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.

Nowadays some parents may find that coming up with fun ideas to keep your kids entertained can be quite challenging. With tablets, phones and other electronics around it can be really difficult to spark creativity on some children. Can you relate?

As some of you may know, I happen to be a big Harry Potter fan. When I found out I was pregnant I started to put together some ideas for a #Potterhead theme session for my baby girl. It only took us 5 years to get it done but guess what?! We did it and it came out perfect!

Mischief Managed – Our very first Mommy and Me Costumes

We had recently returned from our very first Salem trip and boy we had fun. Having been able to visit this well known historical site right before Halloween helped spike her desire to dress up as a cute little witch. We had just started reading the Philosopher’s Stone so it was just the perfect timing. 

I still remember her excitement when we unwrapped our somewhat matching mommy and me costumes. Little miss D was so happy to know that her mommy would also be wearing the same Harry Potter cloak. After a good ol’ Harry Potter marathon to gather a storyline idea, we were ready to go.

Although Halloween is not a part of my culture, I decided that it’s a great Holiday to be creative together. We both enjoy getting our makeup done and coming up with some amazing photos that we will cherish forever.

Creating magical images through my photography is one of my favorite things to do, therefore, we both have a lot of fun working on these together.

Little miss D happened to have been working on her Felix Felices potion when all of a sudden, a death eater appeared ready to take it all away. She needed to protect her coveted potion! Armed with all the spells she had learned in her first year at Hogwarts she was able to guard her cauldron.

Our newfound tradition continues

This year was no different! The moment that all the Halloween decorations started to appear in the stores, (I’ve got to admit, a bit too early for my liking!). We were all over them.

Originally, we thought of dressing up as the Power Rangers, because, why not? However, after some thoughtful consideration we wanted a mommy and me costume that would allow us to enjoy and enhance the beautiful fall scenery on the island.  

She had heard a children’s song that I’m sure many of you have heard as well…

“Scarecrow, scarecrow turn around;

Scarecrow, scarecrow touch the ground.

Scarecrow, scarecrow reach up high;

Scarecrow, scarecrow bend down low,

Scarecrow, scarecrow touch your toes.”

With that song in mind we began our search for our perfect mommy and me costumes and I got to say, she picked them right! After a quick Pinterest search for some scarecrow makeup ideas we were ready to go!

We were very lucky to have had three loved ones that helped us pull this 2019 Halloween session together, Shelyn, Ianna & Martin. Thank you!

The process of picking out a theme, choosing our mommy and me costumes and creating the images together has been a great way to push both our creativities to the next level. We shall see what next year brings. In the meantime, we will see you in town trick-or-treating!

If you have never tried doing something like this for Halloween then I surely recommend taking the time and letting your imagination flow! I can promise you and you and your little ones will have so much fun together. 

What is your favorite Halloween movie that you and your family like? Have you guys every mommy and me costumes?

Don’t forget to start sharing your Halloween pictures with us on Instagram using our Hashtag #BreastfeedingWorld for a chance to be featured in our Halloween special!

We are really happy to announce that this coming weekend we will be doing an IG Giveaway! Head over and make sure you follow us, you can win some amazing prizes! Stay tuned.

Alexia Garcia

I’m a proud mom to a beautiful little girl who is the reason of all my smiles | Creator and founder of the Breastfeeding World Project – passionate about normalizing breastfeeding | Professional photographer serving New York City

The post Mommy and Me Costumes – A fun way to enjoy Halloween appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Guest Post Series by Molly Chanson of Soul Ma

The baby finally slept. My father in law leaned over the back of the couch and peered lovingly at baby Bennett, who was swaddled tightly inside his Moses basket. From my spot on the other side of the couch, I noticed the joy on his face as he watched his new grandson sleep. He had just come from the office and was wearing a simple cotton t-shirt tucked into black dress pants. It was a hot June day and I could hear people walking their dogs on the sidewalk outside. I glanced down at my socks and pajamas, and thought about what I would normally be doing on a sunny summer evening. Suddenly exhausted, I wanted to sleep myself.

“It’s fun being a new mommy, isn’t it?” he excitedly said.

“Yeah.” I smiled back and nodded.

I looked at my new son in the basket my friend had given to me. She’d used it with all 3 of her boys.

It was quite an adorable spot to lay the baby in–hand woven with pale yellow reeds and lined with soft, ivory fabric. It had two handles on the sides, each decorated with a tiny silk bow. For all purposes, it functioned as an actual basket. But, I was cautioned, it probably wasn’t a good idea to actually carry the baby in the basket, as the handles were purely for decoration. Despite this impractical aspect, it did create the perfect, magazine-worthy napping space for a baby.

“Well, I’m off but I’ll stop by again tomorrow! I love you.” My father-in-law kissed me on the forehead and gathered his things. As he walked down the stairs and noisily shut the door, the baby jumped. His eyelids twitched and his arms sprung loose from the swaddle.

I couldn’t breathe–please don’t wake up, not yet…

Bennett settled back into his slumber, and I slowly exhaled.

Me, the basket, and the baby, had been on this couch for days. The basket and the baby were so delicate and tender – when Bennett slept in it, everything looked like a magical scene out of Pottery Barn’s Nursery edition. And then there was me–unshowered, undressed, and unqualified.

Tears sprung to my eyes and I felt a knot form in my stomach.

How could I have been so naïve?

New babies were hard work. I was so in love, yet terrified at the same time. There are expectations around motherhood – everyone else around me was elated and celebrating.

I don’t think it’s ok to admit you’re scared of your own baby. I wouldn’t admit it –to myself, or to anyone.

This special guest post series are pieces from Molly Chanson, a sponsor for Breastfeeding World’s 2018 multi-city Big Latch On Events. She is the owner of Soul Ma, a high end clothing brand designed to help women conquer every stage of motherhood in fashion. Find her at our NYC Times Square Big Latch On!

Guest Post Sponsored by:

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

Feature Image: Nathan Burros

admin

A photography project founded in late 2014 by Alexia Garcia, photographer a Alegares Photography. Breastfeeding World aims to promote breastfeeding and encourage new moms to nurse their babies through the art of photography and story telling.

The post Latching on to Motherhood: Part 1 appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

What does it even mean? Maybe I’m projecting because I don’t “practice” it, or feel like I have time to practice it. But really, its seems like all the top executives from all the leisure activities people love, got together and said, “we need to make these already expensive and luxurious items super elusive and market them to parents who have ZERO time do to them- and make them feel bad about it.” Job well done!

It’s not that I don’t want to take a warm, Lavender Epsom Salt bath wearing the new Honest mud mask while sipping full moon crystal charged Berkey water from a hand thrown ceramic mug I bought on my kid-free staycation last Tuesday when I took some “me time” in the middle of the afternoon… Because believe me, I want to. Its just that, I can’t. And I am someone who ‘comes from a place of Yes’ as they say!

But really, self-care, you are out of control. Your expectations of me are way too high- borderline unattainable.

Before the new “self care” term came about, it meant something to drink a hot cup of coffee in the morning. Or wipe alone (after going to the bathroom with your 1 year old on your lap and toddler sitting on her mini potty at your feet). Those were stolen moments that translated to caring for yourself or being mindful of your sanity. Now, unless I’m hiring a sitter to watch the kids so I can sit in the Himalayan Salt Room after a Reiki session and sound therapy I’m not effectively taking care of myself and therefore not doing right by my kids. Holy moly. Self care.

“Self Care” because I’m drinking water AND going to the bathroom. Double whammy.

And I am the worst offender! I was talking to a friend at a playdate for my youngest the other day and she was opening up to me about how exhausted she is working and parenting. I heard myself say, “sounds like you really need to practice some self care.” There it is, rearing its ugly head again! What does that even mean? She gave me a knowing look like I offered her sage advice from the Dalai Lama. Ah yes, Self Care. I’m sure I’ll run into her at the next Aromatherapy for Spiritual Awakening Kirtan.

Here are my tips for r e a l self care. Brace yourself…

1. Drink a cup of coffee, tea or warm water at some point before noon. Even if it means you had to microwave it 1,2,3 times.
2. Set an intention to shower at least twice a week. Baby wipes do count for a last minute fix during the week.
3. Fit in one Netflix binge at night after the kids are sleeping (if you are one of the lucky ones)
4. Eat one spoonful of Cool-Whip straight from the container at least once a week and don’t feel anything but joy about it.
5. Take a deep breath of fresh air when you step outside to get your mail.
6. Be gentle on yourself- we are all doing everything we can to raise wonderful, functional children.

I promise to practice self care this week- I mean, hey, I put on clean socks this morning after I cleaned up the dog poop from the rug AND I already had my coffee…and its well before noon. Self care for the win!

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 Why I Hate “Self Care” appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

To me, to us, it’s just our normal, our life. My friends often tell me that they don’t know how I do it or that I’m Super Woman. But in all honesty, I’m just me, doing the very best I can to be the mom he so deserves.

But some days, I feel that I come up short.

I lose my cool.

I yell despite my best intentions.

I just want to sit on the couch for one minute and not play every minute of every day.

I let us eat out more often than I’d like.

I don’t clean as good and as often as I should.

I get frustrated.

I get cranky.

And coffee. So much coffee.

But for all my shortcomings, all my misgivings, and despite all of this and so much more, he loves me.

And he’s growing up to be the most caring, empathetic, and smart little guy.

So often we focus only on the negative in ourselves. Single mom or not. But what if we all just took a minute to stop and see all of the good.

The ‘round the clock breastfeeding sessions, diaper changes, burping sessions that I did with no help day after day and night after night.

The hours I worked grading and working at night so I could spend the time during the day playing and being there for him.

The hot evening summer walks pushing him in his stroller, frozen teething rings in hand and nothing but a cloth diaper on.

The first time he signed ‘more’ or ‘please’ or ‘I love you.’

The awe in his eyes staring up the Christmas tree all decorated and lit up.

The cuddles he shares with our two dogs and the love he shows all animals.

The three meals a day that we usually cook together, and always eat together.

His smile.

His laugh.

How he stops and picks every single flower he sees to give to me.

How he asks to hold my hand and tells me holding my hand is his favorite.

His hugs.

His kisses.

His love.

When you stop and look back, there really is so much good and so much happiness.

Our children don’t see us in black and white, as good or bad.

They see us, all of us, and love us unconditionally. Isn’t it about time we did the same for ourselves?

Being a mother is hard, and we are only human.

Let us show our children how to make mistakes and then ask for forgiveness, how to lose your temper but then apologize and do better the next time. But most of all, let’s learn to love ourselves and give ourselves the grace we deserve, so that they are able to do the same as they grow up and when they are grown.

If no one has told you lately, you are an amazing mother.

You little one is beyond lucky to have you as their mother, and you are doing a great job.

Celebrate yourself this Mother’s Day, because you more than deserve it.

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

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

#BreastfeedingWorld

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 Unconditional love appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

I’m willing to bet that was all before you had any children. I’m not saying that the love between spouses or significant others doesn’t matter in comparison to the passion you feel as a parent, however it’s incomparable and far more intense when it is for your child.

Speaking of parent and child relationships, did you know that today is Bring your Daughter to Work Day? It’s also the Month of the Military Child and in order to honor both or those occasions I created a list of all the reasons children are amazing and do wonderful things for us as parents every day.

1. We Experience Unconditional Love

They challenge us and make us smarter for it. I’m sure you remember telling yourself that long division was something you could never forget, or how to solve an equation (PEMDAS anyone?). Little did we know we’d be in our 20’s and 30’s having to quickly teach ourselves how to not only figure out long division the old fashion way, but now relearn it with these new methods with a youtube video in the pantry before your kid can find you and realize you’re less knowledgeable than you lead on to be…

2. They Remind Us How Great The World Truly Is

While you’re stressed out typing away a report for work or frustrated because the dryer is stuffed with lint your little girl is curious about all the “Why’s”…I don’t know about you, but if your child hasn’t made you contemplate the universe itself from all her questions then you have to think harder about what she’s really asking.

“Why is mommy moving really fast and yelling at the machine?”

Seriously, why IS mommy so mad and angry at the dryer? Deep down we know that isn’t going to do anything to benefit ourselves, so why do we continue to feel such a negative fueling emotion? Not to mention–have you ever just tried to see things from a babies perspective before? No, really. I mean getting onto all fours or laying on your back to try and pin point what the heck your baby is giggling at when all you see is the fan on your ceiling. A baby sees a dangling object floating above in the air above her. However, as an adult we have the opportunity to appreciate the finer things behind how it’s even possible for that fan to exist. The blades are held by a metal paddle which is connected to the outer shell of the motor, which screws hold in place. (Screws alone are fascinating. Who the heck was genius enough to create a screw?! Those things hold our world together!)

There’s so much life appreciation and gratitude we can learn from these pure minds.

3. Raising Girls Make You Rethink Societal Standards.

As a mother who tries her best to exhume self love, raising a girl in a world of young make up artists and never ending options to enhance natural beauty is not easy. Just like there’s a fine line between teaching your girl to stand up to bullies with force versus knowing when exactly to stand down and tell an adult.

As parents we’re taught to lead by example, but who are WE supposed to look up to? Society doesn’t do a very good job of cheering on the realism of the world, so it’s up to us to decide what the “norm” is.

I’ve learned that for everything you wish to teach your daughter you must implement into your own routine.

The best part about young girls (and children in general at young ages) is their innocence to societal rules and norms. When they see their mothers get dressed in the morning they see beauty no matter what they wear. Same goes for the makeup they choose to put on and all other decisions.

We know kids question many things. The rules parents implement is certainly a big one to question. As parents we spend a lot of time trying to protect our children at the same as raising them to be strong individuals, but our biggest flaw is neglecting to parent and be kind to ourselves. The confidence we pass onto our children is hardly ever implemented within ourselves. We live in a world where its unbelievably easy to pretend or recreate who we are as people, including looks and in order for our impressionable girls to believe what we want them to we need to believe it for ourselves. We are our worst critics and our children are our biggest confidence boosters.

4. Girls Radiate Energy and Exhume Happiness.

Even under the toughest of circumstances and stressful of times I can always look over at my daughter to find a smile pasted across her face. They have the lightest of hearts and know no evil. It is the most contagious feeling in the world to watch your children run and play for hours without a lapse in happiness, not to mention seeing them get right back up after falling down.

So on this day of stress remember that you have a little one staring up at you like you’re the tallest and most magnificent creature they’ve ever seen. They admire the way you pour water into a glass and as a matter of fact they admire how quick you are to catching the glass when they “accidentally” tipped it over.

Rather instead of buckling at the craziness of bringing your sweet daughter to work today, take the day to live by her rules.

 

Slow down and look at the world in pure amazement. We only get this day once, so if you can, dedicate your world to her a little extra today.

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

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

#BreastfeedingWorld

Katherine Hovey

Katherine Hovey is a young first time mom, stationed on Guam, living life over 7,900 air miles away from her home and everyone she knows as she navigates her place in life as a mother. Currently she is studying to become a Certified Medical Assistance and spends her free time volunteering as a writer for Soldier’s Angels and a part time freelance photographer. Katherine’s motivation is the compassion she has for others. Ultimately she wishes to reach out and impact every life she can touch. Whether that’s getting the chance to help out a family in need, finding a home for an abandoned dog or getting the opportunity to hear someone’s story. She is an avid people person yearning to make a change and leave her mark on this world while never ceasing to observe the world’s lost beauty. If you’d like to learn more about Katherine you can find her on YouTube and Instagram at Hoveylife.

www.youtube.com/channel/UCGLjPPckEfB4M3QOKf-TQ3g

The post Reflections of the greatest love: Bring your daughter to work day appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

“Is cluster feeding normal?” (Yes.)

“Is the ‘ring of fire’ real?” (Yes, though miserable imagery in that phrase.)

“Do I need to ‘pump and dump’?” (No.)

“How long will it take to ‘bounce back’ after birth?” (That concept is an illusion.)

The list goes on. There also some questions that never get asked, for one reason or another. Though I know from personal experience and years doing doula work that parents, specifically the birthing parent, are wondering about. Let’s begin with this one:

Will I ever want to have sex again?

Believe it or not- one day, maybe far from now and maybe right around the corner, you will feel strong, sexy and ready to engage in more physically intimate acts with your partner. Imagine that! It may just happen out of nowhere.

You may wake up one morning or get ready for bed one night and BAM, like a bolt of sexual lightening you will be transformed into a sex goddess and be ready to ‘make up for lost time’, as they say.

Oh how I hope that is you!

For most though, it will be a slow and steady journey of self-care and emotional bonding with your partner that will ready you for deeper physical intimacy.

Ensuring you are nourished, quenched, well slept (its all relative) and feeling supported by your partner, family, friends, whomever, will lend itself to the revival of your libido.

I hadn’t been hit by a bolt of “sexual lightening” yet here…

And also, biology. For many, breastfeeding can keep Estrogen levels low, which can result in vaginal dryness- making intercourse uncomfortable without lubricant- and making you disinterested in sex at all. In that case, staying well hydrated and practicing patience are key.

No one can guarantee that you will return to the feelings you experienced before your pregnancy. Things have changed, shifted, grown.

If you can mentally accept the change and welcome in patience and self care, you can rest assured that your sex drive will be there waiting for you with a smile…and a wink

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 Will I Ever Have Sex Again? appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Katherine Hovey

Katherine Hovey is a young first time mom, stationed on Guam, living life over 7,900 air miles away from her home and everyone she knows as she navigates her place in life as a mother. Currently she is studying to become a Certified Medical Assistance and spends her free time volunteering as a writer for Soldier’s Angels and a part time freelance photographer. Katherine’s motivation is the compassion she has for others. Ultimately she wishes to reach out and impact every life she can touch. Whether that’s getting the chance to help out a family in need, finding a home for an abandoned dog or getting the opportunity to hear someone’s story. She is an avid people person yearning to make a change and leave her mark on this world while never ceasing to observe the world’s lost beauty. If you’d like to learn more about Katherine you can find her on YouTube and Instagram at Hoveylife.

www.youtube.com/channel/UCGLjPPckEfB4M3QOKf-TQ3g

The post When Mom Guilt Kicks In appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Kristina Garcia

www.twomomsand.com/

The post My Faja and I: A Postpartum Wrapping Tradition 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.