Happy Nursing & Pumping

Preface: What worked and works for my body may not work for all. The below are strictly suggestions and recommendations. Before taking any supplement, consult your doctor and your child's pediatrician. I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.

I have seen so many posts on each of the breastfeeding and mommy groups that I follow, about "how to boost my supply" or to increase lactation during a pumping session.

Building a backup supply for when you plan to return to work or school is definitely a stressful topic- especially when your baby is so new, so little and needs you!

Nevertheless, I reiterate my response each and every time in hopes that it will be helpful to someone out there. 

I was incredibly fortunate to spend the first seven full months at home with my little LAMM. This was due to being laid off from my job, not because I am wealthy & could afford to stay home.

I pumped however often I needed to. LAMM  has been very consistent with her nursing since her birth. Initially we were nursing once every three hours and unless we were "growth spurting" and clustering feeding, this was always her schedule. Once she would sleep through the night, I would wake and pump to keep my milk from leaking all over whatever milk-stained tank top I had elected to wear for bed.

We gradually began to stretch our feeding times to 3 or 3.5 to sometimes 4 hours apart. 

Regardless of knowing that my supply was fine and my little was gaining weight as she should have been (she had all of the cinnamon rolls to prove it), I wanted to MAKE SURE I would maintain and be able to provide her with the liquid gold she would need when it came time for daycare.

Some of the foods/ supplements and other recipes that have helped me grow and maintain a healthy, need based, supply include:

- Hummus and carrots
- Strawberries, banana and Spinach (blended to a smoothie or on their own)
-Eggless Lactation cookies (Recipe to follow)
-No-Bake Lactation Bites (Recipe to follow)
-Oatmeal pies (on-the-go and NOT a first choice)
-Oatmeal breakfast bars and 
-Nature's Valley Granola Cups with almond butter (because YUM!)
-Almond Milk

* Fenugreek ( 2 tablets, 3x a day)
*Brewers yeast (3-4 tbsp in lact.cookies or 1 tbsp in oatmeal)
*Flaxseed
*Mother's Milk Teas

I will also admit that I tried the blue-gatorade, the 'Pink-Drink' lactation fads and neither made a substantial difference for me. I think hydration is really the key, so I will continue to drink my 120+oz of water per day.

I do my best to stay away from parsley, chocolate and other caffeinated products and also foods that tend to be gassy.

Another, non-food suggestion, is to massage your breasts while pumping. Do not stop pumping if there is still milk flowing or you will inadvertently be signaling your body to slow it's production. Pump after a nursing session for five or so minutes to stimulate and watch video's of your little peanut.. Every little smile will help!

We are approaching 13 months of breastfeeding and I have the mentality that we will continue over the next five months or if LAMM self-weans herself somewhere along this line.
If you are encountering criticisms, or "mommy-shaming", please jump over to my blog about this topic and know you are not alone. Stay strong in your breast feeding journey and know that it is just that--- your journey. Not theirs.

At 12.5 months post partum, I am still able to pump an adequate supply to meet Layla's needs while she is at daycare (two pumps over 8.5 hours, puping 6-8oz total).  With the approval of her pediatrician, we have gradually begun to introduce her to almond milk, while the majority of her nutrition comes from breast milk and the foods that she eats. 
We nurse a.m and p.m and she takes one 6-8 oz bottle of BM + one 2-4oz bottle of BM and Almond Milk (original/unsweetened organic) combined. All in all she receives anywhere between 7 & 9 oz of BM while at daycare.

If your little refuses a bottle come time for daycare/family-care, HANG IN THERE. Know that you CANNOT force a bottle. Your baby will retro-feed (basically be glued to your breast the moment you're together until bedtime) when he or she is with you again. They will make up for it. Continue to practice bottle feeding (not-mommy if possible), while at home and also have your child's care-taker continue to offer your BM with ONE brand of bottle.  If you notice a drop in your baby's weight as a result of this refusal- contact your pediatrician!

We went with Dr.Browns ventilated bottles and after two months of NOT taking more than 1 to 2 oz of BM (first four weeks she refused it almost entirely), LAMM happily takes her 6-8 oz without an issue. 
She still prefers the 'booba'- and shows this by grabbing at the neck of my shirts every afternoon.... butttttttttt- that's a different blog post...


Happy Nursing & Pumping mamas!

One Year: Parties & "Extended" Nursing

Whoa Mama!

I cannot believe my little has hit the one year mark. When you hear people say "Cherish these moments" because they go by so quickly; don't last forever; Can't get them back, etc. They are 100% RIGHT. 

A Year Full of First's: First Birthday

From first smile (from gas), first laugh and first teeth, to first noticing there are living creatures in the house other than them and couch-surfing and so many more- it really does flash before your eyes.

Plus, the first birthday party that you will inevitably spend months planning and preparing for will come and go like yesterday's news. It really is crazy.

My recommendation for first birthday party's are:

1. Keep things simple and costs low: We made our own invitations and sent digital e-invitations to some. It will save you a ton of money. 

2. Don't go overboard: Invite your friends with kids & have activities that are age appropriate. The party really is for their enjoyment as much as your own.

3. Print ahead to save time: Print a general "Thank You" card in advance and hand them out individually. Most families get their "1 Year" photos done just in advance of the birthday party, but if you do not- choose one of your favorite cell phone snap's & use it!
We personally love PICTURE PEOPLE, which has it's studios inside of BuyBuyBaby stores. We recommend them to all of our friend's with babies/tots because they always have coupons. Their photos are great quality, always same-day prints & affordable prices (I'm talking promos like $18 for 25 prints of your favorite pose!*  (*promos vary) ). They also have the option to buy the photo disc with every shot from your session. Great deal! 

Of course you should thank everyone for coming but give a special "Thank You" card to those who have given your little one a gift for their birthday. 

4. Be realistic. Inevitably something won't work the way you want it (ie: Amazon prime delivering all of your unicorn decorations and favors to the WRONG address, essentially losing them two days before the celebration). 

5. Enjoy it. Take a ton of photos of your setup, those who have helped, your guests enjoying the party & a zillion and a half photos of your baby. If they're anything like my little- they'll stick to eating the fruit off the top of the cake rather than smashing it.

Gift Idea's from LAMM's Mommy

Now that my little is growing into a bigger-little, she is more inquisitive than ever and loves to get her little hands on everything, even things she shouldn't. A few things we received/purchased with gift cards for her summer time *1st* Birthday, that I would recommend are:

1. Water toys: tables, pools, bath toys, toddler sized safety bathtub.

2. Gift Cards: Amazon, ToysRUs/BabiesRUs, Target, Walmart, etc. ANY are glorious & appreciated!

3. Toy remote (because YES, they will constantly turn the television off right as the show you are 
watching reaches a pivotal scene).

4. Toy phone ( I'd think this self-explanatory. However- to be clear- little's LOVE to play/chew on things like this. Better a toy than your actual mobile.)

5. Shoes or no-slip socks. 

" Extended Breast Feeding"

How do you feel about the term? The reason I wanted to touch on this is because my family has consistently been asked- since LAMM hit the 8 month mark- "when will you wean?" and "oh, you're still nursing?" type questions. So if you've been mommy shamed (directly or in-directly) for continuing to nurse passed the "one year" mark, know that you aren't alone.

If you are a breast feeding mama like I am-- TAKE YOUR TIME. No one can decide for you when it is best to wean. You and most important- your baby- will make that decision; decision of when you are both ready.  And to those asking the question(s)--- please back off.  This is meant with no disrespect, but truly it is none of your business. A breast feeding mama's decision to continue nursing is exactly that. It is not negatively impacting your life or body, so please- mind your own business. If this offends you, I apologize.

I really do not like when nursing passed one is termed "extended nursing" or "extended breastfeeding". 
"Extended" implies that the action is continued passed when it "should" have completed or ended. 
First, circling back to what I said previously, no one decides when you "should be" done nursing. Just stop it. 
Second- nursing/breastfeeding is just that- nursing/breastfeeding. No "extended" necessary. 

If I have learned anything this last year and can wish anything for my fellow breast feeding mama's, it is practice patience. Everyone is not as informed as we would like them to be. 

That said- I am so happy with our little's pediatrician; she is knowledgeable and supportive of breastfeeding and really hears my questions and concerns. If you do not have a supportive pediatrician and are uncomfortable or being pushed into something you and your baby may not be ready for, I suggest looking into an alternative pediatrician or reaching out to social media mommy groups for insight. Many mama's and daddy's share their pediatrician's suggestions with others. Do not be shy to voice concern or apprehension. 
#HumanMilkforHumanBabies #TheresNoSuchThingAsEXTENDEDNursing #NursingIsNursing


Really take the time to look back over the last year at everything your little has learned to do, the milestones accomplished and fun you have had together. Take as many pictures as you can and make as many memories as physically possible. These really are moments that you will never get again- so be present and enjoy them.






Disclaimer: All opinions recorded on this blog are strictly my own. I am not a medical professional & my advice should not replace that of your own or your child's medical professional. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new with your child! 

Teething...

It is important to note, Mommy's and Daddy's, that the term "teething" does not necessarily indicate or mean that your little one's teeth are going to pop right out. Per my pediatrician (and most others), teething occurs from 2 months to 2 years of age. 

Prepare yourself for a lot of drool & keep those teething toys handy!!! ( *Layla LOVES her teething raspberry and banana! We are going on almost 9 months of on/off usage.)

My little LAMM officially has cut EIGHT teeth, the two most recent coming in just says after her FIRST birthday.  She's been steadily teething since her 3 month pediatrician appointment, when we were told her gums were swelling, prepped & ready for teethies.

For the most part, LAMM has been taking teething like a champ, but these last two have been pretty troublesome for my little. Proof of her pain became evident when I received a message from daycare that she was having a very tough day & not her normal, bubbly self. LAMM is a champ and as I mentioned, we never had an issue with her teething effecting her behavior passed her morning wake-up, let alone into the afternoon. The 'tale' that teething pain is at it's worst in the wee-hours has proven false(atleast for our family).

In the earlier months, LAMM would develop little baby pimple like bumps around her jaw from the excessive amounts of drool and would soak several bibs a day, all while looking insanely adorable!

These newer teeth have turned my happy bunny into a raging rabbit who wants to chew on everything. I have even suffered a few "nursing nips". Breastfeeding mama's can relate, or certainly will when the time (& surprise) arrives.

My suggestion is Baby Orajel Naturals directly to the gums, a small dose of Infant Tylenol for the tough nights & repeat the Tylenol every 4-6 hours through the night! Thus far, when my LAMM misses her follow up Tylenol, we all are greeted with hourly fussing sessions. On top of not wanting your little babe to be in pain- you will also begin to feel the effects of the restless nights.

We have also found it to be helpful if baby gets a nice warm bath followed by some lavender body lotion!

In addition to these treatments, it's important to give your little something they CAN chew on; chewable's that are not your fingers, their fingers, or other body parts.

There are many brands of teething wafers/biscuits. My intention was to try to make some home-made, but with everything else going on- I have not been able to find the time.  We've been quite happy with all of these brands & their many flavors; check them out HERE.

Now- preventing "nursing nips" is tough. Fortunately, my little one has only caught me two or three times (in total), and after hearing me screech in surprise and seeing the little twinge of pain look cross my face- she usually releases from nursing when she is done.
If you let your baby pacify on you, know you are not alone, but prepare yourself for the need to possible say "stop please", or tap your babes lips with a "no-no".

Another imporant thing to realize is that your child cannot actually BITE if they are actively nursing. When you see your child is no longer drinking, the best thing you can do to prevent bites/nips is to remove the child from your breast. IF you encounter a nursing nip, remove the child from the breast. This could be seen as "conditioned behavior". Once the child has been removed from the breast two or three times, they will understand that their biting causes them to lose access to the boo-ba. This has been incredibly helpful in our household. There is no need to smack your baby/child's mouth/hands, etc.

With all of this said- I send all teething mommy's & daddy's my love and compassion. We know your pain & can relate. Hang in there, little ones!








Disclaimer: All opinions recorded on this blog are strictly my own. I am not a medical professional & my advice should not replace that of your own or your child's medical professional. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new with your child! 

Eggless Lactation Cookies

Hi mamas!!
Let it be known that I am not anti- dairy or anti- egg by any means. However- as mentioned back around the holidays 2016- my little had a reaction to my eating too much dairy and egg. I went a little crazy on my "taste-testing"! I am sure most can relate to that.

That said- here I am, 9 (almost 10) months post- partum and my little LAMM loves nothing more than a satisfying nursing session. I have had my share of friends and relatives express their opinions that (summarized)- soon I won't have to nurse anymore. I know they don't mean any negativity with those opinions- but nursing has been an honest joy for me. I know not everyone has that experience - but it's been mine. I am also intending to nurse as long as my LO wants to, or for as long as my body will allow. Why not continue to fuel my body with the yumminess it needs to support this effort?
I've gone from molding my own version of lactation "boobie bites" to "milk magic" cookies.

One of my recipes, undoubtedly tweaked from three or four recipes I have tried from other mommy'S recipe books- mine replaces your normal butter addition with coconut oil and omits the egg.

I hope you can enjoy these cookies as much as I do- and remember not to go too heavy with Brewers yeast. Straying too far from this recipe will result in a much different cookie texture. * I've tried adding PB2 and an extra scoop of BY and it went BADLY.

1 c. Whole wheat flour
1.5 c Rolled Oats (quick oats are fine!)
3 Tablespoons Brewers Yeast
2 Tablespoons Flaxseed Meal(ground)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 Softened coconut oil (if you need to microwave- make sure not entirely melted)
1/4 teaspoon each: baking soda, baking powder and salt
1 cup chocolate chips ( I like to mix dark and white if I don't have milk choc. )
Bake at 350 (1 dozen cookies on each sheet) until golden. Shouldn't take more than 20 mins!


EAT TO YOUR HEARTS CONTENT!



Disclaimer: All opinions recorded on this blog are strictly my own. I am not a medical professional & my advice should not replace that of your own or your child's medical professional. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new with your child! 

To nurse...

First & most importantly- breast feeding is not for everyone.
Whether your milk does not come in, or formula is just a better route for you and your family- A fed baby, is a happy baby!

That said, if you are able to and elect to nurse, it is super important to have a strong and supportive network of friends and family.
I was fortunate enough to have a friends and relatives with nursing experience, a supportive boyfriend and an incredibly supportive family who didn't mind when I tucked away for an hour with my nursing newborn.

I also had an awesome lactation nurse. They worked with me on several different positions and gave me insight on what could happen to my body as I nursed. It is important to know each of the different positions you can hold your little because early nursing can be somewhat uncomfortable as you and your baby figure it all out, together.

We all cannot be expected to nurse the same way. What works for me may not work for you. However, I will share a few things that have helped me, some trials I have faced & how I have gotten and continue to get through them...

The many different nursing techniques/holds:

1. Cradle

2. Cross cradle

3. Football hold

4. Belly to Belly/Lying Down (my favorite! Especially helpful if you find yourself co-sleeping!)

In the hospital, we worked on cross cradle and football hold. I'm not sure if this is general practice, but the lactation consultant suggested them.

Our first few weeks at home were a bit difficult with nursing. Baby girl seemed to be latching slightly off on my left side and I didn't know what to do. Let me preach: Lanolin...lifesaver. End of story. 

I had encountered some BP issues through my pregnancy, so I visited the doctor a week after delivery. The nurse practitioner strongly suggested switching up nursing positions to put latching "pressure" on a different spot, thus avoiding the crack that I was desperate to have heal.

LAMM did not like football hold, but unfortunately- I was suffering from cracked and even bleeding nipples. After a few tries of football hold (while laying down on my bed with her) LAMM's latch corrected and my battle-wounds healed up and we were working together more smoothly. Things finally clicked!

#TreeofLife #Normalizebreastfeeding

EBF, Pumping, Supplementing or Formula Feeding?

This is a choice we all face with our new little ones and here is how I see it...FED is Best!! I apologize if you have read this already. I tend to reiterate this a LOT because it is so important to know. EBF is not everyone's best plan- do what is right for your family and do not allow anyone make you feel less!

Once LAMM was born, we supplemented. I was still off from my pregnancy hypertension and magnesium drip. I couldn't get up to nurse and didn't want the NICU pumping my baby with saline rather than giving her formula. That, to me, was not the route we wanted to take. So- for the first week or two, we supplemented with Similac Supplementing formula to allow Daddy time to bond with baby and mommy an extra few hours of sleep.

As baby girl grew, I began to nurse as often as possible- determined to get my supply up and producing. I was home with her all of the time, so this wasn't an issue.

When it came to pumping- I really didn't want to. That is putting it mildly.

LAMM was sleeping through the night and if I skipped that overnight pump- I was waking up in pools, wet shirts, wet sheet and I couldn't help but be upset at the waste. So I pumped and massaged and pumped and massaged. Determined to get every drop of liquid gold that I could. 

Five weeks after having Layla, I was laid off. This was truly a blessing in disguise. I was able to stay home with her until she turned 7 months and she was EBF up to that point. 

HOWEVER- my biggest battle with EBF is that my little will now NOT take a bottle without a fight. Even when she DOES take a bottle, she will only take half to 1 oz of breast milk before calling it quits. 

EBF mommy's- a piece of advice- give your baby atleast one bottle a day (if not more). If you have to return to work it will make things much easier on you and baby. If you are returning to work as a nursing mom- check out my pumping at work post!









Disclaimer: All opinions recorded on this blog are strictly my own. I am not a medical professional & my advice should not replace that of your own or your child's medical professional. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new with your child! 

Pumping at Work

Oh the joys of being a working mama❤. Top off that peanut butter & chocolate swirl sundae, or whichever flavor you prefer, with being a nursing/pumping mama and you are in for a TREAT!

I am fortunate enough to have an extremely accommodating boss- who dressed up my office window with a nice curtain rod and black out curtain. I am able to pump in my office or in any other empty office, if need be. 

Some women do not have an office they can hide away and pump in, while still feeling safe and comfortable enough to do so. While we all know that it is essentially NECESSARY to be relaxed to get your best pump flow going- it is not always that easy.

Mama's please know that regardless of what type of company you work for, what state you work or reside in, it is required by the US Dept.of Labor that an employers provide a reasonable break time for an employee to pump/express for her nursing child for 1 year after birth, in an appropriate space (see "Break Time for Nursing Mothers" for more detail). This requirement became effective when the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010. 

*Note the employer is not required to pay the employee for this break.


It is extremely important to be mindful of what your employer allows. Talk to your Human Resource department head to gain clarity on what is expected. Tell this individual how long it generally takes for you to finish a pumping session and do your best to stick to that.

If you are in a position where your employer does not pay you for your "pump break", than try to get in a good pumping session before getting to work.  Or if you are able to- bring that pump with you to work 15 minutes early and get your pump on before your shift starts. 

Also- take advantage of your lunch break. If you are given a 30 minute break--- utilize that time to make sure you get your pumping taken care of. I am a pro when it comes to eating a good snack/ usually my lunch and pumping at the same time. 20-30 minutes and I am ready to go!

These are the sacrifices that we make to give our babies the best of what we can give them. Hang in there and know your rights as a working and nursing mama! 









Disclaimer: All opinions recorded on this blog are strictly my own. I am not a medical professional & my advice should not replace that of your own or your child's medical professional. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new with your child! 

My experience: "Pregnancy Hypertension"

"Hypertension", "Preeclampsia"- These are very scary words to a pregnant woman. Especially a first timer who has been reading every horror story related to these issues posted across the vast space that is the internet.

Through my pregnancy it was a constant battle trying to maintain my blood pressure and ensure that it was a normal level at each of my appointments. I was adamant that I did not need to go to the cardiologist (that was a battle I eventually gave into). Though I did not develop pregnancy preeclampsia, I was classified as having pregnancy hypertension. ( Learn more about Preeclampsia.) 

I found that eating spinach, strawberry and banana smoothies with a splash of water and a splash of unsweetened almond milk did help me in the beginning. These fruits and veggies are evidenced to be great for your blood pressure. Ontop of my smoothie routine, I would listen to "spa" music on internet radio. It allowed me to almost force myself into a calm state before my bp check appointments throughout my pregnancy. I always made myself so nervous that my dear G.M.(boyfriend) was convinced my nerves were what was really causing my elevated readings. 

Although I am sure my nerves did impact my readings (albeit ever so slightly), I still went for my readings and every other appointment was told my pressure was higher than it should be. One week I was 120/78 and the next I was 148/90. I couldn't understand why I was fluctuating so much from week to week. So here I was, overweight to begin with- gaining the weight of pregnancy and fearing I would gain too much- while also knowing that my weight and family history were a huge factor in my elevated pressure readings. 

At about 30-32 weeks, I finally gave in and went to see the cardiologist. I was prescribed "Nifedipine", a.k.a "Procardia". Low dosage or not, I felt like an absolute failure for "allowing myself to have high blood pressure." So I took the medication daily and was routinely told it was pregnancy safe (which has thus far proven factual as my little LAMM is sheer perfection). 

I came to terms with taking the medication. It was what was right for my little nugget. I was happily monitoring my food intake and pressure daily (not as good or often as I could or should have) and making sure I only gained the suggested amount for my pre-pregnancy weight... 

At the end of the day, I was given magnesium once I was in labor at the hospital - the intent was to level my blood pressure during delivery as I had an abnormal spike in my 'every ten minute' BP readings. As annoyed as I was (the next reading normalized), I knew it was for my baby's and my own safety. 

Magnesium is not fun but is often necessary with hypertension and preeclampsia. To give an honest, yet quick, summary: I felt as if I was drunkly trying to focus. My eyes could not stop shaking. I was hot and found myself inhaling ice chips and the water remnants they left in the bottom of the cup. It was NOT a good experience--- BUT, I made it through! 

I was taken off of the magnesium on day 2 of my hospital stay. Blood work was sent out and once my panels came back clear of magnesium and my BP leveled out, my little family was permitted to leave less than 48 hours after delivery.

All of this said- if you are experiencing similar issues with your BP and your OBGYN suggests seeing a specialist- go (some OBGYN's will prescribe this medication on their own). You are not a failure and the most important thing in all of this is to make sure that little baby comes into this world safely. 

Hang in there!






Disclaimer: All opinions recorded on this blog are strictly my own. I am not a medical professional & my advice should not replace that of your own or your child's medical professional. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new with your child! 

Soft as a LAMM Bum Balm: 3 (or 4) ingredients

Happy Monday! I sit here in utter disbelief that its about to be February! Where is the time going already?!

Like many mommy's, I am usually on the prowl for a safer, more natural way to treat my baby girls ailments. I was so excited to give the "homemade" route a try and went to town on ordering and shopping for the ingredients I would need to successfully do so.

I am a huge proponent of Baby Aquaphor and Burt's Bee's multi purpose ointments. They are my everyday use products that keep my little Princess smoothe bottomed & free of diaper rash- redness.

That being said- I plan to use the homemade ointment intermittently while still using my go-to products.

* Be mindful to always test each ingredient on your child's skin to ensure no allergic reaction!*


My first attempt is homemade *NATURAL* diaper cream/ointment. This is what I did and what products I used:

Organic Beesworks White Beeswax Pellets $11.78 (14 oz) Amazon
Coconut Oil
Not pictured: Organic Shea Butter, Lavender Essential Oil

Step 1: Melt together 1/2 cup Shea Butter, 1/2 cup coconut oil and 2 tbsp Beeswax

Step 2: Once melted, pour into your 4 oz jar (Mine are from the Target dollar section & are adorable!)

Step 3: Cool & cap! The balm will be the consistency of a lip-balm once set.

Step 4: For a creamier, more pliable texture- I suggest whipping your balm. If you elect to do this--- step 4 is actually your step 3. While whipping, add in 10 to 15 drops of your Lavender essential oil. If you are using an adjusted amount of shea butter and coconut oil[aka Carrier Oil] (ie: making a smaller batch), you will use LESS Lavender Oil.

Once whipped, re-fill the container and you're ready to use your homemade booty balm!

Again, please be sure to always check with your pediatrician before trying any new products---especially if your little has any sensitivities!

Wishing all of your littles a happy, comfy bum!


- Mommy & LAMM







Disclaimer: All opinions recorded on this blog are strictly my own. I am not a medical professional & my advice should not replace that of your own or your child's medical professional. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new with your child!