Breastfeeding Tips Archives | Full Circle Yoga KC

National Breastfeeding Month

August 16, 2018 by Full Circle KC

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Happy National Breastfeeding Month. Best advice I ever received, “if you’re planning to breastfeed, don’t think it comes naturally.” At the time of the advice, little did I know I would really struggle with breastfeeding my first child. Her words of wisdom became my truth as we struggled with latch and producing enough milk supply for my daughter. For me, breastfeeding was incredibly important and I have many happy memories of breastfeeding my children. For others, guilt surfaces when they think about not being able to nurse.

National Breastfeeding Month should offer the opportunity to reflect on the importance of keeping our children healthy. Whether that be through breastfeeding or formula every Mama’s ultimate goal is to keep their baby healthy. I recently read an article from Scary Mommy blog that made some good points about how we might think about breastfeeding month differently. What about Mama’s who can’t despite pulling out all the tricks to breastfeed, what about the Mama’s who decide breastfeeding isn’t for them? While we all know if we’ve done any reading at all, breast is best, sometimes it’s not an option. Supporting our village of Mama’s raising healthy, strong, kind, respectful, empathetic, courageous, and confident children is what our society needs. We may not understand why a Mama decides breastfeeding is not for her, but we can support one another in the journey of motherhood.

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National Breastfeeding Month should also offer the opportunity to normalize public nursing. We’ve all heard about the discrimination women have faced when simply trying to feed their child. Again, we have the opportunity to lift Mama’s up and support hungry babies by empowering Mama’s and creating a safe and accepting society. There are several ways to help support the normalization of breastfeeding.

In the end our ultimate goal should be to lift all Mama’s up and remembering that we are champions for each other in raising healthy children.

Full Circle Yoga in Overland Park was founded in 2017 by yoga teacher Jenny Hellman focusing on wellness in the early stages of family life from prenatal to early parenthood and the older adult years. Full Circle Yoga KC is an Overland Yoga Studio specializing in Prenatal Yoga, Baby Yoga and Chair Yoga for seniors.

Breastfeeding Tips

July 26, 2017 by Full Circle KC

First off, I always tell my mamas I work with it, it can be HARD!!!! Be GENTLE with yourself and your little one! In our society we are primed to believe that as baby comes into the world breastfeeding “just happens.” For some, this happens, for others, such as myself, this was NOT the case.

Me breastfeeding my daughter in Muir Woods

I was committed to breastfeeding and was so grateful that a friend had warned me it may not be easy. I was VERY thankful for the kind warning when that became my reality! With my first child, breastfeeding was extremely difficult for the first several months, everything from latch, milk supply, and sore nipples. I remember one night being up late at night trying to breastfeed by daughter- me holding part of my breast while I held her, my husband holding my breast and trying to keep the nipple shield on! I remember saying “I bet you never expected to hold my breast in this fashion!” laughing and crying at the same time. It was hard emotionally and physically!

We did finger feeding with a feeding tube and syringe, used nipple shields, tried different positions to support latch and relaxation. I spelt like maple syrup with my intake of Fenugreek. I was religious about drinking a class of water right before nursing. I pumped a lot. I attended a weekly breastfeeding support group that helped me feel “normal.” The support group also reassured me my daughter was getting milk with a weigh in before and after breastfeeding. I had 1:1 lactation support.

When I look back on this experience, I’m so glad we worked through the hurdles. It was so nice to be able to connect with my daughter through breastfeeding. I felt I was supporting her health and my health at the same time knowing the benefits of breastfeeding.

For some, it’s just not possible despite trying everything. Again, I can’t stress the importance of being gentle with yourself. You and your baby will bond. You and your baby will be healthy.

Breastfeeding tips:

Be GENTLE with yourself and your little one. You’re both learning a new skill! Stressing and having anxiety reduces milk supply and baby can sense mama stress. Practice a few deep breaths, find a relaxing and supportive environment.
Find SUPPORT. Request a lactation nurse in your birth plan and ask again after baby arrives. Reach out to your local Le Leche League
Find SUPPORT. Find a support group, you are NOT alone if breastfeeding is challenging.
Find SUPPORT. Make sure you have a supportive medical team that respects your goals.
Be EDUCATED. Know that there is so much support and different methods and tools to help support breastfeeding- www.kellymom.com is a great resource.

A few resources:

www.kellymom.com
The Womanly Heart of Breastfeeding (Le Leche League International Book)
The Breastfeeding Book by Dr. Sears

Trusting Your Mama Bear Instinct

April 14, 2017 by Full Circle KC

There is so much advice given to expecting mamas and those new to motherhood. One particular area I remember getting so much advice was breastfeeding. For me, being able to breastfeed was super important. I remember a friend telling me that breastfeeding would be hard. Thankfully, I remembered her words of wisdom when that became my truth with my first child.

I felt so strongly about breastfeeding and knowing the dual benefits for both of us, I sought advice from everyone. I went to the hospital’s breastfeeding support group, used a nipple shield, pumped A LOT, took fenugreek until I spelled like maple syrup, and finger fed with feeding tube using my expressed milk, practiced helping my daughter latch on.

I remember feeling a crazed, struggling with who I listen to, some giving the exact opposite advice than the other. Everyone had such good intention, however, I remember the day when I realized I needed to trust my mama bear instinct and follow the advice of those I trusted and those who listened to me and what I felt best for us.

As a new mother, one of the places I found advice and comfort was through reading. I didn’t read a lot (I was sleeping when my first was sleeping!), but those books I read helped guide me and reinforce my confidence as a mother. I also chose not to read too much to avoid overload and frustration. My four favorites are:

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Completely Revised and Updated 8th Edition- Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, Teresa Pitman
The Baby Book- Dr. Sears
The Happiest Baby on the Block- Harvey Karp
Easy to Love Difficult to Discipline- Becky Bailey

Websites I found helpful for breastfeeding:

The emotional struggle was real. It was more challenging than giving birth. My hormones were a mess. It didn’t come natural or easy like so many of us are lead to believe. In the end, we were victorious with breastfeeding! With my second child, breastfeeding was much easier because the structure of my breast changed making it easier for him to latch on. I’m beyond grateful for the incredible support from my husband, family, friends, and medical team that allowed me the space and time to make a decision that was right for my daughter and I.