Best for Babes

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.

The Best for Babes Foundation is releasing a provocative new breastfeeding ad in a special Pregnancy & Wellness Report to be inserted in USA Today on June 25th in the greater metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.  The Best for Babes Foundation was established in 2007 to fight the barriers to breastfeeding, and to give breastfeeding a makeover by using mainstream marketing and branding.

According to the ad, the real miracle isn’t the bra, but mothers, and their ability to make milk for their own and others’ babies.  Best for Babes urges parents to get the right support to navigate the “Booby Traps“-the cultural and institutional barriers that keep mothers from making informed feeding decisions and carrying them out.  “Most moms want to breastfeed, and don’t realize how they are being undermined by the very institutions that should be helping them.  Whether they breastfeed for 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years or not at all, they deserve to achieve their personal goals.   We’re clearing through the information clutter-much of it misleading-and are showing them how to succeed and who they can trust, much like a personal trainer or nutritionist would for someone who wants to get fit,” says Best for Babes Co-Founder Bettina Forbes.   

The ad, which is part of a series of arresting visuals,  is the first of its kind that aims to raise awareness of the “WHO-Code“-the World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and direct parents to hospitals, doctors, employers and resources that are WHO-Code compliant.   “Most parents don’t know that the WHO-Code was created to protect parent’s right to make an informed feeding decision at one of the most vulnerable and precious times of their lives-the birth of a child,   explains Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC and a leading expert on WHO-Code compliance.   “The aggressive marketing of artificial human milk substitutes has been shown to undermine breastfeeding intention and success, and parents should be careful about where they turn for breastfeeding support.” The ad also acknowledges breastfeeding industry companies such as Evenflo, Numom Nutrition, 60 Second Parent, Pumpease, My Baby Experts, Earth Mama Angel Baby, My Milkies, and Be Nice that are WHO-Code compliant and support Best for Babes’ mission to beat the “Booby Traps” and change the cultural perception of breastfeeding.

Unlike government and state breastfeeding campaigns that have come under fire for using scare tactics,  unappealing visuals, or making moms feel judged or guilty, the Best for Babes ad campaign is eye-catching, fun, and designed to cheer on, coach and celebrate moms.  “We want moms to have an awesome, empowering breastfeeding experience, ” says Best for Babes Co-Founder Danielle Rigg.  “All parents want what’s best for their babies.  They deserve support and resources, and those who can’t breastfeed deserve access to the next best substitute:  pasteurized, screened human milk from a registered donor milk bank.”  The six-figure ad campaign was created pro-bono by Frank About Women, a leading marketing-to-women communications group.  It has been positively received for bringing levity and a fresh approach to a persistent public health problem. Best for Babes aims to raise funds to continue the series on billboards and bus stations.   The USA Today Pregnancy & Wellness Report, produced by Media Planet, will reach 2.2 million readers in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York; will be distributed to ob/gyn offices and physicians through the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, will be carried in all Destination Maternity stores, distributed at March of Dimes events, will be circulated to 25,000 members of the United States Breastfeeding Committee and all member organizations, and all physician members of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. 

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The Best for Babes Foundation, a non-profit 501c3, was established in 2007 to give breastfeeding a makeover by using mainstream marketing and branding to inspire, prepare and empower moms, and to raise awareness of and fight the barriers that keep moms from achieving their personal breastfeeding goals, despite their best intentions.  The Best for Babes Web site offers breastfeeding inspiration, help for moms who don’t want to breastfeed, a ground-breaking checklist for expectant moms, important information about navigating the “booby traps,” as well as opportunities to become involved and donate.

For more information about the ad or Best for Babes, visit http://www.bestforbabes.org.

We have had a vision for a long time of seeing the breastfeeding discussed in a meaningful way on Oprah.   Not sensationalized, “ewww breastmilk cheese” or “kooky mother is still breastfeeding her 8-year old” topics as we have often seen in the media that only serve to make breastfeeding more fringe when we are trying to make it mainstream.  Not “benefits of breastfeeding” that will just further polarize moms without addressing the real problem- the “Booby Traps“- the barriers that keep moms from achieving their personal breastfeeding goals. 

Cue all the seasoned PR folks to roll their eyes at the bajillions of people who have wanted to be on Oprah; naive do-gooders and entrepreneurs who see it as a magic bullet to convey their message or sell their product.   PR folks know just how nightmarishly difficult it is to get on to Oprah, and that companies pay big bucks to make it happen.   That’s okay, we know that too, and we are getting guidance on just how to bring it about, but to be realistic, it will probably take us a while.

Which is why we were so excited to hear that one of our trusted experts, Shari Criso, RN, CNM, IBCLC has submitted an entry for “Your Own Show:  Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star.“   Some of you know Shari from #bfcafe on Twitter, where she has dispensed terrific tips and answered tricky breastfeeding questions.  Some of you know her from her awesome full-breastfeeding-class-on-DVD and CD set, which we endorse because not enough parents are getting quality, WHO-Code compliant breastfeeding education.   Some of you lucky ones have been her clients in her store or received private lactation counseling from her.  We know Shari as all of these and more: she’s a powerful advocate for ALL parents, and is a key influencer (she is the new breastfeeding expert for Babies R US) who is helping us to give breastfeeding a makeover and raise awareness of  and beat the “booby traps”.  

Shari Criso has all the key ingredients to have a shot at winning the Oprah contest; a hot and important topic, a polished camera presence, a compelling message that can help moms, babies and the planet, and a loyal following.    We are excited about the possibility of having a breastfeeding advocate take center stage on Oprah and raise the visibility of this issue in a meaningful way, so we are asking all of our friends and followers to please join us in voting for Shari!   It only takes a few seconds . . . you can vote as often as you want and please leave a comment too so the producers of Oprah can see the impact she can have. 

Thank you, and stay tuned . . .

Starting a non-profit is no easy thing, so we are glad to have a guardian angel:  Earth Mama Angel Baby.  We love them and want to tell you why.

In the wake of recall after recall and unsafe chemicals making the news on a regular basis, it’s hard to find companies we can really trust.  As moms, we want to do right by our babies and give them the best that we possibly can. On the other hand, we don’t have time to read and research every ingredient, on every label, every time we need something.

With Earth Mama Angel Baby, there’s nothing to second-guess and you don’t have to read any labels to know that you’re getting safe, organic products.  All EMAB products are 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, certified Vegan, and free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes.  In a nutshell:  products don’t get much safer or more natural for mom and baby.  This is a company you can trust, one that’s truly Babe-Worthy, and we’re proud to have them as a sponsor.

Danielle, EMAB Founder Melinda Olson, Bettina at ABC Kids Expo in Vegas '09

Getting safe, natural products (and the peace of mind that comes from that) is great, but EMAB doesn’t stop there.  It’s not even their efforts to use eco-friendly packaging that makes them so great (but we like that, too!). What makes this company stand out is their devotion to motherhood - in all its forms.  EMAB supports all phases of motherhood, from conception to babyhood, as well as in times of loss.  Their commitment to supporting moms, naturally and holistically, goes way beyond customer service.  This is a company born out of caring, and they really do want what’s best for moms and their babies.

Their above-and-beyond efforts shine through. Need something to quell your morning sickness or something to pamper a pregnant friend?  They’ve got it.  Seeking something to make labor or postpartum recovery a bit more bearable?  You’ve found it.  EMAB even has products and a website devoted to supporting moms in times of loss—last month was Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and they were up front, doling out comfort and caring. They do it all, and they do it all-naturally, which is a beautiful thing.

And of course, EMAB has a fantastic line of breastfeeding products!  As we all know (some of us, too well), breastfeeding doesn’t always go smoothly or come easily.  EMAB offers some great products to help beat the Booby Traps. Their Breastfeeding Support Kit includes everything a new mom needs to help her (and her newly milk-tastic boobs!) through breastfeeding.  The kit includes EMAB’s Natural Nipple Butter, Booby Tubes, Bosom Buddies, and Milkmaid Tea - everything necessary to address any soreness or discomfort, boost milk supply (when needed), and keep nipples in feeding shape.  And for the mom that’s ready to stop breastfeeding (perhaps because she was “booby trapped”!) , or for the mom who can’t breastfeed (rare, but you can’t argue with a mastectomy) or decides not to breastfeed, there’s also No More Milk Tea.  Giving up nursing can be a heartbreaking experience and we are grateful that this wonderful tea can soothe mom’s bodies, boobs and spirits.

We’re thrilled to have EMAB as a corporate partner and love all the wonderful support they provide to mamas. They’re a great company through and through.   They fiercely uphold the World Health Organization’s International Code on Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes, and they are generous too:  A portion of the proceeds from each Breastfeeding Support Kit goes to Best for Babes.  Next time you are looking for the perfect  Babe gift- baby shower or new mother, keep Earth Mama Angel Baby in mind!