ban the bag

when i had augustine (in a hospital) i had a very different and much more "commercial" experience than olive's homebirth. the pregnancy was filled with the typical first timer stuff like registering for gifts. those two things combined led to A LOT of promotional stuff being sent to our home, almost all of which we weren't in the market for (samples and coupons for disposable diapers and wipes, bottles, formula etc.) im still a little shocked by how these people obviously sold our names. really i shouldn't be but i still felt violated. i forget which company it was - i think pamper's? but i had to practically fist fight them to get taken off of their list. whatever kept coming had no return address or phone number you could call and their website didn't include much information either. i think i ended up having to write them an actual letter because i couldn't find an email address or phone number to get my voice heard.

i am pleased to report that the ban the bags campaign is showing some real results and in new york city, mamas are no longer sent home with the standard tubs of formula, breastfeeding "information" (put out by said companies ill add), etc. but instead are receiving "...a tote bag stuffed with disposable nursing pads, a mini-cooler for breast-milk bottles, and pint-sized T-shirts for the babies that proudly declare "I eat at mom's." whoot whoot!

we received one of those lovely Enfimil sponsored bags at the hospital but we took the cooler and breastpads and left the rest. i didn't need anything undermining my determination to breastfeed afterall, which i feel is what those primarily do. for us it is the only feeding method we are comfortable with and honestly it isn't always easy in the beginning. it's a learning experience on both sides of the fence nipple and popping a bottle of formula seems easy, especially when you are sleep deprived, utterly hormonal, and just a general wreck. again i go back to the word undermine. auggie had major latch issues right from the beginning of our disastrous nursing relationship, which as some of you know led to an exclusive pumping routine which never resulted in getting him to the breast. (sigh) in the hospital i was told he was jaundiced and "needed" supplementation and i wrongly and ignorantly consented, im just being honest. this is just my journey through this issue, but again for us it was breastmilk for my babies - period. but others might not have such resolution about it all and i think we can all agree that formula shouldn't be the standard and im happy that campaign is slowly turning the wheel in that direction, that's all i'm saying.

here's my thing, and im sure ive said this before. anything worthwhile cannot and will not come from the top of the pyramid (government) downward (to the people). that is why grassroots movements are so so important. one voice is still one voice and darn it shout it from the rooftops little soldiers! the government will give us what we demand that we deserve. if we don't demand a change we won't get one. my world is the one i am concerned with and i can take or leave the influence of the government on this topic. i'd be much happier if there was a standard LLL (or reputable equivalent) sponsored bag given to everyone unless they request a formula sponsored one. rethink and redefine the standard but don't make the choice unavailable.