tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.comments2011-06-08T16:48:43.140-07:00Milk Mamas SpeakJamie Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847542071042686258noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-27687615910151395822011-06-08T16:48:43.140-07:002011-06-08T16:48:43.140-07:00Jaime, your story is the reason that I continue to...Jaime, your story is the reason that I continue to advocate for breastfeeding and a natural parenting lifestyle! I love hearing stories about falling in love with breastfeeding and realizing how integral it is in the life and well being of a child :) Yours was so nice to read. I'm also glad that you point out the inaccuracies of the What to Expect series. There is definitely nutritional, emotional, and developmental benefit to breastfeeding after a year. It's so funny how authors and even M.D.s truly believe that mama's milk becomes no longer necessary on a baby's first birthday. . . thank God for resources like LLL and Kellymom.com!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-70099497436305647382011-05-11T05:40:52.894-07:002011-05-11T05:40:52.894-07:00I love this post and poll. I got a lot of slack fo...I love this post and poll. I got a lot of slack for nursing my son to sleep, he is 3 now and still doesn't sleep through the night every night. He no longer nurses, but he did till he was just past 2. I nurse my daughter to sleep now all the time. Sometimes she sleeps for a 6 hours stretch and sometimes she wakes up 5 times a night! It's normal for them to fluctuate like this at night. Naps are awesome! :) For those working moms, make sure you take the time to rest on the weekend, you deserve it.Tanyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10574182500828654155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-16691605409300918232011-03-10T17:51:20.350-08:002011-03-10T17:51:20.350-08:00Thanks so much for the advice! You are totally ri...Thanks so much for the advice! You are totally right! I also heard a story of a baby just starting to sleep through the night at 15 months so I have hope that it will happen on it's own and I'm going to wait it out.<br /><br />The one year mark just scares me! I feel like there is a lot of advice given about breaking habits at a year-if you want to look at night waking as a bad habit... For us, there are far more instances where it is not simply out of habit, but for true comfort (like teething) and I want to be there for Teddy. So it looks like AP wins again:) <br /><br />Great advice!!!Jamie Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03847542071042686258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-74642677464549147342011-03-10T04:04:26.398-08:002011-03-10T04:04:26.398-08:00It's going to be HARD to actively wean Teddy w...It's going to be HARD to actively wean Teddy while he is teething. Not saying that you "shouldn't" do it - I totally understand the need for some sleep! But in my experience, personal and professional, you really shouldn't start active weaning in a period of emotional or physical stress for mom OR baby. I think you should stick with your plan to allow Teddy to self-wean. I know that right now it seems like the more stressful, less sleep option, but in the long run, it will be a whole lot LESS stressful than trying to actively wean while he is teething (and the teething can last for a while!).<br /><br />You know I'm here if you have questions or need support. I want to reiterate that I don't think you're wrong to want to wean - I just know that weaning at this point is probably not a good idea. It'll cause a lot of stress on top of the stress of teething, whereas if you can stick with it (maybe let him stay in your bed a bit and side lying nurse while you sleep?) then the transition in and out of teething will be smoother, and you won't have to worry about changing the way that you put him to bed. <br /><br />Here if you need me!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-61088808628991118512011-02-12T05:53:54.532-08:002011-02-12T05:53:54.532-08:00Hey Jamie . . . this is a huge concern among all m...Hey Jamie . . . this is a huge concern among all mommies, but we have to remember that babies may sleep through the night at one point and then wake consistently a few weeks or months later. It's all about the individual baby's development, and it changes all the time. Children will learn to be independent - there is absolutely no need to rush them :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-16668253177400220732011-02-05T18:20:50.854-08:002011-02-05T18:20:50.854-08:00We also saw a GI Doc when Teddy was 3 months, he a...We also saw a GI Doc when Teddy was 3 months, he also knew nothing about breast feeding-sad! When a baby could be exclusively breast fed for at least 6 months, you'd think these GI specialist would need some kind of knowledge in that area!!!Jamie Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03847542071042686258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-44461449435381869382011-02-05T17:21:10.134-08:002011-02-05T17:21:10.134-08:00Thank you so much for the encouragement. My daugh...Thank you so much for the encouragement. My daughter sees a pediatric GI as well who knows nothing about breast feeding and is always pushing the formula. I will keep turning the doc. down on her "recommendations", and keep doing what I have to do to keep nursing my little girl. Thanks for your story.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06454316596721488199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-1191111195966783462011-02-05T16:50:04.606-08:002011-02-05T16:50:04.606-08:00Thanks for the invite to share! I was surprised th...Thanks for the invite to share! I was surprised that it came out so long. . . but you did a fantastic job splitting it up. Thanks, Jamie!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-57966419623305014872011-02-03T17:02:55.234-08:002011-02-03T17:02:55.234-08:00Just got this in my inbox, I like the message it s...Just got this in my inbox, I like the message it sends! <br />Breastfeeding Frustration<br /><br />As you approach your child’s first birthday, you may start to hear more questions about when you plan to wean. It is well-documented that the AAP suggests nursing through at least the first year, but they additionally encourage nursing to continue for as long as mutually desired beyond that. The World Health Organization and many other international groups also suggest nursing through the second year and beyond. Weaning is an important process for mother and baby. If one or both of you aren’t ready for it, don’t allow others to pressure you. It is perfectly healthy and normal to continue to breastfeed your toddler. On the other hand, if you can’t wait for the day you are done, now may be a good time to do some research on gradual weaning, so that both you and your child can benefit from a peaceful end to the breastfeeding experience.Jamie Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03847542071042686258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-90469059064060418172011-01-30T17:58:51.839-08:002011-01-30T17:58:51.839-08:00Thanks so much for the encouraging words Jillian!Thanks so much for the encouraging words Jillian!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06454316596721488199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-17640121621408544722011-01-29T06:22:36.072-08:002011-01-29T06:22:36.072-08:00Jen, I don't know what to say, I am in tears r...Jen, I don't know what to say, I am in tears reading this. Your strength and resilience is amazing and your positivity is contagious. You are a wonderful mama and certainly a pillar of strength.Jillianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08895430753881105278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-19627578444609831472011-01-24T09:12:06.679-08:002011-01-24T09:12:06.679-08:00Knowing Owen personally he is just like his momm. ...Knowing Owen personally he is just like his momm. He is a very determined and stubborn in a good way of course :-P he knows what he wants and is determined to accomplish it and get it. He loves his mommas milk and of course above all else, his momma! <3AnDCorby09https://www.blogger.com/profile/15832652820450616184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-9639720233865650872011-01-21T11:25:49.413-08:002011-01-21T11:25:49.413-08:00Tina, it is so awesome that you were able to perse...Tina, it is so awesome that you were able to persevere through such a confusing issue as over-supply. I think in my experience so far, it's moms that have oversupply that have the most confusing experiences. Low supply is easier to spot - but mothers with oversupply are thinking "I have plenty of milk - so why won't my baby nurse correctly?" and a lot of the time over-supply goes undiagnosed by a lactation specialist. It's only a matter of time before moms just give up because the pain of watching your baby scream and having your nipples hurt is just too much. <br /><br />So awesome that your husband got on board and helped you through the hard times with support and syringe feeding. Staying away from the bottle definitely eliminated that nipple preference issue that so many moms lament about. <br /><br />And off the record, personally, I LOVE that you chunked the bottle of formula at the night nurses' head. Some people can be so dense :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-15491595868755596922011-01-08T12:48:02.357-08:002011-01-08T12:48:02.357-08:00You are soo right! Ok maybe my post sounds a litt...You are soo right! Ok maybe my post sounds a little like I am bashing formula (hopefully it doesn't sound like I am bashing formula using mommies!!!) You make a good point-and maybe the same point that I was aiming for-there is too much emphasis on being "normal" and having a "good" baby! It is the lucky mommies that find he support they need to follow their "guts" and let their babies follow their instincts:)Jamie Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03847542071042686258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-18225493398811059222011-01-08T11:27:00.080-08:002011-01-08T11:27:00.080-08:00Follow the baby, follow the baby, follow the baby!...Follow the baby, follow the baby, follow the baby! <br /><br />One of the greatest things that I learned while nursing abbey in infancy was "look at the BABY not only the numbers" - a lot of moms get caught up in making sure that their little ones are following the "normal" curves, doing the right developmental things at the "right" time, eating the right number of ounces, or nursing for the "right" amount of time, in the "right" spacing throughout the day. Don't even get me started on the question "how many hours is your baby sleeping at night?" or the dreaded "is your baby sleeping through the night?"<br /><br />All of these quantitative measures are completely useless compared to the observation of the actual baby! Is your baby happy? Is he fed? Is he comforted? Is he rested? Is he smiling? Is he active? Good! Then keep doing what you're doing and don't stress yourself over the numbers or th expectations that society places for babies. <br /><br />Babies are babies. They need us and that is a good thing, not something to be fought against with "training" and "schedules"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-75402094618013508682011-01-08T11:10:51.585-08:002011-01-08T11:10:51.585-08:00Amy-great advice, I actually read Elizabeth Pantle...Amy-great advice, I actually read Elizabeth Pantley's No Cry Nap and Sleep Solution and learned a lot about sleep cycles but would love to continue the learning with this book!! Our real problem is that we like to fight falling asleep when we are tired:(Jamie Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03847542071042686258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-62470902864840289002011-01-08T07:07:03.464-08:002011-01-08T07:07:03.464-08:00I was having napping "issues" with Abbey...I was having napping "issues" with Abbey when she was little, and I picked up the book "90-Minute sleep solution for babies" that a cousin had sent me as a baby gift and actually READ it. I didn't take to mind the whole "philosophy" but the description of a baby's natural sleep and awake cycle throughout the day did help me to watch Abbey for more useful cues as to when was a good time for rest.<br /><br />Though I don't enforce a nap schedule in our house, I do find that Abbey feels better when she naps well (and naturally) - and the view of a baby's natural sleep and awake cycle helped pinpoint the times that she was ready to nap instead of trying to get her to sleep when she was already way too tired or not tired at all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-79512685842744856382011-01-05T14:03:42.152-08:002011-01-05T14:03:42.152-08:00Hey Crystal, Can you vote on the poll down at the ...Hey Crystal, Can you vote on the poll down at the bottom of the page:) <br />Thanks for reading:)))Jamie Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03847542071042686258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-74352001003292458872011-01-05T13:44:22.711-08:002011-01-05T13:44:22.711-08:00A million times YES!A million times YES!Crystalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03723457238747254483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-38913837675214261272010-12-15T18:41:56.067-08:002010-12-15T18:41:56.067-08:00Oh yes, I just copied and pasted from Jillian'...Oh yes, I just copied and pasted from Jillian's blog with her permission to share with you mamas:) I included the last paragraph because even though Jillian was not talking about this blog specifically, It is exactly what I wish for this blog!! A place to share and through the process of sharing-offer encouragement and support. Thanks again Jillian for raising your voice<3Jamie Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03847542071042686258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-91026281102697223232010-12-15T18:23:07.250-08:002010-12-15T18:23:07.250-08:00I guess I should add a post script that I original...I guess I should add a post script that I originally wrote this for a forum I was thinking of, where women could share their stories without the fear of negative comments. I am so happy to share it here, but feel free to comment! I wrote this a few months ago and was feeling very jaded by the pressure to be "perfect" and how negative comments from other moms were making people second guess their own decisions. We need to try really hard to boost each other up!Jillianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08895430753881105278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-8088200469170670992010-12-15T17:04:13.425-08:002010-12-15T17:04:13.425-08:00I think Gina's story is so inspiring for the n...I think Gina's story is so inspiring for the nursing mom just starting out! Really all you need is the ability to say to your Ped (or nurse) "No, I'm gonna stick with it!". Such a hard sentence to say when we are so vulnerable to being a new mom and you are talking to a "so-called" bay specialist! You are right, Jillian-medicine is a great thing, Teddy has been on a beta blocker for his hemangioma since he was 3 months and it has worked wonders! Thanks to the very smart doctors we were lucky enough to take Teddy to see, Teddy's eye sight will not be effected by his birth mark. I think woman need to be aware that nursing is a natural path that needs very little to no medicinal prescription to achieve success. Doctors are trained to prescribe medicine to match symptoms. And while it is certainly not right to blame doctors in general, it is unfortunately true that most medical staff you will encounter at your doctors visits and during phone calls do not have enough expertise to offer advise or prescriptions such as "Stop Nursing". There are certainly occasions where this natural path needs some intervention, food sensitivities and allergies andover supply and under supply do happen and it takes a good deal of effort to figure out the tricky problems that won't work themselves out naturally (meaning without assistance). You ladies are all so strong and I hope you continue to view and comment and share on this blog so that we can help more nursing mamas continue nursing!!Jamie Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03847542071042686258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-65149287413268473192010-12-15T16:42:32.226-08:002010-12-15T16:42:32.226-08:00Yes that would be you! It is so sad to me that th...Yes that would be you! It is so sad to me that there is such a common lack of support and misinformation given out by pediatricians and their nurses. I had soo many bad experiences with nurses being completely uneducated in the subject:( Waaay too many woman out there are not getting the support and information they need to be successful at nursing their baby. I hope this blog will prevent at least one woman from ending her nursing journey too soon due to misinformation or lack of support!!!Jamie Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03847542071042686258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-67527164230959673322010-12-15T16:04:20.385-08:002010-12-15T16:04:20.385-08:00I'm assuming I'm the one person with the s...I'm assuming I'm the one person with the sensitivity...and that was only diagnosed because of skin indicators, not digestive ones. And it took me insisting repeatedly to the pediatrician that something was wrong. Amazing though, when we did begin to investigate this allergy the allergist himself ( a pediatrician also) was shocked that at 5 months, Jack was still exclusively breastfed. He kept asking...are you sure he's only ever had breastmilk? Then as he commended my efforts, he commented that pediatricians don't give enough support or correct information to women because they just don't have the experience in lactation issues. He went on to offer supportive advice as I navigated a new diet. <br /><br />During follow up visits he continued to be shocked that Jack was still breastfeeding and I was able to cut out the allergens from my diet. While I appreciate the kudos, I felt bad for the women who are told that they must switch to formula because their children are allergic to their milk. One woman told me her doctor told her because of her son's allergies and what would need to be removed from her diet, her son would be getting breast milk that had no nutritional value! The misinformation is heartbreaking.Jillianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08895430753881105278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549288261714960498.post-90225009553145731062010-12-15T15:57:43.354-08:002010-12-15T15:57:43.354-08:00Love your comment Amy...I feel like because nursin...Love your comment Amy...I feel like because nursing mamas get so many bad feelings or misinformation from doctors there tends to be this stigma against the medical community. I realize there is a fault somewhere, but I hate that the answer is always automatically "doctors are bad or misinformed or untrustworthy." Medicine has done and continues to do wonderful things it has also caused tragedy as well. I guess my point is, Gina, I feel so bad that you aren't getting the support you need and I don't blame you for being frustrated or turned off by the doctors, but it really is a shame that women have to have these experiences to begin with.Jillianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08895430753881105278noreply@blogger.com