World Breastfeeding Week

My last post was on breastfeeding, but in light of it being World Breastfeeding Week, I would like to share a few more thoughts.

Did you think about breastfeeding when you were pregnant? I did. And, in my mind I really thought it would be a cinch. I would just buy a special bra, slap in a nursing pad, and feed my baby when he got hungry. Ha ha, if only it were that easy. I have a tendency to be an optimist when it comes to these things.

While pregnant, I had been glancing through several of my breastfeeding books, but honestly, the information doesn't make as much sense until it is actually happening to you and you are trying to figure the whole breastfeeding thing out as you go.

My experience hasn't been as challenging as some, but I can say that I understand why women quit just like I understand now why women want to be induced and get epidurals. But, I was one determined mommy to not do any of the above. Having cracked, bleeding nipples is not fun though. My toes curled up and I would clench my teeth each time I latch him on. I consulted a lactation consultant during the first weeks of breastfeeding and I contribute my healing to her suggestions. Ultimately, I think it came down to the Medela Soft Shells for Sore Nipples that made the difference. After four and a half weeks of painful feeding 8-12 times a day, I used the shells for three days and, voila!, my nipple was scarring over and healing. And, now, he latches on and I have no pain. It is just a joy to feed him now. Ladies, please hear this...DO NOT quit until you have tried to get help from a professional first. It is worth it for your sake and your baby's.

To all the women out there who are dealing with early breastfeeding issues, listen to those who have come before you (just as I did) - IT DOES GET BETTER, I promise.

What a joy to know that I am giving my son the wonderful gift of breastmilk. It is building his immunity, our bonding, and it is so healthy for us both.

The Joy of Breastfeeding

Yes, it is a commitment. Yes, it can be challenging. Yes, it takes a bit of an effort to learn. Yes, it takes a lot of mommy's time. Yes, there can be soreness and trauma. But, it is OH. SO. WORTH. IT!

I love to feel little fingers tickle my back as his arm dangles under mine while he eats.

I love when he locks eyes with mine as he is suckling and he smiles at me.

I love that he is getting the best nutrients on the planet from his food.

I love the bond I feel with him when I hold him close to feed him.

I love that breast milk helps build his brain with the natural omega-3 fatty acids DHA and ARA.

I love that I don't have to get up and fix a bottle at 2:30am.

I love that it it doesn't cost $1,200 a year like formula does, not to mention the cost of the bottles and all the equipment involved.

I love that it is easy on his delicate digestive system.

I love that it doesn't create extra work for me...like washing, sterilizing, and drying bottles.

I love that it is rich in natural, well absorbing lactose, iron, calcium, and zinc and DOES NOT contain corn syrup like formula.

I love that it is building his tiny immune system and protecting him against germs in the environment.

I love that it lowers my risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

I love that breastfeeding is helping me lose those extra pounds gained during pregnancy.

I love that it is a natural form of birth control.

I JUST LOVE IT!

Birth Trauma and Breastfeeding Remedies

Wouldn't it be nice if our bodies and babies came with a guidebook specifically for written for each of us?

We could know ahead of time that labor could potentially be 25 hours long. We could plan on how to deal with the back labor and the third degree tears. The cracking, bleeding nipples from breastfeeding would be anticipated and we could seek help before that ever happened. We would know that the hormones that are trying to balance out are going to give us some serious ups and downs and that just looking into the sweet eyes of our baby will make us cry for no reason at all.

But....

That isn't reality.

Thankfully, they write books to refer to once you know you are dealing with these issues.

I have been referring to The Baby Book by William and Martha Sears and Breastfeeding Made Simple by Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen A. Kendall-Tackett. In addition, I have been consulting a fabulous lactation consultant in my area.

So, here are some of the things I have been doing to recover from birth and baby.

Repair "Down There"...
For the first two days after the repair of my third degree tear I used herbal ice packs on the inflammation. These were made from soaking sanitary pads (overnight and regular size) in the herbal bath blend and freezing them. I changed them as needed. They melted, so I put this frozen pad onto another large pad they gave me at the hospital when I went in for the stitches after my home birth and then I put on a Depends. It isn't the most glamorous look, but for anyone who has had a tear that needs comfort, you know you don't even care at that point. After day two, I spread Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm onto a pad and it soothed the area. In fact, two and a half weeks later, I am still occasionally using this balm. It is definitely some amazing stuff.

Nipple Trauma and Repair...
For some reason, I have had issues with my left nipple. The right one has been just fine. My baby has a really great latch. If he happens to latch on incorrectly, I take the time to reposition and relatch as much as I need to until it is correct. My left nipple, however, started cracking and bleeding. I "toughed it out" for a few days and it just wasn't getting better. Just so you know, I don't recommend "toughing it out". Consult your lactation consultant right away if you think you may be having a issue with breastfeeding. But, I knew he had a proper latch according to the book and my knowledge of breastfeeding. When reading up on sore nipples and nipple trauma in Breastfeeding Made Simple, I discovered I had all of the following...

• intense, toe-curling pain
• pain throughout the feeding or between feedings
• broken skin, blisters, or color changes
• a burning sensation during, after or in-between feedings
• persistent soreness that does not improve after a day or two of trying to correct the problem

My book suggested that if I have any of the previous issues, to contact a lactation consultant immediately. The next morning, I called Mellanie Sheppard, IBCLC first thing. Her advice was to ensure the proper latch, use a saline wash after each feeding. I make this from 1/8 teas. sea salt and 1 oz. water in a shot glass and seal it over the nipple and areola to soak for 2-3 minutes. Don't soak for longer than 2-3 minutes or the nipple will get too soft. After the soak, I apply colloidal silver directly to the nipple as well as take 1 teas. orally to prevent further infection. Then, I use either Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter or a Lansinoh Soothies gel pads to ensure that my nipple does not stick to the nursing pad and cause further trauma. She also suggested to use a product by Medela called Soft Shell for Sore Nipples. I haven't tried those yet. In addition, she recommended taking supplements to boost my immune system in order to not fully develop mastitis. So far so good. My nipple is slowly recovering and I can tell a difference with each feeding.

We can't always prepare for all the what-ifs before they happen, but we can consult some great books and wonderful professionals for their advice once we know what kinds of things we are dealing with after birth.

Sore Nipples

Thank goodness for the mommies who have gone before me. I admittedly don't know everything about pregnancy, childbirth. and beyond and I welcome the advice and support.

My first trimester of pregnancy was a bit rough. I had spotting from 5 weeks until 12 weeks. On top of that, I was nauseated and throwing up from week 9ish to week 13ish. Now that I am feeling EXCELLENT in my second trimester, I am going to try and relay my own personal experiences, concerns, and questions about pregnancy and childbirth.

Many women have sore breasts and nipples during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In fact, my first pregnancy symptom was very tender breasts. But, I never expected to have such sore nipples. There were days in the first trimester that just the graze of a shirt across them or water running on them was so painful. As a breastfeeding advocate, I plan to put my baby to my breast the moment after birth. Although my nipples have toughened up during this 2nd trimester, I am nervous that I may experience sore nipples in my breastfeeding journey.

I am open to any suggestions, personal experiences, organic products, etc... I know Earth Mama Angel Baby has wonderful products for nipples. What else worked for you? Anyone had the same concerns or experienced what I am feeling? Did you prepare your nipples and breasts for breastfeeding in any way?

Newborn Crawl to Initiate Breastfeeding

I love the video of a newborn crawling up it mother to feed. I wish the poor baby was a bit more dried off and had a hat on, but overall, it is a great demonstration.



Evidence shows that 22% of all deaths among babies in developing countries may be prevented by early breastfeeding initiation.

The breast crawl is natural and instinctive for babies. This does not guarantee successful establishment of breastfeeding for every mother and baby, but it can have some great advantages if it is achieved. The skin to skin contact with the newborn baby has many amazing affects on the mother and baby as well, including bonding and warmth.

Advantages to the mother and baby for the breast crawl and early breastfeeding initiation include:

• Skin to skin contact which keeps the baby warm
• Leads to fast and effective achievement of feeding skills by the baby
• The first feeding of colostrum has a high concentration of antibodies. It is the babies first immunization. The baby will get bacterial flora from the mother that protects against infection and ultimately leads to the baby's survival
• Promotes uterine contractions for better birth of the placenta
• It can prevent maternal blood loss and anemia
• Leads to better sugar levels and other biochemical parameters in the first few hours after birth
• Promotes earlier passage of meconium and decreases the potential of newborn jaundice
• Early and long term breastfeeding success
• Better mother-infant bonding

Information gathered from http://breastcrawl.org

Breast is Best

Breastfeeding Facts

Breastmilk is the best food for infants and small children:

• Reduces the risk of allergic reations and asthma
• Provides babies with the most easily digested food
• Promotes healthy growth and development
• Studies indicate a higher I.Q. among breastfed babies
• Protects against cancer and diabetes
• Transmits mother's immunities
• Leads to fewer ear and respiratory infections
• May protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Yields health benefits that last a lifetime
• Reduces crying and colic
• Reduces cause of abuse and abandonment
• Allows mom time to cuddle and nurture her baby
• Mother's milk changes throughout the duration of nursing to meet the baby's specific needs at a given time
• Diapers have less offensive odor
• Mother's milk is the safest food for infants in any emergency

Breastfeeding is best for mothers:

• Releases prolactin: the calming, "mothering" hormone
• May delay ovulation and menstruation
• Protects against breast and ovulation cancer
• Helps uterus get back to pre-pregnancy size and shape
• Allows mothers to miss fewer work or school days because baby is sick less often
• Creates a special time for mother-baby bonding
• Less time preparing bottles
• Permits mothers to get more sleep at night (if baby shares bed)

Breastfeeding is best for families:

• Saves money in formula and health care costs
• Leads to healthier baby and mother
• Allows mother to spend more time with entire family
• Can offer a special bonding tie for siblings and fathers, too
• Makes for easier traveling
• Makes comforting baby easier - less crying

Breastfeeding is best for the world:

• Uses a natural resource
• Protects the environment: no packaging, no plastics, no waste
• Yields healthier work force for the future
• Requires no storage
• Saves tax dollars by decreasing health care costs

Information provided by: 2007 Department of State Health Services

Breastfeeding Polls

Many books have been written about it and there is so much information out there about it. However, as an industrialized country, the USA does not rank highly in breastfeeding. Third world countries, who do not have the access too books, lactation consultants, and all the education, are ranking higher in their efforts to breastfeed. Hmmm...

The previous breastfeeding poll didn't tell me what I really wanted to know. Thanks for taking the time to take my two newest polls.