Weight Gain After Weaning Toddler.

I was super proud of myself getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight after having Baby A.

I worked out hard and never cheated on my healthy eating. It was ( and still is) 100% healthy all the time.

What I didn't account for was that after weaning Baby A 1 1/2 months ago, that my appetite wouldn't shrink back as quickly as my body was changing.

My milk was dried up, yet I was still eating the same as I was when I was breastfeeding Baby A. 

So I was astonished to step on the scale and see that I had gained 6 lbs. ! Who would've thought that I would gain with all of my hard efforts.

Then I had a light bulb moment, I was eating approximately 8 times a day. Before Baby A I would eat 6 times a day. 

Cutting out about 600 calories (2 snacks/mini meals) brought me right back down to my pre-pregnancy weight...in 1 week!

I am so happy that I figured it out. I wanted to share in case there were other momma's who are healthy eaters that breasfed past 1 year, and couldn't figure out where the extra couple pounds were coming from.

Don't be discouraged, just re-evaluate how often and how much you are eating. It could be as simple as cutting out one or two snacks, or eating less at meals.

Did you experience post weaning weight gain despite healthy efforts?

What was your solution?

Be Happy Healthy & Strong,

Lolli

Saying Good-bye to Nursing!

Wow. I cannot believe that yesterday was Baby A's last nursing! I have breastfed her for 14 1/2 months now. She was exclusively breastfed, meaning no formula or supplementation! She even didn't have much in the way of baby food the first year ( 2 weeks when she was 4 months old, once a day she ate baby food, but she wasn't ready) we introduced baby food at 10 months, she ate it twice a day until a year, and now she is eating real food all day! 

I am very happy to say though, that she isn't completely done with breastmilk though. I was lucky enough to have such a great milk supply while nursing her. I was able to save back approximately 4 months worth of feedings for her. So she can still drink breastmilk, even though she is done nursing :) 

It is a more emotional thing than I thought. Weaning Baby A was emotional because she didn't really want to wean at first. Then she took a turn and started weaning herself more on her own. I was ready to have my body back to myself ( almost 2 years I have shared my body now), and she is growing up.

It was hard knowing that I will not be needed as much for her nourishment. However, I am reminding myself that she will need me for so many other things as she grows up!
I am so blessed that I was able to nourish her with nature's most perfect food for this long. 

We are saying good-bye to nursing & hello to toddler days!

Did you breastfeed your baby? 

If so, how long? 

Was it hard to wean your baby?

Be Happy Healthy & Strong,

Lolli

Extended Breastfeeding?

Ok, since so many people are talking about this, I had to give my two cents.

The 26 year old mother in this picture is breastfeeding her son who is 3 years old.

You can read an interview with her here.

There have been all sorts of comments and controversy over this cover already. Moms have been debating the topic of "extended breastfeeding" for a long time, so, it came as no surprise to me that moms would be divided over this cover as well. 

First off, I want to applaud Jamie for her natural parenting. Seeing as she was breastfed herself until 6 years old, it seems only right that she would want her children to have the same "bond" and health benefits that she did growing up.

How this applies to me:

While I applaud other mothers for extended breastfeeding, I tend to not believe one way or the other. I believe that each mother should do what is best for them and their child. I think all mothers who are physically able should consider breastfeeding at least in the short term. 

After all, breastmilk is the best thing for babies in my opinion.

Regarding Baby A, I will breastfeed extendedly...kind of. I plan to breastfeed Baby A for the 1st year,during this time I pump and save milk, so that she can get breastmilk through a bottle or sippy cup, after the 1st year mark. I personally think that once a child is old enough to drink from a cup, that is where they should get their milk from. This is because my personal comfortability is that. That is where I draw the line with my child. 

In general I do believe that breastfeeding a school aged child is a little far, but I have no issues with children receiving breastmilk served in a cup. To me a child receiving breastmilk is ENTIRELY better than drinking cows milk ( which is completely unnatural ) and has numerous benefits to a child's health and development. 

Again though, I do not judge parents for wanting what is best for their child. 

I saw several comments related to the article. These comments were enfuriating to me.  People were calling it "child abuse" to breastfeed a 3 year old?? How in the world do they justify such harsh comments? 

Here's my two cents on the commenters:

One, grow up. Two, it is more child abuse to feed your child junk food and fast food, and deprive them of nutrition knowingly than it will EVER be to feed your child nutritious breastmilk because you CARE. Though I hardly believe that fast food is child abuse either ( althought it is careless & unhealthy ). Just making the point that people need to stop with the judging and applaud each other for their hard efforts as parents.

Thoughts on the cover picture?

I think it's fine, the chair is a little much...might have been better if she were holding him. I get a "strong moms" vibe off of the picture though, or "taking a stance for natural parenting".  Some people get a "sexual" vibe off of the picture, but I don't see that. I think people are reading a little much into it.

So, are you "mom enough" to breastfeed?

That's all for now.

Leave your comments below, I would love to hear your thoughts.
FYI, keep it respectful & clean. 

Be Happy Healthy & Strong,

Lolli