We've had a rough 4 or 5 days here nursing Little Man. I swear he was up every hour. One night in an hour and a half he woke me up to nurse 3 times. By Saturday afternoon I was ready to go buy formula. Glad to say I didn't. I pushed through it and last night was back to normal, 3 wakings. I'm fine with 3 wakings. Anything more and there isn't enough coffee in the world! It was really frustrating and there were times I just wanted to cry. Times I wanted to give it all up. I'm so pleasantly surprised that we made it this far before hitting a speed bump. Almost 6 months of nursing! For me that's a huge accomplishment. I really want to make it to 11 months. That's when I go back to work and I plan on only nursing at bedtime and maybe in the morning. I really don't want to ever have to give him formula. When I'm frustrated and tired though I set a smaller goal. Let's get to exactly 6 months which is on the 27th. Then, I'll say, let's get Christmas. And so on. I know giving him formula may be instant gratification but I know I will feel guilty about it long term.
I just wanted to share that. I can't wait until my next La Leche meeting so I can discuss this with some other moms! I need a pep talk right now.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Pump, How I Despise You
This Week’s Topic: Lame Breastfeeding Products – Things that DIDN’T work for you.
Did you buy a breastfeeding product or accessory that was totally useless? Have trouble with a particular product? Share your experiences here!
What products do I have... I have a breastfeeding pillow, a dual pump, nipple creams (two types), leak shields, nursing bras, nursing tops, ice packs, breastmilk freezer bags, bottles and bottle paraphenalia. The only ones I could not live without are my nipple creams and my nursing tops. I have dry skin so my nipples need ointment. And I love nursing tops, hate the cost of them but love love love wearing them. I love just being able to pop my boob out and no one knows.
The biggest purchase was the pump. I got a fairly inexpensive one but it was still $100. I hate the pump, I hate pumping. I do it because I just can't take Little Man everywhere. I am greedy and like to have nights out for dinner with hubby or friends. I'm also in a group for women who have lost children and can't take a baby with me when I go out with them. The pillow, leak shields, bras, and ice packs are just here. They're not great, they're not bad. I could live without them but I don't hate them.
On a side note, I have realized that I have never gotten a comment or even a dirty look while NIP. I've been doing it almost daily for 5.5 months. I have a bunch of snappy comebacks to use and haven't had the chance! Everyone seems to either ignore me doing it or smile and look away like they are trying to give me privacy. Why hasn't someone scowled at me or told me to put it away yet? I live in a fairly liberal, yuppy neighbourhood (I am neither liberal nor a yuppy) and there are several children stores and coffee shops around that even go out of the way to encourage you to b/f in them. One toy store has a whole section set up in the back with a rocking chair, pillows and change table. Where do I need to go to get some unwanted feedback!?!?!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Blog Hop - Big Difference
This Week’s Topic: What I Would Have Done Differently
Whether you’ve been breastfeeding for a week or a year or more, I think we all have some things we wish we would have done differently. Share your stories here.
I am so so lucky that Little Man is just a born nurser. He loves it, I love it. We have our moments when I want to tell him to get to sleep and stop sucking my boob but in general it's pretty easy. My only regret with him is that I supplemented a couple of times. The second night home he was up fussing all night. I thought he was hungry, hadn't yet learned about the night of transition. So, I gave him a bottle and then a couple of more nights after that. Each night he got really bad gas. Then one night when he was a week old he spit up in his sleep and choked and woke up screaming. I've lost a child and all I could think of was, he'll choke and die in his sleep. I threw the rest of the formula in the garbage. Do I want a baby with painful gas? One that could choke in his sleep? Heck no! He has never had gas like that since and has never spit up since. Occasionally if he gobbles his milk down to fast he'll spit up a little but not like the exorcism spit ups he got with formula. It's just not right. It was clear to me that it was not made for his tummy. If I could go back in time I would have thrown that "gift" from the formula company out as soon as it arrived at my door.
This is part of the Weekly Blog Hop hosted by Life with Levi...
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sharing Article
I read an interesting article on "The Informed Parent"
Tricks of Formula Companies
The idea of "Goodnight Milk" to make babies sleep through the night is ridiculous. I personally will be happy when people stop asking me if Little Man is sleeping through the night. This is NOT a developmental milestone and while it would be nice to get 8 hours sleep, babies who sleep through the night are at a greater risk of SIDS. No thanks!
Tricks of Formula Companies
The idea of "Goodnight Milk" to make babies sleep through the night is ridiculous. I personally will be happy when people stop asking me if Little Man is sleeping through the night. This is NOT a developmental milestone and while it would be nice to get 8 hours sleep, babies who sleep through the night are at a greater risk of SIDS. No thanks!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Making the Commitment
I love Thursdays and teaming up for the Blog Hop with Life With Levi...
I've never been a fan of scheduling kids or setting strict routines. I know families that can't be home 15 minutes late or the kid has a meltdown. For us, that wouldn't do. While I always try to put my kids first, I recognize that they need well rounded, rested, happy parents. Meaning, hubby and I need to do what we need to do without worrying about being home at 7pm sharp. Usually this works great for us. Little Man wakes me up at 7am for a feeding. Then we get out of bed, we all get ready and take Sissy to school. Now, while I have not tried to schedule him at all Little Man has put himself on a schedule. I like this because it gives me some idea of how our day will go but he's not so tied to it that if he misses it he'll freak out. And it offers me flexibility on weekends when I may want to do something with Sissy and he obviously has to come along since I'm his food source.
It was much harder at first when I wasn't getting much sleep. I went from doing everything with my daughter to not having as much time with her. I think I felt the change more than she did though. I am lucky that I have a year off work for mat leave so I was able to keep her home with me and spend the summer with her. That extra time together helped ease the transition.
Sadly, I think the only one really suffering right now is hubby. I know he missed having just the two of us in bed. And we still go out for dinner alone but not for as long and not as often. But he is a very understanding man and knows that for now this is our life. Breastfeeding isn't just a committment that the mom has to make, it's one the whole family makes. I can't just take my daughter out for a whole day alone. Hubby and I can't go to a hotel for the weekend. For at least a year Little Man comes everywhere.
This Week’s Topic: Breastfeeding #2 (or 3 or 4…)
Share your stories and tips for women trying to breastfeed with an older child (or children) at home. How do you juggle schedules, keep the kids occupied/involved, and make it all work?
I've never been a fan of scheduling kids or setting strict routines. I know families that can't be home 15 minutes late or the kid has a meltdown. For us, that wouldn't do. While I always try to put my kids first, I recognize that they need well rounded, rested, happy parents. Meaning, hubby and I need to do what we need to do without worrying about being home at 7pm sharp. Usually this works great for us. Little Man wakes me up at 7am for a feeding. Then we get out of bed, we all get ready and take Sissy to school. Now, while I have not tried to schedule him at all Little Man has put himself on a schedule. I like this because it gives me some idea of how our day will go but he's not so tied to it that if he misses it he'll freak out. And it offers me flexibility on weekends when I may want to do something with Sissy and he obviously has to come along since I'm his food source.
It was much harder at first when I wasn't getting much sleep. I went from doing everything with my daughter to not having as much time with her. I think I felt the change more than she did though. I am lucky that I have a year off work for mat leave so I was able to keep her home with me and spend the summer with her. That extra time together helped ease the transition.
Sadly, I think the only one really suffering right now is hubby. I know he missed having just the two of us in bed. And we still go out for dinner alone but not for as long and not as often. But he is a very understanding man and knows that for now this is our life. Breastfeeding isn't just a committment that the mom has to make, it's one the whole family makes. I can't just take my daughter out for a whole day alone. Hubby and I can't go to a hotel for the weekend. For at least a year Little Man comes everywhere.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
We CAN Survive
This is a funny and sarcastic article written on Squitmom.com about research that was performed to prove that babies could survive on the 1st 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding.
My favorite part:
"If MOST women weren’t capable of supporting infants with breast milk, humans as a species wouldn’t have thrived. But we did. And substitute or supplement infant food is very, very new in the grand scheme of human evolution."
Article - Shocking New Research Shows Women Can Breastfeed Successfully!!
My favorite part:
"If MOST women weren’t capable of supporting infants with breast milk, humans as a species wouldn’t have thrived. But we did. And substitute or supplement infant food is very, very new in the grand scheme of human evolution."
Article - Shocking New Research Shows Women Can Breastfeed Successfully!!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Where I'm At
It's Thursday! Linking up with Life With Levi for the B/F Blog Hop...
Where are you at in your breastfeeding journey? Just started, celebrating a milestone, or already weaned?
This Week’s Topic: Check Ins
We will be at 5 months next week and loving it! I love nursing. I am so sad that I didn't get this oppurtunity with my daughter. I wish I knew then what I knew know and had the support then that I have now. I never want to wean. I want to be one of those mama's who have a 7 yr old on their boob. I want to freeze my little man in time so he'll always want to be as close to me as he does now.
Is it all peachy? No not all of it. Nights are sometimes rough. Sometimes he's up 4 or 5 times. I don't mind him waking up for a nurse, just not that often. We cosleep anyway so it doesn't require much work on my end. My husband has even caught me sleeping while little man sucks away. And the other night I woke up to him sucking my boob (not the nipple just the flesh), pecking like a pigeon trying to find nip! It was so cute. I love snuggling with him at night and watching him fall asleep. He tickles and massages me and gives me big smiles and sometimes tries to coo and chat with food in his mouth, he has bad table manners!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Breastfeeding Experience
While I was pregnant with my daughter I was so excited and looking forward to the day when I would be a nursing mom. I thought it was going to be all lollipops and roses. Boy was I wrong. Breastfeeding is hard. Lets just admit it. The first couple of weeks can be painful and tiresome. I remember being in the hospital and so excited for that first time - and then by the time I was leaving I was wincing in pain with each latch as I blistered and bled. The lactation consultant that met with me while I was in the recovery room was so helpful. She helped with a proper latch and hold and gave me the best advice ever. The phrase I say to myself to this day from her is, "You're her whole world".
When I got home I still hurt and it was not getting any better. I kept telling myself if I could just get past the first two weeks then it would be fine. I would wince with each latch and tug thinking very threatening thoughts in my mind. I knew that I could give up, but I knew that as a mother I needed to do the very best I could do for my child. I would sing the ABCs to myself or count to 10 as my daughter latched on my poor tired self.
The two weeks passed and it was better. I actually really and truly began to enjoy nursing. My child and I got into our routine and she would lay so content in my arms with a full belly and that's when I would just sit and stare at this little wonder of life.
I think we have all experienced "pregnancy brain" and it never seems to go away. Even 16 months later (and nursing strong) I still am so forgetful. One great thing about breastfeeding is you never have to remember a bottle/cup, formula, measuring cups, clean water - nothing. All you need is right there with you! The less I needed to remember to bring the better.
If you are thinking about breastfeeding, or just starting out, just know that it can be hard at first. But, you are doing great! If you need help or encouragement seek out a friend or family member that you know has breastfeeding experience. Contact your local hospital or Le Leche League. There are tons of chat rooms where nursing moms are up at wee hours of the night. I know that a few of my friends and I would chat on facebook. So give it a try - you might just like it :)
When I got home I still hurt and it was not getting any better. I kept telling myself if I could just get past the first two weeks then it would be fine. I would wince with each latch and tug thinking very threatening thoughts in my mind. I knew that I could give up, but I knew that as a mother I needed to do the very best I could do for my child. I would sing the ABCs to myself or count to 10 as my daughter latched on my poor tired self.
The two weeks passed and it was better. I actually really and truly began to enjoy nursing. My child and I got into our routine and she would lay so content in my arms with a full belly and that's when I would just sit and stare at this little wonder of life.
I think we have all experienced "pregnancy brain" and it never seems to go away. Even 16 months later (and nursing strong) I still am so forgetful. One great thing about breastfeeding is you never have to remember a bottle/cup, formula, measuring cups, clean water - nothing. All you need is right there with you! The less I needed to remember to bring the better.
If you are thinking about breastfeeding, or just starting out, just know that it can be hard at first. But, you are doing great! If you need help or encouragement seek out a friend or family member that you know has breastfeeding experience. Contact your local hospital or Le Leche League. There are tons of chat rooms where nursing moms are up at wee hours of the night. I know that a few of my friends and I would chat on facebook. So give it a try - you might just like it :)
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Many Places to NIP
I thought a lot of strange nursing locations on Saturday as I walked down the street in the rain carrying my son in one arm, diaper in the other, nursing him! It started on the bus. He woke up from his nap and wanted to eat. I can usually keep him happy for a couple of minutes but this time he was miserable. So, I b/f him on the bus and then continued as we got off the bus and walked to my parent's house. I've also b/f him in the car. He strapped into his seat and me (strapped in) next to him. I basically just leaned forward as far as I could.
What are some strange places you've nursed?
Oh, and I was dragging along a 6 year old while we walked in the rain nursing!! Yes, I'm quite proud of my skills.
What are some strange places you've nursed?
Oh, and I was dragging along a 6 year old while we walked in the rain nursing!! Yes, I'm quite proud of my skills.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Photo of the Week
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Til Now I Always Got By On My Own
linking up for this week's Breastfeeding Blog Hop through Life with Levi
This weeks topic is Support Groups. Did you or do you have a Breastfeeding cheerleader? A support group you can turn to when you have questions or need advice? Share your stories here!
I wouldn't say I have a "cheerleader" but I have found a couple of very supportive friends who have fresh little babes at home and are also exclusively breastfeeding. It's nice to be able to go over to another woman's house and pop out your boob and talk about sore nipples and late night feedings and various holds or positions. There is a definite sisterhood. I find that if you find a group of women or even just one or two who have the same beliefs as you re: b/f, chances are they do other things similar as well like baby wearing and co sleeping.
I feel like it's a necessity to have this. People need people to use an old cliche. I think women often fail or don't even try because of lack of support. I was just talking to a mom last night about how she tried and tried to b/f but had no resources at hand and no one to talk to about it. She was a young mom and just gave up. If she had of had even just a neighbour to support her she may have done things differently.
I'm an avid reader and researcher so I am constantly looking things up online, reading books, reading blogs and trying to get as much info as I can about things. B/F is one of those things. I like to be one of the moms that the others think they can go to for help.
I keep meaning to call LLL and find a group in my area. I would absolutely love it.
This weeks topic is Support Groups. Did you or do you have a Breastfeeding cheerleader? A support group you can turn to when you have questions or need advice? Share your stories here!
I wouldn't say I have a "cheerleader" but I have found a couple of very supportive friends who have fresh little babes at home and are also exclusively breastfeeding. It's nice to be able to go over to another woman's house and pop out your boob and talk about sore nipples and late night feedings and various holds or positions. There is a definite sisterhood. I find that if you find a group of women or even just one or two who have the same beliefs as you re: b/f, chances are they do other things similar as well like baby wearing and co sleeping.
I feel like it's a necessity to have this. People need people to use an old cliche. I think women often fail or don't even try because of lack of support. I was just talking to a mom last night about how she tried and tried to b/f but had no resources at hand and no one to talk to about it. She was a young mom and just gave up. If she had of had even just a neighbour to support her she may have done things differently.
I'm an avid reader and researcher so I am constantly looking things up online, reading books, reading blogs and trying to get as much info as I can about things. B/F is one of those things. I like to be one of the moms that the others think they can go to for help.
I keep meaning to call LLL and find a group in my area. I would absolutely love it.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Breastfeeding Promotion
Being a working mom alone is hard. You miss your child and you want nothing more than to be with them, rather than with your fellow co-workers. At least that has been my experience. Add trying to be a breastfeeding mom to the mix and you have double the issues. Not only are you working, but you are having to find the time to pump - maybe even a place that is not a public restroom. Lucky for me I work for family and found a little break room area that I could pump freely in. There were a few close calls where the male employees forgot I was back there, but they grew accustomed to hearing the noise of the pump and knew I was back there doing my business. We even had a code - "going to the dairy farm" when I was busy. Maybe a little tactless, but it was funny and it worked.
Most women do not have a place to pump when they return to work and therefore they quit. Before you quit check out the laws or ask your employers for other options.
Check out this link as well - Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011
Most women do not have a place to pump when they return to work and therefore they quit. Before you quit check out the laws or ask your employers for other options.
Check out this link as well - Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Weekly Blog Hop
This weeks topic for the Blog Hop, @ Life with Levi, is multitasking.
Do you blog while breastfeeding? Tweet while nursing? Multitask in other ways? Share your stories here.
I have not yet mastered the art of multitasking. Funny cause when it comes to just about anything else in life I can do two or three things at once. When it comes to b/f though we are pretty stationary. Little man is easily distracted and any noise or movement causes him to break off and investigate. He is also a puller of hair, a purple nurple giver, an eyeglass bender and breaker and a lip pincher. I had to get a local crafter and fellow mom to make me some fabric necklaces I could wear around my neck for him to play with. I could blog or email while b/f but I find it painfully slow to type with one hand and I usually give up. We like to be comfy on the couch or lying down when we nurse so I haven't tried walking and nursing, The most I do is play a handheld game or watch a show. A couple of times I've pumped one boob while nursing him on the other (very effective btw) but now he would be too distracted by the noise and would keep wanting to watch the pump instead of eat.
Do you blog while breastfeeding? Tweet while nursing? Multitask in other ways? Share your stories here.
I have not yet mastered the art of multitasking. Funny cause when it comes to just about anything else in life I can do two or three things at once. When it comes to b/f though we are pretty stationary. Little man is easily distracted and any noise or movement causes him to break off and investigate. He is also a puller of hair, a purple nurple giver, an eyeglass bender and breaker and a lip pincher. I had to get a local crafter and fellow mom to make me some fabric necklaces I could wear around my neck for him to play with. I could blog or email while b/f but I find it painfully slow to type with one hand and I usually give up. We like to be comfy on the couch or lying down when we nurse so I haven't tried walking and nursing, The most I do is play a handheld game or watch a show. A couple of times I've pumped one boob while nursing him on the other (very effective btw) but now he would be too distracted by the noise and would keep wanting to watch the pump instead of eat.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Breastfeeding and the Enviroment
I just found this great thing called "The Blog Hop."
Each week there is a different topic, this week it is Breastfeeding and the Enviroment.
I have to admit I'm not much of an enviromentalist. I like convienience. I don't always recycle. I use disposable diapers. I probably have left a pretty big carbon footprint so far. Do I think b/f is beneficial to the enviroment though? Yes. Even a good set of bottles will not last you an entire year. If you are exclusively bottle feeding you will probably go through at least three sets of bottles. Where do the used bottles go? Garbage. And then there's the containers that formula comes in. And you need good soap and water to wash these. Soap which may not be good for the enviroment, use of water, you have to boil everything so there's energy. It would be an interesting experiment to have two households running the same but have one bottle feed and one b/f and see what the difference is on the utility bill. So, just the impact on garbage and energy costs alone speaks to the relation.
That's all direct damage. Then we have to look at indirect damage. B/F babies are healthier. They will require less pill bottles, less medical waste from surgeries and medical interventions.
Now, as I said, I'm no enviromentalist or doctor but it's clear that b/f is better for the enviroment since it contributes NOTHING to waste. You don't have to use energy or throw anything out.
Here is the link to get to the Blog Hop:
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=108276" type="text/javascript" ></script>
Each week there is a different topic, this week it is Breastfeeding and the Enviroment.
I have to admit I'm not much of an enviromentalist. I like convienience. I don't always recycle. I use disposable diapers. I probably have left a pretty big carbon footprint so far. Do I think b/f is beneficial to the enviroment though? Yes. Even a good set of bottles will not last you an entire year. If you are exclusively bottle feeding you will probably go through at least three sets of bottles. Where do the used bottles go? Garbage. And then there's the containers that formula comes in. And you need good soap and water to wash these. Soap which may not be good for the enviroment, use of water, you have to boil everything so there's energy. It would be an interesting experiment to have two households running the same but have one bottle feed and one b/f and see what the difference is on the utility bill. So, just the impact on garbage and energy costs alone speaks to the relation.
That's all direct damage. Then we have to look at indirect damage. B/F babies are healthier. They will require less pill bottles, less medical waste from surgeries and medical interventions.
Now, as I said, I'm no enviromentalist or doctor but it's clear that b/f is better for the enviroment since it contributes NOTHING to waste. You don't have to use energy or throw anything out.
Here is the link to get to the Blog Hop:
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=108276" type="text/javascript" ></script>
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Cancer Research
We have all heard that breastfeeding helps to lower a woman's risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Please click on this link to an article on a study that was performed on women who gave birth to two or three children and the link to certain positive and negative cancer reseptors. The research studied women who breastfed versus women who did not.
*Article credit - UPI.com
*Article credit - UPI.com
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Breast is Best
I found this article a few weeks ago from KellyMom.com. It is such a wonderful perspective about how the campaign "Breast is Best" might not be enough to spread the benefits for breastfeeding. I love this quote from the article:
*Click here to read the full article - Womensenews.org
"I'm questioning why our natural instincts to nurse have gone askew and why our views about feeding our young are less instinctive and more socially and culturally constructed.
I'm questioning why what should be one of the most natural experiences of motherhood is under cultural fire and even being used as fodder for political grandstanding."Take a look for yourself - what do you think is hindering our natural instinct to care for our young by breastfeeding - knowing that "Breast is Best"?
*Click here to read the full article - Womensenews.org
Monday, September 19, 2011
Photo of the Week
PHOTO AND "LETTER FROM BABY" TAKEN FROM http://theleakyboob.com/2011/08/baby-explains-normal-newborn-behavior/. I had tears in my eyes reading this, imaging my little boy saying it...
By Diana Cassar-Uhl, IBCLC
Dear Mommy,
Thank you so much for breastfeeding me! You probably already know that your milk is designed especially for me, and is better than anything else you could feed me.
I know that right now, you feel like your friends who aren’t breastfeeding their babies seem to have an easier time of things. Those other babies sleep soundly and longer between feedings, they drink so much, and they don’t fuss to eat all the time like I do! I can tell you’re getting a little bit frustrated, and I hear all the advice you’re getting … my grandma says you weren’t breastfed and you turned out just fine, my daddy says he feels like he can’t do anything to soothe me, and that lady with the cold hands that you call “doctor” gave you a can of something that she says will help me grow faster. You’re tired and frustrated because taking care of me just seems too hard, but please mommy, before you give up this yummy breastfeeding thing, let me explain some of my behavior to you. It might help you feel better.
First, if you and I were separated after I was born, for any reason (maybe it was hospital protocol that I be left under a warmer, maybe you were recovering from surgery), I’ve got some catching up to do, because I probably lost more weight than my friends who got to stay close to their mommies. It’s OK … I’m really good at letting you know when I need some more calories, but it’s important that you let me breastfeed lots and lots, even if my grandma says “he just ate!!” In my first few days, the nurses at the hospital might tell you I’m hungry and your body can’t make enough milk for me … but mommy, that colostrum from your breasts is some awesome stuff! It’s packed with protein, which binds to any bilirubin in my body (elevated bilirubin causes jaundice in more than half of newborns) so I can poop it on out. It’s also a great laxative, which makes it easy for me to get all that black, tarry meconium out of me and we can move on to the seedy, yellow-brown poops that are much easier to clean off my sweet tushie. Now, the colostrum is really thick and sticky, and I’m so small and still figuring out how to move my tongue, and we’re both still trying to get comfortable together, so it might take me 20 minutes or longer to suck out just ONE TEASPOON (5-7 mL) of that liquid gold.
But it’s OK, mommy! You know, there is really nowhere I’d rather be than in your arms, hearing your sweet voice and smelling you — even though you haven’t had a shower since before I was born, you’re just delicious to me. And something else you should know about me … even though I have a really cute “Buddha belly” that looks all chubby, the capacity of my stomach on the day I’m born is just 5-7 milliliters – that’s the size of a small marble! You’re the smartest woman in my whole world, so I know you see the connection here! The amount of colostrum in your breast is exactly the capacity of my tummy! My stomach walls on my first day of life are very rigid and won’t stretch; this is why, if anyone tries to feed me with a bottle, I’m going to spit most of it back up again, even though I eagerly suck at it. See, mommy, I only have two ways to send and receive information from my brand-new world – I can cry, and I can suck. I can’t see much, and all these sounds are so much louder than when I was inside you, and I can use my hands to help me orient myself on your breast, but crying and sucking are pretty much how I make sense of everything.
I know it seems really confusing, mommy, that I would want to suck and suck and suck even though my tummy is full. When I suck, lots of great things happen for both of us. I keep my own digestion moving by triggering the involuntary digestive muscles in peristalsis – moving the contents of my stomach along because I’m still moving my mouth and tongue, which are the beginning of my digestive tract. When you let me do all this suckling at your breast, I can very easily regulate how I suck, depending on why I’m sucking at any given moment. You can probably feel when I’m suckling nutritively and swallowing lots of milk, and when I’m kind of relaxed about it, feeding sort of like I’m savoring a bowl of ice cream … you know how sometimes, you scrape just a tiny bit onto your spoon, because you want it to last a long time? To me, you’re better than ice cream! But on a bottle, it’s impossible for me to suck and not get whatever’s in there, and that’s confusing to me, so I might keep sucking because that’s what my instinct is telling me to do, or I might realize my tummy hurts (because even on day 10, my stomach capacity is only a ping pong ball) and I’ll cry and cry because all I really know is crying and sucking!
A word about these instincts I feel … I really can’t help it, mommy, that I want to suckle so much. It’s just how I came out, and there doesn’t seem to be much that I can do about it. Please believe me, I’m not trying to trick you! In a few weeks, this need lets up a tiny bit, but for now, suckling is my M.O. But, do you want to know something really cool? I’m not the only one who benefits! When I suckle at your breast in these early days, your body actually activates prolactin receptors! Isn’t that amazing? In my first two weeks, the higher I make your prolactin levels go (my suckling triggers a prolactin surge in your body), the more of these receptors get activated in your breasts, and the higher your potential milk production will be for as long as you choose to breastfeed me. That’s one reason your lactation consultant tells you to wait on introducing that bottle or that binky– this prolactin receptor thing only happens for the first 10-14 days. After that, the prolatcin surges when I breastfeed are much smaller, so the more receptors there are to gobble up what prolactin is there, the more easily you’ll make all the milk I need.
Besides prolactin, there’s oxytocin, another hormone I activate when I am at your breast. Oxytocin is part of what makes you so addicted to me! It’s “the love hormone” and it helps you feel relaxed and content when we’re breastfeeding. Go ahead, mommy, exhale and relax! It’s OK! Oxytocin release is triggered by nipple stimulation, not necessarily milk removal (though when things are going well, my stimulation of your nipples usually means I’m removing milk!). Now, I know this might sound a little awkward coming from your baby, but I need you to know something about oxytocin. There are only three events in your life that trigger oxytocin release: nipple stimulation (like when I’m breastfeeding), labor (the oxytocin released during childbirth stimulates uterine contractions, which is why nipple stimulation might be suggested when labor stalls, and also explains why sometimes, after you breastfeed me, you feel an increased expulsion of lochia and maybe some cramping), and … orgasm!! Isn’t neat that the same hormone plays a part in making me, birthing me, and feeding me, and it’s a hormone that makes you feel GOOD to do all three?
Mommy, I know you are trying your very best for me and you’ve been worried about whether your body can satisfy my appetite. I know you’re used to being able to measure everything, and your breasts don’t have markers on them to tell you how much milk I got. Maybe you used a breast pump, and that confirmed your worries that there isn’t much milk there – but mommy, please understand that a good pump can mimic me, but your body wasn’t designed to have all these wonderful hormone surges for a cold piece of plastic with a noisy vacuum motor. You know that feeling you get when you hold my warmth and weight, smell how delicious I am, and nom nom nom on my fat cheeks? That feeling helps you make milk! That feeling is part of the whole system that was designed to make you need to be close to me, just as much as I need to be close to you. And mommy, I know you’re very busy, and important, and there’s so much you used to do before I came, and I know right now, it feels like you’ll never do those things again, and our house is getting messy, and maybe that scares you. But please know, every moment you spend holding me, every time you gaze lovingly at me, and every hour you spend breastfeeding me in these early days is so important to me, because you’re all I know. I love daddy and grandma and all of our friends, but I’m designed to be happiest and least stressed when I’m with you. Can you wear me in a sling or soft carrier after I’m milk-drunk? I really like listening to your heart beating while I sleep, and you are warm and soft and smell so good. That space between your breasts is perfectly sized for my head, and there’s nothing I like better than the feel of your skin against mine. Well, maybe there is something I like better … I love it when you sleep next to me after we’ve been breastfeeding. Oh, mommy, when you nurse me while lying down, you relax and your milk flows so nicely, and I feel like you’re so happy to be with me, and I’m very special to you because you don’t have to run off and do something else as soon as I’ve let your breast go.
And mommy, I have a promise to make to you. I can’t say for sure when it will happen, but there will come a day when I need you a little bit less intensely. My feedings will get more organized, my weight gain will stabilize, and sometimes, I’ll even like when my daddy or grandma or other loving person holds me. But today, I need you. You’ll always be my number one, even after we’re done breastfeeding, but I will learn, like you did, to defer my needs and to trust others to meet them once you and I get a good thing going. Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me so far. Until you start giving me an allowance, I hope my good health, sweet smiles, coos, and giggles will sustain you!
Love,
Baby
By Diana Cassar-Uhl, IBCLC
Dear Mommy,
Thank you so much for breastfeeding me! You probably already know that your milk is designed especially for me, and is better than anything else you could feed me.
I know that right now, you feel like your friends who aren’t breastfeeding their babies seem to have an easier time of things. Those other babies sleep soundly and longer between feedings, they drink so much, and they don’t fuss to eat all the time like I do! I can tell you’re getting a little bit frustrated, and I hear all the advice you’re getting … my grandma says you weren’t breastfed and you turned out just fine, my daddy says he feels like he can’t do anything to soothe me, and that lady with the cold hands that you call “doctor” gave you a can of something that she says will help me grow faster. You’re tired and frustrated because taking care of me just seems too hard, but please mommy, before you give up this yummy breastfeeding thing, let me explain some of my behavior to you. It might help you feel better.
First, if you and I were separated after I was born, for any reason (maybe it was hospital protocol that I be left under a warmer, maybe you were recovering from surgery), I’ve got some catching up to do, because I probably lost more weight than my friends who got to stay close to their mommies. It’s OK … I’m really good at letting you know when I need some more calories, but it’s important that you let me breastfeed lots and lots, even if my grandma says “he just ate!!” In my first few days, the nurses at the hospital might tell you I’m hungry and your body can’t make enough milk for me … but mommy, that colostrum from your breasts is some awesome stuff! It’s packed with protein, which binds to any bilirubin in my body (elevated bilirubin causes jaundice in more than half of newborns) so I can poop it on out. It’s also a great laxative, which makes it easy for me to get all that black, tarry meconium out of me and we can move on to the seedy, yellow-brown poops that are much easier to clean off my sweet tushie. Now, the colostrum is really thick and sticky, and I’m so small and still figuring out how to move my tongue, and we’re both still trying to get comfortable together, so it might take me 20 minutes or longer to suck out just ONE TEASPOON (5-7 mL) of that liquid gold.
But it’s OK, mommy! You know, there is really nowhere I’d rather be than in your arms, hearing your sweet voice and smelling you — even though you haven’t had a shower since before I was born, you’re just delicious to me. And something else you should know about me … even though I have a really cute “Buddha belly” that looks all chubby, the capacity of my stomach on the day I’m born is just 5-7 milliliters – that’s the size of a small marble! You’re the smartest woman in my whole world, so I know you see the connection here! The amount of colostrum in your breast is exactly the capacity of my tummy! My stomach walls on my first day of life are very rigid and won’t stretch; this is why, if anyone tries to feed me with a bottle, I’m going to spit most of it back up again, even though I eagerly suck at it. See, mommy, I only have two ways to send and receive information from my brand-new world – I can cry, and I can suck. I can’t see much, and all these sounds are so much louder than when I was inside you, and I can use my hands to help me orient myself on your breast, but crying and sucking are pretty much how I make sense of everything.
I know it seems really confusing, mommy, that I would want to suck and suck and suck even though my tummy is full. When I suck, lots of great things happen for both of us. I keep my own digestion moving by triggering the involuntary digestive muscles in peristalsis – moving the contents of my stomach along because I’m still moving my mouth and tongue, which are the beginning of my digestive tract. When you let me do all this suckling at your breast, I can very easily regulate how I suck, depending on why I’m sucking at any given moment. You can probably feel when I’m suckling nutritively and swallowing lots of milk, and when I’m kind of relaxed about it, feeding sort of like I’m savoring a bowl of ice cream … you know how sometimes, you scrape just a tiny bit onto your spoon, because you want it to last a long time? To me, you’re better than ice cream! But on a bottle, it’s impossible for me to suck and not get whatever’s in there, and that’s confusing to me, so I might keep sucking because that’s what my instinct is telling me to do, or I might realize my tummy hurts (because even on day 10, my stomach capacity is only a ping pong ball) and I’ll cry and cry because all I really know is crying and sucking!
A word about these instincts I feel … I really can’t help it, mommy, that I want to suckle so much. It’s just how I came out, and there doesn’t seem to be much that I can do about it. Please believe me, I’m not trying to trick you! In a few weeks, this need lets up a tiny bit, but for now, suckling is my M.O. But, do you want to know something really cool? I’m not the only one who benefits! When I suckle at your breast in these early days, your body actually activates prolactin receptors! Isn’t that amazing? In my first two weeks, the higher I make your prolactin levels go (my suckling triggers a prolactin surge in your body), the more of these receptors get activated in your breasts, and the higher your potential milk production will be for as long as you choose to breastfeed me. That’s one reason your lactation consultant tells you to wait on introducing that bottle or that binky– this prolactin receptor thing only happens for the first 10-14 days. After that, the prolatcin surges when I breastfeed are much smaller, so the more receptors there are to gobble up what prolactin is there, the more easily you’ll make all the milk I need.
Besides prolactin, there’s oxytocin, another hormone I activate when I am at your breast. Oxytocin is part of what makes you so addicted to me! It’s “the love hormone” and it helps you feel relaxed and content when we’re breastfeeding. Go ahead, mommy, exhale and relax! It’s OK! Oxytocin release is triggered by nipple stimulation, not necessarily milk removal (though when things are going well, my stimulation of your nipples usually means I’m removing milk!). Now, I know this might sound a little awkward coming from your baby, but I need you to know something about oxytocin. There are only three events in your life that trigger oxytocin release: nipple stimulation (like when I’m breastfeeding), labor (the oxytocin released during childbirth stimulates uterine contractions, which is why nipple stimulation might be suggested when labor stalls, and also explains why sometimes, after you breastfeed me, you feel an increased expulsion of lochia and maybe some cramping), and … orgasm!! Isn’t neat that the same hormone plays a part in making me, birthing me, and feeding me, and it’s a hormone that makes you feel GOOD to do all three?
Mommy, I know you are trying your very best for me and you’ve been worried about whether your body can satisfy my appetite. I know you’re used to being able to measure everything, and your breasts don’t have markers on them to tell you how much milk I got. Maybe you used a breast pump, and that confirmed your worries that there isn’t much milk there – but mommy, please understand that a good pump can mimic me, but your body wasn’t designed to have all these wonderful hormone surges for a cold piece of plastic with a noisy vacuum motor. You know that feeling you get when you hold my warmth and weight, smell how delicious I am, and nom nom nom on my fat cheeks? That feeling helps you make milk! That feeling is part of the whole system that was designed to make you need to be close to me, just as much as I need to be close to you. And mommy, I know you’re very busy, and important, and there’s so much you used to do before I came, and I know right now, it feels like you’ll never do those things again, and our house is getting messy, and maybe that scares you. But please know, every moment you spend holding me, every time you gaze lovingly at me, and every hour you spend breastfeeding me in these early days is so important to me, because you’re all I know. I love daddy and grandma and all of our friends, but I’m designed to be happiest and least stressed when I’m with you. Can you wear me in a sling or soft carrier after I’m milk-drunk? I really like listening to your heart beating while I sleep, and you are warm and soft and smell so good. That space between your breasts is perfectly sized for my head, and there’s nothing I like better than the feel of your skin against mine. Well, maybe there is something I like better … I love it when you sleep next to me after we’ve been breastfeeding. Oh, mommy, when you nurse me while lying down, you relax and your milk flows so nicely, and I feel like you’re so happy to be with me, and I’m very special to you because you don’t have to run off and do something else as soon as I’ve let your breast go.
And mommy, I have a promise to make to you. I can’t say for sure when it will happen, but there will come a day when I need you a little bit less intensely. My feedings will get more organized, my weight gain will stabilize, and sometimes, I’ll even like when my daddy or grandma or other loving person holds me. But today, I need you. You’ll always be my number one, even after we’re done breastfeeding, but I will learn, like you did, to defer my needs and to trust others to meet them once you and I get a good thing going. Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me so far. Until you start giving me an allowance, I hope my good health, sweet smiles, coos, and giggles will sustain you!
Love,
Baby
Friday, September 16, 2011
Health benefits of breastfeeding
I have learned over the years, through experience and reading; that breastfeeding keeps children healthier than their non-breastfed counterparts. If they do get sick, it tends not to last as long. Breastmilk can be used to cure eye infections, clear up congested noses, and help speed the healing of superficial wounds (in babies and adults too!) Breastmilk contains anti-infective and anti-bacterial properties and breastmilk that is pumped and left out on a counter for 6-8 hours, actually contains LESS bacteria than it did when it was first expressed!! It is so amazing and scientists have discovered some of the wonderful things in breast milk but not all, and formula companies are unable to reproduce exactly what is in breastmillk. This is why I was not surprised to read the following article (which made me feel sad all over again for the children who are not breastfed and for parents who do not know all of the benefits of mothering their children at the breast and the small percentage of breastfed infants in the US (and other parts of the world).
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/05/health/main6364292.shtml
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/05/health/main6364292.shtml
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Nursing for Others
This is old news, it happened in 2009 but here is a photo of Salma Hayek b/f an African baby who was literally starving to death. I just read about this on another b/f blog and immediately had to find the story. I'm not a big fan of hers but this was an incredible gesture. To offer yourself to nurture another woman's baby because she had no milk to give him. This is what the cliche means "it takes a village to raise a child." It gave me some questions...
would I donate to a human milk bank?
would I purchase from a human milk bank?
would I step in to nurse a friend or family members baby if they needed help?
what would our society say about this?
We seem to just barely accept the sight of a mother nursing her own child. Even with all of the education out there telling us it's best. We are still squimish and prudish about it. Unless the breast is there on show we don't want to see it. Women's breasts are there for the pleasure of men right? How would someone react if I were in public clearly b/f a child that wasn't mine?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Shattering Myths
There are so so many myths out there surrounding breastfeeding. Some are reasons that mothers find NOT to breastfeed or that scare them off. Some extremely silly and some almost dangerous. Here are the top seven that I could personally think of, that I have actually heard women say or write about. I've tried to link to actual medical sources when possible, otherwise it's just my opinion.
1. If I don't b/f then my boobs will stay big.
Yes, I actually heard someone say this. Luckily I don't know them personally it was a woman on the subway talking to a friend about why she is not going to b/f. I don't know if this is true or not but if your boobs are your number one priority then consider the fact that women who b/f are less likely to get breast cancer. If you are worried about b/f causing your boobs to shrink then consider how you would feel if you had to lose them altogether.
"If all women who do not breastfeed or who breastfeed for less than 3 months were to do so for 4 to 12 months, breast cancer among parous premenopausal women could be reduced by 11 percent, judging from current rates. If all women with children lactated for 24 months or longer, however, then the incidence might be reduced by nearly 25 percent. This reduction would be even greater among women who first lactate at an early age."
Newcomb PA, Storer BE, Longnecker MP, et al. Lactation and a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer.
N Engl J Med. 1994;330:81-87
2. Babies will sleep better with formula.
This may be true, although not scientifically proven, but consider WHY they sleep more. Formula is harder for the baby to digest. They are sleeping because their stomach is working overtime trying to digest the cow's milk. They aren't sleeping because they're more full or satisfied. They are just too tired to wake up. Also, babies who sleep for longer periods of time are more likely to die from SIDS.
3. B/F is not convienient in public.
In Ontario and in most states of the U.S. you have a legal right to b/f your child wherever, whenever. We all know we live in a lawsuit friendly society so think of it this way, if someone approaches you and tells you to stop b/f sue them and send your kids to college! B/F is super convienient and much easier than having to carry around a cooler, find a place to warm up formula, or mix formula and have to carry around bottles of distilled water. Personally I am just too lazy for all of that work!
4. If I b/f then Dad won't be able to help.
If Dad is desperate to get up at 2am and feed the baby then you can consider pumping. Or, Dad can do everything else while you nurse. Dad can change the diaper, get you a snack or drink, adjust pillows, massage you while you nurse and rock baby back to sleep when nursing is over. There is lots of work to go around! Otherwise, Dad needs only to wait 6 months and then he can do all of the cereal and veggie feedings while Momma watches the game.
5. I don't know if I can work out and b/f.
I have an incredibly grueling workout. I still do it. I nurse my son before I workout and then again after. It hasn't had any impact at all.
6. I only have a short mat leave from work.
This is not a huge issue in CDA as we have one year of mat leave. But I have heard some U.S. bloggers and writers comment on this issue. It will be tough but if you are dedicated it is more than plausable. While I don't know what the law says to me it makes sense for employers to accomodate b/f moms since it's proven that b/f babies are sick less often and that means mom doesn't need to take time off work to care for sick kids. It's a win/win.
http://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/html/returning_to_work.shtml
http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/bf_guide_2.pdf
7. If I nurse at night baby can get cavities from the milk.
Bottle-fed babies
"are at increased risk for baby bottle caries, a destructive dental condition which occurs when a baby is put to bed with a bottle containing formula, milk, juice or other fluids high in carbohydrates. Extensive dental repair may be required at a cost of thousands of dollars."
Loesche WJ/ "Nutrition and dental decay in infants." Am J Clin Nutr 41; 423-435, 1985
What sort of old wives tales or myths have you been told or overheard?
Some sources I read while writing this post:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/528749-what-are-the-benefits-of-breastfeeding-past-one-year/
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/solids-sleep.html
http://www.notmilk.com/101.html
1. If I don't b/f then my boobs will stay big.
Yes, I actually heard someone say this. Luckily I don't know them personally it was a woman on the subway talking to a friend about why she is not going to b/f. I don't know if this is true or not but if your boobs are your number one priority then consider the fact that women who b/f are less likely to get breast cancer. If you are worried about b/f causing your boobs to shrink then consider how you would feel if you had to lose them altogether.
"If all women who do not breastfeed or who breastfeed for less than 3 months were to do so for 4 to 12 months, breast cancer among parous premenopausal women could be reduced by 11 percent, judging from current rates. If all women with children lactated for 24 months or longer, however, then the incidence might be reduced by nearly 25 percent. This reduction would be even greater among women who first lactate at an early age."
Newcomb PA, Storer BE, Longnecker MP, et al. Lactation and a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer.
N Engl J Med. 1994;330:81-87
2. Babies will sleep better with formula.
This may be true, although not scientifically proven, but consider WHY they sleep more. Formula is harder for the baby to digest. They are sleeping because their stomach is working overtime trying to digest the cow's milk. They aren't sleeping because they're more full or satisfied. They are just too tired to wake up. Also, babies who sleep for longer periods of time are more likely to die from SIDS.
3. B/F is not convienient in public.
In Ontario and in most states of the U.S. you have a legal right to b/f your child wherever, whenever. We all know we live in a lawsuit friendly society so think of it this way, if someone approaches you and tells you to stop b/f sue them and send your kids to college! B/F is super convienient and much easier than having to carry around a cooler, find a place to warm up formula, or mix formula and have to carry around bottles of distilled water. Personally I am just too lazy for all of that work!
4. If I b/f then Dad won't be able to help.
If Dad is desperate to get up at 2am and feed the baby then you can consider pumping. Or, Dad can do everything else while you nurse. Dad can change the diaper, get you a snack or drink, adjust pillows, massage you while you nurse and rock baby back to sleep when nursing is over. There is lots of work to go around! Otherwise, Dad needs only to wait 6 months and then he can do all of the cereal and veggie feedings while Momma watches the game.
5. I don't know if I can work out and b/f.
I have an incredibly grueling workout. I still do it. I nurse my son before I workout and then again after. It hasn't had any impact at all.
6. I only have a short mat leave from work.
This is not a huge issue in CDA as we have one year of mat leave. But I have heard some U.S. bloggers and writers comment on this issue. It will be tough but if you are dedicated it is more than plausable. While I don't know what the law says to me it makes sense for employers to accomodate b/f moms since it's proven that b/f babies are sick less often and that means mom doesn't need to take time off work to care for sick kids. It's a win/win.
http://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/html/returning_to_work.shtml
http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/bf_guide_2.pdf
7. If I nurse at night baby can get cavities from the milk.
Bottle-fed babies
"are at increased risk for baby bottle caries, a destructive dental condition which occurs when a baby is put to bed with a bottle containing formula, milk, juice or other fluids high in carbohydrates. Extensive dental repair may be required at a cost of thousands of dollars."
Loesche WJ/ "Nutrition and dental decay in infants." Am J Clin Nutr 41; 423-435, 1985
What sort of old wives tales or myths have you been told or overheard?
Some sources I read while writing this post:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/528749-what-are-the-benefits-of-breastfeeding-past-one-year/
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/solids-sleep.html
http://www.notmilk.com/101.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)