Absolutely if you physically can't breastfeed your child, you should not feel guilty. What choice do you have?? I mean, there's just so much to make moms feels guilty nowadays & I don't want to contribute to that.
On the other hand let me give you a bit of insight into where I was coming from.
First, I only breastfed Samantha for 4 mths. (then pumped for 1 mth after that) The reason I didn't go longer is because it had become a battle. I gave her a bottle of pumped milk here & there when she was only a week or two old. (I wanted Daddy to be able to do the 3a feeding...I mean, he's up anyway right?) No one ever told me that by doing that I was taking a chance on her preferring the bottle to me & never really learning the skill of breastfeeding first. But that's exactly what happened, then when she didn't want to breastfeed I'd give up & give her a bottle of formula. Mistake two, I didn't know that if I was giving her a bottle I needed to pump to make up for that feeding or else my body would think it needed to make less milk. Now I've got less milk on top of a kid that was already pissed that my boobs didn't flow like a bottle. Can you see the downward spiral?
What absolutely killed me what that I knew how good breastmilk was for her, I set out to do it, it was something that I really wanted but after a few uninformed mistakes it just wasn't going to happen for us. That's why I wanted to become a Lactation Consultant. To let moms know that breastfeeding isn't always just this beautiful instinct experience where you put the kid to your bosom & nature takes over. It's work at first & there are some pitfalls that can make it even tougher BUT if I can inform someone of what I've learned than I know that they'll have a better chance of giving their baby the absolutely best.
And that's the other reason I posted the article...it really truly is the best & every single week at the hospital I get a new mom has no idea how different breastmilk & formula really are. Once one actually asked for the "breastmilk in a can". I won't bore you all with the details here because as one commenter pointed out "this is a craft blog" but I KNOW that most moms love their babies beyond belief & if they just knew some of the statistics of exclusively breastfed babies in comparison with formula they would breastfeed their kids. Unfortunately we live in a society that has been well marketed by the formula companies & although most people know "breast is best" I don't think they REALLY know the details of how much better it is. So that's why I thought it was good to throw the link up in a quick little tidbit post, maybe it would inform one mom & she would think twice before giving that bottle of formula. I never expected it to turn into a long-winded late night posting by me... Perhaps I should've taken my husband's advice & not replied back. But that's just not me...so thanks for letting me get that off my chest. I promise tomorrow I already have a great craft all typed & done for you. (:
I think it's your blog and you can post what you want to. I completely agree with you and even though breastfeeding has pretty much sucked with both of my kids, I still think it's the best for the baby. Don't worry about what other people say. It may not be for everyone, but we should all be respectful, and you are. I wish people just would just keep their not so nice comments to themselves!
ReplyDeletePlease don't let these comments get you down. I totally understand how some of the women felt. For medical reasons I was only able to breastfeed/pump for 3 months and those were very difficult painful months. Even when I was pumping and giving her a bottle in public I would get ugly looks from some women - I felt like labeling the bottle BOOBIE MILK!
ReplyDelete*IF* I have another baby the breastfeeding thing concerns me. So - THANK YOU for your information!! I heard that you can buy breastmilk, but the whole "who's" breastmilk is it concerned me - knowing that its prescription makes me feel much better.
Next question - If I breastfed for a couple days to a week can I then switch to donated breastmilk? does that make sense?
Can't wait for your next craft!! (btw - my latest was featured on One Pretty Thing - SO EXCITED!)
I was one who replied about the guilt and I didn't think what you wrote was out of line in any way. I had just wanted to point out that a milk bank is, IMO, not a viable option for the average family (at a cost of $4 an ounce for BM). I think this is just a really contentious topic, and one that most moms harbor a strong opinion on, one way or another. I think you're sweet, an awesome mom and you will surely be an amazing LC.
ReplyDeleteBless your heart. I'm so sorry you got negative comments for posting that. I thought it was a great article. It is important to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, not to rub it in the faces of those who can't, but to inform those who wouldn't know otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI'd also like to point out that at least twice in that article, they say that mothers who don't/can't breastfeed should not be made to feel guilty.
The education of breastfeeding is so lacking in our nation. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and hopefully educating a few people out there! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for some of the negative comments don't let it get you down. For every one neg. comment I bet there are 100's of pos. ones. So take the good ones throw the bad out.
ReplyDeleteHolly
Do what you do! There's obvious reasons why someone leaves a comment with no name. I have so much heart ache for people who are not informed and give up, which is obviously different from not being able to for health reasons. There is def. a lack of help at the hospitals, from experience. We need more people like you and less nay sayers. If you weren't able to for medical reasons you should still be supportive and informative to those who just don't know better.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had known all these things too, and the lactation consultants in the hospitals when I delivered my babies were some of the most helpful people I ever met! And my husband emailed me that same article that you posted, so I was excited to see that you posted it too. Poo on others who tell you what you should and shouldn't write on your blog! It's your blog! I don't know about others, but I follow blogs not just for the crafts, but for the people behind them and I actually really really enjoy it when people post heartfelt things besides just their crafts, so thank you! Who wants to just look at a million crafts all day (I'm sure some people do, actually), I like learning about the people behind the blogs. And I totally agree with everything you said, breastfeeding is so important and so many people don't get that! So thank you for being you, and for posting what you want! I keep trying to type more, but my brain is crapping out from sleep deprivation, so my other thoughts about this will just have to stay in my head, but I hope you get the point! <3 <3 <3
ReplyDeleteWow I am in exactly the same boat right now! I am so glad I read this post..I am right now struggling and trying to decide where to go from here... so my daughter is almost 5 months and she won't breastfeed during the day, she just wants the bottle. I try to pump as much as possible now, but like you said..my supply is so much lower and now she only wants even more food and the bottle. I was so naive since she's always been good at both the bottle and the breast that she would stay that way. She breastfeeds just fine when she is tired and when she wakes up in the night (still 2 times a night) so I really don't want to quit doing that, but I'm trying to decide if it's still worth pumping or just doing the formula during the day. Maybe you can help me? It is a daily struggle when I try to breastfeed her during the day and it really has been getting me down, cause like you said I just can't fight it sometimes and give her formula. I can't catch up now and don't have a big supply waiting in the fridge. Please any advice would be helpful. Will my body start making more if I start pumping again every few hours, anything I can do? Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeletehey it's your blog, you can post whatever you want whenever you want! screw the people that gave you crap about the last post. they suck. I'm proud to say that both my girls were exclusively breastfed and didn't have one drop of formula. But it was a full-time job that's for sure. :)
ReplyDeleteErika-- talk to your Dr. It is a "demand" based process-- you will "lose it" if you don't "use it"-- BUT if you increase the demand, you may increase the production. There are medications you can take to help stimulate production as well. Those can make post partum worse or trigger depression -- beware. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
ReplyDeleteLet me just say I think you are awesome! Thanks for standing up for what is true. Breast is best and women are talked out of breastfeeding everyday. I am grateful for a mom that knew the importance of breastfeeding and instilled that in me. I have been able to successfully breastfeed both of my girls and I always encourage other mothers to do so. Thanks for doing your part to get positive info out there!
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed your non-craft posts in addition to the craft posts :-)
ReplyDeleteI was one who thought that breast feeding would be easy - and I had even taken a class! It took us 6 weeks to get into a real routine that didn't involve me pumping every single time I fed her. The more information out there, the better. BTW, I posted that article on my blog as well :-)
Wonderful posts. I didn't read the article because I now have a six year old and don't plan on having another but I'm pretty sure it gave excellent information. He nursed for two years and it makes me so proud that I was able to do that for him.
ReplyDeleteI agree that so many don't really understand the benefits and it's YOUR blog, craft blog or not, write what ever the heck you want to write about!
Wow - I am sorry to hear some posters bummed you out. This blog is YOUR outlet for things, sure we like your craftiness, but you are more than that - you are a person who has issues & concerns and it's great you have a place to put them out there.
ReplyDeleteWhen my little ones were newborn I had issues with breast feeding & it made me feel like crap (translation - not a good mommy!), it's good to know that I wasn't alone & that people are working to better educate others on something that they might not know about.
Just shrug it off, you can't please everyone.
try not to let the negative comments get you down. i know it's easier said than done. i thought the article was very informative. you rock!
ReplyDeletei BFed my son for 25 months....and totally would've gone longer if my husband and mother didn't give me so much crap about it. it makes me sad now to think about it, cause he is my last baby. *sigh*
As they said in Mean Girls, "Don't let the haters stop you from doing your thang," lol. This isn't just a craft blog. It's a mom's blog. Write about what you want. Sometimes people are too sensitive. Sometimes they want to turn everything into an argument. I see a lot of negativity on blog comments nowadays and a lot of interolance. I don't leave responses on things I read if I have nothing nice to say or if other commenters will start something because of it. Not that no comment means I think something bad. Anyway, your information is correct, and you have a right to say what you want!
ReplyDeleteBreastfeeding IS hard, and I'm really proud that I've made it to 8 months so far. When I first started it hurt so much and even caused bleeding. She started using bottles more and more. First with Daddy and grandparents. Then during the day. By four months she wasn't satisfied with my slow flow. Now I'm stuck at the pump. I've also had ups and downs with my supply due to not pumping often enough. I'm still hoping to make it to one year though!
I love your blog! Don't let a few commenters get you down. Like I said in the previous comment, I breastfed my daughter for 15 months, but I had an amazing support system. Great nurses and family, my aunt actually came to the hospital on my 2nd day and talked to me and showed me how to do it! I know that some people may feel guilty because they can't. But they should not feel that way and it is not your fault that they do. Thanks for the amazing crafts, advice, and personal stories! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteOops. Intolerance. You know what I meant.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting that article. Because as you said, it's an issue that is not being explained nearly enough. I took a class, and I had/have probably the most easy-going baby/toddler in the world but breastfeeding is still a hard thing to do. I had a team of lactation consultants and eduacated midwives on hand... they even kept me an extra day after delivery to ensure that my daughter had figured out breastfeeding... and it was still hard! Thank God for people supporting it, without support no one would do it. And really... have you seen the prices for formula these days? I'm very proud that I was able to nurse my daughter for 18 mos... but I completely understand people who aren't able to. We, as women, need to start helping eachother rather than tearing eachother down. Thanks for building us up! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! And never though of it as a craft blog. You do do a lot of crafty things but you also do recipes and just update on other things. I mean the blog is called Samster Mommy :)
ReplyDeleteI hope noone else leaves comments like the ones that bummed you out :(
I am with Gabby, its a Mum's blog! And without the proper information out there telling us how good breastmilk is, Not as many people would do it. It is hard, it hurts! But we know it is worth it because of people like you and articles like this so we stick with it. For those who can't breastfeed, no-one can make you feel guilty but yourself. So remind yourself you are a great mum and you are doing the best you can and ignore everyone else, Your baby and your opinon are the only ones that matter :)
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog...and it is MORE than just a craft blog - I enjoy reading all of your posts!
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit of lurker but I just came out of hiding to say its your blog, your theme is crafting and momhood. Don't let other people get you down. As a mom of two beautiful little girls I have found that everyone has their own opinion of every aspect of motherhood and childhood and they can not all be right. Being a mom is hard work not only phyically but mentally and mom's can only do what they believe is right and true at that particular time.
Thanks for all the good times I love your blog
Jennie - England
Seriously, P is right. Everyone has a difference of opinion. My husband is constantly telling me not to read the comments at the end of articles because they piss me off. Not everyone has to agree, but how you go about voicing your disapproval is another thing. As for the blog, I do not think this is "a craft blog". I don't actually craft and while I think the stuff you make is totally cute, that isn't why I read it. I originally came to your blog because you talked about your depression. I was in such a dark place at the time (I didn't like anything, including my son and it was scary) but I was afraid to say anything. You gave me hope that it was normal. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. I read your blog to hear about your life (and get your recipes, YUM!) not because you are some mindless crafter with no other discernible skills. And I will say, the article (not you) rubbed me the wrong way a little bit. I think breastfeeding is a woman's choice and how you love and care for your child should not be judged based on how you choose to feed them. I say that only to show that we have a difference of opinion, but it doesn't mean I longer like you or respect what you have to say. And if people can't separate themselves from the differences they have, then they shouldn't be reading any blogs. Chin up, and post what is in your heart. That article may have changed one person's mind about breastfeeding (or changed one boss's mind about letting a woman have time to pump, something I support 150%) and really that makes up for the douche bag comments.
ReplyDeleteOh, I also wanted to say that I think it is very important to have intelligent, informed LC's in hospitals. I had told you before about the disaster I went through and the information you gave was so helpful (I'm saving it for my next one due in Oct). So I think the job you are doing is valuable beyond belief.
ReplyDeleteGood lord it's YOUR blog and you can write whatever yout want, and writing that Breastmilk is PROVEN to be best for your child isn't such a surprise!! That and the article mentions that not everyone can breastfeed and that's ok! I, for one, feel your struggle. I had the same issues with my son and I will forever feel bad about it. But I know the mistakes now and will try harder with the next one. Let the complainers complain, you can't please everyone and as long as your doing whats best for you and your family, that's ok.
ReplyDeleteYour job is one that promotes breastfeeding. I like what you say because there are so many women that don't want to breastfeed because it's harder to do and hurts at first but if they see the benefits they may go ahead and try. I breastfed 5 out of my six children (one daughter was in the hospital for two weeks after birth and the hospital told me I couldn't breastfeed her 21 years ago). I breastfed them only for about 4 months (my milk dried up) but it was really good for them and they bonded with me while breastfeeding in a way you can't imagine unless you do it. My mother breastfed me until I was 9 months old and then just put me on the cup after that. I never had a bottle!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to support ya... LOVE THE BLOG, it has a little bit of everything for everyone. I like that it's not only about crafting since I can't sew, but I still read your blog everyday in the morning while drinking a cup of tea. LOVE IT! (I don't know how else to post w/o selecting anonymous).
ReplyDeleteI had a feeling yesterday would stir some emotions up. I am really sorry people can't take things for what they are and not feel it's a personal attack. I think it's great that you posted it and honestly you posted it in a fine manner. You didn't attack anyone for not bf'ing, but pointed those interested to a great article. I did not attempt to bf my first child at all based on people telling me I would hate it. I still regret that decision 11 years later. My now 10 month old son I bf'd for 6 months and fell into the supplement here and there while at work landslide...I produced less and slower and he become frustrated and harder to feed. I wish I would have seen the warning signs earlier. I had a great LC I met with in the beginning after thinking my nips may fall off but should have went back or to an LLL meeting. I am now pregnant again and WILL bf. I think it's important for people to realize that while it is the most natural thing there is a great chance it really won't feel that way in the beginning. It took me 6 weeks to be discomfort free! Thank you for posting and sorry for going on and on!
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm bummed that ur bummed. And U determine if this is a craft blog, if someone doesn't want to read about breastmilk, then don't, they can unsubscribe. Honestly, I personally didnt, i read a few lines and since I'm done having babies I simply hit, 'MARK AS READ', albeit I breastfed all 3 of my babies until I was good and ready to stop, (two were 4-6 months one was 9 months) I seriously can't believe people wrote nasty comments, but I don't know why I'm surprised. Some people need to learn to give their opinions without being hurtful they missed that in Kindergarten. Opinions are like ________ everybody's got one! Shake off the drama and have a good day :)
ReplyDeleteWe women can be so hard on each other...I think because so much of our "worth" is wrapped up in our role as mothers --- unfortunately it's a role we are destined to fall short at or "fail" at because there are no perfect mothers and no perfect kids, but it's the best imperfect adventure you can ever go on... don't get bummed, your blog is great and alerting people to the importance of breastfeeding is a great thing! Keep up the great blog. You're little girl is such a cutie, especially in the wonderfully clothes you make her.
ReplyDeleteTry not to let the comments of others get you down. Breastfeeding is a touchy subject, and will probably always be. I personally never breastfed my children, and honestly if I have more children in the future, I won't be breastfeeding them either. It's a personal choice. I know others don't agree with my choice, but it is my choice. And while it's something I won't do, I don't think anything of those that do, it's their choice.
ReplyDeleteThis is YOUR blog! Your thoughts, your ideas, your words, if you feel like posting a subject that's important to you then do it! If those people that see this as a "craft blog" don't like it, then they can move on.
I LOVE YOUR BLOG :)
I read that article in my paper too. I have been fortunate to be able to breastfeed all four of my children. My first was a bit of a struggle at first. She had a lot of trouble latching on, I think part of the problem was because I was so engorged! But I kept at it and I ended up nursing her for over a year. The other three were much easier. I nursed them all for a year or so. I really enjoy my time relaxing and bonding with my babies when I am nursing them. So many mothers I know say it takes to long and it is such an inconvenience. I think it is more of a pain to make up a bottle than sit down and feed my child myself. I've always felt very proud of myself for being able to feed my children on my own, to be able to nourish them with my "liquid gold". I think mothers should try for as long as they are able. Any amount would help that child in the long run. I am pregnant with my 5th, surprise child, and I am already looking forward to snuggling up with my new baby and nursing her while I put my feet up and read a good book.
ReplyDeleteAn idea for those with other children is to keep a special basket that has toys, books, crayons, etc. that are only played with while you are nursing the baby. Then you can keep an eye on your toddler while they are involved with something else. My nursing chair is big enough to let my little ones sit by me so I can read to them as well.
Thanks for the post and I must say I love your blog! Love the crafts and Mommy posts as well.
i second all of the above, don't be down or upset ~ everyone has their own thoughts and it's ok to not agree. as angela said, i found the article (not you for sharing it) to be off putting. it always kills me when you read something like that aticle with such strong "YOU REALLY SHOULD BE DOING THIS, IT COULD SAVE YOUR BABY's LIFE" followed by one line stating but if you can't, don't feel guily. of course you are going to feel guily and like a failure, how could you not? the best i can say to that is "oh well, looking forward to your next post this since one didn't do it for me". my personal take on the article is going to different than your personal take...and again, that's just fine. keep up the great work!
ReplyDeletei'm sorry to hear that people posted nasty-grams on comments sections of your blog (or any blog for that matter). yes, you're a crafter. but, to me, a blog is a collection of thoughts. and i KNOW you don't think about crafting 24/7!! afterall, your blog is called "Samster MOMMY" not "Samster Craftster".
ReplyDeletei appreciate all your insights and opinions, on whatever you choose to share. as an aspiring crafter and hopefully soon-to-be mommy, i'll take anything you give! feel better soon!
I agree with the other posters, it is your blog and you have the right to write about whatever you want. As a mother, we are constintly judged by our actions- breast vs. bottle, how long to bf, family bed vs. crib, spanking vs. time outs, the list could go on for days. Everyone has their opinions and usually they will let you know what they think you are doing wrong. People need to just take in the information and decide what is best for their own children and for themselves. I am happy you posted that article because even though a few got upset you may have educated one or two. It is something you are passionate about and I think your blog is a great place to get the word out. Bravo and keep it up. I look forward to your next posts- crafting related or not. :)
ReplyDeleteDon't let someone's opinion get to you hon. You appear to me to be a great mama and I for one love reading your blog. Not everyone is successful in their breastfeeding attempts and most likely some people are sensitive about that. It's a touchy subject, as we all want to feel like we're doing our best. I know you didn't mean anything by it, as do you, so don't give it too much thought!
ReplyDeletehttp://justeventeux.blogspot.com/
Obviously, you have plenty of supporters that I don't need to reiterate. You can write whatever you want. I enjoy your blog as it is. I am a mother of an almost 2 year old and one on the way so I read your blog just feel a connnection. I read that article in the newspaper before I saw it on your blog so it wasn't like you were posting anything not already public. What I loved about the article was it stated sociey as a whole could improve. It blame or put pressure on the non-nursing women. It talked about how employers and hospitals could improve and make breastfeeding easier. With my first child I breastfed for over a year with no formula, my employer was awesome and I was very grateful. They had a special pump room with lockers, comfy chairs, a sink, and a fridge and all employees were completely open to the needs of a working mother. But at the hospital when I was trying to get a handle on things I don't know how many times a nurse offered to help feed my daughter some formula or sugar water anytime she cried a little too long. New mothers especially are so vulnerable. I am proud that I was adament at a time when I had been up for 48 hours, been through child birth and was so exhausted and it would have been so easy to give in. A lot of my decision came from articles and discussions like these. I think education is very important.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE reading your blog, from crafting to motherhood advice. I don't have children and won't for a few more years but reading what you're going through gives me an idea of what to expect. Don't change a thing about what you're doing... as others have said, ITS YOUR BLOG! No one is telling people they have to read - so if they don't agree with you, they can very easily click that little X and be done with it. So keep writing and i'll keep reading. :)
ReplyDeleteI also agree with P. I actually thought the comments would be A LOT worse because I've seen A LOT worse on other blogs. This subject REALLY gets people riled up. It seems like bloggers these days have to develop a tough skin because sometimes people will leave super nasty comments when you absolutely do not deserve it. I think your opinion is balanced, wasn't meant to hurt anyone's feelings and that you have an open mind about the whole subject. I think that's the best you can do!
ReplyDeleteI don't craft, but I do enjoy reading about them (weird i know :)). Since I don't craft, I do really like the "non-craft" posts about being a young lady and a young mom in today's world, so I hope you keep posting those as well.
I LOVE reading your blog. Opinions are like a**holes...everyone has one and you just need to take it with a grain of salt. I don't see your blog as "just a craft blog". I see it as another mom writing about motherhood who happens to be a genius in the crafting department (how did I never know that in college either??)! You are doing a great job. The BF subject is always a hard one to talk about. I think it's a great you provide resources about it. In my opinion it is THE absolute best thing you can do for your infant. I am happy you posted about it and please don't let negative comments stop you from speaking your mind or posting your opinion about something.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm I am "here" for the first time and feel the need to write ... I think you just touched a really sore topic perhaps not realizing how controversial this really is. I think breast milk as anything natural is ALWAYS better for anyone .. just like organic food vs. non-organic. And so I am one of these moms who would have been like a hippie pulling out my boobs and breastfeeding whenever wherever I could ... However life does not always work out the way you would want and I got breast cancer before I could actually have babies, then I had twins and here I was ... thrilled to have the babies but unable to breastfeed. ... and this is where the sore point comes in ... I live in an area that's very organic and healthy and I love it, but you should have seen the looks of people when I took out the formula at a restaurant ... I almost wanted to write on my forehead "I had BC now stop staring!" ... And so if I took every single article to heart about the benefits of breastfeeding and thought how I was "harming" my babies from day 1 I would probably have higher psychiatric bills than I spend on organic formula ....
ReplyDeleteI think that most people (even the not much educated) would prefer breast milk if for no other reason than cost only! Formula whatever you buy is expensive, it's not available as freely as your own boob and there are no shipping charges or last minute trips to the store :)! You know, I find it strange though that the very same women that looked at me with spite when I was bottle feeding now buy ready made baby food instead of making their own for their babies ... Lamb casserole that has a 1 year shelf life????? .. and order fries in a restaurant admitting that their child does not eat vegetables??!!!!I (I wonder why ..... )To be honest I also don't quite understand why it's a cost analysis result that shows these finding and not some medical finding? .. All in all I think the topic of breast feeding would not be so controversial if those very opinionated "cult" breast feeders realized that there are women who just can't do it for one reason or another and many stopped looking at formula (that generations have grown up on healthy) as poison.
Anyway, sorry for the long post and I am sorry for not posting my real name - not for a fear of bearing my opinion but for the personal facts I listed.
Formula Mom
Good for you for raising awareness about breatfeeding. I think too many women without children and soon-to-be moms don't know very much about breatfeeding. The information is there if you seek it, but not everyone does.
ReplyDeleteMy situation was similar to most of my friends. My mom and MIL didn't breatfeed and knew nothing about it. I therefore knew very little about it. Luckily, I learnt about breatfeeding from friends who had babies and I saw firsthand what it was like. Without that, I don't know if I would have nursed my babies.
Every situation is different. I think it's important to make women aware of the importance and benefits of breatfeeding, as well as when it's not appropriate or time to stop. Without articles and news reports about it's importance, how are we to know? Keep up the good work!
Thanks for sharing what's on your mind! Thank you also for the article. I just recently (as of Last Monday) started my son, Van (9 months old) on formula, and believe me it wasn't for lack of trying. We were doing great (at least I thought). My ped said he wasn't growing enough (he'd only gained 2.5 lbs and 1/2 inch since his 4 month appt, yes 4 months and he is 9 months now and still in 3 mo clothing). The problem was that I wasn't producing enough milk. I was ready to give up nursing all together (but I'm still holding on to my morning and evening feedings). I don't have anything else during the day so he gets formula. But I'm doing the best I can and I thank you for the encouragement and the reminder of how good breast milk is for a baby! I nursed my daughter 'til 12 months old (until I ran out there also).
ReplyDeleteNatasha,
ReplyDeleteWe all choose what to write about in our blogs. You've chosen to write about crafting, decorating, clothes and your adorable Samster. I would venture to say that all these are close to your heart. Well, then BFing is right in there too.
My husband would have absolutely no desire to read your blog. Who cares? He's not your target audience anyway. Perhaps the haters aren't either? You write for me and others like me and we love you.
Being a lactation consultant is an important job. It's to help women who want to breastfeed and educate all new mothers. Your article did exactly that. Well done!
PS I nursed my first until he was 2 and my daughter until she was 2.5. It came naturally for me but I was very lucky. I also had a great support system including two LLL leaders as friends when my daughter was born. I'm grateful that it was such an awesome experience and am grateful to you that you help others in the same way.
I know it can be hard to see the negative comments, but this will make you stronger! And if people keep up with it, oh well. They are the ones living in a negative bubble. You are so positive, inspiring and your post was informative--not out of guilt.
ReplyDeleteI too had the same thing happen with both of my kids! My husband told me that I should not even bring a bottle into the house, but I thought that it would be nice to have him be able to feed too. That was also my biggest downfall. With this coming baby, I am really gonna try and go without any bottles. (We will see if I go back to work!)
Keep your head up Natasha!
I love your blog, Natasha, don't let people get you down! I, personally, had a lot of problems with production and stopped breastfeeding my son after about a month. Turns out my left breast wasn't producing any milk. It was all a very stressful mess, and I am pregnant with my 2nd and have already decided that I will not be putting myself through that again. When I saw your article, I just thought you were posting information & I didn't feel upset about it. People who get upset about things like that must not be very confident in their decisions and must need to take their insecurities out on you. Keep doing your thing, girl!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it was a bad article to post at all! Plus, it's your blog. ;) Keep up the good work...I love checking in on another crafty momma!
ReplyDeleteYou are free to have your opinion, people have free to have theirs. It's impossible to have all people think exactlly the same (the world would probably stop if that happen), don't take it too bad! Move foward!
ReplyDeleteBreastfeed it's important but not so romantic as most of the people fantasize! It's important to enphatise that but don't loose your calm or perspective!
Please don't feel bad about your previous post! Your intentions were nothing but the best, and if people want to take them as anything else, that's their problem. I agree that our society is completely uninformed about breastfeeding. I had latching and supply issues, and now, looking back, my lactation consultant seemed a bit too comfortable with switching to formula without exploring other possibilities. I appreciate your efforts to get people informed and aware. At the end of the day, if people don't like your blog, then they should stop reading it instead of trying to get you to change your material. Keep the good stuff coming! (I'm pretty much addicted to reading your blog now)
ReplyDeleteThank you for both posts. I'm breastfeeding my fourth child right now and reactions to my as-discreet-as-possible public nursing run the gamut from glares & eyerolling to encouraging nods. You toss your head back, take a deep breath, and know you've helped to spread the word about a topic you feel strongly about. Be proud, mama!
ReplyDeleteIt's your blog so write what you are passionate about. Which by the name of your blog, followers should know you are passionate about Samster and being a mother! You can't make every single follower happy ever single day.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any children yet but you're blog is one of my favorite and I visit it daily. Keep up the great work!!
I just wanted to say that I love that you keep true to yourself on this blog. It's yours, I think it's great that you put your opinions out there. Thanks for keeping it real!
ReplyDeleteIt is extremely rare to be unable to breastfeed, although some doctors tell patients otherwise. I attended La Leche League meetings when my tot was young, and quickly learned about all the obstacles that new moms encounter in terms of breastfeeding. Fortunately, with help from lactation consultants, most problems or difficulties can be fixed. Had I not went to the meetings, I might have considered myself "unable to breastfeed", but we kept with it and got a lot of help at the beginning, and made it to 14 months. I never would have been able to do it without experienced help. I only hope that reading all these comments encourage moms to seek help and not just accept that they can't breastfeed.
ReplyDeletethis is just my experiance, but when i had trouble geting my daughter to nurse well the best advice i got was from my lactation consultant.
ReplyDeleteit sounds like most peoples problems were related to their milk supply, or the babies latch, and i had both those issues, and both were resolved so i could nurse for the 6 months that i wanted to. (and after 6, i happily switched to formula.)
she had me take fenugreek to enhance my supply (its an herb, and its side-effect is making you smell like maple syrup! though, its dangerous to take if you are pregnant, and you should talk to your doctor and/or lactation consultant before you take it.) it really works, and doesnt have the same hazards of perscription Reglan that women often take to help increase their supply.
my daughter also had some physical therapy for her jaw to help teach her the right motion to suck. it was just a few really simple things we could do (running a finger inside her mouth along her gum line to loosen up her cheeks, and massaging the hinge of her jaw on the outside of her mouth in the motion that it should go for her to suck successfully) and after just a couple days she did great.
i wish articles about the benefits of breastfeeding offered solutions for people who are struggling, rather than just the advice to keep trying. at least a reference to LLL or lactation consultants being present at the hospital (and their cost being included in your hospital fees, so people dont stress financially.) i know they cant, because they arent doctors and would be liable, but i think thats part of what people had a problem with. the article, not so much that it was posted.
i hope you keep training as a LC, and are able to help people out like mine helped me. but know that even then you will have moms who are tired and frustrated and just cranky who will inadvertently use you as a sounding board for their frustrations. try not to let it get to you, they need a sympathetic ear too.
First I would like to ask a question about breast milk. How long will breast milk keep in the freezer and frig?
ReplyDeleteEverything I have read about this is different .
I was not going to BF when i was pregnant. However, talking to different people I ended up changing my mind and decided to give it a try. The people who changed my mind didn't make me feel bad when I told them I wasn't going to BF. They helped me realize the benefits of BF and that even just BF for the first 2 weeks is a healthy start for a newborn.
BF was not easy for me at all. I remember crying a lot because I could not get him to latch and when I finally did he would only nurse for a short time before he would fall asleep and I could not keep him awake.
I eventually went to pumping only and I was only able to nurse for 4 months before my milk dried up. I'm glad I decided to nurse and for those that informed me on the benefits of BF. I hope to be able to nurse my next one longer
Keep up the good work, and don't feel bad about posting perfectly good articles about important issues! (Or about what some people have to say about it) Thanks for what you do, I always enjoy reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely YOUR blog. Whatever you post is whatever you post. I would ignore those people that were bumming you out.
ReplyDeleteI had a unique situation that I thought I'd share. I am a new mom to a 4 1/2 month old boy. It was a surprise pregnancy and I went through a lot both mentally and physically during the pregnancy (blood work, urine tests every week, counseling etc...)
When it came time to talk to my LC, I still hadn't made up my mind. I was in the hospital for over 3 days and tried and tried but had a lot of trouble. My LC pressured me and just kept pushing. She didn't ask me how I was feeling or what I was worried about or anything about my situation so that she could make her advice personal. A new LC came in and thank GOD for her. She listened to my whole story (which I unloaded on her while sobbing after a frustrating session of trying to breastfeed) and told me that, for better or worse, you have to do what's right for you because, in the end, having a happy and healthy mommy is more important than anything else.
I didn't breastfeed and I think it's one of the biggest reasons why I am doing so well right now, both mentally and physically.
I love my baby boy with all my heart. But it was better for me to bottle feed and take care of my mental health than it was to breast feed and sink down into a depression.
Again, I hope that you guys doing mind me sharing a little bit of my story. ;)
I am pumping right now as I read this blog. I went through the same thing you did with my first, and now having successfully BF my second child (10 months and counting), I can say that I'm glad I went to a LC and got help and learned how to do it. Good for you for going to boobie school, good for you for posting about it, good for you for posting the article. It isn't like you're saying someone is a bad mother if they don't BF.
ReplyDeleteFirst off I LOVE your blog!!!! You have a beautiful family and are a very talented lady.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best on your VBAC. I tried for one my self with my second child. But after going 10 days over due and I had another c-section. boo
I love promoting breastfeeding and am the family/friend go to lady about it. My son is a week shy of 3 and still nurses a couples times aday. When he was a couple weeks old I HOPED I would make it a year and never thought at thee would still be doing it. But if works for us. I think what you are doing is great. Woman need to be more educated on breastfeeding and many people need to get over them selves that it is weird or that its to hard or hurts.
<3
I BF my son exclusively - he was fully weened at 14 months. The LC at the hospital was little to no help so I found one through my childbirth class and had her come to the house to help. BEST. THING. I. EVER. DID. She showed my ways to get his latch better, made sure he was getting the milk and gave me confidence when I had none. I'm not gonna lie, it hurt in the beginning, sucked that I was the only one who could settle him down when he was hungry and was inconvenient when he wanted to eat when we were out. But, you know what, I didn't get pregnant and want kids because I thought it was going to be easy.
ReplyDeleteI'm now BF my daughter who is 4 months old. Figuring out what I was doing was a LOT easier this time, plus she knew what to do instinctively about 5 minutes out of the womb. It still hurt for the first few weeks while my body (more specifically, the girls) got used to it again but again, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Neither of my kids take a bottle, again kind of inconvenient but I wouldn't trade the time and good I know its doing them.
I'll keep it short! It's so hard not to get hurt feelings anytime someone says something negative, especially when you just mean well. I think it's safe to say that we readers can feel the love in your posts, and we all love you back! Just keep being you and great things will follow :)
ReplyDeleteI found myself in a very similar predicament that you did with your little one. My son in only 6 weeks old now and solely formula fed. I feel so guilty not being able to breastfeed him because I know that breast is best, and all of the benefits, I find myself thinking if only I knew, or why didn't anybody tell me. So thank you for your post. Thank you for your passion, and desire to inform more women. I guess I simply want to say, thank you for being you!
ReplyDeleteYou're not just a craft blog. You're a recipe blog, a sewing blog, a crafty blog... it's your domain and you should feel free to post what you want, in a respectful way, which you always do. Obviously you would never post something to intentional belittle your readers... you are writing about what you are passionate about and breastfeeding (being a lactation consultant) is included in your passions - along with crafting! Some people will always find ways to take guilt off of themselves and lay it on other people... so don't let a few comments get you down!
ReplyDeleteI am inspired by your blog... I hope it's ok that I've mentioned your blog a few times on my own! :)
http://bugaboominimrme.blogspot.com/
Hi Natasha, this might be a few days late. i love your blog, read it faithfully. You are amazing! The reason I'm responding to this post now is that I'm watching the Today show and they're having a segment on the "dark side of "mommy blogs" and how cruel people can be with the negative comments and attacks. I'm sorry it happened to you. Congrats on the pregnancy! You have a beautiful family/
ReplyDelete((((HHHHHUUUUUUGGGGSSSSSS)))) Natasha! Your blog is wonderful and I love reading it, every part of it. Keep writing and posting whatever you want. I enjoy it all!
ReplyDeleteI was listening to your hubs on the radio a couple of mornings ago and was proud to hear him defending mom's who breastfeed in public. Obviously you are a good influence on him ;) Don't let people get you down. I always enjoy what you write even if I don't always share the same opinion.
ReplyDeletePlease don't apologize for trying to promote breastfeeding!! I'm still nursing my 22 month old and try as much as possible to enourage soon to be moms to breastfeed. Here is a very non-apologetic blog entry about the same study you posted.
ReplyDeletehttp://thefeministbreeder.com/when-it-comes-to-breastfeeding-we-cant-handle-the-truth/
It's a great read!!!!
I think it is important to let moms know that while breast is best, it isn't always an option. I was able to breastfeed my daughter and it was great, never had to bring bottles, worry about formula, all that fun stuff, but you become the main source if not the only source for food and you might become a little envious if not angry at dad for sleeping through it all! Okay I just thought it would be nice to sleep too, but anyway.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, even though I was able to, I imagine it can't feel good to hear that you NEED to breastfeed, but what if you can't, what if your baby can't. We as moms have enough things to think of and feel guilty for, let's not pick on each other.
Yikes! Lots of comments. You might like this:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.phdinparenting.com/2010/04/12/its-not-about-picking-on-moms-it-is-about-breaking-down-societal-barriers/
By the way my own personal opinion about formula feeding moms who get all testy when you mention breastfeeding being better is that they are already feeling totally guilty for their choice, whether it was a necessary choice (as it often is) or a completely freely chosen one. I mean, if someone tells me how great formula is and how it enabled her baby to stay alive when she couldn't b/f, I don't get all *mad* and go off on how breastfeeding is perfectly legitimate, too. If someone chooses to formula feed I don't feel *angry* at them. I just disagree. But why the visceral reaction? Honestly, formula moms probably know on the testimony of their own bodies and intuition that the breast is the best choice, and since everyone wants the best for her child, it makes them feel sad or guilty that they haven't given their child the best (even if it was the best in the circumstance). That's my theory anyway. So don't let 'em bug ya. :)
ReplyDelete