tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22741185661855375792024-03-15T18:30:05.671-07:00Catholic Nursing Mothers LeagueEncouragement and Support for Breastfeeding, Ecological Breastfeeding, Motherhood, and Living the Catholic Faith
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger248125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-12976029053212596362024-03-11T13:57:00.000-07:002024-03-11T13:57:46.472-07:00Your Identity as a Child of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfDJ5NuJOOu1lIpOyzsBp6Tq479ej0SjmZdaDeNlI0Q2TI3DrLf8Q-KZeQYP6zGpipgrrEncyCN42n6ztiP354gphmeEGXlSljLhEylpyG50fHN9MuXz9OGcGibGPPW7U4IqZWME-VCyfDOW9IeghqtKuPUuXTGpUhXP_I3I5lxb3X0CDb1dVj4yAxU87/s1414/IMG_1385.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1414" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfDJ5NuJOOu1lIpOyzsBp6Tq479ej0SjmZdaDeNlI0Q2TI3DrLf8Q-KZeQYP6zGpipgrrEncyCN42n6ztiP354gphmeEGXlSljLhEylpyG50fHN9MuXz9OGcGibGPPW7U4IqZWME-VCyfDOW9IeghqtKuPUuXTGpUhXP_I3I5lxb3X0CDb1dVj4yAxU87/s320/IMG_1385.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Christ_blessing_little_children_LCCN2017660437.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia commons - public domain</a>)</p><p><br /></p><p>I think motherhood and breastfeeding are such important and beautiful gifts from God! I have read countless books on these topics and have spent many hours contemplating the vocation of motherhood. Through the practice of <a href="https://www.nfpandmore.org/The%20Seven%20Standards%20Summary.pdf" target="_blank">ecological breastfeeding</a>, I will have many more wonderful years with children at home due to the spacing of my family. My experience as a mom has truly transformed me.</p><p>However, there is one “identity” that is even more important than these: the fact that you and I are children of God. Yes, the way we are called to serve God right now is through nursing our babies, and loving our families but our utmost worth and identify comes from God.</p><p>We may have not had the birth, breastfeeding, or mothering experiences so far that we had hoped for. However, we do our best with our circumstances and offer everything to our loving Creator. We can also keep praying that God will change our experiences if He wills it. If you would like the moms in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/102935376419378/" target="_blank">CNML Facebook group</a> to pray for you, email me your intentions or request to join the group. </p><p>One day, our babies will wean and will be old enough to not need our help with all those little tasks such as washing hands and cutting up food at dinner and getting ready for a bath. One day they will learn to read, learn to drive a car (definitely scary!), and maybe learn calculus! And then one day our babies will even grow up and move onto all the other wonderful things God has called them to.</p><p>As time goes on, the work God gives you and me <i>will</i> change. However, through it all, we will still be <i>daughters of the King</i> and our goal will always remain the same: to know, love and serve God in this world and in the next.</p><p><b>What are some ways to know, love and serve God when you have a nursling?</b></p><p>When you have little ones, saying little prayers sprinkled throughout your day may be all you have the energy for. And God understands that! The Catholic Nursing Mothers League offers little gift bags for nursing moms for this reason. There is a one decade rosary included because busy nursing moms may only have time to pray one decade! Send me an email at catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com and I will mail you one.</p><p>Some moms set up a small prayer corner in their homes. If you have a special nursing area, that could even be your prayer corner. The benefit of something like this is when you have a spare minute, everything is ready and you can just sit down and spend time with God. You might include a Bible or a booklet such as <a href="https://wau.org/">The Word Among Us</a><a href="https://wau.org/" target="_blank">Word Among Us</a>, a rosary, an icon of Jesus, and maybe a book for spiritual reading. One book that combines the topics of breastfeeding and motherhood with our Catholic faith is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1933184043?tag=gypsycaravan7-20" target="_blank">Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood</a>. If you would like a copy, send me an email, and I will send it to you as a gift.</p><p>Frequenting the sacraments is another way to stay close to God. Take your baby to Mass, confession and even adoration for a few minutes. If you need to use the cry room, that is perfectly okay! I spent many years in there with my kids! </p><p>Try to get together with other Catholic moms for encouragement and support! This can be a playgroup, a <a href="https://walkingwithpurpose.com/" target="_blank">Bible study</a>, a mom’s night out or even an <a href="https://www.stcroixbirth.com/catholic-breastfeeding-support.html" target="_blank">online breastfeeding support group meeting</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Written by Gina Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p>What are some ways you stay close to God in this season of nursing babies and changing diapers? Please share in the comments. Thanks!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-67616158806373840282024-03-02T09:18:00.000-08:002024-03-02T09:18:52.808-08:00Breastfeeding a Premature Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy__sZYpSVt7CDN1nChOkXod49pUf_3hlDs8ub_7lUfsmLqkIJBe0lH8Sxl783SZE2kaykoBEA8FmrcPlU8X8_M5fpnjSjwGAN0ohRFfFPZNZjss_FWCcp0FfmnKu_K8cITTjXZ4ej8ZVx76wDZpVLAcekqO2RZoD8hdLhstJ9slhtodUkxb3Y71UjLKm/s1600/IMG_1379.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy__sZYpSVt7CDN1nChOkXod49pUf_3hlDs8ub_7lUfsmLqkIJBe0lH8Sxl783SZE2kaykoBEA8FmrcPlU8X8_M5fpnjSjwGAN0ohRFfFPZNZjss_FWCcp0FfmnKu_K8cITTjXZ4ej8ZVx76wDZpVLAcekqO2RZoD8hdLhstJ9slhtodUkxb3Y71UjLKm/s320/IMG_1379.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">(U.S. Breastfeeding Committee)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>This is a big topic, but I wanted to just mention a few things to encourage you and also to give you some resources to help you in nursing your premature baby.</p><p>All of my children were born full term, so I can only imagine how overwhelming it is to breastfeed and mother such a tiny baby! I actually was born premature, myself. I only weighed 4 pounds 6 ounces at birth.</p><p>I want you to know that your breastmilk is especially important for your baby! Breastfeeding and/or expressing your milk for your baby is one of the the best gifts you can give her right now!</p><p>If your baby is able to feed directly at the breast, offer the breast within the first hour and nurse on demand. If baby is sleepy, you might need to wake her to nurse. Lots of skin to skin contact will help baby get interested in the breast and also help keep baby warm. Ask for a visit with your hospital’s lactation consultant.</p><p>If your baby is unable to nurse at the breast, start pumping as soon as you are able. You can hand express colostrum but also ask about a hospital grade electric pump. Ask about the availability of donor milk. Provide lots of skin to skin contact! Talk to your baby, touch her, and hold her if you are able. Also, give it time! Although many premature babies can nurse directly at the breast soon after birth, some need extra time due to health concerns or needing to mature. </p><p>If you would like to be covered in prayer by fellow nursing moms, email CNML and I can add your intention to the Facebook group and email list.</p><p>Moms of premies need extra support and encouragement. At least one of our CNML Mentors has experience with nursing a premature baby. She is happy to talk to you to encourage you and to share her personal experience. If you would like to connect with her, please email CNML at catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Resources:</p><p><a href="https://abm.memberclicks.net/assets/DOCUMENTS/PROTOCOLS/10-breastfeeding-the-late-pre-term-infant-protocol-english.pdf" target="_blank">The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s protocol specifically for late preterm infants</a></p><p><a href="https://www.askdrsears.com/sears-family-connect/mondays-with-martha/nursing-premature-babies/" target="_blank">Ask Dr. Sears: Nursing Premature Babies</a></p><p><a href="https://kangaroomothercare.com/" target="_blank">Kangaroo Mother Care (aka skin to skin contact)</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.hmbana.org/find-a-milk-bank/" target="_blank">Milk Banks in North America</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/milkstorage/milkstorage-preemie/" target="_blank">Kellymom: Milk Storage Guidelines for Premature Babies</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/basics/maintainsupply-pump/" target="_blank">Kellymom: Establishing and Maintaining Your Milk Supply When Baby is Not Breastfeeding</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Written by Gina Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p>If you have had a premature baby, what advice or information helped you the most when trying to establish breastfeeding? Please share in the comments. Thanks!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-79750027185818713372024-02-18T13:43:00.000-08:002024-02-18T16:51:30.129-08:00If You Feel Lonely Practicing Ecological Breastfeeding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisylGJvc1dQRm-jordHnoEVgg3iV4GHkvNa6Fbo41BNfgnFZxJDjoRom2KWkmyrmVDCh22Oc7J-tss7eFLTDMfGysJX4oSW3RXqH83vSsPKAwUt158QXtzS-AtJm5_oYl3sD2YGkXBQau84YFCQMPHQyqDblNmiGfoIun-7TBtJAV6jYAMJLR8AffE85zj/s1600/IMG_1370.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisylGJvc1dQRm-jordHnoEVgg3iV4GHkvNa6Fbo41BNfgnFZxJDjoRom2KWkmyrmVDCh22Oc7J-tss7eFLTDMfGysJX4oSW3RXqH83vSsPKAwUt158QXtzS-AtJm5_oYl3sD2YGkXBQau84YFCQMPHQyqDblNmiGfoIun-7TBtJAV6jYAMJLR8AffE85zj/s320/IMG_1370.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">(U.S. Breastfeeding Committee)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Recently I was with a group of moms and the topic of breastfeeding and the return of fertility came up. I was happy for the opportunity to share the good news that breastfeeding does space babies. The other moms mentioned how soon their cycles came back. Most of the moms had experienced a fairly early return of their cycles. I decided to share when my cycles came back, and the other moms could not believe I didn’t have cycles for so long. We didn’t discuss the topic for too much longer, but I sure felt like an odd duckling. </p><p>Maybe you feel this way, too? Maybe the other moms you see at church follow a much different breastfeeding and parenting style and you practice ecological breastfeeding? I want you to know that you are not alone! CNML supports all nursing moms but we have a special place in our hearts for those practicing ecological breastfeeding. There are quite a few <a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/search/label/Ecological%20Breastfeeding" target="_blank">posts</a> on the subject on the CNML website. <a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/2020/05/information-and-support-for-practicing.html" target="_blank">This page</a>, in particular, lists quite a several articles and resources on the topic. We sometimes discuss ecological breastfeeding in our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/102935376419378/" target="_blank">main Facebook group</a>, but we also have a Facebook group devoted solely to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/556987391671810/" target="_blank">ecological breastfeeding</a>. It has been a little quiet lately, but we would love it if you would join the group and help get the conversation going again! Also, there are a few moms who practice ecological breastfeeding and attend our <a href="https://www.stcroixbirth.com/catholic-breastfeeding-support.html" target="_blank">monthly online meeting</a>. I bet they would love to chat with you and help you feel less alone. If you tend to find support in books (I am raising my hand!), we would love to mail out a <a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/p/are-you-nursing-mother.html" target="_blank">book</a> as a gift for you to enjoy.</p><p><br /></p><p>Written By Gina Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you ever feel alone in the way you breastfeed or parent? What has helped you feel more supported? Please respond in the comments. Thank you! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-87351871127578618102024-02-03T15:50:00.000-08:002024-02-03T15:50:34.099-08:00Time Management for Nursing Moms<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKID_mFEd-jQ6URQ7j2rvoQ_wXNSE6shmaSg21Of21V3whfjOhFli-tccIMtRVf_tIgrn4LPEqM_jhkW7-K1ok5R2Xoe7n2TXZl1FqpmIpQiPtL7F8zmv5N5d0myLjjfrMXrL8l92_OEmv26_TjgK0Ymb40ztXRvAuKE6OaMOOpVlK3KuSW2uWt6lfHmOm/s1600/IMG_1339.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKID_mFEd-jQ6URQ7j2rvoQ_wXNSE6shmaSg21Of21V3whfjOhFli-tccIMtRVf_tIgrn4LPEqM_jhkW7-K1ok5R2Xoe7n2TXZl1FqpmIpQiPtL7F8zmv5N5d0myLjjfrMXrL8l92_OEmv26_TjgK0Ymb40ztXRvAuKE6OaMOOpVlK3KuSW2uWt6lfHmOm/s320/IMG_1339.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">(U.S. Breastfeeding Committee)</p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are two of my favorite time management techniques for moms. I hope you find them helpful!</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Break Down Jobs into Smaller Tasks</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I was a new nursing mom, I regularly attended my town’s local breastfeeding support group. One idea that I have always remembered from my group and continue to use to this day is: break down jobs into smaller, more manageable tasks. This is a great way for a nursing mom to feel like she has accomplished something even if she doesn’t get the “entire job” done in a day. If you are a checklist person, write down the tasks separately and then check them off as you complete them. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One example of this might be cleaning the house. When I was a kid, my mom always cleaned the entire house on Saturday mornings. I don’t think she did that when I was a baby, but I remember her doing that as I grew up. Then when I became a mom, I realized that it would definitely be too overwhelming for me to clean my entire house at once, so I decided to break down housework into a few smaller tasks to be done each day. Yes, the whole house isn’t completely clean at once. However, if you have children at home (of any age) who can crawl or walk, you know everything will not stay clean for more than maybe five minutes anyways. Also, I do not think it is realistically possible for a nursing mom to clean her entire house without her husband or a family member holding the baby while she does it.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another example might be planning for the arts and crafts day you do with other moms and kids. If you are leading the group in two weeks, you could brainstorm the project one day. Then come up with a set of directions another day. Then gather your supplies on another day. Maybe get some toys and snacks together for your nursing toddler who is too young to participate on another day. Then the arts and craft day is the last task. This way you are able to complete everything without feeling overwhelmed and also feel like you accomplished your goal and did a great job! </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Three Most Important Things of the Day</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This time management technique involves thinking about the three most important items you want to get done for the day. Of course, you may have more than three tasks to complete in any given day, but even if you do not get to all of them, you will have at least accomplished the three most important tasks. If you are a list person, you might consider writing the three most important items in all capitals. Then write down any other tasks in all lower case letters. If you get to the tasks in lower case letters, great. However, if you don’t, that is totally fine, too. You might need to let some things go. Remember that the lesser important things can wait. Your goal is to complete the three most important things!</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An example of this is: you are a nursing mom of a newborn baby. Your top three list might look like this: </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TAKE CARE OF BABY</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TAKE CARE OF MYSELF</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">UNLOAD DISHWASHER</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Taking care of your baby would include nursing, diapers, and cuddling with baby.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Taking care of yourself might include sleeping enough, eating and drinking well, and showering. It can also include doing something you love for even just 15 minutes.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope you have enjoyed this post and are enjoying your days with your little one(s)! Remember that taking care of a baby is a full time job and one of the most important jobs! Also, as they say - it is not a sprint but a marathon. You need to pace yourself so you do not burnout and so that you continue to enjoy your time with your family.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Written by Gina M. Peterson</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you have any favorite time management ideas? Please comment below. Thanks!</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-38941641406776973892024-01-19T20:00:00.000-08:002024-01-19T20:00:01.457-08:00CNML Mentor FAQs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ7rinkJRXfsUqxONNjq9p2G6MdIg_6PlWH2UtjuJQxHTPZg2l20arn-mjd1FRo8TiM7nFAaEj8Z587ae5XZHAzWFyoahh3qr_QitJGd4Av3HT2faux8UcCQJAlJmXfzghEf93BQWxXnNGHUwO94ZfgN40oSlcI1N38qnlbOxHsSZbukY2V2jDTPT0crK/s5616/IMG_1314.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3744" data-original-width="5616" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ7rinkJRXfsUqxONNjq9p2G6MdIg_6PlWH2UtjuJQxHTPZg2l20arn-mjd1FRo8TiM7nFAaEj8Z587ae5XZHAzWFyoahh3qr_QitJGd4Av3HT2faux8UcCQJAlJmXfzghEf93BQWxXnNGHUwO94ZfgN40oSlcI1N38qnlbOxHsSZbukY2V2jDTPT0crK/s320/IMG_1314.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">(U.S. Breastfeeding Committee)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Would you like to minister to nursing moms? If so, then you might like to become a CNML mentor!</p><p><b>What is a CNML mentor?</b></p><p>A CNML mentor is an experienced nursing mom who wants to help other moms with common breastfeeding concerns. She is not a breastfeeding counselor but a mentor and a friend to a nursing mom. She also prays for her and does her best to show the love of Christ to her. CNML mentors can help moms by holding support group meetings, helping nursing moms one on one, lead book studies, and/or lead ecological breastfeeding classes. </p><p><b>How involved is the process to become a mentor?</b></p><p>It is actually quite easy! Those who would like to become CNML mentors need to:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>have at least one year of personal breastfeeding experience</li><li>have some personal experience with ecological breastfeeding and the willingness to share the advantages of it joyfully</li><li>agree to the <a href="http://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_96.html" target="_blank">CNML principles and faith statement</a></li><li>agree to and use CNML’s disclaimer statement at her meetings</li><li>complete the <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K7YXZLM" target="_blank">online registration form</a> </li><li>provide a character reference from someone she knows </li><li>take part in a one hour online meeting or phone call with the CNML executive director</li></ul><div><b>How much time does it take to be a CNML mentor?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>As little or as much time as you would like to devote to the CNML ministry.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>How does CNML support their mentors?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Once you become a mentor, I will email you a 30 page Resource Guide to help you get started. I will also mail you copies of the core CNML breastfeeding books, a comprehensive breastfeeding book for helping nursing moms, several gift bags to give to nursing moms, and a CNML t-shirt. I will also meet with you online or over the phone to go over some details. Then I am always available to help you anyway I can!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Whom should I contact if I need more information?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com</div><p></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-44114976778468673782024-01-07T12:56:00.000-08:002024-01-12T13:19:35.897-08:00Catholic Nursing Mothers League: 2023 in Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmVR5WmfnhpFNEG2knHImXjN5E3F_HEhKwrzIt4U9HCwh31qMxehggDTqxSWPKC20OGwMjPfsmkQUtnflwlQPvNBH6JFi47xWeq5P9TCcbsBOP0Hv6BL05nPOa0sh6U3NEgl8N6d05pv5zwIda7GsyC_BV94MzoidPr4kRGNKeWgfYX3Yh2sl7uNfxCKi/s1199/IMG_1295.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="898" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmVR5WmfnhpFNEG2knHImXjN5E3F_HEhKwrzIt4U9HCwh31qMxehggDTqxSWPKC20OGwMjPfsmkQUtnflwlQPvNBH6JFi47xWeq5P9TCcbsBOP0Hv6BL05nPOa0sh6U3NEgl8N6d05pv5zwIda7GsyC_BV94MzoidPr4kRGNKeWgfYX3Yh2sl7uNfxCKi/s320/IMG_1295.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mathis_Gothart_Grünewald_043.jpg" target="_blank">Public domain</a>)</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Hi everyone! The Catholic Nursing Mothers League supported a lot of nursing moms in 2023! We are really growing! I am excited! Here are the details:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>35 new posts on the <a href="http://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">CNML website</a></li><li>12 <a href="https://www.stcroixbirth.com/catholic-breastfeeding-support.html" target="_blank">online breastfeeding meetings</a> in partnership with St. Croix Birth and Parenting</li><li>3 new <a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/p/cnml-groups-around-country.html" target="_blank">CNML mentors</a> including our first mentor in the UK (we now have a total of 28 mentors!)</li><li>2 online sessions with new CNML mentors</li><li>Helped many nursing moms with breastfeeding concerns via email (catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com), our online meeting, and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/102935376419378/" target="_blank">CNML Facebook group</a> (which has 1.3 K members!)</li><li>CNML was interviewed on 2 <a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/p/podcasts.html" target="_blank">podcasts</a></li><li>CNML took part in an online retreat with <a href="https://teamtinytreasures.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Tiny Treasures</a> for those experiencing miscarriage and infant loss; CNML provided 12 books and money for mailing out care packages</li><li>Mailed out 17 copies of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/High-Calling-Encouragement-Mothers-Grandmother/dp/1601267916/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OSK9DT2EDSD7&keywords=A+high+calling+Mennonite&qid=1704038894&sprefix=a+high+calling+mennonit%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1" target="_blank">A High Calling: Encouragement for Young Mothers From a Grandmother</a></li><li>Crocheted and mailed out 3 <a href="http://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/2015/11/prayer-shawls-for-nursing-mothers.html" target="_blank">prayer shawls</a> to nursing moms</li><li>Made and mailed out 46 nursing mom gift bags</li><li>Mailed out 3 copies of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breastfeeding-Book-Everything-Nursing-Through/dp/0316417858/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AL13H8XYR5OW&keywords=the+breastfeeding+book+martha+sears&qid=1704039286&sprefix=thr+breastfeeding+book+martha+sears%2Caps%2C430&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Breastfeeding Book</a></li><li>Mailed out or gave out 14 copies of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breastfeeding-Natural-Spacing-Sheila-Kippley/dp/1435746546/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3T5T11253FOYB&keywords=breastfeeding+and+natural+child+spacing&qid=1704039399&sprefix=Breastfeeding+and+natural+child+%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing</a></li><li>Mailed out 5 CNML t-shirts</li><li>Mailed out 5 copies of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breastfeeding-Catholic-Motherhood-Gods-Plan/dp/1933184043/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LHNEBWXPVH9R&keywords=breastfeeding+and+catholic+motherhood&qid=1704039500&sprefix=breastfeeding+and+cath%2Caps%2C407&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood</a></li><li>Mailed out 5 copies of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Breastfeeding-Catholic-Mothers/dp/1493796372/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1IRARDBUNB4D1&keywords=Getting+started+with+breastfeeding+for+Catholic&qid=1704039887&sprefix=getting+started+with+breastfeeding+for+catholic%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers</a></li><li>Made and mailed out 1 rosary bracelet</li></ul><p></p><p>If you would like to get involved with CNML as a mentor or if you would like to crochet or knit prayer shawls for nursing moms, send me an email at catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com. I would love to meet you and have you join our ministry of love!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-34499568101848615992023-12-31T09:05:00.000-08:002023-12-31T09:05:39.134-08:00A Nursing Mother’s New Year’s Resolution List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1doDyhvC97uBnyUQGZF-8eCwbq07FGNuiaVQCAcEOLE3IoiS8Gq6Xr7C4AAyH-gyQm9W10C3bzl8hdK0YLTugCgn9LTELwosNUd669eRLkmxwVj3RqIy3geI8mL_3YZ3ZsjaZLOOPo_9Gyfw3ocM3FxoBK0snCnqaMLfvrtydYQUJJ5_09xNhHnLUrbFF/s852/IMG_1286.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="852" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1doDyhvC97uBnyUQGZF-8eCwbq07FGNuiaVQCAcEOLE3IoiS8Gq6Xr7C4AAyH-gyQm9W10C3bzl8hdK0YLTugCgn9LTELwosNUd669eRLkmxwVj3RqIy3geI8mL_3YZ3ZsjaZLOOPo_9Gyfw3ocM3FxoBK0snCnqaMLfvrtydYQUJJ5_09xNhHnLUrbFF/s320/IMG_1286.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">(Wikimedia commons - <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bräuer_Adoration_of_the_shepherds.jpg" target="_blank">public domain</a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>1) I will remember each day that I am a beloved child of God and that God loves me very much.</p><p>2) I will remember each day that this mothering work and the nourishing of my baby at my breasts is not only very important and valuable work but also holy work.</p><p>3) I will not feel guilty about taking care of myself: showering, eating well, drinking water, resting. By caring for myself, I am also caring for my baby.</p><p>4) I will make my relationship with Jesus a priority each day even if it is just means praying while in the shower or while changing my baby’s diaper or simply sitting quietly in God’s loving presence while nursing my baby.</p><p>5) I will ask my husband, family, and/or friends for help when needed. It is not possible to do everything especially when you have a nursling. Even Elizabeth accepted help from Mary.</p><p>6) I will talk to other moms regularly, so I won’t feel isolated. (One great option is the monthly <a href="https://www.stcroixbirth.com/catholic-breastfeeding-support.html" target="_blank">online Catholic Nursing Mothers meeting</a>.)</p><p>Happy New Years!</p><p>Written by Gina M. Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p>What are some of your New Year’s Resolutions? Please share in the comments. Thanks! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-7338702582958749962023-12-26T12:14:00.000-08:002023-12-26T12:14:12.604-08:00Breastfeeding Research July - December 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyu4tlEesmaDNOPiRYMoCbC3aSfLrcHaF3MQ1-jfxEMiAoIDWNyuV3BnHDzQZy60X6QCZ09R77LeRGckd-4ILiyOdrvYUJ_aaqTGfbLk-6OBsxmu9GIko6L99ryI-sQ8Y2IqGqIqXe8aZMJ7uDD2WPFXrt3zBxiz1ezxW4uLQAWP-5Q3nYifCNErxzX5Q4/s732/IMG_1285.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="732" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyu4tlEesmaDNOPiRYMoCbC3aSfLrcHaF3MQ1-jfxEMiAoIDWNyuV3BnHDzQZy60X6QCZ09R77LeRGckd-4ILiyOdrvYUJ_aaqTGfbLk-6OBsxmu9GIko6L99ryI-sQ8Y2IqGqIqXe8aZMJ7uDD2WPFXrt3zBxiz1ezxW4uLQAWP-5Q3nYifCNErxzX5Q4/s320/IMG_1285.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">(US Breastfeeding Committee)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10477442/" target="_blank">Global lessons for strengthening breastfeeding as a key pillar for food security</a></p><p>This journal article presents three case studies (including one in the US) and discusses the importance of supporting breastfeeding in the face of pandemics, climate changes, poverty, and natural disasters.</p><p><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/16/3614" target="_blank">Potential Epigenetic Effects of Human Milk on Infants’ Neurodevelopment</a></p><p>This article discusses the benefits of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and stem cells - which are all found in breastmilk - and also the microbiome on the brain development of pre-term babies.</p><p><a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230724122640.htm" target="_blank">Breastfeeding is associated with a 33% reduction in first year post-perinatal infant mortality</a></p><p>According to this study of 10 million US babies, breastfed babies were 33% less likely to die during days 7-364 than non-breastfed babies.</p><p><a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231213155222.htm" target="_blank">Breastfeeding alters infant gut in ways that boost brain development, may improve test scores</a></p><p>This study looked at the type and amount of metabolites found in the guts of infants. Particular metabolites were associated with better scores on cognitive tests. These tended to be higher in breastfed babies. The study also found that the more metabolites associated with formula feeding that were found in an infant’s gut, the worse they did on cognitive tests.</p><p><a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2023.0083" target="_blank">The Effect of Skin to Skin Contact on Placental Separation Time and Initiation of Breastfeeding</a></p><p>This study found that skin to skin contact encourages earlier placenta separation and helps with the start of breastfeeding. </p><p><a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2023.0144" target="_blank">Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Breast Milk</a></p><p>I included this study because it can be extended to other types of religious fasting such as fasting during Lent. This study found that religious fasting does not negatively affect the macronutrient and energy of breastmilk. It also does not affect the weight of moms and babies.</p><p><a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2023.0105" target="_blank">Understanding of Lactational Amenorrhea as a Contraceptive Method Among US Pregnant Women</a></p><p>I found this one interesting. The study found that of the 451 enrolled participants - most of whom were college educated - only 8% thought that breastfeeding reduced their chance of pregnancy by “a lot” and only 2% thought it was more effective than the Pill. The conclusion was that clinicians need to provide more info on the effectiveness of breastfeeding for child spacing. I agree!</p><p><a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2023.0116" target="_blank">Sleeping Like a Baby: An Investigation of Co-Sleeping, Bed-Sharing Among Pregnant Adults During the Covid-19 Pandemic</a></p><p>I thought this was a great article to share. This study found that plans to co-sleep and bed-share greatly increased one’s intention to breastfeed for up to 6 months due to its ease, safety, and closeness. The researchers recommend clinicians discuss sleeping arrangement options with their clients.</p><p><a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2023.0122" target="_blank">What is Known About Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy in Preterm Infants?</a></p><p>This study found that preterm infants exposed to cow’s milk based formula in their first few days of life have a higher risk of developing cow’s milk protein allergy. Unfortunately, it was found that when babies are diagnosed with this allergy, many healthcare providers recommend these moms completely stop breastfeeding. The authors of the study cite that this goes against the current nutrition guidelines and that the best course of treatment would be mom removing milk from her diet and continuing to breastfeed.</p><p><br /></p><p>Written by Gina Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-76913861561984956932023-12-16T21:31:00.000-08:002023-12-17T08:18:06.174-08:00A Celebration of Weaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP5Fkf7FzIYntVrr2f_aeT19WyMSmvEz25Qnn49tz69FoaUwVrW6vvfmRw0S5MgvVoyuZL7jTXRXhi65ppE-LLgKfuHeFD6maZvTYTrPb1NDeLAKEd7_sx3ICYtW1q3hnDR3MHaVh5bY7kHXsfwZLoCOXiLT-AQP21uy5NL0i8ercdrpAiBVhYVLTRU4K/s802/IMG_1279.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="648" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP5Fkf7FzIYntVrr2f_aeT19WyMSmvEz25Qnn49tz69FoaUwVrW6vvfmRw0S5MgvVoyuZL7jTXRXhi65ppE-LLgKfuHeFD6maZvTYTrPb1NDeLAKEd7_sx3ICYtW1q3hnDR3MHaVh5bY7kHXsfwZLoCOXiLT-AQP21uy5NL0i8ercdrpAiBVhYVLTRU4K/s320/IMG_1279.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mary_Cassatt_-_Mother_and_two_children_-_1901.jpg" target="_blank">public domain</a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>In Biblical times, weaning was considered a joyous time, a time of celebration. In those days, many children did not live past infancy or early childhood. If a child made it to weaning, she had a better chance of making it to adulthood and continuing to be healthy. Weaning tended to occur somewhere between 2-5 years of age. It is thought that Jesus weaned at around age 4.</p><p>It was the Jewish custom to hold a celebration when weaning took place. In Genesis 21:8 it says, “The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great banquet on the day of the child’s weaning.” (1)</p><p>Even though the infant and early childhood mortality rate is a lot lower now, we can still celebrate weaning. It can be something special between mom and child or brothers and sisters and dad can be part of it, too. You can have a special outing or a little party at home with cake and balloons. Some moms make or purchase a momento of the occasion. Other moms take special pictures and make a scrapbook. Be creative! The possibilities are endless!</p><p>Before thinking about weaning and creating a weaning party, you will want your child to be close to weaning and ready for this transition. You want it to be a happy time, not a traumatic event. Ideally your child will be older than two years old. Both WHO and AAP recommend breastfeeding for at least two years and for longer if mom and baby both desire to continue. Often a weaning celebration is given when a 3 or 4 year old is getting ready to wean, because they can understand more and tend to be more ready. However, every child is different. </p><p>If your child seems close to weaning, you could talk to her about the possibility of weaning and the idea of a weaning party. If she seems upset or is too young to understand, this may not be the right time for weaning. It is probably best to wait a few months before bringing it up again.</p><p>Another option is to hold a weaning party after your child stops nursing. Moms who are letting their child decide when to wean might like this option better.</p><p>It is completely normal to feel sad when your child weans! And it is also completely normal to be ready for your child to wean! Give yourself time to work through any emotions you are feeling.</p><p>For some ideas of what a weaning celebration might look like, here are some nice webpages I found:</p><p><a href="https://www.pennilessparenting.com/2014/10/i-just-made-weaning-party.html" target="_blank">I Just Made a Weaning Party</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://theleakyboob.com/2012/10/12-weaning-ceremonies/" target="_blank">12 Weaning Ceremonies</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://journeytocrunchville.wordpress.com/2007/10/04/the-last-shed-of-babyhood-weaning-party-part-ii/" target="_blank">The Last Shred of Babyhood: Weaning Party Part 2</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ourmilkyway.org/commemorate-your-breastfeeding-journey/" target="_blank">Commemorate Your Breastfeeding Journey </a><br /></p><p><a href="http://rixarixa.blogspot.com/2012/09/dios-weaning-party.html" target="_blank">Dio’s Weaning Party</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.breastfeedingplace.com/child-led-weaning-lilys-story/" target="_blank">Child Led Weaning: Lily’s Story</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Reference:</p><p>(1) <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/weaning-child-Bible.html" target="_blank">What was the significance of weaning a child in the Bible?</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Written by Gina M. Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p>Did you have a weaning party for your child? Please tell me about it in the comments! Thanks!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-84159718957766789462023-12-03T14:03:00.000-08:002023-12-03T14:03:51.893-08:00Breastfeeding and Motherhood: Helping You Become the Best Version of Yourself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7AoU47okAG6aOqHQJMmkh7jnpKXNIrvNIW6MRn06N1Z-heSKS3XqXZRIO5KqGm5dOW4j7VJC82XISAyFSd76IkPPg3m51IMu9TdJ7RcfZyZQjig29k6zw2miGVRimKLC-Kj5jjTlV-R88leixQnKPs7B7a28Oj-F9rfqX1MaQRCwvaLg0jWj_AjEjdw8/s1285/IMG_0014.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1285" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7AoU47okAG6aOqHQJMmkh7jnpKXNIrvNIW6MRn06N1Z-heSKS3XqXZRIO5KqGm5dOW4j7VJC82XISAyFSd76IkPPg3m51IMu9TdJ7RcfZyZQjig29k6zw2miGVRimKLC-Kj5jjTlV-R88leixQnKPs7B7a28Oj-F9rfqX1MaQRCwvaLg0jWj_AjEjdw8/s320/IMG_0014.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Before I became a mom, I really didn’t know what it would be like. Sure, I had attended childbirth classes, read a breastfeeding book, attended breastfeeding support group meetings, and had even started reading a parenting book or two. However, once my son was born, I was definitely not ready for the challenges of breastfeeding him in the early days, learning how to take care of him, the lack of sleep, and how the hormone changes would made me feel. </p><p>There were times when my son cried and I could not figure out how to help him feel better and so I cried right along with him. There were also wonderful moments when my heart overflowed with so much love for him that I cried then, too. I especially loved watching him nurse to sleep and seeing him smile. I loved that my breastmilk was nourishing him and comforting him all wrapped up in one. Overcoming our early breastfeeding challenges inspired me to begin helping other nursing moms. I still love helping moms all these years later even though my youngest weaned years ago.</p><p>My experience of breastfeeding and motherhood has helped me become the person I am today. It has opened my eyes to the areas where I definitely need more work and has helped the fruits of the Holy Spirit grow within me. When I had my first son, I was not a very patient mom. Then over time, as he grew (and I had more children), I also grew into a more patient person. Women sometimes say they don’t think they could be mothers (or stay at home moms or homeschoolers, etc) because they are not patient enough. My experience has been that you become more patient over time with God’s help. </p><p>It is the same with the other fruits of the Holy Sprit. If there is a particular virtue or mothering practice you desire to cultivate in your life, just ask God to help you. Also, rely more on what your heart tells you and what God is telling you through prayer, Scripture and the sacraments rather than what others think. If your heart and the Holy Spirit are leading you towards toddler nursing, listen to your heart and God - not someone at the store who can’t understand why your baby is still nursing. If your heart and your prayer time with God are inspiring you to co-sleep with your baby or to practice gentle mothering, follow your heart and God - not the popular parenting book all your friends are reading.</p><p>I was chatting with some friends the other day and I told them that breastfeeding and motherhood have radically transformed me. My interests, my skills, who I am - are largely due to my experience being a mom to my kids. Motherhood is helping me become the best version of myself!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-11359568358591627202023-11-22T15:11:00.000-08:002023-11-22T15:13:42.491-08:00Some Benefits of Staying Home with Your Nursing Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FdGviXBgW93zACmuu-GsxP20-c6CofdqBrPiPvcSDeBOlPi9fPkTzpViqmeQL7V3dbeZVeHRllGPOeG2RyzcyVtaHwsbSSq2c8mrj1VKffEDYd6ue3BWSBx2jZr0uawci98P9TRL3UcLRhBODbm3LigkbZSe6xDMUbQXl5rklhAKLSeEwH5iWshYFdM-/s478/photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="431" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FdGviXBgW93zACmuu-GsxP20-c6CofdqBrPiPvcSDeBOlPi9fPkTzpViqmeQL7V3dbeZVeHRllGPOeG2RyzcyVtaHwsbSSq2c8mrj1VKffEDYd6ue3BWSBx2jZr0uawci98P9TRL3UcLRhBODbm3LigkbZSe6xDMUbQXl5rklhAKLSeEwH5iWshYFdM-/s320/photo.jpeg" width="289" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I want to start out by acknowledging that there are nursing moms who truly cannot stay home with their babies due to various life circumstances. I am really inspired by these nursing moms who pump at work to keep the breastfeeding relationship going even though they need to work outside the home. I hope one day all nursing moms are able to choose to be at home with their babies!</p><p><br /></p><p>Here are several benefits of staying home with your nursing baby:</p><p>1. Staying home reduces the risk of breastfeeding problems. </p><p>I lead a breastfeeding support group in my town and one thing that really stands out is that those moms who work and regularly use bottles tend to have more issues with latching, mastitis and abscesses, and early weaning.</p><p>2. Staying home reduces the need for breast pumps, bottles, and storage containers needed when working outside the home and also reduces the work from cleaning all the items.</p><p>3. Staying home with your nursing baby gives you more time to learn her nursing cues and more time to bond with her.</p><p>4. Staying home with your nursling contributes to a good milk supply. </p><p>By exclusively nursing at the breast, there is a better chance for a good milk supply and also extra time for comfort nursing which is great for baby and for mom (delay of cycles returning).</p><p>5. Staying home means more time for baby snuggles and sleepy milk smiles!</p><p><br /></p><p>Written by Gina Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p>What is your favorite benefit of staying home with your nursing baby? Please leave a comment below. Thanks!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-18052844553377744012023-11-12T13:34:00.000-08:002023-11-12T13:34:30.799-08:00Traveling with a Breastfed Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0en-YNIZZLt-4iXPRt792juCCDjg2-qR_t-8D3bp0XEZdcltqqJqtrQ5bqk-CO5j95cp6_sPfQtSc12yrtqNXYmJwRlLPoDr5-AhkNQabJgXR88Gqsc7DVZ9eMHIxGrFBAH_IQqOSVYlbeOZ5NZOzW36VF615grZMmbVc3to3cWVrtZBIJGF8vvV4P3RE/s1280/728EADCA-1997-48EB-9EAF-34F0F27A96A2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0en-YNIZZLt-4iXPRt792juCCDjg2-qR_t-8D3bp0XEZdcltqqJqtrQ5bqk-CO5j95cp6_sPfQtSc12yrtqNXYmJwRlLPoDr5-AhkNQabJgXR88Gqsc7DVZ9eMHIxGrFBAH_IQqOSVYlbeOZ5NZOzW36VF615grZMmbVc3to3cWVrtZBIJGF8vvV4P3RE/s320/728EADCA-1997-48EB-9EAF-34F0F27A96A2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The holidays are almost upon us! Many families will be driving or flying to visit family. However, it can be a little trickier to travel with a nursing baby. Here are a few tips to help make your trip more pleasant.</span></div><p><b>Tips for Driving with a Nursing Baby:</b></p><p>(1) Plan to include multiple stops to nurse your baby. Just knowing that you will need to stop a lot can help you psychologically. You can try to build the stops into your schedule. However, sometimes a baby wants to nurse more than usual or she might be fussy in the car, so you might need to just pull over on the side of the road to attend to her needs.</p><p>(2) You or your husband might need to sit in the back with the baby while the other parent drives if baby is fussy. </p><p>(3) Bring some toys or play some music she likes to help her stay happy in the car.</p><p>(4) One idea you could try is to nurse your baby in her car seat when you are pulled over for one of your stops. That way once she nurses to sleep, you won’t need to transfer her to her car seat and potentially wake her up. </p><p>(5) Sheila Kippley mentions in her book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breastfeeding-Natural-Spacing-Sheila-Kippley/dp/1435746546/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32C8RSABW29UB&keywords=breastfeeding+and+natural+child+spacing&qid=1699807047&sprefix=Breastfeeding+and+natura%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing</a></i>, that using a pacifier occasionally in the car should not interfere with practicing <a href="https://www.nfpandmore.org/The%20Seven%20Standards%20Summary.pdf" target="_blank">ecological breastfeeding</a>. I know how stressful it can be to drive long distances with a fussy baby, so I wanted to mention this just in case your baby is still unhappy after nursing and getting her diaper changed and you still are not to your mother-in-law’s house yet.</p><p><b>Tips for Flying with a Nursing Baby:</b></p><p>(1) Try to nurse baby on take off and landing to help with the uncomfortable pressure on baby’s ears.</p><p>(2) If you are nervous about privacy for nursing while in the air, try to choose a window seat or a seat in the back and bring a sweater or nursing cover to help you stay covered. If you are traveling with your husband, he can sit in the middle seat and then you will have even more privacy for nursing. </p><p>(3) Or alternately, if you think your baby will want to be walked around a lot, choose an aisle seat so you are able to get up often during the flight. Remember to bring your sling or baby carrier. Another advantage of sitting in an aisle seat is that the flight attendant and passengers walking by might help distract and entertain your baby.</p><p>(4) If you do not plan to use your sling on the plane, take baby out of it before boarding to make things easier. It can be very cramped in an airplane. (Tip from our last online meeting!)</p><p>(5) Put any toys, snacks, diapers, etc in a bag that can fit under your seat. That way it will be easier to get to anything you need during the flight. (Another great tip from our meeting!)</p><p>I hope you found some of these tips helpful! Enjoy your trip!</p><p><br /></p><p>Written by Gina Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p>What tips have helped you when traveling with a nursing baby? Please mention them in the comments! Thanks!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-27633689420428370622023-10-29T20:06:00.000-07:002023-10-29T20:06:10.897-07:00Finding Accurate Breastfeeding Information in the Age of the Internet and AI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGd38DBe2r2NTOxnCjAnCKMuclaUu8cP82Ps4ji_zxUGFaCrYs8_10B3utdjrmAKSrDHS20gU3w9jI04uFgVwRqKi8W-b2IJrzMxWXNs34UhU0DpdDlDQQybnUlwgls3RUfrMFQCqu8IajemQVHBiBl4aiA2KqbcxXMh2ZRQaY_x7kA72mJ59gMGRD4s_/s522/IMG_1222.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="423" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGd38DBe2r2NTOxnCjAnCKMuclaUu8cP82Ps4ji_zxUGFaCrYs8_10B3utdjrmAKSrDHS20gU3w9jI04uFgVwRqKi8W-b2IJrzMxWXNs34UhU0DpdDlDQQybnUlwgls3RUfrMFQCqu8IajemQVHBiBl4aiA2KqbcxXMh2ZRQaY_x7kA72mJ59gMGRD4s_/s320/IMG_1222.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">There are hundreds (or maybe thousands?) of breastfeeding websites and books. Having access to information is a great thing. However, not all websites and books are equal in their quality. How can a Catholic mom decipher which resources are best? </span></p><p>Here are some ideas to help you choose:</p><p>1. Choose resources with evidence based breastfeeding information. Usually these are authored by an IBCLCs or other lactation professionals.</p><p>2. Consider resources that are not contrary to your faith.</p><p>3. Look for resources written by mothers with personal breastfeeding experience.</p><p><br /></p><p>It is definitely challenging to find resources that fit all three categories above! However, there are a few: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This website - the CNML website - and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Breastfeeding-Catholic-Mothers/dp/1493796372" target="_blank">Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers</a> were designed with all three in mind. I regularly write articles and add links for the most common breastfeeding concerns and also encouraging articles on mothering and the Catholic faith. I do my best to keep all info current and evidence based. If I left out any breastfeeding topics that you would like to read about, please let me know at catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com.</li><li><a href="https://www.askdrsears.com/" target="_blank">Ask Dr. Sears</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breastfeeding-Book-Everything-Nursing-Through/dp/0316417858/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2L1I6QBXMEI2G&keywords=breastfeeding+book&qid=1698629105&s=books&sprefix=The+breastfeeding%2Cstripbooks%2C471&sr=1-9" target="_blank">The Breastfeeding Book</a> fit all three above. Martha Sears is an RN and a lactation consultant and her husband, William, has an MD and specializes in pediatrics. Martha and William Sears are the parents of 8 children, and they are Catholic!</li><li><a href="https://www.nfpandmore.org/" target="_blank">NFP International</a> and co-founder Sheila Kippley’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sheila-Kippley/author/B001K7LLFK?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true" target="_blank">three breastfeeding books</a> fit all three categories. Sheila is the mother of five breastfed children and is a retired LLL Leader. She and her husband are Catholic.</li></ul><div>(If you know of any other resources, please let me know so I can add them to the list!)</div><div><br /></div><div>There are also some very good breastfeeding websites or resources that were not written by mothers but the authors are experts in their areas and the information is very up to date. Some examples are:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I would say that the <a href="https://www.infantrisk.com/" target="_blank">Infant Risk Center</a> is the best resource for questions about medications and breastfeeding.</li><li>For info about safe co-sleeping, <a href="https://cosleeping.nd.edu/safe-co-sleeping-guidelines/" target="_blank">Dr. James McKenna</a>’s research and website are paramount.</li></ul><div>In terms of excellent comprehensive breastfeeding information but with a few pages contrary to the Catholic/Christian faith, I would recommend:</div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://kellymom.com/" target="_blank">Kellymom</a></li></ul><div>I also wanted to mention three wonderful pro-life organizations that support breastfeeding:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.stcroixbirth.com/" target="_blank">St. Croix Birth and Parenting</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mamabreastfeedingandfamilyinfo" target="_blank">MAMA</a></li><li><a href="https://guidingstarproject.com/" target="_blank">Guiding Star Project</a></li></ul></div><div>What about AI or chatGPT for breastfeeding information? I think it is hit or miss. When I put in “ecological breastfeeding” it gave me a decent response but no stats on effectiveness. However, when I put in “mastitis treatment” it gave me the older recommendations. I think that is because it scours the internet for a consensus on the topic and not every breastfeeding website has updated their info to the most evidence based. I couldn’t help myself! I had to search for “What is the Catholic Nursing Mothers League?” ChatGPT actually came up with a pretty nice summary of CNML!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Written by Gina Peterson</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What are your favorite breastfeeding resources? Please share in the comments. Thank you!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-75070639771877285682023-10-22T14:13:00.000-07:002023-10-22T14:13:43.739-07:00A Long Term Benefit of Ecological Breastfeeding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiND91KOuJHGioWcSp4gcmluhbIK2uXkC2nxnzWyuPNMVqMm7TlYG50XvOTAmW5ltilQ2zebyVDCL-yN7FaUSXw9sA_5YM14_jq_0W1HvPe5DNgw2jBjKyziwn7hB0HjoBFgBWv9yxdFc7HEHLS4VUZcg7bZPedi3qlLKBiJnuwlk0IzGqsngi4Owhyphenhyphen_rjR/s4128/leia%20and%20fall%20trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiND91KOuJHGioWcSp4gcmluhbIK2uXkC2nxnzWyuPNMVqMm7TlYG50XvOTAmW5ltilQ2zebyVDCL-yN7FaUSXw9sA_5YM14_jq_0W1HvPe5DNgw2jBjKyziwn7hB0HjoBFgBWv9yxdFc7HEHLS4VUZcg7bZPedi3qlLKBiJnuwlk0IzGqsngi4Owhyphenhyphen_rjR/s320/leia%20and%20fall%20trees.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Several weeks ago, I was at Mass and was sitting behind a family with six children. I know the mom and she and her family are very nice! I was feeling a little nostalgic and teary eyed observing them. At first, I was thinking that maybe I was feeling sad because I wish I had more children. However, then I realized that I was feeling sad about my oldest kids being grown up and away at college!</p><p>While watching the kids sitting in front of me, I realized that there was probably no more than 8 years between the baby and the oldest. I suddenly felt very blessed! Because of the natural infertility and child spacing due to <a href="https://www.nfpandmore.org/The%20Seven%20Standards%20Summary.pdf" target="_blank">ecological breastfeeding</a>, once my youngest goes away to college or onto her future endeavors, I will have had a total of 31 years of children at home with me! This, I would have to say, is one of the best long term benefits of ecological breastfeeding.</p><p>When you are in the trenches of breastfeeding your baby and possibly taking care of other children, too, the days can seem like they will go on forever. I definitely remember many, many days like that! However, once your oldest goes away to college or off to work and then your second child does the same and then your third child does the same, the amount of time left with your kids will seem so short! </p><p>I think the spacing of my children was part of God's plan for my family. I had plenty of time to recover after pregnancy and childbirth. Each of my children had lots of special one-on-one time with me for nursing and bonding before I gave birth to my next child. And my kids all still played together! I know some moms worry about that in regards to children spaced more than 2 years apart. </p><p>If you are on the fence about ecological breastfeeding, know that...if I was given the chance to do it over, I would practice ecological breastfeeding again in a heartbeat!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-81233064870497827462023-10-15T13:31:00.000-07:002023-10-15T13:31:24.020-07:00October 11: Feast of Our Lady of La Leche<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKV6JmtFwyxT1FYPWKfAHl7iAs2t43zPdBWWD2OaPrIIgDh5U7ZbFosgV0G8w9IMK179R0MIbMifVCadV30oGGi_XQUGHXE5UAgXchg_2oXwmqSmTN631PV5WXbseAfyYM6RWr13roDos5R-3Q1IpVBOjXDhydZEUlO9_U_MzciLPqDzZ8Mux1NjzWDiDF/s600/IMG_1216.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKV6JmtFwyxT1FYPWKfAHl7iAs2t43zPdBWWD2OaPrIIgDh5U7ZbFosgV0G8w9IMK179R0MIbMifVCadV30oGGi_XQUGHXE5UAgXchg_2oXwmqSmTN631PV5WXbseAfyYM6RWr13roDos5R-3Q1IpVBOjXDhydZEUlO9_U_MzciLPqDzZ8Mux1NjzWDiDF/s320/IMG_1216.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AZaragoza-virgen_de_la_leche.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia commons</a> - public domain)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Last Wednesday was the Feast day of Our Lady of La Leche. Our Lady of La Leche is one of the patron saints of nursing moms. What better patron than Jesus’s own mother who had the utmost privilege of nursing Him for several years? At that time, women tended to nurse their babies for about three years, so it is very likely Mary did the same.</p><p>There is a <a href="https://missionandshrine.org/" target="_blank">Shrine</a> dedicated to Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine, FL. The year CNML was founded - 2006 - my family and I took a vacation to Florida to celebrate my husband’s and my ten year wedding anniversary. We had not planned beforehand to go to the Shrine, but just ended up there. I was even still nursing my third son on that trip since he was only nine months old at the time. I am so glad the Holy Spirit led us there! I take it as one sign among many others over the years that God wants CNML to keep ministering to nursing moms!</p><p>I haven’t been to the Shrine’s website in some time. The last several times I visited their website or called them, they were out of the Our Lady of La Leche medals and the English prayer cards with Our Lady of La Leche on the front. I am happy to report that these items are back in stock! Yay! I ordered some and once they arrive in the mail, I will make up more Our Lady of La Leche nursing mom gift bags. If you would like one for yourself or a fellow nursing mom or several for your CNML group, send me an email at catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com.</p><p>If you are interested, I found the novena of Our Lady of La Leche online. Even though the customary dates of the novena have just passed, you can still pray the novena! <a href="https://www.dosafl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/From-Drummond-80968-Oct-20-2015-min.pdf" target="_blank">Here</a> is the link.</p><p>Written by Gina Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you have a special devotion? Please share it in the comments!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-14087709839815715582023-10-08T09:52:00.001-07:002023-10-08T11:51:39.904-07:00Sharing the Beauty of Ecological Breastfeeding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20x15gv2hqyZd3I9P5RTM-vpHgxfV7IKEH6epPqgGKZmXyWgDK0yzJgMzdAA9gjEGLwdZV61ziSUqUBDZkpv-Y_MqBNomartu5Nz_L6t7TdPelGPj4_r7W-VW8X3Fh1S5A2rqMr0wSZ2xHC6CmNSy4GoheEUwFfJ6VXoVQfgw5GivHUjyY8gCGde9aqRb/s1195/IMG_1196.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="705" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20x15gv2hqyZd3I9P5RTM-vpHgxfV7IKEH6epPqgGKZmXyWgDK0yzJgMzdAA9gjEGLwdZV61ziSUqUBDZkpv-Y_MqBNomartu5Nz_L6t7TdPelGPj4_r7W-VW8X3Fh1S5A2rqMr0wSZ2xHC6CmNSy4GoheEUwFfJ6VXoVQfgw5GivHUjyY8gCGde9aqRb/s320/IMG_1196.jpeg" width="189" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Elin_Danielson-Gambogi_Mor.jpg" target="_blank">public domain</a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>The other night I was invited to “Community Night” which is part of the local hospital’s childbirth class series. I was asked to present, because I lead a secular breastfeeding support group in town. There were five couples who attended. They all looked so sweet - the husbands cradling their very pregnant wives. They all seemed excited hearing about my breastfeeding support group which made me happy! Then I decided to be brave, and I mentioned that I had brought several copies of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breastfeeding-Natural-Spacing-Sheila-Kippley/dp/1435746546" target="_blank">Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing</a></i> by Sheila Kippley if anyone would like to learn more about the topic. Then: blank stares, awkward silence.</p><p>Contrast the above experience to the very next morning. We had our monthly online Catholic Nursing Mothers meeting. The topic was: Sharing Sleep with Your Baby. The discussion naturally progressed to Sheila’s book. A few of the moms mentioned how blessed they were to have read the book while pregnant with their first baby (me included!). They talked about how much the book shaped their early years of breastfeeding and parenting. I even received one request for a complimentary copy of the book from a mom who attended the online meeting and lives in UAE! It just warms my heart that <a href="https://www.nfpandmore.org/The%20Seven%20Standards%20Summary.pdf" target="_blank">ecological breastfeeding</a> is so cherished by many Catholic moms! I also love that the CNML ministry is spreading across the world one mom at a time!</p><p>I think ecological breastfeeding is such a loving approach to breastfeeding and parenting! Therefore, I will keep trying to share the message with moms as often as I can! If you would like a copy of <i>Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing</i>, email your name and mailing address to: catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com. I would love to share ecological breastfeeding with you!</p><p>Written by Gina Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p>What is your favorite part of Ecological Breastfeeding? Please share in the comments! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-17342878621768580332023-10-01T12:17:00.000-07:002023-10-01T12:17:12.489-07:00“The Little Way” of St. Therese for Nursing Moms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx-YInwiSOfHvO0isnNRWF71SQ5aJw2XkbcOtWRDozuvHD_hFu6-lOAOcBhgE-z4DdRCiWD1pEj2NBnvHLsbcyEjI26ZVP4oE-FqObnDeh0Pkepa6Na8Le1ATOw1G3ZZIrMFbelEkjNEf0uHQ4iV4Z9L1U2pIOlrL_VLwKWBRNcl0bVcJ5VxlO3zVXv-Q/s1600/IMG_1185.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx-YInwiSOfHvO0isnNRWF71SQ5aJw2XkbcOtWRDozuvHD_hFu6-lOAOcBhgE-z4DdRCiWD1pEj2NBnvHLsbcyEjI26ZVP4oE-FqObnDeh0Pkepa6Na8Le1ATOw1G3ZZIrMFbelEkjNEf0uHQ4iV4Z9L1U2pIOlrL_VLwKWBRNcl0bVcJ5VxlO3zVXv-Q/s320/IMG_1185.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rose_pink_(1).jpg" target="_blank">wikimedia commons</a> - public domain)</div><div><br /></div>Today is the Feast day of St. Therese of Lisieux. Even though St. Therese was not a mom and actually lived a life quite different from ours, her “Little Way” is very applicable to our lives as nursing moms. This weekend I am rereading the book, <i>The Way of Trust and Love: A Retreat Guided by St. Therese of Lisieux</i>. by Fr. Jacques Philippe. I would like to share some of his insights with you today.<div><br /></div><div>St. Therese loved Scripture, particularly the Gospels. Her “Little Way” is really just a fresh perspective on the Gospels. Fr. Philippe recommends reading Scripture for at least ten minutes per day. The resource I like the best for this is the print version of <i><a href="https://wau.org/" target="_blank">Word Among Us</a></i> magazine. It contains the Scripture readings for each day and even has the prayers of the Mass and also contains daily meditations. You can keep your monthly issue in your nursing corner with your water and snacks and read one of the daily readings while your baby nurses.</div><div><br /></div><div>The “Little Way” is also about being humble. Fr. Philippe says in his book that being humble is recognizing all our good qualities and the good we do as gifts from God and also being content with our limitations. In the first few weeks after my first son was born, my husband was a graduate student and was able to take some time off since it was right at the end of the summer semester. I had grown up as an only child and although I had babysit as a teen, I really was clueless about how to take care of a baby. Therefore, I focused on breastfeeding in the early days and my husband did the diaper changes and burped the baby. Then after two or three weeks, I gradually learned how to do those parts, too, and took over all of the baby care during the day. If you feel weak in some area of caring for your baby or for your family, the important thing is to realize and accept your limitations, try to learn new things and improve, do your best, and remember that God loves you!</div><div><br /></div><div>The next aspect of “The Little Way” that I want to discuss is really the most important part: trusting God and loving God and also loving your neighbor as yourself. Just as your baby completely trusts you to nurse him when he is hungry or needing comfort and to take care of all his needs, we should trust God the same way. Also, remember that your main vocation is to love! By thinking of God, praying even just a few minutes per day, and by going to Mass on Sundays and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, you are loving God. By nursing your baby and caring for your family, you are loving your neighbor. And don’t forget the other half of the Second Greatest Commandment: by taking care of yourself through eating, drinking, showering, and resting, you are loving yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know trusting God can be challenging at times! Once I asked my parish priest about what to do when I find myself worrying. He suggested I pray “Jesus, I trust in You” on each bead of the rosary. I find this helps me in times of anxiety. You can also make the prayer a little longer: “Jesus, I trust in You and I love You!” This would really encompass the whole philosophy of “The Little Way.” I make very simple two decade rosary bracelets that would be perfect for praying this prayer. Email catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com if you would like one for yourself or a for a friend. They are gifts from the Catholic Nursing Mothers League! They can also be used to as a reminder for which side to nurse on next. When I was a busy nursing mom, I kept a scrunchie on my wrist to help me remember. However, these bracelets are even better, because you can use them to pray, too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Childlikeness is another aspect of “The Little Way.” If you have a nursing toddler, think of how he views the world. He doesn’t get stuck in the past or future but focuses on discovering and enjoying the present moment. He completely trusts you. He so sweetly finds a dandelion in the yard and gives it to you as a present. He can’t help around the house too much yet so he puts the napkins on the table for dinner and is so happy he can do that to help! When he makes a mistake or when he gets hurt, he quickly forgets and moves on. When he is sad or needs comfort, he climbs into your lap to nurse. This is such a beautiful picture of how we, as moms, can love and trust our Heavenly Father, too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Gratitude is another part of “The Little Way.” One great and simple way to practice gratitude is to either write down a few things you are grateful for each day in a journal or to just tell God “thank you” for several specific gifts each day. You will probably find that as you do this, you will focus less on your problems and will see so many blessings from God all around you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Reference: <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Way-Trust-Love-Retreat-Therese/dp/1594171653/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">The Way of Trust and Love</a></i> by Fr. Jacques Philippe</div><div><br /></div><div>Written by Gina Peterson</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What aspect of “The Little Way” do you like the best? What part do you find most challenging? Please comment below!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-9145103679550507452023-09-16T15:09:00.003-07:002023-09-16T15:09:33.645-07:00Stories from Breastfeeding Mothers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC2wN0GyUI8UtIJ-0lLjKbianQ-u4uBf-iZV6-1rGUXSywTSC3GXbK9UPQKWPQmYcxZgO0q7NWodzge8v-IO98OGndDSIyZzHNyDYAAlzQyAsSzzdMAJGx_kYEnF2UpOXN3seDYehBCoDaBpK5gAk-ywtwcbG-AzTP1sqb6FUD212n0TgZh-D6yL_Zlc8/s980/21B53853-0749-4563-9EF3-9EE52B1E5F4B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC2wN0GyUI8UtIJ-0lLjKbianQ-u4uBf-iZV6-1rGUXSywTSC3GXbK9UPQKWPQmYcxZgO0q7NWodzge8v-IO98OGndDSIyZzHNyDYAAlzQyAsSzzdMAJGx_kYEnF2UpOXN3seDYehBCoDaBpK5gAk-ywtwcbG-AzTP1sqb6FUD212n0TgZh-D6yL_Zlc8/s320/21B53853-0749-4563-9EF3-9EE52B1E5F4B.jpeg" width="287" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">(This <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eucharist_in_Fruit_Wreath.jpg" target="_blank">photographic reproduction</a> is considered to be in the the public domain in the United States)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Here is an excerpt from <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Breastfeeding-Catholic-Mothers/dp/1493796372/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FW56K9C45YRV&keywords=Getting+started+with+breastfeeding+for+catholic+mothers&qid=1694899846&sprefix=getting+started+with+breastfeeding+for+catholic+mothers%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers</a></i> that I thought you might enjoy. If you would like to receive a complimentary copy of this book, send me an email at catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com.</p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-fac3eeca-9fde-087b-1f6d-9b9a953951e8" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-fac3eeca-9fde-087b-1f6d-9b9a953951e8" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-fac3eeca-9fde-087b-1f6d-9b9a953951e8" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunday</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">by Marian Tascio Friedrichs, mother to Isaiah, Bernadette, Kateri and baby on the way</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He starts asking as soon as we reach our pew. “Mama, wanna do nook. Wanna do noook.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I glance at the nearest faces. They’re all bent over hymnals or turned toward the aisle, where Father sings with gusto behind the blank-faced, decidedly non-singing altar servers. I check the Baby Girl beside us. She is perched in her father’s arms, nibbling with hearty interest a button on his red-checked shirt. It is the same shirt he wore on our first date, when we smiled nervously at one another over roast chicken and sweet potato fries. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Mama, do nook. Do nook, nook, nook, nooook!” The Little Boy is tugging on my shirt now, his upturned face a study in urgency. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“OK,” I whisper. “Just as soon as everyone sits down.” I scoop him up so he can see what’s going on. He sucks on my collar and gazes absently at the doings up front: the kissing of the altar, the settling of the people into their places. He whimpers his request a few more times during the opening prayers, and I promise soon, soon. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At last we sit, and he nestles into my lap. He is still a baby, this Little Boy who became a big brother one morning and turned two years old thirteen days later. At his birthday party he fell asleep in my lap, just like this, as the cake was being served. We have a picture of his father offering the cake to his curled-up figure. There are colored sprinkles and two candles, and beneath the white frosting, there is chocolate. But at that moment he needed only Mama. And Mama means this.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I lift my shirt, keeping my head down and hoping everyone around us is as rapt by the scripture readings as my Baby Girl is by the lights in the high ceiling. He snuggles in and latches. I listen to the readings, too. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We make it halfway through the homily before my Little Boy’s sister notices what he is doing and begins some whimpering of her own. Daddy and I trade off; the Baby Girl leans into me while the Little Boy sits beside his father, flips through a baby Bible and munches Cheerios, his face flushed with contentment. Filled, he has yielded to his sister without complaint. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am grateful for that. Nursing them both at once is something I only do in certain places; it requires a lot of space, a lot of exposure, and only understanding witnesses. Typically, when we “do nook all together”, the Little Boy and Baby Girl have ignored each other, but sometimes these days she toys with his hair and he laughs. Lately they have been finding each other’s fingertips, exploring nails and knuckles, holding hands briefly as they top off their tanks of mother-love side by side.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The moment is coming. Daddy kneels; Little Boy stands on the kneeler and rests his chin on the back of the pew in front of us; I bow my head. Baby Girl feels so light in my arms after her big brother, but now her body grows heavy with encroaching sleep.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Take this, all of you, and eat it. This is my body, which will be given up for you.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I touch my heart; the Baby Girl begins her deep gulping. I ache a little as the milk lets down, and I think about my bones. I read somewhere that they break down a bit when we start feeding our first babies, but then the bones are replenished and become stronger than before. I picture the cells—white and spongy—drifting apart, giving themselves to the outflow that will become my children’s food and drink, only to regroup and regain one another—finding life by losing it.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Take this, all of you, and drink from it. This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant, which will be shed for you and for all…”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She has stopped gulping. A droplet of milk escapes her slackening mouth. My blood. That’s what it’s made from. My life becomes her life. Her eyelids flutter slightly but stay closed. She hasn’t let go of my breast. It will be a trick, carrying her to the altar while keeping her asleep and myself covered up, but I’ve done it before many times.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I stand when our turn comes and whisper my usual prayer: “Take away my heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh.” I am begging to become what I eat.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And afterwards, while He melts inside me: “Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me…”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Later, as we file out the doors, Little Boy asks for another turn. The day is nearly half gone, and he is eager for rest and reconnection. But we tell him where we are going next, and thoughts of mama-milk give way to the anticipation of Grandma’s house, where there will be aunts and uncles, lunch and cake for Daddy’s birthday.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Twenty minutes into the drive, Baby Girl wakes up in her car seat. No one is touching her. No one is holding her. She does not know where we are. She begins to cry.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her brother says, “She needs nook.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More breastfeeding stories:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.askdrsears.com/sears-family-connect/mondays-with-martha/breastfeeding-stories-to-inspire-and-inform/" target="_blank">Breastfeeding stories from the Sears Family Women</a> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/search?q=Chronicles+of+a+catholic+nursing+mother" target="_blank">Chronicles of a Catholic Nursing Mother</a><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-moms-experience-ecologically.html" target="_blank">A Mom’s Experience Ecologically Breastfeeding and Tandem Nursing</a><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/2019/10/october-11-feast-of-our-lady-of-la.html" target="_blank">My Daughter’s Weaning Story</a><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/2013/05/feed-my-sheep.html" target="_blank">Feed My Sheep</a><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">Do you have a breastfeeding story you would like to share? If so, please share it in the comments! Thank you!</p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-5492073335732963072023-09-10T14:35:00.001-07:002023-09-14T07:56:25.176-07:00Fascinating Facts about Mammals and Lactation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERv4I2guiuVxgv6cGeAX36q33vjp_sZtOrpNg2T0N5aZ-eEgnPvE_rY2n9RJ4NjMzdkm1Na8L17DmgXz5ZArX-XHRFjQeMyZzyigYIiEAivwpyUuRnsvfyA1lYTOr2r-ftuaAzI-IVQuBz2HCCrJgtRC2zr6O3-nAfxVbY2G0erEfb1VuxOksUUa8eeRY/s1200/8A5D072A-00A6-420A-94E7-A80557DA881D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1200" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERv4I2guiuVxgv6cGeAX36q33vjp_sZtOrpNg2T0N5aZ-eEgnPvE_rY2n9RJ4NjMzdkm1Na8L17DmgXz5ZArX-XHRFjQeMyZzyigYIiEAivwpyUuRnsvfyA1lYTOr2r-ftuaAzI-IVQuBz2HCCrJgtRC2zr6O3-nAfxVbY2G0erEfb1VuxOksUUa8eeRY/s320/8A5D072A-00A6-420A-94E7-A80557DA881D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://ladailypost.com/daily-postcard-baby-deer-nursing-near-mitchell-trail/" target="_blank">Photo by David Alman</a>)</div><div><br /></div>Did you know that the mammal who nurses her young for the shortest amount of time is the hooded seal? The pups are born at a very advanced developmental stage. The mother only nurses her baby for four days BUT she makes 22 liters of milk per day! Her milk is 55-71% fat. Seal pups weigh about 55 pounds at birth and then double their weight by the end of those four days. (1)<div><br /></div><div>Deer tend to nurse their young for about four months. The fawn nurses about four times per day as a newborn and then after two weeks starts eating various plants in addition to nursing. (1)</div><div><br /></div><div>A few years ago, I wrote a post about the pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding habits of <a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/2021/09/even-grizzly-bears-ecologically.html" target="_blank">grizzly bears</a>. Black bears follow a similar pattern. The mother sleeps through her pregnancy, birth and the first three months of lactation. Then she goes on to nurse her cubs for a total of two years. (1)</div><div><br /></div><div>Naked mole rats (one of my son’s favorite animals) can have up to 33 babies in a litter but the mother only has 10 nipples. Therefore, she is pretty much nursing her pups around the clock for the first month when the babies typically wean. (3)</div><div><br /></div><div>Did you know that the mammal with the longest lactation period is the orangutan? Orangutan mothers nurse their babies for seven years or more! (1) Humans are primates just like orangutans and also are designed to nurse their young for years. (2) By observing other primates, we can get an idea about how long humans might breastfeed if they were well supported in doing so.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dr. Katherine Dettwyler wrote a fascinating article comparing the markers for weaning in different primates and then correlating those to humans. Here are a few of the highlights: </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Primates tend to wean about the time of their young getting their first permanent molars. This would be around age 5.5-6 years old in humans.</li><li>Gorillas tend to nurse their young for six times as long as their gestation so a 6:1 ratio. For humans, that would suggest 4.5 years as a weaning age. (4)</li><li>Larger mammals tend to wean their young once the babies have quadrupled their birthweight. This would correlate to 2.5 to 3.5 years in humans. (5)</li></ul><div>I hope you found these facts interesting! I also hope Katherine Dettwyler’s research encourages you if you desire or are already nursing a toddler or a preschooler.</div><div><br /></div><div>Written by Gina Peterson</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>References: </div><div><br /></div><div>(1) <a href="https://www.gov.mb.ca/healthychild/healthybaby/kits/mammals_feeding_their_babies.pdf">https://www.gov.mb.ca/healthychild/healthybaby/kits/mammals_feeding_their_babies.pdf</a><br /><div>(2) <a href="https://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/28/humans-are-primates-designed-breastfeed-years-not-months" target="_blank">https://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/28/humans-are-primates-designed-breastfeed-years-not-months</a></div><div>(3) <a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/naked-mole-rat-pup-faqs#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20naked%20mole,foods%20in%20about%20two%20weeks.">https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/naked-mole-rat-pup-faqs#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20naked%20mole,foods%20in%20about%20two%20weeks.</a></div><div>(4) <a href="https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/orangutan-nursing-time.htm">https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/orangutan-nursing-time.htm</a></div><div>(5) <a href="https://www.health-e-learning.com/articles/A_Natural_Age_of_Weaning.pdf">https://www.health-e-learning.com/articles/A_Natural_Age_of_Weaning.pdf</a></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-78445520043248257512023-09-03T12:51:00.003-07:002023-09-03T12:51:34.809-07:00Savor Those Sweet Nursing Moments Even in the Midst of the Storms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSe7RNmegvitKNHiLaGNNq0wmNHJzAg6P7AOr3s-l80CzIkEd2NV1XWlkQqWAcs6KPHfO15ss4ph_xuB_lFIFTosKstovVaOpdwI2zitGWz4g4qREAsnPQg4z-ek7KnG5KZ1H82HVqlE8Gd003v14pUtsPZpQOjJQaBbk5Oz3bjzxhhMZKRkVYHFj-YwGi/s320/AF985BF3-613F-4ECC-97C8-38DF8938578E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSe7RNmegvitKNHiLaGNNq0wmNHJzAg6P7AOr3s-l80CzIkEd2NV1XWlkQqWAcs6KPHfO15ss4ph_xuB_lFIFTosKstovVaOpdwI2zitGWz4g4qREAsnPQg4z-ek7KnG5KZ1H82HVqlE8Gd003v14pUtsPZpQOjJQaBbk5Oz3bjzxhhMZKRkVYHFj-YwGi/s1600/AF985BF3-613F-4ECC-97C8-38DF8938578E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">(picture of me nursing my daughter)</p><p><br /></p><p>I breastfed my children for many years, so I know that there are sometimes challenging times as a nursing mom. I remember engorgement, sore nipples, injured nipples, milk spraying out everywhere, baby not latching or gaining well, lack of sleep, etc. I have friends who had very premature babies who spent weeks or months in the ICU and friends whose babies had long term feeding issues. Those must have been especially difficult situations to navigate! Being a mom can be so overwhelming at times! However, I believe that Jesus is right there next to you, holding you, and helping you get through the storms.</p><p>Even if breastfeeding has not been going well for you lately, I encourage you to try to focus on the times when it is going well (and know that things will get better soon so hang in there!). Savor the sweet moments when baby nurses well and drifts off peacefully to sleep at your breast. Take part in the exuberant joy your older baby feels when she makes the sign for milk and gets so excited about nursing! Be glad when your overwhelmed, melting down toddler nurses and a calmness washes over him. Those are the moments, in particular, that I hope you will treasure! </p><p>Some ideas to help you savor the moments:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ask your husband, mom or a friend to take pictures of you nursing your baby. You will be happy to have those pictures after your baby has weaned!</li><li>Keep a little journal or even a private blog to document the cute little things your child does or says.</li><li>Make a nursing scrapbook.</li><li>While nursing your baby, you could pray for your baby, ask God to help you enjoy breastfeeding, and also thank God for the gift of your baby.</li><li>Buy a special necklace for yourself that contains a drop of your breastmilk or a necklace that represents your breastfeeding journey.</li><li>However, the best way, in my opinion, to treasure the sweet nursing moments is to slow down and be truly present for them. It is impossible to do that all day every day, but I encourage you to do that at least once a day. Take a few minutes to gaze at your nursing baby’s face and soak up the beauty and tranquility. </li></ul><div>Written by Gina Peterson</div><div><br /></div><div>Please share a favorite nursing moment in the comments!</div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-32999174413337809892023-08-20T13:29:00.002-07:002023-08-20T13:29:53.283-07:00Comforting Baby at the Breast<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPgnP0352TGUyNJJZRZtHA-2ZZ1zbgM7hASCz5bWLuA2vt_y3ud2eJbZYHEhkJ_6EUCZetH3IhtmIVPL_3XAmMWQIwzRvyczpwXYWKhnHSDoE3kIqOWeUbgqKQG91nRBPSf0CL_AnJSaEZc0VtoHA8ClCHw2ZyTronjMAVTWFLQF7qs0RqZOppWKkj85K/s1198/109E71F5-E69C-4066-956A-205A56B76A79.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPgnP0352TGUyNJJZRZtHA-2ZZ1zbgM7hASCz5bWLuA2vt_y3ud2eJbZYHEhkJ_6EUCZetH3IhtmIVPL_3XAmMWQIwzRvyczpwXYWKhnHSDoE3kIqOWeUbgqKQG91nRBPSf0CL_AnJSaEZc0VtoHA8ClCHw2ZyTronjMAVTWFLQF7qs0RqZOppWKkj85K/s320/109E71F5-E69C-4066-956A-205A56B76A79.jpeg" width="235" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pieter_de_Hooch_-_Mother_Nursing_Her_Child_-_89.39_-_Detroit_Institute_of_Arts.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia commons</a> - in public domain because it was registered with the US Copyright Office before 1928)</span></p><span face=""Google Sans", arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face=""Google Sans", arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">I love that there are several <a href="https://www.nfpandmore.org/bfscriptural.shtml" target="_blank">Scriptures passages</a> that portray breastfeeding in a such a beautiful way! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;"><b>“Be joyful with Jerusalem and rejoice for her, all you who love her; Be exceedingly glad with her, all you who mourn over her, that you may nurse and be satisfied with her comforting breasts, That you may suck and be delighted with her bountiful bosom.” - Isaiah 66:10-11</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">These Scripture verses from Isaiah use the picture of a nursing mother as a metaphor for the city of Jerusalem. The verses not only mention the satisfying nourishment that breast milk provides but also the comfort breastfeeding gives to the baby.</span></p><p><b><span class="text Ps-131-2" id="en-RSVCE-16739" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">“…But I have calmed and quieted my soul, </span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Ps-131-2" style="position: relative;">like a child quieted at its mother’s breast…” - Psalm 131:2</span></span></b></p><p><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Ps-131-2" style="position: relative;">This verse from Psalm 131 is part of David’s song to God. He makes reference to how breastfeeding quiets a child. This is definitely a benefit of comfort nursing your baby or toddler when at Mass or in a quiet public place! </span></span></p><p><b><span class="text Ps-22-9" id="en-RSVCE-14802" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial;">“</span></span><span class="text Ps-22-9" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">Yet thou art he who took me from the womb; </span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Ps-22-9" style="position: relative;">thou didst keep me safe upon my mother’s breasts.” - Psalm 22:9</span></span></b></p><p><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Ps-22-9" style="position: relative;">This verse from Psalm 22 mentions how nursing helps baby feel safe. By letting baby suckle at your breast when he is scared or unsure, you help him grow in trust, confidence and eventually independence.</span></span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;"><br /></b></p><p><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">More advantages of comfort nursing</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">encourages an ample milk supply</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">helps support healthy jaw development</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">helps you and your baby bond</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">great way to soothe your child when he is in pain</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">helps baby associate breastfeeding with both food and comfort</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">integral part of <a href="https://www.nfpandmore.org/The%20Seven%20Standards%20Summary.pdf" target="_blank">ecological breastfeeding</a> which naturally spaces babies</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">References: </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Christelle Hagen</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">NFP International</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Revised Standard Version Bible Catholic Edition 1966</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Written By Gina Peterson</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-69178576161890324812023-08-05T12:20:00.002-07:002023-08-05T14:39:48.985-07:00Starting Solids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzPQWVCtv4NGZk9Bcqgiu4Z7FgYIBlv2xp08W-KKzzk6G1RT9ic1jwd8FDXXa16-YlnFqkocsnehkIj7aHojMR5o9CMCFIJ7tORKcOl6vwXr0pBKGAzjG_ZvYDg28xF38SIT-3cZXefImzSjZUVs0G8yKZ5jBsLELb9JOZnKN8mTGe454N1AjUsZTLDCp/s1600/E54BD565-27CF-4565-8F9F-5BED89049355.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzPQWVCtv4NGZk9Bcqgiu4Z7FgYIBlv2xp08W-KKzzk6G1RT9ic1jwd8FDXXa16-YlnFqkocsnehkIj7aHojMR5o9CMCFIJ7tORKcOl6vwXr0pBKGAzjG_ZvYDg28xF38SIT-3cZXefImzSjZUVs0G8yKZ5jBsLELb9JOZnKN8mTGe454N1AjUsZTLDCp/s320/E54BD565-27CF-4565-8F9F-5BED89049355.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Autumn_Red_peaches.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia commons</a> - in public domain because it came from the US Dept. of Agriculture) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>During baby’s first year of life, breastmilk is the most important part of his diet. The World Health Organization and the Academy of Pediatrics both recommend only breastmilk during the first six months of life. Even once you start solids, it is mainly for baby to try new foods and to experiment with different tastes and textures. </div><div><br /></div>There are several indications your baby might be ready to try solid food:<div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>baby can sit up without help</li><li>baby watches you intently while you eat</li><li>baby can pick up food between his or her thumb and forefinger</li><li>baby tries to grab some of what you are eating</li><li>baby has lost the tongue thrust reflex</li><li>baby is about six months old</li></ul><div>Some tips for starting solids:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Wait until about 30-60 minutes after breastfeeding to offer solids to avoid having solids replace breastmilk</li><li>Start with foods that tend to be less allergenic and that have a similar taste to breastmilk such as bananas, peaches, sweet potatoes, applesauce, carrots, pears and barley or rice cereal. As baby tries more foods, consider offering avocado due to its healthy fat content. Also, as baby gets older, offer iron rich foods, too.</li><li>When offering solids, if baby closes his mouth, leans away from the spoon, or spits out the food, this indicates he is either done eating solids for the moment or is just not interested right now. Try again another day. You want to try to encourage a healthy association with food.</li><li>Offer solids just once a day or less often in the beginning and gradually work up to three times per day at 12 months.</li></ul><div>References: </div><div><br /></div><div>Lexy Backstrom</div></div><div><a href="https://kellymom.com/nutrition/starting-solids/solids-how/" target="_blank">Kellymom</a><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/feeding-eating/feeding-infants-toddlers/starting-solids/faqs-about-solid-foods/solid-food-for-baby/" target="_blank">Ask Dr Sears</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Written by Gina Peterson</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What were your favorite first foods to offer your baby? Please share in the comment section!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-75903054188023235562023-07-16T17:42:00.003-07:002023-07-16T17:42:51.143-07:00Mothering at the Breast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L5stky2ERRrXh0DYhoW4YWHmk3EuYUrVC1xVFb6byBL9uubyk0n_h3AkmovuUZHbMk9AGlX-eXOykX_aGgq8TiRL7Iib9bomZgdfMEkq6rxf2MH2DiHHDejHoa4vJXZzxJB3H2lidh49nZHKI-ZsUxnu6fIGkH2Btv1dRTBOI8pBnQNLkKrcttRmNrLh/s802/6D535392-E2BF-4F88-9406-2F69269676DB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="648" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L5stky2ERRrXh0DYhoW4YWHmk3EuYUrVC1xVFb6byBL9uubyk0n_h3AkmovuUZHbMk9AGlX-eXOykX_aGgq8TiRL7Iib9bomZgdfMEkq6rxf2MH2DiHHDejHoa4vJXZzxJB3H2lidh49nZHKI-ZsUxnu6fIGkH2Btv1dRTBOI8pBnQNLkKrcttRmNrLh/s320/6D535392-E2BF-4F88-9406-2F69269676DB.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mary_Cassatt_-_Mother_and_two_children_-_1901.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia commons</a> - in public domain because >100 years old)</p><p><br /></p><p>When meeting with nursing moms, I generally notice two different breastfeeding styles. One focuses on breastfeeding as primarily a source of nourishment. The other view of breastfeeding is that it is a way to both feed and mother a baby.</p><p>I am very happy that so many moms are nursing their babies! Today, I would like to share some of the wonderful benefits of the second style mainly because I loved mothering my babies this way!</p><p>Mothering at the breast helps babies and toddlers feel more peaceful. It makes fussy times a little easier. It also helps toddlers calm down when they are having tantrums or when they get hurt. Nursing tends to make everything better! It also makes nap time and bedtime nursings easier because the hormone, prolactin, is released during breastfeeding. Prolactin helps both mom and baby relax. If it wasn’t for breastfeeding, I am not sure I could have gotten my babies and toddlers to sleep!</p><p>Mothering at the breast enhances the bond between mom and baby. It helps a child learn to trust his mom, because she is a constantly there meeting his needs for not only nourishment but also love and security.</p><p>Another benefit of mothering at the breast is having an easy way to both feed and comfort a toddler who is not in their normal environment such as on a trip. When my daughter was 18 months, she went on a special trip with my husband and me. The food was different from what she was used to. She was in a strange place. Nursing her helped her feel safe and protected and my breast milk provided nourishment for her when she didn’t want to try the foods she was not familiar with.</p><p>Mothering at the breast also tends to lengthen the mom’s <a href="https://www.nfpandmore.org/The%20Seven%20Standards%20Summary.pdf" target="_blank">natural amenorrhea due to breastfeeding</a>. The frequent suckling for both nourishment and comfort lets the body know that the baby still needs a lot of mom’s time and energy and thus delays the return of fertility.</p><p>Mothering at the breast has helped me become more patient and loving with my children as they grew. I was able to become a more gentler person which is something I had always hoped for. It helped me grow closer to God and to become a better version of myself.</p><p>Written by Gina Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p>How has mothering at the breast helped you in your relationship with your child and/or to become a better person? Please leave a comment!</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-21224743438818420842023-07-08T12:42:00.008-07:002023-07-11T08:33:47.818-07:00The Unexpected Blessings of Nursing a New Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3jxaAvJ5LqpKbzkyq-Gxq4CtZQO1jFEUxUhUV_88eT9KwUz6-aMznaIaQlRoycd0VU6LvLnG7IYgXkmqRho4s5ybvEpGzIGLM-fc7CT-xg_94RSJicfN43x9mqLPkCQ9bUR3X7S9oEjabOx_c6SUrvYOJM0f7GF9-xJe1r-cjxh4hc0-umOClJK1__wW/s3264/73CE928A-4CCA-48FF-9A7C-0D55FEC121EC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3jxaAvJ5LqpKbzkyq-Gxq4CtZQO1jFEUxUhUV_88eT9KwUz6-aMznaIaQlRoycd0VU6LvLnG7IYgXkmqRho4s5ybvEpGzIGLM-fc7CT-xg_94RSJicfN43x9mqLPkCQ9bUR3X7S9oEjabOx_c6SUrvYOJM0f7GF9-xJe1r-cjxh4hc0-umOClJK1__wW/s320/73CE928A-4CCA-48FF-9A7C-0D55FEC121EC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Photo by Gina Peterson)</div><p><br /></p><p>When one of my sons was 11 years old, he was diagnosed with a serious lifelong disease and spent two days in the ICU. My husband actually had to be the one to stay overnight with him in the hospital, because I was still nursing my youngest son at the time. The ICU did not allow children under 12 years old to stay overnight. When he came home from the hospital, I was very overwhelmed with caring for him. I had to be vigilant all day and sometimes at night (at least in the early days) helping him manage his new way of life. My son’s illness was always on my mind.</p><p>Then a month and a half later, I found out I was expecting! I had no idea how I was going to manage! I even wrote some <a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/search?q=Chronicles+of+a+catholic+nursing+mother" target="_blank">posts</a> on this blog during my pregnancy about some of my thoughts and concerns. However, I soon realized that this new baby was the gift I needed.</p><p>At my 20 week ultrasound, I found out I was having a baby girl! Thus far, I only had sons. I, of course, love my boys to the moon and back! I am definitely a boy mom. I love that my boys climb trees. I am not so crazy about the fact that they sometimes climb onto the roof of my house! One son even broke his arm several times doing things like riding his bike while walking the dog! We owned about a hundred matchbox cars for quite a long time and I regularly read books to them about fire engines, Thomas the Tank Engine, robots, and even space toilets. However, I always still wished for a little girl. </p><p>Nursing my little girl (her name means “child from heaven” or “heavenly flowers”) helped me through this difficult time in my life. Holding her, dressing her up in pretty pink dresses, and snuggling with her while we nursed each day became a healing balm for my soul. Enjoying a beautiful little baby distracted me from obsessing about my son’s illness. I nursed my daughter the longest out of all my kids - about four and a half years. The last several months were more just comfort nursing as she wasn’t taking in any milk, but she and I still needed that nursing connection. I wrote a post about her weaning <a href="https://catholicbreastfeeding.blogspot.com/2019/10/october-11-feast-of-our-lady-of-la.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you would like to read the story. She has been a huge blessing to our family!</p><p>My son is now all grown up and doing well. He is successfully managing his illness and is happy! God is good!</p><p><br /></p><p>By Gina Peterson</p><p><br /></p><p>Please share in the comments about a time when you went through something challenging but later realized it was a blessing from God.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274118566185537579.post-31135710554246553672023-07-01T21:02:00.002-07:002023-07-02T07:39:40.238-07:00Breastfeeding Research January - June 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2e5Ttcb82i2dCc6H7iDc_O93ebjpmRkUbYzIPzfnn8flII9z4zedHpnW8Cz_hh0uhJQJ4QNZLXT66X8elJHPLIjWRUA3u4RfKxuPvF9SONZ2A-R7D2fJEI3GUQ-MezBj0NJ_fw3G9qayAjvnB5L1LNIzRWp2cM5MrscM5wWfTLoUCYX7Qz7iIh6P8O5k/s1599/F781D9DF-50C8-4AFD-9281-07D40C57D805.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="1599" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2e5Ttcb82i2dCc6H7iDc_O93ebjpmRkUbYzIPzfnn8flII9z4zedHpnW8Cz_hh0uhJQJ4QNZLXT66X8elJHPLIjWRUA3u4RfKxuPvF9SONZ2A-R7D2fJEI3GUQ-MezBj0NJ_fw3G9qayAjvnB5L1LNIzRWp2cM5MrscM5wWfTLoUCYX7Qz7iIh6P8O5k/s320/F781D9DF-50C8-4AFD-9281-07D40C57D805.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">(Wikimedia Commons Public Domain)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9972148/" target="_blank">Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer</a></p><p><a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-15045-8" target="_blank">Exploring the relationship between breastfeeding and incidence of infant illnesses in Ireland</a></p><p><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2023.1086999/full" target="_blank">The role of breastfeeding as a protective factor against the development of the immune-mediated diseases: A systematic review</a></p><p><a href="https://adc.bmj.com/content/early/2023/05/04/archdischild-2022-325148" target="_blank">Association between breastfeeding duration and educational achievement in England</a></p><p><a href="https://gh.bmj.com/content/8/2/e009693" target="_blank">Impact of breastfeeding on the incidence and severity of RSV associated acute lower respiratory infections in infants </a></p><p><a href="https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)46266-1/fulltext" target="_blank">Effectiveness of lactation cookies on human milk production rates</a></p><p><a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2023.29236.abm" target="_blank">ABM Protocol #37: Physiological Infant Care - Managing Nighttime Breastfeeding in Young Infants</a></p><p><a href="https://www.cmaj.ca/content/195/25/E879" target="_blank">Supporting Breastfeeding and Lactation in Surgical Patients</a></p><p><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1004191" target="_blank">Infant feeding method and special educational need in Scottish school children</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Gina Peterson, IBCLC</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0