joys of being “overdue.” Not only may you feel frustrated with your very pregnant state, but it seems that everyone around you feels it is their job to inform you that you have left the bun (s) in the oven too long.
Questions to ask your provider
Pregnancy is such an exciting time. After the huge news that you will be bringing a new life to the world, there are still more big decisions to make. In the midst of possibly working, decorating your nursery, attending showers, and sending your partner on late-night craving runs, remember to consider what you envision for your ideal birth experience. Read more…
If we really want to help moms…
This article by Alison Stuebe, MD was printed in the News & Observer on Sunday, May 10th. Dr. Stuebe is a mother of three and an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the UNC School of Medicine. You can read the article on the N&O website here.
Americans are expected to spend nearly $16 billion this year on Mother’s Day celebrations. It’s an impressive outpouring of appreciation-and it’s also an aberration. The other 364 days of the year, American mothers are on their own, with profound consequences for public health. As an obstetrician, I see these consequences every day. When mom and baby leave the hospital, dad goes back to work, and older children get pulled from day care to save money. Saddled with responsibility for housework, older children and baby care, mothers fight for even a few minutes to nurture their infants. Three-quarters of American mothers start out breastfeeding, but more than half wean early, unable to reach the goals they set for themselves. It’s not difficult to understand why-stress interferes with the hard-wired brain circuitry responsible for mothering and nurturing babies.
Read more…