Tag: women

Can Breastfeeding Help to Prevent Breast Cancer?

On By Anna EastlandIn Maternal Health2 Comments

I’m honoured to share with you a guest post by Tracey Montford of Cake Maternity. I had heard that breastfeeding could lower your chances of getting breast cancer, but didn’t know why. If you’d like to understand more about the amazing natural power of the female body, read below! 

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, apart from skin cancer.

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast begin to multiply and form a tumour. If caught in time the chance of surviving breast cancer is much higher. It is imperative that you take the time to regularly check your breasts for any unusual lumps or bumps and that you attend scheduled doctor’s visits to screen for breast cancer.

Who is at risk?

Some studies have suggested that an unhealthy lifestyle; a diet high in processed and fatty foods, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, drugs and stress are the leading causes of cancer.

On the other hand, some men and women are more genetically pre-disposed to developing breast cancer and will be aware of their Mother’s, Aunt’s, or Grandmother’s battles.

Does breastfeeding reduce my risk of getting Breast Cancer?

Thousands of women in recent years have participated in numerous studies conducted to investigate breast cancer and its cause. Each study reached the same conclusion. Breastfeeding does lower your risk of developing breast cancer.

Why does breastfeeding lower my risk of getting Breast Cancer?

It is thought that because lactating women have fewer menstrual cycles, they are less exposed to estrogen.  This hormone has been linked to the growth of some forms of breast cancer in cells.

Breastfeeding can make breast cells more resistant to mutations. It is during pregnancy and breastfeeding that your body sheds breast tissue.  The process of shedding can help to remove damaged cells with DNA prone to breast cancer.  This process can help to lower your risk of developing it.

Generally speaking, breastfeeding women tend to be more conscious about the food we eat.  Eating a well-balanced nutritious diet will help to ensure that a woman produces enough nutritious milk for her child. A healthy diet will also help to maintain a healthy weight, which is important as obesity has also been linked to cancer. It has also been said that breastfed children are less likely to become obese. Breastfeeding helps to reduce their chance of developing cancer, too.

Some studies suggest that women who take part in regular vigorous exercise lessen their chances of developing breast cancer.

Breastfeeding mothers are also less likely to consume alcohol, smoke or take drugs. Alcohol, smoking and taking recreational drugs can cause damage to the body and lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. An unhealthy body can be prone to developing cancer.

Breastfeeding

Whilst breastfeeding may take some time to get used to and the journey is difficult for some, it is always advised to push through the initial struggles. Breastfeed as long as your baby wants you to, or as long as you feel physically able to.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful gift that nature has provided us with to nourish our children.  Not only does breastfeeding provide our children with the best start in life, it also helps to protect our bodies.

For more information and a more in-depth read into the studies undertaken, click the links below:

The Lancet 2002

International Medicine Archives of 2009

Journal of National Cancer Institute

Like many women out there, Tracey Montford is an exceptional multi-tasker! Apart from steering a global business, managing 2 young boys & keeping the clan clean and fed, Tracey still finds time to provide creative inspiration and direction to the exceptional designs of Cake Maternity. From the branding, presentation and delivery, creativity is a big part of what Tracey does so naturally and effectively. Find out more at https:/ca.cakematernity.com or catch up with her on social @cakematernity

Tapestry

On By Anna EastlandIn FriendshipLeave a comment

  
There is the famous image of life
as a a tapestry which we view from behind—
all the messy bits and loose threads
funny bumps and rough edges—
until we reach Heaven
and see things as they really are.

But there is one thing I see already
even here below—
that the threads are not all mine,
that there are streaks of beauty and colour
which come from my friends.

That the fabric that holds me together
is woven from the love and courage
of women who have suffered
and hoped again,
who have lost everything and dared try again,
who have laughed and cried with me,
who have shared my deepest pain
and greatest joys. 

You make me strong.
You carry me forward.

You are forever woven
into the fabric of my heart.

Mothers of the world, unite!

On By Anna EastlandIn motherhood5 Comments

I’ve just spent the weekend immersed in inspiring talks from an online conference for moms and what struck me most as a common theme was the need to support and encourage each other. A kind of professional solidarity, but without the competitive spirit. More like a sisterhood of moms.

In order to live this, we need to set aside our performance anxiety and quit comparing ourselves to other moms. It is not a competition. 

How much grief we could spare ourselves and others if we let this need to measure up go. If we instead tried to really believe that we are enough for our kids, and that’s all that matters. They are a gift, and they were given to us for a reason, because of all the women in the history of the world, only we are meant to be their mother.

In other words, we don’t have to earn the right to their love. We should, of course, do all in our power to love them, but knowing that our brokenness is simply part of being human, and that they weren’t meant to be raised by angels. Angels wouldn’t know how to teach them to be human: to struggle, to make mistakes, to sacrifice, to forgive.

If we could quit trying to outperform ourselves and others, we could be more open to responding to other moms as friends, as sisters who share a common life. We could stop being afraid to be vulnerable with each other. And in this atmosphere of support, of friendship, even of encouraging mentorship, we could grow…far more than in a place of isolation, comparison and fear.

So I challenge you all to take a moment to reflect on how you support the other mothers in your life right now. Do you call them just to check in? Do you do little kind deeds for them just to make them smile? Do you make time to listen when they need a heart-to-heart? And above all, are you brave enough to be vulnerable with them, thereby giving them the freedom to be authentic with you as well?

This is what friendship is, and this is what all moms, and in fact all people, need. It think when it comes down to it we all share the common goal of making the world a better place for our children, and a better place because of our children. How about supporting each other in it? If we do, we can bring each other such joy!

Mothers of the world, unite!