Baby Dickey » Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding babes

babydickey — Sat, 28 May 2011 12:00:50 +0000

After the whole debacle with Facebook removing beautiful breastfeeding photos from Earth Mama Angel Baby’s fan page, I collected nursing photos from readers to share on my blog. After I posted it, I heard from more readers who wanted their photos shared too–so here is round two!!! I love it! Sweet and beautiful pictures

From Me As A Mommy:

From Banana Hammocks & Tutus:

From Mama B:

Breastfeeding photos

babydickey — Sat, 07 May 2011 01:59:51 +0000

Not too long ago I wrote a post called Dear Facebook, boobs are made for feeding. For some reason, facebook can’t seem to handle breastfeeding photos.… so I wanted to collect some from my readers and post them here to show how beautiful and sweet and simple they are. Enjoy

Me–breastfeeding at a couple weeks old and at 16 months old

From Pickles and Paisleys:

From She’s Mommafied:

From ABCs and Garden Peas:

From Baby Making Machine:

From Doula Samantha:

From Jenn: 2 hours old

3 weeks:

3.5 months:

5 months:

From Kelli H:

From Welcome To The Zoo:

Dear Facebook, boobs are made for feeding.

babydickey — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 02:11:26 +0000

You’ve probably heard a story here or there about Facebook removing a breastfeeding photo because it’s against their terms of use–because it’s inappropriate. Last night I got an email from Mama Melinda from Earth Mama Angel Baby–a company I love and respect. She said that facebook removed a breastfeeding photo from their fan page. Frustrating and annoying, yes. And then I continue reading to see that they had TWO breastfeeding photos on their page, but facebook only removed ONE of them. Let’s take a look:

Beautiful photos, right? Now.… I want you to guess which one was removed. I looked at these photos and thought… okay, the first one shows both boobs, but really only cleavage. You see that in photos of girls in swimsuits (which don’t get reported and removed, by the way). The second photo, however, actually shows some nipple area. If I had to guess, I’d say the 2nd one was flagged and removed.

Nope.

That one remains. The first photo, however, was taken down. Now I get that facebook probably wasn’t out on the hunt for nursing photos. I get that SOMEONE must have reported or flagged the photo. But why the first one and not both? Because the baby is actually latched (ie it’s definitely breastfeeding)? Because it’s a black mom and a mixed baby? WHO KNOWS.

But what I DO KNOW, is that facebook has some freaking issues. They need to get this straightened out NOW. They’ve publicly stated they aren’t attacking breastfeeding photos, but they have NOTHING in their customer service/employee training to PROTECT breastfeeding moms and babies?

Not only are these pictures beautiful, they’re NORMAL. Breastfeeding is NORMAL. Boobs are made for feeding. GASP! We need society to realize that breastfeeding IS the norm. It’s OKAY, it’s natural, it’s beautiful. And by removing these photos, we’re hiding. Because we’re uncomfortable? Grow up.

Why does society say it’s okay to objective women and that suggestive photographs with partial nudity are okay — and that beautiful, natural nursing photographs are NOT?!

Have you seen some of the filth and trash on Facebook? The photos they AREN’T removing??? There is page after page after page after page (get the point?) of young women in underwear–with photo captions basically begging men to friend them and find them.

Photos taken from Facebook. THIS IS OKAY AND FEEDING A CHILD ISN’T? IS THIS REAL LIFE?!

I’m disgusted that I have to raise a son in this environment. I’ve often thought about how to raise him so he is respectful of women [and breastfeeding]. And he will be.

Please check out the Earth Mama Angel Baby blog for their story: Breastfeeding photos deleted by facebook and the more recent post: Much Ado About A Baby’s Lunch, which features Mama M herself breastfeeding in 1974. It’s a great pic!

What can you do? Tell Facebook that breastfeeding is normal and beautiful and NOT obscene. Put them on the spot and ask them WHY photos like the ones I posted above are okay, but nursing photos are not. Ask them WHEN they will add a “rule” that protects moms from ignorant asshats that just go around “liking” pages to find nursing photos and report them because they can’t grow up. CLICK HERE TO TELL THEM.

AND? I would loooooooooove to see your breastfeeding photos. If you have one (or 10) email it to me: erdickey at gmail dot com and I’ll collect them and put up a post! You can see a bunch of my breastfeeding photos too.

Extended breastfeeding: am I a mom or a bottle?

babydickey — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 02:54:02 +0000

Ryan is 15 months old and is still breastfeeding. My goal was 1 year. I don’t know what I thought would happen at that point… he’d magically stop? It’d just go away? It’s not so easy.

I’m not saying I want to quit because I don’t. I don’t see how I could! Ryan runs over and either gives me the sign for “milk” or he simply rips my shirt off–really. We’re trying to teach him that this is not okay to do in public haha… so then he just sticks his hand down my shirt. (See below).

There’s no way I could turn him away or say no! If he wants to nurse and I’m still making milk, why not?

Sometimes… the thought of quitting or having it end someday makes me want to cry. Then he won’t be my baby anymore! I can’t lose my baby! It’s just like co-sleeping. Steve mentioned the other day that he’d like it if Ryan slept in his crib all night so he could more easily sleep in our bed (we need a king!). I started crying. Seriously. Of course I love sleeping in bed with Steve, but I also love sleeping in bed with Ryan, my cuddle bug. And someday, he won’t want to sleep with me anymore! AHHHHHH!

But sometimes… the breastfeeding drives me CRAZY. Sometimes Ryan wants to do nothing ALL DAY but sit on my lap and nurse. I swear there isn’t even any milk coming out at some point, but he just wants to relax on the boob. And his new thing? He HAS to be touching/grabbing one side while he’s nursing from the other. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes I can’t stand it.

On Saturday night he slept over at my mom’s house and then I spent the entire day Sunday at a pregnancy expo (for our ICAN chapter). So it had been awhile since I had seen Ryan by the time I got home Sunday night. He ran over, excited to see me… I reached down to pick him up and give him a hug… but he backed away from me–to make the “milk” sign. Forget the hug, mom! I just want your milk!

I’m a pacifier, a lovey, a bottle and a pillow.

How long did you breastfeed or are you planning on it? How did you wean or when did your child wean on their own? I’d like to let Ryan decide when he’s ready to be done nursing, but at this rate… I’m afraid he’ll be 15, haha.

Whoooo! Tax breaks for breastfeeding!

babydickey — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 22:24:06 +0000

You may have already heard the news (the article I’m citing was published 2 days ago so I’m a little late), but in case you haven’t.… Breast-Feeding Supplies Win Tax Breaks From I.R.S!

This affects purchases made starting in 2010. If you have a flexible spending account, you can use that for breast pumps and other supplies. Otherwise, you can just claim a deduction of the costs of your breastfeeding items (as long as your total unreimbursed medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income).

The article talks about a study that says if 90% of moms breastfed their babies exclusively for their first 6 months of life (as recommended), the US could save $13 billion in health care costs.

Previously, the I.R.S. viewed breastmilk as just another “healthy food,” like veggies, so no tax breaks were considered. Nutrition (and healthy foods) are a necessity, not a medical condition.….…

So why the change in heart?

Breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies (pads, bottles, etc.) are now considered medical expenses because “they are for the purpose of affecting a structure or function of the body of the lactating woman.” BOOYAH!

A CDC study says that 75% of moms start breastfeeding at birth… only 43% by the time the baby is 6-months… and a measly 22% by age 1. Where do you fall?

Don’t stop fighting! Look what happened here–by being persistent and not giving up the fight, this new ruling will help so many moms (and so many babies). GO TEAM BOOB!

Breastfeeding Blog Hop!

babydickey — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:50:38 +0000

Yep, we all know how much I love being a breastfeeding mama! Ryan is one year old and still breastfed. A year was my goal, but now that it’s here I can’t imagine stopping… when Ryan comes to me and asks for it. He knows sign language for milk… or he simply yanks my shirt off, hahaha.

So when I stumbled upon this blog hop, I had to join and support the other breastfeeding mamas! I found it at Life with Levi so go check it out and link up!

Host: @LifeWithLevi

Co-Hosts: @PlayersNamed, @iamambermccann

This Week’s Guest Host:

@briemarisa1977

Here are the guidelines for this blog hop:

Visit the 4 blog hosts for the week (spots #1–4) Spot #4 will always feature a blogger randomly selected from the previous week’s blog hop. Be sure to leave a comment that you found them through the Breastfeeding Blog Hop so they can follow you back!
Please only link up your blog if you are breastfeeding-friendly. If you have posted about breastfeeding (and/or pumping) in the past or plan to post about breastfeeding, that’s you!
Repost the linky (link for the code is in the lower right-hand corner of the linky below) on your blog to help promote the blog hop. Be sure to add some info about YOU so others have a place to say “Hi” & let you know they’re following.
Grab the button below if you’d like and display it in your linky post or your sidebar.
This blog hop will be active from Thursday, 01/13 – Sunday, 01/16.
Be sure to include these guidelines when you add the Blog Hop Linky Code to your blog.

Breastfeeding another person's baby?

babydickey — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:23:13 +0000

One of my great friends from college (hey roomie!) recently moved to Australia as an interior designer ((jealous!!!)) and she sent me this article: Mums split over revival of breastfeeding each other’s babies. Feel free to click over and read the whole thing, but here’s the idea:

Women are using the internet to donate breast milk. Okay, I think we’re fairly familiar with that idea. Some people would do it, some people think it’s weird… to each their own. But this article spoke of two women that are actually nursing each other’s kids–yep, from the boob. Cross-feeding.

Moms are busy, moms are returning to work, and pressure is placed on them with the “breast is best” idea.

Again, personal preference, I don’t care if you think that’s weird or gross or whatever.… but get this: these moms were accused of child abuse. Someone threatened to call authorities and have their children taken away. A quote from one of the mama’s:

(But) when I am not able to be with her, my daughter still has the comfort of a breast and the important health components of breastmilk. It gives me joy to be able to lend a breast to a friend in need.

The other mama is a single mom of 2 kids (3 years and 16 months) and said she couldn’t always keep up with the breastfeeding. Sharing these duties with another breastfeeding mama eased the work load. Thankfully:

The Australian Breastfeeding Association says it supports cross-feeding if all parties are aware of possible risks and informed consent is given.

What do you guys think??? What would you do–would you nurse a friend’s baby or would you allow your baby to be nursed by someone else?

Saved: breastfeeding donation for new moms

babydickey — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 03:16:00 +0000

Cora’s Story is a non-profit organization that was created by Kristine and Ben, Cora’s parents, in her honor. Please visit Cora’s Story to learn more about the beautiful baby Cora and her parents and their fight to raise awareness. One thing this organization does is “Wear Pink for Cora Day.” She was born on Nov 30, 2009, so on the 30th of every month we celebrate her birth. We wear pink, we spread the word, we do random acts of kindness. Cora has taught me to be more patient, to love more and to live life every day.

This year, Nov. 30th would be Cora’s one-year birthday. Kristine wanted to do something GREAT in her name… and she came up with an amazing idea. There’s a push (or a NEED) for more breastfeeding materials to be given to new moms at the hospital after birth. Kristine decided she was going to put together 50 breastfeeding gift bags for her local hospital to be handed out to new moms. Awesome, right?

Two packages arrived for Kristine on Monday… two of the major packages of product for these breastfeeding gift bags. One from Simplisse–who donated 50 sample bags filled with nipple cream, nursing pads and breastmilk storage bags. The other package was from My Baby Experts/Shari Criso–50 of her incredible Simply Breastfeeding DVDs. Can you even imagine how amazing these resources would be to new moms in the hospital?!!?!

Long story VERY short: there was miscommunication, mistakes, and a thief.…. but finally… in the end… a caring person from UPS that straightened out the ordeal. We caught his attention on twitter Tuesday night and I heard from him Wednesday morning. He worked all day to get to the bottom of the situation and in the end, resolved it.

I cannot wait for November 30th when Kristine gets to deliver these breastfeeding gift bags to the hospital. I only wish I could be there in person to see each and every face of the new moms that get to receive them!

Thanks to Kristine for her hard work and determination and thanks to EvanAtUPS for his compassion in this matter. Of course, a huge (massive) thank you to Simplisse and Shari Criso for making a difference

*UPDATE! Moments after publishing this post I got word that the ORIGINAL packages were recovered!!! Ah, let’s all rest easy after this one. What.a.MESS!*

Time for a new breast pump

babydickey — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 21:55:09 +0000

I have a Medela Pump in Style breast pump that I won online while I was pregnant (lucky, I know)! And it has been a lifesaver–at my old job I pumped every single day and at my new job I still have to pump about 3 times a week. If I want to get a supply up to have some extra milk on hand, I pump at night. That’s a lot of pumping! It’s like a part-time job! (For real, I hate pumping).

Anyway, one thing that has always annoyed me about my pump is the fact that the bag is so huge and bulky and very obviously a pump (to any other mothers or even fathers who have seen one before, haha).

Then, I went to NYC for BlogHer (baby-less) and had to bring home about 30 ounces of pumped milk. Welllll, I caught one of the storage bags with the cooler zipper when I was packing it up and didn’t realize it. I get to the airport and the cabby hands me the bag and says, “milk?” I was all– YEA! How’d you know?! — and then I notice all the milk running down the side and onto the ground. I used my handy dandy Simplisse breast pads to clean up the spilled milk in the cooler, re-bagged the leaking milk, and went on my way.

Little did I know that the milk was still all over my pump bag. I’ll admit the bag now has a nice *smell* to it, as well as white spots in the zipper area (where I can’t get it as clean). Honestly? I’m just soooo ready for a whole new pump.

I just got word that Simplisse (love!) is starting to ship out their BRAND NEW double electric breast pump. Remember my review of their manual pump? Let’s just say my expectations for this electric pump are pretty high and I’m way excited. I tell ya, the things that excite you as you get older (or become a mom)…

FIRST — look.at.the.pump.bag. I KNOW. It’s cute!!! It’s fashionable! It looks like a PURSE. I’m already in love/lust/want/need/MUST HAVE:

And just like the manual pump, the electric has the soft babyface flexibile breastcups–no more hard plastic for me! Check out the video on the main page at Simplisse to learn more about it and the new pumping technology used.

Nope, I totally wasn’t paid for this post or anything. I just love Simplisse that much and REALLY AM this excited about their new electric pump. It should be in stores for you to buy in October and right now you can order it at babies-r-us.

Can I tell you something else totally amazing and wonderful about Simplisse? For Cora’s 1 year birthday on November 30th, Kristine and Ben are donating 50 breastfeeding bags to their local hospital, which will be given out to new moms. It’s a bit of a push for more breastfeeding products in hospitals (rather than or even in addition to a bag full of formula stuff). Simplisse is so kind that they are donating 50 kits to Kristine to be used in her breastfeeding bags. I believe the Simplisse kits will include breast pads, breastmilk storage bags and nipple cream! How great, right?! I told you, they care about their mamas!

Ladies, know your rights!

babydickey — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 02:35:27 +0000

I love Bravado and I love boobies (… breastfeeding). So when they emailed me this article, I had to post it for all of you. It’s important!!! I’ve written previous posts about my own experience with breastfeeding and working: Priorities and I’m a working & breastfeeding mama

Moms: Know your Rights as a Breastfeeding Working Mother

Are you going back to work? Do you have friends or family who are going back to work? Do you have coworkers returning from maternity leave? When the new Healthcare Reform was passed last March hidden it it is a policy that effects every working breastfeeding mother. With this, all employers with 50+ employees are required to comply with this new legislation.

As a breastfeeding mother, you have the right to:

Take the time to pump: You are entitled to be given breaks as needed to pump at work until your baby’s first birthday.
Private space to pump: Pump in the bathroom stall no longer! Your employer must provide you with a private space to pump other than a restroom.
A Breastfeeding Policy: All employers must provide you with a lactation policy. Don’t have one? A great resource to provide your employers with is this: Five Simple Steps to Create and Implement a Breastfeeding Policy in the Workplace (http://www.breastfeedinginformation.org/white-paper).

Know your rights and help spread the word to bring awareness of this reform to all women. Looking for more great tips on going back to work? Check out 12 Tips for Nursing Mothers Preparing to Go Back to Work (http://www.bravadodesigns.com/info/back-to-work/12-tips-for-nursing-mothers-preparing-to-go-back-to-work)

Baby Dickey » Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding babes

You may also enjoy:

Breastfeeding photos

You may also enjoy:

Dear Facebook, boobs are made for feeding.

You may also enjoy:

Extended breastfeeding: am I a mom or a bottle?

You may also enjoy:

Whoooo! Tax breaks for breastfeeding!

You may also enjoy:

Breastfeeding Blog Hop!

Host: @LifeWithLevi

Co-Hosts: @PlayersNamed, @iamambermccann

This Week’s Guest Host:

@briemarisa1977

Here are the guidelines for this blog hop:

You may also enjoy:

Breastfeeding another person's baby?

You may also enjoy:

Saved: breastfeeding donation for new moms

You may also enjoy:

Time for a new breast pump

You may also enjoy:

Ladies, know your rights!

You may also enjoy: