Breastfeeding... Oy!

Breastfeeding is such a huge, I mean HUMONGOUS part of my life right now. Sometimes I feel like that's all I do. I could say so much on this topic I could probably dedicate an entire blog to the it. In fact, I kinda do.

If you haven't yet, check out my blog on Bravado Designs Breastfeeding Diaries. I share my highs and lows on the subject. And look out, my next post over there is a BIG doozy!

It's about the worst nursing in public experience I've had to date, and all because of my husband. Ok, well I can't totally blame him... Actually, wait, yes I can. And I do. But I won't get into it here or now, but I will do want to tell you one key thing that makes nursing on the go (if you so please), modest (if you so desire) a cinch, and  that's nursing attire. Not just covers--those are great to-- but shirts that keep you covered.

I have one from Milan Maternity and I think I'm going to order another because this one is so comfortable and flattering (if I do say so myself).

I'm still trying to each my dearest that sometimes, quickness is more important than covers or anything else if it means she's going to be screaming her head off in a matter of seconds. But again... I won't get into it.

Instead, let's do a giveaway!

Everyone who comments on this post before December 8th at midnight will be entered to win this Analissa top from Milan Maternity, the online store aimed at providing expecting and new moms with flattering designer shirts at affordable prices. Your choice in color of either mocha or dark heather. If you follow them on Twitter or  Comment on my Bravado Post (any of them) you'll get an extra entry. Or you can like my photo just because, cause I really want to win!
*Thanks Milan Maternity for sponsoring this review/giveaway.

What I Learned at Church Today: A Lesson in Nursing On Demand

Going to church on Sunday is such a great way to feel refreshed and uplifted before I start my week all over again. But going to church with a baby, I'm learning, is an entirely different occasion.

My ward (or "service" if you're not LDS and have no idea what I'm talking about) meets for three hours every Sunday. The first hour is for Sacrament Meeting, the second hour is for Sunday School, and the third hour is kinda a continued Sunday School but the men and women split up for Relief Society and Priesthood (the kids go to Primary).

Last Sunday I missed about 80% of church. Why? Because she wanted to eat every hour. We'd sit down for the meeting, and after a short while she'd start fussing. So I'd take her out to the nursing lounge, feed her, burp her, check her diaper, to then take her back out. Repeat five times.

By the third hour I decided to just stay in the mothers lounge so I wouldn't disturb people getting up and down.

Today it started the same way. She's get wiggly, and noisy, and sometimes just outright grab my boob. But after I fed her twice I decided to put my foot down. She had eaten twice and she could go an hour or two without eating. She had to be able to. She's four months old and to the age where she should be able to gobble up her meal and be set for a few hours instead of taking sips here and there. It wouldn't kill her (or in my opinion even hurt her the slightest) to wait an extra hour.

She fell asleep nursing the second time I fed her, but she ate a lot before then. She likes to be awake, alert, and in the middle of it all and seems to hate sleeping in public. So when we sat down for the last hour and a half of church I knew she wouldn't be long before she woke up, which she did like clockwork, only about 20 minutes after she fell asleep. Just as soon as it was time for the last class.

I sat in the back and put her in my lap as I normally do. She made faces at the women beside me, and in front of me, but didn't whine. She tried to grab their songbooks, but I tried to keep her from getting a papercut. Note to self: Bring one of her board books next week.

After the song and prayer though she had had enough.

My instinct was to take her to the mother's lounge and feed her again but I decided to try something else.

I took a toy out of my bag and handed it to her. She grabbed it, shook it, and chewed on it for a few minutes. Then she dropped it over and over and watched me hand it back to her. Then she had enough of that.

I then took a pacifier out of my bag and stuck it in her mouth. She actually took it! She's not a huge paci fan so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it entertained her nonetheless. Until she dropped it out of her mouth.

I watched it hit the floor in slow motion and sighed as I reached for it under my chair. Why didn't I buy those binki wipes? I thought to myself. I know some moms put the pacifire in their mouth to, I dunno, wipe off the germs, but to meet it just seems like you're adding your own. Not that I'm a germophobe, in fact, if other people weren't around I probably would have just dusted it off on my pant leg and popped it back in her mouth. --You know that's what you'd be doing by the time you have your fourth or fifth kid anyway!

I reached in the bag and found another pacifier and stuck it in her mouth. Same deal, she was interested for a few minutes. This time I kept my hand propped under her slobber-drenched chin to catch it when she spit it out. It was like we were playing a game and finally she beat me and managed to spit it out just when I had reached for something else. And pacifier number two hit the ground.

I grabbed yet another one from my bag--surprised I had so many of these on me. But by then she was bored with the binkies. I looked at the clock. Twenty minutes left. We could do this. She really shouldn't need to eat right now.

I tried to hug her against my shoulder, sway her back and forth, cradle her, but she wasn't having it.

She was interested in the jacket my neighbor was wearing since it was a black and white zebra design. Lil' J played with her for a few moments before she started whining again. My friend thought maybe she had gas. So I laid her down on my knees and did a move I learned in our yoga class that helps relieve gas. I pulled her legs down toward me, then pushed her legs up towards her chest. In the middle of the second rep she let out a toot. And another one, and laughed. She thought it was funny.

I started making faces at her and tickling her and she kept smiling and laughing the entire rest of the class period, without another moan or whine.

It was then I realized it wasn't her fault I kept feeding her every time she whined, it was mine. I just assumed she was hungry every time when in fact she just could be getting bored.

Feeding on demand doesn't mean every time my daughter cries she's hungry, I just sometimes assume that's what's she wants. I thought she wanted to eat every hour when in fact, I was just offering to feed her every hour and of course she'd eat. It's one way to pass the time when you're bored! She's a growing human being a had a big variety of wants now, including time to play.

Even though I wasn't in the mother's lounge the last hour of church missing Sunday school class, I instead missed the lesson because I was busy laughing and playing with my baby. Either way, there's a season for everything. I'm learning this season of my life may just mean missing a few (or a year and a halfs worth of) church lessons. But at least today I learned my own personal lesson: My daughter sometimes, just wants to play.

Breastfeeding Burnout

I love breastfeeding. I really do. I thought it was something I would just put up with a few months before switching to formula, but I've actually enjoyed it. I have a Breastfeeding Diaries blog I've been keeping over at Bravado Designs, and I've been lucky enough to have been able to exclusively breastfeed my daughter for more than three months now. But now this duty is becoming my demon.



Before having Little J I set a personal goal to breastfeed her for three months, during my maternity leave. That didn't mean I'd exclusively breastfeed her, or that I wouldn't supplement at times, but it ended up being to where I didn't need to supplement. In fact, I build up a stash of more than 200 frozen ounces of breast milk to use once I returned to work.



But the stash I speak of is one that is to be used for emergencies, and only taken from when it's about to expire and it's replaced with, fresh pumped milk for the day. This stash is now beginning to drive me crazy.



My first week back at work I was able to find time to take a pump break, usually two, during the day. I would pump about seven ounces a session, then nurse my daughter during my lunch breaks. That got old fast. I felt like I was lactating more than I was working. That's saying something, considering I sometimes work 55 hours a week.

I like feeling like I'm doing something for my daughter when I'm away from her, but it can be a difficult battle. Set up to take down takes me about 25 minutes. I felt guilty taking an extra 50 minutes out of my schedule to pump. Sometimes I'd try to take my laptop with me so I could keep working but that felt awkward.

So I cut back a little and pumped once at work, and fed her during my break. But then my supply started to dip. So I brought my pump home on the weekends and would pump after Lil' J went to sleep to try to get it back up to where it was.

Now, I pump six ounces during my shift, feed her during my lunch break, and then pump once more before I go home, and if I'm lucky, I get another five ounces. So I'm bringing home 11 ounces of expressed milk a day, plus feeding her during my break, and get this... She STILL wants more!

She can eat about 13 ounces of pumped milk while I'm away. Which on my 12 hour days is understandable, but on my 9 hour shifts, I'm a little confused. Regardless, imagining myself doing this routine for the next nine months is awfully daunting.

I've been counting down to the day that I can start giving her cereal and baby food/purees, whatever the crap you want to call it, but people tell me babies still drink as much milk when they start solids, and that food isn't a supplement for breastmilk or formula. Now this kinda ticks me off because I was count on this--Just gotta make it to six months--I kept telling myself. But who knew that star I've been shooting for may still be out of reach.



My friend Emily, over at Baby Dickey is hosting a series of blog parties Monday nights and I plan on asking the "baby expert" about babies and food.

Now I know there's no need to panic because of my huge milk stash, but we're slowly chipping away at it. Based on my prediction 200 ounces, using 2 a day, it should be gone in about 100 days, or 3 months give or take a week or two. Oh, and that's if she doesn't start drinking more.

When coming to this realization I've had a mix of helpful reactions in response. Some say "yea, I wasn't pumping enough so we supplemented some, no big deal." And there were others who recommend all sorts of teas, herbs and remedies to help with my "Milk Misfortune." And to be honest, I don't want remedies.

I want to just enjoy breastfeeding my daughter when I'm with her. I don't want to have to stress about pumping enough every day, then yell at my husband for pulling from the freezer stash when I didn't pump enough. I don't want to feel like I'm being a slacker at work because I need to pump every 2-3 hours. Then feel like a slacker at home when it's still not enough.

From my understanding some women are able to breastfeed at home when they're with their baby even if they're not pumping when they're away. I don't want to feel guilty if I run out and need to supplement. I don't want to drive myself crazy trying medications, acupuncture, and voodoo tricks to increase my supply. I already eat a ton of oatmeal every morning for breakfast because someone told me it helps. But I also worry part of me will feel guilty for not giving everything else a try before giving her her first bottle of formula.

I want to find some kind of balance between keeping the bliss of breastfeeding, but loosing the fear of failing.

Maybe the realization of needing to supplement will be easier to cope with once she's started to eat cereal and other things that don't come from me. At six months we'll be starting her on solids and if I'm still unable (or unwilling) to keep up with her needs while I'm away, maybe the sting won't hurt as bad since she'll already be getting other sources of food.

I don't know if I'm just sensitive because it's my first child, and maybe I'll be more laid back next time or what. But I've never felt like my worth was hanging over a single responsibility as much as I do now.

I just hope I can find a way to loose the stress and bring back love as the main emotion in breastfeeding.

Milk Making Machine

Two weeks from today I'll be leaving my daughter and returning to work, and I'm no where close to being ready.

It wasn't supposed to happen this way. I was supposed to be the woman who got stir crazy at home; tired of talking to someone with a one word vocabulary (Dada) and ready to get back to work. Besides, that's me! Career-driven woman wanting the baby and the bucks.

But that woman has died and I've come back a mother.

I could feel my old self slipping away in the early weeks. I tried to fight it. "When will I feel myself again?" I asked. And people told me never. Rather, I'd find my new self. It's true.

Instead of excitement with just two weeks left at home I'm feeling guilt. How in the world will I leave my daughter? I'm her life-source, her entertainment, her biggest fan (and I hope she's mine). How will I do this?

I've found my guilt is eased with pumping. Yes, pumping.

Not in a masochistic, punishment kind of way; but rather as a mama squirrel gathering nuts for her young to store for the winter.

I use a Phillips Avent double electric breast pump. I actually won it in a contest you may have helped me win. I love it, it's comfortable and it was a style I liked (closed valve).

I don't have a ton of time to pump between the time my daughter is nursing (she eats a lot) but since my supply is heaviest in the morning I pump on one side while she eats from the other. The side I pump from I don't feed from at her 5am and 7am feedings. So when I pump around 9am I get between 5 and 7 ounces from that one side. Having her nurse on the opposite side helps the letdown--or flow of milk--so I usually get more that way. It takes coordination, and I've lost quite a bit when she's kicked the bottle off the pump but I have it down to a science now.

I've done this almost every day since my daughter was about three weeks old. Trying to see how much I can store and save for emergencies to use once I go back to work has become my addiction.

To date I've saved 184 ounces of milk. My freezer now holds more breastmilk than food. And the sight is one I'm mighty proud of.

It gives me flashbacks to this picture taken about a year ago.

Go big or go home.

Despite my skills at filling my fridge with human milk, I'm still worried about going back to work and keeping up with pumping. Before maternity leave I rarely had time for a lunch break, much less a few pumping breaks at work. I'm still not sure how things will go when I get back but if people manage to take several smoke breaks a day and still make deadline, I should be able to pump out my quota of milk and still get my story in by 5.

I know my job though and I know I won't always get those breaks. Plus, going from feeding my baby on demand whenever she wants to scheduled pump breaks may put a damper in my supply. So the more I store the better (though in my non-deep freezer it just lasts for 3 months).

I've armed myself with tools to help me be successful as long as possible. My pump, as mentioned before. Picture sideshows on my phone of my daughter, a schedule I hope to follow (barring breaking news) and what I'm most excited about--a PumpEase--My hands free pumping bra.
I've used it a few times when I've tried double-pumping while Lil'J is sleeping, and it's brilliant.

Normally I'm holding one pump to me and holding my daughter in the other arm. My hands aren't free to do anything else. With my PumpEase I'm able to type at the computer, talk on my phone, and move around as much as my pump will let me. I know it'll be a lifesaver when I return to work and I've already made it a habit to store it in my pump bag.

There will probably be times where I need to pump in my car, if I remember to bring my pump along with me, and get a car adapter for it (need to get on that) plus my feeder frock from LaDy LaDuke (to stay discreet) and my PumpEase will make pumping while driving possible.

Same if I'm back at the office. I can lock myself in a room and I'll be able to pump while I write or edit on my laptop.

I'm not sure how much milk I'll need to extract a day in order for it to be enough for my daughter for the next day, but I'm hoping I can get enough.

It's a huge blessing that my husband will be at home with my daughter. And since we don't live far from my job, when I have the time I want to come home and feed her during my lunch breaks.

Oh, I say this now but only time will tell how it will all pan out. My goal is to make it to six months exclusively breastfeeding, then I'll be able to start giving her mashed up veggies and stuff to help tie her over.

I feel horrible about leaving her so I can return to work but it's not possible for me to stay at home with her at this time in my life. But somehow, knowing I'm still the one sustaining her chins and rolls will help me feel a little less guilty for not being with her.

Transitioning back to work will probably be the hardest thing I've done in my life. But I'm preparing as best as I can.

Now I only I could find a way to make more freezer space...

Everyone who comments on this post before the 11:59pm on September 23rd (my first day back at work) will be entered to win a hands-free PumpEase hands-free pumping bra of their choice.
You get extra entries for following PumpEase on Twitter and/or Facebook
Random.org will choose the winner. Good luck!

Breastfeeding: A Love Story

So many women think breastfeeding is a natural thing that will just happen organically after birth. I didn't.

Maybe it's my hypersensitivity or the way I always happen to run into the horror stories, but I was preparing myself for the worst.

I defended formula feeders because I was formula fed and really, who am I to care, much less judge someone for their decisions on how they feed their child? I'd expect the same respect.

Choosing to breastfeed started as an attempt, something I thought I'd endure through blood, sweat and tears just so I could save money. After my baby came, I waited. And the blood and sweat never showed up.

There were tears though--Oh there were tears. But not from the pain like I imagined it would be.

There was pain. In the beginning as I got used to her latching on. Then the cramping breastfeeding would cause in my uterus returning to it's smaller size. But I made it through those moments.

The first night home was the worst. That's when the tears came. My milk hadn't come in and my baby wanted to eat all night. Looking back I guess I could have supplemented that first night home to calm her cries but then, I didn't know they were because if hunger. Nevertheless we survived.

Now, her having nothing but food from me, and having made it through the proclaimed "Hell weeks" I have a little internal game going on. How long will my milk be all she gets?

I don't plan on nursing past a year right now, but before, a year even seemed like an impossible feat. Mostly because of my job. Now I'm optimistic, though I know the day she finally eats something else will be a shot to my pride. My 13.5 pound 7 week baby came from me... I did that! It's amazing to see.

I'm returning to work soon and I've been pumping daily to have a stash, and I hope to keep pumping when I start working. Hopefully enough to not have to supplement for a while.

I have a can of formula in my cupboard. Enfamil sent it to me and I didn't throw it away like many suggested. It's not like I don't have will power, or like it's poison. There may be one day I need it, or perhaps I'll donate it. I know many friends who tried to breastfeed and couldn't or didn't for whatever reason, and it wasn't an easy transition for any of them.

I cried when my baby had her first bottle at two weeks, fearing she wouldn't breastfeed again.

Then I cried at six weeks when we tried to give her her second, third and forth bottle, but she wouldn't take it.

I thought breastfeeding would be something I would just endure until I couldn't stand to do it anymore, but instead it's become something I love more than I could have imagined.

The Boob Shark

It happens fast.
Eyes shut

Nose wiggling, sniffing sniffing
Fishing for food.
Breath gasping
Snout snorting
Head bobbling
Mouth open, shut, open, shut
All the senses on the hunt-- For my boob.

When she finds it she attacks.
The gasping stops
and turns to gulps
She settles.
She's happy--Content.
The boob shark found her meal.

If I'm lucky, when she's full--
She'll either be milk drunk
or give me this look:

Breastfeeding: A Preggos Thoughts

So I've spent a couple of days swooning over fancy baby bedding, I guess it's time to get serious.

I wrote a guest post about breastfeeding for Blacktating and I guess it was just want I needed to motivate me to research, and think more about the topic.

First, there's choices, plans, decisions. I've thought a lot about breastfeeding not just since I've been thinking about having children and since being pregnant, but during my marriage. I don't remember how it came up but my husband had insisted I breastfeed. His thinking wasn't even on affordability but on health.

Now, my mind changes on a lot of things... A year and a half ago I wrote out my master plan for vacations for the next 5 years... An African safari being the big SHABANG in something like 2013. Well, needless to say, plans have changed. So I imagine my thoughts on breastfeeding will also continue to evolve as I continue my research throughout pregnancy, and of course once Spawnie gets here.

Since I am a journalist, I'm very into research. But I don't like just throwing things out there or taking people's word for it. So while I ask for recommendations, know I'm fact checking everything you tell me. I'm going to try to do my best to back up facts I learn with links and sources!

I sat down at my computer and for five solid hours I looked up information on breastfeeding pumps, looking into how long women should breastfeed, how to prepare for breastfeeding, and just thought a lot about how it would work for me. I spoke with a lactation consultant at my local hospital I'll be delivering at and was given a few tips. She first asked me how old my baby was...
"Umm, I'm a little early," I told her.
"Oh, you're still pregnant!" I heard her smiling through the phone.
"Yea I'm just trying to be prepared."
"Ok, when are you due?"
"Umm.. June." I left out the part about it being the END of June.

I was worried she'd hang up on me or tell me to call back in a few months but she was nice and gave me information about classes for about $20 a couple. She recommended we take it at about 35 weeks. She also told me they don't recommend I start pumping for 2-4 weeks after birth. I also asked about rental pump prices, and theirs are $75/month.

I also called my insurance and found out they give $500 a year towards lactation consultants. Which is nice perk. Sure, I may have one for free after birth for a little while, but $500 towards one who can help me at home is a nice addition.

Someone referred me to my local La Leche League so I called them to get information on any pump rentals they may offer. I also may drop by for a meeting or two in the next few months to see what it's all about. I hear the support groups are great.

I got caught up on the pump topic for quite some time. I'm going to go back to work after about 3 months and I'd like to continue to breastfeed. Since the rental cost is so much I figure buying is a better option after 3 months.

On Twitter, most of my mother followers recommended either Medela or Ameda. Medela had an OVERWHELMING number of favorites, but a few people who I HIGHLY respect when it comes to breastfeeding recommended Ameda. I looked into the different systems... And comparable products.

I used a few sites to do side-by-side comparisons to the brands to see which one I'd like more. Medela has been the "Most trusted brand in breast pumps for 20 years!" and Ameda has great reviews.

What were things I looked at? Well, I know I can't judge this by looking at it but comfort was one thing. Finding a pump that's adjustable is the way to go so I'm more likely to find a level that works for me. Type of pump was another thing I looked at. The idea of a hand pump doesn't appeal to me. Durability is important, because if I'm shelling out the dough, I'd like it to last for more than one kid.

I also looked at portability, I need something that will be able to travel well. Power options, car adapters, AC adapters and battery operated were all important to me. I would like a dual pump system, so I can pump both boobs if need be. Motor noise level is something I won't personally know until using it but I've read reviews of some being quieter than others. Effectiveness is also obviously an issue but I've read the closer the pumps cycling speed is to mimicking my baby, the better it'll be. So options on speed will be important.

So I narrowed it down based on recommendation and my research.

Ameda Purely Yours® Breast Pump with Carry All
Motor Specifications:
Cycles:
Single: 30-60 cycles per minute (8 suction settings)
Double: same less 10%

Pressure:
Single: 100-275 mm Hg
Double: 50-200 mm Hg

It's $199 on Ameda's site and about $195 on Amazon. Right now it's also $199 Buy it Now new on eBay too. It weighs about 6.5 lbs. It can use different types of bottles jut not the wide mouth kind.

I've read since it comes with a hygienic kit, and it's closed pump system makes it easy to clean and more hygienic. This one doesn't have as many reviews on Amazon, but it has a bunch, and better ones on the Breast Pumps Direct website. It's also FDA approved unlike the one below.

Pump In Style® Advanced Breastpump Backpack
Suction: 44-62 times per minute (2 phase pumping)
VACUUM: 50-250 MM HG
POWER: 60 HZ

I've read this one mimics a baby's sucking motions by staring fast then slowing down.

It is about $299 or $260 on breast pumps direct it's $274 on Amazon and $221 new in box in eBay.

It uses a closed pump system so some people say it's harder to clean, and you have to work a harder to make sure it's clean enough and rid of possible mold that could build up in the motor area.

Looking more into the open/closed systems I read that many open systems are good because they allow more direct suction. Many now also have filters to make any air that seeps through the tubes not contaminate the milk.

I have to admit when I first looked at the cost I was thinking I'd try to breastfeed for the first 12 weeks, and go to formula... 12 weeks is better than zero right? And why spend so much money on a pump I may not be able to use? Or won't use? Or that won't work for a long time for me. But then... HELLO! Formula isn't cheap either! I asked the parents of the kid I babysit how much they pay and they say in the beginning it was close to $400 a month. Each can is $15-25 dollars and now... At 11 months he still drinks about 1 can a week. Obviously I'd pay for the cost of the pump pretty quickly.

So now... My worries and things I still want to learn:
-Ways to pump as much as I can while I'm on leave and save it for when I go back to work
-Ways to pump at work when I don't have a private office or much time to do so
-How to store milk best, and foods, herbs, things that can help with milk supply
-How my husband can be involved in feedings at night so we can alternate if we choose to

My biggest worry of them all is really doing it while working. My job is very demanding and I'm not sitting at a desk or office all day. I usually don't have time for lunch much less pumping breaks! I work 9-10 hour shifts and I'm usually either driving, filming, writing or editing... None of those are in private.

I know breast is best but to be honest the biggest thing keeping me from wanting to do for up to a year is the cost of formula. Either way.. Breast milk or formula, kids usually don't drink whole cow milk until they're a year old (please correct me if I'm wrong, I'd love to know otherwise). So I figure the longer I keep it coming the more we'll save. I imagine with my schedule and lifestyle we will have to do a mix after awhile, and I'm totally ok with that.

My husband and I initially thought pumps were pricey but after looking at the cost of formula we're hoping to invest in one and figure out how to make it work for us. He also wants to be able to help at night, whether that means bringing the baby to me, or feeding from a bottle some that's ok. Spawnie would obviously have to be bottle fed while I'm at work. If I automatically wake up at night to feed all of the time, great, but we're hoping to take turns if possible.

So... That's a LOT of information. But I'm glad I have it down. It's kind of a "starting point" I guess you could say. And I'll revisit the topic throughout my pregnancy. I already have a breastfeeding DVD to review, some boob cream to help with breastfeeding, as well as herbal tea and some boob leak pads. I even just won a feeding cover. So there will be MANY MORE post on this topic in the future!

If you made it this far CONGRATULATIONS! I'd love your advice and referrals on breast pumps, and any tips you may have on the questions I have above especially, or any other random advice you have on the topic! All I ask is you are respectful to my views, and the views of other people who may comment! In other words.. Be nice!

The Best Breastfeeding Posts You've Ever Read!

*To enter this month's contest go here*

It's a topic I know draws LOTS of controversy. I'm not sure why to be honest... We are all adults right? We can choose what's best, and what works for us. Well, I truly enjoyed reading through these amazing post from (men and) women who spoke their minds about breastfeeding.

I love reading about things I have no clue about, so this was definitely a great experience for me! Thank you SO much for sharing your wonderful posts and for helping me learn a little more about this beautiful process, and for getting me even more excited to have a little one, and that bond of my own!

I'm really so glad I didn't have to choose a winner between all of these posts because they were all so wonderful. Sweet Wifey from Prissy Mommy was wonderful enough to help me out with this task. Please check out her awesome blog too! She has the most adorable little boy and I love reading about her "first" with this cute little baby. She also is a successful woman (a clinical psychologist) which really just inspires and proves to me that you don't have to choose one or the other, and you CAN do it all if you want to!

Also a big thanks to LaDyLaDukes Etsy who is donating a feeder frock to this month's winner!

Prissy Mommy said she loved all of the posts, and had a really difficult decision but she said "The post that I thought was the sweetest and most endearing and poignant was by Krystal." So congratulate Krystal with her post: "Thank you God for This Child"! She wins a Feeder Frock from LaDyLaDukes Etsy, and I'll be featuring her on my site later this month!

Honorable mentions:
1. Mami to Mami: "Mamí Exposed: A Personal Look at Breastfeeding":Please don’t be misled by the title of this post. I have no plans of showing off “the girls” but you might be thinking some of this is still T.M.I. – Too Much Information. Sorry folks but you’ll have to deal. It’s time to expose the underbelly of breastfeeding...
2. Reiza: "Life, Death and Nourishment": On the first anniversary of my brother's death, I nursed my daughter while praying and I will be eternally grateful for that experience.My brother was given six months to live. He never made it that far. Cancer stole him from us the day we found out we were pregnant with twins...

Other wonderful posts I hope you'll read (in the order they were received):
3. Mom of Three: "When Did I Become My Mom?": I've been thinking about how lucky I am to have been able to spend this much time at home with my baby. Her brothers are 6 and 8 and was back out to work early on with them...
4. Rebecca: "Mommy Moment": I knew the moment I was having a baby that I would breastfeed this little tike inside of me. I just knew it would be so lovely, such a wonderful bonding experience that only he and I would share. So why pray tell did he and I both feel like this while doing it?...
5. Ang: "Mr. Smiley Gave Mommy Boo Boo":The baby commonly is known around this full house as Mr. Smiley. Every child has had a nick name through their first year. Mr. Smiley got his as soon as he started to smile, why?, because the little cutey does not stop smiling...
6. The king family: "My Breastfeeding Post": When I got pregnant I knew I was going to have to take any route I could to do it as cheaply as possible. This meant researching cloth diapers, breastfeeding, making my own baby food ect...
7. Jenn: "I Love the Mechanics of Nursing": The whole supply and demand thing. It blows my mind. I love it. Sabine has, I believe, hit the six month growth spurt. For the past few days she has been in non-stop nurse mode...
8. Jake: "What to do When a Woman Breastfeeds Near You on and Airplane":Seems odd to me that people are confused about what to do when a woman is breastfeeding her child on an airplane. If you have ever walked on a plane with a small child, you know that look on people's faces – that look that says "please, please don't sit next to me."...
9. Mommy News: "My Journey Through Breastfeeding": Weaning begins when your child starts to take something other than your breast milk as part of his diet. For most of us, that is around the six month mark. Weaning for some happens quickly, and for others lasts for a very long time...
10. Amanda: "Classy Never Trashy":Last week, I got a question: "Mrs. Hebert, what's the definition for classy?" (apparently some kind of language arts assignment... I get these questions a lot to be a science teacher. It makes for interesting times.)...
And "Bff Probaby Not": So... I've been getting a lot of straight-up questions, round-about questions and unsolicited "advice" (opinions) from friends, family, and (real shocker) complete strangers about breastfeeding...
11. (A dad's perspective) Daddyclay: "Public Breastfeeding": Daddy Brad and Daddy Clay tackle the baby nursing issue. How do you feel about women breast feeding in public? Is it okay for moms to breast feed their baby in front of others?... (A video)
12. Monicasalazar: "Is it Possible to Nurse in a Back Carry?": Is it possible to breastfeed while wearing the baby on your back? You might think this is impossible because of the location of our breasts, right?... WRONG!...
13. Marketingmamamn: "How to Pump Successfully at Work": Pumping breast milk at work can be overwhelming for many new mothers. Especially when you consider that you are separating from your baby for the first time for more than a couple of hours, hormonal, sleep deprived, all while trying to transition back to the workplace...
14. Milk and Honey Mommy: "It's Been a Boobiful Ride": Wow! It is an entire week devoted to the boob…all boobs…okay, just boobs. Yes, I guess I could be a little more tactful. It is a week of awareness as the issue of breastfeeding is promoted. Before I had children, I never realized how important the issue of breastfeeding would become to me...
15. Mrs. Bri: "Due Date" (Explicit): I am glad to be back, a bit worse for the wear, highly traumatized in the nipple and abdomen areas and a bit traumatized in the overwhelmingness of life area as well...
16. Cberbs: "What is the Goal in Breastfeeding?":The other day, I was looking at the search results and I found this one: “What is the goal in breastfeeding?” I loved that question, because I think it is such an open ended question...

Thank you to everyone who submitted a breastfeeding post! It was a great way to recognize World breastfeeding Month, and so fun learning more about it!

This month I'm going to do "Mommy Moments" a little different. I set up a Mr. Linky so it's easier for you to submit your posts to me, and easier for people to read them all month!

Enter the September Mommy Moment Contest here.

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Winners for the Bellybar giftpack giveaway:
#171 Huguette E. #63 Jessie #81 Emi : OMG Emi, you just asked me to choose a winner and I swear Random.org just chose you! How funny! CONGRATS!! Please email your address to babymakingmachine{at}gmail.com so I can get them shipped to you!

The Breastfeeding Awareness Mommy Moment Contest

This month I'm doing the contest a little differently, and the winner will receive one of these... A Feeder Frock from LaDyLaDukes Etsy.

The Feeder Frock Was Specifically Designed to Help Moms Who Breastfeed in Public, Cover Their Backsides, and Nurse Their Babies Sitting, Standing or Moving! Sometimes, Moms Have to Chase Their Kids, or Push a Stroller, and Grab Things--Moms Have to Move!

If I wasn't totally sold on breastfeeding in public before I think this helps me with the idea. It's like a stylish shirt you can hide baby under! The style I'm featuring here is called Pop Princess and it's worth $59.99! But the winner gets to choose the style they want. And if you're not a mom like me... It can be a great gift (or something to save)!


Excited yet? My wonderful guest judge Sweet Wifey from Prissy Mommy will choose the winner for this contest. And this month for my contest your "Mommy Moment" doesn't have to be this month. You can write something up if you want or it can be anything you've written in the past, but I'm giving you a "momyish" topic to write on... Breastfeeding. It's breastfeeding awareness month and I thought it is only appropriate.

Here are the rules: Write up a post about breastfeeding, or find something you've written in the past. It can be any humorous/ informative/ opinionated post on breastfeeding you've written, or you can write it this month. Somewhere within the post put a link to this contest. I don't care how small it is just try to include it.
Then, you can share the link to your post with me in the comments section or email it to me. You can email your entry to babymakingmachine{at}gmail{dot}com. As I always say you DON'T have to be a mom to win! Anwayone can have a "mommy moment" and anyone can have an opinion on breastfeeding, so have fun with it! I'll also link up all of the entries so everyone can read in the order I receive them!

You have until August 30th to enter so go write write write!



Again, the winner will get a fashionable breastfeeding Feeder Frock of their choice from LaDyLaDuke and a feature on my site, and my guest judge Sweet Wifey from Prissy Mommy will choose the winner. Oh, and no, she is NOT accepting bribes! Good luck!

What do you think? Excited about the topic?

Ok, now on to July's winner!:
I always have such a fun time reading your "mommy moments" from moms to moms-to-be future moms! I share my stories here but I love reading yours! I've asked you to throughout the month, be on the lookout for post you've written about being a mom. And to share your favorite mommy moment with me!


I got a lot of entries and all of them were beautiful! Some were funny and others were clever! Luckily I had my friend Quel aka my HomeGirl be the judge so I wouldn't have to make the tough decision!


She loved them all and this month the winner is...



Dyar Baby Momma with 'Bunnies Eat Cereal'


And she wins a beautiful customizable photo tile necklace from iGotSquares Etsy, and later this month I'll be featuring her! So be sure to check her out and send her congrats!


Here are the honorable mentions:
Liz from (Loving Mom 2 Boys) with 'Fabulous Weekend'
Little Nut Tree with "The Things they Say"
John Deere Mom with "Rite of Passage"
supah ~d with "Week Madness"
~M~ with "Nanny Nanny Boo Boo"


So be sure to check out all of these wonderful posts and share some comment love!




Aren't feeling lucky? LaDyLaDuke is having a sale all month and is offering 1/2 off gift certificate purchases with a Frock purchase.

The Mama Drama

"So your daughter just decided to try out for cheer this year out of the blue?" The woman behind me asked my mother.

I was staring out the glass window in front of me, watching the group of middle school cheerleaders play a game as they wrapped up their practice. My sister was one of the girls in that room. She was a "new girl" having just moved to the area, and far from a veteran on the squad.

"Yep," my mother answered her casually, not giving in to her snide remarks.

"Oh, well my daughter has been cheering ever since she was seven years old," the woman continued.

"Is the competition squad down there too mom?" I asked, trying to get the subject off this woman and her daughter.

"Yes and no," my mom answered. "Some girls from each squad make up the competition team."

"My daughter made the competition squad but we told her she couldn't do it," the woman who couldn't take a hint kept going. "She's already on the competition team at her gym, plus the football squad, and with that and school it was just going to be too much."

I rolled my eyes and sent a Tweet: "Hanging out at my sister's cheerleading practice but tired of listening to all of these booshey moms. OMG!!!"

Booshey= Stuck up. I asked my mom how she could stand it, and she told me that's just how moms are. "We're competitive" she said, so matter-of-fact.

And then I began to think... This competitive attitude didn't come out of nowhere. And it didn't start when their kids hit middle school. On previous posts and topics I've touched on, such as stay at home moms, working moms, breastfeeding, labor--All topics that get a big response... All from passionate mothers.

It wasn't the sport of cheerleading that had these mothers tooting their own horns--No, it was The Sport of Motherhood... The most competitive game in the world. From crunchy moms to soggy moms... And even women who aren't moms... Everyone has something to say.

Come on now, let's be honest. I'm not even a mom yet and I can see it. I can see it starts before you even conceive a child. Everyone wants to say something about why you don't have kids... Why you should or shouldn't. How you're selfish if you wait, or selfish if you don't wait.

Then when it's time to conceive, women want to tell you why it's taking so long "don't stress" they say... Yea, right, that's easy. And then some wonder why you don't adopt after you've been trying so long... To those trying it's as if they're saying "give up already."

Then those who do adopt and don't adopt are combating eachother for their differences in opinions on the "whys" and "why nots" of their decisions.

Women who deliver their babies naturally and/or breastfeed criticize those who don't. And even if they're not guilty of that... Some are convinced their kids are or will be smarter because of it.

Women who pull their newborn from their own womb say they have a connection to their child other women miss out on... While others say they enjoyed those few minutes of peace before holding the being they'll forever have as their child.

There have been times when I've almost mistaken a post about a C-section as a story about a murder. Epidurals described as "drugging your baby." And I've read judgments going the other way saying home births are ridiculously irresponsible.

Had I believed the first blog post I read about babies sleeping alone in their cribs I may have thought it was a crime to allow it--Because of the way it was described.

Some say spankings are a bad form of discipline while others say timeout is a joke.

I've had women tell me a woman's place is at home, and no where else. Then some stay at home moms feel under appreciated and say they work harder than any other mom, while working mothers say saying at home would be a breeze. The arguments don't seem to cease on either side.

But what I don't get is the reason for pushing what you believe on others. And making people feel bad for their choices. And why get so defensive when someone doesn't have the same opinion or lifestyle as you?! WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT!

I've even had a woman comment to me, saying the pacifier and bottle pictured on the front of the book on my cartoon header "was not crunchy" and that I should probably take it down. Since when did I proclaim myself crunchy? Or a mom? And why the labels anyway?

It's easy for me to not have a bias now because I'm only facing the facts and opinions in front of me... Versus adding my own personal analytic and experienced opinion. In some ways I think it's a better place to be, because I can look at all of the options with my eyes wide open. I'll admit, I ask for advice and feedback now... Though I can't promise I'll be asking for it when I'm crossing the bridges into motherhood.

But one thing I will promise... No matter which roads I choose to take in my journey to motherhood, I vow to state my opinions as they are, but not make others feel bad for their choices. I also promise to try to remember that there are multiple sides to all stories, and I'll try to consider that in my remarks.

Maybe it's the journalist in me trying to be objective... But I'd like to believe it's a sense of compassion that we ALL hold for one another... Somewhere deep within.

The Can of Worms--Boobs of Milk

Breastfeeding, I know it's a huge topic in the blogsphere right now, and just in everyday life for woman who have children.

I never thought much of it. I wasn't breastfed (I think my mom was afraid she'd smother me) and I never really thought one way or another that it was a big deal. But arguments saying it's healthier for your kids makes me think it's worth it. I think if I didn't have time or whatever I'd just invest in a good pump.

This isn't something I want to debate over, especially since I have a LOOOONG time to think about it, but I'd like your thoughts on it.

It seems lately there's a huge divide between women who do and those who don't. I think it's kind of sad. I wouldn't want people to make me feel bad for something I couldn't or didn't want to do. I mean, I turned out OK :op

Why do you think there is that divide between women? Why do women who breastfeed feed like they need to practically bash women who don't?

Ok another weird thing I've heard... Don't hate me but "Breast feeding parties?" And I don't mean everyone has their own kid their feeding..I'm talking about the ones where they pass their kids around and share! Not to offend people who do that but what's up with that? Couldn't another person have something your child is allergic to and give that to them? I honestly just don't get that! I have a friend who was trying to decide on a family to give her baby to for adoption and she was turned off by a family who wanted to do that to her child.

Ok ladies, enlighten me! I'm not saying I won't listen to your reasons why this is done... I honestly have know clue and want to know!

Also... Another extreme thanks to 20/20... Breastfeeding grown kids!! What do you think?