Journey to Global Community
Most people know that the Platypus is an egg-laying mammal and a member of the order Monotremata. Interesting fact about these creatures is that they do not have teats/nipples. The platypus nurses its young from its mammary patches that secrete milk. … [Read more...]
Follow my blog with Bloglovin Brian took this picture when passing a bus stop the other day. I love LA. Alright, I think this man and his torso need a caption. Who wants to caption this? … [Read more...]
Nursing in public is a personal decision. Some moms feel comfortable nursing anywhere without a cover. Some moms don't, or only feel comfortable some places. Jamie & I think nursing covers are useful (but never required) in at least three situations... Pumping I personally never pumped in front of someone, but I know more than one person who always covered if they pumped in front of someone, and I can certainly relate to it. When Jamie and Grace were in Ethiopia, Grace would pump … [Read more...]
Twenty-nine year old police officer, Jiang Xiaojuan, left her six month old baby with her mother to take part in disaster relief efforts, after the 2008 earthquake. Xiaojaun breastfed nine babies during her relief work and was nicknamed "The police mom". Since then she was appointed to the Communist Party of China Committee of the Jiangyou Public Security Bureau and is now the bureau's vice commissar. This was after she was awarded the titles of "hero and model police officer" and … [Read more...]
Breastaurant has been trademarked. No, it’s not a breastfeeding-friendly restaurant (which should be all restaurants, by the way). Bikinis Sports Bar and Grill trademarked the term. The CEO said yesterday in a statement, "We're really excited about receiving this federal trademark. [...] Our team has worked hard over the last seven years to offer a unique experience to our fans. It just further solidifies that Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill is America's … [Read more...]
Allowing infants to stay close to their mothers, by their side at work, is one of the key components to the happy and well-rounded staff at Henna Preschool in Huntington, South Africa. Peggy O'Mara has a popular quote that isn't technically about bringing your child to work, but I thought was very fitting of this circumstance: “Don't stand unmoving outside the door of a crying baby whose only desire is to touch you. Go to your baby. Go to your baby a million times. Demonstrate that people … [Read more...]
I had recently written about my experience speaking with people in South Africa about breastfeeding, and I realized I never have written about my own observations of breastfeeding in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has an interesting history because it is one of the only African country never colonized. This makes for a very different atmosphere than many of the other African countries I have visited. The rural areas of Ethiopia have a weaning age of anywhere … [Read more...]
When visiting any country, I am always curious about the cultural differences regarding child-rearing practices and the attitude towards breastfeeding compared to the US. South Africa is an interesting country because it can be viewed in many areas as Western, with a lot of European influence, but there are so many different cultures and subcultures in the country that the viewpoints of the people living within the borders of South Africa are vastly different. I think that the idea of … [Read more...]
How many breastfeeding moms out there have heard one (or all) of these comments? By Bridget McGann Isn't she too old for that? Aren't YOU too old for that? You're gonna make him gay. You're gonna make her gay. He's gonna grow up to be a perv. Would you like to move somewhere private? Are you SURE? I really think you would be more comfortable in the bathroom. Why don't you cover up? Here's something for you to cover up with. We really just want you to be … [Read more...]
In many cases you can breastfeed your NICU baby. Certainly, pump your breastmilk until baby is able to latch. In some cases mom (or dad) can hold baby on her chest. For example, in cases of jaundice, place a bili-blanket underneath your baby on your chest and shine lights on both mom and baby. You may need to advocate with your doctors or nurses in order to be able to do this. Having regular consultations with a lactation consultant may help. If/when you are able to breastfeed your baby, your … [Read more...]
Our hope is that people will get a chance to see a family that may look a little different, but is as close and loving as a family that meets the stereotypical ideal. It is time to break barriers, stop making assumptions, and realize that families come in all different shapes and sizes and can still define the term. Find Out More ››
