Featured Moms » Featured Mom

Interview: Andi Silverman (AndiSilverman)

Interviewd by: Victoria M.

Your book, ‘Mama Knows Breast’ is all about advice for the beginning breastfeeding mom, how and why did you decide to write this book?
I decided to write “Mama Knows Breast” when I realized how common it is for moms to feel overwhelmed by breastfeeding.  With our first son, I certainly had a moment when I thought to myself, “I have no idea what I’m doing. I actually know more about my car seat, stroller and crib than I do about how to feed this baby!” 

Fortunately, I got advice from lactation consultants to help me over certain hurdles.  I also found some really useful breastfeeding books.  But I soon realized that there was space for one more book-- a book that took a slightly different approach to breastfeeding.

So I set out to write the book that I wanted to read -- a well-illustrated handbook that gives moms practical information in a light-hearted, frank and irreverent manner.  “Mama Knows Breast” has everything from basic advice on how to hold your baby, to lifestyle tips on where you can comfortably breastfeed in public. The book also reassures moms that the decision whether or not to breastfeed is a highly personal matter.

How many children do you have and what are their ages?
We have two boys who are 18 months apart.  They’re now two and three years old.  It’s non-stop motion in this household!

On a typical day, how do you balance work and family?
A typical day starts at about 5:30.  Very early!!  My husband usually does the early shift, and then I step in as he’s getting ready for work.  During the day, I’m really lucky to have a part-time sitter who helps out so I can do some writing.  Then the afternoon and evening…dinner, bath, books and bed…are the wildest parts of the day.  Sometimes it doesn’t end until 8 or 9.  Then I’m back at my computer.  Eventually, my husband will say, “Stop hunching over your keyboard and let’s hang out!”

What sets your blog, ‘Mama Knows Breast’, apart from your book?
My blog, www.mamaknowsbreast.com complements my book.  It has breastfeeding news, tips and anecdotes.  There’s even the occasional contest for a product that a new mom might find useful.  I’ve been running the blog for two years, and in that time, it’s become a great resource for moms.        

To you, why is breastfeeding so important? 
Breastfeeding has clear health advantages for both the baby and mom.  It’s really the gold standard for feeding babies.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding (that means no formula, water, juice or solids) until the baby is 6 months old, and then breastfeeding (in addition to solids) until at least 12 months. 

Nevertheless, we are fortunate that formula is an option.  We live in a developed country where we have access to clean water to make formula and electricity so we can sterilize bottles.  Given this, moms do have options, and not everyone chooses to breastfeed.  But if you are pregnant, you have to think about how you are going to feed your baby.  So it’s helpful to do some research about breastfeeding before you give birth. Read a book, talk to other moms or take a breastfeeding class.  This way you can make an informed decision about whether to breastfeed or use formula.

What was been the best piece of advice you were given as a new mom?
Get help!  Everyone recommended that I have someone help out around the house when our first son was born.  But I resisted.  I figured that this parenting thing couldn’t be all that hard.  Boy was I wrong.  Over time, I realized that it wasn’t so bad to have a part-time babysitter.   So now, I’m a big advocate of lining up a support team of family, friends, and hired help if you can afford it. There’s no reason to struggle through all of this alone. Things are definitely easier if you have extra hands.

Between the book, the blog and blogging at NYC Moms Blog how do you find time for yourself and for your family?
Even though blogging is time consuming, it comes second to spending time with my family.  The kids and my husband are my focus.  The problem, I’ve found, is making time for myself.  I have to make a conscious effort to exercise a few times a week. I’ve also started to meditate, ten minutes each day.  Experts say meditation is the key to stress relief!

Do you think that your career as a lawyer and journalist prepared you for the juggle you have with working and motherhood?
Absolutely.  Both professions taught me how to multi-task.  But quite honestly, nothing can really prepare you for changing diapers and taking care of a toddler who is sick.  You really just have to do it and learn on the job.

Are there any new projects on the horizon?
I have a number of ideas for more books, but right now I’m still focused on promoting “Mama Knows Breast” and spending time with our little boys.

What words of wisdom can you impart to our ConnectingMoms readers?
I have my nursing advice, and my general parenting advice. For nursing, I try to figure out what the mom’s objectives are for breastfeeding or using formula. Once I know she wants to breastfeed, I recommend getting the telephone number of a lactation consultant before the baby is born. That way, if she needs help, she won’t have to scramble to get a recommendation. Second, I try to gently remind moms that newborns eat around the clock, and sometimes need to be woken up to eat if they are extremely sleepy. This is important to nourish the baby and to establish milk supply.

For general parenting advice, I’ll recommend to a new mom that she keep an open mind since her opinions and attitudes will probably evolve once the baby is born. If she recognizes this, it can make the transition to parenting easier. For instance, someone that is convinced she’ll go back to work might decide to stay home. The opposite can happen too. Someone who thinks she’ll stay home may decide to go back to work. Of course this example assumes the mom has the financial ability to make a choice. But the basic idea is that it helps to remain flexible in your approach to parenting.