Born to be Breastfed: Recent Episodes
Marie Biancuzzo, RN MS IBCLC
Every new mother hears that breast is best. Many decide to breastfeed so their baby has the best. But soon after birth, the days are often fraught with sleep deprivation and conflicting messages from peers, family members, and health care professionals. Later, negative messages from the media and critical comments from family members and others may trigger mothers to question their decision. Feelings of inadequacy, intimidation and societal pressure to wean can cause mothers to give up breastfeeding before meeting their goals. The aim of this show is to empower parents to overcome the barriers that keep them from beginning or continuing to breastfeed. Through discussion of hospital practices, milk supply, medications, returning to work, milk storage options, and more, this show will provide an informed and supportive voice for new families and established families, so that they can take charge of their breastfeeding experience from conception through weaning.
Are you planning to take a trip, a visit, or a vacation? Aren’t all of those the same? No, not really! Each has some specific implications for the impact on traveling with your baby. Car, train, plane: What will work best for a breastfeeding baby, a mother who is pumping, or both? How much extra drive-time do you need to build into your car trip to reach your destination on time? You’ve got to pack, but how can you plan for diapers, feeding gear, snacks, clean-up, and pump equipment? What about a backup plan, especially if you’re in a rural neighborhood where overnight delivery of a replacement part isn’t possible? With all of the conflicting information about storing and saving, what do you need to know about transporting your milk? Then, of course, there are the little extra hassles like if you don’t have access to electrical power, potable water, or if your family criticizes you for breastfeeding your baby. Join Marie as she answers these and many more questions!
Mothers who breastfeed often prefer to use natural foods and natural treatments. It’s only natural, right? But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe; essential oils are potent. If you’re a nursing mother—or anyone else, really—there are number of questions you should raise about essential oils before you use them. Is it an herb or an essential oil? Does it matter if it’s “sage” or “clary sage”? Is it okay to ingest it if it’s okay to put it on your skin? Join Marie and her guest, certified aromatherapist, Lea Harris, as they take you on a whirlwind tour of the “essentials” of essential oils for everyone—and especially for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. You’ll discover how essential oils can help you to avoid using medications when you have a sore throat, a bee bite, or other simple ailments; some factors related to safe use—whether you’re breastfeeding or not; the difference in administration methods and dilutions, cautions for children, and much more!
Use of telehealth services skyrocketed during the pandemic, but it won’t be decreasing any time soon. To the contrary, it’s likely that telehealth services will increase. We’ve seen that telehealth can be a more convenient alternative to on-site care. Yet, there are some special factors to be considered before offering or accepting telehealth. What about issues of privacy and security—and how can those be overcome? Can competent clinicians simply begin offering telehealth services, or do they require special training and if so—what would that be? How comfortable must each party be with this type of communication? Are there situations that still require an in-person on-site visit now that telehealth options are available? Join Marie and her guest, Melanie Silverman, RD IBCLC, owner and Chief Clinical Officer of Pacify, for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the answers to these and other questions that arise as we forge new pathways to telehealth services for ourselves or our clients.
Ever since 2005, when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released their first statement on sleeping with your baby, we’ve all wondered: Is the AAP right? Do I risk having my baby die if I sleep with him? And some of us have asked the much more difficult question: Is there real data for this, and if there is, does it apply all babies, or is it okay for breastfeeding babies to sleep with their mother?
Join Marie and her guest, James McKenna PhD, internationally-recognized infant sleep expert and author of over 180 peer-reviewed articles and chapters on SIDS and related topics. Unquestionably, safe sleep practices are paramount. But “safe” does not necessarily mean putting the baby to sleep in a crib. Learn how Dr. McKenna’s research sheds a light on newborn/infant sleep in terms of what’s normal, what’s safe, and what parents really do. And, gain a perspective for how parents can be empowered to make their own decisions about where to sleep.
It’s just food. Or just a beverage. You don’t need to worry about whether it will affect your milk or your baby, right? Or, maybe you should worry? Heck, maybe you’re already worried, but perhaps there’s nothing to worry about! Get answers about safety, side effects, allergies and more as Marie interviews her guest, Philip O. Anderson, PharmD, FASHP, FCSHP, the author of the National Library of Medicine’s LactMed database. They’ll talk about the research to substantiate answers to questions about food and beverages that you probably consume on a regular basis, as well as some foods you might never have heard of. Listen as Marie asks Dr. Anderson about the effects of coffee, tea, colas, chocolate, alcohol, garlic, onions, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, fava beans, turtle meat, and more! Are you curious about food allergies, maternal vaccinations while breastfeeding, food poisoning, botulism and breastfeeding? Get the information you need on those topics, too!
Exclusive breastfeeding has been the “gold standard” for many years now. But for some families, combination feeding, either by choice or necessity, occurs. Parents aren’t always informed that some breastfeeding is better than no breastfeeding or that there are some interim solutions that might work to bring you back to exclusive breastfeeding. If you’re feeling confused, conflicted, guilty, grieving, or shamed for the way you feed your baby, this show is for you. Join Marie and her guest, Lucy Ruddle, IBCLC, as they look at the issues and provide some answers.
Okay, so it’s just a vitamin. And hey, we’re all in good health, so consuming a little more or a little less vitamin D in a day won’t make much difference to us or to our fetuses or infants, right? And if we’re a little short on Vitamin D, we can just get a little extra sunshine on our shoulders, right? Wrong.
Join Marie and her guest, Dr. Carol Wagner, as they discuss several well-researched but lesser-known facts about the critical role of Vitamin D during pregnancy and lactation—more than any other time in a woman’s life cycle. You’ll learn the astonishing findings from Dr. Wagner’s research, the dangers of getting too little or too much vitamin D, and factors that can impact vitamin D status. And, you’ll understand why some studies suggest that Vitamin D plays a minimal role in achieving optimal health while some studies say otherwise. You’ll also get some real-life advice on natural sources of vitamin D, and find out a relatively simple way to reveal your own vitamin D status.
Imagine having twins and wanting to breastfeed. Now, imagine having those twins born at 29 weeks gestation. You know your tiny, fragile little girls need you and your milk. Thankfully, you have an abundant supply of milk within two days. You’re thinking you’ve already cleared the big hurdle. But oh, there are other hurdles to jump, too. Well, yes, you can hold the babies skin-to-skin, but …Yes, you can do other things, but …Then, there are certain rules about what and when the babies will be “allowed” to go to breast. And just the minute you think the babies are meeting the criteria for those “rules,” well, no, um, maybe later. All of the questions about cow’s milk-based formula, bottles, frequency, how to hold them, and much more start surfacing. Join Marie and guest Brie Merhar as Brie tells her story and explains how she advocated for her now 3-month old babies so that they’ve yet to have a drop of formula since they were born.
May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month. Only a small percentage of women develop preeclampsia during pregnancy, but it can and does happen. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, preeclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the leading indicator of preeclampsia. What is this condition, and can it be avoided, minimized, or cured? Join Marie and her guest, Carla Sandy, M.D., as they talk about this potentially life-threatening disorder to both mom and her baby. You’ll want to know the risk factors for hypertension. Is it possible to have this condition without knowing it? Who is at highest risk, and how can they and other women take steps to avoid developing it or at least reduce their risk? What questions should you ask if you have preeclampsia and want to breastfeed – and what about medications? Get answers to these and other questions!
What’s it like to be the breastfeeding mother of three small children when you’re also a criminal defense attorney? How do you pump at a 200-year-old courthouse that doesn’t have an electrical outlet in a private place? And since by definition an attorney represents someone else, how does that affect your ability to take a break, the time you need to show up for work, and even the clothes you wear? Can you take several months of maternity leave if you are self-employed? Is it okay to put your children in daycare, or does that make you a second-class parent? How does the COVID pandemic play into all of that? Join Marie and her guest, Caitlin Aarab, JD, as they talk about these and other issues that any young professional woman faces. Be sure to listen to Caitlin’s final insight on how breastfeeding families can get through it all and make it all work.
Happy World Breastfeeding Week! Join in celebrating with all who protect, promote, and support breastfeeding throughout the globe! Yet, as you celebrate, recognize that there’s work to be done. This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme calls us to focus on gender-equitable strategies for breastfeeding families everywhere. So how can we do that?
Join Marie and her guest, Stephanie Brown, IBCLC for a lively discussion that addresses how clinical professionals exhibit helpful and unhelpful actions for the LGBTQIA community. Begin to become aware of how your attitude, your language, and even your clinical environment can undermine rather than empower parents, beware of how “othering” can creep into your messages, recognize how issues such as continuity of care and consent and body autonomy impact care. And, get Marie’s free handout at mariebiancuzzo.com to help you take actions to facilitate gender-equitable parental social protection.
Aimee Sing started out like so many others. She was hoping to complete a 90-hour lactation education course and learned about the annual Felix Biancuzzo Scholarship. Aimee envisioned hundreds of people applying, and having her application get lost in the shuffle. Yet, she realized that she stood no chance unless she applied. Join Marie and her guest, Aimee Sing, PhD, as they talk about her journey to becoming an IBCLC. In this episode, Aimee shares her realization that she wanted to move down a new career path, and how she needed her IBCLC certification in order to carry out her mission to improve breastfeeding and birthing support for women. Amy talks about the depth and breadth of what she now knows is not just meeting the requirements for the IBLCE exam, but also, building a strong foundation for her future practice in direct care and global advocacy.
The mere thought of taking a comprehensive, career-critical exam like the IBLCE™ exam makes most people feel stressed, whether they’ve taken the exam before, or if they are a first-time test-taker. You might be wondering: What are the three main causes of test anxiety? What do the studies say about the relationship of the test-taker’s stress and their score? What do studies say about the relationship between decision-making and exam performance? Join Marie for this special episode where she describes seven strategies that are aligned with the science, her personal experience, and the experience of other test-takers over the past several years. And, if you haven’t already discovered this, Marie reveals how — for a very limited time — you can get access to her expertise for free! Don’t miss the unusual episode!
No doubt, you’ve heard someone say that babies lose weight after birth but need to surpass their birth weight by 7 days, or 2 weeks, or 3 weeks. Similarly, you’ve probably heard that babies who have a 10% weight loss in the first few days require formula supplementation. But is this “decaphobia” justified? Join Marie and her guest, clinical pediatrician and expert researcher Dr. Ian Paul, who says that these numbers and assumptions have been based on anecdote, not evidence. Dr. Paul has given us the NEWT, i.e., the nomogram which represents the new and evidence-based standard to understand newborn weight loss. Whether you are a parent or a provider, you’ll learn the who-what-where-when-why of the NEWT, the research from 160,000 babies that propelled its inception, how it compares with expert recommendations, how weight loss in babies born by vaginal compares to cesarean birth, and how 36-weekers compare to 37-weekers. Don’t miss this exciting episode!
Sexual abuse affects more women than you may think. Some estimates suggest that it has happened to 20 to 25 percent (or more) of U.S. women. You’ve probably met these women. Survivors of sexual abuse come from all walks of life and all socioeconomic backgrounds, and the effects have a profound and life-long impact. For breastfeeding mothers, their supporters, and their health care providers, this raises a multitude of questions. How can sexual abuse impact breastfeeding? How can family, other mothers, and health care providers help? What can any of us do to be helpful and supportive of mothers who want to breastfeed after such trauma? Listen as Marie and her guest, Elizabeth Johnson, talk about how to have the conversation, and how to help. If you’ve wondered about “touching”, triggers, flashbacks, and more, this show will help you to develop a clearer perspective.
After birth became medicalized, skin-to-skin care was assumed to be optional, irrelevant, or unimportant. But in truth, the skin-to-skin contact between the newborn, the mother and—yes, the father—is a critical component of the transition to extrauterine life for the baby, and the transformation of individuals into family units.
Join Marie and her special guest, Nils Bergman, MB ChB, MPH, MD, as they discuss the “NurtureScience” to support the initiation and continuation of prolonged skin-to-skin contact. How and why does this critical period have a profound and life-long impact on the newborn? How long should skin-to-skin contact (aka kangaroo mother care) last? How do birth practices, especially skin-to-skin (or lack thereof) affect hormones, sensory stimuli, the limbic brain, and emotions? What is the effect of labor inductions? Whether you are the parent, the healthcare professional, or the “kangaroula”, you can create a transformational experience for the new family.
Uh-oh. You see that lactation exam lurking around the corner. You’re huffing and puffing, wondering how you’re going to slog through the 105 subtopics that are fair game on that exam. It’s your first time. Or it’s your third time. Or you’ve failed before and you know that failing is a real possibility. Will Marie’s course work for you? Maybe! Marie has helped more than 5,000 IBCLCs from 6 different continents, and she can help you, too! Join Marie for answers to the most frequently-asked questions about her highly-acclaimed Online Lactation Exam Review course. Marie describes the course in terms of its content, methods (audio, video etc.), what is or isn’t required to complete it, access and availability, and how long it might take some people to complete it. Plus, Marie invites you to get your questions answered for FREE about anything related to the exam – and beyond – by signing up at MarieBiancuzzo.com.
We talk about empowerment. We talk about becoming empowered, or empowering others. And for sure, everyone has a different idea of what “empowerment” is all about. But sometimes, we need to take a step back and look at some of the underpinnings of “empowerment.” What does empowerment really mean? What does it mean to be “intentional”? How does emotional intelligence help us to get the results we want? What the heck is the “motivational triad” in our brain, and why does it matter? Is it possible that limiting beliefs are holding us back from crushing our goals of reaching our dreams? Is seeking validation a good thing, or not? Join Marie and her guest, Becca Brown, a Certified Life Coach and host of The Military Wife Podcast. Whether you’re seeking better relationships or seeking a new career, Becca helps us to gain clarity about what empowerment really means, and how to make it work for us.
Plagiocephaly (flat-head syndrome) affects as many as 47% of infants. If you’ve seen babies wearing helmets, you know how common this condition is. Maybe you’re wondering: My baby has an unusual head shape; does he need a helmet? Wait! Those helmets cost thousands of dollars and the cost is seldom, if ever, covered by insurance. Can you treat plagiocephaly without a helmet? Join Marie and her guest, plagiocephaly expert Andrew Dorough, DC, as they help you to realize you’re the only one who can find the best solution if your baby has a flat or unusual head shape. Is plagiocephaly just cosmetic? Should you do nothing and believe he will outgrow it? Should you do something now or wait until later…or doesn’t it matter? Does his head shape have anything to do with his continued feeding difficulties? In this episode Marie and Dr. Dorough will help you to follow your gut, ask the right questions, consider all of the treatment options, and understand how chiropractic care can help.
The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected everything we do. That is especially true for healthcare professionals, those who work in hospitals, and IBCLC candidates who are sitting for the IBLCE exam. Join Marie and her guest, Melissa Bedward, MS, RNC-OB, C-EFM, to gain some insights into her journey to becoming an IBCLC; the ups and downs, the expenses and the rewards, and the subsequent real-life role of the hospital-based IBCLC as a helper, advocate, and teacher. Here’s your chance to get a complete behind-the-scenes glimpse of the IBLCE test-taking experience with home proctoring during COVID. What kind of preparation did she need for home-proctoring, and what was the 4-hour experience really like? What were some of her lessons-learned from the home proctoring experience? And, if she had it to do over again, would Melissa choose home-proctoring if on-site testing was a choice? Be sure to join Marie and Melissa for some insights that you won’t find anywhere else!
Maybe you thought you had completely recovered from your eating disorder, but now, you’ve had a baby…and you’re wondering if you need help. Or, you’ve never been formally diagnosed with an eating disorder, but since your baby has been born, you’ve had a very different relationship with food. Or maybe this is normal. You’re breastfeeding—maybe it’s just hunger or a craving. Or maybe you’re just too busy to eat. But maybe not.
Join Marie and her guest, Crystal Karges, RD, IBCLC, as they talk about conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating, and other disorders that can occur any time—including while breastfeeding. If old food intake patterns are re-surfacing or new patterns are emerging, listen so you can take charge. Learn when to ignore food advice, how eating disorders can co-exist with other conditions (e.g. postpartum depression), how to find free resources, and how to be proactive in taking the first steps to getting professional during your breastfeeding journey.
We all know: Food is good. Eating is good. Breastfeeding is good. But as you take your postnatal journey, how do you navigate the intersection of breastfeeding, cooking, diet, dieting, nutrition and intuitive eating? Is weight-loss, “dieting” good, bad, or irrelevant during breastfeeding—and what about hormones? How does western culture affect not only maternal nutrition, but, also, the breastfeeding relationship? In the US, where eating during labor is frequently forbidden, how is the need and craving for food later affected? How does postpartum nutrition affect the healing process after specific birth practices and interventions? What about foods that are reported to improve milk supply? Are there some “big picture” strategies that can be used to promote evidence-based, simple-to-prepare, delicious meals during the postnatal period? Join Marie and her guest, Jaren Soloff, RD IBCLC, author of The Postnatal Cookbook, to learn the answers to these and other perplexing questions!
So, you’ve been thinking about getting your IBCLC certification, and you’re completely confused about how or if you can qualify through Pathway 2. Wouldn’t it be great to just get past the mystique of what’s involved so that you can decide if you’d be better off if Pathway 2 is the right option for you? Listen to the voice of experience! Join Marie and her guest, Natisha Simms, IBCLC, as they discuss Natisha’s journey through the Pathway 2 program at Johnson C. Smith University, a historically Black university. You’ll get a glimpse of the learning experience when the student is not a healthcare professional. And you’ll hear Natisha share her motivation, her decision-making process, and a description of her journey through the groundbreaking program. She’ll also talk about her passion for and commitment to improving health disparities among Black populations by promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding in her community.
Unquestionably, there are health disparities among Black families. And, breastfeeding, although a proven way to improve a baby’s short-term and long-term nutritional and immune health, has historically not been supported in Black communities. The question is, how can we help to reduce the barriers to breastfeeding and the health disparities among Black families? Join Marie and her guest, Jennifer Miller, co-founder of Chocolate Milk Mommies. Hear how some simple grass-roots strategies have been used in Alabama, a state that has had the lowest breastfeeding rates in the country for decades. Jennifer describes her struggles to initiate and continue breastfeeding without support, her passion to help other women, and how she and a very small band of like-minded mothers have used their skills, passion and ambition to reverse an inter-generational trend of formula-feeding among Black families. Learn how all of us can help in great or small ways.
We all recognize that breastfeeding a baby doesn’t cost money. What we may be less aware of is that socioeconomically-deprived mothers are often likely to initiate breastfeeding and, if they do, they are less likely to continue. What is being done to help families in this situation? Join Marie and her guest, Tori Gwilliam, RD, as they bust the myths and clarify the facts related to the federally-funded, state-administered Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Who is eligible for WIC? Why might families who are eligible for WIC not participate in the WIC program? How are the food packages different for breastfeeding mothers versus non-breastfeeding women and children—and does that matter to the recipients? Which types of breast pumps does WIC offer? Has WIC had a positive impact on breastfeeding over the last few decades? Here’s your chance to get an inside look into these and other questions about the WIC program.
You name it, we’ve had it. The COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustices, a disputed election, schools moving to an online format, healthcare professionals losing their jobs, and more. Sometimes, it feels like we’re sinking into quicksand. Wow! Is now the time to earn a certification you’ve never had before? Or is it worth the bother to renew your current certification? Or can you use your certification in a new way? Maybe, more to the point, what happens if you don’t hold a certification, or if you have certification but you’re not using it to your own advantage during these uncertain times? Or, what about if you’ve already failed the IBLCE exam and you’re wondering if now is the time to re-test? Regardless of what license or other certification you might hold, here’s some practical advice on how having certification can help you. Get out of the quicksand and join Marie as she gives some rock-solid advice that will help you get, renew, or use your IBCLC certification to your advantage.
Maybe you had an exhilarating experience when birthing your baby and you feel like you can now take on the world. Or maybe having a baby made you feel like you’ll never get your life back now that you have that tiny baby who is 100% dependent on you. Sure, parenting is touted to be the biggest and most rewarding job you’ll ever have. But do you think you can do it and still design the life you want? Join Marie as she talks with Felicia Broccolo from The Life Coach School. How is a life coach different from a BFF, or a counselor, or a therapist? Why do women seek help from a life coach? What kinds of services can a life coach offer—and how do you find and use those services? What’s the relationship between a thought, an emotion, and a result? How can we gain more confidence in ourselves, or help others to develop more confidence? Be sure to join Marie and Felicia as they talk about how to truly achieve that new you.
You’re looking at the amount of milk you’ve pumped. It should have been more. It could have been more. Probably every mom on the planet got more than that, but you’ve tried everything, and you just can’t get one more ounce. You want to give up because you know you just can’t pump even one minute or one drop more. You’ve tried oatmeal and fennel and fenugreek and everything that everyone has suggested and no, zip, zero, nada niente, it isn’t working so it’s obvious that you’re a failure at breastfeeding and a terrible mother. Right? Wrong. Very wrong. Listen to Marie’s interview with Sarah Farrell Johnson who claimed she just “couldn’t ducking pump anymore” but finally realized her self-worth is not measured in the number of ounces she pumps. Sarah shares her story about her first baby, and then her second baby. Then, she talks about the tools that helped her to have a better breastfeeding and better mothering experience and she explains why for why those tools can work for you, too.
Whether you are a parent or a professional, you have already been frightened by some “scary” number associated with a newborns health. The baby has lost 10 percent of his weight. His glucose level is under 40. His bilirubin level is 18. Oh, these numbers are frightening, and the hospital insists on supplementing with artificial milk to make those numbers look better. But where is the context for these numbers? Where is the science? Are these numbers true indicators that some harm is about to happen? Join Marie and her guest, pediatrician Jenny Thomas, MD IBCLC, FABM, as they discuss numbers related to newborn weight loss, glucose levels, and bilirubin levels. Learn how the traditionally “scary” numbers are not always an indicator of some imminent danger, and, consider the latest science that suggests that supposedly out-of-bounds numbers may be protective rather than harmful, or they may be simply inaccurate or misleading.
Admit it. There’s a tiny part of the holiday season that you dread. You’ve got a few relatives who always poke their noses into your parenting business, and you never know exactly how to handle their comments. Should you just put up and shut up? Or should you lash back? Or is there perhaps a better solution that might help to avoid all of that negative energy floating around in the room? Listen as Marie and best-selling author and top psychotherapist Sandra Reich talk about why topics like breastfeeding are so likely to bring on criticism, and how the “crab mentality” works overtime—and is often contagious among family members—at holiday time. Ask yourself what story is playing in your head. Heed Sandra’s warning that negative emotional energy has been scientifically linked to physical disease, and get her tips on how to create appropriate boundaries and avoid unwanted consequences.
Just the minute you thought you knew something about human milk banking, you might find it’s time to step back and listen to Marie’s special guest, Kim Updegrove, CNM. Kim is the Director of the Mother’s Milk Bank at Austin TX and the Chair of the Standards Committee for the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). How has the COVID crisis impacted donations, either from the perspective of the donor or the staff? And is the COVID-19 virus released into the milk, and if so, can it be destroyed through Holder pasteurization? Is donor milk a “breastmilk substitute”, or not? Has HIV ever been found in milk dispensed from a HMBANA-accredited milk bank? Is the fee covered by insurance? Is milk dispensed only for critically ill premature infants? Does donor milk protect against premature infants developing necrotizing enterocolitis, or must it be mother’s own milk in order to offer such protection. Find out the answers to these and other questions on this episode!
Body modifications—piercings, tattoos, and laser removal of tattoos—are increasingly popular among women of childbearing age. Millions of women in the U.S. have them, and these days, many artists may refuse to offer body mods to pregnant or breastfeeding women. Does that mean they’re incompatible during the childbearing cycle? What’s the impact of body mods on breastfeeding? And, conversely, what is the impact of breastfeeding on body mods, if any?
Join Marie and her guest, Robyn Roche-Paull, RN BSN IBCLC, as they explain that it’s not just a matter of safety. What are the best practices, worst practices, or optional practices? Find out: What questions should you ask? What precautions should you take? When is the optimal time for getting your body mods in relation to pregnancy or breastfeeding? The extent of physical, practical and financial implications differ from one individual to another, but you need to know those implications, their effect on breastfeeding and beyond.
Traumatic birth occurs in 1 out of 3 births in the U.S. and Australia. It can negatively impact bonding and breastfeeding, and is often associated with postpartum depression. Why does it occur? Are hospitals failing mothers and babies? Many hospitals have a rigid power structure that restricts the delivery of evidence-based care. What are we doing to change that? Join Marie and her guest, Rebecca Dekker, RN PhD, author of Babies Are Not Pizzas: They’re Born, Not Delivered. Rebecca describes her own birth experience and discusses her feelings, thoughts, and coping mechanisms after a traumatic birth. Meanwhile, we breastfeeding advocates often feel they are on the bottom of the power hierarchy; what can we do to ensure adequate care during birth and the postpartum period? How can we help to empower mothers? Where does the role of the doula fit in? Listen for answers to these and other questions on this insightful interview!
Let’s see. You’re trying get your IBCLC certification, and you feel sure your dream job is to be in private lactation practice. Right? But do you know what that entails? Join Marie and her guest, retired IBCLC Judy Eastburn who worked as a lactation consultant in private practice in the greater Dallas area for more than three decades. What will it be: Booking office visits, or doing home visits? Pursuing clients who can get their insurance to pay for the visit…or accept only clients who pay cash? Selling or renting breastfeeding equipment…does it make sense? Is it realistic to have only a part-time private lactation practice? Are there some hidden time-consuming activities that you can’t bill for? What about liability insurance for your practice…or any other types of insurance? Do you really need an EIN? Get a glimpse of how a lactation expert and a businesswoman learns how to establish, maintain and grow a private lactation practice.
So many people say, “If I’m not a nurse, can I get a job in a hospital as a lactation consultant?” It’s possible. But are you asking the right question?
Join Marie and Paula Hanna, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, ICCE for a behind-the-scenes look at the roles and responsibilities of the international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) in the hospital setting. How does your background color your perception of/or your abilities to do the job? Whether you’re already a nurse or if you have some other credential, maybe you feel confident you can provide top-notch direct care for premature infants as well as full-term infants. But likely as not, that accounts for only a fraction of your day. What else might you need to do in a typical day at the hospital—for either for inpatient or outpatient responsibilities? What are the toughest parts of the job? What are the most rewarding parts of the job? Marie and Paula will give you a true behind-the-scenes look at what the job is really like.
Are you planning to take a trip, a visit, or a vacation? Aren’t all of those the same? No, not really! Each has some specific implications for the impact on traveling with your baby. Car, train, plane: What will work best for a breastfeeding baby, a mother who is pumping, or both? How much extra drive-time do you need to build into your car trip to reach your destination on time? You’ve got to pack, but how can you plan for diapers, feeding gear, snacks, clean-up, and pump equipment? What about a backup plan, especially if you’re in a rural neighborhood where overnight delivery of a replacement part isn’t possible? With all of the conflicting information about storing and saving, what do you need to know about transporting your milk? Then, of course, there are the little extra hassles like if you don’t have access to electrical power, potable water, or if your family criticizes you for breastfeeding your baby. Join Marie as she answers these and many more questions!
This was a crazy year. Events and activities that we had planned either didn’t happen or they were rearranged, postponed or cancelled. Of course, those unplanned glitches happened with the IBLCE exam, too. Now, there are some planned changes that new candidates and re-certifying IBCLCs will be facing for 2021. If you took the exam in the fall of 2020, what can you do while you’re waiting for your test results? If you get your results and you fail, what can you do to pass the next time? If you’re a newbie who has never taken the exam before, what are the new eligibility requirements and deadlines? If you’re totally confused about the eligibility requirements, how can you get help—for free! Or, if you’re already an IBCLC, what are the new requirements for renewing? Join Marie as she gives you the answers to help you plan for your 2021 success!
We all know that prolactin is the milk-making hormone. But do all human bodies respond to it in the same way? And if not, which groups of people are likely to have a greater, or a lesser response? And, is there anything we can do to enhance the response?
Join Marie and her guest, Kathleen M. Rasmussen, ScD, RD, the Nancy Schlegel Meinig Professor of Maternal & Child Nutrition and International Professor of Nutritional Science at Cornell University. Dr. Rasmussen enlightens us about what her research says, and what it doesn’t say, about the prolactin response. And, she helps us to understand her work in the context of research related to milk production conducted by other prominent researchers. Further, she helps us to understand why federal funding for studies on this and similar topics is so limited.
Let’s talk frankly about how you feel about sleeping with your baby. Maybe you’ve heard that sleeping with your baby is a bad idea—even dangerous. Maybe you’re afraid to tell anyone you really do sleep with your baby. Maybe you’re vaguely aware of the recommendations issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics over the past several years. But have you read the new statement on sleeping with your baby published by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine? And if you’re a provider, are you wondering what to tell your patients? Join Marie and her special guest, Helen Ball BSc, MA, PhD, who was an author for the new protocol just issued by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Dr. Ball debunks the popular myths, gives clear insight into the research and rationale used to create the protocol, and she gives some simple tips on how to safely sleep with your baby. As always, this episode is not medical advice—but gives information to help you make your own decisions about sleeping options.
Natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. Around the globe, families can find themselves facing a flood ... hurricane ... forest fire ... or another catastrophe. Aid workers and local shelters are often ill-equipped to provide optimal support for infants and mothers— breastfeeding or formula-feeding. Although nursing mothers can feed their babies wherever they are, they often find themselves trying to solve breastfeeding problems they’ve never encountered before, and being undermined by bad advice during the disaster.
Join Marie and her special guest Dr. Karleen Gribble as they discuss the impact of a disaster on breastfeeding or formula-feeding before, during and after it occurs. Find out how you can help others in your community—professionals, neighbors, and aid workers—to prioritize care for mothers and young infants. And, get practical tips to achieve optimal comfort and hygiene for you and your baby, and how to how to survive—and even thrive—in such awful conditions.
Plagiocephaly (flat-head syndrome) affects as many as 47% of infants. If you’ve seen babies wearing helmets, you know how common this condition is. Maybe you’re wondering: My baby has an unusual head shape; does he need a helmet? Wait! Those helmets cost thousands of dollars and the cost is seldom, if ever, covered by insurance. Can you treat plagiocephaly without a helmet? Join Marie and her guest, plagiocephaly expert Andrew Dorough, DC, as they help you to realize you’re the only one who can find the best solution if your baby has a flat or unusual head shape. Is plagiocephaly just cosmetic? Should you do nothing and believe he will outgrow it? Should you do something now or wait until later…or doesn’t it matter? Does his head shape have anything to do with his continued feeding difficulties? In this episode Marie and Dr. Dorough will help you to follow your gut, ask the right questions, consider all of the treatment options, and understand how chiropractic care can help.
Can someone have a scary birth experience? Oh yes. And can that scary birth experience lead to post traumatic stress disorder? That’s a distinct possibility. And if post traumatic stress disorder occurs, how does it intrude on your experience in this pregnancy, or your hopes and dreams for the future of your family? Or maybe how it will change the way you think or your own sense of self-identity. Join Marie and Colby Cohen-Archer, MS, PhD, as they discuss the impact of birth trauma on mothers, breastfeeding, postpartum mood disorders, and more. And they’ll talk about how to heal from birth trauma, as well as how to use some coping tips. And, if you or someone you know has had this experience, listen as Dr. Cohen-Archer lists several different ways to get help—including some you’ve ever heard of—and how you can find the help you need to feel better.
Have you thought of becoming an IBCLC? Have you wondered what that journey might be like? What if you’re already a nurse? What if you’re a licensed professional, but not a nurse? What if you have no healthcare background whatsoever? Join Marie and her guests as they talk about their journey to becoming an IBCLC. Heather Yocom, RN MBA IBCLC, qualified for the IBLCE Exam after getting a scholarship to attend Marie’s live course in San Diego. Deborah Betts, SLP IBCLC, qualified after taking Marie’s live course in Baltimore. Sarah Ortega, CLE CLC IBCLC, who had no background in healthcare, qualified through Marie’s all-online course. How were their journeys similar—or different? What were the toughest parts of the journey? Why did they choose the preparation they chose? If they had it to do over again, what would they do differently? If you’ve ever wondered how your journey might be, get some real-life insight from three who took the journey and passed the IBLCE Exam on the first try!
Eating disorders affect as many as 30 million people in the United States. And, although they have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, eating disorders are seriously undertreated. Tragically, among those who seek treatment for anorexia each year, 1 in 100 will die; up to 20% will die within a year as the result of complications from the eating disorder, or suicide. In today’s episode, Marie talks with Jacklyn Novatt, who nearly became one of those statistics. Luckily, she got help. Better yet, Jackie beat the anorexia in time to become pregnant and successfully give birth to and breastfeed twins. And in a wonderful “surprise ending” you’ll hear how the pregnancy and breastfeeding was a critical turning point for her. Join Marie and Jackie and discover how to recognize the classic symptoms of anorexia, how to help a loved one get into treatment and support them in their recovery, and how to separate fact from fiction about anorexia.
You’re determined to be the best mother, right from the start. You want to grow your baby to be healthy. And, you want to make sure that while breastfeeding, you continue to nourish yourself so you can make the very best milk for your baby. How can you actually do that? Well, how about eating real foods? But what would those be? Join Marie and her guest, Lily Nichols RDN, CDE, author of Real Food in Pregnancy. Find out how Lily’s approach to prenatal nutrition differs from conventional information that we’ve heard for years. What are some of the number one foods that pregnant or breastfeeding mamas should eat, and why? What mistakes do most women make about nutrition? What are some of the biggest myths about nutrition in pregnancy, and why are your prescribed prenatal vitamins less than ideal? What is choline, and why is grass-fed beef or bone broth so important? Which recipes in Lily’s book did Marie like? Get the answers to these questions, and many more in this interesting episode.
Are you thinking of becoming an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC)? Or are you already an IBCLC, and you need to recertify? Are you aware of all of the changes in expanded eligibility requirements, changes in how clinical hours will be calculated, changes in the recertification process, and changes in the exam schedule and upcoming deadlines? Don’t rely on what your friends tell you, or what you’ve read or done in the past. Get the latest information so that you can plan ahead. In this episode, Marie summarizes the most recent statements from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) so that you can comply with the new requirements and choose the right options to embark upon or continue your journey as an IBCLC. As a bonus, Marie will name names—telling you topics that might not have been on your radar in the past, and should be now if you are taking the IBLCE exam!
If you’ve been in a store’s baby section lately, you’ve probably noticed the formula. It’s hard not to notice it—there are more kinds of formula than ever before, and they take up a lot of shelf space. Milk-based, soy; regular, hypoallergenic … the variety can be overwhelming! What’s a parent to do? Before you buy any formula—and before you feed any to your baby—make sure you know all about it. Join Marie and special guest Dr. Heather Patisaul of NC State University for a conversation that provides the ins and outs of soy formula. Make sure you know about the phytoestrogens in soy and how they affect the body (short-term and long-term). Tune in for an eye-opening discussion of a product that’s become pervasive—for better or for worse, and consider information you need to make the best decision possible for your baby and your family.
Everyone agrees that exercise is good. But if you’re an expectant or breastfeeding mother who has never exercised, should you start now? Are the guidelines the same for a nonpregnant woman as for a pregnant woman? And does “exercise” mean taking a walk around the block, or competing in a triathlon? Are there any studies to substantiate recommendations about amount and type of exercise for pregnant women? How does prenatal exercise affect the onset and length of labor—if at all?
Join Marie and her guest, author Linda May, PhD, as they discuss the results of over 700 studies that address exercise during pregnancy. Be prepared for several surprises! You’ll learn about how exercise does and doesn’t affect the pregnant mother, her baby while in utero, and the long-lasting effects it can have on the infant or child. And, if you’ve encountered some barriers to getting enough exercise, get some simple tips to get moving and stay moving during pregnancy.
By now, nearly all parents and professionals understand: Breast is best! And, breastfeeding is natural! Unquestionably, these statements are true. But those lines of logic and encouragement are aimed more toward milk and babies. What do mothers think? What do mothers feel? How might those feelings continue into those first few weeks after going home from the hospital?
Join Marie and her guest, Dr. Marie Dietrich Leurer, as they discuss what Dr. Dietrich Leurer learned in her research study. How do mothers react to their breastfeeding experience? Is breastfeeding easy or difficult? Is breastfeeding instinctive, or learned? What about confidence? Do women describe breastfeeding experience as positive or negative…or both? And, do some mothers simply dislike breastfeeding? Come along as we talk about the facts that describe feelings!
It’s just food. Or just a beverage. You don’t need to worry about whether it will affect your milk or your baby, right? Or, maybe you should worry? Heck, maybe you’re already worried, but perhaps there’s nothing to worry about! Get answers about safety, side effects, allergies and more as Marie interviews her guest, Philip O. Anderson, PharmD, FASHP, FCSHP, the author of the National Library of Medicine’s LactMed database. They’ll talk about the research to substantiate answers to questions about food and beverages that you probably consume on a regular basis, as well as some foods you might never have heard of. Listen as Marie asks Dr. Anderson about the effects of coffee, tea, colas, chocolate, alcohol, garlic, onions, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, fava beans, turtle meat, and more! Are you curious about food allergies, maternal vaccinations while breastfeeding, food poisoning, botulism and breastfeeding? Get the information you need on those topics, too!
Ever since 2005, when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released their first statement on sleeping with your baby, we’ve all wondered: Is the AAP right? Do I risk having my baby die if I sleep with him? And some of us have asked the much more difficult question: Is there real data for this, and if there is, does it apply all babies, or is it okay for breastfeeding babies to sleep with their mother?? Join Marie and her guest, James McKenna PhD, internationally-recognized infant sleep expert and author of over 180 peer-reviewed articles and chapters on SIDS and related topics. Unquestionably, safe sleep practices are paramount. But “safe” does not necessarily mean putting the baby to sleep in a crib. Learn how Dr. McKenna’s research sheds a light on newborn/infant sleep in terms of what’s normal, what’s safe, and what parents really do. And, gain a perspective for how parents can be empowered to make their own decisions about where to sleep.
We all agree on the importance of support for breastfeeding mothers. But how can we get—or give—that support? You might not need a one-on-one appointment and expertise of an IBCLC. A support group run by La Leche League or Breastfeeding USA might not appeal to you. Yet, you’d like a little more than good advice from a friendly neighbor. Is there any other option? Yes! You could drop into a Baby-Café! With multiple locations throughout the United States open one or more times a week, this model has a proven track record for good outcomes. Join Marie and her special guest, Lucia Jenkins, founder of Baby-Café USA. See why the Baby Café model works in many settings and is flexible enough to accommodate different community profiles. Learn how you can get support from specially-trained staff, share experiences and make friends, and engage in open-forum discussions. Or, if you want to start a Baby Café, find out how little time, effort, and money it takes to get it up and running.
We all know that a “cue” is a signal for someone to do or to say something. But what, exactly, is cue-based feeding? Is cue-based feeding the same as demand feeding? Is cue-based feeding the same or different from infant-led feeding? Have volume-based feedings become outdated for preterm infants? Are cue-based feedings appropriate for preterm infants? Preterm infants are often more sleepy than communicative, so how will you recognize cues that they are hungry? Join Marie and her guest, Tena Fry RN, DNP, as they talk about cue-based feeding for preterm (and late-preterm) infants. In this episode, you’ll learn how to differentiate among early, mid and late hunger cues and gain confidence on how to respond to those cues. On the flip side, you’ll learn to recognize important cues that preterm babies feel full, or overstimulated, and want to discontinue a feeding. You’ll also see how cue-based feedings have been shown to benefit the baby, the parents, and even the hospital’s bottom line.
No doubt, you’ve heard someone say that babies lose weight after birth but need to surpass their birth weight by 7 days, or 2 weeks, or 3 weeks. Similarly, you’ve probably heard that babies who have a 10% weight loss in the first few days require formula supplementation. But is this “decaphobia” justified? Join Marie and her guest, clinical pediatrician and expert researcher Dr. Ian Paul, who says that these numbers and assumptions have been based on anecdote, not evidence. Dr. Paul has given us the NEWT, i.e., the nomogram which represents the new and evidence-based standard to understand newborn weight loss. Whether you are a parent or a provider, you’ll learn the who-what-where-when-why of the NEWT, the research from 160,000 babies that propelled its inception, how it compares with expert recommendations, how weight loss in babies born by vaginal compares to cesarean birth, and how 36-weekers compare to 37-weekers. Don’t miss this exciting episode!
You’ve had your cesarean surgery and your baby is born at 35 weeks’ gestation. The doctor, the nurse, the lactation consultant and seemingly everyone says, “Oh! He weighs five pounds! That’s great!” But you’re thinking…if everything is so great, why is his body floppy? Why is he so sleepy? No, he didn’t go to the NICU, but he’s not giving feeding cues, and his suck is really weak. What will it take for him to start…and continue breastfeeding? Meanwhile, you’ve already realized there’s little information and support for breastfeeding a late preterm infant. Join Marie and her guest, Bianca Wooden, DONA, IBCLC, as they talk about the capabilities and limitations of the late preterm baby as he tries to breastfeed in the initial phases and after hospital discharge. You’ll feel validated that your questions and worries are real, get plenty of tips about how to make breastfeeding work for the late preterm baby, and empower yourself with some insights that Bianca learned along the way.
Feeding babies is just…feeding, right? Whether they breastfeed, bottle-feed, use a cup or a spoon, they just need to breathe and take in food and drink, right? Um, no. Babies don’t come fully grown, so it makes sense their bodily structures will grow, and then develop different skills at different times. But do we watch how our own skills and interactions affect the babies? Oops! Maybe not! Join Marie and her guest, Diane Bahr, MS, CCC-SLP, CIMI. As a speech-language pathologist, Diane explains how early feeding experiences help babies to gather information about their world and learn to express themselves. You’ll start to watch how you position your baby at breast, how you offer a bottle, and how you wield your baby’s spoon. Learn how pacifiers and sippy cups can impact feeding and speech skills, why it’s important for a baby to breathe through his nose, and other technical and practical aspects of oral activities that have long-term consequences. (Get glossary at MarieBiancuzzo.com)
Admit it. There’s a tiny part of the holiday season that you dread. You’ve got a few relatives who always poke their noses into your parenting business, and you never know exactly how to handle their comments. Should you just put up and shut up? Or should you lash back? Or is there perhaps a better solution that might help to avoid all of that negative energy floating around in the room? Listen as Marie and best-selling author and top psychotherapist Sandra Reich talk about why topics like breastfeeding are so likely to bring on criticism, and how the “crab mentality” works overtime—and is often contagious among family members—at holiday time. Ask yourself what story is playing in your head. Heed Sandra’s warning that negative emotional energy has been scientifically linked to physical disease, and get her tips on how to create appropriate boundaries and avoid unwanted consequences.
If you’re the parent of a preterm infant, you probably feel stressed and worried about your baby. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could use a simple, free, noninvasive technique to help your baby—and help yourself at the same time? And wouldn’t you love to confidently touch your baby, even as he is tethered to so many tubes, leads, and lines? Join Marie and her guest, psychologist, researcher and author, Tiffany Field, PhD. Dr. Field has authored over 400 journal articles and 38 books about the efficacy of infant massage for premature infants. In this fascinating episode, you’ll discover multiple short-term and long-term benefits for preterm infants who have been massaged, the type of touch to use, the relationship between breastfeeding and massage, and how to get started doing infant massage on your baby, even if he was born many weeks before term. You’ll also begin to understand how massaging your preterm infant can actually help you to relax and avoid postpartum depression.
You may have already figured out that having a new baby during military service brings up some issues you would not have encountered in civilian life. You might need to deal with giving birth while your spouse is deployed half-way around the world. Or, you might find yourself giving birth in a hospital where staff speak a language or have birth practices different from your own. How can you get help?
Join Marie and her special guests, DONA-certified birth doula Amanda Dodson and postpartum doula Kari Haravitch, both having served in the military. Kari explains how families value her ability to help them make the transition to parenthood, while Amanda gives a behind-the-scenes description of starting a business and an educational facility in Okinawa. Whether you’re a parent or a doula, whether you’re military or civilian, you’ll want to hear how the role and creativity of the doula can be a game-changer for you and your family.
So, you’re a nursing mother and you need to travel by plane—with or without your baby. You need to generate some obvious and some not-so-obvious questions before you take off and get the right answers! The first hurdle is having paperwork in order and items to pack for yourself or your child—including critical parts, and their replacements. Are you better off pumping or nursing in the airport? What does it mean if the airport says they have a lactation room? What about pumping on the plane? How many actions can you take to have an almost hands-free experience? And, what about all of those TSA rules? Is it really true that you need to dump your milk before going through security? Does the fate of the milk depend on whether or not the baby is with you? How much milk can you take, and can you carry an ice pack? Whether you’ve flown many times or never before, you’ll want to hear this episode where Marie gives dozens of tips to make it a less stressful experience.
Maybe you’ve heard this discussion about breastfeeding: Is it hands on, or hands off? And whose hands are we talking about? Hers, his, theirs, yours, or ours? You know that breastfeeding in the first hour of life is a proven strategy for helping milk to come in sooner, but what do you do if your preterm baby is whisked off to the NICU in the first few minutes? Join Marie and pediatrician, adjunct professor, video producer and author, Jane Morton, MD, as they discuss how the natural act of breastfeeding can be hindered by the unnatural events that may unfold, and the special situation of the preterm infant and his mother. Listen to her describe how her patients were able to increase their milk supply by 48%, even though their babies were too premature to suckle! Dr. Morton offers some interesting perspectives that might run counter to what you’ve heard or read…and yet, she makes valid, scientifically proven points that are clinically relevant and fairly simple to implement.
Try to imagine being a nursing mother who discovers a lump in your breast. For a few days, you assume it’s just a plugged duct, and don’t give it much more thought. But it persists, and your doctor says it’s a cancerous lump. How will this affect your milk, or even the functional ability of your breast to produce milk now and in the future? Why is your doctor insisting on an abrupt weaning? What about the surgery, the medications, and the radiation treatments that loom large in your future? And, maybe…the question of your very survival.Join Marie and her guest, Ciara Devine as they discuss her frightening journey. You’ll learn how Ciara’s healthcare team reacted, how she handled weaning her child, how she struggled with the decision to get pregnant during a planned interruption of her anti-cancer drug, and how she found the courage to nurse her second child. Finally, hear Ciara’s recommendation for practical ideas on how to help other women who may find themselves in this situation.
Approximately 7% of breast cancer patients are diagnosed before they reach age 40, and about 3% are diagnosed before age 35. A few are diagnosed before age 30. Since all of the women in these groups are of childbearing age, the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer affects their plans for pregnancy and breastfeeding. This creates many questions for the affected women, as well as maternal-child specialists who interact with them later.
Join Marie and her guest, researcher and clinical physician, Olivia Pagani, MD, to hear the scientifically-proven answers to so many questions: What do young women with breast cancer think and fear about subsequent pregnancy? Do healthcare professionals address fertility issues with women who are (or were) being treated for cancer? Is pregnancy after breast cancer safe for the mother—or the baby? Is breastfeeding after breast cancer feasible, and safe? Dr. Pagani will address all of these and more questions on today’s episode.
Most of us assume that babywearing is, well, nice; a new fad that might be fun to try. Fewer of us recognize it as a practice with ancient roots in hunter-gatherer societies. And scarcely anyone would consider it as a biological, psychological or sociological imperative for the modern family, and yet, perhaps we should.
Join Marie and her guest, Rosie Knowles, a general practitioner and author of Why Babywearing Matters. Dr. Knowles tells us a surprisingly candid and heartwarming story of how she became interested in babywearing, and why she has spearheaded efforts to normalize babywearing in her community. How can babywearing affect your baby’s muscle development, eye development, or likelihood of flat-head syndrome or reflux? How is the interaction different between baby and adults during babywearing? Learn how mothers and other family members can and should do babywearing on a regular basis in order to reap the many physical and psychologic benefits for themselves.
New parents often hear that they should let the baby “cry it out” lest they “spoil” the baby. Many parents take such advice to heart and try strategies like “crying it out,” especially at naptime or bedtime. After all, the argument goes, how will the baby ever learn to settle himself? However, our understanding of brain development in infancy and toddlerhood shows the error in such thinking: Babies need loving and responsive positive caregiving for healthy development. If you’ve done “cry it out,” you may worry that you’ve damaged your child. Take heart. There is hope. Join Marie as she talks with Tracy Cassels, PhD about how to support your baby’s needs and recover from “cry it out.” (Be sure to also listen to: “Sleep Like A Baby: What it Means and What it Doesn't http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/90522/sleep-like-a-baby-what-it-means-and-what-it-doesnt)
Maybe you believe that latching is an inborn ability. Maybe you think it’s odd that your newborn seems hungry, but he acts frustrated and even pulls away when you offer to nurse. You’ve had help from the nurse, the lactation consultant, the doctor, and others. But your baby still has difficulty latching. Is it possible that some musculoskeletal problem impedes his ability to latch and/or swallow? If so, can a chiropractor help?
Join Marie and her guest, Andrew Dorough, DC, as they describe various musculoskeletal problems that newborns can experience, often as a result of the labor/delivery process. Hear why pediatric chiropractic techniques are safe and effective (and how they differ from techniques used on adults.) Learn the importance of early chiropractic visits, how to recognize classic signs of newborn musculoskeletal problems, where to find specially-certified pediatric chiropractors, and how just a few treatments can make a dramatic difference for pain-free, optimal latch.
You have decided to take the IBLCE Exam, but even before you get into study mode, you need to know plenty of facts about actually applying for the exam! Have questions? You are not alone!
Join Marie in this special episode where she spills out 50 real questions that IBCLC candidates have asked her over the years. Get some straight answers about eligibility requirements for the IBLCE Exam. Marie has prepared thousands of IBCLC candidates, so there is a high likelihood that someone else has already asked YOUR question — and Marie has the answer! No matter what your background is, no matter which pathway you are pursuing, and no matter whether you are starting from scratch or nearly ready to apply for the exam, Marie will help you to get the answer, and find more resources—including free resources-- to help you on your professional journey.
So your grandchild is being breastfed and you are not sure where your support needs to start or where your advice needs to end. Breastfeeding is a personal thing, shared by the mother and the baby. Yet, as the grandmother, sometimes you do know what is best—but should you say? You want to be helpful, but not too helpful.
Listen as Jeanne Friebe, RN, BSN, IBCLC, RNC-LRN (a.k.a. Granny-Nanny) talks about her journey moving from her role as a registered nurse with 35 years of experience to becoming a first-time grandmother—that is, having no experience—in this very different role. Jeanne describes her ongoing learning of how to be helpful yet allowing her daughter to find her own way, identifying resources she and her daughter have found together, the importance of family support, and how to know when to seek non-family support.
Are your nipples tender, painful, sore, cracked, bleeding, dry, or infected? Have your friends—or even health care professionals—urged you to put some cream, ointment, oil or other product on your nipples? Would it work if you did? Which is a magic bullet—if any? Do these products prevent, or cure—both, or neither? Have any been proven to be safe and effective? Does one work better than another? Are there any to avoid, or any that taste bad to the baby? How much do you apply, and must it be washed off before each feeding? And might putting some of you milk on your nipples work just as well, or perhaps better?
Join Marie and pharmacist Wendy Jones for a whirlwind tour of the 10 creams and ointments most often seen in clinical practice in the US and in the UK. Hear some verbatim quotes from the research, as well as Marie's and Wendy’s expert opinions. Find out when and if these are best for your problem—or if you need a different kind of help.
The impact of breastfeeding on the baby’s health is indisputable. But can the act of breastfeeding generate new interest, support, and approval from family members, neighbors and, even strangers? Yes! Angel Warren started Chocolate Milk Mommies to portray a positive message about breastfeeding in public. Starting with a photo shoot, she and a few loyal supporters soon realized that the Chocolate Milk Mommies could offer so much more to black mothers.
Join Marie and her guests, Chocolate Milk Mommies Jennifer Miller and Tiffany Campbell. Hear what inspired them to breastfeed, despite having no breastfeeding role models within their own families. Pause and find out why they joined the group, and what keeps them driven to continue carrying out its mission. Gain some insights into why women often don’t initiate or continue breastfeeding. Learn how breastfeeding not only nurtured their babies, but also created a positive impact on their families and their communities.
It may seem surprising that breastfeeding is still a point of controversy. How can that be, when studies have shown over and over that human milk isn’t just a food but a substance optimized to meet the complex needs of the human child? Join Marie as she talks with special guest Jennifer Grayson, journalist and author of “UNLATCHED: The Evolution of Breastfeeding and the Making of a Controversy” -HarperCollins, 2016-, about the tension between “best is breast” messaging and lack of breastfeeding support. Learn about policies and practices that would make a big different, not just for breastfeeding dyads, but for overall public health. Find out what we can do to stem the controversy and find solutions that enable families to breastfeed. Comments? Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Whether you are a parent or a professional, you have already been frightened by some “scary” number associated with a newborns health. The baby has lost 10 percent of his weight. His glucose level is under 40. His bilirubin level is 18. Oh, these numbers are frightening, and the hospital insists on supplementing with artificial milk to make those numbers look better. But where is the context for these numbers? Where is the science? Are these numbers true indicators that some harm is about to happen? Join Marie and her guest, pediatrician Jenny Thomas, MD IBCLC, FABM, as they discuss numbers related to newborn weight loss, glucose levels, and bilirubin levels. Learn how the traditionally “scary” numbers are not always an indicator of some imminent danger, and, consider the latest science that suggests that supposedly out-of-bounds numbers may be protective rather than harmful, or they may be simply inaccurate or misleading.
Happy World Breastfeeding Week! Join in celebrating with all who protect, promote, and support breastfeeding throughout the globe! Yet, as you celebrate, recognize that there’s work to be done. This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme calls us to focus on gender-equitable strategies for breastfeeding families everywhere. So how can we do that?
Join Marie and her guest, Stephanie Brown, IBCLC for a lively discussion that addresses how clinical professionals exhibit helpful and unhelpful actions for the LGBTQIA community. Begin to become aware of how your attitude, your language, and even your clinical environment can undermine rather than empower parents, beware of how “othering” can creep into your messages, recognize how issues such as continuity of care and consent and body autonomy impact care. And, get Marie’s free handout at mariebiancuzzo.com to help you take actions to facilitate gender-equitable parental social protection.
Having a preemie can be stressful and frightening for many parents. Instead of having your baby in your arms while 'rooming in'' with you, he’s in a bed in the NICU with beeping machines and medical staff at the ready. The feeling of distance created by the demands of your baby’s health condition, which require others to be his primary caregivers, can make it hard to feel like you are “mothering” your little one. Tune in as Marie speaks with Jennifer Canvasser about how babywearing in the NICU can help your baby’s health and give you a sense of connecting with your baby. Find out how you can keep your baby safe while babywearing -in spite of the many wires and tubes-, and learn how to get support for babywearing in your hospital’s NICU. Learn from Jennifer’s experience as the NICU mom of twins, and get the “how to” tips you need to help you care for your preemie. Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Vaping has become very popular in the United States. Unquestionably, nicotine is addictive, and mothers who are trying to kick the cigarette habit often try vaping instead. But what do we know about vaping and breastfeeding?
Join Marie and her guest, Lori Feldman-Winter, MD, MPH, in this episode that’s chock full of questions—and research-based answers—about vaping and breastfeeding. Is vaping less harmful than smoking cigarettes? Does vaping effectively help people to stop smoking cigarettes? Does frequency or number of vapes matter? Are some vaping products more or less harmful than others? Is it just nicotine, or do other chemicals pass into the milk while vaping—and are they toxic, carcinogenic, or deleterious to milk production, ejection or transfer? And, if vaping isn’t your thing, what effective strategies can you try to stop smoking? This episode truly delivers on Marie’s promise to debunk the myths and clarify the facts!
Legislation has been passed to give American mothers 12 weeks of maternity leave (1993) and private mothering rooms (2010). However, legislation alone is not enough to provide the support that breastfeeding mothers need when they return to the workplace. Three factors continue to undermine breastfeeding mothers: lack of a private place for pumping, supervisor and coworker concern about reduced worktime and interrupted productivity, and coworker resentment about mothers taking “breaks.”
Join Marie and her guests. Jie Zhuang, PhD and Joanne Goldbort RN PhD, as they describe how 25% of male and female colleagues create barriers though stigmatizing, focusing on the “ick” factor, and perceiving unfairness when working with breastfeeding colleagues. Consider how normalizing pumping/feeding at work, educating, and providing appropriate space is necessary, but not sufficient. Get some tips for how to get—or give—practical support for breastfeeding in the workplace.
Okay, so it’s just a vitamin. And hey, we’re all in good health, so consuming a little more or a little less vitamin D in a day won’t make much difference to us or to our fetuses or infants, right? And if we’re a little short on Vitamin D, we can just get a little extra sunshine on our shoulders, right? Wrong.
Join Marie and her guest, Dr. Carol Wagner, as they discuss several well-researched but lesser-known facts about the critical role of Vitamin D during pregnancy and lactation—more than any other time in a woman’s life cycle. You’ll learn the astonishing findings from Dr. Wagner’s research, the dangers of getting too little or too much vitamin D, and factors that can impact vitamin D status. And, you’ll understand why some studies suggest that Vitamin D plays a minimal role in achieving optimal health while some studies say otherwise. You’ll also get some real-life advice on natural sources of vitamin D, and find out a relatively simple way to reveal your own vitamin D status.
By now you know some basic facts: Pregnancy results in more stress on the woman’s body, more storage of body fat and body nutrients, and many hormonal changes. But you might not know how lactation impacts these factors after the birth of the baby. Join Marie and her guest, Erica Gunderson, PhD, MPH, RD, as they discuss the lasting effects of pregnancy and lactation on the development of obesity, metabolic risk factors, type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease, especially in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Does breastfeeding protect mothers from developing diabetes in later life? How does breastfeeding protect a woman’s heart? Does lactation result in greater or faster weight loss after giving birth? Is it true that women with gestational diabetes have a delay in having their milk “come in”? Learn all of this and much more in today’s very informative episode.
Nowadays, many mothers pump and feed their milk to their full-term, healthy babies. Although the babies are capable of suckling at the breast, mothers name several reasons for doing pump-and-save or pump-and-feed, and those reasons change over time. Certainly, the benefits of the mother’s own milk outweigh the alternative: formula-feeding. But are there some consequences of feeding mother’s milk from the bottle?
Join Marie and her guest, Kathleen Rasmussen, ScD, RD, as they explore some previously-unanswered questions. What motivates breastfeeding mothers to use bottles? What methods are used for storing, transporting and preparing the milk—and are those methods optimal, or do they carry risk? Are some promised or presumed benefits lost through bottle-feeding, and if so, are the consequences identifiable, modifiable, or negligible? Whether you’re a breastfeeding mother or healthcare professional, you’ll want to hear all of the ups and downs of this increasingly-popular practice.
Your Quick Guide to Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation.
Have you ever been in that situation where seemingly nothing relieves the pain and swelling of engorgement? You’ve tried hand expression, warm packs, cold packs, pumping and more, and still, the milk seems completely stuck! What more is there to try? How about Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation (TBML). Is this some new technique? No. Is it the same as massage? No. Okay, then how is it different? Is it the same as hand expression? No. Does it work? Yes! So how can we learn to perform TBML or teach other women to do it so that it relieves that painful engorgement? Then, after it works, how will we explain why? Join Marie and her special guests, Maya Bolman RN IBCLC and Ann Witt, MD, as they explain this simple technique that is easy to perform, is immediately effective, and has no side effects!
You've heard of hypnosis. You may even be familiar with hypnobirthing (the topic of Marie's June 15, 2015 episode: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/85954/hypnobirthing). Did you know hypnosis can be a positive tool for breastfeeding, too? Join Marie as she talks with special guest Robin Frees, IBCLC about how mothers can use hypnosis to overcome barriers that commonly arise during breastfeeding, such as low milk supply, and inhibited milk ejection reflex. Find out about strategies such as hypnotic relaxation, imagery, and breathing, and learn how these can help whether you're breastfeeding the baby in your arms or using a pump to express milk for later feeding. This just might make the difference between surviving your breastfeeding experience and celebrating it! Questions? E-mail radio@bborntobebreastfed.com any time.
We know that kratom is legal in most US states. We know that opioid use among pregnant women is on the rise in the United States, but whether kratom should be classified as an opioid is a matter of some debate. Meanwhile, there is much that we don’t know about kratom, and its effect on the fetus or the breastfeeding infant/child.
Join Marie and her guest, neonatologist Whitney Eldridge, MD, as they discuss many aspects of kratom use. How is kratom similar to or different from opioids? What are some short-term and long-term effects of kratom exposure on newborns? What questions should mothers raise before consuming kratom? Since it does not show up on routine urine testing, what are the most salient points for the healthcare provider to pursue in terms of data-gathering, recognition of adverse effects, and managing the baby? You won’t find all of the answers here, but you’ll learn to ask more and better questions.
Are you a Tricare beneficiary? Are you aware that your Tricare policy may cover some or most of the costs of banked human milk for your baby?
Join Marie and her guest, doula and retired second lieutenant Kari Haravitch as they help you to understand what this new benefit could mean for you or your baby, and what questions you should be asking. Learn the many details about what is and is not covered. Who is eligible to receive banked donor milk under the new Tricare policy? What conditions must be met? What is covered? How long does the coverage last? How much will families pay out of pocket for this benefit? What about if you’re overseas? What about if you adopted your baby? Where does the Human Milk Banking Association of North America fit into this discussion? Listen as Marie and Kari answer all of these and more questions. You might run into some limitations, but you’ll know how to ask the right questions about getting banked donor milk for your baby.
Happy World Human Milk Donation Day! It’s time to celebrate the impressive history and bright future of donor human milk banks! Like blood banks, having human milk banks can facilitate a life-saving strategy for seriously compromised infants.
Join Marie and her guest, Gillian Weaver, BSc, RD. Ms. Weaver spent 26 years managing the longest-continually operating milk bank in the world. She has since founded, directed, or served as a consultant for milk banks on four different continents, and has an impressive understanding of milk banks on two other continents. Why is donor human milk banking so important? Who donates? How do models and safety procedures differ from country to country? What are myths about donor human milk banking? While the mission of all blood banks around the world is similar, they differ in many ways. Wherever we live, how can we learn from the models, practices, and outcomes of donor milk banks elsewhere? Come and learn, reflect, and celebrate!
After birth became medicalized, skin-to-skin care was assumed to be optional, irrelevant, or unimportant. But in truth, the skin-to-skin contact between the newborn, the mother and—yes, the father—is a critical component of the transition to extrauterine life for the baby, and the transformation of individuals into family units.
Join Marie and her special guest, Nils Bergman, MB ChB, MPH, MD, as they discuss the “NurtureScience” to support the initiation and continuation of prolonged skin-to-skin contact. How and why does this critical period have a profound and life-long impact on the newborn? How long should skin-to-skin contact (aka kangaroo mother care) last? How do birth practices, especially skin-to-skin (or lack thereof) affect hormones, sensory stimuli, the limbic brain, and emotions? What is the effect of labor inductions? Whether you are the parent, the healthcare professional, or the “kangaroula”, you can create a transformational experience for the new family.
Natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. Around the globe, families can find themselves facing a flood ... hurricane ... forest fire ... or another catastrophe. Aid workers and local shelters are often ill-equipped to provide optimal support for infants and mothers— breastfeeding or formula-feeding. Although nursing mothers can feed their babies wherever they are, they often find themselves trying to solve breastfeeding problems they’ve never encountered before, and being undermined by bad advice during the disaster.
Join Marie and her special guest Dr. Karleen Gribble as they discuss the impact of a disaster on breastfeeding or formula-feeding before, during and after it occurs. Find out how you can help others in your community—professionals, neighbors, and aid workers—to prioritize care for mothers and young infants. And, get practical tips to achieve optimal comfort and hygiene for you and your baby, and how to how to survive—and even thrive—in such awful conditions.
Maybe you’ve heard about sensory processing disorder (SPD). There’s no solid science to identify its exact cause, but there are plenty of myths about what it is, and what it isn’t. No, SPD is not the same condition as autism; yes, even newborns can exhibit behaviors consistent with SPD, and these can and sometimes do impact breastfeeding. Since babies can exhibit these behaviors for reasons other than SPD, how can parents or professionals figure out what’s what?
Join Marie and her special guest, author Nancy Williams, MA, MFT, CCE, IBCLC, as they talk about possible birth-related triggers for SPD behaviors, how SPD might impact a baby’s behavior at breast, and three tell-tale signs that point to SPD as a likely explanation for breastfeeding difficulties. Get several of Nancy’s practical tips on how to help your baby with SPD, see how professionals in different disciplines can help the baby, and find media that help to understand and resolve the problem.
According to research, “[B]reastfed infants ingest up to 800,000 bacteria daily.” Is that a good thing, or a bad thing? Unquestionably, there are differences in the composition of gut microbiota in breastfed and formula-fed infants. But several questions follow from that fact. When is the baby’s first exposure to the microbiome, and does it matter? How do the bacteria get into the mother’s milk? And, it’s not just about the biome; it’s about the virome. How are oligosaccharides central to the protection offered in the infant’s gut?
Join Marie and her special guest, Dr. Kirsty Le Doare, as they discuss the importance of human milk in passive immunity, and the impact of mothers’ choices and experiences. Most of us know that “breast is best” but Dr. Le Doare gives a compelling story for why immediate and extended breastfeeding is central to lifelong health.
Okay, so you know bariatric surgery is in your future—or maybe it’s already in your past. But you’re not entirely sure how or if your nutritional status pre- or post-surgery can affect your milk composition or volume. You know “breast is best” but maybe you’re worried that your milk won’t be good enough for your baby. No worries, help is here.
Join Marie and her guest, dietitian Allison Childress PhD, RDN, CSSD, LD, who has had extensive experience working with breastfeeding mothers after bariatric surgery. Get a list of questions to ask before and after your procedure, learn research-based answers about what does or doesn’t make a difference to your post-bariatric milk, what you can do to optimize your milk, as well as early warning signs if your milk is nutrient-deficient. Plus, get simple time-saving tips on how get those needed nutrient-dense calories. Take control of your situation to provide the best nutrition to your baby without compromising your own nutritional status.
Sexual abuse affects more women than you may think. Some estimates suggest that it has happened to 20 to 25 percent (or more) of U.S. women. You’ve probably met these women. Survivors of sexual abuse come from all walks of life and all socioeconomic backgrounds, and the effects have a profound and life-long impact. For breastfeeding mothers, their supporters, and their health care providers, this raises a multitude of questions. How can sexual abuse impact breastfeeding? How can family, other mothers, and health care providers help? What can any of us do to be helpful and supportive of mothers who want to breastfeed after such trauma? Listen as Marie and her guest, Elizabeth Johnson, talk about how to have the conversation, and how to help. If you’ve wondered about “touching”, triggers, flashbacks, and more, this show will help you to develop a clearer perspective.
The joyous occasion has occurred! The baby is here! But what else is here? Some pain or discomfort on your “bottom”? Lots of little leaks you’d rather not see or feel? Maybe some uncomfortable feelings or sensations during sex? Hmmm…
Join Marie and her guest, Dr. Melissa Nassaney, PT, MS, DPT, as they talk about the seemingly unspeakable. What is pelvic floor dysfunction, and what contributes to it, especially during the childbearing cycle? How might breastfeeding be related? What are the most common dysfunctions of the pelvis that occur after pregnancy and birth? Is it just those little bladder leaks? Or is it something even more embarrassing, like fecal incontinence? Is it just a nuisance, or something more serious? Might you have a pelvic organ prolapse? How can you help yourself, and when is it time to get professional help? You might hear a little more than you’d like to hear—but what you probably need to know if this is happening to your body.
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug during pregnancy. Use is as high as 3% to 30% in various populations. Many women assume that because its use has now been legalized in some US states, it’s harmless to their fetus or infant. But marijuana still goes through the placenta and the mother’s milk. Bigger questions are: How much is too much? What are the negative effects, and how long do they last? If you don’t tell the doctor you’ve smoked some pot, will he know? Does it matter whether the marijuana is used for recreational or medicinal purposes? Is it okay to use topical creams or cookies that contain marijuana when breastfeeding? Under what circumstances might it be better to breastfeed, even if you’ve been exposed to marijuana?
Join Marie and neonatologist Dr. Isabel Basaldu-Prado for a frank discussion that will answer your burning questions about marijuana use and your baby. Learn what we know and what we don't know, so you can make informed decisions for your family.
These days, we’re tethered to our smart phones or tablets. We turn to apps whether we want to get the weather report, track our steps, read a book, manage our to-do list or pray. So of course, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers use apps, too! But other than apps being ubiquitous these days, why do moms—especially breastfeeding moms—use apps? And what, exactly, do we know about apps that might support breastfeeding moms?
Join Marie and her special guest. Jill Demirci, PhD, RN, IBCLC, as they discuss multiple aspects of apps used by pregnant or lactating mothers. They’ll tell you why apps are used rather than other technology, how the apps are helpful, the kinds of breastfeeding support and information that moms and professionals want (and may rely on!) for help. They’ll also give a generous list of breastfeeding apps that are popular, useful, or user-friendly. And about the time you think these are advantageous, they’ll identify some cautions for and drawbacks to using apps, too.
In the United States, depression is common among postpartum women. And, breastfeeding mothers are frequently told that breastfeeding is the culprit for sleep deprivation, and they need to formula feed to get enough sleep to beat depression. But what does science actually tell us about breastfeeding, sleep duration and depression? And, if lack of sleep isn’t the cause of depression, what is?
Join Marie and her guest, noted psychologist, acclaimed author/editor and expert, Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PhD, IBCLC, as they debunk the myths and clarify the facts about sleep and depression in breastfeeding mothers. Learn three components that spark depression, non-breastfeeding causes for depression, how exclusive breastfeeding relates to maternal sleep duration, and how you can use the current recommendations for safe sleep environments. Whether you want to give or receive help, get tips on how to enhance the breastfeeding experience and maximize sleep duration.
Happy IBCLC Day! Whether you’re in the exploration, exam-prep, or real-life practice phase of being an IBCLC, this show is for you! Having helped thousands of IBCLCs over the years who have questions about IBCLC eligibility, passing the IBLCE exam on the first try, and getting a job (or a better job) afterwards, Marie takes on the top 10 questions—and gives answers.
Exploring, but wondering which pathway you should use to qualify, or how much your preparation will cost from beginning to end? Preparing for the IBLCE exam, but worried about what to study, how to deal with the photo-based exam items, or what to do if you’ve already failed? Thinking about establishing your private practice…but have no idea where to start? Marie addresses these and other questions with tons of tips, insights and suggestions for free resources to help you plan, achieve and live your dream. To celebrate IBCLC day, Marie offers free CERPs and other credits—listen to find out how to claim your free gift!
Maybe you thought you had completely recovered from your eating disorder, but now, you’ve had a baby…and you’re wondering if you need help. Or, you’ve never been formally diagnosed with an eating disorder, but since your baby has been born, you’ve had a very different relationship with food. Or maybe this is normal. You’re breastfeeding—maybe it’s just hunger or a craving. Or maybe you’re just too busy to eat. But maybe not.
Join Marie and her guest, Crystal Karges, RD, IBCLC, as they talk about conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating, and other disorders that can occur any time—including while breastfeeding. If old food intake patterns are re-surfacing or new patterns are emerging, listen so you can take charge. Learn when to ignore food advice, how eating disorders can co-exist with other conditions (e.g. postpartum depression), how to find free resources, and how to be proactive in taking the first steps to getting professional during your breastfeeding journey.
If you’re a parent, you’ve had a fussy baby at one time or another. And someone has probably given you plenty of grief about not having enough milk, eating foods that “disagree” with the baby, or they suggest sleep training. But are those the best strategies, and how can you tell if fussiness is just part of babyhood, or if it’s something that deserves professional help?
Join Marie and her guest, Tracy Cassels, PhD, as they talk about fussy behaviors in relation to mental health outcomes. Consider how establishing cause and effect is difficult because it’s blurred by the baby’s behavior, the parent’s reaction, and often, the lack of an appropriate medical or psychological diagnosis. Recognize internalizing and externalizing childhood behaviors—and what they may mean. Get some practical tips on how to avoid disconnecting from your baby, how to take care of yourself, and how to not overreact during these difficult days.
You’ve seen countless advertisements for every kind of breastfeeding gadget, gizmo, and device. There are literally hundreds on the market these days! Women have breastfed for thousands of years with no equipment at all. And, even now, there are mothers in many places on earth where they just put the baby on the breast, and it would never occur to them to use any equipment whatsoever. But, like so many other things in healthcare, there’s a time when technology should be used, used with caution, used enthusiastically, and not used at all.
Join Marie as she talks about the most popular and long-running breastfeeding devices used in the United States and Europe over the last few decades. Whether you’re a parent or a professional, get Marie’s take when and why some devices might be helpful in certain circumstances, how to do some simple problem-solving, when to raise questions and what the research has to say about these—if anything.
Join Marie and her guest, Dr. Natalie Shenker, as they discuss how thousands of molecules in human milk work together and yet work independently to establish a microbiome in the exclusively breastfed infant. Can giving just one bottle of formula change a baby’s microbiome so much that the impact is evident at age five? Does lactating confer a minor protection against breast cancer, or is protection much greater? What about ovarian cancer? Might there be a connection between human milk feeding and such diseases as schizophrenia, autism, or multiple sclerosis? Listen to see that we have only begun to shine the spotlight on the most miraculous fluid on earth: human milk.
Okay, so you’ve had the baby and you really want to shed those extra pounds that just keep hanging on to your postpartum body. When can you start a diet? What works or doesn’t work? What about the keto diet? Is it true that you must limit yourself to 25 grams of carbohydrates per day and do intermittent fasting? Does it affect your mood or hormones? And is there science to show the keto diet is or isn’t safe for the breastfeeding mom? You’ve heard about it, read about it, and maybe even considered it, but you have a lot of unanswered questions about the keto diet.
Join Marie and her guest, Maria Emmerich, a well-recognized author and expert on the keto diet. In this show, you’ll begin to separate fact from fiction surrounding the keto diet, recognize mistakes people make when trying to follow the keto diet, and you’ll gain some practical insights about staying on the keto diet—and preparing keto-friendly food that your kids will love! Be sure to listen to this special show!
Childhood obesity affects more than 1 in 3 children worldwide. Past studies have consistently shown that breastfeeding is associated with a lower body mass index (BMI) and a reduced risk of excessive weight gain in infancy—and in later life. Now, Dr. Meghan Azad and her research team have shown that rapid (as well as excess amount) of weight gain in the first year is a strong risk factor for obesity in later life, and several subtle factors impact that risk.
Join Marie and her guests, Dr. Meghan Azad and Dr. Annika Klopp, as they discuss previously-unknown and subtle influences on obesity and weight-gain velocity in the first year of life. Is the protection against obesity stronger when breastfeeding continues longer? Is breast-versus-formula the only explanation for child obesity? What three factors can impact the risk of obesity, even among breastfed infants? If you’re pumping your milk and giving it in a bottle, you need to hear this episode!
There are many ways to seek support, and many ways to provide support. One type of support, mother-to-mother support, has been repeatedly shown to help breastfeeding mothers meet their goals. That’s a great result. But what’s the experience when seeking or providing such support? Join Marie and her guest, Rebecca Ruhlen, PhD, IBCLC, an anthropology professor at Davidson University, and a member of the Board of Directors of Breastfeeding USA, as they discuss breastfeeding support from a sociocultural perspective. Maybe you’ve asked yourself: What is a mother-to-mother support meeting? What if I don’t like meetings? Are there any online meetings? What if I don’t identify as a mother—is there are place for me in such groups? Might a different time, a different location, or a different leader be more helpful for me? What’s the difference between La Leche League and Breastfeeding USA? Can volunteers give quality support? Get the answers to these questions and more in this episode.
You need to nurse your baby, find a food your toddler will eat, and feed dinner to the whole family. Your own stomach is growling, but is it okay for nursing moms to eat cabbage? What about sushi? How can you avoid making separate meals for everyone? Join Marie and her guests, dietitian Dr. Allison Childress and Chef Aurora Satler, authors of The Ultimate New Mom’s Cookbook, A Complete Food and Nutrition Resource for Expectant Mothers, Babies, and Toddlers. Is it true your baby won’t eat vegetables if you offer fruits first? How many more times should you offer a food after your older baby has spit it out? Get the skinny on safely losing weight while nursing. Learn how to determine an appropriate portion for your toddler, most-often accepted weaning foods, and much more. Allison and Aurora are full of practical tips and tricks to save you prep time and still get a delicious, nutritious meal on the table in less than 30 minutes that works for the whole family.
Maybe you've read on the internet that exclusive breastfeeding is dangerous. Is the danger real? Or are you reading the result of the sensationalism that abounds these days? Join Marie and her guest, Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC, as they raise questions about recent internet campaigns that have cropped up about the dangers of exclusive breastfeeding. Might some of the dangerous reports reflect opinion or misinterpretations? Might some social media reports be written by ghost writers? Certainly, adverse events can and do happen to breastfed babies, but Marsha cautions that sensational headlines are often sparked by writers who seemingly cherry-pick to make points. Then, such data are fueled by missing or distorted facts, or by inaccurate conclusions. Marsha and Marie give an eye-opening view of how to become an informed consumer of reports, and how to find information and resources you need to continue your breastfeeding journey.
Join Marie and special guest Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA, for a discussion of particular issues common to mothers employed outside the home. Ms. Mohrbacher, breastfeeding reporter and lactation consultant, is the author of Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple as well as the smartphone app “Breastfeeding Solutions.” Here, she talks with Marie about barriers and problems such as too-short maternity leave, overfeeding of the baby by daycare workers, and more. Find out about the desired length of maternity leave, and how to overcome problems that may arise as a result of work-hour separation of mother and child. Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
Admit it. There’s a tiny part of the holiday season that you dread. You’ve got a few relatives who always poke their noses into your parenting business, and you never know exactly how to handle their comments. Should you just put up and shut up? Or should you lash back? Or is there perhaps a better solution that might help to avoid all of that negative energy floating around in the room? Listen as Marie and best-selling author and top psychotherapist Sandra Reich talk about why topics like breastfeeding are so likely to bring on criticism, and how the “crab mentality” works overtime—and is often contagious among family members—at holiday time. Ask yourself what story is playing in your head. Heed Sandra’s warning that negative emotional energy has been scientifically linked to physical disease, and get her tips on how to create appropriate boundaries and avoid unwanted consequences.
By now you’ve heard all sorts of strategies for how to improve your labor and birthing experience without using drugs. Maybe you can already recite the how-to and benefits of psychoprophylaxis, social support, the birthing ball, water birth, aromatherapy, hypnobirthing (Marie’s favorite!) and many more (This show has even featured many of those topics, because the birth experience affects breastfeeding!) But what do you know about dancing for birth? Does dancing make any sense in childbearing? Join Marie and her guest, experienced childbirth educator and dancer, Stephanie Larson. You’ll see how dancing in birth is easy, effective and logical. And, you’ll recognize how the postures, the movements, the hormones used in dancing make sense in labor! Stephanie tells stories of women who have had extraordinary experiences through dancing, and she also points you to the research studies that back up the efficacy of this “old” and yet “new” way of taking control of your own labor.
We all know that a “cue” is a signal for someone to do or to say something. But what, exactly, is cue-based feeding? Is cue-based feeding the same as demand feeding? Is cue-based feeding the same or different from infant-led feeding? Have volume-based feedings become outdated for preterm infants? Are cue-based feedings appropriate for preterm infants? Preterm infants are often more sleepy than communicative, so how will you recognize cues that they are hungry? Join Marie and her guest, Tena Fry RN, DNP, as they talk about cue-based feeding for preterm (and late-preterm) infants. In this episode, you’ll learn how to differentiate among early, mid and late hunger cues and gain confidence on how to respond to those cues. On the flip side, you’ll learn to recognize important cues that preterm babies feel full, or overstimulated, and want to discontinue a feeding. You’ll also see how cue-based feedings have been shown to benefit the baby, the parents, and even the hospital’s bottom line.
As more and more infants are enrolled in childcare facilities, it’s important for parents and providers to know how this arrangement affects the breastfed baby. National guidelines are only that; they give guidance but not mandates. Does your state have mandated standards related to breastfeeding in these facilities? If so, are the standards in your state exemplary, and promote breastfeeding? Or do such standards inhibit breastfeeding? Is a bottle-propping pillow allowable in your state, and will a caregiver use it for your child if you provide milk in a bottle?
Join Marie and her guest, Dr. Sara Benjamin-Neelon, PhD, JD, RD, as they discuss the impact of non-residential childcare facility policies on breastfeeding. Sure, you’ll consider cost and convenience. But if you want to maintain the breastfeeding relationship with your child, learn what questions to ask, how to advocate for yourself and your child, and how to stay informed. Visit MarieBiancuzzo.com to get free resources!
It's a major barrier many mother encounter at one point or another: the lack of airport accommodations for breastfeeding or pumping. You're on the go, flying for work or pleasure, with or without your baby. Before you know it, it's time to feed your little one, or pump the milk he'll need upon your return. The airport staff points you to the bathroom, but that's just gross, wet, germy, and unpleasant. Do you skip emptying your breasts and accept the risks of engorgement, mastitis, and flagging milk supply? Do you bust out your pump in the passenger waiting area? What can airports do to better accommodate women who are traveling with their pumps? Special guests for this podcast include blogger Jeremy Blachman (How One Trip to the Airport Made Me a Feminist on medium.com), his wife Nina, Director of Aviation Gene Richards (Burlington International Airport), and lactation station developer Sascha Mayer (Mamava).
If you are an active-duty mother or mother-to-be (or a partner, support person, or health care provider), be sure to listen in as Marie talks with Robyn Roche-Paull, BSN, RN, IBCLC, author of Breastfeeding in Combat Boots: A Survival Guide to Successful Breastfeeding While Serving in the Military about how to juggle the roles of breastfeeding mom and active serviceperson.
Do you want to breastfeed and wonder how you will combine long shifts, training exercises, and/or deployment with meeting the needs of your baby?
This is a must-listen show for tried-and-true tips and how-to information that will ensure your success. Learn about the written policies many branches of the military now have in place to support breastfeeding, which direct commanders to provide time and space for pumping needs, as well as how to overcome criticism and other challenges. Questions? E-mail info@borntobebreastfed.com anytime.
Body modifications—piercings, tattoos, and laser removal of tattoos—are increasingly popular among women of childbearing age. Millions of women in the U.S. have them, and these days, many artists may refuse to offer body mods to pregnant or breastfeeding women. Does that mean they’re incompatible during the childbearing cycle? What’s the impact of body mods on breastfeeding? And, conversely, what is the impact of breastfeeding on body mods, if any?
Join Marie and her guest, Robyn Roche-Paull, RN BSN IBCLC, as they explain that it’s not just a matter of safety. What are the best practices, worst practices, or optional practices? Find out: What questions should you ask? What precautions should you take? When is the optimal time for getting your body mods in relation to pregnancy or breastfeeding? The extent of physical, practical and financial implications differ from one individual to another, but you need to know those implications, their effect on breastfeeding and beyond.
Weaning is about the process of getting the nursing baby to stop nursing. That’s simple enough to understand, right? But is there more to know? Oh yes! With so much criticism of weaning a baby who is too young or too old, we all need to ask ourselves…what’s the social norm, and what’s the biological norm? What can we learn from other cultures, or other mammalian species? Is it possible that parents misinterpret the baby’s interest in weaning? Is the baby trying to wean himself, or is he staging a nursing strike? If he is simply disinterested, what three possibilities might explain the disinterest? What’s a nursing strike, and how do you resolve it if you recognize it? What can you do or not do to help the breastfed baby consume table foods? On the whole, how can you make weaning from the breast a better experience for the baby and the entire family? Listen as Marie gives some evidence-based insights and some practical tips.
We all agree on the importance of support for breastfeeding mothers. But how can we get—or give—that support? You might not need a one-on-one appointment and expertise of an IBCLC. A support group run by La Leche League or Breastfeeding USA might not appeal to you. Yet, you’d like a little more than good advice from a friendly neighbor. Is there any other option? Yes! You could drop into a Baby-Café! With multiple locations throughout the United States open one or more times a week, this model has a proven track record for good outcomes. Join Marie and her special guest, Lucia Jenkins, founder of Baby-Café USA. See why the Baby Café model works in many settings and is flexible enough to accommodate different community profiles. Learn how you can get support from specially-trained staff, share experiences and make friends, and engage in open-forum discussions. Or, if you want to start a Baby Café, find out how little time, effort, and money it takes to get it up and running.
Your Quick Guide to Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation.
Have you ever been in that situation where seemingly nothing relieves the pain and swelling of engorgement? You’ve tried hand expression, warm packs, cold packs, pumping and more, and still, the milk seems completely stuck! What more is there to try? How about Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation (TBML). Is this some new technique? No. Is it the same as massage? No. Okay, then how is it different? Is it the same as hand expression? No. Does it work? Yes! So how can we learn to perform TBML or teach other women to do it so that it relieves that painful engorgement? Then, after it works, how will we explain why? Join Marie and her special guests, Maya Bolman RN IBCLC and Ann Witt, MD, as they explain this simple technique that is easy to perform, is immediately effective, and has no side effects!
Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, you have days when you feel overwhelmed, underprepared, fearful, and stuck. You feel like you are accomplishing nothing, and you realize that the excuses are piled higher than the dishes. Have you heard yourself apologizing that your house is too cluttered for guests to come over? Are you fearful that you’ll need to give up your own hopes and dreams in order to raise your family? Do you find yourself not feeling like “you” anymore? And maybe you have already been told that “breastfeeding ties you down”. But is that true? Now is the time to take stock of what is, what isn’t, and get some insights on how to cope with it all. The truth is that mothers have the strength within—it’s just a matter of finding it.
Join Marie and her special guest, Rachel Marie Martin, author of The Brave Art of Motherhood and find out how you can fight fear, gain confidence, and find yourself.
Most of the advice you’ll hear from friends and family during your baby’s early days will fall into the category of “same old, same old.” Join Marie as she goes beyond the usual topics with Tipper Gallagher (www.theboobgeek.com). Listen for discussion about info mothers want to hear, need to hear, don’t hear (but need to), and don’t want to hear. Learn strategies for finding a breastfeeding supportive health care provider, parenting through the tough spots, deciding about galactagogues, and figuring out strategies to sustain breastfeeding when going back to work. If you have comments or questions, e-mail info@borntobebreastfed.com any time.
Over the years, hundreds of people have asked, Marie, how did you get into the breastfeeding business? In this episode, you'll find out how Marie's early struggles led to a successful career in promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding. Just as importantly, you'll realize that wherever you are in your own journey, personal or professional you have the ability to help yourself, and to help others. Find out what Marie deems to be critical skills needed to help others to breastfeed, even if you don't yet have any formal knowledge or credentials. And, you'll be inspired! Marie claims that being a top host on VoiceAmerica's Health & Wellness channel for five years given her a bigger platform to continue promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding, as Born to Be Breastfed airs in 65 different countries. Best of all, this is a rare opportunity to hear some personal anecdotes that shaped Marie's past and will shape her future.
Custody battles are never pretty. Courts use a number of considerations to determine the outcome of such battles. Why is it that the breastfeeding relationship is often not considered, or its importance minimized? Is it that breastfeeding isn’t on the court’s radar? Is it that the courts are uninformed, or misinformed? Or is it something else? And how does breastfeeding complicate custody arrangements? Join Marie and her guest, Shannon McKenny Shubert, Executive Director of the Michigan Breastfeeding Network. As a breastfeeding advocate, Shannon explains issues from a legal as well as cultural perspective. Learn about the actions and reactions of mothers, fathers, lawyers, judges and friends of the court—and how the child’s age impacts the situation. Explore how or if the courts have a supportive role for breastfeeding couplets, and discover what all of us can do, right now, to promote, protect and support breastfeeding as child custody threatens the nursing relationship.
You’ve heard others say how important it is to create a birthing plan. Maybe you even created a birthing plan for yourself! But who has ever created a postpartum plan? And why should they? Once you’ve had the baby it’s all smooth sailing, right? Maybe. Unless you feel like you’re set adrift in a sea of undone tasks—and you’re already exhausted. In this episode, Marie and her guest, postpartum doula Erin Huiatt, explain the importance of creating a plan to make your postpartum course, including your breastfeeding experience, a little smoother. You’ll get insights into questions you might not have thought of, hurdles you didn’t know you’d need to jump, and tips on how to enable others to provide the help they would honestly like to give. You can choose what’s important to include in your plan. But having that plan in advance helps you to nurture yourself and your family—and be nurtured by others.
Although rates of breastfeeding are generally on the rise, new data show that rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration continue to be lower among black mothers than among those of other ethnic groups. Join host Marie Biancuzzo and special guest Kimberly Seals Allers for discussion of cultural norms, particular challenges, and ways of supporting black families in initiating and continuing breastfeeding. Find out about the possible influence of socioeconomic, cultural, and parenting perspectives. Learn how health care providers, public health advocates, media, family, employers, and community all contribute to the current situation—and how they can support positive change. For questions e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com at any time.
Labor and birth in water is becoming an accepted practice in Australia. But many women in many parts of the world aren’t familiar with this idea. And, they might wonder if having a water birth is possible or practical in the hospital or at home. Join Marie and her special guest Lois Wattis CM, FACM, IBCLC, as they dispel several myths about water births. Do water births offer any advantages? Under what circumstances would a water birth be safe? Do water births increase the risk for infection? Can the fetal heart rate be monitored—either intermittently or continually— when the laboring mother’s belly is submerged under water? Won’t the baby drown…if not why not? And is it true it’s more difficult for a baby to breastfeed if he has been born under water? Whether you choose a water birth or not, you’ll be fascinated to hear Lois tell the research that supports this “new” practice which is actually not new at all.
Breast augmentation surgery is the most common type of cosmetic surgery. In fact, about 1/4 of a million women undergo the procedure each year—often before they are old enough to seriously consider what impact, if any, it will have on their ability to lactate. Whether you’re just considering breast augmentation surgery or you’ve already had it, you owe it to yourself and your baby to ask plenty of questions. Are saline or silicone implants safe while lactating? Is nursing possible with after augmentation surgery, and if so, is it true that the type of incision predicts milk supply? What other breastfeeding issues might crop up, and how can they be overcome? What’s a capsular contraction, and is it worrisome? What about risk of rupture and sequent leaking. How about getting mammograms? Join Marie to learn the questions to ask, the possible problems that can occur and how to overcome them, and some resources to help you be in control of your breasts and your breastfeeding experience.
How frequently should breastfed babies eat, and how long should they should sleep? By now, you’ve heard friends, family, doctors, and others spouting advice. Even book authors are giving conflicting advice. Understandably, you no longer know what to believe. Maybe you need to encourage your baby to sleep for longer stretches? Maybe your own sleep would be better if she would sleep longer, or at least sleep in a different room? Or maybe just switch to formula so your baby will sleep longer? And how about that recently-published study that made news headlines touting how 3-month old babies sleep better if they are fed solids? That’s a loaded question! Join Marie and her guest, author and professor, Dr. Amy Brown, as they take you on a whirlwind tour of what’s normal, and what’s not. From a developmental, evolutionary, and cultural standpoint, you’ll begin to re-frame your ideas of what’s normal and what’s not, and how to do nighttime parenting.
Mothers have heard it. “The doctor knows best…” and “You’ve got a healthy baby, what more could you ask for?” But maybe you could have asked for—and received—so much more. With the skyrocketing cesarean rate, not to mention the increased rates of induction, artificial rupture of membranes, and long-known over-use of episiotomies and more, it’s enough to make us wonder if all of this is necessary. Join Marie and her guest, Dawn Thompson, as they give some eye-opening information about how women need to be fully prepared with the evidence, plan ahead to ask the right questions, assert themselves the boss of their own body, and have a knowledgeable advocate. Marie points out how interventions in birth spill over onto the breastfeeding and postpartum experience.
Happy World Breastfeeding Week 2018! Let the celebrations begin! The theme for this year, established by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life. More specifically, WABA has identified four objectives: Inform, anchor, engage, and galvanize. But after the cookies are eaten and the balloons are gone, Marie challenges you to find just one activity to meet those objectives in the coming year. Get tips on how to more effectively give information, anchor breastfeeding as the normal way to nourish and nurture infants and children, and engage with individuals and organizations in a more impactful way. And, if you are doubting your own power to change breastfeeding practices and galvanize action in your community—listen while Marie shows you how much power you already have! Then, be sure to listen for the special offers for free resources available at mariebiancuzzo.com throughout the week—starting with a random drawing for a free Amazon gift card!
Maybe you’ve been in that situation where someone tells you what you can’t or shouldn’t do. You’d like to do it, but after everyone keeps telling you that you can’t, or you shouldn’t after awhile, you begin to believe they might know what they’re talking about. They’ve been there, you haven’t. They seem older and wiser. So maybe that’s the case with breastfeeding. Someone has told you that you can’t breastfeed because you didn’t prepare your nipples, or your breasts are too small or it will make your breasts sag. Or you have had breast surgery. Or they tell you could breastfeed, but why would you—because there are so many hurdles to jump and luxuries to give up. Join Marie as she names several popular myths about why you couldn’t or shouldn’t breastfeed—and puts all of those myths to rest!
Here you are again. It’s late at night. Your baby is hungry and needs to be fed. You are exhausted! You just want to lie down with your baby, so both your needs and theirs can be met. But almost as often as you’ve heard guidance that you “do breastfeed,” you’ve heard admonitions that you “don’t sleep with your baby.” How can you sort it all out?
Tune in as Marie and her guest, Dr. Stacy Scott, founder of the Global Infant Safe Sleep Center, tackle the tough questions around sleep, safety, and breastfeeding. What are safe sleep practices? What research do we have—or not have? What can babies’ fathers, grandparents, and communities do to help reduce sleep-related infant deaths? What can we say or do when our recommendations to parents aren’t perceived as valuable, or even feasible? Join Marie and Dr. Scott for answers to these and many other questions, as well as info about practical, evidence-based resources for parents and providers.
Congratulations, Mom and Dad! Your baby has arrived. The time has come to nurture your little bundle of joy. You're responsible for meeting his every need. But how do you do that when he can't tell you what his needs are? How can you communicate with a baby who can't yet communicate with words? If you're Marie's special guest for this episode, Shannon Sanford, you get to work on learning your baby's other, nonverbal means of communication! Tune in for a show all about babies -- especially breastfed babies -- and how they communicate when they are preverbal. Learn common behaviors, babies' signs of readiness to learn, how nonverbal communication is essential to breastfeeding, and much more! This is the show you need, whether you are a parent with a baby, or someone who helps them.
More and more, studies are showing the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health and well-being. And, there is a clear dose-response relationship; the more ACEs the person has encountered, the greater their risk for long-term health consequences (e.g., obesity, cancer, alcoholism, depression and more.) What are categories or examples ACES during childhood? What is their impact on initiation and continuation of breastfeeding, if any? Just as importantly, what is the impact of breastfeeding on ACES, if at all? Join Marie and her guest, Colleen Weeks, as they discuss diseases and disorders that “run in families”. Discover the critical role of the brain’s amygdala in reacting to ACES. Learn ways in which these ACES are avoidable, and how each us can hope for—and even facilitate—a child’s resilience—after ACES.
Pregnancy is a time of waiting—with great excitement—for the arrival of your new baby. It’s also a time of preparing, filling out baby gift registries and thinking about details like where baby will sleep, what kind of baby carrier will work best, and whether you will need a breast pump. In U.S. society, new mothers aren’t encouraged to think about what the weeks after birth will mean for themselves, physiologically and emotionally. Yet the first six weeks—often all that many mothers can take of maternity leave—are vital for bonding with your baby, and for your baby’s development. Join Marie as she talks with Dr. Cheryl Zauderer, author if Maternity Leave: A New Mother’s Guide to the First Six Weeks Postpartum (Praeclarus Press, 2015), about what happens during the first six weeks, to help new and expectant mothers feel ready and put their minds at ease. Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Sexual abuse affects more women than you may think. Some estimates suggest that it has happened to 20 to 25 percent (or more) of U.S. women. You’ve probably met these women. Survivors of sexual abuse come from all walks of life and all socioeconomic backgrounds, and the effects have a profound and life-long impact. For breastfeeding mothers, their supporters, and their health care providers, this raises a multitude of questions. How can sexual abuse impact breastfeeding? How can family, other mothers, and health care providers help? What can any of us do to be helpful and supportive of mothers who want to breastfeed after such trauma? Listen as Marie and her guest, Elizabeth Johnson, talk about how to have the conversation, and how to help. If you’ve wondered about “touching”, triggers, flashbacks, and more, this show will help you to develop a clearer perspective.
You’re in the decision-making phase: Should you do it? How does your baby’s father feel about it? If you’re unsure, have you had that conversation? Or maybe you’re in the early phases: Breastfeeding isn’t going so well, and your partner says you don’t need to do it. OK, is that a supportive statement with permission to formula-feed, or is that a way to get you to quit because your partner wasn’t keen on the idea in the first place? And what happens when the baby is older…and there’s pressure from your spouse, your friends, and everyone else because…that baby is too old to nurse! You need to stop! Join Marie and Amy Wright Glenn as they talk about how to have the conversation, how to develop empathy for the lens through which others view breastfeeding, how to spot signs of deeper troubles and how to find good resources and move forward in a way that benefits the entire family.
You've heard of hypnosis. You may even be familiar with hypnobirthing (the topic of Marie's June 15, 2015 episode: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/85954/hypnobirthing). Did you know hypnosis can be a positive tool for breastfeeding, too? Join Marie as she talks with special guest Robin Frees, IBCLC about how mothers can use hypnosis to overcome barriers that commonly arise during breastfeeding, such as low milk supply, and inhibited milk ejection reflex. Find out about strategies such as hypnotic relaxation, imagery, and breathing, and learn how these can help whether you're breastfeeding the baby in your arms or using a pump to express milk for later feeding. This just might make the difference between surviving your breastfeeding experience and celebrating it! Questions? E-mail radio@bborntobebreastfed.com any time.
How do we do it? How do we connect with other mothers, from different cultures, different backgrounds, different families and different experiences? How do we bridge the differences and reach each other to provide support—essential to so many breastfeeding mothers and their babies? The questions ring true for mothers, for supporters, and for lactation consultants alike. Tune in as Marie talks with experienced nurse and lactation consultant Chris Auer about this important topic. Learn approaches for how we can position ourselves to reach across the cultural differences and connect. How can we recognize our personal backgrounds and still reach each other? You won’t want to miss this essential, community-building episode.
Once you become a mother, you realize your world has shifted. There comes a redefinition of self, that expands to encompass the lives you have created and will nurture to adulthood and beyond. We each embark on a journey to find a balance that feels right for us, to give the best of what we have to our children while still finding ways to nurture ourselves – our health and wellbeing as well as our dreams and passions. Many of us may struggle with feelings of guilt or resentment along the way. Join Marie and special guest, Rachel Martin, popular blogger at findingjoy.net. Rachel gives us insight in how to deal with the everyday struggles of mothering while carving out that critical time for ourselves. Rachel highlights the difference between happiness and joy and shows us how having a village—one that exists or one that we create—is a necessary part of living in fullness and joy as mothers.
Maybe you’ve already heard about craniosacral therapy for your newborn, or older baby. Understandably, you may feel skeptical. Your questions might start with, “What is it?” And, you’d be likely to follow that with questions such as how it works, if it’s painful, and whether it’s effective. As an informed parent, you’ll need to ask these questions along with others related to the expertise of the practitioner, the cost of the treatment, and much more. If you’re open to using craniosacral therapy, get clear on what’s fact and what’s false. Join Marie and her special guest, therapeutic bodyworker Carol Gray, LMT, CST, RPTY and specialist in craniosacral therapy for mothers and infants. Carol insists that not all breastfeeding problems start in the mouth. In this episode, you’ll get answers to many of your questions about this alternative therapy, and some resources to help you make the decision as to whether this therapy might be right for your infant or young child. www.carolgray.com
If you’ve been in a store’s baby section lately, you’ve probably noticed the formula. It’s hard not to notice it—there are more kinds of formula than ever before, and they take up a lot of shelf space. Milk-based, soy; regular, hypoallergenic … the variety can be overwhelming! What’s a parent to do? Before you buy any formula—and before you feed any to your baby—make sure you know all about it. Join Marie and special guest Dr. Heather Patisaul of NC State University for a conversation that provides the ins and outs of soy formula. Make sure you know about the phytoestrogens in soy and how they affect the body (short-term and long-term). Tune in for an eye-opening discussion of a product that’s become pervasive—for better or for worse, and consider information you need to make the best decision possible for your baby and your family.
Every parent looks in their baby’s diaper, and so have you! More than once, you’ve had questions about what’s there. For example: Why is her poo green? Is that blood—and, if so, why is it there? Oh, does what’s in his diaper suggest an allergy, and might formula feeding be a better option? And on the other end: Why is your baby not burping, when she seems uncomfortable? What’s normal spit-up, and what should be cause for concern? Will cereal in a nighttime bottle help her sleep better? Join Marie and special guest Bryan Vartabedian, MD, author and pediatric gastroenterologist at Texas Children’s Hospital, the largest children’s hospital in America. In this episode, you’ll get top-to-bottom (literally!) answers to frequently-asked questions about what comes into—and goes out of—your breastfed baby’s digestive system.
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug during pregnancy. Use is as high as 3% to 30% in various populations. Many women assume that because its use has now been legalized in some US states, it’s harmless to their fetus or infant. But marijuana still goes through the placenta and the mother’s milk. Bigger questions are: How much is too much? What are the negative effects, and how long do they last? If you don’t tell the doctor you’ve smoked some pot, will he know? Does it matter whether the marijuana is used for recreational or medicinal purposes? Is it okay to use topical creams or cookies that contain marijuana when breastfeeding? Under what circumstances might it be better to breastfeed, even if you’ve been exposed to marijuana?
Join Marie and neonatologist Dr. Isabel Basaldu-Prado for a frank discussion that will answer your burning questions about marijuana use and your baby. Learn what we know and what we don't know, so you can make informed decisions for your family.
Natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. Around the globe, families can find themselves facing a flood ... hurricane ... forest fire ... or another catastrophe. Aid workers and local shelters are often ill-equipped to provide optimal support for infants and mothers— breastfeeding or formula-feeding. Although nursing mothers can feed their babies wherever they are, they often find themselves trying to solve breastfeeding problems they’ve never encountered before, and being undermined by bad advice during the disaster.
Join Marie and her special guest Dr. Karleen Gribble as they discuss the impact of a disaster on breastfeeding or formula-feeding before, during and after it occurs. Find out how you can help others in your community—professionals, neighbors, and aid workers—to prioritize care for mothers and young infants. And, get practical tips to achieve optimal comfort and hygiene for you and your baby, and how to how to survive—and even thrive—in such awful conditions.
For mothers who expect their baby’s arrival to mark a period of joy and happiness, the reality of shifting hormones and the demands of parenthood can be a rude shock. Join Marie and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PhD, IBCLC, FAPA for a discussion of depression in new mothers. What are the “baby blues” and what is postpartum depression? What is the role of breastfeeding in a mother’s well-being and mental health? What do we know about the causes of depression? What is the relationship between breastfeeding and depression? What treatment options are available for breastfeeding mothers struggling to cope with feelings of depression? Tune in Monday at 6 PM ET for a discussion that might help you—or a mother you know—with breastfeeding and other aspects of new parenthood. Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
It is a horrible truth of modern life: Science has shown us that even before they are born, our children are exposed to harmful chemicals. And chemical exposure doesn't stop with childbirth; our babies are exposed in what they encounter in their environment as well as what they consume--from mother's milk to commercial formula to table foods and prepared baby foods. It raises many questions: What chemicals do they encounter? What harm can they cause? How can we minimize our children's exposure? If we cannot completely eliminate exposure, how can we minimize its impact? Join Marie and special guest Donna Walls, RN, BSN, IBCLC, ICCE, ANLC, for a discussion of how chemicals affect foods, breastfeeding, baby items, household goods, and more. Learn about scientific studies, easy-to-access resources, and available alternatives to reduce the risk. Find out about budget-friendly alternatives and how-to steps you can take to help protect your little one--and your whole family!
You may have heard that obese mothers can't breastfeed. Don't believe it. Breastfeeding can present hurdles for many women, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. A plus-size body type or generous breasts don't need to keep you from nursing your baby. Whether you are dealing with issues related to body image or culture, or whether your obstacle is hormonal and related to milk supply, there's no reason to assume you cannot breastfeed your baby. Join Marie and guest Leigh Anne O'Connor IBCLC for insight, tips, and resources that will help ensure you meet your breastfeeding goals. If you need a little help, words of encouragement, and practical advice, this show is for you!
You read the books, talked to other moms, took a class or attended a group. But you couldn't really know what it would be like to breastfeed until you did. And how is it?
For many mothers, breastfeeding can be a bit daunting, or even overwhelming, in the first few days. Feeding every 2 to 3 hours, and caring for a newborn's needs around the clock, can be exhausting. Giving up breastfeeding and switching to formula might seem tempting. But is that really what you want to do?
Join Marie for a show that meets you where you're at, explaining what you can expect, and how to keep going until it gets easier. (Because it will!) Find out what questions to ask, what's normal, and when to get professional help. Listen for what you need to know about eating, sleeping, jaundice, your milk supply, and more!
It may seem surprising that breastfeeding is still a point of controversy. How can that be, when studies have shown over and over that human milk isn’t just a food but a substance optimized to meet the complex needs of the human child? Join Marie as she talks with special guest Jennifer Grayson, journalist and author of “UNLATCHED: The Evolution of Breastfeeding and the Making of a Controversy” -HarperCollins, 2016-, about the tension between “best is breast” messaging and lack of breastfeeding support. Learn about policies and practices that would make a big different, not just for breastfeeding dyads, but for overall public health. Find out what we can do to stem the controversy and find solutions that enable families to breastfeed. Comments? Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Biologist Charles Darwin famously pointed out that there are many similarities between humans and other mammals. Now, many mothers are wondering: Should we take a tip from the animal kingdom when it comes to placentas? Kim Kardashian West, January Jones and many others have consumed theirs. Is there some health-based reason for doing so? What are the benefits? The risks?
Join Marie as she talks with nurse/lactation consultant/herbalist Donna Walls about the increasingly common practice of eating the placenta. Is it a new fad? An ancient practice? Why is it done? How can it be prepared—and more to the point—how should it be prepared? What are the myths, and the facts, around this practice? How does it affect milk supply—if at all? Whether or not you have consumed placenta yourself, whether or not you're planning to do so in the future, this is one interesting Born to be Breastfed you won't want to miss.
If you’ve heard of mastitis (inflammation of the breast), you’ve heard how painful it is. But do you know how to reduce your risk? Many doctors and nurses didn’t learn about mastitis in their basic training, so it often goes unrecognized or undertreated, and you’ll need to know how to communicate clearly with your health care provider. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms, and when to get medical help—or when to get help even after starting treatment—is critical.
Join Marie for a discussion that will help you to recognize the early indicators of mastitis and avoid misdiagnosis. Make sure you know about conditions that have similar but different signs and symptoms. You’ll find out what situations make your vulnerable to mastitis, and you’ll learn when and what to ask about antibiotics and other medications that are commonly prescribed for the condition. Listen to make sure you’re well prepared to take charge, deal with the problem, and keep breastfeeding your baby.
You’ve read the books, talked to friends, surfed the web, and compared customer reviews. You’re sure you know which pump you want to buy or use. You’re all set, right? Not so fast. With a global market worth well over 700 million U.S. dollars, manufacturers are vying to make you choose theirs. But what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what will improve your pumping experience?
Before you spend a dime--or use the breast pump your insurance carrier provides--you need to get the facts. Should you spend money for a bigger, more powerful pump? Can you spend less money--or even no money--and do just as well for yourself and your baby? Is renting a better option? Is it really unsafe to accept a used breast pump? Why are you hating the pump your best friend raved about? What’s an open-system, or a closed system pump, and does it matter? Join Marie as she explains what you need to know about breast pumps, answering these and many other questions. Before you buy, make sure you know the facts
Having a preemie can be stressful and frightening for many parents. Instead of having your baby in your arms while 'rooming in'' with you, he’s in a bed in the NICU with beeping machines and medical staff at the ready. The feeling of distance created by the demands of your baby’s health condition, which require others to be his primary caregivers, can make it hard to feel like you are “mothering” your little one. Tune in as Marie speaks with Jennifer Canvasser about how babywearing in the NICU can help your baby’s health and give you a sense of connecting with your baby. Find out how you can keep your baby safe while babywearing -in spite of the many wires and tubes-, and learn how to get support for babywearing in your hospital’s NICU. Learn from Jennifer’s experience as the NICU mom of twins, and get the “how to” tips you need to help you care for your preemie. Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Face it: You are not in love with your pump. Hooking yourself up to a machine that literally sucks the milk out of you isn’t something you enjoy or look forward to. Yet, day after day, you do it so that you can provide the goodness of your milk for your baby. But are you sick of hooking yourself up to a machine and having all the hassles of assembling, using, disassembling and cleaning pump parts? Plus lugging the pump around, losing tiny pump parts or not finding an electrical outlet? Wondering if is there an easier way?For many women, there is!
Join Marie as her special guest, Francie Webb, tells how she hated pumping, and accidentally discovered how to hand express—and get several ounces without really trying! Even if you’ve tried hand expression unsuccessfully in the past, it’s a good bet that you’ll hear Francie’s tried-and-true tips, and want to try it again!
You feel sure that your insurance plan will cover the purchase of a breast pump. But beyond that, what can you be sure of? You might simply assume that you can select any pump you want—and get it when and where you want it. That’s often not the case at all! More importantly, your insurance company might not cover the pump you need for your circumstances. And might you be better off renting a pump? But if you’re entitled to own a pump, why would that make any sense?
Join Marie and her guest, Robin Williams, as they jolt you out of any complacence or assumptions you might have about insurance covering your pump. They’ll tell you what might—or might not happen—and how that can affect you. Listen as they bust many myths, and clarify the facts about insurance and breast pumps, and help you to become your own best advocate, before it’s too late.
Are your nipples tender, painful, sore, cracked, bleeding, dry, or infected? Have your friends—or even health care professionals—urged you to put some cream, ointment, oil or other product on your nipples? Would it work if you did? Which is a magic bullet—if any? Do these products prevent, or cure—both, or neither? Have any been proven to be safe and effective? Does one work better than another? Are there any to avoid, or any that taste bad to the baby? How much do you apply, and must it be washed off before each feeding? And might putting some of you milk on your nipples work just as well, or perhaps better?
Join Marie and pharmacist Wendy Jones for a whirlwind tour of the 10 creams and ointments most often seen in clinical practice in the US and in the UK. Hear some verbatim quotes from the research, as well as Marie's and Wendy’s expert opinions. Find out when and if these are best for your problem—or if you need a different kind of help.
It's true: love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life. If you love breastfeeding—if it has been a life-changing event for you--it may seem like no work at all to help others do so. There are mother-to-mother support groups and peer counseling, but is it time for you to go pro? Join Marie for a talk that will have you thinking about your experience and your options. If you don't think you have the time, resources, or stamina to go pro, listen for how other mothers have overcome such obstacles. Learn the one most important thing you need for going pro. (It’s not what you think!) Find out the 6 most important reasons why going pro probably fits with your values and aspirations. Tune in for insight about how you can complete your training and earn your credential, whether you are still breastfeeding, getting ready to retire, or somewhere in between. Now more than ever might be the time to go pro! For more info, see http://bit.ly/2Cz72YA
Three of four people who set New Year resolutions keep them through the first week. But fewer than 1 in 10 goal-setters actually achieve them. Yet people who don’t identify their aims are even less likely to attain them. As a breastfeeding mom, maybe you have found it difficult to set your schedule and get things done in the same way as before you were feeding a baby every few hours. Maybe you wonder if you will meet your goal to breastfeed your baby beyond 6 months, when so many moms don’t. What are the differences between those who achieve their goals, and those who do not? What strategies can help you meet your goals? As Hillary DePiano astutely notes under the tag MOTHER TIME: We all get the exact same 365 days. The only difference is what we do with them.” 365 days from now, will you have met your goals? Join Marie for help with your resolutions, including intriguing facts, thought-provoking info, and practical tips for getting from wishing to achieving what you really want.
It seems inevitable. For many of us, the holidays bring joy and festivity, but also stress and an overfull to-do list. New parents are often charmed by sharing family celebrations and seasonal favorites with their young baby, but it can feel overwhelming. Are you wondering if you can survive this holiday season? You can! Tune in as Marie helps you figure out how to navigate the season’s particular challenges--from family gatherings with annoying critics to traveling across the miles to dealing with common breastfeeding problems to figuring out whether you can have that traditional New Year’s champagne—without going bonkers. Listen for advice that will help you meet your baby’s needs, you family’s needs, and your own during this hustle-bustle season without sacrificing your breastfeeding goals. Join Marie for essential strategies that will help you not just survive but thrive this holiday season.
Pregnancy and/or infant loss brings tremendous and life-altering sorrow to expectant families. In particular, the death of a child upends the imagined trajectory of the breastfeeding relationship. Some mothers who have experienced such a loss find healing by expressing and donating their milk. Others do not. How do we help all to know their options, support their efforts, or fend off inaccurate breastfeeding advice? In this episode, Amy Wright Glenn—author, doula, chaplain, and creator of the Holdings Space for Pregnancy Loss training—focuses on how pregnancy and/or infant loss connects to breastfeeding.
Whether or not you have been personally impacted by pregnancy or infant loss, you may find yourself wanting to make a connection with and become a companion to bereaved families. Join Amy and Marie as they help you to hold the space, speak the words, and companion the lactating mother within the broader human context of what it means for us mortals to live, love and let go.
New parents often hear that they should let the baby “cry it out” lest they “spoil” the baby. Many parents take such advice to heart and try strategies like “crying it out,” especially at naptime or bedtime. After all, the argument goes, how will the baby ever learn to settle himself? However, our understanding of brain development in infancy and toddlerhood shows the error in such thinking: Babies need loving and responsive positive caregiving for healthy development. If you’ve done “cry it out,” you may worry that you’ve damaged your child. Take heart. There is hope. Join Marie as she talks with Tracy Cassels, PhD about how to support your baby’s needs and recover from “cry it out.” (Be sure to also listen to: “Sleep Like A Baby: What it Means and What it Doesn't http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/90522/sleep-like-a-baby-what-it-means-and-what-it-doesnt)
You might have heard the term “cue-based” feeding or “on-demand” feeding. Do you know the difference between the early cues, and the late cues? Or, perhaps you learned about early or late cue-based feeding, but you now that your baby is here, it’s not always easy to recognize those cues. Today, Marie and her guest, Emily Cunningham talk about the easy-to-recognize cues, as well as the subtler cues. When should you to trust those cues, and when should you wonder: is there a situation where the clock is important?
Whether you’re a parent or a professional, you’ve probably bumped into some factors that make it easy to learn the newborn’s cues, as well as some that, quite truthfully, were barriers to learning the cues or being able to act on them. Listen as Marie and Emily tell you about a quality improvement project that raised awareness at Emily’s hospital of how to make cue-based feedings easier for parents, as well as for professionals, and the importance of a multi-level approach.
Many mothers start out with the goal of breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months. But often things don’t go as the mother had hoped. Perhaps she needed a cesarean delivery, or maybe her baby was born early. Any number of issues could arise to threaten her early successes. And then there are the later-appearing challenges. It may feel as if she is running an all-night smorgasbord and yet her baby is constantly hungry. Perhaps, despite careful use of the prescribed medication, she can’t beat a recurrent case of thrush! Or maybe she returned to work with seemingly airtight plans for combining breastfeeding and working, but found that pumping her milk just isn’t working the way she wants. It may feel as if you need a major overhaul of your life and your body to meet your breastfeeding goals, but sometimes just small tweaks can help you to succeed! Tune in to find out more. This episode features a special segment on flange alternatives with Jon Gillan of Pumpin' Pal.
Like civilians, parents in the military service of their country face many issues: mixed messages about how to breastfeed, living far from their extended families, and having a fairly short maternity leave. But for military families, these issues are intensified, and accompanied by other issues impact breastfeeding. However, mothers who serve in the military—or their spouses—may find that they enjoy some privileges that civilian breastfeeding mothers might not.
On this Veteran’s day, join Marie and her guest, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, Jarold (Tom) Johnston. If you or your spouse or family member are pregnant, lactating, get Tom’s tips to reduce the impact of relocation, Army policy, and day-to-day structure on the breastfeeding and postpartum experience. And—you’ll hear some news about what military breastfeeding families are now entitled to, and some data that show the astonishing success military hospitals have achieved related to birthing and breastfeeding.
You're getting ready to pump your milk and store it for later use. You’ve read books, talked to your friends, and checked online, but you're still not sure about the rules. There's so much contradictory information out there, and you have so many questions. How long is “too long” for your milk to be at room temperature? (Here’s betting that it’s longer than you thought!) Is milk that’s been frozen for more than 6 months okay to give to your baby? And what’s the best way to store your milk? How do you thaw it?
Join Marie as she talks with Dr. Anne Eglash about the latest guidelines for preparing, collecting, storing, and thawing milk, according to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Find out answers to info you'll need, like: Is it okay to re-freeze thawed milk? Can you mix milk you pump at different times? Why can't you use zippy bags for your milk? Do you need to wash your pump parts each and every time? Get the scoop that will help keep your milk safe for your baby.
For years, parents of a crying baby were often told to let them “cry it out” and warned that responding to “every” cry would have only one result: “You’ll spoil that baby!” Our evolving understanding of early child development – particularly brain development in infancy and toddlerhood – highlights the problem with such thinking: Babies need and expect primal caregiving, with loving and responsive positive caregiving at its heart. Join Marie as she talks with Darcia Narvaez, PhD about why primal caregiving is important, and how you can make sure your baby’s needs are met. Questions? Marie is always available via e-mail to radio@borntobebreastfed.com
You feel sure you’ve got milk, but your baby isn’t getting it. A few experts have insisted that he has a posterior tongue-tie. Others assert that he is swallowing air when he breastfeeds. He’s pulling away from the breast, arching his back, appearing frustrated, screaming or “tuning out” during feedings. In a desperate attempt to improve the breastfeeding experience, many parents opt for surgical correction of the tongue. But is that the answer? Join Marie and special guest, Dr. Pamela Douglas, for discussion of new research that uses ultrasound technology to explain the role of the tongue in transferring milk to the baby. Surgical correction does not always improve breastfeeding, and why is that? Learn what oral and tongue movements are critical to milk transfer and which are not, as well as the role of baby’s oral reflexes. Find out what you can do if your baby is experiencing this situation, and why many tongue-tied babies can successfully breastfeed without having surgery.
So your newborn is having difficulty breastfeeding, and three different experts have said he has a posterior tongue-tie, and needs laser surgery! Yet, your pediatrician says the surgery is unnecessary. You end up with many questions about what—if anything—is wrong or needs intervention.
Listen as Marie’s guest, seasoned researcher and physician Dr. Pamela Douglas insists that normal variations in newborn anatomy are being diagnosed as tongue ties or upper lip ties, resulting in unnecessary invasive surgery. She recalls having seen many babies “who have worsened breastfeeding problems—and oral aversions in particular—after their laser frenotomies or deep scissor frenotomies.” See how imprecise terminology and overused “diagnoses” have led to a staggering increase in invasive surgical interventions for these anatomical variations, despite clear evidence for their efficacy. Learn how to ask the right questions and begin to see more than one solution for the breastfeeding problem.
You tell yourself this time will be different. You tell yourself breastfeeding is supposed to be a joyful experience. You want to deny that you've had moments of the opposite, that latching your baby on and experiencing the let-down of your milk makes you feel agitated or like you are in a dark place. Are you crazy? Is this postpartum depression? You’re sure others would think you are just making it up, or that you just aren't thinking about breastfeeding right. The medical journals have almost nothing to validate what you're feeling--but you've been there, you've felt it, you know it's real. Listen as Marie talks with special guest Alia Macrina Heise about dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER). Although the condition is uncommon, it is definitely real. You'll learn when D-MER tends to happen and how long it lasts. You'll also find out about possible causes, triggers, and--most importantly if you're a mother with this problem--coping strategies that may help.
You may have already heard about the miraculous powers of colostrum, the liquid gold that is the first milk a mother's body makes for her baby. Colostrum is famous for its high concentration of immunoglobulins and other protective components. But does all colostrum look the same? How much does the baby need? How long will you have colostrum before you have a copious milk supply? How much will you make in a day? How much colostrum will you be able to express if your baby can’t suckle? What’s the best way to express it? How does colostrum change over time? Listen as Marie and her guest, experienced nurse and lactation consultant Mary Foley, talk about both the mundane and mysterious aspects of colostrum. In this show, you’ll begin to appreciate why “less is more”, the wide variations in the observable characteristics of colostrum, and you’ll get practical tips for collecting and saving every last drop, especially if your baby is too premature or too weak to suckle it for himself.
Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, forest fires, droughts, and more. It seems that no matter where you are, there's the chance of disaster. How do you keep your baby safe--an fed--in such circumstances? Breastfeeding can help! In an emergency, breastfed infants are less vulnerable to illness and death than formula-fed babies. What strategies can help mothers coping with such circumstances? How can they protect their milk supply--both what they make, and what they've stored? How long will frozen milk stay good? What should you do if can’t operate your electric breast pump? What does the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine say about milk storage—even if you’re not in a disaster area. And what should you do if you have Rusty Pipe Syndrome? Whether you are a breastfeeding mother, a healthcare professional, aid worker, or a friend, this show will help you to get those answers—and more!
You’ve heard that exclusive breastfeeding is the key to achieving an abundant supply of milk. Your goal is to make sure your healthy, term newborn doesn’t get supplemental fluids. But somewhere along the line, you wonder if your baby’s doctors and nurses will support your goal in the hospital. Is it true that hospitals frequently give supplemental formula to breastfed newborns? What about Baby-Friendly hospitals…will they respect and support your goal? When is breastfeeding contraindicated, and when is formula supplementation truly needed? And what’s the worst thing that could happen if your baby is supplemented with formula…is it really that big of a deal? And if it is, what are the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding, and how do you overcome them? Join Marie as she busts the myths, clarifies the facts, and gives you the nitty-gritty tips to make sure you can overcome the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding during your newborn’s hospital stay.
Many women want birth and breastfeeding to go this way, not that way. They create a clear birth plan, go to childbirth education classes, and read all the books. But when the big day arrives, intervention after intervention often takes center stage, and the birth plan fades into the shadows. Research repeatedly confirms that doula support decreases the likelihood of obstetrical interventions, and increases the likelihood of successful breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Yet, few mothers hire a doula.
Is a doula an expense, or an investment? Join Marie as her guest, Amber Thomas, explains how the role, training, and skills of the doula are very different from those of a partner, nurse, or midwife. Empower yourself whether you are planning for an unmedicated labor, epidural anesthesia, or even a cesarean delivery. Find out how one-on-one service, advocacy, good fit, and flexible customization of your birth plan and can help you to transform your plan into a reality.
You’ve heard that a “baby-friendly” hospital is the best place for your baby to be born, but that’s not possible in your situation. What are the ten attributes of a baby-friendly hospital? What aspects of clinical care would make your hospital stay baby-friendly, even if the hospital isn’t baby-friendly accredited? How can you ensure your baby receives the best, most breastfeeding-supportive care from your health care provider, regardless of baby-friendly status? Tune in for 10 practical tips to ensuring that your hospital stay supports you, baby, and breastfeeding in the best possible way. Expecting moms, this is a podcast you won’t want to miss! E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com with questions anytime.
Maybe you’ve heard Marie or someone else say, “Be sure to support the baby’s back! Sit up straight when you bring the baby to the breast. Oh, he’s not interested? Okay, try in a half hour, he’ll be hungry by then!” These traditional directives have no science to substantiate their effectiveness, and add stress for the mother and baby who are being “taught” to breastfeed.
Join Marie and her guest, Dr. Suzanne Colson, as they guide you through amazing research results that show how biological nurturing is the key to having your baby latch on effortlessly and painlessly. Suzanne explains that 17 primitive newborn reflexes (PNRs) are released when the mother opens the angle of her lightly-clothed body and the baby brushes against her to self-attach. If you’ve ever struggled with sore nipples, a newborn who refuses to nurse, an ineffective latch, or other issues, Marie and Suzanne will show you how this simple technique can transform your experience into a relaxed, joyful experience.
Any parent is likely to feel devastated when they are told that their baby has Down Syndrome. The situation raises so many questions, including worries about breastfeeding.
Join Marie and her guest, Doris Stevick, who successfully breastfed her son for more than 18 months. Not only did Benjamin have Down Syndrome, he was born eight weeks early, and he had a heart defect. Doris and her husband were living an ocean away from their family and friends, so she found herself in “foreign territory” in the broadest sense of the word. She has also had a 2-year old and a 4-year old to care for. How did she do it all, and do it so successfully for so many months? If you have found yourself facing the joys and sorrows of parenting—and breastfeeding—a child with special needs, you’ll want to hear her inspiring story.
You might agree that child-led weaning is ideal for many families. But for whatever good reason, you’ve decided against it. It’s time to move on, get your body back, and wean your baby, toddler, or preschooler. Yet, you might be wondering: Is mother-led weaning a bad thing? Will your child resent you if you wean him now? Is there a right way or a wrong way to do it? Is mother-led weaning different from cold turkey?
Join Marie and her guest, psychologist and author Ariadne Brill, as they discuss the facts and myths of mother-led weaning for today’s busy families. They’ll help you to discover many options for how to make mother-led weaning work, how to use age-appropriate weaning options or techniques, and how to recognize and deal with resistance behaviors if your baby or child isn’t thrilled with this approach. Although mother-led weaning isn’t for everyone, this episode will help you to try it in a way that is most likely to become a positive process, rather than a negative event.
Like all mammals, human women have been giving birth spontaneously for millions of years. It is relatively recently that the birthing process has become what it is: complicated, medicalized, and scheduled. Despite much talk about evidence-based practice, there is relatively little evidence to justify the cascade of interventions that are imposed upon mothers during a hospital birth. Join Marie and Dr. Sarah Buckley as they discuss the state of modern birth. Stop—or at least hesitate— before you automatically agree to an elective cesarean birth, an artificial induction of labor, or the epidural that will almost certainly follow. Look at the facts: the benefits haven’t been proven to outweigh the risks that can affect your birthing, breastfeeding, and beyond. Listen as she explains the need for a “private, safe, and unobserved” place for conceiving, birthing and immediately breastfeeding to ensure survival of the species. Listen to your body; it is pre-programmed to birth your baby.
Although the new mother with a baby on her breast, spit-up on her blouse, and too little sleep may feel alone in breastfeeding, efforts are underway to make such a sense of isolation a thing of the past. In Indiana, efforts to support breastfeeding have led to the development of a community-centered model based on collaborative partnerships between community groups. Strategies that have worked include: the establishment of community-based drop-in centers, partnerships with businesses, collaborations with hospitals, and services for minorities. Join Marie and special guest Tina Cardarelli, Indiana’s State Breastfeeding Coordinator, to find out more about some exciting initiatives that have successfully engaged community stakeholders in supporting breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Learn about strategies that may work where you live, too. Questions are always welcome at radio@borntobebreastfed.com
You’ve heard that breastfeeding will protect your baby from SIDS, and you’ve heard that pacifiers do, too. But don’t pacifiers cause babies to have “nipple confusion”? Or are they just a handy tool for calming a fussy baby? It’s time you sort the facts from the myths—before your baby is crying and you’re on the spot, trying to figure out whether to give the pacifier and if it is a help or a problem.
Join Marie as she talks with experienced speech pathologist Debbie Betts to find out the truth about pacifier use. You’ll learn the risks and benefits, as well as when to introduce pacifier use, when to use it with your baby, and when to wean from it. You’ll learn about different types of pacifiers, and how you’d know if the pacifier affected your baby’s speech or feeding in a way that needed follow-up. It’s the must-listen show for anyone who needs to sort out the truth of pacifiers—expectant parents, new parents, and professionals.
We all know that oxytocin is the love hormone. But oxytocin has some amazing attributes that are often overlooked. If you’re a breastfeeding mother, you’ve faced situations where you wish oxytocin would go gangbusters in your body--while at other times, you wish it would fade into the background! Sure, oxytocin is stored in your pituitary gland, but what triggers or inhibits its release? Yes, it’s floating around in your blood, but where else is it? Do men have oxytocin, and how does it affect them? Does it affect your baby, or just your let-down? And, with more than one-third of women in the United States being given synthetic oxytocin for labor induction or augmentation, what effects does that have on breastfeeding? Join Marie and her guest, Wendy Jones, for a deep-dive to discover what you can do to maximize the oxytocin for you, your baby, and your family truly immersed in the amazing, almost magical effects of this love hormone.
Meeting your baby's nutritional needs from your own body may seem intimidating and even demanding. Maybe that's why, although nearly 77% of babies are ever breastfed, only about 49% are still breastfed at six months (and only 38% are exclusively breastfed then). You've probably heard some reasons why mothers can't breastfeed their babies; odds are high most of these reasons simply aren't true. Join Marie Biancuzzo to bust the myths and find out the realities about topics such as: nutrition while breastfeeding, small breasts and milk supply, medications, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, anxiety, breast shape, bottle-feeding, and more. Learn what you need to know to feel confident about your ability to breastfeed your baby.
Every parent looks in their baby’s diaper, and so have you! More than once, you’ve had questions about what’s there. For example: Why is her poo green? Is that blood—and, if so, why is it there? Oh, does what’s in his diaper suggest an allergy, and might formula feeding be a better option? And on the other end: Why is your baby not burping, when she seems uncomfortable? What’s normal spit-up, and what should be cause for concern? Will cereal in a nighttime bottle help her sleep better? Join Marie and special guest Bryan Vartabedian, MD, author and pediatric gastroenterologist at Texas Children’s Hospital, the largest children’s hospital in America. In this episode, you’ll get top-to-bottom (literally!) answers to frequently-asked questions about what comes into—and goes out of—your breastfed baby’s digestive system.
The new mother focused on getting the hang of breastfeeding and making sure her baby feeds well and often can use all the help she can get. Who better to provide support than her baby’s father? Not only can he provide support for the mother’s infant feeding decisions, but also with time-management and basic problem-solving. The trick, according to expert Pascal Ghazi, is to bring fathers into the conversation and address their particular concerns. How do we ensure they have the knowledge and skills they need to support their babies and partners? How do we support them in recognizing their own doubts, uncertainties, or uncomfortable feelings? How might we help the dads so they can help their partners? Join Marie as she talks with Papallaitants founder Pascal Ghazi. Listen to learn about a worldwide, multilingual, online resource for fathers, where they can voice their questions, fears and frustrations of being the father of a breastfed infant.
It can seem that breastfeeding involves only a baby and a mother, but common sense tells us that there's another player in the family who should also be involved in this critical aspect of the new baby's nutrition and development: Dad. How can health care providers, breastfeeding mothers, and other caregivers draw fathers into breastfeeding support? What communication strategies are effective? What beliefs about new fathers are myths, and which are facts that can help the breastfeeding family? Join Marie as she talks with Tom Johnston, a retired army colonel and father of eight who, as a male midwife and lactation consultant, has unique insight about helping fathers recognize their role in the breastfeeding relationship.
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug during pregnancy. Use is as high as 3% to 30% in various populations. Many women assume that because its use has now been legalized in some US states, it’s harmless to their fetus or infant. But marijuana still goes through the placenta and the mother’s milk. Bigger questions are: How much is too much? What are the negative effects, and how long do they last? If you don’t tell the doctor you’ve smoked some pot, will he know? Does it matter whether the marijuana is used for recreational or medicinal purposes? Is it okay to use topical creams or cookies that contain marijuana when breastfeeding? Under what circumstances might it be better to breastfeed, even if you’ve been exposed to marijuana?
Join Marie and neonatologist Dr. Isabel Basaldu-Prado for a frank discussion that will answer your burning questions about marijuana use and your baby. Learn what we know and what we don't know, so you can make informed decisions for your family.
Join Marie and special guest Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA, for a discussion of particular issues common to mothers employed outside the home. Ms. Mohrbacher, breastfeeding reporter and lactation consultant, is the author of Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple as well as the smartphone app “Breastfeeding Solutions.” Here, she talks with Marie about barriers and problems such as too-short maternity leave, overfeeding of the baby by daycare workers, and more. Find out about the desired length of maternity leave, and how to overcome problems that may arise as a result of work-hour separation of mother and child. Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
Recently, everyone seems to be exploring the touted benefits of essential oils. But hardly anyone knows what to believe! Are they safe? Effective? What about nursing mothers? Do any or all of these essential oils actually work to treat common postpartum ailments or breastfeeding problems? And, if they are said to be safe and effective, how do we know that information is credible? Join Marie and her guest, certified aromatherapist Lea Harris, as they provide answers you wish you knew. Here, you’ll discover which essential oils most experts consider to be safe or unsafe for breastfeeding mothers, what essential oils might be helpful for postpartum problems like yeast or thrush, postpartum cramps, sleep issues and more. Get the real scoop on shelf life. And, if you’re trying to find your own informational resources or buy your own essential oils, you’ll get solid tips how to spot trustworthy quality—as well as the fakes the frauds. And, listeners will get Lea’s special discount offer!
You made the decision to have bariatric surgery to improve your health—and it has! But now you’re pregnant, and you want to breastfeed. You’ve heard it’s best for your baby’s health, and yours. Can you do it? How does your nutritional status before or during pregnancy relate to your ability to breastfeed your new baby? How can you ensure optimal health for you both? What are the risks, and how can you avoid them? What do you need to know?
Join Marie and special guest, dietitian Julie Stefanski, MEd, RD, LDN, CDE, for a discussion of breastfeeding after bariatric surgery. Learn how or if your milk is likely to be affected, how rapid-weight loss can change your breasts, and subsequent milk transfer. Find out how to make sure you stay one step ahead of your doctors in ensuring optimal nutrition for yourself and your baby—even when you seemingly feel fine. Make sure you get the help you need early in the game, and meet your breastfeeding goals!
Mothers who breastfeed often prefer to use natural foods and natural treatments. It’s only natural, right? But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe; essential oils are potent. If you’re a nursing mother—or anyone else, really—there are number of questions you should raise about essential oils before you use them. Is it an herb or an essential oil? Does it matter if it’s “sage” or “clary sage”? Is it okay to ingest it if it’s okay to put it on your skin? Join Marie and her guest, certified aromatherapist, Lea Harris, as they take you on a whirlwind tour of the “essentials” of essential oils for everyone—and especially for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. You’ll discover how essential oils can help you to avoid using medications when you have a sore throat, a bee bite, or other simple ailments; some factors related to safe use—whether you’re breastfeeding or not; the difference in administration methods and dilutions, cautions for children, and much more!
Although breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby, it might not feel entirely natural from the start. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that will help, immediately after your baby’s birth and later. Join Marie and Liz Flight, RN, IBCLC of the Tidewater Lactation Group for a discussion of breastfeeding tips to solve problems that many new mothers experience. Find out why rooming-in is a good idea, what to do about jaundice, how to advocate for your baby in the hospital, and how to care for your newborn baby. Questions? Call 1-866-472-5792 during the show, or e-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com any time.
Although recent changes in federal employment law are supposed to support breastfeeding mothers who work outside the home, the reality is that many still face a host of challenges in the workplace. Balancing paid work and breastfeeding is not easy. Take it from Judy Masucci, PhD. Formerly a biotech executive, Judy left her successful career in that competitive field to develop A Mother’s Boutique, a resource for new mothers in need of breastfeeding wear, support, and breast pumps. This scientist-turned-“bra whisperer” has hard-earned experience on topics such as breastfeeding, breastfeeding wear, and breast pumping. What do mothers need to know when choosing a nursing bra? How can they plan ahead for postpartum needs before their baby is born? What is a virtual bra-fitting? Why is a good fitting bra especially important for the breastfeeding mother—and her baby? Join Marie and Judy for discussion of bras, breastfeeding, and work-life balance.
You're not the only one who goes through it. Just about every new parent has times of not knowing why their baby is crying, or what to do to help. Times when, although your baby has been fed, burped, and changed, he's still crying and you don't know why. Times when, although you've tried all the tricks you know, none of them have worked. You may feel that if you had more experience, or were wiser or more intuitive, you'd be able to fix whatever is causing your baby's crying. You may wonder if there's something bad in your milk, or if it's not satisfying your baby's needs (in spite of the many wet/dirty diapers you've changed!) Before you reach your wits' end, tune in as Marie talks with developmental psychologist and author Aletha Solter, PhD, the founder of The Aware Parenting Institute. You'll gain valuable insight about possible causes of your baby's crying, why it matters when tears are released, the benefits of crying (for babies 2 days, 2 months, or 2 years!), and the downsides.
Everyone has an opinion, and they’re usually pushing it as “fact.” Breastfeeding advocates sing a litany of benefits that breastfeeding provides. Critics insist that breastfeeding is difficult and ties you down. Others imply that you’re a bad mother if you don’t breastfeed. With so many message and feelings, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, confused, guilty, or just plain crazy!
Join Marie and special guest, author and expert Dr. Paige Hall Smith discuss why, despite all the pressure, you should not feel guilty. Paige will explain that your feeding decision isn’t a real “choice” unless you’ve had adequate information and support. Learn how to arm yourself with ready-made comebacks for critics, and why it’s not breastfeeding that constrains you, it’s how society puts constraints on your breastfeeding experience. Gain reassurance that the bodily demands of lactation are part of “extreme care” work which—although perhaps not valued by society—are completely worth i
Conversation about breastfeeding tends to center on mothers and babies. That makes sense. But any mother will tell you that support of loved ones can make a big difference. How can family members--especially dads and grandmothers--help to support breastfeeding moms? What role can dads have in caring for their babies who are breastfed? How can grandmas help, regardless of their own infant feeding experience? Join Marie for an insightful conversation with community pharmacist and long-time breastfeeding supporter Wendy Jones, BSc, MSc, PhD, MRPharmS about how breastfeeding support and family involvement can be positive for the whole family. Questions? E-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
How would you feel if a secret service agent was assigned to protect your baby’s body for the rest of her life? Safe? Reassured? And what if that secret service agent required no training, no salary, and no special effort to protect your baby? And even more amazingly, would you want that secret service agent for your baby if you knew it would also protect your grandchild? Yes? Are you wondering how you can get such a secret service agent for your child—and her children?
Listen as Marie and her guest, author and filmmaker Toni Harman, talk about the microbiome and how there is not only one, but over 700 unique species of “secret service agents” for your breastfed baby! Do formula-fed babies enjoy as much protection as breastfed babies? Um, no. Are there ways to increase the number of protective microorganisms in each newborn? Yes, absolutely. Don’t miss this intriguing episode that helps you to let these protective microorganisms in the window of opportunity to—before it slams shut.
Pregnancy is an exciting time of anticipation and preparation. There are showers to attend, supplies to buy, arrangements to be made, and birth plans to write. But as much as they plan for childbirth and the arrival of their new baby, new mothers often overlook the need to plan for their postpartum care. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by their needs, new (or, better yet, expectant) mothers can reach out to friends and families to ask for the help that will support their postpartum healing and entry into parenthood. Join Marie and special guest Michelle Peterson, founder of The Seven Sisters Postpartum Care Program and author of Seven Sisters for Seven Days: A Mother's Manual for Community-Based Postpartum Care, to talk about the essential care new mothers need, and how to make sure they get it.
If you’re expecting the arrival of your new baby soon, this episode is for you. You’ve probably heard a lot of advice about what you can expect from the first days of breastfeeding—and it’s a sure thing you’ll hear a lot more from hospital staff. Sadly, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Tune in to find out the truth about breastfeeding at the start. Do you need to breastfeed on both sides every time? Is bathing your baby the top priority after birth? Do you need to pump in the first day or two? Can you skip nighttime feedings in the hospital? Can you send the baby to the nursery? Why do all breastfed babies get jaundice? Marie helps to bust the myths and set you on the course to clarity as you prepare to welcome your new baby to your family. Questions? E-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
A decade has passed since Breastfeeding the First Hour - Save One Million Babies was the catchphrase for the international World Breastfeeding Week celebration. Ten years' worth of new research has proven that breastfeeding your baby during the first hour after delivery makes a huge difference in terms of his health--both short-term and long-term. Unfortunately, U.S. delivery rooms are not keeping up with the science. Too often, the baby's first opportunity to breastfeed is delayed. It may be due to the hospital setting and rules, or beliefs and cultural norms of the health care provider, the mother, her family, or her community. Or perhaps medication or labor/delivery practices have gotten in the way. Join Marie and her guest, midwife Vicki Penwell, as they talk about the capabilities and limitations for newborns during the first hour, the real and perceived barriers of First Hour breastfeeding.
Eating disorders affect as many as 30 million people in the United States. And, although they have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, eating disorders are seriously undertreated. Tragically, among those who seek treatment for anorexia each year, 1 in 100 will die; up to 20% will die within a year as the result of complications from the eating disorder, or suicide. In today’s episode, Marie talks with Jacklyn Novatt, who nearly became one of those statistics. Luckily, she got help. Better yet, Jackie beat the anorexia in time to become pregnant and successfully give birth to and breastfeed twins. And in a wonderful “surprise ending” you’ll hear how the pregnancy and breastfeeding was a critical turning point for her. Join Marie and Jackie and discover how to recognize the classic symptoms of anorexia, how to help a loved one get into treatment and support them in their recovery, and how to separate fact from fiction about anorexia.
Have you been wondering why your baby isn’t sleeping at night? Are you worried that your baby's not sleeping because of something with your milk? Have you heard from friends or family that he should be sleeping, that there's something you could do to encourage him to sleep--like switching to formula, or giving cereal at bedtime? Should you be letting your baby cry it out? You’re left wondering what’s myth, and what’s fact. Maybe your mothering instinct tells you there’s no one answer, but perhaps different answers for different families at different times.
Join Marie and her guest, dietician and author Rachelle Gershkovich, as they talk about more integrated strategies. Rachelle will bust several myths—including the myth that there’s a one-size-fits-all answer or approach. Rachelle will give you some clues and insights about developmental, caloric and hormonal factors that may be affecting your baby’s sleep—along with some simple tips to try tonight!
The science of epigenetics tells us that environmental factors can influence our genes or genetic development. Breastmilk is well-known for its ability to prevent illness and disease (e.g., necrotizing enterocolitis, infectious diseases, and more.) Nutrition in early life—such as whether a child receives his mother’s milk or an artificial formula—may affect which genes are activated and, ultimately, overall health. Tune in as Marie talks with pediatrician and breastfeeding specialist Dr. Jenny Thomas about how breastfeeding and genes work together to support your baby’s health, and how the decision about what you feed your baby may be important for future generations as well. Questions? Marie is always available via e-mail to radio@borntobebreastfed.com
You've heard it a million times: Your milk is the best source for your baby's nutrition and protection against disease. But what else does it do? Specifically, how does breastfeeding affect human development--your baby, your relationship with your baby? and not just your baby in infancy, but your baby-turned-toddler, preschooler, child, and teen? How does breastfeeding affect us, in terms of our identity, our relationships with our children, and also with our partner? How can we make sure breastfeeding is best for everyone, and that the whole family reaps the rewards of this rich source of nutrition and so much more?
Join Marie and special guest, Dr. Keren Epstein-Gilboa, nurse-psychotherapist and author of Interaction and Relationships in Breastfeeding Families: Implications for Practice, as they talk about breastfeeding, families, and the life-long benefits.
Women can breastfeed successfully after cesarean section delivery—and many do. (In truly stellar hospitals, some mothers can even breastfeed before leaving the OR.) However, mothers getting started breastfeeding after cesarean face concerns that mothers who have delivered their babies vaginally tend not to experience, such as: post-op pain, pain management, post-cesarean restrictions, babies with lots of mucous, lack of bacterial colonization of babies’ gut, and—of course—“lift nothing heavier than the baby.” That’s just the tip of the iceberg. How do you breastfeed your baby—who was, have no doubt, born to be breastfed—when you are heading from cesarean delivery? How can moms best prepare for breastfeeding success after a scheduled c-section, and what strategies can help overcome the challenges after any c-section? Join Marie to find out.
Are you facing circumstances that seem “set” by others? Did you have a birth experience different from what you had planned? It’s easy to feel powerless. Maybe you planned to breastfeed early and often, but your baby had a hard time latching or was admitted to the NICU. Maybe she was healthy, but you felt pressured by hospital staff to supplement with formula. Maybe you developed sore nipples or mastitis. Maybe she was colicky. Any number of factors could lead to feelings of disappointment, helplessness, or powerlessness.
Listen as Marie and special guest Rebecca Hall Gruyter talk about steps for empowering yourself every day in every circumstances. Learn how to be intentional in your actions, and to recognize the choices you have. Tune in for a conversation about how breastfeeding, perhaps more than any other activity you might do, is a way to serve another from a state of abundance. Rebecca’s motto is “living on purpose, with purpose.” Here’s your opportunity to do just that!
There is not a parent around who hasn’t, at one time or another, wished their baby could speak and tell them exactly what was needed. Is it a new diaper? A feeding? A cuddle and closeness? Is it that baby is sick? Sometimes, it can be hard to know. But it doesn’t have to be, says Dunstan Baby Language (DBL) expert Di Bustamante. DBL is based on the remarkable, evidence-based idea that “every baby, of every race, colour, and culture” makes the “same 5 sounds before they cry out,” and that each sound indicates a specific need. If you’re a new or expectant parent, this is a show you won’t want to miss. If you’re an experienced parent, tune in and compare these strategies to your experience. This is a must-listen show for every parent, and everyone who cares for them.
Maybe you’ve heard Marie or someone else say, “Be sure to support the baby’s back! Sit up straight when you bring the baby to the breast. Oh, he’s not interested? Okay, try in a half hour, he’ll be hungry by then!” These traditional directives have no science to substantiate their effectiveness, and add stress for the mother and baby who are being “taught” to breastfeed.
Join Marie and her guest, Dr. Suzanne Colson, as they guide you through amazing research results that show how biological nurturing is the key to having your baby latch on effortlessly and painlessly. Suzanne explains that 17 primitive newborn reflexes (PNRs) are released when the mother opens the angle of her lightly-clothed body and the baby brushes against her to self-attach. If you’ve ever struggled with sore nipples, a newborn who refuses to nurse, an ineffective latch, or other issues, Marie and Suzanne will show you how this simple technique can transform your experience into a relaxed, joyful experience.
Are you an expectant or breastfeeding mother who will be heading back to campus, as a student or faculty/staff member? Are you wondering about accommodations for you to express your milk for your baby while you are on campus? Are you trying to figure out how to set the wheels in motion to get not only a room for mothers to express their milk, but an innovative, flexible and collaborative lactation program that benefits everyone—faculty, staff and students? Join Marie and her guest Michele Vancour, PhD, MPH, author of “Breastfeeding Best Practices in Higher Education” (Praeclarus, 2016) for discussion of process at various academic settings, from brainstorming through overcoming obstacles and finding funding. Learn how you can be an integral part of initiating and developing such a program, from assessing your campus to practical strategies for managing the available space.
It seems inevitable. For many of us, the holidays bring joy and festivity, but also stress and an overfull to-do list. New parents are often charmed by sharing family celebrations and seasonal favorites with their young baby, but it can feel overwhelming. Are you wondering if you can survive this holiday season? You can! Tune in as Marie helps you figure out how to navigate the season’s particular challenges--from family gatherings with annoying critics to traveling across the miles to dealing with common breastfeeding problems to figuring out whether you can have that traditional New Year’s champagne—without going bonkers. Listen for advice that will help you meet your baby’s needs, you family’s needs, and your own during this hustle-bustle season without sacrificing your breastfeeding goals. Join Marie for essential strategies that will help you not just survive but thrive this holiday season.
Do you assume that infant formula is strictly-regulated by the US government? And, since formula is often manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, do you presume that it is subject to the same tough scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as medications? Are you comfortable giving your baby formula based on these assumptions? Before you offer artificial infant formula to your baby, make sure you understand what’s fact, and what’s fiction about how formula is regulated.
Join Marie as her special guest, author and expert, Dr. George Kent, for a discussion of the FDA’s regulation of formula. Find out what control there is--and isn't--over formula’s nutritional content, health claims, safety, and economic value. As the decision-maker for your child, you owe it to yourself and to your child to be certain you understand some of the risks associated with infant formula.
The struggle is real. You’re torn between exclusive breastfeeding your baby and getting some real, quality sleep for yourself. New parents’ early days are, as Marie’s special guest anthropologist and author Cecilia Tomori, PhD notes, “fraught with the intense challenges of learning to breastfeed and helping their babies to sleep so they can get rest themselves.” And that’s just the start of it. Parents face conflicting advice from peers, family members, and even health care providers. Guidance about breastfeeding and solitary infant sleep often seem at odds. What’s a parent to do? Tune in for an insightful conversation about the issues many breastfeeding families struggle with every night. How can you meet your baby’s needs for breastfeeding, and everyone’s needs for sleep? You’ll begin to see nighttime parenting and breastfeeding through a different lens.
How would you feel if a secret service agent was assigned to protect your baby’s body for the rest of her life? Safe? Reassured? And what if that secret service agent required no training, no salary, and no special effort to protect your baby? And even more amazingly, would you want that secret service agent for your baby if you knew it would also protect your grandchild? Yes? Are you wondering how you can get such a secret service agent for your child—and her children?
Listen as Marie and her guest, author and filmmaker Toni Harman, talk about the microbiome and how there is not only one, but over 700 unique species of “secret service agents” for your breastfed baby! Do formula-fed babies enjoy as much protection as breastfed babies? Um, no. Are there ways to increase the number of protective microorganisms in each newborn? Yes, absolutely. Don’t miss this intriguing episode that helps you to let these protective microorganisms in the window of opportunity to—before it slams shut.
Travel has to be one of the leading stressors of the holiday season, and the stress is higher for air travel, or travel with children. Travel by air with children?! Forget about it! Oh, if only you could. Unfortunately, you’ve got to muster all your strength to survive the trip there (and back) with your holiday spirit intact. Without a doubt, the key to success is preparation. Tune in for essential tips to manage the demands of traveling where you’ve got to go in a way that won’t make you crazy. Figure out the who, what, when, where, and how of holiday travel—by air, with children—before you head to the airport and hit the (could be so much friendlier) skies.
Like civilians, parents in the military service of their country face many issues: mixed messages about how to breastfeed, living far from their extended families, and having a fairly short maternity leave. But for military families, these issues are intensified, and accompanied by other issues impact breastfeeding. However, mothers who serve in the military—or their spouses—may find that they enjoy some privileges that civilian breastfeeding mothers might not.
On this Veteran’s day, join Marie and her guest, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, Jarold (Tom) Johnston. If you or your spouse or family member are pregnant, lactating, get Tom’s tips to reduce the impact of relocation, Army policy, and day-to-day structure on the breastfeeding and postpartum experience. And—you’ll hear some news about what military breastfeeding families are now entitled to, and some data that show the astonishing success military hospitals have achieved related to birthing and breastfeeding.
Your milk has completely sustained your baby for months. But as he becomes older, he’ll need to have something else. What table food do you offer him, when, and how? What if he doesn’t accept what you offer? What kind of spoon works best, or do you need a spoon at all? Would baby-led weaning work in your family? Are there “rules” for weaning, and if so, what are they? What approaches have been scientifically proven to be logical and safe, and what’s just the latest craze? Your milk is a complete food, so do you have to stop breastfeeding at all? Is weaning a process of taking-away, or adding to? Join Marie and her guest, Dr. Gill Rapley as they bust the myths and clarify the facts about baby-led weaning. You’ll be astonished to find that some of the “rules” of weaning aren’t rules at all. Learn simple tips to help weaning be stress-free a process. This quick who-what-when-where-how guide will help you gather ideas that will have you looking forward to growing your baby’s diet.
What sort of breastfeeding support do today’s families need? How can we engage the whole family in breastfeeding support? What role can fathers have in caring for their family when the infant is breastfed, and how can we support them in embracing this role? How can health care providers make a difference? Join Marie and special guest V. Kuroji Patrick, illustrator of “This Milk Tastes Good!” (written by Chenniah Patrick) and breastfeeding advocate, for a discussion of paternal involvement, and breastfeeding support and promotion in all communities. How can fathers’ involvement help to overcome breastfeeding challenges many families face? Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
We don’t really know how many women have postpartum anxiety. Many women don’t seek treatment, and those who do may be diagnosed with postpartum depression -PPD- rather than anxiety. Some experts say that postpartum anxiety is actually more prevalent than PPD in the days and weeks after giving birth. Yet, we hear little about anxiety or its impact on breastfeeding success. Studies have linked postpartum anxiety to reduced intention to breastfeed, early cessation of breastfeeding, and especially to decreased exclusive breastfeeding. Is there help for postpartum anxiety? Absolutely! Join Marie and her guest, top anxiety and depression therapist and host of StraightTalk, Sandra Reich while they explain how you can beat it. Sure, medication may be necessary, but Sandra will also describe other methods that help as much or even more. Learn the pros and cons of each, hear the complex science and the simple tips, get back in the driver’s seat, and steer your way to living your best life!
Postpartum depression is not so different from depression in other periods of life—but it can seem overwhelming. Many women experience pregnancy, labor, and delivery as stressors. For those who are predisposed to depression, these stressors can trigger symptoms, yet they may resist talking to a therapist. Join Marie as she talks with psychologist, author and “mommy mentor” Dr. Kimberly Thompson about postpartum depression. Find out what factors increase the risk of developing postpartum depression, and how to differentiate between “baby blues” and postpartum depression. Learn simple strategies that can help, recognize some of the myths that stop new mothers from seeking professional help, and get tips on how to find a therapist who can help. Don’t miss this show if you or a loved one is grappling with this all-too-common problem.
Is your mind racing with worries about your new baby? You sense bodily, physical symptoms: dizziness, tingling, nausea or more. But wait! Isn’t anxiety all in your head? Some experts say that anxiety is adaptive: worrying is normal for new parents. Others say it’s maladaptive. So what’s normal worry, and what’s not? What’s fact, and what’s fiction? Join Marie and her guest, top anxiety and depression therapist and host of StraightTalk, Sandra Reich. Learn how fear—a protective mechanism from an evolutionary standpoint—can be destructive anxiety in today’s world. Become aware how the story in your head affects you. Become enlightened on why it’s important to move towards your fears and recognize how women—often stuck in the victim, martyr, caretaker trap—can experience extreme anxiety. You’ll be surprised to learn that medications aren’t the only answer—or even the best answer—to relieving anxiety. Overcome your hesitation to get help—and free yourself to live a better life.
For mothers who expect their baby’s arrival to mark a period of joy and happiness, the reality of shifting hormones and the demands of parenthood can be a rude shock. Join Marie and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PhD, IBCLC, FAPA for a discussion of depression in new mothers. What are the “baby blues” and what is postpartum depression? What is the role of breastfeeding in a mother’s well-being and mental health? What do we know about the causes of depression? What is the relationship between breastfeeding and depression? What treatment options are available for breastfeeding mothers struggling to cope with feelings of depression? Tune in Monday at 6 PM ET for a discussion that might help you—or a mother you know—with breastfeeding and other aspects of new parenthood. Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
Congratulations! Your family has grown, and your baby is in your arms. You long to nurture your baby through nursing. But perhaps this baby came to you through adoption. Or maybe the baby you intended to parent was carried to term by a gestational carrier. Maybe your body hasn’t gone through pregnancy and the process of getting ready to make milk. Take heart. You are not alone. Many families can’t breastfeed in the traditional sense, but find meaning in breastfeeding other ways. Join Marie as she talks with special guest Alyssa Schnell about breastfeeding “outside of the box.” Find out how breastfeeding can make a difference for mothers you know in special circumstances.
It may seem surprising that breastfeeding is still a point of controversy. How can that be, when studies have shown over and over that human milk isn’t just a food but a substance optimized to meet the complex needs of the human child? Join Marie as she talks with special guest Jennifer Grayson, journalist and author of “UNLATCHED: The Evolution of Breastfeeding and the Making of a Controversy” -HarperCollins, 2016-, about the tension between “best is breast” messaging and lack of breastfeeding support. Learn about policies and practices that would make a big different, not just for breastfeeding dyads, but for overall public health. Find out what we can do to stem the controversy and find solutions that enable families to breastfeed. Comments? Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Having a preemie can be stressful and frightening for many parents. Instead of having your baby in your arms while 'rooming in'' with you, he’s in a bed in the NICU with beeping machines and medical staff at the ready. The feeling of distance created by the demands of your baby’s health condition, which require others to be his primary caregivers, can make it hard to feel like you are “mothering” your little one. Tune in as Marie speaks with Jennifer Canvasser about how babywearing in the NICU can help your baby’s health and give you a sense of connecting with your baby. Find out how you can keep your baby safe while babywearing -in spite of the many wires and tubes-, and learn how to get support for babywearing in your hospital’s NICU. Learn from Jennifer’s experience as the NICU mom of twins, and get the “how to” tips you need to help you care for your preemie. Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Mothers of babies who have tongue tie, lip tie, or both can be overwhelmed by the many and varied opinions they hear. One person says to see the baby’s pediatrician, another says to go straight to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Someone else says a dentist is the best person to help. One says tethered oral tissues (TOTS) should be clipped with a scalpel; another says a laser is the way to go. Someone else says there’s no reason to do anything about it at all. It can be hard to figure out what’s fact and what’s false.
Join Marie and special guest Dr. Lawrence Kotlow for an eye-opening look at TOTS, and its role in infant distress, reflux, and maternal discomfort during breastfeeding. Find out about how TOTS is diagnosed, and learn about treatment options. Learn what you can do to overcome your baby’s TOTS and ensure optimal breastfeeding for you both.
Dr. Miriam Labbok was my first-ever guest on this show. I invited Miriam to speak with me about the importance of breastfeeding as a public health priority, not just because of her expertise but also because of her warmth and candor. Miriam was a leader in breastfeeding advocacy, and her legacy lives on. This encore presentation of our October 2013 talk is aired in her honor. -Marie, 8-22-16
Although we often think of it as a one-on-one experience, breastfeeding has gained attention as a public health imperative. This show talks about why that is, recognizing some major reasons why breastfeeding is critical for the health of mothers, infants, and societies. Join Marie as she talks with Dr. Miriam Labbok, Professor of the Practice of Public Health and Director of the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute -CGBI- and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Everyone has an opinion, and they’re usually pushing it as “fact.” Breastfeeding advocates sing a litany of benefits that breastfeeding provides. Critics insist that breastfeeding is difficult and ties you down. Others imply that you’re a bad mother if you don’t breastfeed. With so many message and feelings, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, confused, guilty, or just plain crazy!
Join Marie and special guest, author and expert Dr. Paige Hall Smith discuss why, despite all the pressure, you should not feel guilty. Paige will explain that your feeding decision isn’t a real “choice” unless you’ve had adequate information and support. Learn how to arm yourself with ready-made comebacks for critics, and why it’s not breastfeeding that constrains you, it’s how society puts constraints on your breastfeeding experience. Gain reassurance that the bodily demands of lactation are part of “extreme care” work which—although perhaps not valued by society—are completely worth i
In 1986, Linda J. Smith wrote an article titled, “How to Make Breastfeeding Difficult.” More recently, the article has been posted on several contemporary web sites. Why is it that a tongue-in-cheek article enjoys such popularity 30 years after it was written?
Join Marie and her guest, Linda J. Smith MPH, IBCLC, FACCE, FILCA, as they review outdated information, unsubstantiated advice, and derogatory comments from healthcare professionals, family and others. If you’ve been led to believe that sore nipples are “normal”, or that the baby must “get used to” a bottle, or that you don’t have enough milk to grow your baby, stay tuned while Marie and Linda debunk these and other decades-old yet contemporary myths. If you’ve been bombarded by these or many other baseless comments that undermine your confidence or make breastfeeding difficult for you, stay tuned for a very lively discussion.
Happy World Breastfeeding Week! This year’s theme is 'Sustainable Development,' and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative -BFHI- is an essential element on that—helping to secure health for all in a highly sustainable way from the start. Join Marie to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the BFHI with a physician and health advocate who was a key player in launching BFHI. Mark A. Belsey MD, former head of WHO’s maternal and child health division, gives us an inside look at the international effort that gave birth to BFHI. If you’ve been thinking that 'baby-friendly' is a US thing, or a new approach to mother-baby care, you need to tune in for the real story. Join Marie as she talks with Dr. Belsey about how he and the late James Grant realized that breastfeeding was an essential to the WHO’s mission of 'Health for All' worldwide and developed the BFHI. It wasn’t a smooth ride, but it has been vitally important to global health, as the 25 years since its inception have shown.
Babies can be born with a wide variety of congenital conditions that create unusual hurdles for the breastfeeding journey. Only rarely, though, is breastfeeding impossible. Unfortunately, many parents of babies who are born with a cleft lip and/or palate are told they cannot breastfeed. Before you accept this opinion, before you give up and formula-feed, listen to this episode. Marie and her guest, Leslie Turner, RN IBCLC provide an experience-based look at the needs and feeding options for babies with cleft lip and/or palate. You’ll find out how an interdisciplinary cleft team can provide support for breastfeeding success. Discover how to develop and carry out a plan to breastfeed your baby as fully as possible, and recognize the importance of adjusting that plan after the baby’s surgery. Learn how to access the many resources that are available in your community, and online. For babies affected with cleft lip and/or palate, breastfeeding is not only optimal, it’s usually possible.
Are you facing circumstances that seem “set” by others? Did you have a birth experience different from what you had planned? It’s easy to feel powerless. Maybe you planned to breastfeed early and often, but your baby had a hard time latching or was admitted to the NICU. Maybe she was healthy, but you felt pressured by hospital staff to supplement with formula. Maybe you developed sore nipples or mastitis. Maybe she was colicky. Any number of factors could lead to feelings of disappointment, helplessness, or powerlessness.
Listen as Marie and special guest Rebecca Hall Gruyter talk about steps for empowering yourself every day in every circumstances. Learn how to be intentional in your actions, and to recognize the choices you have. Tune in for a conversation about how breastfeeding, perhaps more than any other activity you might do, is a way to serve another from a state of abundance. Rebecca’s motto is “living on purpose, with purpose.” Here’s your opportunity to do just that!
Eating disorders affect as many as 30 million people in the United States. And, although they have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, eating disorders are seriously undertreated. Tragically, among those who seek treatment for anorexia each year, 1 in 100 will die; up to 20% will die within a year as the result of complications from the eating disorder, or suicide. In today’s episode, Marie talks with Jacklyn Novatt, who nearly became one of those statistics. Luckily, she got help. Better yet, Jackie beat the anorexia in time to become pregnant and successfully give birth to and breastfeed twins. And in a wonderful “surprise ending” you’ll hear how the pregnancy and breastfeeding was a critical turning point for her. Join Marie and Jackie and discover how to recognize the classic symptoms of anorexia, how to help a loved one get into treatment and support them in their recovery, and how to separate fact from fiction about anorexia.
Whether you are studying for an exam, trying to kick a bad habit, or shooting a basketball from the free-throw line, you know that it’s easier to succeed when you feel the support and encouragement of someone cheering you on. You’ve said you’re committed to giving your baby only your milk for 6 months, but you haven’t sought out a mother-to-mother support group for it. Maybe you don’t feel you have the time or energy for it. Maybe you’re not sure if it matters.
Join Marie and special guest Melanie Tarr, IBCLC, as they discuss one secret to meeting your goal for exclusive breastfeeding: getting the right support. Learn how to draw support from individuals or groups that you feel comfortable with (locally or online). Find out how groups vary, what traits can make a difference, and how mother-to-mother support can be a game-changer for some women. Stick around to hear some tips for what to say—and not say—to mothers who might be struggling.
Men don’t breastfeed. But they do have a significant role in mothers’ decisions about initiating and continuing breastfeeding. However, even the most well-intentioned new fathers often lack the information they need about what to say, or what to do, to help mothers accomplish their breastfeeding goals.
Join Marie and special guest nurse, midwife, and author Mark Harris for an eye-opening talk about the how fathers influence breastfeeding and, consequently, their family health and wellness. A father of six, grandfather of six, with more than 20 years of midwifery experience, Mark highlights the unique role of fathers in supporting (or undermining) the breastfeeding mother. Get Mark’s take on who the breasts are for (the baby or the father), what words can seriously undermine the mother’s intentions, why feeding from a bottle should be avoided, and much more. Tune in for discussion of how the father can help or hinder breastfeeding.
Your baby needs to nurse. But when you sit down with her, you find yourself thinking something like “What am I doing? I have so much to do. This takes so much time!” Yet, you are taking the time to nurse because you know it’s important. What’s a nursing mother to do? br Listen as Marie’ guest, Jill Farmer, explains how you can’t manage your time; you can only manage your focus. Find out how you can accomplish more meaningful activities in less time. Jill will help you see how productivity is more dependent the mindset you have than on the tips you use. (But she does give tips!) And, she’ll also show you how to stop subconsciously sabotaging precious time, and how to shift patterns in your life so that you can do what you need to do and yet enjoy your breastfeeding journey. br Maybe you’ve tried every tip and trick but still feel overwhelmed. This is a “must-listen” for every mother who feels caught between the many “must do”s in her life.
Recently, everyone seems to be exploring the touted benefits of essential oils. But hardly anyone knows what to believe! Are they safe? Effective? What about nursing mothers? Do any or all of these essential oils actually work to treat common postpartum ailments or breastfeeding problems? And, if they are said to be safe and effective, how do we know that information is credible? Join Marie and her guest, certified aromatherapist Lea Harris, as they provide answers you wish you knew. Here, you’ll discover which essential oils most experts consider to be safe or unsafe for breastfeeding mothers, what essential oils might be helpful for postpartum problems like yeast or thrush, postpartum cramps, sleep issues and more. Get the real scoop on shelf life. And, if you’re trying to find your own informational resources or buy your own essential oils, you’ll get solid tips how to spot trustworthy quality—as well as the fakes the frauds. And, listeners will get Lea’s special discount offer!
Not long ago, all U.S. babies were born at home. But by 1921, 30 to 50 percent were born in hospitals. This led to “separation” practices that soon dominated the way babies came into the world—from weighing them right away (instead of placing them on their mothers) to keeping them in the nursery and more. Launching the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in 1991, the World Health Organization delivered a strong message that such practices had no scientific basis. Still, in many places, they dominate hospital-based childbirth today. Join Marie Biancuzzo to learn why “zero separation” is critical during the first hour. Find out how to address hospital-based and even legal barriers, and delve into the science that shows how zero-separation results in many physical and emotional short- and long-term benefits, far beyond just breastfeeding! Best of all, you’ll thrill at the almost magical nine-step progression that can happen when your baby stays with you skin-to-skin as nature intended.
Mothers who breastfeed often prefer to use natural foods and natural treatments. It’s only natural, right? But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe; essential oils are potent. If you’re a nursing mother—or anyone else, really—there are number of questions you should raise about essential oils before you use them. Is it an herb or an essential oil? Does it matter if it’s “sage” or “clary sage”? Is it okay to ingest it if it’s okay to put it on your skin? Join Marie and her guest, certified aromatherapist, Lea Harris, as they take you on a whirlwind tour of the “essentials” of essential oils for everyone—and especially for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. You’ll discover how essential oils can help you to avoid using medications when you have a sore throat, a bee bite, or other simple ailments; some factors related to safe use—whether you’re breastfeeding or not; the difference in administration methods and dilutions, cautions for children, and much more!
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life is full of incredible developmental potential. Every child is born with the capacity to learn. But within a few short years, an achievement gap can be seen. Are there steps we can take at the beginning of the child’s life to prevent this gap? Join Marie as she talks with Dia Michels about the first 1,000 days, and the importance of the word gap—the differential in the number of words children in different socioeconomic groups hear during this time, a chasm of over 30 million words a year. How are the word gap and the breastfeeding gap linked? Tune in to find out strategies parents and health care providers can take to narrow the achievement gap.
You may think of the early newborn days as time of little sleep and endless diaper changes, but it can be an exciting and positive time too. Many mothers find that wearing their baby --in a sling, or a wrap, or some other kind of carrier--adds to a sense of peace and wellness for both their baby and themselves. As babywearing grows in popularity, it can be difficult to know where to start. Join Marie as she talks with trained babywearing consultant Samantha Bunnell to find out the answers to popular questions about babywearing, such as: Why babywear? What are the risks and benefits of adding this to your parenting groove? What equipment do you need? How do you get started? How can you find a babywearing group in your community? Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Perhaps you’ve heard of milk banks and wonder what they’re all about. Maybe you’re a mother with extra milk your baby won’t need who doesn’t want to see it go to waste, or a parent who can’t breastfeed but wants to feed your baby human milk. Perhaps you’re a nurse or lactation consultant who wants to support the babies and families in your care—or even to open a milk bank in your area. Tune in as Marie talks with Kim Updegrove, CNM, MSN, MPH, head of a Texas milk bank and president of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America’s executive committee, about issues related to milk banking. How do milk bank operate? What are the requirements for being a donor? Who receives milk from a bank—and how? For questions, e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
Women can breastfeed successfully after cesarean section delivery—and many do. (In truly stellar hospitals, some mothers can even breastfeed before leaving the OR.) However, mothers getting started breastfeeding after cesarean face concerns that mothers who have delivered their babies vaginally tend not to experience, such as: post-op pain, pain management, post-cesarean restrictions, babies with lots of mucous, lack of bacterial colonization of babies’ gut, and—of course—“lift nothing heavier than the baby.” That’s just the tip of the iceberg. How do you breastfeed your baby—who was, have no doubt, born to be breastfed—when you are heading from cesarean delivery? How can moms best prepare for breastfeeding success after a scheduled c-section, and what strategies can help overcome the challenges after any c-section? Join Marie to find out.
A baby’s birth and early diet seem to play an important role in future gut health. Studies show that the gut bacterial composition of vaginally-born infants differs from those born after cesarean sections; similarly, the bacteria of those exclusively breastfed differs from that of babies who are exclusively formula-fed, or fed both breastmilk and formula. What difference does it make, for short-term health? How about long-term? What other factors might influence gut bacteria? Join Marie Biancuzzo and special guest Tara Haelle, author of Informed Parent (with co-author Emily Willingham). Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com any time.
In the U.S., approximately 20 million people have thyroid disease. The majority of affected people are women. No treatment, or too little treatment, can lead to serious health problems, including fatigue, infertility constipation, dry skin, thinning hair, depression or mood swings, joint pain and stiffness, and more. For new mothers, it can lead to breastfeeding problems. Wonder if your thyroid is causing you problems? Wonder what you can do? Join Marie as she talks with special guest Dr. Jolene Brighten, naturopathic doctor and author of “Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth: The New Mom’s Guide to Navigating the Fourth Trimester (Brighten Wellness, 2016) for discussion about thyroid disease and your health.
New parents often hear that they should let the baby “cry it out” lest they “spoil” the baby. Many parents take such advice to heart and try strategies like “crying it out,” especially at naptime or bedtime. After all, the argument goes, how will the baby ever learn to settle himself? However, our understanding of brain development in infancy and toddlerhood shows the error in such thinking: Babies need loving and responsive positive caregiving for healthy development. If you’ve done “cry it out,” you may worry that you’ve damaged your child. Take heart. There is hope. Join Marie as she talks with Tracy Cassels, PhD about how to support your baby’s needs and recover from “cry it out.” (Be sure to also listen to: “Sleep Like A Baby: What it Means and What it Doesn't http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/90522/sleep-like-a-baby-what-it-means-and-what-it-doesnt)
Sometimes, breastfeeding doesn’t go as you planned. This disappointing outcome can leave mothers struggling with feelings of loss, sadness, anger, grief, and even shame. Although you may feel isolated in this experience, such feelings are common—and a common risk factor for postpartum depression. How can you cope with your breastfeeding experience? How can you heal so that you can fully embrace your role as a mother, even if not feeding your baby as you had hoped? Join Marie as she speaks with Swiss lactation consultant, hypnotherapist, and author Hilary Jacobson on steps to resolve breastfeeding grief and overcome feelings of disappointment. Questions or comments can be e-mailed to radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Transitioning back to work after the arrival of a new baby can be difficult for any parent. It’s no wonder that a cottage industry has developed around helping parents successfully navigate the workplace waters while meeting the needs of their family. Tune in as Marie and special guest “workplace crusader” Rachael Ellison, MA talk about practical strategies for working parents, including: pumping at work, establishing boundaries at work for pumping, discussing transition needs with managers, transitioning to parenthood and identity, and dealing with challenges during the postpartum time. Questions? Comments? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com any time.
Mothers of healthy, full-term infants can tell you about the challenges and barriers they sometimes face in breastfeeding. (We talk about them on this show every week!) But mothers of children born early, ill, or with a health condition face additional challenges for which they are seldom—if ever—prepared. Join host Marie Biancuzzo and special guests Anna Jaworski, Nancy Sands, and Amy Gerrish Bennett for discussion of the particular challenges faced by mothers who breastfeed children with congenital heart defects. How is breastfeeding different for these mother-baby dyads? What sort of supports do the mothers need to succeed in meeting their breastfeeding goals? For questions, e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
Now that your newborn has arrived, it may seem like you have little time to think about anything but the baby. The baby’s sleep, the baby’s diet, the baby’s needs. But you have needs too. Your body is recovering from the hard work of pregnancy. The postpartum changes of the “fourth trimester” can be both intense and alarming. Join Marie as she talks with special guest Dr. Jolene Brighten, naturopathic doctor and author of Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth: The New Mom’s Guide to Navigating the Fourth Trimester (Brighten Wellness, 2016) about tips and techniques that support healing and the transition into motherhood. Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com any time.
With a newborn in the house, it can seem like you’ll never sleep again. (Don’t worry—you will!) One strategy for coping with infant sleep patterns that can help ease sleep-related frustration and stress is to know what to expect. If you’re finding that “sleeping like a baby” is different from what you thought it would be, tune in for this show. Join Marie as she talks with Tracy Cassels, PhD about typical infant sleep—the myths, the truths, the whats, and the whys. This show is sure to help everyone in the family sleep a bit easier.
So many women have questions and concerns about pumping milk. Whether it's an unplanned and unfortunate circumstance, such as pumping for a premature baby who is unable to suckle, or a planned circumstance, such as visiting a relative or returning to paid employment, mothers seem to have the same or very similar concerns. While mothers have often had fairly good instruction on the technique of operating a pump and successfully using it to express their milk, they seem to have a long line of questions about why their volume of milk isn't what they had expected, how to multi-task and pump on a busy or fixed schedule, myths and facts about using a friend's pump, how to prevent or solve the problem of sore nipples when pumping, and how to wean from the pump. Join Marie Biancuzzo as she tackles these concerns and give you the answers you need!
Although rates of breastfeeding are generally on the rise, new data show that rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration continue to be lower among black mothers than among those of other ethnic groups. Join host Marie Biancuzzo and special guest Kimberly Seals Allers for discussion of cultural norms, particular challenges, and ways of supporting black families in initiating and continuing breastfeeding. Find out about the possible influence of socioeconomic, cultural, and parenting perspectives. Learn how health care providers, public health advocates, media, family, employers, and community all contribute to the current situation—and how they can support positive change. For questions e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com at any time.
The science of epigenetics tells us that environmental factors can influence our genes or genetic development. Breastmilk is well-known for its ability to prevent illness and disease (e.g., necrotizing enterocolitis, infectious diseases, and more.) Nutrition in early life—such as whether a child receives his mother’s milk or an artificial formula—may affect which genes are activated and, ultimately, overall health. Tune in as Marie talks with pediatrician and breastfeeding specialist Dr. Jenny Thomas about how breastfeeding and genes work together to support your baby’s health, and how the decision about what you feed your baby may be important for future generations as well. Questions? Marie is always available via e-mail to radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Pregnancy is a time of waiting—with great excitement—for the arrival of your new baby. It’s also a time of preparing, filling out baby gift registries and thinking about details like where baby will sleep, what kind of baby carrier will work best, and whether you will need a breast pump. In U.S. society, new mothers aren’t encouraged to think about what the weeks after birth will mean for themselves, physiologically and emotionally. Yet the first six weeks—often all that many mothers can take of maternity leave—are vital for bonding with your baby, and for your baby’s development. Join Marie as she talks with Dr. Cheryl Zauderer, author if Maternity Leave: A New Mother’s Guide to the First Six Weeks Postpartum (Praeclarus Press, 2015), about what happens during the first six weeks, to help new and expectant mothers feel ready and put their minds at ease. Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com
You've heard of hypnosis. You may even be familiar with hypnobirthing (the topic of Marie's June 15, 2015 episode: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/85954/hypnobirthing). Did you know hypnosis can be a positive tool for breastfeeding, too? Join Marie as she talks with special guest Robin Frees, IBCLC about how mothers can use hypnosis to overcome barriers that commonly arise during breastfeeding, such as low milk supply, and inhibited milk ejection reflex. Find out about strategies such as hypnotic relaxation, imagery, and breathing, and learn how these can help whether you're breastfeeding the baby in your arms or using a pump to express milk for later feeding. This just might make the difference between surviving your breastfeeding experience and celebrating it! Questions? E-mail radio@bborntobebreastfed.com any time.
Three of four people who set New Year resolutions keep them through the first week. But fewer than 1 in 10 goal-setters actually achieve them. Yet people who don’t identify their aims are even less likely to attain them. As a breastfeeding mom, maybe you have found it difficult to set your schedule and get things done in the same way as before you were feeding a baby every few hours. Maybe you wonder if you will meet your goal to breastfeed your baby beyond 6 months, when so many moms don’t. What are the differences between those who achieve their goals, and those who do not? What strategies can help you meet your goals? As Hillary DePiano astutely notes under the tag MOTHER TIME: We all get the exact same 365 days. The only difference is what we do with them.” 365 days from now, will you have met your goals? Join Marie for help with your resolutions, including intriguing facts, thought-provoking info, and practical tips for getting from wishing to achieving what you really want.
As we prepare to ring in the new year, let’s reflect on the “ups” and “downs” of breastfeeding in the US during the past 12 months. Join Marie for an episode that looks at breastfeeding in the media and sciences, from celebrity role models to new research, from resources for lactation professionals to baby-friendly hospitals for birthing and nursing your baby, from football and baseball stadiums to Congress, and more. Tune in for a conversation that aims to set the stage for what we’d like to see in the year ahead. Call in during the show to share your thoughts or experiences at 866-472-5792, or e-mail anytime to radio@borntobebreastfed.com
For years, parents of a crying baby were often told to let them “cry it out” and warned that responding to “every” cry would have only one result: “You’ll spoil that baby!” Our evolving understanding of early child development – particularly brain development in infancy and toddlerhood – highlights the problem with such thinking: Babies need and expect primal caregiving, with loving and responsive positive caregiving at its heart. Join Marie as she talks with Darcia Narvaez, PhD about why primal caregiving is important, and how you can make sure your baby’s needs are met. Questions? Marie is always available via e-mail to radio@borntobebreastfed.com
She’s flat on her back, on a gurney racing down the hospital hallway while screaming for an epidural. Or, she’s lying in a hospital bed with an IV drip of fluids and Pitocin while waiting for labor to start. That’s how women giving birth are often shown on TV. That’s not the reality of normal birth—but it is how it happens in far too many U.S. hospitals. Interventions such as induction, anesthesia, medications, IV fluids, electronic fetal monitoring, and cesarean birth have become a normal part of the landscape of labor for many women, even as research begins to show that they may be detrimental for breastfeeding. Tune in as Marie talks with birth doula and Lamaze educator Barbara Hotelling about the myths and realities of birth practices and potential effects on breastfeeding. Learn what steps may help you get off to the best breastfeeding start, and what you need to know about your newborn to meet your breastfeeding goals. Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfeed.com
The holiday season is upon us! If you are feeling swamped by the must dos and wanna dos, join Marie for a show that is sure to take off some of the pressure. Are you a mom who is juggling the gift-giving of the season with giving your baby the best gift (your milk)? Are you wondering what to get that special mom in your life, but you don't know where to start? Are you trying to identify the perfect gift for an expectant mom, a new mom, an experienced mom, a working mom? Tune in for details in Marie's Second Annual Favorite Things to find out about the best gifts for new moms, and you won't wonder anymore! Listen for Marie's take on the kinds of gifts on every mom's wish list!
Oh, the holidays! It’s a time of joy and family, but also of stress and to-do lists. Decorating, shopping, baking, cooking, visiting … You’re trying to fit it all in on top of the usual “stuff” of work. And this year, while the season seems extra bright with a baby in your arms, it also feels a little overwhelming. How can you do all the “want to do” things and all the “need to do things” without going bonkers this holiday season? How can you make sure you’re meeting the needs of your baby, your family, and your own needs this holiday season? Join Marie Biancuzzo for essential tips and must-have strategies that will ensure you thrive this holiday season.
Travel has to be one of the leading stressors of the holiday season, and the stress is higher for air travel, or travel with children. Travel by air with children?! Forget about it! Oh, if only you could. Unfortunately, you’ve got to muster all your strength to survive the trip there (and back) with your holiday spirit intact. Without a doubt, the key to success is preparation. Tune in for essential tips to manage the demands of traveling where you’ve got to go in a way that won’t make you crazy. Figure out the who, what, when, where, and how of holiday travel—by air, with children—before you head to the airport and hit the (could be so much friendlier) skies.
If you are an active-duty mother or mother-to-be (or a partner, support person, or health care provider), be sure to listen in as Marie talks with Robyn Roche-Paull, BSN, RN, IBCLC, author of Breastfeeding in Combat Boots: A Survival Guide to Successful Breastfeeding While Serving in the Military about how to juggle the roles of breastfeeding mom and active serviceperson. br Do you want to breastfeed and wonder how you will combine long shifts, training exercises, and/or deployment with meeting the needs of your baby? br This is a must-listen show for tried-and-true tips and how-to information that will ensure your success. Learn about the written policies many branches of the military now have in place to support breastfeeding, which direct commanders to provide time and space for pumping needs, as well as how to overcome criticism and other challenges. Questions? E-mail info@borntobebreastfed.com anytime.
Standard health recommendations of exclusive breastfeeding for the baby’s first six months sound fine to many expectant mothers. But only 40.7 percent of U.S. mothers are still exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months of age, and that figure drops to 18.8 percent – fewer than 1 in 5 mothers – by 6 months of age. What are the reasons behind the apparent disconnect between what is recommended for baby’s health, mother’s intentions, and feeding behavior? There are a number of potential obstacles that affect success with any endeavor, including breastfeeding. Why are these giant boulders, for some women, and speed bumps for others? Join host Marie Biancuzzo for five fool-proof ways to focus on and meet your breastfeeding goals. Questions are always welcome at radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
“Breastfeeding” may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about football, but for many women fans, finding a quiet place to breastfeed or pump at the stadium is a bigger challenge than scoring tickets to the big game. By placing a pair of Mamava lactation pods at their stadium, the Minnesota Vikings has become the first NFL team to help mothers solve this problem. Join Marie Biancuzzo as she talks with Erin Swartz, of the Minnesota Vikings, and Sascha Mayer, of Mamava, about the need to support breastfeeding mothers to nurse or pump wherever they may be.
Four years in the making, Noemi Weis’ documentary of birth and breastfeeding around the world seeks to draw attention to the politics, commercialization, and controversies surrounding birth and infant feeding. Women’s stories take center stage in this beautiful, inspiring film that Scene Creek calls “a powerful piece of poetry [with] an important message.” Insidetoronto notes that Weis “has thrown down the gauntlet in the battle of the breast,” while Weis herself notes that birth is cause for celebration but is “often interrupted by politics and industrialization. Join Marie as she talks with director/producer/writer Noemi Weis about her years-long effort to share women’s stories and shine a light on what birth often is—and what it could be.
Many mothers pump and store their milk so that another caregiver can feed it to their baby in their absence. Figuring out the details of how to store the milk and how to feed it can be daunting. A walk down the aisles of any baby goods or regular store shows a host of storage devices and options. Plastic bags. Plastic bottles. Glass bottles. Sippy cups. What sort of container should a parent choose? How will it effect the milk? How should the pumped milk be stored--where, for how long long, under what conditions? Tune in for evidence-based, need-to-know information that will help you ensure your milk meets your baby's needs, even when you are apart.
Pacifiers. Binkies. Dummies. No matter what you call them, it's likely you'll receive some for your baby before he's even born. Should you use them? You may have heard about nipple confusion, in which a baby's understanding of how to suckle from a mother's nipple is undercut by the different feel of suckling on an artificial nipple such as on a pacifier or infant bottle. How can you make sure that doesn't happen to your baby? What should you consider when deciding whether to introduce a pacifier, or how to do so? What benefits, and risks, might there be to using a pacifier with a breastfed baby? Tune in to this episode so you'll be able to make an informed decision about pacifiers.
Obesity negatively impacts the health of women in many ways; for breastfeeding mothers, obesity has been linked to decreased intention to breastfeed, decreased initiation of breastfeeding, and shorter duration of breastfeeding. While some of these effects may be cultural or related to the mother’s body image, others may be caused by metabolic and hormonal effects of adipose tissue—including decreased milk supply. What can the overweight mother do to ensure she develops a good enough milk supply to meet her baby’s needs? What steps can provide the best health and well-being for her baby? How can she best prepare to meet her breastfeeding goals? Join Marie and special guest Anne Eglash, MD, IBCLC, FABM for discussion about the particular issues overweight and obese mothers may face, and how they can best be resolved, to the benefit of both baby and mother.
A mother may breast-feed any place where [she] is lawfully present, Virginia's new law promises. Other states have similar Right to Breastfeed laws in place. Yet the media can seem to be full of stories of mothers being told you can't do that here. What's a mother to do? How does the Virginia law support breastfeeding mothers and their babies? How can you make sure you're protected where you live, or visit, too? Join Marie and her special guest Jill DeLorenzo for must-know information about breastfeeding rights so you are prepared next time you nurse in public.
In a day when healthcare professionals and hospitals encourage women to breastfeed, a strange paradox exists: Common hospital birth practices that can sabotage breastfeeding are lurking in the labor room corners. Practices such as labor inductions, cesarean deliveries, routine newborn assessments and more are so common these days that they are accepted as “normal.” Then, there are practices that seem harmless enough—like a liberal visitor policy or bathing the baby within a few hours after birth—but these, too, can affect breastfeeding success. Don’t miss this episode where host Marie Biancuzzo relies on her labor/delivery nurse expertise to clue you in about how common birth practices can affect breastfeeding, and what you can do to minimize their impact on your breastfeeding experience.
You have a plan for continuing to breastfeed after you return to work. You have made arrangements to express your milk while apart from your baby, and you have lined up a childcare provider who says she is breastfeeding-friendly. You feel confident that this is going to go well. But life has a way of throwing a wrench into even the best-laid plans, and unforeseen issues have a way of arising. Join Marie for practical tips that will help you overcome common problems such as a baby who won't take your bottled milk, a baby who prefers feeding with one caregiver over another, caregiver who offers formula inappropriately, a caregiver who overfeeds your baby, and a traffic jam that leaves your breasts full and your miles-away baby hungry. Tune in to this episode so you'll be prepared for just about anything!
More than half of U.S. mothers work outside of the home during their infants' first year. Being able to find a child care provider who understands both the importance of breastfeeding and how to support i for the baby and the mother is key to continued breastfeeding beyond maternity leave. So what do you need to know in order to make the best child care decisions for your family? Join Marie for an episode that will help you: find a breastfeeding-supportive child care team, understand laws and regulations about child care and infant feeding, figure out what and how to communicate with your provider about breastfeeding, and figure out nuts and bolts strategies that will help you meet your breastfeeding goals. Questions? You can reach Marie at radio@borntobebreastfed.com or on Facebook:www.facebook.com/BornToBeBreastfed
If you thought your pregnancy-changed body would return to a state of “normal” after your baby’s birth, you may want to think again. Even though your baby is now in your arms, you’re still going through some big changes, including engorgement. If your breasts are causing you to think of over-filled balloons or big, sore basketballs you’ll want to tune in to this episode. Find out what engorgement is, what it looks and feels like, how it differs from the development of a normal milk supply. Find out how to prevent it, and what you can do if it does occur. As always, if you have questions, you can reach Marie at radio@borntobebreastfed.com
With “you are what you eat” ringing in their ears, many U.S. parents worry their way through their children’s toddler years. Although many children experience periods of picky eating, parents can feel frustrated and concerned as their children refuse healthy meals and limit what they’ll eat. Join Marie as she talks with nutritionist and lactation consultant Melanie Silverman about kids and nutrition. Find out why children become picky eaters, what parents can do to ensure their children eat well, and when they should seek help from a pediatrician or nutritionist. Questions? E-mail info@borntobebreastfed.com any time.
How can health care providers support nontraditional families in need of breastfeeding care? Join Marie as she talks with nurse practitioner and lactation consultant Kathleen McCue, DNP, FNP-BC, IBCLC about the importance of gender neutral language and respect. Consider how to care for couples interested in co-nursing, including approaches to inducing lactation, as well as steps for identifying challenges and providing evidence-based care. Questions or comments? Reach Marie by e-mail at info@borntobebreastfed.com or on social media atwww.facebook.com/BorntobeBreastfed
“Breastfeeding and Work: Let’s Make It Work!” is the theme of World Breastfeeding Week, and what better guest could there be for this episode than Dr. Ruth Lawrence, world-renowned expert on lactation and breastfeeding. Dr. Lawrence brings her experience as a neonatologist, researcher, and mother of nine to the discussion on topics such as World Breastfeeding Week, employment, breastfeeding, and supporting the breastfeeding mother. As we mark this annual celebration of breastfeeding, tune in for insight about topics relevant to nursing mothers and those who care for them. Questions? E-mail info@borntobebreastfed.com or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BorntobeBreastfed
Join Marie as she talks with author, publisher, and breastfeeding supporter Dia Michels about current issues in breastfeeding news, including a new law that extends maternity care to some military moms, IBM's groundbreaking accommodation of the needs of their employees who must balance work-related travel and breastfeeding, airport breastfeeding and pumping facilities, and more. Consider how breastfeeding in public--and coverage of controversies by the media--affects society's perspective of breastfeeding, and obscenity. Find out how Target is making a difference for its breastfeeding customer, and how moms breastfeeding poolside can make a difference too. Questions, or comments? Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BorntobeBreastfed
Breasts and nipples come in all shapes and sizes--and nearly all are able to provide the nourishment a newborn baby needs. Still, if you've heard that you have inverted nipples, such as from a prenatal care provider, it can raise all sorts of questions for the pregnant or breastfeeding mother. What are inverted nipples? How do you know if you have them? If you have them today, will you always have them? What sort of changes might you expect to see during pregnancy? What can you do, what should you not do, and how can you ensure you still meet your breastfeeding goals? Join host Marie Biancuzzo as she tackles these concerns and give you the answers you need!
If you've tuned in for Marie's earlier shows with guests Amy Bruehwiler and Nils Bergman, you know that touch matters. Infants are designed to respond to their parents' nearness and touch. A few minutes a day can help improve mood, health, and overall wellness—for both baby and parent! Listen as Marie talks with Mae Scott about infant massage, and how it supports infant health as well as parent-child bonding. Consider how both parents can bond with their baby by practicing a few nurturing steps. Tune in to learn how infant massage helps families of healthy babies, preterm babies, colicky babies, and more. Comments and questions? E-mail info@borntobebreastfed.com. Catch up on earlier episodes at www.borntobebreastfed.com
Even as the new mother focuses her energy on meeting the needs of her little one and learning how to breastfeed, she is going through numerous changes, both physically and emotionally.Even in ideal circumstances, caring for her baby (and herself) can be challenging. If her expectations (healthy baby, rooming in) don't match with the reality (baby needs special care, may even be in a separate area of the hospital), she may feel overwhelmed. She may, instead of being able to bring the baby right to her breast and nurse, find herself in the less-than-cozy circumstance of pumping her breast milk to stimulate her supply and meet her baby's needs. How can loved ones and caregivers support new mothers and babies? How can mothers prepare for their baby's stay if they are separated? How can health care providers ensure they nurture the vulnerable new mother--and her baby? Join Marie as she talks with Sherry Spacco, RN IBCLC of Norwood Hospital (Norwood, MA) about the challenges that new mothers face in meeting the needs of their babies.
Although the new mother with a baby on her breast, spit-up on her blouse, and too little sleep may feel alone in breastfeeding, efforts are underway to make such a sense of isolation a thing of the past. In Indiana, efforts to support breastfeeding have led to the development of a community-centered model based on collaborative partnerships between community groups. Strategies that have worked include: the establishment of community-based drop-in centers, partnerships with businesses, collaborations with hospitals, and services for minorities. Join Marie and special guest Tina Cardarelli, Indiana’s State Breastfeeding Coordinator, to find out more about some exciting initiatives that have successfully engaged community stakeholders in supporting breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Learn about strategies that may work where you live, too. Questions are always welcome at radio@borntobebreastfed.com
What sort of breastfeeding support do today’s families need? How can we engage the whole family in breastfeeding support? What role can fathers have in caring for their family when the infant is breastfed, and how can we support them in embracing this role? How can health care providers make a difference? Join Marie and special guest V. Kuroji Patrick, illustrator of “This Milk Tastes Good!” (written by Chenniah Patrick) and breastfeeding advocate, for a discussion of paternal involvement, and breastfeeding support and promotion in all communities. How can fathers’ involvement help to overcome breastfeeding challenges many families face? Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
Let’s face it: The process of childbirth can be daunting, even frightening. The media tells us that labor and delivery is a painful, panicky process. But it doesn’t have to be. Hypnobirthing is one approach to childbirth that promises a positive—and even pain-free—experience. Join Marie as she talks with special guest Robin Frees, IBCLC about how parents can prepare for the journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Learn about strategies that can help support expectant parents and new families alike, including hypnotic relaxation, imagery, and breathing. Find out steps you can take to reduce the Fear-Tension-Pain cycle and make childbirth a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Learn how these and other strategies can be used after birth to support breastfeeding. Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com any time.
Join Marie as she talks with award-winning children’s book author Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch about her newly revised The Best Gifts, a book long-celebrated for its support of breastfeeding families. Consider how breastfeeding fits into the parent-child relationship from the very start, and think about the many ways it is a gift to the infant, the family, and the community. Why is it important to see breastfeeding in picture books about families? What are the benefits of such books for families? Tune in for a celebration of breastfeeding in children’s media, and discussion about mother’s efforts to meet their babies’ most basic needs with the most generous gift. For questions, e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime. Free download of this and other “Born to be Breastfed” podcasts are available on iTunes and Stitcher.
Some mothers notice that their babies who were doing very well and gaining weight very well with exclusive breastfeeding start to gain more slowly after the first two to four months. Even exclusively breastfed babies who experienced quick gains in the first weeks of life can gain more slowly than babies fed artificial infant formula after this point. While this slow-down can be alarming, mothers should realize that breastfeeding is the natural and physiologically normal way to feed babies, and the tendency to compare the growth of breastfed infants to their formula-fed peers can sound alarm bells unnecessarily. How is “slow to gain” different from “failure to thrive”? What changes in growth can be expected for your baby? What signs indicate health? What signs may be cause for concern? Listen as Marie and Mary Kay Smith, RN, IBCLC, FILCA discuss weight gain in breastfed infants. Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com anytime.
If breastfeeding one newborn seems a challenge, think about the mother with two newborns, three newborns—or more! Juggling the babies, positioning them at the breast, pumping to meet their needs, and parenting them in the NICU if they are born preterm all make for an entirely different kind of “breastfeeding dance” than that experienced by the mother of one. What do expectant mothers of multiple babies need to know about breastfeeding their babies? What steps are essential to establishing a strong milk supply in the early days and maintaining it throughout the breastfeeding journey? Join Marie Biancuzzo as she discusses the ins and outs of breastfeeding twins, triplets, and more with expert Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, author of the essential resource on this topic: “Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding and Caring for Twins or More.” Learn to identify the particular challenges of mothering multiple babies at once, and identify strategies for supporting the mother and overcoming the challenges.
In honor of International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day, join Marie and special internationally recognized expert Dr. Nils Bergman as they discuss the benefits of kangaroo care, skin-to-skin contact that allows breastfeeding and bonding to begin moments after birth. According to Dr. Nils Bergman (www.ninobirth.org) and others, kangaroo care should be the standard method of care for all newborns--healthy, full-term babies as well as those born prematurely--and infants in the moments after birth and throughout the first months. Listen as Marie and Dr. Bergman discuss the scientific basis for skin-to-skin care (SSC), including the neuroscience of the optimal birth and the basis for supporting the baby-mother dyad in getting off to the best possible start not only in breastfeeding but in their relationship. Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com anytime.
“My doctor wants me to take this medicine, but tells me I’ll need to stop breastfeeding.” Leading health experts recommend that mothers continue breastfeeding for at least a year or two, and many mothers want to meet these goals. When medical care is necessary, the use of medications can cause worry or concern about breastfeeding. Some mothers are told—correctly or not—that they can’t breastfeed their baby after taking a particular medication for treatment, or as part of diagnostic testing. In truth, some medications are not compatible with breastfeeding, and some are nothing to worry about. Do you need to pump and dump? Do you need to wean? Marie and special guest, expert pharmacist Ann Davis, RPh IBCLC cut through the “medication = weaning” myth. (Note: As always, the content of this show is for informational purposes only. Always speak with your physician or your baby’s phyosician or other health care provider before making medical decisions.
Most of the advice you’ll hear from friends and family during your baby’s early days will fall into the category of “same old, same old.” Join Marie as she goes beyond the usual topics with Tipper Gallagher (www.theboobgeek.com). Listen for discussion about info mothers want to hear, need to hear, don’t hear (but need to), and don’t want to hear. Learn strategies for finding a breastfeeding supportive health care provider, parenting through the tough spots, deciding about galactagogues, and figuring out strategies to sustain breastfeeding when going back to work. If you have comments or questions, e-mail info@borntobebreastfed.com any time.
You want to be ready for the physical and psychological demands of pregnancy and childbirth. Ideally, your plan for good health should begin preconception, setting up success for an active labor and delivery and a healthy postpartum recovery. In this podcast, Marie talks with Sheila Watkins and Vicki Vertich, of the HealthyMoms fitness program, about the path from preconception through prenatal and into postpartum fitness. Debunk the myths about exercise and breastfeeding that may be holding you back. Learn about the difference proper breathing, body alignment, and gentle exercises can make in healing and rebuilding your body after delivery. Find out how you can exercise for your health even with a baby in your arms. Comments? Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com any time.
Prenatal care is often dominated by talk of how the baby’s doing and how to prepare for labor and delivery. Breasts and breastfeeding are seldom mentioned, and most conversation tends to be brief. The World Health Organization identifies several major breastfeeding topics for health care providers to discuss with pregnant women by 32 weeks gestation—but many don’t do this. This show will provide “need to know” info .You may already have heard good things about exclusive breastfeeding, skin-to-skin care, good positioning and attachment, and rooming-in but do you know how to be your own best advocate when those practices are not the norm where you deliver? Do you know what to ask if obstacles prevent you from doing what you know is best? Find out how to engage obstetrical providers and hospital staff in supporting pregnant women and new moms (you, or someone you care for) in these goals. Whether or not your delivery site is Baby-Friendly designated, the care can be family-friendly.
After the first few weeks of adjustment, many mothers come to feel like they (and their baby) have gotten the hang of breastfeeding. From latching through feeding, all seems well. But breastfeeding is a journey, not a destination. Developmental changes at about six months of age can present some new challenges for mothers who aim to go the distance and breastfeeding for a year, two years, or more. Maybe you have offered solids, with no luck. Maybe he has moments when he’s distracted and turns away—without letting go of your nipple. (Ouch!) Maybe you’re concerned about continuing to breastfeeding a baby who has teeth and may (and friends or family might say “will”) bite. And, sometimes, maybe he seems to go on a nursing strike. Tune in for a podcast with practical tips on how to solve these issues, answers the listeners’ questions, and new info about the latest studies on breastfeeding in older babies.
For many mothers, breastfeeding sometimes involves pumping and storing their milk so that it may be fed to be their baby at another time, or by another caregiver. It’s a responsibility that comes with many questions, including: How long can milk be stored—in a cooler, in the fridge, or in the freezer? What are the optimal conditions for milk storage? How long can it be left out at room temperature? How does the process of storing breastmilk change it? What are the best practices for milk storage and handling? Tune in for Marie’s explanation of the best evidence-based recommendations for optimal storage times, temperatures, and containers based on the needs of the infant and the overall situation. Questions? E-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
For health care providers and mothers alike, breastfeeding is a hot topic. From news coverage about recent research on IQ and breastfeeding to social media #brelfies, here is the update you need. Find out about new findings for care of breastfeeding mothers with nipple pain or with postpartum depression. Learn about health implications for mothers from labor and delivery through breastfeeding, and beyond. Tune in as Marie discusses the latest research and need-to-know information for anyone who cares for breastfeeding mothers. Questions and comments can be sent to radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Meeting your baby's nutritional needs from your own body may seem intimidating and even demanding. Maybe that's why, although nearly 77% of babies are ever breastfed, only about 49% are still breastfed at six months (and only 38% are exclusively breastfed then). You've probably heard some reasons why mothers can't breastfeed their babies; odds are high most of these reasons simply aren't true. Join Marie Biancuzzo to bust the myths and find out the realities about topics such as: nutrition while breastfeeding, small breasts and milk supply, medications, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, anxiety, breast shape, bottle-feeding, and more. Learn what you need to know to feel confident about your ability to breastfeed your baby.
Most of us want to do the right thing. We want to protect ourselves and our children (and other people, for that matter!) to the best of our ability. However, breastfeeding mothers often don’t know what’s safe, and what’s not. Do you feel pretty confident about what’s safe for your baby in utero, but not so sure about how or even if that applies to your breastfed baby? Are you wondering about whether cosmetics, diagnostic procedures, tattoos, nipple piercings and and hot tubs are okay if you’re a lactating mother? Maybe you’ve wondered if it’s okay to have sex while lactating? Of course, it’s always about weighing the risks and benefits, but sometimes how to do that is unclear. Join Marie Biancuzzo for another podcast to busts the myths and clarifies the facts about breastfeeding. Questions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Breastfeeding seems to be in the headlines often, with stories about everything from lactation rooms to nurse-ins, insurance coverage for pumps to state laws, celebrity moms to pumping back stage at the Oscars. Still, U.S mothers often find that they lack adequate support during the first days after baby’s birth, a critical period for breastfeeding. Hospitals are too often understaffed; mother-based programs such as La Leche League are underutilized. What can we do to help the breastfeeding mothers and babies we care about? Tune in as Marie talks with doula and lactation consultant Teresa Bailey, CD, IBCLC (http://www.teresadoula.com) about steps we can all take to move forward in creating a truly breastfeeding supportive culture. Questions, comments, suggestions? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com anytime.
Although the newborn baby in your arms feels light and tiny, you’ll see surprising changes and leaps in development throughout the first year. An area you’ll revisit with every doctor’s visit is baby’s growth, especially with regards to weight. How can you tell if your baby is getting enough milk for adequate growth and weight gain? What signs might clue you in that your baby needs some additional help or support with feeding? Tune in for discussion of these and other “weighty” issues, including milk supply issues, terms such as “slow to gain” and “failure to thrive,” and milk supply issues. Make sure you know what you need to understand your baby’s growth during the first weeks and beyond. Questions? E-mail Marie at radio@borntobebreastfed.com any time.
Although breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby, it might not feel entirely natural from the start. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that will help, immediately after your baby’s birth and later. Join Marie and Liz Flight, RN, IBCLC of the Tidewater Lactation Group for a discussion of breastfeeding tips to solve problems that many new mothers experience. Find out why rooming-in is a good idea, what to do about jaundice, how to advocate for your baby in the hospital, and how to care for your newborn baby. Questions? Call 1-866-472-5792 during the show, or e-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com any time.
Pregnant women are said to be “eating for two” … That shouldn’t mean eating twice as much, but it’s a good reminder to pay twice as much attention to what you eat. Vitamins and minerals give your body—and the baby you carry—what is needed for good health. But good nutrition is more than just the food on your plate. It’s also the supplements you might take, such as folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and more. Do you know what supplements are typically recommended for pregnant women? Do you know why you need them now and how they are likely to support your (and your baby’s) health? Tune in as Marie talks with Dr. Siobhan Dolan from the March of Dimes, and find out what vitamins you might need before pregnancy—during pregnancy—and after for your best health. Questions? E-mail radio@BornToBeBreastfed.com anytime.
You’ve heard about “let-down,” but you’ve got questions. What is it? What does it mean? How does it work, and what happens if it doesn’t seem to work? Tune in for a practical discussion of challenges many breastfeeding mothers and babies face, with a focus on how to overcome them and meet your breastfeeding goals. Learn all you can about let-down so you understand how your body works to feed your baby during the so-called “fourth trimester”—and beyond. E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com with questions any time.
You’ve heard that a “baby-friendly” hospital is the best place for your baby to be born, but that’s not possible in your situation. What are the ten attributes of a baby-friendly hospital? What aspects of clinical care would make your hospital stay baby-friendly, even if the hospital isn’t baby-friendly accredited? How can you ensure your baby receives the best, most breastfeeding-supportive care from your health care provider, regardless of baby-friendly status? Tune in for 10 practical tips to ensuring that your hospital stay supports you, baby, and breastfeeding in the best possible way. Expecting moms, this is a podcast you won’t want to miss! E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com with questions anytime.
You may have heard there’s a for-profit company recruiting breastfeeding mothers—particularly black breastfeeding mothers—in Detroit in a pay-for-milk proposition. Tune in to get all of the details from Marie and special guest Kimberly Seals Allers. An award-winning journalist and author of “The Mocha Manual” series, Kimberly is a long-time commentator in motherhood and breastfeeding in the African American community. Listen to consider issues of breastfeeding and corporate ethics, alongside discussion of breastmilk donations and health. For questions e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com at any time.
Obesity negatively impacts the health of women in many ways; for breastfeeding mothers, obesity has been linked to decreased intention to breastfeed, decreased initiation of breastfeeding, and shorter duration of breastfeeding. While some of these effects may be cultural or related to the mother’s body image, others may be caused by metabolic and hormonal effects of adipose tissue—including decreased milk supply. What can the overweight mother do to ensure she develops a good enough milk supply to meet her baby’s needs? What steps can provide the best health and well-being for her baby? How can she best prepare to meet her breastfeeding goals? Join Marie and special guest Anne Eglash, MD, IBCLC, FABM for discussion about the particular issues overweight and obese mothers may face, and how they can best be resolved, to the benefit of both baby and mother.
Three of four people who set New Year resolutions keep them through the first week. But fewer than 1 in 10 goal-setters actually achieve them. Yet people who don’t identify their aims are even less likely to attain them. As a breastfeeding mom, maybe you have found it difficult to set your schedule and get things done in the same way as before you were feeding a baby every few hours. Maybe you wonder if you will meet your goal to breastfeed your baby beyond 6 months, when so many moms don’t. What are the differences between those who achieve their goals, and those who do not? What strategies can help you meet your goals? As Hillary DePiano astutely notes under the tag MOTHER TIME: We all get the exact same 365 days. The only difference is what we do with them.” 365 days from now, will you have met your goals? Join Marie for help with your resolutions, including intriguing facts, thought-provoking info, and practical tips for getting from wishing to achieving what you really want.
As the year draws to a close, join Marie for an episode that looks at the very best (and worst) in breastfeeding news and research from the last twelve months. Tune in for discussion of the best news, the best studies, the best celebrity role models, and the best things to look forward to in breastfeeding support for 2015. Acknowledge the worst breastfeeding news of the past twelve months as well, and set the stage for talk of what we’d like to see in the year ahead. Call in during the show to share your experiences or opinions at 866-472-5792 or e-mail anytime to radio@borntobebreastfed.com
Travel has to be one of the leading stressors of the holiday season, and the stress is higher for air travel, or travel with children. Travel by air with children?! Forget about it! Oh, if only you could. Unfortunately, you’ve got to muster all your strength to survive the trip there (and back) with your holiday spirit intact. Without a doubt, the key to success is preparation. Tune in for essential tips to manage the demands of traveling where you’ve got to go in a way that won’t make you crazy. Figure out the who, what, when, where, and how of holiday travel—by air, with children—before you head to the airport and hit the (could be so much friendlier) skies.
The holiday season is upon us! If you are feeling swamped by the must dos and wanna dos, join Marie for a show that is sure to take off some of the pressure. Are you a mom who is juggling the gift-giving of the season with giving your baby the best gift (your milk)? Are you wondering what to get that special mom in your life, but you don't know where to start? Are you trying to identify the perfect gift for an expectant mom, a new mom, an experienced mom, a working mom? Tune in for details about what we call Marie's Favorite Things to find out about the best gifts for new moms, and you won't wonder anymore! Listen for Marie's take on the kinds of gifts every mom on your list will appreciate, as well as the goings-on of this busy season.
Staying home for the holidays can be relaxing and soothing. Going out on the town for an evening, or going away for several days can be exciting! Fortunately, the mother who is breastfeeding can do either one. If you’re wondering about pumping or nursing, what to pack in your bags, what to anticipate for shopping at the mall, or whether to eat that box of chocolates or drink that glass of wine, this show will help you to sort it all out. brbr Join Marie Biancuzzo as she help you to cut through the myths and clarify the facts. With a little planning and a lot of common sense, you can do it all, have it all, and feel thrilled that you’re giving your baby the best gift of all—your milk!
Do you feel uncomfortable when you know you’ll be in the presence of someone who may not share your enthusiasm for breastfeeding? If you haven’t encountered this uneasiness yet, it’s likely you will. Soon. Holiday time is prime time for encountering relatives or friends you haven’t seen in awhile, so maybe you’re wondering is if criticism is right around the corner. Criticism—verbal or just critical glances—can make any woman wonder, “Am I doing something wrong?” Maybe you’ve felt that way, and maybe you feel defensive at those remarks or disapproving looks. Although every fiber in your being may want to lash out, another part of you realizes that there’s got to be a better way. brbr Join Marie Biancuzzo as she helps you activate your criticism-radar, find ways to prevent or minimize criticism, and make some responses that are more effective than lashing out.
A recent phone survey of customer service reps from 100 U.S. airports found that 62 felt their airport was “breastfeeding friendly.” Breastfeeding mothers are unlikely to agree; only 37 had any designated lactation space—and 25 were restrooms. Those would not meet the criteria of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which specifies that the employers provide breastfeeding mothers with a space that is not a restroom, is shielded from view, and is free from intrusion. Since many mothers pass through airports (including 55.8 percent of employed women with a child under 1, as well as airport employees), many lack an appropriate place to pump. The traveler may make arrangements at her destination, but what can she do in transit? Airports, like other public buildings, are less than ideal for supporting the AAP’s recommendation that infants receive their mother’s milk for at least the first year. Listen as Marie and Joan Ortiz discuss this challenge to breastfeeding success.
You’ve probably heard about the importance of skin-to-skin contact with your baby. And you probably thought it sounded like a sweet, lovely way to bond with your baby. That’s true, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Maybe you heard it’s important to do right after delivery. True again. But it shouldn’t end there.
Join Marie and her guest, internationally acclaimed expert, Dr. Susan Ludington, PhD, CNM. They’ll help you to understand how the initial (first hour) and ongoing skin-to-skin contact is a critical part of your baby’s care whether he is born at or before term. You’ll be astonished to see how and why skin-to-skin contact works better than an incubator to regulate your baby’s temperature, blood sugar and sleep regulation. You’ll also see how this simple act provides an almost magical key to successfully starting and continuing breastfeeding, and how it can affect your baby’s moral development and behavior forever. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Dr. Ludington.
Standard health recommendations of exclusive breastfeeding for the baby’s first six months sound fine to many expectant mothers. But only 40.7 percent of U.S. mothers are still exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months of age, and that figure drops to 18.8 percent – fewer than 1 in 5 mothers – by 6 months of age. What are the reasons behind the apparent disconnect between what is recommended for baby’s health, mother’s intentions, and feeding behavior? There are a number of potential obstacles that affect success with any endeavor, including breastfeeding. Why are these giant boulders, for some women, and speed bumps for others? Join host Marie Biancuzzo for five fool-proof ways to focus on and meet your breastfeeding goals. Questions are always welcome at radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
If you’re expecting the arrival of your new baby soon, this episode is for you. You’ve probably heard a lot of advice about what you can expect from the first days of breastfeeding—and it’s a sure thing you’ll hear a lot more from hospital staff. Sadly, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Tune in to find out the truth about breastfeeding at the start. Do you need to breastfeed on both sides every time? Is bathing your baby the top priority after birth? Do you need to pump in the first day or two? Can you skip nighttime feedings in the hospital? Can you send the baby to the nursery? Why do all breastfed babies get jaundice? Marie helps to bust the myths and set you on the course to clarity as you prepare to welcome your new baby to your family. Questions? E-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
Have you felt fearful that sleeping with your baby might result in a horrible consequence? Do you feel a sense of conflict within yourself as every fiber of your being craves having your baby sleeping next to you, and yet, you’re fearful of having her do so because of what you've been told by others? As a parent, do hear conflicting advice from healthcare providers, friends, and others you trust? If you’re a healthcare provider, do your own instincts tell you that co-sleeping might be a good thing? Do you feel obligated to deliver the “party line” to parents, or do you develop your own messages? Maybe your instinct tells you that “safe” can be misunderstood. Join Marie Biancuzzo and special guest Diana West, BA, IBCLC for this show that busts the myths, clarifies the facts, and helps you to figure out what’s best for your baby when it comes to sleeping and breastfeeding.
For mothers who expect their baby’s arrival to mark a period of joy and happiness, the reality of shifting hormones and the demands of parenthood can be a rude shock. Join Marie and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PhD, IBCLC, FAPA for a discussion of depression in new mothers. What are the “baby blues” and what is postpartum depression? What is the role of breastfeeding in a mother’s well-being and mental health? What do we know about the causes of depression? What is the relationship between breastfeeding and depression? What treatment options are available for breastfeeding mothers struggling to cope with feelings of depression? Tune in Monday at 6 PM ET for a discussion that might help you—or a mother you know—with breastfeeding and other aspects of new parenthood. Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
Has your baby had tummy trouble? Do you think breastfeeding is the culprit? Do you wonder if your milk is ok, or if you ought to be feeding your baby formula instead? You're not alone. Breastfeeding moms are often told they can't eat certain foods because of the effects on their child. You're told that you can't breastfeed, for whatever reason. You hear that your baby can't have certain foods--or else. What's the truth? What can breastfeeding mothers eat? What can babies eat? What pathological conditions might a mother consider when making feeding decisions for her baby? Tune in Monday at 6 PM ET as Marie busts the myths that might otherwise affect your breastfeeding relationship. Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
Human milk is the best source of nutrition for all babies, and breastfeeding is the best way for them to get it. However, some premature and sick babies are not able to get their mother’s milk through direct breastfeeding. For them, the process of feeding becomes more complicated. Tune in as Marie talks with Heather Townsend, RMSR, Executive Director of education for Creche Innovations, about issues related to the use of human milk in the health care setting, focusing primarily on proper warming of the milk. What are the best practices for delivering human milk to sick/preterm infants? What type of container is best? What is the optimal temperature range for human milk fed to these infants? Why does temperature matter for babies’ health? What are the risks and benefits to consider? For questions, e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
Many mothers start out with the goal of breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months. But often things don’t go as the mother had hoped. Perhaps she needed a cesarean delivery, or maybe her baby was born early. Any number of issues could arise to threaten her early successes. And then there are the later-appearing challenges. It may feel as if she is running an all-night smorgasbord and yet her baby is constantly hungry. Perhaps, despite careful use of the prescribed medication, she can’t beat a recurrent case of thrush! Or maybe she returned to work with seemingly airtight plans for combining breastfeeding and working, but found that pumping her milk just isn’t working the way she wants. It may feel as if you need a major overhaul of your life and your body to meet your breastfeeding goals, but sometimes just small tweaks can help you to succeed! Tune in to find out more. This episode features a special segment on flange alternatives with Jon Gillan of Pumpin' Pal.
Are you expecting a baby? Do you know you won't be able to breastfeed and still want to feed your baby human milk? Are you the parent of a preemie, or an ill baby? Perhaps you’re a nurse or lactation consultant who wants to support the babies and families in your care—or even to open a milk bank in your area. Tune in as Marie talks with Kim Updegrove, CNM, MSN, MPH, head of a Texas milk bank and president of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America’s executive committee, about issues related to milk banking. How do milk bank operate? Who receives milk from a bank—and how? For questions, e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime. This is the second of a two-part series; the first explained milk bank essentials for donors.
Perhaps you’ve heard of milk banks and wonder what they’re all about. Maybe you’re a mother with extra milk your baby won’t need who doesn’t want to see it go to waste, or a parent who can’t breastfeed but wants to feed your baby human milk. Perhaps you’re a nurse or lactation consultant who wants to support the babies and families in your care—or even to open a milk bank in your area. Tune in as Marie talks with Kim Updegrove, CNM, MSN, MPH, head of a Texas milk bank and president of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America’s executive committee, about issues related to milk banking. How do milk bank operate? What are the requirements for being a donor? Who receives milk from a bank—and how? For questions, e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
Of the five senses, touch is most well developed at birth. Your baby is primed to respond to your nearness and your touch. It’s no surprise then that many parents have found benefits in doing infant massage with their babies. A few minutes a day can help improve mood, health, and overall wellness—for both baby and parent! Listen as Marie talks with nurse and infant massage therapist Amy Bruehwiler and Andrea Kelly, CEO of the World Institute for Nurturing Communication about infant massage. Why does infant massage matter for any baby? What are the benefits for breastfed infants, in particular? How does infant massage support the infant-parent bond? Tune in to deepen your understanding of infant massage, and to learn the tips and tricks that will improve your massage techniques.
Join Marie and special guest Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka, co-founder of Black Breastfeeding Week, co-editor of Free to Breastfeed: Voices from Black Mothers, program associate with MomsRising.org, and graduate student in the Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program at Yale University for a discussion of breastfeeding promotion and culture. Discuss the important role of social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and personal narratives in reaching new mothers with breastfeeding messages, and reflect upon the nature of Black Breastfeeding Week. How can we support mothers in overcoming barriers to breastfeeding? Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
What sort of breastfeeding support do today’s families need? How can we engage the whole family in breastfeeding support? What role can fathers have in caring for their family when the infant is breastfed, and how can we support them in embracing this role? How can health care providers make a difference? Join Marie and special guest V. Kuroji Patrick, illustrator of “This Milk Tastes Good!” (written by Chenniah Patrick) and breastfeeding advocate, for a discussion of paternal involvement, and breastfeeding support and promotion in all communities. How can fathers’ involvement help to overcome breastfeeding challenges many families face? Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
Join Marie and special guest Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA, for a discussion of particular issues common to mothers employed outside the home. Ms. Mohrbacher, breastfeeding reporter and lactation consultant, is the author of Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple as well as the smartphone app “Breastfeeding Solutions.” Here, she talks with Marie about barriers and problems such as too-short maternity leave, overfeeding of the baby by daycare workers, and more. Find out about the desired length of maternity leave, and how to overcome problems that may arise as a result of work-hour separation of mother and child. Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
World Breastfeeding Week is the perfect time to celebrate mothers and breastfeeding, and the role of supportive resources in achieving breastfeeding goals! This year we tip our hats to La Leche League International, a longtime leader in mother-to-mother breastfeeding support—and Marian Tompson, one of the seven Chicago-area women who founded the pioneering breastfeeding group. La Leche League International celebrated its 50th anniversary a few years ago, and as an organization it continues going strong, working to support breastfeeding for generations of mothers! Join Marie and special guest Marian Tompson, a LLL founder and breastfeeding advocate, for a discussion of LLL and breastfeeding support through the ages--how it began, what it has done, and where it is going.
It's a major barrier many mother encounter at one point or another: the lack of airport accommodations for breastfeeding or pumping. You're on the go, flying for work or pleasure, with or without your baby. Before you know it, it's time to feed your little one, or pump the milk he'll need upon your return. The airport staff points you to the bathroom, but that's just gross, wet, germy, and unpleasant. Do you skip emptying your breasts and accept the risks of engorgement, mastitis, and flagging milk supply? Do you bust out your pump in the passenger waiting area? What can airports do to better accommodate women who are traveling with their pumps? Special guests for this podcast include blogger Jeremy Blachman (How One Trip to the Airport Made Me a Feminist on medium.com), his wife Nina, Director of Aviation Gene Richards (Burlington International Airport), and lactation station developer Sascha Mayer (Mamava).
Join Marie and special guest Carrie Andrews, Minority Leader of the Monroe County (NY) Legislature for a discussion of breastfeeding as a public health initiative in need of employee support. Rep. Andrews recently filed legislation to establish a county policy that most buildings “owned, leased or operated by the county to designate a room where mothers can breastfeed or pump breast milk” that is available to both employees and visitors and has a door with a lock on the inside, a chair, a flat surface such as a table, disinfectant wipes, and an electrical outlet. Such a proposal goes above and beyond what’s required under state law but Andrews believes that setting aside a lactation room is achievable in most situations, and desirable in all cases, due to the public health benefits for mothers and children. For more about the Monroe County legislation, see this http://roc.democratandchronicle.com/assets/pdf/A2221865618.PDF
Throughout history, mothers with an abundance of milk have shared it with those in need. Although aggressive marketing by the infant formula industry has convinced many that the artificial product is more convenient than and at least as good as human milk, research continues to prove otherwise. However, while the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) continues to add member milk banks, the need for human milk across the continent and the globe outpaces their ability to provide it. The human babies need human milk ... [a] free-flowing resource ... to survive led Emma Kwasnica to develop a global informal milksharing network known as HM4HB, to connect modern families in relationships of milksharing so that babies' needs can be met. Listen as Emma and Marie discuss the benefits and risks of informal milk sharing. Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during the show or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
“Guinness Book of World Records” may seem like a funny sort of place to find the words “breast milk,” but the recordkeeping organization recently drew attention to babies’ need for donor milk when it recognized a U.S. mother for “donating the most breast milk ever.” Amelia Boomker, Java developer and mother of four, was recognized for pumping and donating nearly 483 liters of breast milk to the Indiana Mother’s Milk Bank between 2008 and 2013! Still, many women do not know that breast milk banks exist, and far too much breast milk ends up being discarded each year. Why should mothers contribute pumped breast milk to milk banks? What is the process for donating? Who receives the milk? What should mothers look for in a milk bank? Find out all about milk banking as Marie discusses the topic with world’s record holding milk donor Amelia Boomker and president of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), Kim Updegrove.
Like other aspects of parenting, breastfeeding is dynamic. It changes over time. The newborn phase of 8 to 12 feedings in each 24-hour cycle doesn’t last forever (even if it may feel interminable during the first sleep-deprived days after baby’s birth!) What can mothers and fathers expect in terms of the child’s feeding and feeding-related needs and behaviors over time? How does breastfeeding continue to support the child over time? What are some of the typical challenges of a full-length breastfeeding relationship, from the first feeding through weaning? And why should you continue, anyway? Join Marie Biancuzzo and special guest Linda J. Smith for a discussion of the joys and struggles shared by many mothers who breastfeed from the newborn phase through the toddler years. Every experience is unique, but there are universal themes that are sure to resonate with all breastfeeding mothers. Questions? Call 866-472-5792 during this live show, or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
As many parents know, music can soothe the savage beast—and baby. Fortunately for today’s parents, the music in the nursery doesn’t have to be just “ABC” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” The Laurie Berkner Band has been a leader in performing and recording “kindie rock” for children in the preschool generation; their latest album, Lullabies, is perfect for the infant and toddler set. Listen as Marie talks with Laurie about the band’s new album and the role of music in supporting child development, as well as educating, stimulating curiosity, and calming and soothing young children. Comparing Laurie Berkner to Mr. Rogers, the Los Angeles Times credits her with “respect[ing], reassur[ing], and validat[ing] young children”—one might say that in providing palatable music, Berkner respects, reassures, validates—and soothes—parents, too.
If breastfeeding seems to you to be “women’s work,” you may want to think again. Although it’s true that “mother’s milk” is produced in the woman’s body, author and public health advocate James Akre encourages us to think of breastfeeding as the responsibility of the entire society. From a conceptual perspective, breastfeeding is a useful indicator of how society nurtures—or fails to nurture—its young. Do health professionals play a positive role? Does the community support nursing mothers? Do employers offer good maternity leave to get breastfeeding on track? Do neighbors encourage breastfeeding mothers to meet their babies’ needs in public, or shame them to keep it behind closed doors? How do fathers support their partners in breastfeeding? Why should it matter to dads if their babies are breastfed, and what can they do to help? Join Marie and James for a discussion of breastfeeding, and what it reveals about our communities, families—and the role everyone can share in advocating for breastfeeding.
Although recent changes in federal employment law are supposed to support breastfeeding mothers who work outside the home, the reality is that many still face a host of challenges in the workplace. Balancing paid work and breastfeeding is not easy. Take it from Judy Masucci, PhD. Formerly a biotech executive, Judy left her successful career in that competitive field to develop A Mother’s Boutique, a resource for new mothers in need of breastfeeding wear, support, and breast pumps. This scientist-turned-“bra whisperer” has hard-earned experience on topics such as breastfeeding, breastfeeding wear, and breast pumping. What do mothers need to know when choosing a nursing bra? How can they plan ahead for postpartum needs before their baby is born? What is a virtual bra-fitting? Why is a good fitting bra especially important for the breastfeeding mother—and her baby? Join Marie and Judy for discussion of bras, breastfeeding, and work-life balance.
Are you wondering whether chiropractic care might help your baby with a health problem or condition? Join Marie Biancuzzo and special guest Dr. Mike Poulin for discussion about chiropractic care for children. What is it like? How can it help conditions like torticollis, in which the infant’s head becomes persistently turned to one side? What can your child’s health care provider do to diagnose a baby with torticollis, and which members of the health care team can help treat the problem? What sort of follow up may be needed, and what can parents do at home? How does this condition affect all aspects of the infant’s life? Marie and Dr. Mike also talk about chiropractic care for pregnant women. If you want to learn more, be sure to tune in to this episode.
For many new parents, the first year brings a kind of stress they haven’t experienced before. Here is a little baby, relying on you for his every need--a little baby who cannot communicate what he needs with words but must do so through crying and body language. Baby’s ok, and so are you—or you will be, once you figure out how to deal with this new stress and get some well-deserved rest. Hypnotherapy can draw on your inner resources to help. And then there are the breastfeeding care providers. Whether preparing for the IBLCE exam that will launch their career or engaged in the day-to-day clinical care of breastfeeding mothers and babies, their work can bring stress or even anxiety. Hypnotherapy can help here, too. Listen as Marie talks with internationally recognized clinical hypnotherapist Max Kirsten (www.maxkirsten.com) about how self-help strategies can help new parents and providers face the challenges they encounter.
Join Marie as she talks with award-winning science and parenting writer Dia L. Michels about her newly-rereleased If My Mom Were a Platypus: Mammal Babies and Their Mothers, and the role of children’s books in supporting breastfeeding families. Learn about breastfeeding in nature and find out what we can learn about infant feeding from our fellow mammals. Are there differences between human breastfeeding and the lactation habits of other mammals? Do children’s books that portray lactation help normalize this for kids (and adults)? What are the benefits of such books for families? Tune in for a celebration of mothers, and their efforts to meet their babies’ most basic needs. For questions, e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime. Free download of this and other “Born to be Breastfed” podcasts are available on iTunes and Stitcher.
Of all the breastfeeding gear you might encounter, it's a sure bet that none is more controversial than the nipple shield. One recent review article by McKechnie and Eglash concludes that available research does not provide evidence for safety or effectiveness--and yet nipple shields remain very common in the U.S., used by mothers who are said to have flat nipples, or those whose babies seem to need help latching onto the breast. However, nipple shields do not come without their problems. Use of nipple shields should be carefully planned and monitored. This episode will touch upon what you need to know about nipple shields. When can they be a help? When a hindrance? What are some signs that a mother might benefit from their use? When should they not be recommended? How should they be used--and how should use be stopped? This is a must listen show for expectant mothers, breastfeeding mothers, and those who care for them.
Fewer than half of all adolescent mothers ever breastfeed their babies. Lack of knowledge is one reason why—they don’t know why to breastfeed, or they don’t know how to do so. Some think they just can’t do it. But physiologically, they can. Efforts to support adolescent mothers in learning about babies and feeding must be developmentally appropriate and non-threatening, addressing issues that tend to be higher concern for teen moms than older mothers, including body image, peer pressure, social acceptance, sexuality, and independence. How can we best help adolescents accept their new role of “mother” in a way that is supportive of breastfeeding? What issues need clarification? What help can we provide to get this new mother-baby dyad off to the best start? What approaches are best, and how should we deliver the information? How can we engage in the mother during the prenatal period and support her through the hospital stay—and beyond? For questions, e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
You’ve heard the term “baby-friendly hospital,” but do you know what it means? You may be aware that there are “ten steps” or criteria that hospitals must do in order to be considered “baby-friendly” and supportive of breastfeeding. Do you know what they are? And do you know the truths about them? Tune in as Marie reflects on her experience as a nurse and past president of Baby-Friendly USA to explain the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, and delve into how it can be an asset not just for newborns but also their parents and hospital staff. From policy development and staff training through prenatal counseling and postpartum education, rooming-in and breastfeeding on-demand through breastfeeding support, pacifiers, formula supplementation, and more Marie explains the truth of Baby-Friendly efforts in a show that will benefit families and health care providers alike. For questions, e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
Not every breastfeeding journey is a smooth one. Some mothers find themselves floundering and quit. Some may temporarily interrupt breastfeeding due to a medical directive. Any of these women may want to—and be able to—reestablish a milk supply and resume breastfeeding after a period of days, weeks, or even months. Listen as Marie talks about relactation with special guest, nurse and dietitan Chris Jepson, RN, RD. Having breastfed her first child, Ms. Jepson wanted to breastfeed her second, adopted baby. So she set upon the path of relactation, to restart a milk supply 18 months after weaning her first child. How is breastfeeding different for the mother who must relactate in order to provide her milk for her child? Why do some mothers choose to relactate? What steps can help the mom initiate lactation? What strategies are most effective? For questions, e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
As your baby grows and changes over time, so too does your breastfeeding experience. Breastfeeding a one-year-old child is very different from breastfeeding a newborn. Join Marie Biancuzzo for a discussion of what you can expect from your breastfeeding journey, from the first day through the first year and beyond. Marie will talk about the stages of growth in breastfeeding through the first twelve months, highlighting those areas that figure prominently in your baby’s behaviors, needs, and capabilities. This show will touch upon physical growth, social and emotional development, and nutritional factors related to changes in your baby’s breastfeeding overtime. How does breastfeeding meet your baby’s needs throughout the first year? How do feeding cues change over time? How will teething affect breastfeeding? How will you know your baby is ready to begin complementary foods?
Mothers of healthy, full-term infants can tell you about the challenges and barriers they sometimes face in breastfeeding. (We talk about them on this show every week!) But mothers of children born early, ill, or with a health condition face additional challenges for which they are seldom—if ever—prepared. Join host Marie Biancuzzo and special guests Anna Jaworski, Nancy Sands, and Amy Gerrish Bennett for discussion of the particular challenges faced by mothers who breastfeed children with congenital heart defects. How is breastfeeding different for these mother-baby dyads? What sort of supports do the mothers need to succeed in meeting their breastfeeding goals? For questions, e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com anytime.
For most babies, the first 24 hours or so after birth tends to be pretty quiet. It's a time to rest. There's breastfeeding, of course. And diaper changes. But it's a lot of sleep, too. But the second night can be a whole different story. Cue the drama, as your baby realizes he's no longer in the comforting womb he's used to. Start the crying when he finds that the environment outside isn't as calm and reassuring as the one he knew inside. No, there are lights and noises, strangers and interruptions of all kinds. He'll recognize one thing, mom--you. Your smell, your voice, your breast are what this baby wants most, and he'll let you know--loud and clear--if you don't give it to him. It may sound dire, but don't worry. Baby's ok, and so are you. There are many things you can do to help your baby through this rough second night. Be prepared for the trials of second night syndrome-listen for strategies you can use to soothe your baby through his roughest night yet.
You’re frustrated! Your baby is crying. He has shown lots of signs that he’s hungry, but when you put him to your breast, he's just not eating. You know he needs to eat. You know you need to nurse him. But something is wrong, and he’s refusing to breastfeed. What can you, his mother, do? You try different approaches and different positions, and sometimes he does latch on, but then he doesn't suckle. What's going on?
Or maybe you're the health care provider, there to help. You're frustrated, too; there is very little in the professional literature to help with this situation. How can you support this mother and baby in figuring out this situation?
In either case, you realize that solving this problem is critical to the breastfeeding relationship of this baby and this mom. You can do it! Tune in to find out more about recognizing latch problems, identifying contributing factors, and implementing strategies to get the nursing dyad back on track to meet their breastfeeding goals.
Although the rate of U.S. babies still receiving breastmilk on their first birthday increased from 16 percent to 27 percent between 2000 and 2010, that's still just over a quarter of all babies born. But it highlights growing interest in the idea of child-led weaning as a physiologically and biologically normal process. Join host Marie Biancuzzo and guest U.K.-based Michelle Atkin (of confidentbreastfeeding.co.uk) to discuss issues related to child-led weaning and breastfeeding into toddlerhood, the preschool years, and beyond. (Note that while comparable data are not available for the U.K., we do know that only about one-third of U.K. babies are still breastfed at six months of age.) What are the differences between breastfeeding a newborn, an older baby, and a child? What support do breastfeeding mothers need? Consider your breastfeeding journey in the context of your child's growth and development as you tune in. Questions? Comments? E-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
Join Marie and special guest Mary Kay Smith, RN, IBCLC of Edward Hospital (Naperville, IL) for an episode focused on breast pumping to bottle-feed full-term babies whose mothers are not feeding them directly at the breast. Mothers may choose to pump for their full-term, healthy newborns and assume that getting the pumped milk is the same as getting the milk directly. Health care providers may question whether the research substantiates that idea. Factors such as inadequate breastfeeding instruction and support may contribute to the situation. How is feeding pumped mother’s milk different from feeding mother’s milk directly? Why do some mothers choose to bring their pump to the breast, rather than their baby? What can be done to support mothers in making informed infant feeding decisions? Questions or comments? Call 866-472-5792 during the show, or e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com at any time.
Although rates of breastfeeding are generally on the rise, new data show that rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration continue to be lower among black mothers than among those of other ethnic groups. Join host Marie Biancuzzo and special guest Kimberly Seals Allers for discussion of cultural norms, particular challenges, and ways of supporting black families in initiating and continuing breastfeeding. Find out about the possible influence of socioeconomic, cultural, and parenting perspectives. Learn how health care providers, public health advocates, media, family, employers, and community all contribute to the current situation—and how they can support positive change. For questions e-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com at any time.
U.S. moms know that maternity leave ends all too soon. It can feel like you've only just gotten used to your days at home with your newborn baby and figured out how to breastfeed him when you have to figure out your return to the workplace. The transition can raise a host of questions and concerns. The good news: You don't need to quit breastfeeding your baby. You can handle the issues that arise. More good news: You don't need to do this alone. Join host Marie Biancuzzo to bust common myths about how impossible it is to breastfeed while working outside the home. Find out the truth about what supplies you'll need, how you can store your milk, when to start pumping your milk, and giving a bottle to your baby. Make sure you're ready for the next step in your breastfeeding journey. If you have questions, Marie has answers. E-mail radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
Meeting your baby's nutritional needs from your own body may seem intimidating and even demanding. Maybe that's why, although nearly 77% of babies are ever breastfed, only about 49% are still breastfed at six months (and only 38% are exclusively breastfed then). You've probably heard some reasons why mothers can't breastfeed their babies; odds are high most of these reasons simply aren't true. Join Marie Biancuzzo to bust the myths and find out the realities about topics such as: nutrition while breastfeeding, small breasts and milk supply, medications, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, anxiety, breast shape, bottle-feeding, and more. Learn what you need to know to feel confident about your ability to breastfeed your baby.
For better or worse, our feelings are linked to appearance. When you think you look good, you feel better: more confident, more satisfied, and happier. What are some aspects of a mother’s appearance that might impact her happiness with breastfeeding? What can moms do so they can have the look they want, while feeling good, and breastfeeding—or continuing to breastfeed—their babies? Join Marie for a frank discussion on “look good, feel good” issues, including: leaking milk; health and beauty products, like haircolor and perms; nipple piercing; tattoos; breast surgeries, like implants and reductions. Find out how you can take steps to feel good about how you look while still meeting your baby’s nutritional needs. Questions are always welcome at radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
Did you ever wonder how your body makes milk? What are the stages of mammary development, and how do they prepare your body for feeding the baby in your arms? What has happened over the course of your lifetime until now that supports the “super power” of your milk makers? What is the milk you make like, and how does it change over time? Knowing the physiological changes a mother’s body goes through—beginning long before she is a mother—can help us feel more confident about our ability to transition from pregnant body to lactating body and meet our babies’ needs. Join Marie Biancuzzo to learn about your body’s milk-making ability and how you can support your baby’s needs. This show is pre-recorded, but questions are always welcome at radio@breastfeedingoutlook.com
Caring for a baby can be a daunting task for any parents, but it can be especially so for parents whose babies arrive a bit earlier, a bit smaller, a bit more vulnerable than expected. Medical knowledge about the particular needs and challenges of preterm babies has grown in recent years. If your baby arrives preterm, at 32, 33, 34 weeks of gestation, you’ll want to be familiar with the top ten myths you may hear during his hospitalization. Consider: Can preterm babies feed at the breast? Do they need to take a bottle? What feeding options are possible? Do they need formula supplementation? How about fortifiers? How should their nutritional needs best be met? What can parents do to get their preterm babies off to the best possible start? Join Marie Biancuzzo to bust the myths and find out what you need to know about caring for your preemie.
It’s been almost two weeks since we turned the pages of our calendar to the new year. Some of us have already abandoned our newly-made resolutions, while others are starting to question whether they might have bitten off more than they could chew. One goal we hope you haven’t given up is breastfeeding your baby. Join Marie for strategies to establish breastfeeding goals that support your health and your baby. Consider: How long will you breastfeed? How do you plan for that? What factors should you consider when setting your goals? What challenges might you face? What steps can help you achieve your goals? Listen in for effective tips and strategies that you can use to overcome common barriers and meet your personal breastfeeding goals. Email radio@borntobebreastfed.com anytime, and be sure to tune in for this episode.
Today, the vast majority of U.S. births occur in hospitals, under the vigilant care of nurses, doctors, and other health care providers. In this setting, a host of interventions are often used, including IV fluids, epidurals, anesthesia, pitocin, vitamin K, weighing, measuring, and more. Each of these many steps can affect the mother, child, and breastfeeding. Parents and providers need to understand the connections between specific interventions and breastfeeding outcomes, and work together to support the new family from the start. Understanding of evidence-based practices leads to informed decisions during your baby’s birth. Listen for Marie’s tips for identifying and avoiding unnecessary birth practices, as well as overcoming challenges that result from any interventions that do occur. Have a question about your experience, or what you can expect? E-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com anytime or call 866-472-5792 during the show.
The birth of your baby is a rare experience, and one that should be exciting, energizing, and peaceful. For too many modern mothers, it is a busy time involving a host of nurses, doctors, and others bustling about the labor and delivery room. It may seem crazy to suggest intentionally adding another person to the scene—but there’s one person you’ll definitely want to have at your baby’s birth: your doula. Doulas can provide essential support at this important time, not only helping you feel better emotionally but improving birth outcomes, too! Learn about how doula support during birth lowers the risk of epidural and cesarean section, leading to better health outcomes and breastfeeding for mothers and baby. Listen in as Marie talks with Teresa Bailey, CD, IBCLC, doula and co-coordinator with Pittsburgh-based “Hearts and Hands Doula Services” and author (with Jan Mallak) of “Doulas’ Guide to Birthing Your Way.”
From moments after birth, a newborn baby searches the strange new environment for his mother’s breast. There, he will gain nutrition—essential, but not the whole story. He also receives comfort, warmth, physiological support, and love and emotional bonding. After about nine months of nurturing the baby inside her body, the mother now nurtures him outside of it—through embraces and diaper changes, baths and play, and feedings. This season of love, light, and giving reminds of the gift that is breastfeeding. Tune in for discussion of breastfeeding a gift from mother to child (hopefully with her partner’s support), and the impact of this gift not only on the baby but also on the mother, family, and community. Listen in, and call or e-mail radio@borntobebreastfed.com with your thoughts on this important topic. As you exchange gifts this season, take a moment to celebrate one of the most amazing gifts you give your baby: breastfeeding.
Past breast and/or nipple surgery can pose particular challenges to breastfeeding, but most mothers are still able to breastfeed. It’s important, though, to be prepared. Surgery may have an impact the ability to develop a full milk supply. The baby may need to be supplemented while the mother takes steps to maximize her milk production. The first two weeks are particularly key for a mother breastfeeding after surgery; listen to find out why. Tune in for discussion of key topics and tips, including pumping, changes in milk supply, defining success, and supplementing in breastfeeding-supportive ways with host Marie Biancuzzo and special guest expert Diana West, author of Defining Your Own Success: Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery and co-author of The Breastfeeding Mother’s Guide to Making More Milk, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (8th edition), and Sweet Sleep: Nighttime and Naptime Strategies for the Breastfeeding Family.
After the first few days, you begin to settle into new parenthood. Between feedings and diaper changes, you’ve had some time to get used to the new baby in your family, to figure out his needs, and to find out ways to communicate with him. But still you’re adjusting. You wonder what you can expect as you reach the ten-day mark. Tune in for discussion of milk production at this point in breastfeeding, as well as changes in your baby’s appetite and milk consumption, stooling, growth, and feeding cues. We’ll talk about differences you can expect to see in your baby from one week ago, as well as other possible challenges you might be facing: end of postpartum care (e.g., doula, family support), return to routines, rigors of pumping, and more. Coping can be hard, and many mothers give up breastfeeding at the ten day mark. Your baby was born to be breastfed; listen for information and strategies that will help you over the ten-day bump.
During pregnancy, you’re focused on your baby’s arrival. There’s little time to think about afterwards, about your first days as a mother with a new baby in your arms, relying on you. What will your body be like in the early postpartum days? What will your breasts be like? What can you expect from your baby, in terms of behavior, feeding, sleeping, and diaper output? What strategies can you take to make these first days easier for your new family? What tips can help make each breastfeeding session somewhat easier for you both? How can you make sure that the help of friends and relatives really is more of a help than a hindrance? If you have an older child at home, what can you do to make this transition the best it can be for the new big sibling, too? What if there are sore nipples, latch problems, unresolved jaundice, or other problems? Tune in for discussion of what you can expect from your body, your baby, and your family during the first few days home.
From Thanksgiving through the New Year, the holidays seem to come with a host of demands that clamor for our attention. From the cooking and baking to shopping and visiting … the parties that can’t be missed and the celebrations that must be attended … it’s a lot any year! But, of course, there are also the needs of your baby. When you have a little one to care for at this time of year, the holidays can seem overwhelming. Before you finalize your Thanksgiving plans, make sure to join Marie for a show that will give you the essential tips you need to survive the holiday season. Is traveling on your agenda? Will you be breastfeeding in public, or among extended family, for the first time? Do you need strategies to deflect not-so-helpful opinions of relatives you’ll see? Or to help a baby who may be thrown off by the commotion? Tune in for the strategies that will help you not only survive but actually enjoy and continue breastfeeding through this holiday season.
We’ve all heard it said that “you are what you eat.” The food we take in affects our health and our well-being, our sense of energy and how we feel. For the breastfeeding mother, it can sometimes seem that the baby, too, is affected deeply by her diet. How does food really affect the mother’s milk? What does it mean if the color or smell of the milk changes? How do these changes affect the baby’s food preferences? What’s the truth about the many foods that are said to be problematic for breastfeeding moms and babies, like vegetables, spicy foods, honey, caffeine (chocolate!) and alcohol? What about potential allergens, such as cow’s milk protein, peanuts and nuts? Do we need to keep these items off of our plates during our breastfeeding phase? What symptoms might a baby experience, and what can we do to help? Join Marie Biancuzzo to bust the myths and find out the truth about the likely culprits in the American breastfeeding mother’s diet.
If breastfeeding one newborn seems a challenge, think about the mother with two newborns, three newborns—or more! Juggling the babies, positioning them at the breast, pumping to meet their needs, and parenting them in the NICU if they are born preterm all make for an entirely different kind of “breastfeeding dance” than that experienced by the mother of one. What do expectant mothers of multiple babies need to know about breastfeeding their babies? What steps are essential to establishing a strong milk supply in the early days and maintaining it throughout the breastfeeding journey? Join Marie Biancuzzo as she discusses the ins and outs of breastfeeding twins, triplets, and more with expert Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, author of the essential resource on this topic: “Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding and Caring for Twins or More.” Learn to identify the particular challenges of mothering multiple babies at once, and identify strategies for supporting the mother and overcoming the challenges.
As an expectant parent waiting for your baby's arrival, it can be hard to imagine what parenting a newborn will be like. You want to be prepared to meet your baby's needs. But what will it be like day to day (even hour to hour)? What do you need to know to ensure your baby nurses well? How does breastfeeding even work? What can you do to make sure you start on the right path? As a new parent with your baby in your arms, breastfeeding may seem different from what you expected. Maybe it has been easy from the start, not as hard as other mothers suggested. Maybe it felt natural at first, but has changed. Maybe it’s taking a little while for you, or your baby, to get the knack. Breastfeeding isn’t a stable course; it’s a dynamic, changing journey. No matter where you are on the path, Marie’s lucky seven top strategies for breastfeeding success can help you figure out how to keep moving forward. If you want to meet your breastfeeding goals, listen in for these essential breastfeeding tips.
Mammary glands--a.k.a. breasts--are so important to the survival of the species that biologist Carolus Linnaeus put them front and center in choosing the name mammals for our class of animals long ago. It's true that breasts are specially designed to produce that life-giving fluid: milk! The lactating mother can serve as her infant's sole source of nutrition and immunologic support. After giving birth, physiologic changes cause the mother's breasts to produce milk, but that doesn't mean it's always easy. From start to end, the journey of breastfeeding can have challenges. Join Marie to find out more about how breastfeeding works--and what you can do if you experience difficulties to get back on the right path.
It’s a fact of life: breasts change their shape during pregnancy. As a woman’s body expands to hold the growing life within, so too do her breasts typically expand to accommodate what it takes to feed the baby to come. If the girls in your mirror are much larger than they used to be, it may be hard to imagine how breastfeeding is going to work. But it can; breast size or shape is not a factor in success. As you settle in with your baby, you'll want to know about good breastfeeding positions, body image, and what to look for in a good, supportive bra that meets all of your lifestyle needs. Join Marie and special guest Robin Williams, MA, JD, IBCLC of Bosom Buddies, for discussion of the ways breast shape can change during pregnancy and lactation, the physical challenges faced by mothers with large breasts, and strategies to ensure breastfeeding success, regardless of breast shape. Tune in to hear Marie’s top 5 tips for the big-breasted nursing mother.
Women can breastfeed successfully after cesarean section delivery—and many do. (In truly stellar hospitals, some mothers can even breastfeed before leaving the OR.) However, mothers getting started breastfeeding after cesarean face concerns that mothers who have delivered their babies vaginally tend not to experience, such as: post-op pain, pain management, post-cesarean restrictions, babies with lots of mucous, lack of bacterial colonization of babies’ gut, and—of course—“lift nothing heavier than the baby.” That’s just the tip of the iceberg. How do you breastfeed your baby—who was, have no doubt, born to be breastfed—when you are heading from cesarean delivery? How can moms best prepare for breastfeeding success after a scheduled c-section, and what strategies can help overcome the challenges after any c-section? Join Marie to find out.
Although we often think of breastfeeding as a one-on-one experience, breastfeeding has gained attention as a public health imperative. The United States ranks approximately 35th in infant mortality, and breastfeeding has been identified as a central means for improving that statistic. This show will help listeners to recognize some major national and international health initiatives about breastfeeding that are important for mothers, infants, and societies. Dr. Miriam Labbok, Professor of the Practice of Public Health and Director of the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute (CGBI) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will be our guest.