Local Moms to Attempt Breastfeeding World Record
La Leche of Greater Danbury will join mothers around the globe to set a new world record Saturday.
On Saturday, at least 30 women and their children will be enjoying a late breakfast at Kids Kingdom playground, outside the Brookfield Municipal Center. But at this picnic there’s only one item on the menu: breast milk.
The La Leche League of Greater Danbury, co-organized by local mothers Chrys Prip and Karin Ali, is organizing the gathering as part of The Big Latch On, an internationally coordinated public breastfeeding event. From 10:30 a.m. to 10:31, mothers from across the globe will be publicly feeding their infants, both in solidarity and in an attempt to break a world record.
The standing record was set in October of last year, with 9,826 mothers simultaneously nursing at 325 locations in 16 countries around the world.
The Big Latch On is an annual event that culminates World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), however this is the first time La Leche of Greater Danbury has participated in the event, and already more than 30 mothers have confirmed that they are coming.
“We’re doing this as a way to support women who choose to breastfeed,” Prip said. The choice between breastfeeding and formula is a personal one, she added, but the support network La Leche offers helps mothers stand up for their decision.
The name, La Leche League, was coined in the 1950s, “when feeding was a taboo topic,” Prip explained. Those stigmas were exactly what the group was created to battle against.
“The No. 1 indicator if a woman will succeed in their nursing is support,” she said.
Along with the usual difficulties associated with breastfeeding — the infant not latching on, insufficient milk production, allergies and dietary issues — social pressures can be just as problematic.
“It’s so stressful to try to get the hang of how to do it and then be told you can’t,” Bethel mom and La Leche member Kathleen Raymond said. “Why would anyone want to go to a bathroom to eat? It’s the same thing. I’d never ask a person to go to the bathroom with a bottle.”
Raymond, whose two-year-old daughter still breastfeeds, stated that she was fortunate in not having to deal with many of the usual problems but it remains “difficult in our culture to get a lot of information.”
Mothers, aunts and other family members acted as the support group and main sources of information in generations past, however in today’s society breastfeeding is “not as culturally prevalent,” Raymond explained.
“Things can change so quickly at this age,” she said, “Just to be around other moms who can say, ‘Yes, that’s normal,’” is a huge benefit.
“Without them [La Leche and specifically Prip and Ali] I don’t think that we would have as healthy kids as we do,” said Jeany Mui of Southbury, whose two children are now six and nine and no longer feed, though the group was invaluable to her when they were younger. “They’re a resource — not medical or professional, but personal.”
The La Leche mothers “taught me how to understand my body,” she said, “Just relaxing and accepting what Mother Nature gives you, letting the baby and your body do what comes naturally. This is how we all started: natural, from the body.”
Elena Nielsen of Brookfield said she had issues when starting to breastfeed her son Alex, now nine months, but with the support of La Leche “he’s the biggest kid in town, now.”
Despite early problems, “I wanted to do everything I could to give him that good start,” Nielsen said, touting the health benefits of mother’s milk over formula.
“My pediatrician and my doctors were adamant that breast milk was better,” she said, added to the fact that Alex was born with a sensitivity to soy, making it hard for him to digest formula. Nielsen was able to change her diet — eliminating soy and dairy — and subsequently produce milk that her son was able to consume without the agony afterward, for both mother and child.
“When the baby’s unhappy, everyone’s unhappy,” she said, also noting that newborns have to eat every two hours and having a ready supply of food available is key. “It’s a little bit easier — I don’t have to make a bottle, I don’t have to carry food with me everywhere,” and the sideways glances don’t get to her.
“It doesn’t bother me… it probably bothers others,” she said, “But it’s the same as giving him a bottle in public.”
“I’m not thinking about anything sexual” when breastfeeding, Raymond asserted, curious why people would be offended or made uncomfortable. “I’m thinking about my child’s need for food.”
Those who wish to join La Leche for The Big Latch On Saturday should arrive at Brookfield Town Hall by 10:15 a.m., Prip said, to ensure that everyone is ready to break a world record at 10:30.
Lara Skye Baddour
6:42 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
Ew. Publically displaying breastfeeding? Lol
Rob Gianazza
8:21 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
This isn't a joking matter, but a delicate matter just the same. For me, there is no question that nursing your child is natural and beneficial to your child's development. My question is as a bystander, how does one react to a mother nursing her baby in public? Most nursing mothers I've encountered are modest in their actions, but I still feel awkward making eye contact or talking with a mother while she is nursing. Is the proper etiquette to converse as if everything were "normal", or do you refrain from making contact and avoid a nursing mother as soon as you see one? Both options seem uncomfortable to me.
Christine E.
8:58 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
Rob, I agree. While I think it's perfectly natural, there are also circumstances where I am uncomfortable. For example, I run a business. One day, a mother sat down at my desk (not a waiting room) and began breastfeeding her child. Meanwhile, a potential client (male) walked in, and it was the first thing he saw. Needless to say, he left and I lost his business due to something that looked unprofessional. While I understand how important it is, some women (not all) need to learn how to be more courteous and respectful of where they are.
TBL of CT
9:00 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
Christine- you're 100% correct :)
jenny
9:01 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
should you feel discomfort, i would suggest taking yourself to a quiet place, perhaps at home, or in a restroom somewhere, or a small closet. reflect on why you are uncomfortable. otherwise your discomfort will likely cause tension and discomfort in others, and it would be so awkward to have to make eye contact with an uncomfortable man in public. when you get back, she will probably be done breastfeeding so you can get on with your day,
Terri Bhatt
9:23 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
As a former breastfeeding Mom, I think women should be able to nurse their babies in public without harassment. But I always had a large blanket to drape from my shoulder to my lap so that I would avoid flashing any bystanders. Made me (and the bystanders, I'm sure) more comfortable.
Lara Skye Baddour
9:47 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
@ Rob: Well, I don't think it's a laughing matter. It was more of a grossed-out laugh out loud. However, I do find it inappropriate and distasteful for a woman to display her boob in public as if there's nothing going on. It's supposed to be an intimate act between the mom and her baby. It's not something to show off. I don't think women should be ashamed but at the same time, let's not make it a reason to show off our boobs that are being sucked on just because there is a good reason. It's not a holy act but it should be treated with respect for both baby and mother.
Rob Gianazza
10:06 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
All great comments. I'm not advocating public exposure, nor am I advocating shame. I'm asking how does a nursing mother expect others to respond while they are nursing discretely in a public place? If you choose to nurse in public, is it appropriate for anyone to engage you in conversation? A stranger to ask for directions? A friend to say hello? What is considered rude behavior and what is acceptable? Obviously staring is inappropriate, so what is appropriate? I'm asking how the mom's feel? How do you want to be treated by others?
Erica
10:07 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
Out of curiosity...How many boobs have you seen shown off? There is absolutely nothing "gross" about breastfeeding. Perhaps you should join us at the Latch On to see it for yourself. It is a beautiful way to naturally feed your child with what they were intended to eat and in the way they are meant to consume food. If you have have ever been fortunate enough witness this act, you would see that you don't see anything other than a mother's love for her child and that love in return. Unfortunately, it's this kind of thinking (gross, unprofessional, inappropriate, sexualized) that keeps many women from nursing and providing what is best for their child.
Christine E.
11:05 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
Erica, I dont' think many people here are disputing the logic behind it. I also don't think people here think it's inappropriate to feed your child the way nature intended. I am however, disputing the fact that it's appropriate to breastfeed your child wherever you please, without any regard for where you are. I do not run a shopping mall. I do not run a park, or own a bench on the sidewalk. My business is a private facility. For someone to think it's appropriate to sit at my desk in my office, and breast feed their child, is nothing short of inconsiderate for the professional operation of the business. (to be clear, I woudn't want someone being SPOON fed in my office, either) It's no different than going behind the counter at subway, sitting down, and breastfeeding. You wouldn't do that, would you? Again, i'm not debating you on how important it is, but I think being respectful and responsible goes a long way in supporting your cause.
Erica
2:28 pm on Friday, August 5, 2011
No worries Christine! I was referring more to Emma K's post than yours =) I honestly feel that if it's appropriate to feed a child or eat in a place then a mom can nurse...BUT if it's not an appropriate place then it shouldn't occur just as you said. That said, I wouldn't nurse my daughter in certain places where it would be inappropriate to do so and I do use a cover, but that is my preference. If I am in a situation where I am unsure, say your type of facility, I might ask you if there was a place where I could feed her. I think sadly there are a lot of people who do not support breastfeeding nor recognize the AAP recommendations for breastfeeding your child and that stops women from nursing or feeling comfortable in public and interferes with effective communication. It would be great if the places where this type of care (e.g.breastfeeding, feeding, changing diapers etc...) was not appropriate had a "family room" or place for people to go. I love reading all of the comments and think it's important and healthy to talk about it!!
Stephanie G
10:06 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
Rob - I nursed my son until he was almost 2 years old and while I guess you could say I was passionate about it, maybe I'm not as comfortable doing it "in public" as some people. That being said, I don't necessarily think that there is anything wrong with someone who chooses to nurse in public and does so in a respectful manner. Personally, I always tried to do it somewhere private, but that was probably more of a factor of my son being terribly "distractable" if there was a lot of activity going on. When I did have to nurse around other people, I always tried to have a cover that I could place over my shoulders - I guess I understand that some people aren't comfortable with other people nursing in front of them and I'm okay with that.
As to etiquette - I think it comes down to whatever *you* are comfortable with. If a mother is nursing in public, you can probably be assured she won't be uncomfortable if you make eye contact or have a conversation with her.
L.A.
10:42 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
I breastfed my 3 children and I would never do it without a cover. Covering is even better for the baby not get distracted with their surrounding . I agree with Stephanie, Mothers that breasfeed should have some etiquette and be private on this matter.
Erica
10:55 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
Rob,
I think those are GREAT questions!!! That is the only way we can move forward from anyone being uncomfortable. I can only speak for myself here...but I would love to be treated as anyone else! I certainly wouldn't mind someone asking me questions, directions or starting up a conversation. I love when my baby is around language! Like you said, staring is inappropriate...but that's because staring is inappropriate for all situations. I would love to be treated as a mother feeding her child, so any way you would react to someone feeding from a bottle is the same thing...I am happy to see your comments and your interest in how to interact with nursing moms in a positive way. I nurse in public and thankfully have never been confronted negatively. In fact, I have had many women applaud me and if they have something that is not nice to say, then it's better left to themselves! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT ROB!
Ronald DeRosa
11:04 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
From the Naugatuck Patch Facebook page:
"La Leche League of Naugatuck Valley will be represented at the Marriott in Farmington site tomorrow." - Dawn Molnar Roaix
http://www.facebook.com/NaugatuckPatch
Bambi
11:24 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
I'm a nursing mom of my 6 month old and still to this day if are out and she needs to eat,I will excuse myself and nurse in my van. This way,no ones looking at me,judging me,grossed out...ect. I've nursed once in a restaurant and a park and is just not comfortable. A lot of people talk and judge too much so I just don't ever put myself in that uncomfortable situation. I do though,agree to some woman out there nursing "appropriately" in public.
Lara Skye Baddour
8:01 pm on Friday, August 5, 2011
Wow! Let's not put words in my mouth. lol. I am completely FOR breast feeding! I plan on breast feeding. That's not the issue. The issue is displaying your private body part without consideration to what others might feel. Simply put: No, I don't want to see your bare breast in public being suckled on by your innocent baby. If you cover though, that is completely appropriate. I was targeting those moms who are closet hippies and don't care whether or not people feel uncomfortable around their boobs hanging out.
Taking Notes
9:20 pm on Friday, August 5, 2011
“I’m not thinking about anything sexual” when breastfeeding, Raymond asserted, curious why people would be offended or made uncomfortable. “I’m thinking about my child’s need for food.”
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..why it would make people uncomfortable? Is she serious? I can understand if she simply didn't care, but to take the posture of the doe-eyed clueless, "Oh I don't get why it would make people uncomfortable if I flop my breast out for all to see as I feed my baby...".
Come on.
My wife breast fed our children, (super healthy, by the way), but still she had the discernment that not everyone would be cool with her whipping out her breast to feed our babies. Yeesh. At least the majority of people commenting here aren't in favor of reckless breast exposure to make a point for breastfeeding. We get it. It's natural. It's healthy. But it isn't for me to ever see unless you and I are married and I've seen your breasts repeatedly before.
Sadie
10:49 pm on Friday, August 5, 2011
I am very modest, but after I breastfed my first child in public for the first time, I felt comfortable and confident. You mean my baby didn't need to scream in frustration and force our family to end our outings as soon as she grew hungry? What a sense of freedom! I often use a cover-up but have many friends who do not and I can not see any of their breasts when sitting next to or directly across from them. As with everything, there will be people who are not aware of or do not seem to care for the comfort of others. I do not want to make people uncomfortable, however, I would fight for my right to breastfeed my child anywhere, a right that should not be compromised. Those who flash their breasts are, I would venture to say, few and far between and probably even a non-issue in this breastfeeding dialogue.
kathy johnson
1:32 am on Saturday, August 6, 2011
I nursed my two children. They are now grown men age 38 and 36. At that time hardly anyone nursed their infants. I was also a Leader in La Lache League. We used to have a topic called the art of breastfeeding. It taught women how to succeed at nursing and how to breast feed in public and stay covered.. I have mixed feelings about this event. If the La Lache League seeks this kind of publicity it just might turn off new nurseing mothers who will choose to seek guidence from lactation specialists outside of league. At the end of each meeting as a leader I was required to ask if everyone felt welcome and comfortable with the group..I question if the the new leadership in La Lache League has considered the possibility.. that everyone might not feel welcome. Breastfeeding in public should not be against the law. If a woman chooses to let her breasts hang out then thats called indecent exposure and thats against the law.
BJ Forlenzo
5:37 am on Saturday, August 6, 2011
Let's face it - there are "radical" La Lache members that DO expose too much breast when feeding solely to get a reaction to be able to state their case for breast feeding. I breastfed 24 yrs ago and always covered up. The second picture in the photos above - take a look - that's exposing too much to be out in what looks like a park. My husband and son would be very uncomfortable seeing that. Why? Because they were both raised to respect women and their bodies and wish the women would do the same for them and cover up.
Linda Ramos
7:19 am on Saturday, August 6, 2011
As a woman, mom and now grandmother, I feel this is a very private and should be
at the comfort of the woman. What she is comfortable with, is find with me, as long
as the baby is happy and getting fed. That's why they call it "Breast Feeding"
kathy johnson
7:38 am on Saturday, August 6, 2011
BJ I agree, you said it best. League has always been the best support group for nursing mothers. In fact the late Pricess Grace Kelly of Monaco was an active patron of La Lache League. This event is going to hurt League image. It is not about showing off it is about helping women do their best to keep nursing as long as they choose Thirtyeight years ago when I chose to breastfeed I nursed in restaurants ,parks. beaches,on a sofa in the furnitue dept in Macys etc. No one ever knew. For those of you who are familiar with Dana Doughlas' book called the Tender Gift check out the book cover of the woman of color from a poor country using her vail to cover her breast. She is wearing it over her head and is holding it in her mouth so that she could cover herself a free both arms. That was the most beautiful picture I have ever seen of a mother nursing her child. By the way for those of you who have never read this book I urge you to do so. When I was a League Leader I met the auther at a League event. She was the guest speeker. She is an Anthropologist and this was the first time I heard the word Dula.
Michelle
10:20 am on Saturday, August 6, 2011
Thank you Patch editors for not being too squeamish or "politically correct" to publish the great photos with this article. It's all been said already about breastfeeding being natural, healthy, etc. Those with hang-ups need to take it up with their own mamas and leave the nurselings alone!
Patt Gallichotte
10:57 am on Saturday, August 6, 2011
Unlike most commenting here not all who perform this normal act do so using any kind of common sense and seem to be asking for a challenge to their perceived rights to do whatever, wherever, and whenever they choose.
Bambi
10:11 pm on Saturday, August 6, 2011
I'm sry. I accidentally hit "flag as inappropriate". Sry.
Patt Gallichotte
11:07 am on Saturday, August 6, 2011
While relieving oneself and sexual activity are bodily functions they are not usually performed on public display regardless of how normal they are or how comfortable one might be in so doing them.