Breastfeeding?

[MyLittleWonders]

I am looking into Natural Family Planning as a method of birth control, and this website,
http://www.ccli.org/nfp/index.php, has two methods-- one for breastfeeding mothers.

Thanks for the link! I practice ecological breastfeeding with my 2nd son and didn't even get my first post-pardum period until 18 months. Now he's almost 20 months and I'm hoping to get pregnant at any time.

 

[JustMandy]

That is so great! Thank you for the link!

What is ecological bfing?

 

[katelyn]

It's breastfeeding on demand as well as ensuring that the baby's suckling need is satisfied by the breast alone - no pacifiers or bottles. The frequent suckling of a nursing infant prevents your cycle from coming back as quickly.

 

[prssyprncss]

Sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days...things have been crazy busy here.

Clarification on things...I know K gets the tastes from breast milk, I was just concerned (it seems overly so now) about the textures. And part of the reason I felt she should start or probably start solids was because she grabs at food anytime we're eating and she mimics with her mouth what we are doing with ours when we are eating. Meal times had/have become very interesting complete with fits, so we had tried to feed her her bottle before we ate, and then have her as close to us as possible so she's interacting with us during meals. It seems (I think) to be getting better, although my hubby would be the better one to say whether or not, since he's SAHD and I'm just the obsess at work mom!!!

But K's definitely getting what she needs out of the breastmilk as she's 95th % on weight...and the practitioner is teasing us that we've gotta diet her....EXCUSE ME? So anyhoo...Thanks for ya'll's input...I find I'm less obsessive now since I've been chatting with you all!!!

 

[MyLittleWonders]

If she's already trying to grab foods and mimics eating, then she is probably more than ready to start "experimenting" with food. Why not try giving her some cheerios, banana pieces, avocado pieces or mashed potatoes (just mashed up with no butter or milk) while you and your dh are eating? You can also steam/boil carrots until they are super duper soft and mush those up for her to finger at while you are eating. She may totally enjoy it and feel much more a part of what's going on at the table with less fits. My boys both showed signs they were ready to eat about 5 months old, so we took it from there ... keep breastfeeding them but also began to slowly introduce foods to them (and really just mushed table food). They loved it and have blossomed into really good eaters who will try just about anything put in front of them (they are 4 and 1 1/2). Take your cues from her ... she definitely seems to be telling you she is ready to start gumming some mushy food.

 

[Princessperky]

sounds like she is asking for food, unless you want to wait, I would go for it, prolly make life easier on you DH at meals and such. (and for a time not much food will go down .)

 

[bliz]

I agree, it sounds like she's ready to start.

 

[katelyn]

Ouch...I have a blister. Not the first one I've had - if I put lanolin on it usually goes away in a few days. But I was just curious if anyone had any other tips on dealing with it.

 

[Punkymom]

I am a breastfeeding mama! My DD nursed for 2 years and 3 months, and my DS nursed for 3 months. I wanted to still be nursing him at this point, but a lot of things that were out of my control caused him to wean. I breastfed DD throughout my pregnancy with DS (conceived at 15 months) and they tandem nursed (which means they nursed side by side) for 3 months, and DD weaned a month after my new son. I will be nursing any subsequent children and they will be allowed to nurse at least to 2 years. DD still occasionally asks me if she can have "boo boo" and she's 3 now.

 

[Princessperky]

The lactation consultant I had with DS suggested putting milk on after each feeding would help prevent blisters, also double check and make sure your little one has enough of your areola in, not just the nipple.

 

[JustMandy]

"boo boo" is cute! I have a feeling DS will ask for "booby" when he gets bigger, that's what his siblings call it!(They were weaned in infancy-so no food association here) Punky, that's great that you tandem nursed! I wish I could have...long story but I (regretably)weaned Ds #1 at 5 months. If I knew then what I know now! Speaking of nipple pain, Ds is 6 weeks and when he latches on tho my left side it is PAINFUL!! I'm talking toe curling, wincing, only let him nurse 6-7 minutes on that side pain. I think he got in the habbit of latching on wrong and now I'm trying to correct it, but it's hard to do. Any advice? Or do you think it's still the beginning pain that goes away with time?

 

[MyLittleWonders]

Are you sure you don't have thrush in that nipple or even a possible infection? I know for both my sons, the 6 week mark was when the breast infection hit (both times ... right at my six week ppd check).

 

[JustMandy]

No, I'm not sure...what are the symptoms? I'll google it!

 

[JustMandy]

yep, that looks like it! I'm so happy you suggested that, Now I'll be able to talk to my dr. Thanks!

 

[MyLittleWonders]

I'm glad ... which is it, breast infection or thrush? If it's thrush, there are more natural remedies if you are interested ... taking GrapeFruit Seed Extract (GSE) tablets and eating a bunch of yogurt are really good ... the GSE actually kills the yeast and the yogurt helps maintain healthy bacteria in your system. You can also buy Gentian Violet (I've seen it at walmart - others can get it at their local pharmacy over the counter) and put it on your nipple. BUT, it is VERY messy and will dye your breast purple for a little while (it does go away, but if you do have thrush and try the Gential Violet, wear old bras and/or nursing pads and probably old shirts until you are done with it). You can also take some GSE liquid (you can get it in tablets or as a liquid - both at the health food store) in some olive oil and dab that on your breast ... as well as putting plain yogurt or powdered probiotics on yourself. All those things are safe for your nursing babe too. If it's a breast infection, then make sure to eat yogurt to combat the killing off of both bad and good bacteria by the antibiotics (as otherwise you may end up with thrush and/or a yeast infection down yonder), and take some extra vitamin C - even just drinking a little orange juice or upping your intake of fresh fruits right now. Hope that helps!