…and I do believe it is a ritual, finding support amongst others who are going though a similar transition in life at the same time is pricelessly valuable. We live in a culture where we don’t see itty bitty babies and their mommas around us much. We aren’t near our sisters, cousins, moms who may be caring for their own new babies...
...Recently, I've had a group of moms both in one of my support groups and those I've been seeing individually, who are struggling with the contrasts, commentaries, realities and emotions of formula feeding...
“I’m sure I’ve written in the past that the work I do is cathartic for me. I’d love to say that my motives are completely altruistic, but let’s get real.”
“I'm a big believer that things happen for a reason. Simple as that”
“Rather than offer my thoughts on reasons to expand your brood (or not) and the complicated emotions associated, I figured I’d share some potentially helpful ideas for once you’ve decided to bring another one into the family fold. Read on for thoughts on how to introduce not only the idea but the actual tiny human to your previously one-and-only (pets excluded)”
“Happy New Year! Things are off to a good start. I've received several calls recently from current and former clients about wanting to start pumping their breastmilk. An occasional night out, a weekend away, wanting someone else to feed the baby, and going back to work are just a few of the reasons moms want to pump, but many of the suggestions and planning are the same. Here's a little info I've written on the subject”
“In my life, I occasionally find the need to take things back to the basics.”
“My husband thinks I have the greatest job in the world. What’s not to like about boobs and babes?!?”
“There are certain experiences in regards to breastfeeding that come up in discussion most often, like nipple pain or milk supply. BUT, there are lots of things that aren't talked about frequently and some of those things can make us pretty uncomfortable, not only to experience, but to talk about”
“When it is no longer just the two of you, things naturally shift in terms of your relationship. One of the most important factors influencing moms in terms of breastfeeding is her social support network, and of course, her loving partner is the most important part of that network. These are some things to think about”
“New babies bring family together. It can be expected to be crazy, intense, warm, nurturing, and surprising, with, let's be honest, a tiny bit of proverbial baggage”
“My whole family gets into the mix: The girls start blowing up pink balloons and drawing nipples and areolas on them. My husband works on making the breast milk popsicles (no, although in theory it is possible to get a man to lactate, I have not subjected him to any experiments). Me, I just throw my hooter hider on as a cape and run through the house sprinkling confetti made from nursing pads shouting "It's World Breastfeeding Week! Yay!" Got a good picture?”
“Every mom, baby and situation is different, but these Basic Breastfeeding Tips should help get you off to good start”
“I support lots of different lactating people expressing all sorts of desires and beliefs. I'm pretty lucky. Having said that, I couldn't help but laugh out loud”
“I often encourage my moms at some point when they feel ready, to consider their birth experience for what it was and what they had hoped and to do whatever works best for them to honestly evaluate their feelings aside from the gift of their beautiful baby appearing in the world”
“It is so ironic that for my inaugural blog post I can't find the words to describe how excited I am that my new and improved website is obviously now live!”
