Facebook Hoopla

In case you haven't heard, Facebook removed some pictures of a breastfeeding mother saying the pictures were obscene. Here is Facebook's defense:

"We agree that breastfeeding is natural and beautiful and we're very glad to know that it is so important to some mothers to share this experience with others on Facebook," said Barry Schnitt, a Facebook spokesman.
"We take no action on the vast majority of breastfeeding photos because they follow the site's Terms of Use," Schnitt said in a statement.
"Photos containing a fully exposed breast (as defined by showing the nipple or areola) do violate those Terms and may be removed," he said.
"These policies are designed to ensure Facebook remains a safe, secure and trusted environment for all users, including the many children (over the age of 13) who use the site," Schnitt said.
"The photos we act upon are almost exclusively brought to our attention by other users who complain," he added. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iWPLR82lOi8wSaHBV6Tkkmffa0dQ

However, here is one of the pictures that was removed. It clearly does not show the nipple or areola and does not meet any definition of obscene. (sigh...)

http://bliss-breastfeeding.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html

To join the Facebook protest go to Facebook and look up:

Hey, Facebook, breastfeeding is not obscene."

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2517126532

Dr. Jack Newman

I have heard Canada's Dr. Jack speak twice and met him at the ILCA conference in July in Las Vegas. He is a wonderful man who helps thousands of mothers and babies overcome obstacles to breastfeeding. Today, I saw this article on him which explains his work:
http://miramichileader.canadaeast.com/community/article/504569

My favorite quote:
He suggests that a change in approach is needed to this issue. Instead of breast feeding supporters having to prove that breast milk is as good as formula, the onus should be on the formula companies to prove that their formula is appropriate and healthy for newborns.

Recently,Health Canada cut off funding for his clinic which, in my opinion, is a true crime. Here is his site and another site he contributes to:

www.drjacknewman.com
www.breastfeedingonline.com/newman.shtml

I Won't Back Down

The other day we were working with a Lactation Consultant on a video spot. We wanted her to change a title from "The Risks of Not Breastfeeding" to "The Benefits of Breastfeeding". She refused. She told us that many mothers who were told bluntly the risks of NOT breastfeeding were much more likely to breastfeed than the mothers who were softpedaled language about the benefits of breastfeeding. She sent us several articles to prove her point. After reading her information, we were all on her side. There are serious health risks to not breastfeeding for both mothers and babies. I would like to give kudos to her - for fighting the good fight against a society that refuses to recognize the importance of breastfeeing. In honor of her, I have included this link on the health risks of not breastfeeding. Pass it along - friends don't let friends not breastfeed.http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/index.cfm?page=519

The First Post

I don't know much about blogging, but I do get a lot of breastfeeding information sent my way. I view this blog as a place to feature new and exciting information in breastfeeding as well as a place of support for breastfeeding moms. I am currently breastfeeding a 26 month old. I have gone from thinking of breastfeeding as something that is nice to do to something that is healthy and essential for both Mom and Baby. If I can help to normalize breastfeeding and support other mothers who are making the choice to breastfeed, then I will feel that I have made a contribution. For my first resource, this great article I found today:
http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/news/opinion/community_voices/article/breastfeeding_is_both_normal_and_natural/7724