June 2010- Summer

In this Post:
*Welcome
*What's in a Name?
*Upcoming Events and Announcements
*Series Meetings
*Featured Article: Enjoying Summer with your Baby

Welcome to the Nurture Tree!

Earlier this spring, La Leche League of Albany Leaders met to discuss our goals and hopes for our very active and growing LLL group. One thing we decided on was a quarterly newsletter to allow us as leaders to communicate with mothers on our mailing list, inform you of upcoming LLL fundraisers and events and to share information. We hope you enjoy this first posting and as always, please feel free to contact us with questions, concerns, comments, anecdotes, or anything else you'd like to share!!


What's in a name?

The name of the newsletter, The Nurture Tree, is very special.

First and foremost, breastfeeding is the ultimate nourishment- a perfect balance of nutrition, comfort, and love.

Anatomically, a woman's milk ducts resemble a beautiful tree, branching out throughout her breast, providing 'liquid gold' to nurture her baby.

And of course, La Leche League also resembles a 'nurturing tree'- branching out to provide support, camaraderie and accurate, up-to-date breastfeeding information to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.



Upcoming Events and Announcements:

July 4:
Once again, LLL of Albany County will be offering a nursing station in Washington Park during the Freedom Has a Birthday celebration. We will be needing volunteers to take small chunks of time to woman the station throughout the day so please contact Annette to volunteer your time.

Fundraising:
The best fundraiser we currently have is La Leche League Membership! (Please use the link to see a whole list of benefits!) When you become a LLL member, you directly support our local group. The suggested donation for annual membership is $40. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact a local leader for more information. (Please, don't use the online form- membership through a local leader insures that your membership fee stays in Laramie.) Membership is NOT required to attend LLL meetings or to contact a leader for breastfeeding support.

We are also currently selling New Native Baby Slings. Wearing your baby is a wonderful way to enrich the bond you share and very breastfeeding friendly! Please contact leader Denise for more information and pricing.


Series meetings

Series meetings are held the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm in the meeting room of the Fire Station at 23rd and Reynolds AND the third Thursday of the month at 10:30 am in the meeting room at Second Story Books at 105 Ivinson. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and their children are welcome!

Summer 2010 Meeting Dates: PM Meetings: June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2 AM Meetings: June 17, July 15, August 5, September 16 We hope to see you there!

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Featured article: Enjoying Summer with your baby
by LLL Leader Janean

Here in Wyoming, summer is such a beautiful time of year that its hard to resist spending large amounts of time outdoors. And why not? The sky is blue, the aspens are leafy and the hiking trails are calling. With some forethought, you can make spending time outside enjoyable for both you and your nursling.

Here are some things you might want to consider when preparing for time outdoors:

Sun Protection:

Protecting yourself and your children from the damaging rays of the sun is a crucial component
to enjoying the outdoors. Of course, the best way to prevent a sunburn is to avoid sun exposure.

If you need to be outdoors between the hours of 10am and 4 pm (when UV rays are strongest), try to find shade.

According to WebMD, "you can calculate how much UV exposure you are getting by using the shadow rule: A shadow that is longer than you are means UV exposure is low; a shadow that is shorter than you are means the UV exposure is high."

Other ways to protect yourself from the sun include wearing protective clothing, such as:

• Hats with wide brims that cover your neck, ears, eyes and scalp.
• Sunglasses with UV ray protection.
• Loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing that covers arms and legs. (Button-up linen blouses work wonderfully for breastfeeding.)

LLL leader Allison, who has spent time in some very hot places, has this advice: "In every super hot, developing country I've lived in--Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador--I've made sure to notice what the locals were wearing. Rather, I noticed what the local folks who work outside, everyday, were wearing. They were wearing light pants, hat, and long sleeved shirts most times! Those locals would take a second look at tourists who had on tank tops and short shorts, ready to get sunburned and bug bitten at the first turn."

Obviously, using protective clothing and shade is the BEST way to protect very small babies and mamas too. It's difficult, however, to cover every single bit of exposed skin with clothing. It may also be difficult to confine toddlers and older children to shady areas, so you may feel the need for sunscreen.


Sunscreen has been in the news lately and research is beginning to show that chemical sunscreens can be potentially harmful. It is important to consider the safety of the sunscreen that you choose to put on yourself and your children.

The Environmental Working Group has a wonderful page that rates sunscreens according to safety. This link allows you to search for the sunscreen you currently use to obtain its safety rating as well as search for safe alternatives. As always, it is important to heed the warnings and directions on any sunscreen you choose and to check with a health care provider for babies under 6 months old.

Remember, just because a product is marketed as being 'for babies' doesn't necessarily mean it is safe! It is always good to do some research.

**One note should be made about sun exposure and vitamin D: You may be aware that Vitamin D is a nutrient that humans obtain from sunlight. Therefore, a moderate amount of sun exposure (with out protective clothing or sunscreens) can be beneficial and is nothing to be feared.

For more information on Vitamin D and necessary sun exposure, please visit the New Beginnings Article on Sunlight and Vitamin D.
and How Much Sunlight is Needed to Generate Adequate Vitamin D? at Kellymom.

Bugs:

Many of the same principles hold for protection from nature's little buzzing bloodsuckers: mosquitoes and ticks, both of which we see here in Wyoming. Again, tightly woven material is a good place to start- it will create a barrier between yourself and the bugs.

There are essential oils and other natural bug repellents available to enhance protection from bugs. The harmful chemical DEET need not be used to keep the little buzzers at bay!



Hydration:

We are lucky in Laramie that our summers tend to stay on the cool side. We do, however, get the occasional hot day so it is imperative to know how to protect yourself and your family from dehydration and heat stroke.

For adults and older children, drinking water is key. Avoid sugary sodas and sports drinks and stick to water, iced herbal teas (any fruity herbal tea tends to be delicious iced) and other healthful drinks. Its a good idea to carry reusable water bottles with you in the summertime. You never know when you might feel the call of the playground or get stuck in a construction zone (this IS Wyoming).

For a healthful, hydrating treat, freeze ice cubes of 100% juice and add those to your water. The juice will melt into the water adding a touch of yummy flavor.


Breastfeeding in the Heat:

Breastfeeding in hot weather can be a challenge! Here are some tips that might make things easier and more comfortable for you and your baby:

-Find a cool, shady spot for nursing if available.
-If you are sweaty, your baby may have a hard time latching on. Keep a cloth diaper, small towel or other piece of cloth with you and give your breasts a quick wipe down. You can then place this cloth between your tummy and your baby if you find that skin-to-skin is making you both sweaty messes!
-Nursing in a sling carrier (made of thin, breathable fabric) is another way to keep a bit of fabric between the two of you to absorb moisture.

Be aware that in hot weather, your baby may increase nursing frequency to ensure that enough foremilk is obtained (as opposed to the fattier hindmilk). This is normal! Just be sure to stay hydrated yourself by sipping as you nurse and keeping an eye on your "output"- your urine should be light in color to indicate proper hydration.

Also know that warm, humid weather can set up an ideal environment for thrush. Keep your nipples as dry as possible between feedings, change your bra/breastpads frequently if they become damp, and consider adding acidophilus supplements or active-culture yogurt to your diet.


Outdoor activities:

There are so many activities that you can enjoy with your family in the summertime! Your family probably has favorites. Thanks to the convenience of breastfeeding and baby carriers, many of these activities are possible with a baby in tow. Some fun, baby and/or toddler friendly activities to consider might be:

*Swimming- use common sense, be safe, and remember that the water can magnify the sun's rays.

*Hiking- baby carriers make hiking a wonderful, family activity. Don't forget the sun protection, water, and snacks!

*Family picnics- a easy meal of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, or whatever wholesome food your family loves can be nourishing for both body and spirit. (A google search for 'healthy picnic ideas' will bring up some neat sites like this one .)

*Concerts in the park

*A Nature Walk- bring along a magnifying glass to look at bugs, leaves and interesting things! Even a few steps outside your door can lead to wonderful discoveries. Leave your cell phone inside and help your child discover the amazing things that await them outdoors!

*Stargazing- it might require a late night, but older kids will especially love looking at the stars, naming constellations and spending time with you!

*Camping (See the New Beginnings Article on Family Camping: Pay special attention to the section on babies in sleeping bags.)

*Be creative! Listening to bird calls, watching ants carry leaves to and fro, drawing with sidewalk chalk, blowing bubbles, newspaper boats in a kiddie pool (or mud puddle)...there are a million inexpensive ways to spend time outdoors with your little one. Just get out there!

Enjoy your summers, Mamas!!