Kristina's Breastfeeding Success Story

At around 3 months pregnant I found an app called WTE. I had no idea that I was going to meet the most amazing women & how it would change my life & my unborn child's.
At around the time my son was 3 weeks old, I was ready to give up on breastfeeding. I have 2 older children (10 & almost 5) that I was not successful with breastfeeding with. This child was to be the last we had & I was convinced no matter what I would breastfeed him. Well, that didn't go so right on. After 2 different Lactation Consultants, many hours researching, and supplementing every feeding followed by pumping, I posted on WTE for help from "MrsAnnaLynn" because I had seen her answer many questions on this topic. I read one where she pumped 16 oz & was convinced! At this point I could only pump 1/2 an ounce from both sides. Deanna replied right away with "Don't Panic" as the title in the email. I though "Yeah, right!". She gave me a link to her blog & emailed back & forth with encouragement & let me ask a million questions!
3 days later I was so excited to see that the supplements had more than cut in half from following her advice on her blog! Now I am less than a week in & only supplementing 3 feedings a day compared to the 10 or so from before!
I reached out & did not expect this to work, but I figured, "What's one more shot?" Not only that, but my son is so much happier. We were having many problems finding a formula that would work for him as his stomach was not accepting any well. Even with the couple feedings of formula he is much more regulated & not spitting up every time he eats. I thought it was going to be a long fight, but here I am now enjoying every smile my 4 week old gives as he unlatches from my breast! Thank you so much Deanna!!!

I am glad to help Kristina!!!

July Mommy of the Month

The mommy of the month for July is Tara a.k.a Tara4862.

You girls nominated her and she grabbed July!

Here is what she wrote:

The lowdown:
I'm Tara, married to Randy and mother of three boys, Blake (10), Keegan (7), Phoenix (3) and my long awaited little girl Isla (eye-la) who is 5 weeks old.

I must say that I feel like the luckiest woman alive to be married to my husband. He is everything I could dream of and more! My prince charming came into my life over 7 years ago. He is amazing to me and our children and I am the happiest I've ever been!

A day in my life can be pretty hectic! Not only do I have our four children, we have also opened our home up to watch two more kids as well! So add eight year old boy Michael to the mix and 13 week old Charlee :-)

About me:
I'm a simple woman. I'm into living a more healthful, natural lifestyle that includes chemical free cleaners, essential oils, energy efficient and recycling. I have a green thumb and enjoy plants and gardening. My family likes to go to the zoo and spent time outdoors. Overall, life is great and I could not ask for more! I'm so glad I have my family, at the end of the day, they are all that matter :-)

Here are some pictures of her adorable kids!

Isla

Keegan

Blake

Phoenix

Congratulation's Tara!

Deanna

Preventing SIDS

Mamaofallboys requested a blog on ways to prevent SIDS.

There is no for sure way to prevent SIDS keep that in mind but there are ways to REDUCE the risk.

1. Put your baby to sleep on his/her back.

This is the most important thing you can actually do to prevent SIDS. Side sleeping isn't safe either even though most people think it is safe babys can easily end up on their stomachs.

2. Stuffed animals and pillows in crib.

Avoid anything in the crib except for a firm mattress and sheet. This will make sure nothing gets into babys face.

3. Don't allow smoking around your baby.

This can greatly reduce SIDS the second hand smoke is very bad for baby. If someone NEEDS to smoke tell them to do so outside.

4. Crib bumpers.

Bumpers aren't a need. The slates on the crib are far enough that baby's head will not go through and if your baby's face goes onto the bumper there is a chance for suffocation.

5. Blankets and Swaddles.

Do not blanket your baby in bed. Choose clothing that is warmer for them if they are cold to the skin. If you need to blanket baby tuck blanket under armpit to secure that babys face will not get covered. If you need to swaddle do so with a light blanket or recieving blanket due to the hot weather in most places this is very important.

6. Air.

Keep air circulating with a ceiling fan in the room or window open if cool outside.

7. Exposure.

Make sure anyone that holds your baby washes their hands first.

These are tips I have heard from my doctor and my kids doctor.

Deanna

Hope this helps!



Post Partum Update 1 Month 5 Days PP

159lbs.

Total of 47lbs lost to date.

Here I am 1 month 5 days PP I am still waiting for my okay from my OBGYN to workout!

Deanna

Breastfeeding Menu

(I needed a picture and I found the neighborhood rabbit Bob!)

Here is another menu for you breastfeeders!

BREAKFAST

Bean and Cheese burrito with a whole wheat tortilla

(3 tbsp beans and a good handful of cheese)

1 cup of cold 1% milk

1 piece of fruit or half a grapefruit

SNACK

3 cups of popcorn with blackpepper (YUM)

1 cup of low fat yogurt

LUNCH

Ham sandwich on wheat bread

(4 slices ham with any toppings)

1 cup of salad

(1 teaspoon dressing)

2 cups of watermelon

1 cup of juice or iced/hot decaf tea (no green tea)

SNACK

1 hard cooked egg

1 banana with peanutbutter

DINNER

Palm sized portion of salmon

(baked with salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice)

1 cup of brown/white rice

1 1/2 cup mixed veggies

(or your favorite veggies)

Bread with light butter

SNACK

1 cup of yogurt with added fruit

or

chocolate cake

(any kind its dessert you deserve a treat)

That is my plan for one day of meals for breastfeeding.

We need this daily:

3 cups of dairy

6oz of meat/beans

8 oz grains

2 cups of fruit

3 cups veggies

6 teaspoons of oil (butter, olive oil, mayo, etc.)

So while I will be posting menu's with the daily requirements above you can make your own menu's as well.

Remember 13 8oz cups of water at the minimum.

You deserve a treat AFTER dinner.

You can always eat more fruit, vegetable, or dairy when hungry.

ENJOY!!!

Deanna



How to Gain Breastmilk

Hello Ladies!

Breastfeeding can be challenging but rewarding I am happy to tell you how to gain breastmilk naturally and easily with no complications.

1. Drink water. Drinking water doesn't only gain breastmilk it increases your hydration which is key on you being healthy enough to breastfeed. So remember 13 8oz glasses of water a day at the minimum for us breastfeeding mommies.

2. Oatmeal. Eating oatmeal once a day keeps your supply up because of everything that is good for you in the oatmeal. Add fresh fruit to get even more out of it!

3. Relax. Relax when breastfeeding or pumping listen to soothing music and close your eyes.

4. Breastfeed or Pump more frequently. Pump every 1.5-2 hours or in between feedings. Each day your ounces will increase.

5. Fenugreek. 1-2 days you will see an increase of breast milk by about 80%. Don't exceed 12 capsules a day.

6. Breast Compressions. When your breastfeeding hold your breast with thumb on top and other fingers on bottom and squeeze. Do this when you see that your baby is only sucking but not drinking or swallowing milk.

7. Use one breast per feeding. Allowing the breast to drain helps it accumulate more milk each feeding. If you aren't able to drain one breast due to your baby sleeping go ahead and pump the rest out for later use.

8. Pumping. Pump after every feeding for 10-20 minutes even though you don't see milk coming out sometimes it helps massage the nipple to stimulate saying "more milk more milk".

9. Eat.  Breastfeeding mothers need an additional 500-800 calories a day. For twins get about 700-900 calories more. So roughly 1700-2200 calories for
mommies. Are you eating that many calories?

10. Try not to drink Alcohol. Alcohol can deplete supply. People say beer gains breast milk and its true for SOME mothers but not all.

11. The No pacifier. I have expressed on the boards a few times my DISLIKE of pacifers. There is a reason behind this. Pacifiers can cause nipple confusion early in the early weeks but it also can reduce the amount of time your baby is at your breast which can cause your supply to drop.

12. Nipple Shields. When they are needed please use them. But when not needed please avoid using them they reduce the stimulation of your nipple and can interfere with the supply-demand cycle.

13. Do NOT STOP! Do not stop a feeding let them finish.

14. Purchase a Nuk. A Nuk cool and warm pack that is! I use this before breastfeeding and before pumping. I NEVER USE IT TO COOL THE BREASTS (cooling can deplete your supply). This is what it looks like.

 There is a link in the post to purchase from Amazon if needed at the bottom of this post. Target sells them for $12.99. I found it for you guys on Amazon for $6.99. When your babys is done breasfeeding after a year or more you can use this as an icepack or warm pack for bruises, headaches, and anything else!

Did you know when you have a headache if you put a cool pack on your head the headache goes away 75% faster?

How about drinking cold water and not warm burns 30 more calories!!!!!

Good Luck breastfeeding mommies!

Don't give up!

Deanna

*I purchased the Nuk Cool and Warm Pack with my own money*

Top Mommy Apps for iPhone or iPod

I love my iPhone and I have a ton of apps on here that really help me out.

babynavarrofeb2011 requested apps for new moms or cool apps in general here are my top 10.

#1. What to Expect (Baby)- Free

(getting most out of baby's first year)

#2. Baby's First App- $0.99

(learning letters, numbers, animals, shapes, colors, and objects)

#3. Baby 411 by Dr. Ari Brown- Free

(breaking news on medicine recalls, the latest research on baby's growth and development and more)

#4. Pandora- Free

(stations I recommend: nature, lullabye radio, soundscapes & lullabies)

#5. GasBuddy- Free

(finds cheap gas in your area)

#6. Flashlight (iPhone 4 only)- Free

(great to use at night)

#7. AllRecipes- Free

(tons of recipes for any occasion)

#8. Heart Fitness (iPhone 4 only)- Free

(really charts your heart rate)

#9. Sleep Maker All in One- Free

(great soundscapes to relax with)

#10. Photoshop Express- Free

(edit those iPhone pictures of your baby!)

Can you tell I love my free apps?

Deanna

Feel free to comment below and tell me your favorite apps!