Mothers are not failing. Our medical system is failing mothers.

How do we expect moms to successfully breastfeed when many of our doctors, including OBGYNs, Pediatricians, and Family Medicine physicians are not required to take anything more than the minimum education on breastfeeding (usually 1-3 hours course)?

The breast is a very complicated organ, yet in medical school it is mostly discussed in terms of cancer, not it’s intended biological function. How does that make any sense? There is an important body organ that feeds our young and yet doctors that work closely with breastfeeding dyads, don’t need to know anything about it. Formula companies step in daily bringing doctors food and teaching them all about infant feeding.

Breastfeeding often does not go as expected.

Why does a doctor need to know about breastfeeding when there are lactation consultants?

Physicians need to know the normal function of the breast, so they are able to know when to properly refer to a specialist. I hear way too often that when breastfeeding isn’t going well, many pediatricians are not referring to a lactation consultant, instead they advise women to use formula.

What is an IBCLC?

Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are the experts in breastfeeding. However, most parents don’t know that there are many different “pathways” to becoming and IBCLC and there is no “standard” lactation education. Therefore, some IBCLCs have excellent training and some lack skills and proper education. The minimum training that is needed to take the IBCLC exam is usually not enough to really be of help to parents.

For many, becoming an IBCLC can be challenging from a logistics standpoint. You are required to find a mentor and until very recently, learn from them in person for free, or for a nominal fee, but never paid. This puts the credential out of reach for many interested in becoming board certified lactation consultants, especially to people of color that might not have anyone in their area by which to be mentored or people that may not afford to work for free. As a result, access to an IBCLC becomes very difficult for those that need it most.

IBCLC with oral motor education assessing an infant’s suck.

Barriers that some parents might face when hiring an IBCLC

Difficulty accessing bilingual professionals: In my state of Colorado Latinos make up more than 20% of the state, however, there is only one IBCLC that speaks Spanish. Therefore, these moms are not getting the same level of care as their English-speaking counterparts.

High out-of-pocket costs: Another barrier is that a lactation visit also usually costs between $150-$200 and most often, it doesn’t just take one visit. This financial aspect can mean the end of breastfeeding for many families.

Contradicting points-of-view: In some occasions, IBCLCs find themselves defending they’re practices when doctors go against their professional recommendation. An IBCLC will give one piece of advice, but when the parent tells their doctor that advice, the doctor contradicts it. Therefore, many parents are left not knowing what to do at all.

Lack of evidence-based information: More formal research is needed regarding breastfeeding and all of its benefits. As of now, a lot of information found is based on “experience” vs “evidence”.  

With all of these challenges, it is no wonder many mothers do not breastfeed as long as they would like. Until these barriers are diminished, women need to use their sadness and anger felt and direct it where it belongs: on our health care system that at times fails to care of our most precious commodity; mothers and babies.

Moms do not fail to breastfeed, but many of them are failed every single day.

Have you ever hired an IBCLC? What has been your experience working with physicians and specialists regarding breastfeeding? 

Kelly Euperio, MS, RD, IBCLC, CSOM

I feel so honored that I get to work with families at such an exciting and often trying time in their lives.  I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and am very passionate about helping families meet their breastfeeding goals.  My goal, when working with breastfeeding dyads, is to get to the bottom of what is causing the issues and not just “put a bandaid on it”.  

In addition to being a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, I am also a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and a Certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology (CSOM).  Both help me serve breastfeeding dyads in different ways.  As an RDN, I am also able to help with diet, supplement, and gut recommendations that many breastfeeding moms and babies need.  As a CSOM, I have an extensive knowledge in suck training and relearning to use the tongue and facial muscles after a tongue tie release.

I have two kiddos that I breastfed, but not without struggles.  I understand what it feels like when you thought it would be easy and it’s not.  The lack of help that I received from healthcare professionals during this time is what drives my passion for helping others.  I also believe that the addition of and eventual transition to solid foods is an important and often taken granted part of long-term health. 

www.bvlactation.com

The post No, you did not fail to breastfeed appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Mi decisión era tan sólida que durante mi embarazo no contemplé otra opción para alimentar a mi bebé. No investigué sobre las diferentes formulas que existen, ni cuál sería apta o no. Pienso que mi decisión se debió a las influencias culturales que sin querer se convierten en “norma”. Crecí viendo a mis tias y primas amamantar a sus pequeños así que yo no tendría porqué ser la excepción. Me lo propuse y ejercí toda esa presión sobre mi misma sin saber que tan difícil sería…

“Amamantar es alimentar a tu hijo con el elixir de la vida”

Natalia amamantando a su pequeño Theo, venciendo sus desafíos y logrando una lactancia exitosa.

En mis últimos meses de gestación consulté con una consejera de lactancia, ella solo me reiteró lo que yo ya sabía; “ la lactancia es natural!, tu cuerpo sabrá que hacer, todas las mujeres pueden”… etc. Un pequeño detalle se escapó y considero uno muy importante: todas las mujeres somos diferentes, que pasa si la producción baja? Qué hago para incrementarla nuevamente?! En ese momento no cruzó por mi mente, pues estaba segura que no tendría problema con la producción.

Lamentablemente tuve complicaciones en el postparto. Dislocación de pelvis y dolor crónico en el coxis debido a un desgarre interno durante el parto. Esto fue algo imprevisto y me afectó emocionalmente ya que me veía limitada para cuidar de mi bebé. El dolor era tan extremo que no podía sentarme, y caminaba solo con asistencia.

Amamanté a Theo acostada los primeros dos meses, pero con el pasar de los días empecé a notar una reducción en la producción de leche. Aun así continué amamantando pero lo hacía con más frecuencia, según la consejera: “la estimulación incrementa la producción”. Entonces colocaba a Theo en el pecho cada dos horas sin falla; de día y de noche. Dormía poco pero cada dos horas me levantaba llena de fuerza y empeñada en NO DEJAR de amamantarlo. No quería sentirme derrotada.

Los desafíos se presentan inoportunamente

El desgarre interno no sanó como debía y el dolor solo empeoraba por lo que tuve que ir de urgencias al hospital. Lo que menos esperaba: una infección causó un absceso y tenían que retirarlo quirúrgicamente. Afortunadamente fue un procedimiento ambulatorio pero Theo tuvo que tomar fórmula durante mi ausencia. No podría explicar por escrito que tan difícil fue esta situación para mí. Demasiado abrumante! Me sentía culpable, y negligente por no poder alimentar a mi bebé.

Por suerte mis abuelos paternos viajaron desde Colombia para conocer a Theo, y aprovechando su estadía le comenté la situación a mi abuela. Ella sugirió que la reducción de leche se debía al estrés por mi condición y mi dolor, y que debia tomar té de una hierba llamada “hinojo”. Según ella era la solución para volver a producir leche y en mayor cantidad! Por supuesto que le pedí a mi esposo de inmediato ir al supermercado por la hierba, y comencé a tomar el té tres veces al día. Después de unas semanas de amamantar cada dos horas y de consumir el té note el incremento.

Empecé a producir más leche y continue amamantándo exclusivamente hasta el dia de hoy! Mi bebé tiene 12 meses y me enorgullece poder amamantarlo. Sé que no es algo posible para todas las mamás pero considero que estos métodos de medicina alternativa pueden ser útiles para aquellas que anhelan amamantar tanto como yo.

Durante tu trayectoria con la lactancia materna, cuál ha sido tu desafío más grande? Déjanos un comentario y no olvides chequear nuestra redes sociales en Instagram y Facebook para más datos sobre maternidad! 

Natalia Quiroga

Hola! Mi nombre es Natalia Quiroga, soy una mamá de 26 años, estudiante de psicología y entrenadora certificada prenatal/postnatal.

Actualmente me encuentro radicada en New Jersey, EUA donde estoy comenzando mi emprendimiento ayudando a mamás a llevar un embarazo y parto saludables, y desde luego una rápida y efectiva recuperación.

Mi interés en esta area surgió como producto de mi experiencia personal con el embarazo y el postparto. El mayor objetivo con mi proyecto es concientizar e informar a las madres sobre los efectos físicos, mentales y emocionales que causa la maternidad y que lamentablemente están siendo subestimados.

Dedico un pequeño porcentaje de mi tiempo al crecimiento profesional, en realidad la mayoría de mi tiempo lo dedico a mi hijo de 12 meses y a su desarrollo. La maternidad me ha hecho ver la vida de otra forma y debo admitir que ser testigo del crecimiento y desarrollo diario de mi bebé es una de las mejores cosas que he podido experimentar! Amo ser mamá. Me pueden encontrar en instagram y facebook como @bewisemama.

The post El arte de Amamantar: natural, mágico y a la vez desafiante appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Vulnerable babies born prematurely or with medical conditions, are born with a challenging start to their lives. Some parents have time to prepare for this with a diagnosis in utero. However, for other parents it becomes a total surprise when one’s baby is quickly whipped away at birth for lifesaving care and treatment. No matter how or what the circumstances are, any NICU mother will face difficulties.

Feeding a NICU baby may be one of the biggest challenges.

Breastfeeding, formula feeding and nasogastric feeding. All of these present their own set of challenges that a NICU mum and her baby have to face.

The road to breastfeeding your baby in the NICU can be a slow and gradual progression. It can be weeks or even months until a baby is ready to independently and exclusively breastfeed. When the time arrives, this moment becomes an exciting and memorable milestone. Some of the limitations a mother faces begins with the access to her own baby. This access can be limited since the newborn may be in an incubator, under photo therapy lights or attached to many machines and tubes. Skin to skin bonding  (which stimulates oxytocins, milk production, and a good latch) may be minimal or even non existent.

Often times, a mother is forced to find other means for bonding and breastmilk production. These may come in the form of expressing breastmilk, looking at photos and hand holding their baby.

Formula feeding a baby in the NICU may be out of a mother’s control.

Little Hannah’s first breastfeeding session at 1 month of age

A newborn baby needs calculated nutrition right at birth and in the days or weeks following. A mother may struggle with not producing enough breastmilk to sustain her baby. Formula feeding then becomes the right choice for them at the time. There can be some benefits with formula feeding a baby in the NICU.

The time and stress with breastmilk production, expressing and/or latching dissapear. This time is often replaced with bonding and recovering. If feedings are hourly or second hourly some can be attended by a partner or nursing/midwife staff. However, formula feeding can also come with some challenges, especially to a mother who was desperate to breastfeed.

Another very common means for nutrition in the NICU is nasogastric feeding. For any newborn baby, feeding are energy consuming since they must happen around the clock. Precious little ones in the NICU need all the energy they can get to fight for their health and sometimes their life.

Some babies, especially premature babies, have trouble with sucking and swallowing; this can impact on their nutrition intake and therefor their growth and wellbeing. As mentioned above, nasogastric tube feeding is a common source of feeding in the NICU, the good thing about it is that it can be done during a baby’s sleep without disturbing them to complete the feeding. Nasogastric feeding saves them energy and gets the job done. Another positive is that a mother is able to cuddle and hold her baby and even latch him/her to the breast all whilst having a nasogastric feeding. This experience for both mother and baby holds so much value on their wellbeing and recovery.

For many NICU mums, figuring out how to feed your baby and give them the best start in life, raises many questions and anxiety.

A baby requires nutrition, growth as well as around the clock, timed and measured feedings. The decisions and anxiety regarding how to best feed a baby are some worries that a mum of a full term healthy baby may not experience to the fullest. For mums, feeding is a synonym of bonding and cuddling. It’s a desire and a goal.

All mums experience the same body and breast changes after birth. Facilitating a NICU mum to have the same opportunities as any other mum is important for the baby’s and her wellbeing. Keep in mind that a mother’s mental health can be affected due to her feeling like she has failed her baby in some way.

Remember that no matter what feeding option you choose, you are doing what is best for your baby at the time given the circumstances. Don’t be hard on yourself.

What was your personal experience with feeding your baby while at the NICU?

Amanda Marsden

I am a busy mum to 3 children, I have had 3 very different pregnancies and breastfeeding journeys. I have worked in health since finishing school (20 years ago), it is all that I know and all that I love, I don’t see myself doing anything else. I have been a Registered Nurse/paramedic all this time and since having my family I became a Registered Midwife. My journey as a midwife has allowed me to promote and normalise birth and breastfeeding, my passion is in educating and empowering women through my HypnoBirthing education.

The post Challenges NICU mothers face when feeding their baby appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

The first two weeks of breastfeeding are definitely the hardest. You  are learning how to take care of a new baby, how to take care of  yourself and recover from birth, and learning how this all changes  your family dynamic. While I am not an expert, and I am not a  lactation consultant, I have successfully nursed 3 children within the  past 5 years. I am not claiming to know everything and I do not want  you to take my advice over a pediatrician or lactation consultant.   Continue reading for how to survive the first two weeks of  breastfeeding.

“Just make it past the first 2 weeks of breastfeeding.” I heard that  over and over during my first pregnancy in 2014. I would then ask  myself, what do they mean the first two weeks? Isn’t it suppose to be  natural and easy? I told myself my body would know what to do.  However, it wasn’t quite that simple. Every breastfeeding journey is  different. My second wasn’t the same as my first, and neither were the  same as my friends.

Breastfeeding has a way of making a woman feel empowered and capable.  It is miraculous. But it can also be exhausting and hard. It can lead  to beautiful moments and WTF moments. It is learning journey that you  and your baby are on together.

The 9 obstacles to overcome the first 14 days of breastfeeding.

1. Learn how to breastfeed.

What positions your baby likes, what  positions you like, what are your babies feeding cues, and what are  their feeding rhythms. Getting a deep latch can be difficult but making a “boob sandwich” can help. Do this by taking your hand in a C shape around your nipple. Touch your nipple to your baby’s upper  lip/nose to get the baby to open wide and shove as much of your boob in.  Each baby will be different. Learn to trust your instincts and do what  works for you and your baby.

2. Get your mind right.

For me that meant I had to know that  everything wasn’t going to go the way I planned, and I needed to be  okay with that. Follow your baby’s lead. If baby acts hungry feed  him/her. There is no such thing as overfeeding a baby in the beginning.

3. The after-pains.

During breastfeeding after having a baby, you will experience minor contractions in your uterus (while uncomfortable at times, it is not nearly what your contractions during childbirth felt like. I promise). When you breastfeed, your body releases oxytocin. This is the same hormone that causes your uterus to  contract. This will continue until your uterus is contracted back down to pre-pregnacy size.

4. Day/Night schedule.

Babies usually have their nights and days mixed up in the beginning. In the womb you were up and active all  day, giving baby the perfect rocking motion to sleep away. At night  your baby became more active when you were resting on the couch after a long day. Their brains stay in this pattern after birth. You can  help your baby with this process by being in sunlight during the day and keeping things quiet and dark at night.

Making a “Boob sandwich” to help with getting a deep latch for Breastfeeding. First Baby-April 2015

5. Day 2/3.

Whew, this one is BIG. Your hormones are all out of wack,  you are trying to learn how to take care of a new human, you might be  in pain, and you just want to sleep. This is the stage when you might cry (I did!) and maybe even question if you know how to be a mother.  The thing is–you don’t and you don’t have to. Being a mother,  breastfeeding, parenting; all of it is a learning curve. Its  continuing education. (If you are feeling down, its OKAY. Ask for  help. Postpartum blues can turn into postpartum depression/anxiety. It  is real and it is OKAY and NECESSARY to ask for help).

Determined to breastfeed? Check out 5 Essential Breastfeeding Tips here.

6. Milk milk milk.

When your milk comes in (it is different for each  person, but usually between days 2-5) your breast swell and they hurt.  They are full. Your body doesn’t know how much milk your baby will  need so it over produces during this time. It often becomes difficult  for your baby to latch because of the swelling. You can express a little to soften your breast enough for the baby to latch. The most  important thing for you to do during this time is keep the milk moving. You can do that by breastfeeding, hand expressing, or pumping.  If your breast do not feel soft after nursing your baby, hand  express/or pump. It is important to get your breast soft (not  necessary to be empty) to hopefully avoid engorgement and mastitis.

7. Nipple soreness is real.

Nipple soreness is normal, but there is a  difference in nipple soreness pain and nipple pain that continues.  Your nipples are being pulled, sucked and stretched in ways they never  have been. It is normal to feel a slight discomfort at the beginning  of a feed, but it shouldn’t last longer than 30sec and the rest of the  feed should be comfortable. Any pain that makes you want to cry out, pain that lasts an entire feed, broken skin, or pain that  happens in between feeds is not normal, but can be fixed. You do not  have to suffer through it.

8. Stressing over if your baby is getting enough.

This is a HUGE worry of most moms (myself included). It is distressing to not know how much  your baby is taking in. A baby’s belly is the size of a marble when  they are born, so it doesn’t take much to fill them up in the  beginning. In the beginning, before your milk comes in, you will  produce colostrum (or should I say you will produce MAGIC?!) It is  highly concentrated in nutrients for your baby. A few ways to tell if  your baby is getting enough milk are: you can see your baby  swallowing, weight gain (after the first few days–you will see a  loss), and wet diapers (what goes in, must come out :)) Using a log  can help you keep up with how long you are breastfeeding and what your  baby is peeing/pooping out.

9. The first growth spurt.

Around the 10-14 day period you and your  baby may be in a good routine, but wait- your baby is about to go  through their first growth spurt. You will question everything you have learned about breastfeeding. You will question your milk supply.  Your baby will want to be at the breast ALL. THE. TIME. This is  normal. I repeat, this is normal. This is your baby’s way of telling  your body to up the milk production. Keep putting baby to breast as  much as possible. This will pass. 1.

If you have made it past the first two weeks, you have overcome so  many obstacles. You are AMAZING. If you are still struggling, please  reach out to someone. It is never too late, or too early, to ask for  help.

The First 2 Weeks Of Breastfeeding For Me

Vincent- First Child

The first two weeks with my first child were pretty difficult. He  didn’t want to suck, he wouldn’t wake to feed, he fell asleep nursing,  he lost weight…..IT WAS A STRUGGLE.

We went to the lactation consultant 4 times within those first two weeks. I cried. I was mad. I  was tired. BUT I kept pushing through. I woke up every 2 hours around  the clock for the first two weeks. Did you know that the time you  start breastfeeding is when you start your 2-hour timer? I didn’t!  

Example- we started feeding at 9am- he wouldn’t/couldn’t suck and  would fall back asleep so it was 10am before he was done feeding in  the beginning. I had 1 hour to catch up on sleep, or shower, or eat  and then it was back to the same routine again. It was HARD. We went  on to successfully breastfeed for 15 months.

Alexia- Second Child

My second child was ALWAYS waking up hungry but she was a huge spitter and my nipples HURT. The first thing we figured out was that she was  tongue tied. She wasn’t getting a good latch due to the decreased range of motion of her tongue.

Therefore my nipples were destroyed and  she wasn’t transferring well. (For my nipples I used all purpose nipple ointment and soothe pads). After getting her tongue tie fixed,  she was still a HUGE spitter. I am talking at the very least 1-2 oz of  milk came back up.

My pediatrician didn’t believe me when I would tell  her that she would spit it over half of her milk so she sent us to the lactation consultant where we did a weighted feed. Sure enough she spit up and we weighed again. She had lost over half of what she took  in. We tried reflux medication, cutting the top 8 allergens out of my  diet, seeing a GI specialist and even a swallow study (a few months  later).

I was so incredibly worried the first few weeks of her life. I  had milk, she was getting it, but she couldn’t keep it down. We went  on to successfully breastfeed for 13 months.

Callum-Third Child

My third baby, has been the easiest as far as breastfeeding. Not  because this is my third time around, but because he could suck and he kept the milk down. However, my milk didn’t come in until day 6! He would nurse and nurse and nurse every hour it felt like. He was actually gaining weight, but the doctor kept asking me if my milk had come in.

I hadn’t gotten that engorgement feeling yet, and by day 5 I  had started to worry. Finally it came in and all was well. He  preferred the cradle hold on the left, so getting him to nurse on the  right side we had to work at but we did it. We are still breastfeeding  at 7 months now <3.

I know I am lucky with all three of my breastfeeding journeys compared  to some, but I am so proud of us. I am proud of the mama who tried but it just didn’t work. I am proud of the mama who is taking it day by  day. I am proud of the mama who has been breastfeeding for 19 months.  I am proud of the mama pumping around the clock because latching just isn’t working out. I am proud of YOU.

Were the first two weeks hard for you? What helped you get through them? Let me know in comments!

Brittany Jordan

Hi! I am Brittany, also known as “Mama” to three beautiful children,  and I run Following the Jordans. I am a small town mom who hopes to  develop a “one stop place for women”. Prior to blogging I was a  Registered Nurse at a local hospital. When my middle child was 6  months old, I became a SAHM. (WHEW—talk about a different kind of  JOB. A different kind of HARD). I’ve been pregnant or breasting for 6  years now, and there are still things I am learning each day. My  friends are always asking for motherhood/breastfeeding advice and one of them suggested I start sharing it on a blog. That evening, the idea  for Following the Jordans was born. I started my blog to share all  things I am passionate about: Motherhood, Breastfeeding, Beauty,  Fashion, Self-care, Fitness and Everyday Life with other women. As a  mom I understand that life can be busy and it can be hard. Sometimes  really hard. By reading raw stories I’ve learned that I am not alone  during the hard seasons of life. I hope that by writing raw I can be a  place where other women feel heard, understood and safe. I write with  the hope that you can find inspiration, solitude, laughter, and maybe  a tip or hack to make motherhood, wife-hood, or just life-hood  (totally making up words now) easier and fun. xo-Brittany

The post Breastfeeding: What to expect and how to survive the first two weeks appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

I’ve discovered there are different truths for everyone when it comes to breastfeeding.

Burpie time when he      was a little bitty

However, I have also discovered there are universal truths for every…single… mom who decides to make this relationship a top priority. Every mother and child relationship varies from another. Some find their journey almost unbearable in the beginning, but like second nature once things progress. Other moms never have any difficulty in production, latching, or convenience. (Bless Them.)

Below are a few statements I have discovered to be true when speaking with any mom on the breastfeeding.

Not all Breastfeeding Journies are the same

Prior to my sons birth I watched videos on latching. I read blogs on milk production. I also studied every breastfeeding hold there is. None of this really prepared me for what would be my journey with my child.

I learned that babies born prematurely will have a harder time than babies born closer to their due date. Some babies are born with tongue or lip ties that make latching near impossible or can cause extreme pain for mommy. And then there were some mothers that I learned never have a single issue.

From the beginning, I discovered that what Gabriel and I had set before us was uniquely ours. It was a groove that we were going to have to find and a trust we were going to need to build in order to save what was beginning as a set up for failure. Between unapproved formula being administered to my child to nipple shields, we had serious kinks to work out in order to save our unique journey.

You May Not Be Supported

15 months old

Some people just do not understand breastfeeding. Other’s may have had a bad experience and quit early on may try to make you believe that you will, too. They may use phrases like, “You can use formula if this doesn’t work,” or “Don’t be discouraged if in a few days you realize how hard this really is and want to give up.”

While it would be fantastic for all moms to support you, or be amazing to not worry if someone is going to give you a dirty look in the restaurant, this isn’t always the case. You will get stares, you will feel unsupported at times and you will have to simply ignore it.

It is an Emotional Journey

Breastfeeding is the one thing my son and I share that no one else gets to share with him. We women carry our child for 9 months and we go through all that it entails. Once our baby has arrived, they can be quickly “taken” from us and passed around to each grandparent, aunt, friend or in-law there is. Breastfeeding is a way to ensure that mommy and baby have their much-needed time together. It is beneficial and crucial, not only in the first few months, but even for seasoned relationships.

When baby is sick, tired, hurting, teething, scared, clingy, nervous, or unsure, breastfeeding offers a safe haven.

It is what is best for you and your child because it is the path you have chosen.

“The advantages of breastmilk are so astounding that if pregnant women were required mandatory education on the benefits of breastfeeding prior to giving birth, I truly believe that more moms would not only decide to forego the formula, but that they would *try harder when times felt tough.”

*Not intended for those with supply issues or that simply can’t breastfeed.

Not only is it best health wise, it is best because it honestly does not matter if you decide to breastfeed 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years. The length of time you breastfeed is what is best for you both because that is your decision.

And it is okay if people don’t get that. It is okay if they think you need to stop. It is okay if they silently criticize. They aren’t your child’s parent.

We are 20 months in.

Breastfeeding Isn’t without Challenges

There may be clogged ducts, mastitis, cracked nipples, latching issues, low milk supplies, and more. But there is also education on each and every one of these challenges. Through research, blogs, support groups like mine on Facebook and counselors or consultants, there is help to overcome these obstacles.

Not all Pediatricians will be supportive or fully educated on breastfeeding. Some may make you feel you aren’t producing enough milk. Some may not understand why you decided to delay feeding solids until baby is a year old. Some may think it selfish and just for your own gain and self pleasure that you are taking this route. Unless your child is malnourished or lacking vital nutrients, then either ignore snide and blatant remarks or find a Pediatrician that is supportive.

Finally, Breastfeeding is for you and your child alone

It can be for the mom who wants to pump and breastfeed, for the mom who wants to supplement and breastfeed, and for the mom who wants to breastfeed exclusively and on demand. It can be for the mom who chooses extended breastfeeding.

Whatever breastfeeding looks like for you, Mama, it is yours, you know best, and it is no ones business to tell you otherwise. You just let it go in one ear and out the other and when someone nods in approval, applauds you, or gets you…you just look them in the eyes, smile and know that they get it!!

Nurse on, Mama!!
XOXO

Rachel Price

Rachel is a mom, writer, & advocate for women at her local crisis pregnancy center. She lives in South Georgia where she raises her son alongside her husband. She is currently in training to become a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor.

www.bananasandbreastmilk.wordpress.com

The post The Truth About Breastfeeding appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Breastmilk is amazing, yes, but neuroscience shows that breastfeeding has many benefits that extend beyond the milk itself.

Have you heard of oxytocin? It’s a hormone most famous for its role in childbirth and nursing. Oxytocin gets contractions going, and in breastfeeding it goes hand in hand with prolactin, the hormone that’s in charge of milk production.

As if birth and milk weren’t amazing enough, I read the Oxytocin Factor by Kerstin Moberg and learned that oxytocin is also a neurotransmitter! Oxytocin has the power to reshape my brain? Impressive. So what else can this super-hormone and neurotransmitter do?

The Oxytocin Factor: Tapping the Hormone of Calm, Love and Healing (2003) by Kerstin Uvnas Moberg

I was astonished to learn that oxytocin is not just present during childbirth and breastfeeding, and not only in women. It’s the hormone of love and good feelings, and it basically makes the world go round.

People are even exploring the role of oxytocin in our everyday relationships, like in this Ted Talk by Paul Zak.

This “love hormone” runs through the bloodstream and nervous system of babies and adults, humans and animals. We experience high levels of oxytocin during a massage, a good meal with friends, or when making love. When oxytocin levels are high, we feel happy, in love, and calm. The highest levels of oxytocin are present during orgasm and a gazillion times more during childbirth.

Breastfeeding mothers have a very good deal. This “feel good” hormone increases in their body and in their baby’s at every nursing session. The lovey dovey drowsy feelings that come over them are all thanks to oxytocin.

Determined to breastfeed? Check out 5 Essential Breastfeeding Tips here.

So, what are the benefits of high oxytocin levels, besides making you feel happy and sleepy?

1. Bonding

Baby bonds with the mother, and is more likely to recognize her in the future.

Mother bonds with baby, and is more likely to interact with her or prefer her over other babies.

2. Learning

Because oxytocin is also a neurotransmitter, it has the ability to create new pathways in the brain. Oxytocin supports learning and the adapting to a new life (for both parents and baby).

3. Digestion

High levels of oxytocin are associated with more effective digestion. Babies take in more nutrition and show increased growth. This is another reason to make mealtime enjoyable as babies grow into toddlers. It’s not easy, but kids who are not stressed will digest better. Learn about my imperfect approach here.

4. Lower blood pressure

Oxytocin calms the nervous system and lowers blood pressure, resulting in relaxation in both adults and babies.

5. Increased circulation

Blood circulates at increased rates to the skin and other parts of the body. Check out your baby’s rosy cheeks, hands, and feet. They can be evidence of high oxytocin levels.

6. Feelings of calm

People feel satisfied, relaxed, and sometimes drowsy as oxytocin levels rise.

Good news for parents who do not breastfeed

Nursing is only one of countless ways to experience high levels of oxytocin. Here are a few more:

Touch

One reason oxytocin increases in nursing mothers and babies is because they are touching each other. But you don’t have to be nursing to be touching, obviously. Baby’s warm body against another (especially skin touching skin) releases oxytocin into the nervous system and bloodstream of both baby and adult. The adult’s blood vessels become dilated as blood flow increases. You can see the same effect in the baby’s hands and feet, as they become more red.

Massage

Rhythmic touch increases oxytocin levels. Massage is good for both adults and babies.

Another fab book.. Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents (2000) by Vimala McClure

Feeling warm

Snuggled up under blankets, or taking a warm bath can increase oxytocin levels.

Good food

The author of the book The Oxytocin Factor notes that food is like an internal massage. Eating carefully and slowly can maximize the effects of oxytocin while we eat. Babies drinking from a bottle can experience the same good feelings. Looking at your baby while she drinks, smiling, and interacting, can increase the amount of this love hormone.

Suckling

Whether on a nipple, pacifier, thumb, or bottle, the act of sucking produces oxytocin. All parents know that the fastest way to relax a baby is to let him suck on something. And science confirms what we already know.

Stay away, stress!

The stress hormone, cortisol, inhibits the production of oxytocin, and vice versa. Some stress is good for problem solving, moving away from danger, and for animals, defending their young. For new human mothers, however, it’s a good idea to keep the cortisol at bay. And the great news is that we can control our environment to some extent by doing all the aforementioned things.

So whether or not your are a breastfeeding mom, keep on snuggling, bathing, massaging, and eating. The more oxytocin we have in this world, the better!

When do you feel oxytocin vibes? Let us know in the comments. We love hearing from you and will always write back.

Did you like this article? Pin it to one of your Pinterest boards and keep it forever!

 

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

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our hashtag

#BreastfeedingWorld

Anne Kathryn Rice

Anne Kathryn Rice is an American mother of two strong willed children living on the Italian Riviera. She writes about motherhood and listening to your inner voice, even when cultural expectations, baby books, and impromptu advice seem to challenge your instincts. You can read more about her personal experiences on her blog.

www.lovegrowdiscover.com

The post Oxytocin Power: Neuroscience shows how breastfeeding is more than milk appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

We’ve all seen the movies- a young, gorgeous couple has drunk sex, conceives a baby effortlessly, woman goes into labor and channels all of her discomfort at her husband- yelling and cursing at him, “YOU DID THIS TO ME”. Then baby is born (magically already clean and swaddled) and the parents share a knowing look, sweet kiss and eventually a loving slow dance at 2am in the living room while rocking their quiet, sleeping infant. Hmmm…

That’s a lot to unpack- however there’s one thing in particular that irks me the most.

I don’t remember ever lovingly slow dancing in the living room at 2am. I remember cluster feeding in the dark while my partner slept. I remember pacing the bedroom, rocking the baby while she cried- endlessly, thinking, ‘wow, HE can really sleep through a n y t h i n g’.

So I wonder, am I the only one who hated my partner after I had my baby?

I didn’t hate him all the time; and certainly at varying degrees throughout the day (the highest degrees overnight). I didn’t tell him I hated him- and I didn’t tell anyone who came over to visit. But boy, did I feel it.

Max & Alyia Cutler, one day into marriage

A question many people have but don’t ask is, “Will I ever stop hating my partner?”

Yes, the odds are likely you will eventually stop hating your partner. Especially with first babies, there is a long, confusing, often treacherous terrain learning curve. And to add insult to injury, you and your partner are probably on different curves, traveling at different paces. You may be parenting on instinctual cues and gut feelings and your partner is getting advice from friends, books or blogs. Or you are up all night breastfeeding, cluster feeding, pumping, rocking, swaddling, and your partner is sleeping better than the baby…(just the thought gives me mini palpitations)

Either way, this too shall pass. Too cliché? But its true! Eventually your learning curves meet at a rest stop and share a huge reunion hug. For some it takes around 12 weeks, for others around 12 months. Yes, that’s a big difference. But yes, everyone is different!

The key to shifting your curves in similar directions is two fold: Communication and Surrender.

The first is toted as the key to a happy relationship in general. Got a problem? Talk about it. Have a question? Ask it. Need help? Say it. No exceptions!!

The second can be a bit more subtle. Surrendering is a constant practice. Rooted heavily in self-talk. Reminding yourself that it won’t ruin everything to try something your partner suggests. And it won’t be the end of the world to let your partner take the baby for a bit so you can take a nap, eat something, shower, walk outside, do anything, really. Surrendering to the idea that you can let someone else try something their way, or help you in a way you hadn’t considered can be magic. There’s a reason you chose your partner originally- right? Surrender. Be gentle on yourself and your partner and see what happens.

You may find you hate them a little less… or not…

Disclaimer: ‘Hate’ is a strong word. I use it a bit ‘tongue in cheek’ and the reality is, there are a lot of very big feelings swirling around during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Hate is often used to talk about feelings of resentment, confusion, exhaustion- all common after having a baby. However, if you notice you’re feeling that and/or down, sad, miserable, anxious most of your day, please know you can change that. You deserve to feel good- call a therapist, talk to someone you trust, get support. Same goes for your partner

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

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our hashtag

#BreastfeedingWorld

Alyia Cutler

A birth doula formerly out of Brooklyn, we moved our family to the foot of Mt Beacon in the Hudson Valley, NY. Between raising two kids, a greyhound and a sphynx cat- and supporting birthing people and their families through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, I have my hands full- and my heart more so! My life is a constant stream of breastmilk, grocery shopping and gratitude.

www.risingmoondoula.com

The post New Mom Confessions: Will I Ever Stop Hating My Partner? appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Lauren Lewis

Lauren Lewis is no stranger to childcare development, having spent over 10 years as a nanny or family childcare provider. She’s the wife of a travel geek, mother of two vivacious children, and has an amazing talent for trailing lost things behind her a la Hansel and Gretel. Her passion for lifting up women and advocating for children pours out in her work as a Central Indiana Event Coordinator, Writer, and Social Media Relations Director for Breastfeeding World. Her life is full of busy, crazy and LOUD. It is full of love and hope, ups and downs. And coffee, always lots of coffee- but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

www.raisinglaurenslittle.wordpress.com

The post Power in Imagery: Real Moms Breastfeeding on Instagram appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Allyson Lux

I am a single mom to the most amazing little boy in the entire world. He is the light of my life! We also have the two sweetest doggies who complete our little family. I am a high school teacher and a photographer, and am very passionate about breastfeeding, babywearing, attachment parenting, and raising my son in the most natural way possible!

www.myluxphotography.wix.com/home

The post My Favorite Things: Breastfeeding Must-Haves appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

As a childcare provider, there are two times of year that I DREAD. Back to School, and the New Year, because it seems like my home is an endless germ fest of children parading in and out, and as much as you clean, there is no way to stop it.

The only comfort I give myself when my family is all out of commission due to nausea or vomiting, is that is that my kids are building super strong immune systems from growing up in a daycare environment.

So as I sit snuggling in bed with two sleeping and sickly kiddos, I thought I’d share my favorite hacks for beating nausea and vomiting

Some of these work great for morning sickness too!

1. Activated Charcoal
2. Essential Oils
3. Pressure Points
4. Elderberry Syrup
5. Humidifier
6. Ginger, Cinnamon, or Mint
7. Take your Vitamins
8. Probiotics, Kefir, and/or Sauerkraut
9. BRAT diet

1. Activated Charcoal

Activated Charcoal is a type of charcoal that is processed to be more porous. It works by trapping toxins and chemicals in your intestinal system, and because it isn’t processed by the body, it carries those toxins straight out of your system through your bowels. (source) It’s recommended to take 2 every hour for adults. For my kiddos, I find it easiest to smuggle it into my kids by breaking open a capsule in a glass or purple grape juice. (There are some trains of thought that think grape juice helps with the nausea and vomiting associated with stomach bugs. It doesn’t, but it doesn’t mean those grapes aren’t good for you!) The activated charcoal doesn’t have a flavor, but the dark juice hides that “yucky” black color.

I SWEAR by this solution (hence why it’s number 1!) because of how effective I’ve found it to be in my own home, and I recommend it to all of my daycare families. Use it to cut sick time in half or prevent it when you’re exposed to others who are sick.

2. Essential Oils

The Hubs makes fun of me for my “witches brews” and essential oils obsession. It’s true. I love the way they smell, but more than that, I love that I can often treat my family’s ailments holistically and in a safe manner. Because I run a family childcare, I refrain from using Thieves around the kids, so I stick diffusing to KidSafe “Germ Destroyer” from Plant Therapy, but any Child safe anti-germ Blend will do.

Using Essential Oils Safely recommends diffusing or applying the following oils for nausea and vomiting:

(These can also help with heartburn & Indigestion)
Diffusing or properly diluting and rubbing on the tummy the following oils may help.
These oils can also be used in a personal aromatherapy inhaler.
* Ginger
* Spearmint
* Citrus oils (Please check for proper topical max and phototoxicity if using topically.)
* Peppermint (Not safe for children under 6.)
* For indigestion you can also try consuming a spoonful or apple cider vinegar or papaya enzyme.

3. Pressure Points

“Acupressure is an ancient healing art that’s based on the traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture. With acupressure, pressure is applied to specific places on your body. These places are called acupoints. Pressing these points can help release muscle tension and promote blood circulation. Research suggests that it can also relieve many common side effects of chemotherapy.” (Source, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

You can do acupressure yourself by using your fingers to apply pressure various points. Check out this video to help find the points to help reduce your child’s nausea or vomiting.

4. Elderberry Syrup

Because of it’s terrific benefits for building a healthy immune system and helping ward off bugs, Elderberry is a lot easier to find at the local drug store, but you can also make it yourself. I love this recipe from Faith at the Little Herbal:

Elderberries are basically virus zapping magic. Ok, that’s nnot ture. But, even better, its scientifically proven to help prevent and shorten Influenza and viruses.

Based on this randomized control trial, the results said:

Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat influenza, colds and sinusitis, and has been reported to have antiviral activity against influenza and herpes simplex. We investigated the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry syrup for treating influenza A and B infections. Sixty patients (aged 18-54 years) suffering from influenza-like symptoms for 48 h or less were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study during the influenza season of 1999-2000 in Norway. Patients received 15 ml of elderberry or placebo syrup four times a day for 5 days, and recorded their symptoms using a visual analogue scale. Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger study.

So go buy yourself some gummies, or whip your family up some elderberry syrup a la Hershel from the Walking Dead, but no matter what, you can’t argue that Eldberberries are an imperative stable during this awful stomach bug and flu season.

5. Run a Humidifier

If you or your kiddos are having troubles with nausea and vomiting, or particularly if you are fighting cold and sinus issues, chances are you’re fighting off dehydration, too. Help your body out by making sure there’s plenty of humidity in the air, particularly in the dry winter months. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping your home at a humidity between 30%-50%. It may not help you overcome the viruses floating around, but it will hep your body’s overall comfort level.

6. Ginger, Cinnamon, and Mint

YEEEEARRS ago, Hubs (then fiance), and I worked waiting tables on a cruise ship in Hawaii (pretty amazing, right?). I get serious motion sickness, so I learned fairly quickly tips and tricks to keep the Nausea at bay. Ginger begged off the sushi chef, bitters and ginger ale (make sure it’s the brand made with real ginger) from the bartender, and peppermint tea with a little honey for shift’s end. I kept a packet of big red cinnamon gum in my apron for the nights we went into open sea, and I was made in the shade.

Want to make a tummy bug triple whammy? Make some homemade popsicles for your kids with chamomile tea, grape juice, and activated charcoal.
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Fast forward 5 years to early pregnancy, and my tried and true nausea and vomiting tricks came in handy, and I still use those go to’s for when my kids start to complain about tummy troubles. While they may not be a cure, they’re an excellent holistic treatment to make flue season a little easier. I adore Tazo Zen Green tea with lemongrass and spearmint, and it’s light enough my kids will drink it too. Want to make a tummy bug triple whammy? Make some homemade popsicles for your kids with chamomile tea, grape juice, and activated charcoal.

7. Take your Vitamins

Around this time of year, it’s best to just make chugging vitamins a habit. I’d love to preach and say healthy eating and a balanced diet, but let’s get real, I ate a Christmas cookie for breakfast. So at the minimum, keep your medicine cabinet stocked with Emergen-C. (Again, another Cruise Ship hack to keep me on my feet for 10 hours surrounded by vacationers possible carrying GI, or as we called it, Code Brown.) airborne works well too, but as a WAHM caring for 7 kids at a time, I like the boost from the extra C and B vitamins. Can’t run to the store? Take your pre-natals. If you’re breastfeeding, chances are you should be taking them anyway.

Because let's get real, moms don't get sick days, so we need to make sure we are taking care of ourselves and staying healthy.
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8. Probiotics

Probiotics are bacteria that line your digestive tract and support your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and fight infection. There are actually 10 times more probiotics in your gut than cells in your body! (source)

Right now, your gut (or your child’s) is a disaster. The best thing your can do for it is to help restore the healthy bacteria in your gut. Introducing probiotics, keifer , and sauerkraut to your diet will go a looooong way in that. But probiotics aren’t just good for recovering from a nasuea and vomiting inducing bug, or restoring healthy gut fauna after a round of antibiotics. Probiotics are an important part of a healthy digestive system (after all, 80% of your immune system resides in your gut). So focusing on a healthy gut for you and your child is one of the best things you can do for your immune system.

9. The Brat Diet

Good luck Mama, caring for a sick family is HARD!

Remember, even when if you or your child is struggling with nausea and vomiting, the immunities and gut healing properties in your breastmilk are the absolute best thing you can do for babe. Breastfeeding while sick is it’s own battle. Remember,  you are a warrior. Sending your love and healthy thoughts.

XOXO,

Lauren and the Breastfeeding World Team.

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

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our hashtag

#BreastfeedingWorld

Lauren Lewis

Lauren Lewis is no stranger to childcare development, having spent over 10 years as a nanny or family childcare provider. She’s the wife of a travel geek, mother of two vivacious children, and has an amazing talent for trailing lost things behind her a la Hansel and Gretel. Her passion for lifting up women and advocating for children pours out in her work as a Central Indiana Event Coordinator, Writer, and Social Media Relations Director for Breastfeeding World. Her life is full of busy, crazy and LOUD. It is full of love and hope, ups and downs. And coffee, always lots of coffee- but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

www.raisinglaurenslittle.wordpress.com

The post 8 Home Remedies you need to ease nausea & flu symptoms quickly appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

The Hilarious Breastfeeding “Stuff”  that No One Tells You

1. Let Down

First, let me start with the let down. Picture this.  You’re out with your new baby, she’s sleeping soundly, you’re pushing the strolling and you feel it. That tingling sensation that almost hurts. You can feel your breasts harden and wait for it…Open the flood gates! Insert sheer panic. For myself at least because no one told me there were pads for your boobs. I didn’t figure out nursing pads until late in the game my friends. Too late. Before you can find a jacket, or take down my mom bun to cover those babies, you have Niagara Falls sprouting on your shirt. It’s probably grey shirt too, isn’t it? It was for me. So invest in nursing pads. Buy them in bulk. Trust me.

Related Content You’ll Love: Excuse Me Miss – You Seem to Be Leaking

2. Tater Tot Nipples

I love tater tots. They are delicious. I don’t, however, like my nipples to represent them! I guess if you pull on a nipple long enough, multiple times a day, eventually your nipples are going to look weird. My husband even joked I was gonna take someone’s eye out with them one day. If you look up how far the nipple actually goes in your babies mouth and how the suckling works, you’ll understand why they look like that. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

3. Betty meet Veronica

You’re going to have one side that produces more than the other. Your baby will prefer that one and fuss and refuse the other until you give the dominant boob. See, what happens is when your baby feeds more or less, your body adjusts and your breasts make more or less milk accordingly. I myself had a strong left side (my fault, I side nursed her in bed) and so my right side adjusted to the lesser feeds. What I was left with however was a lopsided chest. Betty on the right, Veronica on the left.

You Have to Read This: Confessions of a Slacker Boob: 4 Fixes to Balance out Your Supply

4. You will wash a disposable nursing pad or ten.

And when you do, you will curse those damn things, or yourself for being too lazy to remove the pad before putting your bra in the hamper. You know when your husband doesn’t empty his pockets, yet again, and you end up washing his phone? Wait, that was me… But seriously, you know those little bits of paper receipts that are left in the pockets, and you accidentally wash? Those little wet bits of paper stick to every piece of clothing in that load and it makes you want to cry, right? Times that by 10,000. Those nursing pads are like mini diapers that absorb fluid into it’s gel base causing it to expand. That gel is thick and grainy. Not to mention the soft tissue the pads are lined with. Trust me when I say this, just put everything in the dryer and run it a couple times, emptying the lint trap in between. You’ll be good!

Twin Peak Fountains anyone?

You’ll be getting undressed, getting ready to hop in the shower and you feel your arm/leg/stomach, some various body part get wet.

Weird” you think. “Where did that come from?”

You continue on, until you’re about to hop in the shower- and you hear it. There is a distinct sound of spray hitting the plastic shower curtain. Yep, that’s you my friend. Those babies are spraying, with some impressive reach may I add, like there is a fire and you got 2 hoses.

As I said, breastfeeding accounts for so many of my fondest memories with my babies.

I truly did love it. I know not everyone has success with it and some women don’t get to experience it. So with all the weird ‘stuff’ that happens with breastfeeding, which you are totally prepared for by the way, embrace the moments of silence as you nurse your littles. They really are little for just a blink of an eye.

About the Author:

Lauren Lewis

Lauren Lewis is no stranger to childcare development, having spent over 10 years as a nanny or family childcare provider. She’s the wife of a travel geek, mother of two vivacious children, and has an amazing talent for trailing lost things behind her a la Hansel and Gretel. Her passion for lifting up women and advocating for children pours out in her work as a Central Indiana Event Coordinator, Writer, and Social Media Relations Director for Breastfeeding World. Her life is full of busy, crazy and LOUD. It is full of love and hope, ups and downs. And coffee, always lots of coffee- but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

www.raisinglaurenslittle.wordpress.com

The post 5 Shocking Facts You Wish Your Breastfeeding Mom Friends Told You appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Unless you’re a pumping mom, no one really knows the endless sacrifice that pumping moms have in their breastfeeding journey.

Pumping Moms Get Sh!t Done!

This isn’t to say that breastfeeding or formula feeding mothers don’t get sh!t done – but it’s to recognize the fact that moms how pump, whether exclusively, by need or by choice, have added duties to their days. They not only have to take care of their child, they are also needing to make time to pump. They need to find a place to pump. And they need to have supplies to pump. With all those balls in the air, they also need to have peace of mind to pump enough.

In a society where fast paced is the key – pumping moms have to sacrifice free time for pump time.

Related Post: How Does a Mom Get Anything Done?

This movement is Necessary

Last year, the team from Snugabell, a Canadian retailer of pumping essential and creators of Pump Ease hands free nursing bras, set a date a side in January to honor all the moms who pump breast milk for their little ones. They wanted to create a special day, similar to that of the Big Latch On. Moms who pump, exclusively or as needed, would be celebrated and supported for their tireless efforts to nourish their children.

“The breastfeeding world can be overwhelming and moms who pump as part –or as all – of their breastfeeding journey often feel excluded. World Breast Pumping Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the time, energy, and dedication pumping requires; it’s a chance to honor the love in every ounce.”

-Snugabell

This year’s them is “Pumping Moms Get Sh!t Done.”

We want to break through the pastel version of motherhood we’re fed by mainstream media and laud the perfectly imperfect reality of pumping moms. Pumpin’ mamas are building freezer stashes, waking up during the middle of the night to get one more pumping session in, skipping lunch with coworkers to pump at their desk while inhaling a sandwich, pumping beside their NICU babe’s bassinet, and sterilizing pump parts and bottles (so many pump parts and bottles) while they carry on with daily life.

-Snugabell

As a pumping mom, the word “exhausted” is what I use to describe my day. It paints the color of no breaks – and literally, as a working mother, this was true. While on a lunch break, I was pumping. On a 15 minute break, I was pumping. Then when I returned home from work, I was breastfeeding. Truly the only time I was not doing anything, was when I was sleeping.

What this means and how you can participate

Recognizing that mothers need better resources, care and appreciation has been undying voice of women. As we enter into smaller communities of moms, the breastfeeding community, we still have micro communities that need additional support beyond the general need. Our working moms, our stay at home moms, our pumping moms need support. And that support is given by its members on days similar to the Big Latch On and World Breast Pumping Day. They are supported through unity and empowerment!

The work and dedication pumping requires is impressive. Pumping, setting up, cleaning up, feeding, storing the milk – pumping can take more than twice the time and effort than breastfeeding or formula feeding. We started to hear from pumping moms that they felt excluded from the breastfeeding world, especially exclusive pumpers. They said they didn’t feel like they were really breastfeeding, which was heartbreaking to hear because these women are hooking themselves up to machines, sacrificing sleep and relaxation and social lives to pump to feed their babies. We felt they needed to be acknowledged and celebrated.

-Snugabell

So, on Jan 27, we took to social media- you can too

• Give a shout out to your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers, the woman commuting next to you – anyone who is a pumping mom and tell her she is amazing.
• Post photos of breast pumping moms, bottles of milk, or storage bags of breastmilk
• Look out for images you can share on social, then give other moms encouragement
• Use the hashtags #WeCanPump, #WhyIPump, and #PumpingMomsGTD
• Tag @Breastfeeding_world and @snugabell on Instagram or Twitter
• Then, join in the fun of giveaways at the Snugabell WBPD Event Page on Facebook throughout the day!

We want to reach moms where they are, scrolling through their phones and trying to catch their breath in between sterilizing bottles and serving dinner, wiping noses and bums, and rocking little ones to sleep. We want to acknowledge the many ways moms are getting shit done. Because we think moms are amazing and we’re tired of being fed this pastel version of motherhood where everyone is happy and everything is clean.

Life is messy and chaotic and there’s a certain type of beauty in the noise. World Breast Pumping Day is an opportunity for us all (moms-to-be or moms of many) to stand together and support each other’s choices, even if those choices look different than the ones we make for our own families.

-Snugabell

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

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our hashtag

#BreastfeedingWorld

Betty Rose

Betty Rose is a writer and the voice behind the #MomLife Column. Born and raised on the Pacific Island of Guam, she now resides in Seattle, Washington. After having her first child, she began sharing her new role as a Chamorro mother living in the stats and continues to contribute feature stories of Pacific Island communities in other publications. She embraces the diversity, the struggles of motherhood and hopes that, through her writing, she can break and bring awareness to the barriers set on minority communities across the world.

www.facebook.com/TheMomLifeColumn/

The post What is World Breast Pumping Day? appeared first on Breastfeeding World.