Feeding Our Babies

With world breastfeeding week coming to a close today I figured it would be a good day to post about this very topic, breastfeeding or more importantly just feeding our babies!

I have 6 children but have only exclusively breastfed 2. I attempted with 2 others but failed miserably at 2 weeks with both of them. Both times ending with mastitis and me switching to formula.

OH NO DID I SAY FORMULA?

Yep. 4 of my babies have had formula and guess what? They are smart, happy and extremely healthy. All 6 of my kids are in fact extremely smart, happy and healthy! I am okay with this, and don't love some babies more than others, or think some will do better in life than the others...

I am really tired of all the formula feeding vs breastfeeding fights. I am also really tired of the "OMG you are breastfeeding in public? COVER UP!" Comments too. How rude can you be?

I would just like to say on the 9th of this month Justin and I will have hit 11 months. He does eat solids now but that doesn't stop him from breastfeeding every 3-4 hours still. Yep, you read that right. In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS snacks during the day... He nurses every 3-4 hours. It's okay, I feel the e-hugs.

I don't mind it, I actually am very proud of where we are at and am cherishing this while I can. Jackson quit himself at 14.5 months and although we hit a year and I'm so very proud of that, I wanted to hit 2 years. So, while I may have some experience under my belt I still however am nervous out in public. Even more so now because he rips the blanket off, so I can't cover up. I do wear layers even in the 80+ degree weather. No one has ever, or can ever see anything at all and Not because I'm worried about what Tom, Dick or Harry has to say but because I'm just a shy person.

It really breaks my heart to see comments I do all over the internet regarding breastfeeding and moms should "cover up when out in public!" What comments? Hmmm..

"I don't want to see that cover up"

"Go sit in the bathroom to breastfeed!"

"I didn't come out in public to see your boobs"

"Breastfeeding is bonding, no need to shove it in anyone's face. Do it in private"

First of all, while in the beginning breastfeeding is huge for bonding yes, and yes it still very much is throughout - but to be very blunt; it's feeding a baby. Also, I know I don't breastfeed in public to shove it in anyone's face, I do it because my baby is hungry and will NOT take a bottle or a sippy cup yet.

How can I put it simply? Breastfeeding has nothing to do with YOU. It's about that person who is breastfeeding's child needing to be fed, and possibly comforted. Whatever the reason may be, a breastfeeding mother and child isn't any harm to you or anyone else so why does it matter? I don't think I will ever know the answer to that.

I do know that most comments I read, or hear are from other women. Any comments from men are generally sexual, which I won't even touch on - but other women? That is very, truly sad. 

I understand not everyone wants to breastfeed, or if they want to but can't.. I get that, I really do. But there is no need for anyone to bash breastfeeding or formula feeding either for that matter. As long as a baby is well taken care of, loved, and healthy why does it matter? 

I know if I was a young mom with zero support, and just starting out with my family if I heard some of these comments it would most definitely interfere with my breastfeeding relationship with my children, especially out in public. Not everyone has support, and encouragement and not everyone can just brush off the comments or deal with them the same way. If someone were to say these things to me today, I would most definately tell them what I thought but not everyone is like that. It's a real shame.

My children know breasts are for feeding babies. They did before I breastfed my youngest two. Sure as they get older they will realize they can and do often get used for other things, but there general purpose is breastfeeding. I used to think back when I was without children I wouldn't ever breastfeed in public or want to see it because "OH MY GOSH WHAT IF MY CHILD or ANOTHER SEES THAT?" Now, I say - oh well, explain that's what breasts are for and move on...

Isn't that simple? I think so. Most kids are curious and would ask questions, it would be a great time to educate them properly about breasts.

I decided today was a great day to write this post because of comments I saw to this photo of Olivia Wilde and her gorgeous baby boy, Otis. While I know a lot of people are all "OMG HER BABY IS NAKED IN A DINER!" - note its a photo shoot, and shes really not out to a diner with a naked baby, and focus on the true beauty of the photo.

Photo credit: Glamour magazine - glamour.com

Not everyone has to agree, and not everyone has to "feel" one way or another about breastfeeding or formula feeding.. But, it goes both ways. Formula Feeding and Breastfeeding mothers absolutely hate being labeled, and hate being made to feel bad about their choice. THEIR choice - At the end of the day, feel how you want to feel, own it, but also remember: Feeding ones baby isn't about you, and your comfort it's about the baby and the babies comfort. Babies have to eat, from breast or bottle and regardless of how our babies are fed... They are fed. That is truly what matters. So ladies, feed those babies and be proud - you are doing the absolute best you can for that beautiful baby of yours!

Our babies need to eat. Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding it doesn't matter. Happy bellies, and healthy babies is all that matters!

Review & Giveaway: Bravado Designs

Comfortable. Confident. Complete.

Embrace what's best for you.

Essential Embrace Nursing Bra

One of the most important decisions for a mother when deciding to breastfeed is what bra she should choose. Let me answer this question for you because the answer is quite simple: BRAVADO DESIGNS.

Not only are their bras comfortable, supportive and beautiful they are extremely easy to use and have a great team of experts waiting to answer any and all questions you may have. Take a moment and join the BravadoMamas for all your Breastfeeding news and support! The official website also has great info for Finding Your Breastfeeding Rhythm, Common Challenges, even a Resource Library and more!

I was in contact with a wonderful rep at Bravado to arrange for this review and giveaway and I'd like to start off saying what an amazing company Bravado is to deal with. Kind, Generous and Ready to answer any questions I had. This is a huge plus to me, and I would work with them any time!

For this review I received two Essential Embrace Nursing Bras. One in Black with purple piping and the other Chai with Almond Piping. Both beautiful, and equally comfortable. Both arrived very quickly!

 Chai with Almond piping and Black with purple piping!

I was shocked when I went on the bravado site to take a look at sizing as I wasn't sure they'd have my exact size, but of course they did. Also, look at all the sizes they do cater to. This is incredible.  

So fabulous. Not only do they have all these sizes available they even have someone on staff who can help you figure out what fit is right for you, and make sure it fits! AWESOME AWESOME.

I'll be the first to admit I didn't really think a lot about breastfeeding supplies when I decided I wanted to breastfeed. What a big mistake. I've been using my bras for a week now, and I absolutely won't ever go back to non-supportive store brand bras again. No offense, to them I just didn't realize what I was truly missing!

My back would hurt a lot when feeding time would come around because I didn't have proper cup support, or back support to support the extra weight. I tend to have a bit of oversupply even now at 5 months (and 1 day of strictly breastfeeding Justin, #6!) so after the week of wearing the Essential Embrace I knew it was a keeper when I didn't complain once of my back aching or being sore from lack of support!

Now, that I have done plenty of research I know when I'm looking for nursing bra's I am looking for three important things:

1. Support
2. Comfort
3. Ease

Support: The Essential Embrace nursing bras have four-way stretch fabric molds to your changing breast shape. Wider comfortable straps ensure a snug fit. Lightweight and wire-free, yet strong & supportive - even to a L/M cup.

Comfort: Breathable & seamless fabric provides added comfort, The wider straps also ensure comfort and Bravado Dynatex™ fabric combines premium cotton & luxurious microfiber all in one.

Ease: Proprietary easy open and close clip,  Full drop away bra cup - important for skin to skin contact.

I'm happy to report when my baby is hungry he gets fed right away because I don't have to play around with the straps, or the clasps I can unhook in one try and with one hand!  I also didn't have a problem with wearing my bra for a few hours and having it become loose, and have to keep adjusting. The Essential Embrace stayed in place, as tight as I needed it and was extremely comfortable while doing so.

  

The Essential Embrace also comes with conversion clips to turn  from a nursing bra to a regular bra, and each bra also comes with a bra extender for the back to grow with you, and your body if you use during pregnancy!

I can safely say I will now donate my old nursing bras and only use Bravado from now on. I just need to get some more because the ease, comfort and support of these bras is something I didn't realize I was lacking. It is extremely important to be aware of how much a good supportive nursing bra can affect a nursing relationship! I've tried many bras, most tended to be too loose, had hurtful under wire or generally didn't do anything for my body. With the Essential Embrace not only do I have a great fit (they even have a bra fit expert on staff to help ensure you get a proper size and comfortable fit!) but I have no bra lines on my shirt, you can't see the outline of my Nursing Pads and they have a seamless back. Perfection.

Please show your support for Bravado:

Like Bravado On Facebook

Follow Bravado On Instagram

Website: http://bravadodesigns.com

Toll Free #: 18005907802

Now, Did I mention Bravado is extremely generous? Yes. Here's why: Not only are they kindly donating 1 Essential Embrace Nursing bra to a lucky reader right here on Six Time Mommy BUT - They are also offering 1 Essential Embrace Nursing Bra for a liker on Facebook and 1 Essential Embrace Nursing Bra for a follower on Instagram! Yes, ladies you read that right - THREE bras, THREE winners! Here's how to participate and win, be sure to scroll all the way down:

BLOG: Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I was given these products complimentary to review. However all opinions and views expressed are mine and 100% true. 

 Giveaway open to US and CANADIAN residents. You will recieve 1 (one) Essential Embrace Nursing Bra ($49.99 value) in color and size of your choice. Prize will be mailed directly from Bravado Designs in Canada. You have 24 hours from prize announcement  to claim your prize before a new winner will be chosen instead. Giveaway is open from February 10-February 17 at 11:59p, winner will be chosen and posted/emailed the afternoon of February 18th . Good luck!

INSTAGRAM: Please Follow @bravadodesigns and @sixtimemommy on Instagram and upload a photo with the caption "My Joy today is _________!" (fill in the blank) use the hashtag #embracethelittlethings and tag @bravadodesigns

FACEBOOK: Please Like BRAVADO DESIGNS and SIX TIME MOMMY on facebook and upload a photo to BRAVADO DESIGNS FACEBOOK WALL with the caption "My Joy today is _________!" (fill in the blank) use the hashtag #embracethelittlethings and tag @bravadodesigns

GOOD LUCK! For Instagram and Facebook giveaways: Giveaways will be open for 1 week. Starting Feb 10th Ending Feb 17th at 11:59pm. Bravado Designs will announce the winners on those channels, for the Blog winner be sure to cehck back here in 1 week for the winner to be announced via the rafflecopter above!

Thank you so much to Bravado Designs for this opportunity to review, and enjoy this product and the amazing giveaways!

Breastfeeding & Formula Feeding: Something's Gotta Give

A few days ago I was taking photos for a product review I was doing. Completely clothed, fully covered but breastfeeding. I decided to share it and another on Instagram because I was completely proud of it. I in turn lost 2 followers within 3 minutes of posting it; and not before they left some "kind" words for me. No biggie, I'm a big girl I can take it.

 See anything wrong with this photo? Nope. Neither do I.

Some people do, and that's fine. I understand we live in a world where not everyone agrees with everything others do and I get that. I respect that. I however do not agree with leaving nasty comments or saying mean things when it's about something you don't agree with. This happens A LOT in the world of blogging and even more so in the world of Mom. Something's gotta give.

I don't post breastfeeding photos often. When I do, Generally I get nothing but praise for having 6 kids and breastfeeding. I just don't feel comfortable posting them because the odd time I do get negative comments - I can shrug them off but I worry about others. Others who may be struggling or needing a little extra support and encouragement. I worry about them seeing such comments.

I got pregnant with Jordan at 17. Became his mom at 18. I had zero support let alone ANY support for breastfeeding so I switched after 2 weeks of breastfeeding to formula and that's okay. But it would have been nice to have some support and encouragement.

Did you notice how I phrased that? I "switched after 2 weeks" ? Not failed, switched...

That's because you never fail when you have to switch to formula. You never fail when you chose just go with formula from the get go either. It isn't failing, it's simply feeding your baby. Period. No mother is any better by choosing to breastfeed or formula feed. No mother is better because she CAN breastfeed while one CAN'T (because yes, there are some moms who cannot) but there are also some who simply choose not to - that's okay. Why? Because as long as baby is being fed, who cares?

That's all that matters.

So if I do post those few breastfeeding photos and I get a discouraging comment I do get disheartened because what if a young mom with no support who is struggling with breastfeeding were to see and notice a negative nasty comment? What good do those comments do for her? Even if you don't agree with breastfeeding, or think it's for you - it may be for someone else, so even if you think leaving your opinion is your right (which sure it may be) just think about the consequences first and who it may impact.

I didn't try breastfeeding babies #2 or 3. But did try again with 4. I had lots of help and support but again at two weeks switched - I had gotten mastitis and just couldn't fight on.

So when pregnant with #5 and armed with a team of support both at home and online I knew I could do it! I did! We successfully strictly breastfed for 14.5 months. When he weaned himself. I was and still am beyond proud - but had I had no support, or read comments I see now all over the place I never would have done it. When baby #6 was coming I knew I was going to no matter what because not only did I still have the support but I had the knowledge and knew I could do it and if I ever doubted that I knew I had support, and people to turn to if needed.

What about those that don't have support? Don't have anyone to ask questions? Sure they can switch to formula and that's fine, but what about that one mom who has her heart set on breastfeeding but is having a bit of trouble and would like to reach to others with experience for support before making the switch?

What about that mom who couldn't breastfeed? Or the one who chose formula because it is what's best for their family? Because I've seen a lot of bad mouthing that too.

Just because a mom may not be able to breastfeed, or chooses not to doesn't mean they are any less of a mother. It just means they chose what is best for them, their baby and their family. This isn't something to warrant attacks, this is something everyone needs to realize -  even if you disagree, it's right for her. Not every person who chooses formula, or needs to use it needs educating on why "breast is best" either. Most mothers know this, and most mothers give this a lot of thought. I'm sure there are lots who haven't and aren't too knowledgeable on the subject but there are ways to go about giving information.

So, I'm here to tell you something's gotta give. With Facebook deleting breastfeeding photos - Instagram too... And all the reports "a mom in such and such a place got asked to cover up or move to the bathroom" I think it's time we stop, take a moment to realize - it's no ones business how any child is fed, as long as it's fed.  (I won't even touch on the whole Breastfeeding in public issues right now that have been going on because that's a whole other blog topic).

But, Making rude nasty comments - only hurts those innocent moms who are trying so hard to do what they feel is best for their child and their situation and it's no ones job, or right to bring her down. NO ONE. It may also hurt the poor mom you are leaving the messages for on a level you may never imagine. How about lifting up those who breastfeed and formula feed? How about giving some praise, because they are trying! They just brought a brand new life into this world, the last thing they should be doing is dealing with anyone else's negativity. They are doing what is right for them and their beautiful babies and don't need to be told their decision is wrong, gross or indecent. They don't need to be told any of it.

Educating is one thing, attacking and judging are another. Moms need to stick together, and fight the fight and leave the mom wars behind.

See a young girl needing advice or educating on breastfeeding or formula feeding? Offer up some advice or tell her if she has any questions to ask. Be supportive whatever the choices may be. Don't attack or assume. There's always a story, and a reason why people are doing what they are doing. Simply not knowing or even just choosing to do what's right for them. Let them be the judge, how about being an ear or a shoulder.

Just something to think about.