Breastfeeding Do's and Dont's

Now that my DD is nearly 16 months old I thought I'd share some of the "Dos and Don'ts"  That have helped me through my relationship with her. For us it was relatively easy and we are so glad it has been. However some things have been really hard like night weaning and nursing in public. Not because of anyone else but because those are my own personal hurdles.

So here's my short list of do's and don'ts that got me through:

1.) DO find a peer group of positive Breastfeeding moms. If you can't find a support group locally, find one online. Here are a few of my favorites:
http://www.mothering.com/community/f/23/breastfeeding
http://www.facebook.com/groups/kellymamas/?fref=ts

Also if you are a member of an online community like what to expect, or baby center, then ask if the due date club has a breastfeeding group on facebook or otherwise. My DDC's support group was awesome and having mom's in it who where new to it like me, and who where experienced was awesome.

2.) DO Set goals. For some long term goals are better(me) for others short term. Some mom's set goals for a month, then two months later, and so forth till they get to their end goal.
Having a goal gives you something to work towards and feel accomplished about when you are done.

3.) DON'T worry about pumping for the first few weeks unless you are planning to return to work and will need to be feeding a bottle. In that case wait at least a few days.
Pumping doesn't give your body the necessary stimulation needed to produce milk like the baby does. Many women respond to the pump but others simply do not. That doesn't mean that your body isn't producing milk. And pumping output does not equal how much baby is getting when they nurse! Pumping or not doesn't mean you can't breastfeed.
Some women can still breastfeed part time, only at night, before they leave for work and after they get home, etc. So not pumping isn't the end of the world.

4.) DO Chart your cycles once they return. Breastfeeding alone is NOT a means of contraception. Knowing when you will ovulate is the BEST way to avoid pregnancy. I know SO many mom's who get very upset that they are preggers a few months after giving birth and if your body isn't ready, or you're not ready it's fairly easy to avoid even if you don't use birth control, or condoms, or IUD's. There are free apps and websites to track your cycle. Popular among my mom friends is:
www.myfertilityfriend.com
And my favorite is a free app for iphone or andriod called "My Period Tracker":
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.period.tracker.lite&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5wZXJpb2QudHJhY2tlci5saXRlIl0.

5.) DON'T exclude dad. During the early weeks and months, dads can feel alienated from their new baby and wife. Baby's nurse a LOT (almost constantly it feels like) in the first few weeks and months. And dad can feel like baby doesn't like him, know who he is, and like he has nothing to do with the baby aside from change diapers.
Empower him by giving him jobs or having him help. Newborns are floppy and hard to position on ones own. Dad can help! Have him get you water, have him become a burping expert(my hubs was way better at this than I was.), Have him remind you of different positions to try, Teach him about breastfeeding and make him an expert! My hubby encourages many new dad's now about how awesome Breastfeeding is and how to help their wives. A little love an knowledge goes a LONG way!

6.) DO remember that all the bad things are only for a season. Breastfeeding can be hard sometimes. It's not possible to adjust to less sleep ahead of time. It's hard to wake up and cluster feed every 45 minutes at night when all your addled brain wants is some ZZzzzz's. Sometimes baby might not latch good. Or ALWAYS fall asleep on the boob, or spit up, or have reflux, or allergies, or you might get yeast, or mastitis.
All things are only for a short time. Baby's are only little for a short time. They only need mom 100% of the time for a very short time. You will eventually sleep again. You will eventually get through the dark spot and over the hump.

7.) DO be stubborn. Don't give up! Honestly it can be hard sometimes but being stubborn and refusing to say you're "trying" means you only have to options. To fail or succeed. If you failed the last time, then know you CAN succeed the next time if you want! Every baby is different and while the first might not have latched the next might be a perfect nurser.

8.) DON'T sell yourself short! You're a mom! That makes you a superhero! You grew a person in your body. Or you adopted a special little one, or fostered one someone else couldn't take care of. No mater how you came into motherhood you are a superhero now. There are people you couldn't pay to have your job and people who would pay all the money in the world to have it. It's a blessing. And you are amazing!
Remind yourself of all the amazing things about yourself when you are struggling emotionally.

9.) DON'T be afraid to seek help if you have problems. It doesn't make you a failure. It doesn't mean you did anything wrong! Breastfeeding though natural isn't easy and some babies and mom's need a little help. It's ok and the sooner you get it either in person or through your support groups the sooner you can move on and have an awesome breastfeeding relationship.

10.) DON'T Listen to those who say to offer formula as a solution to every problem. Or to those who tell you to add rice cereal to bottles to get more sleep. Those bits or "advice" or "booby traps" are unsafe, inaccurate, old fashioned advice.
Educate yourself:
http://www.drmomma.org/2010/10/virgin-gut.html
Also no pediatrician no matter how experienced she may be as a nursing mom, is a  breastfeeding expert. If you have a problem ask a Lactation Consultant, or better yet a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant! Most hospitals have one on call that you can phone and talk to or set up appointments with.

11.) DO nurse however you feel comfortable! If you feel better with a nursing cover then use one, if it makes your baby and your nursing relationship more of a hassle don't use it. If you feel better "popping" a breast over your shirt neckline then do it! If you feel better using a nursing shirt, and no cover do it! It's your baby and your body. Know your state laws and don't apologize or make excuses as to why you nurse the way you do. It's what works for you and baby and that's all that matters.

Breastfeeding Wardrobe on a Budget (Fall 2012 Edition)

I've been wanting to make this post for awhile. Some of you may remember my previous entry on breastfeeding clothing.
Well I did something silly. When I got Pregnant with Sweetness I decided to go through my fall/winter clothing and get rid of every thing. Well ALMOST everything. lol I had a few things I loved too much to get rid of.
This month has been cold! I went to get my nursing clothing and even just fall/winter stuff out and lo and behold I had only a few pieces. Not nearly enough to get through a week let alone a whole winter.
So I did some bargain hunting. And I'm sharing my secrets again with YOU!

Some things hold true that did before. Cross over necklines are still great for easy access. LOW deep V necks are great or easy access, And you can ALWAYS wear a basic long sleeved shirt or sweater that's a bit loose over a nursing tank when you ant to feel "normal".
That said I found some cute stuff and wanted to share and give some ideas!

Hold on to your computers this is an image heavy post!
Many of the tops I have that only require a few "extras" aka the nursing bra and faux cami. (more on that in an upcoming post) Or a nursing cami underneath. 

I've purposefully picked my most obvious bra to show how well this combo works with various tops.
First category Thrifted tops!

Old Navy top purchased for 4.00 at my local thrift store. Right picture shows nursing access. 

2.00 at my local thrift store. "batwing" style top. This I usually wear with a nursing cami as the deep V neckline is a bit low for the faux cami.

4.00 at the thrift store. No pilling or wear to be seen. A nice thin top but long sleeved. I'm not sure the neckline is best for the faux cami but I've only just washed it so will have to try it around the house first. I can always add a few stitches or a snap to the bottom of the neckline to tighten it up a bit. 

I purchased this while preggers and it worked great right after birth for the prenatal belly hiding period. Now it will also work for nursing. 3/4 length sleeve. I usually only button 3 of the 6 buttons as they are tight and a pain to unbotton. less than 5.00.

 

Cowl neck top Brand ann taylor loft. Lots of room to hide a post pardum tummy. Wore while preggers and the super stretchy cowl neckline made breastfeeding so easy. 

My sister picked this out for me. I honestly am not a plaid person. And I thought I would hate it. But I was desperate after sweetness was born and couldn't go out myself due to staying inside with her for 6 weeks.
So I accepted it graciously. Turns out it is my favorite! It has SNAPS! So easy for nursing.
Not sure how much t cost but I think it was 1/2price. so probably a few dollars. 

This I purposefully purchased a size larger than I needed. It was also 4.00 and has a built in cami. But due to being larger I can simply pull it to the side and nurse through the "armpit" area. 

I think this was an areopostle brand shirt but I apparently removed the tags after giving birth as they itched me. This is one of the few I held on to during my clothing purge. I just love how thin but warm it is. I have worn it so much the middle button is trying to fall off. Need to fix that.  

This may be my favorite. It has this super pretty criss cross action going on and is so lovely! Also 4.00.

Next Category is E-bay purchases. These are shirts specifically made for breastfeeding and feature easy access openings. I have a saved search that emails me any time new breastfeeding shirts are listed. But here's my secret. I scoop up Buy it now's that are less than 10.00 with shipping, or will bid on the last day if the shipping cost plus list price is close to 12.00. So none of these cost very much either. 

Expressiva brand. 10.00 with lift away openings for nursing access. 

I think this is motherwear brand. Also 10.00. Has a double layer so the top striped layer lifts and there are openings in the grey under layer. This is VERY thick so will be great when it gets really cold! 

I have a third and fourth top but I think they are dirty so I can't photograph them. :(

Last are New but discounted or sale items. Some clearance. You really just have to keep your eyes open in a store. Hold the top up and stretch the necklines, pull them back, see if it's easy to nurse in that way. If it won't stretch or move to the side put it back. Unless you plan to wear over a nursing cami. Which is totally fine I just fin it a pain lately. 

Prchased at Ross, 12.00. Super stretchy charcoal grey cowl neck sweater. 

Both from walmart. End of summer clearance. elbow length sleeves, and heavier knit material. 3.00 each. I usually wear a nursing cami with these as the necklines don't like to stay put. 

Old navy clearance. 10.00 VERY sheer. Great for our wacky weather when the day starts out cold and turns into 70's with sunshine. Please forgive the wrinkles. It went right form the drier to the clothing basket. *shame on me*

Drapey cardigan. 15.00 at walmart tight now. I bought a large as I wanted it long! 

 

Dots brand 22.00. Sweater dress with nursing access. YES! I'm going to remove the little buckle decorations as they will snag in the wash. But I LOVE it! 

Blue top from dots, 19.00 but I got a discount of some sort since they where having a sale.
Skirt is a sari silk "magic" wrap skirt from enwrapture vintage that I got through a co-op. Over a nursing tank. 

Lastly Homemade tops. I wish I had more time to make these. I have so many ideas for other styles but with a toddler it's just hard to find time to make anything detailed. So here's the last one I made: 
I used two "hanes" basic t's from walmart. I think they where around 6.00 each.

As you can see Breastfeeding doesn't have to mean 80.00 shirts and dresses. You can do it with style, modesty, and affordability  I did not buy all this at once and would not recommend doing so when building any wardrobe. Stay in budget or put a few bucks up each week instead of going out to eat. It's really easy to save money.
Besides you want to spend that money on nice nursing bras that will last and give good support!