Preggie Pals

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Breastfeeding After Sexual Abuse

May 5th, 2013 by Emily Pickett

A few weeks ago I had the experience of attending a workshop called When Survivors Give Birth.  The workshop, developed by Penny Simkin, helps birth professionals identify the unique needs of women who have experienced sexual abuse in order to support their pregnancy and postpartum experiences.  While this was fascinating and useful on a professional level as a doula, it also revealed a great deal to me personally because I, myself, am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

One thing that truly stuck with me from the workshop was the idea that much emotional baggage can fall on breastfeeding.  This is true in general, but may be especially true for women with a past history of abuse. For me, it definitely shed light on some of my experiences breastfeeding my first child. (more…)

Nursing and the Military

March 26th, 2013 by Julia Young

Nursing in public. NIP. It’s a pretty controversial topic as of late. All over the country women are being shunned. They are being kicked out of store after store. Restaurant after restaurant. Shamed for covering. Shamed for not covering. Asked to nurse in bathrooms.

Federal Law states:
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a woman may breastfeed her child at any location in a Federal building or on Federal property, if the woman and her child are otherwise authorized to be present at the location.

This doesn’t state that the woman is only allowed to nurse in bathrooms. Only allowed to nurse with a cover. This doesn’t state that the woman is only allowed to nurse the way others deem appropriate. (more…)

Boobie Palooza 2012

October 23rd, 2012 by Michelle Viquez

Sometimes finding the support and guidance in our breastfeeding journey’s can be intimidating. I’m sure much like myself, you’ve found yourself at some point in the process reading books, blogs, websites, and asking your doctor’s for advice. The information can be tough to organize and put together.

After having two children and successfully breastfeeding the second I learned we have to open ourselves up to finding the kind of help to get us through whatever hurdles come our way. My dear husband knew how important conquering breastfeeding was for me and reminded me that I had prepared so much to make it work and that I shouldn’t give up. (more…)

Avoiding “Booby Traps” After a Hospital Birth

Episode 25 | October 19th, 2012

There are many decisions a pregnant woman makes about the birth of her child, yet it is the hospital she chooses that can directly impact her breastfeeding relationship. Why are some hospitals not as supportive of a woman’s breastfeeding goals? What steps can you take to ensure you don’t get booby-trapped? (more…)

Seeking Breastfeeding Support

September 16th, 2012 by Meagan Church

Let me start by saying, I am an introvert. I like to have quiet time, down time, time to myself. I’m not one for big groups, especially when they are filled with a bunch of people I don’t know. So when friends suggested I attend a breastfeeding support group, I had reservations. As I have previously mentioned, Adelyn went through a phase of being a fussy feeder from about six weeks to six months of age. Thankfully we are now on the other side and feedings are much better. But, during that time, I had plenty of moments where I felt confused, frustrated and even angry. I cried during failed attempts to feed her and had moments where I just needed to walk away. I could not figure out what was going on with her. I tried a host of different things, but nothing seemed to work. So, I turned to the Internet. I researched fussy feeding, hoping to find a solution, but I came up empty. I began to talk to friends about it and many of them suggested attending a breastfeeding support group. I was hesitant, for a lot of reasons: I’m an introvert, I have two older kids to tote around, I have nursed those two other kids, so shouldn’t I be able to figure this out myself? (more…)