Nothing Better <3

Although bed–sharing is becoming more and more a topic of open conversation in parenting choices in the U.S. these days, before I became pregnant I thought it was kind of strange and not for me. I could not imagine having my baby in bed while still getting sleep and forget trying to have time with my husband. I just couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of ever choosing that for my family. I read in the most popular (at the time) parenting books when to have baby in his own crib and room; how to get a bedside bassinet at first then to move baby to his own room only after a few months. To be honest, that sounded fine. As a new mom-to-be, three months of having my baby in my room seemed long. Plus, I wanted my babies to all be independent and learn to soothe themselves and to sleep through the night.

Co–sleeping at it’s most precious moment. <3

Well, let me tell you, my pre-mama way of thinking disgusts me, now! I can’t believe I thought that was normal. I can’t believe society and our culture taught me to think this was normal in the beginning.
I’m beyond happy that after I gave birth I listened to my mommy instincts, did research for safe co-sleeping and I kept my baby right next to me. Co-sleeping is one of the best parenting choices I’ve ever made, especially for breastfeeding!
Not only has co-sleeping helped me get more sleep, it helps with my babies sleeping more, too, because breastfeeding is right there when it is needed. No extra yelling or crying for me to come and feed them, therefore no extra waking up and becoming upset. Co-sleeping helped increase and keep my supply up always having my babies right next to me all night; and for me, practicing safe co-sleeping always helped relieve my mommy (postpartum) anxiety because I knew my baby was okay.

One of the only co–sleeping pics my husband snapped of our first. Thank God he got a few with our baby boy. <3

Each baby is different so co-sleeping with each might look different. For my son, I started with him in a bedside bassinet, but he and I both hated it. We would both fully wake up at each feeding and we were so uncomfortable. About a month postpartum I finally breastfed him lying down, with him on the inside of our bed and we slept better that night than ever! We co–slept until 13-14 months, and we still snuggle in the mornings, now at 3.5 years old. With my daughter, she is a kicker and LOVES her own space, but does not like being alone. I always babywore her and nursed her to sleep but would put her in a bedside bassinet until about six months old. Then we co–slept in our bed until after her first birthday, and her crib was in our room for a few months after that. I always had monitors on both cribs and check on them a few times (at least) a night once in their own room.

“Each baby is different so co-sleeping with each might be different…”

My <3

TRIGGER: As I sat down to finish this post this week, I coincidently saw a post on Facebook of yet another young infant died from SIDS. It frustrates me and upsets me to tears that specialist, doctors and scientists still majority of the time in our country say they cannot know for sure exactly what causes SIDS and disapprove co-sleeping stating they are connected. I’m a journalist and I know better than to contradict the supposedly non-biased facts out there done by these so-called professionals, especially the specialist; however, as a mom, a well-educated, thoughtful, and passionate mom, who uses commonsense (every action has a reaction) I say BS. Because if you do research there are studies and enough data out there that does prove when co–sleeping is done correctly it is the safest form of sleeping for baby. The type of language used in the studies, giving different scenarios of how a baby 0 months–1 year died from SIDS easily confuses the interpretation of the data to put the findings in to a clear answer: Should my baby co–sleep or should he be in a crib?

So peaceful <3

Another factor that confuses the data’s findings is that co-sleeping WITH exclusively breastfeeding saves thousands of babies per year, and “cuts SIDS risk and may cut overall infant death risk in half” – not just co–sleeping on it’s own.
You will find many organizations with conclusive evidence stating while following safe guidelines for proper co–sleeping (and preferably exclusively breastfed), it is what is best and commonly practiced around the world. Organizations such as La Leche League, Breastfeeding USA, and birth professionals and authors such as Ina May Gaskin, McKenna, J. and McDade, T., all support and encourage safe co–sleeping, especially while exclusively breastfeeding.

My baby boy right next to me <3

According to Le Leche League, “The four biggest issues associated with SIDS are 1) smoking, 2) laying a baby facedown for sleep, 3) leaving a baby unattended, and 4) formula feeding.” For majority of babies, these are not always top factors for the chance of SIDS; however, for babies who majority die from SIDS, “it happens in a small group of vulnerable babies who have very specific but undiagnosed health issues.” Therefore, it is unknown if your baby is more vulnerable before, so there is a greater need for a vulnerable baby to be in arms reach of his/her mother to prevent dying from SIDS. Safe co-sleeping provides the biological and instinctual reaction to assist a vulnerable baby and can prevent SIDS. Maybe if our culture accepted and encouraged safe co–sleeping, like in other countries, new and experienced parents would know the benefits of co–sleeping and less babies would die from SIDS.

Breastfeeding and co–sleeping <3

Let us know your experience with breastfeeding and co–sleeping and please practice safe bed–sharing. Much love to you!

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

–

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Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post Co-Sleeping and Breastfeeding appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

My Birthday Selfie.

Wednesday, February 17^th, 2016

Tomorrow is my 28^th birthday and I don’t know why but this is a big one for me. It got me thinking a lot about time, life, and what’s led me to who I am today. Specifically, there’s a lot that’s happened in the last 11 months, leading up to this birthday. I’ve learned more about myself in the last year than I ever have; I’ve worked on and changed all my relationships I have in the last year; and, I’ve really reflected and tried to slow myself down to cherish and focus on my relationship with my husband and children.
Being a mom has always been a top priority for me, but I’ve always been anxious and so hard on myself if things didn’t go how I ‘thought’ they were supposed to go. And because of that there are things I might have missed if I didn’t slow myself down.

Close up and beautiful.

I also started my Instagram account in the last year and I started blogging. When I started documenting my babies, my journey of motherhood, and my breastfeeding journey with my daughter I received more positive feedback than I expected; especially, my posts about breastfeeding.

My first post, my first #brelfie, I made it because I realized I basically had no breastfeeding photos with my first, my son, who breastfed for an amazing 15 months. I was already a year in to breastfeeding my daughter and I only had a few of pictures but no brelfies. This is also when I realized this was something I am so proud of, a relationship I’m so honored to have with my daughter, and one I had with my son but have no photos to remember it by.
Breastfeeding is something to be proud of not ashamed of, so why shouldn’t I take more picture and brelfies of myself with my daughter? It’s beautiful and I know I’ll regret it later if I don’t capture this moment in time. So, 30 weeks ago I made a post about breastfeeding, with a brelfie, and it was my top post. I had mamas congratulating me for breastfeeding that long and a few shared their breastfeeding stories, as well. I knew then this was something I had to keep sharing because I think every mama should take more brelfies and not feel ashamed, embarrassed or even just shy about their breastfeeding journey with their baby. Before you know it, that baby of yours is going to stop nursing and not be a baby anymore. And when that time comes you’re going to want to remember those beautiful nursing moments. You’ll want to remember all those sleepless nights when all your baby wanted was you, and those lovely milk-loving days that your baby or toddler just calmed the moment you put her on your lap to nurse. You can’t turn back time and get those moments back, but taking pictures helps keep them.

“…my first #brelfie, I made it because I realized I basically had no breastfeeding photos with my first, my son…”

Nursing and loving our The Vintage Honey Shop breastfeeding necklace.

At 28 years old, I have had three pregnancies, one angle baby and two amazing, beautiful and independent babies born, and for the past three years I have been able to nurture and nourish my two little’s through so much. It’s hard to put in to perfect words why breastfeeding moms are so attached to this part of motherhood with growing and raising their babies because it’s never flaunted with intentions to judge or shame formula-feeding moms. I think the sooner we stop this war between each other by just being compassionate, loving and kind to one another, we can listen (key word*) to each other instead of jumping to conclusions. We post pictures or selfies to share our lives and world with others because we are proud and happy.

Just another morning routine nursing.

For me, sharing a brelfie is me being vulnerable, honest, sensitive, emotional, and proud because I love this part of my journey in to motherhood. I love and appreciate the bond breastfeeding has brought me with both my babies. It’s about my family and me, not what I negatively think about others, which I don’t.
Breastfeeding is natural, beautiful and unexplainable in just one post. And at 28 years old, I’m more confident, calm, patient, and wise to know it’s important to post and take brelfies because I’m so freaking proud of breastfeeding my babies! For me, breastfeeding is an important part of my motherhood and I’m not going to forget it.

One of the first photos my husband took of my daughter and me breastfeeding just a few days postpartum. He used a “fun” filter with his new camera.

Posting on Social Media isn’t for everyone, so I’m not suggesting you must do that in order to properly document or be proud of your breastfeeding journey. I do encourage you to take more pictures if it’s a time in your life and motherhood that you don’t want to forget. What are your favorite nursing or motherhood moments you’ve captured?

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

–

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Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post Breastfeeding on my Birthday appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

In the beginning. <3

A friend of mine posted a question on Facebook the other week asking if (us) breastfeeding mamas had to change our diet while nursing, what we had to cut, for how long, and what changes we saw in our babies after. This is her second baby and it was déjà vu for me because I had such a different time nursing my second time around, as well.

Right when my Little Miss was born. My perfect little girl. <3

Right away, my daughter nursed so differently than my son did, which is okay because every baby is different, but it wasn’t until a few weeks old that we started to notice it was more than that. She would nurse so quickly, unlatching sometimes right after my letdown (spilling milk and I would try to catch it), but would want to nurse again very quickly because she would spit up almost after every feeding. She would only nurse from one breast and it would take forever for her to burp. Then if we could get her to finally burp, she would have hiccups and spit up. With my son, he was calm and would stay latched forever, falling asleep at almost every feeding the first few months (milk drunk), never spit up, never had trouble burping after a feeding and always nursed from both breasts each feeding.

So tiny and loving her milk.

When she started to spit up after every feeding, she also became very upset and fussy most of the day, especially from noon until midnight. It was so awful and frustrating, I felt like we could never leave the house. At first I thought it was just something I kept eating, so I started to pay attention to my diet and I figure it had to be all the spicy food I loved eating. I already ate a dairy–free and egg–free diet, and I babywore her almost always. But after all that, cutting out the spicy foods included, it still seemed to not make a big enough difference for her. I became desperate and went to our pediatrician, who gave us a prescription for baby reflux. But, after 5 days of her being on the medication I just started having a bad feeling about this harsh medicine in her tiny body. After researching and reading all the potential side effects, my husband and I decided that our daughter would immediately stop using it that day.

Boob pillow! Milk drunk and out. <3

We researched everything on natural, homeopathic and naturopathic ways to help manage or even cure baby reflux that night. My husband came across this blog or parent conversation board where this husband and his wife had figured out the right treatment plan that cured their baby from reflux. The next day we went and got what we needed and made the right appointments to get our baby girl the relief we were praying for. After a little over a week of following this plan our Little Miss was cured. No joke, you didn’t read that wrong – cured! Below are the homeopathic remedies she took, the specialists she saw, and the treatment plan we stuck to.
– I cut out onions, garlic, broccoli, peppers (all but a few bell here and there), caffeine, dairy, eggs, and all spicy foods. It was hard at first but I stuck to this diet until she was 7-8 months, then only slowly brought back these foods until after her first birthday.

Image from Google

– Hylands #10 Nat Phos 6, one after each feeding. We called these her ‘little baby tums.’ They easily dissolve, which can be crushed up and given to baby directly, or use a baby medicine or breastmilk syringe with a drop of water or breastmilk.
– Boiron Nux Vomica 30c, twice a day, morning and night. These are harder and take a little bit to dissolve, so I used a syringe with either some breastmilk or a few drops of water and swirled it around until completely dissolved to give to baby.
– One trip to a specialized pediatric chiropractor for a post birth therapy session. We’re spoiled and have a few great practices here in Portland with great homeopathic, pediatric chiropractors, but you should be able to find one in your area.

Image from Google

– One dose of pediatric probiotics applied to a pacifier or your nipple right before breastfeeding once a day. I was given a great one by my daughter’s pediatric chiropractor.
– Warm bath before bedtime every night. This is a great way to calm and relax colicky or reflux babies. Even if they don’t seem to like it at first, be consistent and continue giving them a warm bath as part of their night routine.
– Castor Oil tummy massage after bath, then cover with a washcloth, and clothe in a onesie. Maybe use onesies you don’t care about because the castor oil can stain.
– Dress baby in loose clothes, no tight waist bands, and be mindful of how tight the baby’s diaper is.
– When changing baby’s diaper, instead of pulling up her/his legs, like we’re taught, gently roll baby slightly to her/his side and carefully lift her/his leg up to wipe and replace a diaper.
All of this treatment was approved and encouraged by our pediatric chiropractor and my daughter’s pediatrician.

My baby girl, now. Not such a baby at 22 months old, but always one to me.

This may seem like a lot but it’s far better than the alternative, and we did this for only four days and saw a huge improvement! Every baby is different and my daughter was not diagnosed with sever GERDs, so it might take longer than a week or more pediatric chiropractic appointments than it did for my daughter, but it’s worth it.
I will say the first two days are a little tough because there isn’t an overnight change when you first start the treatment. But being consistent and just sticking with it will payoff, trust me.
I kept the homeopathic remedies on hand in her diaper bag in case she became irritated here and there, but we really didn’t have to use them much after a couple of weeks of treatment.

I’m not a medical professional nor do I have a medical license, but I do believe this treatment plan has to be better for babies bodies in the long run. This is what worked for my baby and our family, and it’s important that I share our experience with more parents because it could also cure your baby’s reflux.

We would love to hear from you! What has been your experience with Exclusively Breastfeeding and using a Binky? Share it with us in the comments below!

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

–

[col1][/col1]

[col2][/col2]

[col3][/col3]

Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post Breastfeeding a Colicky or Reflux Baby appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Breastfeeding while out

When I first gave birth to my son in 2012, other mothers (when relevant to our conversation) would ask if he was EBF (exclusively breastfed/feeding). I would answer, ‘yes,’ but then the question if he was also using a binky would also be asked. I would answer, ‘um, yeah.’ I thought that was strange so many mamas would mention if their baby was “fully EBF” and did or did not use a binky. Besides my own mommy guilt settling in and making me feel insecure, I thought why would any mama not let their baby use a binky if it’s used at appropriate times? If it’s given in a way that the mom is still communicating and listening to her baby’s needs then she could still be successfully EBF her baby.

My husband, DRbabywearingDad, baby wearing our Little Miss. She was grumpy and wanted her binky.

I then decided to start paying even more attention to a) how I gave the binky to my son (and daughter, later), b) how using a binky does not change my hard-earned title of EBF, and c) find out more about the most talked about nipple confusion. Although, my babies never really experienced nipple confusion, I have noticed one of my babies preferred binkies a little more over the other. They have both loved to nurse, too. My son took to them quickly but he was in the NICU his first two weeks earthside, which monitored and managed even allowing him to be Exclusively Breastfed, forget nursing him on demand. My daughter on the other hand, was nursing like a champ right away and never left my side, and she hated binkies at first. It took a couple months of trial and error to find the right binky and even then I could only get her to maybe take them when I needed a (very) short break.

Why I Chose to Use Binkies while Breastfeeding

For my sanity, I cannot take the torture of hearing my babies cry. Especially while in the car. After knowing they just nursed enough to be okay with taking a little break, having a binky near just in case is helpful to calm and soothe them. My son was better at soothing himself and liked the constant sucking, even after nursing many, many times, which left him full. For me, as a new mom binkies were my savior when I wanted to take 30 minutes to shower and get ready, which took me a few months to get back in schedule of doing again. Once my son and I were home from the hospital, we nursed almost 24/7, building my supply back up and cosleeping day and night. He only used his binkies while out and about, in the car, when I was in the shower, or when I needed to get some chores done real fast (if I wasn’t baby wearing him). To me, this never substituted for breastfeeding time. Once he was older and weaned at 15 months old, he loved his binkies. He used binkies (all called Mr. Binky) until he was 2.5 years. I cut off all the nipples after that and he only slept with the partial binky for the next 4-5 months for comfort and out of habit, as he was never upset about it. In fact the first day I cut them, he laughed and said, “Oh no, mommy, my binky broke.” I told him it must be because he no longer needs to use it and he said, “yeah!”

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

My daughter on the other hand wanted nothing to do with binkies at first and only wanted to breastfeed 24/7, seriously. She still wants to nurse all the time at 21.5 months. But she had bad reflux her first month and she’s always been vocal when she wants what she wants. It took SO much trial and error but I finally found binkies she would take when I needed a short break, when we were in the car, when daddy babywears her, or just when she needs to soothe herself and I can’t.

How to choose a Binky?

If you are okay with using binkies while breastfeeding, you’ll have to find out what kind and what shape of binky your baby will want and need. First thing you should find out is are you allergic to any of the binky product materials? If so, your baby could also be allergic. For example, I am allergic to latex, so I knew not to give my babies latex binkies, which many are still made out of (what!).

Are you not sure? First, here’s what you need to know about latex:

Although only 1% (3 million people) of the general population is know to be allergic to latex, many people are not aware they are sensitive to what makes up latex and do not know the more exposure to it, they will eventually have an allergic reaction. The more a latex sensitive person is exposed to it, the more you are at risk of developing the allergy. Read more statistics and facts here and here.
To sum up about using binkies while breastfeeding, from my experience, I still don’t really know much about nipple confusion because my babies never really had an issue; you can be Exclusively Breastfeeding and still use a binky; to find the right binky for your babe, there might be some painful and frustrating trial and error; and, stay away from latex binkies! Better safe than sorry.

Happy nursing and binky using, mamas!!

We would love to hear from you! What has been your experience with Exclusively Breastfeeding and using a Binky? Share it with us in the comments below!

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

–

[col1][/col1]

[col2][/col2]

[col3][/col3]

Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post To Binky, or Not to Binky while Breastfeeding (That is the Question) appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Us during our morning routine.

The last six weeks of night weaning my 21-month-old have been frustrating, emotional, exhausting, and interesting. My daughter LOVES to nurse and the last four months or so have been a roller coaster of change on my supply (and on my hormones) because she was not consistent with a nighttime nursing schedule. Part of it was due to being sick, another part was due to lack of eating dinner as she is becoming a picker toddler, and another part was due to not staying on her usual sleep schedule.

She loves to grab my face.

She went from pretty much sleeping through the night for months and only nursing a couple times in the night to unpredictable nursing times, up to six nursing times in the night! I was starting to get exhausted from how many times she was getting up. It seemed like we were going backward instead of forward with our nursing relationship. If she’s getting proper food in the day then there’s no reason why, at 21 months, she should be eating like a newborn in the night.
So, my goals of trying to get back on our usual night schedule, taking every precaution to prevent illnesses again, and finding ways to make sure she is getting enough protein and nutritious food before bed are what I have focused on.

My view.

Now, this is where I tell you how after lots of research and some precautious trial and error I figured out the most successful way to night wean and to get your baby to sleep through the night.

However, that is not what happened in the beginning for us.

The reasons why I wanted to night wean were because I wanted my body to get its rhythm back, and for Little Miss and I to both feel rested after a night of sleep. My body physically was not having any trouble keeping up with her demands of needing supply (my supply was very high); however, I was emotionally upset because I practice family planning and my body was starting to get out of sync. At nearly two years postpartum, my hormones were all of a sudden off track when she started eating anywhere from 8-12 times a day again. I became so frustrated. The extreme amount of night nursing was impacting our lives too much, so I decided it was time. Time to night wean.

Just our day nursing.

As recommended by WHO, The CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, I too urge any breastfeeding mom to wait until 2 years old to fully wean. However, to night wean, if your baby is over 18 months, you are having a hard time getting proper sleep (I mean no more than 1-2 hours of sleep at a time), and you are hoping to regain your regular hormonal cycle for either family planning reasons or other medical needs, then it might be time.

Falling asleep for nap time.

What I tried to do our first week of starting to night wean is not what I recommend doing. I jumped right into eliminating all night feedings, therefore, after a few days of that, my supply took a HUGE hit. I became so emotional because I now worried that I damaged my supply permanently by getting rid of her night feedings too quickly. I then spent the next few days drinking a large amount of water, nursing on demand, resting my body, and taking my trusted lactation supplement goodies. I also didn’t refuse night feedings, but I tried to make sure she was properly fed at dinner so she wouldn’t nurse all night. Thankfully, the second attempt was successful in the end and I didn’t lose my supply.

After a rough start to night weaning, I did lots of reading and research, and I decided to not put so much pressure on myself and Little Miss to eliminate all night feedings until she’s ready. Especially, after I reacted so emotionally to thinking I might not be able to nurse her again already. That told me to slow down and just enjoy the nursing–ride a little longer because she’s only three months away from turning 2 years old. I do not have an end date to completely stop breastfeeding her, so I hope my hormones can figure itself out without interfering.

As for getting sleep, we are back down to only a couple night feedings through the night, so that’s perfect! This is what our 24 hours of nursing looks like now that we’re back on schedule:

• 2-4am feeding (if she does not sleep through the night)
• 8am feeding when wake up
• 10:30am feeding if she didn’t like breakfast
• 2pm nap feeding
• 8:30/9pm bedtime feeding

The main advice I want you to focus on after reading this post is please wean slowly and do your research before choosing a method that will best suit you and your baby’s needs. Check in with yourself about the possibility that it might go faster or slower than you might think. Breastfeeding your baby is one of the best bonds a mother has with her child, so remember this time is only temporary and there will probably be a day you’ll miss it.

Enjoying this Breastfeeding journey!

Happy Breastfeeding, Mamas! And remember to go slow when night weaning.

We’d love to hear your stories! Do share with us your night weaning stories, have you had any low supply? We want to hear about it so drop us a comment below! 

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

–

[col1][/col1]

[col2][/col2]

[col3][/col3]

Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post When and How to Night Wean appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Breastfeeding Christmas Morning

It’s a new year and with a new year comes new goals, challenges, accomplishments, and change. Although many mamas extend-breastfeed past two years old, I really don’t think it’s in the cards for my daughter and me. So, this new year is most likely the year my daughter’s and my breastfeeding relationship and journey will come to an end. I certainly cannot see the future and life can be surprising, so I guess there’s always a chance I could be wrong; however, I just don’t think that will be the case for us.

Just another day in the life of a breastfeeding mama with her baby girl.

Next Tuesday, January 12, will mark 21 months of our breastfeeding anniversary (and my daughter’s 21-month-birthday). Even a month ago, I was very confident we would make it to 2 years and some time afterwards. But, now things have changed within the past few weeks. I have had 21 amazing months breastfeeding my daughter and she’s not done yet; she’s not going down without a fight! I have started to become tired and worn out from all her night feedings, which led to my decision to try and night wean her this past month. Because of that, my body’s hormones changing, and family planning, my milk took a big hit in the last couple of weeks. It seemed to be overnight that I all of a sudden was not as full, and I even had a hard time one morning having my letdown. She still nurses 4-5 times from morning to night but because I cut the night feedings (3-4) this month, my body started to think it was done or something.

Just us <3

The first morning I noticed a big change, I woke up and tried to feed her but ended up having trouble. I was so caught off guard by this situation my emotions got the best of me. I started questioning myself, being hard on myself for trying to night wean her too soon. Thankfully, my husband calmed me down, reminding me that we were not done and that I just needed more water, rest, good food, and breastfeeding supplements, if needed. But one thing was for sure, the most important thing of all: I believe in my body! I know if we are not done, we are not done. I need to stay positive, take care of my body, and feed my daughter when she wants.
I spent a couple of days rehydrating (like crazy), eating well, sleeping, and turning back to my lactation supplements. I first had the last couple of Mrs. Patel’s Ayurvedic, yummy, chocolate lactation bars I had in my freezer. Then, I tried my new MilkyMama’s delicious lemonade, rich and perfect brownies, and mouthwatering oatmeal cookies. The MilkyMama’s lactation goodies are less potent due to no Ayurvedic herbs and did take a few days to go in to full effect but worked really well when using recommended intake everyday.

A New Year for Breastfeeding, this 2016 will be a great year and I hope it’s filled with surprises!

Love our nursing necklace!

Now, I still successfully breastfeed my daughter during the day, but because my milk supply seemed to be depleting so quickly, it motivated me to be proactive to prevent loosing what I still have, just in case. I thought it was going to take me a full month or two to slow down my night supply, so when it seemed like it pretty much disappeared after only a week of trying to night wean, I was very emotional. My supply has been so high the past 20 months that it caught me off guard when my body reacted so quickly.

“I’ve got your shirt mom, don’t worry!”

I know we are definitely not done yet, but this year will most likely will be our year we stop. This 2016 is going to be a great year and I hope it’s filled with surprises. Maybe one of those will turn out to be my daughter’s and my breastfeeding journey continuing past two years, but if not I’m okay with that.

I will always be a breastfeeding mama, and I breastfed both my babies, just as I intended and had hoped to do. Here’s to a new year of positive change and growth, new and exciting experiences, and breastfeeding my baby girl.

We’d love to hear your stories! Do share with us your breastfeeding stories, have you had any low supply recently? Are you in the process of weaning? We want to hear about it so drop us a comment below! 

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

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Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post A New Year For Breastfeeding appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Us doing our normal thing.

Don’t be the Scrooge of Breastfeeding this Christmas!

Do not be the Scrooge of Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding your baby is important. I say this as a matter of fact- medically recommended, not as a judgment. The American Academy of Pediatrics certainly states so and so does WHO (World Health Organization), recommending that babies be breastfed until 2 years of age.
In 2012, the U.S. ranked last (LAST!) on the Breastfeeding Policy Scorecard for the World’s Mother’s Report for 2012. For many reasons, American women face many challenges and many avoidable obstacles with breastfeeding. So, if you are anti-breastfeeding, please keep your opinions to yourself and don’t be the Scrooge of Breastfeeding this Christmas and holiday season.

Know Your Rights, Don’t allow anyone to be a Scrooge of Breastfeeding this Season!

Nearly all 50 states protect mothers’ rights to breastfeed out in public, wherever they want and whenever they want. When babies are hungry, babies need to be fed right away. Babies are too small and immature to understand how to manipulate and lack the years of practice to gain patience to know how to wait to be fed, which a baby should not have to wait – it’s a baby! So, if you see one of us nursing out in public and you disagree, please keep it to yourself. Don’t be the Scrooge of breastfeeding this Christmas and holiday season.

Beautiful Breastfeeding!

Many of us breastfeeding mothers go through challenges and must relax while nursing, so don’t make it harder for us to feed our babies. Look the other way or leave if you are uncomfortable with a mother taking care of her baby to survive the best way possible, with love and nutrients. Don’t be the Scrooge of Breastfeeding this Christmas or holiday season.
Let’s not be at war with each other on what parenting group is “better” (breastfeeding or bottle feeding) this holiday season. We should know by now that America is driven by money-hungry corporations and formula companies are very aggressive towards new mothers and all parents. This puts so much pressure on moms when feeling defeated and exhausted from breastfeeding in the beginning. Don’t be the Scrooge of breastfeeding this Christmas and holiday season. We need to stick together, educate one another, support one another to be the best parent each of us are, in our own ways. Just remember, breastfeeding can be hard, so just try to love and support all mamas and parents feeding their babies. Don’t be the Scrooge of Breastfeeding this Christmas and holiday season.

Christmas time in the Rose house, filled with love and respect for breastfeeding.

And last, don’t be too hard on yourself and never give up on what you think is the best for you, your baby and family. Please know breastfeeding support and help is out there and you’re never alone. So, don’t be the Scrooge of Breastfeeding this Christmas by shamming something so natural, nurturing and beautiful.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

Do you have a difficult family member or distant friend who is unsupportive of your breastfeeding? Are you having to be around them this holiday season and feel stressed from it? Or are you surrounded by love and support?

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post Don’t be a Scrooge of Breastfeeding appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Little Miss and I all bundled up in the cold weather while babywearing.

Breastfeeding in the winter is one of the best times to breastfeed, in my opinion. Although I was born in Burbank, I’ve lived in Oregon pretty much my entire life and I’m very much a proud Oregonian. I love seasons and I LOVE the snow!
I love the summer and just because it snows in Oregon does not mean it does not get super hot in the summer; it does, especially in Central Oregon, where I grew up.

As I teenager, I loved going outdoors and playing sports but I would be so uncomfortable in the summer when it was so hot and when I would sweat; I hate sweating! So, of course, the first summer I was a breastfeeding mom was interesting for me. Thank goodness I found myself mostly in air-conditioned climates; however, I did experience some very sweaty and uncomfortable situations while trying to cover my baby boy while nursing.

Family photo at MommyCon Seattle while nursing and baby wearing Little Miss during nap time to stay warm and cozy.

In the winter, you already want to cuddle up and stay warm, and breastfeeding in this climate is beyond perfect! My daughter has increased her feedings not just because she was sick (another seasonal favorite, not!) but also because when she wants to get warm and cuddle up with me, she looks over and thinks why not, let’s have some of mommy’s milk, too! Which happens a lot throughout the day.
This weather also makes babywearing even more enjoyable for my daughter and even my 3-year-old son because being on us keeps them warm. When I can babywear her all the time to stay warm and multitask, again, milk is right there for her to have!

Winter… a great season for breastfeeding!

Cuddling up with my baby while nursing to stay comfy and warm.

Another great result of all this breastfeeding in this cold weather is it helps increase my supply! What nursing mama doesn’t love that?! What’s also great about an increase in supply during this holiday season is that it can give us mamas a chance to give back. Besides the amazing fact that we nurture and give to our babies, we can give back to other babies in need of our breastmilk, too! If you have a frozen stash you aren’t going to use or you need to pump even after your baby or toddler has eaten enough, think about donating.

Birth, Breastfeeding and babywearing. <3

Last winter, I had a frozen stash I realized Little Miss wasn’t going to use by her first birthday coming up in a few months (in April). So around this time last year, I donated to a local mom who had adopted her beautiful baby girl. Because she felt it was so important her daughter be breastfed the first year of her life, she had to rely on mamas willing to donate. Hospitals and many families are now turning to and offering donated breastmilk as the first feeding option, over formula. This is a great way to think about giving back this holiday season.
The holiday season is such a special time to recap on our lives in the last year and what our new goals are for the new ear. So, the last amazing thing I want to point out about breastfeeding during the holiday season is to look down at your baby or toddler and just feel so blessed for what you have and what you’re providing for these beautiful little people.

My babies <3

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, Mamas and Families!!

Kind reminder: I’m in no way against formula or bottle feeding. I understand every family and situation is different and we do the best we can. I support all mamas and families who love their children unconditionally. I and Breastfeeding World want to help normalize breastfeeding and help motivate and support mothers to continue trying to breastfeed.

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

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Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post ‘Tis The Season For Breastfeeding appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

What my Monday morning looked like.

Early Monday morning, on Dec. 1^st, around 2 a.m., my 3-year-old son came into our room, woke me up and climbed into bed with my husband and I. He had been sick with what we thought was a cold since the Tuesday before, but by the fourth night he was wheezy and breathing deep while sleeping. He would wake about half way through the night for two nights but would fall back asleep with us the rest of the night. But by the third night of wheezy breathing (sixth night total of being sick), this early Monday morning, there was just something different and worse this time.
The morning of Dec. 1^st, from 2 a.m. until 6 a.m. felt like many more hours had past because all three of us were falling in and out of sleep, but not actually getting any sleep at all. He was starting to have a really hard time breathing, struggling in fact, and was feeling a little feverish.

Breastfeeding in emergency situations can be very handy and specially nourishing for your children

My babies in arms in a hospital bed. My poor boy.

After getting our son in a steaming shower and calling the on-call nurse by 6:30 a.m., we were told to go to the ER. We were shocked and I felt it was all happening so fast. He seemed fine in the day, almost seemed like he was improving, he just had some minor cold symptoms. By 8 a.m. we were at the ER and back in a room with a doctor and nurses. My husband had to go to work but was going to try and get off early and meet us there, so I told him not to worry and I would keep him updated. Never did I think we would be there all day and he would be admitted to stay the night. With in 15 minutes of being in the ER, he was diagnosed with Croup (severe) and was given breathing treatment and steroids. He was in a lot of pain, exhausted, confused, and just wanted to go home.
I had babyworn my 19-month-old daughter in, so she was with the two of us, in the hospital bed during all of it. Now, I was trying to be prepared and packed a snack bag, but I forgot it in the car in all the chaos. Little Miss and I were starting to really need food even though she had morning nursed already before getting there. The nurses did what they could and brought us a few snacks but we were still hungry.

Breastfeeding in an emergency.

So conveniently, even under stress and with little to no food, I breastfed her all morning! This made caring for my son so much easier because I did not have to worry if my daughter was starving to death and she got what she needed. My daughter stayed calm and helpful (90% of the time), just sitting in the bed with her poor sick brother and myself because she could nurse. She didn’t get grumpy and act out, she didn’t feel left out or ignored, and she didn’t need special attention. All because of breastfeeding! I didn’t need to get out of bed, stop holding my son, stop helping the nurses with him to get or make food or milk for her because of breastfeeding. I am so grateful for being able to breastfeed and sticking with it. I love that because of breastfeeding, I was able to nurture my very sick son in a scary situation, while also nurturing my 19-month-old all by myself!

Our sweet nurse pulling my babies in the hospital’s pediatric wagon after 10 hours of being there. They were getting restless.

Because of breastfeeding, both my babies were taken care of and I felt like a supermom never missing a thing for my babies.

We want to hear from you: What’s your breastfeeding in emergency situations story? Drop us a comment below!

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

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Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post Breastfeeding in Emergency Situations appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

First, I am thankful for my mom breastfeeding all of her children, even when working full-time. Even after going back to work, she did what she could to continue breastfeeding. Then when day feedings were not a reality anymore, she never gave up on night feedings for my siblings until after a year old. I think this helped me develop an understanding and reality that you don’t have to give up breastfeeding all together if it doesn’t look “perfect” or if you can’t exclusively breastfeed; you just do the very best that you can do for your baby.

Feeding Mister at a few days old.

Next, I’m so thankful for all the challenges my son and I faced with my first breastfeeding journey. Because of these challenges, I knew we could make it through anything, and breastfeeding was always going to be my son’s full source of nutrition, no matter what. Having faith in myself to never give up and that it wasn’t an option really help me focus on how to improve, move forward, and that it’s naturally what my body can do (positive); not focus on how imperfect it was going, or what fears I had (negative).

Mister was ebf by 4 weeks old!

I’m also thankful for going through the first couple weeks of my son’s earth-side life with supplementation. Yes, you read that right – I’m thankful. But not why you might think. I’m not because I believe he needed it. In fact, I think he did not need it. I was very upset by the fact the hospital made me and forced my son (literally) to have formula. He did not want it and would not drink it, so they tube fed him. I was able to pump colostrum after he was born and he got it within the first couple of hours of birth. And when he breastfed, from the moment I first held him, he latched like a pro and just wanted to be on me. Because he was 6 weeks early, I know the nurses and doctors were following protocol and their main goal was for him to gain X amount of weight before leaving (he was 5 lbs) to be healthy and developed, but my milk alone would have been enough. My milk came in a day and a half after birth and my milk was specially made for him, and him being early.

Strong and big Mister breastfed until 15 months old!

But, I am thankful we did experience supplementation for 2.5 weeks with my breastmilk because after using 3 different formulas, I can confidently say I saw and know the different physical affects formula had on my baby, a newborn baby, verses just breastmilk. I’m just thankful we didn’t give up on each other and that my son was patient and strong when I had to build my supply back up at just 3 weeks postpartum. Thankfully, with the support of my loving husband and an amazing, nursing baby – he could have eaten 24/7, which he pretty much did – we were able to do it!

And last, I am so eternally thankful for what self-love, acceptance, patience, and strength breastfeeding has brought me.

Now my daughter is 19 months breastfeeding and still going!

Happy Thanksgiving, Mamas!

What about breastfeeding makes you thankful?

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

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Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post I’m Thankful for Breastfeeding appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Wearing one of my favorite Victoria’s Secret’s sweatshirts 5 years ago.

Whether it was years of brainwashing marking or cultural obsession with cleavage being the definition of a woman, I felt good shopping at Victoria’s Secret. It was when I became pregnant with my son that I started using chemical-free body products, therefore I stopped going to Victoria’s Secret for lotion and other body products. Then, somewhere during my pregnancy I started to think the store just didn’t have appropriate underwear that was fitting for my lifestyle anymore.

Why doesn’t Victoria’s Secret have breastfeeding bras?

My breast started to lactate and leak very early in my pregnancy and changed in shape, so delicate bras with thin straps and underwire weren’t working any longer. Even Victoria’s Secret cotton bras I hated because it wouldn’t cover everything.

Sublime Nursing Bra from Bravadodesigns.com.
I have it in this color!

Cake Lingerie Maternity Nursing Bra, I SO want to order!

After birth, I needed different size underwear and that seemed to be impossibly hard and uncomfortable to do there (but that is a challenge in general postpartum). Some were too big, some were too small; some lacked coverage, and others gave too much coverage.
After finding amazing nursing bras at the hospital maternity shop after giving birth to my son, I didn’t enter a Victoria’s Secret again until nearly a year later. It was so different and so awkward. I thought why would I want any of this uncomfortable stuff now? It didn’t look uncomfortable before. But then I thought why doesn’t Victoria’s Secret have a nursing line?

HotMilk Lingerie Mode Black Nursing Bra.

Giselle Bundchen and Miranda Kerr breastfeed and they are two of Vistoria’s Secret’s top models. Victoria’s Secret, you are missing out on a huge opportunity for major business. I LOVE my amazingly comfortable and beautiful nursing bras. And let me tell you, a woman confident in her postpartum, nursing body is far more attractive than lost, socially pressured, marketing brainwashed, over sexualized girls’ or young women’s. In fact, I’ve never loved my body more until I became a mom. Each pregnancy and birth has challenged me and made me realize how amazing and beautiful my body is for growing the most perfect little people!

No makeup, first thing in the morning breastfeeding my baby girl, and feeling more beautiful than ever!

So, maybe I actually don’t want you to make nursing bras, Victoria’s Secret. I actually fear (not really) you are dying off all together with this huge feminist movement right now on self–acceptance and self love, driven by confident women and mothers. I mean, what did you really think when you came out with a bra that gives a woman 2 or more added cup sizes. Why? That’s also false advertising and just fake. All women no matter what breast cup size is beautiful and can find other ways to be feminine. I understand certain circumstances are different for women who want reconstruction or added padding to feel and look the way they want; however, I highly doubt you are marketing towards these amazing women for your target audience.

 A woman confident in her postpartum, nursing body is far more attractive than lost!

Thankfully, there are companies that picked up on the demand and offer a great selection for nursing moms. The options are getting better and better every year, and each time I have a baby. I’m so happy I found my nursing bras by Bravado! by Medela, Gilligan and O’Malley at Target, and Motherhood. Now I’m truly sexy and comfortable while being the most beautiful woman ever: a mom!

Dear Kate Campaign. Source: mic.com

We would love to hear from you so leave us a comment below! What was your favorite nursing bra during your breastfeeding journey?

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

–

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Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post Victoria’s Secret has Nothin’ on My Breasts! appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Baby girl trying to feed me our nursing/teething necklace from The Vintage Honey Shop.

When I was pregnant with my son in 2012, I don’t recall seeing any breastfeeding/teething jewelry. After my son’s birth and focused on breastfeeding 24/7, I wanted many breastfeeding accessories. It wasn’t until 2014, after the birth of my daughter that I noticed all these wonderful, fashionable, silicone, wooden, fabric and silk teething and breastfeeding necklaces mommies were wearing for their babes to enjoy.

Little Miss loving her Chompy Chic, babywearing teething and nursing jewelry.

At first, I didn’t see any I thought would fit my wardrobe and style, and I didn’t think my daughter would like them. It was interesting to think how they could be useful to my daughter if I was wearing it all the time. If she was not nursing, and if her teeth were bothering her, she had her binkie. But after some time, realizing she was always on me anyways, I wanted one and I was convinced my daughter would like them.
I asked for one for my birthday last year, when my daughter’s teeth were always bothering her at 9-10 months old. She was breastfeeding all the time and preferred to be on me all day, so using a teething necklace that was on me seemed practical, now. We went to a local baby boutique and got an all black, silicone ball teething and nursing necklace. She loved it! Except one thing was wrong after about a week of using it: I did not like wearing it.

Enjoying our new Chompy Chic silicone necklaces that she so generously sent to us to review. These are some of our favorite! The beads stop at the neck so they don’t pinch or pull your hair.

I was so disappointed because I looked forward to getting it and this necklace was not cheap. In fact, it was one of the most expensive ones I have ever seen. I obviously did not do enough shopping around before purchasing it. The silicone balls go completely around the necklace, so it pinched my neck and pulled on my hair. Ouch. 
After my disappointing purchase, I started shopping around to find one that would fit me better. I found endless options and so many different styles out there! I decided to try and find one that would work because now I knew too many benefits to using these necklaces.
Here’s what’s great about teething and breastfeeding necklaces:

• It can keep your baby focused on breastfeeding or feeding if bottle-fed. As we mothers know, sometimes it’s hard to get our babies to focus on feeding and to not be so distracted by their surroundings.
• It keeps your baby busy and something to do while nursing rather than pulling on your hair, clothing, and non-nursing/not kid-friendly jewelry.
• It can even distract your baby enough to stop them from pinching and even biting while nursing.
• And, for babies’ growing and developing minds, it can provide a very stimulating visual and tactile.

Our beautiful cotton and silk Nursing Necklace from The Vintage Honey Shop.

There are so many great, little and passionate companies you can get them from, which can be endlessly found on Etsy (my favorite). There are beautiful selections of silicone and wood, using striking and fashionable cotton and silk, nylon cord, and even leather or crochet.
Just remember to read the warning labels and to use as directed. These are still necklaces, with string and made for adults to wear, so never leave your baby or your toddler unsupervised with one.

She loves these!

Do you use breastfeeding/teething necklaces? If so, what is your favorite brand, and what is it made out of?

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

–

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[col3][/col3]

Page Rose

I am a 27-year-old WAHM to two intelligent and amazing toddlers (3 and 1.5 years), and two stepdaughters (12.5 and 8.5 years). I am a very active and passionate birth advocate working to change regulations, laws and cultural norms in the U.S. to provide parents to be educated and empowered to know all birth rights and options. I am a proud emergency, unplanned c-section, turned all natural, non-medicated VBAC experienced mama! I am a modern-hippie mama practicing attachment parenting, who loves babywearing and toddlerwearing, and of course breastfeeding! I love to laugh with my amazing husband/best friend and to travel to new places with our beautiful family.
For more of my lifestyle and mommy blogging updates, check out my Instagram page @PRbabywearingMama.

The post Growing in Popularity: Breastfeeding and Teething Jewelry appeared first on Breastfeeding World.