Today's post is written by Audra, from Rediscovering Domesticity. I've shared my breastfeeding struggles with excess lipase and now I'm thrilled to have Audra sharing her story of struggling with her thyroid. I have heard of so many moms who have stopped breastfeeding because of low supply or starting medications for postpartum depression or anxiety that are not breastfeeding compatible. With my first baby, my supply dipped to nearly nothing (diagnosed both by my doctor and lactation consultant). My son was fed mostly formula for 6 months. I was plunging into the pit of postpartum mood disorders. Then we made a discovery - I … [Read more...]
My Breastfeeding Journey in 100 Words
In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, here is my journey in exactly 100 words: My little one was born and all was well. She nursed happily and I happily nursed until… She continuously refused the bottle. Finally I tasted it. YUCK!! Something was wrong with my milk! Frantically I search for answers and discover that I have Excess Lipase. Those two words were a punch in the stomach. I had 575 oz. of frozen breast milk that my daughter wouldn’t drink. I wept. I scalded. I donated. I healed. Having excess lipase turned into one of the most amazing experiences of my life. My little one continued to nurse … [Read more...]
Why I Support Nursing in Public
When Grace was a newborn I hated the idea of nursing in public. It was hard to get her to latch on. Nursing covers got in the way. The whole situation could be quite frustrating. Why would I want to do that in front of the world?!!? Then… Grace got a little older and we both felt much more comfortable. I started nursing Grace with a cover in front of other people. Sometimes I could tell people were nervous about it, but no one ever complained. As the temperature outside started to rise, so did my confidence. During the summer I stopped using the nursing cover all together. Instead I made sure that I was wearing clothes that … [Read more...]
Feelin’ Frugal: Reusing Produce Bags
I am often in awe of how living a frugal lifestyle goes hand in hand with living a green one. Perhaps I should change this segment to “Feelin’ Frugal/Green!” I do strive to be green, but I must confess that I’m still using the plastic produce bags at the grocery store. I have a friend who sells fabric reusable produce bags on her Etsy site and I should really place an order. Until then I have found a way to give my bags a second life: I use them to store my frozen breast milk! It is best to always use your oldest bag of frozen breastmilk first. Therefore, it helps me to stay organized by storing my milk in produce bags and … [Read more...]
Excess Lipase: FAQ on Becoming a Milk Donor
Update October 2014: I have taken my experiences with excess lipase activity, combined it with interviews with trusted medical professionals, and turned it into a 40+ eBook. If you are looking for more information about excess lipase activity, breast milk donation, and support from a mother who has been there, then this eBook is for you. Click here to learn more about my eBook "Why Does My Breast Milk Taste Bad?" Excess Lipase: FAQ on Becoming a Milk Donor Becoming a breast milk donor was one of the best things I have done since having Grace. Of course I wish I could have used all that milk for my own child, but donating it is something … [Read more...]
Excess Lipase: My Journey to Becoming a Milk Donor
Update October 2014: I have taken my experiences with excess lipase activity, combined it with interviews with trusted medical professionals, and turned it into a 40+ eBook. If you are looking for more information about excess lipase activity, breast milk donation, and support from a mother who has been there, then this eBook is for you. Click here to learn more about my eBook "Why Does My Breast Milk Taste Bad?" Excess Lipase: My Journey to Becoming a Milk Donor When I realized that I had a problem with excess lipase in my breast milk, I was devastated. I had a ton of milk in my freezer that had a bad taste and my little girl wouldn’t … [Read more...]