Our next Guest Blogger for this week's Breastfeeding event is Ariel. Ariel has a surprising, yet wonderful tip for Breastfeeding mamas! ~Laura
Breastfeeding Troubleshooting
My tip is on how to heal a cracked nipple: lanolin oil and saran wrap. I didn't believe this would work (I had a horrible crack and had tried every tip I could find on the internet), but it worked like a miracle! Apply lanolin oil after nursing and cover it with a little square of saran wrap (this keeps it very moist and allows healing). Keep the saran wrap on until the next nursing session. Repeat after every single nursing session until crack is healed!
Ariel
Thank you Ariel for sharing your experience and your helpful Breastfeeding Troubleshooting tip! ~Laura
Five Moms talking about Cloth Diapers, Breastfeeding, Babywearing, Child Rearing, Pregnancy, Money Saving tips, Sewing, Recipes, Mommyhood, Natural Parenting, Natural Cleaning Products, and much More! If you would like one of us to review an item for you, please email themommygoods@gmail.com!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Breastfeeding Guest Blogger - Sarah M.
Our next Guest Blogger for this week's Breastfeeding event is Sarah M. If you have any questions or comments for Sarah, please leave them below! And please, enjoy her breastfeeding journey! ~Laura
When I was pregnant with my daughter, Charis, there was no question in my mind how I would feed her. My husband and I both wanted me to breastfeed her. Thankfully, our family was very supportive. Breastfeeding seemed like the only option to me, and I have my mom to thank for that. She breastfed my brother, sister, and I. I remember watching The Bill Cosby Show when I was four years old, with my mom in the same room nursing my sister.
Thank you Sarah for sharing your experience and your words of wisdom on the art of Breastfeeding! ~Laura
I am also very thankful for my midwife, Sheila. Before Charis was born, Sheila asked, "How are you going to feed your baby?" I answered, "I plan on breastfeeding her." Sheila was THRILLED, but also told me what to expect. She said that breastfeeding will be painful in the beginning for the first few weeks. She explained that after my daughter was born, I would have this human who wants to be at my breast ALL THE TIME and that my breasts and nipples would not be used to it, so it would be painful until they "toughened up." I was thankful that Sheila gave me a realistic picture what it would be like the first few weeks. Had I not been told this, I would have thought I am a failure, because many books say that breastfeeding is painless.
Do not be afraid to seek out help. I had a cracked nipple and mastitis a week after Charis was born. When my daughter's pediatrician found out I had mastitis, he wanted me to go see a Lactation Consultant. Looking back, I am glad he recommended that. The Lactation Consultant helped me see that Charis was not latching on correctly on my left side, where the cracked nipple was. They also pointed me to a product that would help my breasts feel better, Lasinoh's Soothies Gel Pads. http://www.lansinoh.com/
About seven weeks after my daughter was born, I went back to working PRN at a local hospital in CCU. Going back to work was hard. I had bought a manual pump since I only worked 2 days/month. If I have to work next time, I plan on buying an electric pump. The biggest drawback for a manual pump was that I could only pump one breast at a time, so I was off the floor longer than I would have liked, but since I worked as a nurse infrequently it was fine for those needs. I have a two pumping recommendations:
1. Pump in the morning when your milk supply is higher, during late afternoon/early evening the milk supply is lower.
2. When you are at work, try to pump the same amount of times your baby will be taking a bottle or nursing. That way the demand is still there even when your child is at home.
I'm still nursing my daughter. It's been over 13 months. My goal was to breastfeed her for at least a year, and she's not showing any signs of wanting to stop. One of the fears I had was, "What will I do when my daughter's teeth come?" So far that fear has been completely unfounded. The few times my daughter has bit me, I put my finger to break the latch and told her, "No. Do not bite mommy." I have also found with my daughter that when she bites, it usually means she is almost finished.
About 20 months ago, I made the decision to breastfeed my child, and I am thrilled with that decision. I hope you are too.
Sarah
You can catch Sarah on her blog Musings of a SAHM.
Breastfeeding Guest Blogger - Jessica B.
Today's Guest Blogger for this week's Breastfeeding event is Jessica B. Jessica is currently ready to pop with baby number three and ready to start another breastfeeding experience! Here are her responses to the questions that I asked the guest bloggers to speak on. If you have any questions or comments for Jessica, please leave them below! And please, enjoy her breastfeeding journey! ~Laura
Breastfeeding Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
My biggest tip is to relax, relax, relax. Women have been doing this since the beginning of time – our bodies were created for this and we need to have more faith in them. If someone tells you something and it doesn’t feel right – do not feel guilty for not believing them – do what’s best for YOU and your baby
Things you wish you had known prior to your first breastfeeding session
It’s hard. And tiring. But oh so rewarding. As I am anticipating the birth of my third child – the only thing that is getting me through my fear of labor and delivery is the chance to breastfeed again. There is absolutely nothing like snuggling with your baby in the middle of the night while all is quiet and calm.
Also – you can combo nurse-on-command and nurse-on-schedule. But a baby does need a schedule – that’s one thing I wish I would have known. My first BF experience was rough because I constantly offered the boob to her and she just wasn’t hungry half the time – she just need to fuss to burn some energy so she could eat better later. There’s a fine line and you’ll know what it is!
How you dealt with going back to work and pumping
Start pumping early… very very early and build up your supply – it’s never too early to build it up. But make sure your freezer door shuts every time! A picture never worked to help let my milk down but I took a blanket with me and the smell did the trick every time!
Manual vs. Electric Pump. Include brand name and/or model if you found one that you highly recommend.
I bought a very expensive electric pump and it didn’t work at all for me. I actually pumped by hand into a glass cup. Yes… I really did. Once you get the knack for it – I found I could pump twice the amount in half the time.
Those embarrassing Breastfeeding stories…we all have them!
My supply was always great and at least once if not twice a day my poor girl would get covered in a milk bath because she couldn't drink fast enough... hee hee I remember the first time trying to nurse her in public. My husband and I were shopping and I went into a fancy restroom in one of those fancy stores where they have couches. It was an EPIC FAIL. I remember trying to get her to latch on and she refused but was screaming with everything she had so of course I 'let down' and when I say sprayed, I mean I sprayed that girl with breastmilk.... trying to get her to latch on, holding her screaming body, trying to cover myself as other women were staring (some with sympathy, others with amusement, and others with disgust), and finally got myself put back together, picked everything up and rushed back out. The look on my husband face was priceless.... it obviously did not go well since I was out in 5 minutes, my daughter was soaked from head to toe, and we were both still crying. From that point on - we only nursed in the car where it was quiet and I had much more privacy!
When and how you came to the decision to Breastfeed. When did you decide? Prior to pregnancy? During Pregnancy? After delivery? How did you decide?
I knew from the very beginning before I was pregnant that I would breastfeed – I was blessed to come from a family where my mother, grandmother, MIL, many cousins all breastfed and it was HUGELY accepted and encouraged. My husband used to walk down the formula aisle at the store and proudly state ‘I love boobs’ while looking at the prices. Liquid gold it is.
How your friends, family, and significant other reacted to your decision to Breastfeed. Were they supportive?
As I stated my husband was hugely supportive. He was the official ‘burper’ for our children and that’s a great way to get him involved.
How long did you Breastfeed? Why did you go that long? Why did you stop at that point? Was this a difficult transition for you or baby?
I breastfed my daughter until she was 14 months – the transition wasn’t too bad. My son was still nursing at 14 months and I felt that it was time to wean. Sadly it was very traumatic for both of us and after 3 miserable days we started up again. For two more months we did evening nursings and he eventually weaned himself with no pain for me or him. Let your child lead.
The one breastfeeding item that you could not live without? Ie. Boppy, nursing pads, breast pump, etc. Feel free to mention types, brand names, or models so that others know what you have used and loved.
A good sexy nursing bra. Splurge and get a padded one – it will do wonders for your self confidence! I used it only when I was out in public and needed to look ‘nice’ in our bedroom. So I kept it for good but it really was worth every penny .
If given the chance to go back in time, would you change anything about your Breastfeeding experience?
Nope. Honestly not a thing.
Jessica
You can catch Jessica on her blog Living Each Day for God.
Thank you Jessica for sharing your experience and your words of wisdom on the art of Breastfeeding! ~Laura
Breastfeeding Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
My biggest tip is to relax, relax, relax. Women have been doing this since the beginning of time – our bodies were created for this and we need to have more faith in them. If someone tells you something and it doesn’t feel right – do not feel guilty for not believing them – do what’s best for YOU and your baby
Things you wish you had known prior to your first breastfeeding session
It’s hard. And tiring. But oh so rewarding. As I am anticipating the birth of my third child – the only thing that is getting me through my fear of labor and delivery is the chance to breastfeed again. There is absolutely nothing like snuggling with your baby in the middle of the night while all is quiet and calm.
Also – you can combo nurse-on-command and nurse-on-schedule. But a baby does need a schedule – that’s one thing I wish I would have known. My first BF experience was rough because I constantly offered the boob to her and she just wasn’t hungry half the time – she just need to fuss to burn some energy so she could eat better later. There’s a fine line and you’ll know what it is!
Start pumping early… very very early and build up your supply – it’s never too early to build it up. But make sure your freezer door shuts every time! A picture never worked to help let my milk down but I took a blanket with me and the smell did the trick every time!
Manual vs. Electric Pump. Include brand name and/or model if you found one that you highly recommend.
I bought a very expensive electric pump and it didn’t work at all for me. I actually pumped by hand into a glass cup. Yes… I really did. Once you get the knack for it – I found I could pump twice the amount in half the time.
Those embarrassing Breastfeeding stories…we all have them!
My supply was always great and at least once if not twice a day my poor girl would get covered in a milk bath because she couldn't drink fast enough... hee hee I remember the first time trying to nurse her in public. My husband and I were shopping and I went into a fancy restroom in one of those fancy stores where they have couches. It was an EPIC FAIL. I remember trying to get her to latch on and she refused but was screaming with everything she had so of course I 'let down' and when I say sprayed, I mean I sprayed that girl with breastmilk.... trying to get her to latch on, holding her screaming body, trying to cover myself as other women were staring (some with sympathy, others with amusement, and others with disgust), and finally got myself put back together, picked everything up and rushed back out. The look on my husband face was priceless.... it obviously did not go well since I was out in 5 minutes, my daughter was soaked from head to toe, and we were both still crying. From that point on - we only nursed in the car where it was quiet and I had much more privacy!
When and how you came to the decision to Breastfeed. When did you decide? Prior to pregnancy? During Pregnancy? After delivery? How did you decide?
I knew from the very beginning before I was pregnant that I would breastfeed – I was blessed to come from a family where my mother, grandmother, MIL, many cousins all breastfed and it was HUGELY accepted and encouraged. My husband used to walk down the formula aisle at the store and proudly state ‘I love boobs’ while looking at the prices. Liquid gold it is.
How your friends, family, and significant other reacted to your decision to Breastfeed. Were they supportive?
As I stated my husband was hugely supportive. He was the official ‘burper’ for our children and that’s a great way to get him involved.
How long did you Breastfeed? Why did you go that long? Why did you stop at that point? Was this a difficult transition for you or baby?
I breastfed my daughter until she was 14 months – the transition wasn’t too bad. My son was still nursing at 14 months and I felt that it was time to wean. Sadly it was very traumatic for both of us and after 3 miserable days we started up again. For two more months we did evening nursings and he eventually weaned himself with no pain for me or him. Let your child lead.
The one breastfeeding item that you could not live without? Ie. Boppy, nursing pads, breast pump, etc. Feel free to mention types, brand names, or models so that others know what you have used and loved.
A good sexy nursing bra. Splurge and get a padded one – it will do wonders for your self confidence! I used it only when I was out in public and needed to look ‘nice’ in our bedroom. So I kept it for good but it really was worth every penny .
If given the chance to go back in time, would you change anything about your Breastfeeding experience?
Nope. Honestly not a thing.
Jessica
You can catch Jessica on her blog Living Each Day for God.
Thank you Jessica for sharing your experience and your words of wisdom on the art of Breastfeeding! ~Laura
Monday, October 10, 2011
Breastfeeding Guest Blogger - Sara R.
Our First Guest Blogger for this week's Breastfeeding event is Sara R. If you have any questions or comments for Sara, please leave them below! And please, enjoy her breastfeeding journey! ~Laura
My first, he was hard. I was told I had flat nipples and was handed a shield to use while nursing. No one told me that you should stop using it after a few weeks. After 5 weeks of nursing, I got a terrible breast infection. My sweet mother-in-law, a "retired" la leche league leader, told me that the best way was to just have him nurse it out. OUCH! It hurt so bad. And I was so sick. Fever, weakness, and I just wanted to sleep all the time. It didn't help that we were moving three states over in a week.
But I got better within a few days and moved without a hitch. But there we were, thousands of miles away from family and it was just the three of us. I lasted nursing him for 9 months. I just dried up. I don't know why I dried up, but I did. I think it might have been stress. I was going to go back to school, we moved again, and I was working. It was a crazy time, and I think my milk just couldn't survive that.
With my second, I was a little weirded out about nursing a girl. In my crazy mind, I felt it was wrong. Thankfully, my husband said I was being stupid and it would be ok. I loved nursing my daughter. I was just sad when I dried up again. This time at 6 months. My doctor told me to stop nursing because she had quit growing. It broke my heart, but I knew I just wasn't producing the milk needed to help her grow. The time we did spend nursing, was great. No infections and no hang-ups. Just that one major one. lol!
Number three, well, I dried up super early. Just shy of 4 months. I was heart broken. He was my best nurser to date. I loved the special time with him. Again, I just wasn't producing the milk to help him grown. Still, I don't know why my first three kiddos I dried up. He was such a good baby, hardly spit up.
Number four, well, he was my only child that latched on within minutes of being born. All the others wouldn't latch on until about 6 hours after birth. Then, wouldn't really eat well until they were 24 hours old. But not number 4. He rooted around for my breast and just latched on for a good 45 minutes! You can guess, that he was my best nurser! We moved to a new states a week after he was born, and even though there was a ton of stress from that, whatever happened, I was able to nurse him for 14 months! We were both done at that time and it was a great weening experience. It was so easy.
As for number five. Well, we are still going strong! He nurses ALL. THE. TIME! He is great. No problems at all. I'm planning on going for as long as we can. I'll let him tell me when we are done.
Nursing isn't easy. It hurts so bad the first month. I know with each of my kids I have cried through a few nursing. The flat nipples went away. I used the shield with my daughter, but learned that they shouldn't be used for more than a few weeks. So I said good-bye to using a shield forever a few weeks after my daughter was born. I haven't had a problem with my nipples since then. I think a few children using them helps draw them out!
Teething and nursing does not mix. My kids like to grind their gums on my nipples. Or pull back with their head, while still attached. Both will earn them a short time at nursing.
All in all, nursing is touch, but well worth it. I've had a pretty easy time with it. Starting out is hard. It really is. But it's so worth it in the end! All I can say to new moms, don't give up! The pain will go away. You'll get a hang of it. Nursing is something that you and your sweet little one learn together. And when you need help, turn to your mother, or mother-in-law, a good friend or a la leche league advisor for help! But in the end, trust your instincts!
Thank you Sara for sharing your experience and your words of wisdom on the art of Breastfeeding! ~Laura
Breastfeeding Awareness Week!!
So, because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we are celebrating all things boobie, I have put together an event to celebrate Breastfeeding! Throughout the week, you will be seeing reviews, giveaways, and guest posts by breastfeeding moms. Breastfeeding can be beautiful, easy, difficult, painful, funny, sad, and basically every emotion you can name. So this week, we are going to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of breastfeeding!
To kick the event off....HUGE Medela giveaway below! Medela was WONDERFUL enough to donate a HUGE box of goodies for this event. There will be multiple winners and each winner will get a goodie bag of Breastmilk storage magnets, Medela Tender Care Lanolin, and Medela disposable nursing pads.
Please follow Medela on Facebook and thank them for this ENORMOUS giveaway! The box of goodies that arrived on my porch was CRAZY huge and they deserve an even bigger thank you for their support!
CLICK ON THE "READ MORE" FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Fun Fall Family Activities
Welcome today's Guest blogger, Kathleen Thomas! Kathleen is a Communications Coordinator for the Atlanta day care facility, a member of the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose Schools (located in 16 states throughout the U.S.) and part of the network of day care preschools delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum. Please welcome her and enjoy her thoughts on fun Fall activities for your family! ~Laura
Fun Fall Family Activities
Article submitted on behalf of Primrose Schools by Kathleen Thomas
As autumn approaches and cool, crisp weather beckons, it's time to start making your list of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you make plans to enjoy a local harvest festival, plan a neighborhood game night, or enjoy touring scenic destinations nearby, fall is the perfect time for family togetherness. This article offers some ideas for spending time with your family, while enjoying the fun that fall has to offer.
Visit a Local Pick Your Own Farm -- Fall is harvest time in most communities, and the perfect time to score local fruits and vegetables. Do some online research to determine what's in season in your area, then visit a pick your own farm nearby to enjoy the fruits of the season. Many orchards offer apple picking, pressed cider, and apple butter, while pumpkin patches feature pick your own pumpkins, corn mazes, and hayrides. If your children are adults, you may find a local winery tour more appealing. Supporting local farms can be a great way to spend a weekend outdoors with the entire family in the crisp autumn air.
Enjoy the Fall Scenery -- Those who live in an area that enjoys a seasonal color display may wish to plan an outing to view the leaves as they turn brilliant shades of red and orange. If your seasons aren't as dramatic, perhaps you could book a family visit to a local tourist attraction, such as caverns, a mountain range, or a historic destination. Your family can learn a bit about your local area, and you can enjoy a last road trip before winters' harsher weather drives you indoors for the season.
Attend a Sporting Event -- For many, fall means football. If this is the case in your family, make the time to make each game an event. We all know with day care, sports, ballet, and band family time is limited. Whether you're supporting your local high school or college team, or prefer to watch your favorite team on your big screen television, use the opportunity to bring your family together. Favorite snacks, dedicated pillows and blankets, and team jerseys for the entire family can help make games a traditional event that everyone can enjoy.
Visit a Local Pick Your Own Farm -- Fall is harvest time in most communities, and the perfect time to score local fruits and vegetables. Do some online research to determine what's in season in your area, then visit a pick your own farm nearby to enjoy the fruits of the season. Many orchards offer apple picking, pressed cider, and apple butter, while pumpkin patches feature pick your own pumpkins, corn mazes, and hayrides. If your children are adults, you may find a local winery tour more appealing. Supporting local farms can be a great way to spend a weekend outdoors with the entire family in the crisp autumn air.
Enjoy the Fall Scenery -- Those who live in an area that enjoys a seasonal color display may wish to plan an outing to view the leaves as they turn brilliant shades of red and orange. If your seasons aren't as dramatic, perhaps you could book a family visit to a local tourist attraction, such as caverns, a mountain range, or a historic destination. Your family can learn a bit about your local area, and you can enjoy a last road trip before winters' harsher weather drives you indoors for the season.
Attend a Sporting Event -- For many, fall means football. If this is the case in your family, make the time to make each game an event. We all know with day care, sports, ballet, and band family time is limited. Whether you're supporting your local high school or college team, or prefer to watch your favorite team on your big screen television, use the opportunity to bring your family together. Favorite snacks, dedicated pillows and blankets, and team jerseys for the entire family can help make games a traditional event that everyone can enjoy.
Get to Know Your Neighbors -- If the weather is too chilly for outdoor fun, consider planning an indoor game night. Invite your children's friends or other families from your neighborhood over, and bake sweet treats or serve warming soup and bread. You're sure to enjoy the chance to curl up inside away from the blustery fall chill, while getting to know your friends and neighbors and having a rousing good time in the process.
Please, share any other fun fall activities that you and your family enjoy in the comments below!
I hope you have enjoyed this post by Kathleen! Happy Fall Everyone!!! ~Laura
Monday, October 3, 2011
Smiley Cookie Review
We are now entering my favorite time of year…fall! I love autumn, the colors, the changing leaves, and the holidays! Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are my favorite time of year…and of course, the season gets kicked off with my birthday! So, my birthday has come and gone, and now it is time to get ready for the next event…Halloween!!! Everyone loves Halloween! It is so fun to get dressed up and go trick or treating. The kiddos love to stuff their buckets full of candy, popcorn balls, cookies, and whatever else they can get their hands on!
Did I say cookies? Yes I did! Which brings me to my amazing review for the day! I had the pleasure of being chosen to review Smiley Cookies! For those of you who have ever eaten at an Eat N Park, you will recognize the trademark smiley face cookie! Even better, Smiley Cookie is based out of Pittsburgh! I love supporting local western PA businesses!!! You can see their assortment of Pittsburgh team theme cookies here!
Of course, when the box (which was packaged like Fort Knox) arrived and I opened it, my husband told me that I have the coolest job ever! Cookies delivered to our front door was a dream come true for him! He thinks I should get into food reviews! Don't worry...I plan to stick to natural parenting and cloth diapers...but who could pass up a cookie review!?
On to the cookies... If you are looking for a yummy treat, for any occasion (birthday, holiday, etc), and want it delivered right to your door…this is the place for you! These cookies are delicious! They arrived in a huge box, with tons of bubble wrap, not one of the cookies was cracked or broken, they were sealed in plastic, and they were perfectly soft and absolutely perfectly delicious.
The Halloween cookies are even more of a treat due to the candy corn face! We all loved the candy corn face and we fought over who got the last cookie. We ended up cutting it in thirds with each person getting a bite with candy corn! Good thing there are only three of us!!!
Looking for a cute idea to give trick or treaters? Try their Halloween mini cookies!!! Perfect to hand out!
Or...Looking for a cute idea to announce that you are having a baby or to announce the gender of your upcoming arrival? Try their baby cookies!!!
I highly recommend these cookies! They were a yummy treat and would make a perfect addition to any holiday or celebration! Think of the possibilities!!!!
Total Stars: ★★★★★
Want to purchase Smiley Cookies? Become a fan of their Facebook page for 20% off your order of Halloween Cookie Gifts and Baskets!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Want to purchase Smiley Cookies? Become a fan of their Facebook page for 20% off your order of Halloween Cookie Gifts and Baskets!
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