This is the 30th in a series on Booby Traps, made possible by the generous support of Motherlove Herbal Company.

Blood sugar.  It’s a concept familiar to those of you who are diabetic or have had gestational diabetes, but to others it’s the last thing we think we have to learn in preparation for our babies’ birth.

But in some hospitals, all babies are checked for low blood sugar.  In spite of recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics to the contrary, “many hospital nurseries,” says this journal article, “continue the clinical practice of routine early glucose screening on healthy, term newborns.”  This has significant consequences for breastfeeding.

But let’s back up a bit.  Why would anyone want to know about a baby’s blood sugar levels?  Glucose is the primary source of energy for our cells, and it’s transported by our bloodstream.  Low glucose levels can cause anything from irritability and jitteriness to seizures in babies.  But only a small percentage of babies are at risk for low blood glucose.  Healthy, term newborns born after a normal pregnancy and delivery are not at risk, yet they are sometimes screened anyway.

Why would routine screening of all babies for blood glucose levels be detrimental to breastfeeding?  Because a low blood glucose reading often results in formula supplementation, and sometimes separation of the mother and baby.  Supplementation can lead to problems with milk supply and sometimes with the ability of babies to feed from the breast.  According to the Academy for Breastfeeding Medicine, “it is clear that the routine monitoring of blood glucose in healthy term infants is not only unnecessary but is potentially harmful to the establishment of a healthy mother-infant relationship and successful breastfeeding patterns.”

This article in the Journal of Midwifery and Womens’ Health, outlines the risks more specifically, raising concerns about “1) the consequences of early maternal-infant separation, 2) the influence of early formula supplementation on breastfeeding discontinuance rates, 3) the effect of separation and supplementation on the onset of lactogenesis, and 4) the impact of hospital staff and provider recommendations of formula supplementation on maternal confidence to independently nurture her baby.”

A big part of the problem is that until recently, it wasn’t widely acknowledged that breastfed babies’ blood sugar fluctuations are different than formula-fed babies’.  Breastfed babies have naturally lower blood sugar levels and higher ketones than formula-fed babies.  But poor understanding of this led providers to mistake normal for dangerous and consequently order supplementation.

Fortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently issued a policy statement which clearly states that routine screening of healthy, term infants is inappropriate, and which also clearly states that there are differences between breastfed and formula-fed babies’ blood sugar fluctuations.

The AAP’s new statement is far more clear about who should and shouldn’t be routinely tested.  Here’s what it says:

• Breastfed babies have lower glucose concentrations but higher concentrations of ketone bodies than formula-fed infants.
• Healthy, full term babies born after a normal pregnancy and delivery should not be tested for low blood sugar.
• Screening should be limited to “at risk” infants, defined as those who are small or large for gestational age, babies who are late-preterm, those who are born to mothers who have diabetes, and those who show symptoms of low blood glucose.

The prior AAP statement issued in 1993, had been a bit lukewarm on the issue, stating that universal glucose screening wasn’t justified by the literature and that limiting screening to at-risk babies “may be more appropriate.”  It also concluded, however, that in nurseries where more than half of the babies are considered high risk, “screening of all infants may be appropriate.”

So we should applaud the new policy, and as mothers be prepared to refer to it if we expect to birth in a hospital in which routine screening for healthy, full term infants with no symptoms remains, unhappily, the standard of care.

Was your baby tested for low blood sugar even though she wasn’t considered high risk?  Did affect your breastfeeding experience?

Photo Courtesy My Baby Expert

MaryAnn had no reason to fear that participating in this video could potentially lead to a massive invasion of her privacy and permanent damage to her reputation.  The online channel for whom MaryAnn demonstrated breastfeeding is part of a leading and trusted media and marketing conglomerate in the family/parenting media industry.  But several months after filming, MaryAnn learned that this same footage of her breastfeeding her month-old daughter, along with her full name and her daughter’s name, was appearing on dozens of pornographic websites spliced in with sex-act scenes.

Discovering that a gesture born of love and compassion for other moms had been corrupted into something so violative and vile was devastating.  MaryAnn has spent the last two years embroiled in an painstaking, time-consuming, and emotionally- and financially-draining effort to attempt to have all original and altered content removed from the web and to repair the harm done to her and her daughter’s name.  Although most of the videos have now been removed, and MaryAnn has successfully “buried” negative associations with her name, the footage continues to pop up, and she has been stalked online by one of the perpetrators.  She instituted legal action against the media company in 2011.

The question of how all of this could have happened is one for the courts.  But the larger issue, we think, is how outrageously unfair it is that vulnerable new mothers, like MaryAnn, are forced through a gauntlet of cultural and institutional Booby Traps trying to breastfeed, and then are subjected to further discrimination, harassment, and now it seems, invasions of privacy and injury to reputation, once they get there.  And all of this occurs over the tactful and necessary exposure of a breast to feed a baby. This is the lens through which we believe this incident should be viewed–the lens of the Booby Traps.  Having to deal with being disgraced and impugned for breastfeeding at time when you  should be enjoying your baby and adjusting to a new life is so unjust we are at a loss for words.

We also want to set the record straight – breastfeeding on camera is not the problem.  Just because child pornographers want your kid’s photos doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t post innocent and cute pictures on Facebook (but you should use caution and judgment).  The sick acts of others are beyond our control.  But they are NOT beyond the law.  Vulnerable new mothers and babies are a population that should be afforded maximum legal protection and maximum cultural embrace.

We interviewed MaryAnn so that she could tell her story of heartbreak and disgrace and so that we could warn other mothers that there’s a new kid on the block of Booby Traps – violations of privacy rights.   What happened to MaryAnn was not her fault, and it could happen to anyone. MaryAnn’s most sincere desire is that her ordeal might lead to helping others avoid the same fate; that mothers posting breastfeeding videos online to help other mothers will be careful not to disclose their or their babies’ full names, that media companies will better protect mothers, and that they will act swiftly and comprehensively to fully squash any harmful consequences from an unintentional or intentional breach of privacy.

BFB:What was the purpose, as you understood it, for the web tv episode? I understood that I was making the video for a breastfeeding episode to be shown on cable tv and their website.  I knew that the segment for the show was going to discuss some of the pitfalls that are associated with breastfeeding and what were some of the best ways to overcome these challenges.  At the same time, I was aware that I would be demonstrating a live nursing segment with my newborn baby, and that this video was to be used for educational purposes.  I also understood that they were only going to be using my first name and that of my baby’s.

BFB: Why did you agree to be filmed for the segment? Originally, I was a mom who was not sure I wanted to breastfeed.  My sister in law talked me into taking the Simply Breastfeeding class with lactation consultant Shari Criso while I was pregnant.  I hadn’t even walked out of the door of the class and I already knew I wanted to exclusively nurse my baby.  My commitment was so strong and I was instilled with so much confidence to do it, I knew I would breastfeed no matter what challenges I may have faced.  I was so motivated, empowered, and inspired by my own success that I wanted to share that with other moms.  I knew that if people could identify with me and my challenges, and see what strong commitment and support can do for me as a nursing mom, that they would also see that they could be successful with breastfeeding also.  It was my way to give back because I was so blessed with such amazing support.

BFB: What assurances did the media company make to you about your and your daughter’s privacy, if any? When I met with the host of the show of the TV show, I was so nervous.  I had never done anything like this before so I wanted to know how the process would go.  I had concerns about the use of my name and that of my daughter’s and was assured by her not to be nervous, that they would only be using our first names and that it would be showed on cable TV and their website.  I was told how the show would run, introducing, discussing, demonstrating, etc. . . .  the video shoot proceeded as she said it would and she never addressed me or my baby by our full name.  I felt that my privacy was protected and it never occurred to me that this respected and trusted brand would ultimately not  keep their promise.

BFB: Can you describe when and what you discovered about the footage after that day? When I Googled my name in July of 2010, it revealed a link which included my full name attached to a pornography site.  When I clicked on the link there was the breastfeeding video I had taped with the TV show, spliced in with vile disgusting porn clips of a woman who had similar features as me.  It wasn’t one video, it was multiple videos; among dozens and dozens of links all over the internet that now flooded my name and great reputation with this association to pornography.  If that wasn’t bad enough, I then find that my daughter, who was only 6 months old at the time, was also connected to pornography as well!  I came to find out that the breastfeeding episode that I thought would air on cable TV and their website had actually been actually posted on YouTube, and they were the ones who put my full name in writing which scrolled across the bottom of the screen during that show.

BFB: How did you feel when you discovered that your and your daughters’ rights of privacy had been invaded in this manner? I  felt so violated, so exploited, so horrified.  I felt like the brand that I trusted in, the brand that prides themselves on enriching the lives of women not only failed to protect me as a promise, but put myself, my daughter, and my family in a position where not only our reputation was compromised, but our safety as well.  In addition to that I also felt those same feelings about the anonymous predator that stole this video and included it into pornography.  I had been exploited twice, and it hurt so bad!

BFB: What steps have you taken to have the images removed from the web? I was put into contact with the people at the holding media corporation immediately.  It took them well over a year to have all of the YouTube videos removed as a violation and infringement of copyright since other users had stolen the video from their channel.  We began working together on destroying links and at first they seemed to be helping me.  I spent countless, days, hours, minutes, and seconds trying to get mine and my baby’s life back.  I sent in requests to have videos and links removed.  Sometimes sites would comply other times they did not.  The holding company kept in contact with me for about four months, and although there were times where there was a lag in responding, I was assured by them that it was their “top priority.”  I asked for reputation management, I never got it.  They told me they researched other avenues, and would get back to me.  I reached out to them, and waited many months to get the updates they had promised, but an email or call never came.  I think they thought if they ignored me long enough, I would just go away.  At that point, I contacted an attorney because I couldn’t do this alone.  Even with the help of an attorney, I was left with no option but to file this lawsuit to fight for mine and my baby’s rights.  Only after I retained an attorney did they agree to assist me in hiring a company to attempt to repair our reputation.  I really never thought it would have to come to this, this has been extremely difficult on me and family and this whole situation saddens me greatly.

BFB: Did this ordeal compromise your ability to enjoy breastfeeding, to mother with confidence? The stress of this difficult situation that I was put in compromised not only my ability to enjoy breastfeeding, but it also affected my ability to mother my baby.  I was unable to be in the moment, and there were many precious times with my daughter that I missed and I won’t ever get back.  My ability to feel like I could protect her was compromised and I felt like a failure.  This affected my confidence and ability to be a good mother.  I started to blame myself, instead of coming to terms with the fact that we were both victims.

BFB: Has it changed your opinion about breastfeeding in front of others? No, it has not changed my opinion.  I don’t feel embarrassed about breastfeeding at all, it is natural, beautiful, and the most wonderful gift you can give your child.  I highly encourage and support all mothers to breastfeed wherever and whenever they want.

BFB: What message do you want to send other mothers about sharing breastfeeding photos and images on the web? I don’t want to put moms on alarm; I want them to be aware.  What happened to me and my daughter was very unfortunate and wrong on so many levels; however at the same time it was completely avoidable.  We need to have more education on what steps we need to take to better protect ourselves and our beautiful babies.  What we need are better laws to protect breastfeeding mothers and their babies, and harsh consequences to any individual, group, or corporation who violates them in any way.  This is the only way that we will ever be fully protected.

I am so grateful for all of the support I have been given, it has given me courage to not only to fight for justice, but to also make it part of my personal mission.  The right support in my life is what has helped me to cope over the last couple of years.  My journey moving forward is not only about demanding justice and empowering change for all of us, but it is also my personal path to healing.

A support group for Maryann Sahoury has been formed on Facebook, at  http://www.facebook.com/SupportMaryAnn

Click here for a live interview of Maryann Sahoury for the Shari Criso show.

The above is solely an opinion piece. Best for Babes makes no judgment on the culpability of either party in this pending legal action. The media company’s name has been withheld at the discretion of Best for Babes.

This is the 31st post in a series on Booby Traps™, made possible by the generous support of Motherlove Herbal Company.

For the last few weeks I’ve been writing about Booby Traps™ related to culture and race.  One of you left a comment asking that I write about similar barriers teen and young moms face, particularly with respect to low expectations among health care providers who work with pregnant and new moms.

It is true that young moms breastfeed at lower rates than older moms. CDC data from 2007 births show that 60% of moms younger than 20 initiate breastfeeding, compared to 79% of moms over 30.  And duration rates differ even more by age:  by 6 months 22% of mothers over 20 are still breastfeeding, but 51% of mothers over 30 are still going.

But is there any evidence that providers’ attitudes toward young moms might undermine their breastfeeding success?  One study of 150 nurses at three hospitals and health clinics did find that “some of the nurses… indicated that they were skeptical about young mothers’ potential for success with breastfeeding because of immaturity and lack of commitment.”  More research is needed on this topic, but this study confirms what I’ve heard anecdotaly from many moms.

I’m very pleased to share a guest post on this topic from Amy, a young mom from Massachusetts, which illustrates the power of good support.  Since having her baby, Amy has become a WIC breastfeeding peer counselor, and is studying biology as a community college transfer student.  She hopes to work in healthcare when she graduates.  Enjoy!

I was 19 years old when I found out I was pregnant.  I began going to my prenatal appointments as soon as I found out.  At my first appointment they had asked me how I had planned to feed the baby. I knew that the right answer was breastfeeding…however not much thought went into my answer.

I started thinking more about the topic. As my due date got closer, I got a packet of information from my OB/GYN listing all the prenatal classes they offered. Interested in getting more information, I signed up for the Breastfeeding Basics class.

I stepped into the Breastfeeding Basics class feeling completely out of place. There were a few other women in the class, all with their husbands. They already looked like mothers, I never felt younger. The class went well, I got great information and I really enjoyed the instructor.

There was one thing the instructor said that really connected with me. At the end of class she said “It is always the people you don’t expect to stick with breastfeeding that do.” I knew I was the one she was referring too. I knew when I left that class I was the one who was going to stick with it. The information was obviously wonderful but it was the support I felt from my instructor knowing that I could succeed that made the largest impact.

When my daughter was born it was in a hectic time in my life. I was breastfeeding all day and all night. My boyfriend and I were in the middle of ending our relationship so I was mostly alone feeding my new little girl.

I went for her two month check up at her pediatrician’s, and found out that she was gaining weight beautifully. Her pediatrician asked me “How old are you again?” and I told her I’d just turned 20. She replied “I always knew your age doesn’t matter when it comes to being a mother. You are doing an amazing job.” I wanted to cry. The recognition kept me motivated.

I am still breastfeeding and my daughter is now two years old!  I give great credit to the women who supported me. You never know how the littlest comment, good or bad, will stay with people. People who see young moms should be sensitive. No matter what the age they can successfully breastfeed as long as there is no one who makes them believe otherwise.

Did you breastfeed as a teen or young mom?  How did your providers talk with you about breastfeeding?  Did their expectations – high or low – have an impact on your breastfeeding intentions or experience?

We’ve partnered with some outstanding companies who truly care about moms, babies –and Best for Babes, to create products worthy of a Miracle-Maker (you!) and that support the Mother of All Causes.  Whether you breastfeed, pump, use or donate human milk,  you deserve to be lavished with love, because YOU are the Miracle Babe!

From now through Valentine’s Day all of these gorgeous products are on sale in our store and all of them help back the groundbreaking work Best for Babes does to change the way our culture views and treats breastfeeding and moms.  (Hint:  Send a link to this page to your baby daddy–these items would make a swell V-Day gift!)  Those Breastfeeding Booby Traps are persnickety but are no match for the love we generate when we put our hearts and minds together, and make the Milk of Human Kindness.

Plus, our generous sponsors are all giving away one of each of these items –plus a Best for Babes “Do Not Disturb Doorhanger“– to one lucky mom, a $290 value!  To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below by midnight PST on January 14, 2012. Winner will be chosen using random.org, the winner has 3 days to respond to our email before another winner will be chosen.

The Jewel Minx Best for Babes® Miracle Milk™ Bracelet. Celebrate YOURSELF for the human milk you make, use or donate! This exquisite bracelet will lavish you, or a friend, sister or daughter with love, reminding all daily that moms deserve to be celebrated Babe — the Miracle is You!  Makes the perfect gift for a mom reaching her personal goal—whether that’s 2 days, 2 months, 2 years! Gold faceted crystal with Best for Babes pink rhubarb Swarovski crystal and pearl detail, 5 strand, 7” length, each bracelet is hand made in the USA.  Regular price: $48.  Valentine’s Special: 10% off with coupon code BFB10.

The Pumpease for Best for Babes® The PumpEase in Best for Babes signature rhubarb pink is Wonder Woman and Madonna all-in-one – fit for a superpower!  The design features patent pending, ‘no-stitch’ horn openings, guaranteed to accommodate any breast pump on the market. PumpEase fits moms sized from 32AA to 48H and beyond. Please visit The Fitting Room for more information. If your size doesn’t appear on our chart, please email us with “sizing” in the subject line. We’d love to help! Sizes S/M/L/XL; Made in Canada. Regular price $38, Valentine’s Special:  17% off with code LOVEBABE.  Limited quantities available.

The Amamante Signature Nursing Gown for Best for Babes® This classic black gown outfitted in our pink rhubarb trim demonstrates perfectly why we say you can be sexy and nurturing at the same time!  The gown is perfect for the mom who wants to feel and look fabulous while nursing with ease and is so flattering, you will wear it well after nursing! Integrated nursing bra just pulls down to nurse. Gown is knee length. Soft washable rayon/lycra fabric. Amamante! Nursingwear offers fun, flirty functional nursing fashion.   Made in the USA.  Regular price:  $42.99.  Valentine’s Special:  10% off.

The Moby Wrap for Best for Babes® The Moby Wrap is a delicious experience for both mamas and babies – giving both of you extra cuddle and snug time and making breastfeeding access easy. This secure and extremely comfortable baby carrier is one of the most coveted, loved and raved-about by moms, dads and babies! We love that it’s reversible to solid colors and is 100% natural cotton. Comes in Black with Rhubarb Pink BFB monogram and Natural (pictured here). Ideal one-way stretch. 5.5 meters in length.  Machine washable.  Regular Price: $52.95.   Valentine’s Special:  10% off with code MobyBfB.

The Melinda G® Best for Babes® Nursing Cami Nurse in style, Babe, and give your girls great support in this comfy, nursing camisole featuring a full nursing bra – complete with 4-across back hooks & eyes for easier dressing and lots of support! – hidden underneath. Put it on, close the back hooks & eyes, pull the cami layer down & Beat the Breastfeeding Booby Traps! Under-the-breast channeling for the support of a wire without a wire. Convenient one-handed clips on the easy, fully opening cups.  88% cotton, 12% spandex. Made in U.S.A. and imported.  Regular Price: $54. Valentine’s Special: $39.50.

The Annee Matthew for Best For Babes® Nursing Shirt Finally, the fabulous nursing tee for Babes! Super-comfy and stylish: half sleeves for all seasons, extra length for both pregnancy and easy breastfeeding! Pair this tee with just about anything! Fine cotton poly spandex keeps you cool throughout. Lift front panel to nurse.  Regular Price: $49. Valentine’s Special: $39 with coupon code BFB5.

This is the 30th in a series on Booby Traps, made possible by the generous support of Motherlove Herbal Company.

In the last two posts I’ve written about Booby Traps™ related to race and culture in the hospital.  I thought I’d close out this theme with a post about one proven strategy for overcoming these barriers.

The Breastfeeding Heritage and Pride program, a unique partnership between the Hispanic Health Council and Hartford Hospital (with research support provided by the University of Connecticut) shows that peer support can make a big difference in helping moms meet their breastfeeding goals.

Through this program, mothers delivering at Hartford Hospital (a Baby Friendly Hospital) get prenatal, in-hospital, and at-home support from trained peer counselors from the same community who have successfully breastfed.  Since the majority of the mothers participating in the program are of Puerto Rican background and many speak Spanish, the peer counselors reflect this background.

When the University of Connecticut conducted a randomized, controlled study to assess the effects of this program, here’s what they found:

The mothers participating in the study were 81% Hispanic (predominately Puerto Rican) and 92% were WIC participants.  Mothers who didn’t receive peer counseling support initiated breastfeeding the rate of 76%, but moms who did get the support initiated at the rate of 91%.  Even more dramatic, the moms who got this support were 15 times more likely to breastfeed exclusively for three months than those who didn’t.

While this program began as a grant-funded project, it has been so successful that peer counselors are now regular staff members at the hospital.  The program is recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as a best practice model and has been replicated elsewhere in the state.

Other research points confirms the power of peer counseling.  A meta-analysis of breastfeeding interventions found that peer counselors are particularly good at helping moms maintain exclusive breastfeeding.

This makes sense, doesn’t it?  There’s no question that getting good, short term help in the hospital from a lactation consultant in the early days or weeks can make or break breastfeeding, but to continue for months and months – especially to continue exclusive breastfeeding – it really matters what your peers are doing.  After all, you don’t live with your lactation consultant, or see her every day in your neighborhood or at work or at the mall.  But your family and friends are a part of your daily life, and like it or not, what they do and say matters.

Here’s one way to think about it:  Let’s say you’re trying to lose weight.  You go to your doctor’s office and come home with a plan and a lot of enthusiasm.  For a few weeks you’re on the wagon – eating right and exercising.  But then you start to notice that everyone around you – your friends, your colleagues, your family – is doing just the opposite.  Sure, you can still remember that doctor’s visit, but after a while you start to feel a little like a freak.

Wouldn’t it mean a lot to have phone support and weekly visits from a mom who had tried to lose weight – and succeeded?  Even better, what if she were a lot like you – a mom from the same background who (literally or metaphorically) spoke your language?

That’s the power of ‘moms like me’ in beating the Booby Traps.  It’s not the only solution to the Booby Traps related to race and culture, but it’s a proven strategy that has served many women well.

Did you get support from a peer counselor?  How did if affect your breastfeeding experience?

A comfy chair for nursing or pumping.

We love the giveaway Breastfeeding Support Packs from Healthy Baby Bags!

Open from January 27th through February 5th, with 24-hour coverage starting today through Monday, this lactation suite is the first ever to be approved by the NFL and is part of the Super Care Clinic.   The warm and cozy lactation room is outfitted with breastfeeding chairs,  a hospital grade pump;  sterile, individual-user pump accessory kits, activities for siblings and great WHO-Code compliant samples and information provided by Healthy Baby Bags.  ”Mothers who are bottle-feeding and need a quiet place or the use of a microwave are welcome, too”, explained Sarah Walter, Director of Communications for the Indiana Perinatal Network, which worked with MESH to set up the room.  The lactation room and Super Care Clinic are located at Union Station at 300 S. Meridian Street and  can be reached at (317) 636-CARE (2273).

For mothers who need to pump, or who are not comfortable nursing in public, the lactation station is a wonderful safe haven.  I imagine that breastfeeding tips and tricks will be shared, and experiences compared, as is usually the case when nursing mothers get together.   Luckily Indiana is one of 45 states that protect a mother’s right to breastfeed in public, and most moms will happily nurse while out and about, but a lactation station is also a great place to go if a nursing mother needs an ice pack for a plugged duct, has a breastfeeding question, or maybe if she has a restless toddler and just needs a quiet place to nurse that is free from distractions!

Fun for siblings. Mama's Milk is one of our fave books for kids.

Fans looking to keep up with the play-by-play needn’t worry:  a T.V. has been set up in the room so festivities and scores won’t be missed.    So far, the dozens of moms who have used the room have been thrilled.  ”They’re coming up and thanking us for including them and for making it easier for them to provide for their babies and still be able to participate in the fun,” says Walter. “Mothers who left a pump flange at the hotel room needn’t drive all the way back and miss the action.”

Just like the bi-partisan “Boob Cube” in Washington, we think this lactation station is awesome.  ”The NFL, and all the partners in the Super Clinic have been so supportive.  As soon as they realized there was a need, they backed it 100%,” says Walter.  Best for Babes hopes that the NFL will make it standard fare for every Superbowl.   It sends a powerful signal that breastfeeding is a normal, natural activity that is as healthy as exercise, and that moms deserve to be accommodated.  Considering that breastfeeding is associated with improved adolescent muscle strength, who knows, maybe a future quarterback will be nursed in Indianapolis this weekend!

Attractive photos by Anne Schollenberger inspire breastfeeding moms.

Do you want to help us encourage the NFL to bring the lactation station back year after year? Leave your comments to let the NFL know you think this is great, and we’ll collect them and forward them on!   Let’s show ‘em that nursing moms and babies count, from first down to Endzone!

Deena Kastor, 38, winning her first race since having Piper, the San Jose RocknRoll Half Marathon. Photo courtesy Andrew Kastor.

Deena Kastor, Olympic Running Medalist, American Record Holder, and new mom to daughter Piper, age 10 months, shares how treating breastfeeding like training for a race is a great game plan for success!  Deena’s steady focus on her goal,  smart choices, and some French Toast at 3am from her husband  — took her from breastfeeding intention to a strong finish with very few Booby Traps!  Congratulations Deena – you’re unstoppable and you’re an inspiration to moms everywhere!  (Read to end of post for our Runner’s Giveaway!)

Thanks to Fairhaven Health for sponsoring this post!

Best for Babes: Were you “Booby-Trapped“?  We often say that trying to breastfeed despite booby-traps is like trying to run a race in heels while people throw tomatoes at you! Deena Kastor:  I was lucky that Piper latched immediately in the hospital, but I did have a hard time producing enough for her monstrous appetite.  Hydration proved to be my biggest necessity to produce enough milk.  I always had my water bottle with me when I was nursing.  Hydration not only helped with my milk supply, but also helped stabilize my tired self throughout the day.  BfB: Most moms can more than meet their baby’s needs. See an IBCLC (find one at ILCA.org) if you are concerned about your milk supply. Drink a glass of water every time you nurse, especially if you are exercising.

Thanks to Britax and BOB for sponsoring this post!

How is breastfeeding going now? Piper is 10 months old and I stopped breastfeeding at 6 months . . .  she was taking the bottle and even food at this time.  It was a natural progression for our daughter.  Either way, it was Piper who decided to wean.  During breastfeeding it was very important for me to eat well and rest so that I was offering the optimal nutrition for my daughter.  BfB: Kudos to Deena for making it to six months! Despite recommendations from the AAP, CDC and WHO, only 44% of moms are breastfeeding at all at six months, and only 14% are breastfeeding exclusively).  Although Deena’s training schedule may have affected her supply, natural, baby-led weaning usually doesn’t occur until a child is well into their second year of life or later.  Your IBCLC can identify ways to help you boost your supply.  Pumping or hand-expressing can signal your body to make more milk.  Also, it is a myth that an improper diet will diminish your supply or make your milk nutrient-lacking: another one of breastfeeding’s miraculous “fail-safes” is that your body will take whatever vital nutrients you’ve got and make them available to your babe– leaving you potentially depleted.  So stock up on nutrients for YOU!

Did being a competitive runner help your mindset?  Did you have anyone cheer you on with breastfeeding? I think running helped in my entire approach to pregnancy, breastfeeding and raising Piper.  I would focus on the desired outcome and then make choices to get to my desired goal.  Most of the last year has been so rewarding in that we have a healthy daughter who sleeps through the night!

Thanks to Milkmakers for sponsoring this post!

My husband has been amazing throughout all of this.  I remember breastfeeding at 3 am and he came out from the bedroom asking if I need anything.  “French toast?”  He gladly made me his world’s best French toast at that absurd hour.  He is currently so hands-on with Piper.  He would win “Dad of the Century” if there was that honor.  BfB: Setting goals is a great way to awaken your inner breastfeeding athlete.  See “Get your Best Breastfeeding Game on, The Learning Curve, and our Ultimate Breastfeeding Preparation Checklist. Make a commitment to breastfeed and get great coaches and crowds of cheering peers, family, co-workers and employers to help you make your goal! With Dad on board, you’ve got the quintessential defender and teammate to help you get through any Booby Traps, and Dad gets loads of non-booby baby bonding time to cherish.

What advice would you give to new moms who are trying to re-gain their former fitness levels while breastfeeding? Any tips on overcoming the fatigue that comes with having a young baby? The only thing that got me back into shape was rest.  What a celebration to finally sleep through the night.  It is really important to take care of ourselves without the guilt of feeling selfish.  When we are operating optimally, we are better parents.  There is no rule of thumb on what to do and when.  I thought I would be active my entire pregnancy and found it so uncomfortable to even walk, that I was sedentary for 5 months.  After Piper was born, it was easy to get back into running because running felt good again.  Listen to your body.  I mean REALLY listen.  The feedback I got from my body was more valuable than any book I read.  BfB:  Studies show that breastfeeding mothers get at least as much, if not more sleep than formula-feeding mothers.

Thanks to Simple Wishes for sponsoring this post!

Did you notice any drop in your milk supply as you started to train harder? If so, what did you do about it? Breastfeeding is so important for the nutrition and development of your child.  It is also important for our own bodies to go through this natural process.  But, I wouldn’t stress if it isn’t working out.  I actually found that my milk supply went up when I integrated some formula and took some pressure off myself.  At this same time, I began training harder but I really think it was the alleviation of stress that helped with my supply.   BfB: We agree with Deena! Breastfeeding and human milk provide immediate and lifelong protection against many of the illnesses and diseases which have sadly become epidemic: for baby: ear and gastrointestinal infections, SIDS, leukemia, obesity, asthma, diabetes, and even breast cancer for baby girls; for mom: breast and ovarian cancer, postpartum depression, diabetes,obesity and heart disease.  Breastfed babies have even been shown to have stronger leg muscles at adolescence (watch out for future marathoners!). Breastfeeding burns 500 additional calories per day  (equivalent to 45 minutes of running 5mph for a 170 lb woman), so it’s a work-out for you, too! Too much stress can affect your confidence and your milk supply, so ask for help and let household chores fall to family and friends for a while. Remember that breastfeeding does not have to be all or nothing, any breastfeeding is better than none, and a good IBCLC can help make it all work for you. Best for Babes believes that what is best for moms and babies is to make informed decisions and to achieve their personal goals, whether that is to breastfeed for 2 days, 2 months, 2 years, use donor milk, or formula feed.  See Our Credo.

How do you feel about nursing in public? Recently a mother was harassed at Target, and another mother was humiliated by a judge for nursing discreetly in a courtroom, even though breastfeeding is legal and protected in public places. I fully support breastfeeding in public, even though I was a little more on the modest side.  Moms everywhere should be entitled to feed their children, and it is a shame that others would feel threatened by that.  BfB: Best for Babes advocates for an end to the harassment, humiliation and discrimination nursing moms unfairly face while trying to breastfeed their babies in public.  Condemning public breastfeeding is a cultural Booby Trap even more than a legal one – nearly every state has laws protecting a mother’s right to nurse but too many people are still squeamish and uncomfortable seeing babies breastfeeding.  To get involved, contact takeaction@BestforBabes.org.

We love Deena’s self-assured attitude, determination and special brand of encouragement.  Thanks Deena, for leading the pack and the way!  To learn more about our athletic teams working to Beat the Booby Traps and Put Prevention First visit Team BfB!  Special thanks to Fit Pregnancy and Runner’s World for helping us spread the word on this interview.

Runner’s Giveaway: In honor of Deena, and all the babes who are hitting the pavement while breastfeeding, we’ve put together a fabulous giveaway, valued at $776, courtesy of the generous sponsors of this post:

1. A BOB Stroller Strides Stroller, red, valued at $469

2. A Britax Baby Carrier in black, valued at $130

3. A Three -Month Supply of Fairhaven Health’s Nursing Blend, valued at $54

4. A Generous Supply of Milkmakers Cookies, valued at $54

4. A Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bustier, valued at $39

5.  Autographed copy of Run Like a Mother by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, valued at $15, plus a gift certificate for Train Like a Mother, their new book due out in March, also valued at $15.

To win this fabulous prize package, enter by leaving a comment below by February 8th, 2012. U.S. addresses only, please. Winner will be chosen using random.org, and announced in the comments section. Winner will have three days to respond to an email from us, before we have to choose an alternate winner, and products will be directly shipped from the sponsor.

This is the 29th post in a series on Booby Traps, made possible by the generous support of Motherlove Herbal Company.

In my last post I wrote about cultural issues and breastfeeding support in the hospital.  Today I’m pleased to share a post asking the question:  Is there a racial Booby Trap?

You may know that there are significant disparities in breastfeeding rates among racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.  Probably the clearest example of this is the breastfeeding initiation rate of African American moms, which in 2007 was 60%, compared to the overall U.S. rate of 75%.

There are a number of reasons why the rates are different, and I explored some of them in this interview with Kathi Barber, founder of the African American Breastfeeding Alliance.

One reason we didn’t discuss, but which I’ve heard a number of times, is an assumption among health care providers that African American moms don’t plan on breastfeeding.  The result of this expectation is that moms sometimes get poor or no support in the hospital at getting breastfeeding off to a good start.

So, is there a “soft bigotry of low expectations” when it comes to breastfeeding support?  I certainly hear stories reflecting that, like this one in which a mother who is committed to breastfeeding gets no help (but plenty of formula samples) from her postpartum nurse, who “seemed surprised to find [her] breastfeeding.”

But I’ve been wondering whether any research might bear that out, so I spent some time looking at the limited literature on this topic, and I think the studies below add up to a “yes.”

Here’s what I found:

- One study examined racial disparities according to women’s self-report of advice received from health care providers during pregnancy about breast-feeding, among other topics.  It found that “the difference [in advice] between Blacks and Whites…approached significance for breast-feeding.”  Another study concluded that “the prenatal period may be a critical time to influence a prospective black mother’s decision to breastfeed.”

- One recent study of WIC breastfeeding support in North Carolina found that “those with higher African American populations were significantly less likely to offer clinic-based breastfeeding support services and trended toward fewer services in general” and found that “differences in the availability of breastfeeding support services were associated with the racial/ethnic composition of the catchment area.”

- A study using older data found that “being African American was associated with less likelihood of breastfeeding advice and greater likelihood of bottlefeeding advice from WIC nutrition counselors.”

- A small interview-based study of African American women and breastfeeding found that “support and advice about infant feeding from the health care system were uneven.”

Why is strong provider support important?  Because study after study has found that when African American women (and all women, for that matter) are given good advice and support, breastfeeding rates go up and up.

Take for example, Boston Medical Center, which became a Baby Friendly Hospital in 1999.  The rate of breastfeeding among African American women went from 34% in 1995 to 74% in 1999.

Another study found that Baby Friendly Hospitals, whether they serve high or low proportions of African American mothers, all had similarly high breastfeeding rates.  In other words: disparity, what disparity?

Is there good news to share on the disparity front?  Yes.  The gap between black and other mothers’ breastfeeding rates is closing at a strong rate, declining from a gap of 19% down to 15% in just seven years (2000-2007).

This is a real achievement, and something to celebrate.  But I would hope that continued progress occurs with the full support of our health care providers.

Do you think your race had any impact on your providers’ assumptions about whether you would breastfeed?  Have you experienced a Booby Trap based on your race?

Image credit:  Indiana Black Breastfeeding Coalition

“Infant feeding is very much part of the storyline on Sesame Street, so the argument that breastfeeding isn’t part of the storyline, doesn’t make a lot of sense. The Elmo’s World “Babies, Dogs and More” DVD teaches children what babies eat and only talks about and shows bottle feeding. Another example is the “you’re my baby” video that included both breastfeeding and bottle feeding in the 1980s, but was replaced by a newer version with only bottle fed babies in the 1990s.”

So, we thought it would be great to ask some top-notch pediatricians for their thoughts on whether children should see breastfeeding, and whether breastfeeding has a place on Sesame Street. Here are their responses:

Natasha Sriraman, MD

The normalization of breastfeeding via Sesame Street–this seems like a natural fit. Unfortunately, this seemingly benign idea is being met with controversy. Sesame Street is an institution, teaching kids for the past 30+ years! What better way to teach children (and their parents) about something that helps prevent obesity, illness, chronic disease, AND can also keep their moms healthy–yes, breastfeeding does ALL that! As a pediatrician and mother of 3, my children have seen me breastfeed and, as a result, for them it’s not gross or something to be shunned, but instead it’s just a natural, healthy act between a mother and baby. For Sesame Street to model something so simple and natural is an important public health message–which aligns perfectly with Sesame Street’s mission on childhood education. — Natasha K. Sriraman, MD, MPH, FAAP, IBCLC; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Eastern Virginia Medical School

Lori Feldman-Winter, MD, Courtesy of UMDNJ.edu

“In our society most people, including our youth, do not see breastfeeding as the norm, but instead have grown accustomed to bottle feeding. Billions of health care dollars and hundreds of lives could be saved if our society could support exclusive breastfeeding. The better we become at supporting breastfeeding mothers to continue to breastfeed the more comfortable we will be as a society to incorporate breastfeeding as a natural and ideal part of child rearing. Sesame Street is a perfect venue to show the cultural norm of breastfeeding.” — Lori Feldman-Winter, MD, MPH, Div. Head, Adolescent Medicine, Cooper University Hospital; Professor of Pediatrics, UMDNJ-RWJMS & frequent spokesperson for the AAP.

Susan Vierczhalek, MD

“Breastfeeding is the best low cost way to improve the health of mothers and children and to fight the obesity epidemic. As scientific knowledge of its health benefits for women and children has accelerated in recent years, it has advanced beyond simply a “lifestyle choice” to become an important health decision. Children learn through experience and will model adult behavior, both healthy and unhealthy.  Presenting breastfeeding as a normal, healthy behavior could have a big impact on improving breastfeeding rates which is an important public health goal. I am sure that most of my pediatrician colleagues would support and welcome episodes of Sesame Street showing breastfeeding as the normal healthy way to nourish and nurture infants.  In fact, it would make a great clip to run in office waiting rooms to help normalize breastfeeding for children, their parents, grandparents and other caregivers!” — Susan Vierczhalek, MD; Clinical Assistant Professor, NYU Langone Medical Center; Vice Chief, American Academy of Pediatrics Chapter Breastfeeding Coordinators Steering Committee

Jennifer Shaer, MD

Why is this such a controversy?  Babies breastfeed.  It’s a fact of nature and it is the norm.  Children accept this without question.  As more and more women breastfeed, we are seeing a generation of children who are watching their younger siblings nurse and are completely comfortable with it.  It’s the adults who are too uptight to accept breastfeeding.  Breastfeeding should not be hidden. I applaud programs that reflect what we are seeing in the community and modeling this natural, healthy behavior for children. — Jennifer Shaer MD, FAAP, IBCLC; Peconic Pediatrics and Breastfeeding Medicine, Allied Pediatrics of New York, PLLC

Sahira Long, MD

“When children grow up seeing mothers in their family or community breastfeed, they are less likely to take issue with or even notice others nursing in public or on television.  It becomes normalized for them.  This is especially needed in the African American community where the decision to not breastfeed for generations has undoubtedly played a role in higher rates of health problems that breastfeeding provides protection against, such as obesity, asthma and diabetes.  Too many African American women breastfeed in the shadows or choose not to do so at all because they fear the disparaging looks or comments they may receive.  In fact, I had one mother share with me that her decision to breastfeed in church was met with remarks that it should be a sin.  This was from a child who clearly had not been taught that breastfeeding is the normal way to feed your baby.  My response would have been it can’t be a sin because Jesus was breastfed.  It would be great to see more female African American celebrities breastfeeding publicly since so many of our young girls look up to and emulate them.  Perhaps those young girls will take notice and follow suit when they have their own children.” – Sahira Long, MD, FAAP, IBCLC; President, DC Breastfeeding Coalition

Harvey Karp, MD

“Breastfeeding has been shown tastefully and wonderfully on Sesame Street in the past, and it’s time to bring it back.  It’s important that children see breastfeeding as a beautiful, natural and normal way to feed babies, as long as mother and baby are willing and are able to . . . it is just as important as teaching children about exercise and eating vegetables. Breastfeeding increases a baby’s health, can reduce obesity and diabetes and reduce a mother’s risk of breast cancer. Sesame Street has had great success in helping to remove cultural stigmas, promoting healthful habits and educating children on tolerance, respect and understanding. Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding mothers and babies alike deserve to be treated in that wonderful Sesame Street tradition.”  – Harvey Karp, MD, FAAP; author, The Happiest Baby on the Block (DVD/book)

If your pediatrician wants to learn more about lactation management, point them to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding.

Do you agree with these pediatricians?  Should Sesame Street include breastfeeding along with bottle-feeding (whether pumped milk, donor milk or formula) on the show?

We reached out to Target last week on Wednesday, December 21st to see if we could work with them so that the nurse-in scheduled for tomorrow, Dec. 28, 2011 would not be necessary.  Nurse-ins require a lot of time, planning and effort from busy moms.  All of us have other things we would rather be doing during our holidays.  I am a Target shopper and fan, and given my corporate communications background, was hopeful that I could interest Target in taking some proactive steps to ensure that other mothers would not have to go through what Michelle Hickman had experienced, and that we could ask Michelle Hickman to cancel the nurse-in.

So, Danielle and I spoke to Antoine LaFramboise, a corporate spokesperson. We commended Target for having a corporate policy on handling breastfeeding customers and applauded those stores and employees who get rave reviews for supporting nursing moms. At the same time, we expressed our concern that we had heard multiple reports of mothers having negative experiences breastfeeding at Target, that Michelle Hickman’s experience was not an isolated incident.  We offered to work with Target on a plan of action to turn a negative into a positive and position them as a leader among retailers in supporting nursing mothers, and help them reap positive publicity for setting a great example.  This plan of action would include strengthening their corporate policy, and working with them to develop an employee toolkit that other companies could use–after all, nursing mothers are being harassed at stores, restaurants, airports, courtrooms, etc.!   We sent Antoine LaFromboise an email summarizing our conversation on December 22.

Here’s where the frustration sets in.  We didn’t hear a peep.  We left 2 voice messages and a text message just asking Mr. LaFromboise to confirm that he got our email.  Nothing.   We checked with Michelle Hickman to see if she had received an apology or had seen any public statement or post from Target that they were addressing the issue with their employees and welcoming moms, similar to what Whole Foods had done in August.  Still nothing.

Today, at the proverbial midnight hour before the nurse-in, I thought I would try one last time to reach someone in management at Target.  After much effort I finally got a call back from Jessica Clarkson in Media Relations, and shared with her what I had shared with the spokesperson last week.  I asked her if she would please summarize her conversation in an email so I could share it with our followers, and here is what she sent.

Hello Bettina,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Target’s breastfeeding policy. As mentioned during our conversation, as a family-oriented retailer, Target has a long-standing corporate policy that supports breastfeeding in our stores. We want everyone to feel comfortable shopping at Target.  Guests who choose to breastfeed in public areas of the store are welcome to do so without being made to feel uncomfortable. Additionally, we support the use of fitting rooms for women who wish to breastfeed their babies, even if others are waiting to use the fitting rooms.

We continually educate our team members in stores across the country on store policies to ensure all guests have a great experience and we have been in touch with the store where the incident occurred to ensure all team members are aware of our breastfeeding policy.

We’ve worked with this guest directly to address her concerns and are sorry for any inconvenience it has caused.

Jessica Clarkson

Personally, I’m grumpy that I had to work so hard to get a response.  For pete’s sake, Target has a whole PR staff.  It also feels like too little, too late . . . this could have been so easily solved a month ago–Michelle Hickman even suggested to Target back then that they do what Whole Foods did, and welcome the nursing moms.  What are your thoughts?  How do you think Target has handled this issue? (For the full background on this story, see: Huffington Post, Time.com and our FAQs on the National Target Nurse-In)