Topic Archive: breastfeeding

January 25, 2012

When Breastfeeding Isn’t Easy

When you’re pregnant, everyone is eager to tell you that breastfeeding isn’t always easy. Books, classes, friends, relatives — they all warn you that it doesn’t come easily for some. Yet somehow you think: not me. I’ll be a natural. I’ll be the best breastfeeder that’s ever existed. Just you wait.

Of course that’s what I thought: How hard can it be? I mean really. The lactation consultant at the hospital murmured things about my “excellent anatomy” and told me I’d have no problems with nursing. Sure enough, the first couple weeks after my son was born were fine. My husband kept remarking, “Look at you! You’re a natural!” as I whipped a breast out at the dinner table or while watching TV. I got this, I thought. No problem.

What no one warned me about though was that when it comes to breastfeeding, it really does take two to tango. And as with any relationship, problems can go both ways. So while my anatomy may have been up to the task, unfortunately my son did not agree. After a strong start, he suddenly decided that he really did not like nursing. (more…)

January 16, 2012

New Year’s Reminders

It’s the New Year and the traditional time to make resolutions. I’ll be honest, with the baby a month away, I’m not really looking to set steadfast goals. Would I like to write a book? Absolutely. Brush up on my French? Oui. Drop each and every pound of baby weight? I think that answer is pretty obvious. But, with this being my third baby, I know what lies ahead and I don’t want the pressure of caring for a newborn, while feeling guilty if I don’t have the energy to meet certain objectives. So, I’m not making resolutions this time around. Instead, I’m reminding myself of what I feel is important and desirable. And, so, my New Year’s reminders are as follows:

• Finally settle on a baby girl name.
• Have a natural birth with a healthy mom and baby.
• Spend at least the first year nursing without complaining about the time commitment.
• Read a lot, even if I’m tired from caring for a newborn.
• Run. And feel blessed to be able to do it again.
• Encourage a good sleep schedule for the baby, but don’t be beholden to it.
• Be more flexible. And I’m not talking about touching my toes (though that would be nice, too).

What about you? Did you set any resolutions or reminders?

Episode 248 | January 10, 2012

Amy’s Birth Story

January 10, 2012

Easing Engorgement: A Praise of the Common Cabbage

Today I want to share with you a smelly little secret! It’s a natural cure for engorgement pains that also stops mastitis in its tracks and can help you when you need to wean suddenly while your milk supply is still plenty! It’s white CABBAGE!

I know this sounds weird, but read on and it might help you, too when you need it!

My history with cabbage:

I had given birth to my first baby about 2 days ago, when I fell asleep on the bed. I woke up an hour later and something crazy had happened: somebody had pumped up my breasts to basketball size! They were hard, they were steaming hot and they were HURTING! Engorgement had arrived! I was in agony, just the bra or a T-shirt touching my breasts was uncomfortable and in an ironic twist I now bumped into things with my super-boobs rather than my belly. I thought they sure were going to burst. And while my husband was quite enticed by the X-rated size of them there was NO way he was going to get to touch them! (more…)

Episode 246 | December 27, 2011

Weaning and Breastfeeding While Pregnant

Weaning is simply part of the breastfeeding process. But, when should you start? Which feedings should you eliminate first and why? And how can the medication sudafed help with the whole process? Plus, do you need to wean once you become pregnant? (more…)