I’ve rarely heard the word “loss” associated with breastfeeding. But for the mom who can’t breastfeed, or the mom who stopped earlier than she wanted to, or the mom who needed to seek support or take medication, that’s exactly what it is. There’s that element of, “This is not how it’s supposed to be.” But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that our love is the gold standard.
Read MoreIt was sometime around 3:00pm, if I’m remembering right, and we were sitting down to feed again. Those early months are still hazy, but I’m almost sure it was afternoon because the sun shined warm and golden through the nursery window. My baby was rooting and beginning to fuss, and I was dreading the next hour and a half…I kept thinking (and being told) that we would overcome our breastfeeding challenges…
Read MoreDo you know how I ended up feeding my baby? I nestled him against my body and ran my finger over his eyelashes. I studied the movement of his squishy cheeks and wrinkled nose. I took mental snapshots of his fingers and toes, knowing they would be bigger than mine in no time at all. I caressed the top of his head with my hand. I watched as he closed his eyes in peace when I gave him a bottle.
Read MoreThere are several alternatives to cow milk - including coconut, goat, almond, oat, flax, pea, and other nut or plant-based milk. For toddlers, it’s important to offer milk that is a good source of protein and plenty of healthy fats, as well as important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and iron. Most kinds of milk are fortified with vitamins and minerals…
Read MoreFor some moms, however, breastfeeding is truly challenging and requires supplementing with formula, an at-breast supplementer, or exclusive pumping. For others, it is not possible due to a medical issue…In any case, what’s worse for a mom in one of these situations is to feel isolated and unsupported because she thinks that she is giving her child less than “best.”
Read MoreIf the idea of a homemade formula makes you shudder; if it sounds too unconventional, granola, or pioneer woman for you; if you feel like you’d be “breaking the rules” about what to give your baby, believe me - I understand. I felt the same way. But this goat milk formula is a different kind of “homemade formula” from the usual recipe because it uses powder rather than raw milk and…
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