Breast & Bottle Feeding

Note: This post is part our series in observance of World Breastfeeding Week and is sponsored by Woman's Hospital.  Breastfeeding {Surviving the Early Days} As I write this I'm in the midst of the early days of breastfeeding. Luckily it is with my second child, so some of the fears associated with being the sole source of nourishment for this tiny being aren't there. Or at least, not as blaring as with my first.  The first time around I distinctly remember keeping copious notes of every feeding, wet and dirty diaper, and any other detail I thought I might need. For weeks. I know it helped me feel more confident that my son was getting enough milk. But when I finally decided...

Note: This post is part of a series for World Breastfeeding Week and is sponsored by Woman's Hospital.  5 Ways to Make Breastfeeding Easier You’ve taken a breastfeeding class. But before you bring baby home from the hospital, here are a few small tips to make breastfeeding a little easier. Adjust your lighting. Newborns need to eat at least eight times every 24 hours – remember, “8 or more in 24.” Yes, you read that correctly! Even if your little angel is sleeping soundly, you’ll still have to wake him up to eat. In the middle of the night, flicking on the main room light isn’t the best option. Before baby arrives, set up lamps, plug in night lights or install dimmers. Create breastfeeding...

Note: This post is part our series in observance of World Breastfeeding Week and is sponsored by Woman's Hospital.  Breastfed or Bottle-fed? One Day it Won't Matter As I write this, I'm wrapping up a beach vacation with my seven and four year-old. On this vacation, I didn't get a vacation from being a mom - I worried about drowning (mostly), the sleep schedule we threw out the window, diet, sunburn ... and I never gave a thought about breastfeeding. Not one. I don't think about it all that much anymore unless I'm prompted to share my story if I think it can help another mom in that season of her motherhood.   World Breastfeeding Week is a bittersweet one for me....

Note: This post is part our series in observance of World Breastfeeding Week and is sponsored by Woman's Hospital.  My Breastfeeding Evolution When I was pregnant for the first time in 2005, I remember always knowing that I would breastfeed. Somehow it was just a given that it was what I would do. I think at that time, it was more in a nutritional sense than a relational one. I knew it was healthy and I knew my body was designed to do it, so it just made sense. I researched and read and felt prepared in the academic sense. It's Go Time! But when my son Ben unexpectedly came early, I was thrust into a challenging breastfeeding experience for which I was...

Note: This post is part of a series for World Breastfeeding Week and is sponsored by Woman's Hospital.  5 Breastfeeding Resources in Baton Rouge Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s not always easy. Poor latch, nipple soreness and engorgement may be a few of the challenges that you may face when breastfeeding. Don’t wait too long to get help. Woman’s Hospital offers several resources to help your baby get the best nutritional start in life. 5 Breastfeeding Resources in Baton Rouge Classes You’ll have tons of help from lactation nurses while you’re in the hospital, but many women find that taking a breastfeeding class before pregnancy can boost their confidence. Woman’s Breastfeeding Basics class will teach you how to properly latch Baby and different positions...