Breastfeeding Viewed as Potential Terrorist Activity by New York Country Club (Clickable link)

A friend of mine tagged me in this post he found while surfing I guess..... and I just can´t help but die laughing at the stupidity of the people running the New York Country Club and also the police that was "dragged" in to the scene. So the people in New York actually thinks that everyone who is a mummy uses their kids as a terrorist attack to others? Or did they forget that mummies do need to breast feed their babies also? Or are boobs such a big thing in New York now that it is a terrorist thing?

Ok...... it may not be a right thing to breast feed in broad public ( speaking from coming from a Muslim country where even a little exposure is considered a huge "sin")..... however there is such a thing that is called a breast feeding room, which I have actually seen all around Europe that I have visited.... so, instead of "dumping" your customers and "forcing" them to breast feed in a toilet..... please ensure, especially since you are a Country Club, that you have such a room that is called a breast feeding room for mummies to go to, if you do not want your customers to be breast feeding at their tables.

Ironic how people are getting nowadays!

Happy reading this article

Breastfeeding Viewed as Potential Terrorist Activity by New York Country Club

by SARAH, THE HEALTHY HOME ECONOMIST on JULY 1, 2013

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When ignorance about breastfeeding coincides with an irrational fear of terrorists, what do you get?

A very nasty scene at a ritzy New York Country Club, that’s what!

This is exactly what Belgian diplomat Tom Neijens and his wife Roseline Remans discovered when they stopped by the Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, New York on June 8, 2013 and inquired about having lunch.

Club employees permitted the family to dine on the terrace despite the fact that they weren’t members, whereupon Remans began to discreetly breastfeed her daughter Luka at the table.

Neijens, first secretary of the Belgium Mission to the UN, told the New York Post that a female employee of the club quickly interrupted Roseline’s perfectly legal and proper feeding of her baby with this sharp rebuke:

“Please leave immediately, you are disturbing the members!”

When Neijens protested and said it would only take a few minutes, the female staffer insisted that Remans finish in the restroom.

Understandably incredulous at the blatant ignorance on display at such a high end establishment, Mr. Neijens inquired why a baby would be asked to have lunch in the restroom when adults are not.

The Greenburgh Police Department arrived minutes later with Detective Scott Harding apparently yelling, “Close the doors!” with two other diners ordered to leave the terrace.

Mr. Neijens described the chaotic scene as something straight out of a Western movie with the officer walking around like John Wayne with “one hand on his gun, one hand on his Taser.”

The officer warned the couple that they were trespassing despite the fact that country club staff had given them specific permission to dine.  He also said that some fearful members thought Mr. Neijens’ black backpack indicated they were terrorists.

Most laughable if not actually true, is what the officer came out with next when a tearful Ms. Remans asked why terrorists would breastfeed at a ritzy club:

“In Sri Lanka, babies are used by terrorists.”

Well, you learn something new every day, don’t you?

Attention all breastfeeding mothers. Your milk engorged breasts are actually considered weapons of mass destruction by law enforcement authorities. That liquid is NOT food for your baby. It is actually highly explosive material that could detonate at any time, sparking a chain of events identified by the media as bona fide terrorist activity.

Detective Harding quickly backed off his ridiculous posturing when Mr. Neijens revealed his State Department issued identification.

He dismissed his over the top behavior by explaining that the club had received terrorist threats in the past.

Despite the fact that they were doing nothing illegal or improper and possessed proper identification, the couple was still escorted off the premises via the back door.

A few days later, Mr Neijens sent an e-mail demanding an apology from Country Club general manager Tracy Fraus and assistant general manager Audra Vaccari.

“I am deeply worried about your staff if they cannot distinguish between a European couple looking for a quiet place to breast-feed a baby and suicide terrorists carrying a backpack.”

Lt. B.J. Ryan, a spokesman for the Greenburgh Police Department, labeled the incident as a simple “cultural misunderstanding.”

Ahem. On behalf of breastfeeding mothers everywhere, I beg to differ.

Breasts are not “cultural” and there is no “misunderstanding” their true purpose. They are the universal instrument for optimal feeding of babies.

Not “boob grenades”.

Hard to believe the terrorism handbook didn’t cover this point properly.

Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist

Sources:

Belgian diplomat booted from golf club, treated “like terrorists” over wife’s breastfeeding

Couple “treated like terrorists” over breastfeeding and backpack at ritzy restaurant

Ouchl....... damn.....
Ok... mental note to myself... no matter how hard is it in future... if I ever get pregnant again, I´d definitely breast feed my child... xD

Mothers out there... read up!!!

Breast milk plays key role in brain development

21 March 2010 By Associate Prof Dr POH BEE KOON

MILK is the main source of nutrition for all babies, and the milk produced by mothers has is tailored specially to the newborn’s needs.

Breast milk contains just the right balance of nutrients, such as fats, proteins, lactose, vitamins, minerals, and water, for newborns. These provide the optimal nutritional, immunological, and emotional nurturing for an infant to grow and develop. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the World Health Organisation and UNICEF identify it as the “gold-standard” in infant nutrition.

Most importantly, breast milk also plays a key role in children’s brain development. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (DHA and AA), taurine, choline, zinc, and many other nutrients that support this process. While it cannot be guaranteed that breast milk will turn your newborn into the next Einstein, it can be guaranteed that it will help your infant’s brain achieve its maximum potential. But how sure are we that breast milk is the way to go?

The relationship between breastfeeding and children’s intelligence has definitely generated much research interest. The literature is extensive, and numerous studies have indeed proven the link between breastfeeding and positive neuro-developmental gains. The following studies and conclusions are a few of many that clearly support this association.

1. Breastmilk and subsequent intelligence quotient in children born preterm by Lucas, A et al, Lancet (1992).

Higher IQ: This study was the first to discover that in children who were born pre-term, those who had consumed breast milk in their early weeks of life had, on average, an 8.3-point advantage in IQ compared to other children. The advantages in IQ were maintained even after the researchers compared children with the same maternal education levels and social class.

2. Duration of breastfeeding and developmental milestones during the latter half of infancy by Vestergaard, M et al, Acta Pediatrica (1999).

Mastery of developmental milestones: Three developmental milestones related to general and fine motor skills and early language development were assessed in 1,656 healthy infants at six months of age. Results showed that the longer a child was breastfed, the quicker she mastered specific developmental milestones.

3. Breastfeeding and child cognitive development by Kramer, MS et al, Archives of General Psychiatry (2008).

Improved cognitive and academic performance: This randomised trial is the largest to date, with more than 15,000 healthy breastfeeding infants involved. Results showed prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding produced children with better cognitive development and academic achievement.

Brain food from the breast

A baby’s brain develops rapidly in the first few years of life, and it is important to support this process with a good balance of “brain-building” nutrients. As breast milk conveniently contains these, it is very important to provide your baby with breast milk right from the start and to continue at least until she is two years of age.

So, what are the “brain-building” nutrients in breast milk that make it so important?

· Fatty acids – The cells in the brain are largely made from a group of long-chained polyunsaturated fatty acids called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and AA (arachidonic acid). These fatty acids support the information processing and transmission that occurs in the brain.

However, DHA and AA are not readily found in the human body, and neither are the fatty acids required to synthesise them, namely, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA).

These fatty acids can only be obtained from a person’s diet, and breast milk contains one of the highest levels of these fatty acids (derived from a single source).

· Phospholipids – Effective transmission of information among neurons in the brain is dependent on the myelination of neurons, ie the coating of each with a layer of fat (myelin) that speeds up transmission. Cholesterol, which is found in high concentrations in breast milk, is also necessary for this process.

· Taurine – Taurine plays an important role in the development of the brain and eyes. Specifically, taurine plays a role in the synthesis of brain neurotransmitters that are important for nerve communication. However, the body is unable to synthesise this amino acid, so its presence in breast milk is very significant.

· Choline – The roles that choline plays in the development and functioning of the brain are many. It is needed for the synthesis of phospholipids, transmission of information between brain cells, and also improves memory. In fact, when cells are deprived of this nutrient, they are programmed to die in a process called apoptosis.

· Zinc – Zinc supports cell division and growth. Additionally, zinc has been credited as the nutrient that protects cells in the brain and central nervous system due to its antioxidant properties.

Breast milk also has various kinds of disease-fighting substances, including antibodies, which help protect your child’s body against harmful infections.

Breast milk also has antioxidants that protect babies against allergies. The healthier your child is, the more she will be able to develop into the intelligent young adult that she can be.

The body of research has conclusively shown that breastfeeding does indeed play a crucial role in the development of babies’ brains, not only due to its nutritional content, but also through the bonding that occurs during breastfeeding.

However, breastfeeding alone cannot sustain your child’s development past six months due to their rapid growth. Continue feeding your baby’s brain by providing her with a well-balanced diet beyond her breastfeeding days.

Remember, no single nutrient can support your child’s growth and brain development. A combination of a wide range of nutrients must work in concert to help your child fulfil her optimal potential.
This article is courtesy of the Positive Parenting Nutrition Programme by the Malaysian Paediatric Association in collaboration with the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, and supported by an educational grant from Abbott Nutrition International. For more information, please visit www.mypositiveparenting.org.

This article totally got my attention.

Parents nowadays are totally busy with work that they seldom sepdn time together with their children... even during meal times. They normally leave their children to eat alone or together with the maids and such... and not even spending quality time together with their children. Although meal times are short, and maximum is bout an hour, I feel as parents we really should take time to have meals with our children....

I found this article..... hopefully that you guys will find this article useful in the future

Why family meals are important

21 February 2010 By Dr GOH CHEE LEONG

MEALTIMES are a special time for you and your young child. It may be the only time of the day when your family comes together. At other times, parents may be occupied with work or household responsibilities, while children are away at school. However busy we all are, we nevertheless need to eat.

Thus, having meals with your family provides an amazing opportunity for you and your spouse to spend time together with your child. Eating together enables you to foster your child’s development, coach, and monitor your child’s behaviour, and enjoy each other’s company.

The benefits of eating together as a family are endless! Skipping this activity will cause your child to lose out on these precious opportunities to develop as a person.

Tested and proven

Family mealtimes have been the subject of considerable scholarly studies. Researchers from various fields, from the field of nutrition to the field of psychology, have conducted extensive research on the outcomes of family mealtimes. Each study has consistently showed that the positive effects of dining together as a family extend far beyond what we assume.

Some of these include:

● Better nutrition. Children who eat with their families have lower rates of both malnutrition and obesity compared to children who do not.

Research has shown that a higher frequency of family meals is associated with increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and other essential nutrients, and lower intake of fried food and soft drinks.

Additionally, dining together with parents allows children to observe the positive nutritional habits that their parents adopt, leading children to make healthier food choices when not dining with their parents.

● Enhanced family connectedness. You are more likely to pass on family values and traditions to your child during regular mealtimes. In fact, the social relationships developed while sharing a meal will reinforce your child’s sense of belonging to the family. This helps build a strong, healthy, and resilient family unit.

● Better social and communication skills. Eating with adults allows your child to observe the behaviour of others in a social setting and to practice social skills. Participation in table conversations also enables him to acquire a wider vocabulary and acquire general knowledge. In fact, it has been suggested that it is these skills that enable children who have frequent family meals to, reportedly, perform much better in school.

● Protection against risk behaviours. The US Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) found in their 10-year study that teens who have frequent family meals are less likely to smoke, drink, and use drugs. This isn’t surprising, as the level of family and adult support that is built from having family meals serves as a great buffer against such risk-taking behaviours.

As a parent, you can shape the culture of the home. So make it a point to have regular family mealtimes. Encourage every member of the family to sit together at the dinner table.

Research shows that while the numbers of families who have meals together remain high at 80%, that number in bigger cities is dropping quickly.

The quality factor

Realise this; Just because the whole family is eating together does not mean that you are eating right. Getting the family together is just half the battle. How you conduct these family dinners are just as important.

You may be sitting together, but if everyone is silent, you and your family are no better off than if you were all doing your own thing. Quality is the key. Make family meals count instead of treating them as something you feel obligated to do because experts recommend you do so.

Here are some tips on how you can make your family meals worth the time and effort:

1. Don’t rush them.

Treasure each moment that your family spends together at the table. There is no point in making all the effort to sit down with your family, only to have it fly by. Allow ample time to enjoy the food and each other’s company. Avoid the temptation of rushing your child through the meal, as long as they finish their food within a reasonable duration.

2. Resist distractions.

While mobile phones, television, video games, and the radio are a great source of entertainment, turn them off at mealtimes and do not allow them anywhere near the dining area. They are not members of your family. If possible delay answering your hand-phones for the duration of the meal. Instead, switch your attention to your child and other family members.

3. Keep conversations pleasant.

Aim at having happy and relaxing conversations during mealtimes. Ensure that you include everyone in all conversations. This is a great opportunity for your family to share their experiences and understand each other a little more.

Avoid bringing up unpleasant subjects or meting out punishments during mealtimes, as you do not want your family to associate negative feelings with eating together.

4. Share the responsibility.

Mealtimes do not have to start and stop at the dinner table. In fact, include aspects like food preparation and table setting as part of your mealtime routine and involve your child in the process. Let him contribute menu ideas, bring him grocery shopping, and have him set the table. Your child will feel proud and excited to eat meals that he has helped prepare.

Braving the traffic congestion to get home at peak hours for a family dinner may seem like a hassle. Passing up the chance to go for a drink with your colleagues in exchange for a quiet dinner at home may also irritate you. But keep in mind these small sacrifices that you make now are all well spent. You’ll find that in a few years time, you and your child will reap the rewards from your efforts.

■ Dr Goh Chee Leong is a psychologist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting Programme. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.