Preggie Pals

engorgement

Pumping at Work (in the Netherlands)

September 7th, 2012 by Ruby Marshall

I’ve had quite a bit of experience with using a breastpump. The first time was about four days postpartum, when my milk came in. In full force. My breasts were so engorged that my daughter was no longer able to latch, they were that hard! The postpartum doula* quickly arranged a rental pump for me to help relieve the worst engorgement so my baby could nurse. Pumping for the win!

I bought my own double electric pump at around four weeks after birth. I was planning to go back to work at four months, and wanted to make sure I could practice. I also wanted to be able to have a break every now and then to attend a postpartum fitness class. On top of that Amber also had reflux and one of the first things prescribed was a thickening agent which had to be dissolved in breastmilk and then fed to her with a spoon. Amber would not take a bottle, so I pumped more or less once a day from four weeks up to four months of age. Most of that milk went to waste – it was all practice material for my little girl! (more…)

Breast Milk Is Our Miracle

July 2nd, 2012 by Chloe Ward

Hi! My name is Chloe, and I’m very excited to be able to share my thoughts and experiences in the world of breastfeeding with you.

For any of you wondering “what gives YOU so much expertise here, Hmm?” Well, I’ve been nursing my wonderful little boy for 14 (going on 15) months. Not just your typical one or two nursings a day for the toddler, either. My little boy has a severe GI condition, not-so-commonly-known as food protein induced enterocoloitis syndrome (FPIES), coupled with some serious oral texture sensitivities and an over-developed gag reflex.

To simplify as much as possible, he can’t eat food. Yes, you read that right…no food. Rice cereal you ask? No. Jarred baby food? Still, no. (more…)