My Breastfeeding Lifestyle
I’m a huge advocate of breastfeeding. I’ve nursed all of my kids from anywhere between a minimum of 6 months to 2 years. I’m also a huge advocate of wine. Like really, really good wine, not cheap 7-11 wine. I truly enjoy both so I work to make them fit into my lifestyle. I’ve done the research and have read numerous peer reviewed articles. Breastfeeding does not mean that you can’t at enjoy a nice glass of Cabernet (or 2) at night after the kids go to bed. All three of my monsters are in bed by 8:30. Whether they’re asleep or not, I don’t care. Cry it out kids, cry it out.
This means at 8:31 p.m., I can have a nice glass of wine because momming and homeschooling deserves a glass of wine. Some nights, it’s tea or halo top ice cream. Other nights, it’s 2009 Silver Oak or 2013 Brunello Di Montalcino, depending on my mood. If I’m feeling really fancy, we’ll break out the Caymus or the Far Niente.
My favorite wine glass!
The boy pretty much sleeps 7-8 hours straight, so I have no worries about needing to feed him in the middle of the night. Even if I did have to nurse him, my rule of thumb is sober to drive, sober to nurse. If you can safely operate a motor vehicle, your blood alcohol content is low enough to nurse. I followed this rule with Makayla, and if you know the 4 year old personally, she’s a pretty smart cookie with a vocabulary out of this world.
So for the love of all things holy, mommies, please do not pump and dump. This does absolutely nothing but waste breastmilk and who likes doing that? Not this momma. I have literally cried over spilled milk before. Like full on, ugly face cry. The only reason to pump and dump is if you are away from your baby for a long period of time and are feeling uncomfortably engorged…. like I will be in Vegas in July for a full 5 days with no kids. I may ugly face cry then too.
One thing I ran into at the Atlanta International terminal was a Mother’s Breastfeeding and Pumping Pod. These are pod-like units that offer mothers a quiet and private place to pump or nurse. Not all mommies are comfortable with whipping out their boob in public so this is a great development. The more kids I have, the less I care. I’ll feed my boy anytime, anywhere. I would, however, have killed for one of these at the Georgia World Convention Center this past weekend. I had to pump in a corner behind a sign. Definitely not the most ideal conditions but I made it work. Anything to be 7 ounces lighter during strict handstand push-ups, amiright??
Breastfeeding Pod!
Spotless interior!
Disclaimer: I am 100% aware that not everyone has the ability or the desire to breastfeed. To each her own. I don’t care how you feed your baby as long as they’re well loved and have juicy thighs.
My Breastfeeding Must Haves
The breast pump I’ve used since 2012 – Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump
Aero flow breast pumps can help you qualify for a free pump though insurance.
Nursing cover – Udder Covers Nursing Cover
Nursing Necklace for active hands. I swear by these and they’re pretty. – Consider It Maid Silicone Teething Necklace
