If you're a breastfeeding mom, chances are pretty great that you have co-slept with your baby at least once. Maybe you didn't plan on co-sleeping. I know I didn't with my first son. But, I found that it was sooo much easier to to get a restful nights sleep with my son peacefully sleeping next to me. He woke up to eat, I didn't have to get up. He simply latched on and we both drifted back to sleep. But is this safe? Recent Meta-Analysis Shows Co-Sleeping is Dangerous I was recently accused of disseminating "dangerous" and "unsafe" information in a post titled 9 Benefits of the Breastfeeding and Co-Sleeping Relationship. The commenter … [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.
Breastfeeding as a Spiritual Activity
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I know what you're thinking. "C'mon, seriously?" "Breastfeeding as a spiritual activity?" "What, are you gonna tell me to meditate and pray while I have a baby attached to the front of me in the middle of the night?!" Just hear me out. What Makes It Spiritual? Admittedly, breastfeeding is a physical act. Hormones, chemicals and bodily processes inside you produce a substance to physically sustain another human being. However, it's also emotional, psychological/mental, and spiritual. If Christ lives in your heart, then everything you do is for His glory, to serve His kingdom. If Christ lives in your heart, then everything, … [Read more...]
Our Breast Advice: Breastfeeding, Antibiotics, & Fussy Babies
Breastfeeding Question: Since I started on antibiotics for a sinus infection my twins have been fussy and having runny stools. Any suggestions on how to soothe their tummies? Breastfeeding Answer: I would suggest mama taking high quality probiotics herself. Antibiotics kill off all bacteria - good and bad. Our bodies need good bacteria in our gut to stay "regulated." A small amount of antibiotics can pass through breast milk (often not enough to cause worry). This could cause some of the good bacteria to die off in babies and cause runny stools. Also, the change in mom's chemistry from the antibiotics can cause those changes. If mom gets … [Read more...]
Zebra ERGObaby Carrier Giveaway from Thanks Mama
Do you love wearing your baby? If you haven't tried yet, you must! It can be very liberating to free up your hands for daily tasks and to have baby content and close to you. We are excited to bring you this opportunity to win an ERGObaby Carrier from Thanks Mama natural parenting store, we think you'll love it!Thanks Mama online baby store features a selection of twelve baby carrier brands, among them the popular ERGObaby Carrier. This particular brand was the one that started it all and revolutionized babywearing to be truly comfortable and suitable for every day life. The ergonomic design of this carrier supports the correct sitting … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding and Thyroid Disease
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Can breastfeeding and thyroid disease work together? At the age of 10, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism from Grave's Disease. I've been poked, prodded, radiated, and tested for over 25 years to keep my thyroid levels where they need to be. With all this time invested, I was never told how my thyroid condition might affect my breastfeeding relationship with my children. I was never told anything about how thyroid function affects anything other than heart rate and metabolism. I'd like to share with you what I have learned about thyroid disease after having three children in four years and how it can affect breastfeeding. I'll focus on … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Expectations – Mothers Unite!
Motherhood is hard. Especially since so many of us mothers have unrealistic expectations of ourselves. Such as having a spotless home, cooking from scratch for every meal, having perfectly behaved children, blah blah blah. Even without those expectations, it's hard. We have these tiny people who look up to us for everything, who we have a responsibility to raise. Why don't we give ourselves a break? Give ourselves some realistic expectations - and some realistic breastfeeding expectations? That seems fair. Breastfeeding can be hard. Some of us are blessed to be able to nurse with minimal trouble, while others have to really invest … [Read more...]
Criticism of Breastfeeding: When Others are Uncomfortable
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It's a lovely day at the park. Kids are screaming with joy, iconic fathers tossing baseballs to their sons, strollers are buzzing by, ladies nodding politely at each other as they kick those last few pounds of baby-weight in the rear, and there is a mother sitting under a tree on a park bench watching her young son in the sandbox. Her four-year old is happily building the world's tallest skyscraper utilizing branches, rocks and a few stray leaves. She smiles contentedly for a moment. Her quiet reflection is interrupted by a tiny squeak in her infant carrier. The little one inside has woken up from her nap and is alerting mom, "It's time … [Read more...]
Tips for Modest Women: Breastfeeding in Public
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For modest women, breastfeeding in public can sometimes be a challenge. If you are new at nursing and worried about stares, exposing yourself, or someone saying something to you about nursing in public, then doing so can be difficult. Here are a few tips that can help you overcome fears about breastfeeding in public. Cover Up Nursing covers are a great way to cover up when breastfeeding in public. Most nursing covers cover all of your chest area as well as baby's head. Most are also made with a large neck opening so you can see your baby while being covered up. With a nursing cover no part of your chest is openly exposed and most people … [Read more...]
Fish Oils and Breast Milk: The Benefits of Fish Oil While Breastfeeding
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Fish oils and breast milk: Is it safe to take fish oil while breastfeeding? Yes! In fact, taking fish oil is recommended for nursing mothers. The benefits are amazing, from lower risk of depression to higher IQ for baby. Why should I take fish oil while breastfeeding? Fish oil is a hot topic these days. Everyone benefits by taking fish oil for the Essential Fatty acids. Essential means that our bodies must get it from food or supplement. Taking a fish oil supplement benefits mom in several ways: Memory support Heart health Joint health Mental health support Weight control Babies get even more from the mother taking this … [Read more...]
Tanning While Breastfeeding: Is it Safe?
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The summer months almost always mean some fun in the sun. I personally have always loved summer because of that nice tan I always get from being out at the pool or the ocean for hours on end. Once the summer months were past and it began to cool down, I always wanted to keep that nice glow, so I would get in the tanning bed. However, once I had children and was breastfeeding, I wondered if getting in the tanning bed or even tanning outside would be safe for me to do. Would tanning while breastfeeding dry up my milk? Would it affect my milk in any way? Would it hurt my breasts? If you've wondered about these also, here is some information on … [Read more...]
