Lying Liar

I get very frustrated with the whole "you cannot lose weight while breastfeeding" comments. Salma Hayek, who I normally love, was quoted as saying on Oprah the other day:

I gained a lot of weight. I had gestational diabetes. The pregnancy was really difficult for me. I thought, 'As soon as this baby's out, I'm just going to lose all the weight superfast because I'm going to breastfeed, and everybody tells you if you breastfeed, [the weight] is going to come off.'

It's a lie; It's not true. I'm going to say something. Except for a couple of exceptions, the only reason people lose weight like that when they're breastfeeding -- it's cause they're not eating and they're breastfeeding. And this is not good for the baby.

It takes you nine months to get it, and nine months to lose it. There are shortcuts, but it's not good for the baby. So I'm taking my time. I've lost a lot -- most of -- the weight and I'm very proud of it, because it's been really hard work studying what can I eat that's healthy for me, what's healthy for her. But I'm still losing, even if it's slow. And I've been working out.

I'm proud of what I've lost. And the rest is going to go when it's time to go.

She is correct that if you gain a ton of weight, it is not going to just magically melt off simply by breastfeeding. Fortunately for me, the weight did come off quite easily. I gained 20 lbs with both pregnancies and was able to lose the weight within about 4 weeks with both pregnancies.

However, I am still overweight and certainly cannot claim to have a rockin' bod. BUT. I was able to lose my baby weight quite easily and I am quite certain that breastfeeding helped with that.

The rest of the weight I am carting around on my hips? Sadly, is mine all mine. Sigh.

Look at what the Stork brought in.

Stork magazine has a very cool article with photos featuring model Jessica Hebert breastfeeding her daughter. My favorite photo is the one of Jessica and her daughter with both of them completely naked. It was so artfully done and is simply beautiful.

Stork also has a great article titled Latching on to a Lactation Consultant which provides helpful information for finding a good consultant. As the articles states,

You may want to consider some of the following questions: Can you relate to this person, either in terms of personality or lifestyle or both? Do you feel you connect with this person and that she understands a bit about who you are as a person? If she runs a support group, attend that group once when you are still pregnant. Observe the types of questions that are asked and the answers the consultant gives. Does she really listen to the women in the group? Does she seem to give individualized advice or generalized bits of information to the new mothers? Much like a great personal trainer, a good consultant will help you define your breastfeeding style and meet your breastfeeding goals. She should be confident, creative, considerate and cheer you on. Don’t settle for less than that at this fragile time.

I can't agree more with the premise that you should find someone with whom you click. I've heard so many stories about new mothers not getting along with their LC and that can really hamper a new mother's efforts towards breastfeeding. I was fortunate in that I really got on quite well with both of the consultants at my hospital - I can't imagine how much more stressful it could have been had I not cared for them.

She Strikes Again

Awhile back, I had written about Maggie Gyllenhaal "getting caught" breastfeeding in public. At the time, there was a lot of discussion whether she meant to be photographed like that. After these recent photos emerged of her again baring it all with public breastfeeding, I think it's safe to say she knows exactly what she's doing. Bravo to her! Actresses get paid the Big Bucks to bare their breasts on film. Why shouldn't she be allowed to do it for free AND for a "good cause"?

Double Standards

In celebrity news, I came across this article about Maggie Gyllenhaal and within the article, there is a snap of her breastfeeding her daughter, Ramona. The photo took my breath away. Seriously. It is such a beautiful shot. Then, I read all the rude, spiteful, nasty comments. Bah. My first reaction was that it was incredible invasion of privacy on the part of Gyllenhaal's, but realistically, she probably knew the shot was going to happen. I have to wonder if she didn't do it on purpose to make a statement. After all, there are TONS of paparazzi shots of her out and about with her daughter. She must be aware that of that.

By the way, the title refers to me. I've mentioned before that I am totally down with public nursing, just use a blanket. Officially, I'd like to retract that statement because this little photo made me realize my own hypocrisy (yep, I do that sometimes. Chalk it up to personal growth or something). Just yesterday, I was watching an episode of the Sopranos which provided the usual full-on breast shot. I am also a HUGE fan of Sex and the City. I wonder how many of the commenters who made all the mean comments are also HBO fans?

Those folks need to get a clue. I sure did.