The BRC Blog

Why do health groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) say to nurse for at least a year? And why is it that so few women are doing it? We keep hearing it over and over. Breast is best… breast is best. Sometimes I think this message of “breast is best” is kind of lame and doesn’t really tell the whole story. When it comes to our health, do we always do what’s best? Is everyone eating their recommended daily allowance of vegetables? Are we all eating organic? Are we exercising ½ hour every day? Let’s see, while typing this I just scarfed down a small package of cookies. Why aren’t we doing the best thing for our nutrition and health? Because, we’re not perfect. I feel like new mothers are thinking… well, breastmilk is the BEST, but formula is good enough. This, I believe, is one of the reasons moms don’t nurse or stop early.  More

Can you picture this conversation in a doctor’s office?  More

I’ve been a lactation consultant for 13 years. I love my work and I’m proud of it. I take special care to treat each mother in a non-judgmental way. Part of the reason I am so careful about this is because I hate being labeled as a lactavist or a breastfeeding fanatic and have even heard people use the term “Breastfeeding Nazi” when talking about lactation consultants. Nor would I ever want to be described as “pushy.” All I ever wanted to do was help mothers reach their breastfeeding goals. I’d like to share a story with you and then ask, “Who are the true pushy advocates?” More

When I was breastfeeding my own children, I felt like I had an awareness of what was socially acceptable. When nursing in public, I usually would turn and hide us while my baby latched. I didn’t want people to see my breast anymore than they did! Once baby was latched, I pulled my shirt down to reduce skin exposure and happily nursed. As they got older and more curious, my babies pulled off if they heard or saw something interesting, but I was quick to grab my shirt and tug it down appropriately. Now, as a lactation consultant, people have said to me “Well it’s fine to nurse in public as long as you’re not one of those women who flashes EVERYTHING!” I thought to myself… Who are these women? I’ve never seen them and I hang around A LOT of nursing mothers. I decided to ask friends and neighbors if they’ve seen any of these women who “flash”. No one could recollect a time where a crazed breastfeeding mother was flashing.  My husband assured me that if there were a lot of women out there doing this, he would have surely noticed. He has a kind of radar for these things! More