The ups and downs of breastfeeding inSide A puppy’s inspiration page 5
Health care starts at any age page 7
my journey into the great unknown By Amie Windsor Staff Writer
Deciding to breastfeed was easy. Doing it was an entirely different story. When I became pregnant with my first daughter, the decision to breastfeed was a no-brainer for me. I heard from my OB-GYN at Kaiser and read information from the Sonoma County Breastfeeding Coalition and mom-friendly websites like kellymom.com about all the benefits of breastfeeding: breast milk is the perfect food for babies; breastfeeding creates a special bond between baby and mom; breastfeeding burns calories, helping moms shed baby weight; breastfeeding releases feel-good oxytocin hormones that can help combat issues like post partum depression. It all sounded great to me. That said, after my first daughter, now 3, was born I realized I had no idea how to breastfeed. There she was, on my chest, eyes shut tight, mouth open like a guppy, wanting to be nourished and comforted. I shoved my breast into her gaping mouth; she sort of bobbed around unsuccessfully before getting really, really angry. We both cried. Luckily, a lactation consultant helped out, teaching me the proper way to get a
See breastfeeding Page 17
Photo Jason Windsor
WoRking mom — Mothers who work have a tougher time breastfeeding, but it is doable.
Whether pumping at the office or working at home, moms often multitask in order to meet deadlines and satisfy hungry babies.
Exercise for health: you know you have to exercising with your kids page 13
By Rollie Atkinson Staff Writer Sonoma County is a lousy place to live for people looking for excuses to not eat well or stay physically active. That’s because fresh, tasty and wholesome foods are grown and produced here year-round and the area’s natural beauty, open spaces, trails and walkable neighborhoods are daily invitations to get in motion. And, for those trying to make more stubborn excuses to sit on their butts, the area is also full of organized exercise programs, health clubs and wellness services. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some 80 percent of the general population does not make exercise a daily habit and 14 percent admit they pretty much detest exercising. At the same time, these same people know that a daily walk or semi-regular exercise program
Rebounding is a fun new exercise routine
could save their life from a heart attack, stroke or chronic lifestyle disease like diabetes, hypertension or obesity. “Do something,” is what Jane Trebilcock, a personal trainer at Parkpoint Health Club advises. “There’s not just one answer except you should try to find an exercise routine you will enjoy and won’t feel like it’s a chore.” The AHA says people can reduce heart failure and gain cardio health with just 150 minutes of “moderate” exercising a week. That could be a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood just five days a week. A more “vigorous” workout like bicycling, swimming or running for 25 minutes, three days a week is also recommended. Just 40 minutes of regular exercise will lower a person’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels by 3-4 times, the AHA reports.
See exercise Page 16
© Sonoma West Publishers | July 13, 2017