The recommendation is still exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months before introducing solids. But the AAP now also wants pediatricians to support breastfeeding for two years or more — up from one year. The potential benefits for babies: lower rates of respiratory tract infections, obesity, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome.
Is this supposed to be their solution to the formula shortage?
No. But it wouldn’t be the first time somebody suggested moms ‘just breastfeed’ as if it’s no big deal. Just because breast milk doesn’t come with a literal price tag, doesn’t mean it’s ‘free.’ One doctor said breastfeeding is only free “if you value a mom’s time and energy at zero.” And for many others, breastfeeding just isn’t possible.
So...is the AAP acknowledging these challenges?
Yes. And it wants pediatricians to advocate for policies like paid leave, flexible work schedules, and on-site child care to help support breastfeeding. The AAP knows it isn’t realistic for many parents. But the group wants to also support those who choose to breastfeed longer. The recommendations bring the US up to speed with the World Health Organization's.
theSkimm
This is the first update of its kind in 10 years. It comes amid an ongoing baby formula shortage and the pressures of navigating fertility post-Roe. And may have some mothers feeling resentful of yet another form of added pressure.
Voting
Today, Americans in eight states are heading to the polls: Colorado, Illinois, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah. With the latest SCOTUS ruling, abortion is top of mind for some voters. Here’s how that’s playing out in…
Illinois: There is no trigger law in the state. And it's expected to become an abortion safe haven for the Midwest.Rep. Mary Miller (R) is running for re-election, and recentlyfaced backlash for calling the SCOTUS ruling “a victory for white life.” The congresswoman — who once quoted Adolf Hitler — says she meant to say “right to life.” She's running against fellow incumbent Rep. Rodney Davis (R) due to recent redistricting.
Colorado:Abortion in the state is allowed at all stages of pregnancy. And one GOP candidate is surprising voters with his abortion rights stance: Businessman Joe O’Dea, who's running for the US Senate. His opponent, state Rep. Ron Hanks (R), is against abortion in all cases.
Those aren’t the only key races. In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is facing primary challenges after inheriting the seat when Andrew Cuomo resigned. In Oklahoma, which has the strictest abortion ban on the books, there are two open US Senate seats — including one to fill retiring Sen. Jim Inhofe’s (R) seat. And hanging over all of this are reports that Democrats are funding far-right Republican campaigns in the primaries to try to defeat them in the general election.
And Also...This
Where people are mourning…
San Antonio, TX. Yesterday, more than 40 migrants were found dead inside a tractor-trailer there. Sixteen people were also found alive at the scene and taken to nearby hospitals. It appears to be the deadliest migrant tragedy in recent years. Officials believe they were part of a smuggling attempt as there's been a surge in migrants crossing the US-Mexico border in recent months. Officials are also looking into whether heat played a role in their deaths. And have taken three people into custody.San Antonio is going through a heat wave and recorded a temperature of nearly 100 degrees yesterday. The city's mayor called this a "horrific human tragedy.”
What people are watching…
Ukraine. Yesterday, a Russian missile strike hit a crowded shopping mall in the central city of Kremenchuk. At least 16 people were killed and more than 40 others injured — a number that could rise, since more than 1,000 people were in the mall when the rocket hit. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the number of potential victims is “impossible to imagine.“ The attack came amid news of Russia’s...
Default: Russia is believed to have defaulted on its international debt for the first time since 1918. But the Kremlin's denying it, saying that it paid up...but the payments have been blocked from going through.
What’s off of the sidelines…
Prayers. Yesterday, SCOTUS ruled that a former Washington state high school football coach had a constitutional right to pray on the field after games. In 2015, the coach was placed on administrative leave for continuing to pray after his team’s games. He accused the school of violating his religious freedoms. Now, the highest court in the land is saying ‘we got you, coach.’ Representing a 6-3 majority, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that the Constitution doesn’t mandate or permit the gov from suppressing “such religious expression.” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in her dissent that the ruling does a “disservice” to the country’s commitment to separation between church and state.
Brighter days call for brighter skin. Enter: Vitamin C, a powerful skincare ingredient that can reduce the appearance of dark spots, boost brightness, and reveal more youthful-looking skin. If you’re trying to get more in your life, meet Beautycounter. They just launched a new line of clean, effective products that can help you brighten up. We’re loving the…
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Buttery soft loungewear that’ll keep you cool for the summer. This woman-founded brand’s new sustainable collection includes ultra comfy joggers, shorts, and tees. Pro tip: Check out their temp-regulating bras and bodysuits, too. They’ll have you saying ‘bye’ to boob sweat. Psst…Skimm’rs get 20% off.*
2. Write-down-worthy advice from a journalist slash former first lady. In our latest episode of “9 to 5ish,” sponsored by Travel Iowa, we chat with Maria Shriver about her career ups and downs. And how she turned the bad into good. Tune in.*
3.A guide to making cents of your finances. Gaby Dunn’s “Stimulus Wreck” is all about surviving today’s economy and rebounding from financial disaster — available exclusively in one of the world’s largest digital libraries. Psst…Skimm’rs can access millions of titles with a 60-day free trial.*
4. Sex toys for every person and preference. To help you explore your body (and your partner's), we rounded up vibrators that can be used by anyone and everyone. Let's get it on.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Cycling for a cause…Alexandra U (CA). She just cycled 30 miles on her 30th birthday to raise money for access to clean water.
(Some) Birthdays…Carolina Kelrick (CA), Danielle Heffernan (NJ), Micaela Daley (CA), Eddy Alupay (WA), Gina Loeffel (WI), Alex Schwartz (IL), Jodi Anne Cisewski (DC), Melissa Bailey (CA), Stephanie Matalone (UT), Lisa Carter Noecker (NC), Judy Link Cuddehe (VA), Dana Abel (WI), Carli Berner (FL), Carol Beeson Dukes (CA), Courtney Lesser (NJ)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
Design: theSkimm
Winner has a nice ring to it. Introducing: theSkimm Loyalty Program's first-ever Sweepstakes*. We’re giving away 10 swag bundles (think: a very cushy yoga mat, water bottle that’ll last, and extra-soft t–shirt). Log in and head to the rewards section of your member dashboard to enter to win. Not a member yet? Sign up for free and start reaping the rewards.
*Terms and Conditions apply for theSkimm Loyalty Program Summer Sweepstakes occurring between June 15, 2022 and June 30, 2022. By joining and/or entering, you affirm that you have read and agree to the T&Cs. Reach out to loyalty@theSkimm.com for questions.
Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Maria McCallen, and Julie Shain
