Breastfeeding Debate? Again? What Is There To Debate?!

Excuse the misspellings, but I just wanted to share with you all my comment to a post regarding the latest article going around about a mother breastfeeding her daughter at the age of 5. I was in the minority with my views. Sadly it's the mindset of majority of people in our society. Damnit ya'll! We have to do better!

"I see nothing wrong at all. Personally would i breastfeed my 5yr old for everyone to see? No. But in the privacy of my home it would be a go. i breast fed my youngest til she was 3 (most of it was comfort nursing by that age and no simply expressing milk into a cup would not do. Sucking at the breast provided a sort of soothing that would calm her fits, restlessness, and sickness)... she weaned herself, but i would have continued if she wanted to. i hate the stigma attached to breastfeeding. Our milk does not lose any nutrition or use when a child hits a certain age. It purposefully changes it's properties to accommodate a growing child. It's neither demented nor sexual. i dedicate my work to encouraging and supporting breastfeeding mothers of color... a demographic who suffers the lowest rates of breastfeeding. And i know many who wants to breastfeed as long as they can whether the age be 1, 2, 3, or 5, but stops early or don't do it for as long as they could or want because of uninformed backlash. 'They're too old. If they can ask for it they don't need it. If they can chew and swallow the they need to be weaned.' etc. It should be encouraged rather than shunned. Maybe not the same scenario as this person in the pic because her demographic has the highest rates of breastfeeding and support. But that doesn't negate the positive attributes of extended breastfeeding."

Here's the article: http://www.kpho.com/story/25345687/breastfeeding-mom-still-feeds-daughter-at-age-5

Let's stop demonizing and sexualizing a mother and child's choice to continue breastfeeding beyond the societal norm.

It's Hot and Baby Needs Water!

I've heard it all throughout the summer while I breastfed my 3. "You need to give that baby water. She's gonna dehydrate in this heat!"
Let me be the one to put your worry to rest. A baby needing water in addition to breastmilk due to hot weather is a MYTH.


Yes, it's true that a baby needs extra hydration in the hotter months, but breastmilk will provide all of the hydration needed. Furthermore, foremilk contains a high content of water to quench baby's thirst. Frequent nursing may be in order and that is fine. Just be sure that you're getting enough water. Being thirsty won't affect your production, but to avoid any possibility of dehydration on your behalf it's best to have some extra water nearby.

More Recipes to Boost Milk Supply

Sometimes cookies just aren't an option. I understand! So I wanted to share with you a smoothie recipe to up your milk supply.

Overnight Booby Smoothies: Energy-Boosting Banana Oatmeal

Happy Nursing!

Reservations About My Relactation Journey

A couple of weeks ago I made the decision to try to relactate.

Why? Well, I'll dedicate a post going into detail why I've decided to do so.

In the meantime I wanted to let you all know about my experiences so far.

I've been continuously producing milk since I've weaned my now 3 year old. I can only express by hand a few drops, but that's enough to let me know that I still have the ability to make milk. Now, my youngest child wasn't aware of my decision (she still isn't), but on the same day that I decided to begin my relactation journey she attempted to nurse. She cuddled up next to me. I thought she was on her way to sleep until I felt her tugging on my shirt. Although she's weaned herself almost a year ago, I do realize how much of a comfort it's been for her in the past. I wasn't going to turn her down. Just as soon as I thought she was going to nurse, she pulled my shirt back up, turned her head, and went to sleep.

Did she just "know" or was it simply a coincidence? I can't tell you. What I can tell you is that she was sick that day and I figured maybe it was worked like instinct. Then again she's been sick before, and she's never attempted anything like that before. I also thought that it may have been due to regression because her youngest cousin is currently nursing. I'm not so sold on that idea though. So I'm stumped as to why.

Since then she's been wanting to nurse.... I've said to myself and others over and over again that I'd never refuse her. But I've been contradicting myself by refusing her.

I never thought that the stigma of extended breastfeeding would affect me the way it does now. I never had reservations until now. As much as I've advocated for breastfeeding in both my words and actions, I am now experiencing a sort of fear that I've never felt before. For the first time I am scared!

I've read and heard the perverted arguments of those who believes extended breastfeeding is on par with abuse, rape, and other crude acts against children.
The radical in me can care less about what a person thinks of my child's decision to want her mommy's milk. I am human though. And the thought of no support near me for my relactation journey along with being shunned by an ignorant society is down right scary.

Despite this fear I find the thought of going against societal norms empowering! For those who are not aware... Rates of breastfeeding amongst people of color are just one of the MANY racial disparities that we are subject to. By choosing to NOT continue nursing my daughter as she'd like due to a perverted society, I'd not only be doing a disservice to my child, but to those who may need the support to breastfeed longer than what's socially acceptable. This relactation journey will be emotionally difficult for me. But I hope to serve as not only a healthy option for my child, but as continuous support for those in communities of color... My community.... My people.

Lactation Cookies!

I must tell you all! I have a sweet tooth that is out of this world! I try my best to manage it, but there are times where I must have my sweets at all costs.
So imagine the feeling that I had when I came across lactation cookies.

Wait... So you mean to tell me that helping my milk supply was just as easy as eating cookies?!?!?! Why didn't my midwife share this with me?

Never fear mommies! I'm here to share with a recipe to not only sate your sweet tooth, but also keep your milk going.

What you'll need:

*Preheat oven to 375

1 cup softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
4 tablespoons water
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons Brewer's Yeast
3 cups rolled oats (WHOLE, NATURAL oats NOT quick oats)
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts of your choice (optional)

Now before I continue I want to emphasize that it's best to buy organic if you're able to. If not, don't let it keep you from enjoying this recipe.
The most important ingredients to insure a boost in milk supply are oatmeal, flax seed and brewer's yeast. There are many variations of this recipe, but the constant in all of them are those 3 ingredients. So be sure not to leave them out!

(OH one more thing! I'm really weird about texture. I don't care for the texture of oatmeal in my cookies so what I like to do is grind them close to powder consistency using either a food processor or high powered blender.)

Now on to the rest of the recipe :)

*Soak flax seeds while you combine the dry ingredients. This allows for them to soften a bit.
*Mix all of your dry ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
*In a separate mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar.
*Combine the eggs, drained flax seeds, and vanilla with butter/sugar mixture.
*When evenly mixed, add to the dry mixture.

You can either line your pan with parchment paper or grease your pan with butter. I opt for butter, but use whatever suits you.

*Drop mixture on the sheet by the spoonful
*Bake for 8-12 minutes
*(And my favorite part of the recipe) Enjoy!

There are variations of this recipe and I will post others for those with dietary restrictions.

More than 4 ounces... So I know it's real....

While breastfeeding my two oldest children, I had an abundant supply of milk. I could pump up to 24 ounces in 30 minutes. Needless to say if I'd ever decided to stop nursing my children they'd do well with the milk stored.

When I had my youngest child, I could not pump more than 2 ounces on one side during a 30 minute pump session. I may have been lucky to pump 4 ounces and that was only if I missed a feeding due to my baby sleeping longer than usual. That's a huge maybe. Pumping could not even empty me properly and I went through many painful bouts of clogged ducts and unbearable engorgement. Maintaining my supply while away from my baby was excruciating.

I was discouraged and felt that she was not getting enough milk. Never mind that she was gaining just fine. I couldn't see the milk that I was producing and it made me feel defeated as a mother. I was determined to continue breastfeeding, though. And I continued until she was a month or two into her third year.

I probably would have stopped earlier if it weren't for the words of advice that I received along the way. And I'm here to share them with you!

1.) How much you're able to pump is NOT a measure of your supply. It may just be that your baby is better at emptying your breast than a pump is despite it's grade.

2.) Breastfed babies get's hungry more often than bottle-fed babies. You may think that your baby is not getting enough because he constantly wants to nurse. The difference between formula and breast milk is that breast milk is digested a lot quicker and easier than formula. This fact is usually the culprit of frequent feedings.

3.) Your baby may be experiencing a growth spurt. This may result in a baby that's more fussy than usual. Keep in mind that breastfeeding is a supply and demand kind of deal. Allow for extra or longer feedings and rest assured that he's getting all of what he needs.

4.) Beware of overfeeding. Babies will willingly take a bottle of formula or expressed milk even if he is full.

5.) Babies love to suckle. Imagine my surprise when I realized that the extended time spent on my breast wasn't baby nursing at all. Rather she just found comfort in sucking as she would a pacifier.

Now you may be convinced that baby is getting enough milk during his nursing sessions, but you're not pumping enough for, say, daycare. Here are a few tips that may help.

1.) Pump regularly. Sometimes we like to pump only when we're engorged. Or maybe you will only pump during or after nursing you baby. Unfortunately it may not be enough to support your need to produce extra milk for baby while you two are apart. Set aside a schedule to pump and then stick to it! Ideally pumping 10-15 minutes every 2-4 hours will yield results within a week or two. Be consistent and patient. You'll soon be making enough!

2.) There are natural herbal supplements that aid in the production of milk. The two most popular are fenugreek and mother's milk tea. Fenugreek comes in a pill form and can be made as a tea. Mother's milk is another tea proven useful in milk production.

3.) Are you hydrated? You will need to drink about 8 glasses of water daily. It is recommended to keep water near you while breastfeeding or pumping. Speaking from experience, I would get extremely thirsty while during a nursing session. Dehydration drastically affects milk supply.

4.) Don't skimp on the calories. I'm quite sure people are asking, "How are you able to bounce back so quickly?" Well it's because breastfeeding burns up to approximately 500 calories a day. This is great but you have to remember to eat. Burning that many calories means that you'll have to eat more than usual. Not eating enough will affect your energy level and ability to produce milk.

Remember to stay persistent. You have the ability to give your baby the best and he deserves just that.

"The History of My Chocolate Milk"

I want to direct you all to a documentary in the making titled "The History of My Chocolate Milk". In this documentary the history of the low rates of breastfeeding among mothers of color, the social stigma of breastfeeding, and the necessity of breastfeeding.

I have no doubt that this film will be good, informative, and empowering.

For more information please visit "The History of My Chocolate Milk" facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateMilkFilm

My Plan B

Every mother should have a Plan B (as in breastfeeding)!!

We all have wished at one point or another that we could just disappear. Maybe you were obligated to make a family gathering. Or maybe in the company of annoying people that you just wanted to rid of but couldn't. Or just maybe you need to get away from the New Years Eve festivities where your drunk Uncle has had one too many drinks and is now embarrassing every one within his blurred eyesight... Was that just me? lol well you get the picture! I for one have been in these sort of situations. What I would've given to have a fire escape slightly out of sight but within reach so that I could slip away at a moment's notice...

There's one thing (out of many) that I cherish about breastfeeding. That's using the need to breastfeed to get out of situations. Come on! I know I'm not the only one who has played the "my baby's hungry card" to ease out of unbearable situations. I for one will tell you that this strategy has been tried and proven effective!

As healthy as breastfeeding is, many people still view it as some sort of ungodly act that should never be spoken of let alone witnessed. As unfortunate as this is, it gives you the ability to duck off into a vacant room without much worry about others coming in. And if they do they'll leave faster than they came. Can you say peace? To this I say don't feel bad. As it's one of the many perks of choosing to nurse your baby.

Use it to your advantage!

Breast milk kills cancer!!!!

I'll leave you with a few links:

http://www.med.lu.se/english/labmedlund/mig/research_groups/the_svanborg_group/the_hamlet_project

http://www.naturalnews.com/028662_breast_milk_cancer.html

http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0009384

Enjoy. And happy breastfeeding!

My addiction

For those who don't know. Yes I used to smoke. Cigarettes to be more specific. I stopped smoking about 2 months after finding out I was pregnant with my now 2 year old. I've gone cold turkey for close to 3 years now... But this past January, after being away for a weekend, my youngest daughter showed disinterest in nursing when I got back home. It was kind of bittersweet. I kind of enjoyed the fact that I'd have my "body back" finally. At the same token I knew that my pregnancy and breastfeeding is what kept me from giving in to those cravings that had been taunting me lately.

I went to the midwife for my annual check up and told her about my youngest daughter's sudden disinterest and that it's fueling my intense desire to light one for the first time in a long time. I told her that I felt bad because I'd been nursing her to fight off that desire. And now that she's "done" I don't know what to do. I also worried that if she so happens to want to nurse again then it couldn't happen because I would have started smoking again. I had no idea what to do. Then my midwife gave me this bit of information...

http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvaugsep04p75.html

Touchy subject.
I know some will have some VERY strong opinions regarding smoking and breastfeeding. To some this will come as a relief. As it did with me.
My 2 year old began showing interest in nursing again. And I've given in to my habit again during her short hiatus. Granted she's not nursing as much as she'd been before her first rejection. She may go a few days without nursing. Then when she decides she wants it again she will only do so in the middle of the night. Or when she needs to wind down. In the meantime my need to smoke is restricted to 1 or 2 a day and this is not daily. The need is so sporadic that I am confident that I pose no risk because whenever I do nurse her I am way past the nicotine's half life.

I am not here to convince anyone in any specific way when it comes to this situation. I just want to make people aware.
I respect the opinions of all. And don't mind the opinions of those who oppose this. I will not accept bashing though. I like to think of this place as a safe place of some sort. So demonizing will not be tolerated.
With that said I'd love to hear experiences and thoughts.

2 yrs later....

2 years later....
2 years later my youngest is almost 3 years old.
2 years later I'm still breastfeeding.

Obviously not as frequently as before but she will still nurse from time to time. Did I mention that she's almost 3? I'm sure that most people will give me the side-eye. She'll be preschool age next month. She'll be eligible to attend public school pre-school all day. Her formal induction to life as an assimilated child. No longer under the constant supervision of what's been her life. Me. Her home. Yes, she's been to daycare but it's so different from the dynamics of public school. With that comes the expectation that she/we abandon all things that identifies her as a baby/toddler. Breastfeeding being one of those things.
I find it so funny in the most annoying way when people complain about "not letting children remain  children" and "kids growing up so fast" yet these are the same people who will chastise a mother for continuing to feed her child in the most natural, healthiest way that she knows how. My belief is that despite these age markers put in place by society a 2 year old is still just a baby. A 3 year old is still just a baby.

I'm not here to rant, though. I'm only here to inform and support. And I just want those who have made it this far not to doubt their decision to do so.

Breastmilk Remedy

A few posts ago I posted this list of remedies involving breastmilk. Well, I tried one of them!

My youngest daughter caught pink eye a few months ago. I had no insurance and the medicine was way too expensive to pay out of pocket! It was about $150 for a little bottle of eyedrops. That wasn't an option. So I thought to myself, "Let me use the information that I found. And hey! I can report back to you all how it worked for me." So I did it. I used my milk as I would have used the medicine prescribed for my daughter. And don't you know? It cleared it right up after a couple of days!!! No lie. Believe me when I say it has worked for me. And I should add that her pink eye was a bit worse than her previous bouts with pink eye. She would wake up with a swollen, crusty eye (gross, right?). Then when  her eye was open it was red and constant drainage (puke!). But that home remedy worked like a charm!

So to my fellow, breastfeeding mamas. If you have the ability or desire to try it then I suggest you do. Because it worked for me!

A Few Words of Encouragement for Those Nursing Past Age 1

Hello everyone!

I've been on almost a year long hiatus from this blog. Why? Life. Things are so hectic with a 1st grader, preschooler, and toddler. I barely sleep! But I'm back and ready to pick up where I left off.

My youngest child is now almost 19 months. And YES I am STILL breastfeeding her! I don't know if it's because I am dreading the awful engorging that comes after brestfeeding is over. I don't know if it's because I'm going to miss the closeness. I don't know if it's because I'm going to miss that mandatory break time that I have to set aside no matter what to insure that I do breastfeed. But what I do know is that I enjoy it and my daughter does too so I'm not going to stop right now!

Now people may look at me and say, "That is so gross. That child is almost 2 years old and she's still nursing!" It's not what people think though. She's very independent. She's not clawing at my shirt to nurse whenever she's thirsty. She can drink out of a sippy cup, a straw, and a regular cup (with assistance). And she does that throughout the day unless she needs some consolation or it's bedtime. Her pediatrician commended me on continuing because at the end of the day mom's milk is best. Not cow's milk. Not soy milk. But mom's milk.

***I don't want to turn this into a rant :)

Back to the purpose of this entry. I think that it's a beautiful thing to see a mother nurse her child even past their infancy. It takes a lot although it doesn't seem like it. A lot of effort in eliminating and adding things to and from your diet that you normally wouldn't. It takes a whole lot of patience. And I want all of you moms out there who are nursing your child past the age of 1 or have thought about it to not listen to what others say. It will not "damage your child", it won't confuse them, or mess them up. Only you and your baby can indicate what's best for you and your baby :)
I've been told numerous times by various people, strangers and relatives, that I need to stop. But I won't until I feel that it's the right time.
Society likes to dictate what only mother nature can decide. So I encourage you, again, to do what's right for you and your baby. I know that I am! :)

Breast milk isn’t just for babies

Did you know that the properties in breast milk to heal and protect, not only babies but, adults? No? Well I’m here to inform. Let me count the ways:
1.) Cancer patients consume breast milk in order to boost their immunity. But you don’t have to be ill to reap the benefits of consuming breast milk. Anyone who drinks breast milk can experience the positive outcomes of doing so. You don’t have to drink it straight either. Mixing breast milk with another beverage works just the same.
2.) Breastmilk can also be used to treat pink eye, plugged/infected tear ducts and sties. How do you apply it? Express some milk and use a (clean) syringe or dropper. It can also be used to clean contacts.
3.) Breastmilk can be used to treat and relieve the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema, hives, acne, cracked/chapped skin, and chicken pox. All you have to do is rinse with water, dry and apply the breast milk to the skin. Then allow for the milk to air dry.
4.) Did you run out of face wash? Do not fear! Breastmilk is an exceptional alternative.
5.) Don’t you hate when you get those horrible canker sores? Or what about sore throats? Don’t go running to the cupboard for salt to add to your water. No. Gargle and rinse with breast milk. Not only does it work to relieve and heal. Its not nearly as bad tasting.
6.) Oh no! Now baby has a stuffed nose. Poor thing can barely breathe. Its okay. Because breast milk can take care of that problem. Use a dropper and put a few drops of breast milk in the nose as you would saline drops. It works just as well.
7.) Well you just unclogged baby’s nose and lo and behold. She now has an ear infection. Save the rush to the drug store in the middle of the night. Use breast milk to use the pain.
　
Now I know that some may think, “Is that even safe? What about contamination?” Well you’re in luck! Breastmilk is sterile and an anti-bacterial.
I’ve only found out about this a month ago. And I do plan on trying at least some of these remedies…. To those reading, please let me know if this is something that you consider trying, have tried, or wont try.
If nothing else, I hope this was at least an interesting read.