milkmakers: You are involved in so many cool things, from cooking to writing to guest speaking. What do you enjoy most about your career? 


Anni Daulter: The most amazing thing is that I get to wake up every day and be with my kids AND create positive change in the world for pregnant mamas, families, and the earth. I feel extremely blessed to be allowed to create books and community that inspire people to find their own true potential. AND…writing books, cooking, gardening, doing photo shoots, planning the Sacred Pregnancy movement, is just plain FUN too!

mm: As a mother of four, how do you manage your work/life balance? 


AD: Well in all honesty, I have the MOST supportive husband in the world who is truly my champion and my touchstone. He creates time and space for me to create while he plays, reads and runs around with our kids. I also work a lot of LATE nights. Anyone who knows me expects to get VERY late night emails from me. I recently had this conversation with one of my dearest friends and we talked about how when you are passionate about your life, work, and projects, time expands for you and somehow allows you more space to focus, create, and produce. I know with the limited amount of time I actually have to work and the amount of work I get done…that theory HAS to be true!

mm: Organic is important to us at milkmakers. Tell us how and why it became so important to you?

AD: As a professional organic cook and an author of several organic cookbooks, I know the importance of not only eating organic, non-pesticide sprayed foods, but the importance of eating fresh, sourcing local, growing our own, and creating community with food in creative ways that support sustainable living through things like food swaps & CSA’s. The most important thing about all of this to me is what we are handing down to our children. The traditions we are passing down, the inspiration to live healthy, the knowledge to know how to care for their bodies, feed themselves and care for the earth. Organic is not a fad, it’s every person’s human right. We ALL deserve to be able to eat foods that have not had toxic junk caked on them, and honestly we should not have to pay extra for that “right.” We have it backward in this country because we elevate organic to a high level status and make everyone pay for it. Really it should be the norm, a given if you will, and presented to folks within a range of financial possibility. This is why it is critical for folks to start getting creative with things like food swappin’ fresh, homemade goods to joining local CSA’s or slow food movements.

mm: Congratulations on your newest book Sacred Pregnancy. What inspired you to create it?

AD: Well that is a simple and complicated answer. Simply put, becoming a mother over and over again inspired me. But to take a deeper look at why I wrote the book, it really stems from my desire to help women do a little self-facing, take that critical time of being pregnant to start processing what it all means so that when they cross over into motherhood, they are more physically, spiritually and mentally prepared. I wanted to write a book that truly inspired women and became their best friend. One that will have tea stains and tears on it from being opened so much. I also wanted it to be pretty and delicate and feel warm and loving. This book is everything I wanted it to be, and I truly hope that you all love it too. Sacred Pregnancy is a journey, a beginning; a start down a path to raising your children that might have been different had you not read the book. And that is saying a lot.

mm: Amazing! What has been the response to the book so far?

AD: Well the book is not out yet and so the only reviews are from those folks who got a sneak peak for promotional reasons, and they LOVE it! YEAH! The book’s forewords were written by Ina May Gaskin and Anna Getty. It has been endorsed by Ricki Lake, Shiva Rose, Peggy O’Mara (editor of Mothering Magazine), Peg Moline (editor of Fit Pregnancy), The Doula Association of Southern California, and so many more. I am actually floored that the book is getting this response and feel humbled and honored that the goal I set out to accomplish seems to be manifesting itself right before my eyes!

mm: As an organic chef, mother and advocate of sustainable living, do you have any advice for new moms?

AD: You know I could go on and on about this right? Ha! My advice for new mamas is to care for yourself, nurture yourself, be patient with yourself and look within for answers. TRUST your mothering instincts and be open to hearing what your children have to say…even when it seems inconvenient to do so. Mostly, love up those babies, that is the most important thing! Sleep with them, snuggle them, carry them, breastfeed them and be present… Our children are little for a moment…literally! And adults for a lifetime…invest when they are young in a childhood of rich, natural experiences and you will reap the rewards forever!

mm: Where can we get Sacred Pregnancy and your other books?

AD: For more fun musings with me, check out my books:

*Organically Raised; conscious cooking for babies + toddlers
+ This book is primarily a baby food book, but also has many unique family recipes. It’s beautiful and fun and has a lot of great ideas.

Buy Organically Raised
Visit the website: www.organicallyraisedcookbook.com

*ICE POP JOY
+ This is book of 50 healthy and organic ice pops! Its perfect timing as the weather is starting to warm up…It has everything from fruit, veggie, yogurt, tofu, tea to specialty pops featured!

Buy ICE POP JOY
Visit the website: www.icepopjoy.com

*The Organic Family Cookbook
+ This is a great cookbook for all families and its filled with a bunch of fun stuff to do to the earth and live more simply through the lens of what my family + I do. So if you want to know a bunch a stuff about me and get some tasty food and tips this is a great book to get. It got great reviews.

Buy The Organic Family Cookbook

*Naturally Fun Parties for Kids
+ If you are into throwing parties, but want them to be more simple, with great food, natural ideas and full of pretties…this is the book for you. The parties are seasonal, sustainable, fun and REALLY beautiful.

Buy Naturally Fun Parties for Kids *Sacred Pregnancy
+ If you are pregnant, buy this book! If you know someone pregnant or see someone pregnant buy this book for them. It truly is an amazing friend to have along the life-changing journey of pregnancy. Read all the amazing reviews and come over to the Sacred Pregnancy journey to join the movement. We also have a great “conscious parenting” section of the site and will soon be launching a very unique “sacred shop”!

Buy Sacred Pregnancy
Visit the website: www.sacredpregnancy.com

FUN FACTS: 


I’m totally obsessed with…This changes regularly…Right now…Bali, Food Swaps, Civil Wars Music (especially the song “forget me not”, rice tortilla chicken quesadillas with lime + cumin dressing, gifts wrapped with knitted fabric and the smell of patchouli and brown sugar!

My biggest influence/inspiration is…
my mother and her courage, my children (Zoe when is drawing something amazing or playing “Falling Slowly” on his guitar, Lotus when she is knitting, caring for someone else’s feelings or climbing our bamboo as an adventure, Bodhi when he attacking me with love, or spurts off some random scientific fact that I don’t know myself or when he tucks his feet under back to go to sleep, and River when he says at 2 “I Love You” and knows what he is saying and means it, the way he chases his brother just to catch him to snuggle him and how fearless he is…AND my husband who INSPIRES everyone…and teaches other by EXAMPLE and who holds our family with such care…These are my inspirations that add up to my amazing life…

My favorite food is…My homemade PERFECTLY roasted tomato soup with my local baker “Sweet water bread” garlic Parmesan toast. I worked on perfecting this recipe for 6 months and now people beg me to make it! Its so nourishing…maybe I will share it with your readers sometime!

My guilty pleasure is…chocolate, homemade butter pecan ice cream, essential oils baths by myself with NO TOYS floating around me.

Anni was the founder of a fresh organic baby food company, Bohemian Baby. Recently, Anni, along with Elena Rego, launched a new site, magazine, and community called Sacred Pregnancy. This site really launched a movement, and they are excited to grow and create amazing things for the world of pregnancy and conscious parenting.

With her knowledge and passion about child well being combined with her love of healthy but tasty cooking, Anni wrote her first book called, Organically Raised: Conscious Cooking for Babies & Toddlers (Rodale, May 2010). Anni’s second book released by Sellers, is ICE POP JOY (www.icepopjoy.com), her third book released by Sellers is titled, The Organic Family Cookbook, her fourth book is called Naturally Fun Parties for Kids and has just been released by Sellers as well.

Anni’s most recent title, Sacred Pregnancy launches on May 1st, published by North Atlantic Books. Anni has an additional book coming out in Fall 2012 titled Bountiful Baby Food.
Anni is also an eco-food and lifestyle stylist and styles all of her own books as well as others. If you are interested in seeing her styling work, please visit her at Delicious Gratitude (www.deliciousgratitude.com).

Anni is a spokesperson for Nordic Naturals, has been a guest speaker in the kitchen at Baby Celebration, The Pump Station, Whole Children Whole Planet, Holistic Moms Network and has written for Delicious Living Magazine, Momfilter, LA Parents and Orange County Parents and is the resident baby / toddler food expert for Hot Moms Club, City Mommy, Citibabes NY, Mindful Mama, Green Moms, Greenopia, and Macaroni Kid.

Anni lives in the countryside in Pennsylvania with her family. She has one son, Zoë (14) and Tim & Anni have one daughter together Lotus Sunshine (7) Bodhi Ocean (4), and River Love (age 1).

Please visit Anni at:
www.annidaulter.com
www.sacredpregnancy.com

A new study just published in the Journal of Human Lactation (August, 2011) has shed some new light on this topic. It sought to understand the relationship between breastfeeding and occupational type (professional, administrative, service, sales, etc.) and postpartum employment status. The researchers asked about initiation of breastfeeding as well as duration of breastfeeding. The subjects in the study included thousands of women in the U.S. from all walks of life.

Instead of boring you with all the statistics and methodology, I’ll just summarize the results. This study found that neither postpartum employment status or occupational type was a significant predictor of duration of predominant (mostly) breastfeeding. However, and this is big, full time workers were less likely to initiate breastfeeding in the first place! There was no significant difference in breastfeeding initiation between part time workers and mothers with no postpartum employment.

Mothers who were employed full time and chose to continue breastfeeding were also less likely to continue breastfeeding beyond 6 months compared to part time workers and “stay at home” mothers. Again, there was no difference in breastfeeding duration between part time workers and non-employed mothers.

Even when mothers have part time jobs that enable pumping breaks, access to lactation consultants, and other amenities, milk production can still be a problem when relying on a breast pump for a large part of the day. Other research has demonstrated that the strategy associated with the longest duration of breastfeeding after returning to work was breastfeeding the baby during the work day. Access to the baby is the number one strategy for maintaining breastfeeding for the longest amount of time.

How does all this relate to you? If you’re breastfeeding and plan to return to work, the following strategies will help you continue your breastfeeding relationship until you and your baby are ready to wean. You may not be able to do all of these things, but if you can do some of them some of the time, your chances of meeting your breastfeeding goals will increase!

• Stay on maternity leave as long as possible.
• When you start back to work, just work part time if possible. Even if it’s only for the first year. Consider job sharing.
• If you must go back full time, find a way to work from home part of the day or a day or two per week.
• Does your employer offer onsite day care? If so, go for it!
• Get childcare close to your job so you can have access to your baby. Nurse your baby at lunch whenever you can.
• Find a care provider who will bring your baby to you at lunch so you can breastfeed. Even having that option once a week will help tremendously!

Remember, even if your work situation is not what you’d like it to be, with persistence and good support, you can do it!

Biting involves the upper and lower gums or teeth acting together. It’s important to realize that your baby cannot bite you while she is actively nursing because her tongue has to extend beyond her bottom teeth in order to breastfeed. Her tongue acts as a nice cushion between her lower teeth (or gums) and the underside of your breast/nipple. As long as her tongue is between you and those sharp baby teeth, you will be perfectly comfortable.

What about the top teeth? It’s true that your darling’s upper gums/teeth rest directly on the areola—very close to your nipple. No worries! The most damage the top teeth can do all by themselves is create a little indentation where they rest. Immediately after breastfeeding you may see where the teeth were resting, but it should not be bothersome. Some mothers may experience minor irritation from the top teeth. If you’re one of those, try modifying the way you hold your baby so that the friction isn’t in the same place every time.

While your baby is learning about her new chompers you may want to heed the advice of the many mothers who have breastfed babies well into toddlerhood and beyond—with nipples intact!

Be vigilant. About the time your baby starts getting teeth, she will also become joyfully social and interactive. When she pauses in her breastfeeding to look at you and grin, keep your index finger close to insert into her mouth in case her tongue pulls back to smile and exposes her lower teeth/gums. Ditto for when she’s falling asleep.

Chewing feels good when gums are swollen and trying to pop out those new teeth. It’s natural that your baby may want to chew on YOU. Give her something else to chew on right before breastfeeding. A teething toy, a clean washcloth damp with ice-water, or even a peeled carrot (one that is too big for her to chip off a piece) will feel good.

Babies at this age are really interested in cause and effect. That is one of their jobs—to learn how they can impact the world. When your baby accidentally bites, you will undoubtedly react. Probably loudly. Probably making a face that she has never seen before. Naturally, since your baby is a proper scientist, she will be delighted by this new behavior and will probably laugh hysterically. That doesn’t mean she is delighted by your pain. She is just delighted to see you do something so incredibly interesting and new.

If your older baby persists in biting occasionally, try to remember she is not trying to cause you pain. You can release the suction, remove her from your breast and tell her gently, “biting hurts mommy, be gentle.” Then, depending on her age, either take a brief break from nursing or help her back to the breast—keeping your finger handy. Remind her to “be gentle” and praise her when she’s doing what you ask.

Breastfeeding beyond the newborn period is truly delightful! Enjoy your baby; teeth and all!

When you breastfeed your baby, you are continuing a relationship that began when she was still in your womb. She always felt loved and protected and always had everything she needed. She never had to wait. She was never cold, or lonely or frightened. Everything was perfect.

Her birth, as wonderful as it was, launched her into an imperfect world. A world with loud noises and unfamiliar EVERYTHING. Digestion is uncomfortable. Diaper changes are horrible. She feels vulnerable, and hasn’t yet learned to use all of her senses to orient herself. She relies heavily on her sense of touch and smell. Consequently, she really doesn’t know where you are if she is separated from you.

When your baby is distressed, she wails as if her world is coming to an end. The newborn cry is impossible to ignore, isn’t it? There is nothing more demanding of our attention. And sometimes, though well intentioned, grandmas, and daddies and best friends are absolutely unable to soothe your baby. That’s when you can bring out your magic.

My family members—who had never really seen breastfeeding in action—always laughed when my daughter in full-throttle crying immediately silenced when she came to my breast. “It’s just like magic,” they would say. Indeed! My daughter had taught me (very quickly!) that it wasn’t about the milk for her. She would latch right on, suckle for a minute or two, then let out a big sigh and relax. She just needed a little bit of that magic breast to feel whole and connected to me again.

I remember wondering how difficult it would be to be a mother without this powerful tool at my disposal. It solved everything! Was she over-stimulated? Frightened by a stranger? Tired? Angry about that last diaper change? Hungry or thirsty, perhaps? It didn’t matter. I didn’t have to guess what was wrong. I simply offered my breast and she was soothed.

So don’t worry about trying to figure out exactly what’s wrong when your baby cries. You have very powerful magic available any time you need it. Offer your breast—even if you “just” fed her. She will tell you if it’s the right thing or not. If she’s happy and calm, it was the right thing! If you find yourself repeatedly comforting your baby at your breast, remember it is the most natural thing in the world. You don’t need to be concerned that you are starting bad habits. You are meeting a need. You are doing what mammals do. You are giving your baby your special mommy magic!

Q: What do you do professionally and how does it relate to your media work?

A: I am a Doula and childbirth educator. All the media work I do, from radio, to internet tv and blogging, it’s ALL about mothers, babies, and parents, just like my work. I have served on the Board of Directors for Attachment Parenting International for the past 5 years so parenting is a huge focus of mine.

Q: Tell us a bit about the radio shows that you have done. Why/how did you become involved?

A: It all started when I used to own a maternity store. I would come home telling my husband about how women would come in looking for maternity clothes and walk out having learned about birth and breastfeeding! I would be over the moon because I would talk to someone about their choices and rights in birth and they would become wide eyed and want to know more. They would come in wanting stuff and leave wanting knowledge. One night my husband said, it’s too bad you only help one woman or two a day. It’s too bad you don’t have your own radio show. Within a week I had found a radio station that would let me do a show about parenting. It was an AM station that aired Air America. Their tagline was, “The Valley’s Progressive Talk Station.” So I named my show Progressive Parenting. The show kind of took off on it’s own and before I knew it, I was talking about pregnancy, birth, and the first 5 years of life with world renowned experts!

Q: You recently decided to move your show online (and on video!). What was your motivation for this? What is the format?

A: Well, we are keeping the radio and ADDING the video. I have been dying to get back to a visual format. After we started doing the radio show back in California, we also did a live local cable show. It was interactive and I loved it! I have been wanting to do it since we moved to Austin, Texas. When I found out about Vokle and learned I could reach a broader audience, I jumped at the chance. It’s great because people can watch our shows on OUR site just by clicking on the TV tab.

Q: How large of an audience do you have? How do you mostly communicate with them? Do you have a facebook page? Twitter? Pinterest? Do you post a calendar of your shows? How can people find you?

A: We have about two to five thousand people a month listen to our radio show. The internet tv shows (we do 4 different shows: LACTATION NATION, PPR AFTER THE SHOW, PROGRESSIVE PARENTING LIVE & DOULA MENTOR TV) are BRAND new so far, though we have had about 100 people watching live to any given show. The shows are archived so people are watching it even when we are not live. I LOVE IT! Our audience can chat live with us and even video in their questions or comments. They can call us live during the radio show. We also talk with our fans through email, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. We have a schedule of our upcoming shows on our website. People can find us on facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

Q: Are there any inspiring stories that your audience has shared with you…as a result of the work that you have done?

A: Oh my goodness, absolutely! Just the other night we had three women call in with stories about their home births that gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. The most recent was an email from an OBGYN who said our show has changed her life! There are just too many to share here. Listen to some archived shows and you will hear a ton for yourself.

Q: Have you encountered any resistance to the work that you do?

A: No. But I suspect the more well known we become, we will run into detractors. But that’s okay. Anyone who’s ever tried to make a difference has encountered resistance, usually it means you are on the right track.

Q: Why do you think that your show is important? Who is it important to?

A: I think all of our shows are important. Our shows help parents realize they aren’t alone in their experiences, while sharing important information that will help them make informed decisions for their families.

Q: Could you sum up your motivation for this work in one sentence?

A: I am passionate about parents becoming empowered to be the kind of parents they want to be.

Gena Kirby
Doula, Childbirth Educator, LLLI Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Progressive Parenting Radio Host
Progressive Parenting Blog

Prior to 2011, breast pumps were considered feeding equipment and, therefore, not eligible for insurance coverage or a tax deduction. We all know that human milk is essential for optimal health and growth. For that reason, many individuals and organization have been fighting to change that. Finally, after much pressure from the American Academy of Pediatrics and various legislators, the IRS has changed its classification of breast pumps. As of January, 2011, breast pumps are considered a medical device. This is great news for breastfeeding mothers all over the United States. It will now be easier for mothers to get insurance coverage for breast pumps.

You can expect to spend $250 to $400 for an all inclusive, professional grade pump. Fortunately, with the new classification, professional-grade breast pumps and rental breast pumps are considered durable medical equipment–eligible for insurance reimbursement. When you purchase or rent your breast pump from a lactation consultant, she should give you a receipt in the form of a “super bill” that will include appropriate codes so you can seek insurance coverage for your breast pump. There are different codes for rental pumps and pumps for purchase.

Since your milk is so important to the health of your infant, your pediatrician or your own health care provider will be happy to write a prescription for the purchase of your pump. This may increase the likelihood of insurance reimbursement. If you are denied insurance coverage the first time, consider writing a letter of appeal. Whatever you do, don’t give up. Many families have successfully received insurance coverage for breast pumps after being persistent.

If you live in the state of Washington, and your insurance company has denied your claim, you may file a complaint with the insurance commissioner. Keep in mind that the IRS, the insurance commissioner and the American Academy of Pediatrics are all on your side! They want you to succeed with breastfeeding and insurance coverage for your pump!

If you don’t want to seek insurance coverage for your pump, the new IRS ruling also makes it possible to claim it as a medical expense. The cost of your breast pump may be added to your other deductible medical expenses if you itemize deductions on your federal tax return.

For more information and to shop for some great, economical professional-grade breast pumps, we recommend Hygeia.

I discussed this with more experienced leaders in my town. “Yep,” they all agreed, “those breastfeeding problems are often correlated with major life events—especially holidays!” It was such a recognizable phenomenon, we began to joke about the types of calls we could expect and emotionally prepare for the flood of plugged ducts and mastitis calls.

Well, readers, the holiday season is upon us! For most of us, major holidays and other big life events can mean more and less. More errands, visitors, visiting, travel, sugar. Less nutrition, cuddle time with baby, exercise and, most importantly, less sleep. You already know your body doesn’t work as well during times of stress—you are more prone to illness and you just don’t feel right. It’s no different with breastfeeding. Your breasts are part of your body and they don’t function as well during times of stress.

Stress can impact milk production because it impacts the milk ejection reflex (MER) or let down. The MER is controlled by a primitive part of your brain called the pituitary. The pituitary releases that lovely hormone, oxytocin, that is responsible for your MER and feelings of love and well-being. Your amazing brain knows that it is completely inappropriate to fall in love or nurse your baby when you have to run from a charging elephant. So… when you are running from a charging elephant (or skipping your nap so you can run to Target) the oxytocin is temporarily shut down. What happens if you try to nurse your baby or pump in this frantic state? Possibly very little. Over time, this lack of effective MER could inhibit release of milk, leading to plugged ducts or insufficient milk production.

So what can you do? Tell all your relatives to stay away? Cancel Christmas this year? Those aren’t bad ideas. But you don’t have to be that drastic.

First of all acknowledge that you have a young baby who needs you more than he needs anyone else in the world. Try to remember that he will only be little for a very short time. Let your partner know that you can’t be the usual holiday super hero this year. Make sure you are both on the same page as you make plans. Talk about what you usually do and cut it in half. Then cut it in half again.

Schedule time each day that is designated nap/cuddle time for you and baby. The younger the baby, the more times you will schedule. Make sure any guests know that you will NOT be doing all the meal preparation. If family members really want traditional foods that are labor intensive, they are welcome to make them and bring them to you. Try not to have a houseful of guests; but if you do, retire to a quiet room EVERY time you pump or breastfeeding. Not because of shyness or modesty, but because you want your wonderful oxytocin to flow like a river.

Here are some suggestions from moms who have been there:

• Stay hydrated—a glass of water with every breastfeeding.
• If you must shop, shop online
• Make a photo book online featuring your baby. Then you can have the same book shipped to all your family members. Don’t forget a copy for YOU.
• Forget about cleaning house. Let it go.
• If you must cook, do so ahead of time so you won’t feel stressed when company arrives.

Put you and your baby first this holiday season. Eat well. Get a massage. Take naps. Your family and friends will support you if you let them know what you need.   They will be rewarded with a glowing, rested, happy mom and baby.

Happy Holidays and stay away from charging elephants!

It turns out that all those old wives’ tales were wrong. At least according to some recent research.

A study published in 2011 asked the following questions: How does long-term breastfeeding affect a woman’s bone health? Are there differences in bone mineral density, strength or size among women who breastfed for varying amounts of time? Is there a relationship between cumulative breastfeeding and bone condition?

145 women participated in the study. Their children’s ages ranged from 16-20 years. Cumulative duration of breastfeeding was classified as short (<12 mo), medium (13-20 mo), long (21-32 mo) and very long (>33mo). The women in the long and very long groups tended to have more children than in the short and medium groups.

Here are the results:

Whole body bone area, mineral density and mineral content did not differ between groups.

Women whose cumulative breastfeeding duration was at least 33 months had greater hip strength and tibial strength than women who breastfed a shorter time.

Very long breastfeeding duration resulted in larger bone size.

No differences were noted between women who exclusively breastfed, vs partially breastfed.

High levels of estrogen inhibit formation of some types of bone tissue. It is thought that the low estrogen levels during lactation encourage bone expansion, resulting in increased bone mass. That is why those women who breastfed longer than 33 months built up larger and stronger bones.

This is great news! Another indicator that our bodies were made to breastfeed for many months or years. So keep it up! Even if you can’t exclusively breastfeed your baby, you will be making your baby and your body stronger every day!

Note: This research did not address the effects of pumping.