World Breastfeeding Week

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) has designated August 1st through 7th as World Breastfeeding Week. I fully support this campaign to drive awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. There is simply nothing you can do that is better for you – or your baby – than nurse.

Dr Jack Newman, a well-respected Canadian breastfeeding authority (and father of several breastfed children) talks frequently about the benefits of breastfeeding and the downsides of formula. One issue that he speaks out on is that many parents think formula and breastmilk are pretty much the same. “Not true!” says Newman. “Fundamentally, formulas are inexact copies based on outdated and incomplete knowledge of what breastmilk is. Formulas contain no antibodies, no living cells, no enzymes, no hormones. They contain much more aluminum, manganese, cadmium, lead and iron than breastmilk.” Newman goes on to point out that every time a formula company adds a substance which is already in breastmilk, it is suddenly called an advance. Rather than getting excited, we should realize that each trumpeted advance simply shows how far behind formula really is.

There are significant health benefits for both mother and child when baby nurses. The US Surgeon General says that mothers who nurse reduce their incidence of a whole host of diseases, including both breast and ovarian cancers. This alone should inspire women! Breast cancer is a significant health issue, with one in 10 women facing the disease. If you can reduce your chances of getting it, why wouldn’t you?

The fact that babies benefit from breastfeeding is well documented. It’s not just closeness with mom (although most babies would cite this first, if they could talk), it’s also about avoiding ear infections, stomach viruses, diarrhea, respiratory infections, atopic dermatitis, asthma, obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes (which shows that breastfeeding affects health for the long term), childhood leukemia and even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In other words, if you want a healthy child, breastfeed.

The trick to breastfeeding – especially if you are going to do it for 2 years, as recommended by the World Health Organization – is to get yourself some good nursing bras. Don’t just get functional bras – get pretty ones! I suspect it’s the idea that we are not sexy when we are nursing that stops many women from continuing. But you don’t have to look like a cow in order to nurse your little one.

If you check out the Bare Necessities site, you’ll find the Anita Underwire Nursing Bra. It’s fabulous – a softly molded up and pretty champagne color ensure that mom remembers that she’s a woman first. Want some pretty lace detailing? Check out the Le Mystere Florence Underwire Nursing Bra. It has that strong Le Mystere attention to femininity.

Another personal favorite is the Bella Materna Contour Nursing Bra. It’s smooth microfiber that helps keep mom cool. It also comes in black, which is one of those colors that just isn’t associated with nursing!

If you love Elle McPherson Intimates, you’ll love the Maternelle Maturnity Bra. This one is very pretty with scalloped lace trim and smooth stretch microfiber. Leave it to Elle McPherson to ensure that a woman can still express herself (no pun intended): you can buy this bra in 5 colors, including jewel pink and lilac.

Sources: NBCI.ca; WABA.com; WomensHealth.gov; Examiner.com; World Health Organization