Paul and me at 1 year and 3 months. |
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My first born, Valene. 12/08. |
If you ever find yourself in any of these situations, don't be afraid to reach out for help! There are so many free resources that I didn't know existed! Ask other moms, friends, neighbors, doctors... over the years I have learned that I actually know so many birth workers that I didn't even know were birth workers!
A few days old. Wasn't she adorable? |
Valene at 9 years old. Look at that smile! |
"Don't do anything today, don't buy a bottle... If I still want to give up tomorrow, I can."
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Baby Leyah! 2010 |
Then tomorrow came and I was ready to face my challenges again. We never bought that bottle.
She was challenging to breastfeed in a totally different way. She bit... a LOT. Can you believe that a sweet face like that could enact such torture? Well, she did... but guess what! We made it! We hit the 1 year mark. Then I realized, there was no reason to stop. She was still so dependent on me, my milk. I was her source nourishment--both physical and emotional.
There was no reason a birthday should end that. So we continued. She continued breastfeeding until 2, just before her baby brother was born. (I was looking for a photo of them together... anyone else need to organize digital photos???) I followed suit with the subsequent babies.
Leyah's 1st birthday, 8/2011. |
So here we are now.
My fourth earth-side baby is now a few days shy of 16 months and we are still going strong.
My little milk belly at just shy of 1 month old. |
Paul breastfeeding before a nap. |
So, why do I breastfeed past a year?
- It makes me and my baby feel happy
- We get extra snuggle and bonding time
- My baby gets complete nutrition at each nursing session--that's like taking probiotics and baby multi-vitamins
- Baby gets immunity boosters from disease exposures I have or have had
- Lowers my risk of certain cancers
- Lowers baby's risk of certain cancers
- Lowers baby's risk of diabetes and obesity
- Keeps needless baby snacking (on packaged foods) to a minimum
- Soothes baby when he is distressed, sleepy, sick, or afraid
- Allows me to excuse ourselves from toxic people or when we just need our own space ("I need to nurse my son, see you in a bit!") No, really...
Continuing to breastfeed reminds me that I am not my own and helps me to slow down and enjoy the little things. |
Tips for Meeting Your Breastfeeding Goal:
How about you, did you make breastfeeding goal before your baby arrived? What hurdles did you face and how could others avoid them?
- Skip the bottles - Don't even keep them at home. If you know that you will need to work, wait to buy them until after a good breastfeeding relationship has been established and only use them when baby is with a caregiver (not your spouse)
- Pump extra milk in the beginning. This was a game changer with my second. I pumped every morning before she woke and every night after she finished nursing and was asleep. This helped me establish a better milk supply and allowed me to have an emergency stash. It also kept me from being engorged.
- Baby wear and then learn to breastfeed in a carrier! This is a life-saver! Watch lots of YouTube videos for help.
- If baby seems to spit up too much check your diet. What we eat (especially in the first 6 weeks) can really affect baby's tummy. I found that certain things upset all of my babies, so I give up coffee, most dairy, spicy foods, and gassy veggies (broccoli, asparagus) for the first 6 weeks. It's a sacrifice, but so worth it. If baby is still spitting up a lot, check in with a professional, but usually as long as baby is still gaining weight, making wet diapers and having regular bowel movements it's okay, so if they tell you baby is doing fine, don't sweat it!
- Work with a lactation specialist. Many are available for free through your insurance, medicaid, WIC, etc. Ask around!
- Don't buy or keep any formula in the house. It's too tempting to use when feeling desperate!
- Find a breastfeeding supportive physician! This is SO important. If your baby's doc says that you need to switch to formula because your baby is: too skinny, too fat, too small, too big, to smart, not smart enough, sick too frequently, not thriving... etc... GET ANOTHER OPINION! Find another doc, STAT!
- Take care of yourself! Stay hydrated, eat healthy foods, take vitamins, rest!
- ASK FOR HELP! Seriously... I'm incredibly stubborn and hate to give up on anything, but most people are not like that. We need help and encouragement. If you need to cry about the challenges, don't be afraid to do so, but cry to someone who will encourage you and support you in meeting your goal!
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"Milk Giver" 6th century icon at Mt. Athos monastery and found in Christian churches world-wide. |
How about you, did you make breastfeeding goal before your baby arrived? What hurdles did you face and how could others avoid them?
How Long Should I Breastfeed? - La Leche League
10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding - World Health Organization
Breastfeeding Provides Immunological Protection to Child
Extended Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know - Mayo Clinic

Creating an Educational Philosophy - Free Printables
What Does Your Baby Really Need - Baby Registry Tips for New Moms
Life-Schooling Through Books
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