I’ve started thanking everyone at the beginning of La Leche League meetings for making the time to do something important for themselves by coming to talk and listen. Often we prioritise groups that have a more obvious benefit for our babies, like baby massage or playgroups. In the earliest months, … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding in Community – needed now more than ever
Mothering
What do you say when people ask why you breastfeed?
“I just don't know what to say to my friends. They can see me struggling with breastfeeding, and they can't understand why I don't just formula feed like they are. They're all going to the cinema next week without their babies, and there's no way I can go with them because I can't be away from my … [Read more...] about What do you say when people ask why you breastfeed?
Twelve Months of Mothering – A Good Night of Sleep
Children’s sleep is a much discussed topic in parenting communities, in the media, on social networks and in families. Often, when a new baby is expected, well-meaning souls warn of the sleep deprivation to come and the challenges of getting enough rest. Before I was a mother I too thought of the … [Read more...] about Twelve Months of Mothering – A Good Night of Sleep
Mothers on… What do you like most about breastfeeding?
We asked mothers across the country to share what they enjoy most about nursing their babies. Susan: “The cheeky grin she gives me when she pulls off mid feed. It is a grin she only does when feeding, so I am privileged to be the only one who sees it.” Sarah: “I love how breastfeeding is … [Read more...] about Mothers on… What do you like most about breastfeeding?
Twelve Months of Mothering: Carrying the Load
Recently, comic artist Emma took the internet by storm with her comic strip illustrations of the mental load carried by women. I looked at her work knowingly, nodding, feeling empathy for so many women in similar positions to me, who have to know and remember everything. This is the part of being … [Read more...] about Twelve Months of Mothering: Carrying the Load
Life with a new baby across the world
I have always been a keen reader, and in the sleepy haze of my first baby's earliest weeks, I was delighted to discover that I could get plenty of reading done during our long breastfeeding sessions. I found my tastes had changed a bit, though; I really struggled to enjoy almost any fiction, as I … [Read more...] about Life with a new baby across the world
Thinking of Weaning?
Weaning is the process whereby a child learns to take nourishment other than his mother’s milk. It starts when the child is introduced to foods and drinks in addition to breastmilk, and ends when he finally stops nursing. Introducing a baby to the exciting world of food alongside breastfeeding is … [Read more...] about Thinking of Weaning?
Out & About With Your Breastfed Baby
Early days Public place Planning ahead A flexible approach Time for social activity Travelling with your baby Early days After giving birth to your baby, you may prefer to be close to home. Rest, along with frequent will help you regain your strength and build up a good milk supply while … [Read more...] about Out & About With Your Breastfed Baby
Russian dolls
Laura reflects on how she came to be breastfeeding a toddler I never planned to feed a toddler. Like many mothers to be, I wasn't prepared on what it meant to breastfeed my baby. We wait later to have our children, we grow up, and move away from home. Many professional friends choose not to have … [Read more...] about Russian dolls
So what do you do?
Karem explains her answer to this question that so many mothers are asked A few days ago my husband’s friend came for dinner and, as one does to be polite, sought to make conversation with me. Awkwardly unsure of how to phrase the question, he looked at me, stay at home mother of two toddlers and … [Read more...] about So what do you do?