World Breastfeeding Week ~ rescue mission

Today's post written by Donna:

Yesterday we spoke of the importance breastfeeding holds during an emergency situation. We talked about how in third world countries breastfeeding is a must during the first 6 months of a babies life. We mentioned the importance of breastfeeding when clean drinking water is not available. What about here in the states?

Sierra, Heather's sister pointed out a touching story about the importance of bonding with baby.

"I remember a Mom talking about being on the plane that Pilot "Sully" landed in the Hudson. She said that she didn't know what was going to happen so she just started nursing her baby so that they would both be calm and feel that bond, "for maybe one last time". Amazing! Heart wrenching."

Graham from Tumblon who's wife is a pediatrician in NYC said this:

"I attended a breastfeeding workshop put on by a hospital, and was reminded (to my surprise) that breastfeeding is important in an emergency domestically, as well as internationally. When hurricanes rip through the South, the supply of clean water is often disrupted - and so the health of formula-fed children is at risk. Breastfeeding is good for children in so many unnoticed ways!"

Breastfeeding was my planned rescue mission....

Both of my children were born via emergency c-section. Breastfeeding was really important to me and my husband...We didn't have an option for natural birth but we did have an opprotunity to breastfeed. The doctors at Hoag Hospital In CA made sure that we did have that opprotunity soon after my girls were born!

 My first born, Tabitha loved to breastfeed. It was good for her and me in so many of the traditional ways we think of but when Tabitha was 9 months old breastfeeding became a life saver for her. We began to give her a few "solids" and she did not do well. She broke out in a little rash so I changed the food item. Same thing. After several weeks of trying solids, one weekend she broke out all over her little body with a red rash that soon became one BIG black and blue mark all over her body starting with her back and increasing quickly. We rushed her to the emergency room and they gave her a shot to reverse what they said was a possible life threatening allergic reaction to a food item ( or several). What was especially disturbing was this comment by the doctor;

" We can't tell you what the item is that she is allergic to and she is too young to be tested for food allergies." I left in tears, called a  recommended nutritionist and went in to see Dr. Kathy Wong the next day. She was able to test Tabitha in a homeopathic way and we found out that she was allergic to wheat, oats, and many other items you might give a young child. She recommended breastfeeding for 80% of her feedings and suggested that I leave out of my diet the foods that Tabitha was sensitive too. ( The begining of our organic food journey.)

Baby number 2, Sophie had chronic repository issues the first year of her life. She had bronchitis 5 times before she turned one. She would have been hospitalized on several of these occasions but because I was breastfeeding her, they said that I could keep her at home and come in to the doctors office daily to check her breathing. Breast milk was the only thing she could keep down and because of her breathing challenges, she could nurse in small time periods all day long. She didn't over eat and the breast milk was really healing to her tired lungs.

As I look back, I'm so thankful that my little Tabitha nursed until she was three! Tabitha is a very sensory seeking child. Breastfeeding was very nurturing for her and gave her the sensory, touch she needed as a baby and young child.

Sophie breastfed until she was 13 months. She basically wanted a cup like her sister and that was that. Maybe because she nursed on demand for the first 12 months it felt like two years in her mind..hehe

Two unique children, two emergency situations and two healthy breastfed babies.

* All though we believe breastfeeding is best for you and  your child we also realize that there are unique circumstances when breastfeeding is not possible. ( We've experienced that in our own Blessed Nest family by Moms who would have LOVED to breastfeed!) You know what is best for you and your baby.

 Great resource for questions on your unique breastfeeding experience Kelly Mom

Clean drinking water is a huge problem in many countries making formula an unhealthy, un- sanitary option. Breastfeeding is natural....clean water should be too...

Join us in supporting The Riley Project. Help a seven year old little girl fund the building of water wells.

Purchase a "Riley Raindrop". $30.00 from every Riley's Raindrop sold goes to the The Riley Project at Charity: Water.org

Love, to the moon and back