Did you know In January of 2024 there were 657,000 cans of infant formula recalled after potential bacteria contamination. As a new mom making a choice to breastfeed or not to breastfeed, I never even considered the possibility that formula could be dangerous. Breast Milk is always the safest, most pure, and most reliable option!
Breasts are a Dual Function Organ
Let us not forget these two important organs have dual functions. If you see a mom breastfeeding today, send a smile her way. If you know a pregnant momma, help her find a breastfeeding education class. Stand up for healthy feeding choices! Be a breastfeeding advocate and supporter!
Need for Control
I love witnessing the process of birth. Through the years I have noticed there is one thing that helps this process transpire into something amazing! The laboring woman gives all control to her laboring body. This loss of control lets her fully relax and enables her body to do what it is made to do. Ina May Gaskin says “we are the only mammal that doubts our ability to give birth.” Think about if women could give up that need for control and let their natural instincts take over, everyone could experience this magnificent, natural process of labor and birth.
Liquid Gold
In the first feedings of a babies life there is a magic potion that sets up their gut health for life. Yes, for life! It is called Colostrum. This liquid gold has a laxative like effect that helps clear meconium (which is a key factor in Jaundice). It also has a very high concentration of antibodies which fight viruses and bacteria. It is known to contain over 300 more ingredients than formula that help create a colony of good bacteria. Colostrum may stimulate the growth of intestinal cells, strengthen the gut wall, and prevent intestinal permeability. Life changing liquid Gold!!
Beat the Sad Partum
Why do we sometimes feel sad after the most beautiful event of our lives has just happened. Our baby is finally here and we are ready to be their everything….then life hits. Being a new mom can sometimes be different than what we expected. Our hormones are totally wack and we can feel like a milk making factory that is still learning how the machines work. Our bellies are still bellies and wow….we are so exhausted. All of these things plus more can make us feel a little down in the dumps. Here are a few suggestions that may help you feel better and more put together during those first postpartum weeks.
First: get enough rest. Your body has just experienced a major physical miracle and sleep is the bodies route to repair. Find time to take a nap here and there throughout the day.
Second: Give your body time. It has taken a good nine months for your body to accomplish all these glorious things, and it will take a bit of time to recover. Do not pull out your skinny butt jeans second day home and be upset that you can not pull them all the way up. Time is key.
Third: Find support! Find a friend to chat with about feelings you are having. Every woman remembers her experience with their births and breastfeeding! Find a friend that can help watch the baby so you can have a quick minute to yourself. A great supportive spouse, friend, mother, neighbor, or sister can make all the difference when feelings of sadness pop up.
Four: Get some fresh air. Just stepping out and taking a few healthy deep breaths can improve your wellbeing. It increases blood flow, increases oxygen levels, gives you more energy and alertness, and we all need the extra vitamin D.
Five: Ask for help. Do not think for one second that you are the only one feeling this way. Stats today show that about 60% of all new moms experience bouts of postpartum depression. You are not alone. Talk to your doctor and be aware of more serious symptoms. Look for community resources and reach out.
Kathy DiVincenzo, Ohio (real life postpartum vs. instagram postpartum)
Boob For Thought
Food for thought, do we think about our food? Why are we eating what we eat? How does our food help our body? I like to think about healthy meals that my kids will enjoy, I like to experiment with different cultural foods to add diversity to our menu. Did you know that food flavors do pass through mother’s milk. Anthropologists believe that flavors of the culture are conveyed to the baby through mother’s milk. Think about that!! We all want healthy children who eat well and now we know it starts with us!
You have a choice!
In the birthing world today it is hard to know what is best for our baby and what is best for us. Can I trust my Doctor/Midwife? Can I have a home birth? Is my local Birthing Center Safe? How will I manage pain? With all these questions I think the answer I like best is: that we have the choice! We have a choice to become educated and make our own decisions. We can decide what procedures we want and do not want! We have a choice to have a birth at a place we feel safe and confident. We can choose who will assist our delivery. The choice is ours!!
If She Had Enough!
One of the biggest concerns I hear from new moms is that she does not have enough milk. I am sure if she had enough to get pregnant, if she had enough to get through morning sickness, if she had enough to carry her belly with poise, if she had enough to conquer the belly lob during her 9th month, and if she had enough to labor and deliver a beautiful human…..then of course she will have enough milk!!
Image source: Leah Groth
Confidence
Natural childbirth has the power to build confidence for women in ways no drug on earth can. You experience a high so intense that the bonds of love are sealed forever. Natural childbirth the all empowering act.
Whole Food
Can there be a more “whole” food in the existence of mankind?
Breast milk: nourishment designed by nature. It is natural and renewable, environmental friendly and safe. It is produced and delivered directly to the consumer without contamination. There is nothing better!
The Best of the Breast!
Breastfeeding is such a magnificent idea. We go through pregnancy and experience changes that we don’t even realize are preparing our body for something miraculous. As soon as our sweet deliveries are warm on our chests the natural process has begun. The “Magic Hour”, and if we wait just long enough the baby will make the journey all on its own. Rooting and reaching for something so familiar.
Things I love
I love the birth day!
There is nothing more precious then meeting your baby for the first time. As you finish your labor, they lay your newborn on your stomach and you immediately feel that connection that has been developing for the last nine months. Best Day Ever!!