9 natural remedies for mastitis

Or, alternatively, the first time I got mastitis.

Growing up Clark // three month edit {+ giveaway!}

Bless you baby who still continues to sleep well and wake up happy.

I had a sad realization about how fast Clark is growing. The story- it was a blow-out-a-day kind of week so laundry was piled up and the only jammies available were size 6 months. “Oh, lets just try these out.” They freaking fit lengthwise. I wanted to bawl.

Height guesstimate 25 inches

Weight guesstimate 16 pounds

I got a solid laugh out of him while kissing on his sumptuous cheeks. It almost sounded like a cry but he was smiling, made it even more entertaining.

Tummy time has begun, halfheartedly. My thing is having hardwood floors makes it seem mean to put him face first onto them. And of course I can't find the mat we had with K & B (insert eyeroll emoji here) so a halved blanket has been the sub. He lasts a decent amount of time. I just don't want him to be behind on rolling but also just want to hold him all the time. #conundrum

See that little tongue? He's been playing with it and drooling. I'll let you guess which of those two things I find cute. Guess its time to begin playing the is he teething/not teething game.

Clark's been sneezing and it literally sounds like "AHHH-chooo", it's great. And very loud.

This kid loves bath time! He's discovered kicking the water and goes to town paddling away with the most serious expression on his face. Has me laughing and soaked.

Gear-

(For mama)

Spray N Wash- remember the blow out week above? This miracle in a spray bottle saved me, my sanity and Clark's darling clothes. I suck at getting stains out but with this I don't need to scrub.

Little Unicorn backpack- this back pack holds a b u n c h of gear! My mistake though is making it too heavy, haha.

nursing bra- I've been on the hunt for a new nursing bra. I don't have any qualms about the ones I have currently but you never know whats out there that's better unless you try, right? When I was given the chance to try a Coobie nursing bra, I figured it was a sign. I liked the soft structure of the bra (no underwire for me) and the ease of use of the snaps. I didn't like the sports bra design (not a fan of putting on/taking off by pulling it over my head) but it was comfortable on.  All in all, I was pleased! Give me a year and I'll be trying out their bralette which is too pretty!

Now it's your turn to enter to win a Coobie bra of your choice below using the Rafflecopter widget! I'm giving away TWO so there will be TWO winners! Because it's nice to give yourself a gift too :) Giveaway runs from Thursday, December 7th through Wednesday, December 12th. Winners will be notified via email. Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

But since I love you all here is a coupon code too! Save 30% on Coobie Seamless Bras at Shop Coobie Use code: USFG

(for baby)

cradle cap brush- you'd think I would have known about this miracle brush two babies ago. Its completely cleared Clark's bout of cradle cap, the trick is to catch it early so it doesn't build up and get unmanageable. 

Itzy Ritzy car seat cover- we're getting into germ season this helps ward off sick + nosy people.

Summer Infant car seat insert- since its been cold I added this to the car seat. Bonus the headrest actually supports Clark's head and I think also keeps him comfortable longer.

shawl collar jumper- just darling!

bear sweater- he would wear this all day every day if it was up to me.

   

   

My Breastfeeding Kit {the essentials}

I take my job as milkmaid seriously. I also enjoy being prepared for anything and everything. So when I began my third journey with a newborn I got a bit wiser and put together my breastfeeding kit (bold); a cute and portable basket filled with all the items I may need for a nursing session. These are things I use multiple times throughout the day and night and having them within easy reach (especially at night!) has been invaluable. This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase using one I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Water bottle- you can never drink enough water while breastfeeding! I occasionally wake up with dry mouth and know that's my cue to drink more water!

Snack bar, apricot fruit leather- once you settle in to nurse, getting up for anything proves difficult. Keep some snacks on hand.

Nursing pads- no one likes to spring a leak ;)

Soothies Gel Pads- I like to keep these refrigerated for a cooler compress but any way they feel ah-mazing. Courtney gave me this tip which is genius- since you're only wanting to cover the nipple, cut each round into fourths to make them last longer!

Lanolin- to soothe cracked nipples (heaven forbid)

Vintage Honey Shop Nursing necklace- have a grabby baby? Wear one of these stylish and functional nursing necklaces to occupy baby’s hands so they can concentrate on eating.

Burp cloth (not pictured)- just in case!

Extras for baby:

Sun drops- our pediatrician recommended these Carlson Labs Carlson Laboratories Super Daily D3 drops and all it takes is one drop applied to the nipple to avoid the hassle of getting your baby to take them orally.

Nail clippers and nail files- since my son still falls asleep during nursing sessions I take the opportunity to trim and file his nails.

Boppy- this won’t fit in the basket but I cart this positioning pillow throughout the house.

Those are my breastfeeding essentials that make up my kit! Hope this eases some new mom anxiety and supports lactation!

This post was first seen on The Vintage Honey Shop Blog!

Linking up here.

   

   

Lactogenic overnight oats for nursing mothers

The official countdown is on- I have less than a week (let that soak in for a minute!!!) before Clark joins our family! I am equal parts ecstatic and ready and nervous and preparing all the things. Breastfeeding is always my number one priority after giving birth (I have already spent 3.5+ years of my 6.5 years of motherhood dedicated to this expression of love!) and am gearing up for another two years of nourishing our son.

Since morning times are the most hectic in my household and we all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I wanted to focus on making that rush time less stressful by having an easy go-to meal; and these lactogenic overnight oats are just the answer!

Not only are they easy to prepare, just throw everything into a mason jar, you prep them the night before and let the fridge do its magic and the oats soften and the flavors mingle. Even better part? Use the same mason jar to heat and eat from! This can't be easier.  Bonus: all the ingredients in this recipe help produce/sustain your milk production!

Lactogenic Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1 fresh or 2-3 dried apricots, diced

1 TBSP honey (a natural sweetener)

1 TBSP flaxseeds, optional

1/2 cup almondmilk or more depending on how thick/thin you like your oatmeal

Layer all the dry ingredients and then top off with almondmilk. Cover and shake to incorporate all the ingredients. Place in fridge overnight and heat in microwave the next morning. +Due to the variances in all microwaves I would say start at 30 seconds and check for 'doneness'. My microwave has low wattage so it takes about 1 minute to heat to my likeness. Enjoy!

*Oats are a great source of iron, calcuim and fiber. (source)

*Almonds and cashews are believed to boost breastmilk production. (source)

*Apricots are high in fiber, Vitamins A, C, potassium and calcium. (source)

*Flaxseed has phytoestrogens that can influence breast milk production and also contains essential fatty acids. (source)

This post was first seen on The Vintage Honey Shop blog.

Linking up here.

   

   

Returning to Work: Pumping Essentials

Returning to Work: Pumping Essentials by work-it-mommy on Polyvore

I am fortunate enough to be able to stay home with Brielana through her first year of life, but after I had Kinsey, I was back to work after 2 months and pumping became my breast friend (har har).  Since I am a firm believer in breast is best, I thought I would share my favorite pumping essentials to continue successful feeding even after returning to work.  It really just breaks down to logistics and good products that are readily available.

1.  Medela Pump in Style Advanced breast Pump with backpack- I got my pump from Kinsey's pediatrician and I love this model.  It is efficient, has several levels of suction for comfort, and is easy to tote around.  All the components (chargers, ice pack and case, four bottles, membranes, and two nipple shields) are included (though I did purchase larger shields for comfort's sake.)  

**I found it easiest for me to express into the bottles and then transfer the milk into the milk bags.**

2. Lansinoh milk bags- I have used several brands of milk bags and would recommend you use the brand you like.  I found these to be priced the best but would love to try these out.

3. Sharpie-  First thing I do is write the date of expression onto the milk bags.  Always use the oldest date first when giving to your baby.  Milk will last a few days in the fridge and up to 6 months in the freezer.  Periodically go through and throw out milk past due.

**I keep all my supplies- Sharpie, milk bags, extra membranes in a Ziplock bag stashed within the backpack.**

4. Medela Quick Clean Breastpump and Accessory wipes- For quick clean up at work I rinse out and dry the pumping bottles and then wipe down all parts (nipple shields, membranes, bottles) with these wipes.  Its quick and easy and makes clean up a breeze.

**These fit perfectly in the front half zip compartment of the backpack.**

5. Medela 5 count Quick Clean Micro-Steam Sterilization bags- Once I get home I pop all my pumping parts into a bag (each bag can be used 20 times, making it well worth the money!) add water and microwave for 3 minutes.  That's it.  It steam sterilizes and you're good to go for tomorrows pumping sessions.

6. The Nursing Mother's Companion- This book was recommended by my Lactation Consultant and I love it; it is extremely easy to read, choke-full of information about nursing and the index contains a bunch of addendum's from vitamins/ supplements, and how-tos on curing mastitis,  unblocking clogged milk ducts and increasing milk supply .

7. Lilypadz- Instead of soaking up leaks these breast pads prevent the leaks altogether.  Each pair can last continuously up to 2 months.

8. Hooter Hider's Nursing Covers- Not only is this nursing cover adorable (check out those ruffles!), it has a longer length and a just-in-case pocket.

**There is a convenient side pocket on the backpack that fits a rolled up nursing cover perfectly.**

9. Bravada Designs Allure Nursing Bra- A good nursing bra is a MUST HAVE and Bravada bras are my favorite.  I like this design because it has underwire for extra support.  And it's pretty as far as nursing bras go ;)

Visit here for lactation supporting foods and drinks.

What are your favorite nursing products? If you have any questions or product recommendations, please feel free to share!

   
   

Lactation Supporting foods and drinks

Lactation Supporting foods and drinks by work-it-mommy on Polyvore

I'm in the throes of breastfeeding a one month old- where did the time go?! Oh yeah, must have been all those sleepless nights harhar. Keeping up with supply and demand is exhausting but keeping up your milk supply shouldn't be. By eating and drinking these foods you can naturally and healthily stay full- pun intended :)

Almonds and cashews are believed to boost breastmilk production. (source) 

Chickpeas are a complete protein. (source)

Red lentils are not only believed to improve milk supply but are also high in iron and fiber. (source) 

Spinach and asparagus are an excellent source of minerals and vitamins as well as phytoestrogen which is believed to enhance lactation. (source)

Apricots are high in fiber, Vitamins A, C, potassium and calcium. (source)

Papaya's lactogenic properties have not been studied, but it is thought that the enzymes and phytochemicals in papaya may enhance breast tissue as well as improve lactation. Papaya has also been used as a natural sedative. The sedating quality may help you to relax, and at the same time help with the milk let-down process. (source)

Oats are a great source of iron, calcium and fiber. (source) 

Brown rice a complex carbohydrate, which provides mom with energy needed for breastfeeding, but it also helps with milk production in another way. Researchers have discovered that eating brown rice may cause an increase in serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your moods, appetite, and sleep, but it also stimulates prolactin secretion. Prolactin, as mentioned earlier, is a key hormone involved in lactation. (source)

Carrots, sweet potatoes and beets are high in beta-carotene, which is beneficial for your baby if you are breastfeeding. Beets and sweet potatoes are high in iron and help to maintain the liver. (source)

Drinking more water is one of the best ways to improve your milk supply. Nursing depletes your body of fluids so it makes sense that drinking water will help you to stay hydrated and produce more milk. Don’t get carried away though, only drink when thirsty. (source)

Mother's Milk tea contains fenugreek which is an herb that is most often used for increasing milk supply (source).  I'm a tea drinker in general so I enjoyed my daily cup, it has a licorice-like taste.  My Lactation Consultant said it is safe to have up to 3 cups a day but the one did it for me.

Visit here to see my top picks for successful pumping at work!