A Step in the Right direction

Okay, so I didn't realize how long my post had gotten last night until I reread it today. Whew, I can get so long-winded.

Today was great though. I got in touch with the woman I met at the gym and was so pleasantly surprised to find out that she is not far from me at all, and the little room she is going to let me use is absolutely perfect! It's a teeny little room, so not going to be high in demand, and it's easy-peasy to schedule. We just write ourselves into the book on the door for about a week in advance. Arlene (that's her name) said that occasionally she'll give us a call and try to reschedule something but it's rare. I am so, so, so happy. It's such a hassle to call every day to schedule the conference room, and even though the scheduler of the room is very helpful, I feel like I'm putting her out.

I confess, I was tired of the hassle today and just decided to pump in the bathroom. For some reason, the perfect system that I was using before was a disaster today. The pump kept trying to fall off of the place I normally prop it, and the whole time I was trying to pump there were these girls cleaning/restocking the bathroom and yammering really loudly about themselves, their marital status and that weird noise. So.... I guess it serves me right for heading back to the bathroom after I'd determined not to pump there again. I'm such a weakling :)

I've talked to a few people about my 'project' and have gotten some good ideas, but also the idea that it's going to take a while to get anything done. I guess I knew that. However, I'm going to start keeping notes and compiling a list of whatever breastfeeding resources I do come accross. Eventually maybe I can be a help to someone.

Backing up a little...

I realized after my short post this morning that it made no sense. Sometimes I map out a post in my head when I'm driving, or at work, or otherwise occupied and then never actually get around to writing it. Actually that happens quite a bit. With that being the case though, it's amazing how many hours I have spent staring at the blank expanse of the "new post" window and wondering what the heck I should write about.

Anyway I had intended to write a post about work and the breastfeeding atmosphere this weekend but I never got around to it.

It's not that it's such a terrible environment. I would say I'm actually quite fortunate to work in such a flexible environment while breastfeeding. As long as I work 8 hours a day within a flexible timeframe, no one really questions me. I can take breaks to pump, and if my 'lunch' at the daycare runs late I can just work a few minutes extra to make up for it.

So, the issue is definitely not lack of time, and since that's probably the biggest issue that most working, pumping moms face, I know I'm fortunate. Insanely so. The issue though, is a lack of facilities and formal support. Aside from a memo that basically says moms who choose to breastfeed and pump should be given time to do so in accordance with the limited duty regulations etc. there is not an actual policy regarding accommodations and support. SO I've been calling around and uncovered absolutely nothing. The problem is this: I know that there are rooms where moms pump. One of the clinics actually has a pumping room complete with pumps, the moms just have to bring their own accessory kit. A woman I met at the gym said that there is a conference room that pumping moms can schedule a time to use.

So, the resources that do exist can't be found. I've decided to make it my mission to raise some awareness and hopefully get a formalized policy in place. I'd like to see a resource webpage as well as a designated point of contact, so that new moms, new employees who are new moms and moms who may be in an unfamiliar building can find what's available. How awful would it be to find out there was a resource available when you had been pumping in an icky bathroom stall?

I did pump in a bathroom stall the first several weeks I was on the job. It was easier than trying to forge a relationship with the woman down the hall who schedules the conference room. As a brand new employee I was intimidated and felt bad enough sneaking away from my desk. A couple of weeks ago I decided I was done pumping in the bathroom just based on principle. So, save a week and a half when I was in training where I did pump in the very nice bathroom lounge thingy, I've been calling to use the conference room and even using my boss's office since she is out of town. After she gets back I'll obviously have to find some other arrangements when the one conference room I have access to is booked. Thankfully I already have a couple of leads on some other rooms.

Obviously though, it's a never-ending process just to have a place to pump. And it's exhausting. And time consuming.

So anyway (picture my mental headshake as I try to recover from distraction for the millionth time), last week someone I met while pumping in the bathroom forwarded me an e-mail that went out asking managers to get feedback and provide information on whether the current breastfeeding situation is adequate or whether an official policy needs to be implemented. I don't know if it was sent to my chain of command but I couldn't resist sending a rather long-winded e-mail giving my two-cents and requesting more info. I got a nice e-mail back from the EEO lady today thanking me for my comments and saying she had added them to what she submitted. Good thing she was so nice about it... I was hoping I hadn't overstepped my bounds since she wasn't in my group. I'm still trying to figure out how that works.

Soo.... that's what's going on in my mind these days :)

Yay

I got a positive response from the EEO rep regarding my long e-mail about breastfeeding. All she is doing is passing it up the chain but it's still encouraging to find some people 'in my corner' on the issues and changes that need to be made in the workplace. I know that it could be way worse, and I really have it pretty great (as I sit in my bosses office pumping right now) but I want to raise awareness and support for all the mothers that may not have such fortune. More on this later...

TOOTH!

Ethan finally has the tooth he's been working on for what seems like months now. I was letting him chew on my finger earlier (sanitary, I know) when I felt its little rough edge in his lower gum. While my first thought was "it's about time!" I know that it's honestly a little on the early side for a tooth. Some babies don't get them until way later and he really has no need for it. But I'm glad it's here since it's been bothering him so much. Sunday night he was a regular bear on the way to take the girls back. Going and coming I had to stop and nurse him, even though he nursed right before we left, and while we were waiting for their mom to show up.

Now hopefully he won't decide to test out that new tooth on his favorite mommy.

I'm continually amazed by how quickly he's growing... It's awesome and scary all at the same time. I don't want my baby to be gone too quickly.

What socks are good for:

Yes, those are socks in his mouth. Yes, they just came off of his feet. It's impossible lately to keep socks on Ethan's feet so I've pretty much given up. He either pulls them off or kicks them off and he's very quick and efficient at either method. At least the weather is warm enough now. The last couple of days have been downright hot. I went to babies r us last night with Jaime to help her with her registry. I don't think I helped that much, but I did buy a rail for the bed so that I don't risk Ethan toppling over the side. Honestly I wish it wasn't quite so long... I have about 16 inches at the foot of the bed to crawl in and out... But I don't think the smaller one would have worked since our mattress is so tall. Regardless I can now sleep at night, and I'll be able to roll over. I've been sleeping on my right side for months =)

Ethan and I are chilling today. My training class had to be split up for an exercise, so I had the morning off. First thing he did was try to do a nose-dive off of the bed, but thankfully I managed to grab his ankle as he pitched forward. Even though disaster was averted, it scared the crap out of me. Since I don't foresee kicking him out of the bed right now, I'd probably better look into getting a rail that I can attach to the side. I'll check that out at Babies R us tonight.

I finally had time this morning to call the Mother's Milk Bank of North Texas to find out about donation. After a quick screening they agreed to send me the paperwork for blood tests and I'll be all set to drop my milk off. I have a huge amount of frozen milk right now...they asked for a commitment to donate at least 100 ounces. I could probably double that out of the freezer stash and keep going from there. :) I definitely plan to keep plenty around in case I need it for any reason, but this will ensure that none of it goes to waste. The milk is pasteurized and then sold through prescription for premature and other needy babies. Honestly, I don't like the idea of the milk being sold after it's processed, but I don't have a way to get it into needy hands on my own. What's most important is that it will still be going to babies who would otherwise be getting formula, instead of sitting in my freezer. That gives me a very good feeling.

Rollin, rollin, rollin.... [a picture story]

Look at me... I'm so cute. And Innocent, of course.

Hmmm..... What's this?

[why are you looking at me like that? I can't crawl, remember?]

WHAT?!? I'm just lying here. Lying here twiddling my thumbs.... Right where I've been all night.

You give me way too much credit. Look at me just chilling here. My hand is just making random movements and I'm not about to roll over again. Don't worry about a thing.

What's this? No one is watching... Make a run, errr, ROLL for it!

Muhahahaha! Sweet success. Shoe leather, meet the teething baby gums.

**Please note: No shoes were harmed (or chewed on) in the making of this mini-drama**

6 pictures for you

Here are some more pictures of just Ethan. Please excuse my PJs.... I
wasn't really dressed for the occasion when he discovered Ty for the
first time.

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These pictures were sent with Picasa, from Google.
Try it out here: http://picasa.google.com/

Ethan and Darrell

The first four pictures are sort of an obvious progression while Ethan
fought sleep. He was being a fussy-pooh when Darrell got home from
work so they lay down on the couch together while I snapped some
pictures.

Aren't they cute?

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Fw:PictureMail

I took some cute pictures of Ethan earlier this week, and i'll get them posted up here soon but this is just one I have on my phone. I took him back to the dr. on Tues and thankfully his ears are totally clear. The antibiotic has given him diarreah and a rash so I am so glad that it's gone and he is better. Hopefully we can enjoy some time with him being well. He is still congested off and on but I think that is mostly allergies. He is at such an amazing stage right now. So interactive and playful, exploring the world around him. It's awesome but then I'm sure I'll be saying that for the rest of his life, right?

Mobile Blogging

I think I finally have mobile blogging set up so I can send little updates and pictures to the blog from my phone. Facebook and twitter updates have kind of taken the place of blogging lately because it's easy to do from my phone while I'm pumping or sitting in the car, or taking a break or what-have you. I can't really blog from work anymore, which is a big reason the blogging has cut down. (And honestly, I'd be too busy to do it anyway.) So here's to more frequent updates!

Nursing by Numbers: How Breastfeeding Boosts the National Economy

A great article borrowed from Mothering.com http://mothering.com/articles/new_baby/breastfeeding/nursing-by-numbers.html

It's encouraging to note the stat that indicates breastfeeding rates "increased from 64 to 74 percent, and from 29 to 43 percent at six months." Hoorah!

~~Cilla

Nursing by Numbers: How Breastfeeding Boosts the National Economy
By Olivia Campbell
Web Exclusive, April 2009

Forget about retail therapy, breastfeeding is an economic stimulator that's completely free. According to USDA research, infant formula-feeding exacts a toll on national pocketbooks.

"Breastfeeding and the provision of breastmilk exclusively for the first 6 months? promises the United States improved health of both its citizens and its economy," the US Breastfeeding Committee said in response to the USDA report.

Most people understand how nursing benefits baby's health and parent's finances, yet few people realize the extent to which breastfeeding benefits the mother's health and how this all spells savings for the entire nation.

In 2001, the USDA concluded that if breastfeeding rates were increased to 75 percent at birth and 50 percent at six months, it would lead to a national government savings of a minimum of $3.6 billion. This amount was easily an underestimation since it represents savings in the treatment of only three of the dozens of illnesses proven to be decreased by breastfeeding: ear infections, gastroenteritis, and necrotizing enterocolitis.

"Choosing to give your baby formula results in an increased risk for ear infections, for diabetes, for leukemia and so on. We as a nation need to understand that it is not that breastfeeding lowers the rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but that choosing to feed an infant formula increases his risk of sudden infant death syndrome," said Stacy Kucharczk, a certified lactation consultant and pediatric nurse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2008 breastfeeding report card found that since 2000, breastfeeding of newborns has increased from 64 to 74 percent, and from 29 to 43 percent at six months. However, at one year, only 21 percent of babies continue to be breastfed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for at least one year. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for two years.

The AAP says each formula-fed infant costs the healthcare system between $331 and $475 more than a breastfed baby in its first year of life. The cost of treating respiratory viruses resulting from not breastfeeding is $225 million a year.

"Insurance companies should realize that covering a home visit by a board certified lactation consultant would result in significant healthcare savings down the road," said Kucharczk. "Savings in the short-term for decreased pediatric health care visits for common acute illnesses, such as ear infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and upper respiratory infections to name a few. Savings in the long-term from lower rates of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, asthma, certain types of childhood cancers, and obesity—as well as lower rates of premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancers in the mother."

Health benefits for the nursing mother include a reduction in risk of many cancers and other serious diseases, during and after lactation. The key to achieving the maximum benefit to the baby, mother, and the economy appears to be extended breastfeeding, which is nursing for more than just six months or one year.

"We need to help mothers understand that extended breastfeeding does matter," Kucharczk said. "I often point out to mothers that the studies demonstrating the benefits of breastfeeding often show a dose-related effect, as in some breastmilk is good, but more is better."

Lactation duration and breast cancer risk are inversely related. The longer a woman breastfeeds the less likely she is to get pre- or postmenopausal breast cancer, even with a family history of the disease.

Re-examination of data from 47 international studies found that for every year a woman breastfeeds, she reduces her risk of breast cancer by an average of 4.3 percent. The risk is reduced a further 7 percent by simply having a baby.

For example, if you had three children and nursed them each for two years, your risk for breast cancer would be reduced by 46.8 percent. In fact, one study found that women who've nursed for six years or more reduced their risk of breast cancer by as much as a 63 percent.

The multi-study report estimated that breast cancer rates could be cut by more than half if women increased their lifetime breastfeeding duration. The National Cancer Institute reported the national expenditure on breast cancer treatment in 2004 was $8.1 billion, meaning extended nursing could save upwards of $4 billion a year.

For each year of breastfeeding, a woman decreases her chances of getting type 2 diabetes by 15 percent, reported a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2005. So if we consider the woman from the aforementioned example, in her six years of breastfeeding she's earned a 90 percent reduction in her risk of developing diabetes.

The National Institute of Health estimates that between 10 and 11 million American women have type 2 diabetes. The estimated cost of their treatment and lost wages is roughly $78 billion a year. This expenditure could be cut drastically by increased extended nursing rates.

For the national Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), supporting a breastfeeding mother costs about 45 percent less than a formula-feeding mother. Every year, $578 million in federal funds buys formula for babies who could be breastfeeding.

A year of purchasing formula can cost a family between $700 and more than $3,000. Many women who go back to work soon after giving birth might think the expense of formula is worth the convenience. The extra medical issues of formula, for mother and child, make the cost more than monetary.

For employers, formula-feeding results in more health claims, more days off for sick children, and decreased productivity. It benefits employers in the long run to provide a time and place for mothers to pump breastmilk. A few minutes off the clock is more than made up for by the lifetime of health enjoyed by nursing babies and mommies.

Works Cited

Jon Weimer, "The Economic Benefits of Breastfeeding: A Review and Analysis," Food and Rural Economics Division, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Report 13. (March 2001): 1-4.

United States Breastfeeding Committee, "Economic Benefits of Breastfeeding," United States Breastfeeding Committee. (2002): 1-2.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Breastfeeding Report Card—United States, 2008," Department of Health and Human Services. (August 2008): 1-4.

World Health Organization, "The World Health Organization's Infant Feeding Recommendation," Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding (A55/15, paragraph 10): www.who.int/nutrition/topics/infantfeeding_recommendation/en/index.html.

Thomas M. Ball, Anne L. Wright, "Health Care Costs of Formula-feeding in the First Year of Life," Pediatrics 103, (4 April 1999): 870-876.

Lawrence M. Gartner, Arthur I. Eidelman, "Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk," American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement, Organizational Principles to Guide and Define the Child Health Care System and/or Improve the Health of All Children

Section on Breastfeeding, Pediatrics 115. (2005): 496-498.

V. Beral, D. Bull, R. Doll, R. Peto, G. Reeves, "Breast Cancer and Breastfeeding: Collaborative Reanalysis of Individual Data From 47 Epidemiological Studies in 30 Countries, Including 50,302 Women With Breast Cancer and 96,973 Women Without the Disease," The Lancet 360. (20 July 2002): 187-194.

National Cancer Institute, "Cancer Trends Progress Report—2007 Update: Costs of Cancer Care," progressreport.cancer.gov/doc_detail.asp?pid=1&did=2007&chid=75&coid=726&mid.

Alison M. Stuebe, Janet W. Rich-Edwards, Walter C. Willett, JoAnn E. Manson, Karin B. Michels, "Duration of Lactation and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes," The Journal of the American Medical Association 294, 20. (23/30 2005 November): 2601-2610.

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, "National Diabetes Statistics, 2007," National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 08-3892. (June 2008).

Kelly Bonyata, "Financial costs of not breastfeeding ... or cost benefits of breastfeeding," (30 November 2005): http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/prepare/bfcostbenefits.html and "Extended Breastfeeding Fact Sheet," (4 2006 January): http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html.

La Leche League International, "Can Breastfeeding Prevent Illnesses?" (21 July 2006): www.llli.org//FAQ/prevention.html.

K. Brock et al, "Sexual, reproductive and contraceptive risk factors for carcinoma-in-situ of the uterine cervix in Sydney," The Medical Journal of Australia 150, 3 (6 1989 Feb): 125-130.

E. Karlson, L. Mandl, S. Hankinson, F. Grodstein, "Do breast-feeding and other reproductive factors influence future risk of rheumatoid arthritis?" Results from the Nurses' Health Study. Arthritis Rheum 50, 11. (November 2004): 3458-3467.

K. Dewey, M. Heinig, L. Nommsen, "Maternal weight-loss patterns during prolonged lactation," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 58 (1993): 162-166.

Happening....

Darrell took Ethan to his 4 month check-up yesterday. I was shocked to hear that he has a double ear infection... Poor little guy has been so fussy but I assumed it was teething and the cold he is having a hard time shaking. I guess I will have to pay more attention to the warning signs. Since he got shots he was miserable last night and today. He seemed to be feeling better when I picked him up, although he was bit clingy. Hopefully the medicine will start to take effect soon and he'll be back to his old self.

In other news though he is destined to be a little shrimp like his parents :) He weighed in at 16 lbs 5 oz which puts him in the 50th percentile.

Something funny happened the other night... I was changing Ethan on the couch and laid him over my lap with nothing but his diaper on. I have apparently never looked at my son's back before, because we realized he has a birthmark on his right shoulder blade. It's brown and a little oval shape, about an inch wide.

The new job is going great... I can't believe how blessed I am to have gotten the internship and then to actually like it too. So far I haven't done anything astoundingly exciting but I have started to get the general idea of what the flight I'm working in does, and it's all pretty interesting. Next week I'll be starting 9 days of Logistics training which I hope will give me even more to go on.

Oh, oh, there is more. Last wek we got an e-mail announcing that we were the winners of a trip for four to Universal Studios in Orlando. Airline tickets, Hotel, etc.... No really. It's not, as far as we can tell, a joke. SO sometime within the next year we should be taking a nice little vacation :) This is really exciting since we were hoping to get the the chance to take the kids to Florida but had decided this was not the year and we couldn't afford it.

Okay, Ethan was sleeping but I can hear him waking up now... which means it's time for mommy to go to bed.