30 Celebrities That Breastfed Their Babies

Celebrities have very busy lives. They are often time on the road.

Here is a post that mentions 30 celebrities that breastfed their babies.

Natalia Vodianova/Instagram

Often times celebrities seem unlike real people. They are just like anyone else. Some breastfeed and some opt to formula feed. I don't have a problem with either. Breastfeeding is as natural as it gets though.

Breastfeeding in Public

In the US there are more places that will look down on a mom for breastfeeding, than look up to them.

I love how the UK is a bit more supportive on the subject.

"Breastfeeding Mums - Pop in and have a FREE cup of tea if you need a pit stop... no need to eat, no need to ask - please relax." 

"Laundromat - Go ahead and breastfeed. We like both babies and boobs!"

Images were found on Facebook. If you know who these belong to, let me know, and I'll source them.

I never felt comfortable breastfeeding in public. I wish that I had. The cover-ups that my sister uses didn't work for us. Both of my sons had latch problems in the beginning. I had to see what I was doing. When they were a little older, they were active breastfeeder's. Meaning they would walk and fidget on me before they could even crawl. My mom and sister would laugh every time they watched my son's breastfeed back in the day. Trying to cover up an oh so active eater as them just isn't possible.

I would hide away in dressing rooms when I was out shopping, or breastfeed them in the car. I would not breastfeed in the bathroom. To me that's a dirty place. Would you eat your dinner in the bathroom? Why expect a baby to do that?

Did/do you feel comfortable breastfeeding in public? Where would you go to breastfeed?

Kate Middleton is in Labor

The media frenzy has begun. Do you care?

I saw bets on Facebook if she's having a boy or a Girl. Then poles as to what they are going to name their child. I was thinking, REALLY?!

The media lost my interest when they covered a segment on Good Morning America about if Kate should breastfeed or not? Really? To me that's a very personal decision. She doesn't need to be judged by what she chooses to feed her baby. Yes I am pro breastfeeding. I'm also accepting woman for their decision on what they choose to do that's right for them. It's not my choice, or the next person's choice as to what Kate chooses for her royal baby.

How do you feel?

Would You Pay For Someone's Dinner if You Spotted Them Breastfeeding?

I would. I just know how much time it takes. I've seen people in public breastfeeding. I wanted to go up to them and say, "Way to go!" but then I feel like they might think I'm being creepy.

So many people that breastfeed in public get the odd stare. Like a person is thinking, Why don't you go get a room to do that? Every mom knows that when a baby is hungry, a baby is hungry.

One woman was breastfeeding in a restaurant and her waitress paid for one of her pizzas. I think that is a great gesture to support a nursing mom!

Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover Giveaway!

This is one product I wish I would have had when my children were babies!

*Pictured below is not what the giveaway item looks like. If you win it will be light yellow.

Source

Mom4Life has a lot of options for nursing covers! I picked the Bebe au Lait to giveaway.

 

I love this product because it is something fun for mom. It allows you to breastfed in public, while staying private.

 Features include:

• It can be washed in the machine. 
• The material is 100% cotton.
• It's versatile! It can be used not just as a nursing cover, but also a sunshade, blanket or put over them to block out the world for them to go to sleep.
• It's big, so there is plenty of room for your baby to wiggle around.
• It contains a pocket for for binkis, breast pads or other things you need.
• It has a neckline that allows for ventilation. It gives space for you to make eye contact with your baby.

Care:

Machine wash warm under gentle cycle, tumble dry low heat or hang. You may need to iron it.

Mom4Life gave me one .  I decided to give them away to one Bebe au Lait to giveaway. It does not have a pattern. It's just a soft yellow, which will work for boy or girl. I'm choosing to give this away.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: The opinions on the post are my personal take on the product. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I am not compensated to provide my opinion except for receiving the products themselves to test out. I received a Bebe au Lait cover to giveaway. from Mom4Life to help with this giveaway. I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review. This is a US giveaway.

Breastfeeding in America

Earth Mama Angel Baby

On Zulily they have Earth Mama Angel Baby products! They are marked down 60%! I've done a few reviews for them and can say that I simply love their products! They carry teas for Mama, lotions, Bobby Tubes and much more!

This is off of the Zulily site: "Supporting moms and babies through the entire birthing process, Earth Mama Angel Baby creates herbal products that offer natural solutions to natural discomforts. All of Mama’s products are safe, vegan and free of all toxins including artificial preservatives, fragrance and dyes. They do not contain lanolin or nut oils either. Earth Mama Angel Baby products match mamas' high standards and are ideal for the whole family." -Earth Mama Angel Baby

Hurry products on Zulily go fast! You do have to have an account to get things through them. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Cartoon

So funny and sadly true.

Source

This went along with an article. Please go read it here.

We Can Do it!

This is a great photoshoot I found off of a site called Strawberry Mohawk. I simply LOVE it! Please visit her site!

Rosie the Riveter photo shoot. For the breastfeeding moms out there struggling with our nursing rights and image!

Breastfeeding a Toddler

I used to get the question, "When do you plan on finishing the whole breastfeeding thing?" My response was always, "I'm not sure."

I think it depends on when mom is done and when baby is done. Some babies decide that they are done with breastfeeding as soon as they get comfortable with a sippy cup. They are just too much on the move to stay still to breastfeed. I've heard various reasons moms choose to stop. One mom I knew wanted to start taking meds again for her own migraines. She couldn't do that, while breastfeeding. Another mom I knew just felt done. All the above are good reasons to wean from breastfeeding.

The important thing is that you and your child need to decide when to end breastfeeding. It's not for anyone else to decide.

Here's a Infographic for  The Breastfed Toddler. put on by The Alpha Parent.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

I want to cover just some of the benefits of breastfeeding. There are a lot more then I'm going to mention. Sometimes, even with breastfeeding, genetics wins. My mom breastfed me, we had dogs when I was young, and I'm still the Queen of Allergies.

Benefits:

• The bonding time between Mom and Baby is truly amazing!
• It helps reduce Mom from getting breast cancer.
• It helps reduce allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses for Baby.
• It helps reduce ear infections for Baby.
• It helps Baby with brain development.

Moms:

Please remember to do regular breast exams. I just went to a funeral this morning for a 23 year old that passed away from breast cancer. She wasn't even able to breastfeed. Sometimes genetics and rare sicknesses win. Her dream was to have children. Her life was short. In her honor I'm putting up a video to help spread the word.

Boobie Beanie

If you are not in a rush, these hats are very fun, funny and made by hand: Boobie Beanie.

Breastfeeding Campaign

I just love these ads found here. They are not in your face, but get the point across: Breastfeeding really helps.

Economic Stimulus Packages - June/July 2009 Fit Pregnancy

The ad relates to the economic stresses.

The ad copy reads:  “Breastfeeding boosts your bank account and your baby’s immune system, saving you on hospital visits, doctor’s bills, medicine and missed days of work.  It could also save billions on health care costs.  Is your hospital, physician, employer and insurer doing their part to help you succeed?  Let us help you find out at bestforbabes.org.” 

Life Saving Devices - August 2009 Mom & Baby Magazine

The value of breastfeeding and donor milk. In the hospitals they refer to breastmilk as liquid gold. It is preferred for infant emergencies.

 

The ad copy reads:  "Every day and in emergencies, breastfeeding saves lives. Planning on nursing? The night crew can make for smoother sailing. Get a support group. Get expert lactation help. Make sure your hospital, physician, employer and insurer are doing their part to help you succeed. We'll show you how at bestforbabies.org"
 

The Miracle Isn't the Bra - June 2010 USA Today's Pregnancy and Wellness Report

The ad copy reads:  "The miracle is you and the milk only moms can make. Whether you breastfeed, use donor milk, or neither, finding the right support can make all the difference. Best for Babes will cheer you on and help you navigate the "Booby Traps" – the barriers that keep moms from achieving their personal breastfeeding goals. We'll also point you towards trusted WHO-Code compliant resources that protect your feeding decisions. Let us help you get started at brestforbabes.org"

 Click here to order any of  the posters above.

Nursing in Public

First off I love this link! It's a very sarcastic post about how Breastfeeding is Offensive - NOT! Basically it illustrates how many women who breastfeed show a lot less than women in magazines. It socially acceptable for women to show their breasts in a sexy way, but not in a natural way? So crazy how a lot of society is!

Here are four tips for nursing in public-

1. Practice in front of a mirror. Reason being is that it's awkward at first. That shows on your face. If you are in front of a mirror, you will get used to it. The less awkward it is for you, it is the same for others.
2. Prepare things ahead of time. I usually made sure I went to places that had areas to breastfeed. Some places have mothers rooms. Babies R Us and Von-Mour are a few places that do. Other good stops are places that have more than one dressing rooms. I used to take clothes in with me to act like I was trying on something; instead I was really breastfeeding. You want to make it comfortable for you and your baby. A restroom wasn't that place for me! I would have rather gone to my car than a restroom.
3. Dress so it's easy to breastfeed. It doesn't have to be a nursing top. Just try and dress with loose clothing. Many people like a breastfeeding cover. This allows for privacy, yet has easy access. My sister used to breastfeed in public. People would come up to her to see the sleeping baby. That is all they thought, was that her little baby was sleeping. When in fact he was breastfeeding.
4.  Have extra nursing pads. I leaked a lot more with baby number 1 than baby number 2. Sometimes a baby starts crying, and a mom starts leaking. It doesn't even have to be your own baby crying to have this happen. This is when extra pads come in handy. Layers help to. If you leak, you may want a thin shirt or jacket to put over your shirt.

A Healthy Diet For Moms That are Breastfeeding

I think it's important to just eat healthy and drink enough water to quench your thirst. I found a wonderful article put out by Medela on healthy eating.

Stay Hydrated and Stay Away From Caffeine

• Drink a lot of water. Remember that whenever a baby drinks from you, you loose fluids. I made it a practice just to drink a glass water when my babies were eating. There's no need to drown yourself. Just drink enough that you are not thirsty still. Water is the best thing to drink. 
• Try and stay clear of caffeine. That is easier for some then others. For some odd reason with my youngest I had this new craving for coffee. My doctor said it was fine if I had one cup of coffee a day. That's all I would have anyhow. Check with your doctor. Drinking caffeine can make your baby edgy! While it keeps mom up, it does your baby to. The article said to limit yourself to 300 mg per day (about a 12 oz cup of coffee).

Don't Count Your Calories

• If you were trying to loose weight, many moms do so when a baby breastfeeds. Just try and eat healthy. There is little limit to eating veggies. Fruits have sugar in them, but they are natural sugars. You will need protein to produce milk. If you are a vegetarian you can still breastfeed! Tofu and beans are great sources of protein. Enjoy all the food groups! You need a mix.
• Typically, a breastfeeding mom needs an additional 300 to 500 calories per day. Go ahead and increase your food amount. I ate more while breastfeeding, and lost weight. Then when I weaned I gained weight. It's more when you are ending breastfeeding that you need to watch what and how much you eat.
• Eat Cold-Water Fish. They are higher in DHA and Omega-3 Fatty acids. These vitamins help with eye and brain development. They also help reduce postpartum depression. Some milks have added these ingredients to them. Read labels.  

Pay Attention to Food Allergies

• I never had any problems, but my sister did. Her son broke out in hives and was very fussy; when she ate certain foods.
• Other things to watch out for: Wheezing and green stools with mucus. 
• Talk to your child's doctor on this one. They will help with your diet to make your child a happier baby.

 Supplements?

• Ask your doctor. Mine told me to take my prenatal vitamin for the first few months. Then I switched to a Woman's One a Day vitamin. Really they say if you are eating a well balanced meal, you don't need supplements. I would just consult your doctor though. 

Some Adoptive Moms Learn to Breastfeed Their Babies

I was looking over this article and am amazed as to how much times have changed with breastfeeding!

My oldest sister was adopted in the 1970's. It was a time were my parents were told that they could not get on a plane because they had an infant. They rode from Oregon all the way to Nebraska on a bus.

My Mother would have jumped at the chance to breastfeed my sister. The problems were that Moms at that time: A) Didn't know that they could. B) Didn't have very good double/affordable pumps.

It's still not the norm for Moms that adopt to breastfeed. It is happening more. Some Moms are making this happen because it adds health benefits for both child and mom. It also builds more of a bond between the two.

“It’s impossible for me to know what our bond would be like if I hadn’t done it, but I could not feel closer to my son,” said Schaeffer, whose son is now 11 months. “He’s got a really wonderful, very secure attachment to me. I don’t know how much (breastfeeding) played into it, but it sure didn’t hurt.” She also said, “It was such a relief, such a consolation that I would be able to have some sort of physical bonding.”  -Schaeffer Article found here.

To produce milk, women take birth control pills for several months, fooling the body into thinking it’s pregnant. The guide also suggests domperidone, a gastrointestinal drug with a side effect of milk secretion.

Domperidone isn’t FDA-approved, and like Reglan, it can cause depression.

With the help of Domperidone and nipple stimulation; breastfeeding an adoptive child can be done. Many women pump a lot the moment they learn they are getting a new baby.

Some women are able to produce breastmilk without the use of drugs. There are also natural herbs like Fenugreek many women use to help produce more milk.

*Consult your doctor when you are taking any medicine to help with breastfeeding.

Many Mom's that attempt to breastfeed an adoptive child do have to supplement. Many that have a natural child have to do the same. Every liquid gold drop counts.

“This wasn’t my biological child, so I wanted to take every opportunity to bond with this baby that I could possibly get,” said Wilder.

Growth Spurts

I remember when my oldest child had his first growth spurt. I was breastfeeding him. He ate so much! I thought for sure there was no way my breasts could produce enough milk for him!

Babies on average triple their birth weight in the first year. *Your Child's Growth

Usually when a baby gets sick they do one of two things: They don't want very much milk at all, or they breastfeed out of comfort. My boys did both. The times where they didn't want to breastfeed, my supply got really low. When they were on their upswings, they went through a growth spurt. Again I felt like I didn't have enough milk for them. Somehow a woman's body seems to compensate for their baby in need. It's so common to worry about not being able to produce enough milk.

After the first year I was expecting my children to still grow rapidly. They still grew, but their growth slowed way down.  It seemed like small growth spurts with a big one thrown in every now and then.

Now my children are older. Isaak is now 3 and Mica is 6. My 3 year old is going through a growth spurt. He is eating everything we give him and then some! One thing my husband noticed is that Isaak wets the bed when he is in the midst of a growth spurt. Our other son did this to. They consume so much throughout the day and go to the bathroom like normal. The fluids in their food have to come out of their bodies somehow. We go from many dry nights to accidents like crazy, then back to being dry again. It's a cycle that a child can not help.

A few things you can do to help: 

• Limit liquids in the evening or at night.
• Take your child potty right before you go to bed. We take Isaak potty around 10 pm.
• Don't go back to diapers. Keep your child in underwear or panties. If you are not wanting to change the sheets; put a diaper on the outside. Gerber sells plastic training pants that we put on the outside of underwear. You want them to feel that they are wet. We also have padded blankets that we put on his bed; this way we don't have to wash all the bedding if he does happen to leak. 

Earth Mama Angel Baby Booby Tubes Review and Giveaway

I'm so happy to bring this giveaway to my readers!!! Booby Tubes by Earth Mama Angel Baby is a new product to me. They are an amazing set of tubes that help ease the symptoms mastitis, engorgement and clogged milk ducts.

The product is natural, gel-fee, microwavable and freezable breast packs in organic cotton shells, filled with all-natural flax seed.

My sister tried Booby Tubes out. She's struggled a lot with nursing Emerson. He's a special needs baby. Much of the time he won't nurse, so she pumps a lot! Then he's fed Mommy Milk through a NG tube. That takes a lot of time. She said that Booby Tubes are super soft. When I looked at her, I didn't even know she had them in her bra. If you are a full time working Mom with a sit down job, no one will even see you wearing booby tubes.

How to use your Booby Tubes:

Cool: Store in the freezer and wear inside your bra between feedings. Use for engorgement tenderness and during weaning.

Warm: Microwave for 20 to 40 seconds and apply to breasts five minutes before feeding or pumping. Microwave settings vary, so keep testing the temperature. Or preheat the oven to the lowest setting and place in an oven-safe dish (away from the heating element) for 10-15 minutes. Use to encourage let-down and milk flow, help prevent clogged milk ducts and comfort mastitis.

How to Clean Your Booby Tubes:

Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Mama Says:

Engorgement is often confused with mastits (both are uncomfortable!). Symptoms of mastits include malaise, fever, chills, and/or hardness or redness of the breasts, and can become serious quickly. If symptoms of mastitis are present consult your health care provider immediately. Continue nursing as usual.

Now for the giveaway. One US or Canadian winner is going to win a set of Booby Tubes from Earth Mama Angel Baby!

1. For your first mandatory entry, check out Earth Mama Angel Baby and tell me what product you'd love to have or give as a gift! {Leave your email with this first entry}

All other entries are optional. You do not need to leave your email with additional entries.
 
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This contest closes in 2 weeks, October 30 at 10 pm. This is open to US and Canadian Readers. The winner has 48 hours to claim their prize. Winners are chosen using random.org.

Disclaimer: The opinions on this post are my personal take on the products. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I am not compensated to provide my opinion except for receiving the products themselves to test out. If you have questions about this post please contact me at: alissa4illustrationAThotmailDOTcom

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cute or prevent any disease.

A Mom and Her Baby - One Year of Breastfeeding

One year is quite an accomplishment! Check out Carla's blog!


Congrats to Carla and happy birthday to Hannah! Read all about their journey on Carla, the Bubblelush’s blog and YouTube channel, and get inspired.

Myths and Facts About Breastfeeding

There was an article in the Living Section of the Omaha World Herold Newspaper on August 29th called Myths and Facts About Breastfeeding. It was written by: Katy Healey.

Myth: There is no way to know if the baby is getting enough milk.

Fact: There are several ways to know if baby is getting enough milk at the breast: Swallowing is heard, the baby is relaxed after feeding, it has adequate wet and soiled diapers and adequate weight gain. After breastfeeding, a baby should act satisfied and not continue to exhibit feeding cues or mouthing motions that typically indicate hunger.

Myth: Moms don't make enough breast milk.

Fact: Moms who breastfeed regularly and frequently will supply enough milk, assuming the baby latches on properly. Milk supply may decrease if milk isn't being removed from the breast. If it's not removed, it's not going to be replenished. Sometimes medical conditions do affect milk production. Contact a lactation consultant for more information.

Myth: Modern formulas are the same as breastmilk.

Fact: Modern formulas are very different from breastmilk. Breastmilk is made specifically for human babies, and therefore is the most easily digested and the nutrients are readily absorbed. Formulas are made from cows milk and plant derivatives and do not contain the immunologic properties that protect babies from infection. 

Myth: Breastfeeding is painful.

Fact: Breastfeeding can be painful if baby is not latching on properly. The baby's nose should be aligned with the nipple so when baby opens his or her mouth wide, the nipple goes to the roof of the baby's mouth. If it is painful to breastfeed, contact a lactation consultant.

Myth: Moms who have infections should stop breastfeeding.

Fact: Mothers do not need to stop breastfeeding with most infections. In fact, breastfeeding while mom is sick provides babies with extra protective immunities specific to that infection. Seek advice from a lactation consultant if there is any question.

Myth: Moms on medication cannot breastfeed.

Fact: Most medications are compatible with breastfeeding, especially if it is safe to take during pregnancy. There are some medications that should not be taken, but often there are others that can be substituted. Seek advice from a certified lactation consultant or physician to determine safety.

Myth: Mothers must wash their nipples before breastfeeding.

Fact: Mothers do not need to wash their nipples prior to breastfeeding because doing so can remove the beneficial oils that are secreted from Montgomery glands.  The Montgomery glands are small pimple-like structures around the areola that produce oil that lubricates the areola and nipple and discourages bacterial growth. Daily rinsing with warm water while bathing is sufficient.


Sources: Carlie Lesley, lactation consultant, Nebraska Medical Center; Sue Hall, lactation consultant, Methodist Woman's Hospital