Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding

Yesterday, the Surgeon General, Regina Benjamin released a significant policy document that will hopefully have far reaching effects for the support for breastfeeding.

The Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding outlines the barriers to breastfeeding and steps to eliminate them in the United States. 

Highlights of the press release include: 

- Communities should expand and improve programs that provide mother-to-mother support and peer counseling.
-Health care systems should ensure that maternity care practices provide education and counseling on breastfeeding.  Hospitals should become more “baby-friendly,” by taking steps like those recommended by the UNICEF/WHO’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

- Clinicians should ensure that they are trained to properly care for breastfeeding mothers and babies.  They should promote breastfeeding to their pregnant patients and make sure that mothers receive the best advice on how to breastfeed.

- Employers should work toward establishing paid maternity leave and high-quality lactation -support programs.  Employers should expand the use of programs that allow nursing mothers to have their babies close by so they can feed them during the day.  They should also provide women with break time and private space to express breast milk.
- Families should give mothers the support and encouragement they need to breastfeed.

According to the “Call to Action,” breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses that include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Breastfed babies are also less likely to develop asthma, and those who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese.  Mothers themselves who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

A study published last year in the journal Pediatrics estimated that the nation would save $13 billion per year in health care and other costs if 90 percent of U.S. babies were exclusively breastfed for six months. Dr. Benjamin added that, by providing accommodations for nursing mothers, employers can reduce their company’s health care costs and lower their absenteeism and turnover rates.

“I believe that we as a nation are beginning to see a shift in how we think and talk about breastfeeding,” said Dr. Benjamin.  “With this ‘Call to Action,’ I am urging everyone to help make breastfeeding easier.”

Blossom is committed to supporting moms and their partners in their breastfeeding journey. In addition to being a welcoming space to come relax and take care of baby, Blossom also offers the following resources: 

Breastfeeding Basics: A three hour workshop offered frequently at Blossom to prepare pregnant moms and their partners for breastfeeding. Participants receive practical information and support to enhance their breastfeeding experience and help them anticipate and overcome common stumbling blocks that new nursing mothers often encounter. ($69/couple)

Blossom Breastfeeding Support Group

Wednesdays, 1:30-3:00pm |$15, drop-in rate; or purchase a Parent-Baby Group pass for $105: 3-months unlimited; $195: 6-months unlimited

Returning to Work: preparing yourself for the next step

One 3-hour class, Sunday, Feb 6 2:00- 5:00pm ($59/couple)

Blossom Lactation Consultations

Blossom Birth provides comprehensive lactation support, offering individual lactation appointments, phone and email support. We provide care and support in the full range of lactation issues, including proper latching and positioning, milk supply, weight gains/losses, pumping, supplementation, alternative feeding methods. We also offer breastpump rentals and basic supplies. Lactation appointments and support are provided by our lactation consultants, with appointments available at a variety of times most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and some Saturdays and Mondays. Rates range from $99 to $179, depending on length of the appointment and whether you meet our lactation consultant at Blossom or in your home.

To contact Blossom's Lactation Department, please email blossomlactationsupport@gmail.com or call our general office line at 650-321-2326. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am- 1:00pm and we check messages daily at 7:00pm. Most calls are returned within 24 hours. If you have an urgent matter, please let us know- we will do our best to return your call by 9:00pm on the day we receive it.


Contributed by: Wendy Wright, IBCLC (Blossom Board Member) and Co-founder of Lactation Navigation. 

In Lieu of a Blog Post!

It is my dream to be able to have the time to actually write someday.  I'd love to be one of those moms that can write a story about their day, or an experience they had in relationship to what they're feeling or thinking.... the words are continually moving through my mind, but alas, not enough time to really sit down and write..... hmmm... maybe a 2012 goal to work towards!

By then, my little guy will be 3 and maybe a little more manageable, my oldest will be 6.5 and only have 1st grade homework to deal with..... one can only dream about what extra time I may have ; )

In the meantime, I wanted to share with the Blossom folks, some of the most inspiring blogs that I've been reading the past year.

Birthing From Within Creatress Pam England: A place for parents and birth people to meet for conversations.  Currently she is exploring 50 ways to change birth in our culture and it has led to some fabulous conversations

http://www.birthpeeps.blogspot.com/

The Happiness Project: One Woman's quest for happiness without perfection.  

Written by Charity Terry Lorenzo (first ever Blossom Office Assistant)

http://imperfecthappiness.wordpress.com/

Breathing in this life... Support for Women and Mothers: Fit and Fearless Living: Currently she listed her most favorite posts for the year.

http://www.gingergarner.blogspot.com 

I  hope you are inspired as much as I am by these women and their stories.

Mendy Thijssen

Blossom Volunteer and Instructor

Blossoming into 2011!

Happy almost 2011 from all of us here at Blossom Birth!  I hope this finds you enjoying the holiday break with your families and friends.

 

As an update, this week at Blossom we’ve been busy: out with the old and in with the new.  I’m happy to report the old carpets are out, walls painted, and new carpets going in today.  A dedicated band of volunteers are coming in this weekend to put everything back in place so we can welcome you and your families back next week.   

 

Thinking about all the changes at Blossom, it reminds me of a quote from a favorite columnist, Ellen Goodman:

 

“We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched.  Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.”

 

As you’ll see next week, we’ve been able to start working down our list of work to be done and we are planning additional improvements in 2011 to serve you better.  Its potential?  Serving a growing and welcoming community of expectant and new families and helping them through the precious – and challenging – years of pregnancy and early parenting. 

 

I know how important Blossom’s support was for my own family.  Blossom helped me through some very difficult early months when my daughter was born.  Now that she’s three years old, we’ve “aged” out somewhat, but I continue to volunteer my time and my money to see Blossom reach its potential. 

 

That’s why I ask you to join me in making a donation to Blossom today.  Thank you to each of you who has already contributed. Working together we can increase the potential for Blossom to serve you, your family, and the community in which you live.  We can’t do what we do without YOUR support!

 

Lend a Hand Campaign

An ideal way to help today is to make a donation to Blossom’s Lend a Hand Campaign. We launched this campaign specifically to help us make needed improvements at the Center.  As a nonprofit organization, we depend on community contributions from folks that support lower class fees low and many free offerings.  We run a lean organization and need your support to make investments in the Center.  Gifts of any amount are welcomed and are tax-deductible.  For the Lend a Hand Campaign, to thank you for donations of $100 or more we will present a tile to your family or business to decorate and display in a mural at Blossom. A tile is a great way to leave a lasting memory of your family’s time at Blossom and each tile becomes part of our history.  We’re extending the campaign through January 15^th, please lend a hand today!

 

Why is Blossom Important to You?

Community members tell us Blossom is important to them.  Why is it to you?

 

As an unemployed single mother, [Blossom] helped me by giving me a scholarship for classes that I would not be able to afford anywhere else at all, and treated me with care, compassion, and respect.

 

Wow, I just can't say enough about Blossom. We took all of our birthing classes here and it became even more important to me after the birth of my daughter. The mommy and baby yoga class got me out of the house with my newborn!

 

Blossom provides a lifeline for pregnant and new mothers and all the challenges they face. The center's resources were extremely helpful for overcoming my postpartum depression by giving me information, support, and a caring community.

 

Blossom helped me tremendously throughout my pregnancy and the early weeks after the birth of my daughter. The preparation, support, classes, networking and advice they provide are extremely valuable to our community.

 

Great classes and support groups to serve families. And Blossom is always welcoming - whenever I'm in the area I know I can stop by with my baby for a diaper change, nursing, or chatting with other parents.

 

We invite you to come visit us in 2011 and see the many fixes underway! A very happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

 

Best wishes,

Holly Van Houten

Blossom Board Chair

Get Yoga! Best San Francisco Yoga Resources for Moms

Get Yoga! Best San Francisco Yoga Resources for Moms

The Benefits of Sign Language with Older Toddlers

Baby sign language gives parents the opportunity to communicate with children long before babies can verbalize their wants and needs.  More than two decades of evidence based studies studies show that signing with babies accelerates language acquisition, reduces frustration and aggressive behavior, and as children mature, results in a greater interest in reading.  Signing with your baby is a wonderful way to deepen the bond between you and your child and jump starts his or her verbal skills.  But are there benefits to signing with toddlers after they become verbal?  The answer is, "yes!"

As your child matures and starts to verbalize she will go through a transitional period, speaking some words and signing others.  Around 19 months of age, a child will often drop the sign as soon she can say the word.  It’s so much easier to say “Mommy” than to sign it.

However, even at two or three years old, it’s not always easy for parents to understand what their child is saying.  Using sign language bridges the gap and gives your child a way to communicate with you.  Asking your child if she can use her hands to tell you what she wants can reduce her frustration and minimize temper tantrums, making the "terrible twos" not so terrible.  Signing is also great to use at a noisy playground, reducing a parent's need to shout.  You can get your child's attention by whistling or making eye contact and then signing what you need your child to know, whether it's a five minute warning before heading home or a reminder to be careful.

Signing is a good thing for all age groups.  Fingerspelling helps children as they learn to read.  Many children are visual learners and sign language helps this type of learner to integrate new information.  Parents and children can fingerspell the letters as the child sounds out the words.

Sign language is also beneficial for kinesthetic learners - those who learn by doing. Signing allows children to channel their physical energy into communicating a thought.  Children have said that when they are practicing for their spelling quiz that it helps them “feel the phonics” when they fingerspell each word.

When an individual signs, language is processed in the auditory, visual and kinesthetic brain centers and memories are stored in different parts of the brain.  Therefore, when a child signs, he is utilizing different neural modalities, thus accessing more brain power, so to speak.

Touch Blue Sky's Baby Sign Language Director, Bill Austin-White tells a story of being out on a stroller walk with his son, Liam.  Liam was a toddler and had be speaking verbally for a few months now.  About five blocks from home, Liam said, "Mush mush!"  Bill increased the pace thinking that his son wanted him to go faster like a dog sled (watching The Discovery Channel was a family activity).  Increasingly frustrated, Liam said "Mush mush!" again and again.  Bill stopped the stroller and requested Liam to say it slower. Liam replied, "Muuuushhhh."  Bill then asked, "Can you tell me with your hands?"  Liam signed "gorilla" and Bill instantly understood what Liam wanted - Gorilla Munch cereal, which was located in a container in the bottom of the stroller.  Signing averted a potential melt down.  Liam (and Daddy) were happy all the way home.

All that said, signing is just plain fun.  At times, it gives our family our own little “secret language.”  Be careful what you sign though.  American Sign Language is one of the most popular languages in the nation!

Join us at Blossom for the upcoming workshop and playgroup: 

Introductory Workshops

Wednesday, September 29, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Playgroup Series

Six Wednesdays, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

October 6 to November 10 (Playgroup Zoom)

For information on baby sign language classes please visit Blossom Birth. 

Contributed by: Touch Blue Sky's Baby Sign Language Director, Bill Austin-White

Blossom's Summer Fundraiser: fun ideas for a great cause!

On July 4, Blossom kicked off its Summer Fundraising Campaign from Independence Day to Labor Day: symbolizing the importance of independence and birth! Thanks to your genoristy, in one month, we have raised over $2,000 to help us continue to be a welcoming and empowering place for expectant and new families to prepare for, celebrate, and nurture their children. Please help us reach our goal of raising $10,000 over the next month as we approach Labor Day weekend. 

Blossom offers many services for free and keeps class fees low to support as many families as possible. That’s why we come to you a couple of times a year to ask for an additional gift so we can continue providing the best information there is about pregnancy, birth and parenting without regard to institutional agenda or retail sales. As an independent non-profit organization, gifts to Blossom are fully tax-deductible.


Please make a donation TODAY.  Your generosity makes a big difference.  Thank you!

Want More Ideas About How to Raise Funds for Blossom? 

Blossom families have come up with creative ways to help raise money for Blossom, here are three examples:

Junk we treasure!

The Mestel family first came to Blossom in 2006, when Hannah was pregnant with Rebecca, now 3. When it came time to purge their home of all of the accumulated "treasures" of 4 moves in 5 years, they chose to hold a yard sale -- and in the process, they were able to raise over $500 for Blossom!  We asked Hannah why she chose a sale rather than dropping everything at Salvation Army or the like, and she explained: "we really wanted to know where our donations were going -- and by holding a garage sale, we were able to turn all of our junk...I mean treasures...into cash that we could then give to an organization we really believe in!"  And since Hannah and Craig’s employer match donations, their gift will raise another $500 for Blossom!  Way to go, Mestels!

Run Baby Run!

Serena and Isaac started coming to Blossom Birth in 2008 when there were only two of them (and a dog). The Bradley Method Childbirth Prep course and prenatal yoga that they took were essential in preparing for the planned unmedicated birth of their wonderful daughter, Adah. Since Adah's birth, they have attended many of the fabulous groups, including the new parent groups, mom-baby yoga,Book Babies, the breastfeeding support group and Music Together. In fact, Serena has given severalBlanket Babies talks and now facilitates the monthly Babywearing group.

  

This October 17, Serena is preparing to run the Nike 1/2 Marathon as a fundraiser to support Blossom's work! Serena says: "When I decided to run the Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon this year, raising money for Blossom seemed like a natural thing to do.  Blossom has become invaluable to us and fundraising while training is the least I can do to give back to such a great community resource.  I can't wait to get to know the other mom's on the Blossom training team, get back in shape, raise money for Blossom and in the end run 13.1 miles through San Francisco!" Visit Serena's fundraising page and every dollar will come directly to Blossom!

Shop 'til you drop!

The Laprocina family joined the new parent group in 2007 after Holly gave birth to Victoria. Husband Patrick is a big online shopper.  Holly now has him going through Good Shop  for every purchase, in the process generating $128.38 for Blossom in the last six months at no cost to the family. 

Holly says:  “If we’re going to do so much online shopping, I get him to add the couple of extra clicks it takes to earn funds for Blossom. Most online retailers we like make donations through GoodShop.  I buy things for my business, he buys things for his work, we order stuff for the dogs, baby, etc.  It is really easy, once you set your mind to it.”  Learn more about Blossom’s affiliates.

Thank you  Hannah, Serena and Holly: for your inspiration, support and creative spirit!

Please help us reach our goal of $10,000. Your support will help us continue to grow and help new and expectant families blossom! No amount is too small and be sure to check with your employer to help double your donation! We thank you for your support.

Forward this message to a friend

Warm Regards,
Mora and the Blossom Staff, Instructors and Board!

PS: Show your support, join our cause on Facebook!

Maintaining Milk Supply when Mother and Baby are Apart

Some mothers overflow with milk no matter what they do. Others have more trouble maintaining milk supply when they are regularly apart from baby. Here are some ideas for keeping your milk supply up.

• Give yourself two weeks to store milk and practice different feeding methods before returning to work. Remember that there are lots of ways to get milk into a baby so if your baby refuses a bottle, consider using a sippy cup or medicine spoon.
• Consider returning to work on a Thursday so you only have to prepare for a couple of days before you have a weekend to recover.
• Try an automatic double pump. For some mothers the pump doesn't matter, for others it really makes a difference. Some manual pumps have bubble inserts that help massage the breasts during pumping. These inserts can also be used with electric double pumps.
• Pump frequently during the day, at least every three hours, every two hours if your milk supply is declining. Shorter frequent pumping sessions will produce more milk than longer pumping sessions further apart. When figuring out how long your day is, be sure to include commute time: an 8 hour day can stretch to 10 hours if you have a long drive.
• Often more frequent, shorter separations are easier to manage than fewer, longer separations. For example, if you are working twenty hours per week, four five-hour days will be easier than two ten-hour days.
• Applying heat to the breasts or massaging the breasts can stimulate let-down. Some mothers say that keeping a picture of their baby in front of them while they're pumping can help stimulate letdown.
• Take a break during pumping to massage, stroke, and shake your breasts. This will sometimes stimulate another letdown.
• Have your baby at your breast as often as possible when you're at home. Many mothers who are away during the day find that nighttime nursings are essential in keeping milk supply up. This is a time to let other projects, housework, gourmet meals, etc. go by the wayside for a few months.
• Can your baby’s caregiver bring your baby to you during the day? Your baby is more efficient at getting milk than any pump, so a lunch time nursing break will make a big difference.
• If you can, take a nursing vacation. One or two days with baby at your breast can make a tremendous difference.
• Some herbal preparations have been reported to increase milk supply. Herbs from www.sweetherbmedicinals.com are available for purchase at BlossomBirth.

Some of these recommendations sound like they'll take a lot of time. But in just a few months, sometime around the middle of your baby's first year, you'll start introducing solid foods and a few months after that may find that you don't need to pump at all during the day. This is less time than you were pregnant.

Cindy Howard, IBCLC

Blossom Birth provides comprehensive lactation support, offering individual lactation appointments, phone and email support. For more information, see our website: http://blossombirth.org/lactation_support.html. We also encourage you to come to our Breastfeeding Support Group, which meets every Wednesday from 1:30-3:00. $15 drop-in or free with a current Parent-Baby Group card.