Follow Friday Guest Post: Letting Go of the Guilt

Today the lovely Nikki from Mommy Oblongata is so kind to share her story and her struggle with breastfeeding and the guilt she experienced when introducing formula as well.  Here is her story in her own words:

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I never thought I would have a problem breastfeeding. All the women in my family have been blessed with fabulous milk makers that could feed multiple children, so I assumed I would be fine. Plus, at around 28 weeks pregnant I started excreting colostrum, so I had no doubt in my mind I was going to have plenty of milk for my new baby.
 

When my son was born, he had a very mild form of torticollis. It wasn’t too bad that a little bit of stretch therapy has completely remedied him, but enough where he preferred to lay only on one side while nursing. 

So, I would do the cross cradle position for one side and the football hold for the other. This affected my supply a little. On the side I had to use the football hold, he never ate much out of, so that side’s supply kept going down.
 

Then, my son had his first check up and it was discovered he had lost more weight since leaving the hospital…which is never good for a very young infant. I was told by my pediatrician to feed him basically whenever he wanted food and not to go over two hours between feedings. In addition, I was to nurse him on each side for 20 minutes. When it boiled down to it, I would feed my son for twenty minutes, burp, twenty more minutes, burb and then we had an hour before he would need to eat again. I felt like a Jersey Cow offering my boob to my child over 12 times a day.

Follow Friday Guest Post: Breast Feeding After Surgery

When Karen contacted me asking if she could share her BFAS (Breast Feeding After Breast or Nipple Surgery) story I was thrilled. I am so amazed by Karen's strength and determination.  Here is her story in her own words:

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My breast reduction surgery was my 18th birthday gift from my parents. When I met the plastic surgeon he explained that one of the negative side effects was that I might not be able to breastfeed. But my 18 year old mind was in bikinis and button downs, not on bottles and diapers.

2 years after the surgery I met the man of my life and 8 years later I sat in a childbirth education class listening to the instructor say that it is very common for women who have had breast reduction surgery not to be able to breastfeed, especially if the surgery was the type where the nipple is removed and then reattached (the type I had of course). So when the instructor proceeded to explain the benefits of breast milk and to show a video explaining the whole technique I basically spaced out, trying not to dwell on how my 18 year old selfish and vain act would deprive my baby of “liquid gold”. Instead I focused my whole attention on preparing for a natural childbirth as if that would somehow make it up to my baby.  

But then something weird happened. I was taking a shower when I noticed a milky white discharge coming out of my nipples. I didn´t really think about it until a couple of days later when my ob/gyn asked if I was planning to breastfeed. I told her that I probably wasn´t because of my surgery, but she swiftly assured me that she had seen plenty of women who breastfed after surgery with no problems. She then proceeded to pinch my nipples (which for those of you who are wincing didn´t hurt at all since I have no sensibility) and show me how a few drops of colostrum came out. That´s why in my hospital bag I packed breastfeeding supplies  along with my robe and slippers. But all my energy and thoughts where centered in this painful but beautiful birth I had visualized for months, I really didn’t know much about breastfeeding and even less about  Breast Feeding After Surgery (BFAS). (Big mistake No. 1)

Follow Friday Guest Post: Overcoming A Breastfeeding Obstacle

Today we are lucky to have an amazing story to continue the infant feeding series coming to us from Cindy from This Adventure, Our Life.  Cindy has a gorgeous 7 month old daughter, Bailey who she has been breastfeeding now for 7 months. 

Her story did not start of easy - she and Bailey had to overcome a huge obstacle when her beautiful vision became a bit more difficult.  Here is Cindy's amazing story in her own words:

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My breastfeeding experience did not start out as a beautiful moment.  I guess like many other people wanting to breastfeed I imagined giving birth and then having this beautiful moment where the baby did “the crawl “ and gracefully latched on.  I mean, this is what the videos showed and what our natural birth instructor taught us about.  I dreamed of this beautiful moment, and even if she did not latch on right away I had grand thoughts that I would give birth to her and have her in my arms shortly after and we would be skin to skin.  My labor was not so, after 25 hours of back labor, 4 of those hours dilated at 7 pushing 8 and not progressing to 8 fully along with her heart rate going up too much and causing concern.  I had my first surgery ever, a c-section.  I never dreamed that it would be the next day when I first would experience holding my daughter.  Of course, this was not in my plans, why would it be. 

Follow Friday Guest Post: Why Formula Was Right For Us

For today's guest post we are still continuing on with the infant feeding topic. Today is a bit different because instead of featuring a Mama that breastfed, we have a Mama sharing her story on why she didn't breastfeed and why formula was the choice for her family.  Today we are welcoming Blair from Heir to Blair as she shares her story in her own words:

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We formula feed, aka POUR RAT POISON DOWN OUR CHILD'S THROAT EVERY DAY.  ::enter maniacal laughter::

Good.  Now that we got that bullshit out of the way, Hi, I'm Blair & I formula feed my baby.  By choice.

 

Going into pregnancy & motherhood, I always planned to formula feed since I had a breast reduction in Fall 2007.  It was simply a fact that my chances of lactating were slim, so it didn't surprise me that I didn't even get a squeeze of colostrum until almost two weeks postpartum.

Secret side note:  I still hoped that I would miraculously turn into a cow & be able to nurse an entire village after delivery.  But no dice.

Anyway.  BACK TO BOTTLES OF POISON.  Formula feeding has been so easy. Sometimes, I literally cringe at the breastfeeding stories I hear & if my nipples still had sensation, they would hurt for you.  Because from the beginning, it's been a simple shake & serve for us.

I know you can be mildly jealous of the perks formula feeding has, even if you are a Lactation Nazi. Because while i will never deny that 'breast is best," I will certainly never deny the benefits of formula feeding for our family.

• I never have to worry about modesty, nursing in public, or being kicked out of the local Target for feeding my child.
• I can wear dresses with ease.
• I have never felt like this:

photo credit

• I have never spontaneously dripped milk down my silk blouse.  Granted, I've SPILLED because I'm a sloppy feeder.  But never DRIPPED.
• My husband can feed him just as easily as I can.
• Which translates into, my husband can take NIGHT DUTY.  As can my mother, sister, dog, & neighbor's second cousin twice removed so that I can sleep.

Yep, benefits!!  Love them.  & so I proudly sport my Munchkin formula dispenser with pride, despite some dirty looks from "wanna-be La Leche Leeches".  Because at the end of the day, I'm feeding my baby.  & I'm simply PRO-FEED YOUR BABY at this point in my life.

But Coke versus Pepsi?  Now that is something to get worked up about.

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I want to extend a thank you to Blair from Heir to Blair for sharing why formula was the right choice for her family.  LOVE her and love her site so be sure to check her out and say HELLO. 

I would also like to add that if you have had a breast reduction surgery or nipple surgery and wish to breastfeed - please check out BFAR for resources and support.

:: Did you have negative experiences with "pro-breast feeders" that turned you off?::

Do you have a breastfeeding/formula feeding story you would like to share on Accustomed Chaos? Send me an email at accustomedchaos[at]gmail[dot]com

 
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Follow Friday Guest Post: Exclusively Pumping & Successful !

Today I am continuing on my guest posts related to infant feeding. This post today comes from Elizabeth (LutherLiz) and she is a mommy to a very handsome boy (Baby Goat) who is now 15 months. I put out a tweet looking for a mom who was able to exclusively pump for their baby and she so amazingly agreed to share her story.  So, without further adieu - here is LutherLiz's story in her own words: 

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I didn’t plan on pumping exclusively when my son, baby goat, was born.  In fact I wasn’t even aware that it was a realistic option.  I knew that breast-feeding moms pumped to make their lives simpler at times, particularly if they were working moms, so I put a pump on my baby registry and didn’t think too much of it.

Or rather, I didn’t have time to think too much of it because a week before my first baby shower I found myself heading to the hospital.  A routine check had found my blood pressure had skyrocketed (176/110) and there was little question that our plans had to change.  I was 32 weeks pregnant.

As it turned out pre-eclampsia had already taken route and despite bed rest in the hospital and lots of blood pressure drugs I delivered my son at 33 weeks by C-section.  There was no thought given to whether labor should be induced, or whether it could be held off longer.  I made it a week which gave the Dr’s just enough time to get some steroids for my son’s lungs and prepare us a bit for what to expect with a premature baby, but it was safest for me and baby goat to delivery immediately.

When you have dreams of a real labor, a full term baby, and a moment of initial bonding with your child on your breast the reality of an early C-section hits hard.  Regardless of what people told me I was aware that my body had failed my son and that guilt is huge.  When you are so sick and drugged that you have little to no memory of seeing your son the first time and you don’t hold your son until over 24 hours after delivery it is painfully clear that this not the way it is supposed to be.

Follow Friday: Why Can't YOU Lactate?

Today we are honored with a guest post from Lindsey at  Waking Up Williams. I am a huge fan and think you should all run over there (well, after you read more about her here) and I guarantee you will fall in love too. Blogging with her husband (JPW) and learning more about their life with their gorgeous daughter Ryann, today Lindsey gives you a glimpse into her breastfeeding adventures:

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Hi, I'm LCW or Lindsey from Waking Up Williams.  I'm a first time mommy, with a crazy start to parenthood and I'm here to share my breastfeeding story, how we started, how it evolved and how it hasn't ended yet.  Enjoy!

JP and I made the decision early on in my pregnancy that I would breastfeed.   I read a lot of books, asked a lot of questions and knew I would latch that little baby on right after birth.  And I did!  I was so proud that I was doing what the books and nurses told me to do and I was even more proud that my wee little hour old baby knew what to do.  I thought to myself, this is awesome, my baby knows what she's supposed to do, this breastfeeding thing is easy.  (I'll be eating those words in a  few days)

Follow Friday: Four Chickens

Homemade Gluten Free Soft Sandwich Bread

If you eat gluten free - be it for Celiac, allergy/intolerance, Autism or lifestyle reasons - you NEED to go and check out Four Chickens Blog! 

In her own words Jeanne says Four Chickens is 

About amazing and delicious gluten-free baking, family, books, ideas, community and the 5 (formerly 4) chickens who live in my urban backyard.

I swear to you the recipes she has up there are incredible. This week I tried out her Soft Sandwich Bread recipe.  I am on the hunt for a great, easy to make gluten free bread that I can perfect in time for Big P to start school this fall. Well, I have found it.  

I modified this recipe only a little - I had a slightly different flour combination (I don't use white rice flour) and I used 1 cup of almond milk instead of milk and dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water.

I was impressed with the ease of this recipe and the short rise and cook time.  The taste and texture was incredible! It made a nice sized loaf - perfect for sandwiches and all 3 of my kids loved it.

So - head over to Four Chickens - but prepare to get the 'baking itch' and be amazed! 

Have a great weekend everyone! What are your plans for Mother's Day?

  * Check out the great giveaways and enter for your chance to win! *

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Guest Post: The Push to Cloth Diaper

Today I am honored to have a guest post from a good friend of mine. Bonnie is a WAHM behind the wonderful and amazing handmade creations of beebee buttercup.  She is also a certified Childbirth Educator who runs a second business Bumps to Babies Childbirth Preparation Classes, Newborn Care and Baby-wearing Education.

Bonnie is a mother of 2 beautiful girls and today she is sharing her adventures in cloth diapering.  I have never even ventured into cloth diapering and so I thought it would be great to feature her story for all of you! 

Follow Friday: Guest Post @ A.M.W.I.N.D

Happy Friday Everyone! Today I have a guest post over at A Mother's Work Is Never Done titled:

“I'm Sorry, Gluten Free??”

Come check me out over there and learn about my journey through the gluten free lifestyle and being diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  As always I would love to hear your story so feel free to leave me a comment on A Mother's Work Is Never Done or you can leave one here as well. 

I have some posts planned for the upcoming weeks that are on a more personal level and I am both nervous and excited to be sharing more of who I am. I also have some great products to review and as always some great recipes to share. 

Do you have a question you would like to ask (can be done anonymously) about anything? Go to my Formspring profile and ask away!  

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

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Follow Friday: Fun Finds

Photo Credit: ewen and donabel via Flikr

 Happy Friday everyone! I am late posting today because I have got the stomach flu! Last week my oldest child had it and well, this week it's my turn and Baby E.  Thankfully my husband stayed home today so I could lie around in bed.

This week I've been on the hunt for some great new blogs. There are so many amazing ones out there - so here a few that I think you should go check out:

Life Without Pink

A Mother's Work Is Never Done

3 Pugs and a Baby 

On a side note, I was just named a Medela Mom Maven - so if you have any questions about breastfeeding ask away and I will do my best to answer.  You can also ask me anything anonymously at FormSpring.

Share with me some of your favourite blogs to read - I love discovering new ones.  Happy weekend everyone!

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Follow Friday: Friendly Faces

My brother walking with my 2 older children (April 1, 2010)

Being new to the blogging world I am so grateful for all you wonderful friends who are leaving comments and following me here and on twitter, I love hearing from all of you!  

The weather is so beautiful this week - sunshine and warm temperatures it is so nice to get outside again.  My kids are feeling a bit off today (oldest has a stomach bug) but I am still hoping we will be able to go and enjoy the day!

I wanted to share with you some new blog finds I have come across.  Some of them are by no means new to the blogging world, but they are new-ish to me and I LOVE reading what they have to say.  Check them out and feel free to leave a comment on some of your favourites!

Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom

Hormonal Imbalances

City Mom/Country Mom

Theta Mom

Happy Easter weekend to all celebrating!

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