Breastfeeding & Marijuana

Could Breastfed babies really get the 'Munchies'?

It has been found "based on findings of several major scientific studies, that human breast milk naturally contains many of the same cannabinoids found in marijuana, which are actually extremely vital for proper human development."




Anyone who has breastfed will be familiar with the calming effect of a good feed, and how a full tummy seems to put a baby into a really sleepy & relaxed state, but could this also be the effect of cannabinoids?

This article looks at how cannabinoids in breast milk, stimulates the desire to eat - likening it to the effects of an adult taking marijuana and getting the 'munchies'. It states that breast milk cannabinoids "trigger hunger and promote growth and development".

Breast milk is amazing stuff - science is learning all the time. As far as I know formula milk doesn't contain cannabinoids? If it did, I would personally find it controversial to hear that formula milk manufacturers were adding 'the same cannabinoids found in marijuana'! For me hearing about the importance of naturally occurring breast milk cannabinoids, just reaffirms the power of nurture and highlights just how are amazing we are.


Cannabinoids Breast Milk Article

Breastfeeding Rates and Birth Satisfaction

What does it mean to have birth satisfaction?

In a recent study, Spanish researchers have set out to assess a mothers satisfaction level in terms of labour and childbirth. The research concluded that the main factors that influenced satisfaction levels were:

- Vaginal Birth without epidural
- Presence of a family member for birth support
- Positive attitude of healthcare professionals
- Early Breastfeeding (within 24 hours of birth)

Breastfeeding

The principal author of this study is the University of Granada’s Professor of Nursing, Maria Jose Aguilar Cordero. She explains what the research means in terms of breastfeeding:

“the mother being happy or not during birth is related to the duration of breast-feeding. There is a greater percentage of mothers who are still breast-feeding after 3 months if they have been happy with the birth, compared to other mothers who were less satisfied with their delivery”.


http://www.counselheal.com/articles/7924/20131211/mothers-who-give-birth-naturally-without-epidural-are-happier.htm

http://canal.ugr.es/health-science-and-technology/item/69708

Breastfeeding and Natural Birth

Natural Birth is a platform to successful breastfeeding.

If you are considering breastfeeding, please read the wonderful article by Judith A. Lothian. A natural or non-medicated birth absolutely provides the best platform for a mother and babies breastfeeding journey.

Of course, Mums that have medicated births are completely able to breastfeed successfully, but some drugs and procedures can inhibit the natural flow of birth and may interfere with the natural bonding and breastfeeding process. In a medicated birth, skin to skin bonding is of unequivocal importance helping with breastfeeding.




To highlight the key points in Lothians article:

1. Babies are naturally designed to feed from their mother's breast and women are designed with breasts to feed their children.

2. Medication can interfere with the cocktail of birthing hormones which are released at birth. This can mean both mother and baby are less alert at the time of birth - a crucial time for establishing the first feed.

3. Epidural may have neuro-behavioural effects on the baby - i.e. problems can occur with latching and coordination of sucking.

4. Instrumental birth (forceps/ventouse) can result in birth trauma which can impede breastfeeding.

5. Over zealous newborn care practices and separation of mum and baby at birth may result in interfering with the babies natural ability to root, suckle and feed.



Lothian says "Nature perfectly prepares the baby for breastfeeding. The baby is born competent and capable and ready to breastfeed. He instinctively roots and sucks. When placed skin-to-skin on his mother's chest, he instinctively crawls and self-attaches to her breast, in just the right way. He sees and smells, and these senses help guide him to the breast. When held in his mother's arms or placed skin-to-skin, he instinctively throws back his head and opens his mouth wide—the perfect positioning for an effective latch. Babies are born ready and eager to breastfeed....We are just beginning to understand and appreciate how women's bodies prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy, how what happens during labour and birth sets the stage for breastfeeding, and how the first minutes and hours after birth affect breastfeeding. The way the birth proceeds powerfully influences the first hours and days of breastfeeding. Normal, natural birth sets the stage for problem-free breastfeeding—what nature intended—while a complicated, intervention-intensive labour and birth set the stage for problems."

The Birth of a Breastfeeding Baby and Mother

East Lancashire Hospitals - Formula Milk

East Lancashire Hospitals Axe Formula Milk

From the 1st November 2013, Lancashire NHS Trust will no longer providing formula milk. This will effect Burnley General Hospital and surrounding birth centres. Lancashire NHS will continue to support the neonatal unit and babies at high risk.


"Vanessa Hollings, divisional general manager for family care at the Trust, said: “We are proud to have been ensuring a high standard of care for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers and babies for the past 15 years.

Research shows breast milk protects babies against stomach bugs, chest infections, asthma and eczema and we are committed to enhancing the feeding experience and the closeness felt between a mum and her baby.

Like all other hospitals, we support the initiation of breastfeeding with all new babies. However, we recognise that some mums, prefer to bottle feed their babies, and we believe that is their maternal choice.

We support all mothers in making their own choice on how they want to feed their babies and provide education and advice on all methods. However, like many other hospital Trusts, we will now be unable to provide formula milk and mothers will need to ensure they bring in their own provision.”

The Trust was recently praised after receiving the Baby Friendly Hospital (BFHI) initiative award for the 15th year, which promotes the importance of the relationship between mums and their newborns. Breastfeeding rates in East Lancashire have risen from 27% in 1998 to 70% in 2013."  Pendle Today

It will be interesting to see if other local hospitals follow suit and whether East Lancashire will continue to see a increase in breastfeeding rates...


Hospitals Axe Fomula Milk


DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or midwife. This is blog for your interest only and does not give medical advice. If you have any concerns with your pregnancy or birth contact your doctor or midwife.

More 'Normal Birthing' from July 2013 in Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde

Blackpool Victoria Hospital gears towards Natural Birth 

 

The new midwife-led unit is on schedule to open at the end of July 2013. This will give women who favour a more natural birth the opportunity to have their babies in a hospital setting with less medical intervention.

Medical Assistance

The unit is to be independently operated, but delivery suite is next door if medical assistance is required. 

Hopefully the midwives who work on the unit will be open and in tune with natural birthing and complementary therapies for birthing.

Breastfeeding

 

I wonder if the unit will have a positive impact on the Breastfeeding uptake on the Fylde Coast? In theory a midwife-led unit could give more opportunity for midwives to encourage skin to skin bonding and instinctive feeding after birth. Let's hope so.

New Midwife-led Unit July 2013

Embarrassed

But not in Fleetwood!

Following on from my last post about Fleetwood - the UK's First Breastfeeding Friendly town & how mothers feel about breastfeeding in public. I'd like to share this YouTube Clip by Hollie McNish about her breastfeeding experiences...

Hollie McNish

Not for the easily offended xx


Local Natal Hypnotherapy™ Workshops

Another Blackpool Natural Birth

Congratulations to Ivy and Chamoa! "The youngster will remain on her mother's chest for about six months before it starts to explore it's surroundings". Pleated Gibbons obviously have excellent Antenatal Advice...

 Full Story from Blackpool Zoo