New Mothers don't often let weaning be one of the first thoughts while holding a brand new baby; I know my biggest worry would come to light after the six weeks away from work. And whether you breastfeed or formula feed, weaning is something we all have to deal with eventually. But, what happens when your child is ready before you know it?
My daughter has the type of personality where, when she puts her mind to it, she does it as soon as possible. She was the same way with walking, not letting anything slow her down; weaning was the same. You'd think she would slowly work herself off the stuff, but that wasn't the case. Tuesday she skipped a few feedings. Wednesday she skipped nursing after lunch. Thursday she went cold turkey, and by Friday breast milk was a mere, foggy, memory she forgot.
It was the most heartbreaking thing I have ever experienced first hand. The pain of engorgement only amplified the emotional toll and separation anxiety I was going through. All of a sudden my baby didn't need me, she didn't want me. No more breastfeeding, no close cuddles, not even anymore night feedings. After researching it, I thought I'd found a glimmer of hope when I read about nursing strikes. I tried offering the breast when she was half asleep. It never mattered, she always turned her head and made the most disgusting facial expressions.
I never realized how attached I was to nursing. It was the few moments throughout the day that I could hold her down. She would make the most delighted faces when she tasted the first few drops, and I got that relaxed feeling down in my gut where everything was at peace. To have that taken away in such a short amount of time is difficult.
Although many women say that a slower weaning allows your supply to decrease without engorgement, I'm not sure that is entirely the case. I haven't gone through that yet, since this is my first child, but my Mother said it never made a difference for her. It's always heartbreaking and painful.
Each time I leaked through my shirt and felt my shirt get wet and go cold, my heart broke a little more. Not too long ago I was saving every precious drop to supply nutrients to my baby girl. When you pump, and transfer milk to bottle, you almost hold your breath hoping to be still enough to save every last drop. It feels like such a waste to allow my supply to dry up, but I have.
My daughter was ready for weaning, and instead of letting me know, she simply took charge. She drinks plenty of water and eats three good meals a day aside from snacks and goodies. Her diaper situation has changed, and I think her body is transitioning well. Even though it seems to be easy for her to turn away from nursing, I can't help but wonder if she misses it. I haven't noticed the slightest nursing movement in her sleep, so I think it must have been a fleeting memory.
Did your baby forge ahead with self weaning? I'd love to hear your story, and to share it with other women. Sharing is caring!
Showing posts with label breast milk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breast milk. Show all posts
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Tommee Tippee on Zulily
There are times when I find myself getting so excited over something that I have to drop whatever I'm doing to share a great deal. This is one of those times! Although Zulily always posts fabulous sales on a daily basis, this one in particular is a better find throughout my time as a member. So, without further ado, please don't miss out on this Tommee Tippee deal!
If you're a frequent Target shopper you'd know that the base model Tommee Tippee breast pump sells for about $150. This includes the pump, and one 5 ounce bottle, nipple and base. The deluxe (which I haven't seen at my Target) sells for $250, and includes all the bells and whistles you'd expect with a top of the line double pump set.
Within this sale you'll find the double pump is on sale for only $130, the base electric model for only $74. There is a large box of disposable storage bags for only $12 (originally $18), and Tommee Tippee's electric bottle warmer for only $25 as opposed to $40.
If you're a frequent Target shopper you'd know that the base model Tommee Tippee breast pump sells for about $150. This includes the pump, and one 5 ounce bottle, nipple and base. The deluxe (which I haven't seen at my Target) sells for $250, and includes all the bells and whistles you'd expect with a top of the line double pump set.
Within this sale you'll find the double pump is on sale for only $130, the base electric model for only $74. There is a large box of disposable storage bags for only $12 (originally $18), and Tommee Tippee's electric bottle warmer for only $25 as opposed to $40.
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| Tommee Tippee Deluxe Electric Breast Pump $130 (normally $250) |
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Similac Verses Breastflow Bottles
Working mothers might become concerned about nipple confusion if they plan to breastfeed and bottle feed simultaneously. And while all products are not created equal, baby bottles certainly have come a long way. Today I'm going to compare the Similac Simply Smart bottle to The First Years' Breastflow bottle.
Similac has recently launched a new campaign in support of breastfeeding mothers (although some argue it's against) with a new line of products. One of these new additions is a "smart" bottle designed with your breastfeeding baby in mind. It features an innovative mixing device, SmartClose lid, natural nipple and technology to reduce fussiness and gas (keeping baby from swallowing air).
Breastflow is The First Years most revolutionary product, featuring a double nipple that reacts to baby's natural reflexes more like Mom's breast. The outer nipple is soft, allowing the baby's tongue to stay in the same position it would while breastfeeding - preventing nipple confusion between bottles. The inner nipple is firmer, and allows your baby to control flow while feeding (whether its breast milk or formula).
My personal experience with this is straight from the baby's mouth (literally). Although Similac's bottle featured a special vent to keep my baby from swallowing air, it wasn't quite as magical as they marketed it to be. While the Breastflow didn't specify whether they featured a vent or not, baby swallowed less air in an actual feeding than with the Similac. She was less motivated to latch back onto the Similac than with the Breastflow as well, in multiple feedings. Although the Breastflow leaked onto her chin (with a less experienced baby), she was comfortable and relaxed after eating.
Similac has recently launched a new campaign in support of breastfeeding mothers (although some argue it's against) with a new line of products. One of these new additions is a "smart" bottle designed with your breastfeeding baby in mind. It features an innovative mixing device, SmartClose lid, natural nipple and technology to reduce fussiness and gas (keeping baby from swallowing air).
Breastflow is The First Years most revolutionary product, featuring a double nipple that reacts to baby's natural reflexes more like Mom's breast. The outer nipple is soft, allowing the baby's tongue to stay in the same position it would while breastfeeding - preventing nipple confusion between bottles. The inner nipple is firmer, and allows your baby to control flow while feeding (whether its breast milk or formula).
My personal experience with this is straight from the baby's mouth (literally). Although Similac's bottle featured a special vent to keep my baby from swallowing air, it wasn't quite as magical as they marketed it to be. While the Breastflow didn't specify whether they featured a vent or not, baby swallowed less air in an actual feeding than with the Similac. She was less motivated to latch back onto the Similac than with the Breastflow as well, in multiple feedings. Although the Breastflow leaked onto her chin (with a less experienced baby), she was comfortable and relaxed after eating.
Monday, June 3, 2013
The DL on Breast Pumps
When we first brought Gloria home the last thing I was thinking about was how I'd be able to go back to work, or if I would even have to. Six weeks went by fast and on the Monday of my last week I shot straight out of bed and shouted at my husband, "We have got to get a breast pump!" That didn't given either of us much warning, or much time for preparation (especially if I didn't produce enough milk).
It was Memorial Day, so while we were juggling already made plans with two families, toting around a 5 week old, we knew we would need to make the nearly hour drive to Target to purchase a pump. My initial reaction was to call and verify they would be open, and thankfully they were (keep this in mind!).
When you are shopping for a pump the first thing you should do is read peoples reviews. Skip the angry people who were upset for other reasons (such as bad customer service) and concern yourself with what's important. There are a few things to keep in mind when you're looking.
How often are you planning to pump? My husband jumped straight to manual pumps, simply because that's what his Mother had used - not to mention the hundred dollar savings. However, take note that manual pumps are approved for occasional use, and may not be the best option if you're looking for a daily driver. Check out the electric pumps with one, or maybe two, breast shield possibilities.
Does your designated location feature electrical outlets? This goes back to the manual vs. electric, which might have been ruled out with the previous question. Keep in mind that many electric pumps feature battery capabilities for pumping on the go (such as your car), and invest in some good quality rechargeable batteries (with a car charging kit).
What kind of convenience is required? You can relate this to the two previous questions, or consider that some pumps allow you to stream milk straight into a bag so you can avoid pouring, spilling and possibly contaminating that precious liquid gold.
Once you've decided what features you're looking for, you can begin viewing different models. Brand names are important in this case, but you also have to understand that once in a while you may stumble upon a lemon (even when you've paid for the more expensive name). In my case, I read some great reviews, and laid my hands on the Lansinoh Affinity Pro. Unfortunately I had to return the pump four days later due to a defective motor. It pumped great the first day, and sounded a little stressed the second day... but by the fourth day it wasn't pumping any milk whatsoever.
Comparing brands isn't necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes it's difficult when you're hard for money. The Medela Swing Pump (single pumping design) is just about $50 more than the double pumping Affinity Pro. When I was making my return we were barely able to scrape up the extra money to purchase the much needed Medela. Once I brought it home, and steamed everything to try it out, it worked like a charm! There was no comparison to the Lansinoh! The process was easier, faster and more comfortable, and I produced more milk than before (3oz in the first sitting compared to 1oz).
It was Memorial Day, so while we were juggling already made plans with two families, toting around a 5 week old, we knew we would need to make the nearly hour drive to Target to purchase a pump. My initial reaction was to call and verify they would be open, and thankfully they were (keep this in mind!).
When you are shopping for a pump the first thing you should do is read peoples reviews. Skip the angry people who were upset for other reasons (such as bad customer service) and concern yourself with what's important. There are a few things to keep in mind when you're looking.
How often are you planning to pump? My husband jumped straight to manual pumps, simply because that's what his Mother had used - not to mention the hundred dollar savings. However, take note that manual pumps are approved for occasional use, and may not be the best option if you're looking for a daily driver. Check out the electric pumps with one, or maybe two, breast shield possibilities.
Does your designated location feature electrical outlets? This goes back to the manual vs. electric, which might have been ruled out with the previous question. Keep in mind that many electric pumps feature battery capabilities for pumping on the go (such as your car), and invest in some good quality rechargeable batteries (with a car charging kit).
What kind of convenience is required? You can relate this to the two previous questions, or consider that some pumps allow you to stream milk straight into a bag so you can avoid pouring, spilling and possibly contaminating that precious liquid gold.
Once you've decided what features you're looking for, you can begin viewing different models. Brand names are important in this case, but you also have to understand that once in a while you may stumble upon a lemon (even when you've paid for the more expensive name). In my case, I read some great reviews, and laid my hands on the Lansinoh Affinity Pro. Unfortunately I had to return the pump four days later due to a defective motor. It pumped great the first day, and sounded a little stressed the second day... but by the fourth day it wasn't pumping any milk whatsoever.
Comparing brands isn't necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes it's difficult when you're hard for money. The Medela Swing Pump (single pumping design) is just about $50 more than the double pumping Affinity Pro. When I was making my return we were barely able to scrape up the extra money to purchase the much needed Medela. Once I brought it home, and steamed everything to try it out, it worked like a charm! There was no comparison to the Lansinoh! The process was easier, faster and more comfortable, and I produced more milk than before (3oz in the first sitting compared to 1oz).
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