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

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

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

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

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

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

Then the baby arrived.

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

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

Huh?

I slowly lifted my head up from my newfound mindfulness.

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

What? Another one?

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

Yikes. This was really happening.

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

That’s it.

Forget mindfulness.

The warrior in me was back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I memorized my breastfeeding rights in case anyone challenged me.

I didn’t buy a nursing cover.

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

Back off, people!

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

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

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

 

 

 

And then.

It was quiet.

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

I put down my sword and shield.

And I picked up my baby.

I unfurrowed my brow.

And shifted my focus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

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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!

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Anne Kathryn Rice

Anne Kathryn Rice is an American mother of two strong willed children living on the Italian Riviera. She writes about motherhood and listening to your inner voice, even when cultural expectations, baby books, and impromptu advice seem to challenge your instincts. You can read more about her personal experiences on her blog.

www.lovegrowdiscover.com

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

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.

Maybe one day.

I’m really fortunate to have wonderful kids in my care, from great families. I’ve had them all for a long time, some since infancy, others since toddlerhood.  But my babies are growing up, and four of my six Littles are in preschool this year. 

my “babies”

It’s finally time to move a bit from the practical life skills, sensory immersion, and open ended play and introduce the preschool shelf. 

Like most of my curriculum, and following a bit in Maria Montessori‘s footsteps, our preschool shelf is child-led. The kids decide if and when they want to do their “works”, and which work they decide on. It’s never forced, but it is encouraged when I am noticing a child who needs some quiet time to themselves. I change up the works as the children get bored, master one, or as a season or theme changes. 

Today’s post is a sample of my current fall Preschool Shelf.

fall sensory bin

• The sensory box. I adore the clear plastic shoeboxes to store my sensory boxes in. You can read a little more about the value of sensory play Here. The fall box includes filler of oats, northern beans, and pinto beans. You may not see it but there is a wax scentsy cube in there which makes the whole thing smell lovely. The kids sort objects, run their fingers through. The sensory boxes are always a favorite. 

The children must clip the pins to the corresponding dots on the leaves

I always include some sort of STEM works on the shelf. This one is number and counting matching. Not only is the child using counting skills, they are able self correct through counting the corresponding dots, see the number they are counting, and it works their fine motor skills- they have to clip the number pin to its matching leaf.

• Color gradient. The picture is fairly self explanatory. I simply cut up the free paint samples from the hardware store and got glued them on the clothes pins and he card stock. We have several colors that we trade out.  The kids like it because it is quick and yet there is still a slight challenge to it.

 I should probably apologize for this one. I have no artistry talent at all. It’s a fun felt Jack O’lantern. It’s great for shape recognition but also spatial awareness and studying facial features. 
 
The children love the tracing works. They are so proud of their ability to independently write and trace the letters, but I think they enjoy erasing and marking just as much. 

I also always offer a puzzle that gets changed out very regularly, and coloring books for some peaceful down time. The folded blanket on the bottom shelf is a signal to be other children that the child working needs some independent space and is not not to be disturbed. This gives my Littles some needed time to themselves, as they are frequently here 10+ hours a day and need some space to work independently.  

When I first organized the preschool shelf a little over a month ago, we had a serious talk with the Littles. The Shelf is a big responsibility. The children are responsible for respecting the works. The items are not for free play, and each work must be put away before getting another work out. It took some adjusting the first week and a few gentle, firm reminders but the kids do great keeping the shelf organized and for them. It’s been a wonderful learning tool and has helped reiterate what they are already learning at school. 

We’d love to hear from you! Do you have a preschool shelf set for your little ones this year?

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 Preschool Shelf appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Our very first latch

I tried so hard to find a comfortable position, but the hospital just could not provide that for me. I sat in the most uncomfortable chair, crying as she latched and the pain made my toes curl. I just wanted to be home. I spent the night before we went home watching videos of babies latching, over and over; I needed to be successful, I needed to breastfeed. I had promised myself that I would exhaust all resources after not being able to breastfeed my son because I was uneducated.  

That morning brought so many good things. Charlotte was more awake and ready to eat, my milk had come in strong, and, most importantly, we were going home. The few latches before we left were so great. Of course there was still excruciating pain on the initial latch but after a few seconds, it was painless. I remember telling myself I could do it, telling myself that the pain was only temporary and that I would regret it if I quit.

I was ready to take this on and get it right so I contacted a lactation consultant. I knew that my latch had improved tremendously and that feedings were progressively becoming better, but I needed that vote of confidence. I really needed someone who knew what they were doing to tell me that I had gotten it. My lactation consultant was wonderful. She made me feel comfortable, she calmed me and gave me the confidence to say that I was going to do it. She became my lifeline in what was to come. Somehow, deep down, I knew my struggles weren’t over.

Charlotte, enjoying her time at home

Breastfeeding is the hardest thing in the world… until it becomes the easiest

I recovered from the cracked nipples and things were improving so amazingly. Until they weren’t. It started as sharp shooting pain in my left breast, it was easy to ignore, but my mind went back to something my lactation consultant said: “we just have to watch for mastitis. When cracked nipples happen in the hospital, mastitis is likely to happen”. I frantically researched mastitis, If I was going to get it; I wanted to be able to catch it as early as possible.

The next morning, I woke up in pain; my left breast was swollen and red. This was it, I knew I had mastitis. I spoke to my lactation consultant and she instructed me to start taking a probiotic, because we needed to avoid thrush after the mastitis was gone. My fever climbed to 103, which was something I had never experienced before.   I am not usually the type to rest when I am sick. I always feel the need to be doing something and being sick doesn’t slow me down, but this time it did. I didn’t leave the couch.

I fed Charlotte and pumped as much as I could because that was the only thing that made me feel better. 12 hours later, things were starting to look up, the antibiotics were working on my fever. I thought I had been through the worst so I was optimistic.

That 24 hour pill was like gold to me, I was ready to be better, I was ready to enjoy breastfeeding until my fever spiked to 104. I had never felt so hot and yet so cold. Every joint in my body felt like it was going to explode, I felt like I couldn’t open my eyes because everything was offensive.  “Give it time,” I reminded myself to give the medicine time to work. An hour later, I took my temperatue: 103.2. It had barely made a dent and I knew it was time to call.

Both, my midwife and lactation consultant told me to go to the emergency room immediately.

I waited in the emergency room, shivering, in horrible pain and worst of all, without my baby. There were only two feedings pumped for her, so the pressure was on to get out of there quick. My stomach was in knots thinking about her at home, that soon she would need me and I might not be there. I plead my story to every nurse, every doctor, any person who would listen to me, begging to be seen promptly. Two and a half hours later, my doctor told me it was severe and clearly the antibiotics were not working.

She set me up with IV antibiotics and fluids and asked how I would feel about being admitted. They wanted to keep me overnight. “NO” the word flew out of my mouth so fast, it was like it was not me who said it. She understood, after all, everyone in that hospital knew how desperate I was to get back to my baby.

My husband had already given her the last of the breast milk, so I couldn’t be there any longer than absolutely necessary. As the IV finished, I felt tremendously better, my fever was gone, my swelling was down, I was able to pump, (and dump, ugh) the medication out of my breastmilk.

It was still 20 minutes, at the very least, until we could be home. We had formula samples, I told  my husband where they were. I knew it was necessary, I couldn’t let Charlotte suffer and be hungry because I didn’t want her to have formula. It wasn’t a defeat; I was not going to let it bother me.

My son was on formula, he was beautiful and healthy, there is nothing wrong with formula. It was just not what I wanted.

I raced back home and walked in the door. It was quiet. My sweet girl was sleeping. I asked, “You gave her formula?” and my husband replied: “No, I walked around with her and tried to give her a pacifier and keep her as calm as I could and she fell asleep”. I never told him, but I almost started to cry. I felt so loved in that moment. He did everything he could because he knew that this was so important to me. I love him with all of my heart, all of the time, but that moment, that amazing display of love and support, made me love him even more.

Our family during our Maternity photo session with Alegares Photography

A week later, I took my last pill. The mastitis was over, I felt great and I loved breastfeeding. I was building a little stash in the freezer to make sure I would always have some there for her, just in case. We were in a groove and really loving everything until I noticed a spot on my arm that was getting itchy, I thought that it was a reaction to something I had eaten, so I decided to take nap with my sweet girl to sleep off the little rash.

When I awoke, I was covered from head to toe in tiny red bumps, a terrible, itchy ugly rash, it seemed like an allergic reaction. I was terrified that it was contagious so I ran to urgent care around the block from my house, just to be seen quickly. They checked me over and determined it was an allergic reaction to the antibiotic.

I could not take benedryl, since antihistamines diminish your supply incredibly. The doctor came back to me with a prescription for a steroid that would help it clear up quickly. There was a side effect that I would not be happy with: it also diminished supply. “What happens if I don’t take it?”  I asked. Her look of shock was interesting. She said that I could possibly get away with not taking it, but if within the week the rash was persistent, not looking better or I were having any trouble breathing, I would have to take the medication. Deal.

I dealt with oatmeal baths, calamine lotion and jedi-mind-tricking myself into thinking I was not itchy. It worked and the rash began to clear up on its own. As the rash started to dwindle off, I noticed I was having some nipple pain. It was very odd pain though, it did not happen at the beginning of a latch, on the contrary, it was happening more towards the end of feeding and would persist even after the feedings were over.

I remembered this, I had read about this. It was thrush.   My mind spiraled into self pity, how could I be this unlucky to have every single breastfeeding ailment happen to me, it was unfair, on and on. I talked myself off the ledge, because in reality, it was science. That was all it was, luck had absolutely nothing to do with it.

When you kill bacteria with antibiotics, good bacteria dies along with it, letting yeast run wild. Science and fact and it was something I had to deal with. I read everything I could on the treatment of thrush and I began a crazy regimen of vinegar rinses, my prescribed anti-fungal medication, grapefruit seed extract, constant changing of clothes, sheets and towels, with bleach or Clorox 2 as my best friend. I was going to beat thrush and it was not coming back. Sorry thrush, you are not welcome here.  

A week into the exhausting treatment and I was not sure that it was getting better, the nursing discomfort had pretty much subsided but I still had redness and irritation, which of course is a side effect of nystatin as well as a sign of thrush. I wanted it to be gone, I wanted to get up and not have to prepare myself to feed her.  

Breastfeeding during NYC’s Breastfeeding World first Big Latch On in Times Square

My six-week well visit brought so much good news. My midwife gave me a clean bill of health, everything was healing wonderfully and she believed my thrush was mostly gone. I was told continue the treatment for another week. I left the office feeling so much better, I felt renewed, like all of this hard work and determination had brought me to the point I wanted to be.   Six weeks. In six weeks, I had been through the wringer; I had struggled the hardest I have ever struggled with my body. But, I had also helped my sweet baby girl grow from 8 lbs 15 oz and 20.5 inches long to 13 lbs 1 oz and 23 inches long, I had soothed my angel when she was gassy, brought her comfort in her times of need, I had bonded with her. I bonded with her in my hardest time and through all the blood sweat and tears, I came out with a smile on my face.

I stuck to what I really wanted for my daughter and I could not be prouder of myself.   I hope that in telling my story, I can inspire another mom to push through the hard beginnings. My husband, my dad and my friends kept me going, kept me on my track and I hope to be that support system for another mom, the way they were for me. I will tell my daughter our story, lead by example, so that she knows, when things get tough, you never give up something that you desperately want to do.   Breastfeeding is the hardest thing in the world, until it is the easiest and most wonderful thing in the world.

We’d love to hear from you: Which struggles have you encountered in your breastfeeding journey? How did you overcome them? 

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

Samantha Sykula

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

The post A Successful Breastfeeding Story appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Image taken from google search

When it comes to breastfeeding, I’ve been blessed with the gift of oversupply. This was also the case with my first child as well. I can usually pump up to 16 oz. in one sitting…more if I’ve overslept (youch!) or go over 3 hrs without pumping or nursing. My freezer is nothing fancy just a normal top of refrigerator compartment, it’s tiny though. My frozen bags that were already filled to the top were falling out everywhere when we would open the door. Most of the milk was coming close to expiration. I couldn’t bear the thought of throwing my milk away as I had so many times before. At one point we had tossed 54 bags!!!

I was fighting with myself about having to toss more milk out. We can’t afford a deep freezer so that was out of the question. I hopped on to google and found out that you could donate your frozen milk as long as you were healthy and met certain guidelines. My milk was actually considered “high demand” since I am vegan and my diet is dairy free.

Me, pumpin’ it up at work

All within a day’s pump session at work

Several sites indicated how you could donate and charge others for your services. Being Buddhist, I’m not into all that. I just wanted a way to give back. Not everyone can breastfeed. Not everyone wants to. But we can all agree that it’s the best start possible for our little ones. I took to Instagram to ask other mothers for advice and to see if they knew of any ways I could donate without having to charge people for my milk.

I was pointed to Human Milk for Human Babies which is a public facebook page where you can post your milk and what area of the country you are in. People looking for milk in your area can contact you through the site and you arrange a public meeting area to donate to them. I made my first Facebook page and posted my ad to the donation site. Parents began contacting me left and right. My heart was just exploding at the thought of being able to not only feed my children, but to help others.

I met with my first donor baby shortly after. The exchange was peaceful and the baby was so cute. The mother was young and told me about how her supply plummeted shortly after he was born. She was so grateful to find a donor. She even brought me some storage bags to say thanks. Since then, I have been donating every month and have met mothers and babies from all over my area. It’s an amazing way to give back while also keeping your refrigerator from exploding. There are other websites out there to help get you started on your donor journey.

My breastmilk, ready to be donated

Milk donation is one of the best decisions I have made while on my breastfeeding journey. If you are able to donate, I think you will agree with me. The feeling is indescribable and it’s such a wonderful way to give back.

Have you ever been able to donate your breastmilk? If so, we would love to hear your experiences! Leave us your comment below telling us all about it!

Spen’sar Custer

Born and raised in Central Florida and currently reside in Tennessee. I am a working mother of 2, a wife, a vegan, a Buddhist, a breastfeeder and last but not least a breast milk donor. My dream is to one day become a certified Lactation Consultant. I have experienced an unplanned C-section, and a natural non medicated VBAC. Find her on Instagram: @themilkmonsters

themilkmonsters.blogspot.com/

The post Giving back: Human Milk for Human Babies appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

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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 Join our NYC Big Latch On appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Photo by Alexia Garcia / Alegares Photography

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

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Feel free to comment below with your thoughts or questions! 

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 Calling all NYC badass breastfeeders 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.