Breastreading: A Blog All About Breastfeeding!

San Antonio Outpatient Lactation Consultant Resources

3/5/2017

Call to check services are free or charged.

PRIVATE-PRACTICE LACTATION CONSULTANTS
In alphabetical order based on business name

Ashley Green, RN, IBCLC
Serving Far East and NE SA
Home Visits
(210) 313-4397
BabyNumNum.com

Laura María Gruber, IBCLC
Serving SA & all of Surrounding
Home Visits, Office Visits & Teleconferencing
Hablo español
(210) 209-1002
BreastfeedingHousecalls.com

Kathy Parkes, RN, IBCLC
Call to ask about areas covered
Home Visits & a Videoconferencing
(210) 834-5399
BreastfeedingPerspectives.com

Erika Patenaude, RN, IBCLC
Serving SA & Surrounding
Home Visits
(210) 251-7452
MilkMojo.com

Ginger Chun, IBCLC & Tina Castellanos, IBCLC
Serving SA & Surrounding
Home Visits & Office Visits
(210) 960-MILC
TheMILCGroup.com

HOSPITAL RESOURCES

STONE OAK/NORTH CENTRAL
Breastfeeding Housecalls, LLC & Lactation Center-(210) 209-1002
North Central Baptist Hospital 210-297-4086

MEDICAL CENTER
Baby Cafe 210-207-7138
St. Luke's Baptist Hospital 210-297-5096
The Woman's Place at Methodist Health Care System 210-575-0261

NORTHEAST
Northeast Baptist Hospital 210-297-2069
The MILC Group (210) 960-MILC

DOWNTOWN
Christus Santa Rosa Hospital 210-704-2392
University Hospital 210-358-3897
Baptist Medical Center 210-297-9189

MILITARY
SAMMC 210-916-0139
Wilford Hall 210-292-6452

NEW BRAUNFELS
Christus Santa Rosa Hospital (New Braunfels) 830-643-6190
Resolute NB Lactation-(830) 500-6070

Nailing it w/the Next One

3/5/2017

A class for moms wanting to conquer breastfeeding with their next baby

Register Here for "Nailing it w/the Next One!"

Because I know first-hand how unexpected breastfeeding outcomes can weigh on a mother's confidence, I offer a class that addresses the unique emotional needs of moms who may have had bumpy breastfeeding beginnings with previous babies.

This class can help moms to heal their #breastfeedinghearts just in time to give breastfeeding another shot, empowered with knowledge and unconditional support.

If you know a mom who is expecting her next baby, and would be interested in joining us this next Saturday, March 11, from 1-3 pm, please share!

Breastfeeding: What's Normal, What Isn't, and When To Seek Help

2/17/2017

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Read this before scheduling please!

Schedule Appointment

As a new mom, it's important to know when things are going well with breastfeeding because when you know what is healthy and normal, you're able to better understand when it's time to seek help .

If you're pregnant, the best way to prepare and gain knowledge of what is normal about breastfeeding is to attend a good breastfeeding class in order to learn the basics. In addition to taking a breastfeeding class, reading as much as you can on recommended website and books will be helpful. If you're on Facebook, one of the best ways to seek recommendations on helpful breastfeeding resources is by asking in reputable "mommy-groups" where breastfeeding is embraced.

Whether you're expecting, are just just getting started with breastfeeding or have been nursing for a while, yet aren't sure what is normal and what isn't, the lists below will help you understand what is normal for your breasts, and for your baby, and when to know it's time to ask for help.

What IS normal for breasts:

It's normal for breasts to feel "empty" the first few days after birth
It's normal to feel some discomfort (not full-on pain) when you first start latching your baby
It's normal for nipple discomfort not to get worse and to be gone within a week
It's normal for only a glisten of colostrum to be seen by you
It is normal for your breast to feel full-ish or heavier by day 3-5
It is normal for your breast to feel very, very, very full by 2-9
It's normal for some breast to feel so full they hurt
It's normal for moms to feel a painless pull and tug when baby is nursing
It's normal to feel tingling after a few days/weeks/months when your milk is letting down
It's normal not to ever feel tingling after a few days/weeks/months when your milk is letting down
It's normal for your breasts to leak, especially during the first few weeks
It's normal for your breast to feel less full after a few weeks even if you are exclusively breastfeeding .

What ISN'T normal for breasts:
If you have doubts about your milk supply, your baby's weight or baby's pees/poops, consult your baby's doctor, your midwife or your lactation consultant immediately.

It's not normal for nipples to be overly sore, bruised, cracked, or scabbing, during any season of breastfeeding
It's not normal for even mildly sore nipples to feel worse not feel better by a week after delivery
It's not normal for breasts to feel full meanwhile no milk is being removed by your baby or your pump
It's not normal for breasts to appear red, feel hot or for you to run a fever while you feel these symptoms
It's not normal for you not to feel or see a difference in your breasts from pre-pregnancy to after 7 days after after you baby is born
It's not normal for your nipples to burn, itch or hurt between feedings or pumping sessions.

What IS normal for your baby:

It's normal for a baby to feed every 1-3 hours the first few days and week
It's normal for a baby to tug your breast while nursing
It's normal for you to see and hear your baby swallowing
It's normal for babies to be happier being held the first weeks and months of life
It's normal for your baby to only want to soothe on your breast
It's normal for your babies poop to be yellow and watery after day 4
It's normal for your baby to poop several times per day during the first few weeks
It's normal for your baby to pee 5 or more times per day after their 4th day of life
It's normal for a baby to lose a few ounces after birth
It's normal for your baby to start gaining weight again after a week
It's normal for your baby to spit up every now and then

What ISN'T normal for your baby:
If you have doubts about your milk supply, your baby's weight or baby's pees/poops, consult your baby's doctor, your midwife or your lactation consultant immediately.

It isn't normal for a baby to chew, clamp or pull on your nipple without an easily explainable reason (teething, loud noise scared baby, etc.)
It isn't normal for a baby not to meet their pee and poop goals
It isn't normal for your baby's poop to still be black or dark after 4 days
It isn't normal for your baby to appear progressively yellow after the first days home from the hospital
It isn't normal for your baby to not start gaining back their birthweight by day 7, or not be fully back to birthweight by day 14
It isn't normal for your baby to cry for long stretches of time
It isn't normal for your baby's face or neck to seem asymmetrical (twisted, or misaligned) for more than a few days
It isn't normal for a breastfed baby to sleep more than 4 hours consistently during the first few weeks
It isn't normal for baby's to have dry lips, tongues, eyes or sunken soft-spots on the top of their head
It isn't normal for baby to have thick white anything that you can't wipe off on their tongue or cheeks
It isn't normal for your baby to seem uncomfortable during all or most of his feeds
It isn't normal for a baby to projectile-vomit after all of their feeds, even if they're happy after spitting up
It isn't normal for babies to appear in pain after all feeds
It isn't normal for your baby to not wake up to feed at least every 2-4 hours during their first weeks of life.

And, if you are pregnant, you might want to see a lactation consultant prenatally if any of these sound familiar to your situation:

If you have very flat or inverted nipples to which baby will not latch
If you have history of breast surgery or scarring (reductions, augmentations, nipple piercings, etc.)
Markedly asymmetrical breasts; when one breast is significantly larger or differently shaped than the other (almost every woman has differences in her breast size; this refers to very obvious differences)
If a mom has a history of hormonal imbalance/endocrine issues
If mom is or plans on taking a medication whose compatibility with breastfeeding is unknown

Imperfect breastfeeding IS more common than it's made to seem by many. "Bumpy" breastfeeding can be smoothed out by reaching out for support as soon as you know you're having issues.

If you are in San Antonio, Texas, Laura Gruber, IBCLC is happy to help!

What a visit from a lactation consultant is really like...

2/17/2017

What exactly happens during a lactation consultation?

Well, if your lactation consultation is with moi (or w:someone like moi) this is more or less what you can expect:

Before we meet, you'll schedule your appointment online. You'll receive a text from me confirming our appointment, then an email asking you to fill out forms. We may chat on the phone if you have time, then I'll usually see you same or next-day.

On my way to you, I'll usually send you a "Headed to you...see you soon!" text...or you'll come over to my cozy office and send me something similar. If either one of us is running behind, we check in with each other because, well...babies!

But wait. A few things to know about me before you have me as a guest in your home:

I don't care what your house looks or smells like
I will immediately wash my hands when I enter
I wear shoes I can take off and will always ask your preference about this before entering your home
I carry changes of clothes in my car in case anyone pees or pukes on me, so don't stress it
Hablo español, por si tu mamá, suegra o tía quiere ser incluida en nuestra consulta (I speak Spanish, in case your mom, mother-in-law or aunt would like to be included in the consult)

And then it all begins...

If your sweet baby isn't super hungry when I arrive at your home, or you arrive at my office, we'll chat a while I wash my hands, get my lactation scale ready, etc.
If we're at your house, you'll show me the areas where you nurse, or want to nurse, and tell me about your support system, if they aren't at the consult (dad, grandma, best friend, etc.).
The stage will be yours, this is where I kick in to listening mode
You may or may not show me what's going on with your breasts/nipples right way (I will see this, too, when nursing starts). I may respectfully ask to touch your breasts in order to feel what you are feeling (if lumps, plugs or breast infections are present).
I'll ask to touch/hold/examine your baby, and then assess the baby's posture, state and, with gloves on I'll assess your baby's mouth/lips/tongue via digital exam.
We'll weigh your baby before the feed.
If I observe anything pressing, we'll talk about it, and if its something urgent (rarely happens during consults), this is usually where I will buzz your doctor. If it isn't urgent, but needs to be run by another provider, I will buzz them after the feeding
If all is well, I'll observe a feed and I'll do my best to verbally walk you through improvements to positioning and latch
I'll listen to you tell me what is going on with the feed, and I'll talk you through what I see baby doing, pointing out what is normal and what we can improve.
I may ask to to touch your breasts if needed to help position your nipple for latching, and I may hold your baby simultaneously in order to gain understanding of how your baby moves during positioning and latch (which can give me clues to certain breastfeeding issues)
With your permission, and on your phone or camera, we may record short parts of the consult for you to have as a reference of my latch-teaching.
We'll weigh sweetpea again to see exactly how breastmilk was transferred
If you pump, we will use your pump together so that I may teach you how to determine your flange size, how to use your pump more efficiently, etc.
If you're a mom who plans on bottle-feeding, we may go over bottle-feeding for your particular situation
If you're a working mom, time-permitting, we may go over some back-to-work topics, or we can decide to meet specifically for a Back-to-Work Prep Class or 1:1 appointment dedicated to returning to work.
Based on the general appointment events, your health history, baby's overall big-picture, I will help you create an achievable and specific-to-you plan to help you meet your breastfeeding goals. These will be written out and left with you, or uploaded to my patient-portal immediately after our time together.
Some appointments require a follow-up consult to gauge results of our care plans. We may schedule this before I leave, or we may play things by ear. If it's a housecall, 'll let you know that you can have me back at your home for the follow-up visit, or you can come see me at my office-- whichever works best for you.
If I recommend that you or your baby need to see other providers (your obgyn, pediatrician, etc.) I will write up a consult report for you to give your provider, or will email it to them.
I'll make sure that I have answered all of your questions, and let you know that I am available to call or secure message for future ones related to our consultation.
You'll pay your balance-owed before I leave, and I will give you a claim form to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
If you're a hugger, we'll hug good-bye and if you aren't a hugger, we'll peace-out...and stay breast-friends!

Now that you know what to expect from your time with me, I look super forward to supporting you and your sweet baby!

Virtual hugs,
Laura

Read this before scheduling please

Read this before scheduling please!

breastfeeding
lactation consultation
what to expect
breast infection
lactation scale
weighted feed
latch
positioning
pumping
back-to-work

Schedule Appointment

Balancing Back-to-Work and Breastfeeding!

1/10/2017

New mamas, come learn everything you'll need to know to transition back to work smoothly while keeping your sweet baby breastfeeding!

4th Saturday of the month
10-12
$30

Prerequisite:
That you've attended a basic breastfeeding class, or have already nursed a baby

In this class, moms can expect to:

• Learn how to keep your milk supply where it needs to be for your baby!
• Get tools to help your caregivers feed your precious milk!
• Learn how to transition smoothly to bottlefeeding (while keeping your nursing relationship intact).
• Learn milk-storage hacks!
• Discuss how to fit pumping times into your unique work schedule!
...and so much more!

Class Location:
15303 Huebner Rd., Bldg 15
San Antonio, TX 78248
(inside Acorn Pediatrics)

breastfeeding
working mother
back-to-work
milk storage
breastmilk
bottle
childcare

Tips for Holiday Shopping with Baby

12/23/2016

From BreastReading Blog's "The Breastfeeding Mother Quick Guide to Surviving the Holidays"

Tips for Holiday Shopping with a Baby

Breastfeeding and holiday shopping...a combination many wouldn't think they need to prepare for...until they're stuck in an hour-long line with a hungry or fussy baby.

Here are some tips to help you stay in the holiday spirit while shopping with your breastfed baby:

• Shop online! Granted, I don't know of any new mother who doesn't dream about leaving her house after a few weeks, but if it helps you avoid long lines and be available for your baby's every feeding cue, shop online!

If it's available in your area, consider using personal-grocery-shopper services like shipt.com, instacart.com or your local retailer's store-pick up service for basics like groceries, diapers, etc.

• If you must leave the house, consider shopping as a team with your friends...not only is this is a great excuse to get out of the house, this gives you the chance to finally spend time with the moms in your mommy groups. When the lines are long and your little one gets hungry, you can take turns watching each other's merchandise or holding each other's place in line while you nurse, diaper or settle your baby.

• Babywear! Being able to shop for longer periods of time is reason 1,528 why baby wearing is awesome. Besides, of course, having your sweet baby nuzzled against you. But really, imagine being able to have TWO HANDS free to look through clothes racks and try on shoes.

Did you find these topics helpful? What other holiday survival advice could you use? And if you have some to share, please comment below!

I wish you and your babies the absolute breast this holiday season! 🎄

breastfeeding
online shopping
baby wearing

Tips for Traveling with Baby

12/23/2016

From the BreastReading Blog's "The Breastfeeding Mother's Quick Guide to Surviving the Holidays"

Tips for Traveling with Baby

From plotting out breastfeeding areas on airport and train-station maps, to planning your highway stops around breastfeeding-friendly rest-areas, thinking your stay through thoroughly can help you avoid uncomfortable nursing situations.

First, for domestic travel, check out your destinations laws about breastfeeding in public...for international travel, search the laws online or ask your hosts to help you find them.

Tips for traveling by air or train:

•When booking your travel, let your agent or airline personnel know that youll be traveling with a baby. Although separate seats are hard to come by during holiday travel, they may be able to offer you more private seating and give you specific instructions about traveling with strollers and car seats.

•Consider your fellow travelers. While you shouldn't ever need to apologize for your baby's "behavior", nicely acknowledge that your children will be patented during the trip and let others know you appreciate their patience with things like diapers and feeds. Visit this super neat website for airline traveling with baby.

•If possible, plan layovers with enough time to fully prepare your family for the next leg of the flight. This includes having enough time to walk clear across the airport, change diapers, feed baby, feed siblings, feed yourself, etc. For families that need them, many airports and train stations have mother-rooms and family rooms for when parenting moments require privacy. You can find a list of many of these here.

• If you're a family who bottlefeeds, get to know the rules of traveling with breastmilk or formula.If you're traveling internationally, remember to check with the layover countries or destination country's' equivalent to the United States' TSA or customs, since rules may different.

If you're traveling by car:

• When possible, plan your trip with plenty of time to care for and feed your baby as frequently as you would when you're at home. Trying to go long stretches without nursing can cause breast discomfort, plugged ducts, and a baby who may be too hungry to focus when you do finally stop to feed. In addition, waiting too long to stop and change diapers can lead to uncomfortable baby bums.

• Consider mapping out your drive and knowing where the most comfortable rest areas or truck stops for you and your family.

• Never feed a baby in a moving car, no matter how much time youre trying to save...and this goes without saying but never breastfeed and drive!

Quick tip Milk-Storage Tips

• Any cup of clean warm water can serve as a milk warmer. Any clean cup of ice can serve as a place to chill bottles of pumped milk or formula.

• If you plan on traveling with expressed milk, practice milk-storage prior to your trip. Traveling with breastmilk in closed containers can be less messy than traveling with milk storage bags.

Something to think about...

If you're traveling far from home, or for a long period of time, it's a good idea to map out your destination's breastfeeding resources. Consider plugging in to a breastfeeding community by joining local online groups (but let the admins know your intentions since you don't want to seem like a troll, lol). Knowing where to score extra pump parts and where to seek expert support is important, too--and I say this based on the many holiday calls I get from families traveling to my city who call just to find out where they can find pump parts that were lost or forgotten at home. Also, if you're a mom whose travel occurs amid breastfeeding issues, make sure to know where your lactation resources are. I have cared for many a client of other lactation consultants while they traveled to SA for holidays or vacation.

Did you find these topics helpful? What other holiday survival advice could you use? And if you have some to share, please comment below!

I wish you and your babies the absolute breast this holiday season! 🎄

The Breastfeeding Mother's Quick Guide to Surviving the Holidays

12/23/2016

During the holidays, planning ahead will make you an even more confident new mom amid chaos. My hope is that this article will help you get organized and breastfeed peacefully this holiday season!

Article sections (scroll to see):

• Tips for Traveling (by plane, train or car)
• Tips for Holiday Shopping
• Tips for Leaving Your Baby During the Holidays
• Tips for Handling the Noseys
• Tips for Resisting the Urge to Start Solids Too Soon

Involve Your Closest Supporters

First, talk to your closest supporters and partner about their role in keeping you and baby breastfeeding peacefully. Whether youre at the mall shopping, at the in-laws, or at church make sure that those closest to you can help normalize your breastfeeding if opinions and impositions start up. Going in to situations prepared, like knowing the law, or having some sweet ways of steering potentially contentious conversations can help you manage situations peacefully.

Pay close attention to your milk supply

It isn't at all uncommon for lactation consultants to see an increase in clients seeking guidance on milk supply, plugged ducts or slowed infant weight-gain after the holidays.

In addition to asking family to be your breastfeeding-guardians, asking them to help take responsibility off from you during the holidays will help your milk supply stay merry and high. If you're hosting family and have a new baby at home, ask them to help with older kids, or take over meals, and let them know ahead of time that breastfeeding or pumping will be going on in your house. Letting others take over your holiday kitchen is one of the hardest things many of us can fathom, but remember to focus on the one meal that no one else can make for your baby this holiday season...your yummy breastmilk for baby!

Practical Tips for Surviving the Holidays:

Tips for Traveling with Baby

From plotting out breastfeeding areas on airport and train-station maps, to planning your highway stops around breastfeeding-friendly rest-areas, thinking your stay through thoroughly can help you avoid uncomfortable nursing situations.

First, for domestic travel, check out your destinations laws about breastfeeding in public...for international travel, search the laws online or ask your hosts to help you find them.

Tips for traveling by air or train:

•When booking your travel, let your agent or airline personnel know that youll be traveling with a baby. Although separate seats are hard to come by during holiday travel, they may be able to offer you more private seating and give you specific instructions about traveling with strollers and car seats.

•Consider your fellow travelers. While you shouldn't ever need to apologize for your baby's "behavior", nicely acknowledge that your children will be patented during the trip and let others know you appreciate their patience with things like diapers and feeds. Visit this super neat website for airline traveling with baby.

•If possible, plan layovers with enough time to fully prepare your family for the next leg of the flight. This includes having enough time to walk clear across the airport, change diapers, feed baby, feed siblings, feed yourself, etc. For families that need them, many airports and train stations have mother-rooms and family rooms for when parenting moments require privacy. You can find a list of many of these here.

• If you're a family who bottlefeeds, get to know the rules of traveling with breastmilk or formula. If you're traveling internationally, remember to check with the layover countries or destination country's' equivalent to the United States' TSA or customs, since rules may different.

If you're traveling by car:

• When possible, plan your trip with plenty of time to care for and feed your baby as frequently as you would when you're at home. Trying to go long stretches without nursing can cause breast discomfort, plugged ducts, and a baby who may be too hungry to focus when you do finally stop to feed. In addition, waiting too long to stop and change diapers can lead to uncomfortable baby bums.

• Consider mapping out your drive and knowing where the most comfortable rest areas or truck stops for you and your family.

• Never feed a baby in a moving car, no matter how much time youre trying to save...and this goes without saying but never breastfeed and drive!

Quick tip Milk-Storage Tips

• Any cup of clean warm water can serve as a milk warmer. Any clean cup of ice can serve as a place to chill bottles of pumped milk or formula.

• If you plan on traveling with expressed milk, practice milk-storage prior to your trip. Traveling with breastmilk in closed containers can be less messy than traveling with milk storage bags.

Something to think about...

If you're traveling far from home, or for a long period of time, it's a good idea to map out your destination's breastfeeding resources. Consider plugging in to a breastfeeding community by joining local online groups (but let the admins know your intentions since you don't want to seem like a troll, lol). Knowing where to score extra pump parts and where to seek expert support is important, too--and I say this based on the many holiday calls I get from families traveling to my city who call just to find out where they can find pump parts that were lost or forgotten at home. Also, if you're a mom whose travel occurs amid breastfeeding issues, make sure to know where your lactation resources are. I have cared for many a client of other lactation consultants while they traveled to SA for holidays or vacation.

Tips for Holiday Shopping with a Baby

Breastfeeding and holiday shopping...a combination many wouldn't think they need to prepare for...until they're stuck in an hour-long line with a hungry or fussy baby.

Here are some tips to help you stay in the holiday spirit while shopping with your breastfed baby:

• Shop online! Granted, I don't know of any new mother who doesn't dream about leaving her house after a few weeks, but if it helps you avoid long lines and be available for your baby's every feeding cue, shop online!

If it's available in your area, consider using personal-grocery-shopper services like shipt.com, instacart.com or your local retailer's store-pick up service for basics like groceries, diapers, etc.

• If you must leave the house, consider shopping as a team with your friends...not only is this is a great excuse to get out of the house, this gives you the chance to finally spend time with the moms in your mommy groups. When the lines are long and your little one gets hungry, you can take turns watching each other's merchandise or holding each other's place in line while you nurse, diaper or settle your baby.

• Babywear! Being able to shop for longer periods of time is reason 1,528 why baby wearing is awesome. Besides, of course, having your sweet baby nuzzled against you. But really, imagine being able to have TWO HANDS free to look through clothes racks and try on shoes.

Tips for Leaving Your Baby This Holiday Season

Every year I get calls, too, from moms who want to attend holiday parties while breastfeeding. For many moms, it's their first time away from baby (and one of their first opportunities to drink, too 😁).

These are the top things families ask about with regard to leaving their babies for a few hours for the first time:

• I'll be gone from 6-12 pm. How much milk should I leave my baby?

It all depends on your babies age and weight, but doing a trial run a few days before can not only let you see how bottlefeeding could go, but it'll also give you a sense of how much your baby feels satisfied with. Some moms use breastmilk calculators available online to see more or less what their baby needs. Using the paced bottle feeding technique will also help baby pace their feeds similar to how they pace themselves at your breast.

• My party is next week but my baby has never taken a bottle. What do I do?

If you suspect your baby will ever need to be bottle-fed, introducing a bottle to your baby once breastfeeding is established can be a good idea. Whether you're going back to work, or simply leaving for a few hours to attend a holiday party, teaching a baby to take a bottle if you're planning for any type of separation will reduce stress for your baby, their caregiver and you!

• My party is next week. When do I start pumping?

My biggest recommendation would be to do a practice run of pumping to get a sense of how your breasts respond to the pump.

•And the famous one...I drank last night. Can I still breastfeed my baby.

Yes, probably...and the answer to that one is in this recent blog about drinking and breastfeeding.

Tips for Handling the Holiday Noseys

How long do you plan on breastfeeding? Why don't you just pump and bottlefeed? Doesn't it feel weird? I didn't breastfeed and my kids are fine...

In many cases, gatherings with friends and family are (sadly) synonymous with breastfeeding intrusiveness. When what you really want to hear is "How are you doing, mama?" what many inquiring minds seem to care about is how your baby eats. The irony here is that the commentary can come from both camps: from those who are "pro" breastfeeding, and from those who aren't.

Interestingly, Aunt Sally's story about how she breastfed all of her seven kids perfectly may not be what a struggling new mom breastfeeding mom wants rubbed in her face. And the mom who is confident in her breastfeeding (or any mom, really) doesn't need to hear about Aunt Bertha's breastfeeding horror stories. Engaging in breastfeeding banter over Christmas dinner can spark Uncle Johnny to make some untoward comment, so if at all possible, know when to curve convos, and ask your support folk to step in.

From both personal and professional experience working with both breastfeeding naysayers and breastfeeding sanctimommies, I find that it's best to simply listen, change the subject, or educate with the goal of normalizing.

Consider using one of these lines to stump the nosiest of friends or family:

•EDUCATE (with shock and awe): Why don't you just pump and feed? Because it's his spit on my nipple and areola that uploads his nutritional and immune need into me. Pumps and formula can't do that.

• LISTEN and CHANGE TOPIC: I fed my kids formula and they're fine. I'm glad your babies grew up to be healthy. How is cousin Tommy, btw?

And if you really just want to be snarky...

• How long do you plan on breastfeeding? Oh, he should be done in about 10 minutes. ;)

Remember too, that these same people will go on to ask about your choice in diapers, how long your baby sleeps at night, and whether or not you plan on getting pregnant again next month. The good thing is that if you feel the need to escape further conversation, you can always pull the breastmilk-poop blowout card. Sorry! Gotta go change the baby!

Tips for NOT Starting Solids Before Your Baby is Ready this Holiday

For even the most conscious of us it can be hard to resist not commemorating baby's first holidays with a milestone-memory. All too often, though, parents or well-intentioned family members want a sweet baby to experience the coming of age of starting solids or starting a food their body isn't able to properly handle. I get quite a few calls after the holidays from concerned mothers who didn't resist the temptation to wait until their baby was ready to start solids, or from frustrated moms whose cousin-in-law offered their baby ice-cream. Whether the temptation is on your part or on a friend or family members', if a baby's gut isn't ready even "just a taste" of something from the holiday table can lead you anywhere from gassiness to full on allergic reaction and an emergency room visit.

First, remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies be given only breastmilk (or formula) when they are mature enough.

Even if your baby is old enough and ready to start exploring new foods (see last hyperlink for readiness cues), ask yourself the following:

•How many ingredients does this food have? Starting with one-ingredient foods (for example, yams only) will help you identify causes of reactions better than wondering if the reaction came, for example, from the yams, the butter or the marshmallows. What if your baby isn't ready for eggs or dairy, yet you're tempered to offer your baby a bite of that cookie you're eating?

It's a good idea, too, to chat with your partner or support people about resisting the temptations and about being vigilant that others don't offer your baby food they aren't ready for. In fact, lt them know that there's only potential benefit to starting holiday solids before your baby is ready...and that's that they'll get to stay up with your baby all night and be able to catch a glimpse of Santa. ;)

Did you find these topics helpful? What other holiday survival advice could you use? And if you have some to share, please comment below!

I wish you and your babies the absolute breast this holiday season! 🎄

Although I've lovingly written this article is for all mothers, please understand that this article I written from a breastfeeding-as-the-norm perspective--understandably since I am a lactation consultant and this is a breastfeeding website. -Laura

Tips for NOT Starting Solids Before Your Baby is Ready this Holiday

12/23/2016

From the BreastReading Blog "The Breastfeeding Mother's Quick Guide to Surviving the Holidays"

Tips for NOT Starting Solids Before Your Baby is Ready this Holiday

For even the most conscious of us it can be hard to resist not commemorating baby's first holidays with a milestone-memory. All too often, though, parents or well-intentioned family members want a sweet baby to experience the coming of age of starting solids or starting a food their body isn't able to properly handle. I get quite a few calls after the holidays from concerned mothers who didn't resist the temptation to wait until their baby was ready to start solids, or from frustrated moms whose cousin-in-law offered their baby ice-cream. Whether the temptation is on your part or on a friend or family members', if a baby's gut isn't ready even "just a taste" of something from the holiday table can lead you anywhere from gassiness to full on allergic reaction and an emergency room visit.

First, remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies be given only breastmilk (or formula) when they are mature enough.

Even if your baby is old enough and ready to start exploring new foods (see last hyperlink for readiness cues), ask yourself the following:

•How many ingredients does this food have? Starting with one-ingredient foods (for example, yams only) will help you identify causes of reactions better than wondering if the reaction came, for example, from the yams, the butter or the marshmallows. What if your baby isn't ready for eggs or dairy, yet you're tempered to offer your baby a bite of that cookie you're eating?

It's a good idea, too, to chat with your partner or support people about resisting the temptations and about being vigilant that others don't offer your baby food they aren't ready for. In fact, lt them know that there's only potential benefit to starting holiday solids before your baby is ready...and that's that they'll get to stay up with your baby all night and be able to catch a glimpse of Santa. ;)

Did you find these topics helpful? What other holiday survival advice could you use? And if you have some to share, please comment below!

I wish you and your babies the absolute breast this holiday season! 🎄

Tips for Handling the Holiday Noseys

12/23/2016

From the BreastReading Blog "The Breastfeeding Mother's Quick Guide to Surviving the Holidays"

Tips for Handling the Holiday Noseys

How long do you plan on breastfeeding? Why don't you just pump and bottlefeed? Doesn't it feel weird? I didn't breastfeed and my kids are fine...

In many cases, gatherings with friends and family are (sadly) synonymous with breastfeeding intrusiveness. When what you really want to hear is "How are you doing, mama?" what many inquiring minds seem to care about is how your baby eats. The irony here is that the commentary can come from both camps: from those who are "pro" breastfeeding, and from those who aren't.

Interestingly, Aunt Sally's story about how she breastfed all of her seven kids perfectly may not be what a struggling new mom breastfeeding mom wants rubbed in her face. And the mom who is confident in her breastfeeding (or any mom, really) doesn't need to hear about Aunt Bertha's breastfeeding horror stories. Engaging in breastfeeding banter over Christmas dinner can spark Uncle Johnny to make some untoward comment, so if at all possible, know when to curve convos, and ask your support folk to step in.

From both personal and professional experience working with both breastfeeding naysayers and breastfeeding sanctimommies, I find that it's best to simply listen, change the subject, or educate with the goal of normalizing.

Consider using one of these lines to stump the nosiest of friends or family:

•EDUCATE (with shock and awe): Why don't you just pump and feed? Because it's his spit on my nipple and areola that uploads his nutritional and immune need into me. Pumps and formula can't do that.

• LISTEN and CHANGE TOPIC: I fed my kids formula and they're fine. I'm glad your babies grew up to be healthy. How is cousin Tommy, btw?

And if you really just want to be snarky...

• How long do you plan on breastfeeding? Oh, he should be done in about 10 minutes. ;)

Remember too, that these same people will go on to ask about your choice in diapers, how long your baby sleeps at night, and whether or not you plan on getting pregnant again next month. The good thing is that if you feel the need to escape further conversation, you can always pull the breastmilk-poop blowout card.Sorry! Gotta go change the baby!

Did you find these topics helpful? What other holiday survival advice could you use? And if you have some to share, please comment below!

I wish you and your babies the absolute breast this holiday season! 🎄

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Let all that you do be done in love.
--1 Corinthians 16:14

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