Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Babywearing Pics


breastfeedingcafecarnivalWelcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of the Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is babywearing photos. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 22nd through August 4th!
 
 


 Wednesday, July 31st - Wordless Wednesday-Babywearing Photos: do you babywear? Show us! Bonus points if you’re nursing and babywearing!


tired girl (Maggie) after learning how to adjust the ring sling (Maya Wrap) at the Babywearing SLC meeting

not my best positioning work in the Moby wrap...but Molly slept through graduation and that was awesome!

Maggie in the Boba carrier in Victoria, BC



My sister, my husband, and me- all wearing Boba baby carriers in Victoria BC

conclusion?? I babywear almost daily but don't have enough evidence...



 
 
Here are more post by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

My husband, My hero

breastfeedingcafecarnivalWelcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!
This post was written as part of the Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about your partner's role in breastfeeding. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 22nd through August 4th!
 
 

Tuesday, July 30th - How your partner helped/hindered: was your partner a huge support or did they take a bit to get used to nursing? If you are a single parent, has anyone else in your family helped or hindered your breastfeeding efforts?

I am so grateful to my husband, Jonny, for his support in my birth and breastfeeding processes. He attended birth and breastfeeding classes with me before the birth of our daughter and was with me every step of the way through pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. I especially appreciate how supportive he was of my breastfeeding, despite the fact that he came from a family who never nursed. He did, however, serve a 2 year LDS mission in Bolivia where women nurse constantly very openly. I'm so grateful that nursing had been so normalized for him!

Even though he had always visualized himself bonding with his babies through bottles, he has never been anything but supportive of breastfeeding. I can't count the times I've doubted myself and he has buoyed me up and encouraged me to keep going. When I'm feeding the baby, he'll make sure I have everything I need (drink, phone, etc.) and will take care of our older daughter if the baby needs quiet time.

Not only does he support me personally, but he also spreads the word to others about the benefits of normal birth and breastfeeding and I love him for it!

What about you?

 
 
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Monday, July 29, 2013

Three's a crowd...tandem nursing


breastfeedingcafecarnivalWelcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!





This post was written as part of the Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about breastfeeding multiple children. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 22nd through August 4th!



Monday, July 29th - Breastfeeding multiples: twins (or more!), tandem nursing singletons, even nursing more than one child through your breastfeeding years. Tell us about your experience.


My experience: 
In October 2010, my first daughter was born. After working through pretty normal challenges getting started, we had a pretty easy breastfeeding relationship and she was a very enthusiastic nurser. When I got pregnant again in May 2012, she was still nursing a couple of times a day (naptime, bedtime, at night, and occasionally first thing in the morning). First trimester brought tender breasts and I would cringe a bit when she latched on, so I had to try to minimize her distractions so she wouldn't pop off and on over and over again. My supply dramatically dropped during late second trimester, so I thought that she might self-wean during this period. My enthusiastic nurser, though, had no plans of stopping. She nursed through her second birthday and through the rest of my pregnancy (I was actually grateful to have her nurse in early labor in when I was trying to get contractions to pick up...10 days after my due date). 

When baby #2 was born in January 2013, I attempted to tandem nurse both girls at the same time. For me, it felt too much like three (two girls plus me) was a crowd! Since #1 was used to nursing to sleep, there wasn't a good way for me to nurse both girls laying down (and believe me, I tried a few crazy arrangements). Instead of the enjoyable bonding time, it was torture trying to get both girls quiet and asleep in that funky position. I decided that wasn't going to work out, and started making some changes, first by putting the baby to sleep in the swing and having one on one time with #1 at naptime and bedtime. Another major change: my older daughter went from nursing-to-sleep to a short nursing session before bed. At this time she also changed from sleeping in our bed to sleeping in her own bed (a twin mattress on the floor- big enough for one of us to be by her when she's having a hard time and close enough to the ground that she doesn't get hurt when she rolls out fairly often). With these two changes came a major growth moment- #1 going to sleep with dad when mom wasn't home! Now that nursing wasn't entirely connected with sleep, she cut back and back on how often she would nurse- occasionally before bed or in the middle of the night if she wakes up from a bad dream or is having a hard time. If I wasn't nursing a baby, my milk supply would probably be gone. (Weaning a toddler when you have a baby is a different experience).

I could go on for a long time as to why our experience turned out the way it did. I tried to do what was best for my kids- offering the nutrition and emotional support of nursing for as long as it was appropriate for both of us, while balancing the needs of our new baby, a tired new mom, and a growing big sister. For many, my situation would not be their choice and I hesitate putting it out there because I'm sure there are those who will judge my actions. However, looking back, I'm okay with how it's gone- I felt like the transition has been loving and gradual to try to reduce the feeling of being displaced and instead celebrate growing up.

I don't write my story to tell anyone what they should do- there's no easy answer as every family has its own unique circumstances. I write it only to offer one mom's experience. What I really want is to write what I wish someone would have said to me- 

You are doing a great job. You are a good mom.

If you're struggling....Identify how you feel about nursing (positives and negatives) and come up with a plan that works for everyone.

On-demand feeding is important for building a good milk supply and for the growth of an infant who is fully breastfed. It's okay to let other things in your life slide so you can focus on caring for your baby!

Especially for toddlers/older babies: It's okay to set boundaries with breastfeeding. You don't have to be a 24 hour restaurant...unless you want to be, and then that's okay, too!  

Every nursing relationship includes two people: mom and baby. Adding another person (new baby) adds one more dimension. It's your job to consider everyone's needs and make gentle decisions that are best for everyone (and don't forget yourself).

Most of all, once you've decided what you want, find supportive people and go for it. 

You can do it.

This time will pass quickly and our little ones will be big and we'll remember these days fondly.

And to those of you moms who are tandem nursing: Rock On, Mama! You have my admiration. Way to go!!

To all of you moms: you're amazing. Keep up the good work! Hang in there!

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Nursing wardrobe


breastfeedingcafecarnivalWelcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of the Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about your favorite nursing wear. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 22nd through August 4th!






Sunday, July 28th - Physical support: tell us what is your favorite nursing wear and why!

When I first started nursing, I was afraid I had to buy a whole new wardrobe. I do have a few nursing bras and a couple of nursing shirts. While it can be handy to have some garments designed for nursing, I've discovered it is definitely not required. Sometimes, in fact, it can be easier to wear regular clothes.

Basically, I've discovered that any clothes can work for nursing if they fit one of two categories: ability to lift up from the bottom or the ability for breast access from the neckline. Most of my clothing fits one or both of those categories- with the exception of certain dresses or tight blouses.

If you plan on nursing sitting down, any shirt that you can lift up to allow access will work (along with a nursing bra). If you prefer to keep your midsection more covered, you can wear layers (lift the top layer, pull down the bottom layer to allow breast access).  I've tried nursing tanks and never been a fan of the nursing tank with the built-in bra; they just aren't supportive enough for me. I like this idea of a DIY nursing tank. If you prefer to buy premade, I've heard great things about Undercover Mama tanks.

If you prefer more flexibility and want to be able to nurse more easily in a carrier (such as an Ergo, Boba, wrap, etc.), choose a shirt that allows you to lift a breast out of the shirt to feed a baby (stretchy, wide, or v-necks work well).

What's your favorite nursing wear??


 
 
Here are more post by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Go-To Resource

breastfeedingcafecarnivalWelcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of the Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about your go-to breastfeeding resource. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 22nd through August 4th!





Saturday, July 27th - Your go-to resource: what person, book, group, etc. was your number one place to go to for help?

ONE resource?? That's hard! Ask me to give you a list of resources...that's easy! Maybe I'll cheat a little and give you my number one resource as I look back in time.

When I first started breastfeeding, kellymom.com was my number one resource. It was an awesome middle-of-the-night "is this normal?" reliable resource. It was perfect when I was a brand new mom and not sure if my questions were dumb and too scared to ask someone in person.

As I got a bit more confidence, La Leche League groups were my next resource. More than just the facts that I could get online or from good books, I enjoyed seeing other moms and babies face to face. Hearing their struggles and successes, and seeing them feed their babies did more for normalizing breastfeeding than any book could have.

Fast forward a few years later.....At this point, I had the wonderful opportunity to become friends with Meghan Reed, who is an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and an amazing new momma. Meghan took my childbirth classes before the birth of her baby---how awesome was it to have this sweet IBCLC in class!! She taught us all a lot.

I'll admit before my second daughter was born I figured I knew everything about breastfeeding because I had done it for more than 2 years already. The second time around was definitely easier, but I learned that every baby has it's own part in the breastfeeding relationship and each breastfeeding relationship comes with it's own unique challenges. It was SO nice to have Meghan on speed dial in those first few weeks! Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend who is an IBCLC. If you aren't that lucky, I encourage you to find one that you feel comfortable calling with questions!

p.s.  Meghan can be found at http://www.meghanslactationconsulting.com/. You can search for an IBCLC in your area here http://www.ilca.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3432. Lactation consultations should now be covered by insurance--check with yours!

What's your go to resource?







Here are more post by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Helping Other Moms Succeed

breastfeedingcafecarnivalWelcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of the Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about helping other moms succeed in their breastfeeding journeys. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 22nd through August 4th!
 
 


Friday, July 26th - Helping other moms succeed: have you helped any other moms with their breastfeeding journey?

My goal and heart-felt desire is to help moms with their breastfeeding journey before it ever starts. I teach comprehensive childbirth education classes and spend a class session talking about newborn abilities and breastfeeding. I try to give moms a realistic view of breastfeeding: it's normal, natural, easy, and amazing AND it can be difficult at times....but is totally worth it.

I try to make sure moms know the basics of having a good latch, how to have a good milk supply, deal with common issues, know when to call in an expert, and how to find support. To me, prenatal breastfeeding education is essential, because too often I talk to moms whose problems could have been prevented if they'd been given good information before birth. After birth, I try to be a resource for moms and be encouraging without judgment. Every mom needs a cheerleader!

I sincerely hope somehow I've helped moms, whether formally through my classes or participation in LLL or the Davis County Breastfeeding Coalition, or informally through my example with family and friends.

Who helped you on your journey?




 
 
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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Breastfeeding in Special Circumstances

breastfeedingcafecarnivalWelcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of the Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about breastfeeding in special circumstances. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 22nd through August 4th!





Thursday, July 25th - Breastfeeding in special circumstances: if you ever breastfed through an auto-immune disease, had to do an elimination diet, breastfed a baby with special needs, etc. Anything out of the realm of “normal” goes here!

Well, unfortunately (or actually, really fortunately), I don't have any good personal experience with any of these special circumstances...so this post is mostly to direct you to the other awesome posts on this topic today (at the bottom).

I do have to say, though, while I haven't experienced these situations myself, I have known AMAZING mommas who have breastfed through severe allergies (with diet restriction), tongue-tie/lip-tie, thrush, illness, and even a wonderful mom who re-lactated after she had to wean due to a health problem. So, if you are struggling with a special circumstance, go connect with other moms who have successfully made it through your challenge. You can do it, momma! :-)





Here are more post by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Breastfeeding Photos

breastfeedingcafecarnivalWelcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!


This post was written as part of the Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is breastfeeding photos. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 22nd through August 4th!

Wednesday, July 24th - Wordless Wednesday-Breastfeeding Photos: share pictures of you and your nursling(s)!

This is 2011's World Breastfeeding Week photo shoot (by Timbra Wiist of Landslide Photography) with my first daughter

On vacation this past May visiting my sister's family in Victoria BC, I spent lots of time nursing my second daughter while she was in my Boba baby carrier. So convenient!

...and when that nursing baby fell asleep, I could continue to enjoy a walk on the beach with my husband without being afraid of waking her up! :-)





Here are more post by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Breastfeeding Myths

breastfeedingcafecarnivalWelcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of the Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about breastfeeding myths and dispelling them. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 22nd through August 4th!






Tuesday, July 23rd - Breastfeeding myths: what’s the biggest breastfeeding myth in your opinion? Help us dispel it!

This is pretty basic, but I think the biggest breastfeeding myth to me is "if it's natural, it should always come naturally to all moms and babies."

Here's the deal, ladies (and gents): Breastfeeding is natural, somewhat instinctual, and definitely normal; but it is also a learned behavior and most of us grew up in a culture where breastfeeding is not seen or taught. Instead, moms hear from other moms how hard breastfeeding was and how they gave up- which does not have to be the case!

Often, once moms and babies make it through the first weeks, they will describe breastfeeding as EASY and enjoyable (with a few bumps in the road perhaps). However, in those first few sleep-deprived weeks, breastfeeding can feel difficult, overwhelming, and even painful. To make it through this time, it's critical that new moms have some accurate breastfeeding education prenatally and a wealth of resources (online and in- person: LLL, lactation consultants, helpful friends/family, supportive partner, etc.). Keep reading for posts about resources as the blogging carnival continues!

What breastfeeding myths have you heard??




Here are more post by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Online Breastfeeding Support

breastfeedingcafecarnivalWelcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!


This post was written as part of the Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about websites that helped you in your breastfeeding journey. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 22nd through August 4th!





I know my posts have been few and far in between, so when I got the invitation to participate in the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival I decided I'd take the challenge and share my support for breastfeeding moms! Join us and read posts from various bloggers about the day's topic, starting with:

Monday, July 22nd - Online lifelines: which sites or forums did you go to for help and support?

Oh boy! There are a lot of amazing sites out there. Here are a few of my favorites:

KellyMom - resources for just about any topic you could think of
La Leche League International - of course! lots of quality information
International Breastfeeding Centre - the videos on this site are SO helpful
LactMed - a database to check the effects of various medications on breastfeeding moms and babies
BreastmilkCounts (Texas WIC) - an animation to explain how to hand express milk
Dr. Sears- lots of pregnancy, parenting, and breastfeeding info

Really, I've loved online forums for local groups the most- it feels more intimate in a smaller setting, with moms in your own area. Some of my favorite local groups (all of which are very breastfeeding supportive) are:

Babywearing SLC Facebook Group - very supportive of breastfeeding (especially while babywearing)
SoggyGranolaUtah - a facebook group for moms who feel they are only kinda crunchy (no judgment here!)
Hypnobirthing Utah - lots of topics come up, including breastfeeding

There's just a few that I've found helpful. What sites or forums have been helpful to you?? Please comment below!




Here are more post by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.