tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69418894743423047012024-03-21T14:08:22.713-04:00Adventures in BreastfeedingShared experiences and support for breastfeeding mothers.Adventures in Breastfeedinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14918730950146413897noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-38381050011609335682015-05-29T10:02:00.001-04:002015-05-29T10:02:15.283-04:00Weaning Before You ExpectedBreastfeeding my daughter has always been something so special to me. I feel blessed to be able to provide such perfect nourishment, not to mention comfort, for her. I always knew I wanted to allow her to self wean, especially because she had such a strong attachment to her nursies. However, sometimes things change and we have to adapt.<br />
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I found out I was pregnant when Nora was around 19 or 20 months. In the beginning there was expected discomfort during nursing. I always found ways to distract myself and push through it. At this point, she was nursing a handful of times during the day as well as 4-5 times each night. Once some of that pregnancy exhaustion set in, it was so difficult to keep waking up so many times. We also decided it might be a good idea for Nora to slowly and gently transition to her own bed (we were still bedsharing) so that it wasn't a sudden change when her sibling arrived.<br />
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As time went on, nursing became more and more awful for me. I started feeling so bad every time she wanted to nurse! I developed a pretty severe nursing aversion that I never would have expected. I mourned the loss of our enjoyable nursing relationship while struggling with feelings of guilt over the way I was feeling. There were times when I wanted to rip my skin off and push her away from me when she was nursing. After trying to battle through this for some time, I decided the current relationship wasn't healthy. I was starting to resent her and have very little patience with her. When I stepped back and took a hard look at the situation, I realized holding out for a goal of self weaning wasn't best for us when I was so resentful and really struggling. Breastfeeding is a tandem relationship and should continue as long as mom and baby/toddler are mutually happy. When one isn't, it may be time to reassess.<br />
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I utilized the book <a href="http://amzn.to/1HRHYYZ" target="_blank">Nursies When the Sun Shines</a> to help us with the transition. Before we started, I spent about a week talking to her about nursies going to sleep at night and everyone sleeping all night long. We read the book consistently, then jumped in one night. Of course she was extremely unhappy and let me know it, but I continued to snuggle with her in her bed and provided comfort in other ways. It was hard on both of us and took some time, but she finally got to the point where she would easily accept when I told her "nursies are sleeping and mommy needs to sleep, too."<br />
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The day weaning was a little tricky, but I also had other ways to distract her. I would also gently tell her "nursies are hurting mommy right now. It's time to be all done with nursies." It was heartbreaking when I would deny her something she had been used to her entire life and she would be distraught, but we worked through it.<br />
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Today she is a vibrant little two year old awaiting the birth of her baby brother. We talk about how baby brother will eat nursies, and she doesn't seem phased by that at all. Of course she may be more interested once her actually arrives, and we'll cross that bridge when we reach it. My advice for anyone struggling with a nursing aversion is to give it a little time to see if things improve for you, then decide if you need to change course. Try not to let yourself feel guilty. I think many times as moms, we forget to take care of our needs and they get put on the back burner. While I'm not saying to become selfish and only consider yourself, you must make sure you are a happy mother to be the best you can be for your family. Be kind to yourselves, mamas!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB0cnimdJdLJ891Ug-uK58Py2GMboZj65ey3VzUT16KxNhD_3R_FIgDiCHnXMrnJ0pdVv2Yu3ZgSt0A0L1iaHFxft1EGMr5AbqCd6yGNmnESs5t7yRBzKt3GwNeQOtj6MWimkepWVfpU/s1600/AIB+April+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB0cnimdJdLJ891Ug-uK58Py2GMboZj65ey3VzUT16KxNhD_3R_FIgDiCHnXMrnJ0pdVv2Yu3ZgSt0A0L1iaHFxft1EGMr5AbqCd6yGNmnESs5t7yRBzKt3GwNeQOtj6MWimkepWVfpU/s320/AIB+April+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napping with baby brother</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a beautiful day on the lake</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548584909404163918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-27793487738262816122015-03-19T07:00:00.000-04:002015-03-19T07:00:05.467-04:00Breastfeeding Twins - An InterviewI recently had the pleasure of interviewing Deborah, a mom from my local LLL, who breastfeeds her twins. They are almost 20 months and still going strong. Wow, how amazing! Deborah didn't plan on having a caesarean section, but developed HELPP (a severe form of preeclampsia) one day shy of 39 weeks. With one baby transverse and the other breech, it was decided that delivering via c-section was the safest thing for everyone. Many women think that having a c-section will reduce their odds of successful breastfeeding, but Deborah proves that wrong. She shares some information that is helpful whether you are breastfeeding multiples or just one nursling. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and story, Deborah!<br />
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<b>Q: Many moms think they can't breastfeed with multiples, but you're proof that's not true. Tell me what it's like nursing twins?</b><br />
A: I think the best statement for breastfeeding multiples is to be flexible and open to change. As they grow their needs change, and being flexible and open to change makes things much less stressful. I exclusively breastfed my twins and my two older children. I remember while pregnant my own mother asking me if I was planning to breastfeed. When I answered yes, she was astonished and asked how I would be able to do that. I just said "Luckily God blessed me with two boobs for two babies!" This is how I breastfed - I would switch breasts with babies. If Baby A fed on the left breast, then the next time Baby A ate, I would switch that baby to the right breast and vice versa with Baby B.<br />
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<b>Q: How did you maintain good supply?</b><br />
A: I wasn't really focused on milk supply, per se. I made sure (along with my husband) that I ate and drank plenty of fluids. Also, I nurse on demand and allow the twins to nurse until they are done. As long as they were growing as expected, I left the stress of trying to figure out if I was producing enough milk for others to worry about. As a mom with newborn twins, a two year old, and a fourteen year old, I had enough to be concerned about. So if an issue presented itself, then that would have been dealt with. Now every momma has something that they are concerned with and even though, for me, this was not a concern, there were many other things that did come up as concerns. Concerns go with the parenting territory and what is easy for one may be hard for another. This is why we need each other for support and help!<br />
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<b>Q: We all know that we can reach a point of feeling touched out. What do you do when you have two babies who need to nurse and you just want some alone time?</b><br />
A: Many times I have to assess what is really wrong with me. Why am I cranky, upset, or spent? I had to build a short list of things to check off to help me quickly determine what my issue(s) may be so I can be available for these babies that don't know anything about what momma might need. Short checklist - When did I eat? When did I have something to drink? Am I still sleepy? If I am irritated, when did I start feeling this way, because that timeframe is where the trigger is and what about the circumstance irritated me. I give myself permission to not solve the problems at that time but if I at least know what the problem is, I am able to give myself and my babies a little more needed grace because I know what the problem is and that I may not be able to address once I have taken care of the babies.<br />
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<b>Q: What is the most difficult and most rewarding thing about breastfeeding two babies?</b><br />
A: I think the most difficult thing about breastfeeding two babies has been when we are out in public and they are nursing multiple times back to back. You know they are nursing for more than just eating, but sometimes it is hard to address those needs in that situation when it's both of them at the same time. I usually have to tell myself to focus on baby and not on other things going on so that I don't get stressed because most times, the babies are just sleepy, teething, or not feeling well. So when I focus on them and figure out the issue, the situation is easier to deal with.<br />
The most rewarding thing is having that alone time with them. Gazing at them while they nurse, sometimes to sleep, snuggling and cuddling, because once they are on the move they don't slow down for long. Plus, it is such a short amount of time when you look at it in the grand scheme of things that it reminds you to slooooow down and enjoy the moment!<br />
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<b>Q: What advice can you give to moms wanting to nurse twins?</b><br />
A: The advice I would give is to determine what your true "goal" is; don't worry about a length of time; don't worry if everything is perfect; and enjoy the time, because it is only a moment in time. If your children live to be 80 years old and you nursed them for 1 year, that time is so small in comparison. Make sure you surround yourself with as many supportive people as possible. Build your breastfeeding support network prior to your babies arriving. Attend LLL meetings, get in contact with a local lactation consultant, join a mom's group or playgroup, determine which family members are supportive and have them around in the early days. Most times, whether a mom of multiples or a singleton, most breastfeeding issues or questions come after visitors are gone, in the middle of the night, or some seemingly inconvenient time. If you have these relationships already established, you will be more comfortable calling on these people during these times. Most times they can help bring a stressful situation to a place where you can see yourself through it.<br />
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<b>Q: In the early weeks of no head control, what advice/tips do you have for tandem positioning?</b><br />
A: The things that helped me were a wide rocking recliner, pillows, and a twin breastfeeding pillow. I spent many nursing sessions in the recliner. I would cradle one twin in my arm, then lay the other on a pillow that rested on the recliner's arm. If I nursed on the couch, I would nurse them using the twin breastfeeding pillow in a football hold. If I were nursing in the bed, I usually added a couple pillows to help me and the babies get comfortable. I would also add that for night nursing, having a dimmer switch for your lamp is essential. You don't have to have extremely bright light, but enough to see what's going on and to make any adjustments. The dim light keeps you and the babies from "waking up" completely and is less disruptive.<br />
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<b>Q: What was most comfortable for you - couch, floor, recliner, etc?</b><br />
A: The recliner was the most comfortable as long as I had an extra pillow. I could cradle one baby in my arm and nurse the other while they laid on the pillow on the arm rest. It left an available hand/arm for adjusting, drinking water, stroking baby's face, etc.<br />
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<b>Q: If you nursed simultaneously, what advice do you have for keeping them on the same schedule? If you nursed separately, what worked for you?</b><br />
A: I did both as I nursed on demand. I think the advice I would give for those that nurse separately is to consider nursing simultaneously at night, at least so that as a parent you are able to get as much sleep as possible while nursing both babies. Nighttime nursing twins separately was lots of lost sleep as one would wake up and by the time I was done nursing and putting that baby back to sleep, the other would wake up. The caveat to that is my twins have two different sleeping patterns, and even when I nursed them at the same time, one would notoriously still nurse at a different time later. So I guess I would say as before, remember to be flexible because what works for one mama/baby may or may not work for the next mama/baby.<br />
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<b>Q: One mom asks "I did A LOT of nursing in the car when we were out and about in the early weeks. Is that even possible with twins and how do you manage?"</b><br />
A: I nursed wherever I was. I rarely made a beeline to my car for nursing. The thing I found out in the early days of being out and about was that, for me, it was easier to nurse them separately because when I nursed them together in public, I felt like all eyes were on me even if they were just sideways looks. Those thoughts made me extremely uncomfortable and nursing in public uncomfortable. So instead of waiting for the twins to realize they were hungry, I would just somewhat anticipate when they might be ready to nurse and initiate the nursing, then nurse the next twin. Because they weren't at the point of "needing" to nurse, it was easier for the other baby to "wait their turn" or be distracted by the world around them.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548584909404163918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-16069697426623684742015-03-09T22:26:00.005-04:002015-03-09T22:26:56.436-04:00Adventure 2.0Early in the morning on February 15th, after weeks of prodromal labor and wishing she would arrive, she did. She came fast and furious and is absolutely perfect. C2 was born in three pushes with the help of my amazing husband, a nurse who I was reluctant to have at first but ended up being one of the best labor nurses I have ever met and my OB who I don't know how to have babies without. The birth story itself is for another time and place but I will just say that it could not have been more perfect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vTSSoEypwfB5wEGybgkGjaCucs02mN1LNbTJu_LxCBNrVxWM18PKNaw2xuat2tqGkCH_7f9MerWIkdU_PSgVH2eiat0ZwlSB9qxMkmC2LUKlItvXt-cmmQD6jgIknSy0ezfeOB8VZXxx/s1600/20150215_103348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vTSSoEypwfB5wEGybgkGjaCucs02mN1LNbTJu_LxCBNrVxWM18PKNaw2xuat2tqGkCH_7f9MerWIkdU_PSgVH2eiat0ZwlSB9qxMkmC2LUKlItvXt-cmmQD6jgIknSy0ezfeOB8VZXxx/s1600/20150215_103348.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>Once she was born and placed on my chest, aside from a brief pause so I could visit the loo, my amazing 7 pound 9 ounce princess stayed on my chest and nursed for about 2 hours after she was born and remained there snuggling for another hour or so before they weighed, measured, footprinted and otherwise processed our new addition. This labor and delivery were so much different than the 11 hours of pitocin, continuous fluids and for the most part being bedridden in labor with my son to then be draped and put in stirrups for delivery. This delivery was so much less traumatic on me since I had fewer interventions and less traumatic on my daughter for all sorts of reasons, including her being in a better position than my son was during his delivery. I really believe that all of this contributed to me having a better supply and establishing a better breastfeeding relationship with her right off the bat than I had with my son.<br />
Remember when I said that I was fairly certain I made skim milk with my first? Guess what - full fat, full force this time around. My son was a few weeks earlier and about 3/4 lb smaller than my daughter. He was constantly on the breast and never....ever slept. The princess eats, gains and sleeps! She was discharged from the hospital weighing just shy of 6 oz less than birth weight and was back up to her original weight before she was two weeks old!<br />
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I'm not saying all of this to boast or to get atta-girls on the birth, my supply or even my wonderful daughter. I am saying all of this because it is NIGHT AND DAY from one child to the next. I suffered with slow weight gain, jaundice, low supply, pumping, supplementing with pumped milk daily and the lack of sleep with my son, plus the post partum anxiety and depression for months after. By the grace of God, we haven't had to deal with any of that this time around. To the mothers who had awful breastfeeding experiences with the first child and are debating giving it a go for another round: please do. Please don't be discouraged by the rough patches that come with being a first time mom, a first time nurser and all of the things that come along with it. Please don't decide to deny your second child the most amazing gift of your milk, snuggles and the things that go along with it because you are afraid of having the same experience the second time around. I can tell you that I haven't and I am so grateful. I'm not giving any sort of guarantee, but there is hope, I promise.<br />
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I kind of wondered what I was going to write about this time around. I thought I was going to have the same issues but I'm definitely not. In the year to come, I hope to write on tandem feeding, over supply, diet, returning to work and whatever else comes our way.<br />
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I'm truly looking forward to sharing the second chapter of my Adventure with you all.<br />
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Til next time mamas - </div>
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Keep Calm and Nurse On</div>
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Jessica Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482418669280327567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-383613706644949412015-03-02T00:29:00.000-05:002015-03-02T00:29:32.836-05:00A Letter to My Sister<i>I love being pregnant. This second time around has been even more joyous because my sister is pregnant, too. We've been best friends for nearly 29 years and have shared so many milestones with each other. So far this one is probably my favorite.</i><br />
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<i>Even though you and I don't share that kind of history, we have both experienced the fears and hopes that are part of anticipating motherhood. I'm hoping you'll hear my heart in this letter and tuck away the bits that resonate with you.</i><br />
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Dear sister,<br />
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I've been ruminating on so many things that it's difficult to sort through them and find words that are as cogent as the way they seem when they are just thoughts in my head. I will do my best though.<br />
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I remember so vividly the day you called me to tell me your big news...and the day I called to tell you mine. Lots of "aghhh!" and "oh my word" and "I am SO EXCITED!" And in the months that followed there was lots of "What do you think about..." and "What did you guys do for..." Your firsts have often followed mine, but the exciting thing about this first is that it's not just my footsteps you can use as a guide. You are being ushered into an ancient legacy, one much bigger than the sisterhood we share. Women the world over have experienced this anticipation and though each of our experiences is unique, they are all the same, too. It's a beautiful gift, one I know you thank God for daily. It's also an enormous responsibility, one that can seem heavy at times. You have so much on your mind these days; there are a few things I want you to know.<br />
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You think about labor and delivery being just around the corner. I know how strong you are. No matter what happens, I have complete faith that you will kill it in that delivery room while the rest of us wait outside, praying and cheering you on. Natural birth, medications, c-section, whatever...you will come out the other side as a mother and none of it will matter.<br />
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You think about what you'll need as you sift through gifts and check off your list. <a href="http://www.pregnantchicken.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2012/5/21/hospital-bag-what-to-pack.html">Pack your bag</a>. All the other sorting and organizing is nice to have finished, but not a necessity. Be sure to slow down these last few weeks and savor some alone time with your husband, some alone time with yourself, and relish the ability to <a href="http://www.pregnantchicken.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/shopping-with-a-baby-easy-right">run into Kroger</a> for 2 minutes to grab a gallon of milk.<br />
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You think about the hard seasons you've seen me and other moms go through, especially at the beginning. I know the stories of raw nipples and sleepless nights can seem intimidating, but those tough days are temporary and far outnumbered by days full of joy. In anticipation of the challenges you may face, I promise to tell everyone that if they truly love you, they will <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/04/5-things-every-new-mom-wants-to-hear.html">bring you food</a>. Tuck away <a href="http://www.thealphaparent.com/2011/12/timeline-of-breastfed-baby.html">this little gem</a> and <a href="http://www.whosthatmom.com/wonder-weeks-week-by-week/">this one</a>...they are two of the most helpful resources that kept me sane in those chaotic moments when I doubted myself. It felt like such a relief to know I wasn't alone...that what our new little family was experiencing was normal.<br />
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You think about whether you will be a good mom. I know without a doubt the kind of mom you'll be. You're an enthusiastic aunt, a genius game player, a compassionate <a href="http://placetobloom.blogspot.com/2010/05/listening-so-kids-will-talk-by-bloom.html">listener</a>, an affectionate friend. You see people's problems as an opportunity to love them better. Your best qualities will be just what your little guy needs to learn about <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/03/after-steubenville-what-our-sons-needs-to-know-about-manhood/">the way he should go</a>, and your shortcomings will be an opportunity for all of you to grow.<br />
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You think about the love you know now...the love of your creator, your husband, your family, your friends. <a href="https://powerofmoms.com/joy-or-just-wait/">Just wait</a>. I know the feeling you'll experience when you meet your sweet baby will help you understand true love better. Like a friend told me once, it's <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/03/you.html">Big Love</a>.<br />
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You think about the unknowns, the big decisions, the uncertainty ahead. I know that you are blessed to have a steady and supportive husband and many loving friends. Surround yourself with people who know you well and respect your goals and dreams, whether they are about breastfeeding, parenting, nutrition, etc. I want you to know that I am here, too. I am ready to listen, to pray, to advise, or simply just be with you whenever you need me, as only a sister can.<br />
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Sister power 4 lyfe.<br />
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Love you,<br />
<br />
LaLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13578618291290193214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-87939439123849412992015-02-09T10:30:00.000-05:002015-02-09T14:35:48.682-05:00Lactation in Court: Your Rights at Risk (and One Case to Watch)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week, I was directed to a headline that read, <a href="http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/02/supreme-court-lets-stand-ruling-that-firing-woman-for-breastfeeding-not-sexist-because-men-can-lactate/">"Supreme Court lets stand ruling that firing woman for breastfeeding not sexist because men can lactate."</a> I immediately thought "that doesn't sound right," and set off to investigate. The heavy partisan bias of the site and the lack of sources induced further skepticism, but I felt that such a claim must have originated somewhere, so I followed my diligently-Googling fingers to an ACLU blog post that had been heavily quoted in the first article. The headline was likewise sensational: <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/womens-rights/firing-mom-because-shes-breastfeeding-sex-discrimination">"Firing a mom because she's breastfeeding is sex discrimination."</a> Again, the ACLU post referenced the court's supposed claim that lactation is not unique to women (more on that in a minute), but again, no sources for this opinion were provided. What's more, the original headline of the first article has since been changed, possibly in response to a <a href="http://www.snopes.com/info/news/menlactate.asp">Snopes article</a> that points out the misleading language.<br />
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What WAS certain was that a breastfeeding woman had lost her job, the circumstances pointed to possible discrimination, and a <a href="http://sblog.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/14-355-Ames.pdf">petition</a> appealing the case had been submitted to and <a href="http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/ames-v-nationwide-mutual-insurance-company/">denied</a> by the Supreme Court. Given the massive consequences this could have for breastfeeding mothers, really ALL mothers, I jumped down the rabbit hole to find the truth.<br />
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Don't start raging yet. Soon, I promise, I will give you a reason. Probably not the reason you think, though.<br />
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<h3>
The Case: Ames v. Nationwide</h3>
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First, a quick overview of the case, Ames v. Nationwide (yes, <a href="http://time.com/3691772/nationwide-superbowl-tv-ad-childhood-deaths/">that Nationwide</a>):<br />
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Angela Ames was a Nationwide Insurance employee who gave birth to her first child after seven months at her job, and discovered her second pregnancy five months after that. At this point, she claims she became the target of mocking and derogatory comments from her direct supervisor, Brian Brinks, and the head of her department, Karla Neel, regarding the intended length of her maternity leave, her weight and appearance, and her medical need to go on bed rest as a result of a difficult pregnancy.<br />
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Ames's second child was born prematurely, and during her maternity leave, Neel called to inform her that the length of her leave had been miscalculated, and she would need to return to work sooner than originally planned. Though further unpaid leave was available to Ames, Neel suggested this would send up "red flags," and offered a compromise of an extra week beyond paid leave. Ames, who was breastfeeding, called a disability case manager to ask about available pumping facilities, and was told that lactation rooms were available.<br />
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Upon her return to work, Ames needed to pump, and sought out the lactation room. After receiving an indifferent response from Neel, she was directed to the company nurse, who informed her that she needed to fill out paperwork that would take three days to process before she could be permitted access to the lactation rooms. Since Ames had not pumped in hours and was in considerable pain, the nurse offered an alternative room, but it was not immediately available and did not comply with <a href="http://www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/Sec7rFLSA_btnm.htm">federal guidelines</a> for a suitable pumping space.<br />
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While waiting for an available room, Ames met with Brinks, and claims he told her that none of her work had been completed while she was on leave and that she was responsible for completing all of it within two weeks, even if that required overtime and at the risk of official discipline if not finished. Now fearing for her job and in even more pain because she still had not pumped, a visibly distraught Ames again sought out Neel for help. Neel then handed her a pen and paper, saying, "You know, I think it's best that you go home to be with your babies," and dictated a resignation letter to Ames, instructing her to sign it.<br />
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As a result, Ames brought suit charging sex and pregnancy discrimination, and later a claim of <i><a href="http://definitions.uslegal.com/c/constructive-discharge/">constructive discharge</a></i>, on which much of her case depended. Constructive discharge means a forced resignation, usually because working conditions are made deliberately intolerable with the intent of causing an employee to quit rather than be terminated.<br />
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<h3>
How is the Supreme Court involved?</h3>
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Second, a grossly-oversimplified layperson's explanation of the case's route to the Supreme Court:<br />
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The case was initially tried in District Court in Iowa, where the events occurred. This trial court ruled against Ames, with two primary arguments: one, that she was unable to prove that she was treated at all uniquely for being a woman (particularly a mother and lactating woman), and two, that she did not adequately seek available redress prior to her resignation, as a "reasonable person" would. It was in the footnotes of this court opinion that the odd reference to lactating men was included, to support the assertion that lactation is not a sex-based condition and therefore could not prompt sex discrimination.<br />
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Next, Ames appealed the decision, taking it to the Eighth Circuit court. This appellate court <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=2134886148763899102&q=Ames+v.+Nationwide&hl=en&as_sdt=2006&as_vis=1">affirmed</a> the decision of the district court, but did NOT reference any of the more outrageous claims found in the original opinion, including the men-can-lactate-too argument. However, the decision of this court carries considerable weight, as its ruling is now binding for the entire Eighth Circuit, and may be referenced as precedent in cases before other circuit courts.<br />
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Now gaining the support of the ACLU (in an excellent little <a href="https://www.aclu.org/files/assets/2014.04.17_ames_amicus_brief_in_support_of_petition_for_rehearing_en_banc-_aclu_et_al_-_final.pdf">brief</a>, I might add: well-worth the read), Ames petitioned the Supreme Court for a review of the case. Her attorneys sought this both for an appeal of the ruling and because several of the Eighth Circuit's opinions regarding constructive discharge conflict directly with readings by the other circuit courts, meaning only the Supreme Court can settle the dispute. The Court denied the petition, which means they will not hear arguments at all and there are no further avenues for appeal available to Ames. However, this does NOT mean that the Supreme Court has affirmed the circuit court's ruling as the Eighth Circuit did, and its denial should not be taken as approval of or agreement with any arguments made by Nationwide.<br />
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<h3>
"Reasonable persons" and lactation as a choice</h3>
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Is this fair? Are these bad rulings? Were Ames's rights infringed?<br />
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It's hard to say, because lawyers are good at what they do and, with scruples or without them, they can make a case. Even as a legal-illiterate, I can follow the logic that led to this outcome. But I can also see an equally logical path to the opposite conclusion. Some context that I think was overlooked:<br />
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The courts made much of Ames's failure to report her harassment and ill treatment to HR as a "reasonable person" would, citing that as their primary reason to reject her claim of constructive discharge:<br />
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"The Court is not insensitive to the burdens and stresses associated with parenthood, particularly those experienced by new mothers. Being under stress, however, does not excuse Ames from doing what any reasonable person in her position would have done. Therefore, the Court concludes that no reasonable fact-finder would determine that the unavailability of a lactation room on July 19, 2010 would lead a reasonable employee in Ames’s position to believe that her only option was to resign."</blockquote>
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This ignores several important points:</div>
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One, that Ames had been a victim of a sustained campaign of harassment and intimidation throughout her pregnancy, both from her direct supervisor and from the department head. As it was a physically challenging pregnancy, Ames would have been suffering from physical discomfort, fear for her unborn child, the need for constant medical care that would interfere with her work, the mockery of colleagues and superiors, and of course fear for her job. Also, she already had a baby at home, and though other stressors are not cited in the court documents, it is also possible that her health insurance and her family's financial stability depended at least in part on her job with Nationwide. Any of these factors, combined with pregnancy and postpartum hormones, could easily and understandably make Ames less reasonable than she might be otherwise.<br />
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Second, Neel demonstrated a clear pattern of manipulation in her behavior toward Ames: First came her comments that were evidently intended to make Ames feel guilty for her need to go on bed rest during her pregnancy. Then, when she called to let Ames know that her maternity leave had been miscalculated and she would need to return to work earlier than originally planned, she made threats to Ames' job should she choose to take a longer unpaid leave. After thus putting her on the defensive, she then magnanimously offered an extra week of leave to Ames, assuring that Ames would return to work both fearful for her position and indebted to Neel for her apparent graciousness. Finally, it was Neel who suggested Ames resign and who offered her the pen and paper and dictated her resignation letter to her.</div>
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Third, though there are several references to Ames's "considerable pain" or discomfort of engorgement from going so long without pumping, it is very clear that no one who ruled on this case has any idea what that feels like. While of course judges are called upon to be as objective as possible in their rulings, the physical sensations Ames was experiencing, coupled with her extreme fear for her job that had been systematically instilled by her superiors, would have seriously affected her ability to make considered decisions. Engorgement can be agonizing, tortuous even. If you were in terrible pain, and someone offered you a pen and paper that would bring you relief within the hour, would you choose that, or wait hours longer to attempt to resolve the problem "reasonably," even knowing you might be unsuccessful? Of course not: you would take whatever option would allow you to end your pain sooner, and to expect otherwise is ludicrous.<br />
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Furthermore, the courts seem unable to understand why Ames could not simply wait the three days required for her paperwork to use the lactation room. As mentioned above, it would be extremely painful and very distracting to her, making it difficult to do her job. Remember, she had just been informed that she needed to complete eight weeks worth of work in only two, after months of harassment and direct threats to her job from Neel. She knew she couldn't afford to be distracted. Moreover, having to go three days without pumping would likely lead to early breastfeeding cessation for Ames, since lactation is a supply-and-demand system. The courts surely don't care since, in the judges' minds, there's always formula, but this shows a clear bias against breastfeeding women. They expected Ames, as a "reasonable person," to simply stop breastfeeding if that was what was necessary to keep her job, even though federal pumping laws were written to prevent exactly that.<br />
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Indeed, the rulings define lactation as a "choice," and not as a medical condition associated with pregnancy. Despite the fact that lactation is a natural biological feature of pregnancy and birth, even for unfortunate women whose babies do not survive, the fact that its continuation requires effort apparently disqualifies breastfeeding as a medical condition. No protections for it are therefore recognized. In fact, the court documents even mention that because federal pumping laws include <a href="http://www.sustainablemothering.com/2010/05/10/curb-your-enthusiasm-about-the-new-federal-workplace-pumping-law/">no provision for enforcement</a>, the law is essentially invalid.</div>
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<h3>
What does it mean for me?</h3>
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So, that's where we've landed with this case: regardless of whether these particular rulings were correct, there is now a strong precedent in favor of employers who do not support breastfeeding mothers. Employers like Nationwide can exploit the physical and psychological condition of mothers like Ames, set unreasonable expectations for their use of lactation resources, and if they happen to overstep federal pumping laws, it's no big deal because those laws have no teeth anyway. While the headlines concerning this case are grossly misleading, it's absolutely true that the outcome of this case could have tangible negative effects on breastfeeding moms.<br />
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One last thing: there is a related case that ALL MOMS should follow for the effect that it might have on us. In <a href="http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/young-v-united-parcel-service/">Young v. United Parcel Service</a>, a woman is suing because her doctor ordered a weight-lifting restriction during her pregnancy, but UPS did not honor it and demanded that she continue with the same duties as before. She refused, so she spent much of her pregnancy out of work, and ended up losing her insurance coverage. The Supreme Court DID take this case, and is currently deciding whether pregnancy and related conditions can be classified as temporary disabilities and accommodated accordingly, or whether mothers being treated as equals means they must perform the same work they would do if they were not pregnant. Since the status of lactation as a pregnancy-related condition is still in question, it could potentially fall under whatever ruling the Supreme Court makes. The outcome of this case will have significant consequences for working mothers, so keep an eye on it!<br />
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As always, we welcome your comments! Do you think the ruling in favor of Nationwide was fair?</div>
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Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065421089949558897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-10666345651336156212015-01-14T10:00:00.000-05:002015-01-14T10:00:06.547-05:00Wordless Wednesday: "Milk" by Helene Knoop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065421089949558897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-86943778484543414582015-01-05T21:18:00.001-05:002015-01-05T21:19:25.891-05:00One Small ThingI love a fresh start, and I hate that I am the nine millionth person to say something like that this week. Even though it's cliche, it's been on my mind, so it seemed like the right thing to share.<br />
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The trouble with fresh starts is that they lead to monotonous, middle-of-the-road plateaus. When I was teaching it felt so good to start off the year with a clean room, organized desk, and aspirations for implementing all that I'd learned over the summer. But by November I was falling into the same clutter-magnet habits and contemplating how many of the 900 items on my list I could check off by <strike>3:15</strike> midnight.<br />
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It's funny how quickly normal life chips away at dreams and goals. This fear of not reaching a goal and feeling like a failure paralyzes a <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/my-own-worst-enemy.html">perfectionist like me</a>. My best intentions are obliterated by my "everything has to change right now" mentality. So when it comes to eating elephants, I agree with the saying that it happens "one bite at a time."<br />
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Here I am, at the start of 2015, ready to try one small thing at a time. So instead of looking at how big of a mess my house is, I'm honing in on this problem I have with dishes. They appear out of nowhere, caked with yuck, towering in piles on the counter. One small thing I'm trying is to empty the clean dishes out of the dishwasher first thing in the morning. That's it.<br />
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When it comes to breastfeeding, I dream of change on a macro level where moms don't have to fight a battle to nurse their newborns because they have an extensive support system of friends, family, and knowledgeable medical professionals who can give them accurate advice about breastfeeding.<br />
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Talk about a ginormous elephant.<br />
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<a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/09/you-can-lead-horse-to-milk.html#more">I can't make that change happen overnight.</a> But I can do one small thing. I'm going to start reaching out to new moms I know, just to touch base with them after baby comes. Not to apply pressure. Not to coerce them to breastfeed. Just to say, "Hey, I know this isn't easy. If you need advice, or just need to vent, I am here!"<br />
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I feel confident that this small thing could lead to another and before long, the elephant will be history.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13578618291290193214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-7620856179219429822015-01-04T10:00:00.000-05:002015-01-04T10:00:01.402-05:00Breastfeeding a Toddler in the PICU<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Christmas Eve, my 21-month-old fell headfirst onto a brick landing. We quickly found ourselves in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to treat a skull fracture and bleeding of the brain. During our 3-day stay, breastfeeding became our greatest strength and refuge (outside the support and prayers of family, of course). These are some thoughts about our experience:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1) Hydration and hunger.</b> By the time little K had his first meal following his accident, it had been nearly 20 hours since he last ate. What's more, he was vomiting as a result of the injury, so he didn't actually hold down food and water until a few hours later. Despite that, he required IV fluids only once during that time. The nurses marveled over how well-hydrated he was, which I attribute directly to the almost constant nursing we'd been doing while in the hospital. Though my supply was not nearly what it had been, I was able to provide for my toddler's most basic needs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2) Comfort and calm.</b> With the exception of inserting IVs and any large scans that needed to be done, every procedure and vitals check was completed while K was latched. Though he was obviously uncomfortable and hated all the poking and prodding, he would stay still and quiet while doctors and nurses repeatedly took his temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, felt his head, or flushed his IVs. Though he certainly cried often from fear and pain, he could always be calmed by the breast, and nursed so often that he was probably latched more often than not. In truth, my nipples hurt almost as badly as when he was a newborn, but I wouldn't have traded that ability to comfort him for anything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>3) Surprising attitudes toward breastfeeding.</b> Maybe I've just spent too long in hard core hippie California, but I was completely caught off-guard by some of the reactions I received toward my openly breastfeeding a toddler during a crisis. I expected medical professionals, at least (and especially in pediatrics), to be pretty supportive, but many of them were downright squeamish. One nurse got flustered and closed the curtain on us, saying "You don't want anyone seeing THAT. It's an intimate moment." When I thanked her but assured her that I didn't mind (or care) if anyone saw, she began complaining about her friend who "just whips it out at the food court." Another nurse commented "Well, this isn't the most PRIVATE of places," even though we were behind a curtain and it was just us and her. One doctor practically ran away when he walked in on me breastfeeding, muttering "I'll come back when you're finished," and I had to yell for him to come back. And the majority of the staff did an awkward double-take at first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the other hand, there were a few bright spots: one of our favorite nurses, a guy, never batted an eye or made a comment. He made sure K was comfortably on the boob before checking him, and chattered cheerfully the whole time as though breastfeeding was total normal (which it is, but ya know). And one nurse passed us while K was pulling at my shirt and said "He looks like he wants to eat! I breastfed both of mine until 30 months!" Still, I was surprised at overall attitude I saw.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was also the fact that I was giving my son antibodies that may have protected him from some of the nasty germs that inevitably circulate in a hospital, but since all three of us left with a cold, that wasn't quite as successful as advertised.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Naturally, it was a pretty horrible and frightening experience, but I feel that it would have been so much worse if we were not still breastfeeding. A week later, K is still nursing very frequently, whereas we were down to only twice a day before the accident. Also previously, I was working on <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/08/boundaries-and-breastfeeding-toddler.html">setting boundaries</a> with him, limiting when and where he could nurse, but that went out the window during his recovery. I can't help but wonder if this may push back weaning a bit (I was not planning to actively wean yet anyway, but I felt like he might lose interest soon). For now, I'm just happy to continue providing what my little man needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">See also: <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/05/wires-probes-tubes-oh-my.html">Nursing in the NICU</a></span></div>
Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065421089949558897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-13866326788825364672014-12-04T10:00:00.000-05:002014-12-04T10:00:07.657-05:00A Nursing Mama's 2014 Holiday Gift Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-AGIiM70MtGKJnjhujrAGx75RiKGYJJCrZDcrcAJ5lu1Kwj8SCQMGYaNbm7rTwGrWirnTQwNsf2IXtZVardUPwITbv5u5TUjn4gZgSeUYCn2dZu6HXqAt84J8yZMP39PgmtHB9vW6pkv/s1600/HeaderGG.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-AGIiM70MtGKJnjhujrAGx75RiKGYJJCrZDcrcAJ5lu1Kwj8SCQMGYaNbm7rTwGrWirnTQwNsf2IXtZVardUPwITbv5u5TUjn4gZgSeUYCn2dZu6HXqAt84J8yZMP39PgmtHB9vW6pkv/s1600/HeaderGG.png" /></a></div>
Well, it's that time again! Everyone asks what you want and you just kind of stare blankly at them. Not because you don't have a wish list, of course, but because you haven't slept in so long that it takes a few minutes for the wheels to start turning....<br />
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Never fear! We're here with a list of our favorite necessary items and little luxuries that will make a nursing mama's life a bit easier and sweeter. Feel free to share it with your clueless spouse or well-meaning in-laws, or maybe use it to discover ideas for another nursing or expectant mother in your life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KGHUL4/ref=cm_sw_su_dp"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PJxXOiSZMRxb919V8B_NK2C4Ie8JfWyrUEVgD4utghBaCDEeKE4Q_GZthA8v2QOhPvhxLBrh9NNhSG4yqHQ2OQcAQupceYOOGX7K59L97nNEEAHfF_k50bnEGlo9VIkZ6BQTqSGk-xqr/s1600/soothies-by-lansinoh-gel-pads-500_500_500.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KGHUL4/ref=cm_sw_su_dp">Soothing Gels - $7.97</a></b></div>
If you have not tried these amazing, magical, wonderful things yet, you are really missing out. The ultimate treatment for sore nipples, gels are a must-have for all those brave mamas who are still in the first six-week window.<br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.davidstea.com/tea-my-baby-organic"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmd5yBxQCHyWKAJYvwKGKgSCFwka5mA32Q9HgZjF1dYnjFv5VmgYsfzF7rp4PNL9Hli46PM2eGtPaaq7hhKB3VBSxpTt7HMvppziyEwgwSC50lnWmj8nJxmv2ofja8zfLXIcTGkbMV_4A/s1600/tea-my-baby-organic-10447_s.png" /></a></span></div>
<b><a href="http://www.davidstea.com/tea-my-baby-organic">Lactation Tea - $8.50</a></b></div>
Supply-boosting teas, while effective, taste notoriously gross. Having tested many of the most popular brands, I have to say that David's Tea's "Tea My Baby" breaks that mold. It's DELICIOUS. The addition of cinnamon and cocoa seem to be what really make it sing!<br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/120629643/reusable-nursing-pad-set-5-pairs-10"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbKHEeNfJcljqJ-fYDyrLVUSkYQpTg4UouyjpmH0ALf8VP8-PCvVsrTf62hEoXQBjN2khXJKduXPLBmXxy1vaz-e0WIN7_S1998K6PhRU9H-mOp0VLf-7kyXepTOgKkLbJU5i_SaGKMuk/s1600/il_570xN.693285514_3im4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/120629643/reusable-nursing-pad-set-5-pairs-10">Reusable Nursing Pads - $10.00</a></b></div>
Like cloth diapers, reusable nursing pads have many benefits like money saved in buying a million disposables, a more environment-friendly product, and the availability of cute designs! I love all the adorable, customizable options this seller has for a pretty great price!<br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YHLS8W/ref=cm_sw_su_dp"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIqQjEEFhS_-TIEOL_c8jDwHKyB9PT6x-90MSdDpDTm1vwPNG2O1thA5pdQu45T8fOlfalEN3TStWkeF_dXUpUi-Fn32BrI_LfewXgG_qkfY9a4bFsuGUMay3bzR0uhTbXJvuETHnw7FZ/s1600/433_Gallery_1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YHLS8W/ref=cm_sw_su_dp">Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookies - $15.82</a></b></div>
These made an appearance on <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/11/the-nursing-mamas-holiday-gift-guide.html">last year's gift guide</a>, but they are really THAT AWESOME that we had to bring them back this year. While not technically lactation cookies (no brewer's yeast), they do have oatmeal and protein, and are utterly decadent treats.<br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130745719/sale-hold-me-close-nursing-scarf-gray"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4Jh2b5bj3xYM-36BtrcDpBprOzScW2HZAMiFxSeHfFcttsg1wQXF5E_rQQgYX_4bQwU2HANzPj3KaspxYCuL_oxTu_5opbkO7AX2r5vmPH4F3VQYQLrzPIMzP0Ohjdcilayu-a4hoidy/s1600/il_570xN.631551046_rzsq.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130745719/sale-hold-me-close-nursing-scarf-gray">Nursing Infinity Scarf - $20.00</a></b></div>
While we don't insist that nursing mamas cover up, some simply feel more comfortable with a light cover. If this is you, then check out this fantastic scarf: it's beautiful, lightweight, and easy to use when your little one wants a quick sip while you're out and about!<br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/198690420/nursing-necklace-my-neighbor-totoro"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrQqHc0RisUfL_EPnQcA8V2uDu9WOBvgL9Y-zNsNGCx8mTItJcgL_IsoIpCjOXBqca6ZdY7nSZrNQKhzt_TAOR8iwLTLM_G46yWE0zltHldKnGtjz7wwAk_w6dt6kSL4OGF4oyAH7uCLG/s1600/il_570xN.635801292_cijp.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/198690420/nursing-necklace-my-neighbor-totoro">Nursing Necklace - $29.00</a></b></div>
This seller has lots of lovely nursing necklaces to choose from, but the animation geek in me went "SQUEE!" when I saw this adorable My Neighbor Totoro necklace! A great toy for your baby to play with while he nurses (instead of pulling your hair like he usually does....).<br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=939780361&MasterCategory_Id=MC29"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xIJtDJFdiIweM6Wg9lgy7nQVxjwvil8UaCJ6vF6vNrygbV_b7zIRfRnzsHwpfbV1lsrpCcQh12ybr-ORK1ErxHMUalkvwCoCYMIaF1w-QKi1zarYjkxHEJvQ-DaauVUCaZTCoYllhMqo/s1600/c492a1883d568e573b7e58d7a9d890b3.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></span></div>
<b><a href="http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=939780361&MasterCategory_Id=MC29">Sexy Nursing Bra - $34.00</a></b></div>
Do you live in cheap nursing tanks and stained old nursing bras? Well, turns out you can add a little allure back into your wardrobe while still keeping the girls available for that hungry baby. Nursing bras come in some gorgeous styles and for all different body types, so don't be shy: try one!<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/pajamas/the-dreamer-henley-pajama?ProductID=215694&CatalogueType=OLS">Henley + Flannel Pajamas - $39.50</a></b></div>
Sure, that sexy bra will be great now and then, but after a while, you know you're going to go back to your comfort clothes. A soft, pretty pair of PJs is indispensable when you're going to be up at all hours nursing, so check out all the beautiful options that Victoria's Secret has!<br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.modcloth.com/store/modcloth/gift-certificate"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmkUj2gDPaI28mSgjykN_OMOktq6WQKFF-RRCNpq-kRRyQFSF4gKVyjBh_w-jmvMkJczIwxEB9p851a-dSfCLs23K0_sH_pSeIcdEhEcRU7H4a0TC-S7drDQeVvcoaXWmpS-3E0jAT_ok/s1600/bf5a81f154556d946099c8bfd2679e33.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></span></div>
<b><a href="https://www.modcloth.com/store/modcloth/gift-certificate">Apparel Gift Card - Your Choice</a></b></div>
Not only has nursing wear improved in recent years, but there are a lot of non-nursing styles out there that can still work great for a breastfeeding mom. My personal favorite is a knit dress with a surplice or wrap neckline, allowing easy access for baby and a stylish look. Money for clothes is nearly always a win!<br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KC6I06S/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBb7pmEvvWlS1wSHY_Dr-d0t00P3mCOBQHHEpvDV0BOyRp77MKWW3dR7TQhqUcKdnUAhdb_5bRwKBoSxwTMUfEpDB9P56He_M0VQ0g-2Tj2n96qxW3oooUHoXPAGoBwhDkw-TvZgeF5ke/s1600/black-far-slate-01-lg._V325435845_.jpg" height="309" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KC6I06S/">Kindle Fire HD6 - $99.00</a></b></div>
If you're still in the early days when each nursing session is at least a half-hour and you seriously need some entertainment, or if you have a busy toddler who needs to be distracted while you nurse his sibling, a tablet can be a great tool for you! For the price, this one has terrific value! There are also older generations that are even cheaper, if you prefer.<br />
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And there you have it! Breastfeeding mama gifts to fit every budget this season!<br />
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What's on your wish list this year?Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065421089949558897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-84851800935979021282014-12-03T10:00:00.000-05:002014-12-03T10:00:04.219-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Nursing Mama ProblemsWhen you're trying to swap a pacifier for your nipple without waking your sleeping babe:<br />
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<br />Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065421089949558897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-51374205967633486222014-12-02T00:27:00.002-05:002014-12-02T00:28:19.425-05:00Cloudy With a Chance of Smiles<br />
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<a href="http://funnyasduck.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/funny-bathroom-break-kid-baby-hand-door-find-you-pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>It's no secret how much I love breastfeeding and the <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/03/you.html">joy it's brought me</a>. But I've also shared before about some of my <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/02/when-life-is-on-mute-mothers-guide-to.html">tough</a> <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/my-own-worst-enemy.html">uphill</a> <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/10/these-are-moments.html">climbs</a> in the roller coaster journey that comes with nursing in particular, and motherhood in general. Those cloudy days are rough, especially when they can range in severity from "I'm so depressed I don't know how to function" to "I dropped the gallon of milk which exploded all over the kitchen and I want to curl into the fetal position."<br />
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If you're a mom who's in the throes of one of those cloudy haven't-showered-or-slept-in-days, will-this-hurricane-ever-end, can-I-have-my-boobs-back days/weeks/seasons, lots of hugs to you. I'm not suggesting this little list will solve all your problems, but I'm hoping I can at least give you a chance to smile while you're going through this tough time. So, without further ado...<br />
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1. Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork">Humans of New York Facebook page</a>. Brandon photographs people as he walks the streets of NYC and interviews them. The result is often hilarious, melancholy, poignant, or just plain wonderful. His recent trip to Iran resulted in some truly amazing interviews in particular. I love scrolling through and remembering how awesome humanity is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WOh5m149kT0TgoBm_QG2402yAq_Zj3RERWKkRKgH8n_70W71VzT1cWHl4bDEkm5qAiGFW2Lsu7VPb1oG1eEwZGXasy_HvwHKIM5nqrR88ECENoyaObBItgZy9d2x1MjCXyxp_tNpo3D_/s1600/hony+collage+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WOh5m149kT0TgoBm_QG2402yAq_Zj3RERWKkRKgH8n_70W71VzT1cWHl4bDEkm5qAiGFW2Lsu7VPb1oG1eEwZGXasy_HvwHKIM5nqrR88ECENoyaObBItgZy9d2x1MjCXyxp_tNpo3D_/s1600/hony+collage+copy.jpg" height="640" width="541" /></a></div>
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2. Visit <a href="http://1000awesomethings.com/2009/10/09/660-stomping-dry-crunchy-leaves-on-the-sidewalk/">1000 Awesome Things</a>. I <i>love</i> the poetry there. It inspires me to relish the little triumphs and bits of joy in my day, even when most of the minutes are tough ones.<br />
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<a href="http://funnyasduck.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/funny-bathroom-break-kid-baby-hand-door-find-you-pics.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://funnyasduck.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/funny-bathroom-break-kid-baby-hand-door-find-you-pics.jpg" border="0" class="decoded" src="http://funnyasduck.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/funny-bathroom-break-kid-baby-hand-door-find-you-pics.jpg" height="200" width="189" /></a>3. Look at <a href="http://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/sesame-street-ok-go-three-primary-colors">The Kid Should See This</a>. Hands down my favorite blog. It can be so difficult to recharge
when you're feeling less than stellar, especially when you have zero
alone time. Having a helper hand you wads of toilet paper while you "go"
is sometimes helpful and sometimes...not. If you and your little one(s)
are on the outs, check out a video on this site together. Learning and
marveling together will distract you both from your feelings of stress
and help you relax and rediscover what it means to be awed and filled
with wonder. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUjawF2sGC2Oc6cHHCDxvOxrz2Jy4FtvD4g73nWK8S4n83iIhaeqlZACue9nZQi2EuBnOLbXXgCcOlYsUOLVhkrCB9eAGQIyd_oeEtLCHbX9bDS7eN6NoAXpYEuO1e76uXGvz38EZ2_zz/s1600/kid+see+this.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUjawF2sGC2Oc6cHHCDxvOxrz2Jy4FtvD4g73nWK8S4n83iIhaeqlZACue9nZQi2EuBnOLbXXgCcOlYsUOLVhkrCB9eAGQIyd_oeEtLCHbX9bDS7eN6NoAXpYEuO1e76uXGvz38EZ2_zz/s1600/kid+see+this.jpg" height="632" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I guarantee you'll find a video here your little one will love, whether s/he's 12 months or 12 years old.<br />Photo courtesy of The Kid Should See This (see link above)</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
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4. Ask for help. Now, I'm not talking about a cryptic vaguebook. And yes, I am admittedly <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/my-own-worst-enemy.html">terrible at the whole SOS thing</a>. But if you can shoot off a text to a family member or friend (or hey, you can call them sobbing if you want, they have to love you anyway) they will jump at the chance to help, whether it's helping with laundry, coming to visit, or just telling a bad knock-knock joke.<br />
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5. <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/06/celebrate-whats-right.html">Celebrate what's right</a>. I've already talked about this before, but if you're in a season when things are grand, pretty pretty please document that grandeur. Because you know what? We humans are forgetful. When we're stuck in the muck it's like we have gratitude amnesia. Having the good stuff written down or typed out or photographed makes it easier to reference when the rainbows and unicorns have left the building. Flipping through my journal I'm reminded of my faith in God (not myself). I see good times and bad in those scribbles, and without a doubt Past Me hollers through the pages, "Hey, maybe this poop-fest won't last forever." <br />
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And you know what? Poop-fests rarely do.<br />
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<i>What about you? What are your go to strategies for regrouping when you've run out of steam?</i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13578618291290193214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-39984848997675001112014-11-19T10:00:00.000-05:002014-11-19T10:00:08.688-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Alyssa Milano, Lactivist<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/urBpQOPJAK/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">"Ah, the joy of suckling! She lovingly watched the fishlike motions of the toothless mouth and she imagined that with her milk there flowed into her little son her deepest thoughts, concepts, and dreams." ~Milan Kundera</a></div>
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A photo posted by Alyssa Milano (@milano_alyssa) on <time datetime="2014-10-27T22:12:52+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 10, 2014 at 3:12pm PDT</time></div>
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065421089949558897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-61007459813007016482014-11-18T10:00:00.000-05:002014-11-18T10:00:02.859-05:00Like Every Mom: A Bottle-Feeding Mom's Story<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Today, we have a Guest Post from our friend Jessica. Unable to breastfeed due to the need to take some heavy-duty medications, she wants to share ways that breastfeeding moms can support mothers like her.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like every mom, I have a mantra. It keeps me going when the toddler has thrown off his diaper in favor of peeing on the floor, the only food in the fridge is a stick of butter and some olives, and I’ve forgotten to move clothes to the dryer for the third time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I’m doing the best I can with what I have.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Child, if you don’t want your diaper then sit on the toilet. While I order a pizza and wash the damn clothes again. Screw it, let’s just buy new clothes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This mantra first came to me long ago, when I was freshly pregnant, excited and terrified. I sat in my doctors office as she listed off all the tests, appointments, and risks associated with this new adventure. In passing, before I left, she said “and you won’t be able to breastfeed.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What? Well, I’ll do the best I can with what I have. That’s all I could say. Because what I have is <a href="http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-crohns-disease/" target="_blank">Crohn's Disease</a>, and by a stroke of faith and luck I found myself in my GI’s office that day discussing the pregnancy that should have been impossible. But I had asked God for this baby, and that changed everything for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Months before my pregnancy and after trying every medication on the market (and all of them failing to control my Crohn's), I was put on bi-weekly injections of Humira and daily high doses of Prednisone. For the first time in a long time I was able to eat, I was able to live a normal life, I gained back the 20 pounds I lost to illness, and I was thriving again. I was getting healthy enough for the bowel resection I would need to remove the damaged part of my colon. And then…. BABY! What an awesome surprise! I thought I was getting healthy enough for surgery, but I was actually getting healthy enough to be a mom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would be able to wean off the prednisone for my pregnancy, but would have to resume it again after delivery. I would take Humira throughout pregnancy and after delivery. While these two medications worked beautifully to control my illness, they are not nursing-mamma-friendly. From the FDA:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>“It is not known whether adalimumab </i>(<a href="http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/03/briefing/3930B1_02_B-Abbott-Humira%20Prescribing%20Info.pdf" target="_blank">HUMIRA</a>)<i> is excreted in human milk or absorbed systemically </i><i>after ingestion. Because many drugs and immunoglobulins are excreted in human milk, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i>and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from </i></span><i>HUMIRA, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue </i><i>the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.” </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>“Systemically administered corticosteroids </i>(<a href="http://medlibrary.org/lib/rx/meds/prednisone-39/page/4/" target="_blank">PREDNISONE</a>)<i> appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from corticosteroids, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.”</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a nutshell, the FDA says if you really need these medications to live, then you really can’t breastfeed. And breastfeeding was something I’d never given any thought to until I was told I couldn’t. Isn’t it amazing how badly we want something we can’t have? I was going to find a way. There had to be a way.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpLkJZ5me7fZ-DR-B2ZssqkjvMh2r8ELw0-i0CDLX9Rh0FeU5ORWMUfTlV63Btbf2mY5cu7alUqAnUKFAHh_zg6kT9Yi5DvJfK7YBrIJDyVxQJLzH2cl-F2LjK480ty99LhLYve_5E4c/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpLkJZ5me7fZ-DR-B2ZssqkjvMh2r8ELw0-i0CDLX9Rh0FeU5ORWMUfTlV63Btbf2mY5cu7alUqAnUKFAHh_zg6kT9Yi5DvJfK7YBrIJDyVxQJLzH2cl-F2LjK480ty99LhLYve_5E4c/s1600/pic1.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Funny thing, there was actually no way. There are some things you can’t just will to happen. Defeated, I sulked with a cake. Because pregnancy rationale always wins and cake is delicious. And I knew I would do the best I could with what I had.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been lucky. In our breastfeeding-friendly community, I was often the only mom scooping formula and shaking bottles. Aside from a few snide remarks from passerby…. “breast is best!” (Correct reply is “and formula is the best alternative!”), I’ve found support from the village of breastfeeding moms. I know this is not the norm. Formula shaming is real, and it hurts. Don’t we all just love our babies? We love them so much our hearts ache. Don’t look at the bottle, look at the mom. Look at the baby. It’s that same love you share. I promise. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here’s what I’d like to ask from you beautiful breastfeeding moms. Let me join your village. I have a cute baby and cake and I’m told I’m a blast at parties. Here’s how you can include me:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1) My boobs hurt like hell. Please, for the love of God, help me. </span></h4>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Somewhere in all the formula research I did, I convinced myself that since I would not be able to nurse, my milk would simply not come in. Hey, guess what? I make TONS of milk. I was wildly unprepared. I found myself staring at the wall of nursing pads at target, boobs on fire and leaking through my shirt. Tell me to get a cabbage, what nursing pads to use. Tell me not to bind the fiery monsters too tight, and to take Benadryl. And most importantly, that this too shall pass.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2) Invite me to mom groups.</span></h4>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You probably saw me maneuvering around breastfeeding circle at the natural baby store. I’m just here for a teething necklace and damn, I should have probably looked into what classes they do here first. Now it’s all awkward when someone asks me to join and I sheepishly shake a bottle of formula in reply. Please save me from my awkwardness. Could you invite me to cloth diapering and baby wearing group? And let’s have lunch after class. It’ll be fun, I promise. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTZhQL67oZ0pEP5tII1RiFNHjYeAbJq0ibZybtFnYDt6q433tMelmKdLB4fa7G5zV2MXKF13IyhGLiGl5rDNVTQ9PNI8OlcC-83ZKn6gBK2m_JIWIzNPVEH0rZ06GARFbxGyZzE6XF2M/s1600/first+day+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTZhQL67oZ0pEP5tII1RiFNHjYeAbJq0ibZybtFnYDt6q433tMelmKdLB4fa7G5zV2MXKF13IyhGLiGl5rDNVTQ9PNI8OlcC-83ZKn6gBK2m_JIWIzNPVEH0rZ06GARFbxGyZzE6XF2M/s1600/first+day+home.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3) Those bottles are not going to wash themselves</span></span></h4>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you come visit me, freshly home with my new babe, the sink will be brimming with half empty bottles. I’m so tired, I’m so sore, and I feel like I’ve been washing bottles for days. The laundry can wait, we don’t need another casserole. Please, wash a few bottles while you’re here. I might cry with joy, seriously. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4) Feed my baby</span></span></h4>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The one thing I have loved about formula feeding from day one is that everyone I love can feed my baby. It’s amazing to watch, so awkward at first. Get the boppy, am I holding him right? This angle isn’t right, adjust. And again. How do I hold the bottle? Am I doing this right?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But baby knows. Baby leads, and curls in for a warm meal and a nap. And whoever is holding that bottle relaxes into that sweet amazing place, mesmerized by my little one. You will love that moment and I want to share it with you. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5) Offer me some milk </span></span></h4>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">WHAT. Oh, that’s so awkward! Yeah, I know, but that’s ok. Just do it. I can’t ask you for your liquid gold that you’ve pumped for days to acquire (Or weeks? I have no idea.). But you can just throw it out there. “If you ever need some milk, I’ve got a freezer full!” I may never take you up on it, but I will know how much you care about me and my baby. I need that. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In return, I promise to always support you. Hey, you know that moment when you just want to cry to someone about your latch issues and not hear “oh, I’ve been there” in reply? I’m your girl. I have not been there. Tell me all about it, I’ll just listen. I promise.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you’re struggling, I will be your biggest cheerleader! I’m so proud to say my friend breastfed for a week, a month, a year, still going. Keep going. I know you can do it, and I know you need to hear it and I will tell you this every day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you wean that babe and shed a few tears, I’ll be right there to pick you up and take you out to celebrate. This is a milestone! Let’s go get you a sexy new bra and drink cocktails. Bring your tiny purse that could not possibly fit a pump, it goes great with that new non-nursing shirt!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We can be friends, see? We can do so much for each other. It takes a village because everyone in the village is different. If we were all the same we’d be quite boring, actually. Let’s not be boring, let’s be awesome together. I’ll bake you lactation cookies while you clip formula coupons for me. That’s how awesome moms party.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jessica is a full time working mom to one fabulous little boy and his epic head of hair. When she’s not in the office, you can find her cooking up Pinterest fails, cursing at her sewing machine, or coloring on the walls with her son.</span></i></span></div>
Adventures in Breastfeedinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14918730950146413897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-40944463361398580702014-11-10T00:00:00.000-05:002014-11-18T13:05:11.886-05:00Jamberry Review & Special GiveawayIt's so amazing that we are already celebrating a year of this wonderful blog being in existence! We have been honored to have such a fantastic, diverse group of women share their stories with us and our readers. To celebrate our blogiversary, a friend has created some absolutely gorgeous Jamberry nail wraps to support breastfeeding! One lucky reader will win a set, and everyone will have a chance to purchase them if you don't win. The best part is, she is hosting an online Jamberry party and will give 20% of all proceeds to La Leche League! What a great way to get a little something for yourself and give back to a great organization.<br />
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If you haven't heard of Jamberry yet, what rock have you been living under?? But seriously, these things are amazing! Have you ever tried to paint your nails with a baby or toddler around? Yeah, me either. I can imagine if you did, it could go something like this:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If someone knows who to credit for this photo, let me know!</td></tr>
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My other fear is that I'd get the polish on, and immediately at that moment, my baby would need me. Then I'd have nail polish smudged all over. Sure you can go to the salon, but sometimes you just don't have the time or the money for that. Enter <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2F12thbabyjams.jamberrynails.net%2F&h=jAQHbSl6V" target="_blank">Jamberry nails</a>. These things are amazing! They are high quality nail stickers that can last up to 2 weeks on fingers and 4 weeks on toes. I don't know about you, but when I do get a manicure at the salon, it's a miracle if it lasts more than 24 hours. It will obviously depend on your individual nails, but these have the potential to be a fabulous looking manicure for 14 days. That's amazing! Here are a few of my Jamicures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79KfHT2p2VoyrGDC3dHIpA874-E8OR8NMHwoXTYmKKSnjLEdQ_hx-2IZHg9NT21m99fSZKZ6VHj7jMAyCywreGoCQOtIixVG0Uo2hEkNXnt_3V-tiq-7ZkglE3jZgXImeJCNAXCOy8Z4/s1600/Jamicure+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79KfHT2p2VoyrGDC3dHIpA874-E8OR8NMHwoXTYmKKSnjLEdQ_hx-2IZHg9NT21m99fSZKZ6VHj7jMAyCywreGoCQOtIixVG0Uo2hEkNXnt_3V-tiq-7ZkglE3jZgXImeJCNAXCOy8Z4/s1600/Jamicure+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_gJ3Kk4ac1r6ReX1eIieQ5p19D2LbipyVXH32fH73NKB0gSJnDERZYQ3KROh_urxpmtB7R8Mqd2U4zHQAIFpORZj1Mi2HvTnceeyxoikC0XN7PocKlwKfv7rebANVNjQRM8sVF-fo-0/s1600/Jamicure+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_gJ3Kk4ac1r6ReX1eIieQ5p19D2LbipyVXH32fH73NKB0gSJnDERZYQ3KROh_urxpmtB7R8Mqd2U4zHQAIFpORZj1Mi2HvTnceeyxoikC0XN7PocKlwKfv7rebANVNjQRM8sVF-fo-0/s1600/Jamicure+5.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div>
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Besides the simplicity, one of the things I love best about Jamberry is how natural they are. Even though most nail polish is now available <a href="http://blog.birchbox.com/post/34572673108/is-5-free-the-new-standard-for-nail-polish" target="_blank">5 Free</a>, they still have some chemicals. I love that Jamberry is simply an acrylic polymer. There's also no smell, which is perfect if you are pregnant or nursing and can't tolerate the fumes. <a href="http://12thbabyjams.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">Jamberry</a> offers a multitude of styles to choose from. There is something for everyone, whether you are a more reserved person or love a pop of color and pattern. One sheet of Jamberry wraps can yield you two manicures and two pedicures, and even some extra left for accent nails. I've even see people take the scraps and use them for French tips.</div>
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My friend and fellow breastfeeding mom, Dawn, was generous enough to have these special breastfeeding wraps designed for us. One lucky reader will win a set in their choice of pink or purple. On top of that, we'll be having an online party where you can order any Jamberry wraps your heart desires. 20% of all purchases will be donated to La Leche League, so make sure you stock up! Take advantage of the Buy 3, Get 1 Free deal. That makes the cost of a Jamicure about $3.75. What salon can you go to for that price?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRPQ6ezHJlx48GEajw_uB321RL-_6jwaegDvQofMER_kgjG3EjHc-YEsOo61Gin45XWo23sb-ExRFtWKoHjXEIUAqr0xh1K7uACGHalMwlj78FBGh4dXifUxEl5ml9MXacYEQsHv1JH4/s1600/Pink+Jamberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRPQ6ezHJlx48GEajw_uB321RL-_6jwaegDvQofMER_kgjG3EjHc-YEsOo61Gin45XWo23sb-ExRFtWKoHjXEIUAqr0xh1K7uACGHalMwlj78FBGh4dXifUxEl5ml9MXacYEQsHv1JH4/s1600/Pink+Jamberry.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Win a set of these gorgeous breastfeeding nail wraps</td></tr>
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To place your order, visit <a href="http://12thbabyjams.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">Dawn's Jamberry</a> site. Shop around, add your items to your cart, and check out. When placing your order, make sure you select a party and choose Adventures in Breastfeeding LLL Fundraiser. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Dawn or any of the AIB admins. We will be happy to help you place your order! Join us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/351530288349608/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for all the party fun here. Learn more about Jamberry, see different Jamicures, and more. </div>
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Thank you for joining us this past year on our journey. We look forward to sharing many more stories, tips, and recipes with all of you. </div>
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Thanks to everyone for entering the giveaway! Congrats to Jessica H. on winning the beautiful custom Jams. I hope you'll share a picture with us when you apply them. For everyone else, you can order your own set of pink or purple custom Jams by contacting Dawn at the12thbabyjams@yahoo.com.</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7a5964173/" id="rc-7a5964173" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548584909404163918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-60666123505610129042014-11-06T09:00:00.000-05:002014-11-06T09:00:06.546-05:00A Year in Review: Big Changes FAQToday, we continue our look back at a year of tips and nips (see what I did there?) from the Adventures in Breastfeeding team! <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/11/a-year-in-review-starting-out-faq.html">Monday, Laura covered the most common questions we hear from moms at the beginning of their breastfeeding journeys</a>, so now it's time to talk about what comes after that! Maybe you're still in the newborn phase and wondering what to expect as your nursling grows, or maybe you're a seasoned pro looking for advice on extended breastfeeding. Either way, we have plenty of great answers and personal stories for you fabulous mamas!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xP9FRnKmC21Qyu8bgXrPk4XggJkIYcBV1KLFwZkpj95TNnBcdIwGTDbxKOyLtSK91dE7FZdzWb0sNt7-grwUqDt9YTnh2jJ7ZWHqR6n-Tg9SQuajMjS2NbV3nZw-opuj5lPNGxwNz-w3/s1600/faq+part+2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xP9FRnKmC21Qyu8bgXrPk4XggJkIYcBV1KLFwZkpj95TNnBcdIwGTDbxKOyLtSK91dE7FZdzWb0sNt7-grwUqDt9YTnh2jJ7ZWHqR6n-Tg9SQuajMjS2NbV3nZw-opuj5lPNGxwNz-w3/s1600/faq+part+2+copy.jpg" height="640" width="293" /></a></div>
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I'm going back to work soon and I'm so nervous! Will I still be able to breastfeed?</h3>
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You can definitely keep nursing even if you work full-time! We have plenty of <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/pumping-counts-too-working-moms-story.html">tips on how to establish a good pumping routine</a>, the best <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/working-mamas-must-have-pumping-supplies.html">pumping supplies</a> to have on hand, and a VERY IMPORTANT overview of your <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/know-your-rights-pumping-in-workplace.html">legal rights</a> as a pumping mom!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhlzCpau4JX9YPFCHYt5uM3-JQQay8GJXLNNSai4HGJV8-VbedRNffWkjqfft3faRY_PG8prPfHBIgbevVWBg9o-kAlZRn4Th3MTj6aH0l_tSDB8OvovJdHLj6Q3g1UqNGhBpJFNXTldh/s1600/Takeactionladyjustice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhlzCpau4JX9YPFCHYt5uM3-JQQay8GJXLNNSai4HGJV8-VbedRNffWkjqfft3faRY_PG8prPfHBIgbevVWBg9o-kAlZRn4Th3MTj6aH0l_tSDB8OvovJdHLj6Q3g1UqNGhBpJFNXTldh/s1600/Takeactionladyjustice.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/know-your-rights-pumping-in-workplace.html">Know Your Rights: Pumping in the Workplace</a></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQNDlJB5E4M9h5P44PA2lBruWVhqaGvp-5twk6Ny2Kz_BDbqmPtSzZt0bk3X8vrCaXTvEi7m9UVbOyTHr_kv1Sc8T45UuhfU4-_jmYsrvNvGPK0a5_XHAgQjeFP_SgYJYD0JFHvEdJf30/s1600/Rebecca'sbaby.jpg" height="200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="148" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/pumping-counts-too-working-moms-story.html">Pumping Counts Too: A Working Mom's Story</a></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/working-mamas-must-have-pumping-supplies.html">Working Mamas Must-Have Pumping Supplies</a></b></td></tr>
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I've got a handle on breastfeeding and would really like to rejoin normal society. What can I wear? What can I eat? Can I finally have a beer? Am I EVER going to drop this baby weight?!</h3>
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Breathe, Mama: we've got you covered! There are plenty of <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/02/nursing-wear-for-mama-on-go.html">cute clothes</a> you can wear that make it easy to nurse your babe, and we have a wildly popular <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/ww-pumpkin-spice-lacation-cookies.html">pumpkin spice lactation cookie recipe</a> that even your non-nursing friends will be begging for. <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/03/you-can-drink-that.html">YES, you can have that beer</a>, and probably another drink, as well! And definitely bookmark this great post on <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/pumping-it-up-while-pumping-and.html">getting in shape</a> while breastfeeding!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/02/nursing-wear-for-mama-on-go.html"><b>Nursing Wear for the Mama on the Go</b></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYG6jxH2Hb3KrlM2yE4pQui1J65rePB3sOgaZUjcU3a5h0au55fNA9ku9NSqIl2z9RWkVsnoyacrQ2ynv-g7WXm_x9ko7LSSCJhY5hCseMHyWcWdabwTeZRx3MOXXMn70fKxFjGsjm75G/s1600/Pumpkin-Spice-Lacation-Cookies-Recipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYG6jxH2Hb3KrlM2yE4pQui1J65rePB3sOgaZUjcU3a5h0au55fNA9ku9NSqIl2z9RWkVsnoyacrQ2ynv-g7WXm_x9ko7LSSCJhY5hCseMHyWcWdabwTeZRx3MOXXMn70fKxFjGsjm75G/s1600/Pumpkin-Spice-Lacation-Cookies-Recipes.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/ww-pumpkin-spice-lacation-cookies.html">Pumpkin Spice Lactation Cookies</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzbloqEnH2-nSk977ab16lQXOE0D6x60UjuXMOznRXQTXL1dRFxrEIig7gdNRl4YI5hDj0jj3w8-nqBZrbg7wUFGML6SfUxjswnvxuFC72Y6mMcVg7nXwCxoULvZ2HpKbdYMXUv53Z-Yz/s1600/bliss1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzbloqEnH2-nSk977ab16lQXOE0D6x60UjuXMOznRXQTXL1dRFxrEIig7gdNRl4YI5hDj0jj3w8-nqBZrbg7wUFGML6SfUxjswnvxuFC72Y6mMcVg7nXwCxoULvZ2HpKbdYMXUv53Z-Yz/s1600/bliss1.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/pumping-it-up-while-pumping-and.html">Pumping it Up!</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KRGP5k33yA-zfTJxZ7ecWPywXE378oVlyhEuHTs4n8gS_HUpvukDZd6BCDK91cEYGncGTMAmcf6x4PJWrWR_du_pOHwbZdHXagzBQ-L1wME2WkCQW5PMAdI5Ru46w8G0LNvzSAxt0U1c/s1600/AIB+Drinking+Dos+and+Don't.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KRGP5k33yA-zfTJxZ7ecWPywXE378oVlyhEuHTs4n8gS_HUpvukDZd6BCDK91cEYGncGTMAmcf6x4PJWrWR_du_pOHwbZdHXagzBQ-L1wME2WkCQW5PMAdI5Ru46w8G0LNvzSAxt0U1c/s1600/AIB+Drinking+Dos+and+Don't.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/03/you-can-drink-that.html">You Can Drink That?!</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
I've decided to nurse beyond a year, but I don't know anyone else who's breastfed for that long. What's it like?</h3>
<div>
What a wonderful thing to do for your child! Though it may not seem like it, you're in great company! Important things to consider if you're going to practice extended (or "biological") breastfeeding are: how to <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/teething-cold-nursing-strike.html">tell the difference between weaning and a nursing strike</a>, knowing the <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/03/breastfeeding-after-one.html">facts</a> so you can answer the skeptics, <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/08/boundaries-and-breastfeeding-toddler.html">setting boundaries</a> with an increasingly communicative and independent toddler, and whether to <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/09/dinner-for-two.html">tandem nurse</a> if another baby is on the way!</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nsc_LbHGsvqoL164tbdjvW747Wgtyb7tqmeZWQjuzEVE1Ycm8z7MOjXgc4tgWp4c7TtGw3CxXsoIBGhRQFY0GanSg-NAqZsj4wfX_57Y4EqecaejGr7y7YoK51OGf_oSGmmXbbCi1Jec/s1600/Average+age+of+Weaning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nsc_LbHGsvqoL164tbdjvW747Wgtyb7tqmeZWQjuzEVE1Ycm8z7MOjXgc4tgWp4c7TtGw3CxXsoIBGhRQFY0GanSg-NAqZsj4wfX_57Y4EqecaejGr7y7YoK51OGf_oSGmmXbbCi1Jec/s1600/Average+age+of+Weaning.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/03/breastfeeding-after-one.html">Breastfeeding After One</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7UdTxzEDAM4ZyeAIyVbAmwnPjtxnbrYXP_Hh-w2WXsydVtDJV5Hfk9-FeYGVaglx66ACN_7JGuToWRYzo86fabi2Fc0MOOE1KLKmFICRyspFzZQidmvZcmEy40P-Dd0M_qzSTorF8zgO/s1600/LBeach120713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7UdTxzEDAM4ZyeAIyVbAmwnPjtxnbrYXP_Hh-w2WXsydVtDJV5Hfk9-FeYGVaglx66ACN_7JGuToWRYzo86fabi2Fc0MOOE1KLKmFICRyspFzZQidmvZcmEy40P-Dd0M_qzSTorF8zgO/s1600/LBeach120713.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/teething-cold-nursing-strike.html">My Baby Isn't Even One.... Is He Weaning?</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz-f15usykryPUCokAMAOUjvvo5mRPyCun_0HNV2FMx2WCZuPFRPmiW_3ebFKNg2B1aIQhd8DXKVf79IKbPtSe05TRuq1CKRpGDvA45a-u4bJbKHWxS9Fx_oRmxcV2mhKhnsGmouZEVDI/s1600/AIB+Chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz-f15usykryPUCokAMAOUjvvo5mRPyCun_0HNV2FMx2WCZuPFRPmiW_3ebFKNg2B1aIQhd8DXKVf79IKbPtSe05TRuq1CKRpGDvA45a-u4bJbKHWxS9Fx_oRmxcV2mhKhnsGmouZEVDI/s1600/AIB+Chart.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/08/boundaries-and-breastfeeding-toddler.html">Boundaries and the Breastfed Toddler</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunA9W6sH06rqY2GphED62D40TYrftGJ3cxnky9aHmjd_hd0EAp2-EVJNP24pOXImce3j7L17kl3hQzlz-2757gs0ldN6Ol93_JVpxZLbnGkPsdgge6wiZhWG2B8zT4YfEXu528KCTtTHI/s1600/tandemlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunA9W6sH06rqY2GphED62D40TYrftGJ3cxnky9aHmjd_hd0EAp2-EVJNP24pOXImce3j7L17kl3hQzlz-2757gs0ldN6Ol93_JVpxZLbnGkPsdgge6wiZhWG2B8zT4YfEXu528KCTtTHI/s1600/tandemlogo.jpg" height="200" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/09/dinner-for-two.html">Dinner For Two?</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
Everyone seems to have an opinion about my decision to breastfeed or nurse in public. I feel so alone sometimes....</h3>
<div>
We totally get it. That's why we talk about our first experience <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/04/my-first-time-breastfeeding-in-public.html">nursing in public</a> (and later without a cover! GASP!), that time someone <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/04/someone-report-your-picture-for.html">reported our beautiful nursing photo</a>, and we highlight some of the amazing breastfeeding <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/breastfeeding-in-art-primer.html">art</a> and <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/03/5-awesome-breastfeeding-posters.html">imagery</a> out there.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkkYUn-A-O3sMptKf5rRqye35m0tyJMpGGyjBT4Sag9mBaHQSYVFU8C_TLWcSBfYI4TBcf-FiN-I3MVVKj0qEAQtvPMo-PMmfdRDXH6hanIXa6IGAGYAvQ4BzCTnMnXF5WlBCkr4LN5oY/s1600/Paa.la-Lucy-Lawless-breastfeeding-Support-Poster-717x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkkYUn-A-O3sMptKf5rRqye35m0tyJMpGGyjBT4Sag9mBaHQSYVFU8C_TLWcSBfYI4TBcf-FiN-I3MVVKj0qEAQtvPMo-PMmfdRDXH6hanIXa6IGAGYAvQ4BzCTnMnXF5WlBCkr4LN5oY/s1600/Paa.la-Lucy-Lawless-breastfeeding-Support-Poster-717x1024.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/03/5-awesome-breastfeeding-posters.html">5 Awesome Breastfeeding Posters</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBI-DrKjGbmNjbQhK33nxe9wkJFQibLI7jSLB6_dffpHiMqOXUX4Z9dZPlh98lPhV6u2NsA5IcQti3qLFKXk1Gm_C56mLxEQK9GdmH1Glw3mxnjJGYP-H3IZjdCukSufXGkAF_tRO1Zb1/s1600/aib2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBI-DrKjGbmNjbQhK33nxe9wkJFQibLI7jSLB6_dffpHiMqOXUX4Z9dZPlh98lPhV6u2NsA5IcQti3qLFKXk1Gm_C56mLxEQK9GdmH1Glw3mxnjJGYP-H3IZjdCukSufXGkAF_tRO1Zb1/s1600/aib2.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/04/my-first-time-breastfeeding-in-public.html"><b>My First Time Breastfeeding in Public</b></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgoTFSUgc2LYceuSodALlTB3WLTZlQWLrzxHFzKGWasIdu_4IUmxvZoV6Wy9cHxCCaIYVk2BEfzMS1q4tMLFtUzUsngZ4VHN-d4jCW5walDjC05o5qaVoVswD8eKl3v1WwTHnroWN-AkI/s1600/lizzie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgoTFSUgc2LYceuSodALlTB3WLTZlQWLrzxHFzKGWasIdu_4IUmxvZoV6Wy9cHxCCaIYVk2BEfzMS1q4tMLFtUzUsngZ4VHN-d4jCW5walDjC05o5qaVoVswD8eKl3v1WwTHnroWN-AkI/s1600/lizzie.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/04/someone-report-your-picture-for.html">Someone Reported Your Picture For....</a></b></td></tr>
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<div>
Phew! We've had a busy year with all these boobs and babies! And we have even bigger plans for next year! From the bottoms of our hearts, thank you so much for your interest, support, and incredible feedback! Please stay tuned this month for lots of fresh topics, giveaways, and more exciting changes!<br />
<br />
<i>And tell us what topics you'd like to see us cover on the blog, or <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/p/blog-page.html">contact us</a> to become a regular or occasional author! Nurse on, mamas!</i></div>
Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065421089949558897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-6173507490728302982014-11-03T13:19:00.002-05:002014-11-03T13:19:44.700-05:00A Year in Review: Starting Out FAQIt's November...and we couldn't be more thrilled that this month marks <i>one year </i>of tears, triumphs, and tatas here at <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/11/adventures-in-breastfeeding.html">Adventures in Breastfeeding</a>!<br />
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To kick off our celebration, we're taking a look back at some of our greatest hits. Today I'll share links to posts that would answer questions moms might have when they are breastfeeding newborns. Later this week <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/search/label/Missy">Missy</a> will highlight AIB posts that would be more relevant for those who are further along in their breastfeeding adventure. Wherever you are on your journey, we are confident you'll find something informative, inspiring, and empowering as we look back on a year's worth of Adventures in Breastfeeding.<br />
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Here are a few of our most popular responses to some common questions new moms have when they begin breastfeeding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexSMd-9WnAP59041jDNfDzOdapIkNQMLYx2PrDj0CZusyGBjyKZ-XS19B9sLtxpcSsKgfqR9uvfWBFWx1Rs7QLSgTcZJZLTSLOlRSIclpgRp81A5ImZrPkhXUIJGa2U0kZLUg_GPGEI-b/s1600/DSC_0683+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexSMd-9WnAP59041jDNfDzOdapIkNQMLYx2PrDj0CZusyGBjyKZ-XS19B9sLtxpcSsKgfqR9uvfWBFWx1Rs7QLSgTcZJZLTSLOlRSIclpgRp81A5ImZrPkhXUIJGa2U0kZLUg_GPGEI-b/s1600/DSC_0683+copy.jpg" height="640" width="356" /></a></div>
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<h3>
I'm pregnant with my first baby! What can I do now to prepare for my breastfeeding adventure?</h3>
Congrats! When it comes to finding success breastfeeding, our contributors have 3 important tips to avoid feeling overwhelmed: <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/5-things-you-really-need-to-breastfeed.html">educate yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/11/doing-it-wrong.html">trust yourself</a>, and <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/04/5-things-every-new-mom-wants-to-hear.html">get support</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1685587632"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwECwMsfLj34YeXnLC_Qpe7XrQFm4PCR-0oHLqpLjLJDpEz83OP7HrkeF4MgZ4PMUy9KkeSJhAdVjbcTJZmXEQXNaLaF0k3qp8YCfXe_hsyQ02zUbj8gBEuZT38t7HqhUSCn2NYr-Bmk/s200/5+Things+you+really+need+to+breastfeed.jpg" height="200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/5-things-you-really-need-to-breastfeed.html"><b>5 Things You Really Need to Breastfeed</b></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88zyMHsIIwoQrb131nGWG5v1ADR_RSkuyoD-Xh9_UfHNTKb8cISwmAU-_bzIQi6NKiUqIb5gPZ2J_akCn2IgMHWYRtJv6BRvU0rDbFLLEQGa4Zw0CwwSh4wfn4GUHVlvryWPuiJprxGc/s200/beforeK.JPG" height="200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="132" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/11/doing-it-wrong.html">Doing It Wrong</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6rlYsHvsyiMrMNIB9LVSj7nBBuGaXEwXVjfb2l-uQu09kjRc8YdDhzlwVmsAvxzaeEUQyrAJjSWtAuYwW5tsE13TW3I-hAOn1JZAGfWdGgMFlQOPiydBtVTZfXuXNCPkTsrvzRfV1LE7/s200/DSC_0258+copy.jpg" height="200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="132" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/04/5-things-every-new-mom-wants-to-hear.html">5 Things Every New Mom Wants to Hear</a></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
I have a newborn and this is HARD! Does it get better?</h3>
The short answer is yes. Whether the barrier you're facing is <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/the-vanishing-finish-line.html">nipple pain</a> (ouch!), <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/02/when-life-is-on-mute-mothers-guide-to.html">postpartum depression</a>, or anxiety about inverted nipples or <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/11/do-faulty-breasts-breastfeeding-failure.html">augmented breasts</a>, chances are you'll find a way to dig in and get through it. A few of our contributors have shared about these obstacles and how they overcame them.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBqyqEHaAiNFgs9ezet_vK2LwARZigQgt4px9arybw4RnRFG5tNQHFFbvirRLLBE9edCncKqKd1-tWwehu0xBmfj_iVqk6uxDsfQc-07dmQKGpdTqiJxDvEDVZ4f1tAUQfLgPLALesI4B/s400/header_vfl.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/the-vanishing-finish-line.html">The Vanishing Finish Line</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFghlvP3XHFu0b06jtZk0QZO7fLeCTUO3GNOPm6Sri9f8mXkFctanGa20B8x1nZ4p0Eq1ZscATXL-G1btAsPN3fp0IEL6SqhqCwDMiT8VL1XDLnn324MlLrRH9OR2ZipEVmRXnw9NwBQyb/s320/depression+title+copy.jpg" height="211" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/02/when-life-is-on-mute-mothers-guide-to.html">When Life is on Mute</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsHkJ5ZvFJ2LZJHI2FBRghOpmuTIGtV4EONaz_eiU0my1NOn9xZ7WHnxL9dAY0Y5J6gek5g6UzUe-cmD8p7O4oGnSxlcNmrYE0pOpDBdeuDkvmE9-w6tgsbcIryRNtsGEnVps96IvVBI/s320/First+Feed.jpg" height="212" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/11/do-faulty-breasts-breastfeeding-failure.html">Do Faulty Breasts = Breastfeeding Failure?</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Am I making enough milk? Do I need to supplement with formula?</h3>
Misinformation about <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/search/label/low%20supply">breast milk supply</a> and what constitutes a <a href="http://www.thealphaparent.com/2011/12/timeline-of-breastfed-baby.html">"normal" breastfeeding relationship</a> has got to be the biggest <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/search/label/booby%20traps">booby trap</a> out there. If you are concerned about your supply, it may be an issue with baby, or it may be an issue with you. It helps to have realistic expectations about <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/myths-busted.html">how supply is created</a>, <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/09/mythbusters-pumping-output-as-indicator.html">how it's not</a>, and <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/search/label/cluster%20feeding">how often</a> baby will feed (especially during a developmental leap or <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/10/how-to-survive-growth-spurt-in-4-easy.html">growth spurt</a>). But sometimes there may be another issue at play, like a <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/diagnosing-posterior-tongue-tie.html">posterior tongue tie</a>. If you've already begun supplementing and would like to try to scale back, you can find some tips <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/07/faq-how-can-i-increase-my-supply-so-i.html">here</a>.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlH0aiBW3a05_ChmqMnQmEAAHlg-Q2SAnA2_XPWrtBMijeqNR5Brtktc_jtNibbSDylIEvj1HUmLtJdN6WCM0x9q7mCWsTLOuMZwKOoXHZC2CaSygvaWsC7JKhwlrCJZqtZumU9oLilWZ/s320/1457096_10153502399715417_1381875072_n.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="180" /> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/myths-busted.html">4 Myths Busted</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIyuoKjdPKPp2p9peEZhXa2Ubvv1zHlbIJ9yqQucQvkuA-tjxoaAFIJ8WgqM7gbY5YsWtEFewUo47iNkX0mGpR22mmfSDc9wjPwlhyeBs5aPlRH0Ck_ZFs4n-TU8bGwzYWWGj_ElVM7M/s320/IMG_0872.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/09/mythbusters-pumping-output-as-indicator.html">Pumping Output is Not an Indicator of Supply</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC8VrIs9O3I1_L7BRkacEXrsYBIjOKOblv8EWTnKYHBD9i8Xz3LMGdxV9WuojTLm1Gn4en_s75lV2uVEtO_8jWzfJ3h-AsM1nEdqAODE3aTc7932h6EDH2DdLF3vWWcMWc-3Aq5bxVStz/s320/screen568x568.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="180" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/10/how-to-survive-growth-spurt-in-4-easy.html">Surviving a Growth Spurt</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MFijk2VPeaMijsTN8RJSwe5xEhRm6LdTiPApy7aVRsA5V_IXELcF_qrXCrdRwbeL1em83ISJJHj40kg00kY9sA46ytTgWPXGOj3h-9k_v9RkQoRnpIkYHqjCAWXu4AIHqXfs1TjguyA/s320/L+Tongue.jpeg" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2013/12/diagnosing-posterior-tongue-tie.html">Diagnosing a Posterior Tongue Tie</a></b></td></tr>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-qMpBj9PF7VGxzj1l6I8GHGRfZht6T2J9g4gChgipbXWkhr5qIcaUhZyjJGZ1l6sjiW9h5Ab5YOi9_rxb1FRESX44gvYZ3ak2XKXXBQmsuYtW1iOM_IJyNTFrHM9kSq6gkc4wpAgnNkS/s1600/f967b0f251aaa2b22c9dd2a0cd1a5433.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="316" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/07/faq-how-can-i-increase-my-supply-so-i.html">How to Stop Supplementing</a></b></td></tr>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
I had dreams of breastfeeding my baby, but now he's in the NICU. What now?</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Any parent who has had a NICU experience knows that it's difficult to put into words the challenges you'll face. Tiffany has shared her story of nursing in the NICU and Analyn wrote about how nursing helped her little girl during a hospital stay. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pv34Fza0AaUaUcfyRVyBHRHa7hPOf-iRuqzON5JK9fb_IZSSubJTkceyD7FLUKiLXPxhjQZKe9MeZjmD_5vNKIJE1cH_EwgENslQ83t2tIzirYP41Sk9kCOFWLdFHY1_6R2XeSeXybde/s320/photo+1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/05/wires-probes-tubes-oh-my.html">Nursing in the NICU</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJIfFnHQCtxBYhgw-zxNzIEhb-LC2PcJFNFrbxj9aPTJplEew7NudPBRDaT23gMLDgRhJAA8IqinMLwxnOXbwa1FRlqLd55oOHf8GjVG7lydhiz1Bjf8H8ADSML6yPksBgiLyS8h7DJbR/s320/IMG_2506.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/breastfeeding-and-hospital-stays.html"><b>Breastfeeding and Hospital Stays</b></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I look back at the blog's first year, I feel so blessed by what I see: dozens of posts by women (and men!) telling their stories about fears faced, lessons learned, and victories celebrated. Stories of support and encouragement for moms in tough breastfeeding situations. I know now, more than ever, that I am not in this alone. Boy am I grateful.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Would you add anything to this FAQ list about breastfeeding a newborn? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>And don't forget to check out Missy's post on Thursday about FAQs moms have when they pass the newborn stage.</i></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13578618291290193214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-38415165904270712752014-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:002014-11-18T02:22:52.077-05:00Feeling TornNora and I have reached that point in our breastfeeding relationship where things are...complicated. I realize each child has different sleep patterns and habits, but Nora's apparent sleep allergy is making for one tired (and often cranky) mama. At 20 months, she's still nursing anywhere from 4-7 times a night. On a good night, it might only be 3 times. On a really rough night, it could be up to 9 or 10. Lately, I've been feeling a bit of resentment that nursing is the <i><b>only</b></i> thing that puts her back to sleep. Do you know how nice it would be to have my husband be able to put her back to sleep?! This has prompted us (and by us, I mean more me) to consider some gentle night weaning. We've been looking at <a href="http://drjaygordon.com/attachment/sleeppattern.html" target="_blank">Dr. Jay Gordon's method</a>, as well as the <a href="http://amzn.to/1yKUilK" target="_blank">No Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers</a>.<br />
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I don't want to wean Nora completely, especially now that what I fondly call "sickness season" is upon us. I know she gets so many benefits from nursing. I also know I'd get lots of benefits from waking up less each night :) However, even after making the decision to start night weaning, I've changed my mind a few times. We know we aren't comfortable with any type of traditional cry-it-out methods, but we are realistic in understanding that there will be tears. At least we will be there to comfort her and attend to her needs in ways other than nursing. My husband and I have been geared up to go a few times now, fully prepared that a weekend would allow us to nap with Nora during the day, as we know things will get worse at night before they get better. Yet each time, we've managed to find an excuse as to why this weekend just wouldn't work. I have been feeling some twinges of guilt, because I know parenting is a full time job, no matter what hour of the day or night.<br />
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However, I keep reminding myself that it is okay to think of my needs sometimes, and me being a happy mama will ultimately be better for Nora. Besides, judging by this photo, I know she's capable of sleep <b><i>sometimes</i></b>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezdgpLe9VO4HShmNEbbM3WZ5AIqEoeKJhC05_wrdQvZqLcsYY1SaRlWqwXDB3gA3-YNvxGRXcqvtghreaWiI7vls6GMlbepqhglmfzjUNqCOqM-uws7ZIUM73WE8uMUAHYQ08zpDEVv0/s1600/AIB+October.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezdgpLe9VO4HShmNEbbM3WZ5AIqEoeKJhC05_wrdQvZqLcsYY1SaRlWqwXDB3gA3-YNvxGRXcqvtghreaWiI7vls6GMlbepqhglmfzjUNqCOqM-uws7ZIUM73WE8uMUAHYQ08zpDEVv0/s1600/AIB+October.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
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So tell me, mamas - have you ever night weaned? How did it go and what worked for you? How long did it take before your little one was able to go back to sleep without nursing?</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548584909404163918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-69390477407689626042014-10-09T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-09T09:00:00.864-04:00How to Survive a Growth Spurt in 4 Easy StepsAh, growth spurts. Those few days that feel like a few years, when you have to double-check to make sure you're nursing a baby and not a piranha, when you forget if you've had a shower in the last week and you KNOW you haven't slept.... Yep, fun times.<br />
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But have hope! Growth spurts don't last forever (THANK. GOD.), and in the 21st Century, there are all kinds of resources that can help you come out the other side more or less in one piece, with a slightly fatter baby than you had before. Just follow these steps.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC8VrIs9O3I1_L7BRkacEXrsYBIjOKOblv8EWTnKYHBD9i8Xz3LMGdxV9WuojTLm1Gn4en_s75lV2uVEtO_8jWzfJ3h-AsM1nEdqAODE3aTc7932h6EDH2DdLF3vWWcMWc-3Aq5bxVStz/s1600/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC8VrIs9O3I1_L7BRkacEXrsYBIjOKOblv8EWTnKYHBD9i8Xz3LMGdxV9WuojTLm1Gn4en_s75lV2uVEtO_8jWzfJ3h-AsM1nEdqAODE3aTc7932h6EDH2DdLF3vWWcMWc-3Aq5bxVStz/s1600/screen568x568.jpeg" /></a></div>
<h3>
1. Know what to expect!</h3>
Forget the What to Expect books; you're a modern woman and you need the latest information delivered electronically to carry you through this 48-hour hell! There are two resources that will be indispensable to you during these spurts: One is the wonderful <a href="http://kellymom.com/bf/normal/growth-spurts/">Kellymom</a>, with all the answers to the desperate questions that will come up at 3am when you're trying to latch that screaming infant and she's just not having it.<br />
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The other is the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-wonder-weeks/id529815782?mt=8">Wonder Weeks</a> app. This magnificent tool gives insight into what is happening, biologically and developmentally, to that adorable, squishy, screaming, voracious infant of yours. It will tell you when to expect growth spurts so that they don't catch you by surprise!<br />
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Pro Tip: Keep a phone charger next to your nursing station so that you can access these lovely resources any time you need to without having to relocate.<br />
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<h3>
2. Keep water and snacks within reach</h3>
It always happens: you sit down to nurse the baby and as soon as he's latched, you feel hungry and thirsty. But alas! There is no food or drink in sight and you just KNOW this is going to be one of those 45min sessions.... So make sure you have several gallons of bottled water scattered within arm's reach of all your favorite nursing spots. You need to keep replenishing your body's fluids both for your milk supply and for your own health, so drink up! Also consider the type of bottle that you can open with only one hand, in case the other is occupied with baby.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71RBa7nXNJTb7LMEkP9ehvQERsqH5R6SlnyZ710CDeUEWk6lax0CYXimQfCIy4K41TJA-VJHPuFJ6j-reltFAWu8kFfTTi40qox5INBoUSQTBK5Q4KsXMeK23lJZvtNC0EvRBCmwwOLOI/s1600/h2ogranola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71RBa7nXNJTb7LMEkP9ehvQERsqH5R6SlnyZ710CDeUEWk6lax0CYXimQfCIy4K41TJA-VJHPuFJ6j-reltFAWu8kFfTTi40qox5INBoUSQTBK5Q4KsXMeK23lJZvtNC0EvRBCmwwOLOI/s1600/h2ogranola.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
And as for food, it's whatever you want, mama! A little indulgence never hurt anyone, but that said, it's best to pack as much of a nutritional punch as you can into your snacks, since your little bundle of joy is getting all his nutrients from you right now. I always found I felt best when I ate something with protein, which usually meant cheese, nuts, something with nut butter. Trail mix or a good old-fashioned granola bar worked best, although the bars tended to make less mess since they came wrapped and all in one piece! Again, pile those suckers up right next to your nursing station: you don't want to run out!<br />
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<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQz2cz5nDnH29J4H9g7i2eTYdTULyfxSdIW6cU_UTsfOTG-rKmdjFsqN_sSBPIUZqr21CgkyM-bI6-TaN4yKCzm8UtzavLliaWiKaexJO9mBUDWwjz5ns72SQ3LsMljwE2BFsvLwFY6h8P/s1600/e128b426-d2a9-4b07-a540-f07c59444eeb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQz2cz5nDnH29J4H9g7i2eTYdTULyfxSdIW6cU_UTsfOTG-rKmdjFsqN_sSBPIUZqr21CgkyM-bI6-TaN4yKCzm8UtzavLliaWiKaexJO9mBUDWwjz5ns72SQ3LsMljwE2BFsvLwFY6h8P/s1600/e128b426-d2a9-4b07-a540-f07c59444eeb.png" /></a>3. Fire up that Netflix queue!</h3>
This is hands-down the best advice I got from another mommy-friend during those early weeks. Seriously, if your baby is going to be nursing non-stop for several days, this is the time for a marathon. Never seen Scrubs? Well, there are 9 seasons, so now is the time. How I Met Your Mother? The Tudors? Battlestar Galactica? Doctor Who? (Whoops, sorry, my geek is showing....) Queue up those guilty pleasure shows (sorry, anyone who did not recently give birth doesn't get a vote), plunk your butt down on the couch and just nurse the baby. Forget the dishes that need washing, the inlaws that need entertaining, and the pile of mail that needs sorting. Enjoy your show and don't worry about anything, unless of course your 3-year-old appears to be attempting to burn down the house.<br />
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<h3>
4. Get your support system in place</h3>
Husbands, boyfriends, mothers, sisters, friends, and assorted other helpmates are indispensable during a growth spurt. As mentioned above, you will have neither the free hands nor the time to be dealing with chores or unruly older siblings, so someone else needs to be prepared to step in and take care of these things for you. They will also need to refill your food and water as needed (it does sound a little bit like caring for a pet, doesn't it?), bring you the remote control, change the baby, hold the baby while you take a few minutes to pee or even (GASP) take a shower, and say "Yes, dear" as you wax poetical about what damned liars everyone was to tell you that this breastfeeding thing was natural and easy.<br />
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This helper should also become an expert feeding pillow-adjuster, amateur psychiatrist, and foot-massager. Make sure they understand that payment is to be rendered in baby snuggles and a few screams as a bonus. DO NOT HESITATE to ask for help when you need it, no matter how silly the request may seem. If you don't have access to someone to help you in your home, make sure you have people on speed-dial who don't mind you calling at any time for a little venting session. Oh, and don't forget to include your lactation consultant in that call list!<br />
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<br />
.... and two big DON'Ts to keep in mind during these spurts, too: DON'T supplement without express direction from a knowledgable pediatrician, and DON'T try to put your growing baby on a feeding schedule. Both of these actions can harm your supply and negatively impact your baby's growth. Trust your body to feed your baby by nursing on demand!<br />
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These are the growth spurt survival tips that worked for me, but maybe you have some I didn't mention. Share your ideas here or on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/adventuresinbreastfeeding">Facebook page</a>, and nurse on, mamas!Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065421089949558897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-68480864639263078112014-10-06T08:42:00.000-04:002014-11-18T02:23:14.560-05:00These are the MomentsI'm at a significant point in my breastfeeding adventure. I've been breastfeeding Boo for 18 months and I'm 14 weeks pregnant with #2. While I plan to continue nursing Boo for the foreseeable future, I do know that anything can happen at this point, so I'm doing my best to savor our nursing moments today as well as memories we've made over the past year and a half. There have been some doozies!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBikcw8XMP31OEyWGwBaHSXmb2XMqF4w4IRa6hf4hZNIT4DBPh0zICeLv7hby11tuT4t1gvmRAvCt6tEijGCK1Ynv2eD8Gz2ASytsIIhv44E1DuYJcY7ZuIRBFN9S7V6eqMcv9Eh6To06x/s1600/IMG_7718+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBikcw8XMP31OEyWGwBaHSXmb2XMqF4w4IRa6hf4hZNIT4DBPh0zICeLv7hby11tuT4t1gvmRAvCt6tEijGCK1Ynv2eD8Gz2ASytsIIhv44E1DuYJcY7ZuIRBFN9S7V6eqMcv9Eh6To06x/s1600/IMG_7718+copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Dumb and Dumber Moment</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGyAvjH-MZnx0EmVTiErasDzL8u_aQaCy8On4pw3yuTYEkq4lvtDiTSA7rrdEOES9hUmksTCiIE5N0YyfJcyxmvArVJ727VXVIW7XAKNllxN4H8dVaNLjcif5Xdkb2FQGQoJp_SAIy9W6/s1600/Pullover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGyAvjH-MZnx0EmVTiErasDzL8u_aQaCy8On4pw3yuTYEkq4lvtDiTSA7rrdEOES9hUmksTCiIE5N0YyfJcyxmvArVJ727VXVIW7XAKNllxN4H8dVaNLjcif5Xdkb2FQGQoJp_SAIy9W6/s1600/Pullover.jpg" height="200" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mrzp9mv">Photo credit</a></i></td></tr>
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I'm almost too embarrassed to include this in the list. In the early days I struggled with over-supply.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>My breasts were engorged, hard lumps began forming, and I developed mastitis. I applied warm compresses (warm water poured into newborn diapers worked amazingly well!) and massage. I also pumped a bit to relieve pressure before Boo nursed so the poor thing wouldn't sputter and choke on the fast letdown. After each nursing session I took that pumped milk...<span style="font-size: x-small;">and poured it down the drain</span>. I know, I know. If I
could go back in time I would smack my sleep-deprived, bleary-eyed
face. The thing is, I had pumped colostrum at the hospital that I wasn't
using and had to toss. What was I supposed to do with all this breast
milk anyway?<br />
<br />
Fortunately I had sweet friends who quickly informed me what an idiot was. I made a run to Babies R Us and picked up some freezer bags for my milk. I never made the same mistake again. <br />
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<h3>
Apocalyptic Moment</h3>
In the early days I don't think there was a single 90 minute nursing session that went by where I didn't feel like my nipples were being sawed off, cauterized, then stuck back on with Krazy Glue. Yet there's one moment that sticks out. It was probably about 8 am, though I had lost all sense of time with the 24/7 nursing thing I had going on. I was sitting in my glider with my sweet newborn bracing myself for another painful latch. Teeth gritted, tears streaming down my face, I brought her to my breast. And I howled in agony, unknowingly in solidarity with <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/01/the-vanishing-finish-line.html">other moms</a>. Somehow I freed one hand (how that happened God only knows) to grab my phone and called my mommy. "Hey mom." Trying to play it cool. "What are you...<i>sniff</i>...up to?" The wobble in my voice betrayed me. All it took was a "Honey, are you okay?" and I was reduced to a blubbery, wailing, pitiful mess.<br />
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Fortunately I have an awesome mom who came right over with a hot breakfast and some grandma love so I could crawl into bed slathered with nipple butter. <i>Ahhhhhhhhhh....</i><br />
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<h3>
Merida Moment</h3>
My first time nursing in public was at a Panera down the street. I busted out the cover, peeked through the constantly collapsing top to try and get baby in position, and began to nurse like a champ. It didn't feel remarkable though. The place was buzzing with middle and high school students just out of school. The chaotic din made me feel inconspicuous so it didn't feel like a breakthrough moment. One that did, though, was the day I figured out how to nurse while I was wearing Boo at the grocery store. I felt brave and invincible, like, "Haha everyone in the grocery store, my boob is out and you don't even know it!" <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fgB6Vd4yiis0oiHiD2FdiYNsmPXtzuhV8Na6-4JFLeTm9BeySGQqxBVQqsq9UfVitWzA2CLxjZbbv0EJmFUIU8W1F5Pv3UTvGzI8hlJb7_XTn_U9v-0Y7i_3ynQaMDCfsX-uwstqZvgN/s1600/IMG_7806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fgB6Vd4yiis0oiHiD2FdiYNsmPXtzuhV8Na6-4JFLeTm9BeySGQqxBVQqsq9UfVitWzA2CLxjZbbv0EJmFUIU8W1F5Pv3UTvGzI8hlJb7_XTn_U9v-0Y7i_3ynQaMDCfsX-uwstqZvgN/s1600/IMG_7806.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Victory.</i></td></tr>
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<h3>
All the Moments</h3>
The funny thing is that while a few of these memories stick out in my head, most of them blur into each other so that my breastfeeding journey is made up of impressions and feelings rather than distinct happenings marked on a calendar. The late nights with my sweet girl where her smell and warmth filled the silence. The nursing mannerisms she's adopted as a toddler, like standing with her bottom in the air as she chooses which side she wants this time. The way she attacks my breast with gusto that causes my family to laugh hysterically every time.<br />
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<br />
One great thing about the next baby is it's like having a do-over. Of course I know it will be different and this baby will have different needs. But I get a second chance at not being stupid and dumping out liquid gold. I get a second chance at knowing how it feels to have a tiny human nestled in my arms day and night. I get a chance to experience a new set of missteps and discomfort that will inevitably fade into success, until one day while nursing I'll think to myself, "Hm, this is so easy! When did that happen?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8fcAlw4JS4jbe8aw1SqeBbPIuvP6xazfF8wCwTP15a1XOTRLLwtSsAmzfVWjUCaiqm9vVL5BzbjW5NRmdSr1i3DfEiCrnyBSENI7YsdJmBWTpNYTcAsnRV17s9bqcOZO7K-CDm5P3xm0/s1600/IMG_7420+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8fcAlw4JS4jbe8aw1SqeBbPIuvP6xazfF8wCwTP15a1XOTRLLwtSsAmzfVWjUCaiqm9vVL5BzbjW5NRmdSr1i3DfEiCrnyBSENI7YsdJmBWTpNYTcAsnRV17s9bqcOZO7K-CDm5P3xm0/s1600/IMG_7420+copy.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13578618291290193214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-31131890408839737502014-09-27T21:47:00.000-04:002014-09-27T21:47:21.361-04:00Making Travel Easier for Breastfeeding MothersHave you traveled while breastfeeding, or more specifically, while pumping? I have a few friends who have and I give them huge props for being so organized! Having to remember to pack clothes, toiletries, and work items, in addition to a pump, storage bags, and a cooler makes my head spin just thinking about it. Wouldn't it be so nice if there was a special hotel package that took all this into account and catered to breastfeeding moms? Ladies, your prayers have been answered!<br />
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The <a href="http://www.childmode.com/2013/05/16/hard-rock-hotel-chicago-caters-to-breastfeeding-moms-with-medela-package/">Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago</a> knows how difficult traveling without your nursling can be, so they created a package with you in mind. For an extra $30, the Hard Rock will provide you with everything you need to keep that liquid gold for your little one. The package includes a hospital-grade Symphony breast pump, everything you need to clean and sanitize it, nursing pads, breastmilk storage bags, ice packs, and a cooler bag. They will also make sure your room is equipped with a mini fridge and a microwave. In addition to all that, the concierge is available for anything else you might need, such as additional supplies or help shipping milk back home. The concierge team is trained on how to properly ship milk, and would be happy to help you get it back home without having to tote it through airport security.<br />
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<a href="http://www.childmode.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/945728_10151415360503575_1637925008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.childmode.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/945728_10151415360503575_1637925008_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<br />
The idea was launched on Mother's Day in 2013 and was the brainchild of Hard Rock Chicago's General Manager, Carrie Meghie. Meghie felt that this was important for breastfeeding mothers and, after doing research, was surprised to find no other hotels (at least in the US) offer a service like this. The icing on the cake? All proceeds collected from the additional fee for this package will benefit the families of local kids in the NICU. Now that's a win-win!<br />
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I think it's so great to see something like this and I would love to see more hotels follow suit! Who knows, maybe the Nursing Mother's Package will take explode in popularity and be available at hotels nationwide.<br />
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Share your thoughts with us. Do you like this idea? Would you pay extra for this package?<br />
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Information provided by <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-05-16/news/ct-talk-hotel-nursing-20130516_1_breast-milk-hard-rock-hotel-chicago-michigan-avenue-hotel" target="_blank">The Chicago Tribune</a> and <a href="http://www.childmode.com/2013/05/16/hard-rock-hotel-chicago-caters-to-breastfeeding-moms-with-medela-package/" target="_blank">Child Mode</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05548584909404163918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-46514960559848682632014-09-23T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-23T09:00:01.976-04:00A Tale of Ten Toes: Newborn Screening<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRJsruw4HtlD-lmgaj7WxS5Ly2BNiU1SvvcsgSxVYURKcXJdMD4UG0MnibdZ5tTLEcMSmGvVs1VG36U6fz18Rh5X40_njBooQVrcdAdQRCt7icP5kpJVGAD8YmSakSSBbrt3qmPAL_by4/s1600/SeptScrn.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRJsruw4HtlD-lmgaj7WxS5Ly2BNiU1SvvcsgSxVYURKcXJdMD4UG0MnibdZ5tTLEcMSmGvVs1VG36U6fz18Rh5X40_njBooQVrcdAdQRCt7icP5kpJVGAD8YmSakSSBbrt3qmPAL_by4/s1600/SeptScrn.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Susan Holstein Photography</td></tr>
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Ah, yes. Ten fingers and ten toes: the universal signs of a healthy, sweet-smelling, squishy little newborn. Just look at those darling little feet, all curled up in contentment after his first meal of mama's milk (Okay, colostrum at this point, but milk sounds so much nicer....)! What a peaceful, perfect little human. I would move mountains for him. I would fight a grizzly bear for him. I would....<br />
<br />
WAIT A MINUTE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY BABY'S FOOT?!<br />
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This was basically my reaction when some poor beleaguered nurse came in to do a "foot stick" on my baby for his newborn screening test. Yes, it's just a little pinprick, but that that point I pretty much only thought in terms of "You're making my baby cry, NOOOOOOOO....." My protective instincts were in overdrive, and watching someone squeeze my wailing newborn's blood onto an index card did not exactly fit into the idyllic picture I'd had of his first hours.<br />
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Fast-forward to a couple of days later. We're home from the hospital and my milk has come in, but our son is crying again, and this time it's my fault (or at least that's how I saw it at the time). I couldn't figure out how to latch him properly and the poor child was screaming as though he would rather someone prick his foot 10 more times than spend another moment at my breast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv91mNTNgnM1QiAl7zQfW9NG5WRwH-b6HXqyVeD513gV6keDggzq340LAiV9IZM9r3M8nPbZsv33TUS-SQCsIU_kx8PU5PVxOJPyBz-C2daXpSfjKbbT-5xAYyYVZU59gOu5vsp8reI_E/s1600/K_Burrito.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv91mNTNgnM1QiAl7zQfW9NG5WRwH-b6HXqyVeD513gV6keDggzq340LAiV9IZM9r3M8nPbZsv33TUS-SQCsIU_kx8PU5PVxOJPyBz-C2daXpSfjKbbT-5xAYyYVZU59gOu5vsp8reI_E/s1600/K_Burrito.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unsuspecting little burrito....</td></tr>
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How I wish I knew then what I know now.<br />
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Now I know that while I was struggling to establish a nursing relationship, that little card with my son's blood was being analyzed for:<br />
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Cystic Fibrosis<br />
Hypothyroidism<br />
Metabolic disorders (ex: PKU)<br />
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)<br />
Sickle Cell Anemia<br />
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And many, many other conditions, some of which are life-threatening and all of which seriously affect the quality of life for a child. Since K's blood came back negative for all of these, I don't really know exactly what each one entails, but for many parents, these disorders and their consequences are all too real.<br />
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But here's the good, the wonderful, the GREAT news: though your hospital or birth center may not have robust lactation services, and while they may send home formula in a goody bag, and while your doctors may or may not be knowledgable about breastfeeding, every baby can be screened for these serious conditions. While it's not compulsory in every facility and in some cases, you might need to request the screen, it's quick, free, and available to every family in the US.<br />
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As hard as breastfeeding and the newborn phase is, THANK GOODNESS at least one thing you can do for your baby's health is easy!<br />
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And the heel stick doesn't last long, although poor K did cry through the whole thing. With my next baby, I plan to be nursing while they perform the test. I didn't quite understand the power of magic boobies to keep a baby calm last time, but now I do and look forward to putting that superpower to good use!<br />
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To learn more about Newborn Screening or to learn about what tests are performed at hospitals in your state, check out <a href="http://savebabies.org/screening.html">savebabies.org</a> and <a href="http://www.babysfirsttest.org/newborn-screening/about-newborn-screening">Baby's First Test</a>!<br />
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I learned about Newborn Screening through our own Christa of <a href="http://littlebgcg.com/">Little Us</a> and <a href="http://thebabyladies.com/">The Baby Ladies</a>! Did you know about the Newborn Screening test when your first was born? Do you have a child who tested positive for any of the conditions covered in the screening? Share with us in the comments!<br />
. . . . .Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065421089949558897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-25793558015829187272014-09-15T13:42:00.000-04:002014-09-15T13:42:37.090-04:00Mythbusters: Pumping Output as an Indicator of SupplyIt's one of the first things a breastfeeding mother tends to worry about: "Do I have enough milk to feed my baby?" It was only a few weeks into my now 19 month breastfeeding journey when my mom asked "Are you sure he's getting enough? He wants to nurse all the time." Of course I began to panic and wonder the same thing. I was so lucky to have amazing and knowledgeable women supporting me as I pushed through those early months but, unfortunately, that's not always the case. <br />
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I'm a member of several online breastfeeding support groups and am involved in my local breastfeeding community as well. I cannot tell you the number of times a woman has come seeking advice, often in a panic, because she didn't think she had enough milk to feed her baby. Often she states that she can only pump "an ounce or two at a time - even if it's been a few hours since a feeding."<br />
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I'm not sure where this idea that a pump is a good judge of milk supply came from but ladies, hear this, IT'S NOT TRUE!!! A pump is just a device that extracts milk from your breast.<br />
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And while technology is good, it's not good enough to really replicate the stimulation a baby at your breast as for your milk production and extraction. There are so many things a pump can't duplicate such as the feel of you little one at the breast, the sounds he/she makes right before and during nursing and even the scent you baby has that bonds the two of you.<br />
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Just because you're only getting an ounce or two when you pump does NOT mean that is all your baby gets when he or she nurses.<br />
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If you are really concerned about your supply because of slow or no weight gain or not enough wet/dirty diapers please contact an IBCLC to do a few weighed feedings. That is a much better indicator of exactly how much your little one is transferring.<br />
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Also, it's important to note that as you move further and further into your breastfeeding journey, your ability to respond to a pump my decrease significantly. Again, this does not necessarily mean your milk is "drying up." As before, your little one is the best measure of an adequate milk supply. And besides, the milk you produce for a toddler is much different than the milk you produce for a newborn and they often take much less as they get older and a variety of solids are introduced.<br />
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So let's stop this myth right now: A pump is NOT a good indicator of your supply. Listen to your baby and not an electrical device when trying to determine if your making enough milk to feed your little one! <br />
<br />Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12767659504276623524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-89532476307078665622014-09-08T23:53:00.000-04:002014-09-08T23:53:35.329-04:00Dinner for Two?<div style="text-align: left;">
Lots of questions have come up in my mind as I try to plan for the arrival of our newest nursling. I'm fairly certain C will jump right back on this milk train and I'm totally fine with that but then I remember how difficult it was trying to get the hang of nursing a newborn. I figure I have two options:</div>
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1. I can use it as an opportunity to teach my oldest some boundaries</div>
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2. I can get creative, toughen up and enjoy the only time I will get to</div>
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nurse all of my children at once :)</div>
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If we go with door #1, I imagine Dad will have to help out a little more and be my wing man. Unfortunately, he has to work, too so I will still need to be a little creative. How can I distract him from boobies (Is it really possible to distract a man of any age from them, I mean - come on?!) without him feeling rejected? How can he still feel special even though he isn't getting a lot of extra snuggle time with mommy?</div>
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<li><b>Busy Box - </b>Have a box of toys, coloring books or other special things that he will only get to play with when mommy is nursing sissy. Maybe this way, he will look forward to my nursing sessions with her instead of dreading them.</li>
<li><b>Double Up With Story Time - </b>Use nursing time to read him a book or two...or four.....depending on how long we are nursing and what his attention span can handle. I figure with this method, maybe he will feel like he still gets to share time, he's still close to me and sissy and he can feel more involved instead of maybe isolated or turned away.</li>
<li><b>Big Boy Snack - </b>Give him a special snack like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Annies-Homegrown-Organic-5-Count-Pouches/dp/B001PICX42" target="_blank">organic fruit snacks</a> or <a href="http://www.greenchildmagazine.com/roasted-chickpeas/" target="_blank">sweet roasted chickpeas</a> that are healthy but sweet and something that he wouldn't normally get to snack on unless we're nursing.</li>
<li><b>Mommy's Helper - </b>Even at 18 months, my little dude is pretty good at following directions and helping out. When he's two, hopefully this won't magically go away, (pretty please, Lord...let it remain!) and he can bring my boppy, water, granola bar or whatever else mommy might need. This, in addition to being borderline child labor, may make him feel like an important part of the process.</li>
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If we go with door #2, while it may not be practical, my heart may actually explode from all the cuteness and love I will experience at once. I have <i style="font-weight: bold;">always </i>and I mean it...<i style="font-weight: bold;">always, </i> from the first time I walked into a patient's room in L&D and saw her nursing her one hour old baby and her three year old, <i style="font-weight: bold;">always </i>wanted to nurse my newborn and my toddler together. There is just something so special about quite literally pouring out so much love at one time. Now, I always said that I wasn't sure if there was enough food in the world to nourish me pregnant and nursing. Come to find out there is. I also wonder if there is enough food in the world to nourish me nursing two hungry babies at once. I guess we will find out. Yes, realistically, if all things go as planned, we should find out. Will I be sore? Probably. Will I be beyond exhausted, absolutely. Will I have this moment to look back on for the rest of my life and even if we don't succeed for long, be able to be a witness to other mothers who doubt if they could do the same thing? Yes, yes, yes. </div>
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I'm sure there'd be benefits to both and we <strike>may</strike> will not be able to see all sides until we are faced with it and deal with whatever may come. As much as we sometimes fight our children finding their independence, it may be a good opportunity for C to learn how to share more, to help more and to know that mommy doesn't love him any less just because sissy is here now. On the other hand, what better way to bond with your sister than to hold her hand while snuggled on mommy's chest? What if my princess is a slow gainer like C was? It may not hurt to have him boosting my supply by increasing that demand and creating a more substantial supply of hind milk for her to bulk up with. </div>
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As it has been all along, C is the boss of our breastfeeding relationship. It seems like every time I think it's over, he proves me wrong. Every time I have wanted to give up, he gives me a reason to trudge on. Time will tell and I'll be here to share the adventure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0AUdvDC8WbmN59mgQ_bnoQpZ5_mI5iBXrw3ebICAvNXaQENxRX_shoLqFIuZ01CJ_uqhmpoWx9aREfzoFQaVVyoowEzWT0RNafhzmNtcEjWTA8biDg6THIljbUIRAolQ4TfN3gEHhaug/s1600/20140830_101509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0AUdvDC8WbmN59mgQ_bnoQpZ5_mI5iBXrw3ebICAvNXaQENxRX_shoLqFIuZ01CJ_uqhmpoWx9aREfzoFQaVVyoowEzWT0RNafhzmNtcEjWTA8biDg6THIljbUIRAolQ4TfN3gEHhaug/s1600/20140830_101509.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Til next time, mamas.</div>
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Keep Calm and Nurse On</div>
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~ Jessica</div>
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Jessica Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482418669280327567noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-62873195748470727782014-09-04T10:00:00.000-04:002014-09-04T10:00:04.316-04:00Maxi Dress Nursing Look<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/maxi_dress_nursing_look/set?.embedder=4322483&.svc=blogger&id=133985331" target="_blank"><img alt="Maxi Dress Nursing Look" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/JqIdWdJ1agMDi8Hj6XG2w/cid/133985331/id/_GEE1AM05BGpw-A_iPOa4g/size/c600x717.jpg" force="1" height="717" title="Maxi Dress Nursing Look" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/maxi_dress_nursing_look/set?.embedder=4322483&.svc=blogger&id=133985331" target="_blank">Maxi Dress Nursing Look</a> by <a href="http://missy-roode.polyvore.com/?.embedder=4322483&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">missy-roode</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/ruched_dress/shop?query=ruched+dress" target="_blank">ruched dress</a></small></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4322483&.svc=blogger&id=100049406" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/100049406.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Ruched dress" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4322483&.svc=blogger&id=101042388" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/101042388.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Karma Inspirations ballet flat shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4322483&.svc=blogger&id=113997259" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/113997259.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 faux leather purse" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4322483&.svc=blogger&id=115688279" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/115688279.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Charlotte Russe bracelet bangle" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4322483&.svc=blogger&id=117950528" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/117950528.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Old Navy Girls Light Wash Chambray Shirts - Light wash" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><br />
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I don't know about you, but I LOVE Fall, and especially Fall fashions! Even better is this brief time between Summer and Fall, when it's still warm enough to wear your lightweight staples, but you can have fun with layering and darker colors.<br />
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This would be my ideal nursing look for right now: The maxi dress is simple and flattering, with boho crochet detailing and a surplice neckline that makes quick and inconspicuous nursing a breeze! Cover up with a chambray shirt, either left open or tied at the waist, and add details in cobalt, cognac, and leopard. And remember, comfort is key!<br />
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What are some of your favorite current fashions? Any tips for a cute and functional nursing look? Share your ideas in the comments, and let us know what you think of this outfit!</div>
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Adventures in Breastfeedinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14918730950146413897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941889474342304701.post-63461514382351461962014-09-02T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-02T09:00:02.543-04:00...But You Can't Make Him DrinkYesterday I shared some things I've learned about asset based community development (ABCD). I told you a couple stories. I took you to Honduras and brought you back to Ohio. <br />
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So what in the world does this have to do with breastfeeding? Well, please take a moment to read <a href="http://www.adventuresinbreastfeeding.com/2014/08/you-can-lead-horse-to-milk.html">yesterday's post</a> first, then hop back here to find out.<br />
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If
you've read anything on this blog before then it's likely you know
that breastfeeding in the US is the exception, not the rule.
Incidents pop up in the news <a href="http://www.today.com/parents/breast-feeding-mom-faces-backlash-over-photo-taken-college-graduation-2D79780389">every</a> <a href="http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/anthropologie-learns-lesson-how-not-treat-breastfeeding-moms-159616">few</a> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/21/delta-airlines-breastfeeding-policy-twitter_n_4833470.html">months</a> about breastfeeding moms who are chastised for nursing their babies in public. Here in Ohio, only <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/2014breastfeedingreportcard.pdf">21.6%</a> of moms are breastfeeding their babies at <i>all </i>at
6 months. It doesn't take more than a few conversations with other mom
friends to hear about advice they were given from their pediatrician or OB
that doesn't align with current best practices for breastfeeding.<br />
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This is the bottom line: our culture is impoverished when it comes to knowledge, passion, and compassion regarding breastfeeding.<br />
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Please <i>please</i> don't hear me wrong. I'm not saying an individual mom is "poor" because she doesn't breastfeed. I'm simply saying that anecdotes and news articles and statistics show us that we are a culture that doesn't value this practice. We believe myths about it. We compare it to defecating. We don't understand it, and in some cases maybe even fear it.<br />
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When there is poverty, do you remember what works? Asset based community development.<br />
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Yes, there is a need for systemic change. Better education in WIC programs. More baby friendly hospitals. More lactation education in med schools. ABCD can be implemented at those levels. But as I go down this list, I can tell you pretty quickly that I have next to no pull in any of those fields. My sphere of influence consists of my friendships with other moms.<br />
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Change will come from grassroots efforts manifested in real relationships. I am passionate about advocating and educating and rallying around the breastfeeding cause, but like I shared yesterday, sustainable change will come when I am willing to let go of that cause long enough to grab onto a close relationship and hang on tight.<br />
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I'm digging in for the long haul, just like my wise friend Tracy. I'm not trying to dispense advice or dispute myths in every conversation. I'm striving to be a better listener and evaluate what my friend is showing me she needs instead of starting with what I have to offer. I'm ready to acknowledge that sometimes my friend may simply need to be heard and cared for instead of admonished or corrected. Instead of focusing on everything she doesn't know about breastfeeding, I'm going to simply be <i>present</i> so I can notice what a great mom she is and how much she loves her kids and tell her how much I respect that.<br />
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And after listening, after building trust, after I've spent time focusing on her instead of me, I will be ready if she asks me for help. I will be there for her as a collaborator instead of a teacher. <br />
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The way I can make a difference in our impoverished breastfeeding culture is by investing in true friendships because I value individual moms. And the payoff is <i>way </i>bigger than the freedom to nurse anywhere in public without criticism, or having bosses who are knowledgeable about your pumping needs, or L&D nurses who understand how crucial it is to have baby at your breast soon after birth. No, these are possible offshoots of this change, but they aren't the ultimate goal.<br />
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The victory will be evident in the community we will have cultivated. Moms who are empathetic and truly care about each other's tears, triumphs, and tatas. Moms who value each other not because of a breastfeeding cause, but simply because people matter. <br />
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<i>Look at your own assets. </i><br />
<i>What do you bring to this conversation? </i><br />
<i>How can you contribute to our impoverished breastfeeding culture?</i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13578618291290193214noreply@blogger.com2