Why D3 Is So Important In Pregnancy- A Quick Introduction

Why should I take D3?

D3 is essential for proper brain function and healthy growth of babie's brain as well as highly recommended while breastfeeding to continue to support the bodies systems and the babies.

What is the function of D3? And how much should I take? 
Without enough vitamin D, it wouldn't matter how much calcium you ate to keep your bones strong because vitamin D controls the absorption of dietary calcium. Vitamin D also regulates the growth of cells, including cells that activate your immune response and kill bacteria. Ongoing research suggests that vitamin D may help prevent cancer and lower blood pressure. Since you can’t be certain how much vitamin D your body makes from sunlight, you 
should include 15 micro grams, or 600 international units, of vitamin D in your daily diet.

Although I've known doctors to prescribe much more than this, specially in pregnancy. You can always requests a test to check your D levels at your doctors office. Or check in with your Midwife to see what they suggest. Most people will benefit from a much larger level of D3 added to their daily routine than they imagine. Research also shows that D3's taken while breastfeeding continue to aide in the babies brain development and even contribute to health or above average, language and development of basic motor skills. (More on this in a separate post!) 

Which foods have it? 
Most foods aren't natural sources of vitamin D, which is why milk is fortified with 100 international units per cup. Other types of dairy products may be enriched with vitamin D, but since enrichment is not required, check the nutrition facts label to check for the amounts. The best natural sources are fish, especially trout and salmon, which have approximately all the recommended daily value in a 3-ounce serving. The same portion of canned tuna, halibut and rock-fish has 156 to 229 international units. You’ll get 44 international units from a large egg. The vitamin D in mushrooms varies because some are purposefully exposed to ultraviolet light to increase the amount.


But I thought Fish we're safe to eat in pregnancy? 

You can eat a variety of seafood that's low in mercury and high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as:

• Salmon
• Anchovies
• Herring
• Sardines
• Trout
• Atlantic and Pacific mackerel

Other safe choices include shrimp, pollock and catfish. However, limit albacore tuna and tuna steak to no more than 6 ounces (170 grams) a week. Also, be aware that while canned light tuna on average appears safe, some testing has shown that mercury levels can vary from can to can.

Here are some D3's that look good, in terms of their certifications! Check em out. (I do not receive compensation from these manufacturers, just FYI.) 

Herd Immunity, Big Pharma Vaccine Research Vs True Research and Common Ground

Hard to believe that anyone believes that vaccines only affect the fraction of human life they claim to affect, rather than a much larger number as would seem rational considering that the Federal Government has had to establish a "special trust" just to cover the overwhelming human damages by vaccines! And considering that vaccine manufacturers have managed to shed the liability of the damages they cause by being granted special government pardons and privileges. I would say this fact alone says enough about the factual effect of vaccines on the human body without even getting into the overwhelming scientific debat-er (debate-banter coined together.) that inevitably ensues every time someone asks me in an open forum "should we vaccinate?". I generally do not advice people to vaccinate or not vaccinate on MY personal beliefs, or in fact advice them on anything based on my personal philosophies, one thing which tends to stand out about my childbirth classes, I think, for most couples, from what I have heard. If someone were to ask me how "I" feel, I would honestly say, I don't think I would vaccinates my children, unless I'm going to be traveling the world, or heading to India or Central America. Since my personal philosophy involves respecting the child as you would any adult, I also won't be circumcising or making such personal choices for my child. You may think that's very "hippy" of me, being a Student Midwife and all, but you are wrong. I just don't think my children will "belong" to me. I would never consider them an extension of me and thus would try to provide them as much personal choice as can be permitted by the circumstances.

And believe me, I know what lays on the shoulders of every deciding couple, the new mother and father, scared or at least concerned about their new child's welfare. With the scary information about how such and such horrible thing happened to an un-vaccinated child as well as a the vaccinated one, parents must be feeling intense societal pressure.

All I can tell you is, do your own research, try to get as many FACTS as possible. And be LOGICAL.

One of the things that stick out in my mind about vaccines is the damages fund. It really kinda makes me ponder on it. I've seen it referred to in a vaccine disclosure at "1" hospital only, here in Hollywood (Los Angeles), California. And it was a a LARGE HMO hospital that gave the information to one of my parents. Very nonchalantly at that! The flier said something to tune of "how wonderful and safe" vaccines were, for the most part of two pages, than on the right, bottom corner it said something like "by the way, you are forfeiting your rights to sue us and the vaccine maker if you choose to vaccinate, however if your child gets damaged by vaccines, here's the number and website for this special Federal trust fund for damages due to vaccines, etc.".
First of all there is the scary fact that such a disclosure is needed.
Secondly, there is the scary fact that I have only seen it a "1" ONE hospital. Why are the rest of the hospitals NOT handing this out to parents???

I've deduced it to this. Since we're NEVER going to get a CLEAN, TRUE study produced by Big Pharma, and every time the little guy manages to fund an independent vaccine study, it is proven that Big Pharma has a lot more money to spend. Not just on funding Studies but on buying Lobbies and Lobbyist, it is only common sense that going about it this way is a waste of money, time and effort for the good guy. Unless we are only to use such studies as a personal reference. As the endless amounts of propaganda by Big Pharma and Special Interests are endless. It is clear we must find another way to spread the truth.

One way would be to invoke and ensure that the government does NOT and cannot enforce vaccines in any manner, as it being a personal choice, we must retain the Right to Refuse due to Religion and OR Personal Belief, not just religion, we should have the RIGHT to refuse as informed consumers. It is astonishing to me that anyone would try to rebuke that right.

It is clear that if vaccines were as effective as they are promoted to be, that you would not see infected people with diseases they have been "vaccinated" for. Yes I understand there are different strains of the disease which could mutate, which is exactly the reason why vaccines are a mute point, in the first place, at least currently the way the are made. And yes, I understand the science behind them- Herd Immunity and all. Which looks great at first glance, however, just like many types of Government which look appealing at first glance, once you read the fine print and get down to who's going to be doing what, soon after lose their shine.

Vaccines based on initial scientific theories which are flawed because to quote an Amazing movie that doesn't deserve to be connected to this trashy argument... "Life Will Find A Way", and sure enough it always does. As if we haven't learned yet, from our extensive over use of antibiotics, that bugs mutate and our extensive and aggressive pressure to c-section mothers that all interventions are not helpful nor provide long term survival to us humans, just because they are "preventive measures".

We will eventually perhaps learn that the "nutty people who don't vaccinate"- that being me and whoever else is on my "wavelength" to use a 60's word- were actually right.

In regards to "Herd Immunity" Food for Thought: In order for this theory to be accurate- You would need to take into consideration the numerous variables in the general populace which are basically endless, But here are some super basic things to look at:

A.) The damage to the personal immune system of each person and neurological damage to the body after vaccines. Making the person more prone to disease. ( Could it be said that it is worth the risk and long term effect?)

B.) What would you do about people who naturally are born or predisposed with weaker immune systems, allergic reactions, sensitives and already have some neurological damage or genetic conditions. (Their reaction to vaccines is likely to be more damaging if not alarming.)

C.) Inherent allergic reactions. (Reactions to vaccine components could be as alarming as death!) You may think that the "small percentage" of dead children are worth it. But what about the parents of the child who doesn't make it? Will they think it was worth it?

And the most unpredictable of all points...

D.) Life mutates.  The bugs and viruses may be the "bad guys" in our little biological ecosystem, but they are in FACT trying to survive, and survive the best they can they will! Whether we want them to or not!

The right solution although it may seem naive of me. Would be to have the body naturally evolve into an immunity that will help it survive better not just in short term but the long term. And find a way to reduce the livelihood of bugs and viruses without the big cost of making the body toxic or compromising it's neurological ability and own natural immunity.

I know this is a problem for a few geniuses to solve. But I think we should get started on solving it.

The masses will always be led by propaganda, it is unlikely you will get past the innate ability to ignore common sense.

We as natural birthers, natural parents, natural practitioners will be attacked by western medicine until the cows come home. It is no secret they intend to keep medicine were it makes big profits.
Which includes the construction of very large facilities, the sale of very expensive machines, and the pushing of very expensive drugs and the paraphernalia for them.

If you have an idea on how we can move past this and enhance or protect the health of the population, please do spread your ideas around!

I hope this brought you something to consider.

Best Wishes and Much Love,
Claudia P. Silva

Home Breech Delivery Photographic Story!

Check this gorgeous photographic story with an un-diagnosed home breech delivery!
It is just gorgeous!
Goes to show that the level of interference in our modern day society on birthing mothers is just baseless. I love stories like this, that defy my training and "western medicine".

Much Love!
Claudia

Photographic Story- Breech Home Birth

Unassisted Lotus Birthing Mother Interview

This is a great example of respect by the media towards a Mother who chooses to birth differently.
I was VERY impressed by the host, being so attentive and just sincere in his reactions. No drama and weirdness by the audience, they just listened.

I have to say, I am VERY impressed also, by what I'm assuming is Germany's C-Section percentage as it is WAY lower than ours! Sadly... for us. Great for them- 15% percent c-section rate! WOW!

And yet we have this mother making some very enlightened decisions about what was best for her in her births.

I was very happy to see this interview to the end. Enjoy!

A Word From My Most Recent Delivery. :)

Claudia was my godsend. Without her and her wonderful professionalism i wouldn't have had the amazing birth experience that I had hoped for. She went above and beyond the call of doula duty to help me and my family. I say with a whole and pure heart that she can handle any situation that comes at her and has a solution to every problem. My husband and I had a rough end to our pregnancy. with our due date fast approaching and no dr for delivery. ( insurance cancelled on me and my new insurance didn't issue me with a new Id util three days before my due date) We needed a solution fast. She efficiently found a team of midwives that would take me and my unborn daughter and helped us get the care we needed. My labor took 6 days with unpredictable patterns , keeping all of us on our toes and our planned situation was to have a birth at the beautiful Natural Birth & Women's Center, but within two hrs of my water breaking I went into full blown active labor, stranding me at home. She sped to my house at warp speed arriving just before the midwives, supporting me and helping me through the pain. When the rest of the Calvary arrived she helped me push and bring my beautiful little girl into this world. I love this woman to death! I'd be blessed to have her by my side again for my next child. Thank you Claudia for all you've done for us. I thank the heavens for you in my life when you arrived. Couldn't have asked for a better advocate and doula by my side.

PS,
 That's just the tip of the problems we had to go through but I would probably need to write a book to explain all the problems that arose, she solved each one. Lol. Love you Claudia. Did I say that already?? Lol (( hugs)) thank you again for all you've done and continue to do!

Real Footage of Developing Fetus Inside Womb! It may not be everyone's Cup of Tea, but Very Scientific!

I love this, simply because it shows real footage inside womb, not saying that it is easy to watch, sometimes these type of photos and video, can look scary to some moms. I understand completely.

No worries, if it's your type of video, enjoy it!

I just like it because of the science behind it, also I found it fascinating that you can hear everything very clearly inside the womb! So, it's something to consider!


Much Love,
Claudia

MOTHER FIGHTS BACK, AFTER FORCED C-SECTION, Patient Right # 6, The Right To Refuse Treatment

During the process of giving birth, Rinat Dray was in a vulnerable position. While trying to cope with labor contractions, she was wheeled to an operating room for a c-section, against her will. She is not a criminal; she is a mother. Yet her baby was forcibly cut out of her body during an invasive cesarean surgery, forced on her despite her refusal to consent and verbal outward cries for medical staff and Doctors to "Stop" the procedure and the mothers pleas. One can only shudder at the thought of being in such a terrible place.... 

Great Food Guide, for Pregnant Women Who Need To Eat a Lower Fat Diet

Saturday, August 02, 2014

3:06 AM

This is a great example of a sensible food pyramid for a pregnant mother who requires a lower animal fat diet, eg, someone who is struggling with gall bladder or digestive issues. In general women in pregnancy will need a higher level of protein- in this case, they'll have to make it up with many types of legumes, dark greens and lower fat meats. If you'd like a healthier way to eat during pregnancy, taking childbirth classes like the ones we provide here at Enlightened Birth & Doula Services may help you better plan your diet and meals. We focus on preventative nutrition, which has proven extremely successful over the years. 

El Masage Perineal

Para las mujeres que prefieren estudiar en espanol, este video esta genial!

PKU, what is it? Vital Information about the "NBS" New Born Screening Test

Sickle-Cell: 1 of the tests in the "PKU" (Phenylketonuria test) or NBS "New Born Screening Test, tests for the presence of Sickle Cell Anemia- the "sickle" cells are the ones that are not round. As you see here. Anemia is: a condition marked by a deficiency (lack of) of red blood cells or of hemoglobin (the protein which helps carry oxygen in our blood), resulting in pallor (an unhealthy pale appearance) and weariness (tiredness). www.fruitofthebelly.com

The Importance of Essential Fatty Acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6, DHA, EPA and ALA

Omega-3 fatty acids are "good fats," and are among the most important nutrients lacking in Americans' diet today and one of the biggest missing nutrients in a pregnant woman's diet. 

As well a new borns and toddlers diet. 

DHA is the most abundant omega-3 fat in our brains. And, because our bodies don't efficiently make DHA, we need to eat foods rich in this important nutrient in order to keep our brains functioning optimally. However, because our food is generally so processed, toxic and not properly grown and allowed to ripen, like many nutrients, it is mostly not attained at all. 

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, are vital part of every cell in the body. Research suggests

omega-3s can help...

Feed the brain. 

DHA specifically plays a role in how well cells can communicate with each other. 

There actions may help with memory, clear thinking and may offer a protective effect against age-related memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia
Lower risk of heart disease (when part of a healthy lifestyle)
Lower triglyceride levels
Help improve memory
Fight inflammation in the body
Improve blood flow through the arteries and slow the building of plaque inside arteries
Keep blood vessels nimble and flexible
Decrease blood pressure and maintain a steady heart rate
Curb or lessen symptoms of postpartum depression, manic depression, bipolar disease and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Keep optimal eye health and reduce the risk for age-related vision problems
Reduce soreness and tenderness of joints in people with rheumatoid arthritis

When you see omega-3, it's important to realize that not all omegas are created equal. This chart explains the difference between DHA, EPA and ALA
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

DHA is a long chain omega-3 fatty acid important for brain and eye development and function throughout life. It also supports heart health. DHA is the most abundant omega-3 in the brain and retina and is naturally found in breast milk.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
EPA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid important for overall health. However, unlike DHA, the body does not store EPA in significant quantities in the brain or retina (DHA is found in every cell throughout the body, EPA is not).

Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA)
ALA, an essential fatty acid (EFA), is a shorter-chain omega-3 that
serves as a source of energy and as a building block for long-chain
omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).

According to this doctor chart, this is the breakdown. Although I'd have to verify this more thoroughly it looks pretty accurate. 

Non Toxic Solutions To Freshening Your Indoor Air

Toxic chemicals found in common household air fresheners are a serious hazard to your family's health. Protect your family with simple solutions that still keep your house smelling clean. 

Now, I can't even imagine spraying a home full of  "X brand" flower bouquet toxic air freshener, while a baby is crawling around, or worse, in a daycare where several to tens of children are playing, or inside a classroom! Although I've witnessed all of these growing up. My mother used to spray the entire house with Glade, from bathroom to living room. She lit several scented candles and used the plugins, yup! Truly toxic. I think the reason I didn't have more coughing fits, dizziness and sinus issues, was because she kept the windows open at all times.

Why “It’s No Big Deal” Doesn't Cut It Anymore – Common Household Toxins and Safeguarding Your Babies From Them

Research has shown that toxins in homes are not only abundant, but also are “*bio-accumulative” and because the substances are carried by various products that are commonly found in the home, it makes exposure to them much more hazardous and harmful to our health at a faster rate. 

Babies, Pets and Children alike will be more prone to exposure to such harmful chemicals, as their body sizes are smaller than an adult human. Thus the labeling “keep out of reach of children” is more significant than any of us may realize, as it doesn't imply a child has to consume something for it to be harmful to him! Even just the amount of aerial contamination after we've cleaned our homes from top to bottom with common household bought brands, is a significant source of concern for all of us! And the surface contaminants on tables, chairs, counter-tops, floors and carpets can be overwhelming control.

A Little Light in a Dark World of Excessive Intervention

Many of you who are local, have heard of the famous Dr. Ronald Wu, he is the head of obstetrics at Glendale Adventist hospital. He is one of the the extremely few doctors who know how to do manual procedures and get women out of a c-section when there seems to be "no other solution". The problem lays in the fact that, unfortunately Doctors, as in OB/GYN's are no longer very well- if at all trained to do manual procedures, they are only and exclusively trained to cut women open and do c-sections. Now there are times, when a c-section is absolutely life saving, there is not doubt about this.

However, excuses for c-setions are abundant. Let me tell you this little secret, almost ANY "situation" that has become an easy excuse to c-section someone has a manual solution. That's right, there IS in fact safe an alternative technology for most issues, even "alarming" issues, such as a cord prolapse, and breech babies, etc.

Believe you me, it IS possible. As us Latinos say sometimes "Si Se Puede!". So don't get overwhelmed by the barrage of false reasons and "precautions" why a c-section is the "only" way or a v-bac is "so dangerous", etc. Just believe me when I tell you, with the correct education, information, with the properly trained professionals who are competent in the procedures called for, you can achieve a vaginal delivery,which will save your body from major surgery and a longer more painful recovery and will save your uterus for a safer future vaginal delivery without so many restrictions as unfortunately come with a VBAC- at least restrictions on paper and per hospital policy.

Back to Dr. Wu.
Doctor Wu is amazing, he helped us last week to achieve a vaginal delivery in a case where another doctor would of suggested a "quick c-section". He told me once, after many many years of knowing him that he takes the brightest Doctor of the residents that come through Glendale Adventist and gets them as trained and educated on manual procedures as he can before they move on.

He told me in this past birth he has a dream to one day find a humanitarian, benefactor, who would allow him and us to focus on vaginal delivery only, no surgery. He'd like to work with and train midwives and doctors to do all the things he knows how to do. I really liked that. So I thought I'd pass it on for the rest of you.

Now don't get me wrong, the wonderful Doctor Wu is still very much an MD and has the usual MD philosophies on epidurals and augmentation, etc. But he is amazing at achieving what others can't in regards to attaining a vaginal delivery. And just a diamond in the rough- in terms of the current society of surgery we live in today. Anyway, Hip, Hip, Hooray! Dr. Wu. Thank you for all your help.
It was a good birth last week.

I hope he's with us locally here, for many, many, many more years to come!

Much Love, Your Blogger, Student Midwife, Doula
Claudia

Sharing My Review Of Kaiser Woodland Hills

Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center  

Pretty OK. Went in with client early in labor this week. Midwife took us in, kinda rough with her internal exams. Over all the birth was OK, they gave us many freedoms, almost didn't fight everything my client requested. The nurse helping us was very helpful. My client achieve natural birth of a very large baby, no drugs, and no unnecessary interventions. But it was a tough birth and we did have to make some decisions to safeguard her birth experience, we left and came back, because we could see there was going to be some excessive or unnecessary interventions had we stayed there. Overall, experience was certainly better than with other Kaisers I've been to, and other births I've had at this Kaiser.
Spaces were very cramped and we happen to have gone in on apparently the worst day- due to a ridiculous number of births happening all at once. The good thing, is we were able to birth basically by ourselves and at the end with nurse- which actually made the experience BETTER, not worse. LOL. Doctor came in at the tail end, and she was very supportive of my clients birth plan, even though not a midwife. So there you go. Just wish they had more amenities for guests, water, coffee, showers, etc. And certainly don't recommend coming in unprepared with a thorough birth plan and bringing a support person is a MUST. DON'T COME IN EARLY!

Alternative Protein

I'm not a vegetarian, but I've started to replace some of my animal proteins with some vegan ones. I've found there are many delicious ideas that can be quickly and easily made. I'm created this simple salad out of two ingredients. Fresh crispy kale and gala apples. Simply chop the kale finely into strips for easier chewing. And slice the apples very thinly as well. Throw on a little salt, pepper and some rice wine vinegar and olive oil. You will have a delightful, refreshing salad packed with nutrients that you can savor while pregnant or breastfeeding. Enjoy!

The Good Midwife

Watching this incredibly addictive show on Netflix called "Call The Midwife" produced, I believe by the BBC, has lead me on an incredible search of some of the techniques used in the show, all this lost technology even from as recently as the 1940's made me a little sad. All these things that actually have worked for years that were lost along the hospitalization of birth, incredibly useful things such as how to deliver a breech baby and how to resolve a cord prolapse, have been successful techniques that were used in emergencies for many, many years. The question is WHY would anyone limit midwives and the Midwife license to not be able to learn, practice and use these techniques in a time of emergency?

The answer I believe is total power and control by the AMA, for many years it has been said that the AMA- American Medical Association, will "never" support midwifes in any way, specially because they are under an entirely separate licensing body. And will do everything in their power to shut down anything they don't control 100%. Sounds "paranoid"? Probably, is it true though? Yes. Unfortunately, not to be the harbinger of bad tidings or not trying to be negative as is a favorite word in my field, I have to say, you must be pretty naive if you do not know this information and you are in fact a Midwife or a Doula. Having aided in the fighting of restrictive rules and regulations, while working with a prominent birthing center in Sherman Oaks, for over 10 years, and the same in Silverlake / Atwater / and Los Feliz- since 1994. I would say you are missing a lot of information in you don't see the trend. The trend being that the Midwifery License for California and Midwifes across the US, gets smaller and smaller in scope of practice, more restricted and more contrived. The same is said for the expectations regarding Doulas. Doulas are "not recommended" to do, this entire list of items, which in my opinion and in anyone who is trained enough to see's opinion, are essentially needed to safeguard a mother and child when laboring at home- not delivering- laboring. The certification provided by DONA only supports a Doula as a Labor Coach, essentially. This in my opinion is not good enough. I'm a Certified Advanced Midwifery Assistant, Certified Master Doula by ACHI and a Student Midwife, the level of trained I've had helps me to better services the client. I wish more Doulas were to train as thoroughly. In my opinion, it's essential.

These restrictions are not productive to an educated field of practitioners by any means.

I am formulating a plan, to crack this problem, to open up the field of Midwifery. More independent licensing means should be available, all to meet the same standard of excellence in care. Doulas should be allowed more training as they so choose- not enforced- allowed to practice to the level they are in fact trained. Midwifery Assistants should be provided a recognized Federal license, as we are in fact similarly trained to RN's and have extensive natural birth training which Nurses do not have, unless they have themselves had home births or had some external training, as some of my classmates did while I was going through mine.

Anyway, there is more coming on this.

I am just now formulating a plan in my head.

Stay tuned.

Much Love, Claudia - Owner
Enlightened Birth and Doula Services.
Certified Advanced Midwifery Assistant/ Certified Master Doula & Student Midwife

Anyone Using Thumbtack?

I've been using this new review site called Thumbtack, it's pretty cool. It promises to hook up service providers with potential customers. If any of you wonderful mommies that I've serviced happen to be on Thumbtack, I would really appreciate a review and your wonderful words of trust and help to any mothers that may be interested in hiring me as their provider.

Here is a link.

Thank you so much!

Thumbtack profile for Enlightened Birth Services. Enlightened Birth Services- Thumbtack Profile
childbirth

Huge Danger, Must Know Information Regarding Yaz, Jasmine and Contraceptives Containing "DRSP" Drospirenone, Law Suits and Health Concerns.

Recently the following news has surfaced, alike many drugs- in my personal opinion- to be claimed as "safe" and OK to use, suddenly the information surfaces that the approval that the FDA gave ALL birth control methods using the component "DRSP" or Drospirenone was based on FALSE evidence that the drug was safe! Ahhh! 

Commissioner for the FDA, D. Kessler has testified that the initial approval of the DRSP (DROSPIRENONE) family of pills was tainted by non-disclosure of important data or information. The pills have been confirmed as increasing the risk of blood clots in comparison to other pills and recent FDA hearings confirmed the need to update the warning label – for a 3rd time in the last 24 months – to communicate this risk to users.

Given that the DRSP(DROSPIRENONE) family of contraceptives have been available in the U.S. for a decade more lawsuits are anticipated in the future. 

In the past, the FDA has repeatedly allowed the manufacturer – BAYER HEALTHCARE PHARMACEUTICALS – to update or change the warning label to the pills at issue. As a result, many women were not warned of risks that have come to light in recent months!

This is why I must reemphasize the distrust in this corrupt system of mainly drug based medicine and emphasize that you do all research possible on anything that is produced by pharmaceutical companies or large corporate drug companies. 

BAYER HEALTHCARE PHARMACEUTICALS is one of many who produce damaging or deadly drugs without a care for the human population, but concern for the corporate billions that they gain from us and our insurance companies, every single year. Spiking the cost of insurances and actual needed health care. Hindering the way for workable alternative health technologies that actually help people, since they do not require the use of drugs and literally shattering our future potential, changing the chemistry,biology and in some cases warping and damaging the DNA structure of our bodies! 

Some of these drugs pass on through the body for generations, leak into our water system, where our filtering technologies have no way of removing them, through our use of our facilities, toilets, sinks, etc. Being fed into the ocean where the fish and other oceanic life consumes it and thus coming full circle back to us accumulating and making our bodies toxic, sick and killing us either slowly or quickly. 

This is no longer a mild concern! This is serious business ladies and gentlemen! 

Please help me spread the word. 

Just Forwarding the La Leche League Guidelines for Storing Breast Milk to All My Mommies. ;)

What are the LLLI guidelines for storing my pumped milk?

Your milk is a living substance so precious some call it "white blood". It is essential to store your expressed (pumped) milk properly to maximize its nutritional and anti-infective qualities. Human milk actually has anti-bacterial properties that help it to stay fresh. Giving your baby the freshest milk you have pumped ensures its high quality.

This information is based on current research and applies to mothers who:

• have healthy, full-term babies;
• are storing their milk for home use (as opposed to hospital use);
• wash their hands before expressing;
• use containers that have been washed in hot, soapy water and rinsed.

Storage Guidelines

All milk should be dated before storing. Storing milk in 2-4 ounce amounts may reduce waste. Refrigerated milk has more anti-infective properties than frozen milk. Cool fresh milk in the refrigerator before adding it to previously frozen milk.

Preferably, human milk should be refrigerated or chilled right after it is expressed. Acceptable guidelines for storing human milk are as follows. Store milk:

• at room temperature (66-78°F, 19-26°C) for 4 hours (ideal), up to 6 hours (acceptable) (Some sources use 8 hours)
• in a refrigerator (<39°F, <4°C) for 72 hours (ideal), up to 8 days (acceptable if collected in a very clean, careful way)
• in a freezer (-0.4 to -4°F, -18 to -20°C) for 6 months (ideal) up to 12 months (acceptable)

What Type of Container to Use

The best options for storing human milk:

• are glass or hard-sided plastic containers with well-fitting tops
• containers not made with the controversial chemical bisphenol A (BPA)
• are containers which have been washed in hot, soapy, water, rinsed well, and allowed to air-dry before use
• containers should not be filled to the top - leave an inch of space to allow the milk to expand as it freezes
• freezer milk bags that are designed for storing human milk
• put only 60 to 120 ml (two to four ounces) of milk in the container (the amount your baby is likely to eat in a single feeding) to avoid waste

Disposable bottle liners or plastic bags are not recommended. With these, the risk of contamination is greater. Bags are less durable and tend to leak, and some types of plastic may destroy nutrients in milk. Mark the date on the storage container. Include your baby's name on the label if your baby is in a day care setting.

How to Warm the Milk

Frozen milk: thaw in the refrigerator overnight or under cool running water. Gradually increase the temperature of the water to heat the milk to feeding temperature.

Refrigerated milk: Warm the milk under warm running water for several minutes. Or immerse the container in a pan of water that has been heated on the stove. Do not heat the milk directly on the stove. Some babies accept milk right from the refrigerator.

Do not bring temperature of milk to boiling point.

Human milk may separate into a milk layer and a cream layer when it is stored. This is normal. Swirl it gently to redistribute the cream before giving it to baby.

Do not use a microwave oven to heat human milk. It may cause the loss of some of the beneficial properties of the milk. Microwaves do not heat liquids evenly and may leave hot spots in the container of milk. This could be dangerous for infants.

Sometimes thawed milk may smell or taste soapy. This is due to the breakdown of milk fats. The milk is safe and most babies wil still drink it. If there is a rancid smell from high lipase (enzyme that breaks down milk fats) activity when the milk has been chilled or frozen, the milk can be heated to scalding (bubbles around the edges, not boiling) after expression, then quickly cooled and frozen. This deactivates the lipase enzyme. Scalded milk is still a healthier choice than commercial infant formula.

If you or your baby has a thrush or yeast/fungus infection, continue to breastfeed during the outbreak and treatment. While being treated, you can continue to express your milk and give it to your baby. Be aware that refrigerating or freezing milk does not kill yeast. After treatment is finished, any leftover milk that was expressed during the infection should be discarded.

Thawed Milk

Previously frozen milk that has been thawed can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. While there is limited evidence to date that milk thawed for a few hours may be refrozen, this results in further breakdown of milk components and loss of antimicrobial activity. At this time, the accepted practice is not to refreeze thawed milk. While some mothers and caregivers reheat expressed milk that was leftover and refrigerated after a previous feeding, there is no research on the safety of this practice. There is also no research about whether freshly expressed milk left unfinished at room temperature should be discarded, or can be saved for a short time (perhaps up to one hour as reported by some mothers and caregivers) to finish the feeding if the baby wakens from having fallen asleep or still appears hungry.

According to THE BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, page 228, research indicates that human milk has previously unrecognized properties that protect it from bacterial contamination. One study, Pardou 1994, found that after 8 days of refrigeration some of the milk actually had lower bacterial levels than it did on the day it was expressed.

Expressed milk can be kept in a common refrigerator at the workplace or in a day care center. The US Centers for Disease Control and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration agree that human milk is not among the body fluids that require special handling or storage in a separate container.

Resources

Attend a La Leche League Group meeting in your area for additional information and support. To find a Leader of a local Group, visit Finding a Local LLL Group.

Additional information on pumping and milk storage can be found on our milk storage and pumping resource pages.

These items may be available from the LLLI Online Store or from your local Leader:

THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, published by La Leche League International, is the most complete resource available for the breastfeeding mother.

Nursing Mother, Working Mother, by Gale Pryor: Mothers who have decided to combine breastfeeding with working will find this an immensely helpful and reassuring book. The author includes practical information about planning for and returning to employment, clear concise tips on breastfeeding, pumping, storing, and transporting milk, and possible alternatives to full time employment such as job sharing, working from home, and budgeting to stay home full time. The book suggests numerous ways that mothers can build and maintain closeness with their babies in spite of separation.

Storing Human Milk: Describes the procedures taken when storing human milk. (Pad of 50 tear-off sheets)

Expressing Your Milk: Includes two pamphlets helpful to mothers who need to pump or express their milk: "The Balancing Act" and "A Mother's Guide to Pumping Milk." Also contains two tear-off sheets: "Manual Expression of Breast Milk -- Marmet Technique" and "Working and Breastfeeding."

Our FAQs present information from La Leche League International on topics of interest to parents of breastfed children. Not all of the information may be pertinent to your family's lifestyle. This information is general in nature and not intended to be advice, medical or otherwise. If you have a serious breastfeeding problem or concern, you are strongly encouraged to talk directly to a La Leche League Leader. Please consult health care professionals on any medical issue, as La Leche League Leaders are not medical practitioners.

Page last edited 2012-07-28 02:39:13 UTC.