Trouble With Latching?

• I've been reading a lot on the proper latch. As a new mom getting this down for me was a tough one. 
• With my second baby I thought nursing would be so easy since I had already nursed my oldest that had a few tongue complications. Not so. My second was not latching right like I thought he was. I had sores all over my nipples!
• There's a few things you can do:

1. Work with a lactation consultant. Most hospitals have them, so ask for one many times. There are different lactation consultant's, so if you find that one is not helpful, work with a different one. I was hesitant with this when it came to my second because I thought I knew what I was doing. Remember that the baby has never nursed, so they have to learn how to do it correctly before it works.
2. Try and nurse a lot when your baby is fully awake! My oldest was a sleepy baby, and his doctor told me to tickle his feet to keep him awake to nurse.
3. Place the babies mouth close to your nipple, back their face away, they will open their mouth wide to reach for the nipple and put them on.
4. Some babies get a little impatient for the let down. It takes awhile for milk to come out for some women. Try pumping for 5 minutes, then try and nurse. The baby is more satisfied quickly. Once they know what it's like to get the milk, they will be more willing to work for it. This process may seem pointless to you because when you pump you may not produce much in 5 minutes. Your baby will get milk a lot faster though.
5. Here's a video showing you how to latch a baby correctly. This probably looks a lot easier then it is when you first attempt to nurse. Just to warn you there is some graphic content in this video.

Giveaway Scout

• Giveaway Scout is a very useful tool to get the word out about giveaway's.
• If you are someone that has giveaways, I strongly recommend using this connection.
• I entered the giveaway above into Giveaway Scout. 

Weaning a Two Year Old

I was on a role with weaning my two year old Isaak from nursing. He was down to nursing once a day months ago.

Then he got a cold, or cut a tooth. There always seemed to be something that would bring him back to nursing more often then I'd like. I wasn't ready to be finished with nursing, but I wanted to be nursing him a lot less then what I was.

I always wanted my son's to self wean. I think if I would of let them go on to end on their own accord they would of nursed past kindergarten. That's normal in some countries, but not here in the US.
I've gotten asked from close relatives about when I was going to stop nursing? Of course I thought I was weaning a lot earlier then now. Then they'd say something like, "I thought you were weaning him a long time ago?" I thought so too. It's just not cut and dry like that.

Many habits you can take away like a binki or a blanket. With nursing, or sucking a finger, well you just can't take those things away. No out of sight, out of mind, no throwing them in the trash can together.

The truth is, is it is a hard task. Just as hard as starting in my mind, which was pretty dang hard.
Everything I've read says not to wean while your baby/toddler is cutting a tooth or sick. Isaak's mostly always cutting a tooth. I think he's cutting one now.

I see Isaak as my baby. His hair is soft like a babies. He is my baby. Then I saw him hold my friend's newborn, and he looked like a giant compared to her.


I sat Isaak down two days ago and said, "Isaak, I need to talk to you about something that's going to be hard for us. You are getting too big for Mommies bottles (this is what I've always called nursing to him).  You're going to have to stop nursing. Do you understand Mommy?" He said, "O tay Mommy." Two seconds later he said, "Bottles Mommy?" and was trying to lift at my shirt.
Some people say kids understand more then what we give them credit for. This may be the case sometimes. In this case, not so much.

We cried together yesterday. He cried much more then I did. I gave in before bedtime because I felt not full, but uncomfortable.
Today he cried and asked for "bottles," but less then yesterday. He had no bottles today.
Nursing has always been his comfort, and I'm trying to replace that with cuddling and singing. It works, but he still tries to tug at my shirt, and gets really mad when I don't give in.
It's been a rough few days.
It's hard saying goodbye to something I worked so hard to make work in the first place.
I wonder if Isaak understands that giving this up is hard on Mom too?

On a happier note, Isaak has been dry for two day. He really is getting to be a big boy.
I've let him run around in the nude, and he's been going on his own standing up.

Breastfeeding 101

• I have to say that this is one of my favorite breastfeeding books. I actually got this book through the hospital I delivered my boys.
• Do you have any favorite breastfeeding books?

Upcoming CSN Stores Giveaway!

• I'm hosting a $40 giveaway soon for CSN Stores! I'm going to start this giveaway tomorrow, so keep checking back!
• They have a lot to choose from. CSN has 200 + stores.
• They have a broad selection of whichever bedroom vanity you like, lighting, children's furniture and much more!
• Browse through CSN | Stores to see what you'd like to win. 

Milk Woman

• I remember back to when I had each of my boy's, I felt like such a milk woman!
• I was leaking like crazy with Mica. I pumped a lot when he was first born because of all his tongue issues. I just wanted to make sure I had enough milk produced for him, and his pediatrician kept recommending to me to pump.
• I had a deep freezer full of frozen milk cubes in no time. 
• I just want to tell any new mom that nursing and sleeping gets better! The first few months are draining. I think that's why a lot of mom's give up with nursing. 
• I loved my babies, but I also remember feeling like a failure with nursing. I was tired, emotional and having trouble with both of my son's latching.
• Just stick with it, and it gets easier. Nursing is much more enjoyable as time goes on.

Making Your Own Wipes

• I never made my own wipes, but after reading the chemicals found in many of them I wish that I would have. 
• When my babies had a bad diaper rash I would use a baby wash cloth to clean them. I just didn't like the idea of rubbing alcohol on their sore bum!
• My sister has made her own wipes and diapers. She even sewed her own diapers. She did this because her youngest had such sensitive skin! 
• In these recipes it talks about using Bounty paper towels. This is the best paper towel to use. My sister has replaced paper towels with baby washcloths. You have to have a lot of them, but remember that you can wash them and reuse them. Paper towels you can not reuse, and they are harder on the bum.

Here are a few recipes for making you own wipes:

Recipe 1

You will need:

1. 10 cup Tupperware container
2. 1/2 roll of Bounty paper towels
3. 2 tablespoons of baby oil
4. 2 tablespoons of baby bath wash
5. 2 cups of water

• Cut a roll of paper towels in half, remove cardboard. 
• Each roll of towels makes 2 containers of wipes, which lasts roughly 3 weeks.
• Mix the liquid ingredients, pull up first towel, pour on top of paper towels. 
• Let them sit for at least an hour before using them. 
• Don't shake the container, it will foam up.

Recipe 2

You will need:

1. 6 cup Tupperware container
2. 1/2 roll of Bounty paper towels
3. 2 cups water
4. 2 tablespoons each baby bath and lotion
5. 2 cups of water

• Cut a roll of paper towels in half, remove cardboard. 
• Each roll of towels makes 2 containers of wipes, which lasts roughly 3 weeks. 
• Bring water to boil and add baby bath and lotion. place one half of paper towel roll into plastic container, and pour solution over paper towels. Once cool, pull your "wipes" from the center of the roll. keep sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation. 
• Let them sit for at least an hour before using them.

Recipe 3

You will need:

1. 10 cup Tupperware container
2. 1/2 roll of Bounty paper towels
3. 1/8 - 1/4 cup oil (mineral or baby oil)
4. 1/8 - 1/4 cup baby shampoo 
5. 1 3/4 cups water 
6. 8 drops of lavender oil 
7. 5 drops of tea tree oil (optional)
8. 2 cups of water

• Cut a roll of paper towels in half, remove cardboard. 
  
• Each roll of towels makes 2 containers of wipes, which lasts roughly 3 weeks. 
• Mix everything together. Add the baby shampoo last to prevent foaming. 
  
• Let them sit for at least an hour before using them.

Peel and Stick Decals

• I won a peel and stick tree from RoomMates hosted by Now What Baby. 
• These peel and stick decal's are great! I love how I could reposition the leaves, and they'd still stick.
• They make for a wonderful nursery!
• I've been working to add more character's to Isaak's tree in his room. 
• At first I was thinking of just making a bird's nest. 
• I decided to make a sleeping owl too. The owl has to be asleep because it's day time.
• These two characters are now made, but not attached to the wall yet. I'm still trying to figure out what the best way of attaching them is. Our walls and ceiling isn't dry wall. It's cement mixed with plaster. Something like that. Hard as heck! I'm sure structurally the walls are great to withstand a thunderstorm, but horrible to attach anything to them! 

 

• Here's the bird's nest. It will go on the bottom right branch.

• A detail of the nest. I just sewed in scraps of thread and I left the ends showing in a messy manner since nests are organized, yet cluttered at the same time.

• Here's the wise old owl. He'll go on the bottom left branch.

• This is a detail of one of the owl's eye's. They were sewn in.

•  I'm still in the process of making a puppy for a hill. He's going to be chasing one of the butterflies on a different wall. Isaak loves puppies, so I had to add one in.
• I was thinking of creating a puppy Doctor Seuss style. To be honest I think Max from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is kind of ugly. I'm going with more of a puppy look from The Poky Little Puppy.
• It will be a brown puppy, and he'll have a funky pattern for his spots. I thought brown will be better then white; just in case a little boy decides to touch him a lot.
• And last, but not least Isaak's going to have a kite on that same wall as the puppy.

Giveaway from Hatley

• When you are a new mom having comfortable pajamas is so important!
• Two of a Kind is hosting a giveaway for a women's pajama tank top and boxer shorts of the winners choice from Hatley! 
• Hatley has pj's for not only women, but men and kids too. They also carry rain gear as well!

Ear Infections

• I know a lot of parents and their children struggle with ear infections!
• I'm lucky that my youngest has never had a single ear infection. 
• My oldest on the other hand had many. He almost got to the point where they were going to put tubes in his ears, but decided not to because he all the sudden stopped having them. One time he had an ear infection, and got a staph infection on the same side on his neck. It is my belief that one small infection started this more serious one.

• Breastfeeding is supposed to help with ear infections. It does because the antibodies from the breast milk are so helpful with fighting off infections.
• There are some babies and toddlers that still just get a lot of ear infections. Mainly it is from the tubes in their ears being underdeveloped. There really is nothing you can do to help the tubes in their ears to develop; except by putting tubes in them.

Antibiotics

• If your child gets an ear infection, many doctors will just let them be. Studies have shown that antibiotics do not help as much as they once thought. My oldest only got antibiotics when his infection got really bad. If it seems like your child isn't getting rid of their infection on their own they may need antibiotics. 
• Antibiotics takes away both good and bad bacteria out of one's system. Having too many antibiotics can cause baby eczema, thrush and a yeast infection on their bottom.
• There are probiotics that help put the good bacteria back into your child. They are over the counter. You'll need to get a powder form to mix with breast milk, or baby cereal. 

• Probiotics are in yogurt. So if your child is old enough to eat Yo Baby Yogurt, you may want to try that instead. It's made with whole milk too!
• They even have baby cereals that have probiotics in them as well.

• Like anything, you should always talk to the child's doctor about giving your baby probiotics. Ask them how much you can give your child throughout the day. It's important to even tell a child's doctor if you are giving them a daily vitamin.

A few things you can try to help prevent ear infections is:

• Try breastfeeding your older baby or toddler in the sitting up position. The milk then doesn't pool up like it does when they are nursing laying down. You can try adjusting a Boppy Pillow to help younger babies to sit up more when nursing.
• If a dad or someone else gives your child a bottle, tell them to try and sit the child up as well.

• Again...Nurse them as much as possible because if they do get ear infections the antibodies will help fight the infection off.
• Never smoke around a baby. 
• Never let a baby sleep with a bottle in the mouth.

Knowing When Your Child Has an Ear Infection:

• It is annoying to have to go in to the doctor all the time to test for an ear infection! 
• I remember the constant co-pays with my oldest child! 
• We'd take him in and bam it was teething and not an ear infection. 
• They have a device that tests for middle ear ear infections.
• If your child has a lot of ear infections; I'd recommend getting one of these handy devices. They run around $50, but are so worth it! Some co-pays are $50!

Fun Follow Friday!

• It's Fun Follow Friday! 
• Click on the link above and add your blog. Other people will check out your blog and you can check out many blogs too!
• When you visit a blog that you like and want to follow, leave them a comment with your link telling them you are following from the Fun Follow Friday. Of course, they would love for you to follow both hostesses blogs, Simply Stacie and My Wee View, but it isn’t mandatory. If you do follow them, just leave them a comment and they will follow you back.
• The main goal is to have fun and follow the blogs that interest you!
• If you like this blog you might like one of my other blogs as well: The Apel's and Cookie Art.

A Mom4Life Giveaway

• One the Mom4Life Blog they are giving away the $12 Cover-Me Nursing Strap by Little Carr.
• One reader will win The Cover-Me Nursing Strap in the Bukhara pattern.

• All you have to do to be put in the pool to win is make a comment telling them how you could use this product.
• I put that I think it could be used at the pediatrician's office. A baby could be cuddled up in a blanket, and the blanket can be used to nurse him/her when they are naked waiting for the doctor or nurse to come in.
• I'd love to win this for my friend that just had a baby! I know she would use it.

Latching Problems?

• One of the biggest struggles for me was the beginning of breastfeeding with both of my babies.
• I used what is called nipple shields with my first son, Mica.

• At the time I had never heard of them.

• If you are having a difficult time getting your baby to latch on ask your doctor or a lactation consultant about nipple shields. They do come in different sizes, so it's important to ask for help when it comes to getting them.

Babies may have a difficult time latching because:

1. Weak muscles in the tongue or cheeks. It could be that they are premature, and haven't fully developed. Once they gain weight; you probably won't need to use nipple shields anymore.
2. If the mommy has inverted nipples. This makes it hard to latch on.
3. Nipple confusion (if they've had bottles already they may not want to work as hard to breastfeed. Babies use different muscles in the face to nurse then they do with a bottle.)
4. My case was rare. I used them because my son was born with a cyst under his tongue. One side of his tongue just wasn't developed as much as the other. It made it difficult for him to nurse.

Somethings to watch out for when using nipple shields:

1. It's one more thing to deal with. Even though they make breastfeeding easier, they are another thing to deal with. You have to have them centered to use them, I kept losing mine because they are clear, small and I was lacking on sleep anyhow.
2. Babies sometimes do not get as much milk with the nipple shields in the way. I was instructed by the boy's pediatrician to stop using them because Mica wasn't gaining enough weight. It was frustrating to stop cold turkey. He and I were crying one whole night. The next day was much easier.

Breastfeed and Have a Baby That is Less Feverish After Immunization

• I just got an email from Medela. 
• I am excited because I asked if they'd make a button for people to put on their blogs if they post about breastfeeding. They sent me coding to do so. Their button is now on my sidebar! ;)
• They also sent along a whole article about how babies tend to be less feverish after immunizations if they breastfeed! You can read the whole article here.

Desk or Changing Table?

• When I was pregnant with my youngest, I knew I needed to find ways to save space in his soon to be nursery.

• I took an old desk that was left in our house from the previous owners and decided to convert it into a changing table.
• I ripped paper, glued it all over the desk, painted it dark brown and put three coats of acrylic varnish on top. The texture is subtle.

• The idea of this desk being a changing table appealed to me because it had a hole in it where a chair would normally sit, which was perfect for a hamper.
• I imagine a large trash can, or diaper pail would work in this hole as well!
• The drawers on the sides were used for baby socks, onesies, BabyLegs, sleepers and more.

• We still had room on the top for the wipes, spit up rags and anything else that we needed.
• The diapers hung above the changing table.
  

• We used the middle drawer for a baby brush, lotion, thermometer and the many samples that we got in the mail.
• When our son got sick with Meningitis we had to treat him at home with home IV antibiotics. This was the spot we made sanitary and reserved for treatment. Our baby had to lay down for half an hour three times during a 24 hour period. The middle drawer was pulled out, and we fit our many supplies inside a lined cake pan for his treatments.
• As you can tell it's served many purposes.
• Now that our son Isaak is a toddler, I've taken the changing pad off and it's now back to being a desk. I love that this old desk was something that we're using.

{Trash Turned to Treasure}

Setting Up Your Own Toy Bin For a Nursery

• I got a set of shelves from a friend that was moving away.
• He was just going to trash the shelves, so I took them in.
• I put a subtle texture on them. I applied white Gesso on the shelves with a spatula. After the texture was the way I wanted it to be, I moved on to the next step.
• I painted it with a mint green, and put three coats of acrylic varnish on top. Note that the varnish does yellow the paint slightly.
• I found baskets at Michaels that were just the right size for the shelves.
• Baby toys fit perfect in them!
• Now that my son is a little older, we've replaced the baby toys with cars, balls and stuffed animals.

{Trash Turned to Treasure}

Diaper Rash

• My toddler has diaper rash. It's been a long time since he's had it.
• Any ticks up your sleeve readers as to how to treat it?
• I use baby wash clothes instead of wipes to clean his bottom. They are soft, and do not contain alcohol like manufactured wipes do. I'm going to put a recipe on here soon to make your own wipes.
• I use Bag Balm for the majority of time when it comes to a sore bottom. It can be found in any pharmacy. You do need to ask for it. It is not in the baby section. It's original use was to treat cow utters. You get a lot (10 ounces) in this cute tin for an reasonable cost.
• It works very well for a dry sore bottom.

• When my little one gets a yest diaper rash I make my own diaper rash cream. Usually a yeast diaper rash is from diarrhea.
• I mix 50/50 Milk of Magnesia and Ponds Cold Cream. The Milk of Magnesia kills the acid and the Ponds Cold Cream moisturizes his red bottom.
• I got this recipe from my boy's pediatrician. It helps within a day or two.

Fun Follow Friday

• Fun Follow Friday is a chance to get to see other blogs out there, and have other blogger's see your blog.
• All you have to do is go to these great sites: My Wee View and Simple Stacie to link up your blog on Fun Follow Friday.
• Join in on the fun!

Relaxation at the Pump

• Sometimes women do not pump as much as they'd like.
• I've been there. I worked full time with both of my babies.
  
• One of the key things is to find some way to relax.
• Getting my mind off of work was hard for me. I was in somebodies office, other then my own. I had a classroom of students waiting for me to get done. They of course didn't know what I was doing. Time had to be made up somehow, so I was always in a hurry. The result was less milk being produced.

Here's a few things you can try to be more relaxed at work. A few things I have tried, and other relaxing techniques I've heard from women I know.

• Have a picture of your baby in your pump bag that you can look at.
• Call to check up on your baby during this time. I found that this would not only take my mind off of work, but sometimes I'd hear my baby crying in the background. This would make me produce more milk.
• Drink something. Mother's Milk Tea or water while pumping. It's putting those needed fluids back in your body and again helping you take your mind off of everything else.
• Dim the lights and/or put on soothing music if possible.
  

Treating Pink Eye

What is Conjunctivitis, otherwise knows as Pink Eye?

• When someone experiences redness, irritation, itchiness, and watering of the eyes. Some individuals may encounter an itch or tightness in the throat, and/or ‘gritty feeling’ in one or both of their eyes.
  
• During the night, discharge seeps out of one or both eyes to form a crust. In the morning, victims of pink eye may awaken to dried mucus sealing their eyelids shut.
• Eye infections that have a colored, foul-smelling or "creamy" discharge are usually the result of a bacterial infection. You should see a doctor if this occurs.
• Pink Eye is very contagious, so try and stay away from other people until symptoms clear up.

Natural ways to cure Pink Eye:
Breastmilk

• A natural way to treat Conjunctivitis, otherwise known as Pink Eye is to put drops of breast milk into the child's eye. It is because of the natural antibodies it possesses. Use a medicine dropper to place a few drops into the eye, repeating every couple of hours.
• Other natural ways to treat pink eye are:

Organic Green Tea Mixture

• Combine filtered water, two organic green teabags, the juice of ½ small lemon, and two cap full of peroxide to treat their symptoms.
  
• Fill a small 6-ounce juice glass halfway with filtered water and steep all ingredients for about 20 minutes. Take one teabag out of the mixture and allow it to drain into the infected eye. Stinging may occur for a couple of seconds, but after about an hour improvements are seen. Repeat overnight for soothing relief.
• Remedy #2 combines teabags, honey, and about ¼ teaspoon of salt. After brewing two teabags to create one cup of tea, remove the tea bags allowing them to cool. Pour the tea into a small jar, adding the honey and salt. After everything is dissolved and the liquid is completely cooled – use a Q-Tip to apply two to three drops of solution into the infected eye, and the base of the eyelashes. Finally, cover the eyes with the teabags, using a warm washcloth to hold them in place. Honey offers antibiotic results, while the salt works as an astringent.

Aloe Vera

• Use pure aloe vera from a plant that contains antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties to avoid the stinging sensation that may come with over-the-counter products. Repeat throughout the day and overnight.

Apple Cider Vinegar

• Use distilled water and apple cider vinegar as a wash to ease the pain of pink eye.

Peroxide

• Green discharge can be treated by gently rubbing the eyelids with a cotton ball soaked in peroxide. Repeat several times per day to see results. While this treatment may cause stinging, patients have expressed instant relief.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conjunctivitis
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/STD/messages/434.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pink-eye/DS00258/DSECTION=risk%2Dfactors
http://media.www.pittnews.com/media/storage/paper879/news/2006/10/05/HealthScience/Pink-Eye.Strikes.Most.In.The.Winter.Months-2333330.shtml

Can You Breastfeed an Adopted Baby?

• The answer is, "YES"!
  
• I have one sister that is adopted. My mom didn't know that she could breastfeed her. During those times, it would of been hard prepping to nurse an adopted child. They didn't have the breast pumps that they do today.
• Through history they had what is called, "A Wet Nurse" take care of someone's baby. They nursed their own baby, and already had milk, or would just start lactating due to putting the baby on their breast.
  
• This process is much easier now because there is such advanced breast pumps that can be used before the baby arrives.
• Breastfeeding is such a positive way to bond and it's good for the baby and mom too!
  
• Medela has a whole article on the subject here.
  

Nursing Someone With Special Needs

• Once again Medela has surprised me!
• I was browsing their site, and came across a product that would of helped me so much in regards to nursing Mica. Mica was born with a cyst under his tongue making his tongue misshaped, plus he needed a Frenectomy. I had to get a medicine syringe to feed him my breast milk at first.
• Medela makes this product called, Medela Mini-SpecialNeeds® Feeder with 80ml Collection Container. It's for Special Needs babies, but my son could of used this. Preemies that are not able to nurse yet can use this as well.
  

Mom4Life Weekly Contest

• Did I mention how I love the site: Mom4Life? I do, and I have mentioned it.
  
• They have weekly giveaways on their blog.
• This week they are giving away three pair of Shapely Lace Washable Nursing Pads that originally cost $9.99.
• How do you win? You just need to look at their daddy items on their site, and comment telling them which one thing the dad in your life would like.
• The contest ends June 15.
  

Earth Mamma Angel Baby Organics

• I was so excited to hear about a fun contest that Earth Mamma Angel Baby Organics has going on.
• Click on the link above and towards the bottom of the page it has an email where you submit a story about your most classic/funny/embarrassing moment you've had while breastfeeding.
• If you win, Earth Mamma Angel Baby Organics will send you some of their Organic Milkmaid Tea that helps with healthy lactation.
• If you'd like to purchase some of their tea it is $6.19.
  

What is Mastitis, How Do You Know if You Have it?

What is it?

• Mastitis is inflammation of one or both breasts. It usually occurs in only one.
• Mastitis is pretty common among women who are breastfeeding.
• The best thing to do is to call your OB doctor.

Causes:

• Mastitis occurs when a milk duct becomes blocked, or the skin around the nipple becomes cracked. Both scenarios allow bacteria to enter, leaving the breast tissue infected.
  
• Both of these situations allow bacteria to enter and infect the breast tissue.

Some of the Risk Factors are:

• Skipping breastfeeding, pumping helps with this
• Wearing anything on top that is too tight
• Too much pressure on the breasts caused by sleeping on your stomach, holding the breast too tight while feeding and doing active things without a supportive bra
• Yeast infection in the breast
  
• Previous mastitis
• Abrasion or cracking of the breast nipple
• Wearing a bra or clothing that is too tight
• A yeast infection in the breast
• Sudden weaning, weaning slowly can prevent this

*There are other risk factors, these are just common ones.

Weaning

• Both of my kid's were difficult to start with nursing, and didn't want to quit when it came time to wean them.
• Mica, my oldest stopped nursing at 1 1/2, I think...it all seems to be a blur. My son Isaak just turned two. He's still nursing once or twice a day some days.
  
• The hardest time for Isaak to stop is when I go to pick him up in the evening after working all day. He jumps up and down because he misses me so much. He wants to nurse right away. Many times, I try and hurry up to get out of my sister's or mom and dad's house because I just want to keep his mind off of nursing.
• In the morning I've found that if I'm up, dressed and breakfast is made, he is less likely to want to nurse. He has a nice meal waiting for him instead. But...I never know for sure when he's going to wake up.
  
• If Isaak has something to keep him occupied then he's mostly ok with not nursing.
  
• Sometimes if he nurses, gets distracted, I'll cover up. He wants to latch on a min or two later. I'll just say, "Mommy's bottles are empty". I've always called nursing, "Mommy's Bottles".
  
• Ending breastfeeding and sucking a thumb is a lot different then giving up a binky or blanket. You can't just take it away to hide it, or throw it away in the trash can...it's there in front of them.
• Does any body have any other weaning tips for me?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

• The availability of resources to help employers create a supportive workplace for nursing moms has recently changed.
• The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed by President Obama on March 23 includes a new requirement for corporations with more than 50 employees to provide nursing mothers reasonable breaks and private, non-bathroom spaces so they may express breast milk.
• I'm not thrilled that it extends the right for only up to 1 year (I pumped longer for my son's), and why only work places of 50 + workers? I am thrilled about the difference this would make for mothers in the many states, mine included, that do not extend this right under state law!
• Medela has resources and services available to help employers understand the new requirements, create corporate lactation programs and support moms returning to work. Visit Medela to help your employer better understand what help they can be to you.

A Taste For Whatever

• I hear a lot of people say that their kids will only eat SpaghettiOs®, Mac and Cheese or PBJ's. I'm fine with all those things in small doses. I just don't want my kids to get locked into eating only one of those and wanting it all the time.
  
• I've never had this problem with my kids. Sure sometimes they are cautious about eating something that looks different. I think that's pretty normal.
• We put a little of everything we are eating on their plates and we expect them to try everything.
  
• Our kids love a few odd things compared to most kids. They like red peppers, humus and Lima beans. They'll eat any kind of fruit. Isaak (our two year old) is not too fond of bread (which the rest of us like) and he likes curry in things, which is a little odd for someone his age. Now...both kids love ice cream and chocolate, so we're not by any means perfect eaters.
  
• Studies have shown that if you want your child to be more of an adventurous eater...start initially at the breast. They get flavors of whatever their mom is eating.
• As a mom, try and eat a variety when you're pregnant and nursing. Your baby will be more open to trying new things if you are.

Over 100 Ingredients

• Human breast milk contains at least 100 ingredients that can't be found in cow's milk.
• Formula manufacturers have not been able to duplicate all the ingredients.
  
• Breast milk is not as hard on babies tummy's as formula.
• Nursed newborns suffer less from constipation and diarrhea.
  
• Some babies might be allergic to cow's milk or soy alternatives. This does make nursing harder because many things have to get cut from a mom's diet if she's nursing.

Bra's

• Where and when should you get a bra? You want to wait close to delivery before getting a bra, but you don't want to wait too long, and find that you went into labor before you had a chance to get a bra.
• I got sized at Victoria Secret. I just knew they had friendly service. It made me feel even more relief when I went in, and one of the workers was pregnant too. I didn't actually get a bra that day. I really wanted a nursing bra, and Victoria Secret doesn't have them.
  
• I went to get sized for a bra 3 weeks before I went in to have each of my babies.
• Once I knew what size I needed, and what brand(s) I liked, I happily shopped from the comfort of my own home at Break Out Bras. They have free shipping, good prices and a lot of selection!
• The only thing I don't like is their website design.
  

Engorged?

• I remember a few days after I got home from the hospital after Mica's birth I had engorged breasts. I was even running a low grade temp.
  
• Being a new mom, I had no idea what to do.
• At the time I saw this as a negative thing. Now I know that it was a positive because my body was trying to tell me that I was indeed producing milk.
• I called my mom who is a nurse that nursed two children herself, and Mica's pediatrician for advice.
• The BEST thing you can do is to nurse frequently, and if your baby isn't hungry pump in small intervals. I found it worked best for me to pump for 5 to 10 min. and then nurse. Pumping first would soften the areola, and allow Mica to latch better.
• Cold packs help relieve the pain and swelling.
  
• I had to wake Mica up to nurse every 2 hours to prevent engorgement. He was a very sleepy baby.
  

Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, Chery Chip Lactation Cookies

• I know a long name for one of my favorite cookies!
  
• Trust me they are delicious!
  
• This recipe is great for mothers who are nursing.
  
• It helps to keep your milk supply up and/or increase your milk supply. Use more brewers yeast and oatmeal if you are wanting to increase your supply.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup butter
2. 1/2 cup sugar
3. 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
4. 4 tablespoons water
5. 2 tablespoons flax seed
6. 2 eggs
7. 1 teaspoon vannilla
8. 2 cups flour
9. 1 teaspoon baking soda
10. 1 teaspoon salt
11. 2 1/2 cups oats
12. 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (Optional)
    
13. 1/2 cup chocolate chips
14. 1/2 cup cherry chips (you can substitute with more chocolate chips if you'd like)
    
15. 3 tablespoon brewer's yeast

Directions

1. Preheat the over to 350 degrees.
2. Mix the flax seed and water, let sit for 3 to 5 min.
3. Beat butter, sugar and brown sugar well.
4. Add eggs and mix well.
5. Add flaxseed mix and vanilla, beat well.
6. Sift together flour, brewers yeast, baking soda, and salt.
7. Add dry ingredients to butter mix.
8. Stir in oats, chips and walnuts.
9. Scoop onto baking sheet.
10. Bake for 12 minutes.
11. Let set for a couple minutes then remove from cookie sheet or baking stone.

Disney's Efforts

• I was really happy to run across this article about Walt Disney animal experts and their efforts to ensure mother-child bonding between animals.
• Being a mother and a child once, I feel that it's so important to have someone to look up to! I feel that other animals should be able to build a bond with each other as well.
• Let nature take its course.
  

Matching with Your Newborn

• Old Navy has the cutest sets for mom and baby!
• They are not expensive either $32.50 for everything pictured: Pj's for mom, gown and hat for baby, and a little bag for everything to fit into!
  
• These adorable sets only come online.
  
• I bought one that was different colors (blue and white striped) because I bought it 2 years ago.
  
• I loved how the baby's gown had extra fabric by the hands that flipped over, so that my baby Isaak didn't scratch is face.
• The pajama shirt for mom is a nursing shirt.
  

Cover Up While Nursing

• My younger sister did nurse in public many times. She had a cover up that looked somewhat like:
  

• People would come up, ask to see the baby and she'd just say, "Oh he's sound asleep". She was actually nursing. I was envious that she could nurse without anyone knowing.
  
• I once asked my sister, "If you were me, would you have nursed in public?" She said, "No".
  
• She knows I had problems latching in the beginning, and active babies towards the end of nursing.
  

In Regards to the Previous Post

• I have no problem with people nursing in public.
  
• I have never felt comfortable nursing around people myself. I have nursed in front of family, and the Baby and Me Group that I went to.
• I would have been more open minded towards nursing in public if I did not have so many struggles in the beginning. It was just so hard latching both of my newborns. I really had to see what I was doing.
• When both of my babies got older, they were too active to nurse in the public eye.
• If you are someone who is like me and feels uncomfortable nursing in the public eye...dressing rooms in the mall work great to sneak into. Many malls also have a Mother's Room outside the restrooms.
  
• Sometimes I'd just pump before hand, and give my baby a bottle in public.
  

What Would You Do?

Nursing Bracelets

• There are a lot of nursing bracelet's on the market.
  
• They are an excellent idea! Really any bracelet will work. You just switch arms to know which breast to start on for the next feeding. Believe me, it's easy to forget!
  
• The first few weeks you can nurse on one side the whole feeding. Then you switch sides for the next feeding.
• When they get a little older and are nursing more, you'll want to switch sides during one single feeding.
  

• I really like the Milk Bands Nursing Reminder Bracelets that are sold at Mom4Life!
• They are great because they maintain an accurate log of their baby's feeding time. This would of been so great for doctor appointments. The nurse always asked me, "How much does he eat?" I was always like, "Humm?"
• A side indicator lets the mother know which breast should be used when starting a feeding session by simply flipping the Milk Band inside-out once during every nursing session.
• A time tracking device is included, which can be used for many different purposes including:

1. Record single feeding sessions to the nearest 5 minute increment
2. Record multiple feeding sessions over a full day period
3. Record the number of times the baby fed in one day
4. Record the number of diapers a baby soiled during the day
5. Reminding the mother what time the baby last fed
6. Reminding the mother roughly what time the baby is due for another feeding

Getting Pregnant and Sex while Nursing

• Topics that many are afraid to discuss.
  
• There is a myth that breastfeeding its self is birth control. You can get pregnant while nursing, but it is harder to get pregnant since a woman's cycle is not consistent.
  
• A woman's sex drive can be lacking while nursing. I have to admit that I loved not having a period for a long while, but I was not in the mood for sex at all. There were many factors that can lead to a low sex drive.
  

1. Nursing its self and being on the pill both change your hormones.
   
2. Many woman are scared of having sex after for the first few times after giving birth. I had two c-section's. It burned when I had sex.
3. There's also the lack of sleep. Your husband may get up with you to help out in the middle of the night, but you're the one staying up to nurse, and you are literally getting your energy sucked out of you.
   
4. You are also busy with taking care of a new little person.
   

• The crazy thing is that the boy's pediatrician talked to us more about having a low sex drive, when my OB doctor didn't even mention it.
• Talk to your husband. It may be hard to do, but you have to talk about the issue.
  

Period.

• I got my period a few month after my oldest son Mica was born. Then it was another few months before I had another one. With Isaak I didn't get a single period until he was 5 or 6 months old.
• Breastfeeding causes hormonal changes leading to the lack of menstruation, or to irregular bleeding.
  
• Nursing and getting or not getting a period varies from woman to woman.
  
• Birth control can tamper with your cycle as well. Talk to your OB doctor about what birth control pills to go on while nursing.
  

Do You Need to Take Prenatal Vitamins When You are Nursing?

• It is a good idea to take prenatal vitamins during the first 2 to 3 months of breastfeeding. I was told to keep taking prenatal vitamins with my youngest, but not with my oldest.
• With my oldest I took a Woman's One a Day vitamin. You should continue to take of woman's vitamin after you are done taking prenatal vitamins.
  
• This makes sure you're getting essential vitamins and minerals. Most women can get all necessary vitamins and minerals if they are eating a well-balanced diet.
  
• But that can be hard to do when you're taking care of a baby, a home, perhaps another kid and career as well.
• Iron is the main mineral women lack. Women who give birth lose quite a lot during delivery and loose blood every month when they menstruate.
  
• Also, you need a lot of calcium a day when nursing. You need about what you'd get in three 8-ounce glasses of milk. It can be hard to get that much calcium from food.
  
• Even prenatal supplements contain only about 200 mg of calcium, so you still need to drink your milk, calcium-fortified orange juice, and eat dairy products such as yogurt, cottage cheese and cheese.

Micro-Steam Bags

• Another great new product! This is the Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags.
• You just place your pump parts and bottles in one of these reusable bags with some filtered water, seal the bag and place it in the microwave for less then 3 min.
• It works better then cleaning your parts in the dishwasher, or boiling water to steam clean them.
• Eliminates 99.9% of all harmful bacteria and germs from most breast pump parts and feeding accessories.
  

Pump Wipes

• I wish I would of known about pump and accessory wipes when I was pumping with both of my babies.
  
• This new product would of been so handy while pumping at work!
• It cleans Breastshields, Valves and Membranes.
• It's Alcohol-Free, Bleach-Free and Scent-Free.

Ending the Pacifier

• It really annoys me when I see kids that can talk clearly, and still suck on a pacifier.
  
• I guess the same could be said about nursing, but I feel nursing is natural. It still gives your child antibodies to fight off colds.
• I got rid of the pacifiers as soon as my kids started throwing them out of their crib. I saw it as a sign that they were done with them.
  
• The same goes with potty training. If a kid starts to wiggle and be difficult with getting their diaper changed, they are probably ready to start potty training.
  
• I don't go by an age with these things. I simply try to read my child's cues.

Starting the Pacifier

• I waited to start my babies on a pacifier until they were well established nursers.
  
• Breastfeeding requires a baby to use more muscles in their face to complete the task then sucking on a bottle or pacifier does.
  
• If they are introduced too early with an artificial nipple, they may get lazy and go on a nursing strike.
  
• Don't get me wrong...I owe a lot to pacifiers. They were great when Mica had to get an MRI, and couldn't nurse all morning long. They are a soother. Just don't start them too early.
• What pacifier do you get?
  
• I really wish I would of known about the Raz Baby Keep it Kleen pacifier! It closes before it drops on the floor!
  
  
  
• I always wondered if Isaak might of gotten his meningitis from his binky. I don't know for sure how he got it. This is just a guess.
  

Sibling's Role

• I was really nervous about what to expect with a newborn baby, and having a toddler at the same time.
• With nursing it wasn't so bad. My oldest, Mica and I did a lot of reading. We read, while Isaak nursed.
  
• I showed Mica where the spit up rags were, and he'd get me them when I needed one.
• Mica was pretty apprehensive when it came to his new baby brother. I had to teach him how to touch Isaak softly.
  
• He tried giving him his binky when Isaak was old enough to take one. Mica would put it in Isaak's mouth upside down. Isaak didn't seem to care.
  

Daddy's Help

• One thing that I've heard some people say about breast feeding, "I really wish I could of breast fed, but I wanted Daddy to share some responsibility and be able to bond with the baby as well."
  
• A breast fed baby can bond with the father. It may be a different type of bond, but everyone bonds in different ways.
• Some of the things my husband did to help out are:
  

1. He got me drinks of water while I was nursing.
2. He changed diapers.
3. He fixed some meals while I was nursing.
4. He burped the baby.
   
5. He cuddled with the baby.
   
6. When the baby was old enough Daddy gave him bottles during the day while I was at work.
   

• These are all important things.
• I really would of had more trouble nursing if it were not for all my husband's help.
  

Ever Been Walked in on While Pumping?

• I have been walked in on while pumping at work and in the hospital.
  
• In the hospital I was sort of ok with being walked in on. There really wasn't any other room besides the hospital room I could go to pump for my newborns, and when my babies were sick. Hospital staff just seem ok with stuff like that.
  
• But when it happened at work I was embarrassed!
• We have no rooms with locks on them at work. I made a sign that said, "This room is in use, Please do not open. Come back in about 15 min." It was in bold big letters, and hung right by the door handle.
  
• Being a teacher, I know people don't always read before they do things. Sure enough I was walked in on twice. Luckily I had my back to who opened the door. One time I had nearly a whole tour get lead into the room I was pumping. Luckily the admission's rep saw I was in there before she lead them into the room.
• My answer to getting privacy at work if there are no locks on the doors, get a door stop. Put it in the door from the inside, so it stops people from coming in. A co-worker actually gave me this idea when I was complaining about getting walked in on. Most work places have them already. I just grabbed one from work, and put it in the outside pocket of my pump bag. I almost got walked in on one more time, but the door stop, stopped them from coming in.
  

Breastfeeding Ads

• These are by far my favorite breastfeeding ad's.
  
• I love how they are subtle, yet get the message across.
  

It Says, Breastfeed for six months. Help reduce your child's risk for ear infections.

It Says, Breastfeed for six months. You help reduce your child's risk for childhood obesity.

It Says, Breastfeed for six months. Help reduce your child's risk for respiratory illness.

• These ad's were put out by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• At the end of each ad it says, Call 800-994-WOMAN or visit www.4woman.gov to learn more. Or talk to your healthcare provider.
  Babies were born to be breastfed.
  

Live Chat

• I got this email from Medela about a live chat with a lactation counselor.
  
• The information is below if anyone is interested:
  

Medela is partnering with the Office of Women's Health in support of National Women's Health Week (May 9-15) and will be hosting a free live chat with lactation counselor Julie Hamilton on Thursday, May 13 at 11:30 a.m. EST via a toll-free number.

Julie Hamilton hails from Nashville, Tenn., and, in addition to recently earning her certificate in lactation counseling, is a mother of three breastfed children, including 21-month-old twins who are still nursing. Experienced in breastfeeding and pumping (at home and at work), Julie works in her community to help other mothers successfully breastfeed. As Mrs. Nashville, Julie works to spread the message of breastfeeding preparedness and is dedicated to helping moms and babies have successful breastfeeding experiences.

If you're interested in joining this live chat, please email medela@mommavens.com with the subject line "MMM Live Chat." Include your name and any questions you'd like to pose ahead of the call. We will provide dial-in information closer to the live chat date.

Have a pregnant or breastfeeding friend who'd appreciate advice from an experienced mom? Invite her to join the call, too! We welcome any and all breastfeeding questions. Our goal is to help you (and your friends!) successfully breastfeed. We look forward to seeing you there!

Regards,

The Medela Mom Mavens Team

Hair Loss, Is it Caused By Breastfeeding?

• The answer is no. It is caused by changes in a new mom's hormones.
  
• During pregnancy, changes in your hormone levels cause your hair to stay in a resting phase, so hair loss is less. You may have noticed that your hair seemed thicker maybe even shinier than usual.
  
• After you've given birth and your hormones have settled down, usually at about 12 weeks after birth, hair shifts into a shedding phase. It was alarming to me to put my fingers through my hair, and have hair come out by the handful.
• You start to lose your hair about the same time your baby loses his or her hair.
  
• Normally, you lose about 100 to 125 hairs a day. After delivery, you may be losing about 500 a day. This may be alarming, but you will not go bald.
• I had what I called, "Baby Hair" grow back. It started growing back when I noticed my babies hair was growing back.
  

Do You Have a Gassy Baby? I Certainly Did!

• My oldest was my gassy baby.
  
• Again...try and sit them up a lot like I mentioned in my previous post.
  
• Some people say they are gassy because of what the mom is eating. I've heard that's a rumor, and then I've heard it's true. If you have a kid that has to stay off of any cow's milk then yes you should watch what you eat for the first year of their life.
• With Mica we discovered gas drops a little too late.
  

• We massaged Mica's belly ever so gently to work out the gas. This really helped!
  

Do You Have a Spitty Baby? I Certainly did!

• Why do babies spit up? The most common reason is that they have an under-developed esophageal valve that doesn't function as it should when pressure is placed on the tummy or the baby is in a flat-lying position.
• My oldest Mica wasn't a spitter. He kept his milk down for the most part.
• My youngest Isaak was another story. I actually called him, "Mr. Spits" for awhile.
  
• Just about every time he ate, he spit up.
• Isaak's pediatrician told us not to worry about it, as long as the spit up didn't smell, was discolored, and he wasn't gaining weight. He surpassed all three, so I didn't worry about it too much.
• The nice thing about breast milk is that it doesn't stain like formula does.
  

A few things to do with a baby that spits up a lot:

• Sit them upright when you can. This is good anyhow because it helps with digesting. How would you like to drink a bunch of milk shakes and lay down afterwards? See what I mean?
  

• Feed them in small amounts. This is harder to do with breast feeding, but if you have someone watching your little one tell them to feed them in small amounts, but more frequently. We found this really helped Isaak.
• Stock up on cloth diapers. The Gerber ones are great; you can buy in any store and they are not expensive. They work great as spit up rags! They sell Gerber spit up rags as well. The spit up rags are a little more in price, and not as absorbent. Later on you can use them for pee accidents when they are potty training.
  

• If you have a spitter like I did with Isaak, you'll feel like he/she is never going to stop spitting up! They start to stop when they are eating baby food and can sit up better on their own.
• It was frustrating to me because I'd work so hard to pump, and he'd spit up 1/4 of it. That was just in his nature.
  

Baby Not Taking a Bottle?

• I never had a problem with my two children when it came to taking a bottle. They would of sucked on anything.
• My sister on the other hand had huge problems with her youngest taking a bottle. You'd think after he'd go hungry, he'd just give up and drink a bottle. After all it still had mommy milk in it. Nope! His Uncle, his Daddy and his Grandparents all had to deal with a screaming baby that wanted nothing to do with a bottle. We had to train him early on how to use a sippy cup, and even that was hard to do.
  
• They make a bottle I just recently learned about that is ever so close to a natural breast. I learned about it from Mom 4 Life. Right now they have a 5% coupon on the site, free shipping and tax always!
• The bottles are BPA and Phthalate free.
  
• There are 3 stages of bottles for a different flows.

1. Stage One is white (slow flow) is generally used for premature and newborn babies up to 3 months old.
   
   
   
   
2. Stage Two is blue (med flow) is generally used for babies anywhere from 3 to 6 months old.
   
   
   
   
3. Stage Three is orange (fast flow) is generally used for babies 6 months old and older.

How Long Can You Keep Breastmilk?

• You can refrigerate breast milk for three to five days.
• Freeze it for three to six months.
• Don't freeze milk if you plan to use within three to five days. Freezing destroys some of the antibodies. Frozen breast milk is still healthier than formula.
• You can keep milk that's been frozen and thawed in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but don't refreeze it.
• It can be in a deep freezer the longest because it is not opened and closed often. It can be stored 6 months, or longer. I got a deep freezer before we had Mica just because I knew I'd need it. I used it a lot!
  
• If you feel like you have too much milk, your supply will decrease as your baby gets older, or sick. It's a good idea to stock up for later.
  
• Hospitals do take donated milk.
• I found this excellent chart on a site called: Storing and Transporting Breast Milk.
  

• Breast milk contains live antibodies that kill bacteria. Since bacteria is what causes milk to spoil, the antibodies in breast milk will keep it fresh longer than formula.

Other Breastfeeding Blogs

• Motherwear's Breastfeeding Blog
  
• The Lactivist
• Breastfeeding Mums Blog
• Breastfeeding Magazine
• The Essence of Breastfeeding
  

Teething Necklasses

• One thing I've found helpful to prevent biting while nursing is when I wear a teething necklace.
• They make a lot of different styles. I got the Smart Mom Donut Shaped Pendent from Mom4 Life. I happen to have the grey one for $19. They have other pretty colors like the bronze one is pretty! They have bracelets that match.
  
• The great thing about the bracelets is that they can be used to switch from arm to arm to not loose track of what side you nursed on.
  

• Another necklace that Mom 4 Life carries is the Sonny and Reed Necklace for $29.50. It too comes in other colors.
  

• If your baby chews on this jewelry, it's ok because it's BPA and phthalate free.
  
• Mom 4 Life has no tax and shipping charges