Mommy Talk

Co-sleeping is a great idea for some mother’s and should be done.  Here is an article I found on http://www.scienceandsensibility.org that is worth the read.  I am pro-co-sleeping since this is what worked best for me, but this is not recommended for all people and please do not feel that I am judging anyone who decides not to co-sleep.  You must do what is best for you, your health and your baby’s!  I can share from experience that I definitely did not lack any sleep for the first 6 months of my baby’s life in which I co-slept.

Nighttime Breastfeeding and Maternal Mental Health

[Editor's Note: This is the first post from our new regular contributor, Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, Ph.D., IBCLC. Kathleen writes about breastfeeding, perinatal/postpartum mental health, and psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). She writes on her site, Uppity Science Chick, "Few fields of study are more exciting (than PNI), and they touch a wide range of seemingly unrelated topics: trauma and health; breastfeeding; postpartum depression. PNI studies help us understand risk factors for chronic disease and can teach us all how to live healthier lives."  I'm very excited to welcome her here so we can all take part in these breath-taking discoveries. - AMR]

There is a movement afoot in childbirth education and perinatal health urging mothers to avoid nighttime breastfeeding to decrease their risk for postpartum depression. We know that if mothers follow this advice, it will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. But let’s put that issue aside for the moment and consider whether avoiding nighttime breastfeeding will preserve women’s mental health by allowing them to get more sleep. In short, is this good advice?

At first glance, it may seem to be. Since breast milk is lower in fat and protein than formula, we might assume that breastfeeding mothers sleep less than their formula-feeding counterparts. And when a mother’s mental health is at stake, avoiding nighttime breastfeeding might be worth the risk. However, recent research has revealed the opposite: that breastfeeding mothers actually get more sleep—particularly when the baby was in proximity to the mother. And that has major implications for their mental health. So if you want one more good reason for mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies, here it is.

Breastfeeding Mothers Get More Sleep

In a study of 33 mothers at 4 weeks postpartum, Quillin and Glenn (2004) found that mothers who were breastfeeding slept more than mothers who were bottle-feeding. Data were collected via questionnaire that recorded 5 days of mother and newborn sleep. When comparing whether bedsharing made a difference in total sleep, they found that bedsharing, breastfeeding mothers got the most sleep and breastfeeding mothers who were not bedsharing got the least amount of sleep. Mothers who were bottle-feeding got the same amount of sleep whether their babies were with them or in another room.

Sleep patterns of 72 couples were compared from pregnancy to the first month postpartum via sleep diaries and wrist actigraphy (Gay et al., 2004). Most of the mothers were at least partially breastfeeding (94%) and 80% were exclusively breastfeeding. Most of the babies slept in their parents’ room and 51% regularly slept in their parents’ beds. Sleep and fatigue outcomes were not associated with type of birth, parent-infant bedsharing, or baby’s age. Mothers who were exclusively breastfeeding had a greater number of nighttime wakings (30 vs. 24) compared with mothers who are not breastfeeding exclusively. The exclusively breastfeeding mothers slept approximately 20 minutes longer than mothers not exclusively breastfeeding.

In a study of mothers and fathers at three months postpartum, data were collected via wrist actigraphy and using sleep diaries (Doan et al., 2007). The study compared sleep of exclusively breastfed infants vs. those supplemented with formula. In this sample, 67% were fed exclusively with breast milk, 23% were fed a combination of breast milk and formula, and 10% were exclusively formula fed. Mothers who exclusively breastfed slept an average of 40 minutes longer than mothers who supplemented. Parents of infants who were breastfed during the night slept an average of 40 to 45 minutes more than parents of infants given formula. Parents of formula-fed infants had more sleep disturbances. They concluded that parents who are supplementing with formula under the assumption that they are going to get more sleep should be encouraged to breastfeed so they will get an extra 30-45 minutes of sleep per night.

Not only do breastfeeding mothers get more sleep, but the sleep they get is of better quality. This study compared 12 exclusively breastfeeding women, 12 age-matched control women, and 7 women who were exclusively bottlefeeding (Blyton et al., 2002). They found that total sleep time and REM sleep time were similar in the three groups of women. The marked difference between the groups was in the amount of slow-wave sleep (SWS). The breastfeeding mothers got an average of 182 minutes of SWS. Women in the control group had an average of 86 minutes. And the exclusively bottle-feeding women had an average of 63 minutes. Among the breastfeeding women, there was a compensatory reduction in light, non-REM sleep. Slow-wave sleep is an important marker of sleep quality, and those with a lower percentage of slow-wave sleep report more daytime fatigue.

The most recent study was published in the journal Sleep, a major sleep-medicine journal not necessarily known for their support of breastfeeding. This was a study of 2,830 women at 7 weeks postpartum (Dorheim et al., 2009). They found that disrupted sleep was a major risk factor for postpartum depression. But here is where it really gets interesting. When considering what disrupted sleep, they found that the following factors were related to disturbed sleep: depression, previous sleep problems, being a first-time mother, a younger or male infant, and not exclusively breastfeeding. In other words, mothers who were not exclusively breastfeeding had more disrupted sleep and a higher risk of depression.

Conclusions

The results of these previous studies are remarkably consistent. Breastfeeding mothers are less tired and get more sleep than their formula- or mixed-feeding counterparts. And this lowers their risk for depression. Doan and colleagues noted the following.

Using supplementation as a coping strategy for minimizing sleep loss can actually be detrimental because of its impact on prolactin hormone production and secretion. Maintenance of breastfeeding as well as deep restorative sleep stages may be greatly compromised for new mothers who cope with infant feedings by supplementing in an effort to get more sleep time. (p. 201)

In sum, advising women to avoid nighttime breastfeeding to lessen their risk of depression is not medically sound. In fact, if women follow this advice, it may actually increase their risk of depression.

References:

Blyton, D. M., Sullivan, C. E., & Edwards, N. (2002). Lactation is associated with an increase in slow-wave sleep in women. Journal of Sleep Research, 11(4), 297-303.

Doan, T., Gardiner, A., Gay, C. L., & Lee, K. A. (2007). Breastfeeding increases sleep duration of new parents. Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 21(3), 200-206.

Dorheim, S. K., Bondevik, G. T., Eberhard-Gran, M., & Bjorvatn, B. (2009). Sleep and depression in postpartum women: A population-based study. Sleep, 32(7), 847-855.

Gay, C. L., Lee, K. A., & Lee, S.-Y. (2004). Sleep patterns and fatigue in new mothers and fathers. Biological Nursing Research, 5(4), 311-318.

Quillin, S. I. M., & Glenn, L. L. (2004). Interaction between feeding method and co-sleeping on maternal-newborn sleep. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing, 33(5), 580-588.

Here is an article I recently came across that I found interesting and wanted to share.  Thanks to www.sheknows.com for this article!

Before you move forward in your quest for breastfeeding truth, let’s debunk some common myths with certified doula, childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor, Jennifer Zorich.

Myth: A lot of women can’t produce enough milk to breastfeed.

Fact: Although the most common problem Zorich sees in her practice is inadequate milk supply, only about 2% of women actually have low milk supply due to surgery or hormone imbalances. “I rarely find any indication of an actual supply problem, but rather latch problems, which cause the baby to take in insufficient amounts of milk at a feeding resulting in slow or low weight gain,” says Zorich.

Myth: Breastfeeding causes breasts to sag.

Fact: This is a big concern for many women, but the truth is that a myriad of factors beyond nursing can cause sagging breasts, including hormonal changes, weight changes, smoking, poor nutrition and genetics. Still, your post-nursing breasts probably won’t be exactly the same as your pre-baby pair. “Since breastfeeding also provides health benefits for the mother, like reducing the risk of breast cancer, slight changes in the breast tissue seem like a small price to pay,” says Zorich.

Myth: Breastfeeding moms can eat whatever they want and continue to loose the baby weight.

Fact: Nursing does help burn a large number of calories, but the quality of a mom’s caloric intake is still very important. Eating whatever you want is not a wise strategy when you’re breastfeeding. It’s all about making educated choices when it comes to food. “Restaurant burgers are notoriously high in fat and calories,” advises Zorich. “A bison burger would be a better choice than a beef burger in a restaurant. Avocado, almonds and eggs are high in protein and nutrient dense, which are ideal for nursing mothers.”

Myth: If a mother is not eating a high-quality diet she shouldn’t breastfeed.

Fact: Moms who are not able to eat exceptionally well may assume that their milk isn’t nutritious enough for their baby. While eating a healthy diet is ideal for emotional and physical well-being, the inability to do so should not completely eliminate your option to nurse. “Mothers in third-world countries breastfeed,” says Zorich. “Women have breastfed during famine, holocaust and war. Fertility is more affected by stress and diet than milk production.”

Myth: Breastfeeding mothers get less sleep than their formula-feeding counterparts.

Fact: Most moms believe that their chosen feeding strategy is harder than the alternative when it comes to sleep. “Several studies have been conducted exploring the sleep patterns of nursing moms verses formula-feeding moms,” says Zorich. “One of them found that, at four weeks postpartum, exclusively breastfeeding moms slept an average of 20 minutes less than formula feeding moms.”

Twenty minutes may sound like a lot to a tired mommy, but keep in mind, “breastfeeding gets increasingly easier and more efficient while bottle feeding always requires washing, mixing, and time to hold the baby and feed the bottle,” says Zorich. Of course, as a mother, you are empowered to make the decision that is right for you and your baby, but it’s always best to collect truthful information rather than rely on myths. Whichever path you choose, happy feeding!

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Enjoy your holiday shopping!

The NYT has a great piece on breastfeeding and weight loss in the Style Section:

“…(D)oes breast-feeding actually speed weight loss in postpartum women? It depends.

Last year, an epidemiological study of 36,000 Danish women found that the more a mother breast-feeds, the less weight she retains six months after birth. A few factors determined how much she lost: whether a woman was overweight before pregnancy, what she gained while expecting and duration of nursing, said Kathleen M. Rasmussen, an author of the study and a nutrition professor at Cornell.

The study’s convincing data impressed experts like Cheryl A. Lovelady, a nutrition professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. But, she said, referring to the Danish women, “we don’t breast-feed as long as they do.” Other studies, however, have found that breast-feeders don’t necessarily shed fat quicker than women who feed their newborns formula. A small double-blind randomized study conducted at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center found that non-lactating women lost more body fat than lactating women at six months, and at a faster rate. Karen Wosje, its lead author, suggested that the appetite stimulant prolactin could lead nursing mothers to overeat. Or the fact that non-lactating mothers were able to exercise more vigorously than the nursing mothers in the first half year may have tipped the scale in their favor.

…What then to make of tales of prodigious eating among thinning breast-feeders? Dr. Lovelady suspects some of them who say they eat without consequence used to be “restrained eaters.” That is, they ate fewer calories than they expended — say, 1,700 calories instead of 2,000 — which, counterintuitively, slowed their metabolism. Once pregnant, they ate enough to keep their metabolism humming for the sake of their baby. Postpartum, “they are losing a pound a week,” Dr. Lovelady said. Yet, “they are eating a whole lot more” since making milk requires about 500 calories daily.

Breast-feeding mothers face many obstacles: little hospital help, public squeamishness and too-short maternity leave. So advocates like Marsha Walker, a registered nurse who has helped lactating mothers since 1976, don’t hesitate to tout pro-baby and pro-mother reasons to nurse. Baby can get an immunity boost, and mothers with breast cancer in the family may lower their risk. (Nursing itself also helps the uterus shrink back to size.)

I have been fortunate enough to come across a wonderful site who’s mission is to help mom’s beat the ‘booby traps’ - “the myriad cultural and institutional barriers that keep moms from succeeding…(in breastfeeding)”  This site is geared to changing the way people view breastfeeding and what a wonderful cause!  Read more about them and their most recent ad campaign HERE!

I have decided to get the flu vaccine for my 13 month old since we will be doing a lot of traveling during the flu season. She is not in daycare and is home with me ALL of the time other than the occasional and frequent play group. If we were not traveling as much then I would have thought twice about vaccinating her for the flu since I feel she would not have been exposed. This is hoping that mom’s keep their babies home when they are sick or getting sick…

I work from home and my husband has a handful of employees at his company so we are not high risk. I am not sure if I would have still decided to have her vaccinated if we weren’t traveling but I would have definitely thought twice about it. This being said, she is up to date with all of her shots. I am vaccinating her with all other recommended shots.

Now that I am getting her flu shot I have to wait until my pediatrician has it available since they have run out and I am requesting the preservative free shot. If you are taking your little ones to get their flu shots remember to ask for the preservative free shot. This version is all some pediatricians offer but I have heard that other pediatricians are only giving the preservative free shots to parents who ask for them since they are scarce. So please ask for PRESERVATIVE FREE for your baby. Preservative free simply means mercury free and if you were not allowed to have mercury when you were pregnant why would you give it to a tiny baby that is still so defenseless?

So remember preservative free is the way to be!

As far as the swine flu shot is concerned, I will NOT be getting that for my daughter. The shot is just too new to the market and the long-term side affects are not known. I also feel that the vaccine was developed to quickly and I am not risking my daughter to such a new vaccine.

Here’s to a healthy and safe fall season!

Heidi Klum gave birth to her fourth child (third with singer Seal) on Friday morning.  The 36 year old super model gave birth to daughter, Lou Sulola Samuel, in a Los Angeles hospital at 7:49 PM.

Hear from Heidi Klum and what she has to say about their new addition.

Congrats Momma!

I came across an interesting article this week that may be helpful to all breastfeeding mothers.

Did you know that the time of day you nurse your little will affect his/her mood? Read this article where researchers have found that breast milk is formulated to wake up your baby in the morning and help them get to bed at night.

I wish I would have known this in the first days of pumping then I would have known not to feed my daughter milk that was pumped in the AM at night when I wanted her to go to bed. No wonder she was bright eyed and bushy tailed at times! If I’d have known I would have recorded the date and the time the milk was pumped and it might have saved a few sleepless nights or those too lazy mornings.

We are clearing out our inventory and our shoppers will benefit!  Better Mommy Fashions is offering 30% off the entire site with code OCT34bw

We have limited quantities so don’t miss out!  This is perfect and just in time for the new fall season.

We all know that having a toddler on the move is exciting, nerve wracking and definitely keeps you on your toes.  (I still cannot believe I have a toddler, they really grow up so fast and I get sad and teary eyed every time I think about it.) This being said, I had a bit of an adventure a few days ago, well every day is an adventure with my little girl but this little accident had me racing for a solution.

My constantly moving toddler was very persistent in letting me know that she wanted to drink water out of my water bottle but only while I held her - of course.  I gave her some - she was done and as she flung herself out of my arms there went my water bottle directly to my laptop.  I watched in horror as this happened in slow motion before my eyes.  My laptop is my life and lifeline - I’d be lost without, not to mention out of work!

I threw her down - ok so I didn’t really throw her,I would never throw her but I did put her down very quickly, ran to my lifeline (the laptop), took the battery out unplugged it and set it on its side to let the water out.  All of this happened in one swift motion, I even surprised myself at how fast I was.

Then I let my mac ’soak’ in rice for two days.  I was told rice absorbs all the water so I gave it a try besides I had nothing to loose and would try anything to ensure this not so cheap piece of machinery would work again or I would be in quite a pickle.  Needless to say the rice trick did work.  My mac is now working just fine.  I am still getting a few giggles as I type and some keys get stuck and I have to get the tiny grain of rice out from under it.

So when chaos happens, as it often does with little ones, take it in stride.  Breathe and know that there is a solution and some crazy techniques might just work.