Struggles of Breastfeeding

I have to admit something. While I was pregnant I was so sure that I was going to be able to breastfeed. Life happens and it throws you a curve ball. Two days after we brought my son home we discovered mold in our apartment. My husband and I didn't want our newborn to get sick so we went and stayed with my paternal grandparents. Breastfeeding was hard in the hospital and it was a struggle. The lactation consultant kept hovering and would really stress me out and my son would have trouble nursing. I also was suffering with postpartum depression. That alone is rough. While I was staying with my grandparents I was under a lot of stress, because I was a mother to a newborn and was not able to be in my own home. I really enjoy breastfeeding however due to the gap of one week where I didn't nurse him much and gave him formula. My supply dropped. I have been using oatmeal to try to bring my supply up. And right now I only have two 6 oz. frozen bags of breast milk in the freezer. I am trying my hardest, but it just seems like it's not enough. The wonderful pastor's wife at church who is nursing her daughter told me some wise advice. "You give the gift that you have and that's all you can give." That really helped a lot and I figured mom's out there would love to hear that even if you are a slightly crunchy mom and want to breastfeed that it isn't the end of the world if you can't. I feel like many mothers judge other's parenting choices. However the most important thing is that you tried to do your best in parenting your child or children.
Your life isn't over if you can't breastfeed, so don't feel guilty about it. Some women can't breastfeed based on the fact that they are on medication. They tried and couldn't do it or like me have struggled with it. There should be no mommy guilt for not breast feeding. A fed baby is a happy baby no matter if it is with formula or breast milk

Flats Handwashing Challenge!

I will be participating in Dirty Diaper Laudry's 6th Annual Flats Handwashing! This event is the one that made me get excited about cloth diapering. I really love flats and they are a major part of my stash. On this blog I will be documenting my experience for a week. The flats challenge starts May 16 and ends May 22! Go sign up now if you would like to join! I'm really excited about this and I hope you are to! This is the event that led me to use flats as a big part of my stash. Yes I have pockets, AIO, prefolds, and fitteds. But flats have a special place in my stash. They are great for traveling and we even took them to the beach with us when we traveled since they are less bulky any other type of diaper. Flats are cheap enough that you can have +100 flats if you really need them. Personally I love the Diaper Rite Large Bamboo Flats. I have tried the Nicki's Cotton Flats & And the Diaper Rite Cotton Flats and I feel like they aren't as absorbent. However the Bamboo flats that I have do shrink so be forewarned about that. Flour Sack Towels also known as fst are popular however when I used them for my heavy wetter he soaked them clear through. I am a college student and stay at home mom. I don't find cloth diapering any harder than using disposables, because my son is allergic to disposable diapers. I hope this challenge will inspire you to just give cloth diapering a try.
http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/announcing-6th-annual-flats-and-handwashing-challenge-may-16-22/Challenge!