Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in halifax, NS

Meal Time for the Littlest Ones

by Raechelle Masuda

April 23, 2009

This week we talked about family meals and preparing meals for lunch time. Eating habits start young, so establishing a healthy relationship right from the start is awesome. If you want to breastfeed educating yourself as much as possible before your baby arrives is important. What I have found is every baby nurses differently. I assumed when my son came along I would be set, since i had established a great nursing relationship with my first born. It was HARD at first, but we eventually found our groove after a few tears (me more than him most nights!) and shear determination.

Today’s guest posters are authors Suzanne Schlosberg and Sarah Bowen Shea who have recently written a book titled The Essential Breastfeeding Log. They would like to share with all of our new mothers seven breastfeeding tips. As parents who each breastfed their own twins for at least 9 months, they certainly know what they’re writing about! We hope you find these tips useful. What are some of your own tips?

1. Remember: Just because it’s natural doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy.
Virtually all babies are capable of breastfeeding, and virtually all moms can produce enough milk. But it just may take more time and effort than expected.

2. Educate yourself
The more you know about breastfeeding, the better, so take a breastfeeding class offered by your hospital.  Also, you can join chat rooms and check in with other nursing moms who are in your boat, whether you have a preemie in the NICU or a 6-month-old who seems to be self-weaning.

3. Get the gear
Sure, all that is really required for breastfeeding are breasts, but we recommend investing in a reliable pump, a few good-quality nursing bras, and a supportive nursing pillow.

4. Call in the pros
Many U.S. hospitals have lactation consultants on staff who can offer advice and hands-on help during your postpartum stay. Also, ask the nursing staff for guidance; they’ve been around more than their share of new moms and newborns.

5. Set short-term goals
When you were pregnant, you may have declared, “I’m going to breastfeed for one year,” only to feel overwhelmed, even demoralized, by that goal once your baby arrives and it’s not smooth sailing. If this happens, take it in steps.

6. Involve other people.
Sure, you’re the one with the breasts, so there’s only so much someone else can do. Still, it’s important for partners to support each other on the breastfeeding front. And don’t be shy about asking friends and neighbors to bring meals and to help around the house.

7. Stay hydrated, get your rest, and eat well
The physiological system that drives lactation depends on a variety of hormonal and physical factors, many of which are influenced by hydration, energy, and sleep. In other words, if you’re a dehydrated wreck, your milk isn’t going to flow like the Colorado River.

Suzanne Schlosberg and Sarah Bowen Shea have combined their years of expertise for publications such as Fit Pregnancy, Women’s Health, Shape, The New York Times, Parenting, Glamour, and more in their new book THE ESSENTIAL BREASTFEEDING LOG.

Just as a side note: Canadian hospitals have Lactation Nurses that make rounds in the hospitals. If you are having any troubles just ask. The Le Leche League is also a great resource for peer support and have regular meetings monthly. 

Sunday Suppers and Other Family Feast Fun

by Raechelle Masuda

April 20, 2009

We always eat supper together as a family. We are lucky that my husband can be home early enough to do this every night. As the kids grow up the importance of these family dinners with only grow with them. Yet on the weekends, we have more time and energy for creative dinners we try to have fun and try new things, as well as enjoy our favourites. 
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