Morning sickness is a woe that hits many pregnant women. Some people are blessed with the lack of it, but as it is a sign of healthy pregnancy hormones, some of us are thankful for it, while hating it at the same time.
So, we all read the tips for helping with the sickness. One article says if pregnant women eat large amounts of beans, it will reduce their sickness, while another proclaims a herbal cure.
One thing to remember is to make sure to check with your care provider before starting any special diet or herbs. Some of them are not safe for pregnancy.
Across the board though, there are some things that seem to help with morning sickness.
If you are overtired or lack sleep, you will probably be sicker. If you have more than one child, you know that lack of sleep is a part of life, but if you can manage to squeeze in a nap or get to bed earlier, or even sleep in a bit, sometimes you will find morning sickness is not as hard to handle. How to practically do that?
When I had little ones, I would set one on the end of the couch with a book and the other behind my legs and then I would fall asleep. If they moved, I felt them. It is not ideal, but a way to get a cat nap in the moment.
Liquids can often be hard to get down, but sometimes bubbles can help. Sugar was a trigger for me, so I drank lemon club soda. The acid seemed to help and the bubbles to keep me hydrated. I also did some plain herbal teas that I could sip on. Again, make sure to check with your doctor to make sure your tea is safe.
Distractions- this could be a funny movie, a good book, staying busy with a project unrelated to food. It can help, but don't overtire yourself. Overtiring yourself can make you sicker than ever.
Avoid evening activities.
Keep well hydrated and even if you know it is going to come back up, it is better to eat a little as some nutrition will make it to the baby.
Find a list of good remedies that you would like to try. Collect about 30 of them. Write them on a calendar and work your way through them, one day at a time. Write notes on what worked and what did not work. Try to make enough of them that you can get through them and by the time you are done, hopefully morning sickness will be over.
If you find yourself getting very dehydrated, vomiting everything you eat, please call your caregiver right away. You may need some medical help to get you through this.
I found personally that sugar was a big trigger for me, I avoided it and it really helped ease the morning sickness.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
You would think....
...it would easy for me to think of many pregnancy topics! But for some reason, I want them to be so good that I over think it and then do not write at all! It does not help when you are trying to build a blog!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Maternity Clothing
Maternity clothing is something that is expensive often and many women on tight budgets, moan about. It is only for nine months, and yet spending $40 on something I can only wear for such a short time.
According to my midwife though, wearing tight clothing can restrict blood flow, and can not be healthy for you and the baby, so here are some places to look for some cute, spiffy maternity clothes and some tips on finding them, and not breaking the budget!
All the normal online maternity shops have Clearance.....start there, if you are looking for something new. You never know what will be really cheap that day! Check online for coupon codes as well.
http://www.duematernity.com
Motherhood
Kohls
JC Penny
Old Navy
If you are looking for long skirts....this link is for you.
The Modest mom- combining femininity with fashion
Also, if you have local stores in your area like Herbergers, Ross Dress for Less etc. They often have clearance and racks with some maternity selection. Target does as well, but it is generally generously sized, in case you are petite looking for something.
After you have looked and found something you think you like..... and the prices are still too high for you. Check on ebay. Look under the brand names of the things that you like and do a search for it. You will be amazed!!! You can find new, gently used maternity items for much cheaper. However, be careful. Watch that you do not spend over what they are new.
Also, check local children's boutique's and consignment shops. They often carry maternity wear, and sometimes you can find a cute shirt or two that will brighten your pregnancy wardrobe. Sometimes you can bring in some of your children's clothes, that they hardly wore and get some credit it for them as well.
Finally, second hand stores. I know, some people hate shopping them, but occasionally amongst the '80's garb, you will find some cute things!!!
I hope this helps you to try to find something to help your pregnancy wardrobe search a bit!
According to my midwife though, wearing tight clothing can restrict blood flow, and can not be healthy for you and the baby, so here are some places to look for some cute, spiffy maternity clothes and some tips on finding them, and not breaking the budget!
All the normal online maternity shops have Clearance.....start there, if you are looking for something new. You never know what will be really cheap that day! Check online for coupon codes as well.
http://www.duematernity.com
Motherhood
Kohls
JC Penny
Old Navy
If you are looking for long skirts....this link is for you.
The Modest mom- combining femininity with fashion
Also, if you have local stores in your area like Herbergers, Ross Dress for Less etc. They often have clearance and racks with some maternity selection. Target does as well, but it is generally generously sized, in case you are petite looking for something.
After you have looked and found something you think you like..... and the prices are still too high for you. Check on ebay. Look under the brand names of the things that you like and do a search for it. You will be amazed!!! You can find new, gently used maternity items for much cheaper. However, be careful. Watch that you do not spend over what they are new.
Also, check local children's boutique's and consignment shops. They often carry maternity wear, and sometimes you can find a cute shirt or two that will brighten your pregnancy wardrobe. Sometimes you can bring in some of your children's clothes, that they hardly wore and get some credit it for them as well.
Finally, second hand stores. I know, some people hate shopping them, but occasionally amongst the '80's garb, you will find some cute things!!!
I hope this helps you to try to find something to help your pregnancy wardrobe search a bit!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Book Review: Natural Hospital birth by Cynthia Gabriel
Natural Hospital birth: The best of both worlds
by Cynthia Gabriel
Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko
Doula, medical anthopologist, and mother of three, Cynthia Gabriel offers the tools and inspiration you need to release your fears, win the support of the hospital staff, and avoid unnecessary interventions.
I have never read a pregnancy book that I so throughly loved before! Okay, I loved Ina May's guide to childbirth, but this one is absolutely amazing!!!
I think everyone, no matter what type of birth you desire should read this book.
This book explains birth in way that I have not read before, it speaks of the emotional impact birth can have on a woman, medicated or non-medicated. It goes through the steps of labor and birth, explaining them in a way a mother who has never given birth can read and be prepared.
It speaks of reasons for interventions, and reasons you could refuse or accept. This book is filled with birth stories of mothers, and the struggles or triumphs they faced throughout their births. This is not a book that is going to be too scientific for readers who struggle with that. This is a basic guide for the mom, who would like a natural birth. How natural it is, this book can explain how that varies for each woman.
I especially liked in the appendix a list of common interventions and how to avoid them. It was simple, educating and gives you the info and encourages your own research as well.
This book does not make you feel fearful, but rather empowered and encouraged to go forward with labor and delivery.
Overall, this book is such a wonderful guide for childbirth, I wish I could buy a copy to give each client! I give this book 5 large gold stars!!!
This book is available for purchase from many sources.
It retails for $16.95 and is 256 pages long
Amazon
Borders
Borders often has coupons as well on their books, making this a reasonable place to buy from.
by Cynthia Gabriel
Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko
Doula, medical anthopologist, and mother of three, Cynthia Gabriel offers the tools and inspiration you need to release your fears, win the support of the hospital staff, and avoid unnecessary interventions.
I have never read a pregnancy book that I so throughly loved before! Okay, I loved Ina May's guide to childbirth, but this one is absolutely amazing!!!
I think everyone, no matter what type of birth you desire should read this book.
This book explains birth in way that I have not read before, it speaks of the emotional impact birth can have on a woman, medicated or non-medicated. It goes through the steps of labor and birth, explaining them in a way a mother who has never given birth can read and be prepared.
It speaks of reasons for interventions, and reasons you could refuse or accept. This book is filled with birth stories of mothers, and the struggles or triumphs they faced throughout their births. This is not a book that is going to be too scientific for readers who struggle with that. This is a basic guide for the mom, who would like a natural birth. How natural it is, this book can explain how that varies for each woman.
I especially liked in the appendix a list of common interventions and how to avoid them. It was simple, educating and gives you the info and encourages your own research as well.
This book does not make you feel fearful, but rather empowered and encouraged to go forward with labor and delivery.
Overall, this book is such a wonderful guide for childbirth, I wish I could buy a copy to give each client! I give this book 5 large gold stars!!!
This book is available for purchase from many sources.
It retails for $16.95 and is 256 pages long
Amazon
Borders
Borders often has coupons as well on their books, making this a reasonable place to buy from.
Combatting tiredness in pregnancy
Tired? Run down feeling? Most people find that these feelings are par for the course when it comes to pregnancy, but here are a couple suggestions that may make it a little easier!
First off, make sure you let your care provider know, if it is unusually bad. Your iron may be low, and need to be checked. If your blood pressure is low as well, it can make you very tired as well.
One thing, I have seen when blood pressure is low, that exercise can raise it and make you feel much better. You will feel like your limbs are heavy and you cannot move, but force them to move and walk to raise it up and you will be amazed at how much better you feel.
Daily exercise, not too extreme, as that can tire you, but a brisk walk daily can actually combat the extreme tiredness and help you to feel better in your pregnancy. There is some studies that show that exercise during pregnancy helps your baby to be in a better position and labors to be faster and go smoother.
Here are a couple of links to some articles on the topic:
Seven Great Benefits of pregnancy exercise
Study: Exercise in pregnancy benefits babies
Exercise during pregnancy
Exercise during pregnancy benefits your baby's heart
How to exercise during pregnancy
Most of these are just articles with info on the studies, and remember to discuss any type of exercise with your care provider.
So, what else can you do to combat weariness?
Lack of sleep can really wear you down in pregnancy, the constant getting up to use the restroom, and the uncomfortable stress of sleeping with a large ball in front of you.
A couple of tips, make sure you find out how much calcium/magnesium supplement you can safely take as a pregnant woman. This mineral helps your muscles to relax so you can sleep and have less leg cramps.
Drink plenty of fluids, but not over the top so you are using the bathroom in excess.
Eating a light protein snack before bed can sometimes help you to sleep better and keep your blood sugar more stable, even if you do not have blood sugar issues.
Eat a healthy diet- there are many trains of thought on this. Anyone who has read "What to eat when you are expecting" knows about the Best odds diet, which focuses on limiting weight gain in pregnancy. There are many other diets out there, do some research.
This study was interesting on how poor diet in pregnancy can effect your baby's long term health.
Why poor diet in pregnancy can effect your offsprings's long term health?
Excess sugar and empty calories can be a cause for lack of energy though as well, so choose the foods that will give the most nutritional impact on your baby first. Your stomach will not be able to hold as much food as time goes on, so making sure you get the most important foods first is an excellent way to look at it.
Focus on the food groups, and make sure you are getting as many servings as you are supposed to of vegetables, fruits and meats. Women in pregnancy can sometimes struggle with dairy, but this is another thing to discuss with your care provider.
First off, make sure you let your care provider know, if it is unusually bad. Your iron may be low, and need to be checked. If your blood pressure is low as well, it can make you very tired as well.
One thing, I have seen when blood pressure is low, that exercise can raise it and make you feel much better. You will feel like your limbs are heavy and you cannot move, but force them to move and walk to raise it up and you will be amazed at how much better you feel.
Daily exercise, not too extreme, as that can tire you, but a brisk walk daily can actually combat the extreme tiredness and help you to feel better in your pregnancy. There is some studies that show that exercise during pregnancy helps your baby to be in a better position and labors to be faster and go smoother.
Here are a couple of links to some articles on the topic:
Seven Great Benefits of pregnancy exercise
Study: Exercise in pregnancy benefits babies
Exercise during pregnancy
Exercise during pregnancy benefits your baby's heart
How to exercise during pregnancy
Most of these are just articles with info on the studies, and remember to discuss any type of exercise with your care provider.
So, what else can you do to combat weariness?
Lack of sleep can really wear you down in pregnancy, the constant getting up to use the restroom, and the uncomfortable stress of sleeping with a large ball in front of you.
A couple of tips, make sure you find out how much calcium/magnesium supplement you can safely take as a pregnant woman. This mineral helps your muscles to relax so you can sleep and have less leg cramps.
Drink plenty of fluids, but not over the top so you are using the bathroom in excess.
Eating a light protein snack before bed can sometimes help you to sleep better and keep your blood sugar more stable, even if you do not have blood sugar issues.
Eat a healthy diet- there are many trains of thought on this. Anyone who has read "What to eat when you are expecting" knows about the Best odds diet, which focuses on limiting weight gain in pregnancy. There are many other diets out there, do some research.
This study was interesting on how poor diet in pregnancy can effect your baby's long term health.
Why poor diet in pregnancy can effect your offsprings's long term health?
Excess sugar and empty calories can be a cause for lack of energy though as well, so choose the foods that will give the most nutritional impact on your baby first. Your stomach will not be able to hold as much food as time goes on, so making sure you get the most important foods first is an excellent way to look at it.
Focus on the food groups, and make sure you are getting as many servings as you are supposed to of vegetables, fruits and meats. Women in pregnancy can sometimes struggle with dairy, but this is another thing to discuss with your care provider.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Guest post- Placenta Article
Perinatal mood disorders affect 60-80% of new mothers. That is 6-8 out of ten new mothers! Moms with a history of depression, mood swings or postpartum depression are at a statistically increased risk for perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum depression, for current and subsequent pregnancies. “First-time moms are seven times more likely” to be treated or admitted to a hospital for perinatal mood disorders according to a study published in the December 6, 2006, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Those are some frightening statistics if you are a new mother or one of the many with a personal or family history that puts you at a greater risk. These mood disorders can go away with time, like the “Baby Blues” or can linger and require treatment like postpartum depression and the more serious and rare Postpartum Psychosis. Some mothers don’t want to take medications, especially if they plan on breastfeeding, but it can become necessary. Mothers should always check in with their midwife or doctor if they are feeling in any way unwell following their birth. They are there to help.
Is there a more natural option or even a natural preventative? More and more mothers in the United States, Canada and abroad are rediscovering a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine which is said to not only help them to heal quicker and feel more energetic following birth, but also increase milk supply and help to prevent or relieve the symptoms of the “Baby Blues” and postpartum depression. Mothers can sometimes learn about this option from friends, family, their acupuncturist, their naturopath, their doctor, their doula, their childbirth educator, another mom on the playground or even the internet. Even with those various means of gleaning this information, most mothers are completely unaware that this option exists. Even for mothers who “are not into herbs and things,” or for those who are skeptical and think it must be the placebo effect, many mothers choose this option once they are aware of it. Even if it is a placebo effect, what a wonderful effect it is! There are no negative side effects. It is breastfeeding-safe, 100% all-natural, and I have met many vegans and vegetarians happily take it without going against their morals and beliefs. Of the two dozen+ clients I have provided services in the past year, including those moms at an increased risk for postpartum depression, not a single one of them reported any type of perinatal mood disorder. 0 out of 24+ is substantially better looking than 6-8 out of 10, don’t you think?
What is in this capsule that can meet all of those descriptions and be said to have so many positive effects? It’s not magic, it’s a gift from God or Mother Nature (your choice). We were created, or evolved, so artfully that we can grow our children inside of us, nourish them, birth them and feed them all with our own bodies. What nourishes the child during pregnancy is made to nourish the mother following the birth. The placenta is made up of the perfect mixture of beneficial hormones, enzymes and nutrients just for you. Every mother’s placenta has a different concentration of the various components but each placenta is perfect for the mother that birthed it. This professional has a specific listing of some of the components and their purpose for your review. In his 1993 book Jade Remedies, Peter Homes states, "Giving...placenta to a new mother following birth has become standard protocol among a growing number of midwives in the United States. By nourishing the blood and fluids, endocrine glands and organs, Placenta will ...reduce or stop postpartum bleeding, speed up recovery, boost energy and relieve postpartum blues." A piece of placenta taken orally has also been shown to decrease or stop a postpartum hemorrhage. Placentas are a strong substance that should not be wasted or disposed of, especially for those mothers who are at higher risk of the mood disorders. One mom who had suffered postpartum depression following her first birth says she feels completely different after taking her capsules following her second birth, "I don't know what happened this time, but I feel really good! I haven't had any issues whatsoever!" Read more personal experiences here.
Informed mothers can choose to ingest the placenta directly following the birth or over a period of time. This can be done in capsule form, straight up, in frozen slivers, cooked into meals, blended into smoothies or a variety of other recipes and instructional videos available on-line and in print. Robin Lim even has a recipe for Placenta Pate in her book Placenta: The Forgotten Chakra. For many moms, those just are not options for them and they choose encapsulation instead. Experienced and professional placenta services providers in the US, Canada & abroad are available to prepare healthy placentas for healthy moms following their births. In capsule form, it is much easier to ingest without the “ick factor” that may mothers cite in not wanting to otherwise ingest. To find a local provider for you or a loved one, click here for a listing of the various provider directories. Some providers also offer art prints, tinctures and healing salves in addition to a cord keepsake with your encapsulation package. Talk to your provider about the services they offer, the process of getting your placenta following the birth or about processing your already frozen placenta. Encapsulation is a viable option for moms who have had a vaginal birth or cesarean.
Sources: Photos by Courtney Durfee, ©2010 & 2011, www.cddoula.com
http://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/postpartumdepression/pressreleases.shtml
http://www.thechildrenshospital.org/wellness/info/news/54734.aspx
http://hvplacentaservices.yolasite.com/finding-a-provider.php
http://placentamom.weebly.com/research.html
http://hvplacentaservices.yolasite.com/clinical-research-and-information.php
(All ideas in this post are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the blog owner.)
Is there a more natural option or even a natural preventative? More and more mothers in the United States, Canada and abroad are rediscovering a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine which is said to not only help them to heal quicker and feel more energetic following birth, but also increase milk supply and help to prevent or relieve the symptoms of the “Baby Blues” and postpartum depression. Mothers can sometimes learn about this option from friends, family, their acupuncturist, their naturopath, their doctor, their doula, their childbirth educator, another mom on the playground or even the internet. Even with those various means of gleaning this information, most mothers are completely unaware that this option exists. Even for mothers who “are not into herbs and things,” or for those who are skeptical and think it must be the placebo effect, many mothers choose this option once they are aware of it. Even if it is a placebo effect, what a wonderful effect it is! There are no negative side effects. It is breastfeeding-safe, 100% all-natural, and I have met many vegans and vegetarians happily take it without going against their morals and beliefs. Of the two dozen+ clients I have provided services in the past year, including those moms at an increased risk for postpartum depression, not a single one of them reported any type of perinatal mood disorder. 0 out of 24+ is substantially better looking than 6-8 out of 10, don’t you think?
What is in this capsule that can meet all of those descriptions and be said to have so many positive effects? It’s not magic, it’s a gift from God or Mother Nature (your choice). We were created, or evolved, so artfully that we can grow our children inside of us, nourish them, birth them and feed them all with our own bodies. What nourishes the child during pregnancy is made to nourish the mother following the birth. The placenta is made up of the perfect mixture of beneficial hormones, enzymes and nutrients just for you. Every mother’s placenta has a different concentration of the various components but each placenta is perfect for the mother that birthed it. This professional has a specific listing of some of the components and their purpose for your review. In his 1993 book Jade Remedies, Peter Homes states, "Giving...placenta to a new mother following birth has become standard protocol among a growing number of midwives in the United States. By nourishing the blood and fluids, endocrine glands and organs, Placenta will ...reduce or stop postpartum bleeding, speed up recovery, boost energy and relieve postpartum blues." A piece of placenta taken orally has also been shown to decrease or stop a postpartum hemorrhage. Placentas are a strong substance that should not be wasted or disposed of, especially for those mothers who are at higher risk of the mood disorders. One mom who had suffered postpartum depression following her first birth says she feels completely different after taking her capsules following her second birth, "I don't know what happened this time, but I feel really good! I haven't had any issues whatsoever!" Read more personal experiences here.
Informed mothers can choose to ingest the placenta directly following the birth or over a period of time. This can be done in capsule form, straight up, in frozen slivers, cooked into meals, blended into smoothies or a variety of other recipes and instructional videos available on-line and in print. Robin Lim even has a recipe for Placenta Pate in her book Placenta: The Forgotten Chakra. For many moms, those just are not options for them and they choose encapsulation instead. Experienced and professional placenta services providers in the US, Canada & abroad are available to prepare healthy placentas for healthy moms following their births. In capsule form, it is much easier to ingest without the “ick factor” that may mothers cite in not wanting to otherwise ingest. To find a local provider for you or a loved one, click here for a listing of the various provider directories. Some providers also offer art prints, tinctures and healing salves in addition to a cord keepsake with your encapsulation package. Talk to your provider about the services they offer, the process of getting your placenta following the birth or about processing your already frozen placenta. Encapsulation is a viable option for moms who have had a vaginal birth or cesarean.
Sources: Photos by Courtney Durfee, ©2010 & 2011, www.cddoula.com
http://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/postpartumdepression/pressreleases.shtml
http://www.thechildrenshospital.org/wellness/info/news/54734.aspx
http://hvplacentaservices.yolasite.com/finding-a-provider.php
http://placentamom.weebly.com/research.html
http://hvplacentaservices.yolasite.com/clinical-research-and-information.php
(All ideas in this post are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the blog owner.)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of the most wonderful things you can do for your baby. But sometimes it is one of the hardest things. I am going to begin this little talk by prefacing this in that I know there are people who try very, very hard to breastfeed, and it does not work out. I have met some of them! They are some of the most self sacrificing people I have ever met. I hope that some of the tips I can give, can make the difficulties a little easier.
I think most of the time people assume it will come naturally. It is a natural process after all!
But I think one thing that mothers need to prepare themselves for is that breastfeeding is a lot of work. For me, personally, it was way easier than bottle feeding. But that is not to say it was without it's difficulties.
I think one thing to remember first off, in order to have a successful breastfeeding experience, is attitude. I know, that is a weird thing to say, but attitude makes a big difference in breastfeeding. If you go into it and say "I am going to try to breastfeed." You have good intentions, but it is probably not going to work out, similar to if you said "I am going to try to read 10 books this summer." but then you have to do it. Pretty much, with breastfeeding you have to just do it. You are going to have to devote your time to doing it.....
It is going to take time. You need to breastfeed your baby every 2-4 hours. When the baby is small, they often need longer to nurse too. It can be 15-20 minutes each session. I like to think this is time to sit down and rest yourself, recovering from birth can be trying, and often we as mothers do not rest enough. Taking the time to rest can make breastfeeding easier as well.
Sometimes I have met new mothers who have a couple other children, they take a couple days after birth to rest up, and then they jump right back into their work. They don't eat properly, they don't see they have any other choice. but to do their duties they always preform. About 6-8 weeks later, they find themselves exhausted, their milk supply falters, the baby starts crying a lot, they wake up at night more. You want to lose the baby weight you have put on, and start exercising, but instead of the rush they expected, they feel more tired. They add vitamins. They wonder if they should stop breastfeeding. You see the formula packets the hospital sent home with you and you think "Some people say their baby will sleep longer if you give them formula."
Other people have told you mix some rice cereal in their bottle....You give in and give the baby a bottle. It is not so bad, the baby sleeps for a couple hours, you are really full of milk, but it gave you an hour or two off. Once in awhile, can't be bad, right?
Yes, once in awhile, if you were pumping to compensate, it could be fine, but this early in your breastfeeding relationship, it could be the end, if you are not experienced. Rice cereal in a baby bottle is just a bad idea at that age....
Exercise is great for a breastfeeding mom! But overdoing it, can effect your milk supply. You need a minimum of calories in order to maintain a steady breast milk supply. You need a minimum of 1800 calories and more depending on specific people. But if you notice you are exhausted, you are stressed, getting depressed, baby is fussy.....take the baby for a walk and eat a good meal.
Nurse the baby more often- every 2 hours to increase your milk supply. One big thing to remember, if your baby is tiny and sleeping through the night, it can effect your milk supply. Prolactin levels peak while you are sleeping and when you breastfeed at night, it helps trigger more milk production.
One of the best things you can do though is get involved with a mother's support group. Look online
You can see if they have one in your area. Also, there is breastfeeding support groups that will have groups too, you can go to.
These are great ways that will get you out of the house and meeting other people who are in the same situation as you, without extra stress.
If you find that life is so overwhelming and you are feeling like you cannot handle taking care of your baby, you may be suffering from some postpartum depression. Please let someone know! It is so hard to do that, I know, but it is more common than you know. But that is another post!!
I think most of the time people assume it will come naturally. It is a natural process after all!
But I think one thing that mothers need to prepare themselves for is that breastfeeding is a lot of work. For me, personally, it was way easier than bottle feeding. But that is not to say it was without it's difficulties.
I think one thing to remember first off, in order to have a successful breastfeeding experience, is attitude. I know, that is a weird thing to say, but attitude makes a big difference in breastfeeding. If you go into it and say "I am going to try to breastfeed." You have good intentions, but it is probably not going to work out, similar to if you said "I am going to try to read 10 books this summer." but then you have to do it. Pretty much, with breastfeeding you have to just do it. You are going to have to devote your time to doing it.....
It is going to take time. You need to breastfeed your baby every 2-4 hours. When the baby is small, they often need longer to nurse too. It can be 15-20 minutes each session. I like to think this is time to sit down and rest yourself, recovering from birth can be trying, and often we as mothers do not rest enough. Taking the time to rest can make breastfeeding easier as well.
Sometimes I have met new mothers who have a couple other children, they take a couple days after birth to rest up, and then they jump right back into their work. They don't eat properly, they don't see they have any other choice. but to do their duties they always preform. About 6-8 weeks later, they find themselves exhausted, their milk supply falters, the baby starts crying a lot, they wake up at night more. You want to lose the baby weight you have put on, and start exercising, but instead of the rush they expected, they feel more tired. They add vitamins. They wonder if they should stop breastfeeding. You see the formula packets the hospital sent home with you and you think "Some people say their baby will sleep longer if you give them formula."
Other people have told you mix some rice cereal in their bottle....You give in and give the baby a bottle. It is not so bad, the baby sleeps for a couple hours, you are really full of milk, but it gave you an hour or two off. Once in awhile, can't be bad, right?
Yes, once in awhile, if you were pumping to compensate, it could be fine, but this early in your breastfeeding relationship, it could be the end, if you are not experienced. Rice cereal in a baby bottle is just a bad idea at that age....
Exercise is great for a breastfeeding mom! But overdoing it, can effect your milk supply. You need a minimum of calories in order to maintain a steady breast milk supply. You need a minimum of 1800 calories and more depending on specific people. But if you notice you are exhausted, you are stressed, getting depressed, baby is fussy.....take the baby for a walk and eat a good meal.
Nurse the baby more often- every 2 hours to increase your milk supply. One big thing to remember, if your baby is tiny and sleeping through the night, it can effect your milk supply. Prolactin levels peak while you are sleeping and when you breastfeed at night, it helps trigger more milk production.
One of the best things you can do though is get involved with a mother's support group. Look online
You can see if they have one in your area. Also, there is breastfeeding support groups that will have groups too, you can go to.
These are great ways that will get you out of the house and meeting other people who are in the same situation as you, without extra stress.
If you find that life is so overwhelming and you are feeling like you cannot handle taking care of your baby, you may be suffering from some postpartum depression. Please let someone know! It is so hard to do that, I know, but it is more common than you know. But that is another post!!
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