Breastfeeding
Natural Aids, Tips & Tricks For Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery
Because I follow @DagmarBleasdale, I’m trying breastfeeding ~ tweet from Sophia
I have become an avid breastfeeding advocate after my experience with breastfeeding has been so wonderful and educational. I would love for other moms to have the same empowering experience.
I’m passionate about breastfeeding and helping moms who are struggling with it — but that doesn’t mean I think moms who use formula are bad mothers. It’s every mom’s business how she decides to feed her child. Our job as moms is challenging enough — we need to lift each other up instead of criticize each other.
I signed the pledge to Facilitate Judgment-Free Breastfeeding
I’m not a lactation specialist, but I know a lot of resources and can point you in the right direction at 3 in the morning if need be.
I never imagined I would breastfeed my son for over 5 years.
No mom plans to breastfeed that long. But one years turned into 2, then 3, then 4, and I kept thinking that L would wean on his own. He was only nursing for a few minutes for the last 3 years, but he kept wanting that comfort. What’s another year after breastfeeding him that long?
I don’t regret one minute of breastfeeding him past the recommended 2 years — I was able to provide nourishment and comfort to my son, nursed him through the few fevers he’s had in his life, and after his tonsillectomy. Plus, we both benefited from the many health benefits kids and moms enjoy from extended breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding my son is one of my proudest achievements in life, and I hope to help other moms succeed with breastfeeding so they may feel that same joy.
Breastfeeding Resources:
Video: Learn How to Hand-Express Breast Milk — great for emergencies, when your breasts are engorged, or when you can’t breastfeed but want to keep up your supply because of nipple wounds. (I did this for two weeks once and it kept my supply up and L went right back to nursing once my wounds had healed.)
Video: Breastfeeding Latch Trick (via Peaceful Parenting)
Side-lying nursing: A breastfeeding tutorial
info from PhDinParenting about Breastfeeding on an Airplane (link works, I have no clue why it’s crossed out)
Best for Babes — Giving Breastfeeding a makeover
Breastfeeding & Circumcision by Peaceful Parenting
Kellymom — THE breastfeeding resource site. Which medication and vitamins can you take while breastfeeding? Go here.
La Leche League — I am a member of the La Leche League and can’t say enough good things about this unique mother-to-mother support network, its resources, and its wealth of information.
24 hour toll-free breastfeeding helpline service:1-877-4 LALECHE (1-877-452-5324)
Los Angeles Times article: April 2010: Increase in breast-feeding could save lives and billions of dollars
Breastfeeding at Full Circle, Westchester’s Lactation Resource: classes, lactation specialists, and store, White Plains, 914-421-1538
Mommy News
Mothering magazine
National Breastfeeding Helpline UK
Nursing Birth — blog and great resources from a Labor & Delivery nurse
Nursing Freedom.org — Normalizing breastfeeding. Anytime. Anywhere.
Nurtured Child
Parenting Australia – Health (Breastfeeding)
United States Breastfeeding Committee
Women’sHealth.gov/breastfeeding
Click on the Nestle Boycott button for more information on why I boycott Nestle.
Plus, Crunchy Domestic Goddess has a very long list of Nestle products to avoid. It’s scary how many products Nestle makes.
Breastfeeding blogs:
Biological Nurturing
Breastfeeding Moms Unite!
Breastfeeding Blog Motherwear
Breastfeeding Truth
Conservative Granola Mommies
Crunchy Domestic Goddess
Custom-Made Milk
Dances with Diapers
Grudgemom
Mama in the City
Mama Knows Breast
Nanny’s Breastfeeding Corner
Nursing Birth
My Hodge Podge Life
The Feminist Breeder — one of my favorite
The Leaky Boob: You might be a lactivist if… (such a fun article)
The Natural Transition Blog
Peanut Sprout
PhD in Parenting — one of my favorite
School Teacher by day, Superhero by night
Welcome to my home! I'm passionate about being a mom, thrifty home decorating, DIY projects, green living, and attachment parenting. Having a stylish home doesn't have to cost much!
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I agree with you about the benefits of BFing, but am also relieved to read from a woman so “hard core” about it (I mean, your son is 5!) that you do not judge women who give their babies formula. My son will NOT latch on and trying to BF has been a sad, frustrating, painful, and difficult experience for me since he was born ;(. Luckily I have a lot of milk and am able to pump. My son has been exclusively drinking my milk since he was about 4 days old. But I now understand why some women give formula; BFing is not a wonderful, peaceful, perfect experience for every mother, unfortunately.
Hi Meredith, breastfeeding is difficult for many moms, that’s why I want to help with resources and cheering on. And yes, it’s not for every mom or situation. But it’s wonderful that you are pumping! It’s double the work and I commend you for your perseverance. I never had to deal with pumping.
I breastfed both of my children and I definitely see the benefits and the bond created, but by the time the children are walking and talking and fully grown toddlers, I think continuing past age 2 is obscene. IMHO, it has nothing to do with the health benefits of the child and entirely based on the neediness of the parent to feel like the caretaker and nurturer. Certainly by the time your child is in Kindergarten you should NOT be breastfeeding anymore! I truly believe children who are breastfed at this age are going to have some negative psychological impact from it! We breastfeed our children when breast milk is the only nutrition they need, its God’s way, but once they are old enough to eat a full balanced diet, breast milk is not necessary anymore.
Seriously when does it end?
Michelle, I do agree with you but am wondering about this. I just wonder what age extended bf’ing usually ends…Is it as a teen or older child??
I assume this isn’t a serious question…
I was serious, but I do understand I probably won’t get any answer. I have tried to figure it out. The oldest I found was six or so, so I would imagine beyond that age people aren’t comfortable disclosing it-which I get.
Extended breastfeeding ends whenever the child or mom are done. You know that L is over 5 now, but I’ve heard about children who are 7 or 8. But that is very rare. At some point nature steps in and has the kids unlearn how to suck.
Thanks for the response! I do like your blog and appreciate the answer!
Based on an article in Reader’s digest, there is really no limit when it comes to age for breastfeeding. As long as there is still milk coming out, you can breastfeed your child. But definitely, you would not want to breastfed your school-aged child anymore so you might as well end when the child already goes to kindergarten. Hope this helps.
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