August 1st --7th: World Breastfeeding Week

It's World Breastfeeding week, yo!

I wanted to write a long post about 

how I've struggled through, learned about, 

and become passionate about breastfeeding.

However: we just got back from a three week trip,

I'm potty training my almost-3-year old,

catching up with the mountains of laundry,

and fighting the stacks on my desk

*sigh*

I would like to quickly share 

3 thoughts about breastfeeding:

--> almost always comes with challenges

Challenges are typical and there are many places to find answers & support--seek them out early! Surprisingly (to me), even after 'mastering' breastfeeding with your first baby, you can still have new challenges with that same nursling and/or future babies

{seek out your local lalecheleague, a lactation consultant, review websites like kellymom to find answers to questions, or  talk to any passionate-about-breastfeeding friend/sister/cousin for questions & consultation sharalea@gmail.com }

--> a mother will be more successful with support

which is part of the theme of this year's WBW--

"Even when mothers are able to get off to a good start, all too often in the weeks or months after delivery there is a sharp decline in breastfeeding rates, 

and practices, particularly exclusive breastfeeding."

(see above support options)

--> the time spent together becomes cherished 

one-on-one time for mother & baby to bond with the added benefit of the best nourishment that can be given to a growing child

(or maybe this should be worded the other way around)

Nursing 2 mo. old Miss N at the Mall of America after my birthday dinner date {Feb 2012}

I began my breastfeeding experience 

five years ago, with a book in hand and lactation consultant's number on speed dial. At  home with my newborn, I set up a "lactation station" with a shelf by my rocker stocked with breastfeeding books, a water bottle, wet cloths to wake my sleepy newborn to keep him eating, nipple ointment, and a log book to keep track of feeding times and lengths. 

While I have worked for & enjoyed the opportunity to exclusively breastfeed all 3 of my children, I recognize and respect that every woman has to figure out the best way and time frame for breastfeeding her baby. I also understand that there are circumstances when breastfeeding isn't a viable option. My mother, for example, breastfed all of her newborns for a short time and ended up switching to formula to nourish her growing babies.

I am grateful for the challenges and triumphs in breastfeeding that have helped mold me into more confident and capable 

mother

and woman.

Nursing 19 mo. old Miss N at Clarks Fork Falls in Montana last week {July 2013}

What about you? 

Did (does) your breastfeeding experience include challenges? 

How did you resolve them?

If you are currently nursing a babe 

and want to be involved in this year's "Big Latch On"
THIS WEEKEND!!

--check out the site 

to find a location near you!  I'll be attending one 

here in the Twin Cities for the 2nd year in a row!

Tchau, Cow! Part II

Since going dairy-free about 9 months ago, I have received several requests for information. After my first Tchau Cow blog post a few days ago, I decided to follow up with a Q&A format that might be helpful for anyone curious or starting down this road in their journey as well.
 

Q: Why did you cut out dairy from your diet?
 A: I cut dairy from my diet because I was/am breastfeeding my baby who has a milk protein sensitivity. 

Q: How did you know that dairy was the problem?
A: My baby's symptoms were consistent with the information I read online about food sensitivity in breastfeeding babies. (Ex: extremely fussy, arching back, lots of gas (LOTS!), bubbly bowels, sleeping & waking often with painful cries) 

Q: How long did it take to see results for your baby?
A: It took about 2 weeks to see full results--better sleeping, much less gas, significantly decreased unhappiness/crying/fussiness. According to KellyMom.com: "Eliminating a food for less than 2-3 weeks may not be effective—cow’s milk protein, for example, can persist in mom’s body for 1½ – 2 weeks, and it may be another 1½ – 2 weeks before the protein is out of baby’s system."

Q: Does this mean your baby is lactose intolerant?
I believe that she has a milk protein sensitivity. According to KellyMom.com: "If your baby is sensitive to dairy products it is highly unlikely that the problem is lactose intolerance, although many people may tell you so."

Q: What about lactose-free products...?
A: According to KellyMom.com: "If your baby is sensitive to dairy in your diet, it will not help to switch to lactose-free dairy products. The problem is the cow’s milk proteins, not the lactose. Cooking dairy products may reduce but will not eliminate the allergens."  

Q: Do babies grow out of it? 
A: Babies are likely to grow out of her sensitivity by age 3 (if not sooner)

Q: After 9 months being diary-free, how do you know your if baby is still sensitive?
A: Occasionally I will indulge. So far, the results are still the same--about 2 days after I consume dairy, the babe has a particularly difficult night sleeping. 

Q: Do any of your other children have problems with dairy?
A: My first baby was allergic to eggs (and a few other things) but has since grown out of it (he is now 4). Food allergies & sensitivities can be genetic--and there are plenty of those on Mr. H's side of the family, so my kids are slightly more prone to these things.

Q: Do you give your other children cow's milk now?
A: No. We have enjoyed almond, rice, coconut, & soy milks. Most regularly, we have almond milk in our fridge. At first we were buying both kinds and then realized that was kind of silly.

Q: What is your favorite dairy substitute?
A:Coconut milk ice cream!

Q: Do you plan to stay dairy-free when you are finished nursing your baby?
A: I haven't decided yet. There is information that I have read that makes me feel comfortable sticking with it and even think that it is a good, healthy choice. I like the way I feel dairy-free (there is a noticeable difference in my digestion* and overall healthy feeling) and since I'm on a roll...(and Mr. H has jumped on board as well), we might just go with it!  

Q: What is your advice for others who are gearing up to go dairy free?
A: While it can feel like an overwhelming challenge, it DOES get easier as you adjust to changing/altering/eliminating dairy from your diet. I know that if I can do it--YOU CAN DO IT too. People will think you are wasting your time and energy but YOU know that breastfeeding your baby (or just making a different healthy life choice) is a priority and that makes it all worth it. There are sufficient substitutes and there are awesome benefits--besides your happy baby, your waist line will thank you as well!

Q: Do you have any helpful links?
A: Why yes, yes I do!

An interesting article written by an MD about saying goodbye to cow's milk (also the problem with the food pyramid)
This is a great place to look for dairy-free substitutes as you are re-configuring your kitchen. 
I'm sure you noticed from the above quotes that I love KellyMom.com--awesome information on food sensitivities in babies for breastfeeding Mamas...and really, all things breastfeeding! 
Here is a really helpful dairy free site that gives lots of ideas, advice, & recipes!
I am nodding my head as I read "Six Steps To Successfully Going Dairy Free"--if this is your goal, definitely a good little article!
And of course...google is your friend! 
  

Bonus Q: The title here is "Tchau Cow"...why do you say "tchau" instead of "ciao"?
A: My usage of the word (meaning "goodbye") is based on my experience with the Portuguese language which is spelled "tchau". You can often hear me say "tchau tchau" when I am saying goodbye on the phone (mostly with Mr. H). Your fun fact for the day! :)



*I have suffered from chronic constipation most of my life--without dairy in my diet, I no longer have this annoying problem!