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

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

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

Breastfeeding often does not go as expected.

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

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

What is an IBCLC?

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

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

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

Barriers that some parents might face when hiring an IBCLC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kelly Euperio, MS, RD, IBCLC, CSOM

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

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

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

www.bvlactation.com

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

Allyson Lux

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

www.myluxphotography.wix.com/home

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

One of my pregnant friends asked me this question when she found out that I was studying to become a birth and postpartum doula.

All of my friends who are mothers have wanted to breastfeed, but only a handful of them breastfed exclusively. They didn’t make enough milk to satisfy their babies so they supplemented with formula. Why are some women able to breastfeed and some not?”

I froze under the pressure of this hugely complex question.

I could feel my heart beating faster. There are a million possible answers to this. My friend’s eyes, patiently waiting, were bearing into my soul. She was eagerly expecting me to tell her the magic words that would ensure her breastfeeding success.

“Be concise,” I told myself. “Don’t scare her with stories of tongue ties or insufficient glandular tissue. Don’t intimidate her with the need to spend hours of skin-to-skin time every day. Help her to feel confident in one sentence.”

“Well,” I began shakily, “It’s good to really know how the breast makes milk. Sometimes women are given incorrect information and that affects their breastfeeding relationship. Having the right people around you really helps. You really need people around you who support your decision to breastfeed and professionals who are experienced in the physiology of breastfeeding. Unfortunately some women don’t have that kind of support, and as a consequence are not very relaxed, and that can affect their supply.”

She didn’t really say anything in response. Maybe my words didn’t seem magic enough. A little boring, even. She was probably even holding back a yawn.

Even though that answer was probably a little wordy for a first time mom, it was actually my short answer. There are so many aspects to the breastfeeding relationship. It is a relationship, after all.

Since that conversation I have been thinking a lot about why some babies are not thriving on their mother’s milk, even when mom has access to correct information, the best lactation consultant in town, and supportive family members.

If a medical condition is ruled out, why do some mothers still not make enough milk?

Could it be that breastfeeding is much much more than mechanics?

Getting a good latch is not all that matters.

I think that there is something that is happening under the surface. Inside mom and baby. In the air between them. Something is happening that has nothing to do with milk removal and more to do with how mom is feeling.

In order for breastfeeding to work, mom needs to be relaxed. She needs to let the milk flow. 

I know that sounds a little silly. “Let the milk flow.” But it’s actually not easy to just sit back, relax, and trust your baby and your body, especially if you are used to being in control.

We go from our pre-parenthood lives of waking up to an alarm, eating lunch around mid-day, and taking a shower around the same time every day.

Then parenthood arrives.

You can’t control when your baby is born (usually). Nor can you control when those first drops of white, mature milk will start to form. You can’t control when your baby will be hungry or sleepy, and a lot of times you can’t control when YOU will sleep or eat.

New motherhood is all about letting go.

Feeling nature around you can help you to “let go.” picture shared with permission from pixabay.com

Sometimes, new mothers try to stay in control, and the milk just doesn’t flow. For one reason or another they are tense or scared or just sort of freaked out about the massive shift that is happening inside them and in their lives.

There are a few other times in life that letting go is quite necessary. Pooping is one. Orgasm is another. You also have to be quite relaxed in order to eat and digest food. When you are tense you may have indigestion.

So making enough milk is no different. You need to feel safe, relaxed, and have a deep trust in yourself and your baby.

It’s not easy. I know.

That’s why new mothers need a lot of help.

They need help in breastfeeding, help in cleaning up the kitchen, and help in letting go. So that their milk will flow.

Are you feeling relaxed in your breastfeeding relationship? We’d love to hear your stories.

Please pin this article if you found it interesting!

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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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 Why do some breastfeeding mothers not make enough milk? appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Moms know well that there are many precious moments in their infants’ lives. But few can compare to the emotional closeness of breastfeeding. So many of those invaluable rituals pass almost unnoticed as we’re immersed in a sea of worries. As we think about how we can solve yet another issue.

Especially for moms that raise toddlers and infants simultaneously, like myself. It becomes crucial to create a soothing atmosphere in every room of the house. You will want to be present in those priceless moments and not worry about a sink full of dishes or tripping over toys on the floor. And that is where simple decluttering tips come in handy!

Inside-out makeover

Even if you’re in love with your trinkets and knickknacks; when you have a toddler running around the house while you’re trying to breastfeed your bundle of joy, it’s not easy to enjoy the feeding time with a peace of mind.

If it does’t bring you joy, considering purging it. Put away the smallest and least-used items in your home. Decorative, grabable items can be put in a storage unit, in a drawer, or up on a high shelf. Keep your rooms clean and focused around several larger pieces of furniture with warm accessories; such as pillows, carpets and curtains.

The same goes for your nursery – I’ve used many colorful boxes and sliding drawers to store clothes, extra blankets and toys, so that they are out of reach without my help. With that, every room is clutter-free. Plenty of clean, open space allows you to breastfeed in comfort and focus on your baby without panicking about that pile of books that needs organizing.

A breath of fresh air

Nothing inspires a sense of serenity quite like clean, fresh air. However, living with kids often causes burnt meals, smelly diapers, and as cute as baby farts might sound, they can be surprisingly hard on the nose! It took my husband a while before he got used to various baby smells. We had to learn how to change those diapers like a professional pit-stop team – in less than five seconds.

Living in cities alone exposes you to an above-normal level of air pollutants and unhealthy microelements. No matter how hard you try to keep your home clean and tidy, dust, pollen and hair find their way into every room.

With the help of low-maintenance plants and high-quality air purifiers, even the smelliest, stuffiest rooms turn into a breastfeeding oasis for you and your baby. Removing toxins and pollutants, will not only help your baby breathe better, stay calm and soothe them to sleep with ease, but it will also help them stay healthy and lower the risk of allergies or asthma in the future.

Stress-free maintenance

Our first baby shower resulted in so many doubles that I cannot even begin to name them all. Pacifiers, plush toys, breastfeeding pillows, crib blankets, you name it. Some of them, of course, were bound to come in handy sooner or later. But, most of them just took up space. This was definitely the case with a breast pump I had a special relationship with. I couldn’t wait for the time to get rid of it too.

With a second baby on the way, we had to get rid of all the extras and make room for the things we would actually need. So, a spring cleaning in the middle of winter ensued, and our home suddenly felt lighter, brighter and less chaotic. We decided to literally take baby steps to avoid collecting clutter in the future.

As soon as I receive a double gift or buy an extra item by mistake, I donate it, sell it or pass it on, in no less than a day or two. This helps me keep our home clutter-free, simple to clean, kids and breastfeeding-friendly. Instead of one major spring cleaning session that can take up a whole day or even a week, we created a manageable routine that keeps stress at bay and doesn’t interrupt or hinder my precious breastfeeding sessions.
Focus on finding the best long-term solution that will simplify cleaning and organizing your home, and every breastfeeding session will become a private, stress-free moment of bliss you will remember for the rest of your life.

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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Zara Lewis

The post A Breastfeeding-Friendly Home: How To Declutter Your Life appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

A few weeks ago my colleague Lauren wrote a beautifully passionate piece called This is why I am fed up with “Fed is Best.” She reminded us of the nutritional superiority of breastmilk, and of the struggle that breastfeeding mothers face in trying to feel normal as we do the most normal thing – breastfeed our kids.  She also expressed her solidarity, noting that we are all mothers making the best decisions for our families, and that there’s no need to get defensive. But the problem is not that women are overly sensitive. Being sensitive is what makes new motherhood a powerful and transformative time. In short, it’s a good thing. The problem is that there are even two sides at all. We are blinded by competition. We are like teenagers looking for pokemon and missing the Justin Bieber concert.

Both of these campaigns have overlooked the most important piece when it comes to raising the next generation. And women and babies are suffering because of it.

The most important piece is mom.

New baby. New mom. Both are learning. Both are sensitive.

She’s new, too.

New mothers are learning.

They are learning to listen to their instincts. And they matter more than breastmilk or formula. Food doesn’t raise babies. Moms do.

In an airplane the flight attendants tell you that if there is an emergency, put your own oxygen mask on first, then your child’s.

Who are the flight attendants for new moms? Occasionally you meet one or two people who ask how mom is doing before examining the baby, but they are few and far between. Most people go right to the baby.

How can she learn to trust her instincts, if time after time, she is ignored?

Moms need encouragement, not advice. Telling someone how to feed her child sends the message that she does not know. If enough people tell mom that she is not equipped to make her own decisions (even indirectly), guess what happens. She might start to believe it herself. That she needs to rely solely on a book, advice, or WHO guidelines in order to raise her baby.

It’s sad. It’s dangerous. It’s preventable. But not with campaigns like these.

When my baby girl was a year old, several people, including our pediatrician, told me that I should stop breastfeeding. I felt gravely misunderstood and profoundly alone. I immediately realized what it must feel like if the tables were turned. How would I feel if I knew that formula would be the only way that my baby or I could survive, but someone told me, “you know, breast is best?” I would feel the same way I felt then: undermined, belittled, and misunderstood. Telling new mothers what to do, no matter how sweet your voice is and no matter how many scientific studies you cite, if you do not listen to her, you send the message that she is not worth listening to. And then the doubts start to immerge like those creepy black shadows in the movie Ghost.

Every woman has her own story, and we can’t pretend to know someone else’s story unless we ask.

If another mom makes a decision that is vastly different than your ideal, remember that the human species is crazy smart when it comes to survival. She is surviving the way she knows best. Following your ideal will likely end in failure if she’s not totally on board.

If you are a new mom, I encourage you to listen to your instincts.

If someone in your life is a new mom, I encourage you to listen to her, to her story, to her ideas about what’s best for her and her baby. By encouraging her to explore her new role without judgement, you empower her to make the best decisions for her baby’s healths, her health, and her entire family’s wellbeing.

The most important piece is mom. Moms are raising the next generation, not breastmilk or formula.

The breast is best and fed is best campaigns draw followers, and unfortunately they are directing our focus to the second priority and bypassing the first.

Moms need their oxygen, they need a cup of tea, a leaned ear, clean clothes. Then maybe, just maybe, there will be enough quiet in the room for their inner voices to immerge.

Love this post? Don’t forget to pin it!

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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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 Breast Is Best And Fed Is Best – The Danger In Choosing Sides 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.

In the beginning. <3

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

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

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

So tiny and loving her milk.

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

Boob pillow! Milk drunk and out. <3

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

Image from Google

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

Image from Google

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 a Colicky or Reflux Baby appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Breastfeeding while out

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

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

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

Why I Chose to Use Binkies while Breastfeeding

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

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

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

How to choose a Binky?

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

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

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

Happy nursing and binky using, mamas!!

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

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

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

–

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[col2][/col2]

[col3][/col3]

Page Rose

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

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

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 

–

[col1][/col1]

[col2][/col2]

[col3][/col3]

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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[col2][/col2]

[col3][/col3]

Page Rose

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

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