Breastfeeding Can Be Hard - Get Help!

I was totally surprised at how hard it can be to breastfeed. I had such problems getting my daughter to latch on properly, and just about everyone else I know had some sort of issue. Its compounded because you have a new baby, are totally stressed out, hormones are raging and it seems like one more thing designed to make you crazy. The statistics don’t lie about the benefits though and there is absolutely nothing as wonderful as nursing your baby so its worth it, just don’t expect it to be a cakewalk.

Anyway, all that to say - get help if you need it! In Washington DC, there is a GREAT resource - The Breastfeeding Center. They have classes when you are pregnant and for afterward, all free. For an hourly fee, you can get a 1 on 1 session either at the center or they’ll come to your house. Pat, the lactation consultant there, literally made it possible for me to nurse Zoe and I can’t tell you how thankful I am to her and the center.

Another great resource is the La Leche League. Anyone have personal experience with them? I’ve heard great things but haven’t been to a meeting.

Update:  There are a lot of great books out there too.  I used The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (yes, the title makes me cringe a bit, but it really is a great book).  I also know a lot of moms who use the www.kellymom.com site as a resource and really love it.  It was good for me to have a reference book around, even after the initial couple of months with my first because the process evolves and its nice to have something that confirms things for you.

I’d love to hear what anyone has to say about any of these or other breastfeeding resources.

Doula - A Must for a Natural Childbirth in a Hospital

Both of my kids were born at Georgetown Hospital, but it was way better having a doula there. It puts someone on your ‘team’ that is an expert in birth, knows the drill, and is emotionally and physically removed enough to really help you make informed decisions. Doulas can be invaluable in keeping you on track for a natural labor, and they can help you figure out if medication makes sense for your situation. They are a wonderful in-between option if you’re not quite ready to go the midwife route but still want to have a natural childbirth.

I wish there was an equivalent role for every interaction with a hospital!

To find a doula check out the Doulas of North America website at: http://www.dona.org/

Travel Advice - What To Bring With You

Jill N. of Washington, DC sent in these tips on how to travel with kids (and not go insane). Thanks Jill!

 

This is what I need to remember to bring for my son when we travel - depending on where we go, some of these things may drop off the list. But this is what I always use as my guide. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or do your best job looking pathetic! People will at least feel sorry for you and not give you as many dirty looks.

 

Remember - regardless of how the flying experience goes, it will go fast.

 

 

For the bath:

  • toys
  • crayons
  • soap
  • lotion
  • robe

 

For bedtime:

  • his lovey dog
  • 2 PJs/sleepers
  • music box
  • sheet
  • diaper rash ointment

 

For food:

  • spoons
  • sippie cups - I’d generally bring, depending on the time of day, a couple of already full sippie cups with David’s favorite drink and/or milk. Sometimes they haven’t made it through security. If not, then you just get more from a vendor inside security or on the plane. As for juice boxes - give it a try. Just be prepared to toss them, pending the security screener. Just the way of the world
  • lots of little snacks for the plane (Something not messy. Rainbow Goldfish (Pepperidge Farm) are a huge hit here. So I’d pack those and little fruit snacks (Gerber) and cereal bars (Gerber) and anything that he generally likes to eat.)

Etc.:

  • iPod programmed with the songs he likes
  • toys/books (new, usually) for the plane (since he won’t get bored as easily with something he’s never seen before)… they generally have cheap little things even at Safeway or CVS. Another thing - maybe bring a bunch of post-it notes - there’s some fun to be had by kids with those. Or stickers (make sure they come off so you don’t stick them permanently to the inside of the plane). Crayons have helped us pass time, too (washable).
  • his Sesame Street CD
  • baby tylenol
  • baby thermometer
  • back carrier (the ergo carrier, which is what I use in the airports instead of a stroller)
  • kids benadryl
  • diaper bags (like doggie bags - I put his icky diapers in them)
  • night light for the wall in the room that we sleep in
  • chocolate covered espresso beans for me - in case he gets up too early for the rest of the house and I can’t get coffee as early as I need it
  • book for me
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