Friday, September 6, 2013

Breastfeeding Tips & Help


            As you may have noticed, for a “green” blog, I never post or talk about breastfeeding except for the occasional breastfeeding related giveaways I help to promote. It’s something I have felt like I should “come clean” about for a while, but wasn’t sure how to go about it.
            I only breastfed/pumped for Myka for about 3 weeks, and even then supplemented heavily with formula. I absolutely hated it and am still kicking myself for not trying harder. I thought I had done my research about breastfeeding before I even had her, but I’m finding SO many things lately that I wish I had known then. I was mostly worried about her having problems latching on, so I extensively researched that and different positions to try. However, once she was here, life decided to throw me a curve ball, of course.
            We didn’t really have any latching problems, but I did have issues with my supply coming in…or so I thought at the time. Again, if I had known then what I know now I would have thought and done things differently. But, you live and learn, right?
            In order to keep this post somewhat short, I’ll stop there. But, with all of that being said, while I don’t currently and haven’t breastfed since my daughter was 3 or 4 weeks old, I feel very strongly about the subject. I am all for breastfeeding. I have some pretty extreme opinions on the matter, but I don’t feel like starting any arguments, so I’ll keep those to myself. ;)
            Now, as I’ve mentioned several times, I SO wish I knew then the many things about breastfeeding that I know now. So, if you’re like me and having issues breastfeeding but REALLY want it to work, I hope you find at least one of the links below to be helpful in your search for answers and help!

Lactation Cookie Recipe
I've seen the term "lactation cookie" tossed around quite a bit since I've started blogging, but had never looked into it since I'm not breastfeeding. It wasn't until a fellow blogger was kind enough to share this link with me while researching for this post that I found out what it is and what it does! While I'm glad I know about them now for future reference, I am SO mad I didn't when I was having supply problems. I knew about Fenugreek, but the thought never crossed my mind to add it into baked goods! This would have come in really handy since I have a terrible time taking pills!
Breastfeeding Support is Important!
Read about one mom overcoming her early struggles with breastfeeding. Be sure to check out all of the helpful links in her post as well!
Preventing Thrush
Learn the signs of thrush and what you can do to prevent it!
Mastitis
Learn the signs of mastitis and the steps you can take to help treat it!
Milk Sharing
Having problems with your supply running low? Ever heard of milk sharing? Read about one mom's story of why she chose informal milk sharing during a difficult time.
Pumping
Some great tips and things to remember for pumping!
Newborn Baby Stomach Size
This is a great visual of the size comparison between the stomach of a one day old baby up to a one month old baby. So, don't be like me and feel like your baby isn't getting enough to eat! Also, keep in mind that breastfed babies are going to tend to want fed more often than formula fed babies.
More Breastfeeding Tips
Check out this page with over 25 links to helpful breastfeeding posts. I especially liked the "Tips for Breastfeeding Success" and "5 Must-Have Products for Exclusively Pumping Moms".
Myths About Nursing Toddlers
A few reasons from one mom why you shouldn't feel ashamed for nursing your toddler!
More Great Pumping Tips
How to prevent clogged ducts, getting the most from your supply, and more!
A Year of Breastfeeding
Read about one mom's ups and downs through a year of breastfeeding her son, including dealing with a "tongue tie"!
Breastfeeding: Not as Easy as You May Think!
I love this blog post from a mom of 3 because she tells it like it is when it comes to breastfeeding: It's not all rainbows and butterflies like a lot of websites and books will make it out to be! Many, many women struggle with it at some point or another during their BFing relationship and you are not alone!
Tips from the Mayo Clinic: BFing & Pumping Tips for Success, BFing Positions, and How to Boost Milk Production
Homeopathic Remedies for Common BFing Issues
This Milky Mama Remedy Wallet is full of great, easy to use, homeopathic remedies for some common breastfeeding issues, such as low supply, thrush, and mastitis, among others!
Lip Ties
Ever heard of a lip tie? Me neither! Read more about what they are, why they may be the cause of poor weight gain in your infant, and one mom's journey to finding out that her daughter (and 2 previous children) had one and why meeting with a lactation consultant is so important!

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