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breastfeeding

When Breastfeeding Ends // a story of grief and pride

August 4, 2017 by Rachel 15 Comments

Disclaimer: I’m not advocating for only breastfeeding babies. Ultimately, it’s a very personal decision. I believe fed is best. Period. I’m just sharing my personal adventure with breastfeeding.

This week is World Breastfeeding Week. And, if I’m being honest, my heart is hurting a little. See, I’m doing extended breastfeeding with Miss Bea. And, while I realize that’s not up everyone’s alley, it is mine. But I fear our time is coming to an end.

I didn’t expect to find myself here, deep in this previously unknown grief. Remy Bea was such an awful baby — screaming and furious most of her days (and nights), riddled with UTIs gone undetected for months. At the time it was all I could do to wish she would take a bottle. I had been pumping so that someone — anyone other than me — could spend a few moments with her, day or night.

 

It’s hard to believe that we completed our family ONE WHOLE year ago! She may have been an impossible baby, but I wouldn’t trade her for the world. #missbea #remybea

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on Jan 23, 2017 at 7:36pm PST

But she just refused. She needed me. Literally, she needed me for comfort and for nourishment. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a postpartum mom. And I was collapsing from the weight of all of that pressure. In my darkest moments of her screaming and my body aching from constant feedings, I would lose it. My mind, that is. And I mean that in the realest sense. (See more on my PPD+A struggles here).

 

When all you feel as a new mom is darkness. • When all you want to do as a new mom is cry. • When it actually hurts you to smile. • Know you’re not alone. ❤️ Maternal Mental Illness affects 1 in 7 Mothers. I’ve linked up with 3 amazing women (@_themillennialmomblog_, @thesimplemomlife & @bstampedbritt) who have shared their experience, and continue to spread awareness. No mom should ever feel alone because we are all in this together! <<link in profile>> • • • • • #imsobloggingthis #ppdsurvivor #parenthood #honestlymothering #mentalhealthawareness #postpartumdepression #postpartumanxiety

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on May 9, 2017 at 5:31am PDT

Just as I knew it would, our breastfeeding journey got easier. It got exponentially easier once she started really eating solid foods. I felt a relief that I was no longer her sole source of nourishment. I knew that we had made it through the toughest parts.

And now we’re here — 18 months into our breastfeeding journey together — and I can tell she’s far less interested in nursing. In fact, the only time she nurses is first thing in the morning (for approximately 90 seconds), and in the evening before bed (which is likely more of a comfort-feed than a nourishment-feed). And while she’s generally less interested, I’m becoming more and more aware that our days are numbered.

 

My breastfeeding journey with Miss Bea is over on the blog! It hasn’t been easy but it has made me a stronger person (and mother). || Link in profile.

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on Dec 21, 2016 at 9:37am PST

But I’m lucky — SO LUCKY! — to have been able to achieve the milestone of 18 months. And I’m so proud of myself — and Miss Bea — for sticking it out for this long. So during this World Breastfeeding Week (August 1st – August 7th) and National Breastfeeding Month (August), I’m going to soak up every last breastfeeding snuggle; I’m going to embrace any opportunities to bond; and I’m going to let her call the shots from hereon out. We’re on this journey together; we’ve both fought the good fight; and she’s going to finish on her terms. ♥ ♥

Tell me, friends — what was your experience with weaning? And how did you cope with the post-breastfeeding blues?

 

Filed Under: #MomLife, babies, breastfeeding, children, family, life, mommyhood, Oh baby!, parenthood, postpartum, wellness Tagged With: #MomLife, babies, being a mom, breastfeeding, children, health, life, mommyhood, motherhood, oh baby, parenthood, postpartum

Soothing A Colicky Baby //

February 12, 2017 by Rachel 18 Comments

In my (many) efforts to be a super-‘real mom,’ I’ve shared our struggles with colic quite a bit. Honestly, before becoming a mom — heck, even after becoming a mom — I had read and heard so little about the battle that is colic. It was discouraging, to say the least.

We found ourselves knee-deep in colic with both Ari and Remy pretty much from day one. The crying, the screaming, the inability to soothe my babies… it was pure torture. We spent so many sleepless nights and fussy days just trying to survive. We tried every ‘trick’ in the book: special ‘holds,’ dietary restrictions, bouncing, rocking, and even driving her around in the car in hopes the screaming would stop (breaking news: it didn’t).

It was easy to find ourselves frustrated by the idea that they would ‘grow out of it’ in time. Especially when we were comparing (PS. don’t compare) our parenting journey to that of our friends or strangers from the internet. Those babies who slept through the night from day one (or even month 6)? Please. Please stop bragging. That’s the only thing I could think to say (and, honestly, the nicest thing I could think to say). For us, we were legitimately just trying to figure out a way to make our babies comfortable; a way to get them to sleep more than 20 minutes; and a way to simply make it through.

So what is colic?

Colic is usually when a healthy baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for over 3 weeks. It usually starts in the first few weeks of life. Babies may experience increased crying in the evening and at night. It’s the kind of blood-curdling, incessant, screaming, that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. (Lies: I probably would wish it on my worst enemy because colic is a GREAT torture technique, ya’ll).

If you wonder “hmm, maybe my baby had colic,” chances are your baby did not have colic. There is a significant difference between crying a lot and colic. I promise.

Soothing a colicky baby.

There are options for both breastfed and formula-fed babies. For breastfed babies, trying dietary restrictions through an elimination diet are helpful, but often take weeks to make a difference. In the meantime, introducing Gerber® Soothe Colic Drops is ideal for breastfed babies because it contains calming probiotics that can be helpful for their tummies!

The same goes for formula-fed babies! Trying different bottles, feeding positions and using Gerber® Good Start® Soothe Infant Formula are all positive changes you can make for your baby.

Still looking for help and answers? Gerber has so many experts available — Registered Dietitians, Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Baby Sleep Consultants — to answer any questions! Just call 1-800-203-4565!

When all’s said and done, try anything and everything. Because less crying for babies means more smiling for all!

Do you have any experience with soothing a colicky baby?? If so, what tips would you give a mom navigating her way through colic?

Filed Under: #MomLife, Ari Davis, babies, breastfeeding, busy mom, children, health, mommyhood, parenthood, Remy Bea, review, wellness Tagged With: #MomLife, ari davis, babies, baby girl, being a mom, busy mom, children, health, mommyhood, motherhood, oh baby, parenthood, pictures, Remy Bea, review

Breastfeeding Miss Bea //

December 18, 2016 by Rachel 11 Comments

I feel inspired, friends. Inspired to share my story of breastfeeding Remy Bea. It turns out, I haven’t actually mentioned anything specific about our journey, other than the fact that she won’t take a bottle.

So let me tell you a little bit about breastfeeding Miss Bea…

img_3687
*Note: Until now, I’ve never shared a single photo of myself while breastfeeding. But, after seeing several other bloggers post tasteful, and colorful, photos of themselves on their own journey, I decided to share some of my own. And, gosh, this baby is just beautiful.* 

The Beginning  //

As soon as I met Miss Bea, she latched. Easily, happily, latched. It was perfect. She nursed and nursed and nursed. My milk even managed to come in at the hospital — not at all the norm!

But a couple of days after we came home, my breasts became engorged and my nipples inverted. As much as I tried to nurse her, I reached out for some physical support — the nipple shield.

With the assistance of the shield, she continued to nurse and continued to thrive. Even after the engorgement went away, I still had such an oversupply of milk that I kept using the shield just prevent her from choking on the surplus.

The Middle  //

For some, it’s hard to judge a book by it’s cover. For me, it’s hard to judge our breastfeeding journey by it’s middle. The middle was riddled with doubts, anxieties, and so, so, very many sleepless nights. The struggle was real. For a long time.

So I just kept on breastfeeding her on-demand, which was every 3 hours. A very consistent, every three hours, per her rules (and screaming). It was just a game of survival.

There were many times I tried to get her to nurse without the shield. And each time, she would refuse and scream even more. It was a war of wills, and she won. I gave up the battle, but kept on at the breastfeeding war.

I thought for certain since she would only nurse with the shield, that she would undoubtedly take a bottle. But nope. Never. And because she was still nursing every three hours, even throughout the night, I was pretty much the only one who could care for her. It sucked.

There were so many times I thought about how much easier it would be to just give up. There were moments where people would say “You know, if she just tried formula in a bottle, I’m sure you could get some rest.” But, for personal reasons, this breastfeeding journey was non-negotiable for me.

We just kept on.

And then, after we finally bit the bullet and took Miss Bea to the chiropractor, things took a turn for the better. After several appointments, and several adjustments, our pediatric chiropractor suggested, quite strongly, that I give up dairy. Per the doctor, dairy is very hard on babies tummies; and Miss Bea’s system has been riddled with antibiotics because of her UTIs, which leaves her gut extra-sensitive.

So I began our dairy-free journey!

img_3684
The Second-Middle  //

I would call it something else, but I know we’re not anywhere near the end. Miss Bea is almost 11-months old and our breastfeeding journey is probably just halfway through.

But I’ve learned so much.

For one, I learned that I should have given up dairy when she started with the colic. I am stunned by the change in her mood and general temperament since removing dairy from my diet. So much so that I wish I would have just done it at the beginning. She’s seriously a different baby.

She still isn’t a great sleeper, but she is sleeping so much better than before. And she is just so much happier in general, which has made the no-bottle-feeding, only-taking-the-breastfeeding, feel so much more rewarding.

I’ve also learned that the relationship between a nursing baby and Mama is a special one. She will randomly glance up at me with her milk-drunk smile, and my heart will just explode into a million pieces. So although breastfeeding has been a major cause of stress and anxiety over the past 10.5 months, it’s also been one of the things to help bring me out of my postpartum depression.

img_3675
The End  //

We’re nowhere near the end of our breastfeeding journey. Yes, I’m one of those ‘breast is best,’ extended breastfeeding, Moms. No, I don’t plan on breastfeeding her until she’s 5, but at this point I’ll keep it up for as long as is appropriate for our family.

And for those of you that have followed us on our journey, thank you so much for your love and support. I’ve been amazed at how much ‘help’ a breastfeeding mother needs on her journey — especially emotional and mental support! So thank you from the bottom of my heart!

 

 

feeding-miss-bea

Filed Under: #MomLife, breastfeeding, children, crunchy granola, health, mommyhood, parenthood, postpartum Tagged With: #MomLife, babies, breastfeeding, children, crunchy granola, health, mommyhood, parenthood, postpartum

Our Breastfeeding Journey // Best Breastfeeding & Breast Pump Tips + A GIVEAWAY

December 2, 2016 by Rachel 45 Comments

It’s taken me nearly two years of combined breastfeeding and pumping (from two different children) to finally stop feeling like such a novice. For those who are unfamiliar with our story, know that it hasn’t been an easy road — with either child.

But from the second I found out I was pregnant with Ari, I knew that breastfeeding was an important part of my journey as a Mama. And, unfortunately, Ari never seemed to latch. Even after his tongue tie was clipped, the latch issues persisted. So day one in the hospital, I found myself utilizing the hand pump that was offered to me. Our first days at home were no different. I would deliriously pump along to that mechanical pump sound as my husband offered Ari a bottle. Thankfully, he took a bottle like a champ.

The next 12 months of my life were riddled with the sound of that pump — every 3 hours. Yes. You read that correctly. Every three hours for 12 months. That is a lot of pumping!

itsahero_breastpump
This second time around I felt really ready. Remy latched immediately after birth. My milk even came in at the hospital, just 12 hours postpartum! Unheard of, right?? Well, it turns out my body was 100% ready for it’s second shot at breastfeeding. Thanks to all of those endless hours with my breastpump, I quickly developed an oversupply. So I pumped just one time a day — after our first morning feeding. That one time a day would result in 8-10 ounces of liquid gold per sitting!

I started just packing it away in the freezer. And even though Remy has yet to take a bottle, this milk has not gone to waste. I have donated hundreds and hundreds of ounces to local mothers in need of breastmilk for their babies. And anything I have left will be donated to Akron Children’s Hospital next year!

In the past few months I’ve had to dish out a ton of advice to my sister (a new mom, herself), so I thought I’d pass along the wisdom to you, too!

  1. Don’t stress about pumping. Those first few weeks with your new baby are special… and? EXHAUSTING. Do yourself a favor: If pumping isn’t a necessity, just don’t do it yet. Get to know your baby, your body, and work on the latch. The pump will still be there in a few weeks.
  2. Do your research on what is the best breast pump for you. Market research is great, but testimonials on pump designs are even better! Know a Mama that pumps? Ask her what she uses! For me, the Medela Double Pump In Style was my BFF with Ari; but the second time around, I found I needed something I could just whip out — so I’ve been using a simple Medela Manual hand pump.
    itsahero_breast-pump-Medela
  3. Drink all of the water! You know those huge water jugs you get in the hospital (only to be outdone in size by the giant pads)? Well, you scoff at the amount of liquid they can hold. That is, until you find yourself stuck under a nursing infant for an hour and wonder, “Why the heck am I so thirsty??” You will be thirstier than you ever imagined possible.
  4. Get comfortable. By this point, all self-consciousness you’ve had over people seeing your body should be gone. So just be. Really! Don’t worry about covering for company — if they are in your home, they should be okay with seeing you in all your glory. I found that those first few weeks of breastfeeding, my chest was exposed so much — I ended up putting a bathing suit coverup on over my nursing bra because it had the easiest access!
  5. Ditch the underwire. Ladies. We’ve wasted countless hours trying to find the perfect underwire bra — uncomfortable as they may be — and now you have the freedom to ditch them! They are uncomfortable for engorged breasts. Do yourself a favor and find a comfortable, cotton, nursing bra. When you find one you like? Buy three.
    itsahero_nursingbra
  6. Don’t be afraid to keep your baby in the room with you. Having your baby sleep in the same room as you, at least temporarily, can be a tremendous help. That way you won’t have to go far for those 2am feedings! This seems silly, but I swear it is tremendously helpful when you’re completely sleep deprived.
  7. You will figure it all out. I promise. But in the meantime, don’t be afraid to ask for help — from friends; from family; heck, even from strangers! We’ve all done it. We’ve all asked for help.

Speaking of help — wouldn’t a $50 gift card help out right about now!? Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
And keep strong, Mamas! You’re doing a fantastic job!

*This giveaway is a partnership with Nakturnal. As usual all opinions herein are my own. I have been compensated for this post.*

Filed Under: #MomLife, breast pump, breastfeeding, giveaway, mommyhood, Oh baby!, parenthood, postpartum, sponsor Tagged With: #MomLife, being a mom, breast pump, breastfeeding, giveaway, mommyhood, motherhood, parenthood, postpartum, sponsor

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