A few rotations later...

I am back after a much- unplanned- hiatus!

Since I lost posted, my first born LAMM has experienced many different things; things including: HFM, her first major hospital visit [dehydration], potty training, turned TWO (and is not two-and a- half), finally learning &understing the story of Santa Claus & The First Christmas [religious] and gaining a sibling brother. These are just a few of many things that will be discussed in coming posts... I am more than happy to share my insights, findings and otherwise irrelevant opinions. However- take them as you will, as they are just my mama experiences!

GMM who is now 9 months old. I will have posts about this nugget to follow. However, to summarize;

We've experienced so much with a little boy added to our household. From circumcision care and learning how best to not get peed on to biting, putting anything & everything in his mouth and crib-training. We are well on our way to having a crib trained nugget & hopefully- a soon to follow tater tot- in her toddler bed.
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With our first born, we had every intention of crib-training LAMM. The plan was to keep her in our room from birth to a year, in the pack'n'play sleeper/bassinet/lowered crib.

This.did.not.happen.

We created a little monster with our LAMM, which I both love/hate myself for! 
She is a snuggle monster and has come to realize this herself. She tells us "I want to hold you" when she is feeling extra cuddly or needy.

We have tried every method found on these sleep-groups, recommendations from other parents who sleep trained, sleep-methods like cry-it-out, which only result in uncontrollable screaming and crying/ gagging. None of these methods worked for us; nor did we feel it was healthy for our little girl.

So, in lieu of these things, we have resorted to our own sleep method, and it is gradually working. See my Milli Sleep Method post here if you want a little insight into what's been working for us and our stubborn tater tot.

I am so anxious to really dive back in to posting and hoping that in some way- my experiences can help others with theirs. Comments welcome as I always love strategy-sessions with other parents!

Lots of love,
TMD

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!