I'm too young to pee my pants

**Please pardon me while I take a step back from breastfeeding and post about something that is happening RIGHT NOW!**

(THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED ON JANUARY 9, 2013... because it HAPPENED AGAIN!)

Pelvic Floor weakness.
Weak bladder.
Urinary Incontinence

PEEING IN YOUR PANTS!. 

Sometimes I think I might need to re potty train MYSELF! I mean REALLY....For the love of the big white potty! Why is it after having two nummie lovers do I find myself (errr well my bladder) less and less....well..... trust worthy?! I mean really! I AM TOO YOUNG TO PEE MY PANTS! You see.... I am fighting a cold (thank you Pooker and Loving Husband!) Oh how loverly it is to cough and cough and cough, run for a tissue (run and run and run), criss cross and squeeze my legs together and sneeze and sneeze and sneeze. ONLY to find I have just pee-peed myself! It is one thing to "leak" from my nummie makers, that I am cool with. But this?????? SO NOT cool with this!

(If you remember my BIGGEST pet peeve post about BOOGERS then you know how horrid it is for me and my family have a cold. I mean ewwwwwwwww.)

But now add to that a less than reliable bladder (when it comes to sneezing) and I find myself entering a whole new world of ewwwww.

I have tried the whole panty liner thing.... those don't work for this "issue." And I refuse to wear a pad while I am "less than healthy." So what is a sniffling, sneezing, coughing, nose blowing, panty changing Mummie to do?! I have tried to make sure I am "empty" before I sneeze. But there are just some sneezing moments that you can not predict and racing to the bathroom (to beat the sneeze) is not always do-able!

I mean it feels like my water breaking all over again. With Kit Kat it even broke when I sneezed! (I had a trickle when it broke..... not a gush.) If I felt like I was gushing while sneezing.......... oh man! That would be nasty! I would for sure have to go to Big Girl Potty Training Class.

Does this happen to you? Please tell me I am NOT alone. P L E A S E!!!!!!

This is a normal reaction after having children, getting older... yada yada yada. So that is a good thing! (I guess.)
There are some things you can do to help fix it.

What To Expect has some simple tips on how to correct this "leaky" problem.

1. Do your Kegels, do your Kegels, do your Kegels! Try to work up to three sets of 30 Kegel exercises a day.
2. Start shedding those pregnancy pounds sensibly, since all those extra pounds are still putting pressure on your bladder.
3. Train your bladder to behave. Urinate every 30 minutes — before you have the urge, in other words — and then try to extend the time between pees each day.
4. Try to avoid constipation after pregnancy, so full bowels don't put added pressure on your bladder.
5. Keep drinking at least eight glasses of fluids every day (cutting back on water to control the peeing only makes you vulnerable to dehydration and urinary tract infections).
6. Avoid coffee, citrus, tomatoes, soft drinks, and alcohol — all of which can irritate your bladder and make urine harder to control.
7. Pads can help absorb leaking urine (no tampons, please — they don't block the flow of urine and they're off-limits during the postpartum period anyway).
8. As a last line of defense, do Kegels or cross your legs when you feel the need to cough or sneeze, or when you're about to laugh or lift something heavy. 

So shout out.... have you had (or do you have) this leaky problem? I leak-yed this morning when I sneezed! DARN SNEEZING!

~Mummie

Is it Monday?

Why do Monday's seem to be hated by most people? I mean really... what has Monday ever done to you? Okay I get it... first day of the week, first day of the week....... THE WEEK??? Oh man! Where did the weekend go?!

Well short story for you.... I was at my Physical Therapy apt this morning (8:30 am... thank you) and come to find out I was the only one to show up! The three appointments before me (yes THREE before 8:30 am!!!! YIKES) had canceled and while I was there the one after me canceled! My poor therapist looked exhausted and I could not stop yawning! Both Pooker and Kit Kat are feeling the Monday yuckies too! What is it?!

So instead of having a post you would have to read..... because I am getting the feeling today is not a "reading" kind of day... I thought I would give you something you could read WITH pictures! Enjoy!!!

(Meals on Wheels!!!! HEHE!)

(I feel like this ALL the time!)

(Change out the red hair for blonde hair and you have my Pooker! I can so see her doing that!)

(I about spit out my sweet tea on this one! And spitting out some good home made sweet tea is a crime against all that is good!)

(Kit Kat actually tried to do this with her Daddy when she was little! But not for the same reasons as the comic above.)

Hope this helped make your Monday a little less...... yucky!
All strips are courtesy of Baby Blues

~Mummie

Foto Friday

"Foto" Friday is a play on phrase for Photo Friday. I take a million pictures each week, well maybe not a million...... but A LOT! So I thought it would be nice to share my favorite picture from the week. Each Friday, I will post one picture and each "Foto" will include a small caption. Some pictures will be related to breastfeeding, while others will not. I hope you enjoy "Foto Friday!" Do you like "Foto" Friday? Well come on over to our facebook page and join in! I love seeing your "Fotos.

Pooker and Kit Kat's new jammies...Reminds me of Doctor Seuss!

~Mummie

Over Active Letdown (OAL)

So we know that breastfeeding isn't always easy, and for most of us (me included) it does not come naturally. (A couple of my friends never had issues and I have to say I was JEALOUS!!!!!! hehe) But the best thing about breastfeeding problems is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Someone, somewhere out there has suffered through (or is suffering through) and most likely has some tips for you.
**(Enters stage left....Mummies Nummies!)**

One problem I had (because Lord knows I had my fair share) was Over Active Letdown (aka Forceful Let-down or Milk Ejection Reflex.) Over Active letdown means too much milk, too fast, too soon. Simple right? Seems harmless right? NOOOOOOO. So very the opposite. Overactive Let Down can cause many issues, with nummie lover and Mummie. Let's talk about the signs you could be suffering from "OAL." (Over Active Letdown)

If your Nummie Lover does any of the following (while nursing or shortly after)

*Gags, chokes, gulps, gasp,s coughs while nursing as though the milk is coming too fast

*Pulls off the breast while nursing

*Bites or clamps down on your breast while nursing. (Your Nummie Lover might be doing this in order to slow the flow)

*Makes a "clicking" sound while nursing

*Spits up often and or is gassy. (Over Active Letdown can highly irratate Reflux.)

*Refuses to nurse at times

*Does not seem at ease while nursing

Kelly Mom has a great article that helps explain Over Active Letdown. But I wanted to give you my personal experience and tips as well. Pooker had pretty bad Silent Reflux and Kit Kat had LOUD Reflux. With Both girls I had OAL.... but more so with Kit Kat. With Pooker I pumped two feedings a day so that helped with my OAL. But Kit Kat was not one for artificial nips... so pumping was out! I did however find a trick. I would hand express into a towel before I latched her on. I kept hand expressing until my flow slowed down and then I would latch her on. However I was tired of soaking a towel EACH feeding so I moved from a towel to a plastic cup. Plus I hated wasting the breastmilk I was expressing, so using the cup was better. I was able to drink the milk (warm nummies is always yummier) so nothing went to waste! I had to do this for a month or two before Kit Kat was able to handle my letdown.

I also used what I called "The Souders' Sit" position. I never nursed my girls with them laying down. For reflux babies... that is a big no no. It is better for them to be as upright as possible, while nursing, to help "encourage" the nummies to stay down. The same goes for OAL. Being upright helps the little Nummie Lovers to swallow the volcanic like flow of breastmilk coming at them. The Souders' Sit position is just that...... a sitting position. Have your little nummie lover sitting as much as possible on your lap while you nurse. (You can change the name of the position if you like.... go ahead, I give you permission!)

It will take some time (took two months for me) to control your Over Active Letdown..... but if you go with the flow (PUN INTENDED) and stick it out your flow and your nummie lover will be best friends. I mean think about it... would you like a fire hose put in your mouth and being turned on? Scary huh? Gives me "the wiggle shakes" just thinking about it!

Hang in there!

~Mummie









Breastfeeding video

I came across this video and was just so touched by it!  The Urban Child Institute created this video, with the awesome help from mummies, daddies and nummie lovers.
The "fotos" in this video are so beautiful, there is a mixture of nursing shots, family shots, and breastfeeding facts.

I give it 2 Mummie thumbs up!!!!!!! Enjoy!

Breastfeeding: It's What We Do from The Urban Child Institute on Vimeo.

~Mummie

Foto Friday

"Foto" Friday is a play on phrase for Photo Friday. I take a million pictures each week, well maybe not a million...... but A LOT! So I thought it would be nice to share my favorite picture from the week. Each Friday, I will post one picture and each "Foto" will include a small caption. Some pictures will be related to breastfeeding, while others will not. I hope you enjoy "Foto Friday!" Do you like "Foto" Friday? Well come on over to our facebook page and join in! I love seeing your "Fotos.

The grass is always greener on the other side.....More so when the other side HAS grass!!!!!

Do you suffer from "Mummie'd Out" Syndrome?

**This is a Public Service Announcement from Mummie**

Do you suffer from "Mummie'd out" Syndrome? Do you feel as if your ears will bleed if you hear the word "MUMMIE!!!!!!!!" screamed one more time? Does your heart skip a beat when you hear a crash... and you know the screech "MUMMIE!!!!!!" is next to come? Do you sometimes look (desperately searching for the nearest female) hoping it is not YOUR nummie lover screaming "MUMMIE!!!!!" Do you find yourself being "that mom" who has "that kid" in your local store? Do you wish you could change your name to something NO ONE can pronounce? Do you have visions of basking in the sun, on an empty beach with NO ONE in sight for miles, waves gently lapping the shore, sipping on a never ending glass of sweet tea (SPIKED).... SOMEWHERE..... ANYWHERE..... only to be SLAPPED back to reality with

"MUMMIE!!!!!!!!!!!!"

If  you said yes to any of these.... you might be suffering from "Mummie'd Out" Syndrome. But do not worry! Like its "sister" disease, "Touched Out" Syndrome.... "Mummie'd Out" Syndrome is not rare and 100% manageable! Yes mummies... I too have battled this disease. ( I don't think I know one mummie who has not!)

I have always wanted to be a Mummie. From as far back as I can remember...... I have ALWAYS dreamed of having babies. Of course back then I dreamed of 5 or 6! Now-a-days that number has changed.... it is much smaller. But still I have always dreamed of being a mummie. When we lost our first two babies, due to miscarriages, I had fears that my childhood dream would never come true. The fear of losing a dream........ not being able to achieve the one thing I have always wanted...... well it was a crushing blow. Thoughts of never hearing the words "mummie" or feeling the touch of my baby..... still sends shivers down my spine. I am happy to say I was able to fulfil my dream!

BUT I still have my moments. I am not perfect.....if you think I am... well bless you! But I am not. Sometimes I get " the wiggle shakes" (my 3 year old daughter's, Pooker term) when I have heard "Mummie!!!!!" for the Googol (th) time. (Yes I used the word "Googol" hehe.) I have found ways to treat the flare ups and I am happy to say I am able to manage my "Mummie'd Out" Syndrome!

Here are my top 5 tip on how I have been able to manage (yes.... medicine free!!!)

1.  Remember that you are not just a Mummie, a wife or partner. You are YOU and you are awesome! Say to yourself "I am _________ (enter your  REAL name) and I am awesome!"

2. Try to find something else to do.... a hobby for example. This will help you get your mind off of the whole screaming thing. You know like finding a great hiding place (that is a great hobby!)

3. When you find yourself being "that parent with that child" in the store.... proudly and loudly announce "Yes I am that parent with the screaming kid! That would be me!!" while raising your hand in the air and jumping up and down. I promise it will get some laughs.

4. Teach your kids new words (more so tricky and long words) to say. Like Googol! New ways to say "MUMMIE" just might help treat your bouts of "Mummie'd Out" Syndrome. (Plus they might not be able to pronounce the new word..... which is always funny.)

5. Remember that these days will not last forever. That one day you will watch Disney's Aladdin and try to figure out where to find YOUR Genie of the Lamp. You will scour this earth for said lamp, rub it until your fingers fall off and wait for the voice of Robin Williams to say "What will your pleasure be?" Your only wish would be to have your children need you again. To call you Mummie again..... To be little again. (This last tip is the same for "Touched Out" Syndrome. Works for both! Pretty versatile huh?)

Hang in there Mummies! And remember.... You are not ALONE!!!

**This concludes the Public Service announcement from Mummie**

~Mummie

Do you suffer from "Touched Out" Syndrome?

**This is a public service announcement from Mummie**

Do you suffer from "Touched Out" Syndrome? Do you have the feeling of not wanting one more touch during your day? A feeling that every inch of you had been touched already, that you could not possibly take one more touch (and it is only noon)? Do you feel you have lost all control over your body and that not one part of YOUR body is...... well........ YOURS? Does your little Nummie Lover feel the need to touch EVERY part she/he can get her/his hands on while she/he nurses? Can you not even stand up without having little hands pulling your legs, trying to climb up you? Do you wish you had a hands off zone or a mummie bubble you could crawl into? Have you considered ordering a restraining order on your nummie lovers?

If you said yes to any of these... you might have "Touched Out" Syndrome.

Lucky for you.... this is NOT a rare disease and it is manageable. (With some effort of course.. and perhaps some sense of humor as well.) You see....I too have battled this "disease".

I have always been the type who craved human touch. May it be a hug, hand holding, resting my hand on my husbands arm or leg..... I had always craved that touch. I never thought there would come a time where I would be "touched out." (To be honest I never even knew that was a term... oh the things I never knew.) But after having two beautiful miracle daughters.... I have moments I am "Touched out!" I have found ways to treat the flare ups and I am happy to say I am able to manage my "Touched Out" Syndrome!

Here are my top 5 tip on how I have been able to manage (yes.... medicine free!!!)

1. Try to get some "Mummie time." May it be 10, 20, 30 minutes or more. Go into a room, close the door, and enjoy "NOTHING."

2. Take a warm (or crazy hot in my case. You know the kind that makes your skin red!) bath. There is just something about floating in a tub. Play it up... add candles, music (Pandora is always nice), chocolate, sparkling water, fruit smoothy (or heck little glass of wine).... but if you go really hot remember a towel. You will need to dry your face!

3. Take extra long moments in the bathroom. ("Mommy what you doin?" "Mommy is going potty.")

4. Enjoy nappy time. One of the few moments where the house is shhhhhhhhhhh quiet.

5. Remember that these days will not last forever. That one day you will watch Disney's Aladdin and try to figure out where to find YOUR Genie of the Lamp. You will scour this earth for said lamp, rub it until your fingers fall off and wait for the voice of Robin Williams to say "What will your pleasure be?" Your only wish would be to have your children want to touch you again. To need you again..... To be little again. (Yeah that thought gets me every time too!)

Good luck Mummies......and remember: You are not alone!

**Coming soon....Public service announcement on "Mummie'd Out" Syndrome**

~Mummie

Cookies, Then Milk review and GIVEAWAY

CONGRATS WIFANDHUBS!
We all have the same fear.....it might hit you one day, be an every day fear, or you might think of it and forget it. What fear am I talking about? Not producing enough or drying up!

(Scarier than the Friday the 13th movies, right!?)

3 weeks ago, my family and I were involved in a car accident. Luckily our girls were not harmed, nor was my husband. Sadly..... I can not say the same for me or my car. Between the stress of it all and the amount of pain I was in..... I began to have fears my supply was dropping. Kit Kat seemed over all happy and normal.... but when it got closer to her feeding time she got increasingly grouchy and demanding. Naturally, my crazy mind went right to my breastmilk supply.

Rewind a few days prior to our car accident..... I came across Cookies, Then Milk. I contacted Nicole, founder of Cookies, Then Milk and asked her if she would be interested in doing a review and giveaway. (WOW am I glad I contacted her!!!) She said "yes" and we both dove right into giveaway happiness! I have to say I have not done a product review before that was more time appropriate than this one!

What I found to be so wonderful about Cookies, Then Milk was how nice and generous Nicole was. Within days we had racked up 20+ email responses (she is super fast to respond! Love that!) She told me I could pick out THREE different products to review! I could pick the flavor and product!!!! Oh man.... that was dangerous!

They also come shipped as mixes. Which means all you have to add is "wet" ingredients and you get to make these fantabulous, breastmilk boosting treats AT HOME! Which means it can be a "family" event. You can get your kids involved and teach them about baking!

Another reason why I just love this company..... days before my car accident Nicole had already agreed to do a review and giveaway, all she had to do was get my package together. The DAY she was shipping my package out she found out about my car accident and added 8 pre made lactation cookies for me! Her response as to why she added those at the last minute.... "I knew you may not have time to bake right away, so I thought a few pre-baked would help =)" (her exact words.) Such a sweet gesture that stuck with me.

(The little box was filled with the "extra" cookies.)

Cookies, then Milk not only offer lactation cookies...... but also lactation muffins, lactation waffles/pancakes, lactation brownies and lactation grab and go cereals. They have variations that include sugar free/Vegan, Organic, Dairy free, Gluten free, and original! They sooooo have something for everyone!

So after drooling over their website... I picked the Cowboy cookies (a new flavor), Dairy Free Blueberry Muffins, and the Waffle mix.

First thing we made............ (oh come on.... you know me!) COOKIES!

(Kit Kat kept saying "mmmmmmm" while Pooker was mixing)

(Future baker in the family! I mean come on... look at that form! hehe)

(Pooker had to get it "just right" as she said)

OHHHHHHHHHHHH is all I can say! The new flavor, Cowboy, is so delish! The salty/sweet combination is perfect! My husband even agreed! (I had to swat his hand out of the cookie jar a few times!) Now I did "smoosh" the cookie dough with the back of a spoon... which is why they turned out flat.

Next up were the waffles. I tossed in some fresh peaches, butter and syrup and went at 'em! They were more filling than "regular" waffles and seemed to hold back the "morning hungries" longer.

(YUMMMMMM)

Finally..... the dairy free blueberry muffins. The batter was thicker than I thought it would be. It was more of a cookie dough consistency, so I was a bit concerned. But wow! When I took my first bite I realized my concern was un warranted. The dried blueberries were HUGE and there was A LOT of them. (see the size of the blueberries??!!)

(Pardon the santa muffin cups... they are left overs! hehe)

The waffles and muffins have a more "healthier" flavor than the cookies do. The cookies are sweet and taste more of a cookie.... while the waffles and muffins have a more healthy grain flavor. BUT they were all super yummy!

With all three lactation treats (cookies, waffles and muffins) I made the whole package and froze each in individual freezer bags. With the cookies I just took out what we wanted and left the rest in the freezer. For the waffles I took out the amount we wanted and tossed them in the toaster. For the muffins, I put what we wanted in the microwave to thaw out. Each time....... perfect results! (I have to admit.... I did drown my muffins in melted butter! But I just can't help it.... that is what I always do!)

Now the big question.... did I notice a change in my supply? Now.... I do not pump, so I can not give you an answer in ounces. But what I can say is that two days after following the suggested serving size I woke up feeling "fuller" in my nummie makers. Kit Kat also decided to nurse just a little bit longer than normal as well. Now this might be that my Mummie's Nummies were sweeter than normal (from the cookies.... man they are so good!) but either way... I DID notice a difference. A welcomed difference that helped us through a stressful time.

So are you drooling too? (I bet you are!) Wondering how you can get your hands on these tasty (and helpful) treats? WELL....... Cookies, Then Milk is offering you a special deal! That's right Mummies! How awesome is that?! During this giveaway, Cookies, Then Milk will also be offering Buy 2 mixes Get 1 mix FREE!!!

AND

You can also enter to win The Nursing Mothers Survival Box! The box includes 2 packages of cookie mix, a cookie scoop, a nursing cover, nursing pads, and healing nipple cream.  Excited??? ME TOO! Here is all the info you need!

WHO CAN ENTER?

Anyone 18 years of age or older, living the Continental United States and Canada.

HOW DO I ENTER?

All entries must be made by 6:00 PM (EST) on Wednsday, August 31, 2011. You have three ways to enter. EACH ENTRY MUST BE A DIFFERENT COMMENT.  BUT if you would like to "friend us" on Google Friend Connect, find us on Google Plus, join our Facebook page, join us on Twitter, or even share us.... that would make us happy!!! Each person gets up to three entries....Winner will be announced Wednsday, August 31, by 7 pm (EST). (side note... do you need a Google + invite? Let me know, I can probably help!)

Entry 1: Answer this pink question: Have you struggled with your breastmilk supply? (please leave your first name and email address.)


Entry 2: Follow Cookies, Then Milk on Facebook, come back here and comment saying you "liked" Cookies, Then Milk on Faceboo. (Please leave your first name and email address.)


Entry 3: Follow Cookies, Then Milk on Twitter, come back here and comment saying you are a follower of Cookies, then Milk on Twitter. (Please leave your first name and email address.)

HOW DO I KNOW IF I WON?

The winner will be notified by email, listed at the top of this post, on our Facebook page as well as our Google + Page. The winner has two days to contact us with their mailing address or another winner will be selected. The winner will be selected using RANDOM.ORG

HOW DO WE CHOOSE THE WINNER?

We will enter the number of completed comments into the number generator at RANDOM.ORG and the first number it picks is the winner!

DO WE CHECK THESE ENTRIES?

Yes, we do. Once the winner is selected, we will check to verify valid entry. If it isn’t, we’ll start the process over.  (But I hate doing that... so please make sure you follow the rules.)

That's it Mummies!!!! One lucky Mummie (or Daddie) will get this awesome Survival Box!

Good luck!

~Mummie

Foto Friday

 "Foto" Friday is a play on phrase for Photo Friday. I take a million pictures each week, well maybe not a million...... but A LOT! So I thought it would be nice to share my favorite picture from the week. Each Friday, I will post one picture and each "Foto" will include a small caption. Some pictures will be related to breastfeeding, while others will not. I hope you enjoy "Foto Friday!" Do you like "Foto" Friday? Well come on over to our facebook page and join in! I love seeing your "Fotos.

This "foto" was taken while I was interviewed for The Big Latch On Event. It was not published with the article...... But this Foto brings tears to my eyes. It captured such an amazing, sweet moment between the three of us. A moment that I will treasure forever.

You might be a breastfeeding Mummie if (part 2)

You might be a breastfeeding Mummie if........"normal" everyday words remind you of breastfeeding.

* Milk (harmless enough)

*Leak (oops!)

*Gold (priceless!)

*Spray (LOOK OUT!)

*Feed (yummy)

*Wean (boo hoo)

*Cow (obvious)

*Shield (As in nipple shield)

*Squirt (LOOK OUT times 2!)

*Snip ("S" is silent......)

*Lactaid (oh come on! You know you thought it too!)

*Suck it (hehe)

*Consult (as in Lactation consult)

*Udders (see "cow")

*Spilt milk (Okay.... two words.... but makes me want to cry and cringe!)

*Nurse (Doctor's office)

*Let down (disappointment. Thank you to Mummie Laura!)

*Milk Shake (giggle. Thank you Mummie Katy!)

*Breakfast

*Lunch

*Diner (Thank you Mummie Tami!)

Have any to add? Feel free to comment below!

~Mummie



Big Latch On Fotos

Saturday, August 6 2011 was the Big Latch On!!!! I hosted one for my community and it was a GREAT turn out! We had 68 adults and children show up and 27 mummies latched on! AWESOME numbers! (Sadly..... I was not able to be counted.... Kit Kat refused to nurse! "Has she ever refused to nurse?" NO! She was too busy looking around and even told me "No mommy" and pushed me away!) But all in all...... it went so well! I am so proud of the mummies (AND DADDIES) who came! Here are some fotos for you to enjoy... and the link to more is below!!!

It was a great morning and a great opportunity to meet local breastfeeding mummies. The atmosphere was happy, relaxed, excited and some surprise! I was (as many others were) surprised how many local mummies came. Some even traveled two hours to take part in the event! We had awesome goody bags, slammed packed with donations from 18 AWESOME compaines! Local companies like Sweetamagoos, The Diaper Tree, BurPees & Bows Boutique, Mother Goose Designs and Suburban Tree Hugger. We had food from Publix and Heaven Scent Cakes A BIG thank you to the smaller and bigger companies who showed SO MUCH support for this event!

I am already planning for next year!!! So many ideas already! It is never to early to take part in next years event! If you are interested in being a sponsor or even would like to be a vendor..... let me know! mummiesnummies@gmail.com

See more Fotos here!

~Mummie

Foto friday

 "Foto" Friday is a play on phrase for Photo Friday. I take a million pictures each week, well maybe not a million...... but A LOT! So I thought it would be nice to share my favorite picture from the week. Each Friday, I will post one picture and each "Foto" will include a small caption. Some pictures will be related to breastfeeding, while others will not. I hope you enjoy "Foto Friday!" Do you like "Foto" Friday? Well come on over to our facebook page and join in! I love seeing your "Fotos.

 Pooker

Kit Kat

Since it IS World Breastfeeding Week, I thought it would be appropriate to share my "fotos" of my girls first day at breastfeeding. We did A TON of "skin on skin" contact, in the early days, before breastfeeding. These are my two all time FAVS! Happy World Breastfeeding Week Mummies!

~Mummie

Breastfeeding facts part 2

As promised here are the rest of the 10 Breastfeeding Facts from WHO.

6. For HIV-positive mothers, WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months unless replacement feeding is:

• acceptable (socially welcome)
• feasible (facilities and help are available to prepare formula)
• affordable (formula can be purchased for six months)
• sustainable (feeding can be sustained for six months)
• safe (formula is prepared with safe water and in hygienic conditions). 

7.  An international code to regulate the marketing of breast-milk substitutes was adopted in 1981. It calls for:

• all formula labels and information to state the benefits of breastfeeding and the health risks of substitutes;
• no promotion of breast-milk substitutes;
• no free samples of substitutes to be given to pregnant women, mothers or their families; and
• no distribution of free or subsidized substitutes to health workers or facilities. 

8.  Breastfeeding has to be learned and many women encounter difficulties at the beginning. Nipple pain, and fear that there is not enough milk to sustain the baby are common. Health facilities that support breastfeeding - by making trained breastfeeding counselors available to new mothers - encourage higher rates of the practice. To provide this support and improve care for mothers and newborns, there are now more than 20 000 "baby-friendly" facilities in 152 countries thanks to a WHO-UNICEF initiative.

9.  WHO recommends that a new mother should have at least 16 weeks of absence from work after delivery, to be able to rest and breastfeed her child. Many mothers who go back to work abandon exclusive breastfeeding before the recommended six months because they do not have sufficient time, or an adequate place to breastfeed or express and store their milk at work. Mothers need access to a safe, clean and private place in or near their workplaces to continue the practice.

10.  To meet the growing needs of babies at six months of age, complementary foods should be introduced as they continue to breastfeed. Foods for the baby can be specially prepared or modified from family meals. WHO notes that:

• breastfeeding should not be decreased when starting complementary feeding;
• complementary foods should be given with a spoon or cup, not in a bottle;
• foods should be clean, safe and locally available; and
• ample time is needed for young children to learn to eat solid foods. 

Nurse on Mummies!

~Mummie

Breastfeeding Facts part 1

In Honor of World Breastfeeding Week... I thought it would be fun to share with you 10 breastfeeding facts from The World Health Organization! Today is the first 5 facts.... tomorrow will be the other 5! Have fun Mummies!

1. WHO strongly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. At six months, other foods should complement breastfeeding for up to two years or more. In addition:

• breastfeeding should begin within an hour of birth;
• breastfeeding should be "on demand", as often as the child wants day and night; and
• bottles or pacifiers should be avoided. 

2. Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses - such as diarrhea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. Breast milk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance.

3. Breastfeeding also benefits mothers. The practice when done exclusively often induces a lack of menstruation, which is a natural (though not fail-safe) method of birth control. It reduces risks of breast and ovarian cancer later in life, helps women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster, and lowers rates of obesity.

4.  Beyond the immediate benefits for children, breastfeeding contributes to a lifetime of good health. Adults who were breastfed as babies often have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol, as well as lower rates of overweight, obesity and type-2 diabetes. There is evidence that people who were breastfed perform better in intelligence tests.

5.  Infant formula does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk and is linked to some risks, such as water-borne diseases that arise from mixing powdered formula with unsafe water (many families lack access to clean water). Malnutrition can result from over-diluting formula to "stretch" supplies. Further, frequent feedings maintain the breast milk supply. If formula is used but becomes unavailable, a return to breastfeeding may not be an option due to diminished breast milk production.



Any guesses on the next 5 facts?Check back tomorrow for the rest!

~Mummie

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

It has finally come! World Breastfeeding Week is here!!!
Why is World Breastfeeding Week so IMPORTANT? Why is World Breastfeeding Week even needed? I have come across this question (even been asked these questions, following a bit of "flack" for hosting The Big Latch On Event in my home town.)

I know I don't really have to explain to you, my awesome Mummies, why this week is so important and why it is so badly needed. But there are some people out there that need these answers.

World Breastfeeding Week is all about education, support, and community involvement. It is very important to let our local "mummies" know they are not alone and that there is help for them.

Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding IS NOT ALWAYS EASY. Sure it has been around since, well....forever. But there also used to be  a "team" of wet nurses to feed children. The whole community was involved in feeding children, and no one thought twice about it. Now, since breastfeeding is the responsibility of the mother..... problems do arise, support is needed, and talking with other breastfeeding "mummies" is very important.

Another reason why this week is so important is to educate the community about breastfeeding. Earlier in the week an article was published by a local news outlet, Cartersville Patch, about the event I am hosting. While I was SUPER excited about how it was written, the comments following made me extra aware of why my community needs this event.  Here are some of the comments, via their facebook page.

"This has been going on since the beginning of time. Duh, there were no classes. How much money are we spending on this program for people that should not be giving birth in the first place. Is this a Pelosi program. ???? Give me a break! I did this with my child. No one had to teach me or explain the benefits. Anyone that needs this should be not have children!! I would think that this is government funded program. Would like to know the facts if you have the guts."

"I wonder if there is a day set aside for men to let their stuff hang out as well? Thank you for letting us all know. I will avoid taking my kids to Cartersvillle on that day."

 Now I am happy to say that I have received many more positive comments than negative.... but that just proves that any community needs to be shown the positive side of breastfeeding and how it is not public nudity. I am also happy to announce that the event I am hosting is turning out to be much bigger than I ever imagined! To the point I am nervous about not having enough room for everyone who shows up! (a good problem to have, I suppose!)

  Many people do not know the benefits or even the truth of breastfeeding.

"Breastfeeding is the physiological norm for both mothers and their children. Breastmilk offers medical and psychological benefits not available from human milk substitutes. The AAFP recommends that all babies, with rare exceptions, be breastfed and/or receive expressed human milk exclusively for the first six months of life. Breastfeeding should continue with the addition of complementary foods throughout the second half of the first year. Breastfeeding beyond the first year offers considerable benefits to both mother and child, and should continue as long as mutually desired. Family physicians should have the knowledge to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding."

 "WHO (World Health Organization) can now say with full confidence that breastfeeding reduces child mortality and has health benefits that extend into adulthood. On a population basis, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is the recommended way of feeding infants, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond."

So there you go! Those are just a few reasons why World Breastfeeding Week is important and needed. Look for more awesome information all week long!

~Mummie