Mixed feelings about Breastfeeding Awareness Week

Breastfeeding Awareness Week will soon be upon us once more and, as usual, I won't be participating. I believe that breastfeeding is normal and therefore doesn't need an awareness week - we don't have a "birth awareness week" so why do we need one for breastfeeding? Giving it its own "week" only serves to highlight breastfeeding as something unusual that only affects the lives of the few. While the UK breastfeeding statistics may currently bear that out (!), we all want them to improve. Portraying breastfeeding as an exception to the norm is only going to help keep it that way. 

NBAW can also be a platform for stunts like nurse-ins, which is when as many mums as possible all breastfeed their babies in the same place at the same time. If that's not weird, I don't know what is! But breastfeeding isn't weird and, to my mind, one of the aims of NBAW should be to minimise any weird image attached to breastfeeding, not add to it. Other events are just a bit pointless. I noticed a scavenger hunt is being organised this year to "raise awareness of breastfeeding."  I can only assume this raises awareness of breastfeeding in the same way that changing your Facebook status to a fruit raises awareness of breast cancer. 

I also question whether the good that NBAW achieves justifies the organising of it. NBAW has several audiences but I don't think they particularly benefit. Mothers-to-be are the obvious one. It is widely observed that the majority of pregnant women can't think beyond labour and so their thoughts about breastfeeding are probably going to be either "I'll give it a try!" or "yuck!" and no more detailed than that. I know my own thoughts weren't! So they're probably not going to come up to an enthusiastic health visitor/lactation consultant stationed in her local shopping centre to get more information like they would if it pain relief advice were being offered. Conclusion: NBAW has little to offer mothers-to-be.

Mothers are another obvious audience. They, too, are unlikely to benefit. If they are already breastfeeding, unless theyr'e struggling, they won't need any breastfeeding information. If they are struggling, they'd be better off going to a  breastfeeding group that meets regularly than getting help on a one-off basis. A regular group gives better support as mums will receive continuity of care and have their concerns followed up. With the best will in the world, a random health visitor in a public place cannot do that and, at best, can only offer details of the aforementioned groups.

Other mothers may well have given breastfeeding a go but given up before they wanted to, for all kinds of reasons. The last thing these mothers want is people telling them how great breastfeeding is. They know that. They've just been to hell and back trying to get it established because "it's so great" but ultimately (and often wisely) prioritised enjoying motherhood over dragging themselves up the steepest learning curve of their lives. So NBAW isn't going to help them either. 

Then there are mothers who have never had any intention of breastfeeding and really, unless you manage to convert them while the babies are young enough that lactation can be re-established, they have little to gain. 

Lastly, there is everyone else! These are the people that I think could potentially benefit from NBAW!  Grandmothers of breastfed babies could be told in a non-emotional, polite way why giving bottles to the babies isn't actually helping  in the long term. Likewise dads who were feeling a bit left out  and wanted some reassurance that they were still needed.  Shop owners, say, could get information about the importance of demand feeding and how to sensitively offer a mother a chair if she needed to feed her baby in the shop, maybe coming away with  "breastfeeding welcome here" signs to put up on their doors. 

The problem is, I don't think that happens very often. Not only are these people not NBAW's target but they are also unlikely to get involved. My partner wouldn't go up to someone at a stall to talk about his relationship with his breastfed baby: he'd either talk to a fellow dad or to me or - more likely - just keep schtum. If you're not a breastfeeding mother or close to one, you're unlikely to be trying to implement a positive breastfeeding policy in your business. If you are a working breastfeeding mother, you don't need the information because you already have it (see above).  The grandmothers, though, they might get something out of this. Picture the three-generations shopping party - you've all seen them! The mother might say to the grandmother, "ooh, look, Mum, there are the breastfeeding ladies. You know what I was saying about not using dummies? Bet they've got a leaflet - it'll probably explain better than I did. Come on..." and, the relationship between mothers and daughters being as it is, off they all troop and the grandmother may well come away enlightened. 

In conclusion, I believe Breastfeeding Awareness Week will, at best, help a few people; at worst, damage the image of breastfeeding and most likely...? Achieve nothing at all. 

Anyway, these are just my opinions. What do the rest of you think? Am I being too cynical? If NBAW does real good or has helped you then please, put me right! 

Thanks for reading.  

Love your baby and your body, not your latest piece of kit

A recent discussion with friends about what to buy for baby threw out the interesting topic of breastfeeding tops. On the whole, we agreed that breastfeeding tops were unnecessary. However, while the others agreed this was because they are relatively expensive and you can create your own by wearing two layers of clothing, I believe they're just unnecessary, full stop. 

This is because I think that all this discussion about how to breastfeed discreetly is creating lots of negativity about breastfeeding in mothers' minds. The very fact that breastfeeding tops exist suggests to mothers that breastfeeding is something they might like to hide. Likewise the nursing covers you can get although, to be honest, they just draw attention to you.

I put it to you that no one notices a mother breastfeeding except for other breastfeeding mothers. This is based on the fact that I have spent five years of my life breastfeeding (not continuously, obviously!) and have fed my babies anywhere and everywhere. During that time, I received no comments whatsoever, except for a few mums coming up to me to say what a great thing they thought I was doing for my baby. And each time that happened, it made my day!

Breastfeeding in public doesn't mean flashing your nipples all over town centres and attracting loads of attention. It means feeding you baby whenever and wherever he needs it even if you're not in your home. Feeding on demand relies on you being confident about feeding anywhere and one of the ways we can nurture that confidence in other mothers is by feeding in public in whatever clothes we happen to be wearing and without a nursing cover. Seeing another mother breastfeeding her baby gives more confidence in breastfeeding than seeing a neck-to-knee flowery cover out of the corner of your eye or not being sure if a baby is feeding or not (and you daren't look!). 

We also need to be confident about our now-changed bodies and the sisterhood of breastfeeders can help us with that too. Stretch marks are wonderful natural tattoos that honour the most outstanding period of our lives. A mother showing them off, albeit inadvertently, while feeding her baby gives a great message to other mothers: "I support you. Our bodies have changed because they have created new life and now we are nurturing that new life with our milk. We are fabulous!" 

If you are self-conscious about breastfeeding in public (you really don't need to be but all feelings are valid) then try nursing while sitting in front a mirror. You can't see "anything," can you? If you still feel self-conscious, think about the strength and support you would be giving other mothers by feeding without a piece of kit to cover up what you're doing. If neither of these things strike a chord with you then yes, go out and buy a breastfeeding top or a nursing cover. Better to breastfeed with those than to give up demand feeding because you can't bear to do it in public. 

We are all wonderful mothers, whatever our approaches to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding tops and covers have been designed with the best of intentions but, unfortunately, they are also putting out a message that is undermining breastfeeding.  Breastfeeding is normal and natural. It is not something that should be hidden away. Please bear that mind when you're shopping for baby things. 

Beautiful babywearing: a sling overview

Using slings, or babywearing, is brilliant. As well as being a very practical way of transporting your baby (you need never ask directions to the lift again!) and having your hands free, there are many other advantages you might not be aware of. Baby wearers often find their babies are happier and more settled as the contact with mummy increases the baby’s emotional confidence. This calmness in babies can help them gain weight as they’re not burning calories by being stressed and they fuss less during feeds. They are also able to learn more in this quiet, alert state.  In turn, mothers often find bonding easier and breastfeeding is often more successful as the contact between mother and baby reminds both what they’re there for!

I have three children and I’ve “worn” them all using a variety of different slings. Here’s an overview:

Wrap slings

These are very long pieces of fabric that wrap around you and the baby. They are the most comfortable slings to wear as the fabric can be spread out across your whole back, using all your back and shoulder muscles equally and not digging in. This makes them suitable for mums with bad backs too. Wrap slings are the most versatile because the baby can be worn on your front, back (even with a newborn) and hip, with options of keeping the baby’s feet inside or sticking out, and because they are just a length of fabric, they are infinitely adjustable.

Stretchy wrap slings are relatively easy to master as you can tie them round yourself before popping the baby in, but the downside is that the stretchy fabric doesn’t support a bigger baby as well and parents find the baby bounces up and down too much for comfort by about eight months.

Woven wrap slings, made from non-stretchy fabric, are easy to use when you know how. They are suitable for all babies and toddlers and have the biggest weight range of any sling. I bought one when my second child was ten weeks old and it’s probably my favourite sling as it’s the most comfy and, even now my youngest is ten months old, I can still fold it round her head for support if she falls asleep in it. It looks lovely, being aubergine cotton, and people come up to me in the street and ask me where I got it!

Soft structured carriers (SSCs)

These are not to be confused with “clip-on” carriers (the sort widely available on the high street) which do not offer effective support for the baby or comfort for the parent. Soft structured carriers consist of panels of fabric with shoulder and waist straps.  They can be used for front and back carries, some for hip carries as well. Some are unsuitable for a newborn but, of those, some can be modified with inserts and straps to accommodate a little baby.  On the other hand, the upper weight limit allows you to carry a pre-schooler (I can carry my four year old in ours), so you can pop an SSC in your bag and use it to carry your tired child at the end of a country walk, for example. Some SSCs have buckles, some have rings, some simply knot. My partner and I have found ones with buckles work very well for us: they are quick and easy which are important considerations as we have three children – try tying a sling while one child tries to tie your legs up with it and the other is making a premature start on the picnic...!

Ring slings

This is a sling worn on one shoulder with a large ring for adjusting it. A newborn can sleep flat in it and a toddler can ride on your hip in it, but they can also be used for front and back carries with feet in or out. They are, in my opinion, the easiest slings to breastfeed in, although theoretically all the slings I’m describing here can be used for breastfeeding.  The only downside is that the weight is distributed unevenly so you might find going out for a whole day with one quite trying. They are ideal for popping the baby into quickly so you can knock up a sandwich or for running out to the corner shop.

Pouch slings

These are also worn on one shoulder and the baby can go in all the positions described under “Ring slings” but, unlike all the other slings, they do not adjust. This means it is important to get the right size for each parent (you and your partner may need one each) but, on the other hand, this does make them the easiest slings to use.

Common questions

I’ve had a Caesarean  - can I use a sling?

Yes – you can carry the baby close to you but above your scar and you also won’t have to bend down to the baby because he or she will be right there in front of you.

My baby’s too heavy for a sling!

Sorry to disagree but your baby probably isn’t, nor is it that you aren’t strong enough. Many of us have the clip on carriers briefly described above which have poor weight distribution, meaning that we abandon them after just a few months. But do not be fooled! Try one of the slings described here and see if you get on better. Please. Just for me? 

Where can I get one from?

Google the headings in this article and lots of friendly sling websites will appear on your screen!

Finally, are slings safe?

Yes  - always remember to use common sense  and TICKS and no harm will come to you or your baby:

Tight  - for adequate support

In view at all times (this refers to baby’s face)

Close enough to kiss

Keep the baby’s chin off his/her  chest to ensure breathing isn’t restricted

Supported back so the baby can’t slump and restrict his/her airway.

Happy babywearing!

Breastfeeding Picnic 2011

Feel free to share this, probably adding details of your local picnic at the bottom. 

I have now had the article checked by Elaine and Morgan and have made changes accordingly.

The weekend of 18th and 19th June 2011 will see Breastfeeding Picnics being held across England and Wales. "But all picnics are breastfeeding picnics!" a friend said to me when I told her. "Yes!" I replied, "But, alas, not with legal protection." 

Feeding babies in public places currently relies on understanding and openmindedness as mothers have no real legal protection when it comes to feeding their babies whenever, wherever and with whatever is needed. The Equalities Act 2010 included welcome amendments stating that it is now unlawful to discriminate against breastfeeding mothers. Unfortunately, the fact that it is also possible to discriminate against, say, a mother and baby bottle feeding is overlooked; likewise, the consequences for the discriminator are not made explicit. 

The Breastfeeding Act 2005 for Scotland goes much further, however. It states that anyone who prevents a mother or carer from feeding milk to a child is liable to a Level 4 fine (currently £2500). Scottish law protects not only breastfeeding families but also those who choose to give artificial formula milk or cow's milk to their babies and children. 

In the same year as this act was passed in Scotland, David Kidney MP put forward a Breastfeeding Act for England and Wales. It was rejected. Because of this rejection, the Breastfeeding Picnics are being held as a demonstration to English and Welsh MPs that babies need to be fed when they are out and about with their mothers and that proper legal protection through a specific breastfeeding act is needed. 

That's the background. However, In addition to the politics, there is a lot of fun to be had! These family-focused events are a lovely way of getting together with like-minded people. Bring your children, of course, but also your partners, parents and friends. Bring bats and balls, bring cake to share, bring your questions and thoughts and views. Come and celebrate a normal, natural, beautiful aspect of parenting. Those of you who have never breastfed are also very welcome - after all, the law we are lobbying for is one which will protect all babies, however they are fed.

Breastfeeding Picnic 2011 - draft letter to MP as at 8th June

This is the letter I am sending to my MP, inviting him to the Breastfeeding Picnic 2011. It outlines the reasons for the Picnic as I understand them. Feel free to use the text as a base for a letter to your own MP, though of course certain changes will need to be made so please check carefully!

Dear Mr Lord,

On Sunday, 19th June, a Breastfeeding Picnic will be held at Victoria Tower Gardens, London , from noon to 3pm and we would very much like to see you there. Having seen your hospital campaigns, I am sure that this health issue will also be important to you. Breastfeeding babies protects them against many illnesses and research shows that a breastfed baby is nine times less likely to be hospitalised than one  who is bottle fed. As such, breastfeeding represents a major saving for hospitals. 

As you may be aware, Scotland passed a Breastfeeding Bill in 2005 that specifically protects breastfeeding mothers and their babies from being discriminated against and/or being asked to leave cafes, shops etc because they are breastfeeding. It also  details fines for those ho discriminate. An attempt to pass a similar bill for England and Wales failed in 2005 and breastfeeding mothers are having to make do ith the minimal protection offered by the Equalities Act 2010. 

Feeding on demand is essential for a successful breastfeeding relationship but it is sometimes jeopardised by women lacking the confidence to breastfeed in  public places. The Breastfeeding Picnic aims to raise awareness of the need to breastfeed in public with a view to having a new Bill created that will give women legal protection.

I very much hope you will be able to attend the picnic and look forward to meeting you.

Yours sincerely

The Pink Noise Art Appeal...from a Foreign Correspondent

On 22^nd February, 2011, Christchurch, New Zealand, suffered an earthquake that measured 6.3 on the Richter Scale. Here in the UK, there was shock as well as sadness at the news – New Zealand is part of the Western World! Natural disasters in New Zealand don’t mean death and homelessness, do they? Not when the houses are built properly, the government isn’t corrupt, anyway, they have “machines” that can predict earthquakes, they’ll be fine.... No. This natural disaster claimed 159 lives and left over two thousand people homeless. Those who still have homes have limited or no power, limited or no water.

But from New Zealand’s Darkest Day emerges a phenomenal sharing, community-driven spirit that has moved me infinitely.  I learnt a word this week, not a new one to most of you but new to me: whanau – the extended family, the word used over and over again to describe the people of Christchurch, brothers and sisters in need. Facebook’s pages are full of practical information, strangers sharing news about vital forthcoming power and water connections as well as supportive good wishes. Blogs, writing websites, all kinds of websites have stories of donations of blankets, clothes, toys, kitchen utensils, things that we all need, to those who have lost everything. The people of New Zealand are giving and giving. You lot on the other side of the world, down in the Southern Hemisphere on the two little islands, yes, you – you’ve put the rest of the world to shame.

The Pink Noise Art Appeal is a wonderful example of this sharing spirit. Pink Noise is New Zealand’s no.1 non-profit artist’s community and the Pink Noise artists have very nobly donated their own artwork for auction with 100% of the profits going to the Red Cross Earthquake Appeal. A Pink Noise member, Alana Moffat from Dunedin, came up with the idea. She said, “Pink Noise should organise a mass art auction...I feel so helpless sitting here in Dunedin and not being able to help.” Katie Robinson, helmswoman of Pink Noise, immediately seized the idea and rallied the members, most of whom felt just like Alana. Donations of artwork poured in and Trade Me had the auction up and running within thirty six hours of the earthquake and even agreed to generously waive the success fees. Today, eight days on from the earthquake, the first wave of artwork donations have been sold and the running fundraising total stands at NZ$6500. The auction is currently only open to those with New Zealand bank accounts but that hasn’t stopped dedicated people in Europe moving heaven and earth to bid via New Zealand friends.

The quality and variety of the work is incredible. Lorna Allan’s breathtaking landscape, the first item to be donated, has now sold for more than $550. While this is just under half its gallery value, Lorna is thrilled to have passed it on for such an excellent cause and has already donated another print.

A far cry from landscapes is an adorable little sculpture called Deano. He’s a tiny green dinosaur from the kiln of Pauline Johns in Wellington and you have until 11^th March to get a little corner all ready for him in your home!  Altogether now: “Awww....”

Bold and beautiful portraits from Auckland artist Emmaline Bailey have raised three-figure sums for the earthquake appeal. Bonnie Coad from Renwick has generously donated her colourful, sometimes experimental, but always inspiring art - two are still available to bid for! Alana Moffat has, of course, put her art where her mouth is and her thought-provoking paintings and gorgeous owl brooches are all there on Trade Me, waiting to be turned into material help for the people of Christchurch.

 The biggest fundraiser looks like it’s going to be bro’Town’s contribution: Ant Sang, bro’Town’s designer, will create a customised drawing of you as a bro’Town cartoon and all the cast will sign it! The latest bid stands at $620 - the icing on the cake for the charity auction that has brought together the whole spectrum of New Zealand’s artists.

If you’re an artist interested in submitting work for auction, please contact Katie Robinson on katie.robinson@clear.net.nz .The closing date for submissions is Wednesday, 9^th March. Those interested in bidding for the artworks have until 15^th March and can bid through Pink Noise’s Trade Me page: www.trademe.co.nz/pinknoise . All you need is a New Zealand bank account (or a friend with one!).

Please visit the auction page. Please offer up your work. Please bid for the artwork donated by New Zealanders, for New Zealanders and be part of the phenomenon that is the Pink Noise Art Appeal.

Charlotte Buchanan

Woking, UK

5^th March 2011

Mount Vesuvius

Tonight I am not where you thought I was. Tonight isn't night, it's morning; it's dawn to be precise and I'm on a train to Naples. Unable to get a seat, I'd been sleeping on the floor of the corridor train. Someone had thoughtfully given me one of the supplements from his newspaper to sleep on and it contained an article about Bob Dylan. The newspaper-donor wakes me up to show me Vesuvius through the window. The sky is red and the volcano looks like grey tracing paper rising from cardboard foothills.

We reach a station and some boys get on, they're about thirteen and they have a huge flask of coffee and a column of polystyrene cups. As the train wakes up, these juvenile entrepreneurs walk through it, selling strong, sugarless coffee to the stiff, tired passengers. The coffee is probably horrible but just then it tastes like the best in the world.

An hour later we reach Naples and the other world, the dawn world, recedes to make way for dirty blue skies and noise and cars and people. The thing is, that daytime reality is not what I remember.