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Medela Freestyle

5 Things I Learned About Breastfeeding

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Baby Reid is growing up!

As we just celebrated his first birthday, a popular topic of discussion at his party was, “So, are you done with breastfeeding?”

Technically – no. I still BF him morning and night, and any time in between when I’ve got a few moments and he’s craving boob (just like I crave chocolate, I bet). But when we’re on the go or I’ve got things to do, he’ll happily sip a straw cup filled with homo milk.

I can’t deny that weaning brings about a whole new sense of freedom, but old habits die hard and frankly I do miss the closeness. Which is why Reid is still 50% boobage… with me being at home, there’s really no rush to wean completely.

So I began thinking about my breastfeeding journey one year ago; my struggles, my hopes and finally, my success. Remember A Tale of Two Boobs? Seems like a lifetime ago, but after reading the posts, I’m filled with awe and satisfaction of how fine-tuned nature can be. Therefore, I decided to do a post on five things I’ve learned along the way.

1) Breast is best, but formula is fine, too. 

I’ve got two beautiful, healthy boys – one completely on formula, the other, 100% breast milk. I thought after I successfully breastfed that I would have an epiphany; that I would suddenly realize what all the hype was about. Well, I can’t deny that there are oodles of benefits of breastfeeding, but when it comes down to it, I felt no more love, satisfaction or peace than when I fed Ryder. Just as I spent hours connected to Reid, I spent the same time cuddling and holding Ryder close as I bottle fed him. So when it comes down to it, I think as long as you’re making a concerted effort to love, care for and nourish your child, after you’ve made your choice (hopefully an informed one), don’t beat yourself up over where that nourishment comes from.

2) Adhere to the “Two Week” rule.

When I first decided that I truly wanted to give breastfeeding my best, several mamas weighed in with advice. But a recurring token of wisdom was to simply hang in there for two weeks. Yes, it’s VERY uncomfortable. And your nipples will feel tender, sore, and will likely bleed. And it’s a b*tch if you’re trying for the first time following a c-section. BUT, take a short term approach. Tell yourself to hang in there, if only for two weeks. With Ryder, I quit after four days. I just couldn’t see myself going through any more pain or frustration. But had I just hung in there a little longer, who knows? With Reid, around the 4-5 day mark I once again found myself caving, but I was steadfast and held my ground. And just like most mamas predicted, after about 10 days, suddenly it hurt a LOT less, my nipples “toughened” up and stopped bleeding, and like magic, Reid got the hang of it.

So I’m now a HUGE fan of the two week rule. Of course, there are many instances in which no matter how long you persevere, breastfeeding is not for you (or your child). But in instances where your resolve is weaning purely based on pain and/or discomfort, hang in there. You’ll be amazed at how quickly things turn around.

3) The “latch” is a temporary phenomenon.

When you’re first introduced to breastfeeding, it’s all about baby’s latch. You’ll find written instructions, diagrams and even videos which will show you the preferred placement of baby’s mouth on nipple. And while it is vitally important in those early days to establish a correct latch, rest assured, after a month or two, you’ll no longer be so interested what baby is doing with his/her mouth. Because once a baby learns how to get what he needs, he’ll get it – lying down, upside down, you name it. In fact, Reid’s currently favourite position is with me lying on my back and him crouched over me with his butt in the air. It goes against everything I know about gravity, but hey, he’s drinking and he’s happy. The latch is only important in those early days – after that, baby’s instincts will take over.

4) A breast pump is a valuable tool.

Yes, I wrote a review and had a giveaway for a Medela Freestyle. But I just want to put it on record that I firmly stand behind both the product, company, and value of having a quality breast pump on hand. It’s particularly important in the first month, while establishing supply.

The Medela Freestyle helped me in the following ways:

a) In between BF’ing sessions, I pumped to stimulate my milk supply.
b) I sometimes topped off Reid after breast feeding with the pumped milk, so I was always certain he’d had enough to drink. Took a lot of the guesswork out, and saved me from supplementing with formula.
c) Pumping and storing allowed me to be away from Reid for short periods of time, and even gave me a break at night when hubby took over one feed.

Not sure if it was nature or all my efforts pumping to stimulate supply, but for the first 7-8 months I actually had an oversupply to the point of engorgement. But I’m not complaining!

5) The weight doesn’t always “fall off”.

It’s always amusing to read about celebrities’ theories on how they dropped the baby weight. “It’s definitely the breastfeeding” they always say. Oh sure. It has nothing to do with the personal trainers, team of nannies (who allow them to spend 5 hours a day in the gym), personal chefs or calorie-restricted diets. And it’s most definitely not that jaunt down to Brazil for a quick nip and tuck.

Now while it is a fact that breastfeeding burns up to 500 calories per day, technically, to maintain a healthy supply, it’s advised that lactating mothers increase their calorie intake by 300 calories. However, as most exclusively BF’ing mommies will tell you – you’re freaking STARVING all the time! So with a proposed deficit of 200 calories, the weight won’t necessarily fall off dramatically. BUT, breastfeeding will help you return to your pre-pregnancy shape more quickly, and with less intervention. It also helps if your body is in prime physical shape before you conceive – as any trainer will tell you, muscles have memory.

However, don’t be surprised if you hang on to an extra few pounds until you’ve started the weaning process – in the two weeks following Reid’s introduction to homo milk, I dropped 6 pounds without even trying. Turns out my body needed that extra fat to aid with the production of quality milk for my babe – a trade off I’m more than willing to oblige.

So there you have it – five things I didn’t know just one year ago, but am happy to share now. And to all the past, present and future breast feeders out there, my final tip post-lactation: invest in a quality push up bra!

LA VIE EN ROSE AIR PAD BRA
Any tips you’d like to share? Or war stories? Please, do tell!

Medela Freestyle Winner!

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Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… Medela Freestyle giveaway. I can honestly say having this breast pump on hand is one of the principal reasons that I stuck with breastfeeding. It helped establish my (now abundant) supply, provided options for nighttime feedings (thanks hubby!) and allowed me to be away from Baby Reid while still nourishing him with my own milk. LOVE it!

I’d also like to send hugs to everyone who offered breastfeeding/pumping tips. Some of my faves include:

thesehappydays said…
My best tip is to visit a lactation consultant if you are having issues. I am forever grateful to my public health nurse for pushing me to go – I thought I would figure it out on my own, but the advice and confidence of the lactation consultant improved things tremendously.

Amanda Schoonjans said…
My best bf tip is to get your husband involved! When you are bf in the middle of the night have him help by changing diapers and getting babe back to sleep so you can be ready to be up again in a couple hours:)

Meg said…
Don’t give up or try and think of a good reason why its not working, it takes time! After a couple weeks, it’ll be so easy!

Aimee Perez said…
My tip for new moms is to switch things up. Make sure you alternate sides with each feed, but also try different positions. That way the baby can empty all the milk ducts, to help you avoid mastitis.

pawsnhooves said…
My best advice, Keep trying!!! Eat and drink right. Get help if you need it :)

Kelsey said…
My Best pumping tip is to massage your breast first and get your milk flowing before you start to pump. I found this way I got a faster result and it didn’t hurt my breasts as much.

Kathryn Mitchell said…
My best breastfeeding tip is to put a small safety pin on your bra strap to help you remember which side to start with at the next feeding. Then switch the safety pin to the other side after each feeding.

Shannon H said…
Empty breasts fill faster than those that aren’t, so don’t worry about trying to “save” some for the next feed.

Deb said…
Use breast compressions to keep your baby awake at the breast. Maintaining a good flow of milk is essential to a good feed and will buy you more time between feeds.

Angèle said…
My best ‘breastfeeding’ tip : whether you’re pumping, nursing, or both – get your CALORIES in! and remember to drink LOTS of water – I found on days when I didn’t drink enough water, or if I skipped a meal, I didn’t feel as ‘full’.

Chrissy said…
My best pumping tip (if you want to increase your supply) is to express by hand for a few minutes after you think you’ve pumped yourself dry. You might be surprised by how much more you get… and it can increase your supply if you stick with it.

I’ve also collected your questions and will be forwarding them to a Medela lactation consultant. Answers will be posted shortly!

Now, without further ado…. the winner is Amanda Schoonjans! Congratulations!

Please send me an e-mail with your full contact details so that I may have the prize sent to you right away. Thanks to everyone who participated, and to Medela!

Lena Loves… Medela Freestyle

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If you’re breastfeeding, or thinking of breastfeeding (assuming you’re a mommy-to-be), chances are you’ve read up on the benefits of expressing milk. The common reasons women pump are to:

– Relieve engorgement when milk comes in
– Collect milk for feedings when working or away from home
– Increase or maintain the milk supply

– Prevent painful engorgement which can lead to mastitis
– Provide breast milk for a hospitalized or sick baby
– Stimulate relactation or induce lactation in an adoptive mother

Source: What to Expect the First Year

I hope you’ve been following my series A Tale of Two Boobs. If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that I made it my mission to breastfeed with Reid after I gave up too easily with Ryder. And while I’ve been successfully breastfeeding for 73 days (yes, I counted), it hasn’t always been easy – and I’m sure 99% of breastfeeding moms will say the same thing.

But there are ways to make it more manageable. My holy trinity? Determination (check), seeking the right help early on (check) and a high quality breast pump (check). And I LOVE my breast pump.

I was very fortunate to receive the Medela Freestyle hands free breast pump for review. For those in the know, this is the Cadillac of breast pumps. The Freestyle is Medela’s first hands-free, double-electric pump.

Features include:

– Daily use · double pump · electric
– True pumping mobility with hands-free option
– Rechargeable battery and ultra-lightweight motor
– Easy interaction with digital display, memory, timer and backlight
– More milk in less time with 2-Phase Expression technology
– Everything mom needs in a convenient bag – perfect for active moms
– Double pumping kit features SoftFit breastshields for massaging comfort
– All parts that come into contact with breastmilk are BPA/DEHP Free

Click here to see all the goodies that are included with the Freestyle.

Before I left the hospital, nurses suggested that I get my hands on a hospital grade breast pump to help stimulate my milk flow. Their recommendation? The Medela Symphony, of course. Even though I knew I had the Freestyle at home, I took their advice because I didn’t want to do anything to derail my efforts. I rented the Symphony for a week and figured I would take it from there.

At the end of the week, I was hesitant to let it go. My breast milk had come in fast and furious, and I credit pumping sessions with the Symphony for increasing my supply. However, when I compared the features of the two pumps, I realized that the Freestyle was on a level playing field due to it’s 2-Phase Expression Technology and Maximum Comfort Vacuum. So I said goodbye to the Symphony, ready to start a close relationship with the Medela Freestyle.

All I can say is WOW. The Freestyle is without doubt the answer to my prayers. Comfortable, easy to use and an expert at drawing out breast milk, I discovered with glee that I could express four (4) ounces of milk in just under ten minutes. Why I love it:

1. After sterilizing all the parts, I literally skimmed the instructions once before I was able to start pumping. It’s really that simple. The LCD screen and settings are clear and well placed. The memory button allows me to save my favourite pumping pattern for ease and efficiency for the next pumping session.

2. The Medela Freestyle is beyond comfortable. The pumping action very closely resembles the baby’s natural sucking rhythm thanks to the 2-Phase Expression. Babies change the way they suckle at a mother’s breast during breastfeeding. Initially, they suck rapidly to stimulate the milk ejection reflex (MER) and induce milk “let-down”. This phase is referred to as “Stimulation”. Once the milk starts flowing, they settle into a more relaxed sucking speed. This phase is called “Expression”. Medela pioneered this technology with the Symphony, and now this innovation is available in the three further models – the Freestyle, Pump in Style Advanced and Swing.

3. The pump is a champion. With electric double pumping action, it literally takes me less time to express a 4 oz feed than it would take me to wash, sterilize and prepare a bottle using powdered formula. And there is nothing more satisfying than seeing those bottles fill up with nourishment manufactured by mommy!

4. It’s tiny. The breast pump unit honestly fits into every purse I own – and the palm of my hand. Perfect for working mommies, when travelling, or even at home (who wants to have a huge contraption in the corner of a room?) And while it’s not whisper quiet, you can definitely carry on a normal conversation, watch TV, or even have baby sleep next to you while pumping (I find the rhythmic sounds actually help to calm Reid).

5. The Medela Freestyle has helped keep me sane. I can now leave the house for a few hours, knowing that there will be breast milk on hand for Reid. And, for those times that he cluster feeds throughout the night, daddy can administer a feeding thanks to frozen and thawed breast milk that I’ve previously pumped (my freezer is stocked with a 2-3 day supply – particularly handy for emergencies or just in case of illness).

At $400 the breast pump is not inexpensive (Cadillacs never are). Here’s my advice – rent the Symphony while you determine if breastfeeding works for you. The Symphony is the only breast pump which allows multiple users – all other pumps (including the Freestyle) are single user only. Therefore if you purchase the Freestyle off the bat and don’t follow through, you could be out a chunk of change.

HOWEVER, if breastfeeding is a go and you plan on expressing milk on a frequent basis – you don’t have to think twice. The PTPA Award Winning Medela Freestyle is for you. It is 100% Lena-Approved! Click here to learn more about this revolutionary product.

I am so very lucky to have received this item for review – and I’m happy to share some of that luck with you!

August 1st through 7th happens to be World Breastfeeding Week, and to celebrate, I’m giving away a Medela Freestyle (value $400)!

Prize includes: Attractive tote bag, Hands-Free Kit, 2 bra adapters, 2 replacement bra adapters – universal, 2 replacement bra adapters – hook & eye, Support belt & extension, 2 – 24 mm SoftFit breastshields, Breastshield Spare Parts Kit, 2 breastshield bodies; 2 membranes; 2 back caps, 1 set of tubing, 4 – 5 oz breastmilk bottles, lids & travel cap, Wide base slow flow nipple, Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, Power cord & charger, Contoured ice pack, Removable cooler carrier, Instructions & quick start card, Breastfeeding Information Guide

Now Medela has graciously offered me the chance to sit down with one of their lactation consultants for a Q&A session, so to enter this giveaway you can:

Post a question about breastfeeding/pumping you’d like me to ask
-or-
Tell us why you’d like to win the Medela Freestyle

(I’ll random pick 10 questions to pose to the lactation consultant.)

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment to claim your extra entry. Simply:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) Offer your best breastfeeding and/or pumping tip
(3) Tweet about this giveaway (here’s a tiny URL for you: http://tinyurl.com/32bhfn3)

I’ll draw for a winner at the end of August. Special thanks to Medela, and good luck everyone!

A Tale of Two Boobs: Chapter 3

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Read previous chapters here.

It’s been a while since I posted – I won’t lie to you; it’s because I’ve been very busy… breastfeeding. I’m happy to say that Reid has been on 100% boobage for 58 days now, with the occasional bottle of pumped and stored breastmilk (more on my fabulous Medela Freestyle breast pump later).

Still, I want to tell my story, and so I’ll pick up where I left off…

… There was a knock on the door and Denise, a beautiful woman with a kind face, walked in.

Denise would be the third lactation consultant that I met with in three days. After not recalling my time with the first, and not sure I even understood the advice of the second, I decided to lay everything out on the line and verbally ambushed Denise the moment she sat down.

I talked about my past – my failed attempts at breastfeeding with Ryder. I spoke of my unrelenting guilt for much of his first year of life. I explained how desperate I was to give it my all this time around. And I cautioned her about my “problem” left boob; even relayed some of the techniques I had been shown by the other nurses. I talked and talked and talked.

Denise perched on the edge of my bed and listened intently, barely interrupting me as I let everything out. Finally, she said “Well, why don’t we just go ahead and get started.” I have to admit that after 2 days of pain and frustration, I had little hope this session would be different from the rest.

Now here is the one piece of advice I have for everyone trying their hand (boob?) at breastfeeding: It’s not about getting help, it’s about getting the right help. If things aren’t going well for you even after seeking assistance, keep persisting until you find someone who will break it down in a way that you can relate to. Don’t give up. Just 2 minutes into my consultation with Denise I could see that she not only knew her stuff (phew!) but she also recognized that breastfeeding requires cooperation from both mom and baby. She therefore took the time to explain to me the mechanics behind what Reid was after, and what I would have to do to satisfy his needs.

Specifically,

1. Most babies are born knowing how to lap up milk – like a tiny kitten, if you will. However, they do not necessarily know how position, latch and direct the flow of milk into their mouths – that’s up to mom. Recognizing that breastfeeding is work and isn’t always instinctive is critical to shaping your expectations.

2. Who says you can’t help baby along? I complained that Reid could not successfully latch on to my left breast, because the nipple was slightly larger and had a tougher texture than the right. Instead of suggesting I throw in the towel and simply pump the breast as other nurses had, she literally gave me a look as if to say, “So? That’s the best you’ve got for me? Smarten up sister.”

Denise then showed me how to slightly press down on Reid’s chin to elongate the position of his mouth on my nipple. VOILA! Instant, perfect latch. It was such a simple manoeuvre, I couldn’t believe that no one had thought to demonstrate it before. Position. Latch. Help Baby Along. WOWZERS.

Instantly I felt somewhat more confident – if I could actually re-position Reid’s latch on my breast, I could avoid the painful tugging I normally felt. I definitely felt a glimmer of hope, and gleefully pulled Reid off to position him again. Latch. Help Baby Along. It worked! I actually sat back to admire my handiwork, and took in the very precious sight of baby lapping away.

I’m not going to lie; it wasn’t exactly pain-free. BUT, it was indescribably better – so much better that for the first time in 72 hours, I actually felt that I may stick with breastfeeding and see it through. I immediately made a follow-up appointment with Denise, hoping to see her again in 3 days. I wanted Reid weighed, I wanted to re-evaluate my technique, and most of all, I wanted reassurance. Denise gave me a thumbs up; confident I would be able to succeed. I know this sounds weird, but I left the hospital that day hoping that I wouldn’t let her down.

And here’s my second piece of advice: follow up. In most cities in North America, you can find wonderful lactation consultants who are only too happy to help you along. Don’t feel that your visit in the hospital has to be your last – breastfeeding support is available in person, over the phone, and even online. With Ryder, I made the mistake of trying to figure it out all on my own, and abandoned my attempts too soon when I felt it wasn’t working. This time, I truly credit my success to staying on top of it, finding the right help, and following up.

Well, it turns out that just three days later, Reid had re-gained his birth weight and was thriving. I was learning how to get comfortable with him, and even though I had to clench my teeth when he latched (I don’t feel the need to do this anymore, thank goodness!) his actual time at the breast was enjoyable for both.

And here’s an open THANK YOU to Denise – you are quite honestly one of my favourite people in this whole world. I cannot begin to describe how meeting you has changed my life – and Reid’s, for that matter. You are very much appreciated.

Today, I’m happily breastfeeding and pumping like a champ! In the next chapter, I’d love to share my experience with the PTPA Award Winning Medela Freestyle – the breast pump which has allowed me to find balance in my life while continuing to provide breastmilk for Reid. Stay tuned for my review… and you just know that there may be a HOT giveaway involved (hint, hint!)

A Tale of Two Boobs

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Chapter One.

This is the first of a series of posts detailing my journey with breastfeeding. I can promise you two things – I will talk about my personal experience and I will go into detail. If that makes you uncomfortable, stop reading now! Just hit “Home” and scroll up or down until you find a lighter topic :)

So here’s the story. Three months before Reid was born, I began researching everything to do with breastfeeding. Lactation consultants. Latches. Feeding positions. Help. I was bound and determined to breastfeed my baby-to-be.

His big brother Ryder did not enjoy the same privilege. Through a combination of innocence and ignorance, I simply didn’t prepare myself for the total and selfless commitment associated with putting the baby to the boob. Sure, I paid attention in prenatal classes. But learning about BF’ing ahead of time is like watching a cooking show at 2 a.m. Everything looks simple until the raw beef is in front of you (wow, even I think that’s a strange metaphor). But I’m sure you know what I mean – it’s only when you’re actually in the situation that you either sink or swim.

Here’s my list of excuses:

1. I was discharged from the hospital just 24 hours after Ryder was born, so there I was- a first time mother, who had no idea how to hold a baby, let alone take care of one. I was showed all of 4 times how to put the baby to the breast, and while it looked so simple in the hospital with the nurse guiding the baby, at home on my own was a different story. It hurt. He broke off and fell asleep more often than not. I couldn’t successfully latch him on the left breast. It sucked.

2. Speaking of the left breast, it was the bane of my existence. With a slightly larger areola and thicker texture than the right, Ryder simply slid off every time I tried to have him latch. After several fruitless attempts, he would cry in frustration. Then I would cry – and proceed to dump him back on the right. My left breast became engorged to the point that I leaned to the left when I walked (well, not really, but you get the point).

3. Ryder was born with a cephalhematoma, which is essentially a bump on the noggin. Although it didn’t occur to us at the time, he must have had one hell of a headache. And as such, he was more interested in sleeping than nursing. Wouldn’t you want to sleep off a hangover? So Ryder continued to lose weight, and I began to panic. The formula was in my house, I could give it to him. I could nourish him. I could feed him. So I did. Bye bye breast milk.

So that’s why Ryder was breastfeed for a total of four days, and I went on to experience postpartum guilt and depression for at least four months after. I felt like I had failed my son, and myself. There were resources available to me; I could have made it work. But I chose the right route for me at the time in order to keep my own sanity and make sure my baby was nourished.

Looking back, sure, I could have done things differently, but I no longer beat myself up over the decisions I made. Ryder is a healthy, active little boy with a tough-as-nails immune system (who despite warnings, has only been sick ONCE in two years with ONE ear infection, BF’ing Nazis be damned) and he’ll grow up knowing that his mommy did her best with what she was given.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t start all over again.

This time around, I was prepared. I all but demanded to see a lactation consultant while I was in the operating room (at which the nurse laughed at me, telling me to wait until they handed me my baby). Once I was wheeled to my room to recover, I refused to put Reid to my breast without a nurse present, because I wanted feedback on positioning, technique, etc. In short, I wanted to succeed. Was it easier this time? Hell no.

To be continued…