Lauryn’s friend Carly, aka The Preggers Pantry is back on the blog today. They’ve been friends for over a decade and Carly lives for all things wellness, especially when it comes to pregnancy, motherhood and her kids.
Today Carly is going to tell us a bit about her experience nursing her babies and some tips for getting through the first few weeks (they can be hard!) and how to increase your supply.
We’re sensitive to the fact that breastfeeding is not a possiblity for everyone, and ‘breast is best’ is not a phrase we love. ‘FED is best’ and however you choose to nourish your baby is no one’s business.
For those who are interested in breastfeeding, let’s welcome Carly back to the blog.
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As I sit and watch my healthy, independent and confident sons playing and exploring in our backyard, I am reflecting on how fast the time has flown by. Motherhood is the best and hardest job, and one that in certain moments can feel overwhelming. Looking back, I wish I could have a chance to repeat so many special moments with my babies. Of all the memories, breastfeeding my babies is truly one of the most meaningful and empowering experiences of my life. The act of breastfeeding is so beneficial to both mama and baby: the nutrients, the comfort, the oxytocin, the bond. When your baby looks up at you and says ‘thank you’ with his or her little eyes, it truly melts your heart.
I still can’t get over the miracle of it. The woman’s body knows just what to do and has the ability to create food for our babies. It blows my mind; nature is so incredible! I know this is not a part of every mother’s journey, but I wanted to share some facts and advice that really inspired and helped me during the breastfeeding season of my life. I will be forever grateful for the gift of being able to nurse my babies.
Benefits of Breastfeeding:
Breast milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients for a baby’s growth and development, including antibodies that protect against infections and diseases. Breastfed babies have far fewer digestive, lung, and ear infections and respiratory illness, according to studies conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine.
+ According to the CDC, breastfed babies also have a lower risk of asthma, eczema, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
+ Breast milk contains nutrients that support brain development.
+ Breast milk is easier for babies to digest than formula, leading to less gas, fewer feeding problems, and less constipation.
+ Breastfeeding promotes maternal and infant attachment. Secure attachment promotes infant mental health, comfort, security and enhances trust and self-confidence.
+ Breast milk continues to provide valuable nutrients and immune protection, even after a baby starts eating solid foods.
+ Extended breastfeeding can offer health benefits for the mother, including reduced risk of certain cancers and diabetes.
Breastfeeding Tips:
+ Feed your baby on demand, especially the first three days when milk is coming in. On demand means whenever they cry or need comfort. Encourage frequent feeding; the more the better because that will establish your milk supply. Allow your baby to feed for as long as they want on each breast, usually 8 or more feedings the first week or two.
+ Even if you are pumping, do not give your baby a bottle for the first few weeks to establish breastfeeding habits. The bottle delivers milk much faster than the breast, and you don’t want the baby to get used to that and not want to go back to the breast. Some experts say to avoid giving a pacifier for the first few weeks as well.
+ Pump or hand express milk if your baby is not feeding frequently enough to avoid clogged ducts, especially if you are having pain. The first few days I would have to get in the shower and run warm water over my breasts and manually express the milk out of my body because my boobs hurt so badly and felt like rocks! Don’t let this scare you, the pain doesn’t last and if you get through the first couple weeks, it gets so much easier, in my opinion much easier than making bottles! Feeding on demand also helps prevent clogged ducts and mastitis.
+ Have a friend you can call or text at all hours for support. I needed that for the first week or two. With breastfeeding, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but I can not stress this enough: if you can get through the first few weeks, it gets so much easier and more enjoyable. Don’t give up and DM me if you need encouragement or a pep talk.
Enjoy and embrace the bond with your baby, some of the very best moments in my life have been when I was nursing my babies.
Recipes to Increase Supply:
The Preggers Pantry Lactation Smoothie
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup water
1 frozen banana
1 cup spinach
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup oats
3 teaspoons Brewer’s yeast
1 tablespoon ground flax seed
A few ice cubes
Optional:
2 tablespoons peanut butter (or other nut butter)
DIRECTIONS:
Blend & Enjoy!!
The Preggers Pantry Healthy Lactation Cookies
(Makes about 3 dozen)
INGREDIENTS:
One stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp ground flax seed
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup spelt flour
1 1/2 cups oats
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp Brewer’s yeast
1/4 tsp ground sea salt
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Cream together the unsalted butter, coconut sugar & peanut butter
Add in chia seeds, ground flax seed, egg and vanilla
Mix in dry ingredients: spelt flour, oats, cinnamon, brewers yeast and salt.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Roll into balls, bake for 8-10 minutes, let cool for 5 minutes and enjoy!!!
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How was your experience with breastfeeding? Wonderful? Hard? Both? Many parts of motherhood can be amazing and difficult simlutaneously. Let us know below if you have any tips for embracing it, getting through it, or increasing your supply.
x, The Skinny Confidential team
+ Carly’s take on a hot, healthy and happy pregnancy here.
++ Need maternity clothes? Check out Lauryn’s collab with Bumpsuit.
