pumping

By the time Julius was 6 months I was already having to occasionally supplement breastmilk with formula in his bottles because I wasn't pumping enough at work (though he would exclusively get breastmilk in the afternoons, evenings and weekends)
But with Isabella, it looks like my body already has that natural rhythm and I'm able to pump 2-3 bottles a day during my work hours. I'm pretty proud of that feat and I'm thrilled that at 4 months, Isabella has only drank breastmilk. I'm hoping this continues!

Nov. 2, 2008

Three pushes later and little Isabella was born! Big brother Julius is so excited to have a baby sister.

I'm feeling good. Nursing is going great! I have a breast pump that I'll try next month since I'll have to go back to work in Feb. and I'm taking evening classes on Thursdays in December for my re-certification.

It's so unfair that maternity leave is so short. In Canada it's for one year AND paid!! For me it's six weeks paid, and six weeks unpaid. Which is better than other jobs, I know, but it's still not fair.

Medela Freestyle

I used Medela when I pumped years ago, and now I see that Medela has some newer models as well as a new pump: Medela Freestyle.

It's supposed to be hands free. But does it really work? I'd love to hear some input from anyone whose tried it!!

breastfeeding saves money

Studies by Dr. Miriam Labbok, director of the breastfeeding division at Georgetown University Medical Center, indicate that the U.S. could save two to four billion dollars each year in health costs if all mothers breastfeed their newborns for at least the first three months. Here are a few more reasons to consider breastfeeding:


There is strong evidence that breastfeeding reduces the incidence of diarrhea, lower-respiratory infection, ear infections, urinary tract infections, bacterial meningitis, Crohn's Disease, colitis and other diseases (American Academy of Pediatrics).
Studies have shown that breastfed babies have significantly higher IQs (about eight points) than their formula-fed counterparts.
There may be a link to a decreased incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome among breastfed babies.
Numerous benefits to mothers include a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancers, as well as a lower incidence of hip fractures during the post-menopausal period.

pumps

To pump or not to pump. When I went back to work after the birth of Julius, many people figured I would just stop nursing. Instead, I pumped. I used Medela's electric pump when I was driving (red lights were rather interesting...lol) and Medela's Harmony manual pump when I had a few free minutes of time.
I nursed and pumped until Julius was two years old, and though some days the nanny had to mix formula in with the breastmilk because I hadn't been able to pump enough, I felt content that I was providing my son with the best nutrition available.

Now, with the upcoming birth of my second child, one thing that I don't need to stress about is whether or not to pump. Yes it was time-consuming, but well worth it.

Benefits of breastfeeding

I found this great article that discusses the benefits of breastfeeding. The link is attached above in the title, however I'll post a few key points here:

For the baby

• complete form of nutrition for infants
• Premature babies do better when breastfed compared to premature babies formula fed
  
• Breast milk has agents (called antibodies) in it to help protect infants from bacteria and viruses
• Breastfed babies score slightly higher on IQ tests

For the mother

• Nursing uses up extra calories, making it easier to lose the pounds of pregnancy
• Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers
• It saves time and money
• Breastfeeding can help a mother to bond with her baby

And one little fact that I learned while breastfeeding my son: breastmilk can cure pink eye->

I had ended up developing a mild case of pink eye while I was nursing my son years ago, and my doctor prescribed an antibiotic to me. Well I immediately read the warnings and it said: do not take if you are nursing!!! Frustrated, I contacted a friend of mine who was part of La Leche League. Thankfully she gave me the scoop: take a dropper and fill it with your breastmilk. Use it like eye drops and the infection will disappear naturally! So I did it, and within less than 24 hours the infection was gone!