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Tyra Breastfeeds
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
I never watch the Tyra Banks Show, but I read on the Net that she had a recent show where she talked about motherhood issues that new moms face. A few of her guests had difficulty breastfeeding and so she had a breastfeeding expert on the show to instruct mothers how to nurse properly.
Although Tyra isn't a mom, I'm glad she discussed breastfeeding in a positive light and even brought in an expert to show the proper way to do it. I think this one show probably made tons of young mothers think differently about breastfeeding their babies. Kudos to Tyra!
Labels: news, news.commentary
posted by Jennifer James @ 12:26 PM,
5 Comments:
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At December 5, 2007 9:49 PM,
Eilat said...
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Wow! I am so impressed. I love Tyra anyway, and this is truly fantastic.
Applause! -
At December 6, 2007 10:30 AM,
said...
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I am impressed with Tyra addressing this issue - and generally like Tyra anyway. Unfortunately, it is in my nature, I am cynically unimpressed with the "expert" who showed her how to breastfeed. The info in that clip is not bad, but her website, under debunking myths, says that breastfeeding isn't all that, formula is OK too, no worries, moms choice, etc. The breastfeeding "expert" is an MD, not an IBCLC, so I would argue her "expertise". In fact, I'd personally go head-to-head with her on who could produce the most scientific based evidence about infant feeding!
Still, yeah for Tyra for addressing the issue. She is an amazing role model to many and I am thrilled that she advocated for breastfeeding! Go Tyra! -
At December 7, 2007 12:56 PM,
said...
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Hi Eilat -- I think she did a good job. I'm glad she talked about breastfeeding on her show.
Hi Jennifer -- Didn't know that. Wow. -
At December 7, 2007 5:42 PM,
Eilat said...
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OK, so yesterday while I was flipping through the channels I happened to see the whole Tyra Banks Show episode. There was one thing missing from the YouTube clip. During the wonderful endorsement of breastfeeding the doctor gave a brief "disclaimer" on how "even though breastfeeding is the best choice, what's best for baby AND mom is best, and if you choose not to breastfeed your kid will be fine." Then she says "There are lots of formula fed kids at Harvard and Yale" and Tyra chimed in "And talk show hosts too, I wasn't breastfed" she proudly raises her hand.
I'm not saying people should be ashamed of not having been breastfed, but this just goes back to your post about intelligence and how we are highlighting the wrong thing. Who cares how many formula fed kids end up at Harvard? The important thing to ask is how many times did those babies get ear infections and stomach aches? How many of them have asthma or allergies? How much money was spent on doctor's visits and medicine and days off from work?
Those are (among the many) reasons to breastfeed. Not Harvard or Yale.
I still think Tyra is awesome for talking about this on her show. She is a role model to so many young women. BF rates are lowest among young women and lots of young moms think breastfeeding is gross or weird and if Tyra is seen endorsing it, it can really make a difference. -
At December 8, 2007 12:31 PM,
said...
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Those are (among the many) reasons to breastfeed. Not Harvard or Yale.
Exactly.
I hope the MD didn't sway more mothers into thinking bottle-feeding is OK, though.
