breastfeeding friendly nausea remedy

Have you ever breastfed a baby while throwing up? I have now.

Last week I was sick with the nastiest stomach flu bug that I have seen since I was 17 and made the mistake of delivering food to the garbage incinerator operators. I woke up at 7:30 am and thought, wow, something's wrong with my stomach. It was all downhill from there. This was one of those bugs that makes you vomit until you have not a drop of moisture or food in your body to expel, and still your body tries to vomit. I was on the floor, crying, pressing my face to the cold floor one minute, and shivering under covers the next.

Of course, babies don't understand when mama is sick. All they understand is there need to eat. And this is how I found myself nursing a baby while heaving into a toilet. Eventually, Baby S got curious and decided to stand up at the toilet next to me. And of course, my spit trails looked good enough to eat. Is it any wonder that she got the flu as well?

But I digress. At some point during the day, my mother (who totally saved my life by coming over to take care of all of us as I moaned and cried) called the nurse line to figure out how to save me from having to go to the hospital for dehydration. One of the things that I asked about was an anti-nausea medication. Of course! She started naming things off- and then remembered that I had said I was breastfeeding. Did I want to go out and buy some formula? None of the medications could be used while breastfeeding.

review & giveaway: thebabasling baby carrier

theBabaSling in chartreuse green

Up until a couple of weeks ago, I'd always been a wrap or certain type of carrier sort. I love my Moby and my Ergo to death. I had never tried a sling, but I kept seeing people carrying around their babies with them... and I have to admit, I was having some carrier curiosity and envy. I loved the way the side sit looked (something I have never mastered with my Moby or Ergo), and I watched mamas slip their babes down to nurse with ease (again, something I have never mastered the M or E).

So when I had a chance to review theBabaSling baby carrier, I was pumped. Finally, I could see what these slings were all about!

When I got my BabaSling, I quickly figured a couple of things out. One, this was not like other skimpy little slings- no fabric digging into the shoulders here. This is the queen of slings. Soft cotton fabric in gorgeous colors with a perfect amount of padding where the sling lays on the shoulder. The Unique Adjustment System makes it easy to size it for me or my partner in seconds while also being safe enough that I don't have to worry about babies falling out.

my favorite position- side saddle

Another thing I figured out in two seconds? theBabaSling is easy. Slip over head, make sure logo is in correct position, slip baby in, and we're off (note: I read directions thoroughly and practiced in a safe place before getting to this point). This is now my go-to carrier for quick trips and impending emergencies. Baby S can't be put down without blowing a gasket, Toddler B just leaked through her diaper and the beans are boiling over on the stove? No prob. Baba Sling on, Baby S in, Toddler B up and fire turned down. I AM SUPER MAMA.

breastfeeding position

theBabaSling offers 5 different positions and 2 different breastfeeding positions. Again, breastfeeding in a carrier is something that I have not previously been able to master. But with theBabaSling, I was able to get Baby S into position, latched on and feeding within seconds. Seriously. It was that easy. I also need to report that while feeding in theBabaSling, Baby S did not unlatch to play or look at anything. This is huge- as you know, Baby S is a full-on distractor that can't usually feed more than a couple of seconds without unlatching. Score a million points for sling feeding. I also was able to feed her while walking around- and she still didn't unlatch! I am beyond wow-ed.

Overall, I am pretty pleased with my BabaSling. It has become a nice part of our babywearing lives. Check out theBabaSling, drool at all the pretty colors, and get one of these award-winning slings for yourself!

*One lucky Breastfed reader will win a BabaSling of his or her very own! Check out how to enter using the Rafflecopter below. 

I was provided with a product to be reviewed by theBabaSling. I received no other compensation. The opinions are all my own.

review: glamourmom nursing gear

Glamourmom Nursing Bra Long Top in Stripe

Do you have a favorite piece of nursing gear?

I do now- my Glamourmom nursing tank.

Let me back up. Even before I was pregnant, I lived in tanks, year round. Easy summer wear, great for layering in the fall and spring, and perfect for adding a bit more warmth without bulk during the winter. I never knew about the invention of the nursing tank, but I was overjoyed to find them after giving birth to Toddler B.

Of course, at that point my nursing tank purchases were strictly made at the big box bullseye. Nothing wrong with these tanks, in particular- a little pricey, not too much support, tended to stretch out of shape a bit after a couple of washes, but overall, not bad. Easy access for nursing, and I didn't have to give up my tank top love affair. I knew of some pricier lines that were sold on the internet, but I didn't see the point of spending more.

That is, until I got my Glamourmom tank. I was sent the Glamourmom Nursing Bra Long Top in the black and white stripes seen above. The second I put it on, I was in love. You see, after two babies, I need a little more support up top. With this tank's full built in nursing bra and thick stretchy cotton and elastane fabric, my breasts moved back up to almost pre-baby height- without any extra bra support!!! LOVE.

giveaway: the posh pea blanket

Navy With White Circles

It's another blankie giveaway!

I know, I know- we just had one. And there are two reasons why we are having another:

Reason #1: Mamas- you can never have enough blankies! Continue to enjoy that skin-on-skin contact time by covering the babe with a warm blankie.

Reason #2: I'm seriously crushing on these blankies from The Posh Pea Boutique. Made of 100% cotton and a soft minky dot or chenille, these blankets are warm enough for a prolonged snuggle. They also come in a variety of fun designer fabrics and are made to last.

Blue Pinwheels

More reason to love them: Catherine, owner of The Posh Pea Boutique:

I want moms & dads to know that there is a beautiful alternative to the commercially made baby items that are plastered with TV icons and characters. I take pride in offering high quality, modern baby & children's items that parents can use with their style in mind. After all, what we put on our children is really a reflection of ourselves, so let's make it beautiful!

Lotus Wall Flower

I couldn't agree more! 


Besides their beautiful blankies, The Posh Pea Boutique also offers loveys, bibs, burp cloths, bodysuits, gift sets and does custom orders. The holidays are coming... order a gift that is beautiful and will last to pass onto their children!

Enter to win one of The Posh Pea Boutique's beautiful blankies below using the Rafflecopter. Ends 11.11.11- Good luck!

honey bee holistics interview & review

Organic Nipple Soothe Ointment

Today I am interviewing Melissa, the creator of Honey Bee Holistics, a line of skin care products for women. All of her products are handmade with wild harvested herbs or herbs grown on-site at her farmland in the valley of the Cascade Mountains. No chemicals or preservatives, ever!


Before interviewing Melissa, I had a chance to try her Organic Nipple Soothe Ointment for breastfeeding mothers. I was in love as soon as I opened the jar- the smell of honey and beeswax is delicious!


Another thing that made me happy- since the ointment has an organic beeswax base, it isn't overly goop-y like other nipple creams. It went on smoothly and had a nice protective feel to it- definitely made my nipples less sensitive to the chafing of my shirt. 


What I love about this product the most, however, is that it is only made from organic and natural products. Melissa harvested her herbs, mixed together this ointment, bottled it, and sent it to me! No crazy chemical preservatives or scary packaging processes. I have no fear about putting this on the nipples that spend so much time in my babies mouth. That is the best feeling.

why should girl scouts have all the fun?

Nursing Merit Badge

Today I'm interviewing Amy Bowers, the super mama mastermind behind the Mama Merit Badges. Her nursing merit badge (left) is part of our Breastfeeding Celebration Package giveaway!

What inspired you to create the badges?

When I was a mother to 3 very young children, I kept amazing myself with what I could do. I felt like I was growing and pushing myself  more than ever before. Once, after a solo shopping trip at a big box store with all 3,  I joked, "I deserve a merit badge for this!" Then, I went to search for them and they did not exist, so I decided to create them. They are meant to be funny and irreverent. Little nods for the very hard work of parenting. Like a pint of Ben and Jerry's, but not as fattening.

Any suggestions on where to put them?

They can be sewn on a diaper bag, tote or blanket, used in a journal or scrapbook, made into greeting cards, put into a shadow box, sewn onto a denim jacket or hat, or even worn on a sash. The uses are endless. 

What is your personal breastfeeding experience?

When I had my first child, I wanted to breastfeed but had no support. I did not know anyone who nursed or even thought it was very important. After a big struggle, I eventually gave up. 

giveaway: breastfeeding celebration package

Our first giveaway has grown! Win an amazingly fun breastfeeding celebration package in one easy step. 

The package includes: a boobie beanie for your baby by BitchinStitches, organic nipple soothe ointment from HoneyBee Holistics, the breastfeeding merit badge by MamaScout, and the Nourish Breastfeeding! poster from artist Heather Ault at 4000 Years.

Prize details:

Show your breastfeeding support with this handmade crocheted boobie beanie for your baby, courtesy of BitchinStitches. This beanie is designed to look like a breast while a baby or toddler is nursing! (The beanie is for your babies head- head warmer, not boob warmer....)

Beanies can be made in 3 different colors: light skin with pink nipple, medium skin with brown nipple, or brown skin with dark brown nipple. Beanie can also be made for different head sizes- newborn, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, or 12-24 months.

HoneyBee Holistics ointment is a soothing, organic, natural way for breastfeeding moms to ease sore cracked nipples. It helps them heal as well as providing extra moisturizing protection from excessive dryness. Safe enough for use in between feedings without the need to wash off!

Plus: It is an Organic Vegan option versus the popular lanolin products on the market!
 

Breastfed. is super excited to give away the breastfeeding merit badge from Mama Scout! Show your pride in earning your stripes, or gift this to a mama you know that has overcome some breastfeeding struggle. Breastfeeding is hard work and not as natural as it seems. If you produce milk for another human, you get this badge (and so much more). If you NIP (nurse in public) you get a special nod of admiration. 

Put up this poster from artist Heather Ault of 4000 years above your breastfeeding chair, in the room that you pump in at work, or where ever you want to be inspired to continue breastfeeding. 


This poster is part of a series of visual images celebrating the practice of reproductive control around the world for thousands of years!

Text:  

Since ancient times throughout the world, women have prolonged breastfeeding to prevent new pregnancies. During full-time breastfeeding for six-months after birth, most mothers do not ovulate and do not have menstrual periods. 




How to win your breastfeeding celebration package:


Follow Breastfed through Google Friend Connect (see orange box on right sidebar). When we reach 50 followers we will randomly select one friend as the lucky package winner!

Get extra entries by visiting one of our sponsors sites, then sharing one thing about them in the comments section of this post!

The odds of winning this giveaway are ridiculously great- 1 in 50, and even lower if you visit our sponsors sites! Amazing!

Good luck and good breastfeeding! 

review: little sapling toys

Breastfeeding wooden teether

We have long been fans of the beautiful wooden teethers and blocks by Little Sapling Toys.

So imagine our delight when we found that they include this beautiful teether celebrating the breastfeeding mother and child!


Teethers are handcrafted from Hard Rock Maple, a non-splintering wood. They are naturally anti-bacterial, non-allergenic, and non-toxic. All Little Teething Toys are sanded satin smooth with no exterior finish.

Their philosophy: Here at LST, we are committed to quality toys and a healthy earth. We plant a tree for every toy sold, use FSC Certified hardwoods, recycled content packaging and participate in our local green power program.

Each toy is handmade in our workshop in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. They design their toys to help young children develop creativity, pattern recognition and motor skills. 


But what do the babies think? Toddler B and Baby S are both fans of Little Sapling Toy teethers. The maple must taste good and sooth sore gums, because Baby S loves to have it in her mouth, slobbering all over it. The holes are also perfect size for both little and big babies. Great for waving and banging!


We also own some of their blocks. Great size for stacking, and they just plain feel good in your hands.


Little Sapling Toys is offering a special discount for Breastfed. readers. Enter BFED10 at checkout for a 10% discount through September 15. Yay!


Read more about Nick and Kimber, the mother and father team behind Little Sapling Toys.

review: milkscreen

Today I had a difficult job- I was forced to drink in order to review Milkscreen, a product designed to let breastfeeding women test the alcohol content of their breast milk after drinking.

Ok, maybe it wasn't so difficult. Actually, not so difficult at all.

Although I rarely drink at all anymore (the times when I have money for a babysitter plus money to go out, desire to be awake late, and the energy to make myself nightclub pretty are rare these days), I do occasionally enjoy the idea of a cocktail after baby bedtime. I always wonder, though- did I drink so much that I'm getting my baby drunk? Will it make the difference between a future National Honor Society member and a remedial English student?

The second that I mentioned to my partner that I was going to review alcohol test strips, he was making plans to go to the liquor store (perhaps we are both in need of some relaxation?). We picked up our favorite- Prairie vodka, an organic vodka made right here in Minnesota.

hot milk

"She Craved A Little Decadence" nursing bra

Hey nursing mamas!

Have you checked out the line of nursing and maternity lingerie from Hot Milk?

Who wants boring old black and white when you can have electric blue, lacy black and hot pink? This company from New Zealand puts out the hottest nursing accessories with fabulous names such as She Blushes in Delight nursing bra and Delighted With Her Victory nursing camisole.

As the mind behind the brand states:

"The inspiration came when I was pregnant with my first child. After a lifetime of wearing beautiful lingerie I was horrified with the maternity lingerie I was faced with. I was pregnant—not 90!"

The best part? They are on sale at Zulily today through August 18th for up to 75%! Shop now- supplies may go quickly.


Click here to join Zulily. Happy shopping! 

hygeia breast pump

Another great nursing deal from Zulily!

The Hygeia Chocolate Brown EnJoye LBI Double Electric Breast Pump went on sale at Zulily today at a $100 reduction from the normal price.

Details (from Zulily):

Winner of the prestigious 2011 PTPA Media Award, the EnJoye LBI breast pump is a must-have for busy breast-feeding moms. With a built-in rechargeable battery, this professional-grade, double electric pump is specifically designed for long-term and frequent pumping needs, and all parts that come into contact with breast milk are BPA and DEHP-free.

nursing gear deals

Have you joined Zulily? If not, you should! They are a great shopping site that has daily deals on gear for babies, kids, women and things for the home.

They frequently have stellar deals on nursing gear- bras, tanks, gowns, slips- you name it. This stuff can get pricey, but is essential, so it's necessary to find a place where you can load up at a good price.

Right now they have nursing gear by La Leche League International on sale for up to 70% off. My favorite is this nursing sports bra- inspires me to work off some of this baby weight! This sale ends on 8/04, so get shopping now.

Sign up here to get in on the action.

nikki mcclure

I've found my new favorite artist: Nikki McClure. 

This beautiful card is entitled "Examine the Food Chain". I've seen this image before, but didn't have any luck finding a place to purchase it. I would like to get it for my lactation consultant to add to the breastfeeding images that cover her wall.

Now I can! Nikki's work is available on buyolympia.com. 

breastfeeding merit badge

How do you earn your breastfeeding merit badge?

-Nurse around the clock, on demand. This may mean that your boob is attached to a little mouth 95% of the day (or so it may seem).
-Deal with leaky boobs and nursing pads.
-Forgo your favorite clothes most of the time in favor of things that give easy access to the breasts.
-Drag that heavy pump with you to work each and every day.
-Enjoy some special quiet nursing time with your babe.

This is an actual patch, found on etsy. It sells for five dollars.

I think I will buy this badge for myself and the other breastfeeding mamas I know.

We have definitely earned it- lets share our accomplishments with the world!

morning humor

I love this sticker! You can buy it here.

bamboobies

Love these Bamboobies nursing pads! Cute heart shape. Made of organic bamboo, cotton velour and a hemp core. What's not to love?

**This is not a sponsored post- I just think they are cute!

breastfeeding pastimes

In those first couple of months breastfeeding, it's inevitable: You're tethered to the baby. Baby wants to feed all the time, and she's not very efficient at it. You spend 45 minute stretches on the couch up to 10 times a day.

What to do during this time?

Of course, there are hours spent gazing at baby, marveling at how perfect she is, soaking up that warm, fuzzy mommy feeling. And maybe there are some hours spent silently crying over how frustrated and tired you are.

diy boppy cover

Do you use a Boppy for breastfeeding (or an organic version)? Learn how to make your own pillow cover here!

open system vs. closed system pumps

Thinking about buying a Medela pump?

If so, read this post from the blog Just West of Crunchy that outlines the problems with Medela.

I used a Medela Pump-in-Style Advanced pump with my first baby. The first one that I bought had motor problems after a month, but Medela sent me a replacement pump within two days. After that it worked great for the remainder of the time that I used it (and I was pumping nine times a day!)

Other problems: the membranes ripped after about a month, so I had to continually replace them. Most disturbing: the tubing started to grow mold in it, and there was no way to wash it out. Medela sent me one free pack of new tubing, but I found out later that they would only do this during the initial 3 month warranty.

It was only later that I read the above mentioned article and realized that the Medela pumps are "open system" pumps. Meaning:

the passing of the shirt

courtesy of radeka 

I knew this day would come. It's only natural.

When I bought the tank top nine years ago, I never thought that it would become my breast feeding tank. It was just a simple black tank top from Express. Shelf top with a little padding and reinforcement. Spaghetti straps. Simple enough, easy to throw on, cool enough in the big, bad Texan heat.

The tank saw me through a good part of my twenties. It hung out at the club a lot, even made it to dinner with my in-laws.

Then came the thirties, and pregnancy. Suddenly my padded push-up bras were torture at 7 months pregnant with my first. The tank took me comfortably through the rest of the pregnancy, and another one right after.

Fast forward to now. I wear it almost every day. Easy to slip off a strap and pop a boob in the mouth. The padding holds in leaks better than any nursing pad.

Sadly, all this wash and wear has taken it's toll. It's no longer black- it's current color is faded black-grey-green, with little spit up marks here and there. The straps are unraveling. Two pregnancies have stretched the belly to the point where it no longer clings, but hangs. It doesn't hold the girls in like it used to- and believe me, after two pregnancies, they need some holding in (and up).

What to do? Do I head out and look for a new one? The thought of all the searching, the trial and error.. I don't have that kind of time anymore. And even if I found a good one, no tank will ever be the same as this one. Sigh.

Rest in peace, black tank top. You will be missed.