January 08, 2016

11 Reasons Why I Breastfeed & Bed Share

January 08, 2016/ Kristy Kemp

Many people do not understand how beneficial and biologically normal breastfeeding and bed-sharing is. Often times, a mom is confused as to why her baby suddenly wakes from a deep sleep, as soon as she sets baby down. It isn't a baby manipulating, it's not a baby testing you, and it's definitely not starting, "bad habits" when you stay near your baby because that's what baby needed from you. Breastfeeding baby to sleep is normal , not a habit you need to worry about trying to break , in fact, it's a habit that should be embraced. I have listed 11 reasons as to why breastfeeding and bed sharing is beneficial to both mom and baby. Now bed sharing & breastfeeding only works when it's mutually desired. If bed sharing isn't something you're comfortable with doing that's okay too!

1.) I get to be close to my baby and meet every single need all throughout the night, without even having to get out of bed.

2.) I don't have to get out of bed to make any bottles, just sleep with a boob or two out and baby manages to get it in his mouth.

3.) It stops baby from fully waking because I'm able to soothe him immediately. We call it, "Dream feeding" the state in which baby is not fully awake, not fully asleep, and latches on to my boob which soothes him back into deep slumber.

4.) My baby and I just have an overall amazing night sleep when we share a bed. It brings me comfort knowing baby is right next to me and of course baby feels safe and secure having me there.

5.) Breastfeeding is the only way I can get my baby to fall asleep.

6.) I am the pacifier , I am what pacifies and soothes my baby. My baby needs comfort and soothing all through the night so it just makes sense that the only "thing" that can soothe him remains right by his side all throughout the night.

7.) I'm able to maintain my milk supply by keeping my boobs available 24/7. No breaks for these milk machines.

8.) Sleeping with my baby lowers the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%. (AAP)

9.) Breastfeeding releases Prolactin which helps me relax and doze off to sleep easier. (KellyMom)

10.) My baby will not sleep without me.

11.) I get to wake up to baby smiles and cuddles, who doesn't like that?

Bed sharing and breastfeeding is what works best for us. I can't see it going any other way!

Practice safe bed sharing , read up on how here...

December 28, 2015

10 Reasons Why I Would Breastfeed Someone Else's Baby

December 28, 2015/ Kristy Kemp

I saw a question posted on one of my posts. This was the question,

"I see a lot of women saying they really want to wet nurse and are excited about wet nursing. Can anyone make me understand why it's exciting to nurse someone else's child?"

So it got me thinking, why is wet nursing appealing to some. I have listed ten reasons as to why wet nursing appeals to some moms.

Before the development of baby formulas in the 20th century, when a mother was unable to breastfeed her baby, the baby's life was put in danger if a wet nurse was not available. A wet nurse is a woman who breastfeeds and cares for another's child. Keep in mind that, before the invention of bottles and formula, wet nursing was the safest and most common alternative to the natural mother's breastmilk. So the only thing that has changed, is the invention of formula and bottles.

1.) It's an honor
2.) Knowing that you're giving another child the best possible nourishment is exciting.
3.) I worked so hard to make sure my baby only gets breastmilk and I am ecstatic at the thought of being able to help provide the same for another!
4.) I'd be happy to help a mom sleep a few hours by breastfeeding her newborn. Sleep is precious, especially the first few weeks.
5.) Some babies refuse synthetic nipples so I would love to be able to step in to give mama a much needed break.
6.) I enjoy breastfeeding my own baby, so why wouldn't I enjoy breastfeeding another? Giving them nourishment, love, and comfort in a way that only a mother/woman can, It's a beautiful thing to share.
7.) I would be excited to do so because you're supplying nourishment and life from your own body into the life of a tiny human being that isn't even yours and not many people can do that.
8.) If a baby is hungry, and I can feed the child, I'm going to, its food.
9.) Because breastmilk is amazing and I make plenty for my own baby, so why not share this amazing gift with another?
10.) Women have wet nursed since the beginning of time, I do not find it weird or taboo, I find it normal, it's as simple as that.

History of Wet Nursing

December 23, 2015

Robbed Of A Birth I Didn't Know I Wanted

December 23, 2015/ Kristy Kemp

By: Kristy Kemp

I feel like I have been robbed and it's nobody's fault , but my own. So don't think I'm trying to blame anyone here. I was very naive, over 5 years ago. I was definitely not considering myself semi crunchy back then, like I do now or "Scrunchy." What I feel robbed of is my birth experience. Mine was weird and far from natural. I didn't get to experience a natural birth.

I went in for a check up at my 37 week mark, was told my blood pressure was too high so they sent me to the hospital for a 4 hour stress test and sent me home with a container to urinate in for 24 hours. I was having cramps/braxton Hicks all night, so when I dropped the urine off at the hospital I decided to get checked out, since I was already there and maybe that was my mistake, but how could I have known that the nurse would come back into the room with a hospital gown and tell me that I'm going to be having a baby that night? I thought , How could this be ? My husband isn't even with me. in fact, he is at home sleeping, and I have our only vehicle. So it definitely wasn't one of those heart warming, water breaking stories, where you have to be rushed to the hospital because your water broke. I was induced and I had my son hours later. Yes, I also got an epidural. I was confined on my back, to a hospital bed the whole time. I couldn't even get up to walk around. I was very uncomfortable the whole time. well I mean, what girl is comfortable in labor anyway?
Had I been allowed to be a little mobile I think that would have helped, a little, with my discomfort. Like I said, I was naive and back then I didn't even know what a Doula was! All throughout my check-ups I did get asked about what my "Birth Plan" was , but I didn't know how to plan for a birth. So in my mind, the plan was, when I go into labor rush to the hospital, get an epidural for pain and push him out. Hearing & seeing all these beautiful stories where women actually pull their own baby out, encapsulating the placenta, water births, getting to use one of those yoga balls, showering during, getting to ACTUALLY SEE baby come out, or pictures & video (doctor would not let hubby take pictures or video of the actual delivery part), so heartbreaking not being able to relive the moment through video and pictures, They wouldn't even let me see the Placenta. I was curious, I wanted to see all that came out of my body, but they looked at me like I was crazy for even requesting that. Again, it sounds like I'm blaming the doctors or hospital, but I'm really not I'm just explaining how much I learned through my experience and what I missed out on. I didn't even know the importance of Skin to skin or the Breast crawl! The breast crawl is when a newborn is placed on the mother's Abdomen, soon after birth, as the ability to find it's mothers breast, all on it's own and to decide when to take the first breastfeed.

So when you're asked for a birth plan think more outside the box and really think what it is you want. Will you want to take pictures of the delivery ? Make sure you pick an OBYN that allows it because mine didn't, are you wanting to encapsulate your placenta or consume it someway? Let them know WAY beforehand in some states there is paperwork you have to sign and some need to know ahead of time. I had no idea that consuming the placenta was even a possibility! Are you planning on exclusively breastfeeding? Make sure they know that! Make sure you deliver at a baby/breastfeeding friendly hospital that have Lactation consultants, roaming the halls so you can get LC help if need be. Do you not want to get your baby vaccinated? It is important that you stress that to your doctor and hospital staff. I had a member from myBreastfeeding Mama Talk page share a picture with signs she hung on the top of her hospital bed that gave specific instructions on what she wanted or didn't want as a blatant reminder to the hospital staff. Some people even get little baby outfits that will say something like, "No Binkies or bottles please my mom plans to exclusively Breastfeeding me." There are a variety of different ways to make your wants known, to the hospital staff. Do you want to bank the cord blood? Do you want a Doula? Do you want a water birth? Do you want to give birth at a birth Center? These are some of the questions you should be asking your self.

Now why am I telling my story? It's not like I had a terrible birth, right? I mean, everything went as smooth as a delivery could go. Out came a happy healthy 6 pound baby with no complications. What hurts to this day is regret, Regret that I didn't have a birth plan, knowledge, or any expectations, and all I keep telling myself is that my birth happened the way it was supposed to, and be done with it, but no matter how many times I tell myself that I'm not content with it. I figure if I could share my story and maybe have it reach out to some other mamas who may not think they want a birth plan, to really think long and hard if it is really what they want. Once you're told you're going to have the baby the last thing you're thinking about is all those little critical details. So it's important to try and plan the best way you can, such as the things I mentioned above. I realize that giving birth won't always go as planned and it's out of your control, but a lot of times it is possible to have the birth you want and/or plan for. You may not end up getting the birth you wanted or planned for , but that doesn't mean you can't plan! I just tell myself, that if I ever get pregnant again, I will make up for it with my next baby.

December 22, 2015

Mom had to go 16 hours without her Breast pump Because United Airlines Took Her Bag

December 22, 2015/ Kristy Kemp

Medically Retired Veteran and stay at home mom, Elisabeth Keturah, took a flight out to visit her family, to celebrate her daughters first birthday. She specifically chose United Airlines because of their baggage allowances for Active Duty/retired/dependents military. She had to give up her suitcase and was promised to get it back when the plane landed, but that didn't happen and she was without her breast pump for 16 hours.

Dear United Airlines,Hi. I'm that mom traveling alone with an infant at Christmas time to go visit family and celebrate...
Posted by Elisabeth Keturah Anderson-Sierra on Monday, December 21, 2015

She writes-
Dear United Airlines,
Hi. I'm that mom traveling alone with an infant at Christmas time to go visit family and celebrate my daughters first birthday which happens to be on Christmas as well.
I chose your airline mostly because of the baggage allowances for Active Duty military, retired and dependants (of which I am) and also because of past good experiences.
I booked a late flight on purpose (UA 1760, Nov 16), I expected my infant to sleep most of the flight. We had two legs to the trip. The first flight was extremely full and since no infant and child pre board was offered I let my daughter stretch her legs as long as possible and boarded last. They were gate checking bags as there was no space in the overhead compartment. I thought I was a smart packer and brought a baby carrier instead of a stroller to carry my little in and had a diaper bag and small continental carry-on. The small continental had to be gate checked and I could only bring my diaperbag with me to my seat. I made sure I had the essentials for a 4 hour flight, diapers, wipes, bottle of milk, change of clothes for my daughter, ear protection, and her blanket. Your gate crew rushed my daughter and I even though our flight was ahead of schedule.
I gave up my suitcase, was promised I'd get it back when the plane landed and boarded the flight finding my seat and settled my daughter for the flight. She drank her milk and slept soundly to the relief of her concerned mother.
Upon arrival to Newark airport I exited the plane and my suitcase was not waiting for me. I turned frantically to the stewards and asked where it was. I was told it had probably been tagged as a baggage check. I was told to see customer service.
I went there and asked the senior CS representative about my bag. It had indeed been baggage checked. I was told that the only way to get it would be to exit security, put a request in at the baggage service and wait for retrieval, which would take an estimated hour. She informed me that the wait to get back through security was more than an hour, and I would miss my flight if I went to get it and United wouldn't be responsible for that.
Well. Did you know that I'm a breastfeeding mom? Do you realize that breastfeeding also includes pumping because some babies can't nurse? My daughter is one that cannot nurse and she was hungry at this point.
My pump and all its parts, bags, and extra bottles were in that bag you checked and didn't tell me. Also my wallet with all my money, and our carefully prepacked snacks among other necessities.
When I told your customer service representative what was in the bag and that it was medically necessary for me to have it she said I shouldn't have checked it.
I DID NOT CHECK THE BAG. It was taken and I was told I would get it back at the end of the flight!
I have to pump every 4-5 hours and meticulously planned to do that during my layover. I have been pumping for almost a year now and have never not been able to pump when I needed to. I didn't want mastitis. Don't know what that is? Please look it up.
When I explained that my breastpump and wallet was in the checked bag she replied rather matter of fact "Well can't you just breastfeed her?" No I cannot. "Why not?" At this point I am crying and trying to explain to your rep and everyone else in earshot why I can't JUST breastfeed her. She asked "Can't you just take her to the bathroom and try to breastfeed her?" REALLY! Do YOU eat in a nasty bathroom!?! Are there no lactation rooms? She said "No, but you could try in a corner somewhere?" Again. I CANT breastfeed her. Not in a bathroom, not in a corner, not with green eggs and ham, I cannot latch her, Sam I am. She said I needed to feed her, that she was a mother of four herself. No kidding ma'am, I do need to feed her and I can't because I don't have my bag with my wallet, her food, and my pump!
She said there was nothing she could do except give me two $7 vouchers. Great. A small Jamba Juice $6.94 and a meticulously measured container of eggs up to $7.01 (I found a penny on the floor) is what I was able to get for myself and my daughter to share.
I had to literally beg at 3 different places to get a cup and a food quality bag to try and hand express my milk into IN THE BATHROOM ON THE FLOOR while trying to keep my baby out of the disgusting toilet and trash.
It took me forever to get enough out to relieve pressure and have barely enough to get me through the next flight.
Guess what going 12 hours without pumping gives you? Mastitis.
I am in horrendous pain and am loosing my supply that I have fought for every day since my daughters birth.

I understand that mistakes happen, but this kind of careless behavior needs to be addressed and an apology is owed. When Elisabeth , explained her issue to the customer service rep she gets asked, "Why can't you just breastfeed her." After Elisabeth explained that her daughter cannot latch onto her breasts so the only option was to pump. She gets two $7 vouchers and directions to the nearest bathroom. She had to end up hand expressing the best she could inside a bathroom. No mom should have to breastfeed or pump inside a bathroom.

After, 16 painful hours, Elisabeth, finally got her bag back with no apology or explanation as to what happened. Elisabeth hopes to raise awareness that pumping moms are breastfeeding moms as well. She is producing 120 ounces a day, so pumping every couple of hours is crucial. She was told that she would get her bag back after the first flight, but she didn't. Seems as though no remorse or empathy for what she had to go through, due to their incompetence was given.

Elisabeth , isn't pumping all that milk for her baby only, she also donates her milk to Micro preemies struggling to hold onto life. To date, she has donated 25,000 ounces to micro preemies and 12,000 ounces to her local community.

December 21, 2015

My Boobs, My Baby, My Say...

December 21, 2015/ Kristy Kemp

When it comes to deciding what brand formula to get or type of bottle to use or whether you get low fat or whole milk, there isn't much controversy surrounding that.. When it comes to a mother and her breastfeeding choices, everyone thinks they should get some kind of say in it. In laws, family, friends, doctors, and lets not forget the random people they offend on the internet. A mother breastfeeding is a mother feeding, just as mothers all around the world do, whether they choose to breastfeed or not, but it seems as though breastfeeding moms are the ones who get the third degree, unsolicited advice, and criticism for their feeding choices.

I breastfeed on demand and do not schedule feeds.
When my baby wants the boob, my baby gets the boob. I'm the one doing the feeds, I'm the one that has to stop halfway through my shower, with shampoo still in my hair, because baby decided that he wanted to nurse, right then and there. I'm the one that has to figure out a way to wipe my butt with my free hand, while holding my baby, latched on to my breast, with the other, and let me tell you, that is no fun. I'm the one, that has to eat my food with, you got it, my baby latched on to my boob. So I'm not sure, why anyone would think my choice to breastfeed on demand has anything to do with them, is beyond me. My boobs, my baby, my say.

I breastfeed my baby to sleep.
Breastfeeding is what comforts and relaxes my baby. Breastfeeding is what fills his little tummy. So it only makes sense that breastfeeding is what helps him fall asleep. I have done my research and I'm aware that breastfeeding does not cause tooth decay or as some people like to warn me of, "bottle rot" even though my BREASTfed baby doesn't use a bottle. I also would not call it, "creating bad habits" as other people like to say. I'm the mom and I will always be there for my baby however he needs me to and at night he needs to nurse. Thank you, for your concern, but we have a nice little bedtime routine going on here, and we'd like to stick to it. Plus, my boobs, my baby, my say.

I breastfeed in public and I do not use a cover.
For some strange reason whenever that statement is made, it's as if people really hear this, "I breastfeed in public and I whip my tits out for the world to see, never mind my hungry baby , I just feel like pissing people off today." Believe it or not, not using a cover draws a whole lot less attention than using a cover. Most of the time, it just looks like I'm holding my baby and unless you're really close to me and you're staring really hard , you can't tell. I can barely remember my own head at times , let alone worry about trying to feed my baby in a way, I think will appease the people around me. When my baby wants to nurse, I suddenly have a one tracked mind and all I concern myself with , is getting my baby latched on and fed. I don't care if that's in a church, grocery store, funeral, or a school. If you don't approve, all I have to say to that is, My boobs, my baby, my say, oh and if that doesn't suit you, I advise you to look up the laws, that say I can breastfeed however & wherever I want.

I will breastfeed for however long my baby wants.
Some people have it in their head that when a child has their first birthday that means the breastfeeding needs to stop. Other people base the cut off age on when they can ask for the boobs. I'm glad those people have it all figured out. I would love to see some literature on what makes those things the deciding factor on when to wean my baby.. What I do know is that, The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to two years of age OR beyond. I also know that the benefits are still there no matter what age my child is when he receives it, and one other thing I know is that breastfeeding brings him comfort and I don't feel okay about ripping away his comfort simply based on what day of the week his birthday lands on. With any other milestone in a baby or kids life, it's done at their own pace, and that is how it will be with weaning. Luckily, it's my boobs, my baby, my say.

The gist here, if you haven't noticed, that while my choices may make you uncomfortable and may even go as far as to offend some, at the end of the day, you do not get to butt in my feeding choices. My breastfeeding choices and the way I feed my baby does not physically or even mentally hurt you. I understand that you may not agree with my choices or even like my choices, but one thing you're gonna have to accept is, I decide exactly how, when, and where I feed my baby and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it because, my boobs, my baby. my say, deal with it.

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