Inside This Issue
National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign - Page 2
Effects of Exercise on Lactation - Page 3
Breastfeeding in a Contaminated World - Page 4
By Christine Betzold, NP, IBCLC, MSN
Have you ever heard of an all natural remedy that contains more than hundreds of
ingredients? Have you heard of a substance that is capable of immunizing all
children everywhere on earth? If not, then read and learn about it below.
ACUTE AND CHRONIC ILLNESSES
This natural remedy can actually reduce a host of acute and chronic illnesses. Moreover, when used correctly, this is a highly effective substance which can lower the rate of some acute illness by as much as 70%-80%. It also lessens their severity. Chronic disorders that this special substance has lessened the severity of include, allergies, asthma, muscular sclerosis, dental problems and inflammatory bowel disorders (likecolitis). Another illness this medicine has been found to prevent is childhood diabetes. Use of this remedy exclusively for three to four months can potentially decrease our current rate of diabetes by almost 30%.
OBESITY AND HEART DISEASE
When used for a year, it has been found to decrease the rate of obesity in children by 75%.
Prevention of hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease are also being studied as a possible benefit.
NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER BENEFITS
It is a great source of iron and other vitamins. The fatty acids in this substance have been strongly linked to higher IQs in children. Unlike other products that produce these fatty acids from genetically engineered microscopic algae, this product makes them from an all natural source. Thirdly, a little more than two cups of this fluid provide 100% of a child's Vitamin C requirements. It is inexpensive, environmentally sound, convenient, and completely non-allergenic.
CANCER PREVENTION
Other substances contained in this natural remedy have been found to kill many types of cancer cells and can even reduce childhood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. In order to bestow these benefits, it is most effective if used exclusively for six months.
continued on page 4
By Karen Peters, MBA, RD, IBCLC, Executive Director
Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles
The Untied States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women's Health (OWH) has been funded to carry out the recommendations of the HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding (http://www.4woman.gov/Breastfeeding/bf.cfm?page=233) into the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign to promote breastfeeding among first-time parents who would not normally breastfeed their babies. The overall goal of the campaign is to increase the proportion of mothers who breastfeed their babies in the early postpartum period to 75% and those at six months to 50% by the year 2010 (Healthy People 2010 Goals). The campaign aims to empower women to commit to breastfeeding and to clearly illustrate the consequences of not breastfeeding. The campaign will also stress the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
Campaign Components
Media Outreach Campaign
As a part of the National breastfeeding Awareness Campaign, a comprehensive three-year media campaign will be launched. The Ad Council has selected the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign for official sponsorship. The Ad Council is a private, nonprofit organization that marshals volunteers from advertising and communications industries, media facilities, and business and nonprofit resources to deliver critical messages to the American public. The Ad Council produces, distributes, and promotes thousands of public service campaigns on behalf of nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Ad Council campaigns include "Smoky the Bear" and "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk."
The campaign will employ state-of-the-art communication techniques through a variety of channels and strategies such as public service announcements (television and radio), bus stop posters, billboards, and educational pamphlets. Articles will be submitted to community newspapers, parenting magazines, women's magazines, and Web sites.
Community Based Demonstration Projects
The Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles is one of the 18 Community Based Demonstration Projects (CDPs) throughout the country that will work in coordination with the OWH and the Ad Council to implement the campaign at the local level. The Task Force will answer emails and assist callers with questions and concerns about breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding Helpline (888) 278-6455 is answered in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information is available 24 hours a day on the Web at www.breastfeedla.org.
The Task Force will also be training health care providers and outreach workers. A series of workshops: "Breastfeed: It's Too Important Not To" will be held this fall throughout Los Angeles County. See the Task Force Website's Upcoming Seminars section at (http://www.breastfeedingtaskforla.org/seminars/upseminars.htm).
Focus Group Research
In preparation for the campaign, extensive marketing research was conducted. Thirty six focus groups around the county showed that the similarities of views about breastfeeding outweighed the differences. Low breastfeeding rates are not necessarily due to lack of awareness. Many people appeared knowledgeable about the benefits of breastfeeding. However, many see formula as the standard or norm in feeding a baby. Breastfeeding is seen as having "added benefits" or like "adding vitamins to a standard diet." Perhaps this is because breastfeeding is discussed in the mainstream culture: "If you choose to breastfeed..." or "Benefits of breastfeeding include...." Breastfeeding advocates have done a good job of making people aware of breastfeeding.
This government campaign is focused not on awareness, but on changing people's behaviors. The language will be reframed to "If you do not breastfeed, your child is more at risk for childhood cancers, diabetes, ear infections, obesity..." People will see that there are consequences associated with not breastfeeding.
How long should the baby be breastfed? When asked, the focus group participants' answers spanned two months to two years. This campaign will consistently clarify that babies should be breastfed exclusively for six months. Breastfeeding advocates will add that babies should continue breastfeeding with complimentary foods until at least one year, and as long thereafter that mother and child desire. This is the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In addition, it was evident during the focus groups that mothers who breastfed were more confident and self-assured—characteristics that were not conveyed by formula-feeding mothers. There is a strong need to create a sense of personal empowerment so mothers feel more comfortable and committed to breastfeeding their children.
What Role Can You Play?
Breastfeed your children. Breastfeed where other women
can see you. Teach your children that breasts are meant to feed
babies
continued on page 5
By Mylène L. Paré and Nathalie Collard, Dietetics Interns, Isabel Simard, MS, RD, CLE and Laurence J. Obaid, MS, RD, CLE
Regular exercise offers many benefits for healthy adults including: preservation of lean muscle mass; reduced risk for chronic ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers; maintenance or improvement of self-esteem; better immune function; and weight control. Everyone will benefit from exercise, even nursing women. Postpartum women have been shown to have a reduced risk of postpartum depression and tend to better enjoy the postpartum period. Nonetheless, it is important that breastfeeding women be given information on the many effects of exercise on lactation.
Breastfeeding makes it easier to shed the extra pounds gained during pregnancy (1). The average weight loss related to breastfeeding is 1 to 2 pounds per week. Milk production usually requires between 500 to 1000 extra calories per day. Of course, patterns of weight loss may vary from one individual to another and whether a woman is exclusively breastfeeding or not. But, many women are eager to return to their pre-pregnancy weight and rely on diet and exercise to accomplish this faster. It becomes important to realize that it took 9 months to gain these extra pounds and one must be patient to get back to their original weight.
A breastfeeding woman who exercises regularly should keep track of her weight to be sure she is not losing weight too quickly. In fact, no more than 1 to 2 pounds per week is a safe rate of weight loss for lactating women (2). If losing weight too quickly is a concern, nursing women should be referred to a Registered Dietitian. Many studies have also demonstrated that breastfeeding mothers maintain lean muscles even if they do not exercise regularly compared to those who are not breastfeeding.
Most postpartum women can begin to do some exercises within twenty-four hours after delivery, and gradually increase their activity level thereafter. Their body needs time to recover from childbirth and to establish a good milk supply. If an episiotomy (Surgical incision of the perineum during childbirth to facilitate delivery) or a cesarean was performed, it may be necessary to wait until longer before undertaking any physical activities. It is important that all postpartum women consult with their physician before starting any type of physical activities (3).
Moderate physical activity should not affect the amount of breast milk produced or breast milk composition. Even 45 minutes of aerobic exercise five times weekly has not shown any adverse effect on maternal lactation or on the baby's feeding pattern (4). Physical activity has not been shown to affect nutrients (energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat), mineral and vitamins concentrations in breast milk. Mineral concentrations in breast milk are the same whether a breastfeeding mother is active or inactive during the postpartum period.
Moderate exercise has not been shown to affect the volume of milk produced nor does it affect the mother's ability to breastfeed. But exercising extraneously and/or extremely reducing caloric intake can affect a nursing woman's milk supply. Some studies have showed a reduction in milk production when energy expenditures are approximately 60% higher than caloric intake.
Alternatively, extremely strenuous exercise can change the taste of breast milk. Some babies may reject it, while others may have no problems. Flavor changes may be caused by the rise in lactic acid (substance produced during exercise and is harmless to the baby) concentration after extremely vigorous exercise, but disappears within approximately 90 minutes (5). Lactic acid levels are less likely to rise after moderate exercise. Studies have shown that concentrations of lactic acid in breast milk after exercising are unlikely to cause any problems to the baby. Lactic acid will not affect the baby's nutritional status. If the baby is affected by the taste, or the mother prefers her baby not consuming lactic acid, she can exercise immediately after nursing her baby. Moreover, her breasts are not as full and uncomfortable during exercise.
In conclusion, moderate exercise is beneficial for breastfeeding mothers if done gradually after she recovers from childbirth and her physician has approved it. Exercise appears to be safe while breastfeeding and does not affect milk production and the mother's ability to nurse when combined with an adequate caloric intake. Strenuous exercise may affect the taste of breast milk due to the rise in lactic acid. Exercising after nursing might be more beneficial to avoid any rejection of the breast milk by the baby due to its change in flavor.
REFERENCES
1. The Breastfeeding Answer Book. La Leche League International. 3th edition. January 2003; 446-449.
2. Megan A, McCrory. Aerobic Exercise During Lactation: Safe, Healthful, and Compatible. Journal of Human Lactation. May 2000; 16(2): 95-98.
3. Marvin. S. Eiger, M.D. and Sally Wenkes olds. Eating, exercising and your weight. The complete book of breastfeeding, 3th edition. January 1999, 148-152
4. Jan R, Auerbach K. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Maternal Nutrition During Lactation. 2th edition. 1999; 519-520
5. Breastfeeding and Exercise.
www.breastfeeding.com/reading_room/exercise.html
By Isabel Simard, MS , RD, CLE
Recently, the media has been addressing the fact that pollutants have been found in mothers' milk. So, many have been wondering if breastfeeding is still safe for their infant. The fact is that if a woman was to choose to offer artificial baby milk (formula), her child would not be protected against toxins. Both bottled and tap water have been found to be polluted. Furthermore, artificial baby milk has sometimes been shown to be contaminated with toxic metals, bacteria, phytoestrogens and other environmental toxins, causing it to be recalled by the manufacturer. I've never heard of breast milk being recalled! If we tested every infant in the world today, we would find toxins.
Breast milk contains the same chemicals that accumulate in a mother's body fat. Babies are exposed to these chemicals during pregnancy and until they are weaned. Experts say whatever exposure babies get through breast milk would be minor, compared with the impact of exposure in utero. Even though breastfed infants are exposed to chemicals, they have lower levels of childhood cancers and other illnesses believed to be linked to chemical exposure than infants fed artificial baby milk. Studies have shown that breastfed infants are less affected by chemicals than are babies fed artificial baby milk. Research shows nursing may help babies fight environmental contaminants.
No matter what we do, chemicals affect us all. They are found in the water we drink, the foods we eat and even in the air we breathe. Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) (flame retardants) are found in furniture, carpets, textile, computers, fax machines, coffee makers and even automobiles. Babies would be exposed to these chemicals even if they were not breastfeeding. They are absorbing these toxins through the skin, GI tract and via the air they breathe. A California law restricting the use of flame retardants (PBDEs) will go into effect in 2008. Even infants who are not breastfed, children and adults are exposed to the same pollutants found in breast milk. This means that we need to eliminate the pollutants from the environment, but not eliminate breastfeeding. The benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the risks of stopping breastfeeding, even when taking this into consideration. Breast milk contains substances that help the child develop a stronger immune system and other protections against environmental pollutants and pathogens. Breastfeeding appears to overcome some of the harmful effects of high fetal exposure to persistent chemicals. For more information, visit the Environmental Working Group at www.ewg.org/reports/mothersmilk/es.php.
Breastfeeding is still the best way to feed your infant!
continued from page 1
LEADING CAUSES OF INFANT DEATH
Another benefit is reduction of one of the leading causes of infant death—SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Infant death due to SIDS and pneumonia surpass that of accidents of any kind including car accidents. In fact, one study of over 20,000 infants found that using this substance even just once can lower the rate of infant death.
BENEFITS ESPECIALLY FOR MOTHERS
When used by mothers, this natural remedy can assist in weight loss and lowering cholesterol. It can reduce rates of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pregnancy and osteoporosis. The longer it is used the more successfully it lowers the rate of breast cancer. Additionally, the special mothering hormones that are released when using this substance enhance mood and can promote feelings of well being and relaxation.
AN ALL NATURAL POWERFUL REMEDY?
What is in this all mighty remedy to make it so powerful that it can reduce illness, infant death, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer? Does it sound too good to be true? Or you may ask, "If this is a real product, then why haven't I heard about this creation before?" Well the answers are simple. You have heard of it, many of you have used it, but most people just haven't and still don't realize its supreme power. So where can you obtain this all natural miracle remedy? Well, it's fairly easy to find, just visit any breastfeeding mother—it's grand old fashioned BREASTMILK.
References
1. American Academy of Family Physicians Policy Statement on Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding (Position Paper), 2002. Available from URL: http://www.aafp.org/x6633.xml
2. American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, Pediatrics 100: 1035-1039, 1997.
3. Chantry CJ, Howard CR, Auinger P: Breastfeeding Fully for Six Months vs. Four Months Decreases Risk of Respiratory Tract Infection. Abstract ABM NEWS and VIEWS 8: 20-21, 2002.
4. Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer: Breast cancer and breastfeeding: collaborative reanalysis of individual data from 47 epidemiological studies in 30 countries, including 50,302 women with breast cancer and 96,973 women without the disease. Lancet, 360(9328): 187-95, 2002.
5. Cunningham A S: Breast-feeding and
Morbidity in Industrialized Countries: an update.
In: Jelliffe DB & Jelliffe EFP. editors. Advances
in
continued on page 5
by Isabel Simard, MS, RD, CLE
Q. Where did you get your training to become a CLE? Why did you
decide to become a CLC and what were the requirements?
I then decided to become a CLC (Certified Lactation Consultant) and completed
the training at UC San Diego Extension. The requirements are stringent—needing
900-1500 hours of breastfeeding work, 500 hours of training at an accredited
program and hospital, internet research, case studies, article reviews, and lots of reading.
A. Breastfeeding promotion has always been a priority in my native country's health
program in Burma. It was an essential component of the training curriculum of
public health medical officers, field staff and
community volunteers. As a medical officer in the
public health nutrition department of the Ministry of Health, I encompassed
the role of project manager for the UNICEF Nutrition Programs for Burma. My main
focus was protecting the breastfeeding practices in Burma. Breastfeeding rates
were 95% in Burma, and especially high among low-income populations.
Q. Now that you are a CLC, what do you enjoy about it? How do you
help clients?
A. A CLC has the opportunity to observe mothers breastfeed, assess the
mother and baby dyad, review and follow up to ensure breastfeeding success. I am
gratified when a mom looks up and says
"Oh, it's not hurting now" or "Oh, she's
taking my breast now." I just wish I had more
time to focus on helping breastfeeding clients.
Q. What is the breastfeeding clinic?
A. The breastfeeding or lactation clinic is where clients come for one-on-one
interaction. More special equipment is used to help mothers succeed and there is
more time for assessment; it may take as long as 1 hour per dyad.
Q. Where should people call you if they want to refer WIC clients to
the Breastfeeding Clinic? Do you only accept WIC clients or also
County resident who are low income?
A. I may be reached at the Buena Park WIC clinic at 7342 W. Orangethorpe Avenue, Buena Park or through the BF hotline (714) 834-8363. All low income clients are eligible for this free service, but they need to call for an assessment and appointment.
National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign
continued from page 2
and that babies are meant to breastfeed. Talk to others about breastfeeding. Use the campaign to point out the risk of not breastfeeding. We all need to change how we speak about breastfeeding. Saying "breast is best" implies that formula is okay. We need to state that breastfeeding is the norm, the appropriate methods of feeding babies. Be sensitive about your language. Talk about the consequences of not breastfeeding that influenced you to choose to breastfeed and to stick with it.
continued from page 4
International Maternal and Child Health, Oxford: Oxford, 1981, University Press.
6. Forste R, Weiss J, Lippincott E: The Decision to Breastfeed in the United States: Does Race Matter? Pediatrics 108: 291-296, 2001.
7. Gerstein H C: Cow's milk exposure and type I diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care 17: 13-9, 1994.
8. Hertz, G S: The Little Green Book of Breastfeeding Management, ed, 3, York, 2001, Pocket Publications.
9. Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM: Breastfeeding: A guide for the medical profession, ed, 5, St. Louis, 1999, Mosby.
10. Moore TR: Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy, Available from URL: http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic3249.htm, 2002.
11. Mortenson EL , Michaelsen KF, Sanders SA, Reinisch JM: The Association Between Duration of Breastfeeding and Adult Intelligence, JAMA 287: 2365-2371, 2002.
12. UNICEF statement to the European Parliament Development and Co-operation Committee—Special meeting on standard setting by European enterprises in developing countries. The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and Subsequent Resolutions of the World Health Assembly, Available from URL: http://www.babymilkaction.org/press/press23nov00unicef.html, [cited 9/6/2003].
13. US Committee for UNICEF: The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative_USA. Available from URL: http://home.onemain.com/~ct1008688/bfusa.htm , rev. 01/2002, [cited 9/9/2003].
14. Deardorff, J. Breast vs. bottle takes new turn: By comparing new formula additives to mother's milk, companies mislead women, critics say. Chicago Tribune 2003 March 4. Available to purchase from URL: http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/index.html?ts=106314852
"To Make Breastfeeding a Cultural Norm"
In an effort to raise funds that will support our ongoing
and future activities the Orange County Breastfeeding
Coalition (OCBFC) is offering the opportunity for you to
purchase breastfeeding promotion items at www.Cafepress.com.
Most items will feature our World Breastfeeding Week graphic
along with the OCBFC name and/or this, "Breastfeeding...it's what
the world needs."
It's easy to support us:
1. Visit www.cafepress.com
2. Type OC Breastfeeding in the search box
3. Click on the OC Breastfeeding Coalition online.
A portion of the sales go back to the OCBFC
The Breastfeeding Times newsletter is published biannually by the Orange County
Nutrition Alert Coalition of the County of Orange
Health Care Agency, Nutrition Services Program.
It is intended to keep the public and consumers informed on reliable nutrition information. The coalition is dedicated to the promotion of optimal health and nutrition through consumer education and awareness.
Editor
Isabel Simard, MS, RD, CLE
Laurence J. obaid, MS, RD, CLE
Send Your Comments and Suggestions to:
Nutrition Services
Phone: (714) 834-7874
Fax: (714) 834-8028
Email: isimard@ochca.com
Pony: Building #50
Contact the Coalition
for more information at (714) 242-1633
Graphic Design and Layout produced by the
HCA Desktop Publishing Unit - a part of HCA
Public Information & Communications
DTP260
Published by the Orange County Nutrition Alert Coalition
County of Orange Health Care Agency
Public Health Division
Nutrition Services Program
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