Toddler Talk - "Owww my boobs!"

Since Carina seems to be obsessed, let's talk about boobs.

When I'm engorged, she'll look at me and say "Mommy has big boobs!" Ha, it's the only time I have big boobs ;)

While romping, she often elbows me in the boobs to which I reply, "ow!! My boobs!" She has begun repeating this when she falls down or gets bumped. Hearing a 2 year old yelp, "owww boobs!" makes my day. Every time.

I don't pump at home very often, but when I do, she is intrigued. She stands next to me, watches, and exclaims, "Mommy pumping!" A few times now she has climbed up on the couch after I finish, put her hands on my chest and pushed on one boob, and then the other...over and over again. "Mommy pumping!" I guess she thinks she's my manual pump?

Got any toddler boob talk to share? ;)

A rare date night and Milk Diary - Review & Giveaway!

It's no secret that Mike and I do not get out alone very often. While we are much closer to our families {who are eager to babysit} than we were in Wisconsin, we are still over 2 hours from mine and almost 4 hours away from his. Finding babysitters is a little bit of a challenge around here, and we can't often afford to go out and pay a babysitter. When one of Mike's friends at the lab offered to babysit, we jumped at the chance faster than I run {with my pants down} when I'm in the bathroom and hear an ominous "BOOM!"

Last night we went out to dinner to celebrate our 7 year dating anniversary, which was on November 1st. Confession: it has been a little while long time since I've made a concerted effort to look nice. Most days I consider it an accomplishment to get out of my pajama pants, so I was quite excited to wear something that made me feel pretty - a dress from Milk Diary.

Their story:
Milk Diary was founded by Lana Hegstrom who initially struggled to nurse her son so she started a tedious Milk Diary (hence the name of the company) and tracked everything on her Excel spreadsheet. After numerous hours of pumping, visits to a breastfeeding clinic and many tears, she was finally able to successfully nurse her son! But, she had difficulty finding functional yet sophisticated nursing clothes that she could wear without announcing, “I am nursing!” She created Milk Diary designs, which can be worn by professional mothers who are pumping at work and by stay-home mothers who want to look fabulous on a day out with their babies.

Since I still think I might return to work next Spring, Milk Diary really caught my attention. I received the Wrap Knit Dress in Onyx (black) which - in addition to being a fantastic date night dress - would double perfectly as a functional and stylish outfit for work. Before we left for dinner I had to pump and I was impressed with how easy it was! The nursing openings at the armholes are large enough to even make pumping a breeze, but are located in just the right place so you never have to worry about an errant boob hanging out in front of your boss ;)

My dress and a weird super-blurry Carina photobomb?

This classic dress features a shirt collar, tie belt, and three-quarter sleeves which have two buttons just below each elbow. Made of 92% Rayon and 8% Spandex Jersey, which is super comfortable and surprisingly warm in this chilly Fall weather. Machine wash and dry flat. This dress is perfect for so many occasions, I plan on wearing it even after I'm finished nursing. No one needs to know, right?

Front detail close up

How often do you get out with your significant other?

Shop
Milk Diary offers a number of fashionable nursing tops and nursing dresses, suitable for work and/or every day wear!

Win
Lana is generously offering one of my readers their choice of either the Pleated Button Front Knit Dress in Charcoal Heather or the Deep V Knit Tunic in Onyx (black) - both below:

How to Enter:

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Click "Read More" below and then follow the instructions on the widget. Make sure to click "Enter!" after you complete each entry. All currents count! The giveaway is open to residents of the US and ends at 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, November 17th.

The first entry is mandatory - Visit Milk Diary and tell me your favorite style! Once you complete this entry, the widget will give you the option of completing the rest. Complete more steps for more chances to win!

Be your own breastfeeding advocate & My Brest Friend Giveaway! CLOSED

I breastfed Carina for 18 Months before we stopped in July when my milk dried up. I loved nursing and to be truthful? I miss it. Every now and then when we are snuggled up real close Carina will say "milk!" and attempt to pull down my shirt. I'm thinking she misses it, too. Needless to say, I am excited to breastfeed again. I'm hoping to make it to at least 18 Months with the new baby as well. 

Taking a sleepy nursing break at only a couple days old

Being your own advocate when it comes to breastfeeding can be tough. It seems that in our society we are encouraged to breastfeed, even sometimes judged if we don't, yet we aren't necessarily given the support we need in order to be successful. Here are a few things I've learned recently about laws that are in place to help us breastfeeding Mommas out! I've tried to sift through all of the legal mumbo jumbo and bring you a quick run down of what I think we should all know...

Coverage for breastfeeding supplies & support

Earlier this summer, the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act, which had a number of provisions that are extremely beneficial for breastfeeding Moms. Most health insurance plans are now required to cover breastfeeding support and supplies without co-payment! Health plans will need to implement this coverage with the first plan/policy year that begins on or after August 1, 2012. What does this mean for you and me? Your breast pump and lactation consultant visits might be covered already! And if not, they will be soon. Call your insurance company and ask when the new benefits will take effect for you. This applies per pregnancy, as well. If I needed to get a new pump after Aurelia is born, it would be covered. If you think you might need to see a lactation consultant but aren't sure how to go about finding one (or if you like to be prepared!) this handy little map will help you find a lactation consultant near you.

Pumping in the workplace

Another provision included in the Affordable Care Act that is super helpful to working Moms is the requirement for employers to provide employees with adequate time and space to pump during the workday, until their babies are one year old. And? That space can't be a bathroom: employers must provide “a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public.” If your employer insists you need to pump where you would normally take a dump, insist that you be provided with an alternate location. Pumping can be hard enough as it is, you shouldn't have to be uncomfortable while you do it (and now you don't!) Note: there are a few exceptions discussed in the article above.

Nursing in public

In most US states and countries of the world, it is perfectly legal to breastfeed your baby - covered or not - anywhere you are otherwise allowed to be. If you aren't sure what the law says in your area, check them out: Breastfeeding State Laws - US. In some states, people can even be fined if they try to stop you from breastfeeding or ask you to leave. Know your rights and exercise them as you see fit. If a store or restaurant owner gives you a hard time, inform them that your right to feed your baby is protected by law. Some Moms I know even carry around a printed copy of their state's laws, just in case they meet with resistance.


In addition to being your own advocate when it comes to your legal rights, in my opinion it's important to be proactive and seek out the help, support, and even equipment you'll need in order to be successful! Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. is a licensed home nursing care provider specializing in breastfeeding support. Passionate about the health of babies and the mental health of mothers, they are committed to helping mothers achieve success in their breastfeeding goals, whatever they may be. Founded in 2000 by Kathy Moren, a Registered Nurse with experience in neonatal intensive care, home healthcare, and the corporate consulting field, Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. has served over 2500 families!

Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. supplies a number of must-haves for breastfeeding including pumps (sales & rentals), nursing pillows, nursing bras and other breastfeeding accessories. And if you're local to Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island, they offer breastfeeding support groups, classes, and a variety of other helpful services for Moms, including Lactation and sleep consults.

Win
Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. is generously offering one of my readers a My Brest Friend pillow in blue gingham! You might remember that I used My Brest Friend religiously while nursing Carina; it is one of my top baby items! I have it packed and ready to go with me to the hospital this time around, as well :)

How to Enter:

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Click "Read More" below and then follow the instructions on the widget. Make sure to click "Enter!" after you complete each entry. All currents count! The giveaway is open to US Residents only and ends at 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, September 25th.

The first entry is mandatory - Visit Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. and tell me your favorite product that they sell or service that they provide! Once you complete this entry, the widget will give you the option of completing the rest. Complete more steps for more chances to win!

Introducing my BlogHer '12 sponsor: Simple Wishes!

I am so excited to be attending BlogHer '12 in New York city in just a few short weeks! I will get to meet some of my amazing bloggy friends for the first time, learn a lot from the sessions, stuff my face with amazing food (including McDonald's fries!) at the enumerable parties, and finally get to have some me-time. That's right; this will be the first time I have ever left Carina overnight - more to come on how I'm feeling about that later.

Without further ado I'd like to introduce one of the two fantastic companies who are helping me get to BlogHer: Simple Wishes!

After Carina was born, I planned on returning to work after my 12 weeks of maternity leave were over, and I was pumping daily in order to build up a freezer stash in preparation. I lamented the fact that I couldn't multitask while pumping. I felt {sort of} like a prisoner as I sat there holding the breast shields and bottles up against my chest for 20+ minutes at a time. And? Maybe I just have no stamina but my hands and arms got tired. It wasn't until a fellow new-Mom recommended the Simple Wishes hands free pumping bra that I felt like I could actually get something done while pumping.

Not me, but you get the idea. PS I'd love to work at my counter

When I returned to work part-time, and then progressed to full-time, the hands free pumping bra was absolutely invaluable for me. Instead of taking a 20 minute break 2-3 times a day to pump (which would add an hour to my work day, and mean one hour less to spend with my peanut), I could work while pumping! It took me just one minute to put on the bra and get all of the pump parts connected. I saved so much time - and frustration! My hands and arms were no longer tired and I didn't feel like a slave to the pump anymore.

After the new baby arrives, I will for sure be using my Simple Wishes hands free bustier again! I might even buy a second one if/when I return to work so I can leave one at home, as well. In my opinion it is definitely a must for anyone who will be pumping.

Comes in pink or black

More about Simple Wishes:
For every mother who has ever wished she could be in two places at once, that she had an extra set of hands, or just that she could manage her hectic schedule and still find time for herself, Simple Wishes is the simple solution she's been waiting for. 

Simple Wishes Bustier allows multi-tasking moms the chance to be more productive while they pump, or simply to take a breath and recapture a moment for themselves. Stylish and functional, and grounded in innovative, thoughtful design, the Bustier is an affordable and quality alternative to the fussy and unflattering hands free alternatives on the market.

Thank you so much to Simple Wishes for sponsoring me at BlogHer '12!

My Mother's Day & OMG: A 19th Century Breast Pump

For Mother's Day we visited one of my favorite places ever - Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. It had been at least 15 years since I last traveled there, but I remembered almost everything perfectly. OSV is one of the country’s oldest and largest living history museums, depicting early New England life from 1790-1840 with historians in costume, antique buildings, water-powered mills, and a working farm.

Just arriving - you can see how excited Carina is

I'm so glad she doesn't have my nose

Mike and his brother playing with the colonial kiddie games

Me and my mans

An early 19th century breast pump

Wait...WHAT?!?

OMFG

Mike spied this in the glassware exhibit. My best guess is that the cup on the end goes over your breast, and you suck on the tube? I really feel for the early 19th century Mommas; this does not look comfortable or efficient. I would imagine that it felt pretty weird to suck out your own breast milk, as well. Of course that's just a guess...I have no desire to try. Seeing this certainly made for an interesting end to a fantastic day.

So...anyone want to give this sucker a shot? ;)

On One Year of Breastfeeding (and Beyond?)

I grew Carina on the inside for 9 months, and have continued to help her grow on the outside now for 1 year. I breastfed her exclusively for her first 6 months of life, but didn't start to decrease the amount I nursed her until just recently, as she never really took to table food until now.

Taking a snoozy break from nursing at 2 days old

I don't know when I'll wean her. For now, the only thing I am sure of is that I'm not ready yet, and she doesn't seem to be either. She has, however, been getting whole milk in a sippy cup with her meals for the last two weeks and is doing great! She seems to like it. But still, first thing after she wakes up in the morning, before each of her two naps, prior to bed, and usually 1-2 additional times, she nurses.

To be honest, the time she spends snuggled up against me nursing is my favorite part of the day. I will miss it so much after I wean her. My task right now is to somehow bring myself to a place where I'll be emotionally ready as soon as she is. Yikes. I can't believe I already have to think about this; time has gone by way too fast.

Can I confess that as excited as I am at the prospect of more independence (after I wean her, anyone can feed her at any time - this would have been true a long time ago had she ever been okay with bottles), I will be sad that she no longer needs me the way she does now. I won't have this claim to her anymore; at any time, anywhere, I can scoop her up and retreat to a quiet place for our snuggly nursing time. After I wean her, it won't be the same. Not going to cry... ::gets it together::

It's funny to look back on how I was feeling during every step of the way...

• At 2 months I felt like a milk factory
• At 6 months I talked about my love of nursing
• At 9 months I tried to give my left boob a pep talk due to it's decision to slack off

Now, at 1 year, my supply is slowing even further. Carina usually has to nurse for a couple minutes before I let down; it isn't ready and waiting all the time like it used to be. I'm not sure whether or not this is normal at this point, or if I should pump a little or return to my Mother's Milk tea. Any 1 year plus nursers out there? What is(was) your supply like at 1 year?

My Breastmilk's Excellent Adventure

While Carina and I arrived in Philly on the early flight, unfortunately my breastmilk did not.

I had painstakingly packed away my remaining 150+ ounces of frozen milk in two thermal tote bags with lots of ice, and many prayers. I knew there was a good chance the milk wouldn't remain frozen, but faced with this or ascertaining a large quantity of dry ice, a cooler, and paying to ship it, I chose the former.

When we arrived at the airport and were notified about the staggering delays, I thought about taking the milk out of my checked luggage and carrying it with me instead. In retrospect, I probably should have done this, but I was already traveling with Carina, umbrella stroller, and diaper bag, and I didn't know how I could manage two more {sizable and heavy} bags.

Carina and I snagged the last seat on an earlier flight to Philly (yay!) but when we arrived around 9 PM it became clear my milk didn't make it. I told the US Airways baggage claim employee, Judy, that my milk was on the later flight and I was so sad that it was going to spoil.

The flight ended up getting in around 3 AM (again, SO GLAD we made the earlier flight). I received a call from Judy at 6 AM letting me know she found my bag, took out the totes and put them in their employee freezer. Somehow, my milk was still frozen after almost 18 hours.

So thank you for saving my stash, Judy at US Airways in Philly, my breastmilk guardian angel. Carina and my boobs thank you.

We picked it up a little later that morning and stuffed it in the freezer at my Mother-in-Law's work (wouldn't fit at their house), then brought it on the drive to Connecticut a couple days later, stuck it in the hotel freezer there, and then finally on Monday it found it's new permanent home in the freezer in our new apartment. Rock on, most resilient substance ever.

Safe and sound in our freezer

Peep show in my office

Everyone always talks about "pregnancy brain" and how forgetful you become when you are carrying a child.  Aside from a few embarrassing things I did - including forgetting about meetings at work on occasion and opening up the oven after the cooking timer went off only to find out I hadn't even put the brownies in, I never really felt off my rocker when I was pregnant.

Since Carina was born, however, I have felt significantly more "out there".  Recently I've done the following (please feel free to laugh at me):

-While at work very early in the morning I lifted my shirt and detached the cups of my nursing bra so I could get ready to pump.  With boobs hanging out, I took my time hooking up the tubing to the connectors, and the connectors to the bottles only to realize that my office door was wide open.  Thank goodness no one was else around...sometimes I still wonder if a janitor got more than he bargained for while walking by.

-When I arrived at work another morning I didn't notice that I had left my bottles at home until it was time to pump.  It would have taken at least 45 minutes to drive home and back (and I would have had to pay the Nanny more $).  Since I'm cheap resourceful, I decided to look around my office and come up with a different plan.  Ah!  My Dunkin Donuts travel mug...perfect.  I pumped into the one spare bottle I always leave in my office (because I just knew I would forget them at some point), and then dumped it into my good old Dunkin Donuts mug.  It was almost full by the end of the day.  M just laughed and laughed at me when I got home and explained that the mug didn't contain my afternoon coffee...

-During my afternoon pump one day I started to feel something wet in my lap.  I looked down, and just shook my head as I realized that I had forgotten to hook up the breastshields and connectors to the bottles.  The bottles were sitting there on my desk laughing at me as I pumped directly into my lap.

There seems to be a theme here...these episodes + my first pumping experience at work = pumping failure. I fail at pumping.

Please tell me I'm not alone.  Share some of your Mommy brain stories.

Pumping fail

10:00 AM, March 22nd. I carefully placed two bottles full of milk with breastshields still attached in the cup holders in my car. Crap. The fit is not so snug. The whole way home I prayed there wouldn't be any bumps (or Wisconsin potholes) as I drove with one hand and tried to keep the bottles steady with the other. What a great first day back at work after maternity leave.

Let's rewind to earlier that morning....5:30 AM. I cursed the alarm and carefully snuck out of bed so as not to wake the peanut, who was sleeping in her swing next to our bed.  Half asleep, I went to the cabinet and grabbed two bottles with the breastshields/connectors/vales already assembled (first mistake). Side note: this is how I store them in the cabinet, so that there is no need to waste time putting them together when my boobs are about to explode. Then, I threw the bottles in a big ziplock bag (second mistake).

7:30 AM: time to pump.  I put on my pumping bra and started reading through my gazillion e-mails.  I felt great after the milk sucker managed to get more than 10 ounces out of me.  Then came time to unhook and disassemble.  I went to grab the bottle caps and realized that I forgot them.  Nice one, Mama G.  Well, at least I could stand them up securely in the cooler bag I brought.  Oh wait, I didn't bring it.  So I wrapped up the bottles (with the breastshields attached) in a handful of napkins, put them back in the ziplock bag and stood them up in the way back of our work refrigerator...and hoped that it wouldn't end up in someone's cereal.  Uggh.

Not my finest moment.  But I did manage to get all 10 ounces back home safely.  M couldn't stop laughing as I walked in the door with my ziplock baggy full of milk.  Moral of the story ladies, make sure you have everything you need for pumping before you head off to work!

More about being back at work at a later date.  This super organized type-A planner needs to go hang her slightly completely unprepared head in shame.

Milk factory, open for business

That's not me, but I look just as awesome in my Hands-Free Breastpump Bra.

Since buying this bra and smaller breastshields (yes I must have the tiniest nipples in the world), I have gone from pumping 2 ounces per both-boob pumping session, to about 7 ounces. One morning last week I got 7 ounces alone from lefty, who is usually my dud boob.

In addition to having the right equipment, what has been helping is my sister's pumping 'procedure'. She swears by it and expressed milk like a rockstar after my nephew Conor was born. Pump one boob while baby feeds from the other for the first feeding of the day. Repeat for 3 days. Then do the same thing for the first two feedings of the day. Repeat for another 3-4 days. Then, do it for the first three feedings of the day and stick with it.

Also, we have started feeding Carina one bottle of breastmilk per day just to get her used to the bottle. When I go back to work part-time one month from today (eek!) M will be giving her a bottle or two a day.  While M feeds her, I pump again.

I am now socking 6 oz. bags away in the freezer like crazy! Ha, I feel like a cow.