Here is a reminder that the new Rhode Island law protecting breastfeeding in public takes effect today, March 1, 2009. This law is in addition to the existing Rhode Island laws excluding breastfeeding mothers from disorderly conduct laws, and requiring employers to provide a safe, private place to breastfeed or pump.
The entire text of the enacted bill reads:
23-13.5-1. Breastfeeding in public places. – A woman may feed her child by bottle or breast in any place open to the public.
23-13.5-2. Remedies. – In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may:
(1) Afford injunctive relief against any …read more

Are you participating in the Nestle-Free Week starting today, October 4, 2008? For more on the why and how of the Nestle Boycott and Nestle-Free Week in particular, visit Baby Milk Action’s Nestle-Free Week planning page.

There is still plenty of time to sign up for the Breastfeeding Challenge 2008! So far there are 105 sites registered in five different countries (Canada, United States, France, Cyprus, and Luxembourg). Reminder details:
The Quintessence Foundation plans the 8th annual Breastfeeding Challenge, scheduled this year for October 11, 2008. Basically it’s a friendly competition to promote breastfeeding:
This fun event is a challenge for which geographic area (province, state or territory) has the most breastfeeding babies, as a percentage of the birthrate, “latched on” at 11am local time.
Last year’s event involved 5,383 babies at 230 sites across Canada and the United …read more

In breastfeeding terminology, a baby’s “frenulum” is the membrane that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A short frenulum is called tongue-tie (technically, “ankyloglossia”), and tongue-tie can interfere with successful breastfeeding. There remains controversy among medical and lactation professionals about whether or not a short frenulum should be surgically clipped.
For more information on tongue-tie, see:
~ AskDrSears.com
~ DrGreene.com
~ Kellymom.com

From The Breastfeeding Answer Book:
Caused by postpartum hemorrhage so severe that the blood loss irreversibly damages the pituitary gland, Sheehan’s syndrome can cause breastfeeding failure. Other symptoms include loss of pubic and underarm hair, inability to tolerate cold, low blood pressure, and atrophy of vaginal tissue, as well as subsequent infertility.
p. 569. For more see:
~ Birthsource.com
~ “Infant Insufficient Milk Syndrome Associated with Maternal Postpartum Hemorrhage” (abstract) from the Journal of Human Lactation

Reverse cycle nursing or “reverse cycling” is when the baby nurses more during the evening hours and less frequently during the day. Sometimes this is a frustrating side effect of a baby having his days and nights mixed up, but other times a mother purposely nurses her baby more often during the evening and overnight hours so that the baby sleeps more and requires less milk during the day while the mother is at work or school. For tips on handling reverse cycling, see Kellymom.com.

By Dao Hodac

Vasospasm is a constricting of the blood vessels in the nipple. Due to poor latch and compression of the nipple by the baby, vasospasm causes the nipple to turn white (and possibly then blue and then red) and results in throbbing, stabbing or burning pain. Vasospasm is also associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon (a sudden narrowing of the arteries). For resources on vasospasm, see:
~ “Nipple blanching and vasospasm” by Kellymom.com
~ “Seeking Relief,” NEW BEGINNINGS
~ “Brrrr…ouch! It’s the season for Raynaud’s” at the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog
~ “Treatment for Raynaud’s” by Dr. Jack Newman

By: Qole Pejorian

Baby Milk Action is planning Nestle-Free Week surrounding this coming October 4, 2008. For more on the why, when and how of the Nestle Boycott and Nestle-Free Week in particular, visit Baby Milk Action’s Nestle-Free Week planning page.