Related on EcoSalon
4 Ways I Have a Better Body Image AFTER a Baby Came Out of Me
I May Have Lost the Breastfeeding Battle, But I Won the War
The Pictures of Olivia Wilde Breastfeeding are Perfect… and So are Yours

The post A Kind Message to All the Breastfeeding Moms Out There [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.

Our bundle of joy was here, and I couldn’t wait to feed her. I knew breastfeeding was difficult, but nothing could have prepared me for the challenges I would experience.

On April 2, 2016 at 5:11 p.m., my life was forever changed. After nine months of waiting, 12 hours of labor, and 45 minutes of pushing, I was finally able to cradle my sweet, delicious, little girl in my arms. We were immediately encouraged to cuddle and breastfeed. She didn’t hesitate to latch on, and was a voracious eater from the time she was born. My heart was full and so was her belly.

I made a conscious decision to nurse early on in my pregnancy, and after researching, reading, and even taking classes, I knew that we were ready to begin this long term journey. Although I felt tremendous joy, accomplishment, and closeness with my daughter, the first several weeks weren’t all sunshine and roses. After experiencing pain, oftentimes toe curling, a plugged duct, and what I eventually found out to be an incorrect latch thanks to Patty, a certified consultant from La Leche League, my little peanut and I were finally able to move forward.

My supply was great. Too great, in fact, as I had an overabundance of milk for quite some time which lead to engorgement. However, with research and trial and error, I found that block feeding did the trick. Relieved, I thought the worst of the issues were behind us. Little did I know they were just beginning.

As we were breezing into her third month of life – time really does pass too quickly – breastfeeding was going beautifully. The closeness I felt with my daughter was undeniable. Seeing her gaze into my eyes, knowing that her nourishment and well-being depended on me, was at once the greatest and scariest feeling I’d ever experienced. Yet, as I watched her sweet little hands knead and flutter every night while she slowly drifted off to sleep, everything felt right in the world.

About two weeks into month three I noticed my daughter becoming increasingly fussy at the breast. So much so that her crying was almost incessant if she wasn’t nursing. And within a few days, she would unlatch, toss her head back, and wail. She couldn’t even settle during a feeding session and I hadn’t noticed a letdown since the morning prior. Meanwhile, her father and I tried everything we could think of to soothe our baby girl.

I began to fear the worst – that despite all of the articles I had read telling me otherwise, I simply wasn’t producing enough milk.

Frantic, I thought back to what had changed. What I could have possibly done wrong. I loved my daughter, so why couldn’t I have a letdown while imagining all of the sweet things I adored about her, especially while she was right there in my arms. I pictured my ducts swelling up with milk, so full that they had no other choice but to empty out into her mouth, flowing like a stream of water. I tried massage, stimulation, compressions, deep breathing. Nothing worked. I began to feel like a horrible mother.

And then, it dawned on me. About three weeks prior, after much internal debate, I decided to take the mini pill, a form of progesterone-only birth control, that was given to me at the hospital.

Heartbroken, I knew that the pill, coupled with her reduced diaper output and distress, meant I would have to supplement with formula. But nothing could have prepared me for the emotions I felt. That first day I cried, nearly uncontrollably, for hours. And every time I saw her unhappiness at the breast between formula feedings, I felt more and more like a failure. “Stupid, stupid,” I thought to myself, “Why didn’t you trust your instincts and avoid the birth control?”

I continued down this path for the next several days. The only satisfaction I had was seeing my daughter full, content, and happy again. With many more months of milk-based nutrition still ahead, I worried about more than just our connection, but also her health.

After discontinuing the medication immediately, and eventually coming to terms over a few very sad days that one of the most meaningful experiences I’d ever had was probably over, it was time for me to put on my big girl pants, because the blubbering mess I had become was the last thing my daughter needed. Rather than give up, though, I decided to do everything in my power to bring back my milk supply, to at least prove to myself and to her that I won’t give up that easily.

Shortly thereafter, along with the unwavering support of her dad, I began feverishly taking supplements, drinking powders,  eating oatmeal, upping my fluid intake, using an electric pump, using a manual pump, and when those didn’t work, learning to hand express. I would typically only extract a measly half ounce, and would rejoice at a full one. I began to feel defeated. This continued for several more days, until I was advised by the nurse and her pediatrician to rent a hospital-grade double breast pump.

Armed with this information, and never veering from my supplement taking course, I met with Mary, the owner and certified lactation consultant at Sweet Songs Breastfeeding, to pick up the only pump she had left in stock. Mary took her job seriously. I could tell it meant a lot to her, and after giving me some advice, I began to feel empowered. Hopeful. Like I could do this.

In the couple days that I had used the pump, I managed two and a half ounces in one sitting, which was the most I’d ever expressed at one time. You can imagine my elation over that. But, much to my dismay, the next session paled in comparison.

I knew it was only the beginning. That I would have highs and lows. Yet if I didn’t try, if I didn’t give it my all, how could I ever expect the same out of my daughter one day?

So for now, I’ll take the comfort nursing she requires in order to sleep for as long as she’ll allow it. I’ll continue to bask in the joy of every smile, every milestone, and every cuddle. I’ll drown in the intoxicating smell of her sweet scent, relish in her bath time excitement, and continue our early morning “talks.” With all of these beautiful moments and experiences, even if I never get my supply back, I feel like I’ve already won.

Have you struggled or triumphed with breastfeeding? Share your story with us on the EcoSalon Facebook page.

Related on EcoSalon

Go On, Attach Yourself to Your Baby: It’s a Win-Win Situation
Extended Breastfeeding Yields Smarter, More Articulate Babies
The Pictures of Olivia Wilde Breastfeeding are Perfect… and So are Yours

Image of Mom Breastfeeding Baby via Shutterstock

The post I May Have Lost the Breastfeeding Battle, But I Won the War appeared first on EcoSalon.

 

In case you haven’t seen the news, the Internet is all in an uproar over the Olivia Wilde breastfeeding images that look “too perfect.”

Critics argue that Wilde made something that’s often far from easy, look rather perfect. But that’s kind of what Olivia Wilde does, though—she makes things look perfect because she is so perfect looking. Olivia Wilde breastfeeding should be no exception.

While breastfeeding is growing in popularity with American moms, many still resort to formula feeding from the beginning because they’re not educated enough on the benefits of breastfeeding. And many more don’t breastfeed for the full first year of a child’s life, the minimum recommendation from the World Health Organization. Some women are intimidated by fears of showing breasts in public and the backlash public feeding can have. (A friend was asked to stop breastfeeding in a museum recently, she refused.) Some don’t do it because (gasp) some men find it unsexy.

But the critics are shaming Wilde for just the opposite reason: Making it look easy and beautiful and perfect. “[C]elebrity culture makes motherhood look effortless and easy, especially when it comes to breastfeeding,” Susan Rohwer wrote in the Los Angeles Times, suggesting that Wilde’s image is a fantasy that does a disservice to the women who don’t have makeup artists and stylists on hand before a photo opp. Rowher points a finger at Wilde as if to say she should be ashamed for being beautiful—that her “effortless” breastfeeding is a slap in the face to women who have a harder time with it. That statement is a much bigger slap in the face than Wilde being a beautiful mom. Are we not women united in motherhood? If one of us has a difficult time breastfeeding should none of us look happy or beautiful doing it? How does that help us, exactly?

Rowher and other critics aren’t totally wrong; breastfeeding is incredibly difficult. I’ve personally had an extremely challenging time breastfeeding, and to me, Wilde’s image is inspiring and hopeful. From plugged ducts more painful than labor itself, to finding out I didn’t produce enough milk for my daughter, it was–and still is (we’re still breastfeeding at 11 months)–positive images like this, and a circle of successful breastfeeding moms, that keeps me motivated despite the challenges we’ve had.

Yes, breastfeeding is hard, but even at its worst, most painful, most unsuccessful moments, there is still the bond between mother and child that even if it only happens once, is incredibly powerful and meaningful for both. Breastfeeding won’t happen for every mom. And for those it does happen for, there is often discomfort, stress, pain and struggle at times. But that doesn’t mean it’s not always an act that at its core is inherently beautiful, wonderful and absolutely perfect. Whether we look like Olivia Wilde or not.

Find Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Related on EcoSalon

I Ate My Baby’s Placenta …On Purpose

Until We All Can: Why I Won’t Marry My Baby’s Daddy

The One and Only: Is Having an Only Child Better for Parents and the Planet?

image via Glamour

The post The Pictures of Olivia Wilde Breastfeeding are Perfect… and So are Yours appeared first on EcoSalon.

Researchers at the Boston Children’s Hospital have discovered a significant link between breastfeeding and higher intelligence later in life.

In a study which followed 1,312 Massachusetts mothers from the beginning of their pregnancies (in 1999) to 2013, the research team found that overall intelligence and language scores of children rose for every additional month of breastfeeding they received as babies. Not only that, but babies who were solely breastfed for the first six months averaged 3 points higher on the language test and .35% higher on the intelligence test when compared to their peers who were fed a mixed diet or did not nurse for a full six months.

Although breastfeeding did not show a measurable effect on areas like motor skills or memory, researchers have concluded that the benefits to language and intelligence are  weighty enough to encourage mothers to breastfeed more and more often. Their official recommendation is that babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months, then continue to breastfeed while solid foods are gradually introduced.

Another interesting area of the study investigated whether or not a mother’s fish intake (while breastfeeding) might impact her baby’s cognitive development. Although the children of women who ate fish 2+ times per week was slightly higher than their peers, the number was not great enough to be considered significant.

This article appears courtesy of Ecorazzi

Ecorazzi covers news and gossip on celebrities and notables in support of the environment and humanitarian causes. You can follow us on Twitterand Facebook.

Related stories:

Captivity Sucks (And Doesn’t Have To Be Permanent): The Great Dolphin Escape

Hey Girl, Let Me Get You a Bigger Cage: Ryan Gosling Speaks Up for Female Pigs

Image: coatl28

The post Extended Breastfeeding Yields Smarter, More Articulate Babies appeared first on EcoSalon.

A round-up of what we’re reading right now. 

How one woman quit her stable job to live out of a trailer, travel the country, and discover her passion. [via Women’s Adventure Magazine]

A selection of awesome eco-friendly picnic gear, just in time for summer. [via CasaSugar]

Does breastfeeding until toddlerhood stunt a child’s development? Or are Americans just too sensitive? [via Scientific American]

What NOT to do on a first date. Hint: talking about Dave Matthews Band is up there. [via How About We]

The online tutorial we’ve been looking for: Food Porn Photography 101. [via Small Kitchen College]

Karl Lagerfeld, Snoop Dogg, and a whole lot of electropop. [via Fashionista]

Image: Michael Gil

The post Link Love: Passions and Picnic Season appeared first on EcoSalon.

You can’t go wrong with attachment parenting. It may be a relatively new practice in the Western world, but this type of parenting embraces the ancient art of maintaining a deep bond with your baby once he or she leaves the womb, allowing them to experience the world with a steady physical and emotional attachment to their parents. At its core, this style of parenting is as good for babies as it is for the earth. As a mother who is raising a toddler in this fashion with a newborn baby on the way, here’s why I believe attachment parenting is an amazing gift to children and the planet!

Some of the mainstays of the attachment parenting philosophy are: co-sleeping, babywearing, breastfeeding, parental interaction in place of toys, a gentle, realistic approach to discipline, and a back to basics mentality that puts the parent-child relationship above all else.

My daughter is almost three years-old, and I can honestly say that for the first two years of her life, I wondered whether I was doing the right thing by practicing attachment parenting. I have the luxury of working from home, so I have been able to dedicate this time to her upbringing; and while I have always known in my heart that I am making the right decisions raising her, there have been many naysayers, which have included close family members, along the way. Here’s a sampling of what I’ve been up against. “Co-sleeping? You’re asking for trouble!” “You’re her slave!” “You need to get her out of that baby carrier, stat!” “Just let her cry, it’s good for babies to cry.” Thankfully, my husband and I have always been on the same page with regard to our parenting choices, and we have been each others support system when times are tough.

And the full circle result has come to fruition. We have a confident, highly intelligent, loved and lovable, independent and inquisitive little girl who has blossomed due to our commitment to attachment parenting. We not only chose this route for her benefit, we chose it with the intention of preserving the environment as well. Here are five reasons why attachment parenting is good for mother earth:

No Crib Required: You can skip the need for a big clunky crib and co-sleep safely with your baby, or opt for a co-sleeper that attaches to your bed. I wish we had known this beforehand, because we bought the crib and the fancy bedding, and it never got used!

Less Toys, More Parental Interaction: There’s no need to spend money or precious resources on toys with bells, whistles and sirens. What baby most wants is your time and attention, and the precious experience of learning your face and your voice. You can read her The New York Times for all she cares, as long as you’re enlightening her and engaging her with your presence. Not to say a few choice toys won’t be enjoyed and cherished, but you’re by far baby’s favorite playmate.

Getting Back To Basics Requires Less Gadgetry: Baby monitors and bouncy chairs be gone. If you keep your baby close to you at all times, you can do away with a whole category of baby gear designed to take care of your child in your absence.

Breastfeeding Saves Resources: Eliminate the need to purchase formula and the need to wash and use bottles regularly. If you’re able to breastfeed your baby, nursing is the healthiest, least expensive and most eco-friendly way to nourish and bond with your baby.

The Art of Babywearing: Ditch the stroller and wear your baby close to your heart in an organic baby carrier. She’ll love seeing the world from your perspective, and you’ll be able to teach her and share with her much more readily when she is in such close proximity to you. My favorite baby carrier is the ERGOBaby Organic Baby Carrier.

For more information on Attachment Parenting visit Attachment Parenting International and Ask Dr.Sears.com.

Images: Beth Shea

The post Go On, Attach Yourself to Your Baby: It’s a Win-Win Situation appeared first on EcoSalon.

I hope you’re not one of those people who squirms when a mother breastfeeds her baby in public, because I’m one of those publicly breastfeeding mothers. If that makes you uncomfortable, well, talk to the breast!

There is no better food for babies than breast milk, of course, so it’s a great decision for mothers who are able to do it. And when it comes to social graces, I’m just not sorry to say that I won’t run off to nurse in a bathroom or tote bottles around to preserve a faux Victorian modesty (ahem, Facebook). We see more breast online and at Fox news than I could possibly compete with.

Besides, the breast is the ultimate eco-friendly feeding option. Formula is made from either cow’s milk or soy, and both come with problematic environmental implications. Then there are the bottles, usually made of plastic, which even when BPA-free, still need petroleum to be made.

What’s with our shyness? I say it’s high time to get rational and respect the breast. There’s no need to look away in embarrassment or frown disapprovingly if you see my baby noshing on my nipple. After all, what could be more sane, healthy and normal than using breasts the way nature intended? Sure, the world might be sex-crazed over boobies, but for my baby, it’s what’s for dinner. Nomnomnomnom.

Image: Raphael Goetter

The post Respect the Breast appeared first on EcoSalon.