It's funny how we have been given such idyllic images of the early days of breastfeeding, isn't it? Mamas and babies nestled together in nursing bliss. We're lead to believe that it's natural and normal and a good breastfeeding latch should just...happen. And then you actually have a baby and find out that this whole nursing process doesn't always come so easily and it definitely doesn't come without its fair share of discomfort and, yes, even pain. Many of us haven't been told that the breastfeeding relationship, while natural, is still a learned process for both baby and mama. Sure, babies have a sixth sense that leads them … [Read more...]

Most will not argue that breast milk is best for a new baby and that it is the most natural way of feeding your baby. We all hear about the benefits of breastfeeding and how it is not only good for baby, but for mom, too. But has it always been this way? Was breastfeeding always looked at as the better choice? Is it the natural thing to do around the world? What exactly are the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby? Even after breastfeeding two kids and writing for this website for nearly a year, I am still learning new things about breastfeeding every day. So I thought I'd share with you some new things I've recently learned about … [Read more...]

A few weeks ago I asked women on our Facebook page what the secret to their success was. You know what the most common answer was? Spousal support. Yes, you heard me right. The number one thing that keeps women breastfeeding is a supportive partner. As a breastfeeding mother of two I happen to have had the pleasure of one badly supported experience and one really positive one. Though it's important to seek support and surround yourself with those who want to help you succeed, a negative nursing atmosphere doesn't always have to amount to failure. Because I personally understand how hard it can be to communicate the important things in … [Read more...]

As if being a new mama isn't exhausting enough, when you're a breastfeeding mama there are some added stresses that come along (but don't worry, the bonding far outweighs the few stresses). One of the common situations that a breastfeeding mother will come across is breastfeeding engorgement. Engorgement is a common problem for many lactating mothers in the first several weeks postpartum. Your body is doing something new (or something it hasn't done in awhile) and is going to town making milk to nourish your new, sweet bundle. While you may be feeding around the clock and doing everything right, sometimes we still just can't avoid dealing … [Read more...]

Every new mama (and every mama of a new little one for that matter) needs a breastfeeding helpline. No matter how many babies I had (five so far, and we think we're done), each time I brought home a sweet bundle of baby bliss, there was, for me, an adjustment period. Every baby is different, and every family changes dynamics with the addition of a sibling. As a now "veteran" nursing mama, I am always looking for ways to encourage those a few steps behind on the mommy-path, and it occurs to me others might be, too! How can we support and encourage a new mom in every way, but especially in the way of breastfeeding her baby? Becoming a … [Read more...]