It is easy to be a little overwhelmed with everything that you need for a new baby as well as yourself when you become a new mom. Registries, blog posts and magazines show you all of these fancy things that look so darling, but do you really need them? What do you need to breastfeed a newborn? Breastfeeding as basic as the task is (meaning you really just need boobs and a baby), can also come with a ton of "accessories" so the question is there: do you really need all of this stuff? How many nursing bras should you have? How many breast pads should you have? What is the best nipple cream? There are so many brands and products … [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.
Travel Without Baby: One Mom’s Experience
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I was recently blessed with the opportunity to join my husband on an international business trip this summer. We traveled to Germany and France. Sounds amazing, right? Well, we had to travel without baby. Before anyone jumps to attack me for taking a trip without baby, let me assure you that all of our children were fine. Grandparents stayed and watched them for 9 days in our home. It was a fantastic bonding experience for them and it was a much- needed bonding time for the hubs and I. Penelope was 10 months old. I had a freezer full of pumped milk ready to go. I had packed both my hand pump and electric pump. I had done research … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
Breastfeeding and Air Travel
It's coming up on the summer travel season and many of you may be embarking on a trip that involves air travel. With increased security, there are so many components to breastfeeding and air travel! Take heart, it's not as overwhelming as it may seem to fly with your nurseling. Breastfeeding and Air Travel TSA Screening You may take breastmilk with you when you travel and the amount does not have to follow the 3 oz rule for other liquid items. Here are a few tips regarding the screening process at the airport: Allow ample extra time for additional screenings so you do not miss your flight. Keep breastmilk separate from … [Read more...]
Weaning off Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding into Toddlerhood
One thing is certain about breastfeeding: it seems like everyone has an opinion about it! A quick stroll around the old interweb will show you that many people who aren't breastfeeding are offering opinions and suggestions for weaning off breastfeeding once baby turns one year old. It seems to be a popular notion, as experts say that at one year old a child can be introduced to cow's milk. This leads many moms to decide to call it quits at that time, switch baby to a cup with cow's milk, and move on with life. Most babies who reach one year old are breastfeeding less than they did six months prior, but they are still getting a great … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Problems: Pain during the Early Weeks
I recently gave birth to my fourth child, and I quickly remembered just how tough breastfeeding during the early weeks can be. While I have breastfed three children over the course of the last 4.5 years, those first couple of weeks each time are an adjustment. I'm definitely no stranger to pain during breastfeeding. If you have just started breastfeeding, you may be wondering if the pain you're experiencing is normal. Here's my experience of what's normal and what requires the help of a doctor or lactation consultant. Breastfeeding Problems: Pain during the Early Weeks - What's Normal? Pain during latch-on You may experience … [Read more...]
A Letter to the Non Breastfeeding Mother
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Dear Non Breastfeeding Mother, I see you sitting there, cradling your little one while feeding her a bottle. I know you are a good mom. I know you love your baby - more than life itself. I'll be honest though, there is a little part of me that wants to judge you for not breastfeeding. Part of me wants to tell you the benefits or help you through breastfeeding struggles. Part of me wants to ask why. Part of me really wants to ask why you are a non breastfeeding mother. If you are feeding pumped milk, I may wonder if I could help ease your fears of nursing in public. If you are feeding formula, I may be tempted to say something about breast … [Read more...]
Domperidone for Breastfeeding – Is It Safe?
You're ready to throw in the towel. You dread attempting to feed your sweet precious baby you've longed for. Breastfeeding makes you feel like a failure like nothing else in life ever has. Sound familiar? Many moms (including myself!), struggle with low supply for one reason or another. Sometimes it's recommended to use domperidone for breastfeeding because many claim it increases supply. Does it? Is it safe? Grab a piece of chocolate - or some wine if you're dairy-free - and let's pretend we're having a chat away from screaming babies. It's all gonna be ok, mama. I promise. Domperidone for Breastfeeding - Is It Safe? What Is … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Failure
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While I was pregnant, I decided I was going to breastfeed my son no matter what. I actually was so worried about him latching when they first handed him to me that I kind of missed the moment of taking in the new life before me. I desperately wanted to breastfeed my child and was so worried I would be a breastfeeding failure. It took almost three days before my son finally latched and started to breastfeed successfully. I still remember the excitement in the moment of him latching and actually sucking. I thought we were finally going to make it and everything would be a piece of cake heading forward. But then a few weeks after we got … [Read more...]
