Lifft Sling Review Part 1. The Little Sling with BIG ideas!!

So I have the absolute pleasure of reviewing the very different Lifft Sling. 

http://www.lifftslings.com

Price - from £34.99 to £54.99. 

The following initial review will look at the ease, comfort, style, safety and practicality of the Lifft Sling as well as some of the points that make it so unique. 

So.... What does the Lifft Sling promise?? 

This sling promises to be unique, in the sence it actually improves your posture. It promises to be better for you than simply carrying your baby.

Brilliant!! 

With such a claim I was so excited to start playing with this sling. 

I quickly started making a simple pros and cons list to help me with this review. I did this because I've never used a sling like this, and really needed to get to grips with its best bits. 

So here is that list..... 

Pros. 

It is sized to fit you - no buckles, no adjusting. 

It's SUPER EASY to put on. 

Very comfortable. 

Lovely style and colours available. 

Baby is snug at a young age. 

Very good for Breastfeeding!! Win! 

Does feel good on the back. 

I think this will be amazing with bigger children! 

Very good price!! 

Cons. 

It's sized to fit you.... Meaning your partner or anyone else cannot wear it :( 

Lack of adjusting buckles means it can move out of place. 

Centre of gravity is put out of balance with baby's weight spread across body. 

Not convinced it's the best sling for baby's posture. 

[My] Baby slips down the sling - possible sizing problem. 

Ok.... Those are the basics. And I think at this point I should mention that my next review will be based on the use of this sling with a toddler. I am really looking forward to that!! 

So what can we get from those basic points?? 

I think, the fact that the sling is sized to fit the wearer has massive potential to be wonderful. It means that you don't have to worry about tying it tight, or adjusting straps, or concern yourself with it coming loose. 

It makes it the easiest sling I have ever worn. All you have to do is fold it in half and put your arm through it!! I don't think it could be easier!! 

This is reflected in the size of the instructions.... One leaflet.... In comparison to the novels I've had in the past!! (I had a picture of this but I can't find it...!) 

But - and this, for me and my husband, is quite a big deal - it means that nobody else can wear it. 

I know for many baby wearers this will be minor - how often does someone else wear your baby. But for me, even if it's just once a week, my husband does enjoy wearing a sling, and with this one he can't. 

I also think there is the issue of changing shape and size post birth. If you were to purchase a Lifft Sling post birth at a size 14, and then lost weight, you may end up not having a safe sling, having to pay out for another. It could become an expensive habit - whereas if you bought an adjustable sling, this wouldn't happen.

Sizing aside, the ease and comfort of the Lifft sling is undeniable. It's like nothing I've ever worn before, and this alone is worth it. 

I very much enjoyed using this sling for Breastfeeding also!! It's always fabulous when you find a product that links both of your mummy passions. And this really does combine the two. 

I can see how this sling would really help a new mum who was perhaps a little apprehensive about feeding in public. It gives good coverage whilst allowing you to feed comfortably and securely. 

I recommend testing this at home a few times first though just to get your latch and comfort right. 

I think the lady point I'll make before exploring this sling further with a toddler next week, is about it's claim to improve your posture. 

There is no doubt that it feels secure and comfortable on your back and shoulders (assuming the size is correct) and you don't ache after using it..... But.... I found that with babies weight spread across my body in this way, that my centre of gravity was a little off in comparison to using a sling where she would be worn at my centre. 

The claim that it improves your posture is correct, but it is in comparison to simply carrying your baby, not in comparison to other sling types. 

And this is where I am looking forward to using it with a toddler!! 

I can see how valuable it will be with an older child, and so at the weekend, I shall be visiting my beautiful god daughter and we will be playing with the sling together!! 

Can't wait!! Come back next week for the next part of the review. 

X

Emma-Jane Maternity Wear Review Part 1.

So, for a week now I've been wearing and testing two products from Emma-Jane Maternity.  

http://www.emma-jane.com

The first is nursing/maternity bra (style 365 black - £12.00 RRP) 

and the second Nursing vest top (style 821 black RRP £12.99) 

In this initial review I will be looking at the very basic positives of these items, looking at comfort, style and practicality. In reviews to come throughout the week I will delve deeper into their durability, sizing and any other points I may come across!! 

Bra - Size One Cup Only (I usually wear 34 E) 

What the website says - 

http://www.emma-jane.com/nursing-bra-365.htm

So the big claim with this bra, is that, with one cup size, it is great for maternity and nursing, as it grows with you.... I have to say I have not seen this before, so I was looking forward to seeing if it delivers. The website says it is low in price and super comfortable.... lets find out shall we!!
So the first thing I notice about the bra, is just how comfortable and soft it is - there is absolutely no denying its claim there. It is soft, stretchy and seemingly durable (although I will cover this again once washed). It has the standard nursing clasps attached to the straps, which are easily undone with one hand - a must have for nursing mothers!! 
                  

It is was I would call a 'T-shirt' Bra - it is seamless and is great for going under t-shirts, no extra lumps or bumps.... because no nursing mother I know wants any more lumps and bumps!! And again, this does make it incredibly soft! 

The bra has removable pads (for style and comfort, not horrible leaks), but I have not used these, as, well, I just do not need them to be any bigger thank you very much, but.... I can see how maybe using them on a cold day may be beneficial, so I will try them out when the weather is a little chillier (not long to wait!!) 

The bra also has 4 clasp settings which, in any other bra you buy on the high street, means that you SHOULD start on the loosest clasp and as the bra gets older you start using the clasps to make it smaller (as the elastic loosens). However with this one being one size, I have found that I have started on the tightest clasp. I will review this as part of the durability later on. 

During the initial week of wearing this bra when I can, I have come up with two points for consideration, both from personal choice and opinion, and most like come from the size of my chest. 

1 - unlike some of my more pricey nursing bras, this bra does not have a piece of fabric going over the top of the breast when you unclip to nurse. So, for me, it means most of my breast is on show, and I have to cover it up using one of my many methods!! This is only a little thing, but something that personally, makes me feel much more comfortable. 

2 - having such a big bust but relatively 'little' else where, means that I find (and have always found) I need much more support in the bras I wear than others might. So although this absolutely would grow with me, and I can see the benefit of that, for me personally, I feel that I need a little more support. This was more so when I was rolling around on the floor with Dotty at play group.... nothing was revealed.... but felt I needed to check....! 

Having said this, I do think the general comfort could out weigh these points for the majority of people. I would certainly say it is comfy enough to sleep in, wear during the day, and under pretty much anything you want!!

I am very impressed overall. Lets see when next week brings us. 

Vest Top - Size 10-12. 

What the website says - http://www.emma-jane.com/nursing-top-821.htm#

So the very bold claim that I 'won't be able to live without one' has got me hooked..... lets see shall we! 

   

Sorry for the dodgy photo's by the way! I got too excited!! So my first impressions of this were that, once again, the material was incredibly soft!! So so soft! I loved it. It is made using lycra, so I knew it would be nice and stretchy, plus it has 'Cool Plus Technology'...now I have no idea what that is but it sounds ace!! Those of you who have read older posts will know that I have never owned a nursing top - I went to a well known cheap high street clothing store when Dot was born, and bought a white, black and grey adjustable strappy top, and they have been my staple every since. They go under EVERYTHING! Even when it was scorching hot, I was wearing layers!! So this top for me, might have just been a revelation! It has a bra built into the top, so no need to wear a bra with it.... and unlike the actual bra, I feel incredibly supported! I think this is due to the sizing of the top more than anything else. The straps are adjustable, so this helps with getting the right amount of support, and unlike the bra again, the top has fabric running across the top of the breast when nursing, so it is a little more discreet.

I wear my vest tops under garments, so I instantly placed another top over it, and it worked much the same as my other tops did, as a layer, for the week. And with it being lycra, it kept it shape well, as I tried it with different outfits. 

Ok... so far.... so good.... It comes in loads of colours, so I could have one for every different outfit if I needed one!! It is easy to wear, goes with my style, is very practical indeed, and is discreet. 

From my first week of wearing it, these are my points to look out for, and again, this may be to do with my size and shape, and personal preference, and should not be taken as 'negatives' on the product!! 

1 - I am a size 12-14 generally (which I do not like by hey!) and the sizing on the vests are either 10-12 or 14-16..... hmmmmm...... tricky! I was sent a 10-12, and personally, I think, had I tried them on, I would have gone for the next size up for a few reasons. Firstly, my bust size.... again! Although I am support, you will see in my next point when I mean. Secondly, I am always pulling tops down if I don't feel comfortable, or I don't think they are long enough. The top was plenty long enough, but I personally felt a little self conscious and constantly pull it down. Now the DO SELL a long version (style 822) of the vest top... so if you are like me, then I would go for that one!! 

2 - Because of my bust size (again....) and the fact that the built in bra is not sized, I keep finding this happens...... 

And although not annoying at first..... it really is now!! The bra support inside constantly needs adjusting, and not just after feeding. I am almost certain, that had I got the bigger size, I wouldn't be having this problem, but you can see how it might become tiresome.... especially when wearing with a cardigan or shirt!! 

Again, I genuinely think these snags, are a sizing issue, so make sure you read the sizing instructions carefully before purchasing!! 

Other than that, I cannot recommend the vest highly enough. It is wonderfully comfortable to wear, easy to us, and very discreet...... now to get a few more colours I think (in the bigger size of course!!) 

Now... whilst everything is in the wash..... I need wine!! 

Join me during the week for the second part of the review :) 

x

One baby, one day, two slings.

So, this weekend, I went on an epic journey to visit my brother and his lady. 5 hours in the car is NEVER my idea of fun, especially when the journey should take no longer than 3hours!! 

Add a baby into the mix, and it's just a panic filled experience resulting in road-side breastfeeding, screaming child and grumpy parents. 

In reality we were incredibly lucky that Dot slept for so long in the car and nuclear meltdown only lasted a few minutes. 

So, in, fed, and rested we spent Saturday having walks and funs with the slings. Babywearing a plenty!! 

And it was fabulous. 

I finally got to grips with the moby!! As you can see, Dot is snug as a bug, and enjoying her new hat from her uncle. 

Now, clearly, not every sling is going to be suitable for everyone. Different shapes and sizes of wearers and babies will change the comfort for both, and as babies grow, the use of the sling will change. 

So although the moby has been successfully worn, I think, due to having an incredibly long baby, it's just not for us. 

With a long baby, it would seem that the way you wrap it means that little heads don't have anywhere to rest. As you can see here, although comfy, Dot's head can't tuck on nicely. 

Now I've tried different positions and I get the same problem. So, I think, for us, it's not an everyday sling. But I do highly recommend it for comfort, and finally, for being able to put it on on your own!! 

I do like this sling a lot!! It's soft and easy to wear (once you've got the hang of it!) and it can keep you lovely and warm!! 

So, sling two. Hop-tye. 

I love this sling. 

It's so easy. Even my husband managed it. 

Says a lot really. 

Dot sits very well in it. Her hips are supported, as is her back and shoulders. 

And the little hood means that when she starts getting sleepy, her head rests in me, and I can keep her head steady. Good really seen as she constantly falls asleep in this wonderful sling!! 

The back panel means that putting the sling on is very easy. There is only one way to do it, only one place for the baby, very few areas to get wrong. 

Now I know from doing some research, that slings like this (mei tye), that wearer size can alter there ease, so I massively recommend trialling with a test baby whenever you can..... Clearly I'd say this for any sling, but there is less give in this one as opposed to the moby, so probably more room for 'size issues'. 

I've got the hop-tye for another few weeks so I am going to continue using it daily and in different environments to test it's durability within different situations. But, so far, so good!! 

And if she's happy, I'm happy. 

Bring back the tiny days.... Moby review continued.

So, I have been attempting the Moby Wrap sling again.... and I have to be honest, I am really struggling with it.

With someone to help me, it is absolutely fine, but on my own, which you know is my objective here, I am really struggling....

I have had this sling since Dot was born, it was a gift, and I would like to go back to the tiny days when she fit snug inside, no legs poking out, fast asleep, cosy as can be.

I did not make enough of this time!!

Instead, I pushed her around in her very expensive pram, and didn't enjoy the freedom that a sling can give you.

Now.... I am really nearly about to give up on this one....

I had some lovely support and help on Twitter, but even with that, I am finding it tough to get Dot to stay put once it is on. There just doesn't seem to be enough support. Something which is crucial for baby wearing. And is I am not happy with the sling on, then she is not going to be happy with it on.

It is so soft, and potentially snuggly that I don't want to give up on it just yet. It has so much to give, so much so, that I am going to sit here and watch you-tube videos until I have cracked it.....

I know what your thinking.... should sling be such hard work??

I'll get back to you on that one....


Sling Make - www.mobywrap.com

Initial Moby Review.

Let me tell you where I'm at with the moby.....

When Dot was tiny, myself and the husband used this wrap a few times, and seemed ok with it. But as she got bigger, and more importantly longer, it became more tricky. So I thought I'd actively try and use this wrap for a month and use it to review. 

My main objective for every baby wearing sling is that I can put it on ON MY OWN with ease..... 

Definitely not there yet in that sense!! 

There are two types of hold you can do, this one in the kangaroo hold. A wrap I'm able to do on my own, but with some problems. 

One of the key checks to do when wearing a sling like this is 'can I kiss my baby on the head??' 

Urm.... No..... No I can't.

Now I'm certain this is because I've not wrapped it properly, so I'm not giving up yet!! 

I've clearly not got the hang of it yet. It's not right enough, so as I move she lollops about and feels quite unsupported, and quite quickly slips down my body. 

I always feel like I need one hand on her, unlike the hop-tye which I'm very confident being hands free. I think the main issue here is the hop-tye has a clear back panel/support, the moby doesn't, you make it yourself, and I'm obviously not doing it right....

 Having said this, Dot clearly enjoyed it. After a horrible day feeling sorry for herself, she soon calmed down when snugly in this soft sling. 

I'm really hoping to crack this one, as I'd love it to work for me!! 

Let's keep going......


Sling Make - http://www.mobywrap.com 

There's nothing quite like....

The feeling of being at home. 

You can be away for a weekend, a day, an hour, and there's still that sigh of relief that comes from familiarity. 

For us, it means I don't have to worry about covering up when feeding. Don't get me wrong, I don't do it through shame or embaressment.... It's only done to ensure I don't make others feel uncomfortable. Something that I try to avoid at all costs. 

It might sound silly, and in many cultures, it would be. But it's the sad fact that our society are still a little too stiff to accept the natural. And, I'm not the person to force the issue.

 I'm just one person with one baby, we won't change the world..... As much as I'd like to think we can!! 

So, for now, I shall enjoy the time I've got with Dot. The comfy times with no worries, and the confident mummy times showing the world that I'm a proud breast feeding mummy.... That won't make you feel uncomfortable..... 

Happy Sunday everyone! X

Initial downsides of baby wearing....

I'll let the picture speak for itself today...

At least she fell asleep....

Swings and roundabouts.....

Our day in the hop-tye.

I. Love. This. Sling. 

Yes, it has it's downsides, but I doubt any sling will be 100% perfect. 

I'm soon finding out that having a sicky baby will inevitably mean that baby wearing will end up with more clothes going through the wash.... But that's a small price to pay. 

So today was a small jaunt. A bid to get our very unsettled baby to sleep. 

When we found her still awake after a car journey, I threw on the sling (with ease!) and set off. 

It has taken her a while to get used to it. I'm certain that in the pram she would have been asleep instantly, in the sling she was still fighting sleep 20minutes later. Once I felt her getting grumpy and over tired, I popped her dummy in and placed her head tightly under the 'sleepy hood', and about 5minutes later she was asleep. 

Lovely stuff!!

I think my main concern as the weather gets colder is her arms and legs getting too cold.... I think I'll have to experiment with other clothing options over the next few weeks. 

Leg warmers maybe...??? My friend is currently reviewing some so I'll have to see how that goes! 

Let's see how tomorrow goes.... So far so good!! 

Sling Make - http://www.hoppediz.de/en/tragehilfen/hop-tye

Review Hoppediz Hop-Tye.

Ok, so this is the start of my review of the Hoppediz Hop-Tye sling which I have for the next month. I will be posting more as I learn more about the sling, how it feels and Dot's enjoyment of it.

During today sling meet, I tried on three slings that were similar in style but different in fabric and fastening, and went for this one on the comfort of it rather than ease.

Dot sat very well in it, her legs are spread so she is sat rather than her legs dangling which is what I am first looking for in a sling. She was nice and tight and didn't drop like the one I currently own (which I will review later on now I have had some help with it!!)

The Hop-Tye is (as you would expect) a tie around the body job as opposed to buckles or clips, and has two main tie components. the first which is tied before the baby goes in around your waist, and the second shoulder ties which are done when the baby is in position. Both have to be done very tightly, which is where you need to practice and trust yourself. The tighter it is, the safer and more comfortable it is going to be for both of us.

My main aim with a sling is to be able to put it on with ease by myself, not having someone else help me. I want to be able to wear Dot whenever I want, not just when the other half is around. The Hop-Tye is relatively easy to tie on your own, although, like I said you do need a bit of practise, and a trust that you wont drop your own baby.... which of course you wouldn't!! I have now put this on three times today, and each time I have found a new little technique that will help me for the next time. Depending on your size, shape and height, as well as all those features of your little one, will depend on how you wear it, and how you put in on really, so the more practise I get, the easier it will become.

I am very much looking forward to using this more. Tomorrow I shall be testing it out as opposed to the pram when I go out to play!! :)

The sling journey continues.....

Wordless Wednesday.

Been a while!! My summer of funs!!

A little while ago, myself and my husband developed the term 'to have funs'. This system is a simple but effective way of determining how much fun you have had at any one event, in any one day, or at any one time. The concept is simple - you are allowed 17 funs in one day - any more, and you have a fun come down the next day - you know what I mean, that feeling when you have had an excellent day, but the one ahead just seems rubbish in comparison! 1 fun, can be made up of whatever you wish, each individual perceives a fun in their own way.... Why am I telling yo this?? Because my summer has been full of days worth of funs! My darling daughter has be nothing but a delight, and shared every minute with me - apart from the day I left her to go and have some grown up funs, but I am assured she had a lovely day with Grandma and Granddad! My summer started with National Breastfeeding week and a mass onslaught of nursing mothers to the local ikea - an odd, but empowering and wonderful occasion. A local photographer, a wonder man called Paul Carter, captured the event for his very personal mission to get breastfeeding accepted in all walks. His campaign 'We do it in Public' was started when his wife passed, who was an avid campaigner for breastfeeding. His pictures are wonderful, and it was a privilege to be snapped by him!!

http://www.breastfeedinginpublic.co.uk

During our summer of fun, we also took our lovely little lady on tour of the North West - visiting family and friends and rejoicing in not one, but two weddings in one weekend. Little D herself did tremendously well with all the attention she was getting, and my stressing about finding and appropriate occasion dress which would let me feed her was put to rest when I stumbled upon a chance find in Oasis - a black maxi number with a low cut front that had a little popper button to secure the boobs... it was like it was meant for feeding!! The only problem being, is that I was guaranteed to be sicked on but the sicky one, and with it being a black dress, and the only one I had for both weddings, I had to be careful.... feed and straight to daddy seemed to work the best. That and a stern talking to before I put her in her frock seemed to work.... might have to do that everyday!

It would seem, as I approach the 4 month marker for breastfeeding, there is no end to the joy and pleasure it brings. I am constantly told by family, friends and health professionals alike, that 'I have done so well to get this far' or 'wow your still feeding, thats amazing'. Well, as much as that makes me feel warm and fuzzy (and it does because I am a little vain like!) I kinda just want to turn around and say 'well it aint stopping any time soon, so don't praise me just yet!' or 'don't praise me for doing what I should be doing'.... although I think the latter may have the gusto to upset, even though it is not meant for that!

Roll on month 4, lets see the funs that you have in store....

The Journey Continues.....

National Breastfeeding Week!!

Be proud of what god gave you and enjoy feeding your babies!!

It's a week of celebration in this household. After the early weeks of really not liking feeding my baby and close to giving up everyday, I honestly didn't think I'd get here. 

I'm damn proud of myself and even more proud of Dotty who, after all my tears and frustration, still wants the good stuff!! 

I'm going to join some mummies in the local ikea to celebrate the beauty of Breastfeeding. More to report later!

The journey continues......

I do it in public.... and I freaking love it!

I really have very little to say about breastfeeding in public which might sound a little odd, but here is the long and short of it....

What is the issue? I feel silly for even discussing breastfeeding in public, because we, as a society, should NEVER have got to the point where women feel bad, or self conscious, or embarrassed by breastfeeding.

I can go into any news agents and pick up a pair of massive bangers for a couple of quid from the top shelf. Or turn to page 3 of the sun to see some teenager flashing for the cash.

Yet, when I want to use mine in the way nature intends them to be use.... I feel like I am being watched.

I have not had the 'pleasure' of being told to move, or shown somewhere inappropriate like a toilet to feed my baby yet, but every time I feed her in public, I think it could happen..... Not Cool!!

And although I have this whole speech in my head for if and when it does happen, it doesn't detract from the fact that I shouldn't even be thinking about this. I shouldn't even be writing this. There shouldn't be a debate, or discussion, or worry. It should be a part of life that one and all accept.

I wonder where we went wrong?

Is it any wonder so many women give it up before they might have done?

I was speaking to a friend today who said she never felt like breastfeeding came naturally to her, and this is why she gave it up. This is a fair enough point - but she went on to say how, if feeding her baby didn't go smoothly in public she felt sick that people might be watching her 'fumble' and that she might be offending people!!

OFFENDING PEOPLE??

My opinion is, if you are offended by breastfeeding, you have probably been starring for too long.

It is a sad fact, that in this country, breastfeeding support groups have to ask cafes to put up 'breastfeeding welcome' signs in their windows. It is a fantastic thing these groups are doing, but it shouldn't have to be done.

I am a proud breastfeeding mummy, and if my baby needs feeding, she is going to be fed.

The journey continues......

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Breastfeeding 'essentials'.

I am usually one for a good gimmick or fad - generally this costs me a fortune!!

But for some reason, I have not been hooked in by the 'must haves' of breastfeeding. There are lots of wonderful items out there that claim to make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable for the mummy and baby, but are they actually worth it?

During the later weeks of my pregnancy I looked into buying breastfeeding clothing, and MY WORD they cost the earth! For something that essentially is a low cut top, or a top with a hole in it, they really are preying on women who feel vulnerable!

So, I decided from then that I was going to 'boycott' breastfeeding clothing and try and adapt the clothes that I had, and maybe purchase some cheaper items from a certain very cheap high street store....

When D was born, I went and got three vest tops which were long and stretchy and adjustable straps. I could wear them under others nicer tops I already owed and it allowed me to not have to show my tummy when feeding. And it works a treat! I have not felt the need to purchase any tops that are designed specifically with feeding in mind, and have saved myself a bit of money in the process!!

So what are the breastfeeding essentials? There must be some right??

Well, like everything else in this world, we have evolved to need things to assist us in our daily lives. Much like not being able to live without a phone nowadays, breastfeeding women might struggle to live without the following bits and bobs:

1: Breast pump - even if you don't plan to express and bottle feed on occasions (worth doing in my opinion to get baby used to bottle) you are going to need a pump to relieve the pressure! I cannot begin to describe the feeling you get when you think your boobs might just explode....

2: Nursing Bra - and a good one at that. In fact, this is the only area where I would spend more money. It pays to go and get measured for a bra when baby is still small, even though you are still
changing shape, you need to be comfortable.

3: Breast pads - you will leak! And those little patches on your t-shirt and not a good look.... believe me....

4: Feeding Pillow - not something I had thought of until D was about 6 weeks old and my arms were aching. I went and bought a fab pillow called a Widgy. It is very firm so you don't have to hold it up, and it means it leaves you hand free!! Amazing!! Here she is modelling ours - the other good thing with it, is that you can sit them up in it!!

5: Good nipple cream - not something anyone wants to think of, but cracked bleeding nipples are quite unavoidable. Most women suffer so get some good quality cream. I have not had to use my very often, but when I have, it has saved me from tears.

6: Breast milk freezer bags (if you plan on expressing and storing) - I was incredibly keen on getting my husband involved with feeding from the start, so I expressed and stored from day one. She is not fed breast milk from  bottle everyday, but I have a good little stash in the freezer if ever I feel the need for a night out (??!!) or some other such event. I have got Lansinoh storage bags from Mothercare. When I bought them, they were the cheapest for that size pack (50).

I honestly think everything else you can buy is not worth the money - unless of course you have a small fortune stashed away and you can afford the luxuries.... No .... me neither!!

The journey continues......

Too hot for babies. Too hot for mummies. Too hot for boobies.

In this heat, I have found it at times almost unbearable to feed my baby.

That, in itself, sounds terrible I know, but having a 10 weeks old baby that wants to feed more because she is thirsty more, and is getting hot and sweaty in the process, is an experience that leaves a lot to be desired.

I have been so paranoid about D in this weather that my sleep has been more disrupted than at any other time during the past 10 weeks.

I am up hourly to check she is ok, checking the thermometer only to curse the digits that appear, touching her bare tummy to check she is not 'too hot', whatever that means in this weather!! And all the while she is sleeping like never before.... which makes me worry further....

Is she too lethargic?
Is she drinking enough?
Is she drinking too much?
Am I drinking enough...? (always no!)

It is a never ending worry, and there is no sign of it letting up any time soon!

BUT...
 I AM NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT THE WEATHER.... I AM NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT THE WEATHER (repeat until believable).

It is glorious outside, and we have had some lovely days out at a family, and some beautiful BBQ's and evenings with good friends out in the garden, but when you hear the Level 3 heatwave warning which specifically states that babies are at risk, you cannot help but go into panic mode.

So what is the solution?

In short... there isn't one. Brilliant. So here is what I am doing to keep D cool(er).

At night, she is sleeping with the window open. Not ideal because of bugs and a draft, but the alternative of overheating is not worth thinking about!
She also has my old wheat bag which I used to put in the microwave to heat up for aches and pains. I pop that in the freezer all day and she has a cool bag on her side to send her off to sleep.
Nice cool baths... good short term solution.
She only wears clothes to leave the house. When we are inside she is just in her nappy.
She sleeps only in her nappy.
We sit out in the shade when we can and if there is a breeze.

Short of spending all our time in air conditioned cafes, there is not much else I have found that helps!

One things I have noticed about this weather, is that my sick baby, is even more sick! I have been searching for the answers as to why this might be, as she is still happy and healthy, but much more sick that usual!

The main reason I can think of, (and this is no way scientific fact, just me asking questions and examining my lifestyle), is that the amount of water that I am drinking has dramatically increased. 10fold I would say!! From what I can tell this has effected the milk that I produce, making it thinner and therefore more thirst quenching than filling. Therefore, I THINK what is happening, is D is gulping away merrily, taking far too much to try and fill herself and then bringing it back up......

Might be talking rubbish there, but it is an answer that, for now, seems to cover most of the issue!

As a red head, who has a baby who is currently a red head, I don't usually favour the sun - it is not my friend. However being on maternity leave seems to have brought out the best in me, and I have very much enjoyed the weather, even if I have to seek shade or shelter for the most part!

We have had some wonderfully family days that I would not trade for the world! And it also gives me the opportunity to feed in some gorgeous places.... even if I do get hot and sticky :s !!

The journey continues.....

Drinking and feeding.

Throughout my pregnancy, I despised the smell of alcohol. It repulsed me!!

An amazing thing, I kept thinking to myself! At least I am not craving it!!

But, a few days after D was born, I suddenly got my taste back! A nice cold cider on a sunny evening would be lovely. But what are the 'rules'??

I spent a long time feeling guilty that I was having a drink and feeding in the early days, and always felt like I needed to justify myself.

It seemed as though people had MORE of a problem with drinking and feeding than they do with drinking in pregnancy!! Which seems ludicrous! I am not harming something that is unborn, now am I harming her now she is here!

So what are the facts??

I am not talking about getting shit faced! I am talking about the occasional cider when you are in the pub, or a glass of wine when baby is in bed.

Some people feel so guilty about having even ONE drink that the 'pump and dump' which to me seems like a waste, but if it makes you feel better about relaxing, then fair enough.

The fact is, in simple terms, if you are safe to drive, you are safe to feed. The amount of alcohol in your blood, is what ends up in your milk, so one drink will have very little effect, and will not do your baby any harm.

In fact, some researcher suggest that breast milk with alcohol in, is still better than formula.... not sure what I think about that personally, but it does make interesting reading.

I am in no way condoning getting drunk, or having too many when you are in care of your child.... I am more talking about getting your own life back, which most women need to do to maintain some normal adult behaviour. So on two occasions I have left D with my husband and gone and met some work colleagues. Although the first time I found it tough to leave her, it made me feel so much better. And because I was driving, I knew I would be able to feed my baby safely. Plus I went out at bedtime and knew I wouldn't be feeding her until the alcohol was practically out of my system anyway.

I know women who just don't want to risk it and that is worthy of praise, but also, women shouldn't be made to feel as though they cannot have a life, or relax in the way they did before their babies arrived. Lets not create a culture in which it is ok to 'just have one' whilst pregnant, but not when the baby arrives.... statistically more issues occur with drinking in pregnancy than when breastfeeding.

The journey continues......

It's true what they say....

I didn't find this 'fact' out until D was about 9 weeks old but it is so very true.

The first 3 weeks of breastfeeding are the hardest.
After 6 weeks it becomes MUCH easier.
After 3 months, you start feeling sorry for bottle feeding mummies.

I think if you had told me this in week 3 I would have whipped you with a car aerial and told you to leave me alone, but on reflection this is so very true.

Everyday until week 6, there was an issue. Wether it be low supply, mastitis, cracked nipples, soreness, painful let down, worry about weight gain... you name it, I felt it. But seemingly so do most other women.

So why isn't there more support in the first 6 weeks?? SURELY if more time and energy was spent with those women that find it difficult at the start, then breastfeeding stats would be up massively!!

Throughout my pregnancy and after birth, I was bombarded with information about how breastfeeding is the best for my baby, and how doing it helps both me and her, and the longer I can do it for then the better, but as soon as I left the birth centre, I had to find my own support.

Ok so maybe when the health visitor came around when D was 13 days old she asked if everything was ok, but where was the support after that? As I keep saying, week 3 for me was simply the worst time ever, and I think if I wasn't so 'stubborn' and determined I absolutely would have given up.

I consider myself lucky. There are some fantastic breastfeeding support groups in my area, and around this area of the New Forest they have coordinated so that their is a group on every day of the week, so should I have felt the need, I could have got help on any day. But I KNOW this is not the case in many many areas of the UK..... WHY???

If we want breastfeeding statistics to be higher, then more needs to be done to help mums in those first 6 weeks. Even if it is just a phone call once a week, or a point in the right direction. I am certain that thousands of women must feel abandoned as soon as they are discharged from hospital. This cannot be right.

After 6 weeks, I felt absolutely fine about feeding. Things had settled, it felt FAR more natural and, suddenly, nothing hurt anymore..... things were they way I had envisioned at the very start. It just took a while to get there.

So, if you are reading this and haven't yet hit week 6, and are thinking of packing it in, please try and reach the 6 week mark. You'll feel so much better.

The journey continues.......

Over to you Roger!

So, mastitis claimed the feeding life of Lasquisha.

'Twas a sad day.

Not for D though, she doesn't care which side she gets her milk from, as long as she gets it. I sought some support and reassurance that it was ok to just feed from one side and the best answer I got was "Of course. Mothers of twins will only ever feed from one side per baby" Makes sense really!

The main issue I had with this was more cosmetic than anything, and that was that I become incredibly lop sided!! Because Roger was doing the work for both him and Lasquisha, he doubled in size, whilst Lasquisha shrunk down to her former ways.

Evidently, there is little I can do about this. I have continued to express Lasquisha, and this hasn't really helped. I have tried feeding from her at least once a day but D becomes so frustrated with it that I cant continue. Shame really.

The other problem I gained from only feeding from one side, was something I had been dreading since day one.....

Cracking and bleeding...... and I thought the mastitis was bad. No getting away from this one. D had to be fed, and there was only one boob that would do it, and that boob was now host to a very very sore nipple.

More advice sought "give it lots of air, express a little milk and rub it in, use good cream etc etc" So, much to my husbands amusement, I spent the evenings walking around with Roger hanging out, constantly rubbing milk into him followed by cream. After a while it did settle, but there was so little I could do apart from wince, shed a tear, and breath through it.....

I kept repeating "I've done child birth, I can do this" Over and over until the feed was done.

By this time in my feeding journey, I honestly felt like it was starting to be not worth it anymore. I still wasn't enjoying it, it didn't feel natural, and everyday felt like another problem or issue I had to face. I totally understand why women give up feeding, I do. I started to feel like a failure.

SURELY BREASTFEEDING SHOULD BE THE MOST NATURAL THING IN THE WORLD? WHY IS IT SO DAMN HARD??

But every time I looked at D, and got her weighed, and knew she was happy and healthy, I knew I couldn't give it up..... and NOW, I am so glad I didn't.

The journey continues.......

Lasquisha is poorly :(

When I told a good friend that I had mastitis he laughed. The comment that followed was "When I hear mastitis I think of cows!" 
Luckily, I found it funny, something that cannot be said for the mastitis itself.

Apparently, the main reason women give up breastfeeding is because of mastitis, and I can see why. Bloody OUCH! For my it was very sudden, and looking back I can pinpoint the exact reason for getting it, and if I had a tie machine I would go back and sort it out!

It was a Friday morning, and I was feeding from a very engorged Lasquisha. She was so engorged I had to hold her steady whilst D latched and drank.
I held very tightly and didn't massage or move like 'they' tell you to. As it turns out, I was causing a blockage, which in hours turned into mastitis.

I was getting my haircut as it was the last day my husband had off before going back to work, and as I sat there the pain in Lasquisha was getting worse and worse, and then the shivers started.

From when I had been told, flu like symptoms were a sure sign of mastitis. DAMN!!! This was week 3, so I had found everything this week so hard, and now I had this to contend with. I genuinely thought I was failing. How could I be getting it so wrong, that I had made myself ill.

I cried at my husband (I think for about the 4th time that day) and we went straight to the GP to see if they could help. Sure enough, a prescription for antibiotics was written immediately, and advice given to ease the pain - keep feeding from it, express it and try to clear the blockage.

I knew Roger was fine to keep feeding if I just expressed off Lasquisha, so determined and stubborn I kept going. I say stubborn, because by this point my husband had bought a tub of formula milk because he knew how hideous I was finding breastfeeding, and this was just another thing to add to the list of reasons I disliked feeding my baby....

A horrible feeling.

I felt rotten both physically and emotionally. But the thought of giving up was more pain than I was physically in, and I had to keep going through the pain, the tears and the exhaustion.

The pain from the mastitis subsided pretty quickly, but the flu symptoms stuck around for a little while, just to make things easier.......

The troubles that followed were bearable and something I am still recovering from to this day. My milk supply in Lasquisha dropped massively, and my let down slowed to an almost stop. So, Roger became D's sole source of milk.

Needless to say, I have been lopsided ever since.

The journey continues......

It's EASY!

So as it turns out, for the first 4 weeks of D's life, I fell into habits that I swore when pregnant, I wouldn't fall into.

Rule number 1 - the baby doesn't sleep on us. 
Rule number 2 - we wont be giving her a dummy. 
Rule number 3 - no rocking, nursing or cuddling her to sleep. 
Rule number 4 - if she does fall asleep on us, we put her in her moses basket as soon as. 

Yeah..... clearly we wanted to be the dictator of a child we didn't even know. I think the ideas were sound in most respects, apart from the fact that babies don't really care for rules.... shame really, as it would have made things far easier.

So into week 4 we go. The previous week had by far been my hardest. Week 3, was nothing short or a hideous bitch. I think it was the the combination of sleep deprivation, a baby I still didn't really understand, and the initial buzz of the new baby had wearing off that hit me. I spent most of the week in tears and not understanding why my baby wouldn't sleep. The hardest thing in week 3 was that she never seemed to be awake and happy. She was either asleep, crying or feeding. Very difficult.

So during a nap, I remembered that a friend of mine had lent me some books - maybe the answer to all my woes would be in them.

So I sat and read...... and read..... and read...... and read......

I read until D woke up for a feed. Then once she was in position, I read some more......

I was astonished at how 'wrong' I had been getting things. And when I say wrong, I mean reading my baby wrong, not understanding what she actually wanted on a day to day basis. Obviously her vitals were still fine and dandy so health wise she was fine, but I wasn't convinced otherwise.

I read about the different sounds and cries she was making, and understanding that it doesn't always mean she is hungry (something I was doing a lot, which explained the many sicks we had in a day from over feeding). I read about how to get them into a routine - something I was very keen on doing, but didn't want to stop feeding on demand.
I read about a routine called EASY - which essentially is feeding on demand, but ensuring you read all the other signs of what the baby wants so she is content, well slept and happy.

It goes like this for those of you who are unfamiliar:

E = Eat
So the routine starts with baby eating. Ok I can do that. Still finding breastfeeding tough, but I have stuck at it, and I will be damned if I am giving up now!! Eat... still takes about 45 mins but... but tick!!

A = Activity
This was the bit I was clearly missing. Giving D something to do. Now this can be as small as a nappy change when they are tiny. Or giving them 5 minutes looking at something black and white. Something to ensure essentially that they don't fall asleep whilst feeding, and if they do, they don't sleep for long.

S = Sleep
The bit I found the hardest... and still do! D is a very spirited baby who thinks she might be missing something if she falls asleep. She has always fought sleep, and if I get this bit wrong, I still have a fight on my hands. The key here is to look for signs of sleep - 1 - yawning. 3 yawns and their out!! Start getting ready for a nap. 2 - 7 mile stare. They are looking but not seeing. 3 - The nodding dog effected. Like falling asleep on the bus. This is the bit D didn't like as she would wake herself up with the nod and struggle to get back to sign 2.
Once I started seeing the signs, I found it easier to put her to bed and leave her to send herself off to sleep.... with her newly acquired dummy to save Roger and Lasquisha from being used as a dummy!

Y = You time
Probably the oddest concept after 4 weeks of being attached to my baby. Finding time for me and my husband.... what on earth can we do with all this time..... watch Django and eat chocolate.... done!!

I think it is fair to say that using this routine has saved my sanity. I am still feeding my baby when she wants it, but the way in which her day is run is much for structured and she now knows what to expect when she wakes up.

I know there will be breast feeding mummies who might not agree with this routine, but my personal oppinion is a baby with a routine is a happy one. And D has certainly shown me that.

The journey continues.....

Surely that's your whole feed?!?!?

I have been blessed.

Blessed with the most beautiful baby girl.

She is so gorgeous just look at her face.

I don't think I shall ever get bored of....... oh crap! Matthew! Can you help please. Fetch a muslin quick!!

It's a good job your cute child. That is the most amount of sick I have ever seen come out of one person, and thats including that time your dad was drunk sick all over me when we were sleeping!!

Surely you have just sicked up your entire feed! What a waste.



I have been blessed with a child who likes to sick. Now I say likes to sick, because it never seems to  bother her. In fact, she smiles afterwards so I do think she quite enjoys it! No body seems concerned about the fact she is sick, she lost 9% of her birth weight which they monitored for a week, but piled on the oz's so she is obviously not effected by sicking.

I have put it down to greed. The girl guzzles and guzzles and then falls asleep, I'm pretty sure I'd be a bit sick if I did the same. My issue was less with the sick itself, but more with the fact that she would spend so much time feeding (45 mins of average each feed) and then loose so much of it. I felt as though I wanted to stop her feed if it went over 30 minutes. NB; I tried this.... it was not a pretty reaction..... 

When my milk came through and her sick stopped being yellow and staining EVERYTHING she wore, I worried less and just accepted that this is who she was. My little sicker. And on speaking with my parents, it turns out I was exactly the same until I started moving.... so I might be in this for the long haul! Best get comfy!!

The journey continues...

An Introduction - Roger and Lasquisha.

My journey into breastfeeding began at 7.59am on the 4th May 2013, when after nearly 9 months of waiting, we welcome our little lady Dorothy into our lives. I had read so many stories of babies being born and instantly heading for the boob, instantly latching and having their first taste of the good stuff.... which made the fact that this didn't happen to me and Dorothy a little disheartening. 

The midwives would comment 'oooo, you know what she is looking for?!' is she went anywhere near my boob, or my husbands 'boob' for that matter, but she just didn't get it.... or maybe I didn't get it... either way, it was not the start I had hoped for. 

After a few failed attempts, the intervention started. Pocking, prodding, pulling - I honestly didn't think my boobs were so flexible. Any time D opened her mouth they were on my like a rash, I literally had nothing to do, I wasn't even holding her whilst they tried to get her to feed. Starting to worry.... 

For the first few hours, I had to feed my baby by expressing and forcing it into her using a syringe, writing down how much she had had, and which side I had got it from. Not the way I thought breastfeeding would be at all. I started to feel very low about the whole thing, and wondering if this was actually sustainable, or wether I should cut my losses and go straight for the bottle. 

The came more comments from the midwives, just to help things along even further; 
'you might find this really difficult because your so pale and sensitive to pain' - I am a ginger and damn proud of it, and I have just given birth using no pain relief whatsoever thank you very much! 
'you have quite little nipples, you are going to find this tough and will have to work very hard at it.' - Oh thanks, I'd never realised there was an issue before, and now you have just cast doubt over the most important aspect of being a mum - feeding my child. 

All I wanted was to be left alone with my baby, to try and figure her out, and to get there on my own. I knew I could do it, and after the initial 'bottle feeding' thought, I was more determined than ever to make it work. Bugger off the lot of you and leave me to it. You're man handling of my boobs is not helping!! 

I decided to make things a little easier and more comical for myself I would name my boobs - normal! I have just named my child, I though I would carry on naming stuff. So I named the Right Roger, and the Left Lasquisha. I think you'll agree that the names are fantastic, and I hope you will all be doing this..... 

I continued to express using my hands into a little cup, and after expressing off Lasquisha, with nobody there to bother me, and my little nipple definitely big enough for D, I popped her on to see if I could do it by myself.... 

LATCH! SUCK! DRINK! Dorothy and Mummy for the Win!! It was 2pm, and finally we had done it. It didn't take long to fill her tummy, but I knew right then, that there was no way I was going to give this fight up. I knew it was going to be hard - people had told me this, but nothing was too hard for this little lady. 

The journey continues.....