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Title

The Milk Study: Using Breast Milk to Screen for Breast Cancer and Assess Breast-Cancer Risk

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if breast cancer and breast cancer risk can be accurately assessed from a breast milk sample. Currently, there is no accurate way to give women information about their personal risk of developing breast cancer. We will use the cells naturally present in breast milk to examine changes in DNA that occur in association with benign and cancerous breast lesions. Learning about the genetic changes associated with both breast cancer and non-cancerous breast lesions will help us develop a way to provide women with information about their breast cancer risk. Using breast milk to screen for breast cancer will reduce unnecessary biopsies among nursing women.

Who Can Participate?

You can join the Milk Study if you are:

• Currently NURSING/BREAST-FEEDING a baby AND

• Your doctor is scheduling you for a BREAST BIOPSY because you have a lump in your breast

What Does Participation Involve?

You will be shipped a milk collection container, informed consent form, and questionnaire. You will be asked to complete the consent form and questionnaire and to donate about 2.5 ounces of fresh breast milk from each breast. You will put the consent form, questionnaire, and breast milk in a box that will be picked up by Fed-Ex. If a breast biopsy occurs, you will be asked to provide a copy of the biopsy report. Approximately 1 year after sending your breast milk sample, the researcher will contact you to ask about any breast problems you have had in the last year.

Who is Conducting the Study?

Kathleen Arcaro, PhD

Where?

Anywhere in the United States

>>Click here to be directed to the Love/Avon Army of Women Website for more information

Is Breastfeeding Eight Babies Possible?

As many of you may know a mother in Bellflower, California gave birth to eight babies this week. MomLogic.com interviewed Corky this week to find out if Breastfeeding eight babies is even possible. Here is what Corky had to say…

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Breastfeeding is challenging with just one baby, but can you imagine having to nurse eight?! Some are saying that the breastfed octuplets may even need 11 gallons of milk per week. Is this even humanly possible???

Corky Harvey, co-founder of The Pump Station and Nurtury in Santa Monica, CA, says it absolutely is. Corky, who is an MS, RN and an IBCLC (certified lactation consultant), knows that breastfeeding comes with its set of challenges, but feels very confident that the mom of eight can successfully supply breast milk to her newborns for quite some time. "It will depend on the mother's commitment. If I had eight babies, I would be pumping to bring my supply up and bring breast milk to these babies during the most vulnerable times of their lives. Pumping for the babies will also make this mother feel more involved while they are still in the NICU. She will feel like she is actually doing something for them -- that she can be there for them in some way."

Corky says that at 31 weeks, it's unlikely that these babies will be brought to breastfeed for some time, as right now they are most likely on several different IVs. A lot of babies, especially preemies, cannot handle the coordination of swallowing, so they are fed through nasal gastric tubes. Once doctors determine whether the babies can digest the milk, they will be introduced to the bottle. Babies at this stage are given so little milk, usually just a few ccs, so Corky sees no reason why this mother couldn't keep up with the demand.

"Pumping always depends on the mother and is different for every woman and baby. But typically, we recommend pumping every 2 - 3 hours during her wakeful hours, and every 3 - 4 hours at night. Once her milk comes in, she can gauge whether she needs to pump more or less." Corky adds that it may be a while before these babies are able to actually feed from the breast as their mouths are very tiny and have usually received a lot of bottles. But with the help of occupational therapists and lactation experts, Corky believes that it's entirely possible.

For babies born this prematurely, Corky believes the greatest benefit from breast milk is its ability to fight disease. "By consuming breast milk, [the newborns] are at less risk for infection. There is greater opportunity neurological development, and it's better for their digestive tract. The babies will receive live disease fighting properties that you simply cannot get from formula."

Story from MomLogic.com

Diego’s First visit to Grammy’s

by Corky Harvey MS, RN, IBCLC, Co-Founder of The Pump Station & Nurtury™

Christmas was particularly special this year because my daughter Colleen, her husband Armin, and 5-month old Diego came home from Germany for the holidays. It was all just delicious! I got to love on that baby boy a bunch and now that he is gone I’ve got the memory of his yummy smell, his room-filling smile, and his adorable laugh tucked in my heart. A lovely added bonus for me was the opportunity to watch Colleen mother her baby. She and Diego are “in the dance”. While she was here Colleen attended a couple of the 4-8 month support groups facilitated by Wendy. Later, Wendy (who has known and loved Colleen most of her life) mentioned how obvious it is that Colleen has embraced mothering at gut level—it was a beautiful thing to see her trust her instincts. Both Wendy and I spend lots of time every week helping mothers overcome their fears, surrender to their new roles, follow their hearts and trust themselves. It is Oh so satisfying (and makes me tearful) to see my life’s work reflected in my own daughter. It has been difficult to be so very far away, unable to hold and touch my grandbaby and unable to help my own daughter/husband with their new parenting role. I’ve now been fully reassured that what I thought would happen--did happen. Colleen and Armin are wonderful parents and I can relax.

Corky

Facebook Flack Regarding Breastfeeding Mothers

For immediate release
Contact: Karla Shepard Rubinger, Executive Director, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, (914) 740-2100, ext. 2153, abm@bfmed.org

Facebook Flack Regarding Breastfeeding Mothers

New Rochelle, NY, January 12, 2009—The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine feels that the social networking website, Facebook, would be well advised to review its policy banning photographs of breastfeeding mothers. Such a policy perpetuates the notion that breastfeeding is an unseemly bodily function best kept from public viewing, a misguided and antiquated concept that has no place in contemporary society. It further perpetuates the idea that formula feeding is normative when breastfeeding is, and should be considered, normative infant and young child feeding. Health professionals widely acknowledge that breastfeeding is biologically unique and appropriate for the mother and infant.

Throughout most of history, breastfeeding, whether performed in private or otherwise, has been regarded as a natural and wholesome aspect of daily living. In fact, some of the greatest works of Renaissance art dealt with the theme of the Virgin Mary breastfeeding her infant son (the Madonna Lactans).

So important is breastfeeding for the well-being of infants, mothers, and society at large that no less than forty four states have enacted legislation safeguarding the right of a mother to breastfeed in public. The Surgeon General’s Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding encourages “images of breastfeeding as the normal way to feed infants in most places women and their infants go.” Facebook should certainly be considered one of those places.

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (http://www.bfmed.org/) is a worldwide organization of physicians dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation through education, research, and advocac y. An independent, self-sustaining, international physician organization and the only organization of its kind, ABM’s mission is to unite members of various medical specialties through physician education, expansion of knowledge in breastfeeding science and human lactation, facilitation of optimal breastfeeding practices, and encouragement of the exchange of information among organizations.

Confused about Sharing Breastpumps?

by Corky Harvey MS, RN, IBCLC, Co-Founder of The Pump Station & Nurtury™

Last week we ran a blog discussing the issue of “re-using pumps”. We discussed the health issues regarding using another woman’s breast pump and shared with everyone a list of FDA recommended multi-use pumps. Many of you responded in frustration thinking:

“is this merely a ploy to get you to spend more money when a perfectly “good” pump is available?”

While the Pump Station & Nurtury™ is a Retail Store – first and foremost we are a New Mother’s Resource Center. I must emphasize - Wendy, Jessica and I are Registered Nurses and we are bound ethically to tell you about this concern. This is not an issue simply of making money for our business but rather this issue involves our lifelong commitment to our client’s and their success as mothers.

When we look back at our blog , we realize now that this should have been explained in a more thorough and satisfactory way. There are “hospital grade multi-use pumps” that can be used by multiple women without risk of cross contamination – and they can be rented. Our warning pertained to single-use pumps which shouldn’t be shared due to the health risks. We felt we were doing a service to our Moms by sharing this information – instead we seemed to just anger many of our moms.

We have found what we believe to be an excellent article that we would love for you to read. Rather than us “reinventing the wheel” - please read the article on the attached link regarding Second-Hand Pumps by Kathy Kuhn, RN, IBCLC. Hopefully this will help clarify the information and make your decision easier.

http://parenting.ivillage.com/newborn/nbreastfeed/0,,9kdb,00.html

As a New Mother’s Resource Center the Pump Station & Nurtury™ is committed to providing Mothers with information that will enable you and your baby to thrive. We believe that it is our responsibility to educate you on what is most healthy for your baby. An informed choice is almost always the best option. Make your own decision using the facts and your good common sense.

Using your healthy sister’s pump versus buying a used pump purchased from eBay or at a garage sale?

Hmmmmmm—You be the judge.

Used Breastpumps aren’t Worth the Risk!

According to Medela, it has been estimated that 1 in 3 breastpumping moms are sharing or borrowing a pre-owned pump that they received from their sister or friend, or that they bought at a garage sale or online. Moms are simply not aware of the real risks associated with using a pre-owned pump for both mom and baby.

When you bring your new baby home, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your breastpump is sanitary and can do its job: maintain your ability to produce breastmilk when you're away from your baby, so you can keep breastfeeding for as long as you like.

Some moms try to save money by buying or borrowing a used pump - but, a used pump might not be such a bargain.

Did you know . . .

• There's an FDA guideline - that single-user breastpumps (all brands) should only be used by one person because there's no way to guarantee the pump can be cleaned and disinfected between uses.


• Improperly cleaned pumps could harbor bacteria or be contaminated with someone else's breastmilk.


• A used pump motor may be worn down, and seem to work properly - but could jeopardize your milk production.


• Warranty coverage, top-of-line customer service, and the latest and greatest research-based pumping technology are guaranteed only with new pumps.

The following Hospital Grade Pumps are designed and FDA approved as multiple use devices:

>> Hollister Elite*
>> Hollister Lact-e*
>> Hollister SMB Breastpump*
>> Medela Classic Breastpump*
>> Medela Lactina Breastpump*
>> Medela Symphony Breastpump*

*These are not pumps that would typically be found at a retail store.

The Pump Station Rents Hospital Grade Pumps at both of our Retail Locations and can also special order them for you.

Pump Exchange Program

In an effort to educate moms of these risks, Medela has created the Pump Exchange Program

1. Come in to The Pump Station and Nurtury


2. Give them your old or used pump & get an instant in-store discount towards the purchase of a new pump.

Bring in your Old or Used Pump in Style and get $30 of the purchase price of a new Pump In Style or $40 off the purchase price of a new FreeStyle Handsfree Electric Double Breastpump

Medela Promotion Ends Soon!

Buy a Medela Harmony Breastpump and get Medela Washable Bra Pads 4 pack FREE! Retail Value $7.25. Free Item will be automatically added to basket. Offer ends Jan. 10 2009, while supplies last, no rainchecks.

Buy a Medela Single Deluxe Breastpump and get Medela Feeding & Storage Set 3 pack FREE! Retail Value $14.99. Free Item will be automatically added to basket. Offer ends Jan. 10 2009, while supplies last, no rainchecks.

Buy a Medela Swing Breastpump and get Medela Pump and Save Storage Bags 50-count FREE! Retail Value $20.00. Free Item will be automatically added to basket. Offer ends Jan. 10 2009, while supplies last, no rainchecks.

Certified Nursing Center

Medela Congratulates The Pump Station & Nurtury - The Newest Certified Nursing Center!
from the Medela Website

Medela is proud to award our newest Certified Nursing Center as part of our new Partner Program. The Partner Program recognizes accounts who continued to grow their business with the support of the Medela brand.

What is a Certified Nursing Center? A Certified Nursing Center is not just about nursing. These stores offer a full product assortment that allows moms a “one stop shop” for all of her breastfeeding, nursing, feeding, and educational needs. Certified Nursing Centers offer a dedicated staff with superior customer service, Certified Product Specialists and Bra Fitters, Breastfeeding Specialist referrals from their store or Breastfeeding Specialists on staff, educational materials and classes, and so much more.

About The Pump Station
Wendy Haldeman MN, RN, IBCLC
Corky Harvey MS, RN, IBCLC

Parents often ask us how The Pump Station started. The story begins almost 30 years ago when our now grown children were babies. We met as fellow Lamaze teachers who were working as RNs with a specialization in maternal/newborn health. As young mothers learning to be mothers ourselves, we saw a need for parent education beyond the birth process. We developed a Baby Care class which provided parents with the 'baby bootcamp' they needed to care for their newborns.

A year later, we expanded and began to rent breast pumps out of our homes and the Pump Station was born. The number of women wanting pumps surprised us, but more importantly, we realized that these new and expectant mothers had a tremendous need for expert lactation support and information. Even though we had extensive experience in many areas dealing with pregnancy, birth, newborns and pediatrics, we recognized that we needed more education to be able to better support new parents. We applied to UCLA and were accepted into one of the country's first clinical lactation consulting programs. Upon completion of this programs we became certified Lactation Consultants and were now able to offer the expert advice so many women needed to successfully breastfeed their infants.

Happy moms soon spread the word and we quickly outgrew our home offices and opened our first little breastfeeding center-the first new parent resource center of its kind. Many of our clients wanted products to help them with breastfeeding and parenting, so we responded by carrying nursing bras and a selection of high quality baby care items. We outgrew that first space and moved to our current location in Santa Monica twelve years ago, and in July 2005 opened our second location in Hollywood.

Our clients often tell us how wonderful it is to find most of the resources for expectant and new parents integrated in one convenient location. Parents and babies come through our doors every day to access the huge selection of products we now carry, and to attend classes that range from prenatal breastfeeding and baby care to baby signing and infant CPR. They also come for expert breastfeeding help by attending one of our breastfeeding support groups for new mothers, seeing one of our lactation consultants, or discussing breastfeeding issues with our trained staff.

Our goal remains the same today as when we opened a quarter of a century ago. We want The Pump Station to be a sanctuary for expectant parents, new parents, and their precious babies at this very challenging and rewarding time of life.

Our mission is to support and empower new mothers with quality information, outstanding products, and compassionate service in one place. We encourage successful breastfeeding and provide guidance to mothers as they learn to care for their babies. We value our relationship with our clients and believe that supporting all mothers is a good investment in each other, in our community and in the future of our children.