When everything else is a whirlwind storm, one thing is right...

I love nursing!

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Umbillical Cords Work Overtime With Placenta

"When baby is born, this cord continues to function, providing the baby with not only blood and oxygen –but providing baby TIME! Time to transition to air breathing, experiencing the changes that babies go through at birth. As long as that cord is pulsing, it’s working for the baby the exact same way it did before the baby came out." -excerpt from article:
NHBS › Magic Umbilical Cords

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Active vs. natural mangement of the 3rd stage of labor (after baby is born until placenta is born)

Like the article begins, the birth of your baby doesn't end with his/her body leaving yours. Read about how what comes next affects you both. Third Stage of Labour - Benefits of A Natural Approach

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Yoga Practice for Mommies-to-Be

Great mommy-to-be yogi revelations! Moms are so insightful...

5 Things I've Learned from Practicing for Two | Top Five Tuesdays | Yoga Blog | Yoga Journal

Haunted Houses, Rollercoasters, and Birth

Halloween just passed, and with all the haunted houses and theme parks boasting about an array of terrifying themes, and death-defying rides they posess, it got me thinking of how backwards we have become as a society. We crave being truly terrified, it seems. We actually go out of our way to be as scared as possible. As a matter of fact, we will PAY hard-earned money in order to achieve this! It makes me wonder if we are so out of tune with the power in just truly living life that we have to create these extreme scenarios to verbal rush. I have no background in anthropology- nor do I want one- but I do have to wonder how we got here. I'm a chicken. I'm the first to admit it! I have no interest in any of that. I like thrilling rides, but nothing that makes me question if I'm going to make it. I don't like going upside-down. Call me boring, that's fine!

I just don't understand the appeal of those things contrasted with the fear of birth. Birth is safe! It can be amazingly thrilling too! As a matter of fact, I would say labor and birth is just as thrilling, exhillerating, terrifying and amazing as any ride or theme park experience, plus empowering, memorable emotional, and life-altering. Just sayin'.

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The danger with wearing a bulky coat in a car seat

Great visual explanation of why it isn't safe to have babies bundled up and then place in their car seats. Not a huge issue for us in sunny Florida, but for anyone living up North that may happen to read this!

Aritcle watch: Guess what?! Babies are unhappy and stressed when away from mom!

Proof that not only can you NOT spoil a baby, but also that not having them close to you causes them physical distress. The things poor babies are put through! As consumers, WE can change things. If we demand better or let practitioners know we will be taking our business elsewhere, they are forced to be different. Let's create a better world for babies. ---> Maternal separation stresses the baby, research finds

If you loved 'The Buisness of Being Born,' there's more where that came from!

Blissful Perfection, Personified

I love this picture. It totally captures the serenity of a snuggled older nursling at the end of a day of exploring the world. I wish I could capture this moment and save it forever. I LOVE this.

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Breastfeeding and Child Care : Child Care Providers : Healthy Meals Resource System

Breastfeeding and Child Care : Child Care Providers : Healthy Meals Resource System

Great information for childcare providers and parents who will at some point have their breastfed baby in the care of another person!

I Was Kicked Out of Church!

No joke. We were in Miami, visiting with family over the 4th of July weekend. 


I had Brendan in the mei tai. He usually likes me to be mobile, & as I expected, he started "the squirms" as soon as I sat, so I got up. First an ushers asked me to go to the back- away from my family-, & was "offered" to sit in a chair along the back wall. I politely declined, telling the guy that the baby wanted to be standing.Then I was asked to move out of the aisle & behind everyone. This one guy kept telling me. Then he called my sister-in-law out & talked to her (she's an active member, involved in many ministries). She then came & told me he wanted me BY THE DOOR because MY SHADOW was distracting to those in front of me. No one in front of me had complained. I was THERE! To me, that is the same as being kicked out. I wanted to scream! I said, "youre kidding..." she said no & was red. I said loudly, "SERIOUSLY?! For that, I'll just go to the lobby. It's the same thing!" 


I didn't do or say more, because this was during the gospel message. I wanted the message too! Anyway, they did have speakers in the lobby & some couches, but it's not the same. I like to watch the pastor deliever the Message. To me, that is a major element of it! I was so angry & I kept asking God in my head how to handle this. I'm not a kid anymore. Screaming & making a scene wouldn't change anything. This is a very young congregation, so many members will be starting or growing their families soon. I want to change the attitude. 


I stopped going to church when I had Jay, my oldest, at 18 because of this type of attitude. That was a moment in my life that I MOST needed the love & support of a church family. I don't want that to happen to others. 


Anyway, while I was seething & trying to figure out what to do next, I saw a box with prayer request cards. I requested prayer for their church & described my situation & that I felt ostracized. I mentioned that they have an opportunity to grow healthy, faithful families with the right support. This isn't it. I told them that my goal as registered nurse and La Leche League Leader is for new moms to find support in the community and to educate the public about the needs of young families. I even said this may be an opportunity for a new ministry within the church. I mentioned my previous experience and leaving my own church.


After a bit, a young girl passed by & asked me if everything was ok & I told her the situation. She was apologetic & in disbelief. Another young girl came out to check on her friend & we all talked a bit. They were both 18. Neither of them wanted to leave me out there alone. We talked a bit about breastfeeding benefits and how to work it into life as I nursed Brendan to sleep. I then went back in for the final blessing. After the service, I talked to the pastor about the situation too. I feel like it's not enough. From what I hear, the guy was the pastor's dad, coerced by his over-bearing mom.


Unfortunately, even though the pastor seemed genuinely sorry and embarrassed for my situation, he later went on to exaggerate and even lie about the situation! He claimed the people in the row in front of me (who could not stop telling me how cute and how well-behaved Brendan is) were complaining about my shadow being cast over them and that I was hitting someone in front of me from behind. I was never even that close to the row! 


This experience left me feeling frustrated, angry, and powerless. I am working so hard to improve things for breastfeeding mothers and mothers in general, and this was such a simple situation that I usually take for granted. I've never had anyone take issue with just standing with my child. He never cried or fussed. He never even made a sound. I am still in disbelief. 


So many people feel that Christians are a bunch of hypocrites, and that keeps them from a relationship with God. So many refuse to believe in anything spiritual at all, for a variety of  reasons. These actions are among those that keep people away. I could have been anyone! A battered woman, seeking help. A wealthy woman looking to contribute largely. A person not raised faithfully and attending out of curiosity. ANYONE. 


Attending my own home church today was like a breath of fresh air. It was like being welcomed by your warm, comfortable, cushy bed after a horrible vacation sleeping in a chair or on the floor in the cold (or heat, whatever you hate more). It isn't because my church has a nice building or the best ministries (although they do have nice facilities and pretty great ministries). It isn't because I know people there or because I live here. When you attend my church, you could be a homeless bum or an heiress- everyone gets the same warm welcome and has equal access to hearing God's Word. You feel differently. There's an genuine, upbeat, positive energy about it all that has nothing to do with any material or worldly goods. THAT'S what church services should feel like- regardless of location, denomination, or prevalent culture, gender, or financial status. 


I  am glad to be back!


Below are some resources on parenting and religiosity:

• http://blogs.trb.com/features/family/parenting/blog/2009/09/bringing_baby_to_church.html
•  http://blog.adw.org/2009/11/crying-babies-in-church-another-reason-to-thank-god/
• http://parentingfreedom.com/verses-babywearing/ <--- My fave so far

 Has anything like this ever happened to you? I welcome everyone's thoughts, but let's keep it respectful. 

Just 3 Things Every Expecting Mom Should Do | Best for Babes

Just 3 Things Every Expecting Mom Should Do | Best for Babes

Breastfeeding is natural, but doesn't always come naturally, due to a clulture in which few of us have grown up around breastfeeding. Bad advice, myths, and over-generaliations abound these days. Best for Babes makes an excellent to-do list for expectant moms!

Trust Birth - Watch Imagine

Trust Birth - Watch Imagine

So, so true! I will do everything I can as well to tell the TRUTH about birth. I'm not sure what I'll be able to do as a nurse, but I'll at least support my patient's choices. Maybe one day I'll be "that nurse that's a doula too."

I hope I get some freedom as a childbirth educator, too. Women need support and unbiased information, free from the fears of litigation and "the bottom line." You just can't put a price on a positive, healthy birth experience.

Let's break this cycle of fear and mis-information!

Why a doula is your BFF (BreastFeeding Friend) | Best for Babes

Why a doula is your BFF (BreastFeeding Friend) | Best for Babes

In case you ever wondered, here it is. A wonderful article about the benefits of having a doula, especially in the hospital!

Bishop Baby Boutique

This is the full logo. Now I get why they charge so much to design logos! My first logo ever. I am proud of myself!

The email signature! It was a pain to get it on a white background.

A flier! I make pretty fliers. I'm biased, I know. Totally tooting my own horn here!

Did You Know Pregnant Students Have Rights? Neither Did I.

Did You Know Pregnant Students Have Rights? Neither Did I.

Did you know? I didn't! There is so much we need to know in order to properly advocate for ourselves and our loved ones.

We have the right to a career AND motherhood! Tell the world!

Birth is POWERFUL

Here is a wonderful quoted, posted by Citizens for Midwifery on Facebook.

Citizens for Midwifery

‎"One thing you can depend upon is that your birthing will be *powerful!* Powerful pressure, powerful stretching, powerful pushing sensations and intense joy. Expect these powerful sensations and emotions, appreciate them for what they are; they bring your baby to you.” –Hypnobabies (Official)

So very, very true! As my mother-in-law told me early in my prodromal labor, you just have to let go and give in to the power for those almost consuming contractions to do their job. Sounds simple enough in theory, but the application of such a surrender in such an intense situation is a life and mind-altering experience. Many of us don't even surrender as completely as is needed for the powers of birth to take over while making love.  Relinquishing all self-control and letting all the walls come crumbling down is the biggest challenge we face when staring the power of birth in the eye. So many women either decide not to let that guard down or are unable to for whatever deep, personal reason and go straight for the medications. These are not without their own consequences, let us not forget!

Here's another quote I love:

There is a secret in our culture, it's not that birth is painful, it's that women are strong." - Laura Stavoe Harm

YOU can do it. Only YOU can tap into the primal part of YOUR brain that knows how to birth. All the childbirth classes and books in the world cannot MAKE you look birth in the eye, close  your eyes, and release...

Here are some other quotes I focused on during labor (although I didn't know I was really in labor):

"I can do all things, through Jesus Christ, who strengthens me."- Philippians 4:13

"Fear and faith cannot coexist and they both demand different conclusions and actions."- Christy Faber

"Don't fight the pain!"

"R.I.S.E.-P.E.A.K.-F.A.L.L."

"Just as a woman's heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to exhale, and her hand to pill back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth."- Virginia Di Orio

"One contraction at a time"

"Labor is simply a series of contractions that open the mouth of your womb and push out your baby." -Birthing from Within 

"LET GO"

"OPEN"

"Anything that I've ever done that was ultimately worthwhile... Initially scared me to death."- Betty Bender

"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come, but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."- John 16:21

Does it hurt? Yes, but it is a pain completely different from any other that you have experienced or will ever again experience. With the added plus of it ending with the highest "high" you will ever experience, IF you let it happen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Missing My Crazy Big Boys

My big kids are down in Miami visiting my mother and sisters in law. I know they're having a blast, but I miss them so much! It's so funny: they're here all the time and they fight, make big-kid messes, and keep the baby from napping. Sometimes make funny comments and remarks that flirt with the line of disrespect. They track dirt in the house and occasionally leave the door open and let bugs fly in.

You know what, though? I miss it all. I love my crazy big boys. I love watching them discover the world. I love being the one to teach them the difference between being funny and being rude (even though it's usually rude and funny). They do help out tremendously. For every time they wake the baby up, there are several more times that they play with him and keep him happy. They have gotten to know many of his cues and are incredibly in-tune with him. Seeing the way they interact with their baby brother swells my heart in a way that nothing else ever can.  Nothing else even comes close.

So, with all that, I say that I MISS MY CRAZY BIG BOYS!

Growing up...

Today Mr. Brendan was hanging out with Daddy, playing with some hangers in a basket of laundry I need to work on. He started out sitting on the couch, and the basket was on the floor. Who knows what sparked his interest in these clothes hangers? He noticed them and started lunging his whole body toward them, so Daddy sat him on the floor where he could safely get to them. I guess one must have been on the coffee table, because after a few minutes of taking all my hangers out of the basket (ohhh, and so it begins!), he started lunging toward the coffee table, which was right next to the basket in front of him, and pulling up on it! He just about pulled to standing when he lost his grip and almost *ate* the coffee table. Wow. He'll be 6 months on Wednesday. He scoots, but doesn't pick up his body and *officially* crawl. I know I'm in  trouble with this one!

Almost immediately, we set out to lower the crib mattress and remove the bumper, and also remove the mobile and mount it to the wall. He only naps in the crib right now, but all it takes is an unsupervised second for some sort of catastrophe to happen. I guess he definitely won't be taking any more naps in his co-sleeper unsupervised! I'm sure he's probably getting to the weight limit for it, anyway. My plan is to use it until it's unusable for him.

Jeez, time really doesn't mess around, like my brilliant SIL posted a bit ago!

Secrets of Baby Behavior: The Active Mommy Conundrum: Can Exercise Harm Breastfeeding? Part 2.

Secrets of Baby Behavior: The Active Mommy Conundrum: Can Exercise Harm Breastfeeding? Part 2.

Wonderful information about breastfeeding and exercise!

Getting Breastfeeding Started: Birth and the First Week

Birth

We are mammals, whether or not this is something we choose to acknowledge. All mammals retreat to a dim, quiet, secluded area to deliver their young. Many times we humans even miss the birth of pets we may have because of this practice! We have much to learn from our fellow mammalian friends. They also do not chase their newly born young to nurse. The young find their own way to mother’s milk in their own time.

During your labor, maintain dim lighting and a quiet, serene environment (as the situation allows). Most hospitals have individual thermostats in each room so you can keep the temperature comfortable. You will not be allowed to eat while in labor in the hospital, so make sure support people know not to eat in front of you. Have them also keep voices calm and low. As the birth draws near, warm the room for your baby (about 73-75 degrees is ideal).  

Our human babies generally do not experience the peaceful births that other mammals do. Our end of labor and birth is challenging- as you no doubt have heard. What is little mentioned or thought of is the baby’s experience. It goes something like this:

So far, baby has not experienced pain, hunger (since they are fed continuously through the placenta and umbilical cord), or cold. Maybe not even pain. He/she has never been unwillingly touched. Baby is still and calm inside the womb, when suddenly his/her walls start pressing in rhythmically. Slowly, baby is squeezed lower and lower into the birth canal. It must turn in order to pass the bones of the pelvis, and then turn again for the shoulders to be born. Its face is out first, hit with a gush of cold air. The doctor pulls the baby out from the mother, and generally suctions the baby without much thought. This may be a painful assault to the baby. Then, baby may be handed to you briefly or shown to you, and then whisked away to the warmer for evaluation. Strangers pull on baby’s legs and arms to check reflexes. Two shots are generally given: one on either thigh (vitamin K and Hepatitis B). An antibiotic cream is then squirted into baby’s eyes, blurring this new place even more than it was. Finally, baby is diapered and swaddled tightly and then handed to you.

The first hour following birth is when you and newborn will be most alert and are likely to nurse well. After this initial hour, both baby and mom begin to shut down, as the flood of birth hormones decrease and tiredness sets in. Mom, as an adult may have the ability to force herself to stay awake through this feeling, but baby will shut down for many hours. This is a normal physiological process for both.

**It does NOT take more than 15-30 minutes to assess a healthy, full-term baby. If the staff is exceeding this time, ask whether something is wrong. If not, ask that they resume their tasks later, to ensure you get the most of your new beginning.**

Once baby is born, resume quiet, dim environment as soon as possible. Keep in mind the way your baby has experienced our world so far, and give him/her time to take it in. Unwrap your baby and lay him on your bare chest. You can have your partner help undo the snaps on your hospital gown and place baby inside. Lay the blankets over both of you. Holding your baby skin-to-skin warms him/her better than any warmer can. Being close with you this way also helps to regulate his/her breathing, heart rate, and helps to decrease stress levels. High stress hormone levels in a newborn can lead to respiratory distress. This is especially important if your baby was born too early. There is a lot of research supporting the benefits of skin-to-skin contact for premature babies.

Baby may be crying at this point. Let him express himself while you soothe him with the warmth of your body, familiar heart rhythm and voice.

Once baby is calm, he may start to bob to one side- usually the side they were most comfortable in utero. Support baby by the shoulders, allowing him/her to lie on their preferred side. Avoid pushing on the back of baby’s head, as this is unpleasant to anyone. Next, try rubbing his/her head, then jaw line/ear, cheek, then mouth. If at any time baby cries, turns away, or arches his/her back, back off to the last place they tolerated touch. This is known as an aversion reaction and may be due to the feeling of being suctioned at birth. Move forward again in a minute or two. Once baby is comfortable with touch to the lips, you may notice he/she turns his head toward the touch. This is known as the rooting reflex. You may then offer the breast to baby. To offer the breast, touch your nipple to baby’s upper lip. The idea is for baby to open in an upward motion. He/she should be positioned “belly-to-belly and chest-to-chest, chin buried in the breast.” The following video by Ameda shows the proper way to offer the breast to baby as well as a bit of anatomy of the breast. 

This picture also gives an idea of what starting a good latch will look like.

 Breastfeeding should NOT hurt.  Some nipple discomfort is common in the early days, as your body adjusts to using breasts for feeding, but it should never be painful. Pain is a signal from the body that something is wrong. If you feel pain, break the latch by inserting a clean finger in the side of baby’s cheek by the gum line. NEVER pull baby off. This will damage your nipples and cause great pain. If you are consistently experiencing pain, get help from an experienced breastfeeding helper in your community as soon as possible. It is important that baby learns to breastfeed properly in the beginning.  Once baby is latched, listen for swallowing sounds. If you hear swallows, baby is drinking! It may take a few times of re-latching baby before it feels right to you. This is NORMAL.

If baby turns away, seeming disinterested, this is also normal. A baby is fed continuously inside you, and their belly will likely be full of amniotic fluid at birth. The fluid left on the umbilical cord stump will also be consumed by your baby. At birth, his tummy is approximately the size of a shooter marble and does not have the capacity to expand. Baby may just not be hungry for up to 48 hours after birth. As long as the baby has wet and dirty diapers, there is no cause for concern. The following chart shows the growth in baby’s tummy in the first days:

It is important to continue to offer the breast frequently. In the first days following the birth of your baby, your milk is called colostrum. This milk is very concentrated (100 times more concentrated than mature milk), thick, and small in quantity- perfect for the size of your baby’s tiny tummy. Colostrum helps to “immunize” your baby against the germs he/she is coming into contact with by being in the hospital and being handled by visitors. Always make sure anyone who hold the baby washes their hands before doing so! Breastmilk, especially colostrum, acts as a laxative inside baby’s gut. This is important because it helps baby to pass their fist stool: meconium. Meconium collects inside baby’s intestines throughout the pregnancy. It is black and tarry in consistency. Ask for extra wipes!

If baby does not pass this meconium soon after birth, they may develop jaundice, a condition in which the baby’s skin turns yellow because of high levels of bilirubin. To prevent this, nurse as much as possible! Newborns may nurse as often as hourly in the first day or two of life. This in no way means they are not getting enough. Sleepy, premature, or medicated babies may be more reluctant to nurse, and may go 3-4 hours without waking up to feed. Listen to your baby. As long as pees and poops are normal, this is fine.

The early days

After the first two-three days, babies commonly nurse every 2-3 hours, although more common feedings are also normal. Babies also settle into a variety of feeding patterns, so it may not be a consistent every two hours. Watch your baby for hunger cues, which can include the rapid-eye-movement phase of sleep (important for sleepy, premie or medicated babies). The progression of feeding cues are generally as followed:

1. Quiet alert period- baby just woke up and is quietly looking around
2.   Rooting/lip-smacking- baby turns toward everything that touches his/her cheek
3.  Mouthing- baby sucks on fingers, fists, clothing or anything else nearby
4.  Whining/whimpering- baby has been hungry and is getting impatient!
5.  Crying- late indicator of hunger. It is often difficult to achieve a good latch once baby gets to this point in the early days. Calm baby before attempting to feed.

 A baby that is very sleepy, is medicated, premature, or not gaining well may need to be woken for feedings. With these babies, breast compression (also called breast massage) can help to “motivate” them and help to them get more at each feeding. To do this, rub from the chest wall toward the nipple during a feeding all around the breast to ensure you stimulate all milk ducts.

 So, how do you know if your baby is getting enough? What goes in, must come out! Pees and poops will become your best friends. Below is a chart that outlines the minimums of the first week of diapers. Expect AT LEAST one pee/ one poop per day of life the first week. Note that your baby may pee and poop more than this, and that is also normal!

 As your baby grows older, expect at least 6-8 wet diapers in 24 hours, and 1-2 poops a day. Your baby may even poop every other day, and this is normal. After about 4 weeks of age, poops may even drop to once or twice a week.

In the first days, it is normal for baby to lose 7-10% of his/her birth weight. By day 10, he/she should be at least back to birth weight. If you have a concern, contact a lactation consultant, pediatrician, or your WIC office. They can weigh your baby at any time.

Milk production works on supply and demand. In other words, the more your baby takes, the more your body makes. In order to ensure a good supply, forget about time, bottles, and pacifiers. Allow baby to comfort at the breast and do not restrict feedings to any sort of schedule. Watch your baby, not the clock!

 To the right are a few common positions to try when breastfeeding your baby. The football hold is generally comfortable with smaller babies and with moms that have had cesareans. Side-lying is wonderful for getting some rest after baby is born, especially at night! Cross-cradle is great for controlling baby’s head while you are both learning how to breastfeed together. Remember never to push on the back of baby’s head, and always have baby’s body facing you: “Belly to belly, chest to chest. The chin is buried in the breast.”

By about day 3 or 4, your colostrum will begin to transition to your mature breastmilk. During this time, you will likely experience an uncomfortable fullness in your breasts, called engorgement. This is temporary, usually lasting less than a week as long as you are nursing frequently and watching your baby’s hunger cues. Remember: watch your baby, not the clock!  Here are some things you can do to relieve the pressure and fullness:

• Use warm compresses before feedings, and/ or cold compresses between feedings
•  Breast massage, especially during feedings
•  Place fresh cabbage leaves in your bra. Remove when beginning to wilt.They have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to relieve moms
•  Take a warm shower and let the milk flow

If you are so engorged that baby is having a hard time latching on, express a little milk prior to latching. Be careful not to express so much that the body mistakes this as part of the feeding! Remember that milk is supply and demand.

Make sure baby finishes one breast before offering the other. The breast is never truly “empty,” but it should feel soft after baby comes off on his/her own. If baby comes off, burp him/her and then offer the other side. If baby does not seem interested, he’s full! If baby is gaining well and falls asleep at the breast, there is no need to wake him to take more.

Signs that breastfeeding is going well include:

• You can hear baby swallowing during a feeding.
• After the milk transitions, the breast is soft after nursing.
•  Baby seems satisfied after nursing.
•  Baby is having adequate wet and dirty diapers (see chart above).
•  Baby is gaining weight.

Next- Getting Breastfeeding Started:

The First Month and Breastfeeding in Daily Life (Stay Tuned)

                                                 

Getting Breastfeeding Started: The End of Pregnancy & Labor

The body prepares for breastfeeding during pregnancy. Breast tenderness and the appearance of Montgomery’s Glands (see picture) occur as the body lays down the foundation for milk-making in the months to come. Women may even experience leaking of colostrum, although this is not indicative of postpartum milk supply. The birth of the placenta is what triggers the body to produce milk.

These glands secrete an oily, antibacterial substance that protects the breasts from over-drying. It is therefore not recommended to use soap on the breasts; use water alone. It is also unnecessary to wash the breasts before nursing.

It is important to know that your baby’s due date is an estimate. It is based on a 28-day cycle in which the woman conceives on exactly day 14. This is an average, and not what every woman’s body does, and so the due date can be as much as 2 weeks over or under in approximation. When a baby is physically ready to be born, their lungs begin to secrete surfactant. When it reaches levels that are adequate for healthy survival, it is believed that it signals the woman’s body to begin labor. In the last 5 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s brain hits an enormous growth spurt to prepare him or her for life outside mom’s body. This graphic from the March of Dimes shows the differences in brain size in a baby of 35 weeks gestational age versus 40 weeks, and lists only a few of the problems a baby born too early can have, such as breathing problems, feeding problems, jaundice, and temperature regulation. For these, and countless other reasons, AVOID AN INDUCTION unless medically indicated for your or baby’s health.

Babies that are born prematurely, have jaundice, or are medicated are likely to have a weaker suck and require more patience when nursing. Breast massage (rubbing from the chest wall toward the nipple all around the breast) and/or expressing a bit of milk onto the nipple may help to encourage a sleepier or weaker baby to nurse.

More on Labor Induction/Augmentation

Labor is generally induced using a synthetic form of the natural hormone, oxytocin.

Oxytocin is responsible for loving and nurturing behaviors in humans, as well as orgasms during sex. At the end of pregnancy, a rise in oxytocin begins labor contractions that grow in intensity and frequency until the birth of the baby. There is a rest between contractions, and endorphins as well as other hormones are released that send a woman into an inward trance, if she is uninterrupted. A gush of oxytocin at the birth expels the baby and causes the woman to be overcome with emotion and adoration for her new baby. It, with the expulsion of the placenta, signals the production of prolactin, one of the hormones involved in the milk-making process.

Pitocin is the synthetic version of oxytocin, used in hospitals to induce (or start) or augment (make contractions stronger) labor. Pitocin is effective in producing labor contractions, but does so without the balance of the other hormones in the body. These contractions are stronger and closer together than natural contractions. The intense pain from these contractions is often difficult to cope with and many women will then ask for epidural or other narcotic pain relief.

Medications given to the woman during labor, cross the placenta and also medicate the baby. Some of the side effects of these medications for the mother include difficulty breathing (the mother will be given oxygen), low blood pressure (which will require the mother lay on her left side to ensure the baby gets enough blood), and possible severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Some of the side effects to the baby include a low fetal heart rate (the normal range is 110-160 beats per minute), difficulty breathing at birth (may require resuscitation), excessive sleepiness/lethargy, and a weak suck (leading to feeding difficulties-breast or bottle).  A persistent low fetal heart rate often leads to an emergency cesarean delivery.

A woman that has a cesarean birth, especially an emergency cesarean, will be separated from her baby until both mother and baby are considered stable, and anesthesia has worn off in the mother. She may have a delay in the transitioning of her milk from colostrum to mature breastmilk. Not to forget it is major abdominal surgery.

No matter what your birth choices are, be well informed on your own before labor. Your birth experience will affect the beginning of your relationship with your baby. The birth of each child is a unique memory engraved into a mother’s mind for life. Make it YOUR best birth possible. A surgical or medicated birth will not harm your relationship with your child, but it can be more difficult in the beginning. Be armed with information and support!

When having a hospital birth and planning to breastfeed, it is crucial to inform the staff upon your arrival in the hospital. Ask the staff to avoid bottles and pacifiers with your baby. Some babies will develop a “nipple preference” (also called “nipple confusion,” but babies are smart, not confused!) with the faster, easier flow of the artificial bottle nipples. Also, the suck used with artificial nipples is vastly different from the suck used to breastfeed. There are babies who have no problem switching between both from early on, but it is best to err on the side of caution. If you must introduce a bottle or choose to give a pacifier, wait at least 4 weeks and for breastfeeding to be well established. Also let the staff know that you want to nurse your baby immediately after delivery as long as all is well. If you have a birth plan, make sure your wishes regarding infant feeding are outlined in it. Even with the birth plan, though, keep in mind that once you cross those hospital doors, you are no longer on your own terms.

To best ensure YOUR best birth, it is wise to hire a doula. A doula will meet with you prior to the birth of the baby to discuss your preferences and may even attend childbirth classes with you and your partner. During labor and birth, she is there to support the laboring couple and serves as a mediator between the hospital staff and the couple. Though she is well-trained in common and less common birthing practices, she is not a medical person, but a support person. She in no way replaces the father or partner. During the postpartum period, she is there to ensure breastfeeding starts well, and that the parent-infant triad is bonding well. She knows when to fade into the background and when encouragement is needed. Many women refuse to birth without a doula after experiencing a birth with one!

When planning who will be with you in the delivery room and the immediate postpartum, be careful to choose only those who are supportive of your birthing decisions and your decision to breastfeed. Those who always must share their negative experiences or awful stories they have heard have no place in the hospital with you.

Many women feel that if breastfeeding is a natural act, it should come easily, but this is often not the case. Although breastfeeding is the biologically normal way to feed our babies, most of us did not grow up watching women nurse their babies. Most women do not have a long line of women in the family they can turn to with questions regarding breastfeeding. It is because of this that “learning” to breastfeed takes time, patience, and an open heart and mind. Before you give birth, take the time to find the resources in your area: doulas, lactation consultants, La Leche League Leaders, lactation counselors, and breastfeeding peer counselors are all good fountains of support and information. Whether this is your first or 5^th child, every birth is different. Every child and every breastfeeding relationship is different. With time, we also change, so make sure you know where to turn in case a concern should arise.

Next- Getting Breastfeeding Started: Birth and the First Week (stay tuned)

Pumping 101

Step 1: Selecting a breast pump

·        For occasional milk expression, hand-expressing is generally sufficient.

·        For pumping on a part-time basis, a battery or electric pump will work. A manual pump may even be enough. Some good pump options are:

o   Avent Isis

o   Medela Harmony

·        For pumping on a full-time basis, a double electric pump is best, but most pricey. See if you qualify for WIC first, as they will give you a hospital-grade pump for full-time pumping. The most well-liked electric pumps among moms are:

o   Medela Pump-in-Style

o   Ameda Purely Yours

* Tip: stay away from breastfeeding products made by formula companies: Nestle/Gerber (same company), etc.

Step 2: Milk Storage Container Options

There are various storage options for mamma milk. Glass bottles are the most expensive and delicate of all, but preserve the most nutrients. This is a must for premies, babies not gaining well, and possibly other conditions. Please work with an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) if you have any of these situations. Plastic bags are the cheapest solution, but also preserve the least nutrients.

·        Glass bottles, various sizes

·        Plastic bottles, various sizes

·        Plastic bags (do not overfill)

Step 3: Pumping

Mechanics

·        Wash hands

·        Wash all pump parts that touch the breast or milk and sterilize daily, according to manufacturer instructions.

·        Make sure nipple is centered in the breast shield to prevent damage.

·        Start at lowest setting, increase to highest setting that is comfortable. Slow down if experiencing discomfort. You should not feel pain.

·        After pumping, wash all parts before storing.

Other

Find a private, quiet place and relax as much as possible. If away from home, many women find it helpful to have a picture of baby or other object that helps them relax into the thought of baby. Relaxing helps with the milk-ejection reflex, or “let-down.” Stress hormones counter-act the release of milk.

Step 4: Storing your milk

·        You may store your milk in the bottles used for pumping. Use lid provided with bottle. If using bags to store, pour milk from the bottle into the bag.

·        Be sure to label whatever container you use with the date, time, and amount in container.

·        The milk will separate when cool or frozen, and this is normal. Gently swirl to mix

·        Below is a chart for length of time milk can be stored for normal, healthy babies. Please refer to an IBCLC or pediatrician if you have a special situation.

Step 5: Using the expressed milk

·        Warning: Do NOT heat breastmilk in microwave. The hot spots developed during the microwaving process can cause severe burns for baby. Microwaving (or any heat over 100°F) destroys the antibodies, vitamins, and nutrients in breastmilk!

·        Use the oldest milk stored first.

·        Allow the milk to thaw in the refrigerator overnight

·        To thaw quickly, hold bottle under warm running tap water or sit the sealed container in a bowl of warm water for about 20 min to bring to body temperature.

Brendan is 5 months today!

We saw signs of readiness and decided to try the rice cereal. He gobbled it up, pushing John's hand to get the spoon in faster. It was so funny! He even squealed!

This is a bittersweet day for me... The day my milk is no longer the only thing he consumes. The day he ceases to have a virgin gut. He will from now on have truly stinky poop. It's both exciting and a little sad for me! I am, however, proud that we finally waited until at least one child was truly ready and that we ignored the suggestions to start sooner. Signs of readiness include:

• Baby can sit up with minimal assistance
• Reaches for food
• Can bring hands and toys to mouth and hold them there
• Eats like he's hitting a growth spurt- but it does not end by a week or so
• The tongue-thrust reflex is absent. This one is the biggie. The digestive tract matures  as a whole from mouth to anus. It's important not to go too soon to 1)- prevent aspiration in a child that cannot bring the food to the back of the throat and swallow. It is a different process that sucking and swallowing, and it is a maturation that comes in time. 2)- Beginning solids before the tiny cells in the small intestines have a chance to grow closer together predisposes a child to allergies and other tummy issues.

Here are some pics I took to commemorate this milestone! My little baby is growing up so fast...

Brendan really, really looks like Jay here!

Starting Solid Foods- Info from Dr. Jack Newman

Starting Solid Foods

Looking Back & Missing my Bump

This was my favorite!

My second favorite

As the World Turns

Here's the thing: People generally change over time. If you just suddenly are noticing that someone has changed, you stopped paying attention as they were growing, evolving, and changing. It's likely if this is a person you are close to, that they tried to bring you along on their journey. If you are surprised, then you must have declined the invitation. That is on you, not the person who has grown.

It's amazing sometimes the way things change as you get older. Some things change for the better. For me, one of the things that has improved in my adulthood is that I am now able to stand up for myself more and hold back less. I won't passively sit seething and boiling inside or cry myself to sleep while doing nothing to change my situation. I've made goals for myself and taken steps toward achieving those goals. I've rearranged and even replaced my priorities. They call it "growing up." If it's "up" and not "down" it's good, right? Not always.

At times those that knew you in the past prefer the old you. Those people prefer not to deal with your opinions, feelings and goals- they never had to before, so why change, right? Accustomed to just doing as they please with your time, feelings, and thoughts, these people are taken aback by the now "rude" and "bitchy" new person you have become! I mean, the audacity of disagreeing! What nerve! To act differently that the rest of the general population! Why on Earth would anyone not "go along to get along?" Do what you're "supposed to" do?

Relationships take work on the part of all parties. If you close your eyes and expect everything to remain the same, you just might get blown away by the winds of change. Change is normal and healthy. Evolution says so. "Survival of the fittest." Evolve- or else...