6 Months Nursing!

With each new baby I try to have zero expectations and take each day one at a time. I feel this keeps me in the moment and keeps me from becoming easily discouraged. Today I thought I would journal a bit about how nursing has gone this far.

The biggest issue we have dealt with is little miss's very shallow latch. The only time we have seen a lactation consultant was in the hospital. So I have been managing on my own. It is very hard to get out to do anything when I have three little's in tow and work full time. Luckily though I have had little issue dealing with  the lousy latch. However, this is my third baby and so I know what nursing should feel like and how to increase the latch. If you are having latch issues I recommend seeing a consultant because a poor latch can lead to other issues. For us popping her lip and adjusting potions has been sufficient to avoid any pain issues. 

With luck I have managed to only have one clogged duct! Nearly 7 months in and that's the worst so far! Go boobs!

Pumping has been a struggle. I am either not responding to my pump or I have low supply issues. My hunch is that I have pump issues. I have not had to rely so heavy on pumping with my older two babies as I do with E.  This has been a struggle and jouney I have never experienced before. 

As different  and as hard as this journey has been we are still going strong on the nursing road. My goal is to do at least one year nursing at at 7 months I feel we will make that for sure. 

Why Breast is Best for my Family.

At first breastfeeding was an easy choice. I knew about it, and had seen other mother's do it, I knew it was the natural way to feed a baby and that overall quality of the milk was better then formula.  But once I started I realized it wasn't nearly as easy as I had thought. So I really had to consider what I would continue doing. Keep fighting the good fight to nurse or switch to formula. It was at the point I did research, and I soon found my answers! I am not talking about my research here. I am simply saying what makes me a breastfeeding advocate, and why boobies work best in my family. 

1. Cheap- Lets face it formula is expensive! Mama milk is cheaper. Even if you include nursing pads, bags and such I spent about the cost of a single can of formula a month on nursing and pumping supplies.
2. Nutrition- Living breathing , forming growing changing milk, made literally of me! Amazing stuff!
3. Quick and "easy"- Breastfeeding is not always easy, but at some point it does get there and for me popping a nipple in my babies mouth is so much easier the measuring formula and mixing it up. 
4. The connection factor- 15+ minuets of eye contact, caressing and cuddling with a precious, wonderful smelling bundle of joy! This is one thing that no matter what is going on I feel so good, loved and happy... Thank you oxytocin! 
5. The potential to donate to babies who's lives depend on it. Way too many premature babies die of NEC how amazing is it that we can help? Curious to learn more? http://www.bestforbabes.org/fast-facts-miracle-milk/

What about you Why is breastfeeding right for your family? even in times that it can be  tough?

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Expectations for MommyCon! And the Ticket giveaway Entry!

So What is this MommyCon thing anyways? On their site they describe it this way....

"MommyCon is a boutique style convention dedicated to bringing modern parents and mothers-to-be together. Our focus is on natural and organic parenting methods and timeless tidbits as we journey through parenthood together. Our seminars and workshops include; babywearing, birth, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, car seat safety, natural health and medicine, baby gear, childproofing and so much more! We end our day with amazing giveaways and each attendee gets a gift bag from our sponsors." - MommyCon 

I've been a mommy by heart since I was a little girl and a mommy to my own for over Five years now. There is little more I love then to learn about new, and in some cases better ways to be a parent. I find learning in every opportunity I can. Lets just say MommyCon totally hits the come to learn nerve in my soul! I am super excited and her are my top five reasons why!

1. Connecting and Networking- I am typically a very shy person but get me with the right group and I bloom. The number one thing I am looking forward to is meeting like minded mama's and vendors. I see this as a chance to share stories and make new friend. 
2. Ridiculous Amounts of Fun- Shopping, seminars, a road trip to the event. These are just some things I think will be fun. A chance to explore learn and grow is just what I am needing right now. Not to mention goody bags, a baby wearing lounge and giveaways!
3. learning New Information and of New Products- I really do thrive in an environment where I can learn. My day to day life gives me very few chances to do anything other then the ordinary. Having an opportunity to not only listen to expert speakers but to also listen to other moms is something I know I will take away from. There is gold nuggets of truth bound to be found! 
4. A Chance to Get Away and Refocus-  Daily my stress levels are high and sometimes I forget what my most important job is... taking care of me, so that I can take care of my family. 
5. Getting involved and Helping Others- I see an chance to not only learn but to also teach. Maybe there will be one other mama who will cross my path who I might have the perfect words for. Maybe I can help just one mama give breastfeeding another day. Because any amount of breast milk is awesome!

I am giving away two tickets! One to two separate winners. That way if you want a buddy to go you can split cost, or maybe your going alone. It's all up to you! You could even possibly win both! Here ya go ladies!

Tickets can be used for most locations dependant on date and availability. 

If you cant wait, Buy a ticket now and save five dollars with Code NURSINGMAMA16 

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