Breastfeeding Place is excited to be partnering with some fantastic companies to bring you an exciting giveaway for your new baby! You'll have the chance to win an organic mattress, a crib set, swaddling blankets, a 6-month subscription to Fit2B (for mom), and much much more! This giveaway is part of the Dream Nursery Giveaway hosted by Breastfeeding Place, Intoxicated on Life, and Atta Mama! Be sure to visit each of the blogs on the linky below for multiple chances to win many more fabulous prizes for your new baby. Grand Prize Giveaway Our hosts have put together a grand prize worth more than $1,000 to help one lucky new mama as … [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.
Is it Safe to Diet and Exercise while Breastfeeding?
Having a baby changes so many things! Not only does it change your way of life, but your body changes also. If you are a new mother you may be wondering when you can start dieting and exercising again, so you can shed those extra pounds that you gained during your pregnancy. You may also be wondering is it safe to diet and exercise while breastfeeding. Below are some guidelines and tips for safely dieting and exercising while continuing to breastfeed. Guidelines for Dieting While Breastfeeding One very important guideline to remember is not to start dieting until after you've been nursing your baby for at least two months. Those first few … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Advice for the First Time Mom: What I Wish I Knew Then
When I had my oldest I was young. I never received any good breastfeeding advice. Before the school social worker spoke to me about breastfeeding I thought like much of society today. I thought it was inappropriate, disgusting, and the idea of pumping and refrigerating breast milk for my baby - gross. The idea of others feeding my body fluids to my baby made me cringe. After seeing someone I looked up to nurse her baby with no discomfort (she talked about it as a normal, everyday thing), I changed my mind! Her baby seemed so happy, so content - and she loved her milk. I had made up my mind then. I was going to breastfeed my baby. I … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Twins Unassisted: What to Do When You Are All Alone
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When I was pregnant with twins, I knew I wanted to breastfeed them but I wasn't sure how it would work logistically. Where would all those limbs go? How would I hold them? Keep them still? Burp them? What about when one needs a diaper change and the other wants to eat? I knew there would be help in the hospital, but once I took my bundles home, what would I do all alone with them? And is breastfeeding twins unassisted even possible? If you're expecting twins or just recently brought home a pair of squirming babes, you might be feeling a tad...overwhelmed. The first thing I want to say to you is, take heart! You can do it! Breastfeeding … [Read more...]
My Favorite Breastfeeding Accessories
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Every mom needs her "mom gear!" And, while some items are necessities, others are simple luxuries. Breastfeeding calls for some new things, and this list showcases the nursing items I can't live without -- my favorite breastfeeding accessories. Nursing Cover - I'm not one of those women who feels comfortable nursing in public or at home with guests without some kind of covering. And for nursing covers, the bigger the better. I initially used a sort of drape that covered my front and back. However, the neck was so wide, it was easy for baby to pull down, and the cover didn't go quite low enough to cover me if baby was kicking a lot. I then … [Read more...]
Guidelines for Storing Breast Milk
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Regardless of whether or not you are planning to express breast milk for your new baby, you'll want to be aware of these guidelines for storing breast milk. It's not always easy to foresee challenges and bumps in the road that may occur. Some women end up pumping breast milk for baby while in the NICU, some pump in preparation for going back to work. Some mothers pump milk for the occasional bottle for a date night or simply to enjoy some "mom time." Depending on your needs for your pumped milk, there are many options for storing your milk. As a seasoned mom you may find that there are more relaxed guidelines for storing breast milk, … [Read more...]
Maria Lactans: Breastfeeding in Christian Art
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With the Christmas season upon us, we have everywhere visual reminders of the humility of our Savior - that He would become human! And a helpless babe! Born of a woman to be nurtured and protected by earthly parents! And as we celebrate His birth by displaying nativity scenes in our homes and making baby Jesus crafts with our children, I am reminded that there is something only slightly less miraculous than the Virgin Birth to be celebrated here - life itself. Precious new life so full of wonder and promise, generously given to us by our Creator to steward. It's in this spirit that I want to take time to marvel at the beautiful … [Read more...]
Relieving Engorged Breasts: Helpful Tips and Tricks
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Every mother who has ever nursed a child knows how uncomfortable or even downright painful engorged breasts can be. You're swollen, sensitive to the touch, and just aching to find a way to release the pressure. Relieving engorged breasts is top priority because if you do not or cannot do it, you could open the gateway to various infections. What are Engorged Breasts? Engorged breasts feel hard, tender to the touch, swollen, and possibly give a throbbing sensation. They feel extremely heavy and the engorgement can even extend into the armpit area. It is typically caused when a mother's milk comes in a few days after giving birth. The body … [Read more...]
Natural Birth Stories (Book Review)
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Before the birth of my first son, the thought of having a natural birth was not even on my radar. I proudly told my friends and family I fully intended on having my epidural as soon as the doctor would allow so I could enjoy the birth of my son. But the birth of my son was disappointing. It was the result of much medical intervention, preterm labor, and ultimately ended with an emergency c-section. That wasn't what I had planned or hoped for. With my second son, I hoped and prayed for a VBAC and less medical intervention, but a natural birth still wasn't on my radar. I still planned on getting my epidural as soon as possible. But #2 came … [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...]
