I have been breastfeeding for a very long time. 59 months and counting to be exact. That's almost five years. I'll be honest. I had gotten a little cocky about my breastfeeding knowledge. And then I had my fourth baby. Penelope has been nursing pretty well from the get go, but we've certainly had our hiccups in the first month of breastfeeding. I am so thankful for the lactation consultant that came to reassure me in the hospital this time! 6 Tips for the First Month of Breastfeeding That You May Never Have Heard Whenever possible, be skin to skin with your baby right after birth for at least the first hour. Put her on your chest … [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.
Audra Michelle has been pregnant and/or breastfeeding for more than 6 years straight. Her first nursed for 15 months, her second for 14 months, and her third weaned at 27 months! Her first baby girl is thriving on breastmilk and will wean when she chooses. Audra Michelle is a wife, mother, daughter, girlfriend, Jesus lover, and musician. You can find Audra Michelle blogging at UP and at Naturally Well.
Travel Without Baby: One Mom’s Experience
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I was recently blessed with the opportunity to join my husband on an international business trip this summer. We traveled to Germany and France. Sounds amazing, right? Well, we had to travel without baby. Before anyone jumps to attack me for taking a trip without baby, let me assure you that all of our children were fine. Grandparents stayed and watched them for 9 days in our home. It was a fantastic bonding experience for them and it was a much- needed bonding time for the hubs and I. Penelope was 10 months old. I had a freezer full of pumped milk ready to go. I had packed both my hand pump and electric pump. I had done research … [Read more...]
Essential Oils to Increase Breast Milk Supply
Essential oils can be mighty tools in our mom tool chests. I use them for all sorts of things including boo-boo's, cleaning, and cooking. Did you know that there are essential oils to increase breast milk supply? Essential oils work a little differently than the medications or remedies we may be familiar with. Oils support the body in functioning at homeostasis - at balance. We are meant to feed our babies, so essential oils can support us in adequately feeding them. When choosing a brand of oil, pay close attention to the quality. Because oils affect every cell in the body within minutes of use, it is important to get the best you … [Read more...]
When Baby Friendly Conferences Have No Place to Pump
There are conferences and conventions for pretty much everything these days and many are becoming baby friendly by offering space for moms to nurse or pump or take unhappy babies. This is fantastic! But sometimes, baby friendly conferences don't cut it and moms are left in the lurch with no place to pump. What can you do? Recently I attended a conference with about 2,500 other people. The conference was listed as being baby friendly and nursing babes were welcome to come along. I was able to have by baby stay with grandparents so I could go and not be distracted. I took my trusty pump along and planned to use a mother's lounge to pump … [Read more...]
5 Breastfeeding Myths
It's amazing how myths come about and get passed around. Many have been passed from generation to generation while some come about from misunderstandings of information being shared. Here are 5 breastfeeding myths I have come across recently. 5 Breastfeeding Myths I need to start boosting supply before baby is born or as soon as baby arrives. False. Some supplements that increase milk production may actually be harmful to a developing wee one or may cause contractions. Nipple stimulation or pumping can cause contractions as well. Nearly all moms will produce enough milk for baby if they feed on demand. Keep a close eye on diaper … [Read more...]
Weaning Your Baby – One Mom’s Dilemma
Weaning your baby comes with many questions, emotions, and struggles. It is not a simple process. No mother and baby go through weaning exactly the same way. I have a dilemma.I have been breastfeeding for 68 months. That's a really long time. I've weaned during three pregnancies due to preterm labor concerns after my first was a preemie. I've learned that weaning your baby is not as simple as many say it is. Weaning Your Baby - One Mom's Dilemma So, my dilemma. I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel with my husband to France this summer as part of his work. We are leaving all four children at home with my parents. Baby … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding and Air Travel
It's coming up on the summer travel season and many of you may be embarking on a trip that involves air travel. With increased security, there are so many components to breastfeeding and air travel! Take heart, it's not as overwhelming as it may seem to fly with your nurseling. Breastfeeding and Air Travel TSA Screening You may take breastmilk with you when you travel and the amount does not have to follow the 3 oz rule for other liquid items. Here are a few tips regarding the screening process at the airport: Allow ample extra time for additional screenings so you do not miss your flight. Keep breastmilk separate from … [Read more...]
A Letter to the Non Breastfeeding Mother
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Dear Non Breastfeeding Mother, I see you sitting there, cradling your little one while feeding her a bottle. I know you are a good mom. I know you love your baby - more than life itself. I'll be honest though, there is a little part of me that wants to judge you for not breastfeeding. Part of me wants to tell you the benefits or help you through breastfeeding struggles. Part of me wants to ask why. Part of me really wants to ask why you are a non breastfeeding mother. If you are feeding pumped milk, I may wonder if I could help ease your fears of nursing in public. If you are feeding formula, I may be tempted to say something about breast … [Read more...]
Constipation in Breastfed Babies: One Mother’s Experience
If you've spent any time in breastfeeding message boards, you have heard the typical lines about constipation in breastfed babies - it can't happen. Just wait it out. It's normal for baby to go up to 2 weeks between poops because breastmilk is such perfect nutrition there simply isn't any waste. Well, that's true, except when it isn't. I was one of those moms who would say those things. I mean, I had been through three children - 2 of them completely breastfed and one with partial formula. I thought I knew it all. I had spent lots of time on message boards and blogs. Any mention of giving juice or water or suppositories for constipation … [Read more...]
Depression and Breastfeeding with D-MER: When Your Letdown Gets You Down
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The first few months of breastfeeding have been rough for me with each baby. I've struggled with depression and breastfeeding every time, lasting for the first few months. This depression is a bit different. It comes on very strong each time I have a letdown and lessens as baby nurses. It's not just depression. It has a name and it's real. It's called D-MER or Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex. And it's not fun. I had never heard of D-MER prior to starting a family. After my first, I was surprised by my feelings of intense anxiety and depression surrounding breastfeeding. I thought it was all in my head. I didn't talk to my … [Read more...]
