Breastfeeding while pregnant: Is it possible? Women's bodies are wonderful and they can do amazing things! Did you know that a woman's body will protect itself, and an unborn baby, by shutting down its milk supply (for a child that's been born) to nourish the growth of one that's in utero? I didn't know this until I lived through it, sequentially, twice! I nursed my firstborn for six months, and he and I benefited immensely. However, as my boy made it to the halfway point of his first year, nursing took a turn: It had been a pleasure, nourishment for souls and bodies alike, until it began to feel as though I was … [Read more...]
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Disclaimer: The information in this post is for educational purposes only. I am not a doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider.
Lanolin Allergy: When Nipple Pain Isn’t Normal
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What is Lanolin? Many women have no idea they have a lanolin allergy until they begin nursing. Made from sheep's wool, lanolin is a common ingredient in many lip balms and other beauty products. It is also the main ingredient in most nipple creams. Lanolin can cause a painful allergic reaction in some women when applied to sensitive areas, like nursing nipples. How do I know if I have a Lanolin Allergy? There are many reasons that new moms experience nipple pain that are not a lanolin allergy. Sometimes it's just the initial "learning to nurse" pain. Nipple pain could also be caused by thrush, a kind of yeast infection that is … [Read more...]
Better Than a Blanket: 5 Reasons Why You’ll Fall in Love With Your Breastfeeding Shawl
In search of the perfect nursing cover up? Read five mom-tested reasons why you'll fall in love with a breastfeeding shawl, and why it beats every other kind of nursing cover! When my daughter was about one month old, we braved the beach for a family trip. It was a gorgeous day, full of sun and sea breezes. We splashed in the waves, buried our toes in the sand, and listened to the laughter of her brother, cousins, and family play around us. She nestled in my chest for a nap, and I relished that glorious carefree feeling of beach life. It was a perfect day. Until it wasn't. Suddenly the clouds turned black. We … [Read more...]
Dads and Breastfeeding: How to Help
Many new parents may believe that dads and breastfeeding don't mix. Dads can't supply the milk, so they can't have anything to do with the breastfeeding journey. My husband and I have found this to be 100% false! We have both loved our breastfeeding experience. It has helped us to feel closer to each other and to our baby girl. Here are some of the many ways that you, Dad, can participate in breastfeeding. Bring me the Baby Yes, she might be in the bassinet right next to my side of the bed, but it is so helpful when you gather her up and put her in my arms. It gives me a moment to get settled myself and ready for her without … [Read more...]
The Nursing Toddler: Extended Breastfeeding with Confidence
Breastfeeding a toddler comes with its own set of worries and challenges. Enjoy your nursing toddler and find confidence in your unique breastfeeding story with these encouraging tips! As I held my daughter in my arms, I couldn't help but feel nervous. My 13-month old had been walking since the week before her first birthday. She wasn't just toddling. The girl was running! And climbing. And dancing. She had officially rock and rolled her way into toddler-hood. She was thriving. And there we were for her one-year checkup. So why was I so nervous? Because I knew what the pediatrician would say. "You know you can switch her to … [Read more...]
Can I Take Medicine While Breastfeeding?
One of the most asked questions from new moms is, “Can I take medicine while breastfeeding?” It’s understandable. After all, if spicy foods can alter your breast milk, what on earth might an antidepressant or cold medication do? Let’s look at what happens when you take medicine during lactation. Can I Take Medicine While Breastfeeding? Well, it depends. Pretty much all medications are transferred into breast milk to some degree. But, not all medicines are found in clinically significant amounts in a mother’s milk. To put it another way, it's probable that your baby is hardly getting any of your medicine at all. Sometimes it … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding With the Flu
In this post, I’m going to share what I’ve learned about breastfeeding with the flu. We all dread it, don’t we? The aches, chills, nausea… everything about the flu is terrible. It's normal to wonder whether you should breastfeed while you're so sick. It’s a very serious thing for a baby to catch the flu. If you suspect your baby may have been exposed to influenza, call your doctor immediately. Keep Yourself Healthy The CDC recommends the following people in a baby's life be vaccinated against the flu: Both parents, siblings, other household members, grandparents, and caregivers. However, the flu shot isn't always as effective … [Read more...]
When You’re Tired of Breastfeeding
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I was totaling up the other night how many years I’ve spent nursing my children. After four children, it’s just under seven and a half years and counting. Our youngest is 18 months old and still loves to nurse, showing no interest in weaning. After that long, I feel like it's okay that I'm tired of breastfeeding! I’m fully committed to breastfeeding past one year. The physical, emotional, and mental health benefits are incredible, and I believe it’s good for moms, too! However, I wouldn’t for one moment lie that breastfeeding is always full of fuzzy, lovely, rose-hued moments, especially at this point in the game (for me). Sometimes I … [Read more...]
Foods That Help Breast Milk Production
Are you worried about your milk production? That’s a pretty common concern for new moms. No need to stress out, though. We’re here to help. But first, are you sure your milk production is not sufficient? Moms who use bottles to feed their babies know exactly how much they’re drinking. When you’re breastfeeding, not so much. Wouldn’t it be great to have clear breasts with ounce marks on them? Not sure how that would look in a swimsuit, but it would sure make feeding our children a lot less stressful. (Before we go any further, if you’re really feeling panicked about whether baby is getting enough breast milk, talk to your doctor.) A … [Read more...]
How to Breastfeed in Public: A Primer for the New Mom
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One of the many challenges with learning to nurse your baby is learning how to breastfeed in public. It's hard enough for a new mama to breastfeed alone, in a quiet place, let alone doing it with other people around! It's understandable to feel awkward or embarrassed when you breastfeed in public, especially the first few times. But like any skill, with a little practice you'll soon feel comfortable and at ease feeding your baby whether you're at home or out and about. Choosing to breastfeed in public can be made simpler by utilizing the following tips. Talk with a lactation consultant--or a friend who has experience breastfeeding in … [Read more...]
