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.

The first two weeks of breastfeeding are definitely the hardest. You  are learning how to take care of a new baby, how to take care of  yourself and recover from birth, and learning how this all changes  your family dynamic. While I am not an expert, and I am not a  lactation consultant, I have successfully nursed 3 children within the  past 5 years. I am not claiming to know everything and I do not want  you to take my advice over a pediatrician or lactation consultant.   Continue reading for how to survive the first two weeks of  breastfeeding.

“Just make it past the first 2 weeks of breastfeeding.” I heard that  over and over during my first pregnancy in 2014. I would then ask  myself, what do they mean the first two weeks? Isn’t it suppose to be  natural and easy? I told myself my body would know what to do.  However, it wasn’t quite that simple. Every breastfeeding journey is  different. My second wasn’t the same as my first, and neither were the  same as my friends.

Breastfeeding has a way of making a woman feel empowered and capable.  It is miraculous. But it can also be exhausting and hard. It can lead  to beautiful moments and WTF moments. It is learning journey that you  and your baby are on together.

The 9 obstacles to overcome the first 14 days of breastfeeding.

1. Learn how to breastfeed.

What positions your baby likes, what  positions you like, what are your babies feeding cues, and what are  their feeding rhythms. Getting a deep latch can be difficult but making a “boob sandwich” can help. Do this by taking your hand in a C shape around your nipple. Touch your nipple to your baby’s upper  lip/nose to get the baby to open wide and shove as much of your boob in.  Each baby will be different. Learn to trust your instincts and do what  works for you and your baby.

2. Get your mind right.

For me that meant I had to know that  everything wasn’t going to go the way I planned, and I needed to be  okay with that. Follow your baby’s lead. If baby acts hungry feed  him/her. There is no such thing as overfeeding a baby in the beginning.

3. The after-pains.

During breastfeeding after having a baby, you will experience minor contractions in your uterus (while uncomfortable at times, it is not nearly what your contractions during childbirth felt like. I promise). When you breastfeed, your body releases oxytocin. This is the same hormone that causes your uterus to  contract. This will continue until your uterus is contracted back down to pre-pregnacy size.

4. Day/Night schedule.

Babies usually have their nights and days mixed up in the beginning. In the womb you were up and active all  day, giving baby the perfect rocking motion to sleep away. At night  your baby became more active when you were resting on the couch after a long day. Their brains stay in this pattern after birth. You can  help your baby with this process by being in sunlight during the day and keeping things quiet and dark at night.

Making a “Boob sandwich” to help with getting a deep latch for Breastfeeding. First Baby-April 2015

5. Day 2/3.

Whew, this one is BIG. Your hormones are all out of wack,  you are trying to learn how to take care of a new human, you might be  in pain, and you just want to sleep. This is the stage when you might cry (I did!) and maybe even question if you know how to be a mother.  The thing is–you don’t and you don’t have to. Being a mother,  breastfeeding, parenting; all of it is a learning curve. Its  continuing education. (If you are feeling down, its OKAY. Ask for  help. Postpartum blues can turn into postpartum depression/anxiety. It  is real and it is OKAY and NECESSARY to ask for help).

Determined to breastfeed? Check out 5 Essential Breastfeeding Tips here.

6. Milk milk milk.

When your milk comes in (it is different for each  person, but usually between days 2-5) your breast swell and they hurt.  They are full. Your body doesn’t know how much milk your baby will  need so it over produces during this time. It often becomes difficult  for your baby to latch because of the swelling. You can express a little to soften your breast enough for the baby to latch. The most  important thing for you to do during this time is keep the milk moving. You can do that by breastfeeding, hand expressing, or pumping.  If your breast do not feel soft after nursing your baby, hand  express/or pump. It is important to get your breast soft (not  necessary to be empty) to hopefully avoid engorgement and mastitis.

7. Nipple soreness is real.

Nipple soreness is normal, but there is a  difference in nipple soreness pain and nipple pain that continues.  Your nipples are being pulled, sucked and stretched in ways they never  have been. It is normal to feel a slight discomfort at the beginning  of a feed, but it shouldn’t last longer than 30sec and the rest of the  feed should be comfortable. Any pain that makes you want to cry out, pain that lasts an entire feed, broken skin, or pain that  happens in between feeds is not normal, but can be fixed. You do not  have to suffer through it.

8. Stressing over if your baby is getting enough.

This is a HUGE worry of most moms (myself included). It is distressing to not know how much  your baby is taking in. A baby’s belly is the size of a marble when  they are born, so it doesn’t take much to fill them up in the  beginning. In the beginning, before your milk comes in, you will  produce colostrum (or should I say you will produce MAGIC?!) It is  highly concentrated in nutrients for your baby. A few ways to tell if  your baby is getting enough milk are: you can see your baby  swallowing, weight gain (after the first few days–you will see a  loss), and wet diapers (what goes in, must come out :)) Using a log  can help you keep up with how long you are breastfeeding and what your  baby is peeing/pooping out.

9. The first growth spurt.

Around the 10-14 day period you and your  baby may be in a good routine, but wait- your baby is about to go  through their first growth spurt. You will question everything you have learned about breastfeeding. You will question your milk supply.  Your baby will want to be at the breast ALL. THE. TIME. This is  normal. I repeat, this is normal. This is your baby’s way of telling  your body to up the milk production. Keep putting baby to breast as  much as possible. This will pass. 1.

If you have made it past the first two weeks, you have overcome so  many obstacles. You are AMAZING. If you are still struggling, please  reach out to someone. It is never too late, or too early, to ask for  help.

The First 2 Weeks Of Breastfeeding For Me

Vincent- First Child

The first two weeks with my first child were pretty difficult. He  didn’t want to suck, he wouldn’t wake to feed, he fell asleep nursing,  he lost weight…..IT WAS A STRUGGLE.

We went to the lactation consultant 4 times within those first two weeks. I cried. I was mad. I  was tired. BUT I kept pushing through. I woke up every 2 hours around  the clock for the first two weeks. Did you know that the time you  start breastfeeding is when you start your 2-hour timer? I didn’t!  

Example- we started feeding at 9am- he wouldn’t/couldn’t suck and  would fall back asleep so it was 10am before he was done feeding in  the beginning. I had 1 hour to catch up on sleep, or shower, or eat  and then it was back to the same routine again. It was HARD. We went  on to successfully breastfeed for 15 months.

Alexia- Second Child

My second child was ALWAYS waking up hungry but she was a huge spitter and my nipples HURT. The first thing we figured out was that she was  tongue tied. She wasn’t getting a good latch due to the decreased range of motion of her tongue.

Therefore my nipples were destroyed and  she wasn’t transferring well. (For my nipples I used all purpose nipple ointment and soothe pads). After getting her tongue tie fixed,  she was still a HUGE spitter. I am talking at the very least 1-2 oz of  milk came back up.

My pediatrician didn’t believe me when I would tell  her that she would spit it over half of her milk so she sent us to the lactation consultant where we did a weighted feed. Sure enough she spit up and we weighed again. She had lost over half of what she took  in. We tried reflux medication, cutting the top 8 allergens out of my  diet, seeing a GI specialist and even a swallow study (a few months  later).

I was so incredibly worried the first few weeks of her life. I  had milk, she was getting it, but she couldn’t keep it down. We went  on to successfully breastfeed for 13 months.

Callum-Third Child

My third baby, has been the easiest as far as breastfeeding. Not  because this is my third time around, but because he could suck and he kept the milk down. However, my milk didn’t come in until day 6! He would nurse and nurse and nurse every hour it felt like. He was actually gaining weight, but the doctor kept asking me if my milk had come in.

I hadn’t gotten that engorgement feeling yet, and by day 5 I  had started to worry. Finally it came in and all was well. He  preferred the cradle hold on the left, so getting him to nurse on the  right side we had to work at but we did it. We are still breastfeeding  at 7 months now <3.

I know I am lucky with all three of my breastfeeding journeys compared  to some, but I am so proud of us. I am proud of the mama who tried but it just didn’t work. I am proud of the mama who is taking it day by  day. I am proud of the mama who has been breastfeeding for 19 months.  I am proud of the mama pumping around the clock because latching just isn’t working out. I am proud of YOU.

Were the first two weeks hard for you? What helped you get through them? Let me know in comments!

Brittany Jordan

Hi! I am Brittany, also known as “Mama” to three beautiful children,  and I run Following the Jordans. I am a small town mom who hopes to  develop a “one stop place for women”. Prior to blogging I was a  Registered Nurse at a local hospital. When my middle child was 6  months old, I became a SAHM. (WHEW—talk about a different kind of  JOB. A different kind of HARD). I’ve been pregnant or breasting for 6  years now, and there are still things I am learning each day. My  friends are always asking for motherhood/breastfeeding advice and one of them suggested I start sharing it on a blog. That evening, the idea  for Following the Jordans was born. I started my blog to share all  things I am passionate about: Motherhood, Breastfeeding, Beauty,  Fashion, Self-care, Fitness and Everyday Life with other women. As a  mom I understand that life can be busy and it can be hard. Sometimes  really hard. By reading raw stories I’ve learned that I am not alone  during the hard seasons of life. I hope that by writing raw I can be a  place where other women feel heard, understood and safe. I write with  the hope that you can find inspiration, solitude, laughter, and maybe  a tip or hack to make motherhood, wife-hood, or just life-hood  (totally making up words now) easier and fun. xo-Brittany

The post Breastfeeding: What to expect and how to survive the first two weeks appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Our 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square took place this past Saturday August 3rd during World Breastfeeding Week. It was probably one of the most amazing ones I've ever had. 

About five years ago, the concept of showcasing how natural and beautiful breastfeeding is started. For a few weeks I went on and on, thinking how I could achieve this while still being able to share the different experiences that mothers had. That is when the Breastfeeding World photo project took place.

For approximately 2 months, I dedicated myself to capturing beautiful breastfeeding portraits. I had the opportunity of meeting over 60 New York City mothers who participated in the first photo call. We went to different iconic locations throughout New York City and photographed these beautiful women, nursing their little ones in public. It was epic!

Breastfeeding World was quickly becoming a resource of inspiration and support for our local moms. Yet, there was still so much to be done. In the beginning of July of 2015 one of our photo session participants and beloved friend, Lisa Maloney, had a crazy idea: “Let’s hold a Breastfeeding World Big Latch On in Times Square”, she said.

Sharing the Breastfeeding Love one event at a time

Breastfeeding World's first Big Latch On in Times Square. August 2015

With a month to prepare and a whole lot of sleepless nights, I was leading the Breastfeeding World’s team. We planned and executed one of the most iconic Big Latch On events that have ever happened: 69 nursing mothers came together in Times Square to breastfeed their little ones in support.

This was the beginning of five full years of annual breastfeeding events. We took our celebrations from NYC to several other states, including two countries: Guam and Ecuador.

Our Breastfeeding Celebrations have gathered strong women who have gotten the opportunity to meet like-minded families, and support each other’s journeys. Strong friendships have developed. But most importantly, a sense of empowerment has surrounded each and every one of our events.

Back in 2016, I had to relocate to Massachusetts. Although organizing these events seemed impossible, we pulled it off each and every year. Thanks to our Breastfeeding World Volunteers our events took form and place. Our focus has always remained the same: to bring our mothering community together. Supporting and encouraging each other in our breastfeeding journeys has been one of our main goals. 

Breastfeeding World – a community of love

These past two years have been a real challenge for Breastfeeding World. As the leader, I have encountered a few personal “blocks” along the way. Making it difficult to keep up.

In 2017 a professional development opportunity arose, and I took it. I was promoted to department supervisor in the local hospital I work at. To say that juggling motherhood, school activities, being a full-time working mom, managing Breastfeeding World and the overall ups and downs of life has been difficult, is a BIG understatement!

In 2018, Breastfeeding World underwent a few transitions: a shift in its volunteer team, a website re-design as well as the expansion of our events to Guam & Ecuador. It was not easy, but we did it.

Then this year came…

As much as I love Breastfeeding World and all that it stands for, I was overwhelmed with having to juggle all of the responsibilities I already had. I made up my mind that there was no way our annual breastfeeding celebration would happen this year. It was not until my dear friend Lisa Maloney, and my fellow BFW co-founders, brother Christian and mother Bella Garcia called me that I started re-thinking it. 

Lisa reminded me that we are all humans, as mothers we can only do so much. She also reminded me of all the beautiful reasons why Breastfeeding World has significantly grown. As well as all the help and support it has provided to so many around the world. Instead of judging me for feeling overwhelmed and somewhat powerless, she embraced me with encouragement.

"Your eyes gleam with excitement when you talk about the BFW events," said another friend of mine.

After this small intervention of love and deep understanding, I came to the realization that our Breastfeeding World celebrations needed to happen. Not because of me, but because of the lives that it would impact. Even my sweet baby girl (who’s not a baby anymore) said: “Mami, I can’t wait to work in our BFW event”.

Just like five years ago: with a little over a month to go, I started promoting the event. With non payed 2019 sponsors, very limited financial resources, but a whole lot of willingness and love, my family and I traveled from Massachusetts to NYC for our…

 5^th Annual Big Latch On in Times Square

Breastfeeding World's 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. - ©Alegares Photography

To some, this year’s event might’ve been way smaller and a whole lot different from previous years. For me, this year’s event was one of the most powerful ones yet. Despite the challenges faced, I was once again able to touch the lives of the amazing NYC mothers that attended our 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square.

This event was intimate. It was beautiful, and extremely empowering. Our 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square was a true demonstration of love and commitment. It reminded me that Breastfeeding World is a community of love and real appreciation for one another.

I was excited seeing some old faces that have grown with us. But it was also very fun getting to know new mommies and daddies who were thrilled to be a part of something so big, yet small at the same time. Babies as little as 10 days old came to celebrate with us this unique event. It was so refreshing seeing 2 & 3 year old nurslings who were more than happy to be having their "milkies, tities, tatas". 

Breastfeeding World's 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. - ©Alegares Photography

An event to remember, an event to cherish

"Meeting in Times Square to breastfeed with all the other moms that traveled from near and far, was such an inspiring event. We all had separate challenges but we pushed through them making it to that moment on the TKTS stairs to nourish our little ones. Getting the opportunity to nurse together made me a little emotional as I connected with other moms and we discussed our experiences. I left feeling empowered, understood and supported.” – Susie Davies Concelmo, 2019 NYC BLO participant.

 

"It was a beautiful gathering! To see so many women immediately able to strike up conversations, to have so many content babies and children all gathered together is a statement to how natural and nurturing the breastfeeding journey is.” – Cassandra Addams, 2019 NYC BLO participant.

"This was my second year coming out. It was wonderful to meet with familiar and new faces. There’s just something about being with other women, (and men!), taking pride and standing firm in breastfeeding. It creates this great space of empowerment and resolve you can take home with you to use to continue to dispel stigma and pressure to not publicly breastfeed. 

 

It was great to be in that energy. All of the dads got to bond and feel pride in the breastfeeding journey and their important involvement as supporters, and well, as dads! We got to see other families with older tots and kids too. Seeing a generation of breastfed kiddies growing up and flourishing was heartwarming and inspirational.

 

This is the kind of event that really showcases how breastfeeding isn’t an isolated thing. On the contrary, it's something that involves and positively affects the whole family because it positively affects the children.” – Teena Botan, 2019 NYC BLO participant.

My deepest gratitude to you all

Breastfeeding World began after I became a mother to my beautiful baby girl. It began after I was told: “we don’t do ‘THAT’ in here,” while shopping in a children’s clothing store in the UWS. It began after I felt powerless and disoriented by the double standards surrounding a women’s body. It began after I felt the need to be the voice of many through my photography. It began because of each and every one of you, so, THANK YOU.

 

Our breastfeeding journey lasted 4.5 years, it was not easy but it was worth it! - ©Alegares Photography

 

Throughout these past five years, Breastfeeding World has given me a reason to keep on going and pushing forward despite the many obstacles. Although my daughter and I stopped breastfeeding at 4.5 years, I feel that my “nursing relationship” with BFW is still going on (if you know what I mean!). That strong bond and connection we share, grows deeper every day. Despite my imperfections as its “mother,” I feel that BFW has been able to thrive because of you.

Our commitment to empowering women around the world is what keeps us going day to day. Breastfeeding World will continue moving forward and just like our individual motherhood journeys. We will continue sharing the breastfeeding love one day at a time. So, hold on tight! Are you ready for our epic ride?

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts. What would you like to see more of in the future from Breastfeeding World? Please share them in the comment section below!.  

Don't forget! Check out our social media pages to keep up with the breastfeeding love.

If you participated in the event and would like to see more pictures please register to view our gallery. You may purchase images directly through the site, thank you for supporting Breastfeeding World. 

 

Alexia Garcia

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

The post 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square, a celebration to remember appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Summer, oh summer! It’s certainly one of the best seasons of the year but it’s also one of the busiest as well. Specially if you happen to live on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard. 

This year Breastfeeding World hosted its third annual Martha’s Vineyard Big Latch On and boy was it a good one. Back on August 5^th, 16 Martha’s Vineyard breastfeeding moms came together once again to make this event a great one.

Some new faces and some returning mothers who year by year make these events well worth it.

One of the special things I love about our Martha’s Vineyard Latch On is how intimate and empowering it always is. I’ve been able to see how these mamas and babes grow in their journeys and this year I had the opportunity to photograph the same ladies I met back in 2015 when we held our very first Breastfeeding World photo session on the island.

This time around, they came with their new babes and a full-term nursling. (Kudos to Sarah and Mili, you make us proud!).

The beauty of breastfeeding and motherhood is that each journey is completely different and unique in its own way. Not only from mother to mother but from baby to baby as well. No matter how many books you may read or how many classes you may attend to, by the time that the baby comes you might be very informed as to what is about to happen but, are you really ready? Probably not.

During this year’s Martha’s Vineyard Big Latch On a momma told me she wasn’t sure whether or not I would continue on with the events due to me not nursing anymore… Let me take the chance and tell you all a short version of my story, the one probably none of you know….

My sweet mini-me was born on this gorgeous island, surrounded by beautiful landscapes that make this location THE place to be during summer.  My experience with giving birth was astounding, I went in not feeling prepared but my birthing team at the Hospital was amazing.

I was very fortunate, although my baby’s father was not present and I was/am a single momma, I had more than what I had wished for: I had my mother and my sister next to me, they were part of my unmedicated natural birth and everything that came thereafter.

I can assure you that without them my breastfeeding journey would’ve only been a few weeks affair.

My mother Bella and my sister Shelyn, two breastfeeding veterans with 8 children altogether knew exactly what to do in my moments of despair. With tears in my eyes I recall one time begging them to take my baby away because the pain of nursing and cracked nipples was unbearable. (Can you relate?)

Mom would cook all the healthy foods that my body needed to recover while Shelyn would help me take care of the baby. My mama would pass on some old wives’ tales from Ecuador while teaching me some great breastfeeding techniques and some massages to relief engorgement and potential clogged ducts.

With their support I made it past the challenging first three weeks of breastfeeding. Tears flowing down my face on several occasions but they never let me quit when I wanted to.

 

Our next milestone was 6 months, we made it. One full year, we made it. Eighteen months, we made it. Two years, we made it… until we kind of stopped keeping track.

My sweet mini-me nursed for 4 ½ years and weaned off earlier this year. Was it a bumpy ride? HELL YASS! Was it worth it? Every minute of it.

 

Today, as we lay down to sleep, (we bedshare baby!) there are nights where she turns looking for her ‘tities’. She knows that no milk comes out but she feels safe and that’s all that matters.

Did I encounter criticism for nursing beyond 2 years? Yes. Was it uncomfortable? At times, yes. Did it matter at the end? No. My baby has grown to be a sweet child who is happy and smiles quite often, she knows that mommy works so hard on Breastfeeding World and she loves helping me every way she can.

To you my sweet mama, who wasn’t sure the events would continue because I stopped nursing… Oh YES they will!

Little mini-me was who inspired me to start Breastfeeding World in the first place, our journey through breastfeeding and motherhood in general is what kept me going. Getting to know women who identified with each other in many ways was my fuel to push through.

Although we stopped nursing this year there are thousands of new mothers (and existing ones) that are going through their breastfeeding & motherhood journeys and they Need. Us. 

Breastfeeding World is bigger than my baby and I because now, all of you are part of its history as well as its success.

The Martha’s Vineyard Big Latch On is all about celebrating you, strong women and mothers who lift each other up. No matter in what phase of your motherhood journey you may be in, at some point you will need the support system that I thankfully had and that is what we aim to be for you all: the encouraging voice that pushes you through all the obstacles.

Let us all celebrate these amazing Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms, you are amazing!

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

2018 Breastfeeding World’s sponsors

We have so much love for our Platinum Sponsor @KindredBravely! Through the Spring and Summer they have sponsored our Breastfeeding Photoshoots and provided every guest with a nursing pad in our swag bag and each Big Latch On location with an amazing raffle prize for a mom! Find out more about them at Kindredbravely.com

@cookiesformilknyc  cookies are full of all the right ingredients and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Head to their website to read about the 5 galactogogues in their cookies. www.cookiesformilk.com. Cookies for Milk is a Diamond sponsor for Breastfeeding World’s multi-city Big Latch Ons! You were able to find awesome goodies from their line in every Swag Bag!

We loved having @fabulanebulae as our Gold Sponsors for our Seattle and Martha’s Vineyard Big Latch Ons! The Salve to Quiet the Storm was the first product Fabula Nebulae created, in the family’s search for a natural product to heal their children’s skin. The Quiet Storm is a soothing and calming concoction that is the base for all of Fabula Nebulae’s natural, fair trade products to meet every family’s needs!

What are your tips for saving every last drop of milk? For breastfeeding moms, we all know that leaky boob syndrome will happen at any time, any where. Thank goodness for Milk Savers from @fairhaven_health! As a Double Gold Sponsor for our multi-city Big Latch Ons, Moms in Seattle and New York City Big Latch Ons will have a chance to win one Fairhaven Health Prize pack, which includes Milk Savers! Tag a mom who needs this now! Get more from Fairhaven Health at FairhavenHealth.com

We’re so excited to announce @mollychanson as our Gold Sponsor for Breastfeeding World’s New York City Big Latch On! Molly is the designer and founder of Soulma, an urban women’s clothing brand that fits and flatters women in all stages of their life, including motherhood! Check out more of Molly’s awesome urban line at Soulma.com, plus enter to win an amazing 3-piece gift when you make a purchase using the code “SOULSUMMER” and save 20% as an added perk!

@mrspatels is a Gold Sponsor for Seattle’s Big Latch On event! We’re so excited to have them on board. Mrs. Patel’s lactation treats and teas are an awesome addition for moms who are looking for options to get the best nutrients in while building milk supply. You can check out more at www.mrsmilk.com!

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

The post Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

New York City is where Breastfeeding World began, to us this amazing beautiful city is full of magic and dreams come true.

This past April 7^th our dearest friend Molly Ades from Soul Ma invited me to join her and the rest of our beloved NYC mamas at the 2018 MommyCon. With much excitement we initiated the trip back home and decided that during our time there we would be hosting one of our iconic NYC’s Breastfeeding World Photo sessions.

During these past few years that I’ve had the opportunity of photographing women from so many different backgrounds I’ve learned that less is better. I’ve always wanted to showcase the essence of what breastfeeding looks like in their daily lives and this was not going to be any different.

NYC’s Breastfeeding World, empowering women one picture at a time

Motherhood itself can be challenging, being a nursing mother in a super busy city is not as easy as it may seem. Standing up for the normalization of breastfeeding in public can be intimidating but doing it with a group of women that you know support you and share your same goal is truly empowering.

Breastfeeding is natural, breastfeeding is pure, breastfeeding is love…

Kimmy Meyer

“Breastfeeding was something I knew I definitely would do for my baby. I don’t remember when I made that decision along my journey of pregnancy, but I knew that I didn’t want to formula feed. I read a ton of books while pregnant which made me aware of all the amazing things breastfeeding can provide for my baby.

One of the best books I read was La Leche League’s book, “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.” I decided to breastfeed because I read about all the health benefits my son gets from breastmilk. His health is a top priority to me so this just made sense. I love the bond we’ve created now from breastfeeding as he’s been exclusively breastfed now for 6 months.” – Kimmy Meyer

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

#DidYouKnow New York State was the first state in the nation to pass a law protecting a mother’s right to breastfeed in public.

It is a civil rights law, NY CLS Civ R 79-e (Article 7 Miscellaneous Provisions).

1994 NY ALS 98; 1994 NY LAWS 98; 1994 NYSN 3999 79-e Right to Breast Feed. Not with standing any other provision of law, a mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether or not the nipple of the mother’s breast is covered during or incidental to the breast feeding.

Sometimes pictures that have less of a “production” per say encompass more of the reality. One of the many blessings I’ve had with creating this beautiful platform and seeing it grow is having met many families that throughout these years have grown together with us and who have formed strong and personal relationships as well as amazing friendships.

Lissette, Ralph and little Lola

During NYC’s Breastfeeding World photo session I had the chance of seeing this amazing family again. They’ve accompanied us since our very first NYC Big Latch On back in 2015.

Seeing Lola grow up and knowing her mom’s determination for breastfeeding has given me so much joy.

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

“When I was pregnant, my original goal was to breastfeed at least 6 months. That was very hopeful for me because I came from a large family where there was always a new baby around but breastfeeding was not something that was usually celebrated or encouraged. I was happy to find support in my sister, who became well versed in the benefits of breastfeeding through her job at a W.I.C. Office.

I found more support in various facebook groups, which lead me to the 1st NYC Big Latch On event. Where I found so much enlightenment that I resolved to breastfeed as long as it was best for my daughter and I. During this photo shoot, I was very emotional because seeing other moms nursing their younger babies made me realize how I took for granted how amazing being able to breastfeed for this long truly is. How much comfort and love my child still finds in nursing 3 and a half years later.

How we made it all the way here from not even being able to get a latch and having to give her a couple ounces of formula when she was first born. All the panic from those early days, erased by an amazing breastfeeding relationship nearly 4 years later.” – Lissette Perez

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Liza Price

During NYC’s Breastfeeding World photo session we had the tremendous pleasure of seeing this mama return. Liza participated in our photo project back in 2014 with her little Reuben. This year we had the opportunity to meet her second baby boy who gave us so many smiles and reminded us why we started and why we keep on going.

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Raquel Sandino & Baby Joseph

“I always knew I wanted to breastfeed. My mother breastfed both my brothers and I so it just seemed natural to me. I never realized how stressful and sometimes painful it would be in the beginning, but I had my mother and my best friend who also breastfed her daughter to encourage and help me along the way.

Joseph and I are now 19 months in with no plans on stopping until he self-weans. I love the bond that was forged through breastfeeding and wouldn’t have it any other way.”- Raquel Sandino

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Christiana Manson

For Christiana and her cute baby girl nursing in public without a cover felt a bit intimidating. Being a New York City mama she had done it several times but never felt quite at ease.

When I invited her to join NYC’s Breastfeeding World photo session, I was confident that experiencing this sisterhood of like-minded mamas who welcome and support each other would encourage her. Soon after we started our photo session Christiana was a pro!.

Thank you for believing in us but most importantly, thank you for believing in yourself!

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

“My breastfeeding journey has been really easy from the very beginning. I went to two breastfeeding courses at my birth center when I was pregnant so I felt prepared.

On the day I gave birth, my daughter latched on right away and I had another lactation coach that helped and gave me some tips. I never felt any pain and it has always been one of the best moments that my daughter and I share.

Breastfeeding is also extremely convenient and helped me get some sleep in the beginning when my daughter was still adjusting to life outside the womb.

I really enjoyed our photo session it was sooo empowering being photographed while breastfeeding when people treat breastfeeding like it’s something that needs to be done in the dark as if it’s shameful.

I Loved being the center of attention in a busy intersection it was almost poetic. By doing the photoshoot I was saying Breastfeeding is Not Shameful! Instead it is so beautiful it should be photographed!

I always intended to breastfeed. My mother did and had a good experience breastfeeding. Her experience and the way she talked about breastfeeding as natural and normal definitely impacted my thoughts on breastfeeding. Thank you mom!” – Christiana Manson

KINDRED BRAVELY

We are honored to have Kindred Bravely Sponsor this NYC Photo shoot. Kindred Bravely helps mothers #bravemotherhood. They are also our top Sponsor for our annual Big Latch Ons, which will be held this August 4. Join us on Facebook for more information and details. Plus, look out for our review of the softest pajamas KB created for nursing moms in an upcoming blog post!

Visit Kindred Bravely at www.kindredbravely.com and follow them on social @kindredbravely

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

Alexia Garcia

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

The post A glimpse of NYC’s Breastfeeding World appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

I’ve discovered there are different truths for everyone when it comes to breastfeeding.

Burpie time when he      was a little bitty

However, I have also discovered there are universal truths for every…single… mom who decides to make this relationship a top priority. Every mother and child relationship varies from another. Some find their journey almost unbearable in the beginning, but like second nature once things progress. Other moms never have any difficulty in production, latching, or convenience. (Bless Them.)

Below are a few statements I have discovered to be true when speaking with any mom on the breastfeeding.

Not all Breastfeeding Journies are the same

Prior to my sons birth I watched videos on latching. I read blogs on milk production. I also studied every breastfeeding hold there is. None of this really prepared me for what would be my journey with my child.

I learned that babies born prematurely will have a harder time than babies born closer to their due date. Some babies are born with tongue or lip ties that make latching near impossible or can cause extreme pain for mommy. And then there were some mothers that I learned never have a single issue.

From the beginning, I discovered that what Gabriel and I had set before us was uniquely ours. It was a groove that we were going to have to find and a trust we were going to need to build in order to save what was beginning as a set up for failure. Between unapproved formula being administered to my child to nipple shields, we had serious kinks to work out in order to save our unique journey.

You May Not Be Supported

15 months old

Some people just do not understand breastfeeding. Other’s may have had a bad experience and quit early on may try to make you believe that you will, too. They may use phrases like, “You can use formula if this doesn’t work,” or “Don’t be discouraged if in a few days you realize how hard this really is and want to give up.”

While it would be fantastic for all moms to support you, or be amazing to not worry if someone is going to give you a dirty look in the restaurant, this isn’t always the case. You will get stares, you will feel unsupported at times and you will have to simply ignore it.

It is an Emotional Journey

Breastfeeding is the one thing my son and I share that no one else gets to share with him. We women carry our child for 9 months and we go through all that it entails. Once our baby has arrived, they can be quickly “taken” from us and passed around to each grandparent, aunt, friend or in-law there is. Breastfeeding is a way to ensure that mommy and baby have their much-needed time together. It is beneficial and crucial, not only in the first few months, but even for seasoned relationships.

When baby is sick, tired, hurting, teething, scared, clingy, nervous, or unsure, breastfeeding offers a safe haven.

It is what is best for you and your child because it is the path you have chosen.

“The advantages of breastmilk are so astounding that if pregnant women were required mandatory education on the benefits of breastfeeding prior to giving birth, I truly believe that more moms would not only decide to forego the formula, but that they would *try harder when times felt tough.”

*Not intended for those with supply issues or that simply can’t breastfeed.

Not only is it best health wise, it is best because it honestly does not matter if you decide to breastfeed 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years. The length of time you breastfeed is what is best for you both because that is your decision.

And it is okay if people don’t get that. It is okay if they think you need to stop. It is okay if they silently criticize. They aren’t your child’s parent.

We are 20 months in.

Breastfeeding Isn’t without Challenges

There may be clogged ducts, mastitis, cracked nipples, latching issues, low milk supplies, and more. But there is also education on each and every one of these challenges. Through research, blogs, support groups like mine on Facebook and counselors or consultants, there is help to overcome these obstacles.

Not all Pediatricians will be supportive or fully educated on breastfeeding. Some may make you feel you aren’t producing enough milk. Some may not understand why you decided to delay feeding solids until baby is a year old. Some may think it selfish and just for your own gain and self pleasure that you are taking this route. Unless your child is malnourished or lacking vital nutrients, then either ignore snide and blatant remarks or find a Pediatrician that is supportive.

Finally, Breastfeeding is for you and your child alone

It can be for the mom who wants to pump and breastfeed, for the mom who wants to supplement and breastfeed, and for the mom who wants to breastfeed exclusively and on demand. It can be for the mom who chooses extended breastfeeding.

Whatever breastfeeding looks like for you, Mama, it is yours, you know best, and it is no ones business to tell you otherwise. You just let it go in one ear and out the other and when someone nods in approval, applauds you, or gets you…you just look them in the eyes, smile and know that they get it!!

Nurse on, Mama!!
XOXO

Rachel Price

Rachel is a mom, writer, & advocate for women at her local crisis pregnancy center. She lives in South Georgia where she raises her son alongside her husband. She is currently in training to become a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor.

www.bananasandbreastmilk.wordpress.com

The post The Truth About Breastfeeding appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

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.

So, I had asked a few mamas to share photos of themselves (in or out of uniform) and sharing their stories and experiences.

I got out of the Navy in June of this past year. I was blessed with such an amazing environment and leadership that I was able to breastfeed my first child until he was 2.5 and in turn tandem nurse with my daughter. Neither of my children would take a bottle, so pumping just didn’t work for us. To keep this short, I ended up having a “wet-nurse” and nursed on lunch breaks to get us through. You can read about that journey here. But knowing that many moms have struggles, whether it be in the beginning or the entire time; it may be quite different for our military moms.

So, this post is to honor our military mamas. Even if your photo/quote isn’t featured, this is still for you!

“I was very glad that the Navy had an actual policy to protect nursing mother’s while on active service. Pumping was a pain, and I did it religiously with my oldest. I was determined to give him breastmilk, despite having to go back to work.”  – –

Rocky Rozhanskiy, US Navy Veteran

“Breastfeeding and pumping while in the USCG had its struggles. We didn’t always have the proper places to pump and store. But we made due. Even now, still nursing #3, 5 years later, I’m happy for those struggles. It’s what pushed me to exclusively breastfeed; despite the stigma surrounding working moms.”

– – – Jennifer Burman, US Coast Guard Veteran and Beauty and Lifestyle Magazine Bog Contributor

“Being a first time mom is hard. Being a first time mom with no family around is even harder. 6 weeks off, stitches are still healing, the weight is still packed on and the thought of a normal life again is behind me! I returned to work after having six incredible weeks off with my first born.

Day one consisted of figuring out where to pump at work. We were put in a storage closet about the size of an airplane restroom. In 2014 (the year my son was born), the Navy released an updated breastfeeding policy but many seemed to be uncomfortable about the subject. After day one, I knew that it was unacceptable to be producing my child’s food in that storage closet. I brought it up the chain of command and presented the updated instruction. “Must have running water accessible (not a restroom) and given privacy”! My main focus was getting us out of a hazmat locker, that’s literally what it was.

In the meeting with my COC, an E8 told me, “well why can’t you just do it in the restroom?” I wasn’t sure if he was joking or being serious, this man was very hard to read. So, I responded with, “why don’t you eat your lunch in the restroom senior chief?” I probably should have kept my mouth shut, but it got the point across.

Over the next few months there was a lot of progress but it took blood, sweat and tears to get there. A lot of our COC asked why we couldn’t just go pump in the hospital, it had a space nicer than any other lactation room on base.

But we have to work, simple as that.

Taking 10 minutes to drive to the designated location, park, walk to the room on the third floor, set up, get a let down, make sure to pump until I’m empty, break down everything, label and sanitize my area, walk back to my vehicle and then drive back to work. Oh, don’t let me forget to add that we have to do that about 2-3 times during the work day. “Must be allowed 20-30 minutes 2 to 3 times a day”, that evolution adds up to way more than 20-30 minutes when you want us to pump in a different building.

So, after putting up a good fight, they ended up designating us our own room. Two decking chairs, privacy, sink, outlets and more. It wasn’t a 5 star room but it was definitely better than what we had. When my son was 3 1/2 months old, he started getting teeth, lord help me. He would bite and bite and bite when he nursed so eventually, I stopped nursing. I began exclusively pumping when he was 4 months old; till he was 10 1/2 months old. It was tough to say the least. Fitting my pump schedule around school, work, watches, taking care of Landon, while still trying to have a social life made me extremely depressed. I felt trapped but I knew what I was doing was worth it.

Fast forward to three years later. We are still dealing with difficulties creating lactation rooms for mothers, but the navy is doing their best. It is a sensitive and awkward subject for a lot of people, especially men. I believe that providing training on the issue and helping educate the leaders in our fleet that will be dealing with pregnant women, will help beyond our expectations.

– – – Andrea Nicole, US Navy, Logistics Specialist Second Class

“Being a mother requires far more sacrifice than you can ever imagine. Now, add being an active duty mother, and the virtue of motherhood can completely overwhelm you.  Breastfeeding my three children hasn’t always been easy.  I’ve pumped in locker rooms, bathrooms, and sometimes in my car.  My supply has fluctuated; I’ve gotten engorged, due to not having enough time to pump. And, I’ve cried countless times in feeling as though I am not enough as a mother.  Education for nursing/pumping moms wasn’t advocated as much as it has been within the most recent years, and although I was only able to nurse my first 2 sons until they were 6 months old,  through education and support I was able to nurse my 3rd son until he was 18 months old.”

– – LT Maria Relayo, US Navy, Aviation Ordnance

Photo captured by: Haley Nicole Photography https://www.facebook.com/haleynicolephotos/ @haleynicolesphotos

“Seeing this photo gave me all the feels. I didn’t breastfeed as long as I wanted with my first because I was on the flightline. I didn’t have the time or energy to make it back to the hangar to pump when I needed to. So, transitioning to formula was what worked for us. But here I am, 6 years later, as a veteran; waiting for my active duty husband to come back from deployment, breastfeeding my one year old daughter in the hangar bay. And, I really am just SO thankful that we made it this far in our breastfeeding journey. I am so happy I have this image to look back on and remind me of all the obstacles I overcame to get here. “

– – Raquel Renteria, US Navy Veteran

“I have served for 8 years thus far in the US Army Reserves and have had two daughters during that time. Both of my daughters nursed, so I knew I was going to have to pump during work and drill weekends.

Initially, my experience was awful, which I was fearful of. I drilled with a unit that I was not a part of. I was more or less visiting, due to being a new area. At first, I was promised a private place with a locked door for me to pump. That promise was not kept. I found myself in a small bathroom with no lock on the door and an extension cord running from down the hallway into the bathroom.

I felt ashamed; because I should have said or done something.

Yet, the next day I found myself pumping in my car on a cold, snowy day. I didn’t go back and drill with that unit after my experience. A month or so later, I made it clear that there were policies and laws broken and that is why I no longer wanted to be apart of their unit. I never received a response back. Months later, I discovered a new unit that had just “stood up” and they were very accommodating to me from the get go and never once gave me a hard time. I was excused from ranges and field training while I pumped, since there was no way to store my pumped milk.

With my second daughter, I had no issues because I was still with the unit that provided me what I needed. I believe the Military, as a whole, needs to work on accommodating service women with their needs when it comes to nursing, pumping and maternity leave. There are both federal and state laws that supposedly “don’t need to be followed because it’s the Military”, so I have been told.

That first unit that I was with when I had just started pumping, was made up of mostly older men, who probably had never been in that type of situation before, or who may have never had a soldier ask that question; but that is no excuse. If a woman choses to use a restroom, that is her choice. But no woman should be made to use a restroom, especially in fear of reprisal, which was my situation.

I hope my story helps others and doesn’t allow the Military to tell a mother that they can’t feed their child in the best way they think possible. Many women in the service don’t nurse or pump because it’s just too much of a hassle while in uniform. That just seems so wrong to me. However we chose to nurture and feed our babies is our right and our choice, no one else’s.”

– – Molly Taber, US Army Reservist, Automated Logistics Specialist SGT

And this is me, nursing my daughter on my last day in the Navy. 

The military life isn’t easy. And being a mom in the military doesn’t make it any easier. But we do the best we can, while providing all of what we can, for our kids. Even if it means making sacrifices for ourselves, or in other areas, to make sure we can do what is best for the babies. Thank you to those who have served, are serving, and will serve.

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

Abigail Dougherty

A 27 year old from Wisconsin but currently stationed in California with a happy marriage and two rainbow babies. Abigail is currently in the Navy and is also a certified personal trainer. I am a kinesiology major who plans to use her knowledge to help her do more in the fitness industry. She’s a breastfeeding, cloth diapering, essential oil using, gym freak, babywearing, kind of mom. Abigail loves empowering and encouraging women to be who they are and to take pride in that.

The post Honoring Our Military Breastfeeding Mamas appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Modesty was the Key…at first

With my firstborn, my son, I was afraid to nurse anywhere except the privacy of my own home or car…and sometimes, I felt the need to be in my bedroom. Okay, admittedly the bedroom thing was for more selfish reasons. I loved the opportunity to escape for a few moments of quiet and solitude with my baby. We couldn’t use a nursing cover because we had latch issues, so the overwhelming fear of being exposed led me to isolate myself. I would leave the room at family functions, at restaurants, in church, you name it, I went to hide. Though, I never went as far as to nurse in a bathroom. Towards the end of my son’s first year, I began to open up a bit. I was pro-breastfeeding and felt empowered that I was doing something that I felt so passionately about.

Fast forward to 21 months after my son’s birth, to the birth of my daughter

I had a few serious complications that made the first few days of breastfeeding nearly unbearable, but I was determined to succeed a second time. We needed a lot of help in the first few weeks post-partum and I didn’t care who saw what. Simply, I only cared that my daughter was nursing and getting what she needed. After I healed from the complications, I was left to tend to my 21 month old son, our then 10 year old and a newborn, while my husband worked. I found myself more confident in my choice to breastfeed, and would feed my little girl whenever she was hungry regardless of where I was. I nursed her while wearing her during shopping trips (oh the looks!). In the middle of a sermon at church, I nursed her. I nursed her while eating dinner at family gatherings. I carried my head high and was met with little verbal protest. Lots of funny and ugly looks, but I laughed at them. I still laugh!

Latch, Letdown and the Pain

My son had a tongue tie that made the first few weeks painful and challenging. The tongue tie was corrected, but, the pain did not disappear. I remember sitting in tears, thinking that I couldn’t do it any longer. I couldn’t take the pain, I was failing my son. Okay, let me be straight, if you cannot continue your breastfeeding journey for ANY reason,

YOU MOST CERTAINLY ARE NOT A FAILURE!

One of the Breastfeeding World bloggers wrote a beautiful article titled, “Motherhood: When Breastfeeding Doesn’t Work Out“. Go read it, then come back and finish this one.

Now that I’ve said that, it was an emotional battle for me. We used nipple shields and all sorts of things to try to make it better. In time, the pain subsided except the occasional letdown tingle.

When my daughter was born, I felt armed and prepared for the latching, the letdown tingle and the pain. Or so I thought. I did have a pretty good handle on the various positions for achieving a comfortable latch and the let down tingle wasn’t a shock to me, but the pain still came. This time, I knew that if I could power through, it would subside and it did. It took a little longer than with my son because of my daughter’s uncorrected lip tie. Sheesh, I learned to loathe the word “tie”.

Weaning

I didn’t have a specific amount of time that I wanted to nurse my son, so long as I made it beyond one year. When my son was 14 months old, I found out we were expecting another little bundle of joy. I tried super hard during the first few months of pregnancy to continue nursing my son, but my nipples were so sensitive and it turned into an unpleasant experience for us both. Weaning him was super hard and heartbreaking. But it had to be done.

When he weaned the world didn’t end

There was no meteor strike that destroyed hundreds and hundreds of miles of landscape and caused mass tragedy.

For round 2, I decided I didn’t want to wean until I had to, or she weaned herself. I remember the night she self weaned like it was yesterday. She was 12 months, 1 week old and she refused to nurse for her nighttime feeding. I was devastated and cried and whined. The world didn’t end then either. It was disappointing to be done, but also relieving to know that we had moved on to the next chapter in our story.

Baby Blues…or Post-partum depression

When I found out that I was expecting for the first time, I was taking an anti-depressant. I stopped immediately as I wanted to have as natural and chemical free of a pregnancy as possible. I managed fairly well emotionally through-out the pregnancy, and due to the chaos that was returning to work and pumping, the baby blues were not as strong.

After the birth of my daughter, I began to feel sad, mad and upset, ALL the time. I had horrible thoughts and said horrible things. At the time, I blamed it on situational stress since there was a lot going on in our home at that time. In hindsight and after hearing other testimonies, I believe I suffered from un-diagnosed and un-treated post-partum depression. It was a dark and scary time for me.

Since then, I have decided to verbalize my experience and help other moms that may also be struggling

Breastfeeding World has an amazing team of bloggers that have shared their experiences with post-partum depression. Head on over to the Blog and check out the variety of encouraging and helpful blogs by our diverse team of moms.

Have you found that nursing your second, third, fourth, etc child was different from your first? Comment below with how you experiences have been different! I can’t wait to hear your stories!

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

Laranda Colbert

The post What Breastfeeding Taught Me appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

My baby girl, who’s only 4 months old. Not often do I think of the future, our future, her future because it is simply too hard to grasp. I still can’t even believe she is here.

But in this moment, just for a brief minute, I think to myself about everything I saw and went through as a child, a teenager and newly adult.

I picture her in my shoes; as the popular kid, the unwanted “weirdo”, and the genius loner sitting in a corner of the cafeteria by herself because nobody understands why the teacher favors her grades and delightful attitude over rambunctious behavior.

I lay here and watch her play and I’m amazed, because, she too will learn unthinkable lessons over the years. But, I worry about her being the kid, picked on because of a simple difference. I worry about her not having friends or feeling left out, due to the lack of care of her peers.

This worries me the most

Because kids don’t think like parents until they become one themselves. I never thought of my parents the same as my school friends and neither will she. She will never look at me in that way. Not until she becomes a mother, to a child of her own. And that is frightening. She will probably never take my word when I tell her how amazing she is and how she is worthy of the greatest things in life.

Society will instill fear, and she will be taught to loathe rather than love herself. She will learn to push me outside of a closed door, never allowing me to know her deepest secrets or impending worries.

I lay here watching her smile, clueless and uncaring about the world she is growing into. I want to pull her to my chest and keep her young and innocent forever. Unaware of the destruction this cruel world will bring to her precious heart. She is an angel and has changed my world in so many beautiful ways, so I know she has the power to do that for others too.

I lay here watching her sleep, not a bad dream in her mind

Only ones where her toy slips away from her reach, but is soon replaced with a loving embrace and another meal.

Brief sadness, that is all she knows. I now know a mother’s sadness, her impending fear. And, I wish I had realized it when I too was in her shoes.

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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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Katherine Hovey

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

www.youtube.com/channel/UCGLjPPckEfB4M3QOKf-TQ3g

The post A Mother’s Worst Fear appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

I knew I wanted to breastfeed

And, to breastfeed exclusively. But, I gave little thought to the timeline. I would have said a year, because that is what tends to be the socially acceptable timeframe in our society…and I had yet to be enlightened about extended breastfeeding.

Actor Ryan Gosling September 1, 2003

Fast forward three and a half years, and this momma bear was still going strong and actively breastfeeding. It wasn’t planned, but just happened naturally.  A year came and went, then two years. By that time, it was my intention to let him decide when he was ready for our breastfeeding journey to come to an end. I had seen close mom friends do the same with much success and was going to leave it up to him. It just felt right to let him make that call.

Then life happened

Not long before his third birthday, I fell ill and only got sicker and sicker as time went by.  Before I knew it, a major surgery was on the horizon. My heart was breaking. Such a beautiful and special time in our lives, as mother and son, would be abruptly ending whether either of us was ready. This was not the ending I had planned or that I wanted. Yet it was unavoidable.

I nursed him up until the morning of my surgery. We talked at length about the whats, whys and everything in between. He knew it was coming. But, he was sad. He wasn’t ready either. Leaving him that morning, I thought that our journey was at its end and that we had closed the book on this chapter in our lives ever.  Yet, after surgery and recovery, we continued on for almost two more months, until my health and the medications would just no longer allow it. The last time wasn’t anything special or big, yet I don’t think I will ever forget it.

When I look back on how our journey ended, it reminds me of his birth

While I didn’t have a concrete birth plan, how he came was so very unexpected and unplanned. I wanted and planned on him coming when he was ready, and on his terms. Yet my body had other ideas. You know what they say about the best-laid plans….

He nursed for longer than most littles in our society. We had, had an amazing run in the breastfeeding department.  While I knew I shouldn’t, I still felt guilty.  I had to learn to give myself some grace.  I had given him so much throughout our time breastfeeding, and how it ended wouldn’t and didn’t take anything away from that.

Three and a quarter years. Thirty-eight months. One-thousand-one-hundred-and-eighty days

I will cherish every moment forever…no matter how or why it ended. From the first time he nursed to the last, every moment was special and every moment belonged to just him and I.

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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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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 The End appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Just this week I learned of my husband receiving the honor of an invite to attend a formal meeting, dinner and a NFL game with one of his company’s largest vendors. My first thought was, “it must be nice” with a bitterness deep inside. That is most definitely not how I should approach the situation. My husband has worked hard to be where he is. He works hard so that I get to stay home and raise our babies. Once I had a chance to pause and begin my introspective evaluation, I decided that I am likely not the only one to feel this way. Below are some of the tips that I am trying myself, to overcome these feelings of isolation and loneliness.

It’s All About Perspective

Half full, or half empty?

The old adage, is the wine glass half full or half empty comes to mind. Ok, I may have added the wine part. Your cup may have water, or another more potent drink. By the way, you nursing moms don’t have to pump and dump this holiday season! Head on over to our blog to see the article with evidence that this is not necessary.

Any-who. I’m not saying any of this is easy. It is really taking some work for me to do this. My husband is a family man. He values time with his family over most anything else. As hard as it is for me to be home all the time without feeling like I have a purpose, it is equally hard for him to leave each day. He would love nothing more than to be at home with us. I have to make myself change this perspective. It is a blessing to be able to raise my babies and to be the one they run to when they have a boo-boo or friend troubles. I am shifting my attitude of bitterness into an attitude of gratitude.

Ask your partner to let you help

No, you cannot go to work for them, or go to their holiday party in their place, but you can be a part of the fun in purchasing the silly sock exchange items. You can bake goodies for him or her to take into the party, so that they have the opportunity to brag about how awesome you are. My husband has worked for the same company, and with the same people, for 5 years now. He comes home and tells me stories about the guys at the shop. While I don’t interact with his co-workers on a regular basis, I feel that I have a pretty good understanding of their personalities. I enjoy planning the gag gifts and jokes that will go into the socks for the office silly sock exchange. It’s kind of like living vicariously through my husband!

Create your own holiday party at home with your minis

The effort required to dress a small child for the outdoors in the winter can be exasperating. In the case of more than one, multiply that frustration, I mean effort, by the number of small children you have. As a result, I tend to become a home-body during the winter months. Plus, who wants everyone else’s germs? YUCK! Come up with a fun way for you and the kiddos to have a little holiday party together. This year, we will be making graham cracker houses, decorating cookies, singing and dancing to Christmas songs and who knows what other brilliant ideas I have yet to hatch. No, it is not the same as adult interaction, but it is so rewarding to watch their faces light up with joy as you do these fun things with them.

Have a ‘Friends-mas’

This last suggestion was admittedly taken from my 13-year-old daughter and her friends. Last year they had a sleepover, a small gift exchange and made some Christmas-y, crafty things. For us adults, a simple dinner out with friends with a white elephant gift exchange makes for a grand time. You stay-at-home dads can do a guys night watching sports or whatever you and your buddies like to do. It is healthy and essential for the stay-at-home parent to get a mental break and participate in adult conversation.

Therefore, we stay-at-home parents can make the holidays a fun time for ourselves too. I’m sure that there are many other ways to help ease the feelings of loneliness and disappointment that can sometimes come with being a stay-at-home parent. I would love to hear your ideas. Leave me a comment below with how you make the most of the holiday season!

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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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Laranda Colbert

The post Don’t Be A Lonely Stay-At-Home Parent This Holiday Season appeared first on Breastfeeding World.