In addition to the report of yet another breastfeeding discrimination incident that I discussed here, three stories caught my eye today.
. Tanya at the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog presents some timely news for World AIDS Day. The World Health Organization announced big changes in the breastfeeding recommendation for HIV-positive mothers in developing countries. In general, HIV-positive mothers are advised to feed their babies breast milk substitutes only if it is “acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe.” If such feeding is not acceptable, feasible, affordable and safe, then mothers in developing countries were formerly advised to breastfeed exclusively for the first six …read more

The news in 2009 highlighted several benefits of breastfeeding for both breastfeeding mothers themselves and their nurslings. Here are some of the top stories:
1. Heart health for breastfeeding mothers. A study of 140,000 post-menopausal women revealed several heart health benefits of breastfeeding. Women who breastfed their babies had lower incidence of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Women who breastfed for seven months or more were significantly less likely to develop heart disease. Women who breastfed for a cumulative 12 months or more in their lifetimes had a 10% lower incidence of heart attack, stroke, or heart disease later …read more

~ La Leche League co-founder Betty Wagner Spandikow passed away last weekend. She served as Executive Director of LLL for many years, and I was particularly impressed by this about her:
Betty initiated flex hours and a family-friendly workplace in the ’60s, long before they became the popular perks they are today. Business hours at the La Leche League International office were set to allow mothers to be home with their children after school. Betty’s ideas about work teams and home offices were also far ahead of their time.
Keep in mind that year-end donations to LLL are being matched by …read more