Birth in Bloom

She's at it again, how many times can she say BREAST!

Yes, that's right, I'm on my podium about breastfeeding, it's benefits and what a gift it is again. But this time it's a little different, I'm not wearing it on my chest or explaining how it tastes in coffee (ok so I've never really done that but hey, I won't knock it either!).  This time I'm looking into what resources and support breastfeeding women have available to them in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area.

You might not realize it but this is a picture of my littlest one breastfeeding. I sat the camera on the table next to me and set the timer, it's understated and tame but I like looking at it and thinking about the amazing way I feel when I hold her in my arms and gaze down at her little face, so content and calm, getting exactly what she needs nutritionally and emotionally.  In the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, the La Leache League beautifully points out the way breastfeeding serves as a perfect transition from womb to outside world, keeping baby connected by the security and warmth of your arms, the familiarity of your smell, the sound of your pulse and many of the other things that comforted her while she was in your swollen belly.  Read more by picking up a copy here or check it out from my Lending Library.

It is common to have questions about breastfeeding, many women question their abilities or simply need help finding the right nursing bra.  In my quest for the most comfortable nursing bra around I found (thanks Amity!) The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington located on K Street, NW. There I was able to have a free fitting and pick up several nursing bras before my milk was even in! They were very helpful and while I was there I browsed the class schedule and learned that there were many opportunities to learn more had I wanted to. They also offer lactation consultations, at their location or yours! For more information about the services available check out The Breastfeeding Center's website today!

If you or someone you know is looking for breastfeeding/lactation support visit www.breastfeeding.com to search for a Lactation Consultant in your area.

 

I make milk, what's your superpower?

I recently purchased this shirt from cafepress.com and it's nothing short of brilliant!  The facts on breastfeeding are clear but are we getting the word out there enough? As a Lamaze "teacher in training" I'm doing a lot of research and planning for my course outline and I'm finding that supporting breastfeeding is something I plan to do a lot of. I've heard the story too many times from women who weren't supported enough in their desire to breastfeed who have regret and sadness about missing out on this rewarding and amazing gift. It makes me so sad, especially since there are so many resources out there for mothers who want to breastfeed!

That said, I know there are also many wonderful mothers who by choice (or design) are not breastfeeding and this post is in no way meant to insult, demean or imply that they are anything less than amazing mothers!

Planting the seeds of self doubt

When I was packing up my things before checking out of the Hospital a few months ago I noticed a little black bag mixed in amongst my belongings.  To my surprise I opened it up only to find a "complimentary" container of Formula.  This, in the face of signs and reminders all over our room that we are "breastfeeding only".  I was irritated but at the time I was too exhausted to do much other than toss it aside.  Little did I know that someone else picked it up and it was brought home.  Fast forward 24 hours later, milk still isn't in (totally normal and expected by me) and the baby is fussy.  I know that babys tummies are super small and I know the colostrum that she's getting is exactly what she needs.  Yet, in the face of all my knowledge I still had a newborn baby who was crying and her well meaning father suggests we "suppplement" in case she is hungry.  For a moment I doubted myself, who wouldn't?  Mentally and physically exhausted after 20 hours of labor (awake for 60) and I sat there, fighting back tears, wondering if my milk would ever come in and if I was needlessly making my baby suffer.  My instincts took over, as they have many times since, and luckily I had the brain power left to say no and here we are, six months later and she's absolutely perfect.  My milk came in on the 4th day and all was right in our little world.

Check them out...

Here are some resources for mom's who are breastfeeding or would like to breastfeed.

La Leche Leauge

The Breastfeeding Center of Greater Washington

Womans Health.gov

Organic Breastfeeding Products

But wait, that's not all!

Since I will be teaching a series of six-two hour classes I have an opportunity to keep giving supportive positive parenting messages so I picked up a few more:

"Babywearing - keeps baby Close Cozy Calm"

"Birth is Normal"

"Trust Birth"

"Doulas make a Difference"