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 topic of breastfeeding can be very controversial. It is hard not to rouse strong feelings when discussing baby feeding methods and choices. It almost seems as though the infant feeding industry benefits from the underlying tensions among us. While I try to remain level-headed and not contribute to the so-called “mommy wars”, I am passionate about a particular breastfeeding ailment; pain during breastfeeding. Specifically nipple pain in the first days and weeks. So, I’m going to risk discussing a controversial topic, to clarify some facts about nipple pain.

Why should it hurt to nurse your baby?

There are those who believe that pregnant women should be told that breastfeeding will hurt in order to be prepared and not feel that it is abnormal for nursing to cause them pain. In other words, they should be taught to expect pain. In my opinion, this is a dangerous point of view and, as a woman, I am offended. Why should women expect or accept pain to accompany a normal bodily function? Name one other natural bodily function that is repeated over and over again that is expected to be painful. Ok- childbirth, but we can even argue about that needing to hurt and it doesn’t happen repetitively for months on end.

I’m going to turn the tables here and get real- and a bit graphic. Imagine explaining to a man that there was going to be something that he had to do, about 8-12 times per day, for weeks on end, that was going to cause his penis to hurt- maybe even blister, crack and bleed! And then try to justify it to him as “best” and let him know to expect it! Never happen, right?

Of course infant feeding shouldn’t hurt. Women were designed to give birth and to breastfeed. Infants are born to nurse.
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Of course infant feeding shouldn’t hurt. Women were designed to give birth and to breastfeed. Infants are born to nurse. It is our biologic imperative as mammals. In nature, if mammals do not feed at the breast, the offspring does not survive. This system wouldn’t work if pain was the norm.

But it does hurt, right?

Yes, nursing can be painful- and I believe moms should be told of the possibility. However,  that is different than expecting it to hurt. When breastfeeding hurts, it is an indicator that something isn’t quite right. There are steps to take to make it more comfortable for you and easier for your infant . An important fact to remember is that comfort while feeding is not just for you. If latch hurts, chances are that your baby isn’t nursing effectively and will not get as much milk as he or she should.

 Sharing my experience

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I have met so many women who gave up nursing because of nipple pain, infections, blisters, or blebs. I have also met others who have nursed through these conditions, without reaching out for help, thinking that it was “normal” or some kind of right of passage. In my experience, I can confidently say, that in most cases, something can be done to help moms nurse without pain.

I am so committed to helping moms reach their feeding goals and to prevent them from suffering unnecessarily, that I authored a book to share the message. It Shouldn’t Hurt to Nurse Your Baby: Breastfeeding Solutions for the 6 most common causes of painful nipples. In the book, I discuss what can cause nipple pain, how to correct the cause, when to reach out for professional help, and which type professional help would be best, depending on the condition.

My mission

I have found that it is often simple adjustments that make a huge difference in what nursing feels like.  Reaching out to an IBCLC for expert support is recommended if the simple solutions aren’t making things easier. For many women, breastfeeding is a rewarding and empowering experience. I am on a mission to open more women up to that possibility. I want everyone to know that it is possible to nurse comfortably and enjoy this special time. 

Lisa Paladino CNM, IBCLC

http://www.statenislandbreastfeeding.com/

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

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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 It Shouldn’t Hurt To Nurse Your Baby- So Why Does It? By: Lisa Paladino, IBCLC appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

How, in motherhood, do we do it all?

Well, we don’t.

I am “writing” this using Siri while I cut strawberries for my 2-year-old, as I think about all of the things that I need to do today.

On that list:

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• bake 48 cupcakes
• create a newsletter for my job
• do expenses for my job
• clean the bathroom
• make the beds
• edit for Breastfeeding World
• search for donations for our Big Latch On this year
• feed the kids at least 100 times in between each of those things

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• put my daughter down for a nap (hopefully)
• cook dinner
• straighten the toys
• give baths
• wipe the counters
• do the dishes (by hand, mind you, I don’t have a dishwasher)
• wrap a present for Sunday
• ice 48 cupcakes

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At some point, I need to take a shower because this weekend is filled with parties and such, and I wont have time tomorrow morning. All while my husband works 16 hours a day for the next 4 days.

You may see this list and say, well that’s impossible. You’re right, it is impossible.

But isn’t your list just as long?

Aren’t the expectations on you just as high? As we look at our own lists, we say to ourselves, we should be able to do this. These are just general things that need to get done everyday. This is what it takes to simply run a home. Why can’t we do this?? But, when we look at someone else’s list, we realize how impossible it is. We realize the pressure is mounting on us like the way the Earth creates a diamond. But, I don’t want to be a diamond. I don’t want to be hard or shiny or perfect. I don’t want my life to be desirable to others.

I want my life to be desirable to me, my husband and my family.

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I don’t want my only interaction with my children to be yelling at them to stop fighting because I need to concentrate. I’m tired of scheduling play into my day so that they aren’t left to their own devices, or to drown in front of the TV all day, instead of it just coming naturally. I have had enough of the constant pressure to keep up with the mom next to me, to be the best, to have a house, a new car, money in the bank, my kids in best designer clothes, all while I play June Cleaver in my perfectly in order home. Enough.

I will embrace being human. My mistakes, my shortcomings, the absence of perfection.

I will embrace all of it.

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Because that is reality. And I’m tired of living in a fantasy world that doesn’t exist. I’m sure that I will continue to make these lists, these never-ending, countless lists. But, when I only finish half, I will be okay with that. No, I will be happy with that.

When my kids come to me and ask to play, I won’t say, in one minute. When I see them playing together, I will stop what I’m doing and join in. I won’t rush from one thing to the next.

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I’ll stop.

I’ll appreciate the world and all of its beauty, all it has to offer me, if I just slow down. I will smile more because I have so much to smile about.

It’s time to take a deep breath. Bow out of the race and enjoy the simple beauty of my life. I’m so busy striving to be the mom that does it all, that I sometimes forget, I already have it all.

And that is how, in motherhood, you do it all. You simply remember, that you already have it all.

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

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Samantha Sykula

Born and raised in NY, I studied speech and language pathology at NYU. I am a stay at home mom to two beautiful children, Richard and Charlotte and wife to my wonderful husband, Rich. I have always had a deep love for learning, which has grown further since becoming a mother, I am always looking for new ways to enrich our lives. Becoming a mother changed my life, I learned compassion, caring and most importantly, true love. I hope to share the experiences of my breastfeeding, cloth diapering, babywearing, crocheting, full of love, life.

The post Motherhood: How To Do It All appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

With the rain looming overhead, we hunkered down and packed the car full of this year’s hard work for New York City’s Third Annual Big Latch On. Despite the weather, which thankfully cleared up in time for our latch and picnic, we watched as an incredible group of families gathered before the red TKTS steps to make history again. Every year, we are blown away by the support and love we feel at Breastfeeding World’s Big Latch On.

And this year, was one for the record in support. With over 223 breastfeeding supporters, the diversity of our families was incredible. Fathers, Grandmothers, Grandfathers, siblings, cousins, all came together to support the breastfeeding mother in their life. It was that moment that I thought to myself, this is what it is about. THIS is normalizing breastfeeding. Over the years, we have watched as our attendees go from mother and baby, to whole families and it brings tears to my eyes.

76 babies latched with love in Times Square on August 5th 2017

Why is normalizing breastfeeding so important?

Normalizing breastfeeding is so much more than breastfeeding. It is about motherhood, about our choices as a family in how we care for our children. Normalizing breastfeeding provides support to all mothers in how they choose to feed their child. Whether that be through generational knowledge, lactation consultants, properly educated medical professionals and so much more. No mother should face this journey alone, as it is the most difficult and yet most rewarding thing we do in our lives. Any way in which you feed your child is normal, because it is your normal. That is what normalizing breastfeeding is all about. 

How Does the Global Big Latch on & Breastfeeding World help normalize breastfeeding?

First, the more breastfeeding is seen in day to day life, the more normal it becomes. The Global Big Latch On works to do just that. This year, the Global Big Latch On registered 725 locations across 23 countries. That is a tremendous impact around the world, uniting families across the globe for one whole minute.

17,790 children breastfed during the one-minute count

18,036 breastfeeding women attended

Breastfeeding World participates in the Global Big Latch On, for that unity. To bring mothers in our local community, and across the country, together in unison in the name of motherhood and breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding can be hard, motherhood can be hard, and we all should have the support we crave! But, we don’t just stop there. Throughout the year, we connect mothers with the information they need to be successful in their personal breastfeeding goals. We work to provide the network that we all need to recognize as many of the struggles of feeding as a new mother can, and get her to the point of comfort, love and bonding. 

How Does The Breastfeeding World Big Latch On Impact Our Community?

There is something special – indescribable – about being surrounded by a tribe of women who feel empowered by their ability to nourish their children through breastfeeding. I knew maybe four women there, but we all “knew” each other.  -Tara Woebbe Alcaraz

We met on the red steps in NYC’s Times Square, where we all gathered to nurse our babies for exactly one minute together. What an empowering moment, to be able to join together, worry-free, not focusing on anyone looking or wondering what anyone was thinking – just feeding our babies. -Jessica Speer 

At first, breastfeeding was the most challenging part of motherhood for me. Now, it is my absolute favorite. Meeting all of these wonderful moms at this event made me feel so supported; knowing I wasn’t the only one, as cliche as that sounds. Breastfeeding World made me feel like I was a part of something that will benefit my son forever. And I thank everyone for such a wonderful learning experience. -Evelyn Helena

Thank you for giving us a space to celebrate and unite over breastfeeding -Labella Siciliana

It was such an eye opening experience for me. When I first started my breastfeeding journey after having my daughter, I struggled alone and felt judged when I had to nurse out in public. Being there, with a village of like minded warriors on those red steps that day made me feel undefeatable. I did not need to worry for one second about someone who might approach with something rude to say about me nursing my baby. I wish everyday could be so easy. -Lyssa Tsao

I was happy to be able to volunteer as I attended my first Big Latch On. I’m not currently breastfeeding myself, but continuing to promote this natural practice is as important to me now as when I was nursing. One of my favorite things was seeing how many Dads came to be a part of the event. Support of our partners is so important, and they were right there along side the moms, cheering them on. Standing directing in from of the stands, listening to the countdown to latch, seeing the triumph on all of the faces of the participants… these are the images that will always stand out to me. I was just on the sidelines, but you could feel how beautiful the moment was. I teared up! -Jacquie Rossi

What spoke volumes to me was the amount of spouses there to support their breastfeeding wives – that says A LOT about the character of our spouses, but also the mutual respect and support that is necessary in a partnership, that is so critical to the success of breastfeeding. -Tara Woebbe Alcaraz

Big Latch On #3 was a blast as always. So much support and love. -Lissette

We Couldn’t Have Done It Without You!

As we reach out to our community each year, we are blown away by the generosity we find among us. From our donors & contributors, to our volunteers, everyone works tirelessly to make this event possible for each and every one of our attendees. It is no doubt, that everyone who contributes, whether it be goodies or their time, does it out of love for breastfeeding, our communities and our families.

Thank You

Baltic Essentials provided every family with an amber necklace. Kindred Bravely gave incredible bamboo breast pads to every family plus a gift card to one lucky winner. Mommycon donated awesome swag bags to our Central Indiana location AND tickets to Mommycon NYC (I’ll see ya there) for our families here in NYC. Soul Slings donated the most beautiful carrier to one lucky family. I could go on! We were amazed at the generosity of our donors and all of the incredible goodies we were able to giveaway to our families.

A tremendous thank you to Phoenix Medical Equipment, for providing us with a Ameda Breast pump that we were honored to gift to a very special mother. Having experienced a loss, now blessed with a miracle baby, she faced a diagnosis that she was not prepared for. The Breast pump with give this mother and her baby the best possible start. She explained to us all of the research in favor of breastmilk for a baby diagnosed with Down Syndrome, but the difficulties that they will likely face with latching. This gift will provide this sweet family the peace of mind and allow her to provide breastmilk to her precious babe. Stayed tuned for a video dedication from this sweet momma!

We cannot thank you enough for the incredible generosity

That Baltic Essentials Necklace & Bessie’s Best Stuffed Face

What Is To Come?

Throughout the year, we will continue to strengthen our online community, bringing you information on breastfeeding, motherhood, childhood development and more on our blog, as well as some reviews of awesome breastfeeding goodies. We will continue to do breastfeeding photoshoots around the country. Because, like we said, the more breastfeeding is seen in day to day life, the more normal it will become. Plus, aren’t they just gorgeous?!

It is also very important to all of us to work closely with our community throughout the year. In NYC, I have been working closely with one of our wonderful contributors, Wild Was Mama, to bring some smaller, focused, support group style events to our community in their beautiful location in Brooklyn. 

Family Resources in New York City

Birth Professionals

• Renee Pizzuto of Tribe of Mine – Prenatal & Post Partum Doula
• Corazon Gambino of The Growing Caterpillar & Expecting Parents & Baby – Doula, Placenta Encapsulation & Childbirth Educator
• Simone Toomer of Wise Womban Doula & By My Side Birth Support – Prenatal & Post Partum Doula
• Kathleen Garcia at KG Doula & Babywearing Services & Pregnancy After Loss Support – Prenatal, Post Partum & Bereavement Doula
• Marta Ginter of M for Moms – Prenatal & Post Partum Doula
• Tanya Wills of Manhattan Birth – Certified Nurse Midwife
• Shar La Porte of Midwifery Care NYC – Certified Nurse Midwife
• Carol Bues of Midwifery Care NYC – Certified Nurse Midwife

Breastfeeding Professionals

• Renee Pizzuto of Tribe of Mine – Certified Lactation Counselor
• Simone Toomer of Wise Womban Doula & By My Side Birth Support – Certified Lactation Counselor
• Marta Ginter of M for Moms – Certified Lactation Counselor
• Leigh Anne O’Connor of Leigh Anne O’Conner IBCLC – Lactation Consultant

Babywearing Professionals

• Kathleen Garcia at KG Doula & Babywearing Services & Pregnancy After Loss Support – Certified Babywearing Educator
• Marta Ginter of M for Moms – Certified Babywearing Consultant

Thank You. Each And Every One Of You

Thank you for coming, for showing support for breastfeeding. Each one of our families are incredibly important to us. We are so thankful to each and every one of you for making these events so beautiful. 

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

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Samantha Sykula

Born and raised in NY, I studied speech and language pathology at NYU. I am a stay at home mom to two beautiful children, Richard and Charlotte and wife to my wonderful husband, Rich. I have always had a deep love for learning, which has grown further since becoming a mother, I am always looking for new ways to enrich our lives. Becoming a mother changed my life, I learned compassion, caring and most importantly, true love. I hope to share the experiences of my breastfeeding, cloth diapering, babywearing, crocheting, full of love, life.

The post Our Journey Together – NYC’s Third Annual Big Latch On appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

So this month our Breastfeeding World Team is celebrating the Active Father, half of our parenting team

“So Lauren,” my brother in law asked, “what went through your mind, when Todd told you that he wanted to take the kids on vacation by himself?” I think I must have looked crazy, trying to process what he was asking me.

Uhhhh… That it was like my own vacation, even though I was working?” I answered blithely. Then I stepped up on my soapbox. “Why is it that because he’s a dad, traveling with his kids alone, people are shocked? But if it was me, no one would blink an eye?”

“No I mean… that’s a lot for a parent, traveling with two kids, alone.” Being a young, active father himself, He meant for any parent, it’s hard. But it got me thinking.

Why is it that an active father is labeled an “amazing dad”, but an active mother is just a mom?

Then I thought about my husband, an active father in every single way. He changes diapers, gives baths, folds laundry, takes the kids on outings by himself. He does this every day, without blinking. And then I thought about the parents in my daycare. The majority of them share the load, evenly. Dad picks up, just as often as mom. Kids are just as happy to see him, rely on him for their daily care, every bit as their mothers. These fathers, today’s fathers, do not take on the role that our fathers did, that our grandfathers did.

Many of today’s families are working families, both the parents, out of the home.

Equal partners in supporting their families. Equal partners at home. You can knock the “millennial” generation all you want- but someone is doing something right, because our children are being raised by mom AND dad.

Society may still see an active father as a “Super Dad”, but the truth is, he’s a partner with his spouse, a partner in his home. The paradigm for fatherhood is changing, just as dramatically as the model for motherhood. And I don’t think these active fathers are getting enough credit.

Maybe, just maybe, as much as moms are feeling pressure to do-and-be-it-all, dad’s are feeling the same?

My husband adores Isabella. Every day at some point, he takes her out to the backyard and they work on “their garden” together. She is constantly talking about the strawberries or tomatoes she is growing. He’s also great about me going out, I go out at least twice a month, between book club and friends and he may mess with me by grumbling but he always makes sure to get rid of his overtime so I can have that alone time. My favorite is when baseball comes on, Isabella knows to get into his lap and he explains the game to her and that keeps her busy for a good half hour.

He’s a great father.

Our daughter has special needs. 13 years old and we still have to change poop diapers and she already started her period . She has also developed quite a chest. Through it all, my husband does his fair share of taking care of all of her needs . He is so patient and kind. We both have our moments still to this day regarding her syndrome. We are able to be strong for each other. To our son, he is also such an amazing role model . He works hard, but never complains when there’s almost always a load of laundry waiting for him to put it the dryer. 

My kids adore him and it’s not hard to see why.

My husband usually works 80 hour weeks, with a max of 4 days off a month. Not including studying and working on presentations at home. He STILL makes time (the nights he’s home) to do bath and bedtime stories, picks up toys, prepares some meals, takes out the garbage, and changes lots of diapers. He loves taking Zeke out to the park by himself.

In those first few months when Zeke was a newborn, we were barely holding it together with no family in the area. But, we took turns holding Zeke at night, giving him a bottle, and he changed way more diapers than I did. He took a newborn to Target by himself, so I could stay home and sleep. After 24+ hour shifts, he would come home and take the baby from me so I could sleep. I have no doubt, that I would have given up on breastfeeding without his support during the first 2.5 months (successfully breasted for 16 months). He made so many meals in those early weeks, washed dishes, etc, etc. I once told my husband that other husbands don’t always do these things, and he said he knew, that his dad never changed one diaper, and my husband is the oldest of five. He followed it up by saying, “I’m not a pu**y”.

This Parenting Thing Is No Walk In The Park

We all need all the help we can get! As society changes, and families need to become two income households in order to survive, we see a shift in the roles of parenting. We see a shift in the roles of parenting because how we are raising our children is changing. Honestly, an amazing shift. A shift that supports an incredible bond between fathers and their children, that we have not seen in generations past. Both partners are understanding the importance of their role in supporting one another, supporting their families both financially and emotionally. 

The Village Starts At Home

Behind the doors of our home, we need to feel loved, heard and supported. As Dads feel the pressure to do it all, us moms want you to know: we couldn’t do it with out you. We see you doing everything you can when you are tired from work. You play with the children in the most beautiful way when you think no one is watching, but we see you. When we walk into the room and its clean and the dishes are done, we see it. We see it, just like you see it when we do those things. Moms know what you are going through, we understand the pressure of this world, the pressure of parenting and holding it all together. On Father’s Day, we are thankful for you, the active father, the things you do, who you are, and who you are helping our children to become. Because our village starts at home, our village starts with you.

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

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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 Dear Active Fathers appeared first on Breastfeeding World.