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September 10th, 2010 by admin
 Goidellick Designs is a tiny family run business. We run our business from our remote farm cottage in the Highlands of Scotland.
We have three children who are educated at home. We decided to start up our own business to allow us to be at home with the children. We wanted this business to reflect our values and opinions. We are enthusiastic about breastfeeding, home education and environmental issues. Through these interests we came up with our range of shirts and bags.
We’re now running a busy household full of children and cats and trying to promote our business too.
http://www.goidellick.toucansurf.com/goidellickdesigns/gd_bm_shirts.htm
September 9th, 2010 by admin
 Dear Aunty Lactivist,
There has been some discussion at an ante-natal group I attend about the merits of Vitamin K and how best to administer it to babies.
Given fears about the injection potentially causing a leukaemia risk, there is some support for an oral dose administered through formula feed, as Vitamin K deficiency-related illness tends to mainly affect breastfeeding mothers.
Please can Aunty Lactivist weigh in with some facts and figures?
Kind regards,
Anonymous
Aunty Lactivist is all of us so if you can help the person who wrote the question, if you have links to research, have read anything useful or have opinions you want to share on the matter please use this space.
Lisa
September 9th, 2010 by admin
 I’m really pleased that Lactivist t-shirts are now available in Norway! The shop Ammebutikken stocks them, along side all sorts of interesting looking things.
Here is the site translated through google, for those of you, who like me cannot read Norwegian!
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=no&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ammebutikken.no%2F
September 9th, 2010 by admin
I would like to start up Aunty Lactivist and ask Lactivist readers to become agony aunts and help people with breastfeeding problems.
The idea is that we take one problem, say ‘my baby won’t sleep through the night and people say formula will help’ then Lactivist readers can comment and try to help. I know for a fact that some of you are Breastfeeding Peer Supporters and Lactation Consultants so we could theoretically have a good mixture of professional help and personal experience.
What do you think?
If you have a problem you’d like discussed you can email me at moomum@lactivist.co.uk and I can post it anon for you.
Lisa
September 9th, 2010 by Dispelling Breastfeeding Myths
There are many myths surrounding breastfeeding and to be honest they’re all pretty unhelpful… One of the ones you hear most often though, is that breastfeeding your baby will make your boobs saggy.
In light of the unhelpful & (IMO) highly misleading article in closer magazine by Dr Christian Jessen I thought it might be a good idea to set the record straight (again).
In one online survey, half of the young women (aged 18-25) polled said they had no intention of breastfeeding, and 32% stated that their reason for making such a decision was that they didn’t want to develop saggy breasts.
Regardless of the rights and wrongs of such a decision, anyone aiming to encourage women to breastfeed needs to take such figures seriously.
Last year in England and Wales there were nearly 700,000 births. If the above poll is in any way representative, last year something in the region of 350,000 mothers (around half) may have chosen not to breastfeed.
A belief that breastfeeding would adversely affect their figures may therefore have prevented over 200,000 mothers from breastfeeding their babies in England and Wales alone*. *(Until further research is undertaken these figures are purely speculation on my part, however they are based on a large survey of over 1,000 women).
Setting aside for a moment the range of other issues which influence a woman’s decision concerning how she feeds her baby, these statistics are horrifying because they show a huge degree of ignorance when it comes to the facts.
Thousands of women choose never to start breastfeeding because of a myth – they may as well believe the earth is flat.
IT’S SIMPLY NOT TRUE.
Last year thousands and thousands of babies were denied the protection of breast milk and breastfeeding. Not because their mothers weren’t adequately supported (which is so often the case), but actually because their mothers believed a lie.
Who told these women breastfeeding would make their breast sag? Their mothers? Partners? Friends? Doctors?
It’s incredible in the C21st, but this myth is so virulent that despite scientific evidence to the contrary, people still believe it.
So here’s the truth.
Breastfeeding doesn’t make your boobs sag.
Here are the facts on breast sagging (breast-ptosis) and why it happens:
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The majority of women undergo some breast changes during pregnancy. These changes include breast enlargement, increased blood flow, the development of small lumps (‘Montgomery’s tubercles’) on the areola. These changes happen so as to prepare the breasts for breastfeeding a baby after birth.
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In the days and hours following birth, the breasts begin to make milk. This will happen whether you intend to breastfeed or not. A few days after birth the milk (usually) ‘comes in’ and many women experience some engorgement. Their breasts become full and the skin may feel tight and stretched, (breastfeeding is a great treatment for this). ;)
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If you don’t breastfeed, the breasts gradually stop producing milk and the engorgement subsides on it’s own as the body realises no milk is required. The milk-making machinery then shrinks back in a process called ‘breast involution’. The skin (which has been stretched as explained above) may or may not ‘snap back’ into shape.
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If a woman smokes, this can affect the ability of her skin to recover from changes (such as those brought on by pregnancy). This is because smoking reduces the levels of collagen and elastin in the body.
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If you lose a lot of weight, your skin may struggle to shrink back once the fat has gone – this can leave your breasts looking ‘empty’. Again, the supporting ligaments may have been stretched in the past.
Breastfeeding helps the body to recover from the changes of pregnancy because it helps the uterus to return to it’s pre-pregnancy size. It also uses up additional calories and therefore assists in post-pregnancy weight loss.
Take a look around you. Can you honestly say you can tell from looking which of the mothers you see out and about have breast-fed? Can you tell if their impressive cleavage is down to a good bra, a set of chicken fillets, good genes, a good surgeon or a breast full of milk?
Didn’t think so.
Here’s the science bit:
*http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19083576
*http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2004.tb02935.x/abstract
September 8th, 2010 by admin
Please would you let me know what browser you are using, I am trying to fix it. Thank you!
Lisa
September 8th, 2010 by admin
 The lovely people from Family Friendly Working have a draw for a Boppy breastfeeding pillow that ends today at 2.45.
All you have to do is comment on the page here:
http://www.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk/2010/08/27/win-a-boppy-breastfeeding-pillow/
September 8th, 2010 by admin
Should Breastfeeding Be Taught In Elementary School?
From http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2010/09/07/should-breastfeeding-be-taught-in-elementary-school/
Posted by ceridwen on September 7th, 2010 at 8:42 am Here’s how it should go: As a part of the basic biology curriculum, children are taught about breastfeeding. How the milk comes in. What’s in it. How it helps the baby. Students see pictures of women of multiple ethnicities breastfeeding. There’s a homework assignment and several questions on a test. Twenty or thirty years later these kids, now fully grown new parents, may not even remember Ms. Morris’ biology class, but there might just be one less mental hurdle to breastfeeding.
The website Nursing Freedom ran a piece last week called, “Why Children Should Witness Breastfeeding in Public.” Here’s a line I liked:
“We need to make nursing in public so boring, so quotidian, that it garners no more of a glance or second thought than seeing someone drinking a coffee or hugging a friend in public.”
I read this on Friday and over the weekend kept thinking about public breastfeeding. Usually this issue comes up when some ignorant manager of a mediocre eatery stupidly asks a nursing mother to cover up and then has to endure all kinds of grief, including being read to from state laws concerning breastfeeding in public and/or local press coverage of a “nurse in” in which a posse of breastfeeders show up and breastfeed in front of or inside the establishment.
I support a woman’s choice to breastfeed in public. If breastfeeding is kept out of sight, no one sees it. No one sees it and it’s mysterious. It’s mysterious and people feel weird about breastfeeding. And on the feedback loop goes. More exposure would make the sight of breastfeeding “boring.” Or normal.
But then I saw a new mom in the park nursing under a kind of nursing tent/cover-all. It was a pretty cool-looking gizmo and propped up so that the baby could nurse privately without a blanket literally plastered over his or her face. I thought about the feedback loop and wondered whether this mother should just toss this fancy tent aside to help the rest of us get over our baggage.
Then I thought back to when I first had my baby.
I was quite engorged and it wasn’t the hot kind of engorged, the fake boob kind. It was the, Wow, how’s your back doing? kind. I won’t tell you the cup size, but let’s just say many people I do tell had no idea that size even existed. My over-supply meant that milk would often squirt out all over the minute I started unfastening things. The idea of doing all of this in public– as much as I supported the idea in theory– was hard.
After a few months when I’d gotten it all down, I nursed at friends’ houses, in restaurants and parks discreetly and without much fuss or a blanket. But at first I felt like this was all nobody’s business. I also felt a little cranky about the situation. Why do I have to change attitudes about public breastfeeding?? It’s hard enough learning all these new things. Do I have to change public opinion at the same time?
This is how I came to the breastfeeding in school concept. If Bill Maher and others had seen breastfeeding when they were kids, and been taught that it’s a normal part of life, like digesting or breathing, maybe there wouldn’t be so many snickers. Get to the kids before they get to the giggling stage– teaching teens about breastfeeding is also a great idea but by then too much squeamishness has settled in. The sooner the better.
September 8th, 2010 by admin
“I am a nearly 37 year old mum with two children (Connor nearly 4 and Katie nearly 2). I gave up teaching in a primary school (which I loved) so I could look after my son and haven’t looked back. Although money is tight, my husband and I are content with our lifestyle choice which is just as well as we are going to home educate our littlies and so won’t be bringing in much money any time soon. 
I like being creative, when I get the time, and I am not looking after children, cats, dogs or chickens. I enjoy cooking/baking, making jams and chutneys, making ring slings and clothes, making cards and my latest Sok Doodes. Sok Doodes were sock dolls that I made for my children but after I put photos on Facebook, I had lots of friends and family asking me to make them all kinds of creatures. My midwife loved them and asked if I could make a breastfeeding doll and I accepted the challenge as it was something that I had wondered about in the past myself and so Boobee Mamma was born!
As I posted the orginal photos on Facebook, a friend suggested I make a toddler as well as a baby so she could be a tandem feeding doll. Already she has created a lot of discussion at a family party and if I don’t get the opportunity to feed my daughter in my efforts to normalise breastfeeding (which to be honest, happen fairly regularly ) then at least I have something else to help the cause!
Boobee Mammas can be found on Facebook as well as my website www.lil-treasure.co.uk. If anybody wants to buy a Boobee Mamma, they can contact me through Facebook or email: boobeemamma@littleave.freeserve.co.uk
Tracey”
September 7th, 2010 by Bundle Jungle
The Bundle Jungle are pleased to announce that their charity auction in aid of Cheshire and North wales human milk bank is officially open for bids!
Items on offer include:
- Lactivist T-Shirts
- Modern cloth nappies from cheeks and cherries, Issy Bear, Fluff and Stuff and many more.
- Chambers and Beau charm bracelet
- Professional Photoshoot with Penny Wincer (London Area)
- Holden’s Landing Nappy and Knittybugz Wool Collaboration
- Designer maternity clothes
- Designer baby clothes
- SO much more!
All items start at just 99 pence with NO RESERVE. Come on over to The Bundle Jungle pregnancy and parenting forum now, sign up for your FREE account and get bidding! It’s all for a great cause and there are some serious bargains to be had.
Elle
www.TheBundleJungle.com
By admin, on July 6th, 2010
http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/pregnancy-childbirth/breastfeeding
Relax about breastfeeding and help your baby feed – FREE
Download Breastfeeding Relaxation FREE – our support for Breastfeeding Week 2010
Breastfeeding your baby is so healthy and is such an excellent start to ensuring he or she builds a good immune system. There are so many plus points for breastfeeding. But, of course, when you are the one doing it; breastfeeding can be difficult and tiring which is why having a powerful sense of the massive health benefits for your baby is going to be so valuable as a motivator. Hypnosis is an excellent tool for building positive intention and motivation.
Mind, body and milk
Your milk production and release is reliant on both physiological and psychological factors. Stress and the daily grind of looking after other children or continuing to work can effect your milk production. So how your mind is will affect how well your body works. Fortunately hypnosis is a great way of encouraging just the right breastfeeding mindset.
There are many research studies indicating that breast fed baby’s are protected from a large array of childhood diseases and have better brain development. (1)
It also seems that women who breast feed are at lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and even hip fractures in later life.
So breastfeeding is a health win/win for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding and relaxation
Deep and regular relaxation means your system is going to be functioning closer to its best to ensure you are best placed to breast feed.
Keeping a positive attitude is important as is feeling calm and relaxed during feeding. It’s totally understandable to sometimes have gloomy thoughts about being a mother because it is a lot of work. This is why it’s important to consider that you can be an excellent loving mother and sometimes feel resentful or ‘tied’ to your baby.
It’s important to understand just the extent that relaxation and having the right unconsciously held mind set can help in your breast feeding. Hypnosis is the perfect way for you to instill a relaxed and comfortable association with feeding your baby.
Click on the link at the bottom of this page to get the download for free until the end of World Breastfeeding Week on the 7th August 2010. Or you can buy it and donate the money to charity.
http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/pregnancy-childbirth/breastfeeding
By admin, on February 24th, 2010
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360232006765&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:GB:1123
I’m not paid to promote anything on here, I only do it for things I think are good, and this is a very good relaxation cd for children. Actually, it is very good for adults too which is why I was listening to it and nodding off to sleep and happy dreams last night. The background music is like listening to waves played on a piano and her voice has a gentle welsh inflection.
She does another children’s one about a magic carpet ride and I will get that one soon too.
This is the blurb on ebay where the cd is being sold:
“Help your child have a peaceful night’s sleep.
Children very often have their own little worries and fears, which prevent them from falling asleep at night.
This CD takes your child into a magic playground, and you will find that he or she will soon drift off to sleep, while listening to the gentle motherly voice, and the calm soothing background music on this bedtime CD
I have used this many times with my own grandchildren. It never fails.
This CD has been prepared for children from the age of 7, but it is also suitable for adults who are young at heart.
***********************************
My name is Marion Davies, and I am a fully qualified hypnotherapist. I have a diploma in hypnotherapy and I am a member of the Association of Ethical and Professional Hypnotherapists. I am also a Reiki Master/Teacher.
My cds are NOT copies of other people’s recordings, but they are carefully prepared, recorded and manufactured by me, and are supplied in jewel cases. Each cd is based on a tried and tested therapy session, which has been used successfully with my personal clients.”
By admin, on August 5th, 2009
From http://www.mc2blog.com/womens-health/pregnancy-birth/meditation-breastfeeding-easier/
When someone observes a woman who is breastfeeding they might think something, to themselves, like geesh that seems so easy to do. It seems like a totally easy and natural process yet this is not always the case. After a couple of weeks it often gets much easier but the first couple of weeks can be a bear. Don’t give up there are some things you can do to help you get over this 2 week hump.
There is no better way to feed your baby than giving it breast milk. It is made specifically for your baby and cannot be replaced by commercial formulas. Babies who are breast fed normally get sick less often and are generally healthier. It is also interesting to know that, according to studies, babies that are breast fed have higher IQ’s when they start in school.
If you are having some trouble getting everything right with your breastfeeding then you should try this meditation technique. What you do is relax and lay back in a comfortable chair (such as a Lazy Boy) or on a huge pile of pillows and put your feet up. Make sure you do this when your baby isn’t in a sour mood or hungry. Now, hold your baby right up against your heart. Relax and close your eyes. Start taking deep breaths in and out. In your mind make a picture of the two of you surrounded by a warm yellow glow. You are now one being. Notice the feeling of your baby against you. Feel his/her breathing. Match the rate of your baby’s breathing to your own. This should be at the rate of about 4 baby breaths to one of yours. Pick a number that feels comfortable to you. Continue with this and keep the rhythym until it feels like you and your baby are in perfect harmony. The same as when your baby was still inside you.
Something else you can do along the way to help become closer to your baby is stay in ‘touch’ with them. I mean that literally. Bring your baby into your daily meditation practices. As he or she is sleeping take it’s hand and rest it on your own upturned palm. Accept all of it’s beautiful baby energy into your own energy. In return send him/her back multitude’s of your own loving energy. Think about things like your babies potential and the bond the two of you share. As your baby ages allow it to join in your regular meditation practices. If your baby gets in the habit of meditating with you maybe someday it will take up meditation on it’s own. What better gift could you possibly give to a child?
By admin, on July 9th, 2008
It’s weird how relaxing it can be to lie there while someone waves your leg in the air. Some years ago I started having Shiatsu sessions to compensate myself for the particularly awful job I was in, it was the usual kind of thing, too much responsibility and not enough money. I’d shuffle in to my session on a Friday afternoon, with a brain full of bitchiness and bickering and an hour later I’d float out, completely empty headed. Fabulous!
Yoga is relaxing, so is Tai Chi but they both require active participation, you actually have to move your body and concentrate on what is going on so you don’t fall over. Shiatsu, however requires you to do nothing, your job is to flop your limbs and let someone else do the work. The word Shiatsu means pressure with fingers, though in a session a practitioner can use their feet, palms, elbows, thumbs, fingers or arms to release trapped vital energy or Ki. It’s the same sort of principal as acupuncture without the spiky things. You lie fully clothed, on a futon in a dimly lit room, to be prodded, stretched and freed from tension.
Shiatsu was great throughout my pregnancy, it kept me supple and suppressed my morning sickness. A month before the birth my lovely Shiatsu lady trained my bloke to use key pressure points to help me in labour. When he said casually ‘this is supposed to open your cervix’ all my cynicism and scepticism vanished, it worked, and it worked fast. I had a relatively quick, drug free birth and instead of feeling in the way, my bloke played an active part in the great occasion. I still have regular Shiatsu sessions, now to mend a back that aches from hefting a seven month old limpet boy around, to straighten shoulders slumped from breastfeeding him and to alleviate the stress of sleep deprivation.
After Shiatsu I feel more comfortable in my body. I feel as if all my bones are in the right place and my mind is no longer a trap for useless niggles. I drift dreamily home and I am a nice person for at least 24 hours afterwards.
copyright Lisa Cole www.lactivist.co.uk 2005
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