Recently, a post about Lactavism from Kristen at Motherwise popped up in my Facebook timeline from a few years ago.

Lactavism comes in different forms and words. And Lactavism may mean different things to different people. However, Lactavists all have the same goal. We want to show the world that breastfeeding is normal. And mothers, who join together, have the power to do  it. Kristen said,

Have y’all been keeping up on the recent Nursing In Public controversy? The Concord Mall in Wilmington, DE harassed a mother for breastfeeding in a Hollister store. Local women started commenting on the mall’s Facebook page, calling them out on it. Whoever was running their Facebook page literally said, “It was an eyesore.” And then ALSO said, “Hope you guys don’t mind if I suck my wife’s breasts in public.”

For real. Literally said that. It’s sad and frustrating and highly disturbing that people respond this way to the act of feeding a child. But it’s also really funny to me that companies think they can do this and experience no repercussions.

Breastfeeding moms are a force to be reckoned with. Corporations and businesses keep making the mistake of thinking they can harass and degrade us, breaking the laws that protect our rights to nurse in public, and there will somehow be no consequences.

Naw. Not happening. You will not shame us. You will not control us. We will feed our babies wherever we go. We will feed them as covered or as open as we prefer. We will NOT go hide in a disgusting bathroom. We have the right to nurse in public; you do NOT have the right to harass us.

If you do harass us, we will flood your Facebook page with negative attention and possibly make national news. We will organize nurse-ins at your stores nationwide to protest your ignorance. And thus far, almost every time, you will end up issuing an apology and updating your employees on breastfeeding mothers’ rights.

Breastfeeding Mothers are Powerful

Ladies, we have so much POWER when we join together as a collective movement. Look here at what we did at the amazing, peaceful Women’s Marches all over the WORLD! Businesses, media, and individuals should quiver in fear of the collective force of women with a goal- particularly a goal oriented around the well being of their children, such as lactavism. Look at the nurse-in which was organized when Katy Lee and Hoda disparaged breastfeeding in public on the Today Show! According to the Department of Labor, 57% of women in the United States participate in the workforce. Of that,  70% of those women have children under the age of 18.  Mother’s are everywhere, and when we join together, we have a strong voice.

Lactavism is not about being a “Boob Nazi”

Normalizing Breastfeeding is not about shoving our boobs in everyone’s faces. There are all types of breastfeeding moms. Just as there are all types of moms. We are not all the same. Lactavism is about creating a safe place for mother’s to feed their children. Without “Butter’s” and judgments.

Photo by: Alegares Photography

That’s it. Organizations such as the La Leche League have garnered a reputation of being “Boob Nazi’s” over time. But it isn’t further from the truth of what lactavism tries to do.  Whether you and your child prefer to nurse under a cover, or in a quiet corner, or in the middle of Times Square, it should always be because Breastfeeding should be a choice made between a mother and her child. No one else.

However, in order to create that sense of normalcy, breastfeeding mothers need to unite together. We need to take brelfie’s, attend latch-on’s, share articles and blog posts. We need to let other mothers know they are not alone in their breastfeeding journey.

After all, to quote Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”

So let’s impact our world, and our children’s future, together.

 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 hashtag

#BreastfeedingWorld

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Lauren Lewis

Lauren Lewis is no stranger to childcare development, having spent over 10 years as a nanny or family childcare provider. She’s the wife of a travel geek, mother of two vivacious children, and has an amazing talent for trailing lost things behind her a la Hansel and Gretel. Her passion for lifting up women and advocating for children pours out in her work as a Central Indiana Event Coordinator, Writer, and Social Media Relations Director for Breastfeeding World. Her life is full of busy, crazy and LOUD. It is full of love and hope, ups and downs. And coffee, always lots of coffee- but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

www.raisinglaurenslittle.wordpress.com

The post The Powerful Way Lactivism Ultimately Impacts Your World appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Nothing Better <3

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

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

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

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

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

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

My <3

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

So peaceful <3

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

My baby boy right next to me <3

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

Breastfeeding and co–sleeping <3

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

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

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

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Page Rose

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

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

My Birthday Selfie.

Wednesday, February 17^th, 2016

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

Close up and beautiful.

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

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

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

Nursing and loving our The Vintage Honey Shop breastfeeding necklace.

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

Just another morning routine nursing.

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

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

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

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

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

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Page Rose

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

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

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.

She’s getting my nose while nursing.

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Morning nursing my sweet baby.

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Baby Girl getting me while nursing.

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For many reasons, when Selfies were becoming increasingly popular, I was very hesitant (and negative) of the concept. How silly was it that young kids, people my age and some older were taking part in something that seemed egotistical and awkward? A picture with just yourself, without someone taking it of you, just seemed crazy.

It only took a couple (maybe three) years for me to reconsider the power of the Selfie. Now, society could have continued to use it like I said above, taking shirtless-mirror pictures one after another. However, after so much time, the Selfie stopped being a single-person, self-absorbed portrait and became a very useful and wonderful way to capture yourself in your most memorable and priceless moments. What better way to use the Selfie than when you’re breastfeeding your baby?

Lo and behold, the Brelfie!

Brelfie!

Now, if you are not already aware of the benefits of breastfeeding and why so many mothers are proud of it, know at least this: it is one of the most amazing and cherished times and bond between a mother and her baby. It is natural, beautiful and extraordinary, and well, sometimes unexplainable to describe the bond breastfeeding brings a baby and her mother.

For some, they’re not ready for the Brelfie, as the U.S. culture is going through a large breastfeeding movement on education and advocacy as to why it is important for mother and baby, and why it is our human right to do so wherever, as necessary. There is nothing wrong or sexual about breastfeeding; it is completely natural and what women’s breasts are designed to do.

Lil’ Miss lifting my shirt to morning nurse.

When I had my son in 2012, I could not have been more confident that I would push through whatever obstacles were thrown at us to make sure I gave him the best and breastfeed him. It was an amazing 15 months of sometimes frustration, dependence, incredible bonding, love and sacrifice I only wish I would have documented more. My husband captured only a few moments, but even I must admit I felt silly and like a weirdo if I thought about taking a Selfie (Brelfie) while breastfeeding. I still covered up while breastfeeding (even in my house!) and I wanted to avoid any discrimination or public humiliation during outings when I needed to feed him.

My son is very special to me and it makes me extremely sad to know I never took a Brelfie our entire breastfeeding time together. I changed, evolved and educated myself so much on breastfeeding during our journey and it breaks my heart to know I did not capture that progress and bond in a picture.

Us nursing, again.

When my daughter was born spring 2014, I told my husband I was going to take a lot of pictures this time! Even though I can’t make up for all the Brelfies with my son by taking a ton with my daughter, at least I learned from my mistakes the first time around by no longer caring about what people might think and stopped being ashamed. This time with my baby girl will only last for so long and I want to capture as much of it as we can because it is BEAUTIFUL!!!

So, don’t forget to take a Brelfie a few times a week, maybe more. You and your baby will always cherish these captured moments of love and bonding breastfeeding brought you, trust me!

What is your opinion about the #Brelfie and it’s impact in our society? Do you feel that nursing mothers should keep posting their nursing pictures? Yes, no? Why? We want to hear from you tell us your thoughs! 

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 The Spectacular Brelfie appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

I have always known that I would breastfeed my children. I do not recall a specific time when I KNEW. I do know that I was exposed to it in adolescence, when my sisters were born. I watched and listened as my stepmother nursed both of my sisters at a time and in a town where breastfeeding wasn’t very common. I believe that it was her nursing relationships with my sisters which normalized breastfeeding for me. 

Full Circle. My (more grown up) sisters and I at my shower for my daughter.

Breastfeeding has always been synonymous with parenting in my brain. I had a healthy, successful nursing relationship with my daughter. I was proud to be a breastfeeding mother and determined to make it work. However, it wasn’t until my son was born that I truly understood why the #normalizebreastfeeding campaign was so incredible vital to mothers and babies everywhere. 

Happy Baby post nursing Milk Drool

You see, when I had my daughter, I still thought of breasts as something to be hidden. To “flash them around,” even while feeding my baby, was shameful. So we timed our outings around my daughters constant nursing sessions. My Imp hated being covered, so we nursed standing in bathrooms. We nursed on uncomfortable benches in changing rooms. When we had family get-togethers, I went and sat on the bed to nurse, alone and hidden.

I was lonely.

I was uncomfortable. 

I was done. 

Nearing the end of our 15 month nursing relationship, I realized how asinine it was to hide so much in order to feed my daughter. I was so proud of breastfeeding. So proud to give my daughter what she needed to thrive. Amazed at the “power” and incredible benefits that breastmilk provides. Why did I hide and cover?  I vowed that with my next child, I would do differently. 

Really, get over it people!!

Overcoming that feeling of being uncomfortable nursing in public wasn’t immediately cured when my son was born. I tried from the beginning, but it was surprisingly harder to nurse in front of family members and my friends spouses than it was complete strangers. (A special thank you to my father in law for never making it awkward for us.)

I am forever grateful to my husband, who never flinched and always supported me in the decisions I made breastfeeding our children. Breastfeeding was always normal for him. He would see moments of bonding with my son and I, when I was nursing and insist it was a wonderful photo opportunity, a moment to capture, instead of a moment to hide. 

I protested when hubs first took this. Now its a favorite of my son and I.

 
It was a mental push for me to learn to nurse in public. I loved the ease and simplicity of no longer rushing to feed the baby as we are already out the door. The first time I nursed in public, eating breakfast at a restaurant, all I did was look around to see if anyone was watching and silently judging me. A friend of the families was the hostess, and when I mentioned it later that day, she said she didn’t even notice. 

The day that it all came together for me though, the day it clicked and I was no longer afraid, (although I had NIP many times leading up to it) was a sunny day when my kids were outside playing. O was hungry and we had JUST gotten outside, and I really didn’t want to bring them in just to feed him. So I sat on the blanket, lifted my shirt. And fed him. 

Liberation!

It was this not so private moment when I realized why normalizing breastfeeding was so important. My hair was a mess, I had no make up on, but I felt free. I didn’t care what the neighbors thought. I cared that my baby was happy and fed. 

Breastfeeding is natural. It is amazing. And it is HARD. Why make it more difficult for mothers struggling by ostracizing them, when all they want to do is feed their baby? The more mothers who nurse, who talk about it openly, who nurse freely, the more new and struggling mothers will feel that bond of sisterhood, of motherhood. 

One of the things we nursing moms hear the most about keeping a good supply is to nurse frequently, feed the baby when baby is hungry. The problem is that for a mother with a busy lifestyle, particularly one who still feels the pressure for discretion, or whose baby hates being covered (and really, I don’t know a baby who LIKES being covered) is that nursing wherever, whenever, can be difficult. 

Don’t be ashamed. Just feed your baby. It’s a beautiful thing.

So please, share this with your friends, with your family. Read our articles, post brelfies, and encourage yourself to nurse in public. It is our responsibility to raise the bar, lift the stigma for nursing moms everywhere. Get out of your comfort zone in order to help another mom feel more comfortable in hers. Every time I nurse in public I know I am setting the example for my sisters, my daughter, my son- that breastfeeding is NORMAL. It is wonderful. It is important. 

It is our hope at breastfeeding world to lift the stigma that breasts are something that should be sexual, and instead to teach that they are for food. 

So that mothers will read this and know that they shouldn’t be ashamed. So that grandparents can read this and support their children, their children’s children. So that husbands can read this and defend their wives. 

So the world knows that breastfeeding is normal, natural, and nothing to hide under a cover. 

What is your opinion about nursing in public? Do you feel that nursing mothers should hide or cover? Have you ever heard family or friends discuss positively or negatively breastfeeding? Tell us your story! 

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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Lauren Lewis

Lauren Lewis is no stranger to childcare development, having spent over 10 years as a nanny or family childcare provider. She’s the wife of a travel geek, mother of two vivacious children, and has an amazing talent for trailing lost things behind her a la Hansel and Gretel. Her passion for lifting up women and advocating for children pours out in her work as a Central Indiana Event Coordinator, Writer, and Social Media Relations Director for Breastfeeding World. Her life is full of busy, crazy and LOUD. It is full of love and hope, ups and downs. And coffee, always lots of coffee- but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

www.raisinglaurenslittle.wordpress.com

The post The Importance of Normalizing Breastfeeding appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

One of my favorite Bf’ing pics with my Lil’ Miss

Pregnant with my son, I would read about breastfeeding but when I would get to the struggles and challenges mamas faced I would never finish. It was too heartbreaking already to face the fact that no matter how much I prepared to be the mama I hoped to be, there was always a chance something unexpected could happen with breastfeeding. I did my best to know about the most common challenges, like watching for different varies of tongue-tie, inverted nipples, delayed milk coming in, etc. But at some point, I had to just let go and reiterate to my husband how important it was for me to breastfeed our son, no matter what that looked like for us.

I know every parent’s breastfeeding story is different, and you must do what you feel is going to be best for you and your child. 

Breastfeeding while staying hydrated and having yummy Mrs. Patel’s Fenugreek Lactation Support Bars

Top 5 things you always need to Successfully Breastfeed

1) Hydrate: Drink water, then some more water. Staying hydrated is very important while breastfeeding to ensure your body does not get worn down; you drink when baby drinks. According to breastfeeding.about.com, about 6 to 8 glasses of water daily is best while breastfeeding baby full-time. You do not need to drink beyond thirst, but because we are so busy as moms we forget to listen to our bodies when it needs something.

For me, in the beginning, I would always have those beautifully oversized, hospital water mugs in my hand. Nowadays I have a Camelbak permanently attached to me like a shadow. I try to drink at least three, if not four of them a day, with each glass-fill being 750ml. For me, that amount feels the best. Drink one in the morning, one early afternoon, one with dinner, and fill one when going to bed (I don’t always finish this last one).

Me sleeping in because of a bad migraine while my sweet baby nurses and cuddles with me.

2) Self-care: Make sure you are taking care of yourself by getting enough sleep (yes, I realize how funny that reads) and eating right and enough for you to be healthy. Try to sleep when baby is sleeping and make sure you’re getting somewhat of a reasonable night’s rest. Remember, babies are only tiny temporarily so this too shall pass. Although it is most commonly recommended that a breastfeeding mama get an extra 500 calories a day, now specialist are starting to realize this varies for every individual (leLecheLegueInternational.org). It’s not so much the exact count of calories that a breastfeeding mama is getting as it is the right amount of vitamins and nutrients her body needs to continue to produce enough energy for herself and milk for her baby. Having a well-balanced diet for your individual body is key.

Breastfeeding while my amazing hubby makes us dinner.

3) Support: Does your partner, family, friends, and work environment support your parenting right and decision? It is really important that everyone around you knows that breastfeeding is important to you, and that they need to support you in making that decision for you and your baby. It is best that everyone knows the only attitude to have should be positive and ask how they can help make it easier on you to breastfeed.

You do not need negative attitudes around you to mention quiting because it’s hard; the beginning has challenges but it’s more difficult when people around you aren’t being positive and supportive. Most of all, having a supportive partner who is on the same page as you is key. For me, having my husband be supportive and positive on some of those tough, sleepless nights in the beginning really helped boost my confidence and remind me why I could not give up.

4) Help: Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you are feeling lost and have tried everything but breastfeeding is still not going well, don’t hesitate to see a lactation consultant. If you’ve done that but still feel something’s wrong, see a different one, see two different ones; see a pediatric specialist who focuses on tongue-tie and other over looked medical breastfeeding challenges. Always follow your gut, mama! Also, join local Le Leche Leagues and other private breastfeeding communities on Facebook; they are amazing!

My beautiful view of my gorgeous babe while nursing.

5) Relax: Try to relax and give yourself a break. This, I would say is the hardest for me to do. It’s hard being a mom and although breastfeeding is the best thing to do for your babies, it is also very demanding on you and your body 24/7. So, try to set time each day or week aside for yourself to just breath, take a shower, read a book, go to the store ALONE, whatever you like to do for an hour or two. This is important for your emotional state, which affects your body and milk production. With more break through each day in the medical field on postpartum depression, we need to support new moms and ourselves the best way possible.

The two of us.

According to postpartumprogress.com, 1 in 4 women suffer from some form of PPD. That can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding and other postpartum goals.

A big part of life as a parent, you must do what’s best for you, your child and your family. However, when it comes to breastfeeding the best advice I can give you is never give up because you could be right there on the edge about to make it to the other side of victory.

Happy Breastfeeding!

Leave a comment below to share with us some of your personal Must-Haves for to Successfully Breastfeed your little one! We’d 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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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 Five Must-Haves to Successfully Breastfeed appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Fashion is something that is easily overlooked in the days, weeks, and if you’re anything like me, months after having a baby. I felt frumpy and messy for the first few months and it seemed like I was topless AND covered in milk 24/7. I mainly wore my old maternity clothes, which didn’t make me feel very good about myself. When I started venturing outside, my daughter was around two months old, and I needed clothes that made breastfeeding in public easier, while also making me feel better about my new body. After searching my local mall from top to bottom, I realized there aren’t very many stores that carry clothing that is specifically for a breastfeeding mother without also doubling as maternity clothing. There are snap-down camis and bras, shirts with flaps and holes, dresses that stretch from here to there, and fancy woven tops that can be very, very hard to put on correctly.These clothes often have a hefty price tag to boot, and a lot of new mothers have to be careful with extra expenses as they now have a new life to invest in.

If you are worried that you won’t be able to afford all of the clothing that you need to breastfeed, I’m happy to say that in the past fourteen months I’ve gotten by with only four nursing bras, three nursing specific tops, and a whole lot of creativity. I searched within my own closet to figure out what styles worked for me without spending a fortune and I am happy to share them with you now.

1. The Sleeveless T-Shirt:

If you aren’t comfortable showing a lot of cleavage, this is an excellent option. You can make one out of an old T-Shirt to save extra money. Your sleeve holes should be bigger around the armpit in order to breastfeed without ruining the shirt and a stretchy material works best. You can find the “Mere. Soeur.” (Mother. Sister.) shirt that I’m wearing here.

2. Double Shirt Method:

This one comes in handy if your baby dislikes nursing covers and you are uncomfortable exposing your breasts to other people. Simply wear two loose-fitting, preferably low-cut shirts, then pull the top layer up over your chest and pull the bottom layer (along with your nursing bra) down right before you latch your baby. As your baby gets older and his or her head gets bigger, it will be virtually impossible to see any flesh if you position your shirt the right way. The green shirt that I am wearing is a pre-pregnancy boyfriend tee from Target, while the striped shirt is a maternity tank from H & M that is tight-fitting enough to look normal after pregnancy. Even if I bought these brand new, it only would cost about $20 for both. Try a thrift store instead and you will save even more!

3. Loosely Fitted Tank Top:

This is an edgier style, but can be versatile depending on the type of tank top you choose. In the picture above I am demonstrating the side pull (this will cover more of your breast), as well as the pull down method (which is fast and efficient if nursing in public does not make you blush). The best thing about this shirt is that I bought it long before getting pregnant, so not only can I breastfeed comfortably in it, but it cost me nothing in the process. I wear this style a lot while babywearing, which is another great way to discreetly nurse in public without using a cover.

Any of these styles can be worn year-round when paired with jeans and a blazer, or a skirt and cardigan. Whatever style you choose, have fun and get creative! You don’t have to buy a $30 nursing top, or continue wearing your maternity clothes in order to breastfeed and be fashionable. Dig into your closet and find what works for you. The most important thing is that you are comfortable and can feed your precious baby with confidence while saving a few bucks in the process.

Happy nursing, ladies!

We love to hear from you! What is your go to fashion item as a breastfeeding mother?

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 

Lissa James

Hi! I’m Lissa James, currently living and loving in Seattle, Wa. I blog mainly about my experience breastfeeding, as well as attachment parenting, and postpartum anxiety and depression. I hope to encourage and empower other women through my writing. I am a Potterhead/The X-Files junkie, and I love to read and paint. I am currently writing and illustrating a children’s book about breastfeeding! Find me on instagram @bumblebeelullabies and find my mama mermaid art @mermamame!

bumblebeelullabies.wordpress.com/

The post Affordable Fashion for the Breastfeeding Mother appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Photos by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Photos by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

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 #NYCBreastfeedingWorld 

 

Feel free to comment below with your thoughts! 

Lisa Maloney

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I am a 31 year old mother of 3: Crystalltynn-14, Carla -13 and Anthony who is 19 months old. I breastfed all my children for various durations but did not have the proper support or knowledge with my older daughters, so I was very determined to achieve my breastfeeding goals with my son. I learned that advocating for breastfeeding rights was not benefitting for me and my peers, but for my daughters and their generation, I hope that one day breastfeeding is more normalized and no woman will second guess the power of their bodies or be ashamed.

The post What happened at the Today Show? appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Photos by Alexia García – Alegares Photography

Photos by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Photos by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

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 #NYCBreastfeedingWorld 

Feel free to comment below with your thoughts! 

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 Supporting NYC’s Nurse in at the Today Show appeared first on Breastfeeding World.