Increasing Low Milk Supply

Low milk supply has got to be the most frequently typed Google search for new breastfeeding mothers. I certainly wore out the keyboard typing it with my second kiddo.

World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway!

Hi friends! It's time for a giveaway! To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, I've teamed up with Mrs Patel's to bring you not one - but THREE great products to win!

Bump Day: Let's Do This!

Hey ya'll! Today is #BumpDay! 

When Baby Falls Asleep At The Breast

At some point during those first few weeks, new – and experienced, even – moms will find themselves wondering why that baby keeps falling asleep during feedings! Whether at the bottle or breast, let’s start with the first rule of thumb – IT’S GOING TO HAPPEN.

The Story of Little A and the Boobies That Could

Ahhhhh... breastfeeding. It's a magical - and incredibly frustrating - experience! Baby #2 proved to be quite a challenge in the eating department, as I'm sure is apparent from previous posts. I thought I'd gather it all together in one place for other breastfeeding mamas...

6 Breastfeeding Myths

Breastfeeding is hard work! And along with tons of research and advice comes more questions than answers. Here are some of the more common issues that I myself dealt with when breastfeeding, and want to pass on to you! These myths are about to be busted...

Let's Get Normal! - 1st International Day To Normalize Breastfeeding

What a great day for breastfeeding mothers everywhere! Get in on all the excitement, and start helping our Country raise breastfeeding rates by participating in today's events, as well as taking the pledge. 

National Breastfeeding Week - 20% off!

I'll pretty much use any fun reason for a discount, so here is a coupon code just for you!

20% off the breastfeeding goodness at my Etsy shop! 

You Used Your Breast Milk For WHAT??

Breast milk is an incredible liquid! Not only does it contain 300 MORE* ingredients than formula, it can be used for more than baby nutrition. Pumping and dumping, be gone! Start saving that precious pumped liquid in those breast milk storage bottles for the incredible uses below.

How To Fix A Plugged Duct Fast!

Photo: iStockphoto

What Is Up With These Breasts?!

Pain, redness, and sometimes even a lump can appear when your lactating breasts have a clog! Plugged ducts can happen at any time in your breastfeeding process. It can happen two days after that little munchkin is born, or 18 months later.

Babies and Boobies

Strange title? Not if you know what I've been up to in my sewing room! Check out my post on the "new job" I've started to find out what it's all about. :) Or, better yet, take a look at my new shop! In addition to creating my crafty schtuff, I've been doing crazy research on all things boobie since Anthony's birth. So, you'll be seeing lots of new info on babies, boobies, and how to make those two things go smoothly (or, at the very least, how to calm down the crazy just a little bit!)

Hope you'll stick along for the ride! To start you off, here's a really cool infographic I found:

These statistics are crazy! I had no idea that 1 out of 4 mothers don't breastfeed. But - I wonder if that accounts for those who can't, or merely those who don't? Keep in mind, and stay tuned for info on, that many instances of mothers who can't breastfeed are simply those situations in which help was needed! I know many people who didn't breastfeed simply because it didn't work the first time, so they assumed it just wouldn't. Get informed, loves! Hopefully I can help with that. :)

Thanks for reading!

One Hour at a Time

After the last post on Formula, I realized just how frustrating this whole process was, and that breastfeeding, though immensely difficult and seemingly impossible, HAD to be better for my little guy. As day three of my return to breastfeeding comes to a close, I find myself getting through today one hour at a time. If I don't nurse or pump that often, I fear the milk won't come back in. So, until the cutie little man can eat exclusively off me (if ever!), I shall be getting through the days hour by hour.

I'm also getting through the days on an hourly basis mentally. As this 30 day journey comes to a close, I find myself sinking into the depths of despair (come on, people....name that quote!). These depths are not unfamiliar, but are certainly frustrating, given that I'm really attempting to trust God for everything right now. These depths beg the question: What's the point of it all? I find myself bitter, doubtful, uncaring, and wishing I hadn't begun this ridiculous journey in the first place.

But then, like a quick little paper airplane thrown by a certain precocious five-year-old, I remember that we're supposed to have "faith like a child". Believing without needing proof, right? Matthew 18:3 is the more popular section referred to, where this disciple recounts Christ's answer to the question "What must I do to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?". He says we must become like little children. This, however, has nothing to do with the presumed meaning of "faith like a child". In fact, after much research, and the studying of many commentaries, I have come to the same conclusion that the scholars have. We are to humble ourselves like a child. Faith like a child has nothing to do with it. Faith is necessary, yes, but is not the subject of this specific passage. To become like a child in this passage is to be teachable and humble. To put aside my knowledge, my academic tools, and my firm stance that I am the authority on all things God. I'm not. I never will be. In fact, when I do study God's Word, I tend to find myself even more confused and able to poke holes in this whole idea.

So I am determined to sit back, say I don't know it all, and hour-by-hour, simply live my life. On that note...back to my sewing room! I've begun a new quilt :)

Formula

There are two reasons for the title to this post. The first is in regards to the newest Aguayo.

Anthony (my 7 week old) has not been doing well on any of the formula brands and types we've been trying. Two weeks ago, I decided to go ahead and stop supplementing my nursing with formula, and make the permanent switch. He wasn't eating enough with just me, and additionally seemed to be having some gastrointestinal issues even when I pumped it to bottle-feed. My production was steadily decreasing, and the stress was probably not helping with that.

Depressing though it may be, I thought the choice was a good one. Now, if we could only find food that doesn't hurt him! After seeing the pediatrician, we are giving Anthony Similac Alimentum, which is pretty much the end of the road as far as formula goes. It's predigested, so if this doesn't work, then obviously there's something else going on. Or, so I've been told. We will wait until Monday, and see if the diarrhea and crying after feedings continue.

I feel so sad for the little guy. He just wants to be able to poop normally, eat enough, and sleep peacefully. Is that so much to ask? I cry with him just about every day, though today his cries don't seem to be as related to feedings, and moreso to the fact that I'm not holding him. (Which is normal baby stuff...and I can handle that!)

So...yay for formula! Not. Overall, he is gaining weight, and not "sick" per se, so very grateful!

The second reason for a post entitled "Formula" is in regards to this 30-day journey of mine. I have been on the hunt for a formula. A secret ingredient that, when sprinkled into my life, will allow me to have some magical relationship with Christ. What I'm finding is that there IS NO SECRET INGREDIENT.

(I LOVE Kung Fu Panda! And didn't remember this phrase was in the movie until I did a google search for images related to the phrase haha. Fits perfectly!)

There is no formula. I already HAVE a relationship with Him. It just isn't what I presume it to be. So many people indicate that a relationship with Christ is meant to be super-personal and like a best friend. But, I'm learning the contrary. How in the world can we expect the creator of the universe to have a one-on-one relationship with us when He isn't visible or audible? God isn't. But the Holy Spirit is. In a sense. The formula isn't that I'm going to have this great relationship and back and forth thing with Christ here on earth. The difference between the way I approach life and the way a non-Christian approaches life is in my view of the afterlife.

I believe there is one - and I live as though I believe that. I believe that God will reward me for trusting Him, searching for Him, and obeying Him once I arrive in place He has prepared for me (John 14:6). But, for now, I'm merely meant to live my life normally. Making good choices, yes. Asking for God's input, yes. But not pretending like he's my bestest friend in the whole world (despite the fact that I need one). He's my parent. Sometimes you can go to them as a friend, but that isn't what they ultimately are. He's there to guide me in honorable lifestyle choices. No, I won't always make the correct choices, but He is there to point the way and say "Good try...now give the right choice a go...".

In both cases, formula is not having an uplifting impact on my life. ;) However, I am FAR less stressed realizing that the secret ingredient I assume others have is non-existent. I'm breathing a bit easier, which gives me some wiggle room despite the stress of baby formula. It's comforting to realize, after typing all this out, that I'm actually handling all the stressors in my life better than I would have a couple of years ago. I haven't thrown any dishes, punched any pillows, or screamed at any cars on the road haha!



Moreover, I'm feeling less guilty. I have walked through life for years feeling guilty for not following a set schedule/pattern for a relationship with Christ. I'm not going to cultivate an earthly one because I go to church, do my Bible Study, and pray. I will, however, benefit from the relationship that does exist by doing those things.

I feel a bit rambly today, so I'm sorry if this post sucks! Haha. It's nice to get these two topics off my chest, and hopefully sleep a little easier. (until my cutie wakes up, that is) Now, despite the late hour, I'm off to sew! Because nitetime is my time ;) Here's the burp cloths I've been working on for my Etsy shop. Makes me wish I had a baby girl to use them!

Shared with these beautiful blog people: Missional Women
Till next time...

-Heather

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Disclosure: I am not a medical professional, and all information on this site is strictly opinion. If you aren’t sure about your situation, please seek professional medical advice from your doctor. This post contains affiliate links, which allow me to obtain compensation on products that visitors purchase. That said, I do not link to products that I would not personally recommend.

Gone Fishing!

So, my little man has a fishing pole. One of those kid kinds that actually has fishing line and a reel attached. He's had this fishing pole for about a year and, up until now, he's had a plastic frog attached to the end. He would cast the line and then reel the frog in. Well that seemed a little boring to me so I decided to make some fishes for him to catch! 

After some research, I decided fabric was the way to go! (Plus I have so much fabric that I never know what to do with) They turned out to be about 7 by 3 1/2 inches. I used a pattern that I made cut out from cereal box cardboard, haha! But if you happen to have a printer, this pattern is the way to go since it has options for you advanced crafters. I used one layer of batting inside just to give it some definition, but you can stuff it and have a puffier fish too if you like!

Magnets seemed to be the way to go as far as finding a way to "catch" the fish, and I got some pretty strong craft magnets at Joann's. After putting the fabric, batting and magnets together, I stitched the fishes around the edges and called it good. Then, I stitched one magnet inside a circle fabric pocket, attaching it to the fishing pole's paper clip "hook! 

Ricky and Ricardo had a blast fishing on the stairs. Playtime success!!

Apparently as a bonus, they stick to the corners of walls!! :) 

The Gender Question

Babies! We all love that new baby smell, and warm fingers and toes, but the months it takes to make those cuties is not all fun and games.

Those classic first few months of sickness ensure an impatient mommy! Hoping to reach that second trimester, Moms-to-be look to the ultrasound that generally occurs at the 2nd trimester mark. Excited to find out the gender of their little baseball sized baby, the impatience can be overwhelming!

There are tons of quizzes, old wives' tales, and all kinds of nonsense predicting your little's one's gender. I have recently found a quiz that is pretty interesting!! I love the questions, and think it would work for sure!

It's been waaaaayyy too long since I've been preggo to remember all the answers to these questions, so let me live vicariously through you :)

Test it out, and tell me if it worked!

Gender Predictor

Good luck!
-Me

Future Girlfriend Ammunition

Well, we've had somewhat of a milestone in our household...just not necessarily a good one.
Below lies the proof... :) :)





The offender...



The offendee....



The offended!

p.s. Does anyone know how to edit photos with graphics? Like adding frames of your own and stuff? I have Microsoft photo editor but I can't figure it out. I probably need something like Photoshop huh?