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!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
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.
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