Moms work with employers to continue breast feeding

Rights for mothers

Studies conducted by medical associations, the government and public health agencies have found breast-feeding benefits for both infants and mothers.

Nicole Kane was on a business trip in Phoenix and desperate to find a private place where she could hide. 

The 31-year-old Indian Wells resident is committed to feeding her baby girl, Vivienne, on breast milk. But pumping while juggling her full-time job isn’t always easy, as she found out on the road recently.

“I was at an event, and there was a closet with no door,” she said. “I was like, ‘Well, it’s either here or nowhere.’”

Despite the many health benefits of breast feeding for mother and child, most abandon it before crossing the recommended 12-month threshold.

The American Academy of Pediatrics took a closer look at women’s reasons for stopping in a 2008 study.

In the early weeks after giving birth, mothers cited inadequate milk supply, sore nipples and difficulty with their infants as contributing factors.

For the 51 percent of women who stuck it out for more than four weeks, commitments at work and school ranked high as cause for stopping.

“Women who are not totally committed to it are likely to give it up, especially when they go back to work,” said Joanna Whitlow, a breast-feeding educator from Indio.

Some women are timid about broaching the topic of needing regular pumping breaks with their boss. Others might have a service industry job that makes it tough to stick to a schedule.

Neither applies to Kane.

The telecommunications company she works for has a health insurance plan that includes a baby wellness program. Through it she can access lactation consultants when she runs into trouble.

Even though she’s only one of two women in the office, her boss and co-workers have been understanding and supportive.

On the door to her office is a discreet sign, notifying people when she is busy. It gives her privacy when she needs to use her breast pump.

“I told everybody what it meant, and they were great about it,” she said.

Rights for mothers

Studies conducted by medical associations, the government and public health agencies have found breast-feeding benefits for both infants and mothers.

“No one can argue that breast milk is not superior (than formula),” Whitlow said. “The government is starting to see the value also in breast feeding.”

California law requires employers to allow breaks for women wishing to express milk. They’re also entitled to a private location other than an unsanitary bathroom where they can have privacy.

Before her clients return to work, Whitlow provides a form letter that they can send to their employers. It states what the mother needs and opens the door for a boss to ask questions.

Women sometimes don’t want to rock the boat, but Whitlow encourages them to think about it in a different way.

“You have to think about it in terms of your baby, and you have to be an advocate for your baby’s health,” she said.

And, who knows? You might be blazing the trail for other women in the workplace who will want to breast feed their children in the future.

Preparation is key

For mothers who are returning to the workplace after the typical six-week leave, Whitlow, who recently completed a nine-month lactation consultant certification program, offers the following suggestions:

Breast feed exclusively for the first three weeks. It gives mother and baby a chance to get used to the practice.

At the three-week mark, start pumping a little every other day. Begin to introduce bottles during some feedings.

“If you miss a window, some babies will never take a bottle,” she cautions.

 Breast milk is produced on a supply-and-demand schedule set by the baby. Coordinate pumping breaks with feeding times, if possible.

Invest in a good breast pump. They range from $25 for a manual number to $350 for one with bells and whistles.

“If you are working full time, I recommend getting one of the double-electric pumps that are a little bit pricier,” she said. “It’s cheaper than formula in the long run, and usually you can use it with your next baby, too.”

Don’t stress if problems arise while pumping because it will make it even more difficult to express milk. Pack a photo of the baby to stay encouraged during tough sessions.

Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but moms shouldn’t be made to feel bad about having to switch to a bottle.

“Breast milk is very, very important,” Whitlow said. “But it’s not the most important thing. Love is.”

For Kane, it was making the promise to herself early on that got her through the difficult moments.

“It was really, really hard when I was on the road in Phoenix,” she said.

But her experience overall has been positive. She plans to do it again for any little brothers or sisters Vivienne might have in the future.

“As long as you have a mind-set that you’re going to do it, it can be done,” she said. “It’s not going to be easy, but it can be done.”.

When You Feed Baby Formula

Tips for preparation and serving

Baby formula is designed for infants a year old or younger who aren’t breast-fed.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions for safe preparation and use of baby formula:

 Wash bottles and nipples with soap, and sterilize them by boiling for 10 minutes.

Follow instructions carefully for mixing formula. Adding the wrong amount of water can lead to serious health problems for baby.

Store unmixed formula in areas that are cool and dry with a plastic lid on top of the can.

Store mixed formula in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Carefully warm up a bottle by setting it in hot water — never boil or microwave it.

Throw away any formula that baby doesn’t eat. Don’t save it for later.

Diana Kohnle

Copyright © 2010 HealthDay. All rights reserved .

Signs of a Happy Baby

Considering that your newborn won’t learn to smile until after her first month, you’ll have to study her other physical signs to see if Baby is having a good day. If she conforms her body to your arms and doesn’t arch her back, she’s comfortable and happy. She’ll show pleasure with high-pitched babbling. Follow her signals and continue to build your Mama-and-Baby bond!

You probably learned the signs (and sounds) of an unhappy newborn early on. But the signs of happiness can be more mystifying. Baby doesn’t even hit the first true happiness milestone, smiling, until after the first month! Here’s how to tell if your tyke is feeling fine.

Newborn: Two Close for ComfortThe sight of your face and the sound of your voice soothe your new baby. It can be frustrating when you smile and coo and him and are met with a blank, drowsy stare, but that’s a good sign! “At this point babies don’t have the capacity to express positive emotions other than by looking peaceful,” says Linda Acredolo, Ph.D., cofounder of Baby Signs, Inc. “They either cry or don’t cry.” When he turns toward you and gazes at your face, he’s saying, Life is good.

0 to 3 months: Holding PatternsWhen your baby conforms her body to your arms and doesn’t arch her back, it’s a sign that she’s comfortable. At this age, she’s happy when you meet her basic needs: You respond to her cries, feed her, change her diapers, and lull her to sleep. Liz Matheis, of Parsippany, New Jersey, says that before her daughter, Abby, first smiled, “I called her my ‘grouchy old woman.’ But I knew she was happy because she snuggled in my arms and fell asleep.”

Baby to kids Boutique

Nutrient-Packed Snacks They’ll Love

When your little ones are hungry between meals, you need food that’s ready fast. Thankfully, quick doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. Try these kid-approved snack ideas, low in calories, high in protein, and packed with vitamins — including our no bake cinnamon-peach crisp, shown here. 

No-Bake Peach Crisp
Ready in no time, this cinnamon-peach crisp is topped with low-fat vanilla yogurt.
Nutrition Per Serving: 101 calories; 1g fat 
Makes: 2 servings    Start to Finish: 10 minutes  

Nutrition FactsServings Per Recipe 2 servings

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• Amount Per Serving
• Calories 88
• Total Fat (g) 0
• Saturated Fat (g) 0
• Monounsaturated Fat (g) 0
• Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 0
• Cholesterol (mg) 1
• Sodium (mg) 24
• Carbohydrate (g) 22
• Total Sugar (g) 18
• Fiber (g) 2
• Protein (g) 1
• Vitamin A (DV%) 0
• Vitamin C (DV%) 5
• Calcium (DV%) 2
• Iron (DV%) 3

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Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Enjoy!

Good Manners

It may take some persistence, but raising a child with good manners is a gift that keeps on giving. Boost politeness and combat tantrums with these fun books, games, and expert tips sure to keep your little one on her best behavior through the holidays and beyond.

Smart Snacks for Kids

Extra vitamins, just the right amount of calories, and easy to make — these munchies are absolutely perfect for little kids and busy moms.

Recipes by Colleen Weeden