Paul & Jenn's Adventures

While breastfeeding is natural, free, and so easy once mom and baby gets the hang of it, the first few weeks can be extremely frustrating for new moms. I read the books and even went to a breastfeeding class so I thought I was prepared. Boy, was I in for a surprise! A wise mom once told me, if you can breastfeed for 2 weeks, you can breastfeed for 2 years. I think its absolutely true, the first couple weeks were really rough. Although moms and babies are naturally equipped with everything they need to successfully breastfeed, these few items that really helped me cope during those early days and beyond. 1. Medela Hand Pump After my milk came in a couple days after birth, my boobs were so engorged I thought they were going to explode. My doula told me that it wouldn't be helpful to pump because pumping would increase my milk supply and make me even more engorged. She recommended cold compresses between feedings to help calm the engorgement and hot compresses right before and duri...

1. It's Free! Formula feeding can cost between $1500 to $2000 in baby's first year. We do spend a bit more on food bills because I need more calories and nutrients to breastfeed, but pretty much negligible since I'm eating about the same diet as when I was pregnant. 2. It's Always Ready No need to measure out formula or warm bottles. When baby needs food, the breast is always available as long as I'm home. If I know I'm going to be out, I pump some milk ahead of time. I also keep a store of frozen breast milk just in case as well. When baby travels with me, I don't have to worry about bringing bottles and formula. I can't help but bring my breasts and milk with me where-ever we go and it's always at the right temperature too.