First, a few picture updates of my blessing from above...
Trey at about 2 month, topping the charts at 14.5 lbs and 23 inches
he rolled over at 6 weeks and now LOVES to bounce in his jumper and go for runs with mommy in his jogging stroller Trey at 3 months striking his "look past the camera" model pose
Now on to the topic of the day.........
That's right this post is all about breasts...breastmilk that is! I see it now, whatever men followers I have are hitting the X in the top right corner....but wait right there....you're not off the hook. Your role in breastfeeding is just as important as the mother and child's so listen up.
Before there was bread, chicken, and broccoli on or plate there was milk. Custom made, just for you, breastmilk.
Breastfeeding is the biological norm!
#1 Did you know: Human milk contains two types of proteins: whey and casein. Approximately 60% is whey, while 40% is casein. This balance of the proteins allows for quick and easy digestion for an immature digestive system. And humans are the slowest growing and maturing mammals, but also have the most advanced brains. So it makes sense that the protein content of human milk is relatively low while the level of carbohydrates is high. (la leche league)
It's amazing how the women's body is capable of making the perfect combination of protein,
carbs, fat, antioxidants and minerals for a baby's developing brain and body.
#2 Did you know: Breastfed babies have fewer incidences of illness, ear infections, allergies, and asthma. Breastfeeding also has a protective effect against juvenile diabetes, celiac disease, childhood cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infections, multiple sclerosis, liver disease, and acute appendicitis. 
It doesn't always come easy. In fact, breastfeeding can be a very painful and discouraging process. I mentally prepared for it to be a difficult experience.... cracks, blisters, you name it. Women can face all kinds of struggles such as soreness, low milk supply, and juggling going back to work. They need a support team...family, nurses, and mommy groups to aid in their success. Dad's, this is where you come in....support car, team, whatever you want to call it. The first night home from the hospital it took 4 hands and 40 minutes to get Trey to latch on. Amongst desires for a "nurse call" button and feelings of failure, Jeremy was right there with me positioning Trey and giving words of encouragement.
Luckily, this was pretty much the hardest moment. From there on out it has been smooth sailing as Trey learned to latch on and my plentiful milk supply came in.
#3 Did You Know: Breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories/day. That's like going on a 5 mile run!
Breastfeeding is nothing to be ashamed of while in public. A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. In fact, it should be praised and not looked upon in disgust or humiliation. Thanks to my
udder cover I have nursed in the church bathroom twice and the parking lots of my gym, Home Depot and
HyVee grocery store.
This picture displays how Trey feel after a good, nourishing milkshakeI have pumped while driving down the road, in the bathroom of restaurants, and plan to this weekend at the airport and on an airplane. (I always wonder what people think when they hear this air pumping noise in the stall next to them). My girlfriend has a 5 month old and as a sales rep she travels all around the state and across the nation but continues to pump as she goes! I gathered some advice from her about how to store and pack my milk while away.
..........In fact, I am nursing as I type. Heck yeah, I'm a mom and can now hold the title "queen of multitasking!"
Did you know #3: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months and support for breastfeeding for the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child.
Milk is like gold and with a trip this weekend I have made sure to leave J with a good supply. I am also packing a cooler and my pump so I can keep on collecting and bring home.
Other "perks" (see #10) and did you knows of breastfeeding:
1. Aids in uterus returning to original size after birth.
2. Poops and spit-up don't stain or stink as much.
3. Mother-infant bonding enhanced.
4. Great way for working moms to maintain their attachment to baby and to "reconnect" after work.
5. Reduces exposure to sugar in formula.
The only sugar babies need or should have is lactose - the simple sugar found in human
breastmilk. Sucrose is harmful to teeth and the rest of the body.
6. Reduces exposure to potential allergens in formula.
Cow's milk and soy are two of the most common allergens, and cow's milk and soy are the two most common types of formula. Human babies are never allergic to human milk.
7. Inexpensive. Nursing is free.
8. Reduced risk of SIDS.
9. Reduces a mother's risk of breast, ovarian, cervical and uterine cancer.
Breast cancer is a leading killer of women in the United States and around the world. We know that breastfeeding drastically reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. For this reason alone, it is worth committing to breastfeed.
10. For the normally flat-chested, a temporary boost! Not the single best reason to breastfeed, but a nice, um perk.
Great resources can be found online:
http://www.llli.org/If you have any success stories, tips or words of wisdom, please share in the comments!
Until next time...
look good, feel good, do good
