Tag: mom

Breastmilk is Best, But Formula is Fine, Too.

Posted on by Alice

Low milk supply is a common concern among breastfeeding mothers, and it can lead to a range of emotions and feelings. For many mothers, breastfeeding is an important part of bonding with their baby, and not being able to provide enough milk can be a source of frustration, guilt, and anxiety. As a chronic low supplier, I feel this so much in my heart and soul.

Mothers who experience low milk supply may feel a sense of disappointment or failure, as if they are not meeting their baby’s needs. They may worry that their baby is not getting enough nutrition, or that they are not doing everything they can to promote their baby’s health and well-being. For many mothers, there is an “easy fix” to the low supply that can be addressed, whether at home with supply and demand nursing, extra pumping, supplements or medications, or visiting a medical professional. For many others, there is no “fix”.

Ultimately, the most important thing for a mother is to take care of herself and her baby, and to seek support and advice when needed. In addition to that, the baby must be fed. Although I was set in breastfeeding my children, I wasn’t able to provide all of their nourishment. In the future, I will write about my experiences. I had to make the decision to supplement my children with formula or donor milk if it was available.

Here is a well written article that talks about the advantages and disadvantages of both: breastmilk and formula. It does also touch on needing to supplement with formula. It is written by Michelle Llamas, who is a Board Certified Patient Advocate, and can be found here: Breastmilk vs Formula. The website is great because their information is fact checked, so more trustworthy than other places to get your information.

Some moms condemn formula. I feel like it has a place. In my life, it was to help sustain my babies when I wasn’t able to with my breastmilk alone. I know, as many of you all know, the great many benefits of breastmilk. The immunities alone are worth it to get me through another pumping session; baby won’t get that from formula. The point I am trying to make is: I am 100% for breastfeeding but I am also glad that formula is there and available.

Importance of Proper Support for Breastfeeding Moms

Posted on by Alice

There is a lot of information out there in books, videos, the internet, well intentioned older family members, etc., about breastfeeding. The problem isn’t the lack of information; it is finding the proper support. However many moms you ask on their experience with feeding a new baby and breastfeeding, you will get as many different answers, ideas and opinions. But, in that critical, tiring, amazing, time as a new mom, you don’t have time to sort through it all. You need help and you need it now.

I do suggest finding and lining up that support ahead of time, while still pregnant. It is known that if you plant to breastfeed, you will have a higher chance of being successful if you have the proper support. It could be a friend or relative that has similar views as you. It could be lining up a Lactation Consultant that you can see after baby is born. It could be attending some breastfeeding support groups.

I myself have gone through a lot with the chronic low milk supply. With each baby, I had more information that I was able to use. I made sure I had a lactation consultant I can talk with and see. But, I feel like a big part of it was attending my local LLL meetings. It is a no- to low- cost resource that should be utilized by all moms who plan to breastfeed. Not only are there support meetings, but you can also contact a leader any time for help if you have any issues.

La Leche League (LLL) is an international non-profit organization that provides information, education, and support to mothers who want to breastfeed their babies. Here are some facts about LLL:

  1. Breastfeeding advocacy: LLL is dedicated to promoting and supporting breastfeeding as a natural and healthy way to feed babies. The organization advocates for policies that protect and support breastfeeding mothers, such as laws that protect a mother’s right to breastfeed in public.
  2. Mother-to-mother support: LLL offers mother-to-mother support through local groups and trained leaders who have experience with breastfeeding. This support can be especially important for new mothers who may be struggling with breastfeeding or who have questions or concerns about breastfeeding.
  3. Evidence-based information: LLL provides evidence-based information on breastfeeding and related topics, such as nutrition, child development, and parenting. The organization’s resources are based on the latest research and are reviewed by experts in the field.
  4. Community building: LLL provides a sense of community for breastfeeding mothers who may feel isolated or unsupported. Local groups offer opportunities for mothers to connect with one another, share experiences, and learn from each other.
  5. Cultural awareness: LLL is committed to cultural awareness and sensitivity, recognizing that breastfeeding practices and beliefs may differ across cultures. The organization seeks to provide support and information that is respectful of diverse cultural backgrounds.

How do I Multi-Task My Life?

Posted on by Alice

As a mother with multiple kids, managing multiple tasks at once can be challenging. Cannot say how many times I have been approached and asked: “How do you do it?” With four little ones at home (and school, and activities, and life), there is always something going on. Wanted to share some of my tips and tricks:

  1. Plan ahead: Take some time each evening or at the beginning of each week to plan out your schedule for the upcoming days. This can help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget any important tasks.
  2. Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important tasks that need to be done each day and focus on completing those first. This can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that the most critical tasks get done.
  3. Set realistic expectations: Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day. Don’t set yourself up for failure by trying to do too much.
  4. Get help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or even hired help. Delegating tasks can help you free up some time and reduce your workload.
  5. Take breaks: It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. This can help you avoid burnout and increase your productivity.
  6. Make time for self-care: Don’t neglect your own self-care. Make time for activities that you enjoy, such as reading, exercising, or spending time with friends.
  7. Be flexible: Remember that things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Be willing to adjust your schedule and priorities as needed to accommodate unexpected events or changes in your family’s needs.

As we all navigate our children’s world with them as they’re growing and learning, I hope these tips are able to provide some type of relief to your routine. Sometimes, there is a lot going on and to take care of and plan, but lets also remember our children are only this age once. It’s ok if things aren’t always tidy and perfect. It’s ok to make the frozen pizza for dinner tonight so that you can play lego bricks with your child. They can eat some vegetables tomorrow!