I am pregnant with my fourth baby. I am very pregnant. I have done the thyroid disease and breastfeeding thing already and am trying to set myself up for the greatest success this time around by preparing during pregnancy. Thyroid Disease Can Affect Pregnancy Thyroid fluctuations are strongly tied to hormonal changes and weight changes. Pregnancy and childbirth bring about both. Thyroid issues in pregnancy and postpartum are quite common though not always identified or addressed by doctors. At the start of pregnancy, your doctor will likely check to make sure your thyroid is not sluggish. Hypothyroidism can contribute to miscarriage. If … [Read more...]
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Weaning My Baby and the Guilt I Felt
In January, Hubby and I found out we were expecting our fourth blessing. A complete surprise! We weren't even living in the same state at the time while building our new home. Because of my past preterm labor issues, I knew I was now looking at weaning my baby. And processing the guilt I felt. I nursed Fletcher for 27 months. At first glance, it seems positively silly for me to feel guilty for nursing only 27 months. But weaning brought up so many past emotions from past nursing experiences that I hadn't been ready to face previously. I nursed Henry, my first, for 15 months. I nursed my second, Maxwell, for 14 months. I nursed Fletcher … [Read more...]
Denmark Feeding Schedule: Can It Work for Me?
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Let's all admit it - being a new mom is hard. There is advice coming at us from all angles and all advice seems to say something different. Add in sleep deprivation and the fear of making a mistake and ruining our children - you get my drift. It's helpful to have things broken down to examine on our own. Let's take a look at the Dr. Denmark Feeding Schedule and see if it can work for us while breastfeeding. Dr. Denmark is a fairly well known and well respected pediatrician. She has written some books, the most popular being "Dr. Denmark Said It!" which outlines her feeding schedule. The Dr. Denmark Feeding Schedule Baby is to be fed … [Read more...]
How Bottles Lead to Overfeeding Infant Formula and Breast Milk
Oh, those early days and weeks of motherhood are rough, aren't they? We are filled with worry as we are suddenly in charge of the life of another human being while being sleep deprived beyond belief. Whew! We've done a lot of research prior to giving birth and now we just want to do the best we can with what works for our families. One thing that is often overlooked in all the pre-baby research, and often not even touched on by doctors, is how bottles lead to overfeeding infant formula and breast milk. You'll often hear mamas bragging in forums about how their babies are eating like champs and how they had to increase their bottle amounts. … [Read more...]
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: When to start weaning?
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Congratulations! You just found out that you are expecting again! However, you are still nursing your little one. A big question looms - pregnancy and breastfeeding: when to start weaning? I have nursed through part of three different pregnancies. I am currently 10 weeks pregnant and nursing my 2 year old. For me, I'm lazy. That's the truth. Weaning can be hard work and I'm just not looking forward to that! My first weaned on his own at 15 months when I was about 18 weeks. My milk was gone and he was tired of dry nursing - and so was I. Since my first was a preemie, I had been told to wean by 20 weeks to stay on the safe side. With my … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Advice: For the Days You Want to Throw in the Towel
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Breastfeeding advice. It comes in all shapes and sizes. Some is very helpful. Some constructive. Some advice-givers might mean well but may not be helpful. Some advice is downright harmful. When I first started breastfeeding over six years ago, I received all sorts of advice. Most was helpful or at least well meaning. I was a new mom and really had no idea if the advice was good or bad until I had a few miles under my belt. Not-So-Great Breastfeeding Advice One of the worst sentiments I was told repeatedly is that breastfeeding is a magical experience. That it is just amazing to stare into the eyes of your little babe while he gets all … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Advice for the Struggling Mom
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Breastfeeding may be natural, but it sure ain't easy sometimes. I wish someone had taken the time to give me breastfeeding advice when I was a first-time, struggling mom. And I sure was struggling. In more ways than one. Having a child changes absolutely everything about life. It is a world-rocking experience. The adjustments can be overwhelming, especially when things don't quite go according to plan. As moms, we can be very critical of ourselves. We compare our ability to mother to others. The truth is, no two breastfeeding journeys will be alike. At times we will flourish. At times we will struggle. It's our struggles that make … [Read more...]
Are there any disadvantages of breastfeeding?
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I will warn you. This is sometimes a hot button topic. When asked the question, "Are there any disadvantages of breastfeeding?" some breastfeeding advocates will insist that there are none. I strongly believe that to help all mothers, we all need to be honest about motherhood. I've been nursing and/or pregnant for nearly six years straight. Let me level with you. Breastfeeding does have disadvantages. I wholeheartedly feel the benefits completely outweigh the disadvantages, but it's important to understand the good, the bad, and the ugly! Thankfully, many of the disadvantages of breastfeeding can be worked around! Potential … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding and Postpartum Thyroiditis
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Many women experience milk supply problems when breastfeeding and postpartum thyroiditis may be to blame. This condition is often overlooked by healthcare providers because it typically resolves itself within a year of onset. I struggled with postpartum thyroiditis after all three of my pregnancies. What is postpartum thyroiditis and how can it affect breastfeeding? Postpartum Thyroiditis Basics Postpartum thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid within the first year after giving birth. It is characterized by the production of thyroid antibodies plus swings between hyperactive and underactive thyroid. It is very similar to Hashimoto's … [Read more...]
Our Breast Advice: Breastfeeding, Antibiotics, & Fussy Babies
Breastfeeding Question: Since I started on antibiotics for a sinus infection my twins have been fussy and having runny stools. Any suggestions on how to soothe their tummies? Breastfeeding Answer: I would suggest mama taking high quality probiotics herself. Antibiotics kill off all bacteria - good and bad. Our bodies need good bacteria in our gut to stay "regulated." A small amount of antibiotics can pass through breast milk (often not enough to cause worry). This could cause some of the good bacteria to die off in babies and cause runny stools. Also, the change in mom's chemistry from the antibiotics can cause those changes. If mom gets … [Read more...]
