On Extended Breastfeeding and Humble Pie
I had fiercely judged mothers of breastfeeding toddlers, mothers who co-slept with their children, the ones who seemed to make their child the center of their universe. I labeled them as indulgent, compromising, and foolish. Yet that was the mother I had become.
Breastfeeding is Great; Breastfeeding On Demand is Even Better
Two days after Levi was born, I was in that strange place where sleep-deprivation, physical exhaustion, and blissful elation coincide. We had been home for about twenty-four hours, and we were adjusting fairly well to breastfeeding, but I was feeling unsure about how often and when to feed him. Scheduled Breastfeeding? When I was pregnant, I had been recommended a book that advocated for scheduled breastfeeding. It was important, the book argued, that the child adhered to the parents’ schedule and not the other way around. Having known very little about breastfeeding, I thought, sure, that sounds like a good plan — feed the baby every two or three hours…
The Milky Way – A Documentary
Do you have an hour and a half to spare? If so, and you are hoping to breastfeed, skeptical about breastfeeding, are currently breastfeeding, feel as though you failed at breastfeeding, or simply are interested in learning how parenting affects culture, I want to recommend a documentary to you that had a powerful impact on me. When I was pregnant with my second child, I watched this documentary. It found me in a stage of vulnerability and doubt, at a time when I was wrestling with whether or not to wean my toddler, struggling with the cultural stigmas associated with extended breastfeeding. This documentary engaged me, informed me, frightened…
11 Surprising Things I’ve Learned about Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of those things I always planned on doing. But, just as most things with parenthood, I found so many things surprising (and amazing) about it! Here are eleven things I’ve learned from research and experience. 1. Breastfeeding is Instinctual for Babies During our classes at Lifecycle Woman Care, we were taught about the importance of the first “golden hour” after birth. During this time, the baby is alert and intent on connecting to the mother they previously only knew on the inside. When newborns are placed on their mother’s bare body, they have an innate drive to connect to the breast, and the breast crawl ensues. Babies…
on breastfeeding
In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness month, here is a somewhat silly, somewhat serious look at the art of breastfeeding. ON BREASTFEEDING “I will breastfeed, yes I can. I will breastfeed, that’s the plan.” That’s what many mamas say Before they breastfeed that first day. To breastfeed, though, is no small feat. It takes some work, and though it’s sweet To have your baby suckle you, It has its low points, too; it’s true. The sexy bras that have to go. The guilt when milk production’s low. Mastitis is a total pain, Leaky boobs your clothes will stain. Nipple shields, lanolin cream, Nursing covers, the urge to scream When baby latches…
