Best for Babes

Calling all New York City Babes!

We are thrilled to announce that Best for Babes is partnering with Fit Pregnancy, Big City Moms, and Deva Spa in SoHo for an incredible evening of luxe, pampering, and Beating the Booby Traps!

In the first-ever event of its kind, we’ll be offering expecting and new moms the “BfB Experience:”  there will be mini spa treatments, a raffle of amazing gear, educational presentations by local IBCLCs, a chat with BfB Co-Founders Danielle & Bettina, and of course, some swag!  You may even catch a celeb or two there…

This will also be the official kick-off of BYOBoobz!  Babes from far and wide have contacted us about hosting these mom-led home parties and we are so excited to get them going!

We’d love for you to join us on Wednesday, September 29th between 6 and 9pm!  Tickets can be purchased for $30; VIP passes are $40.  We’d love to see you there, Babe!

For event details and to RSVP, click here to go to Facebook and let us know you’ll be there!

To close out Breastfeeding Awareness Month 2010 we are pleased to announce our 2011 Covergirl, Juanita Ingram!   Juanita, who is an attorney and the 2009 Mrs. Beauties pageant winner, got in touch with us last year when she read about us in Fit Pregnancy.  We promptly featured her inspiring story of starting a workplace lactation program at her law firm and named her a Best for Babes Champion for Moms.    We urge you to read her story and get to know this incredible woman!

In the tradition of great fashion and lifestyle magazines like InStyle, we’re bringing you all the style secrets from the photo shoot with top photographer Dario Impini.  Dario specializes in the highest quality boudoir photography for women of all ages and sizes.  His studio is dedicated to the delicate, timeless beauty of the female form and is working with the Pink Ribbon Connection Breast Cancer organization to create a fund raising calendar–thank you Dario for bringing your artistry and creative talents to capturing the incredible gorgeousness, feminity and power of breastfeeding!    Our tip to all you breastfeeding mamas out there:  Run, don’t walk, to a great photographer in your area and get some fabulous keepsake photos to celebrate this amazing time in your and your baby’s relationship!  And join our cause so that we can some day get a Best for Babes Champion breastfeeding on the cover of Glamour, Vanity Fair or Newsweek, with a story about the urgency to break down the “Booby Traps” so that ALL moms can make an informed feeding decision and achieve their personal breastfeeding goals.

We are extremely grateful to Juanita for generously donating her time and enthusiasm to advance our mission! She is a fabulous role-model for women everywhere.

At the Cover Shoot

How did the shoot go?

The shoot went really well.  There are some challenges to shooting with an infant, but breastfeeding is such a natural act that it was just a matter of timing everything perfectly to align with Baby Kynon’s desire to nurse.  I would advise others to remember that you only have a 15 to 20 minute window to capture the beauty of this act.  So keep that in mind when you are working with your photographer and making lighting or body position adjustments – you don’t want to nurse during those moments and you want to keep them to a minimum.  It is definitely a rewarding experience; you just have to work in conjunction with your baby’s nursing schedule.

How did the baby handle it?

Baby Kynon was a pro – it was just another nursing session for him.  The atmosphere was very quiet and relaxing.  My photographer even took the extra step of adjusting the temperature in the room to be warmer so that Baby Kynon was comfortable.  He actually feel asleep afterward and was very relaxed during the entire shoot.

What are your busy mom style & breastfeeding must-haves?

Well, as a full-time practicing attorney and mother of two, I tend to gravitate toward comfortable but chic apparel.  I love anything that adds a hint of glamour and sophistication, but remains simple in application because I do not have a great deal of time.  I love nursing tops and nursing bras by ASOS (http://www.asos.com), a UK company with a wonderful assortment of contemporary, chic, and attractive nursing and maternity attire.

One of my must have items in terms of make-up is Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit which has a concealer on top and a sheer brightening loose power on the bottom.  I just feel that the eyes are the window to the soul and the eye area can really make your face look alive and refreshed.

I also love Xtreme lash extensions because they are not damaging to your own lashes, you look effortlessly polished and you never have to worry about applying mascara in the morning.  Add some lip gloss (my favorite color is Purr by MAC) and I have a 5 minute make-up routine so I can quickly get out of the door in the morning!

In addition, I love TIGI S Factor Serious Conditioner with Sunflower Seed Oil.  I don’t know if you can tell from the picture, but I have a LOT of hair.  I don’t use chemical straightening methods so I flat iron my hair quite often which can be drying.  I’ve found that TIGI S Factor Serious Conditioner is a quick way to get a deep conditioning treatment in a fraction of the time and it really helps my hair to stay moisturized and healthy.

Our inspiration for the cover shoot was this photo for Harper's Bazaar by Richard Avedon from 1952. Essence Magazine was not founded until 1968. The first time a black model appeared in a magazine was in 1961; Willette Murphy in Mademoiselle.

Lastly, as far as breast-feeding must-haves – I am attached at the hip to my Medela pump-in-style breastpump! I use it everyday while working and I absolutely love it!  (Note:  Medela is not endorsed by Best for Babes because they do not comply with the WHO Code.  Best for Babes recommends the top-quality Ameda and Hygeia breastpumps.) I also love More Milk Plus and Mother’s Milk Tea; they are a must have if you work in a high functioning high stress environment because stress can effect your supply.  (Note: The best evidence actually shows that stress will interfere with “let down,” and may lead to early weaning, but it is not responsible for lowering milk supply. )

How was it being a national pageant queen while being pregnant and then nursing?

I am so fortunate to have held a national title in the Mrs. Division and I hope that I represented all married pregnant women with integrity and class.  I just feel that maternity and motherhood are gifts that are meant to be cherished.  It was a real honor to experience the journey of motherhood for the second time around while holding a national title.  I hope it inspires other women to know that you can successfully manage career, pregnancy, motherhood and marriage if you prioritize!  I enjoyed crowning my successor this past July.  I juggled making appearances, working and nursing quite well but I am taking some time off now to just enjoy motherhood and life.  I am going to continue to compete in order to have a platform to uplift and encourage others on a larger scale.  I am actually competing for my state’s title in the Mrs. America system in the spring!  Prayerfully, I will continue to have opportunities to support wonderful organizations such as Best for Babes and to have the opportunity to encourage women everywhere to live out their dreams!

Breastfeeding rates are lowest among African-American women, and we have found it extremely difficult to find images of black moms breastfeeding—a fact we are sure contributes to a lack of cultural acceptance of nursing.   What advice would you give to expecting black moms who are the first in their families or among their friends to try breastfeeding?

This is such an important issue within the African-American community.  I would explain to her the enormous benefits breastfeeding provides to our children.  As African-American people, we have higher percentages of obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and  high blood pressure – all of which are illnesses that breastfeeding protects against for children and moms.  I would also highlight the fact that breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer – a disease that is the most common form of cancer for black women, and African American women are more likely than white women to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease and are more likely to die from it. Scientists are still exploring the reasons behind these trends but scientists have found a direct link between breastfeeding and a 59% decrease of breast cancer risk for women with a family history of the disease.

I would also encourage her to gather her own information to build her awareness and ignore the pressure she undoubtedly will receive from family and friends to use formula.  I can not tell you the number of times that I have received unsolicited comments and pressure from family, co-workers, and friends to stop nursing prior to 12 months and use formula.  I don’t know where the disconnect originated from but it is undoubtedly an understood cultural reality that breastfeeding is an optional afterthought.  I would tell her to focus on being the one in her family to break the cycle of formula usage and to be prepared to stand firm for the benefit of herself and her child–it is natural and the absolute best option for the child.

I do believe that it is important to see breastfeeding images that relatable for all women in order for it to become a norm.  That is why I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to be a part of BFB and to put forth an image that prayerfully will encourage women to decide to breastfeed.

Now tell us . . . what do you think of our gorgeous new covergirl?  Any questions for her, we’ll post her answers!!

Best for Babes Recommended Reading & Resources

Blacktating Blog — Check out this fantastic blog by Best for Babes Contributor Elita Kalma.

Black Mother’s Breastfeeding Association — We’re honored to be speaking at the BMBA Seminar on October 25th about the New Look of Breastfeeding!

NPR:  Breastfeeding Often Avoided by Black Moms — Guest host Jennifer Ludden discusses reasons behind the low black breastfeeding statistics with Kathi Barber, author of ‘The Black Woman’s Guide to Breastfeeding:  The Definitive Guide to Nursing for African-American Mothers, Jamila Bey, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist, and Dawn Porter, a television executive.

Momlogic.com — Is Slavery Why Black Women Aren’t Breastfeeding? Kimberly Sears Allers discusses the roots of low black breastfeeding rates, and the devastating impact of the aggressive marketing of infant formula on the African-American community.

The Black Woman’s Guide to Breastfeeding by Kathi Barber is available for purchase on Amazon.com

It’s a glorious day here on the East Coast, the kind of pre-fall day where there is not a cloud in the sky and the sun is eye-searingly bright without being too hot, and is at already at an angle signaling shorter days ahead.  There’s a perfect gentle breeze.  It’s the kind of day where I want to race to the beach with my kids, or make plum ginger sorbet, or go on a leisurely bike ride.  And for the umpteenth time, I am wishing that World Breastfeeding Week and Breastfeeding Awareness Month took place in a different time of the year.

World Breastfeeding Week was founded by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in 1992.  The purpose was to unify a global breastfeeding promotion strategy, and what started as a day’s celebration turned into a week every August 1-7.  It is now celebrated by over 170 countries and is endorsed by UNICEF and WHO, the World Health Organization.      Some countries have gone on to celebrate breastfeeding for the entire month of August–designating it as Breastfeeding Awareness Month–and from what I’ve been able to tell, some countries celebrate breastfeeding in September or orther times of the year.    Some state governors, like California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, have officially designated all of August to be Breastfeeding Awareness Month, but it doesn’t seem as wide-spread.  From the World Breastfeeding Week website:

“Overall coordination of World Breastfeeding Week is done at the WABA Secretariat in Penang, Malaysia, which includes the selection of the theme and slogan, identifying resource persons for a specific theme and the preparation and dissemination of World Breastfeeding Week materials such as the calendar announcement, posters, action folders and banners. These advocacy materials serve to stimulate action among local groups, governments, UN and other agencies and other issue organisations for their own World Breastfeeding Week.”

I’m not sure why August was picked, and I’d like to learn why.   I’m writing myself a note to ask our board member, Marsha Walker of  WABA’s little sister, NABA.  but I can see in some ways why it makes sense.   It seems that statistically, the most births happen from July to November (thanks to fall and winter snuggling), with August scoring the most U.S.  births in 2006.   So, maybe the thinking from the folks at the WABA was that breastfeeding should be celebrated and promoted at a time when there are a lot of new babies around.     It certainly makes for lots of potential participants in simultaneous breastfeeding contests, like the efforts in Portland, Oregon this year aimed at breaking the world record held by Manila in the Philippines:  3,738 women breastfed at the same time in 2006.   Apparently it was quite hot because in the video it looks like there were 3,738 fans in motion at the same time too.

So here you have the first of several problems with having World Breastfeeding Week in August—the heat.   I think it’s harder to organize events, celebrations or simultaneous nursing in public when it’s hot outside.   Everybody is more languid, and tired, babies are more fussy if they get too hot . . . though they do nurse more often, which makes for more photo ops of the babies!   The moms, on the other hand, may not be too keen on being photographed when they are dripping with sweat.      Moms who are not so comfortable nursing in public may opt out altogether, because coverups and some slings or infant carrier wraps  can get really roasting in summer.    The logical place to organize a simultaneous nursing contest is a pool, but we’ve already seen how nursing at the pool  freaks people out.  

The biggest problem with World Breastfeeding Week, though, is that most people vacation in August.   In Europe, where vacation leave is 6 weeks, many families take the whole month off.   Even in the work-a-holic United States, lots of families take a week or two off, and try to unplug from technology, TV and the media.    From a marketing standpoint, I am not sure it makes sense to schedule a promotion of breastfeeding when not too many people are paying attention, or even if they are, are not motivated to take action.   Some people argue that it works in our favor, because the media is hungry for news and there isn’t as much competition.   I’m not a marketing or PR expert, but I don’t agree.   I think that breastfeeding is a hot and underestimated topic, and that with a good strategy, we could grab the media and the nation’s attention any time of year.

The last problem as I see it is that although it might make sense to celebrate breastfeeding right when most babies are born, in my opinion that is too late.   Too much breastfeeding education takes place after the baby is born, when the mother is at her most vulnerable and exhausted.   Best for Babes would like to see more moms preparing for breastfeeding in the second and third trimester, just as they prepare the nursery, and take childbirth education courses.   Sure,  there are some things you just can’t get about breastfeeding until you do it, but building your confidence, being exposed to images of breastfeeding that help normalize it, becoming educated about the “Booby Traps” and coming up with a plan to navigate them, is too important to postpone.   At Best for Babes, we believe that breastfeeding success will increase and more mothers will be able to reach their personal breastfeeding goals when they are inspired, prepared and empowered long before the birth of their baby.   It’s like showing up for a race without having trained, without a water bottle or running gear:  you may finish but chances are it will be far more painful and disappointing than you wanted it to be.   (Yes, we’ve been using the race analogy for years–see The Learning Curve–and a few months ago we perfected it with the help of our facebook fans;  we came to the consensus that breastfeeding in our unfriendly culture is like being told to run a marathon in stilettos while people are throwing tomatoes at you.  It’s a handy analogy because Danielle is a runner, and I wish I was!)

So, what do you think?   Should we move World Breastfeeding Week and Awareness Month to a time when it would be easier to galvanize action and command media attention, without literally being too hot and bothered?  Are we always going to be fighting an uphill marketing battle?   Will we ever be able to achieve the type of public awareness and grassroots action that Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) does–or is that just because their marketing efforts are better organized?    Or is August=boobs already ingrained in our consciousness making a switch too cumbersome?  I’d love to hear what leading media outlets think, or PR and marketing firms like the ones that work with the larger breastfeeding companies.   In my opinion, I would love to see Breastfeeding Awareness Month moved to the spring–say April–to coincide with when the largest number of women are expecting (and April is Earth month, too, so it’s a nice tie-in to the environmental benefits of breastfeeding).   Or how about connecting it to Women’s History Month, in March, or moving it to June, so that it follows Pregnancy Awareness Month? 

Whether we leave it be or move it,  Best for Babes will work to make breastfeeding—and especially booby trap!—awareness bigger and more powerful, so that it is given at least the same respect that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is given—and since Danielle is a young breast cancer survivor, we feel we can say that comfortably.   Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer and so many other diseases, isn’t it high time to give “the mother of all causes” its rightful place in the calendar?

By Elita of Blacktating.com for the Best for Babes Foundation ©2010

Have boobs will sag? A new study revealed that as many as half of all women age 18-25 don’t plan on breastfeeding because they don’t want their breasts to sag. Numerous studies have already shown it’s actually pregnancy that causes saggy boobs, not nursing. How can we spread the word and let young women know their breasts (and vanity) will still be in tact if they choose to nurse? And that even if breastfeeding did ruin breasts it would still be worth it?

Have you ever had an embarrassing breastfeeding mishap? This week actress and model Ali Landry revealed how hers cost her thousands of dollars. While pumping gas, Ali’s baby began to fuss so she got in the car to nurse her. Her husband assumed she was finished pumping, got in the car and drove off, taking the gas hose with him. Oops!

In the mood for a real tear jerker? Check out this wonderful story of a mom whose preemie was suffering from necrotizing entercolitis and whose life was literally saved by breast milk. The donor mom had already lost her own preemie to the same disease, but one family’s tragedy was another family’s blessing. Although the circumstances are tragic, we’re so pleased to see more parents are insisting on breast milk for their premature babies.

We’ve never liked those formula-filled diaper bags you get upon discharge from the hospital, and it looks like some hospitals in England agree: from now on, moms who are choosing to formula feed will have to bring their own. Now that more hospitals are becoming certified as Baby Friendly, we should see this trend continue.

This week, Muslims around the world celebrated Ramadan, a religious holiday that includes fasting. There has always been the question of whether or not it’s safe for nursing or pregnant moms to fast. Here’s some practical advice from an IBCLC.

In light of more moms being kicked out of or asked to leave public places this week for breastfeeding, it’s even more important that moms feel welcome to nurse in public. LOVE this sign spotted in the Lawrence Public Library. I’ve blogged before about the great signs at the Chicago Children’s Museum. Have you spotted these signs anywhere in your neighborhood?

This week on our Facebook page, we asked you, “I planned to breastfeed for _____, but actually breastfed for_____” and you were overheard saying….

Claire Mogol: I planned to breastfeed for 6 months (exclusively), but actually breastfed for two years and four months… and still going

Jessica Delancey: One day at a time …. over 3 yrs and counting…

Rebecca Clark: I planned to breastfeed till they were in college but they weaned after age three

By Elita of Blacktating.com for the Best for Babes Foundation ©2010

Remember last week when supermodel Gisele Bundchen said she thought there should be a law requiring moms to breastfeed for 6 months? Well, she got her wish. Indonesia passed a law that will go into effect in October that states that all women who are medically able to breastfeed must do so for at least 6 months. Mothers who decline will face up to a year in jail or a $15,000 fine.

Did you hear the one about the breastfeeding advocate who is formula feeding her baby? That was the secret Attachment Parenting guru Katie Granju revealed on her blog this week. Katie, who lost her eldest child weeks before giving birth, said the stress caused her mature milk to never come in. After trying every technique she knew, she finally came to the realization that her baby girl will have to be on formula. A good reminder that when we see moms bottle feeding in public, we don’t know their stories or how hard they may have tried to breastfeed without success.

I loved this article highlighting two hospitals in the Tampa area who are encouraging and supporting moms with babies in the NICU to breastfeed. Nearly 80% of the moms of these sick babies are nursing. Many have said they would have given up a long time ago if not for the support systems in place at the hospital. Don’t you love it when the hospital gets it right and is promoting breastfeeding instead of booby trapping moms?

The Health Ministry in China investigated claims this week by parents who complained, their baby girls began to develop breasts after drinking a particular brand of infant formula. The ministry says “no link” can be found between the formula and the breast growth.

Dr. Thomas Hale, the go-to doctor for information on medicines and breast milk, has opened his Infant Risk Center. This call-in center is now open to take calls from professionals and parents. There is no charge for this fantastic service that will provide accurate, evidence-based information on medications that are safe during pregnancy and lactation.

And just when you thought it was safe to leave the house with your kids, yet another mom has been kicked out of a public place for breastfeeding her baby. This time it was McDonald’s. The owner of the restaurant has apologized, but I’m getting a little tired of reading this story over and over again.

The National Health Promotion Strategy kicked off their “Well Bermuda” program with a Breastfed Baby Photo Exhibit this week. The Minister of Health in Bermuda said of the exhibit: “Every baby displayed on these walls is a winner simply because they were fortunate enough to be given the greatest of gifts.” I agree!

Breastfed Baby Photo Exhibit

Did you think we were only going to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week?  Of course not!  In many countries around the globe, breasfeeding is celebrated during the whole month of August, and sometimes September too, and other odd weeks here and there.   We say, let’s celebrate them all!  Our Mom-Made Wonderfood is truly worthy of celebration, every day.  Whether it comes straight from the tap, the bottle, or via a human milk bank, its a superpower that fights  diseases in mom and baby, and helps to clean up the planet – all in a single bound.  Even Clark Kent would be jealous.

We’ve seen a lot of breastfeeding companies doing giveaways and promotions this last week—and in tough economic times, a freebie or a discount is a good thing!   But how many of those companies are truly investing in changing our breastfeeding culture and beating the booby traps?   When only 3% of hospitals are designated baby-friendly; when too few doctors are  educated on the basics of lactation management; when women can are still being harrassed, and even abused, for breastfeeding in public; and when ours is one of the only industrialized countries without paid maternity leave—and the list goes on—moms need more than a coupon or some helpful information on a website.  Building the “mother of all causes” takes some serious cash.

That is why we are extremely pleased to present  the “Ultimate Giveaway that Gives Back” that not only celebrates breastfeeding but also showcases some wonderful companies that are going above and beyond to help moms and babies.  Everyone of the sponsors represented in the baskets below is committed to working with Best for Babes to change the breastfeeding landscape for our sisters, our friends, and our daughters, and really for all of us, because when moms are no longer prevented from achieving their personal breastfeeding goals, everyone benefits.   These companies also happen to make some of the best products on the market, because while all you really need to breastfeed is at least one boob and a baby, there are a lot of things that can make breastfeeding more comfortable, appealing and convenient.  After all, if some cute workout gear can motivate you to go to the gym, then certainly a sexy nursing top can boost your confidence, make you feel fabulous, and empower you reach your breastfeeding goal!   We say, whatever works for you, babe!

How to Win: Here’s the special twist on our giveaway. In the spirit of giving back, we are asking you to nominate someone else for the gift basket, someone whom you really think could benefit from this extravaganza:  for example, a mom who really wants  to breastfeeding but can’t afford a top-quality breastpump to go back to work, or for whom babywearing (and the multi-tasking that goes with it) would make a world of difference.   First, leave a comment describing the person you would like to see win basket (1–Expecting Mom) or basket (2–Working Mom) below, and then, make sure you “Like” our facebook page.   At the end of the month, everybody will vote on the nominations, and we will check and make sure that the winner is legit before shipping the gift baskets in beginning of September.   The generous-minded person who nominates the winner will get a lovely gift too–A Belabumbum Lily Sleepwear set (see the Expecting Babe Basket) and a Best for Babes T-shirt!!   Total value of the giveaway is a mind-blowing $1,500 smackeroos.

#1. Ultimate Best for Babes Giveaway Basket for the Expecting Babe

• My Brest Friend Deluxe Breastfeeding Pillow has a wrap-around design with a silent, quick-release strap, back support and a firm, flat cushion that keeps baby from rolling and promotes the optimum latch; with soft, washable cover.
• Earth Mama Angel Baby Breastfeeding Support Kit includes Milkmaid Tea to support healthy breast milk production, lanolin-free nipple cream to prevent or heal sore, cracked nipples, gel- and toxin-free breast packs ease breasts sore from engorgement or mastitis, and organic, herbal breast compresses provide extra nipple and engorgement care.
• Evenflo Comfort Select Performance™ Dual Breastpump with autocycling vacuum is newly improved and perfect for occasional pumping; it runs on batteries or can be plugged in for traveling convenience.   Two pumps can used simultaneously for greater efficiency, or leave a spare where you are likely to need it, comes in carry case.
• Posh Pads are ultra fashionable, reusable, earth-friendly organic cotton and bamboo nursing pads that are so gorgeous, you can use them as coasters when you are done nursing.   In outrageous colors and patterns to suit every bra and boob.
• Moby Wrap Custom Best for Babes Carrier is made of the softest of cotton fabrics, is extremely comfortable, and is one of the safest baby carriers available today. It distributes weight evenly from parent’s shoulders to hips and aligns baby’s center of gravity as close to the parent’s body as possible.  Svelte black with the signature Best for Babes logo on it!
• Mother’s Boutique Sweet Embrace Necklace is a gorgeous sterling silver pendant on a leather cord, designed by Judy Masucci, owner of the Mother’s Boutique.   It symbolizes the love between a mother and child and represents a breastfeeding mother or any mother holding and loving her child.
• Belabumbum Lily Sleepwear Set comes with a robe, cami and pants perfect for snoozing and lounging and feeling fabulous!  Belabumbum believes that women grow more beautiful while expecting and while nursing, so their lingerie confections encourage women to feel pampered, sexy, and hip — during and after pregnancy.
• Hadley Stilwell Sleeveless Crossover Shirt is ultra-luxe and stylish, perfect for date night or a meeting with the executive committee.  HadleyStilwell designs are meant to be clothes you want to wear – that just happen to accommodate nursing and pumping – and many moms keep them as long-term staples of their wardrobe.  Gift certificate so you can choose the color and size.
• Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy Book is a stunning coffee table quality book with evocative photos of breastfeeding and parenting combined with clear, expert guidance on how to start and continue a breastfeeding relationship with ease and prevent and solve any problems.
• Sweet Knee Gift Bag includes an adorable, reusable cloth bag filled with splendidly all-natural  bubbly soap, oatmeal cookie bath, bun glaze for tender tushies, 3.2 oz rubbit oil for massaging or moisturizing, and a 3.75 oz hulababy bar soap.
• Be Nice Prenatal Vitamin Drink Mix allows you to get your essential prenatal vitamins and minerals, in easy to take and carry portions for better nutrient absorption and hydration throughout the day. Doctor approved, it comes in two delicious, naturally sweetened flavors.

#2. Ultimate Best for Babes Giveaway Basket for the Working Babe

• Ameda Purely Yours Ultra Breastpump is a top-of-the-line electric breastpump that is preferred by lactation consultants and doctors and  can be converted for one-handed manual use. Cycles per minute and suction can be adjusted to maximize milk output.  The patented diaphragm ensures no milk or bacteria can enter the tubing or motor, and no contaminants from the pump can enter your collected milk.  Comes with a stylish, sophisticated pebble-grained tailored tote, cooler (holds 6 bottles–included), a car lighter adapter, 3 different sizes breast flanges (with more available), and various pump accessories.
• Pumpease Bra Supports make pumping at work or home much easier because it allows you to pump hands-free.   The 6″ wide pumping supports feature patent pending, ‘no-stitch’ horn openings, guaranteed to accommodate any breast pump on the market, in a variety of gorgeous prints that allow you to “express” your personal style and fashion sense.
• Motherlove More Milk Plus capsules contain a special blend of safe and effective herbs designed to quickly increase breast milk for breastfeeding mothers, created by one of the leading companies in the holistic body care industry.   Pure, natural and organic–use under the care of a lactation specialist.   Not for use during pregnancy.
• Breastpumps and Briefcases Audio CD contains valuable information to ease your transition back to work, including how to maintain your milk supply, how to create a pumping schedule, make arrangements with your employer, and store your milk.   Shari Criso’s reassuring manner and tips for succeeding with breastfeeding have helped thousands of moms achieve their personal breastfeeding goals.
• Hotslings pouches allow you carry your baby in fabulous style, safety and comfort.   So pretty they can be worn to coordinate with your designer suit for the boardroom if your employer allows babies at work!  Can be exchanged for a size and print you prefer.  Created by one of the leaders in the industry who also actively writes American safety standards for sling-style baby carriers.
• Mother’s Boutique Sweet Embrace Necklace is a gorgeous sterling silver pendant on a leather cord, designed by Judy Masucci, owner of the Mother’s Boutique.   It symbolizes the love between a mother and child and represents a breastfeeding mother or any mother holding and loving her child.
• Hadley Stilwell Sleeveless Crossover Shirt is ultra-luxe and stylish, perfect for date night or a meeting with the executive committee.  HadleyStilwell designs are meant to be clothes you want to wear – that just happen to accommodate nursing and pumping – and many moms keep them as long-term staples of their wardrobe.  Gift certificate so you can choose the color and size. 
• Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy Book is a stunning coffee table quality book with evocative photos of breastfeeding and parenting combined with clear, expert guidance on how to start and continue a breastfeeding relationship with ease and prevent and solve any problems.
• Sweet Knee Gift Bag includes an adorable, reusable cloth bag filled with deliciously all-natural  bubbly soap, oatmeal cookie bath, bun glaze for tender tushies, 3.2 oz rubbit oil for massaging or moisturizing, and a 3.75 oz hulababy bar soap.

Our deepest gratitude to all these great companies that support moms and babies and Best for Babes with their generous donations!   Leave a comment below nominating a person you would like to see win a  gift basket, and make sure to say  which one: “#1-Expecting” or “#2-Working”  and why, and jump over and “Like” our facebook page too!  Thank you for giving back, and for helping us make sure that the gift goes to someone who could genuinely use it and for whom it would make a difference in achieving their personal breastfeeding goals.

By Elita of Blacktating.com; for the Best for Babes Foundation ©2010

I knew that World Breastfeeding Week would bring a ton of coverage of breastfeeding in the media, but I had no clue we’d have so much to talk about this week.

First there was drama when supermodel Gisele Bundchen made some provocative comments about making 6 months of breastfeeding mandatory by law. Of course she was exaggerating, but we wish more women could meet the gold standard of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding.  We tried to reach her publicist in the hopes that Gisele would use this opportunity of being in the spotlight to talk about a few laws that we DO need:  like paid maternity leave, and a law enforcing the WHO Code, but had no luck.

The Surgeon General made me proud by releasing a statement in honor of World Breastfeeding Week, acknowledging the disparities in breastfeeding rates and committing to help create an environment that supports all mothers who choose to breastfeed.

We also learned about a new documentary called Prescription Milk, about how donor breast milk is saving the lives of babies in NICUs all over this country, yet many families are unable to obtain the liquid gold. The tear jerker trailer has been released and we can’t wait to see the whole film!

The Central Texas Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies group also presented a “Keep Austin Breastfeeding Flash Mob” at a park in Austin, TX. The flash mob featured dancing, singing and rapping to promote breastfeeding, along with a remix to It Takes Two that you don’t want to miss!

It was a great week for Best for Babes, as several new sponsors signed on, including Motherlove, Hadley Stilwell, and Belabumbum, announcing their commitments to donate a percentage of sales to Best for Babes–these sponsorships are ongoing and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Best for Babes family.   Pumpease announced that all proceeds from their new door hanger will go to BfB.    In addition, We Add Up pledged $3 from the sale of every Breastfeed t-shirt from August 1-7 to go to Best for Babes, we’ll let you know how we made out (special thanks to Babble.com for promoting it).  For more companies that “give back” to BfB when you buy their products, check out our SHOP page and our corporate alliance page.

I also loved two blog posts by Caffeinated Catholic Mama on the ABCs of breastfeeding. She listed 26 benefits of breastfeeding based on the letters of the alphabet. Check out her 2-part series. What are your favorite benefits of breastfeeding?

The folks at Ameda would also like to know why you breastfeed. Join celebrity mom Bethenny Frankel and upload a 20-second video explaining why you breastfeed and it will be displayed on the Ameda I Breastfeed Because site. For every video uploaded, Ameda will donate $5 to the Human Milk Bank Association of North America.

And my favorite story this week came from the NY Times. A group of researchers at UC Davis have discovered that a large portion of breast milk can’t be digested by babies because it is used to coat and protect the infant’s intestines. In what will probably go down as the best quote in breastfeeding activism history, one of the doctors said of breast milk, “It’s all there for a purpose, though we’re still figuring out what that purpose is. So for God’s sake, please breastfeed.”

Finally, we asked you on Facebook what the best thing about World Breastfeeding Week was and you said…

Kacey Brooke Tinsley: Taking part in Portland’s, “Big Latch On” yesterday.

Kati Ford: my son, born with severe neurological impairments, who many (including myself at times) never thought could nurse deciding he wanted it from the source Sunday, nursing consistantly the whole week.

Kristen Marie Troutmask: The feeling of family from my online community (that I am mostly lacking in my real life community)! ♥

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, we’re thrilled to bring you an interview with “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia“ Actress Kaitlin Olson.  TV Guide says Kaitlin is “working an unconventional beauty-meets-bawdy vibe we haven’t seen (or enjoyed so much) since. . .Julia Louis-Dreyfus set the bar so high on Seinfeld.”  Kaitlin appeared on the cover of the June 25 USA Today Pregnancy & Wellness Report  that we participated in and  is expecting her first child with husband and co-star Rob McElhenny this month!

 Because the theme of World Breastfeeding Week  is the Ten Steps of Baby-Friendly Hospitals, we thought it would be great to focus on how to prepare BEFORE encountering the ten steps or lack thereof, so moms can set themselves up for success.   Unfortunately, only 3% of maternity centers in the U.S. follow the 10 steps, and as a result, the 86% of moms who want to breastfeed aren’t making it past the first few days and weeks of exclusive or mostly breastfeeding–the CDC reports that most hospitals perform poorly on breastfeeding support.  Moms are being booby-trapped by the very institutions that should be helping them the most!  We want all moms to have a positive, empowering birth and breastfeeding experience, free of anguish and regret, whether they breastfeed for 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years!    

1.  How has your pregnancy been?  How have you taken care of yourself during pregnancy?  Studies show that the health of the mother during pregnancy influences birth & health outcomes for the baby.

I’ve actually had a delightfully easy pregnancy. I was lucky enough to not have any morning sickness, I worked all through my second trimester and half of my third with lots of energy, and I’m just now (at 9 months) starting to feel like I need to slow down and rest a little more. I’ve tried to take really good care of myself throughout the whole process.  I drink tons of water and try to eat a low sugar, high vegetable, clean (1), healthy, organic diet. (I’ve also eaten a LOT of chocolate covered pretzels. I can’t help it.)  I’m also walking like crazy. A lot more than I want to, in fact, but apparently that’s the best thing for toning my uterus and getting the baby in the right position. I also try to make sure I get enough sleep and stop to rest when I feel like I’m doing too much.

 2.  Why did you decide to plan a home birth?  What influenced your decision? 

I decided on a home birth because I believe that as long as a pregnancy is normal and complication-free, your body knows what to do and does not need medical intervention (2). I think the key to having a baby naturally is being able to completely relax and get out of the way of your body’s ability to get the job done. I believe I’ll be most relaxed and feel safest in my home (with an amazing nurse-midwife monitoring the baby and me the entire time, of course.) I was born at home and my mom has gone on to create Earth Mama Angel Baby, a company that makes safe, toxin-free products to naturally support pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery and new baby care. I grew up in this type of environment, so it’s very ‘normal’ to me. I want to be clear, though…I think hospitals are amazing, valuable places and I’m incredibly grateful to have access to Western medicine! I just don’t think that childbirth is a medical problem that needs intervention unless there is a complication.

3. What has been the reaction to your decision?   Obviously, your mom is supportive; has there been any negative reaction or concern and how have you handled that? 

Rob and I have had a lot of mixed reactions!  Most of our friends have been very supportive because they know us well enough to know that we are the kind of people who do our research and make informed decisions. The people who panic and think we are crazy are the ones who haven’t done any research themselves. I don’t blame them, though. We aren’t really taught much about childbirth and labor in America. On t.v. and in movies, most of what you see on the subject are women screaming in pain and a lot of emergency c sections. The fact of the matter is that countries who’s standard is for women to deliver their babies at home with midwives have the lowest complication, intervention and infant fatality rates. The United States has one of the highest complication, intervention and infant fatality rates and we have our babies in hospitals. That’s hard for people to understand, but if you do a little research, it makes sense. Your body knows what to do in a pregnancy that has no complications. If you numb yourself and block your uterus’ ability to communicate with your brain, then lay down on your back and work against gravity, that can, sometimes, cause problems.

 4. What tools or techniques are you using to manage the labor process and handle any pain or fear?  

I’ve been practicing hypno-birthing for several months now. It’s basically training yourself to completely relax on command, allowing your uterus to do its job without tensing up in reaction to the pain, which just slows everything down. It also really focuses on eliminating fear, and I’m learning a lot about the correlation between fear and pain. When you’re scared, you tense up. That’s no good. Instead of being afraid of powerful contractions, I’m trying to focus on being grateful for them, because it means the baby is closer to being born. I also am using a doula who will be there to remind me of all of these things when I forget because I am in horrible pain.

 5. Are you planning to breastfeed, and if so, what attracts you to it, for yourself, your family and for the baby?  

Yes, I’m definitely planning to breastfeed! I just simply think that breast milk is the very best food for a baby. It’s also free. And takes no preparation or heating up (3).

6.  Was your decision to have a natural birth influenced by studies that have shown an easier transition to breastfeeding?  Birthing in a breastfeeding-friendly environment, i.e following the “Ten Steps”, makes a huge difference in breastfeeding initiation and continuation.  

 If we had decided to have the baby in a hospital, (or if for some reason we do need to transfer to the hospital during labor) I have done my research and am already very clear on what steps need to be taken in order to ensure that my baby and I have every opportunity to be able to learn together how to breastfeed. I don’t feel intimidated by nurses who may suggest that I need to supplement with formula or I am starving my child.  In the spirit of staying positive, I am also not anticipating that I would get a nurse who is a bully or has harmful intentions. I don’t believe people in hospitals are bad people just because they have a medical background instead of a natural one. I just believe that different people have different views or different training, and I am not uncomfortable saying thank you, we’ve got it under control, and then bringing in a lactation consultant. I think it’s all about educating yourself, empowering yourself, and creating the best environment for yourself wherever you happen to give birth.

 7. Have you prepared for breastfeeding in any way? 

So far I’ve prepared by taking a breastfeeding class, watching a very informative video called Simply Breastfeeding by Shari Criso (4), and talking to my friends (and my mom) who have successfully breastfed their babies. We have a lactation consultant who will be coming over to the house when the baby is born and I’ve found a support group very close to my house if and when I need it. I think the best thing to do at this point is just jump in and see what happens and go from there, knowing that it’s possible that it comes very naturally, and also possible that I’ll run into problems but that doesn’t mean I’m failing! There are a lot of really wonderful resources out there if you go looking for them.

8.  Have you encountered any “Booby Traps” to breastfeeding already? 

Earth Mama Angel Baby is a proud sponsor of Best for Babes

I have run into Booby Traps! I’ve heard from several friends who have tried to breastfeed and “failed.” Mostly the problem seems to be that they don’t think they produce enough milk. These are all very loving women who are good mothers and often they are being led to think that they are starving their babies and the best thing to do is supplement with formula.  All moms come from a place of wanting to do the very best for their children! But it’s nice to know ahead of time that I have options.  Earth Mama Angel Baby Milk Maid tea, Booby Tubes and Bosom Buddies all help with engorgement and encouraging milk to come in (5).

 9.  How have you dealt with any barriers to breastfeeding and how do you plan to handle any that come up? 

You know, I’m just not really entertaining the option of a backup plan.  I have lots of people in my life who have done this before to support me and really wonderful, knowledgeable professionals I can go to which makes me feel confident. Mostly at this stage when I start to have doubts, the best thing I can do is remind myself that my body was built to do this, and if I run into trouble I have a lot of options.

10.  What advice do you have for expecting moms around taking care of yourself during pregnancy, and planning for birth and breastfeeding? 

Educate yourself! Unfortunately that does not mean asking one person (your family doctor whom you’ve never questioned before), getting one answer, and then looking no further.  I believe that how you take care of yourself in your pregnancy and the decisions you make regarding your birth, breastfeeding, etc. are all acts of parenting. The reality of our current state of health care, for better or for worse, is that a great part of it is being subsidized by major pharmaceutical companies and other special interests. Hospitals give you formula samples that are given to them by formula companies. That doesn’t necessarily mean that their products are “bad,” it just means that you may not be getting an objective point of view. So surround yourself with people you trust, ask lots of questions, listen to everything, and then make the most informed decision that you can. And eat chocolate covered pretzels, they make everything better.

Okay, Babes, do you have any questions for Kaitlin?

Best for Babes Resources & Tips

(1) For more information on ridding your home and your body of toxins, see Healthy Child Healthy World, a great non-profit, also The Smart Mama and The Soft Landing.

(2) To learn more about birth options, see My Best Birth 

(3)  . . . and is an all-around mom-made wonderfood.

(4)  In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, Shari Criso’s DVD is streaming FREE through September 30.   

(5)  Nursing more often builds milk supply.  If mothers can’t or decide not to breastfeed, pasteurized, screened donor milk from a human milk bank, is the best substitute after expressing or pumping the mother’s own milk.  Speak to your doctor about getting a prescription.

First of all, apologies for not getting this post up yesterday, or even this morning; I was at a family reunion, and then one kerfuffle (thanks Amy for the new word) after another came up on my radar, and I didn’t have a chunk of time to concentrate.   My kids were out of whack by the time we spilled out of the car, and I have been trying to do a better job of setting clear boundaries between BfB and family time (often unsuccessfully, as I am known to sneak in a text or email reply on a trip to the loo) . . . so here we are, with the first day of World Breastfeeding Week already waning.   Anyhoo . . .

We are really excited about World Breastfeeding Week’s theme this year, which is ”Just 10 steps.  The Baby Friendly Way“   As the Motherwear Blog so persuasively explained, only 8% of our nations hospitals follow just six of those steps.   Only 3% follow all of them as designated by the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.    The hospital booby traps are so ginormous that most moms can’t breastfeed exclusively for the first three days, let alone the first 6 months recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.  We are working hard to raise awareness of the hospital booby traps (the link I reference most often is this one), and have also developed a close relationship with Baby Friendly USA.   We will be dedicating a separate blog post to our thoughts on Baby-Friendly, and what we can all do to advance it. 

If you are expecting or thinking of starting a family, the single most important thing you can do, long before you go to the hospital or maternity center, give birth at home, or waltz the Ten Steps, is to PREPARE.   This means educating yourself so you can make an informed feeding decision and then arming yourself with the tools that will inspire, prepare and empower you to achieve your personal breastfeeding goals.  

My Baby Experts Simply Breastfeeding DVD is now available FREE online until September 30!

 One of the most powerful tools we have come across since starting Best for Babes is the Simply Breastfeeding DVD by Shari Criso.   We are thrilled that in honor of World Breastfeeding Week (and months August and September around the world); Shari is making the entire class available online FREE of charge . . . a savings of  $29.99 as available on Babies R Us . . . through September 30th!    When I first saw Shari’s DVD, I jumped up on the couch, Tom Cruise style, because it is the first full-length class on DVD that I’ve seen that every expecting mother can use to gain confidence, information, and be reassured.   We endorsed it because it is a best-in-class tool but also because it is modern, non-judgmental, and very importantly, not boring!    Not all breastfeeding classes are teaching evidence-based, unbiased information, in a way that commands interest and attention, and not all moms have access to that information.   Shari has a tremendous track record helping clients near a hospital that is a black hole for breastfeeding, and has some jaw-dropping (literally for those babies!) new techniques.   (We are hoping to find a researcher and funding to create a study that will examine whether watching the DVD will improve breastfeeding rates; based on anecdotal evidence, we think it does!   Shari’s clients have been known to sneak the DVD into the hospital and watch it on their laptops after delivery for help with latches etc.)  Here’s where we need your help:   We would love to have 10,000 people (expecting moms, dads, grandmas, friends, health professionals) watch the class during the next two months, so Shari can make a case to her sponsors to make the class available free permanently.   Please share the free online video with your expecting and new mom friends!     We’re interested to hear what you think!       

We’ll also be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week with lots of hot info, super style, glam giveaways, and actions you can take!  We have a fabulous new celebrity interview coming out, a new line-up of great products that boost your breastfeeding or advocacy style or comfort while helping to grow our cause, and lots of love for our wonderful supporters—from our nearly 7,000 moms on Facebook to the  companies and nonprofits that believe in us to all of those who have helped spread the word, donate or help us in some way–you all make it possible for us to do the work we do.   This World Breastfeeding Week, we celebrate ♥YOU♥!!

By Elita of Blacktating.com for the Best for Babes Foundation ©2010

Happy World Breastfeeding Week, everyone! This year’s WBW theme is “Just 10 Steps: Breastfeeding the Baby Friendly Way” and refers to working to eradicate the “booby traps” so many moms face in the hospital. Moms would be more much successful with breastfeeding if hospitals made 10 simple changes, including creating breastfeeding policies, practicing rooming in and not giving bottles and pacifiers to breastfeeding infants. There are also tons of activities going on across the globe to celebrate. Will you be attending an event in your neck of the woods?

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is offering free access to Breastfeeding Medicine, their official peer-reviewed journal for the entire month of August!

No breastfeeding allowed when trying to become a lactation consultant? That’s what a mom in Italy claims she was told by the International Board of Certified Lactation Examiners when she asked to bring her 3-month-old nursling with her while she sat for the IBCLC exam. Reaction seems to be bemusement at the apparent irony, with many people stating the mom should be given extra time, allowed to bring her baby into the exam room or some other accommodation. In America, IBCLE allows moms of exclusively breastfed infants to take extra breaks to feed their baby outside of the exam room, but doesn’t allow them to make up the time. So what do you think IBCLE should have offered this mom? Is this decision hypocritical or do babies not belong in exam halls?

This week a new study revealed that older and overweight moms are more likely to see a delay in their milk coming in. The research shows that first-time moms over the age of 30 and those who are overweight are more at risk of delayed lactogenosis. This happened to me, with my milk coming in around day 5, rather than day 3. Judy at A Mother’s Boutique had the same issue. This is important to note because it could be a potential “booby trap” if moms are told to supplement until their milk comes in. 98% of women have a full milk supply by day 7.

Although it was funny when it happened on The Office, the report that a woman breastfed the wrong baby at a Virginia hospital is nothing to laugh about. When a new mom agreed to have her baby taken to the nursery so she could rest, she never expected a hospital aide would forget to match up the ID bands and bring her baby to another woman to be breastfed. Fortunately, the woman who nursed her baby has tested negative for HIV and other diseases, but the article warns that no one really knows how often these mix-ups happen, as there is no reporting required as long as there is no serious harm.   A lower risk of switcheroos is one of the unexpected benefits of “rooming in,” one of the 10 Steps!

This week on our Facebook page, we asked you why you chose to breastfeed your babies. You had some amazing answers, including:

Cassaundra Blythe: The same reason I “chose” to breathe, or love my husband, or eat or become a mother. It’s a normal thing for women to do.

Ashley Poland: The cost and the reduced instances of SIDS. As a first time mom, I was terrified of it.

Carla Richardson Rush: I love them!

Jamie Moore Lowe: It just makes sense. Good for them, good for me!