As I sit to write this, my sweet boy is sprawled out, halfway in my lap with his legs kicking the couch cushion nursing away as he holds his toy dinosaur. This sweet little boy is 2 years old…

My Journey

My sweet baby boy and I had a rough start into our breastfeeding journey. The first four weeks, I was in excruciating pain. We had difficulties with his latch, resulting in discomfort for the both of us. My nipples were so sore and no amount of creams, oils or cool cloths helped. He was also in so much pain from being constantly gassy, due to a poor latch, and no amount of gas drops or natural remedies would help him either. At our four-week appointment, I spoke to my lactation consultant. He was diagnosed with a tongue-tie, which they clipped in office, and five minutes later, we both felt relief!

Why I Love Toddler (full term) Breastfeeding

Full Term breastfeeding is essentially nursing past your baby’s first birthday. Besides the nutritional value, we are still going strong for emotional reasons. I find my toddler wanting to nurse more frequently when he’s anxious, nervous, excited and sad. I can tell when he is having a growth spurt, not feeling well or just wants to be comforted.

When I think about weaning, which I have numerous times… it always comes down to knowing that one day, he won’t want to nurse anymore. That thought alone is enough for me to continue, and let him lead the way naturally.

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When I think about weaning, which I have numerous times... it always comes down to knowing that one day, he won’t want to nurse anymore. That thought alone is enough for me to continue, and let him lead the way naturally.
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The Real Deal

Breastfeeding a toddler comes with a whole new set of challenges. Life is far more interesting and exploration is the top priority for any busy toddler. One minute, my little guy will be busy playing with his trucks and the next minute, tugging on my shirt. There are times that he’ll nurse to sleep, and others for only seconds in order to go back to playing.

The bottom line is, breastfeeding at any age can be beautiful, relaxing, irritating and even humorous. At this age, more than any other I’ve yet to experience… it’s also sometimes very unpleasant. At any given moment, he’ll whine for “boo boos” and it just so happens to be when I’m making dinner, making a phone call, or rushing to get dressed. Let’s not forget his acrobatic skills he’s mastered. This kid will nurse while standing, sitting in my lap, practically a gymnast of all sorts.

One of the great things about nursing a toddler though, is that you can set boundaries. Since he is able to understand and communicate, we can work together to find a common ground. It’s rather difficult negotiating with a non-verbal baby.

The Criticism

Breastfeeding past the age of one is often a touchy subject. There is so much scrutiny, judgment, shaming and criticizing, that is truly disheartening. Unfortunately, many parents deal with this, but what is even more unfortunate is that many people simply aren’t aware of the continuing benefits breastfeeding provides for both parent and child. Breastfeeding is a symbiotic relationship between mom and baby, and only the two. If you both choose to continue your journey, remember to look beyond the criticism to the reason you are doing so. 

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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Amanda Merriweather

I am a wife, step mom to an amazing 10 year old boy, mother to a curious 4 year old girl and spunky 2 year old boy and coffee enthusiast. I am constantly on the go and love to express all of my favorite things in life through text and images. Our family loves to stay busy with local activities, outdoorsy adventures and capturing it all through social media and photography. I am easily intrigued and love adventures.

The post What’s it like to Breastfeed a Toddler? appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

As with most big life lessons, we tend to resist at first. Change is hard. Sometimes it takes weeks, months, or years of banging our heads against a wall before we realize that the wall is not going to move. Then we finally take four steps to the left and continue on our way.

Breastfeeding was my wall. I wanted my baby to feed when it was convenient for me. Not when I was tired. Not when I was cooking. I needed my toddler to let go when I told her to. No, not in a minute. Right now! When I was tandem nursing a toddler and a newborn, the toddler wanted to nurse every time the newborn did. Why oh why?

Numerous times I questioned breastfeeding, I questioned myself, and I blamed my kids for being “high needs.”

Then, I took four steps to the left. I let the house get messy. My husband cooked dinner upon arriving from work. I realized that my toddler took a minute to unlatch because she had milk in her mouth and she needed to swallow it.  When I took a step back and looked at the big picture, I realized that the “breastfeeding problems” were not problems at all. They were my children’s refusal to conform to my unrealistic expectations.  I am so grateful to my children for giving me the opportunity to recognize this.  They were and still are teaching me that compassion is more important than rules.

As I was preparing to write this post, I tried to think of the most important lessons that our breastfeeding journey has taught my whole family. Then it dawned on me. These life lessons actually have less to do with milk and more to do with parenthood. So whether you breastfeed, bottle feed, are a foster parent, adoptive parent, traditional parent or crunchy, here are three ways that the power of parenthood reshaped my whole perspective on life.

Trust

I learned to trust that my babies know when they are hungry, sad, mad, or overwhelmed. My trust in their feelings reinforces their trust in themselves.

I learned to trust myself and my parenting choices. When I’m not listening to my inner voice, babies cry, fuss at the breast, or throw temper tantrums. When I am connected to my instincts, I make better choices, and the family thrives.

Advocate for myself

We all have a breaking point, but you can’t know your limits until you reach them. Parenthood will take you there on a high-speed train. I learned to ask for help when I was breastfeeding a newborn, and to say “wait” to my toddler. I learned that saying “I can’t help you right now” is not a sign of weakness or selfishness. It is a sign of me knowing my capabilities and me standing up for myself. And this is a skill that I want to model for my children.

Connection

When connection is missing, children will let you know in a million different ways.  When I stopped long enough to watch, I learned to notice subtle differences in the way my children would behave at the breast. I tried to discover the real reason for resisting sleep, or for screaming at me for handing over the wrong colored cup, or for pretending to be a baby for days on end. Vibes were better between us when I took the time to really listen. I stopped scrolling through Facebook while nursing, I played Fireman Sam without eyeing the laundry pile, and understood the reason for more tears after spending a lot of time away. My actions would frequently reflect my culture or what I was taught to be the “right” way, and I learned, little by little, to open my eyes and ears to my children and less to society around me.

I thought I would be raising children, but it turns out that I have as much (or more) to learn as them. This new me is better, more compassionate, more trusting, and more patient.

Let me admit, though, that I did not sign up for this recreation of myself. I signed up for a new baby, not a new me. It’s so hard. I wish that this recreation of me could be done without banging my head against the wall so many times. But that’s how change works. The bigger the change, the harder the head-bang is. Parenthood gave me no choice but to reshape myself into the mother that a person needs. My kids are three and four now so I guess this is just the beginning.

Can I do this?

Well, I’ve come this far. I’m going to go out on a limb and say yes. Thanks, parenthood, for showing me what I’m capable of. I’ll try not to let you down as you throw the next lessons my way.

Has parenthood thrown challenges at you that you didn’t expect? How have you grown because of them? Drop me a comment below, I’d love to hear your experience! 

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

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

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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 The Power of Parenthood – Breastfeeding World appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Nothing Better <3

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

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

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

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

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

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

My <3

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

So peaceful <3

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

My baby boy right next to me <3

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

Breastfeeding and co–sleeping <3

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

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

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

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Page Rose

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

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

My Birthday Selfie.

Wednesday, February 17^th, 2016

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

Close up and beautiful.

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

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

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

Nursing and loving our The Vintage Honey Shop breastfeeding necklace.

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

Just another morning routine nursing.

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

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

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

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

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

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Page Rose

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

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

Breastfeeding while out

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

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

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

Why I Chose to Use Binkies while Breastfeeding

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

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

How to choose a Binky?

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

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

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

Happy nursing and binky using, mamas!!

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

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

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

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Page Rose

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

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

If you are breastfeeding, you have probably heard of fenugreek and brewer’s yeast; one of which makes you smell like maple syrup and the other makes everything it’s in taste like beer (ick!).  But, you have also probably heard that breastfeeding mothers should try to eat oatmeal each and every day.  This I could definitely do.  There are so many ways you can eat oatmeal, besides just a bowl of it with fruit in the morning. For the first year of breastfeeding, and beyond, I ate oatmeal at least once day.  And now, two years in, I continue to eat it regularly still.  I know that not everyone loves oatmeal (that used to be me), so I thought I would share two of favorite oatmeal recipes.

I was told early on that I needed to be eating oatmeal that was not instant oatmeal, but that was the regular old fashioned rolled oats.  As you know, these can take awhile to cook on the stovetop.  This oatmeal recipe below became one of my favorites because it takes 2 minutes to throw together and it is ready when you wake up in the morning!  It is also very easy to make diary free, which is how I make it!

You have probably heard that Breastfeeding mothers should try to eat oatmeal every day…

1/4 cup rolled oats
1/3 milk of choice (I use coconut milk)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 large dollop yogurt of choice (I use coconut milk greek yogurt)

Place all ingredients in a mason jar. Seal lid and shake until well mixed. Place in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.  Take out, stir in some of your favorite mix-ins and enjoy!

Source: Sprouts

My favorite mix-ins are a little strawberry jelly or peanut butter with a dollop of pure maple syrup.  What’s great about this recipe (besides being super easy), is that when you’re little one is ready to start eating, they will love it too!  And the sky is really the limit with the mix-ins!  You can try almonds with raw honey, apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, bananas and walnuts, and anything else you can think of!

One of the things I have struggled with most while breastfeeding is keeping up with my own nutrition.  I never seem to be able to eat enough.  This recipe is a quick and easy one (no cooking or baking required) that provides some yummy and much-needed protein to your diet…plus quite a few other nutritional powerhouses.  Plus, they really help satisfy my sweet tooth in a healthier way!

1 cup dry, old fashioned oats
2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (any nut/seed butter would work)
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
2/3 cup chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life brand mini chocolate chips which are diary free)
1/3 raw honey
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all ingredients and mix until well incorporated. (I threw all of them into a stand mixer.)  Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Remove and roll into balls.  Wet your hands to help with the stickiness.  Can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container or in the fridge. (I personally love them straight out of the fridge!)

Source: Chew Out Loud, adapted from givemesomeoven

**Just a side note, I am also gluten free, so to make these two recipes gluten free, just make sure you get gluten free rolled oats…it’s that easy!**

I hope you like these recipes and they make their way into your oatmeal regimen! :).  Have you ever tried crock-pot oats?  If not, that’s another one of our favorites to look up and try!  

What are some of your favorite oatmeal recipes? Have you found creative ways to get more oatmeal into your diet while breastfeeding?  Comment below!

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

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

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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 Oatmeal and breastfeeding appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

When I was first introduced to night weaning, I had a lot of questions.  I also was very concerned how I could effectively make it happen, with no one at home with us to help soothe him throughout the night (someone who doesn’t have breasts full of milk, that is).  But, I knew we had to try.  He was old enough to be able to sustain himself throughout the night and I wouldn’t be taking anything away from him that was vital to his nutrition or well-being.

I decided to start with the earliest feeding and work my way through the night from there.  My son is a stickler for routine and falls into them quite quickly. I wasn’t quite sure if that would help or hinder the process, but I dove in feet first.  The first night, I nursed him and laid him down to sleep.  A few hours later he was asking for milk.  I went in, did not pick him up, but instead, laid him back down, kissed his little head, and began rubbing his back.  It took him a little while to settle him back down and back asleep, but I didn’t mind that at all.

I continued this process over and over again. I would find different things to rub or massage to calm him down and soothe him (his back, ear lobe, check and temples, etc.).  When he continued to ask for milk, I would tell him that mommy’s breasts were sleeping too and he could have milk when we all woke up in the morning.

There was crying, there were fits.  There was no avoiding it and no getting around it.  My son loves his milk, and he was not used to hearing no.  I just did the best I could to soothe and comfort him when he was upset, without picking him up.  I would be lying if I said this wasn’t hard.  These nights were some of the hardest we had to date.  But, I just had to keep reminding myself, this was what was best for us both.  And with time, the crying dwindled down and became less and less.

My goal was to completely wean him from the time he fell asleep until the sun came up.  This didn’t happen overnight though, and took quite a few very long nights to finally happen.  But I had to remember there was a light at the end of the tunnel. His night time feedings became spaced out more and more, until eventually he made it until around 5 am without nursing at all.One thing that I found to help in this process was to make sure he was eating plenty of healthy food throughout the day.  A full belly was very important to making it through the night without nursing.  I made sure he was getting enough healthy fats and proteins to keep his little, precious belly full.  What I didn’t expect was that he actually started eating better and eating more as he became night weaned.  It was as if his body made the adjustment all on its own.

There was, and is, a small part of me that misses, and will always miss, those precious moments in the dark with him nestled against my chest nursing.  Those were some of our quietest and most intimate moments.  But, as I have written before, breastfeeding is a journey and it was time for this part of our journey to come to an end (as I sit here crying while writing this…oh this journey is such an emotional one for me and each transition, such as this proves to be, is so very bittersweet for this momma).

Have you considered night weaning?  I know moms that have night weaned at twelve months all the way up through their little’s second birthday.  When did you choose to night wean?  I found my son and I right in the middle and it was the right time for us and for this transition in our breastfeeding journey.  Sleep is important for us to be the best mommies we can, but is also important for our littles to grow and develop.  Have you given yourself and your little the gift of sleep?  Or are you considering night weaning? Comment below, I’d love to hear about your night weaning experience!

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

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

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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 Sleeping, breastfeeding, and night-weaning appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

What my Monday morning looked like.

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

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

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

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

Breastfeeding in an emergency.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Page Rose

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

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

I also wanted to see if I could limit the nipple stretching and pulling as much as possible, so I learned to limit distractions.  Toys are (usually) out of reach, screens are off, and we have a recliner that is our nursing chair.  This definitely made a difference.  I also explained to him that we had to be gentle while we were nursing.  While he does still roll over and play with my hair or face, the worst of the acrobatics have almost all but disappeared.

As my pediatrician calls it, drive through snacking at the breast, was not one of my favorite developments either.  The quick suckle, off to play, back to suckle, and lather, rinse, and repeat.  Sitting down, breasts out for endless amounts of time, just wasn’t conducive to getting anything done. Again limiting distractions was key here as well.  But, providing him my full attention while he is nursing made a big difference too.  Talking to him, playing with his hair and hands and anything else I can tickle, eye contact, all keep him in the moment and concentrating on nursing and not his airplanes or trains that are waiting in the sidelines.  Along with this, no cell phone while nursing.  This is time to connect and concentrate on one another, everything else can wait.
As he has grown though, I’ve have seen such an awareness, appreciation, and empathy begin to develop in him for our breastfeeding journey, along with the acrobatics.  He recently has started loving his ‘Teddy’ and loves to hold him and include him in all of his adventures, including nursing.  My son always lets Teddy nurse first.  He puts Teddy’s snout up to my breast and just smiles the biggest smile.  He loves nursing and loves mommy’s milk, and he loves to share it now too, with Teddy, with his sheep, with his horsies, the sharing is endless.  There is nothing sweeter!  It makes my heart swell that he has grown to love and value nursing so much.

Even though our breastfeeding relationship continues to grow and change as he does the same, every minute is another minute to cherish and connect.  I loved nursing him as a newborn and I love nursing him as a toddler, and I will forever be grateful that our breastfeeding journey has been as faceted as it is.  And I look forward to what is yet to come, acrobatics and all!

How has your nursling developed over the course of your nursing relationship?

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

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

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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 Cirque de Sol-breastfeeding appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

I just feel like there is so very much wrong with this before I even get to the actual full term breastfeeding article itself.

As a mother, and a breastfeeding mother of an almost two-year-old, I am quite taken aback.

The insinuation here is that you have to be some type of SUPER mom to be able to breastfeed your child past infancy.  While I am more than willing to admit extended breastfeeding can be challenging at times, I would hardly say that you must don a cape and superpower to make it happen. 

Read this: “Normalizing Breastfeeding: Why I Decided to Let Go of the Warrior in Me” 

No mom should feel like they are less of a good mom for not choosing to breastfeed full term.
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No mom should  feel like they are less of a good mom for not choosing to breastfeed full term.  Just as we are all very different mothers, and our Littles are all very different children, it’s only expected that our journeys are all unique.  And yes, I do know who Dr. Sears is. I have read a few of his articles. But my decision to breastfeed and/or to continue on an extended breastfeeding journey had nothing to do with him, his research, or any of his publications.

No mom should be made to feel as if they are less of a good mom for not choosing to go on a full term breastfeeding journey.

And what exactly is so extreme about full term breastfeeding?  I get to nourish and comfort my child anytime, anywhere. It feels natural to me. What’s more, it seems anything but extreme.  To me what seems extreme is making my child go without or wait until we get home to nurse, or weaning him all together when neither of us is ready for that.

What it comes down to pure and simple, is that our society sexualizes the act of breastfeeding.  If it involves breasts, it must be inappropriate.  And if the child is old enough to walk or talk, how dare you offer them your breast?

READ THIS: If you support breastfeeding, “but”, you may be a breastfeeding butter.

 Now THAT is extreme, and completely inappropriate and unnecessary.  While it is somewhat acceptable for women to nurse their infants, our society still expects them to cover up and hide the act itself even if that is anything but comfortable for the mother and baby.  And let’s not even broach the idea of a mother nursing her toddler in public, covered or not.

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No matter what you believe, women have breasts for one reason and one reason only.

To nurse our children. 

The end.  There is nothing wrong, nothing extreme, and nothing inappropriate about this, no matter the age of the child.

Worldwide, breastfeeding well into early childhood is the norm.

Most children aren’t weaned until they are over four years old, well exceeding the age of the child on the Time cover.  Yet these mother’s aren’t seen as being extreme or SUPER moms, they are just viewed as natural and normal. 

It is a very sad day in our country and our society that mothers who take this exact same path are shunned and ostracized.  I can only hope that through movements like this, Breastfeeding World, and mothers like us, that we can change this here at home so that our sons and daughters will be able to see the beauty and intimacy in the act and will be free to openly breastfeed their children for as long as they please with no need for labels or scrutiny.  I will write for that!

We would love to hear from you, what are your thoughts on extended breastfeeding and they way it our country views it?

Like this post? Don’t forget to Pin it! Help us “Spread the Breastfeeding Love!”

Other Posts you may like:

What happens to me when my baby is weaning?

4 things I’ll Miss When My Toddler Weans

Boundaries for nursing toddlers: How to maintain a harmonious nursing relationship

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts. Like, share, and stay up to date with the progress of our project! Help us “Spread the Breastfeeding Love!”

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

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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 Full Term Breastfeeding: Extreme or Natural? appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

The American Academy of Pediatrics had the following to stay about extended breastfeeding: “Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child… Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother… There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.” (AAP 2012, AAP 2005)

I never intended or planned this extended breastfeeding journey that my son and I are now on.  It just happened very naturally and continues to make us both very happy.  But, once I knew we wouldn’t be stopping at his first birthday, I realized there are so many reasons to continue the breastfeeding journey well into toddlerhood.

Here are three reasons to breastfeed past the first year

First: connection, connection, connection.  There is nothing in this world like looking deep into your child’s eyes while he is nursing, and being able to lean down, take in his smell and kiss his sweet forehead.  Or those early mornings when you are lying in bed, and he holds your hand in his as he nurses.  You are mom, you are safe, you are comfort, you are home.  The bond that breastfeeding your toddler provides is just indescribable.  I feel as if this closeness helps me understand him better, empathize with him more, and really helps to lessen the number and severity of tantrums.  He feels connected, heard, understood, safe, and loved. Nothing can soothe and comfort him like breastfeeding can.

Second, health, both his and mine.  One of the most amazing things that I learned about breastfeeding is that your sick child’s saliva actually communicates with the mother’s body through the nipple to stimulate the growth of the antibodies to treat whatever illness they have.  As our children get older, they are around more and more other children, and people in general, which can equal more and more germs.  Whether they go to daycare or not, they are bound to get sick, unfortunately.  As moms, we would love to take every illness on ourselves so they wouldn’t have to experience it, and although this isn’t possible, we can do the next best thing. How amazing that through breastfeeding, they are able to get exactly what their body needs to heal naturally and organically, without us having to do a single thing but nurse them!  The immunological benefits of breastfeeding during two to three years of age actually increase and goes beyond that of the baby’s first year!  And if they health benefits for him weren’t enough, breastfeeding, for me, lowers the risks of multiple types of cancers, RA, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Third, nursing past one year has been shown to contribute to the intellectual, mental and social development of the breastfed child as well. The American Academy of Family Physicians states, “As recommended by the WHO, breastfeeding should ideally continue beyond infancy, but this is not the cultural norm in the United States and requires ongoing support and encouragement. It has been estimated that a natural weaning age for humans is between two and seven years. Family physicians should be knowledgeable regarding the ongoing benefits to the child of extended breastfeeding, including continued immune protection, better social adjustment, and having a sustainable food source in times of emergency. The longer women breastfeed, the greater the decrease in their risk of breast cancer.” In addition, “If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned.” (AAFP 2008)

Now, I have to admit, that there are really only two reasons why we are on the extended breastfeeding path that we are. One, it makes us both happy.  And two, I know it is good for him now and in the long run.  I have no set date when our journey will end.  I am more than thankful for the time we’ve had this far and all of the amazing benefits that come along with this journey.  But, I know we will have reached the end of the road, when it no longer makes us happy, that will be our deciding factor.  In the end, it will come down to him.  It will be his choice when we stop.  I can’t imagine what life will be like when I am no longer nursing him, though I do know it will be one of the hardest and saddest transitions of my life.  For now, and for as long as I can, I will soak in every moment my son continues to nurse because it will forever be something that fills my heart with love and brings me closer to him than I ever thought possible…no matter the health or other benefits involved.

Are you on an extended breastfeeding journey?  What is the driving force behind your decision to continue well past the standard age in our society?  Do you feel supported in your decision?  Comment below, I would love to hear about your journeys and motivations!

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

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

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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 Three reasons to Breastfeed past the first year mark appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

 While I’m sure the support of a spouse is an amazing plus when breastfeeding, as a single mother, I hardly agreed that it is crucial.

My son and I have been breastfeeding over twenty-one months strong, just him and I, and we have had, and continue to have, an amazing and very successful breastfeeding journey.  Although, I had no spousal or significant other support during any time during my pregnancy nor our breastfeeding journey, I did not go at it alone by any means. So the sharing of my photograph really caused me to pause and think about who deserved my sincere and utmost gratitude for being a supportive part of our breastfeeding journey, just as I hope reading this post will cause you to do the same.

To those doctors, nurses, and lactation counselors at Presby Plano

Thank you for starting us off on the breastfeeding path and giving us to the tools we needed for success from the beginning.  This hospital was phenomenal, and we came to know the staff quite well in the last six weeks of my pregnancy. You see my son felt determined to arrive weeks before his estimated arrival date.   But, from day one, they were advocates of breastfeeding.

They offered mothers, and spouses, a free breastfeeding class.  I remember attending and just soaking in the wealth of information, just waiting for our ‘Golden Hour’ and the first time my son nursed.  But, it’s not that easy.  They aren’t just born and BAM!! on the breast, easy as pie.

Thank goodness I had the support of the most amazing lactation consultants from the minute my son was born.  They were there, by my side, any time I needed them, and in one word, were just amazing!  Even after being discharged, for the last twenty-one months, they don’t miss a beat when I call with a question or stop by.  They truly care about our breastfeeding journey and have continued as an incredible support system for my son and I.

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To Sharni, Lydia, and Cheyenne, you gave us community, and for that I will forever be grateful.

As a teacher, I had to return to work for about eight weeks after my son was born.  Once out for summer though, I decided to visit our local Nappy Shoppe for their Breastfeeding Café.  The idea of meeting other new-er moms who were ‘crunchy’ like us sounded wonderful, plus it was free, with free access to a lactation counselor there for any questions I may have.

After the first visit, we were hooked!  We found ourselves spending almost entire Wednesdays at the store with the other breastfeeding mammas and their Littles.  We had found our niche, our community, our home-away-from home.  Cheyenne and Lydia, the lactation counselors, were so very knowledgeable and were so sweet.  I still go to them for advice and truly value what they say.  We also met some of our closest friends through this group.  There is nothing like other breastfeeding mammas, who will stand beside you and proudly nurse their Littles too, through think and thin!

To Angela, Stephanie, and Christine, you are my village.

I don’t know where I’d be without you three mothers (and friends).  I love you and your Littles!  You are so much more than just friends, you are the sisters I never had.  It means the world to me that I get to share motherhood, breastfeeding and all, with you three.  Thank you for being there. Day in and day out, and I so look forward to watching us grow as mothers and watching our Littles grow up together!

And finally, there are my parents and their spouses.

Mom and Rich, Dad and Terry, there are no words to tell you what you mean to us and to tell you how much we love and cherish you.  I know that things are very different now when it comes to breastfeeding than they were when I was little.  I’ve known for as long as I can remember that my mother breastfed me until I was eighteen months old, but it wasn’t until recently she told me that she never, ever breastfed me in public.  It was something she only did in the privacy of our home.

So, I understood that my openness in my breastfeeding journey might be hard for them to swallow.  But, while at times it may have been hard for them when I openly nurse my son in public, they continue to support me in my choice and our journey.  Whether I am walking through Hobby Lobby, holding and nursing my son, or breastfeeding him after a nice dinner out, they have always done whatever they can to help with our breastfeeding journey and support us. And that means the world to me.

So, I may not have had a spouse’s help. But I did (and still do) have an incredible amount of support behind me.

Thank you for cheering me on and making our extended breastfeeding journey possible.  It is to you all, that from the bottom of my heart, I say Thank You.  There are no words to describe how I will cherish this journey for the rest of my life.

I will always remember the part you played in it.

Who has helped you in your breastfeeding journey?  Would you be where you are in your journey today without them?  Have you been able to breastfeed longer and more successfully because of their support?  Maybe now is a great time to let them know just how much they have helped you. Show them how truly grateful you are!

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

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

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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 To My True Support System: From a Single Mom, with Love appeared first on Breastfeeding World.