Breastfeeding makes your life simpler and easier! Babies who breastfeed also have better brain development and do better on IQ tests. Mothers who breastfeed have less bleeding after childbirth and lose weight sooner. They have less risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer! If the above are not reasons enough, think about the time and money that will be saved. Parents who breastfeed save more than $1,000 (US) the first year by not having to spend money on formula and such. It's also proven that parents will miss fewer days of work. (Breastfeeding, Spangler, A. )
If you're struggling with the decision about wether or not to breastfeed it's normal. Learn all you can and don't be afraid to stand your ground. If you decide breastfeeding is your lane then stick to it and don't let others tell you what's best for you and your babe. Breast is best, it's what your baby is intended to survive on. It's the perfect food for your baby!
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Why should I breastfeed?
Not only is breastfeeding the simplest and most economical way to feed your lil one, it's also been proven that breastfed babies are healthier, happier, smarter!
Breastfed babies have...
1. Fewer ear infections.
2. Less gas, constipation, & diarrhea.
3. Less risk of pneumonia.
4. Less risk of allergy and asthma.
5. Less risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
6. Less risk of obesity in childhood.
7. Less risk or DIABETES!!! (That's huge)
(Breastfeeding, Spangler A .)
Breastfed babies have...
1. Fewer ear infections.
2. Less gas, constipation, & diarrhea.
3. Less risk of pneumonia.
4. Less risk of allergy and asthma.
5. Less risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
6. Less risk of obesity in childhood.
7. Less risk or DIABETES!!! (That's huge)
(Breastfeeding, Spangler A .)
Friday, February 14, 2014
Mission
I would love to form a network of breastfeeding families that volunteer to help new mothers overcome the difficulties of breastfeeding. Our core mission would be to support each mother in meeting her individual breastfeeding goals. We would provide education, support, encouragement through mentorship and opportunities to meet and network with other breastfeeding families. Ultimately, we would help to provide a community wide culture in which breastfeeding is supported, encouraged, and the norm for nourishing our infants and young children.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
What the heck is a latch?
Simply put, a latch is the proper attachment of the baby's mouth with your breast!
There are some things that you must know in order to latch your baby properly. First, babies do not just suck your nipple. Lil bubba must access your milk by latching onto your nipple and areola. Babies don't just suck on your breast as they would a bottle, the motion is quiet different. It's more of a compression and swallowing. Have you ever seen someone milk a cow...no seriously! They sort of kneed the breast in order to get the milk to come out. The baby is doing the same thing on your breast.
You might feel like you are stuffing your breast in the babies mouth at first. The baby will take what she needs into her mouth and start to nurse. Remember, as you and baby start to get used to nursing it will hurt less and less. When you remove your nipple from the babes mouth rule number one is "break the latch or wait for the baby to unlatch" also make sure your nipple doesn't look like the tip of a brand new lipstick. If it does, the baby is latch on improperly.
Here is the honest truth...babies are born with the instinct to nurse but they may need a little help learning and they need time to feel out your breast anatomy. If you're really lucky you and your baby will automatically hit it off the first time you put her to your breast. If you're like most moms, you and baby will need some practice. Hit up Youtube to find videos of babies latching (I've posted a link for some videos), it's one thing to see pics but another to actually see a baby doing it. You might be surprised that you and sweet angel are not too far off from the ideal latch.
There are some things that you must know in order to latch your baby properly. First, babies do not just suck your nipple. Lil bubba must access your milk by latching onto your nipple and areola. Babies don't just suck on your breast as they would a bottle, the motion is quiet different. It's more of a compression and swallowing. Have you ever seen someone milk a cow...no seriously! They sort of kneed the breast in order to get the milk to come out. The baby is doing the same thing on your breast.
You might feel like you are stuffing your breast in the babies mouth at first. The baby will take what she needs into her mouth and start to nurse. Remember, as you and baby start to get used to nursing it will hurt less and less. When you remove your nipple from the babes mouth rule number one is "break the latch or wait for the baby to unlatch" also make sure your nipple doesn't look like the tip of a brand new lipstick. If it does, the baby is latch on improperly.
Here is the honest truth...babies are born with the instinct to nurse but they may need a little help learning and they need time to feel out your breast anatomy. If you're really lucky you and your baby will automatically hit it off the first time you put her to your breast. If you're like most moms, you and baby will need some practice. Hit up Youtube to find videos of babies latching (I've posted a link for some videos), it's one thing to see pics but another to actually see a baby doing it. You might be surprised that you and sweet angel are not too far off from the ideal latch.
Breastfeeding can be foreign
Hi nursing mommas & moms to be! Looking back I can remember a time when everything "breastfeeding" was foreign. I read everything under the sun about nursing but nothing would really prepare me for all that comes along with breastfeeding. There are so many emotional changes that you go through just from giving birth. If this is your first baby then the experience of being in a hospital might be traumatizing all within itself. Maybe your birth plan didn't work out like you planned and you ended up having an emergency c-section. Then they hand you the baby and say "feed him, or else" ...you poor thing! All of the unexpected can be scary. Don't fret, all that you're feeling or all that you felt is normal and you can overcome it. The main point is that you CAN breastfeed your baby, with little or no support. Hopefully you're surrounded by your mother who breastfed you, or your sis who nursed her little one, but that isn't reality for most people. Most ladies are depending on their health care providers to help and let me just be honest.......you will be lucky to find a nurse or lactation consultant that will take the time to support you. If you do find one, make her your best friend while you're in the hospital. You are responsible for the health and well being of your tiny, innocent, baby. Empower yourself momma! Read everything you can, supplement with formula temporarily if you have to, give the baby a bottle if you need to, don't for one second feel guilty. Breastfeeding isn't black and white, although many websites and information out there makes it so. Take it from me, although I'm no expert (what does qualify someone to be a breastfeeding expert) YOU CAN DO IT, even if you think you can't!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Top 11 must have breastfeeding accessories
1. nipple shield (I used the Medela nipple shield, I only had one)
2. Lansinoh lanolin cream (it's recommended to wash off before the next feeding)
3. Boppy pillow (love it, has more than one function)
4. Breast pump ( I have a double electric Medela, I probably could have survived with a single electric)
5. Nursing cover (I use a hooter hider, although I've seen some larger one on the market now)
6. Breast pads (I wasn't a leaker so I didn't use very many but you still need a pack)
7. Warm/cold pads (many different brands, I assume they are all the same)
8. Nursing shirt (I only had two that I would wear early on, once you get the hang of nursing any shirt will work)
9. Co-sleeper (I have the Armsreach mini but both of my babes ended up in bed with us after a couple weeks)
10. Nursing bra (you need a underwire if you have large breast and most definitely one without a wire, my wire free bra is a Bravado)
11. Nursing nightgown or button down PJs. (My favorite is from Walmart, Bestform is the maker, and it was $11)
2. Lansinoh lanolin cream (it's recommended to wash off before the next feeding)
3. Boppy pillow (love it, has more than one function)
4. Breast pump ( I have a double electric Medela, I probably could have survived with a single electric)
5. Nursing cover (I use a hooter hider, although I've seen some larger one on the market now)
6. Breast pads (I wasn't a leaker so I didn't use very many but you still need a pack)
7. Warm/cold pads (many different brands, I assume they are all the same)
8. Nursing shirt (I only had two that I would wear early on, once you get the hang of nursing any shirt will work)
9. Co-sleeper (I have the Armsreach mini but both of my babes ended up in bed with us after a couple weeks)
10. Nursing bra (you need a underwire if you have large breast and most definitely one without a wire, my wire free bra is a Bravado)
11. Nursing nightgown or button down PJs. (My favorite is from Walmart, Bestform is the maker, and it was $11)
Hi friends,
Here is my list of must haves if you're just starting to breastfeed or plan to. Of course, I've used every single one of these products and that's why I can recommend them. If you feel like you want to try a Breastfriend pillow rather than a Boppy that could work also.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Breastfeeding and taking medicine for a cold, ugh!
Okay, it's almost midnight and I am up. Not because the baby is in need of a nighttime feeding or my preschooler is calling me for a bathroom run, but because I have a horrible cough. It's keeping me up and I can no longer take it!! I have to take something. God I hope the Kellymom website is up to date on their safe medication list. It was a toss up over children's Claritin or Dextromethorphan. I took the DXM but only 1tsp. Now, I'm just sitting here typing this waiting for it to work. According to Kellymom it's the safest level you can take while breastfeeding L1. Ugh, let me know what you all have taken in the past that has worked for your cold and cough. Goodnight.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Freezing Milk
I used the Breastmilk Storage bags to freeze my milk. They were easy to use and store in the freezer. There is a system to storing and using Breastmilk. Here are a few rules I go by:
1. Make sure your pump is always clean and sterilize the bottles as often as possible.
2. Nurse your baby first and then pump or use the "third boob" method
3. Freeze your milk right away
4. Use your oldest frozen milk first
5. Remember milk changes as your baby gets older
6. Do not microwave you're milk to warm or thaw rather use a bowl of warm water to set your bag in or thaw in the fridge.
7. Remember that you can add your Breastmilk to baby cereal, baby food, or use the frozen pieces in mesh feeder (this can get messy but it's great when baby is teething)
8. Don't feel guilty if you have to throw some away
1. Make sure your pump is always clean and sterilize the bottles as often as possible.
2. Nurse your baby first and then pump or use the "third boob" method
3. Freeze your milk right away
4. Use your oldest frozen milk first
5. Remember milk changes as your baby gets older
6. Do not microwave you're milk to warm or thaw rather use a bowl of warm water to set your bag in or thaw in the fridge.
7. Remember that you can add your Breastmilk to baby cereal, baby food, or use the frozen pieces in mesh feeder (this can get messy but it's great when baby is teething)
8. Don't feel guilty if you have to throw some away
Here is what you say...
I believe that I could have screamed every time someone asked me, "is the baby getting any milk" or "do you think she's crying because you're not making enough milk?" Come on people! If you're not a nursing mom and you're reading this, please make sure to never ask a nursing mom or any mom for that matter these questions. For me it was down right insulting but don't get me wrong, I'm sure they weren't trying to piss me off. They were just concerned and didn't know the right thing to ask or say. So, here is some advice on what to say..."let me take you into a nice, quiet area of the house and help you get comfortable. Let me bring you a glass of water and while you're nursing the baby I will sweep your floors with the utmost respect and I will do it without making a peep so that your precious baby can nurse and fall asleep. Once the baby is asleep, you will take a shower. Once you're out of the shower, I will have something for you to eat. Then, if you want to or need to, you can sit and pump while I run to the grocery store for you." AMEN!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
La Leche League
If you haven't heard of La Leche League check out their website. Go to your local chapter meetings and surround yourself with some support. I can't tell you how relieved I felt after leaving my first meeting. There were all kinds of mothers there too! Attachment parenting moms, homeschooling moms, first time moms, moms that used cloth diapers, young and old. So diverse, one could really learn a lot just by observing. You don't have to pay for a membership to attend the meetings, your not obligated to anything. Just a bunch of mommas supporting one another, it's great.
http://www.llli.org/
http://www.llli.org/
Reasons are like nipples...
It's easy to find a site that will list the "top 10 reasons to breastfeed" but what are your reasons you want to breastfeed or the reason/s you did nurse your wee one. It's funny that there can be so much hype surrounding something so natural. You either have to be a Coach toting, formula feeding self centered mother or a crunchy, organic eating, breastfeeding hippie. WHY!!! Why can't it (breastfeeding) just be the norm. Why can't I just be a normal mom, who shops a Target, eats organic as much as possible but still enjoys an In and Out burger way too often, lives paycheck to paycheck, breastfeeding momma! Damn it! Okay, so I'm a little passionate, what can I say. Another thing, why does it matter our reasons for breastfeeding. It's what we're supposed to do with these lovely lady lumps God gave us. So who cares if you do it because your mom did it, or because your mom didn't do it. Who cares if you do it because your sister or BFF did and you can't imagine listening to another lecture from either one. So...to all my breastfeeding mommas out there......breastfeed your baby no matter what your reasons are. Remember, breastfeeding will always be the best nourishment for you baby, period!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Blogging and sharing my experiences
Hi moms!
I've been doing a ton of thinking about my blog. I've realized that even if I never have one follower (besides myself :-) I still want to blog. Not because I'm a good writer or because I hope to get rich doing this but because I wouldn't otherwise have these experiences documented. My goal was always and will always be to help mothers breastfeed. I don't have agenda, not to say every other breastfeeding site does, but sometimes I feel that I'm being pushed. I never want you to feel that way. Being a mom is hard enough, breastfeeding can be difficult to establish and no one ever wants to feel that they aren't doing enough. So, hopefully I will never come off pushy!
As I was on Pinterest tonight I came across a really small but powerful little post. It showed some of the really important benefits of breastfeeding. There are so many! It's such a great thing to do for your baby, it's natural and beneficial for their health and yours. I posted on my breastfeeding board if you want to check it out. Powerful stuff I must say.
One last thing tonight before my grammar gets really awful and I start posting misspelled words, ha! If you're reading this because you were searching for breastfeeding help....give yourself some major credit. Researching and educating yourself if so important, good job momma! You're a great mommy, who loves their baby, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. Keep trying, keep at it, you can do it!!!!!
I've been doing a ton of thinking about my blog. I've realized that even if I never have one follower (besides myself :-) I still want to blog. Not because I'm a good writer or because I hope to get rich doing this but because I wouldn't otherwise have these experiences documented. My goal was always and will always be to help mothers breastfeed. I don't have agenda, not to say every other breastfeeding site does, but sometimes I feel that I'm being pushed. I never want you to feel that way. Being a mom is hard enough, breastfeeding can be difficult to establish and no one ever wants to feel that they aren't doing enough. So, hopefully I will never come off pushy!
As I was on Pinterest tonight I came across a really small but powerful little post. It showed some of the really important benefits of breastfeeding. There are so many! It's such a great thing to do for your baby, it's natural and beneficial for their health and yours. I posted on my breastfeeding board if you want to check it out. Powerful stuff I must say.
One last thing tonight before my grammar gets really awful and I start posting misspelled words, ha! If you're reading this because you were searching for breastfeeding help....give yourself some major credit. Researching and educating yourself if so important, good job momma! You're a great mommy, who loves their baby, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. Keep trying, keep at it, you can do it!!!!!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Must knows
-Is my baby latched properly?
"One really important tip I read somewhere was, when your baby unlatches from the breast look at your nipple. If it's shaped like lipstick in a tube, the baby is latched on incorrectly. I had been feeding my first like this for a good month, once I corrected the latch, my nipples started to feel much better."
-Is my little one getting "enough" milk
"The first week was really scary. I didn't know if I was producing enough milk. The second day home from the hospital he still hadn't had a wet diaper (since being home). I called the pediatrician and she said she couldn't see the baby, I would have to take him to the hospital..gasp! I supplemented with a bottle of formula and needless to say he went potty and pee immediately. Talk about feeling inadequate. I couldn't even feed my baby enough milk. Still I didn't let that stop me. I started pumping and that really helped my supply flourish. Finally, I was producing enough milk to satisfy the recommend number of wet diapers a baby should have in a day. Whew!"
-Can I drink alcohol while I'm nursing?
"Let me answer this for you. No! A sip of wine or beer won't hurt but in my opinion and only my opinion, you really shouldn't drink more than that. But do your own research please, I'm just giving you my opinion."
-When and how to introduce solids?
"Always offer the breast before you feed your baby solids. This will help insure you keep an adequate milk supply."
Just a few Must Knows as a breastfeeding momma! If you can't answer some of these I've attached two great websites to do some research.
http://www.llli.org/ and http://kellymom.com/
"One really important tip I read somewhere was, when your baby unlatches from the breast look at your nipple. If it's shaped like lipstick in a tube, the baby is latched on incorrectly. I had been feeding my first like this for a good month, once I corrected the latch, my nipples started to feel much better."
-Is my little one getting "enough" milk
"The first week was really scary. I didn't know if I was producing enough milk. The second day home from the hospital he still hadn't had a wet diaper (since being home). I called the pediatrician and she said she couldn't see the baby, I would have to take him to the hospital..gasp! I supplemented with a bottle of formula and needless to say he went potty and pee immediately. Talk about feeling inadequate. I couldn't even feed my baby enough milk. Still I didn't let that stop me. I started pumping and that really helped my supply flourish. Finally, I was producing enough milk to satisfy the recommend number of wet diapers a baby should have in a day. Whew!"
-Can I drink alcohol while I'm nursing?
"Let me answer this for you. No! A sip of wine or beer won't hurt but in my opinion and only my opinion, you really shouldn't drink more than that. But do your own research please, I'm just giving you my opinion."
-When and how to introduce solids?
"Always offer the breast before you feed your baby solids. This will help insure you keep an adequate milk supply."
Just a few Must Knows as a breastfeeding momma! If you can't answer some of these I've attached two great websites to do some research.
http://www.llli.org/ and http://kellymom.com/
Thursday, October 3, 2013
The importance of feeling comfortable
I've encountered so many mommas who stopped breastfeeding earlier than they expected for various reasons. Some of which, honestly, I thought were excuses. I just want to reiterate that when you are ready to stop nursing your baby, then stop. One reason I was hearing a lot of was that,"it just wasn't for me." Maybe just maybe it was something else...something deeper? Could it have been a feeling of uncomfortableness (is that even a word)? If you find yourself feeling resentment or feeling malaise while sitting down to feed your baby, first ask yourself why?? Is it because you have dishes sitting in the sink from three days ago, or because you just sat down to type that email and here you go again...no time for yourself! Or have you or your baby (or both) just moved on and it's time to let go of breastfeeding?
I remember when my oldest was nursing just for comfort, around 2.5 years old. We would snuggle up to nurse and then he would latch on...at that very moment I would start to feel uncomfortable....looking back now I know it wasn't because I had "things to do" but rather it was the natural and instinctual "start of the end". After about 1-2 minutes of nursing I would unlatch him and tell him that was it. He was satisfied with 1-2 minutes of nursing because he wasn't in it to eat he just wanted comfort and surprisingly our beautiful season of nursing would naturally and gently come to an end.
So, the importance of feeling comfortable while nursing is vital.
I remember when my oldest was nursing just for comfort, around 2.5 years old. We would snuggle up to nurse and then he would latch on...at that very moment I would start to feel uncomfortable....looking back now I know it wasn't because I had "things to do" but rather it was the natural and instinctual "start of the end". After about 1-2 minutes of nursing I would unlatch him and tell him that was it. He was satisfied with 1-2 minutes of nursing because he wasn't in it to eat he just wanted comfort and surprisingly our beautiful season of nursing would naturally and gently come to an end.
So, the importance of feeling comfortable while nursing is vital.
Please learn to relax and enjoy these moments, they will come to an end sooner than you might think. Once you are ready to stop nursing for whatever reason it's okay, don't make excuses, be honest with yourself. Everyone is different and every baby is unique. Nurse as long as you can, every ounce of milk you give your baby is a beautiful gift, even if it's for 1week or 3 years.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Follow me on Pinterest!
Hi friends,
Who doesn't love Pinterest? I sometimes find spending way too much time there but I love the inspiration I get. Follow me on my board Breastfeeding Mama. Can't wait to see what you're pinning!
Who doesn't love Pinterest? I sometimes find spending way too much time there but I love the inspiration I get. Follow me on my board Breastfeeding Mama. Can't wait to see what you're pinning!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
To pump or not to pump...
Do I need to pump? 
What kind of pump do I need?
I started asking those questions as soon as I found out I was preggers with baby number 1. Here is the GIST! You will probably need a double electric pump if you plan to go out without your baby a lot, you are returning back to work and plan on continuing breastfeeding, or if you produce too much or too little milk. I have a Medela double electric pump that was handed down to me. Yes, yes, all those experts say NOT to share pumps but I replaced all of the membranes, valves, and bought all new breast shields and it has worked out perfectly! I used it the first few weeks to help establish a good milk supply and pumped every time I was engorged. (I have a huge long story that I will share later about bottle feeding while breastfeeding). Back to the pumps...if you are a stay at home mom that will rarely leave your baby then you probably will not need to pump as often or ever, so therefore a double electric pump is too much for you. Go with a manual pump or learn how to hand express your milk. With baby #2 I only pumped the first couple of days of my milk coming in to relieve pressure, I haven't pump since. So the question you need to ask yourself is... why do I need to pump?
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Medela nipple shield
My poor nipples...yup I'm going there. My nipples were so used and abused that I couldn't bear anything touching them. I was using Lansinoh nipple cream religiously but my poor nipples were still sore and even bleeding. The hospital originally gave me the nipple shield because they thought the baby was having a difficult time with latching and he probably was but I didn't think a nipple shield would help. That little piece of silicone was just another reminder that I didn't know what I was doing...or so I thought. Four days later I broke that sucker back out and used it while nursing because I couldn't handle the pain any longer. Ahhh relief at last! They were a temporary fix while my nipples were able to heal. Thank you nipple shield for allowing me to nurse my baby through the pain.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Everyone has that moment...
Everyone has that moment of...what the hell am I doing. I remember thinking that I would never be able to feed my baby enough, my nipples would always hurt, I'm never going to get enough sleep, I'm doing this all wrong. If I could to back in time I would slap that girl, make her take a shower, tell her she was a super hero for just having major surgery after 4 long days of a failed induction, and to give herself a break. So if you're me 3.5 years ago please relax! Your milk WILL come, you will feel normal again, and YES you can breastfeed your baby. Forge on momma!
Monday, July 29, 2013
About me
Hi, I'm a mother or two who has been breastfeeding for three and a half years straight. I've had my breastfeeding ups and downs just like everyone else. When I had my son 4 years ago, I knew I wanted to breastfeed him. I didn't realize that I would need help. It's not that the nurses at the hospital didn't want to help, they just didn't know how. Many of them didn't breastfeed and the others tried the best they could in the time they had. I was even seen by the lactation consultant at the hospital and she was great but she ran out of there like she had a million other new moms to see. So there I was, sleep deprived, anxious, and all alone. I was bound and determined and guess what.....that was all it took. I made up my mind that I was going to nurse my baby no matter what....and I did for almost 3 years. So if you've made a choice to breastfeed but you are struggling, I'm here to help.
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