Milk needed for babies in Haiti & the U.S.

It feels like we're all looking for ways to help the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. If you're a nursing mama with an abundant supply, now there's a tangible way for you to help: donate breastmilk.

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) issued an urgent call earlier this week for human milk donations for premature infants in Haiti, as well as for sick and premature infants in the United States.

Following this news, an e-mail from Twin Cities' Dr. Amy Johnson-Grass landed in my inbox:

"Health Foundations Family Health & Birth Center has partnered with the Ohio Milk Bank (a HMBANA milk bank) and is a breast milk donor collection site. We are the only HMBANA, a non-profit, collection site in the State of Minnesota. If you or moms you know would like to donate breast milk they can call our office at 651.895.2520 or visit our website at www.health-foundations.com (look for Donate Breast Milk button on the main page) to learn how to become a donor! After being approved, women can drop off their milk at the Center and it is flown by Angel Flight (a volunteer non-profit organization) to the Ohio Milk Bank monthly. As well as being a breast milk donation site, we have a small supply of donor milk available for moms in need and can order larger quantities directly from the milk bank if needed."

This week the first shipment of human milk from mothers in the U.S. will be shipped to the U.S. Navy ship Comfort stationed outside Haiti. Comfort is currently set up with a neonatal intensive care unit and medical personnel to provide urgent care to victims of the earthquake.

Thanks for all you do, mamas, whether it's donating milk, money, or sending healing energy out into the world!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Working mamas: How keep up breastfeeding?

A HealthDay article recently pointed out a study that proved what most of us already know: returning to work too soon after your baby is born makes successful breastfeeding more difficult. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, showed that moms who returned to work after six weeks or less are three times as likely to quit breastfeeding.

Why bother keeping it up when formula is so readily available, some might ask? For one, exclusive breastfeeding improves protection against many diseases, including bacterial meningitis, diarrhea, and ear infections. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women breastfeed exclusively (meaning no water, other liquids or solid foods) for six months and continue breastfeeding for at least the infant's first year of life.

If you're a working mom who breastfeeds your baby, how have you made it work? We — and other moms — would love to hear your tips!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Healthy mamas, healthy babies

I read a disconcerting story the other day about the high number of chemicals babies are exposed to prenatally. Unfortunately, it's impossible to avoid these chemicals entirely, but there are ways to minimize your baby's exposure, according to Alexandra Zissu, author of The Complete Organic Pregnancy.

Zissu advises that you start by cutting back on or eliminating canned food, since cans may be lined with chemically-enhanced water-resistant coatings that include BPA. Getting rid of any pots and pots with Teflon or non-stick coatings, and switching to stainless steel or cast iron cookware is another healthy choice. Other options: resist microwaving your food in plastic, choose all-natural cleaning products (you'd be surprised what a bit of vinegar and water can do), and stick to 100 percent cotton materials that aren't treated with flame-resistant chemicals.

Whew! That's a lot to think about, I know. Your baby will thank you, for any small changes, both now and once baby is born, since those chemicals have been shown to pass into breastmilk as well.

For more information about the Environmental Working Group's cord blood report or a similar report by the Washington Toxics Coalition, read the full story at The Daily Green. EWG also has a very helpful website called Skin Deep that shows you which beauty products are safest (and which aren't).

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

News Flash: Nursing moms to the gym!

It's not easy to carve out time to pump iron when you're a mom of little ones. New research, however, says it's especially important to work out if you're a nursing mother.

While breastfeeding, women transfer around 200 milligrams of calcium per day from their own stores to their breast milk. (Hurrah for healthy babies!) According to recent research published in a journal called Medicine & Science in Sports, exercise can help decrease bone loss while you're giving all those yummy nutrients to your baby. The prescription? A combination of strength training and aerobic exercise for three days a week. (Take advantage of the childcare at Blooma and come for a Yoga For You class, or show up together for BYOB—Bring Your Own Baby yoga, which I teach on Saturdays with Jamee Yung!) Read more about the study here.

Naturally, exercise will also help you feel better all the way around, from more restful sleep to creating a more clear mind.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Breastfeeding for the working mama: Jan. 17, 2009

The decision to breastfeed is a great one, but it can feel overwhelming & complicated for the working mom. Enlightened Mama is here to help! Through fun activities and group discussions, we'll cover pumps, when to start building up a supply of milk for your baby, strategies to integrate pumping into your workday, and how to maintain that special bond with your baby when you're home. Partners are invited to attend as well for no additional charge. Cost: $50 per mother Saturday, January 17, 2009 2-4:30pm Register (click, then scroll down)

Breastfeeding, beginning and beyond: Jan. 24, 2009

So you may have a really good idea how to establish breastfeeding, but what happens after the first few weeks? How does breastfeeding change as baby grows? The American Academy of Pediatrics states that babies should ideally receive only breast milk for the first 6 months of life with age-appropriate foods added after that time. We'll give you the information and strategies that you need to feel confident and successful in your goal to breastfeed 6, 9, 12 months and beyond! Partners are encouraged to attend for no additional charge.

2-4:30 pm
Saturday, January 24, 2009
$50 per mom

Register (click, then scroll down)

World Breastfeeding Week: Aug. 1-7

This is World Breastfeeding Week!

Locally, Minnesota's World Breastfeeding Day event is Sunday August 10th at 4pm at Lone Lake Park in Minnetonka. The La Leche League of Eden Pairie and Richfield/Bloomington are hosting a family potluck in honor of World Breastfeeding Week. For details, contact Jennifer LLLJenMN@gmail. com. From the international stage, check out these breastfeeding videos and pictures.

Have your own beautiful breastfeeding photo to share? Send it to Blooma & we'll put together a slideshow here on the blog!