Extended Breastfeeding Shot published in Business Magazine

New Zealand's leading business women's magazine, "Her Magazine", have done an article on Belly Beyond in their September issue and they have published a shot, taken during a recent photo shoot, where Louisa happens to be breastfeeding her 2 and a half year old.

So what you ask?

Well, while NZ is considered on the whole to have a fairly breastfeeding friendly society, extended breastfeeding is almost NEVER shown in mainstream media - unless of course it's in some documentary that at worst ridicules, or at best pigeon-holes, extended breastfeeders as hairy legged hippies who can't let go.

So this is the first time that we know of, that a leading main-stream publication has published a shot of a mum breastfeeding a child that is clearly well beyond the "baby" age.

What we love about the image, is that it's a great snapshot of life as business women and mothers and shows us just doing our thing.   Sure, it's not like we normally hang out in full hair and make up but as working mums we do often have to juggle laptop with children in this manner.

Big thumbs up and thank you to Her Magazine editor, Annah Stretton, for pushing the boundaries and making the call to show breast feeding as normal - even when your little one is closer to 3 years old, not 3 months old.

Here's the full size image (click to enlarge) and you can read the article by clicking on the page thumbnails below or visiting our media page.

Some interesting feedback, from mothers on our Facebook page, about how 'ick' the shot is in their opinion -  show's there is still much work to be done.

Photo:  Jo Frances Photography

Big Bird learns about breast feeding

This video from a 1977 episode of Sesame Street is just fantastic.

I love that Buffy's explanation is simple, matter of fact and so absolutely spot-on.  As Bird Bird says "you know, that's nice"

Occupational Hazard of Breastfeeding at 5pm

I'd been away for most of the afternoon and came home to find the kids already fed and bathed by Mr BB at 4.30pm!

My one general guide for breastfeeding Master 2 1/2 is that he gets a feed when he is in his pyjamas.  It's a good guide for both him and I or I swear he'd feed like a newborn.  So when my little fella asked for boobie at 5pm how could I refuse?

And this was the result - early to bed means early to rise, not looking forward to tomorrow!

The Big Latch On

Heidi and I joined 178 other Mums at Hoyts Sylvia Park on Friday morning to participate in the Nationwide Big Latch On.

I thought it was funny that those who had gotten organised and pre-registered online were left standing in a really long cue while those registering on the day just wandered straight up. Not quite the outcome the organisers would have hoped for I don't think!

With a 10 second countdown to get your baby latched on at 10.30 there were 180 of us simultaneously breastfeeding - that's a lot of lactating in one place !!!

I felt for the Mums whose little ones decided not to participate and thought it far more fun to simply look around and see what everyone else was doing.

And speaking of breastfeeding, our Feed Your Baby campaign seems to gathering legs with Auckland Hospital asking for copies of the poster. (wohoo!)

Check out www.mamaflossie.com too where the story appears on their homepage.

It's highly offensive! Shameful! NOT NORMAL!

What do you think that subject title could be talking about? Some vile act against humanity, some perverted use of imagery? um, no.... they are talking about this photo.

Link to Telegraph story

It's a poster that was being displayed in the children's ward of a UK Hospital showing a toddler breastfeeding her dolly.

How unbelievably, eye-poppingly ludicrous that this lovely image can be called "highly offensive". I don't know many mums that DON'T have a similar image of an elder sibling caring for their own baby, just like Mama.

And shamefully the critisism is coming mostly from women who shold be doing everything to SUPPORT the embarassingly low breastfeeding rates in the UK.

As the poster says IT IS NORMAL! to breastfeed.

I am PROUD when my daughter copies such nuturing behaviour, I LOVE it when my 18 month son old lifts his T-shirt to feed his 'baby' which he does regularly.

In the meantime we've emailed Rochdale Infirmary with our support for their poster!

'Extended' breast feeding

I'm still proudly breast feeding my son and I have noticed that he is reaching an age where peoples comments are shifting from "good on you" and "haven't you done well" to "are you still feeding him?" or the worst "gosh, you should really do something about that!"

My son is almost 18 months and I just don't think it should be that big of a deal and I will continue until he lets me know that he is ready to stop.

If you see a Mama breast feeding her toddler, give her a smile instead of a frown - she is doing the best thing for her little one !

Winners Merino MumCho Wrap

The lucky winners of a Merino Mumcho Wrap valued at $149 are Elizabeth Rutherford and Jannah Kennedy. Congratulations! one of these gorgeous NZ Made wraps is on it's way to each of you.

The creator of the Mumcho, Ute Loerch, is doing a stellar job with these. Mum to 3, and a frequent overseas traveller, she knows breastfeeding overseas is not as readily accepted here in little old NZ. Having a MumCho handy means you can breastfeed any where and every where when YOU and baby need to.

Recent customer feedback:

My "Mumcho" arrived yesterday and after my initial concern that it might look like a tent on me, it actually looks wonderful! My daughter's teacher even said I looked elegant wearing it. Very versatile and beautiful fabric, beautifully made. Thank you so much. I'm flying back to the UK on Friday and wanted something that would cover me while feeding my baby and also keep me or baby warm and this fits the bill perfectly.

The Most Versatile Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Top on the Market

Why would you want to own a Merino MUMCHO™?

—It beautifully shows off your belly during pregnancy

—It magically hides your belly after delivery

—It provides the perfect modesty cover wherever you go

—It’s elegant, timeless and can be worn in many different ways to create a different look

—It’s made of Merino, a natural microfibre with thermal properties, soft, long lasting, perfect for you and your baby

—It can be used to swaddle the baby, or as a baby blanket

—It a must have accessory when travelling with baby

—Unlike other modesty covers it provides the right length to cover up not only your belly but also your back while nursing

—It comes with a small pouch, and it easily fits into your handbag

—One Size Fits All

—It is easy care, no need to wash it very often

—It’s one of these items were you can say “Money well spent!”. Wear it during pregnancy and after delivery in 6+ different ways. No need to buy any other nursing tops, just wear your normal clothes during the time when you’re breastfeeding. Keep your MumCho in your bag at all times and pop it on when your baby is hungry and you’re nursing, no matter where you are!

—It’s a must have for the mum on the go! No other pregnancy and nursing top is as versatile as a MumCho!

The merino MumCho wrap comes in six colours and is such a stylish addition to your wardrobe. It can be worn multiple ways including as a shawl, a sarong and a skirt!

We have found them much easier to wear than a standard pashmina because the buckle keeps them in place and you don't have to keep constantly readjusting.

Julia Roberts wears the Ergo and we meet our Business Coach

Julia Roberts is on board the Ergo Baby Carrier fan club - and really why wouldn't you be?

She's seen here carrying 14 month old Henry. Looks to me like he could even be breast feeding? Or maybe he's just having a snuggle.

Business Coach

Heidi and I had our first appointment with our Business Coach yesterday. Absolutely Brilliant!!

Was so fantastic to get confirmation that we are on the right track in most areas and to have the areas where we are a little unsure about clarified for us.

Looks like it's an office and part-time staff coming on board before Christmas for us!!

WOHOO