6 Ways Baby Benefits from Babywearing

I discovered babywearing when my daughter was still a squishy new baby.  She turned 1 in May and is actually asleep in a carrier on my back right this second! Babywearing has been pure love for us and even my 5 year-old likes to get in on the fun.

There are many benefits and you might encounter a few people who are less than supportive of your choice, so why not be armed with these 6 ways babies benefit from babywearing!

1. Babies cry less.

This isn't just one person's impression, experience, or opinion.  There was actually a study done on the matter and babies cry 40-50+% less!  Carried babies have lower stress levels.

2. Helps regulate baby's body temperature.

If you've read my post on some of the benefits of bed sharing, this might sound a little familiar.  Anyway, mom's body temperature will rise or fall a degree to help regulate baby's temperature, as needed.

3. Aids in muscle development.

One of the biggest concerns nay-sayers tend to have is something along the lines of, "He'll never learn to walk!"  This is definitely not true.  Babywearing aids in the the development of muscles required to sit, stand, and walk.

4. It's safe!

No I'm not going to drop "that" baby. #wearallthebabies #babywearing

A video posted by momingabout (@momingabout) on Jan 11, 2015 at 2:25pm PST

Cuddled against mommy or daddy is the safest place for baby to be.  Keeping her away from unwanted touching and holding and germs!  On the other hand, you know where baby is at and never have to experience the nightmare of a missing child.

5. Aids in healthy social and emotional development.

Being around mommy or daddy's eye level, baby experiences things as her caregiver does (not from the floor).  Baby can feel secure in her experiences because she is so close to a loved one and not be overstimulated by the world around her.

6. Facilitates breastfeeding!

With babe close to mama and close to her source of food and being able to nurse in most carriers with some practice, babywearing really helps facilitate breastfeeding.

What is your favorite benefit of babywearing? Share your favorite babywearig memory  in the comments below!

1 – Kostandy et al., “Kangaroo Care (Skin Contact) Reduces Crying Response to Pain in Preterm Neonates: Pilot Results,” Pain Management Nursing 2008: 9:55-65
1 – Hunziker UA, Garr RG. (1986) Increased carrying reduces infant crying: A random-ized controlled trial. Pediatrics 77:641-648

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Breastfeeding: Weaning & 6 Nursing Triggers

As I mentioned in my World Breastfeeding Week post, sadly Luna and I's breastfeeding journey has come to a close with her just turning 16 months old.  It's a bittersweet, somewhat sad time for me.

These past 4 to 6 weeks have been full of transitions for her and I, as she has weaned off breastfeeding with only a little nudge from me at the end and is spending most nights in her crib next to our bed rather than in our bed with us.

Some days we're both a little cranky and frustrated because we just want to revert back to how it used to be, but we've already moved past it so we must figure out new ways to manage.

When I get home from work, for example, I make her peanut butter crackers and apple juice.  This was the last feeding session for her to drop.  The only other time we sometimes struggle with out new sans breastfeeding life is at afternoon nap (usually close to the time I get home from work, also).

At night we both sometimes fall asleep with me rubbing her back or her holding my hand/finger.  If she does wake up in the night, she gets some mommy and daddy cuddles and spend the rest of the night with us.

It seems like yesterday when she was born, but we are watching her grow everyday! If you and your child are going through the weaning process, here's 6 things to consider when trying to figure out triggers for your child's nursing.

1. Is she hungry?

Try to figure out if your child is hungry.  If she is, give her a healthy snack to fill her belly so she doesn't feel the need to nurse.

2. Is she thirsty?

She might need something to drink, so offer some water or juice.

3. Does she need cuddles?

She might need extra attention during the weaning process, even if it's partially initiated by her.  Offer extra love and attention and consider babywearing.

4. Is she tired?

If she is tired and used to nursing to sleep, it might be extra hard at first to find other soothing methods.  Find something that works for you.  Try cuddling, babywearing, back rubbing, etc.

5. Is she sick or teething?

Sick and teething children want extra comfort and might feel a stronger desire to nurse.  If this happens during the weaning process, you can consider alternative ways to make her feel better.

6. Is it habit?

Routine is routine and your child might be used to nursing after this, before that, or whatever.  Switch up your daily schedules or, better yet, start new routines to help keep both your minds off other stuff.  Getting out of the house can help, too!

What triggers your child's desire to nurse?  Did your child self-wean? What was the hardest part about weaning for you?

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World Breastfeeding Week: 4 Tips for Breastfeeding & Working

Did you know that August 1st was the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week?  Today is the last official day, and I couldn't not touch on it.  Breastfeeding has been an interesting journey for us, that has sadly drawn to a close (my inner self is sobbing hysterically right now).

World Breastfeeding Week's focus this year is on breastfeeding and work and making it work! Many moms struggle with when is the appropriate time for them to return to the workforce.  Some mothers have to return before they feel emotionally, mentally, or physically ready.

Breastfeeding moms have to worry about pumping breast milk for their baby, maintaining supply after returning to work, ensuring that baby is fed properly and the proper amount while mom is away, and that breast milk is stored and prepared properly in addition to any other non-breastfeeding related worries.

Both Netflix and Microsoft have announced updates and improvements to their maternity leave policies this week, and Google, HP, and Cisco are known for having some of the greatest maternity leave policies in the US.  However, the US workforce is mostly lacking when compared to the rest of the world's parent leave policies.

With that in mind, here are 4 tips for successfully continuing your breastfeeding journey after returning to the workforce.

1. Know your rights!

It's important to know your legal rights!  You can read about laws by state here and you can read federal law, including regards to pumping at work.

2. Buy a good pump.

You may be able to get your breast pump for free thanks to the Affordable Care Act, unless they're grandfathered plans.

Your health insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump – and may offer to cover either a rental or a new one for you to keep. Your plan may have guidelines on whether the covered pump is manual or electric, how long the coverage of a rented pump lasts, and when they’ll provide the pump (before or after birth). But it’s up to you and your doctor to decide what's right for you.

-Healthcare.gov

It's important to get a quality pump if you want to maintain supply at work.  I recommend and double electric or hospital grade pump.

3. Pump often.

It's important to pump every 2 to 3 hours when away from baby to mimic baby's normal feeding schedule and to maintain supply.  A rule of thumb is that it's better to pump short periods more often then long periods less often.

4. Don't get bullied.

Make sure your employer and coworkers understand that you are doing this.  I have dealt with shaming from people close to me.  It's hard, but don't let anyone bully you out of your convictions.  If you're struggling because your work is not properly accommodating you, reach out for help (including legal counsel, if needed).

I hope all you breastfeeding mommies out there continue to nurse on and know that you rock!