Feeding Whtie Board

I'm back.  My last post was when my first son was almost 1 and I found out I was pregnant with number 2.  So I stopped writing as I felt that I had my hands full.  Well they are still full but sharing makes you a bit less crazy.  My daughter arrived in early August. 

So my first post was mentioned as a joke!  I have family in down and am always asked "when was she feed last?" so I told my husband, I should just get out a whiteboard.  There is is.. I should of that would have been so helpful.  Unfortunately, the last of my baby help leaves in 3 days but until then I have put a "LAST FEED" sheet on the fridge.

The first two weeks of breastfeeding are definitely the hardest, I really had to fight to get through (even the second time).  I think it is natural to assume a crying baby is a hungry baby... this whiteboard idea would help folks know that MAYBE it is something else.  It is really hard to not feel like a cow while you are breastfeeding.  Serious but true.

Anyways, maybe one of you will take up the Feeding White Board idea. Until next time, V

I might just finally enjoy breast-feeding

Yes, there have been moments, almost once a day that I can really say, I enjoy breast-feeding. Now, I enjoy it even more. Why you ask, I finally have given up pumping at work. Rejoice, Party!!!! I took down the sign covering my office window, like a ceremony! I AM SO HAPPY! I slowly transitioned from pumping 3 times a day to 2 to 1 and finally, I am free. So now I feed my son in the morning, when I get home and before bed. He is so wiggly at 9 months that I enjoy the time as we snuggle (he has eaten laying down since he was 2 months old (I just couldn't get the angle right!).)

In retrospect, I have to say, Abner was FINE going on formula. I knew he would be but the transition was a major mental block for me. Now he has 2 - 4oz bottles (I never could figure out how to get to bigger bottles) and 3 oz of juice a daycare (with the 3 feedings at home).

I just wanted to share my joy with you. 5.5 months of pumping was plenty for me.

V

Breastfeeding and Working

... can be a challenge.

I have been back to work full time for 3 weeks now. Thankfully, I have an office and some schedule flexibility because I am a supervisor. I pump three times a day.

First Lesson - Stress on the job makes pumping hard... it just doesn't go fast if you are stressed so grab a book and try to relax.

Second Lesson - EVERYONE knows what you are doing... it is a fact of life... oh well.

Third Lesson - Trying to do something away from work at a workshop or conference is trying. You need to call ahead and have them find you a place. It may be an awkward conversation but it worth it that day. You will already have enough issues getting yourself and all your parts out the door, you don't need to worry about where to hide. Breaks aren't going to line up so you will miss programs and networking but oh well. Don't forget your cooler.

Working and breastfeeding is hard, working full-time and breastfeeding is harder. You will want to give up and some point. Vent to someone, hey vent to us, so you can go a bit longer and when you can stand it no longer... don't beat yourself up. You can still try and do 4+ feedings at home. Goodness knows that it is going to be the cleaning of bottles after work that is going to be the end of me.

Amazing Milk Powers

No one told me that you can actually squirt breast milk a few feet by squeezing your boob when its full. I knew it had to come out somehow but I expected it to ooze or dribble (which it does too) but I never expected to be able to aim and shoot. Why aren't women taking more advantage of this fun and amazing talent. Men have pissing and spitting contests so why aren't women lining up to see who can shoot their breast milk the farthest?

A few other things my family has learned about breast milk, it keeps avocado (for the baby) greener longer and heals cuts remarkably fast. Its pretty much an amazing super serum.

I wish I'd been better prepared for breastfeeding drama

You'd think, breastfeeding being the natural option, that it would be easy, right? Yeah, not so much. We had some latching problems (ouch), then, when we got past that, we had a milk-flow issue. My son's doctor told me to eat more protein (I already eat a ton) and drink WAY more water (so I have to pee ALL THE TIME). We finally got back into a groove and then I went back to work and now I'm pumping 3 times a day and feeling rather cow-like. Here are a few things that helped:

• Soothies - a little pricey, but very nice when you are really sore.
• Protein water - I get tired of regular water, and this helped me get extra water AND protein - bonus! Also comes in powders that you can add to your own water.
• Protein shake powder - I made a shake most mornings with this, a cup of milk, some fruit and ice. 25 grams of protein - woohoo!
• Medela Pump in Style dual breast pump - a friend told me that I could NOT get a single pump, and now that I'm using this regularly I am so glad I followed her advice. Expensive, but totally worth it. (Watch for the 20% off coupon from Babies R Us, and you can save a bit).