The Unsung Heroes Of My Breastfeeding Journeys

Today, to conclude World Breastfeeding Week, I'd like to celebrate some individuals and organisations who have supported me throughout my breastfeeding journeys.

Firstly, my own mam. As a mother who has breastfed her own offspring, she has firsthand knowledge and experience of feeding. Always there, giving support, advice and geeing me on when I've felt like giving up. Even though she thought I was insane being hooked up to a breast pump so much, she gave unrivalled support. She's relished seeing her grandsons growing up to be happy and healthy on mummy's milk.

Organisations such as La Leche League are amazing. There's always someone day and night to give assistance and advice. I've had a few times when I've attended meetings or contacted them via Facebook for advice and they've been amazing. When you're sitting at home with ridiculously engorged breasts and in pain, LLL are on hand to take you step by step through it. 

Local Breastfeeding Peer support workers are a great help. Coming round to your home in the early days for a chat and talking through your journey and giving support where needed, passing on contact details on where to seek out support and giving ideas on positioning and discussing your concerns. Lovely ladies with hearts of gold!

Finally, my husband. As an avid advocate of breastfeeding, he's been a constant support throughout. In the early days with my firstborn, he praised my efforts of feeding, shared my frustrations and stresses when baby couldn't latch. Moreover, he surrounded me with love and humour at a time when I was doubting my own body's ability to feed my child. As I ended up expressing long term, he was always keen to wash bottles, bag and freeze milk (he also bought me a gift of a chest freezer for milk and named it 'The Booby Freezer'), cleaned my breast pump and most importantly, provide me with snacks and drinks when I was glued to the sofa. This time round, he's had it easier; no bottles, just boob. (So he's been delegated our toddlers bedtime! Rather him than me, as he's a monkey!) 

Thank you all for your support!

Extended Breastfeeding

As World Breastfeeding Week comes to a close, I'd like to share with you my thoughts about extended breastfeeding. 

Extended Breastfeeding is simply feeding beyond 12 months. I'm still currently feeding my youngest at 13 months. I've heard a lot of comments from people recently regarding when we're going to stop feeding 'now that he's 1'. Well, in summary, we're going to continue feeding as long as we both feel comfortable and happy about the situation. Whether that be for another month or another year, that's fine by me. They're only small for a short while and he's still gaining a lot of nutrition and comfort from feeding.

So, why feed beyond a year? They've got teeth, they're eating food and often can ask for milk and eek, walk! Yes, I'm feeding a little one who can walk and can sign for milk. 

Here are some facts about feeding beyond infancy (taken from www.babycentre.co.uk;

Why is breastfeeding my toddler a good thing?

Even though your child is now getting most of his nutrition from solid food, breastmilk still provides immunity from some illnesses, as well as nutrients and vitamins. Breastfed toddlers get ill less often than those who aren't.

If your child is ill, breastmilk may be the only thing he feels like having, or the only food that he can keep down. You'll feel better too, knowing that you're helping him to fight the illness. 

As your child matures, breastfeeding lets you comfort and feel close to him. The strong attachment your child feels with you while feeding will actually help him to be independent, rather than clingy. Forcing a child to stop breastfeeding before he's ready won't necessarily create a more confident child.

Toddlers are always on the go, so breastfeeding gives you both a chance to take time out. It's a good way for you to relax and give your child your undivided attention. The feel-good effects of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin may help you to feel calm and connected with your child.

If you travel a lot, breastfeeding is much easier than carrying around milk, or worrying about having to buy supplies at your destination. And when you're staying away from home, the comfort of your breast may be the best way to soothe any fears. 

So next time you see a mum feeding her little one (who looks a little older than infancy) don't react with a shocked face, an inappropriate remark or a head shake. She's merely mothering her child in the way that she believes is best for her child. 

My youngest's feeding pattern varies, however he's gradually cutting back on feeds and tends to feed on a morning, nap time, before bed and a couple of times during the night. As a family, we're content with this situation and raising a happy, healthy toddler. 

My take on World Breastfeeding Week!

In homage to World Breastfeeding Week, I thought I'd write a lighthearted piece about the realities of feeding. I'm currently feeding my 13 month old. 

1. Forge a good relationship with your postman or delivery driver. It's likely in your sleep deprived status, you'll flash at him when receiving your parcels. Worse still, accidentally spray him. My postie has witnessed some sights when delivering my Amazon bargains. Poor bloke!

2. In the early days, you'll spend a lot of time looking like you're entering a wet t shirt competition. With engorgement and excess milk, you'll likely compete with Pamela Anderson. I had a paediatric nurse laugh at how huge my boobs were 4 days post partum, they were like from a Carry On sketch! 

3. You'll find yourself shopping and trying on clothes and contorting yourself into strange positions to see if you can retrieve your boob. I bellowed to a friend, "well this dress is no good, I can't get my boobs out!" The elderly gentlemen waiting for his wife was a little taken aback by my outburst. I've recently discovered a Facebook group called Can I breastfeed in it? UK; where mums recommend clothes to each other that are perfect for feeding in and still remain stylish. It's costing me a fortune in pretty dresses, I just need an occasion to wear them to now! My 6 o clock, child induced curfew doesn't really permit a lot of it! 

4. You'll spend a fortune in coffee shops and cafes whilst out and about with baby and seek out the best feeding spots. My personal favourites are Pret and Debenhams.

5. In several places, you may get strange looks whilst feeding, abuse or sarcastic remarks. In some instances, use the opportunity to educate, otherwise ignore and just feed your little one. I've had a few instances of negativity. Even though the temptation is there, try to resist squirting these imbeciles with your milk; it's a waste of milk!

6. Feeding a toddler is a completely different ball game. The array of stretches your child can do whilst continuing to feed is incredible. I'm thinking of enrolling him in a gymnastics course, or sending him to the circus.

7. If you have a frequent feeder, it's very normal to feel 'touched out' sometimes. Make sure to make time for yourself. I've been known to say, "I'm going to have half an hour where nobody is touching me!" in order to overcome this. Note: squirting baby doesn't keep him at bay, it just entices him.

8. Oh, so your baby has teeth, you should stop feeding is a common remark I've heard. He's had teeth since 6 months, but it would be counterproductive if he bit me. His latch doesn't involve his teeth. In 13 months, he's bitten once and that was due to him sneezing. Yes, it hurt, but I'm alive to tell the tale!

9. Be prepared for bra shopping to be a nightmare, especially if you've got a larger bust. Nursing bras often resemble something your grandma would wear, so seek out pretty brands; Hotmilk and Cake Lingerie have lovely ranges!

10. Be prepared for a barrage of questions from friends and family; here are some of the most common;

* Are you still feeding?

* How long will you feed for?

* How often does he feed?

* Have you tasted your milk?

* Does he eat any food? (At 13 months I'm still asked this ridiculous question!)

* When are you going to go out drinking again? (Bottle refuser baby!)

* Are you allowed that glass of wine?

* Are you eating cake again?

In our home, it's natural and normal, it's not a taboo and it shouldn't ever be. It's simply feeding; I'm not a Superhero, I'm just a mum doing what I think is best for my baby. 

Feel free to share this with your mummy friends!

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband!

8 years ago, I married my lovely husband. After 6 years together, we'd planned our big day and it was time for me to wear the oversized dress (the waist would probably fit my ankles now!) and him to wear the quirky top hat and tails (and the cheesy pocket watch he'd insisted on having... I drew a line at the monocle!) A day that will stay with me forever, the day the we said 'I do' at the altar and celebrated with friends and family.

Over the past 8 years, we've created lots of memories together, travelled and seen some wonderful sights and brought our beautiful boys into the world. 

So today, I'd like to celebrate my husband, Alex; the funny, charming, sarcastic man, who always allows me to get my own way and shares my ridiculously childish sense of humour. Every day is approached with a smile and a laugh. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SZGcNx8nV8U

 

I love you today for who you are and who I am, all because of you. You deserve a medal as big as a bin lid for putting up with me! Happy anniversary, here's to many more years of comedy, eating copious amounts of chocolate and me being The Boss! 

Surviving being a mum of 2; a guide for newly pregnant mums expecting number 2

A year ago, I became a mum of 2 when my precious second born son was born and we've learned a lot during the last year. Here's a few pointers in summary.

1. You might currently think of yourself as a yummy mummy, occasionally get your hair and nails done. Scrap that, chop those nails, invest in an array of hair pins and bobbles and dry shampoo (yeah, 3 day old unwashed hair is acceptable now!)

2. You've recently gone back into trendy and 'unmumsy' clothes, now during your second pregnancy, wear your maternity clothes; but keep them-with the volume of cake and biscuits you'll eat (to save your sanity!) you'll not likely get back into your normal clothes for a long time.

3. Other people's bodily fluids on your clothes, don't worry, a quick once over with a baby wipe is sufficient. Anyway, nobody will know whether it's shit stains or chocolate and neither will you, until you lick it...

4. You think you're tired now, wait until you've got 2! A toddler running, jumping, thinking he can fly and a tiny baby who needs assistance with their every need. You'll find yourself using phrases that you never thought would escape your mouth, "don't hit your brother with broccoli and stop rubbing your bum on him..." 

5. Tantrums from a toddler are inevitable and it's best to try to spot them and intervene before they become out of hand. A great tool for this is chocolate, or crisps or any other junk that'll stop them speaking for 5 minutes whilst you're feeding/burping/changing baby number 2.

6. You'll see your husband/partner in a completely different way. Delegate to them some of the jobs you'd like them to do, whether it be toddler's bedtime, getting up early and letting you have another hour in bed etc. however, remember to praise your husband/partner, he's just an overgrown boy who needs a pat on the back when he's been 'very helpful' too! Reward him with a beer or some chocolate every now and again to keep him sweet and sing his praises to your family. 

And finally...

7. You'll never know love like this; when you see your two children interacting, showing joy and love for each other, your heart will melt every time and you'll forget that he's dug up your plant and told his sibling that it's salad/wiped his own faeces on your carpet/drawn on the door and blamed his baby brother or sister/wrecked your living room with a trail of toys... HAPPY PARENTING MUM OF 2! 

Forever Bright Toothgel Review

I've been using the Aloe Vera Toothgel for around 2 weeks now (morning and evening) and overall, I'm impressed with it. It's quite surprising at first glance; it has a fresh, green colour, as opposed to the White or striped toothpaste that I usually use. However, this just shows how natural the product is. 

After every brush, my teeth are left feeling clean and have a lovely sheen to them. I often opt for a toothpaste with whitening properties and this makes no bold claims, although it's certainly made a difference.

I suffer from sensitive gums, that are prone to bleeding, however when using the tooth gel, it feels gentler on my teeth. 

My only complaint is that it doesn't contain fluoride, therefore my youngest is unable to use it (he was born with a cleft lip and his teeth have limited enamel, so he must use a toothpaste with added fluoride). 

Priced at £5.98, some may argue that it's a little expensive for a toothpaste, but a little goes a long way and this will last for a long while. I'm keen to try out other products in the range. I love the fact that they're from nature, with no nasties in them. 

To purchase Forever Living products, contact Lianne; either on Facebook or via her website: 

https://www.facebook.com/naturesbountybeeandaloe?ref=bookmarks

www.beesandaloeforever.co.uk

Cake Smash Photo Shoot

This week, we enjoyed one of Isaac's birthday gifts; a cake smash photo shoot.

After viewing some other cake smash shoots, I wasn't sure how Isaac would react. However, he happily put his feet into the cake and after I gave him a taster, he was keen to eat more. I cut him a slice and he went to town with it! He was filthy and had fun! The photographer got some amazing shots of the boys. Here's a sneaky preview:

We highly recommend Joe Connor at Foto Couture, based in South Shields.