Why Has My Pumping Output Decreased?

I love when we receive emails with questions that our blog readers could benefit from!  Here is a question from one of our mamas who is wondering why her pumping output has decreased.  

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Hi Robin!

I met with you awhile back when I first went back to work to set up a good pumping schedule.  It has worked like a charm these last 6 months.  Thank you for that!

My little guy is about to turn one and I’ve noticed a big reduction in my pumped breast milk the last few weeks. I’ve gone from pumping around 25 ounces of milk/work shift to around 15 oz.  It feels like it happened overnight. I’m just wondering if you have any suggestions on things I can do to get milk back or if this is just a normal progression.  I’m not ready to give up breastfeeding yet, but want to make sure he is getting enough milk.  He has been eating ALOT of solid food for about 5 months, so I’m sure this has had an impact on my supply :-(

Thanks for your time!

N

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Hi N,

I am thrilled to hear that our plan worked so well for you!  That is awesome!  

So, pumping output can dip for many reasons, regardless of baby’s age.....

1. Baby is sleeping through the night.  When babies start to go longer stretches in the middle of the night without eating, it can cause a mom’s milk supply to dip overall.  If your kiddo is going to sleep a few hours before you are, you can consider adding in a dream feed or pumping before you go to bed so that your breasts don’t go for such a long period of time without removing milk.  Also, if your kiddo wakes up in the middle of the night, you could consider breastfeeding at that time, rather than soothing back to sleep right away, if you are worried that your supply is dipping too low.
2. Pump suction is losing its stamina (which is HUGE and definitely common!)  I would recommend getting your pump suction checked immediately.  Many lactation consultants have pump suction gauges to check the pressure created when running.  A less-than-stellar functioning pump can definitely decrease pumping output, even when supply is right where it needs to be.  Renting a hospital-grade pump will also help you determine if your own pump is not working as well as it should.
3. Pumping frequency has gone down while at work.  As moms get closer to that year mark, many prefer to cut down on the pumping frequency at work.  Sometimes they are able to keep up their supply when this is done.  Others find that their milk supply is more sensitive, so it requires that extra pumping session.
4. Baby is eating solids before breastfeeding (when mom is with baby), so he isn't as hungry when breastfeeding. Up until about a year, solids should be offered after breastfeeding so that babies are getting the bulk of their nutrition from breast milk and getting solids after their bellies are more full.  
5. You got your period and are experiencing a temporary dip. When mom’s hormones are shifting due to her cycle, this can temporarily dip her supply.  
6.  Something else has changed in mom’s routine…. More working out on a regular basis, not eating enough calories per day, recovering from stomach flu or a cold, etc.  Again, all temporary.  But, make sure that you are eating at least 2000 calories a day to keep up your supply, as well as even extra, if you are working out.  If you are recovering from an illness, this will take a few days to rebound once you are feeling better.

That being said, 15oz of pumped milk at 1 year is pretty awesome!  At this point, your little guy doesn't need much more than that to complement all of the whole foods he is eating.  Plus, that doesn’t even take into account how much breastmilk he is getting from you while breastfeeding.  As long as he isn't getting frustrated at the breast, then just keep on plugging along, knowing that a breastfeeding baby should always be able to take out more than the pump.

Hope that helps!  Definitely get your pump suction checked, asap, and let me know if you have any other questions.

Warmly,

Robin

Giving Up Gluten for Breastfeeding Moms

Written by Stacy Spensley

The last thing you want to hear as a breastfeeding mom is that you can't eat something. You probably want to eat everything! You're legitimately eating for two right now.

But if your baby is showing symptoms of a reaction to something in your diet, you're also probably willing to do anything to make it better. Dietary changes are tough, especially on top of being a new mom, but here are some tips that can help make the process easier.

While there are several common foods that can prompt an elimination diet, today we'll start with gluten. It's a bit of a buzzword nowadays, but it's more than a weight loss trend. Gluten can be tough on your baby's tummy.

WHAT IS GLUTEN?

Gluten is simply the protein found in wheat and other grains than can cause inflammation. Note that the root of gluten is "glue," and that's no accident. Gluten is what makes bread dough stretchy and elastic.

When moms eliminate gluten from their diets, many see results in a week or two, but some may take longer. Eating "limited" gluten won't make a difference - if it is affecting your baby’s digestive system, it really has to be all cut out to make sure.

WHAT CONTAINS GLUTEN?

The big one is wheat - all varieties. In addition, wheatberries, durum, emmer, spelt, semolina, farina, farro, graham, Kamut, einkorn, rye, barley, triticale, malt, and brewer's yeast. Cross-contamination can also be an issue, especially with oats. It's recommended to avoid bulk bins in case of cross-contamination and to look for certified, tested gluten-free products.

The major categories of gluten-containing foods are bread, pastry, pasta, crackers, baked goods, breading/batter for frying, roux-based soups, sauces and gravies, flour tortillas, and beer. Other less obvious foods are soy sauce and sushi, pre-seasoned meat, salad dressings and marinades (often wheat is used as a thickener), seasoned potato chips, granola or energy bars, and some candy.

The Celiac Disease Foundation has a more in-depth list and a longer explanation of cross-contamination if you're interested.

Does that sound like every food ever? I promise it isn't.

SO WHAT CAN I EAT?

Fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, beans, legumes, and nuts, and other grains are all naturally gluten-free. If you buy prepared versions you should check labels, but the plain versions are safe.

Which grains and flours specifically are OK? Rice, cassava, corn, soy, potato, tapioca, beans, sorghum, quinoa, millet, buckwheat (also called kasha), arrowroot, amaranth, teff, flax, chia, yucca, nut flours, and gluten-free oats.

Again, here are more details from the Celiac Disease Foundation.

The safest bet is usually cooking from whole ingredients. But you also have a newborn, and you're hungry. The upside to the gluten-free trend is that there are also tons of gluten-free products on the shelves, and many restaurants actually have a gluten-free menu, or note gluten-free dishes to make it easier for you.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

First, make a list of all the things you already eat that are gluten-free.  Then you have a foundation for some familiar meals to cycle through.

Next, check your cupboards to see what you can't eat. Some people find it easier for their whole family to go gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination (think toast crumbs in the butter, or dipping crackers straight into the hummus). Read labels carefully.

Many people find it less overwhelming to start with substitutes. Switch to gluten-free pasta, gluten-free cereal, gluten-free pizza crust, gluten-free sandwich bread, there are even gluten-free bagels. The downside is that they do cost more, but sometimes mama needs a (gluten-free) cookie. It's a tradeoff.

Another approach is just to avoid dishes that are normally wheat-based. If you normally have cereal for breakfast, have eggs or a smoothie. Instead of a sandwich for lunch, have soup and a salad (no croutons!). Try polenta instead of pasta.

For most people, something in the middle works well. If you really want pizza, splurge on gluten-free crust and feel like a relatively normal person. Most GF sandwich bread isn't great, so finding an alternative may be better than feeling disappointed (especially at $7 a loaf). Most gluten-free flour blends also contain binders like xanthan and guar gums which aren't inherently bad, but can upset some people's stomachs.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES?

At home, make sure you have a gluten-free prep area. Toasters are a major source of cross-contamination. It's not like it will kill you, but you don't know how much contamination it takes to affect your baby.  If the rest of your family still eats gluten, you can't share a jar of peanut butter. Either scoop out a portion before spreading on anything, or get your own jars and label them clearly.

At restaurants, don't be afraid to ask about gluten-free options from the start. There can be hidden ingredients in many sauces and marinades that you don't expect. Or seek out restaurants that advertise GF options to make it easier on yourself.

Don't give up too soon. Like I mentioned above, it can take several weeks for the gluten to completely clear your system, but that doesn't mean it's not making a difference.

BUT HOW DO I MAKE IT THROUGH A WHOLE WEEK?

Again, Celiac Disease Foundation to the rescue with a 7-day gluten-free meal plan.

I highly recommend meal planning. You can download a weekly menu planning template here. For recipes, Pinterest is an amazing resource, and the app is easy to use on your phone while you're nursing. I have several boards full of gluten-free recipe ideas.

Just having a roster of recipes can make a difference. Then you have a gluten-free menu to choose from when planning your meals. I even make a list of snacks so if I get hungry I don't even have to think. Stocking your pantry and fridge with foods you can actually eat makes the experience much easier.

A FEW MEAL IDEAS

Here are some basics for each meal to give you some ideas.

Breakfast: scrambled eggs or an omelet, green smoothies, GF oatmeal, breakfast hash, chia pudding parfait

Lunch: soup and salad, tacos (corn tortillas), GF pasta, lettuce wraps, quinoa salad

Dinner: "Paleo-style" burgers (no bun, just wrapped in lettuce) with fries, stir-fry with gluten-free soy sauce, burrito bowls, polenta with roasted veggies, grilled chicken or fish with veggies and rice

Snacks: trail mix, fresh fruit, carrots and GF crackers with hummus, hard boiled eggs, yogurt with fruit

It's a big change, but it IS possible! I hope this helps make the transition easier for you and your baby.

Stacy Spensley is a healthy life coach and semi-crunchy mama. She works with new moms and dads through classes and coaching to normalize the parenting experience so they feel more confident making parenting decisions and maintain their sanity while keeping everyone alive. She also helps families create meal plans when they have to incorporate an elimination diet.  Her friends would tell you she's bossy in the best way. Folding laundry is her least favorite activity. If you're a semi-crunchy mama, click here join the club and learn more.

Two Things More Important than Portion Sizes when Offering Solids to Infants

Join Rachel Rothman, MS, RD in our three-part blog series to learn more about introducing solids to your little one.  Rachel is a pediatric dietitian and the instructor of our Introduction to Solids classes here at the SDBFC. 

Introduction to Solids, Serving Sizes, Feeding Relationship

When babies are 4-6 months of age, many moms start thinking about how much solid food kids should eat.  It’s easy to get caught up in a race toward the “starting solids” milestone, but what comes next?  Many parents wonder, now that their little one has started eating solid foods, how much is enough?  Am I making him/her overeat?  Am I wasting food? Am I teaching poor habits? 

What might reassure you is that as long as your selections contain a balance of protein, carbohydrate, fats and vitamins and minerals, measuring “servings” of food consumed may not necessarily be the best way to ensure your baby’s success at adopting a solid diet.  

First, take a step back. Renowned feeding expert Ellyn Satter, MS, RDN, MSSW gives parents the helpful suggestion of a “division of responsibility.”  Parents are responsible for the “what, when, and where of feeding; children are responsible for the how much and whether of eating” (Satter).   Babies have the innate ability to self regulate.  They will let you know when they want more, such as opening their mouths when food is offered.  Conversely, will let you know when they are full, such as turning away from the spoon and sealing their lips tightly.  

Rather than a fixed “serving” - offer food to your child, but look for signs that they are full.  With that in mind, you have two things in your control: when is mealtime, and what are you serving.

When is mealtime?  

A general idea of how many meals you should offer each day depends on the age of your child:

Once you have an idea of when those mealtimes and snack times fit into your baby’s wake and sleep schedule, you’ll want to establish some strategies for how much to offer at each serving.  Start small: when first introducing solids, 1-2 teaspoons is enough for your little one.  And remember, up to one year of age breast milk or formula will continue to make up the majority of your baby’s calorie intake.  

Next, think about the overall composition of the meal:

Thinking about the composition of meals, know that all babies are different and some may progress through textures more quickly (or more slowly) than others. That’s okay.  As discussed above, you can only control the what and when.  Your child is in control of the how much and whether.

This process is bigger than serving size.  You’re trying not merely to nourish your little one; but to introduce your little one to a variety of new foods, textures, flavors, and nutrients.  This diversity is part of a journey you’re on, together with your young child, to ensure their healthy relationship with food.  These approaches will help your child to develop the tools to succeed when making food decisions on his/her own.

Stay tuned for my next post: “How To Help Your Little One Feel Full” to learn more about introducing new foods to your child.

Understanding Infant Sleep - The First 6 Weeks

“I slept like a baby”  

When I hear this saying, I immediately envision sleeping deeply, soundly, and for 10 hours straight.  Whoever came up with that saying clearly didn’t have children!  All of the babies I know definitely do not sleep soundly for an extended period of time until at least toddlerhood… and even then sleep can be disrupted by teething, colds, and just regular night waking. With current infant sleep recommendations stating that babies should learn to sleep on their own, all night, by 6 months, I have to wonder how much of this information is hearsay and old-wives’ tales and how much is evidence-based (using good research models). 

So, let’s break this down using the most current research.  

SOURCE: UNITED STATES BREASTFEEDING COMMITTEE

What does research tell us about infant sleep patterns?

Today I am going to discuss sleep patterns and behaviors for infants during the first 6 weeks.  I will continue to share information about sleep patterns for older babies throughout the next few weeks.

How much does a 0-6 week old newborn typically sleep in a 24 hour period?

• Newborns sleep in short spurts, both day and night.

• Most babies this age sleep between 9-19 hours over a 24 hour period (that’s a huge variation!)

• Newborns have extremely small stomachs, which means they need to eat small, frequent meals, at least 8-12 times per day (as a minimum).  These feeding sessions can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour, on average.  

• Newborns eat about ⅓ of their food during the night.

• Some babies may take one longer stretch of sleep at the beginning of the night (maybe 4 hours), but then may spend more time eating throughout the rest of the night and day to make up for the food intake they missed while sleeping longer. 

Take home message: It is biologically and developmentally normal for your baby to sleep in only 1-3 hour increments during the first 6 weeks because they are unable to eat enough at a feeding session to go for longer.  

Why do newborns wake often?

• Besides having a small stomach capacity, newborns are hard-wired to wake frequently during the day and night.  This is one of the ways their bodies are protected from SIDS.

• Newborns’ sleep cycles are different than adults: when they fall asleep, they spend more time in active (REM) sleep rather than quiet sleep (which means they wake more easily), their temperature doesn’t drop in the middle of the night (which means that they cannot distinguish daytime from nighttime), and they have no circadian rhythm.

• Newborns are often unable to join multiple sleep cycles together.  This takes a few months for their bodies to figure out.  A newborn sleep cycle is 45 minutes long.  You might get two sleep cycles strung together for 90 minutes of uninterrupted sleep, but then they are right back up again.

Take home message: Babies are programmed to wake frequently and sleep lightly.  This is developmentally normal infant behavior.

What are realistic sleep expectations for your 0-6 week old newborn?

• Your baby’s sleep patterns are going to be all over the place.  Unpredictable. Some short spurts (20 minutes).  Some long spurts (3 hours).  This is normal and will become more predictable over time. 

• Your baby is going to wake frequently during the day and night until he/she develops a circadian rhythm around 3 months.  At 3 months, your baby may still wake frequently during the night, but will at least be able to fall back asleep fairly easily and quickly.

• Your baby is also going to eat all of the time.  This is what builds and maintains your milk supply.  This is also what helps your baby gain weight and grow.

• Sleep patterns will be disrupted during growth spurts.  Growth spurts happen around 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks.  What this means is that your baby will sleep less for a few days and want to eat more.  Once these growth spurts pass, your milk supply should be even more robust than before and your baby will slow back down to eating slightly less frequently.

What are some tips for parents feeling really overwhelmed and sleep deprived with baby’s frequent waking?

• Sometimes just knowing that these sleep patterns are normal and temporary makes the situation seem more manageable.  Remember, your baby will eventually start sleeping for longer chunks of time (which we will discuss in the next few articles)

• Have your baby sleep on someone’s chest while you take a nap.  Babies LOVE to sleep on an adult’s chest and usually sleep a bit more soundly and longer.  This is not spoiling your baby or creating a bad habit.  This is meeting your baby’s developmental need to be near others.

• Look into safe co-sleeping guidelines, as research has shown that families who safely co-sleep or bedshare get more sleep than those whose babies sleep in a different room. 

• Try what the authors of Sweet Sleep call ‘Front Loading:’ do more work early in the day and start to unwind earlier in the evening.  If you can unwind earlier, that means you can fall asleep earlier and easier, as well.  Check out this Huffington Post article about 15 Science-Backed Ways to Falls Asleep Faster

• Start filtering out the misinformation you receive from others about what they think your baby should be doing regarding sleeping and eating.  This will only create a situation where you think there is a sleeping problem, when in actuality your situation is most likely perfectly normal.

In our next article about infant sleep, we will discuss normal sleep patterns for babies 6 weeks to 4 months.

Resources for evidence-based info about normal infant sleep:

http://www.secretsofbabybehavior.com/2010/03/science-of-infant-sleep-part-i-first-6.html

http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Sleep-Nighttime-Strategies-Breastfeeding/dp/0345518470

https://www.isisonline.org.uk/hcp/how_babies_sleep/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moral-landscapes/201302/normal-human-infant-sleep-feeding-method-and-development

Viewing Body Image After Baby

Written by Abigail Burd, MSW, LCSW, CPRP

Happy January! The cheery month when the media tells us we need to start our New Year’s Resolutions to exercise and lose weight. Meanwhile, the Award Season is in full swing with gorgeous Hollywood actresses showing off their post-baby bodies. In the movie “Knocked Up,” Katherine Heigl’s character is told by her work that they can’t legally ask her to lose weight, but that she needs to “tighten” it up. We may not aspire to be red carpet ready, but how many of us want to tighten up or change our postpartum bodies?

This time last year, I started writing a post with tips on how to achieve goals and change. I stopped midway through writing it, realizing no one needed it. We need to hear that we are beautiful just the way we are . We need to tell ourselves that we are beautiful. And believe it. So when Robin asked me to write about body image after having a baby, I knew I wanted to share.

 

Put Comparisons in Check

It is human nature to compare. Social comparison theory explains that we look to those that are similar around us, how we rate and where we stand, in order to know ourselves. We determine our own social and personal value based on how we stack up against others.(1) According to research, more women than men compare themselves with the unrealistic standards presented in the media.(2)

This is isn’t anything new. After reading “The Beauty Myth” by Naomi Wolf in the 90’s, I purposely stopped looking at fashion and “women’s” magazines, in an effort to feel better about myself. And it worked.

Rationally, most of us know that it isn’t fair to compare ourselves to a Hollywood A-Lister, with a full-time trainer, personal chef, nanny, and a team of 5-6 stylists. But what about when the comparisons are closer to home?

Do you know what the most commonly felt emotions are when scrolling through Instagram and Facebook? Envy and shame.(3) You can read more about a recent study and how to feel better while scrolling through your feed here. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201511/what-do-when-social-media-make-you-miserable.)

Something to remember is that we may think we are viewing our friends’ lives through social media, but we are actually seeing a very filtered (literally) version. People by nature, tend to post only the best moments, at the best angles, in the best lighting. We only think it is daily life because we see it on a daily basis.

Every Mom is Different

Rachel Rabinor is also a psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in Maternal Mental Health in San Diego. She shares:

“It's important to remember, that just like all babies are different and they reach different milestones at their own pace, all moms are different too. Sounds cliché but it's easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to other women even though everyone is indeed different. Some women who are breastfeeding are back to their pre-baby weight in just a few months, while others seem to hold onto the weight until after they wean. It's so important to be gentle with yourself, to remember you are nourishing a baby and there's a reason your body is built the way it is. Another thing I try and remind clients is that they are already a role model for their child from day one. Young children are like sponges; we need to be mindful of how we talk about our bodies and the importance we as mothers place on looks. This doesn't mean we can't care about our health, but simply to be mindful of what we say. We want our babies to grow up feeling they are good enough and they will learn this from you- their most important role model.” 

What is Realistic Postpartum Weight Loss?

I asked Lindsay Stenovec, MS, RDN, CEDRD, the owner of Nutrition Instincts, a nutrition counseling private practice in San Diego, who specializes in eating disorders, intuitive eating, and prenatal and postpartum wellness.

“Postpartum weight loss looks different for every woman and often does not align with our expectations or the cultural expectations imposed on us. I always remind women that the postpartum body changes are just as slow, intentional, and necessary as the ones experienced during pregnancy - think months and years - not days and weeks. When a woman expresses stress and concern about her postpartum weight, we need to understand that responding with weight loss and dieting advice is only making postpartum harder for her. At a time when she so desperately needs to be getting acquainted with her changed self, restrictive diet and exercise regimens pull her further and further away from her own body's needs and self-care. This can interfere with the overall healing process and add immense stress to an already challenging time. The best thing a mom can do is to make sure she is getting consistent, adequate meals that satisfy her taste buds and hunger (which, if she is breastfeeding, is going to be much stronger than she is used to).  If moms can work towards eating based on their internal hunger and fullness cues, their bodies will have the nutrition and strength they need to heal and mom won't be dealing with the added stress that dieting can bring.”

Subvert the Dominant Paradigm

I love the movement to celebrate postpartum bodies for what they are. Instead of hiding stretch marks, women are recognizing their “tiger stripes” as earned reminders of the miraculous journeys of their bodies. In “A Beautiful Body Project”, photographer Jade Beall and her troops document real women so that they “heal, find others who have journeyed through similar challenges, realize they aren’t alone, and show future generations of boys and girls a source of media that isn’t controlled by corporate interests, using digital body alterations to change how women look, and actually build healthy self-esteem in future generations of women.”

Find your inspiration to love your body for what it can do, and what it has done. If you are stuck, “ask a baby!”(4) What would your baby say about your body?

Abigail Burd, MSW, LCSW, CPRP is a psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in Maternal Mental Health. Drawn to helping others, Abby has worked in the mental health field since 1998. Struggling with an initial low milk supply following the birth of her first child led her to amazing postpartum support groups, including the San Diego Breastfeeding Center’s “Boob Group” where she found her “mama tribe.” After the birth of her second she briefly contemplated having more and more babies, but decided instead to integrate her passion and profession to support other pregnant and postpartum women. Abby has a private practice in the Clairemont neighborhood of San Diego, with a focus on the anxiety and emotional challenges of pregnancy and new parenthood. Her website is AbigailBurdLCSW.com.

References:

(1) https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/social-comparison-theory; retrieved 1/22/16.

(2) Strahan, E. J., Wilson, A. E., Cressman, K. E., & Buote, V. M. (2006). Comparing to perfection: How cultural norms for appearance affect social comparisons and self-image. Body Image, 3(3), 211-227.

(3) Lim, M., & Yang, Y. (2015). Effects of users’ envy and shame on social comparison that occurs on social network services. Computers In Human Behavior, 51(Pt A), 300-311. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2015.05.013.

(4) Elmo.

Check Out These Lactation Rooms at the San Diego Airport!

Traveling just got easier for breastfeeding and pumping moms traveling through the San Diego International Airport!  Just in time for the holidays, right?

Last month, the San Diego Nursing in Public Task Force was contacted by a local breastfeeding mom, Emily Mest, who frequently travels through the San Diego International Airport for work.  Here is Emily’s story, which set the wheels in motion to make breastfeeding and pumping easier for all moms traveling through the San Diego airport.

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Over the last year breastfeeding twins as a fulltime working mom, I’ve had a lot of  “air travel adventures”. There was the first time I pumped in my seat on a packed plane, and the glorious time an American Airlines stewardess curtained off her jumpseat area to give me a clean, private space. I’ll never forget bringing 25lbs of frozen milk back for the twins after a week in Costa Rica, and the kind United agent who waived the overweight bag fee since all the extra weight was breastmilk. I’ll  also never forget pumping tucked into a dirty corner of the Houston airport, just to have a tiny bit of privacy without pumping in an even dirtier bathroom.

Through it all, I couldn’t stop thinking how uncomfortable and emotionally draining this all was. From being away from my small babies, the normal stresses of air travel, and dealing with pumping, to clogged ducts, maintaining supply, and the ever-looming threat of mastitis.  If I hadn’t fought with everything I had to breastfeed my 35-weeker twins, I’d likely have thrown in the towel. If I hadn’t found a savvy working moms breastfeeding support group on Facebook, I doubt I would have had the confidence for those moments when I chose to throw on a cover and pump in front of hundreds of people in a crowded airport (choosing that over pumping in a foul-smelling bathroom). I found myself sad for other mamas who would have to endure this. I was disheartened thinking that if they didn’t have strong support or entrenched stubbornness, maybe they would stop breastfeeding because pumping during air travel can push you to your limits.

I had seen other mamas posting pictures of beautiful lactation rooms or lactation pods in other airports, so I started to investigate a bit. I emailed some of the pod companies to ask about how they go about getting their pods installed in airports. I Facebook messaged Jenna Ikuta, the manager of the San Diego Nursing in Public Task Force, responding to a post of hers about breastfeeding advocacy, and asked if she knew anything about Terminal 1 in the San Diego International Airport, where pumping is particularly hard. From Jenna, I found out that as of January 2016 a new law in California would require a place for moms to pump that is not a bathroom in all airport terminals that had over 1 million flights per year, except terminal 1 in San Diego.  

I became a mom on a mission: even if it happened after I was done breastfeeding, something had to be done about Terminal 1 in San Diego. As it turns out, my “mission” had really already been completed – the lactation room in Terminal 1 opened earlier this fall.  The San Diego Breastfeeding Coalition sent me an email to this regard, and I was shocked and excited. The following week I had a business trip and low and behold, after asking 5 employees someone finally knew what I was talking about and pointed me to the lactation room. It was beautiful.

There’s still a bit of work to be done: educating employees about the lactation room, putting up a well-placed sign or two, and spreading the word among nursing mamas. I posted in a few of the local breastfeeding groups, and added the location to the great app “Moms Pump Here” that helps moms find pumping locations around the country. I’m ironically writing this on my first business trip in over a year without a pump – I’m just gone for the day and the twins are only nursing morning and night now.  I hope that the next time you’re at the San Diego International Airport for a Southwest flight you enjoy the new facilities: just past security to your left, tucked under the escalators.

_____

After submitting Emily’s letter to the San Diego International Airport’s Customer Relations Coordinator (with the help of the UCSD’s Lactation Supportive Environments Department), we were thrilled to report back to Emily that there were, in fact, THREE Lactation Rooms at the San Diego airport.  It appeared that the security and airport staff just had no idea that all three existed.  Since this misinformation was brought to the airport’s attention, they have gone above and beyond to make these Lactation Rooms available and accessible to breastfeeding and pumping moms.  First, they have placed the breastfeeding symbol on their interactive map, showing where all of the lactation rooms are located. Secondly, they have sent out a press release so that all of their staff members will know about the Lactation Rooms and where they are located.  

Hopefully the last step will be to take Emily’s advice and affix well-placed signs throughout the airport so that moms can easily find these rooms when they need them.  

We would like to commend the San Diego International Airport for making breastfeeding and pumping moms a priority in their renovation plans and for creating a wonderful space where moms may have some well-deserved privacy.

Thank you, Emily, for bringing this to our attention so that all breastfeeding and pumping moms traveling through our airport can benefit from these rooms!  And, for moms who would like to breastfeed their children throughout the terminal, remember that California law protects your right to breastfeed in public!  

Safe travels during the busy holiday season, and beyond!

Have you seen a Lactation Room or a Mamava Lactation Suite at one of the airports you have traveled through?  Snap a photo and place it in the comments so that we can share this information with other traveling moms!

Update on our Kickstarter Project

Well, our 30 days are up for our Kickstarter project and, unfortunately, our Nursing in Public Task Force website project didn't receive the funding that we had hoped for.  We reached about 10% of the funding we needed and I am so incredibly appreciative of the support we received from our generous donors!  

While I am sad that the Nursing in Public Task Force website project will have to be put on hold for now, I am not too discouraged to let it go completely.  Over the next few months, I will be updating the resources on our local Nursing In Public Task Force webpage, speaking at the Annual California Breastfeeding Summit about our project, and hopefully finding other funding sources to pay for this valuable online resource.  So, if you happen to have any ideas for other funding sources (or an amazing benefactor who'd like to pay for the website!), please email me so we can explore these options :-)  

If you would like to stay current on this project, please sign up for our newsletter, as we will be updating our website with new information and resources for nursing in public.

Thanks, again!  This has been an enlightening learning experience for me and I hope to have a huge announcement in the next few months that we have secured funding for this valuable and needed website!

Warmly,

Robin

Join our Movement to Stop Nursing in Public Harassment

We are so excited to announce that we have launched our first Kickstarter campaign today!  It is called the Nursing in Public Task Force Website.  

As you know, the ladies at the San Diego Breastfeeding Center are fierce advocates for protecting a woman's right to breastfeed in public.   This is exactly why we created the San Diego Nursing in Public Task Force in 2013. Too many local moms had been discriminated against and shamed for breastfeeding their babies outside of their homes and we just couldn’t stand by silently anymore!

In these past 2 years, we have helped over a dozen women mediate nursing in public harassment incidents, as well as countless of others to remedy discriminatory incidents on their own.  We feel like the time has come to expand these resources… to help breastfeeding women and businesses/organizations across the country uphold their state laws that protect the rights of breastfeeding mothers and stop these discriminatory acts.

So, how can you help?

Today we launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for a national Nursing in Public Task Force website.  The money raised will pay for a website designer, content creation, and a photographer/videographer for the website.  We would be extremely grateful if you would take a few moments out of your day to look at the Kickstarter project.  If you feel like this sounds like a worthy cause, please consider donating and share with your friends (by forwarding this article and sharing on Facebook).  Know that you will be making a difference in thousands of women's and children's lives, as well as creating more tolerant and supportive communities across our country.

Click here to check out our Nursing in Public Task Force Website Kickstarter campaign:

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!  

Breastfeeding Memoirs: Best 'Bring Your Baby to Work' Situation EVER!

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week 2015, we are sharing inspirational stories from breastfeeding/working moms.  

Today’s story was written by Margo Byrd.

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As a new mother, the fear of going back to work haunted me as my maternity leave days grew smaller and smaller.  Although I am one of the most fortunate mothers in the world who got to bring their child to work, I still feared that somehow it would not work out.   I worried that my company would decide my bundle of joy was not so joyous, or I would completely collapse under the pressure of feeding a 3 month old in my office. I personally struggled with postpartum.  I had irrational fears about what it would be like at work, felt completely helpless on multiple occasions, and had a very hard time letting my son out of my sight even to run to the bathroom (when my husband was home).  As those small fears subsided, coincidentally my bigger fear of breastfeeding in my new work environment grew. For the summer, my office would be shared with my boss as I am her assistant and during the school year I would have my own office (which happens to be all glass).  I work for the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Dieguito and while “Bring your child to work,” has always been a motto for our club, the fear of breastfeeding with 70-150 kids on the other side of my door was very apparent.  I envisioned curling up on a toilet wiping everything down with cleaners or hiding in dark closets on the floor while I lulled my 3 month old to sleep while comfort nursing. While I was promised a, “Safe,” environment to nurse I had no idea what to expect. The struggle of postpartum and the struggle of a new environment breastfeeding made me so nervous. I had never nursed in public, let alone nursed in front of my co-workers and peers.  Personally I was too scared and too naive to understand the support I would have at my job.

I had made up my mind when attending my first meeting with my supervisors to quit. With my hormonal self and hormonal worries I just felt that it was going to be a disaster.  Yet, as my son, Charlie, and I were greeted by each of my co-workers and supervisors, I started to see the support for my son’s health and well being would not only be my priority, but my entire leadership team’s priority.  I was greeted with warm smiles and happy faces.  To my surprise one of the first questions everyone asked was, “Are you still going to breastfeed?”  I sheepishly answered, “I am going to try,” and each person in my leadership team smiled and said, “Go girl!” The more people I talked with, the more I realized that our company fully supported my commitment to breastfeed him each and every day.  

One of the first things my company did was set up my office.  Not only did they put in a curtain to cover the glass in my office, my supervisor told me that whenever I needed to feed my son, I would have a quiet and safe place to do so.  They fashioned my office to make it more suitable for a changing table, pack and play, and a swing, as well as make sure my son had what he needed to be happy and healthy.  They removed large filing cabinets and replaced them with smaller ones so I could maneuver them so I could fit everything comfortably.  Over the summer, when I began to share an office with my boss, her commitment to making me feel comfortable was overwhelming.  My boss brought in extra items in case my son needed them, she did not put me on the schedule (so I could arrive within reasonable hours to take care of my son), and suggested making a sign for my door that said, “Feeding Charlie, Please Knock before Entering.”  I was completely overwhelmed with the support to breastfeed from the beginning.  And the most beautiful part of all of this was, even staff members who saw my sign on the door would knock and enter without hesitation.  Males, females, co-worker’s children and volunteers all felt comfortable and normal walking in.  I even held staff meetings with multiple staff at a time while feeding my son and the wonderful response to my question, “Would you mind if I fed my son,” was welcomed with an overwhelming, “Absolutely!”  

While I know I am blessed and incredibly lucky, I can only speak from my experience.  Each and every day is still challenging with our regular breastfeeding issues, but having the support of my co-workers and leadership team has been incredible.   I can contribute to my family, provide the best nutrients for my son through breastfeeding, and I can continue to watch my son grow within the walls of the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Dieguito.   

Breastfeeding Memoirs: Working as a Resident

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week 2015, we are sharing inspirational stories from breastfeeding/working moms.  

Today’s story was written by Amelia Sorenson.

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When I found out I was pregnant as I was about to start a surgical fellow, which can mean a seven day, sixty (sometimes eighty) hour work week with erratic long nights of call, I thought a lot about what it would be like to do the work while pregnant and how to manage maternity leave (six weeks, worked the day I delivered). What I didn't think about was how I would establish a breastfeeding relationship during those first few short weeks and how I would manage to keep breastfeeding when I went back.  

PHOTO BY ERIN AT THE THEO LOVES

Once my son was born I realized I should have been preparing for breastfeeding. I went to a breastfeeding support group three times in the first week and am so grateful to the mothers I met and the support from the lactation consultants.  (First piece of advice - figure out support groups BEFORE baby arrives and utilize them early. Every time baby latches he is learning what to do, so the quicker you can get him doing it right, the better).

The night before I started back at work my brand-new electric pump made one long whirrrr and wouldn't turn on again….necessitating a frantic trip to buy a hand pump (Second - buy a hand pump just in case). I was more than anxious that first day back with my little cooler and hand pump.  Fortunately, I work in a “baby-friendly” hospital and a NICU nurse gave me a kit to the hospital grade pump and a few days later I found the most beautiful lactation room with a view of the ocean (Third - Figure out where you will be pumping before you leave for maternity leave).   

I’ve never been able to make a schedule since surgical case length and clinic patients are too different, so I decided that food for my baby had to be on the list of priorities and that some pumping is better than no pumping and tried to pump every three to four hours. (Fourth – Feeding your baby is something important; so let yourself treat it like it is a priority).

Orthopedics is 90% men and I am the first woman in a long time to have a baby, so I’ve been straightforward about what I am doing, hoping that it will make it easier for the next resident. (Fifth – Tell people what you are doing.  You have to do it a lot and really aren’t taking a break.)     

Now that we have made it to 6 months and have enough supply to have donated milk I want to say that you can do it too! Don’t give up early or think that because you are working long hours you can’t do it.  Most of all enjoy the time with your baby before your go back to work. 

PHOTO BY ERIN AT THE THEO LOVES