I’m going to preface this blog by saying- FED IS BEST.

We decided to breast feed Issac longer then Izzy simply because I could stay home as long as we wanted this time around. A total of 18 and a half months of breast feeding and on May 1st 2020, I woke up and decided that day was the day. We were done.

As it is- he eats solid food at least 5 times a day, drinks from a straw with no problem and a month after weaning, still wants to breast feed, but he’ll get over it eventually.

I also breast fed with Izzy AND pumped to create a back up supply. I will touch back on this later in the blog- but for now, my tips for success-

1. Drink lots of water– this is a huge must. On a normal day my goal for water intake is around 60 oz. when I’m breastfeeding, I aim for double that, and will accept no less then 100 oz. I carry around a 18 oz water bottle- the baby feeds and I make sure to drain my water.
2. Invest in mothers milk tea– I personally use Traditional Medicinals Organic Mothers Milk blend.  I buy it in the 6 pack from target because between my red card and the subscription, I save 10%. This is the cheapest and most reliable way I have been able to find this brand.
3. Don’t diet away your milk– the focus on losing weight right after your pregnancy is so prevalent in our society. We are constantly bombarded with images of new moms with tiny waists and giant milk engorged boobs. This is not going to be the case for everyone. I do not lose all of my pregnancy weight by breast feeding- and I have no intention of rushing into weight loss to satisfy people outside of my life.
4. Eat foods for lactation– I have two personal recipes I use (cookies & porridge) but seriously go on Pinterest and get yourself some homemade yummins for your Tummins. Or, alternatively, buy some goodies- I never did because I bake to relax, but I know not everyone has the same idea of a relaxing day.
5. Night feedings– all of the night feedings on demand. I don’t care if a babies “should be” sleeping thru the night at whatever month people agree on this week. Night feedings are KNOWN to boost supply and if you side car, you barely even lose any sleep yourself.
6. Feed on demand– babies know when they need more- give ’em what they want. You cannot spoil a baby.
7. Pump– ok so this only works for some people but I recommend at least trying. I used a hand pump and pumped religiously for months with Izzy- with Issac I ditched the pump and just kept him close. Staying home and living on a single income is hard, but we’d be doing it anyway for reasons other then breastfeeding.
8. Stay relaxed– babies are weird. My little boy went thru a month long  phase of “imma gonna stand no matter where I am!” And that includes on my stomach while trying to feed. This sucks. But I (tried) to breathe thru it.. I also unlatched him, told him “no standing” or “ow that hurts” and then latched him back on. I had to do this over 10 times in some feedings.. I admittedly stopped counting at that point because it counters the whole “stay relaxed” thing. Which leads me to the next thing…
9. Take a break– no seriously. Sometimes, you have to set that baby down and walk away for 5 or 10. And there is nothing wrong with that. You can’t help to replenish others cups if yours is on empty. And lastly-
10. Remember– Fed Is Best. If breastfeeding is not working for you or your little one, for any reasons whatsoever, it’s ok. Release the mom guilt and slap some formula into a bottle and get your baby gaining.

Thanks for stopping by for this installment of semi regular ramblings of a farmer mom-

Until next time, have a wicked good day!