Warmest Greetings,
I hope you
all enjoying your summer filled with abundant
sunshine and fun! As we approach the end of
summer, it means that my two will grow a "foot"
in the ending weeks with all the incredible
local farm food being harvested and spending a
lot of time outside drinking in the sunshine. ;)
This month's
newsletter I would like to educate this
community on what it means to be a member of La
Leche League. All of our meetings are free
of charge but if you would like to give back and
show your support you can become a La Leche
League member. Becoming a member, you will
receive an e-magazine every two months that is
filled with inspiring stories (many I include
on this newsletter) and a discount at the
LLLI online store; filled with a great selection
of books for mother, family and children.
To show
support to your local chapter, you can send
payment to LLL of Sturbridge and our
organization will receive a portion of the
membership fee. Having donations to your
local chapter allows our organization to be more
in the community. In years past, donations have
allowed us to have supplies at the Community
Baby Shower, a nursing station at the Natural
Living Expo, printing fees, scholarships for
mother's that would like to become leaders or to
have leaders attend conferences to further
educate and receive support from other leaders.
Your support for LLL of Sturbridge allows us to
be more in our community and making
breastfeeding more the norm of our society.
If you are
able to give $40 for the year, please fill out
this
form and send a $40 check to: LLL of
Sturbridge, c/o Erin Abrams, PO Box 523,
Sturbridge, MA 01566 All donations are
welcomed but a minimum of $40 is required to
receive New Beginning's e-magazine and store
discount.
I
appreciate your continued support in our
community - whether it is through attending our
meetings, donations, helping a friend through
their adventures in breastfeeding, or just
choosing to breastfeed your children!
Thank you for your commitment to breastfeeding
on whatever level it is a part of your families
lives. May you all enjoy the ending weeks
of summer and watching your children sprout up
as if they were a plant in the garden bursting
with ripeness from the memories created this
summer.
Many BLLLessings,
Erin Abrams
LLL Leader of Sturbridge, MA
Please forward this to any pregnant or nursing
mothers that you may know.
If you would like to
opt out of this newsletter - just hit "reply"
and put "remove" in the subject line.
LLL of Sturbridge
Nighttime Meeting:
Date: Aug. 18th
(3rd Wed. of each month)
Time: 7-8:00PM
Topic: Full Term Breastfeeding
(Your questions and concerns are top
priority.)
Location: Southbridge Savings Bank,
Rt. 20
in Sturbridge
In the tradition of LLL, please join in the
discussion and support our community. All
you have to bring is your experiences that you
have encountered with breastfeeding or help
support another mother that could use a bit of
breastfeeding wisdom. ;)
Breastfeeding babies, toddlers, and
breastfeeding children who would be unhappy away
from their mothers are welcome.
Click here for
directions.
LLL of
Worcester Daytime Meeting:
LLL of
Worcester has daytime meetings on the 2nd
Tuesday of every month at 551 Pleasant St in
Worcester. In addition they are offering a Sat.
morning meeting soon. Contact LLL Worcester
Leader: Jenn Dziejma
dziejen@yahoo.com or visit
http://www.llleus.org/web/WorcesterMA.html
for more information.
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Are you on
Facebook?
Then join LLL online! Many of us
have busy lives and can't connect during our
meeting times. Facebook allows you to post
a question to fellow breastfeeding mothers and have an
instant community when you need
support. We also use it to announce what
we are doing that day and if any other
like-minded moms want to join in. Search
for
LLL of Sturbridge and
ask to join! |
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This month's
topic is
Full Term
Breastfeeding.
Article
taken from
La Leche
League
Internationals
website at:
https://www.llli.org/NB/NBMarApr06p82.html
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What Makes Human Milk Special?
Sally Myer
Nebraska
From: NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 23 No. 2, March-April 2006, pp. 82-83
The most common reason mothers probably choose to breastfeed is the knowledge that human milk is the superior infant food. It contains live cells, like those in blood. Some components of human milk also enhance the effects of others, so the ingredients of human milk work together. In contrast, only a small percentage of some ingredients of formula are absorbed; mixing ingredients in formula does not guarantee they will act together the way they do in human milk.
Human Milk Is Designed for Babies
Human milk is species-specific. The milk of each mammal species has adapted to supply its offspring with what is needed for optimal growth and survival. Some species' milks are relatively high in fat to lay down a thick layer of body fat, while those with high protein use it for rapid growth and maturation. Those species that need readily available sources of sugar to meet the needs of their rapidly growing brains have milk that is higher in carbohydrates. Humans are the slowest growing and maturing mammals, but also have the most advanced brains. So it makes sense that the protein content of human milk is relatively low while the level of carbohydrates is high.
Human milk contains levels of vitamins and minerals appropriate for the healthy, full-term, human infant. It is ever-changing -- from the beginning of the feeding to the end, from feeding to feeding, and from day to day. The infant provides many signals that stimulate some of the changes in his mother's milk. When following her infant's feeding cues, a mother can be assured that her child will benefit from those changes. For instance, if the milk taken at a particular feeding is lower in fat (fat is the most variable constituent of mother's milk), the infant will become hungry again sooner. If his cues are followed and he receives the next few feedings close together (cluster feeds), the higher fat milk he receives (fat content goes up when the breast is less full) will ensure his overall fat intake is adequate.
Human Milk Has Anti-Infective Properties
Breastfeeding mothers often notice that their children are sick less often than children who aren't breastfed. Human milk provides different kinds of defense against disease, including secretory antibodies against specific pathogens. It also contains lactoferrin, which not only is the source of iron for breastfed infants, but also appears to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Other components in human milk protect infants on a molecular level because their actual shape hinders certain pathogen's access to the infant.
Because human milk has protective qualities, infants who are not breastfed have more emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and treatments with antibiotics. The protective effects extend beyond weaning. (See the table below.)
Human milk offers immunological protection against many chronic diseases. According to Outcomes of Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding, compiled by Ginna Wall, MN, IBCLC, and Jon Ahrendsen, MD, FAAFP, human milk feeding is associated with less risk of the following diseases: celiac disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, sudden infant death syndrome, childhood cancer, autoimmune thyroid disease, appendicitis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, helicobacter pylori infection (associated with gastric ulcers), Crohn's disease, colitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, tonsillitis, allergies, atopic disease, and asthma. (This comprehensive report can be found at www.lalecheleague.org/docs/Outcomes_of_breastfeeding_June_2007.pdf *.)
The mechanism of these apparent long-term immunologic benefits remains unclear, although theories abound. Human milk contains bioactive components that enhance the growth and development of the human infant.
One gastrointestinal hormone, cholecystokinine (CCK) signals sedation and a feeling of satiation and well-being. During suckling, CCK release in both mother and infant produces a sleepy feeling. The infant's CCK level peaks twice after suckling. The first peak occurs immediately after the feeding. It peaks again 30 to 60 minutes later. The first CCK rise is probably induced by suckling; the second by the presence of milk in the GI tract. The drop of infant CCK levels 10 minutes after a feeding implies a "window" within which the infant can be awakened to feed from the second breast or to reattach to the first side for additional fat-rich milk. Waiting 30 minutes after the feeding before laying the baby down takes advantage of the second CCK peak to help the infant to stay asleep.
Human Milk Contains Essential Fatty Acids
The essential fatty acids in human milk optimize cognitive function and vision. Studies have found that premature infants who received human milk via feeding tube were more advanced developmentally at 18 months and at seven to eight years of age than those of comparable gestational age and birth weight who had received formula by tube. Such observations suggest that human milk has a significant impact on the growth of the central nervous system. Also, breastfed infants have higher visual acuity. These benefits of human milk can be attributed to the presence of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Although some formulas have recently added these ingredients, it is unknown if they will have similar effects long-term.
The hormones, live antibacterial and antiviral cells, and essential fatty acids are just some of the reasons why human milk is the vastly superior infant food. It is a truly unique substance that cannot be copied artificially.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the Nebraska Area Leader's Letter.
* This link updated in May, 2007
Resources
Lawrence, R. and Lawrence, R. Breastfeeding; A Guide for the Medical Professional. St. Louis: Mosby. 2005.
Riordan, J. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett 2005.
Composition of milk of various mammals
|
(Source: Riordan 2005)
| Health Problem |
Minimum Length
of Breastfeeding |
Length of Protection |
Source |
| Diarrhea |
13 weeks |
7 years |
Howie 1990 |
| Otitis Media |
4 months |
3 years |
Duncan et al. 1993 |
| Respiratory Infections |
15 weeks |
7 years |
Wilson et al. 1998 |
| Wheezing bronchitis |
— |
6-7 years |
Burr et al. 1993;
Porro et al. 1993 |
Haemophilus influenza,
type b |
— |
10 years |
Silfverdal et al. 1997 |
| Hodgkin's Disease |
6 months |
Not specified |
Davis, 1998 |
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Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:29:46 UTC 2007.
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Read
more great articles from New
Beginnings e-Magazine
with your $40/yr. LLL Membership.
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info>> |
Advertise with US!
If you or someone you know would like to
advertise in our monthly newsletter, please
spread the word. Money received will help
support our group and the community we
share. Our newsletter goes out to over 70
people and is hopefully shared with more as
some on our list are doulas, nurses and
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Massachusetts Midwives Alliance (MMA)
Basic Midwifery Course
8/2010-6/2011
11
Classes, 9:00am-5:00pm, the 1st
Sunday of each month
11
Workshops, 9:00am – 1:00, the 2nd
Saturday of each month
Classes taught by practicing
Massachusetts midwives and birth
professionals.
-
Increase your knowledge about
the childbearing
year and learn to support women
in pregnancy, birth and
lactation.
-
Eligible for
college credit depending upon
your college’s requirements.
-
Certify as a
Birth Doula.
-
Prepare to
apprentice with a home birth
midwife.
-
Taught by a very
diverse group of practicing
midwives from across New England
-
Use this course
as the didactic learning portion
required to become a certified
professional midwife (CPM).
More info:
Nechama Wildanah, CPM at
motherrootmidwifery@gmail.com
or phone: 617-717-8598. |
Items and events in this category are not
associated with LLL and are listed here as a
service to the community.
If you know of a community event, please email
Erin at
info@lllsturbridge.org
by the first of the month.
Rebels and Redcoats and Civil War Reenactment
Aug. 7th and 8th - Old Sturbridge Village and
Hitchcock Free Academy team up to bring 2
amazing glimpse into our American history. OSV
will be hosting Rebels and Redcoats and HFA will
be hosting Civil War Reactment. More
info.. OSV:
http://www.osv.org/activities_events/event_calendar_more.html?ID=503&DateID=1445
& Hitchcock Free Academy:
http://www.hitchcockacademy.org/content/civil-war-reenactment
Home Depot Craft day in Auburn, MA
1st Saturday of the month Home Depot brings
out wonderful projects for kids to create
and celebrate the season. Drop in
during the AM hours and earn a pin for your
children's apron.
Concerts on the Common:
Every Thursday night at 6:30pm bring a
blanket, dinner or snacks and enjoy local music
under the stars while the kids run and play.
Hitchcock Academy Farmer's Market
Every Sat. from 9AM-2PM::Organic vegetables
and plants, and more. Changes weekly
based on seasonal offerings. Great
local market right down Rt. 20. Website:
www.hitchcockacademy.org
Joshua Hyde
Library/Sturbridge
Children's Events:
http://www.town.sturbridge.ma.us/Public_Documents/SturbridgeMA_LibCal/?FormID=158
Jacob Edwards
Library/Southbridge
508-764-5427
Charlton Children's Events:
http://www.charltonlibrary.org/charlton/children.asp
Outreach Play Group
For preschool'ers and siblings, the CPC has
three locations of an open style preschools
where caregiver and child(ren) play and do
crafts. All groups are facilitated by
Sharon Champoux, Infant/Toddler & Preschool
certified. Questions or Pre-register by calling
508-867-2232 or email:
sinkop@tantasqua.org
At the following locations & times:
Will be starting
in the fall.
Merrick Public Library
2 Lincoln Street
Brookfield
508-867-6339
Babytime: Wednesdays 11:00am – 12:00pm
Pre-School story time and singing with Ms. Coro:
Fridays 11:30am – 12:00pm
Drop-in Arts & Crafts: Fridays 2:30pm – 4:30pm,
all ages welcome to attend.
Yoga for kids: Thursdays 2:00pm.
Breastfeeding Management
for Palm, iPhone, & Blackberry
The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition (www.massbfc.org) has developed Breastfeeding Management, a reference for supporting breastfeeding mothers, for today's most popular handheld devices!
This is a great reference for healthcare providers - please share it with yours to continue to educate and bring awareness to breastfeeding.
You can download Breastfeeding Management for the iPhone and iPod Touch
directly from the iTunes App Store.
Visit their software page to download Breastfeeding Management for the Palm OS and new version for the Blackberry Curve, Bold and Pearl!
|
Would you like to see our LLL group reach
out to more mothers and bring more awareness
to breastfeeding? If you have ever
thought of volunteering or giving back a
small amount of your time while making an
amazing shift in our area's thinking, I can
not express how rewarding being a Leader is.
For me, it has given me the opportunity to
connected with so many amazing mothers and
families that they have made me a better
mother and wife. I am truly blessed to
be in this community and help support it. If
you would like to help support our community
and would like to help lead our group,
please contact me.
What is our purpose as LLL Leaders?
Leaders know the importance of one mother
helping another to recognize and understand
the needs of her child and to find the best
means of fulfilling those needs. Leaders
provide information and support so that each
mother can make the decisions which are best
for her family.
What does a Leader do? Most Leaders fulfill
the basic responsibilities of leadership,
which are:
• Helping mothers one-to-one by telephone,
email, or in person.
• Planning and leading monthly Series
Meetings.
• Supervising the management of the LLL
Group.
• Keeping up-to-date on breastfeeding
information.
• Upholding the LLL philosophy
|
LLL Philosophy
|
-
Mothering through breastfeeding
is the most natural and
effective way of understanding
and satisfying the needs of the
baby.
-
Mother and baby need to be
together early and often to
establish a satisfying
relationship and an adequate
milk supply.
-
In the early years, the baby has
an intense need to be with his
mother which is as basic as his
need for food.
-
Breast milk is the superior
infant food.
-
For the healthy, full-term baby,
breast milk is the only food
necessary until baby shows signs
of needing solids, about the
middle of the first year after
birth.
-
Ideally, the breastfeeding
relationship will continue until
the baby outgrows the need.
-
Alert and active participation
by the mother in childbirth is a
help in getting breastfeeding
off to a good start.
-
Breastfeeding is enhanced and
the nursing couple sustained by
the loving support, help, and
companionship of the baby’s
father. A father’s unique
relationship with his baby is an
important element in the child’s
development from early infancy.
-
Good nutrition means eating a
well-balanced and varied diet of
foods in as close to their
natural state as possible.
-
From infancy on, children need
loving guidance which reflects
acceptance of their capabilities
and sensitivity to their
feelings.
|
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LLL of Worcester holds monthly
meetings to help leaders become
accredited. Please email me if
you are interested in attending and
seeing if leadership is right for
you. |
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You don't have
to join LLL to come to our meetings but
by joining LLL of Sturbridge you help
support YOUR breastfeeding community.
The $40
LLL
Regular Membership includes a
discount in the
LLLI
Online Store,
a subscription to New Beginnings
e-Magazine and much more. To find
out more benefits and other levels of
membership, visit
http://www.llli.org/membership.html.
|
|
 |
New Beginnings e-Magazine
Free with a 1 year membership - LLL
Online Bi-Monthly magazine is filled
with valuable information on
breastfeeding and mother-to-mother
sharing.
|
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Please mail
it directly to our group as your money
will be directly contributing to your
local community. You can send
check made out to LLL of Sturbridge, MA
and mail it to PO Box 523, Sturbridge,
MA 01566. |
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