Family * Travel * Food

What Happens When Breastfeeding isn't an Option

Breastfeeding your child is a joyful experience that most expecting moms look forward to. However, it is an unfortunate fact that due to various reasons, this isn’t always possible. Some mothers are unable to produce enough breastmilk due to hypoplasia, which occurs when the glands in the breast are underdeveloped. Other reasons for not being able to breastfeed include postpartum depression or a previous breast reduction surgery which can negatively impact milk production. Whatever the reason might be, new moms should rest assured that not being able to breastfeed is not the end of the world.


Baby Formula Nutrition

When you can’t breastfeed, you must invest in a good quality baby formula. Good brands like Alula offer infant to toddler formulas that provide complete nutrition for your baby, so you won’t need to worry about your child’s growth and development. While doctors do recommend breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for your newborn baby, you don’t need to be concerned about their health in the slightest – a good formula will take care of the job, and some even provide extra vitamins and minerals which otherwise may need to be supplemented

Pumping and Supplementing

If you are able to express milk and it’s just not quite enough, you can always consider pumping and supplementing your breastmilk with formula. A good breast pump is going to be a great investment in this case, and you can express and store your milk during bottle-feeding periods. Do some research on the best way to go about this combination method. 


Consider Donated Breast Milk

If your heart is set on breastmilk for your little one or formula isn’t going to cut it, but you can’t express yourself, using donated breastmilk is another option you could think about. Research shows that donated breast milk from another woman can nourish your baby just as well as your own. You can check in with your hospital if this is available or otherwise check in with a milk bank in your area. However, keep in mind that this method may be less accessible since premature babies and babies with certain medical conditions are prioritized by these institutions. 

Don’t Be Hard on Yourself

Many moms who can’t express enough milk to feed their babies feel that they are failing them. This is never the case! Keep in mind that there are many mothers out there facing the same problem as you, and many healthy, happy children who were raised on formula. You can still create a strong emotional bond with your baby while bottle-feeding, too, so don’t be distressed about missing that skin-on-skin contact. This can still be generated by holding and cuddling your baby close while feeding them.

If this is a problem that you’re struggling with, don’t forget to reach out for support from your partner, friends and family, and a mental healthcare professional if that’s what you need. Postpartum depression is common after giving birth, and struggling with meeting your baby’s needs could contribute to this. Make sure that you’re providing not only for the baby’s needs but your own too. 

SHARE:

BornFree® is for the cool kids!

I received a super cute Twist'NPop Straw Cup for review. It features a hygienic pop-up straw mechanism for comfortable mess free drinking. 14oz body interchangeable with BornFree® bottles and cups. Suitable for ages 2+

I really like the design of the cup and the little grip bumps on the outside for making it easier to hang onto. This cup is so convenient for when you are on the go and I know we will be making a lot of use out of it!

Spice Girl Mel B. and daughter Angel are spotted with a Born Free Twist ‘N Pop. So many parents have great concern about the products we use for our children and this Spice mama sure feels that!
About BornFree™:

BornFree™ has developed a range of products baby bottles, cups and accessories that is totally free of the potentially dangerous chemicals Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates and PVC. BPA is a known estrogen mimicker that is used in the production of polycarbonate plastic. According to researchers, BPA may cause developmental and neurological problems if it leaches from plastic. Reports suggest that small amounts of BPA may leach into food or beverages stored in polycarbonate containers, especially when the contents are heated. In addition, BornFree™'s cups and bottles feature the unique BornFree™ venting system, designed to reduce colic and ear infections.


For more information on different BornFree products visit www.newbornfree.com


I received a product sample for review and all opinions are 100% mine.

Shelly, Mom Files
SHARE:

Bummis diaper and baby items giveaway

**Contest Closed**
Winner is #76 SCMOMOF2BOYS

Being a mom blogger, I am very lucky to receive some really nice items in the mail from time to time. FedEx, UPS and USPS, I LOVE YOU! The other day I received a package by surprise from one of the companies I am working with. They sent a nice selection of baby and toddler items. Obviously I no longer have a little baby but boy do I wish I did! I got one of the Bummis Easy Fit cloth diapers in a lemon yellow color (one size fits all). If I had it to do all over again I honestly think I would go with cloth. This diaper is super high quality and comes in some gorgeous colors.

They retail around $18-$20 each and since I don't have a use for it I would love to give it away to someone who can get some use out of it! I am also going to include a few other items like a sippy cup, bottle, a bottle of Harmonic baby Aromatic Massage oil and a couple of other goodies in this giveaway. This all is a retail value of over $45.

How to enter: All you have to do is leave a comment relative to this post, it's that simple!

You can also Tweet or Facebook this giveaway (twice daily), add the Momfiles button to your blog, or follow me on Twitter or through Networked Blogs to gain additional entries. Be sure to leave an individual comment per entry method. Here is an example of a Tweet you are welcome to use: ~Bummis diaper and baby items #giveaway @momfiles http://blog.momfiles.com/2010/07/bummis-diaper-and-baby-items-giveaway.html

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on August 2, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Winner will be chosen via random.org. I am giving these items away for no compensation from anyone whatsoever. Good luck!
Shelly, Mom Files
SHARE:

Parent's Choice can save you $$

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products.
All opinions are 100% mine.


It is no secret that I am a formula feeding mom. Not all of us are cut out to breastfeed so we have to do our research to find the right formula to feed our baby. I used the Formula Finder and compared what we used for William and found that he would have taken the Premium, Milk-based or Organic type of formula. Out of curiosity I even checked out the Savings Calculator and here is what I found out when I compared what we used and spent to what we could have saved using the Parent's Choice brand.

Savings / Year** : $634.91
Savings / Month** : $52.18
Savings / Day** : $1.74
Savings / Bottle : $0.43

This was really surprising and made me think of all the things I would have done with the savings. I could have purchased diapers and also could have added some money in William's savings fund.
You can sign up for a free sample here and you can choose from 3 types (the Parent's Choice Premium, Advantage or Gentle Formulas). Believe me, if I had to do it all over again Parent's Choice would be what I would go with. It would be nice to be able to purchase formula that would not break the bank!
Visit my sponsor: PBM

Shelly, Mom Files
SHARE:

William's 2 year check-up

Dwayne and I took our big boy to the pediatrician for his 2 year well visit. He was a little wild but for the most part more entertaining than anything else. He was not as cooperative this time around with the physical examination. I think he is a lot like me when it comes to people touching him, um no thanks. He only needed one shot and one toe prick to capture some blood for a hemoglobin check. That came out fine, doc wanted that done since he does not eat a lot of meat. She wanted to be sure his iron levels were up to par. Overall the doc was happy with his health and development with the exception of his weight. he has only gained 2 ounces since his last check-up. This was the same thing at his last appointment. She says he does not look healthy or overly thin but she would like to see him gain more weight. She gave me a chart of things that I can give him to increase his caloric intake. William's growth seems to be very much like me when I was little. I was 82 pounds at graduation and I did not make it above 100 (with the exception of pregnancy) until I was about 25. I really think William is just a light weight, no big deal to me. I am not going to make a fuss about giving him loads of fat. I used to have to take medicine to make me eat as a child so I could gain weight and that did not work. The doctor has asked that I bring William back in 4 months so she can monitor his weight. Hey, I should have told her to come spend a day in my house and watch him. She might then see why the boy does not gain any weight! Can you say ACTIVE??

Shelly, Mom Files
SHARE:

Why does a baby or toddler need candy?

I have been noticing that a lot of people like to offer my son candy. He is not quite 2 and even if he was, I just don't allow him to have it. I get called mean and get accused of not letting him be a kid. Um, I am his parent thank you. If I say he can't have candy then that is final. I did not let the girls have candy until they were maybe 4 or so and even then, it was very limited. If a child is started off very young eating sugary nothing then they will grow to eat a lot of it. I feel it is so important to teach your children from babies healthy eating habits. I am not saying never give them a Krispy Kreme doughnut or an Oreo but just be careful!

Shelly, Mom Files
SHARE:

I'm an outcast

Out of all the moms I know personally, online or in any other way I seem to be the ONLY one that formula fed my babies. I never one time had the urge to breastfeed. I have been looked down on for not breastfeeding. I just don't get it. Okay, that's it...just had to let that one out ;-)
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created For Mom Files All Rights Reserved