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An Ode to My Breast Pump..
And just like that, my pumping journey has come to a close. I sold off my breast pump last week, and I think that made it real. It is funny, but I felt emotional giving it away. The only thing I asked was that she use it well, and stay committed in her journey to breastfeed. Pumping! Sigh. Yay I don’t have to do it anymore, but yeah, closing a chapter is always bittersweet. This is my tribute! (Am I loony or what?). An Ode to My Breast Pump All those long nights I stayed awake, Your buzzing my only company when everyone slept. Giving me reason and strength To…
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The BSIM Story
She was inspired by a breastfeeding support group she was part of in Ireland. One new mom had an idea to help out other new mommies in her locality in Pune. And one thing led to another and it snowballed. In a very short time, the Breastfeeding Support for Indian Mothers has exploded into one of the largest platforms for all matters related to breastfeeding. And this is the BSIM story. For many women all over the world, the group has become a safe space to ask questions and queries. Because they know full well that there is no judgment – only support and information.” Its founder, Adhunika Prakash, is…
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Re-lactation – An Incredible Possibility
Breastfeeding is hard! It is one of the toughest tasks that a new mom goes through. No doubt about it, and often enough – the doubts involved – be it about low supply or about correct latch, or if the baby is getting enough – often plays with the minds of a breastfeeding mother. We all know that the best way to keep up supply is to keep feeding. After all, breast milk does work on demand and supply. Feed as often as needed, and in the ideal world, all will be well. But sometimes it really is not that straight forward and breastfeeding takes a back seat. And with…
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The Importance of Breastfeeding Awareness & Education
Breastfeeding is natural, and more importantly, it provides vital nutrition and nourishment for a newborn. But what many people forget is that it is also extremely difficult and that breastfeeding mothers need all the support they can get. From a lack of education and support to absence of well-equipped nursing rooms and constant judgement from everyone (including their cats) – breastfeeding moms face quite a few hurdles! And as such, we need to place extra emphasis on the importance of breastfeeding awareness & Education. For Nivedita Emmanuel (name changed) who works at Cochin Info Park, having a son who is a year and eight months old, guilt is still a constant companion…
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Momtastic – The Cookie Lady – Nadia Moolman
The purpose of my blog has been to share my journey as a parent, and to celebrate motherhood! Not just me, but mommies all around me as well! And with that in mind, I am starting a new section called MOMTASTIC 🙂! I will be interviewing inspirational mommas who are wearing multiple hats, and managing it all with panache! My mommy for January is someone most new moms in Doha already knows well, and one who bakes the best ever lactation cookies – Nadia Moolman of Milking Cookies. At QR 35 for a pack of 12, her cookies were not only reasonable, but also delicious and incredibly healthy! Nadia has been…
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Thoughts of a Formula Feeding Mom
Over the course of the last year, I have spoken to a lot of women, and it has always been interesting and enlightening to hear so many different perspectives, and insights. And those who follow my blogs and posts know that I am a huge advocate for breastfeeding, and always encourage it. But I also like to listen to stories of moms who don’t, either as a choice or because they didn’t know any better. I must admit that there have been times I too have wondered why anyone would opt for formula, but listening to moms and their lives has changed my views. What matters is that the baby…
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The Saga of A Pumping Mom
The joys of breastfeeding, the woes too! The saga of a pumping mom! It is 4am, and bubs has woken up for his feed. I am exhausted and there is nothing more I would rather do, than cuddle up with my boy (the little one 😉 ), feed him, and go back to sleep. But the tingling nagging voice at the back of my head refuses to shut up, and explains that if I don’t get up and pump, then my baby might not have enough for the next day – even though I had a few packs in the fridge. So with a sigh, and a heave ho, I…
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Breastfeeding: Pumping 101
If you are physically with the baby, the best is to feed directly, as it will also keep up your supply. I have a really good nursing cover, and I use that to feed my baby whenever and wherever discreetly. However, when that isn’t an option, for example, if you are going back to work, and you are keen on breastfeeding, you will definitely need to pump. Pumping has really been great for me as it allows me to ensure my baby is solely breastfed. PUMPING 101 – BUYING A BREASTPUMP There is a multitude of breast pumps available in the market, many of which are expensive, and it is quite…
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Breastfeeding – Supply. Supply. Supply.
One thing that constantly plays on a new mom’s mind is whether she will have enough supply of breast milk. Getting enough milk supply is always a concern for those of us who are breastfeeding. Once the baby has gained birthweight, the primary indication if baby is getting enough milk is the pee count. Babies must pee at least 6 times in a span of 24 hours. Minimum six times over a day. Keep an eye on the weight gain as well. Please download a WHO weight chart, and this will allow you to keep track. The baby should continue on the same line, even if it is second percentile. And…
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Haha! Breastfeeding
I can so relate to this!! 😀