There are conferences and conventions for pretty much everything these days and many are becoming baby friendly by offering space for moms to nurse or pump or take unhappy babies. This is fantastic! But sometimes, baby friendly conferences don't cut it and moms are left in the lurch with no place to pump. What can you do? Recently I attended a conference with about 2,500 other people. The conference was listed as being baby friendly and nursing babes were welcome to come along. I was able to have by baby stay with grandparents so I could go and not be distracted. I took my trusty pump along and planned to use a mother's lounge to pump … [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.
5 Breastfeeding Myths
It's amazing how myths come about and get passed around. Many have been passed from generation to generation while some come about from misunderstandings of information being shared. Here are 5 breastfeeding myths I have come across recently. 5 Breastfeeding Myths I need to start boosting supply before baby is born or as soon as baby arrives. False. Some supplements that increase milk production may actually be harmful to a developing wee one or may cause contractions. Nipple stimulation or pumping can cause contractions as well. Nearly all moms will produce enough milk for baby if they feed on demand. Keep a close eye on diaper … [Read more...]
Breast Pump Review: Ameda Purely Yours
When it comes to breastfeeding products, there's a ton of different types and brands out there to choose from. Whether you're looking for the perfect pair of nursing pads or the prettiest nursing cover around, chances are you might feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the choices you have. The same is SO true for breast pumps: a device that is perhaps the most coveted product among breastfeeding mamas. There are numerous brands and types of pumps available for mamas to utilize and try and there are likely a ton of reviews out there (that's a great thing!). Today we are going to take a look at the Ameda Purely Yours Double Electric Pump with … [Read more...]
Apple Walnut Lactation Muffins
There are certain times during the month where my breast milk supply decreases, and my son seems hungrier. During those times, I have to nurse him more often. One thing I do to keep my supply at a "normal" level is make lactation muffins, which are a type of galactagogue. What is a galactagogue? It is a substance that increases lactation. Some other foods that are considered galactagogues include: Oatmeal Dark, leafy greens Seeds, chia, and flax Almonds If you are trying to boost your supply, you can make lactation muffins yourself. The recipe below has no added sugar, and the muffins are gluten free. Try making these … [Read more...]
Child Led Weaning: Lily’s Story
Child led weaning: what does it look like? Does the experience make you feel happy, sad, is it bittersweet, or freeing? The truth is, it is all of those things. Child led weaning is an intimate experience fraught with a wide range of emotions typically charged with a mixture of waning hormones, a rapidly growing independence that is blossoming from your child and the relationship between the two of you morphing into a completely new story. I want to tell you one of my children's stories. I want you to know what it meant to me, doing this child led weaning and allowing her to stop when she said it was time. I gave birth to a … [Read more...]
Guidelines for Breast Milk Storage
As if breastfeeding, pumping, and waking up every three hours or so isn't exhausting enough, sometimes we have to tack on the hassle of keeping up with the dates and times that our milk was pumped, fed, warmed, refrigerated and/or frozen. There's many different guidelines for breast milk storage, but most are pretty consistent with little variations. Sometimes people get overly paranoid about what's best when it comes to storing breast milk and keeping up with dates and times, but quite honestly breast milk is pretty good at holding up to its end of the bargain. Guidelines for breast milk storage all seem to be about the same no matter … [Read more...]
Free Infant Formula Samples
Three days after my daughter was born, I was tired and exhausted. I had been up all night with her the previous two nights and wanted to sleep. I thought, "I wish we had bottles and nipples so my husband could give my daughter formula and I could sleep." Thankfully, I did not ask. Fast-forward to my second pregnancy. When the free infant formula samples arrived, I told my husband, "Hide them. I do not want to know where they are, and you will not get the formula unless absolutely necessary." Even though my breastfeeding relationship with my daughter was not hindered because of the free infant formula samples, I wanted them out of sight and … [Read more...]
Weaning Your Baby – One Mom’s Dilemma
Weaning your baby comes with many questions, emotions, and struggles. It is not a simple process. No mother and baby go through weaning exactly the same way. I have a dilemma.I have been breastfeeding for 68 months. That's a really long time. I've weaned during three pregnancies due to preterm labor concerns after my first was a preemie. I've learned that weaning your baby is not as simple as many say it is. Weaning Your Baby - One Mom's Dilemma So, my dilemma. I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel with my husband to France this summer as part of his work. We are leaving all four children at home with my parents. Baby … [Read more...]
Q & A With a Breastfeeding Mom of TEN!
Heather, mother of ten children, is a personal friend of mine who is inspiring in many, many ways. One of them is that she has taken the time to nurse each of her children for their first year of life! I asked her if she could share some of her wisdom with us and she graciously agreed. 1. Thank you so much for agreeing to answer a few questions to give us insight into what it’s like to be a breastfeeding mom of ten! Can we start with you telling us a bit about yourself and your journey through motherhood? I’m honored to be invited to share a bit about myself and my story, Anjanette. I guess I would be considered an “older, … [Read more...]
How To Produce Breast Milk When Your Supply Drops
So, you started out breastfeeding your baby and built up your supply. Everything was going well, but now you feel like your supply is dropping and you're wondering how to produce breast milk that is plentiful enough to keep your baby satisfied. Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. If you are not putting baby to the breast, or regularly pumping, your supply will drop. Maybe you've started letting your baby have more bottles, maybe baby is now eating solids, whatever the reason, there are a few things you can do to get your supply back up. How to Produce Breast Milk When Your Supply Drops Eat Enough Calories As busy … [Read more...]
