Want to know what the laws in your state are regarding breastfeeding? This website is a great resource, and has current information by state and law-type. I was surprised to find out that the state I live in, Pennsylvania, has no laws supporting women’s need to pump or nurse at work.
Many women are covered under the Affordable Care Act for pumping at work, but this act doesn’t cover salaried workers. Until the federal government extends this law for all women (unlikely, any time soon at least) it is worth knowing what your local laws are, and advocating for more supportive ones.
This is a great resource! The National Library of Medicine is a very trustworthy. Often times pediatricians don’t know a lot about breastfeeding-safe medications. So while I’d definitely recommend confirming safety of anything on this database with your pediatrician, I’d also reach out to a IBCLC certified lactation consultant to be doubly (triply!) sure.
littlebandcompany:
I was perusing the internet in search of answers. I found this website which I hope gives pretty good information about what happens when taking medications.
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT
I cannot verify the veracity of the claims, but it’s at least a starting point. I…
Online and in person I count myself as a big breastfeeding advocate. I had a lot of trouble nursing with my son early on, but had the good fortune of an amazing lactation consultant, great support from my friends, and just some good luck. That said, one of my biggest memories during my early days as a mom was hearing a new mom friend tell of her struggle giving up nursing in order to effectively treat post-partum depression. The shame she felt when making the decision to take care of herself (so she could take care of her baby) wasn’t something anyone should have to go through.
My friend, Laura Moser, faced a similar challenge (though for entirely different reasons) and illustrates the difficulty of this decision so nicely in her latest blog posting on babble. While I know that I am just like the annoying, “lactivist”, more organic-than-thou moms that tortured her, this piece is a compelling reminder that even with the best support breastfeeding does not work out for everyone. No one should be shamed for trying to take care of their child as best they can.
Not surprisingly, breastfeeding may have an impact on behavioral development. Note that the researchers count breastfeeding as at least four months of nursing. That’s actually not very long! I’d be curious to see how the results break down for kids who were nursed longer.
Great list of breastfeeding products and advice on whether you *really* need them. I’ll echo babylunastar: for working moms double electric breast pumps are a MUST!
babylunastar:
I will say: Thank God for the invention of double electric breast pumps!
babygooroo:
Breastfeeding Products-Take ‘Em Or Leave ‘Em?
by Melissa Clark Vickers
Store shelves and baby registries are filled with “must-have” breastfeeding products. But, are they really necessary? We review the top 10 most commonly purchased breastfeeding products.
http://bit.ly/bfproducts
As a “cooking hobbyist” —as my coworkers call me—I loved making my own baby food. That said, I’m also a huge breastfeeding advocate. So, when I read about this alternative approach to starting infants on solids, I was intrigued. It definitely gives me something to think about for kid #2 (whenever that happens.) Has anyone out there tried this? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
