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.

Normalizing breastfeeding is very important to me, but I was going about it the wrong way. Why did I decide to let my inner warrior go? I’d like to share my story with you.

I’ll admit, when it comes to dealing with life’s challenges, I have always been more of a furied fighter than a patient yogi. If I have a vision I go for it. Quickly.

But when my husband and I found out we were expecting our first child, the warrior in me relaxed. I took off my armour and settled into my safe place.

Even in the womb, I could feel how this baby was shifting my priorities.

I was shifting away from “not gonna let anyone stop me,” and towards, “appreciate this moment before it’s gone.”

It’s amazing how new life creates new ways of looking at life.

Then the baby arrived.

And I was caught totally off guard by a battle I never expected. My sword and shield were packed away in a closet so when the first shot flew at me I was shocked.

“Your baby won’t get enough nourishment if you breastfeed like that.”

Huh?

I slowly lifted my head up from my newfound mindfulness.

“It’s really unsafe to sleep with your baby.”

What? Another one?

“If you breastfeed too much your baby will be spoiled.”

Yikes. This was really happening.

Then, on the news, “Woman accused of indecent exposure for breastfeeding her baby in public.”

That’s it.

Forget mindfulness.

The warrior in me was back.

Every time I went out with my baby, my eyes darted around like a cat sensing danger, ready to retaliate if necessary.

On an airplane, I saw a woman nursing with a cover. I wondered why. Who would say something if she took it off? I was ready to defend her. And breastfeeding.

I learned about the other warrior mothers out there, just trying to raise and feed their babies the way they choose. Court cases, pumping laws, talk show hosts who tell their viewers to “be discrete.”

“Breastfeed Wherever You Want.” The ad for a Latch On that was held in Rome this past May.

I learned that this battle is so big that women need to join forces in Latch Ons around the globe, just to get the message out there that this. is. normal.

To learn about Breastfeeding World’s Big Latch Ons that will take place on August 4th and 5th, 2017, visit our home page.

I live in Italy and I can tell you that the struggle is real here, too. The ad for a Latch On in Rome shows a breastfeeding mother with the ultimate warrior look.  And here’s a video of a Latch On in Bologna.

Like all these mothers I was reading about and getting to know at La Leche League meetings, I was on a mission. The mission was to normalize breastfeeding. To educate. To defend my choices in motherhood.

I memorized my breastfeeding rights in case anyone challenged me.

I didn’t buy a nursing cover.

The pediatrician told me that my child was “too dependent” on me and I flipped out.

Back off, people!

So I started firing back. I was waving my sword around like a mad woman.

I preached the benefits of breastfeeding to whomever would listen (especially pregnant women). And I was ready to attack whoever challenged the bond, the antibodies, the right to feed my baby the way I wanted to.

I had to win. Yet, I was so confused as to why this was even an issue.

 

 

 

And then.

It was quiet.

 

 

In part because I ran out of ammunition. In part because I realized that I was firing randomly and “the enemy” was actually not on the battlefield.

I thought that there were a bunch of people out to get me. Out to change me.

But really there was just an absence of knowledge and experience.

In so many families, breastfeeding is not normal. Many pediatricians are not trained in the physiology of breastfeeding.

But no one is out to get me, really. A lot of people just don’t know. They don’t know what a gift this is.

They don’t know that giving my milk to my babies, like pregnancy and giving birth, is like pure magic.

I put down my sword and shield.

And I picked up my baby.

I unfurrowed my brow.

And shifted my focus.

There is no war. Only ignorance. I can’t fight ignorance.

I can educate, but I can’t force that either.

All I can do is breastfeed my babies, with a smile, knowing that I am doing what’s right and good for us.

The critics will come and go, and I’ll hear their words. But their words won’t hurt me, because I know that they are coming from a place of “unknowing.”

People can sense if you are living your life with calm resolution. The naysayers will have less and less to say if they realize that this, for me, is a non-issue.

I’m just going about my business, breastfeeding or not, pacifier or not, co-sleeping or not, when I want, where I want, how I want.

I’m still a warrior at heart, and living in the moment is still something that I have to consciously choose, but at least I have left this battle behind.

With the Third Annual Times Square NYC Big Latch On approaching, I applaud all of you mothers who proudly breastfeed, showing the world what is normal, natural, not always easy, but magical.

We can make this normal again. And there doesn’t need to be a battle. Just a bunch of mothers breastfeeding will do. With a smile. In peace. Together.

 

 

What about you? How do you normalize breastfeeding? Please share your experiences with us in the comments below. It would make my day.

 

Did you like this article? 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

 

 

 

Save

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 Normalizing Breastfeeding: Why I Decided to Let Go of the Warrior in Me 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.

The Tree of Life Movement

The normalize breastfeeding campaign has extended and reached far beyond what many could have imagined. Over time, it has grown and transformed into a movement that countless mothers have become a part of. Now, we welcome, The Tree of Life. Mothers from around the world have taken to social media with their beautifully edited images, showcasing their breastfeeding photos overlaid with the tree of life. These images have taken #normalizebreastfeeding by storm.

Keep reading for instructions on how to create your own Tree of Life image!

Why the Tree of Life?

The Tree of Life is so much more than a beautiful image, it is more than a clever depiction of the scientific view of the mammary blood vessels. The Tree of Life is a mystical and magical symbol that has transcended time, cultures and religions. It is called by many names, but all with a similar symbolic significance, it is the source of life.

The roots are profoundly embedded within us, to deliver us the aptitude to give our children a piece of who we are. The trunk establishes a foundation, the connection between our children and us. Our bond is passionate, it is powerful. The branches reach out for sustenance, to provide nourishment from that thoughtful, unfathomable place within ourselves. With that, they are the fruit, the piece of us that we have given to the world. There is a further power that we bestow onto them, a sense of themselves. They have the freedom to be the bird fleetingly landing on that tree, so they may, one-day, place roots of their own.

Just like the Tree of Life, each photo holds a special meaning to the mother who created this bond. This mother laid the roots, built the trunk, spread her branches so her child may be given to the world.

Do you want to create your own Tree of Life image?

Here’s how!

• Download the picsart app.
• Google “transparent tree”, “transparent tree with roots”, “tree of roots” etc. choose a tree that you like and save the tree to your phone.
• Upload the breastfeeding image that you would like to edit.
• Scroll over to “add photo” on the bottom of the screen.
• For an image with a white background, click “blend” then select “multiply”. If the background doesn’t remove, choose another image. For an image that is already transparent (which is ideal), click “blend” then “overlay”.
• Manipulate your tree until it encompasses your breast and baby’s head. Make the image bigger, smaller, rotate, play until you get a look that you’re happy with.
• You can edit and crop pieces of the tree with the eraser tool on the top of the screen.
• When you are happy with the placement, now comes the magic!
• Click the “magic” button and choose a filter that you like. You can use multiple filters by clicking apply and then returning back into the “magic” menu to choose another filter.

Join us with #BFWtreeoflife

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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Samantha Sykula

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

The post Breastfeeding Tree of Life Images Take Over The Internet appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

I was heartbroken, ashamed and completely and totally alone.

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[right]I was terrified that I would never complete my family with a child. When I did get pregnant with my rainbow baby, I spent the entire pregnancy scared and trying to not get too attached. Lo and behold, Isabella was born perfect. A pain in the ass but a lovable one.

Recently, my husband and I decided to try for a second one. I got pregnant and although miscarriage whispered across my thoughts, I felt safe. After all, I had already been the statistic. My previous miscarriage felt like a shield of armor.[/right]

 It surely wouldn’t happen again.

Believing that, we excitedly told my family as well as my husband’s. A few short days later, we found out that we are experiencing another miscarriage. I am going through it as I write this.

Miscarriage can make a woman feel powerless, betrayed by her own body and empty.

I also feel like a disappointment to everyone we told. My in-laws will not get that 8th grandchild, my sister will not get that second niece or nephew. This time around I have an amazing support group. However, what it comes down to, I need to reconcile this within myself. I’m writing this at the request of a close friend who wanted to give me that chance to vent, while allowing other women to possibly find something to identify with. Honestly, this isn’t pretty and it’s pretty raw, but I want everyone to know miscarriage just happens. It’s random and indiscriminate and as long as you aren’t doing harmful things,

It’s not your fault

I’m still coming to terms with that and I’m hoping my words can help even one person. Miscarriage needs a voice and for its stigma to be removed. I can only hope this is a step in the right direction.

Robyn Bonavita

Update: A day before going in for my recommended D&C, I went into the doctor for one last sonogram. At this sonogram, a heartbeat was detected. It was slow, but it was there. My world was, once again, thrown upside down. It sounded like good news, but was it? Was my baby healthy? The doctor was unsure if there would still be a heartbeat three days later. We went back today. We found a stronger heartbeat! Now, we are at the point where things are progressing well, but the baby is measuring small. We don’t know which way this pregnancy will go, but we do know, that dealing with a possible miscarriage is so difficult. My emotions have been everywhere, the main feeling is fear. I fear everything at this point. Deep down, I know, I will get through this. I might become broken in the process, but it will eventually get better. 

Learn more about this series, a letter from the Breastfeeding World Team

[col1]Becca’s Story[/col1]

[col2]Anika’s Story[/col2]

[col3]Megan’s Story[/col3]

[col1]Anika’s Story[/col1]

[col2]Janice’s Story[/col2]

[col3]Randi’s Story[/col3]

[col1]Olivia’s Story[/col1]

[col2]Tasha’s Story[/col2]

[col3]Maegan’s Story[/col3]

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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Samantha Sykula

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

The post A Voice For Miscarriage – Robyn’s Story 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.

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.

With all the delicious dishes that we share together comes some not so great things too. I’m talking about extra calories, food comas, and even hangovers if your family celebrates with lots of wine like mine does! These three things are not so fabulous.

So, I am bringing to you a few Thanksgiving feast health tips you may want to do with your family this weekend to avoid the above three health enemies.

1. Start each day with a tall glass of lemon water. This small step makes all the difference. A 16 ounce glass of water with half a fresh lemon squeezed in each morning will help boost your metabolism and flush out any toxins from your system. This is great before and after drinking alcohol. Of course, it’s good to continue drinking water throughout the day, too. When drinking alcohol or soda at parties and holiday events where drinks are in abundance, many nutritionists recommend rotating water in between each alcoholic and/or sugary drink. This way you know you are keeping your body hydrated.
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3. Get outside for a long walk with friends and family. It may be brisk outside, but bundle up and take a minimum 20 – 30 minute walk each day after your main meal. If you have your baby or your pet dog with you, even better! Walking not only burns calories, but aids with digestion as well which will help get rid of that “food coma” feeling.                                        
4. Skip the Desserts (when possible). On Thanksgiving itself, of course treat yourself. It’s a time for celebrating with pumpkin pie and ice cream. However, try to avoid seconds and leftovers when it comes to desserts the rest of the week. I used to always be tempted to wake up the morning after Thanksgiving and have leftover pie for breakfast. This is not a healthy choice, obviously! Not only are these desserts full of extra calories, but having them before bedtime can make it very difficult to fall asleep. If you’re feeling restless in bed on Thanksgiving night, it could be due to those sugary desserts, so definitely think twice about over indulging!                                                                                                                                   

Hope everyone stays happy and healthy this holiday season! Lots of love, Emily and Baby Hannah xoxo

Can’t wait to fill her belly up on her first Thanksgiving! Gobble gobble gobble!

**Thanks to FitnessForMommies.net and GoodMenProject.com for the photos on this post.**

Do you have any other healthy tips you’d like to share with us? Drop us a comment below! We would love to hear from 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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Emily Anderson

Originally from New Jersey, but moved to Australia when I was 25. While in Australia, I met my husband and we’ve been married two years now. In April 2015, we had our first child, Hannah. Since having Hannah, I have taken a break from working in real estate and moved to Atlanta, Georgia with our little family. I am learning daily about being a mom and enjoying every minute of bonding with my daughter. I’m excited to share my experiences with other moms who are interested in learning about breastfeeding and other fun mommy stuff!

pramsandlattes.com

The post Post Thanksgiving Feast Health Tips 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.