Most expectant moms imagine a few days relaxing in the hospital with their newborn after delivery. They don't expect having to hospitalize their baby for any reason. I certainly didn't. It's a challenge to establish the breastfeeding relationship under normal circumstances! But breastfeeding your hospitalized baby is a whole other experience. Fortunately, with determination, patience, and the right help and knowledge, it can be done! Breastfeeding your hospitalized baby: making the best of a less-than-ideal situation It was not what I imagined at all, but a NICU visit was necessary for our daughter shortly after she was born. We were … [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.
Jaimie Ramsey is a Jesus-following wife, mama and homemaker. She loves spending time with family and friends, long walks on sunny days, mugs of tea, and reading good books (when she can find the time!). Find her online at her blog https://jaimieramsey.blogspot.com/), on Facebook (http://facebook.com/JaimieERamsey), and on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/jaimieeramsey).
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...]
Myth Busters: Breastfeeding Will Take Over Your Life
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Mamas, have you ever felt like breastfeeding was going to take over your life? Sometimes it seems like baby wants to eat constantly. Or you have to stop what you're doing to nurse so often you never get anything done. Or baby insists on only eating in quiet, dim places, so you can't go anywhere when there's the slightest chance they might get hungry. Does being a breastfeeding mom mean you have to give up everything--or what feels like everything--until your baby weans? It definitely does not! Far from being something that might take over your life, breastfeeding can become a precious part of your life: your new life as a … [Read more...]
Myth Busters: Breastfeeding After the First Year Doesn’t Have any Benefits
A common misconception about breast milk is that it has no significant value after the first year of a baby's life. This couldn't be further from the truth! Not only does breast milk still provide a considerable portion of babies' nutritional and caloric needs after their first birthday, extended breastfeeding provides other benefits as well that make it a healthy choice for mom and baby. Breastfeeding After the First Year: Nutritional Benefits Even for babies who are learning to eat "table food," breast milk still provides many of their nutritional needs. According to Dewey (2001), cited by Kelly Bonyata, In the second year (12-23 … [Read more...]
Overactive Letdown: 6 Strategies to Help
In the first few weeks after my son was born (and after I dealt with engorgement from my milk coming in) I started noticing that my baby was coughing and choking every time he started to nurse, and he would frequently unlatch and fuss before resuming nursing. For a while I didn't know what the problem was, but after doing a little reading I realized we were dealing with overactive letdown. It took some time, and trial-and-error, but the two of us together have learned how to manage it and he nurses just fine now. If you've noticed that your baby gets frustrated when he or she starts to nurse, if they unlatch and your milk comes … [Read more...]
4 Breastfeeding Positions for New Moms
One of the biggest things most new moms get to learn is how to breastfeed. It looks easy and natural--and it is natural, and easy once you get the hang of it! But there is a learning curve, and it takes some moms and babies longer to learn than others. One important thing to know is that there are multiple breastfeeding positions that can be used, and each has its own benefits. 4 Breastfeeding Positions for New Moms The Football Hold This is probably one of the first breastfeeding positions your nurses or lactation consultants will teach you, because it enables mama to clearly see what's going on, and it is also particularly helpful if … [Read more...]
How to Make Your Own Nursing Tank Top – a Tutorial
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DIY Nursing Tank Tutorial With a breastfeeding lifestyle comes the need for a slightly different wardrobe than a woman who isn't breastfeeding. I didn't really realize this before I had my first baby, but now I understand it all too well! My clothing choices are based on what items are easy to nurse in. Just pulling any ordinary top up and out of the way works. However, I quickly realized that I didn't like exposing my stomach, especially when nursing in public. A nursing tank is the solution to that problem! However, buying ready-made nursing tanks can get expensive, especially since I need a fresh one every day--and sometimes more than … [Read more...]
