Class #4

Class #4 was interesting as usual. It was our second class with just the girls. It was good too since it was breastfeeding night. We started by discussing our discomfort with the concept. Many of the ladies expressed concern over breastfeeding in public and what would people think since they knew how they felt seeing women breastfeed in public. It was a fascinating discussion about getting over perceived societal norms that literally put your child at a disadvantage (immunity and adjustment wise). One lady who is having her 2nd and is from another culture talked about her experience in getting used to western norms - she found a balance in that she did (and still does) breastfeed discretely but she continues to breastfeed her toddler because it is what she believes is right.

We then watched a Norwegian documentary titled 'Breast is Best'. I have to admit that it was an excellent program. First they discussed the importance of skin to skin contact and even included the role of the male in that segment. The next part was on latching and the proper way for the child to nurse. It provided advice on expressing naturally and by pump and also methods to work on blockages. I was interested to learn that breast milk can be stored in the fridge for 2 days and frozen for up to 3 months and should not be reheated in the microwave. I also found it interesting tht the Norwegian doctors advised breastfeeding a minimum of 6 months and 1 year as ideal; however, one should breastfeed until nursing is refused by the child. The documentary also discussed the problems with pacifiers and many nipples on baby bottles and went into detail showing alternative methods to feed a baby (ie. a syringe, spoon, cup, etc).

After the video we discussed homeopathy for a while. I knew nothing about it so it was fascinating to learn about the various remedies. We then got into the exercises - belly breathing, circles, 3 minutes of arm circles, 3 minutes of calf raises, lunges and squats. We ended the evening with a preliminary discussion about circumscision and why many parents are choosing not to do it anymore. It was an eye-opening discussion because I know at one point that all boys were circumcised here but now it is a matter of choice.