World Breastfeeding Week–My Thoughts on #breastfeeding #WBW2012

Aug 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week, designed to bring awareness to breastfeeding and help those who need help with it.

I am currently nursing my 16 month old and I nursed my other two children. My first child was bottled fed as well because I had to stop nursing at 2.5 months because of a medication I needed to be on.

I feel that every mom should try their hardest to breastfeed but I know sometimes a mom can’t and if they truly can’t, for whatever reason, then formula is an acceptable alternative. I do believe though that too many women don’t try at all or don’t try hard enough to nurse. It’s their life and their choice of course and I would never say anything or treat someone differently (and I usually don’t know why they are using bottles anyways) but I just feel that if there was more support and breastfeeding was more the norm more women would nurse.

Please understand that I am just sharing what I believe, I am not telling anyone they are a bad mom because they chose to formula feed. Your baby is being nourished and that is the most important thing. However if you never got past the early weeks of nursing which can be hard, you missed out on the wonder of breastfeeding. It’s like nothing else.

You will never see me shunning formula ads or anything radical. I just want to give support to those who do breastfeed or would like to or aren’t sure about it. I have thought about being a Lactation Consultant.

I am sad that most likely my nursing relationship will be over soon. My son is not weaning himself but I’m starting to get annoyed with his nursing behaviours (lately pinching me over and over again or getting on and off constantly. Plus now that he’s older, I would like to be able to send him for sleepovers to grandma’s house or leave for more than 6 hours.

I have a Pinterest board about breastfeeding, check it out! This is my favourite one:

Go ahead. Tell her to cover up. I'll wait over here.
Source: unprocessedfamily.blogspot.com via Kathleen on Pinterest

Comments Welcome as long as they are friendly. If you don’t like my opinion, that’s okay, but be nice. Also if you have a blog post up for World Breastfeeding Week, feel free to leave a link in the comments.

Babee Covee and Babee Covee Budee–Sponsor Spotlight for #ShakeRattleWin

The Babee Covee is a 6-in-1 blanket and cover. Save money and space by using the Babee Covee in place of the following size items:

1. Infant Car Seat Cover
2. Nursing Cover
3. Shopping Cart Cover
4. High Chair Cover
5. Stroller Blanket
6. Playtime Blanket

Here is a little video that demonstrates it’s usefulness. If you don’t have a lot of time, skip to 1:47 to see all the uses, otherwise, enjoy the reminder of what’s it’s like trying to remember to bring everything you need for the baby with you.

They JUST came out with a new product too, the Babee Covee Budee.

The Budee is a 4-in-1 smaller blanket that can be used as:

1. Security Blanket
2. Pacifier/Toy Holder
3. Burp Cloth/Lap Pad
4. Tag-Along

You can find out more about how to use the Babee Covee products or purchase them at Babee Covee. Also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

You can win both the Babee Covee and the Babee Covee Budee during the Shake Rattle and Roll Giveaway Hop May 22-Jun 5 (see sidebar under current giveaways)

*Disclosure: This is a sponsor spotlight, not a review. I have not tried this product. No compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

REVIEW/GIVEAWAY: Milk Nursing Wear

It's possible to breastfeed in any shirt of course and with practice you can be pretty discreet when nursing but it's nice to have a shirt designed for nursing, at least for when you are will be nursing in public. Even if you are able to keep most of your breast covered during feeding, often your side is hanging out.

Milk Nursing Wear sells fashionable tops designed for nursing. The company was started when Elisa was looking for nursing wear and didn't like the unattractive styles that was available. The company prides itself on excellent customer service and dedication to moms and women entrepreneurs.

Their products are available in a few US States and a few other countries but as of yet isn't available in stores in Canada. However you can order online. See list of stores.

In addition to nursing shirts, Milk also sells nursing pajamas, nursing bras and some other fun accessories.

I received the Empire Scoop Neck Nursing Top to test out. It lifts up at the breast while a second layer slides down to allow access to the breast. Check out the photos to see how.

The shirt is comfortable. I don't usually wear fitted shirts, opting for box t-shirts. I felt very pretty in the shirt, and could see myself wearing it even when I'm done nursing. The thin layer is only on the breast section so the shirt wouldn't be to warm, even in the summer.

The colour didn't run when I washed it and the shirt didn't shrink (two common problems.)

Visit Fresh Milk: Blog, Milk on Facebook and Twitter.

GIVEAWAY

Milk Nursing Wear has offered one of my readers a $40 GC to use at the online store.

NOTE: Rafflecopter has changed how it's form works. You can log in via facebook or with your email so you won't have to enter your name and email each time. If you have any problems, let me know via comments or email callista83@cogeco.ca and I'll try to get it figured out.

A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

One Person Per Household. Open Worldwide 18+. Giveaway open until December 30, 2011 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner's entries WILL BE verified. Winner will be selected using rafflecopter's random.org on December 31, 2011 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 4 days (I'm giving you more since it's New Years) to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Click Read More if you can't see the widget.

Nursing in Public

(c) Flickr User Tim/Selena Middleton

Do you/have you ever nursed in public or are you a private nurser?

I pride myself on being able to nurse anywhere without showing everything to everyone and without covering up my baby either. I've practiced a lot and can nurse, often without anyone knowing what I'm doing. I thought I'd make a list up of the places in public I've ever nursed.

This is mostly for my curiosity but I hope it also encourages other nursing moms to try breastfeeding wherever they are, instead of hiding in a corner or worse, a bathroom to feed their baby. Practice at home in front of a mirror to see how much you are showing.

After you check out the list, let me know if you've nursed in public somewhere I haven't.

Places I've Nursed:

1. Front Porch
2. Back Porch
3. Park
4. McDonalds
5. Tim Hortons
6. Burger King
7. Highway Rest Stop
8. By the Side of the Road
9. On the front steps of a church
10. Inside a church
11. At a Girl Guide meeting
12. At Girl Guide Camp
13. At family camping
14. At playgroup (which is in a school)
15. Library
16. On the bus
17. At the bus stop
18. At the beach
19. At Jungle Cat World 
20. The Mall (thanks Canadian Coupon Mom for reminding me) 
21. In a pool (a few pools actually) (ADDED July 7)
22. ?? I'm sure I'm forgetting some

So have you nursed somewhere I haven't? Maybe you'll help me remember something I've forgotten. Leave a comment!

Brand New Baby Event - 3 Blogs for Parents with Little Ones

More and more nowadays when a person has a question, we google it. Using the internet to get answers to our problems can be very helpful, as long as you think about what you read and don't take what you read as the be all and end all of answers.

When reading advice on blogs, it's what worked for that one blogger. It may or may not work for you. However is usually doesn't hurt to give it a try.

Here are some blogs I know of that are perfect for parents with new babies.

Troublesome Tots blogs about sleep troubles you often encounter with babies and toddlers and how you can help them.

• 0-3 Month Sleep Guide
• Why Babies Love White Noise
• 5 Reasons to Swaddle Your Baby

Parenting and New Baby Advice Blog is by Baby Gifts and Gift Baskets and has many articles on babies.

• Baby Bath Time Safety Tips
• Choosing a Name for the New Grandmother
• Baby Crib Safety

Best for Babes is THE breastfeeding resource, way better than any other I've seen. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. It's sort of a cross between a website and blog.

Vitamin D and Breastmilk... What's a babe to do?
Did Your Mom Breastfeed?
Help! I Don't Want to Breastfeed

GIVEAWAY: Baby Bond Nursing Sash

How would you like to win a Baby Bond Nursing Sash of your very own?

Thanks to Baby Bond I can offer winner's choice of any in stock item to an international winner!

Check out the ways to enter below, do as many as you want (but at least the mandatory one) and then fill out the form to enter.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

REVIEW: Baby Bond Nursing Sash (Couture)

I nurse my baby and I'll nurse him wherever we are if he's hungry. I can feed him without showing much at all but sometimes he lets go and looks around or I have trouble getting him on and I show a bit more than I'd like to.

My main trouble is my flabby belly sticking out the side since I lift my shirts to nurse. Yes I'm more self conscious about my belly than my breast.

Baby Bond is a nursing sash, NOT a nursing cover. Nursing covers cover the baby, a nursing sash covers the breast (or belly.) There are three types of Baby Bond sashes: Original, Flex and Couture.

I was sent a couture Baby Bond sash to try out and review. I picked that one because it is the only one that can be used almost as a belly band, and covers my belly when I nurse in public. All three will cover the breast completely while you nurse if you nurse from the top of your shirt but I do not own any shirts like that.

Watch this video to see how it can be used both ways. After that I have some photos of me using it!



Here is me (In my Guiding shirt) nursing Liam with the Baby Bond Couture

Pros:

• Does NOT cover the baby
• You can see what you are doing
• Lightweight
• Easy storage as it rolls up into a small tube that could be added to your diaper bag.
• Comes in different colours
• Once you learn how, it's quick to put on and take off.

Cons

• Took a few tries to figure out how to use it at first but actually quite simple.
• I don't like the "tail". You can tuck it in somewhere but it bugged me. 
• Mostly designed for nurse from the top shirts which I don't own. But I can still use mine (couture) as a belly band to cover my belly

Overall it's a great product, especially if you nurse from the top.

Use the code CALLISTA when purchasing to receive 25% off your order!

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Brand New Baby Sponsor Spotlight: Thyme Maternity

 

This is my third time breastfeeding and I've never used a nursing bra or nursing shirt. I just made do with sports bras or regular bras and lifting my shirt. Well I want to try a nursing bra! So I contacted Thyme Maternity and they agree to let me try out a nursing bra or shirt of my choice.

I haven't chosen yet but I will be doing a review of that item during this event.

Thyme Maternity clearly sells maternity clothes but they do sell nursing apparel as well. They also have a Reading Room with articles on pregnancy and breastfeeding. Be sure to check out their current contests too!

Connect!

Like Thyme Maternity on Facebook.

Brand New Baby Sponsor Spotlight: Baby Bond

NOTE: If you are here from a blog hop, please leave a comment on this post instead.

One of the potential problems nursing mother's face is how to nurse in public without feeling like you are exposing yourself to everyone.

Putting a blanket over your baby never works for four reasons:

1. You can't see to position baby.
2. Many babies don't want a blanket over their head
3. You can't see baby and connect/bond.
4. It can get hot!

Baby Bond is a nursing sash that covers mom, NOT baby.

There are three types: Original, Flex and Couture.

Check back for a review and giveaway soon or if you don't want to wait, you can use the code CALLISTA to get 25% off when you purchase your very own Baby Bond. Also if you comment on this post before the giveaway goes up, you can have an extra 2 entries into the giveaway when it's posted.

Connect with Baby Bond!

Baby Bond on Twitter
Baby Bond on Facebook
Baby Bond on LinkedIn

Pressure to Stop Breastfeeding

Welcome to the Carnival of Breastfeeding hosted by Blacktating and The Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog. The theme this month is Extended Breastfeeding. Be sure to check out the other posts in the carnival at the end of this post.


With my first child, I stopped breastfeeding at 2 1/2 months because of medication I needed to go one that was NOT safe. With my second child, I was happily able to find medication that was safer and was able to breastfeed as long as I wanted.

However my husband's family didn't breastfeed or get breastfed and so breastfeeding was a new idea to them. They had to get used to me nursing in front of them and in front of their friends if I was at there house. It was always them that were embarrassed or apologetic, not me.

They got used to it but by the time the baby got to 6 months, there were hushed questions to my husband as to how long I'd breastfeed. They never were directed at me. By 9 months, my husband told me of these questions and said he wasn't sure what to say. I told him to say that I'd be breastfeeding as long as the baby and I felt like it, at least a year as it didn't make sense to stop breastfeeding to introduce formula.

By one year, the questions kept coming, occasionally to me, and I kept getting strange looks from the family too. Needless to say it was getting annoying. Why couldn't they just be supportive? Or just leave me alone? Did I ask them how long they were going to bottle feed for?

At 12 months I decided to start weaning, with the idea to wean slowly. It ended up taking 3 months so I breastfed for 15 months. In terms of Extended Breastfeeding, this actually isn't that extended compared to the 2 or 3 year olds that are still being breastfed. However the family was making me feel like I was nursing a 7 year old.

© Flickr User chispita_666

Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months with continued breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond. The World Health Organization (WHO) basically says the same thing. So breastfeeding up to one year is NOT really extended then but to many people, it does seem like it, which is sad.

If you are not comfortable nursing past one year, that's fine. However I think nursing mothers should try for at least a year. Why introduce formula when you are providing breast milk for your baby?

More importantly, to everyone else, whether you breastfeed or not, please keep your thoughts and comments to yourself on when you believe breastfeeding should cease. It's not your body or your child and it's not your decision or your business. Thank You.

Check out the other posts in the Carnival of Breastfeeding:

Mamapoeki from Authentic Parenting: Extended Breastfeeding?

Mama Alvina of Ahava & Amara Life Foundation: Breastfeeding Journey Continues

Elita @ Blacktating: The Last Time That Never Was

Diana Cassar-Uhl, IBCLC: Old enough to ask for it

Karianna @ Caffeinated Catholic Mama: A Song for Mama’s Milk

Judy @ Mommy News Blog: My Favorite Moments

Tamara Reese @ Please Send Parenting Books: Extended Breastfeeding

Jenny @ Chronicles of a Nursing Mom: The Highs and Lows of Nursing a Toddler

Christina @ MFOM: Natural-Term Breastfeeding

Rebekah @ Momma’s Angel: My Sleep Breakthrough

Suzi @ Attachedattheboob: Why I love nursing a toddler

Claire @ The Adventures of Lactating Girl: My Hopes for Tandem Nursing

Elisa @ blissfulE: counter cultural: extended breastfeeding

Momma Jorje: Extended Breastfeeding, So Far!

Stephanie Precourt from Adventures in Babywearing: “Continued Breastfeeding”: straight from the mouths of babes

The Accidental Natural Mama: Nurse on, Mama

Sarah @ Reproductive Rites: Gratitude for extended breastfeeding

Nikki @ On Becoming Mommy: The Little Things

Dr. Sarah @ Good Enough Mum: Breastfeeding for longer than a year: myths, facts and what the research really shows

Amy @ WIC City: (Extended) Breastfeeding as Mothering

The Artsy Mama: Why Nurse a Toddler?

Christina @ The Milk Mama: The best thing about breastfeeding

TopHat @ the bee in your bonnet: From the Mouths of Babes

Beth @ Bethstedman.com: Extended Breastfeeding: To Wean Or Not To Wean

Callista @ Callista’s Ramblings:  Pressure To Stop Breastfeeding

Amanda @ Postilius: Nursing My Toddler Keeps My Baby Close

Sheryl @ Little Snowflakes: Tandem Nursing- The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Zoie @ Touchstone Z: Breastfeeding Flavors

Lauren @ Hobo Mama: Same old, same old: Extended breastfeeding

Tanya @ Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog: Six misconceptions about extended breastfeeding

Jona (Breastfeedingtwins.org): Breastfeeding older twins

Motherlove Herbal Company: Five reasons to love nursing a toddler

World Breastfeeding Week

If you don't know, World Breastfeeding Week was Aug 1-7. I didn't get a chance to post during it but I wanted to recognize it (since I'm a breastfeeding mom) and wanted to highlight my favourite posts from other blogs about the subject this week:

The Consequences of Breastfeeding in Public by NurseHereNow
You Know, For Kids by Musings of a Crunchy Domestic Goddess
Breastfeeding Symbol Activist Kit by The Lactivist
Three Videos by Musings of a Crunchy Domestic Goddess
When Breastfeeding Becomes Political by Black Breastfeeding Blog

Also check this out.