Have you ever stopped to think about why it is that you want to breastfeed? Asked yourself, "Why do I nurse?" I have asked this of myself so many times; what is it inside of me that drives me to nurse my babies, to nourish them with my body and my heart? Why is it that I love to breastfeed? I nurse because... I nurse because of the look in his eyes. I nurse because of the pride and the strength that comes from feeding my baby with my own body. I nurse because of the protection it gives him. I nurse because of the tiny fingers that hold on for dear life, and find comfort there. I nurse because my milk is his … [Read more...]
Please Note: This post may contain sponsor, affiliate, and/or referral links. Read my full disclosure statement.
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.
Extended Breastfeeding: Weaning Your Older Child Gently
By 10 Comments
My daughter loved breastfeeding. Weaning wasn't even on our radar when we hit the one year mark. We simply kept on going and I found myself in the world of extended breastfeeding. It hadn't been my goal. Yet there I was, wondering if weaning my toddler was ever going to be possible. At times extended breastfeeding was wonderful and at other times it was an emotional struggle. Part of me wanted to cherish those precious moments and part of me wanted to just be done. Here are six things I did to help make the weaning process a positive experience for me and my little one. 6 Tips for Weaning Your Older Child Gently 1) Consult with Your … [Read more...]
Easy Tips for Freezing Breast Milk
By 1 Comment
You've proudly watched that milk pour (or drip!) into those bottles. You take them into the kitchen and...now what? You've heard of freezing breast milk, but how? Storage Guidelines It is recommended that breast milk be refrigerated within five hours of pumping, used within five days of being refrigerated and thawed and used within five months of being frozen. And it is preferred to store breast milk in the refrigerator, instead of the freezer, if possible. However, just using fresh breast milk is certainly not always possible so freezing it is perfectly fine. If you are occasionally pumping for the random bottle for when you're away, pump … [Read more...]
Changes in Breast Milk During Pregnancy: Production & Composition
By 2 Comments
Breast milk production is controlled by hormones during pregnancy - rather than supply & demand - regardless of whether or not you are already nursing a little one when you become pregnant. This hormonal influence is what is responsible for changes in the production and composition of breast milk during pregnancy, and what makes nursing while pregnant different than nursing in other stages of life. The Influence of Progesterone Progesterone and estrogen are some of the hormones that increase to sustain a pregnancy and help the developing baby grow. However, an increase in these hormones also suppresses milk secretion. Some women find … [Read more...]
Encouragement for the First Time Mom: When Breastfeeding Isn’t Easy
By 5 Comments
I was so excited about the idea of breastfeeding my baby. Soon after we found out that we were expecting, I began doing something I discovered a love for in college—research. So, so much research. I was really good at studying and getting good grades in college. What was the secret to my success? I'm a nerd and loved research. Surely, I could just apply the same principles that brought me college success to parenting. Then, soon enough, I'd be an expert mom. It didn't take long for me to discover the many benefits of breastfeeding—benefits which compounded by the month, and benefits that I definitely wanted in my baby's life.Certainly … [Read more...]
Anna Naturals: Organic Fenugreek Nursing Tea
There comes a time when a mom may need a little more help establishing a good milk supply. Or she may just be looking for something healthy to drink, rather than drinking water all day. Enter Anna Naturals Organic Fenugreek Nursing Tea. I've tried various brands of nursing teas, and to be honest, I was completely turned off by them because of their taste. Some of them have anise in them which gives it more of a black licorice flavor and smell, and I am not a fan of black licorice. The Anna Naturals organic fenugreek nursing tea ingredients are simple: Organic whole fenugreek seed, organic rooibos, pineapple, apple, rosehips, lemon … [Read more...]
Breast Milk Colostrum: A Baby’s First Defense
By 2 Comments
A woman's body begins to produce a version of breast milk, colostrum, during late pregnancy which prepares her breasts for milk production. Colostrum is a baby's first defense against infection and helps keep his or her immune system strong and healthy. Although it is produced is small amounts, the benefits are beyond comparison. Why is Colostrum Special? Colostrum is a sticky, yellow fluid that is very high in nutrients and is the perfect superfood for babies. It is made in just the right amount to fill a newborn's marble-sized stomach. It also helps with a newborn baby's first bowel movement. It acts as a natural laxative and clears … [Read more...]
My Boobs Do What? 5 Little Known Breastfeeding Facts
By 1 Comment
We all know how great breastfeeding is, right? It's probably one of the most amazing gifts God has given mothers to put in our mothering tool belt. But, what if I told you that your amazing milk-producing glandular tissue was capable of even more wonderful feats than you previously imagined? No, they cannot clean the kitchen for you, or play taps, but they are certainly magnificent! What if you learned a fact that was a game changer for you? If you are on the fence about whether or not to breastfeed, then pull up a chair, drink a glass of bubbly and set a while with me. If breastfeeding feels like a no-brainer for you; well, this article … [Read more...]
7 Essential Books to Get New Moms off to a Great Start
If you're like me, you read up about birth. And then you read up about taking care of your new baby...and about feeding your baby...and potty training. Yes, I love reading. I want to share with you today 7 books that are great additions to any new mom's cabinet. And right now, for a short time you have the opportunity to get them all together. These 7 books would typically cost over $60, but you can get them all for $29.95 (plus 59 other books with them!). Don't miss this opportunity because it just lasts a few days. The sale will end on November 9th. 1. Fearless Birth Do you get scared thinking about the birth of your baby? I know … [Read more...]
5 Practical & Stylish Breastfeeding Tops
By 3 Comments
Breastfeeding can be challenging at times, especially if you are a new mom. The last thing you should be worrying about is finding breastfeeding tops that are practical and stylish. During my past 11 years of breastfeeding, it often felt like I was on 'Mission: Impossible' when I set out to find a breastfeeding top I liked. Finding something functional and fashionable can occasionally be difficult. So, I'm hoping to ease that task for you by offering five suggestions I feel are practical and trendy, and perfect for the cooler weather. Plus, these are all available to purchase online, making it even easier for you—no packing up the baby and … [Read more...]
