Feeding Baby

10 Things Wish I Knew About Breastfeeding

The truth about breastfeeding is it’s freaking hard work. It takes time, dedication, and a commitment to make it successful. You’re going to go through some hurtles – maybe a clogged duct here, an engorged breast there – but it’s so worth it in the end.

I absolutely LOVE breastfeeding my son. There’s nothing that makes me feel connected as a mama than nursing my baby. He’s now 7 months old and we are still breastfeeding. I don’t plan to stop nursing until at least a year old.

I’ve had a very successful breastfeed journey, but I do want to share 10 things I wish I knew about breastfeeding before I got started. I hope that this article helps some of you expecting mamas out there.

I’m not a lactation consultant, but I’ve successfully nursed my baby since he was born. This is my story.

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Food You Should Avoid When Breastfeeding

by Guest Writer 17 Comments

When a new mom is breastfeeding, what she eats is passed on to her baby through her breast milk. There really isn’t any food that’s “off-limits” or foods to avoid when breastfeeding. It just depends on what your baby can tolerate, and what he or she can’t.

For example, although you might love eating your grandmother’s recipe for homemade spaghetti, all those tomatoes and garlic might not agree with your nursing child’s tummy. Your baby can get gassy and cranky, and it might be due to what you had for dinner.

Another baby might be fine if you get tomatoes, garlic, and cheese.

If you’re a first-time breastfeeding mother, you’re going to need to find foods that trigger gassiness and discomfort in your baby.

What is Colostrum?

by DP Nguyen Leave a Comment

Colostrum is the yellowish or creamy milk that you secrete in the first couple of days after birth. It’s often called “baby’s first milk” or “pre-milk.” Colostrum is much thicker than your mature breast milk, and full of immunoglobulins and antibodies that will help protect your baby from the millions of germs and bacteria that exist in our world.

Although you may not realize it, but your breasts have been producing colostrum since the beginning of your second trimester. If you experienced any breast leakage in pregnancy, that was colostrum.

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What Do You Need For Breastfeeding?

by DP Nguyen 2 Comments

What do you really need for breastfeeding? In this article, you will find out my recommended breastfeeding supplies that will make your nursing sessions more comfortable and enjoyable.

First, please note that breastfeeding is the best way to nourish your baby in the first year of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all mothers breastfeed exclusively (not allowing your child to eat any solids) until their child is six months of age.

The Surgeon General of the United States is also making a huge push to get more mothers to breastfeed. So, if you are able to do it, you try and breastfeed your infant.

Introducing Baby to Solid Food

by DP Nguyen 2 Comments

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies are exclusively breastfed (or formula fed) for at least six months, but some babies are ready to eat solid foods earlier than this. Many parents introduce solid food to their babies between 4 and 6 months. When you introduce solids to your baby is up to you, but age isn’t the only consideration you need to make. Your baby will also give you clues that he or she is ready to move beyond breast milk or formula.

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How to Freeze Organic Baby Food

by Guest Writer 4 Comments

When breastfeeding stops and your baby is ready to move on to solids, you begin to pine for those good old days when “preparing” a meal for your kid was as easy as placing him or her gently on your bosom.

Unfortunately, breast milk is not enough anymore and soon enough, baby is ready for fruits and vegetables, and very soon after that, meat. The choice then becomes: buy food in a jar or prepare it yourself. While most prefer making baby food themselves, the problem is, in many households where both parents are working, cooking healthy and ideally organic meats and vegetables requires time that most don’t have.
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