Randomly Specific
Water
Breastfeeding 1-2-3 has an excellent post on water consumption! For example, I didn’t know that if you consume too much water it can actually decrease your supply. I remember being CRAZY thirsty in the first few months and definitely believe in the “drink to thirst” methodology. My first few months found me dragging water wherever I went and part of my nighttime routine included carefully putting together a pitcher of ice water for during the night.
Testimonial
I came across this Australian site that has gathered some personal experiences surrounding breastfeeding. The site includes interviews of 49 women and 2 men. I haven’t gotten to dig around it much, but can’t wait to read it. I am working on a little project of my own where I want to interview a variety of women from across the decades starting with my grandma who breastfed in the mid 1940s and probably ending with my step-mom who nursed in the mid 1980s. I am compiling my interview questions now and if there is anything in particular that any of you would like me to ask, let me know!
Random Unsolicited Advice
I love, LOVE my doctor. I don’t always agree with her, but I always take her opinion into serious advisement before making decisions (I’m talking general babycare/lifestyle advice here). I’ve been concerned about my son being jealous while I am nursing my daughter and asked her a good way to handle that. I’ve seen that a new mother nursing her child can create a hot spot for the older child because he/she knows that “mom is busy” and now is a good time to act up while her hands are full. My doctor’s advice was to have a basket of special toys for the older child that are only brought out while nursing. What an excellent idea coming from a mother of 4, tightly spaced children! I’m due in 8 weeks, so over the next few weeks, I am going to put together a few small baskets of some new toys and will mix in some old ones so we don’t break the budget. I thought I’d pass that idea along because I am not sure I would have come up with that one on my own in my current weakened mental state that I refer to as “pregnancy brain“.
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May 17th, 2007 at 8:31 am
Haha, Richard used to refer to pregnancy-brain as Pregnantheimers.
May 18th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Nursing is also a good time to cuddle up on the couch and read a book to your older child.
Sometimes, though, you have to call your child’s bluff, so to speak. If they are acting up because they know you can, unlatch the baby, put the baby down (on the floor is fine), and deal with your older child. The baby will be fine, and you only have to do this once or twice. It sends a clear message to the child.
May 19th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
I had not heard about drinking too much water. Thats weird because I totally downed tons of water and my milk supply was more than i even needed!
Victoria
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May 28th, 2007 at 9:13 am
I’m glad you enjoyed that post on water!
I second Mommy Blawger about using nursing time to read to your older child. It’s a nice way to snuggle and show your older child you value spending time with him/her.