Guiding Star Southwest https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/ Helping women understand, embrace, and love their natural bodies Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:25:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/G-Star-Favicon-150x150.png Guiding Star Southwest https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/ 32 32 Choline: The Hidden Gem of Prenatal Nutrition! https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/choline-the-hidden-gem-of-prenatal-nutrition/ Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:59:52 +0000 https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/?p=2883 Hey there, future moms-to-be! Let’s talk about a little-known nutrient that’s about to become your new best friend: choline! It’s like the secret sauce of prenatal vitamins, packed with all sorts of goodies to give you and your baby a head start on the adventure of a lifetime. Get ready to discover why choline is the unsung hero of pregnancy nutrition and why it deserves a standing ovation in your prenatal routine! Choline: The MVP of Mommy Magic Picture this: choline swooping in like a caped crusader to save the day, one baby bump at a time. Here’s why it’s a total game-changer: Defying the Odds: Move over, folate – choline’s in town! It’s been shown to team up with folate to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, giving your baby’s development an extra layer of protection. Brainy Baby: Want to raise a little genius? Choline’s got your back! Studies suggest that munching on choline-rich foods during pregnancy could lead to smarter, sharper kiddos down the line. Einstein, who? Stress-Free Zone: Lowering cortisol levels in babies? Yes, please! By keeping stress hormones in check, choline might just help your little one breeze through life with a zen-like calmness. Talk about setting them up for success! Mommy’s Little Helper: And let’s not forget about you, mama! Choline is like a superhero cape for expecting moms, reducing the risk of pesky pregnancy complications and boosting your placenta and liver function. Who knew a little nutrient could do so much? The Choline Quest: A Nutrient in Need But here’s the catch: while choline is a total rockstar, it’s often MIA in prenatal vitamins. Say what?! Yep, you heard right – many of those little prenatal pals are missing out on the choline party. Closing the Choline Gap: Let’s Get Creative!So, how can you ensure you’re getting your daily dose of choline goodness? Get ready to think outside the vitamin bottle: Egg-citing Solutions: Time to whip up some egg-cellent dishes! Eggs are choline champs, with the yolks packing a powerful punch. Say hello to fluffy omelets and sunny-side-up smiles! Supplement Smarts: If your diet needs a little boost, don’t be afraid to turn to supplements. Just chat with your healthcare provider to find the perfect dose for you. Conclusion In the end, choline might be flying under the radar, but its impact on your pregnancy journey is nothing short of superheroic. So, let’s give choline the spotlight it deserves and make sure it’s the VIP guest in our prenatal nutrition plans. After all, when it comes to nourishing our bodies and our babies, a little choline goes a long way! References Choline Supplementation in Pregnancy: Current Evidence and Implications – PMC (nih.gov)

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]]> Creating a Safe Sleep Environment for Your Baby https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/creating-a-safe-sleep-environment-for-your-baby/ Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:48:14 +0000 https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/?p=2880 Ensuring babies sleep safely is super important for caregivers and parents. By sticking to recommendations from trusted organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we can lower the risk of sleep-related problems that could harm infants, like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Simple things, like putting babies on their back to sleep and using a firm mattress, make a big difference in keeping them safe while they sleep and helping them grow well. These tips set the stage for understanding the basics of baby sleep safety from the CDC, giving caregivers peace of mind and keeping infants healthy. The CDC gives us lots of advice for making sure babies stay safe during sleep. One big rule is always putting babies on their back to sleep. This simple step really cuts down on the chance of SIDS. They also stress using firm surfaces, like a crib mattress, to prevent suffocation from soft bedding. They recommend keeping babies in the same room as you for at least the first six months to a year, making it easier to keep an eye on them and respond if needed. Following these suggestions helps caregivers create a safe and loving sleep environment for their babies, which is essential for their well-being. Key tips for ensuring your baby sleeps safely and soundly: Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on their back when they sleep, whether it’s during naps or at night. This greatly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Firm Sleep Surface: Use a firm mattress in a crib or bassinet. Avoid soft bedding or surfaces, as they can be dangerous for your baby. Keep it Clear: Remove pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and other loose items from the crib. These things can block your baby’s breathing or even suffocate them. Room Sharing: Consider having your baby sleep in your room for the first six months to a year. This practice reduces the risk of SIDS and makes nighttime care easier. Temperature Control: Make sure the room where your baby sleeps is at a comfortable temperature. Dress them in light clothing and avoid covering their head to prevent overheating. Safe Swaddling: If you choose to swaddle your baby, do it correctly using lightweight, breathable blankets. Stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling over. Avoid Overheating: Keep an eye on your baby’s clothing and bedding to prevent them from getting too hot. Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeed your baby. It’s linked to a lower risk of SIDS. Pacifier Use: Offer a pacifier when putting your baby down to sleep. Studies suggest it may reduce the risk of SIDS. Regular Check-ins: Periodically check on your sleeping baby to make sure they’re okay. Avoid using sleep positioners or other devices that claim to prevent SIDS, as they haven’t been proven effective and could be dangerous. By following these guidelines, you can create a safe sleep environment for your baby, helping them develop healthy sleep habits and giving you peace of mind as a caregiver. Stay updated on the latest recommendations from trusted sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. Conclusion Ensuring the safety of your baby during sleep is crucial for their well-being, and following the recommendations provided by trusted organizations like the CDC can significantly reduce risks such as SIDS. However, staying informed and educated throughout the journey of parenthood is essential. That’s why Guiding Star offers a range of pregnancy classes designed to provide expecting parents with comprehensive knowledge and support. By participating in these classes, caregivers can further equip themselves with the necessary skills and information to create a safe and nurturing environment for their baby from the very beginning. References Helping Babies Sleep Safely | Reproductive Health | CDC

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]]> Diabetes in Pregnancy: Navigating the Gestational Journey https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/diabetes-in-pregnancy-navigating-the-gestational-journey/ Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:25:49 +0000 https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/?p=2875 Gestational diabetes is like a surprise visitor in a pregnant woman’s life, especially for those who didn’t have diabetes before. It typically pops up around the middle of the pregnancy, usually between 24 to 28 weeks. But hey, here’s the good news! You can tame this visitor with some healthy eating and fun exercises. Sometimes, though, you might need a little extra help, like insulin, to keep things in check. Just think of it as a temporary sidekick until your pregnancy journey ends! Why should you worry about Gestational Diabetes? Super Sized Baby Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a baby growing larger than usual. This can make the final stretch of pregnancy pretty uncomfortable for the mom. Plus, during delivery, it might require a C-section, and the baby could suffer nerve damage from pressure on the shoulders. C-Section If things aren’t managed well, there’s a higher chance of needing a C-section to deliver the baby. While it gets the job done, it also means a longer recovery time for the mom post-birth. High Blood Pressure (Preeclampsia) When a pregnant woman experiences high blood pressure, along with protein in her urine and persistent swelling in fingther during labor. Notably, women with diabetes are more prone to high blood pressure than those without. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) For individuals with diabetes taking insulin or other medications, low blood sugar can be a dangerous issue, potentially leading to fatal consequences if not promptly addressed. Vigilant monitoring and early treatment are essential to prevent severe hypoglycemia. Additionally, if a woman’s diabetes wasn’t well controlled during pregnancy, her baby could rapidly develop low blood sugar after birth, requiring careful monitoring for several hours post-delivery of baby. While it gets the job done, it also means a longer recovery time for the mom post-birth. 5 Tips for Managing Gestational Diabetes Eat Healthy Foods:  Stick to a nutritious meal plan tailored for diabetes management, crafted with the help of a dietitian. Learn about diabetes meal planning to make informed choices about your diet. Exercise Regularly:  Engage in regular physical activity, with your doctor’s approval, to regulate blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or swimming, on most days of the week. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels:  Due to the body’s changing energy needs during pregnancy, blood sugar levels can fluctuate rapidly. Monitor your blood sugar regularly as advised by your doctor to stay on top of any changes. Take Insulin, If Prescribed:  In some cases, insulin may be necessary to manage gestational diabetes effectively. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Get Tested After Pregnancy:  After giving birth, undergo diabetes testing 6 to 12 weeks postpartum, and subsequently every 1 to 3 years. While gestational diabetes typically resolves after delivery, it’s essential to remain vigilant. Even if the condition resolves, there’s a risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced nutrition to reduce this risk. Additionally, consider joining CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs like the National Diabetes Prevention Program to further support your journey. Conclusion Managing gestational diabetes requires proactive measures such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, monitoring blood sugar levels, and following medical advice regarding insulin use. Additionally, regular testing after pregnancy is crucial to ensure continued well-being and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. By prioritizing these steps, women can navigate gestational diabetes with confidence, safeguarding their health and that of their newborns. References: High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy | High Blood Pressure | CDC

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]]> Hydration Station: Keeping Cool and Healthy During Pregnancy https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/hydration-station-keeping-cool-and-healthy-during-pregnancy/ Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:33:54 +0000 https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/?p=2871 So what is Dehydration? Dehydration is a condition that occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. This imbalance disrupts the normal functioning of your body, as adequate hydration is essential for various bodily processes to operate effectively. Symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to severe and may include thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and dark-colored urine. Severe dehydration can lead to serious health complications and requires prompt medical attention. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Staying hydrated during pregnancy is of utmost importance for both the mother and the baby’s health. Adequate hydration supports numerous essential functions, including nutrient transport, waste elimination, and maintaining amniotic fluid levels. Dehydration during pregnancy can lead to serious complications such as neural tube defects, low amniotic fluid levels, insufficient breast milk production, and even premature labor. Moreover, water plays a crucial role in forming the placenta, which is vital for delivering nutrients to the growing fetus. Therefore, ensuring sufficient hydration throughout pregnancy is crucial for a healthy pregnancy journey and the well-being of both mother and baby. The recommended amount of water for a pregnant mother to drink is at least 8-12 glasses a day. This quantity ensures that the body remains adequately hydrated to support the increased demands of pregnancy. Proper hydration helps in maintaining optimal health for both the mother and the developing baby, supporting vital functions such as nutrient delivery, waste removal, and the formation of the amniotic sac. It’s essential for pregnant women to prioritize staying hydrated to promote a healthy pregnancy and minimize the risk of complications. How can I prevent dehydration? It’s wise to steer clear of caffeinated products, as caffeine can boost urine production, potentially resulting in dehydration. Another effective strategy is to avoid activities that may induce overheating, such as rigorous exercise or prolonged exposure to hot environments. While exercise is generally beneficial for pregnant women, excessive exertion combined with insufficient water intake can increase the risk of dehydration. What do I look for? A prevalent symptom of dehydration is experiencing maternal overheating. Sufficient water intake assists in regulating body temperature. Conversely, inadequate hydration during pregnancy can heighten the risk of overheating. A clear sign of proper hydration is having urine with a light, clear color, contrasting with dark yellow urine. If your urine appears dark yellow, it’s a signal that you need to up your water intake. Hydration Lesson: A Zoo Trip Saga of Pregnancy and Parenthood” by Jenny, Client   Amidst the joys of parenthood, a trip to the zoo with my two younger children turned into an unexpected lesson about the importance of staying hydrated during pregnancy. It was the middle of summer, and I was already eight months pregnant, feeling the weight of anticipation alongside the literal weight of my growing belly.   As we embarked on our adventure, I made sure to pack plenty of water bottles, feeling confident that I was well-prepared for the day ahead. However, the scorching sun and the excitement of exploring the zoo with my kids soon took their toll. Despite my best efforts to stay hydrated, the combination of the sweltering heat and the demands of pregnancy left me feeling increasingly parched.     With each step, I could feel the effects of dehydration creeping in, manifesting as a persistent sense of fatigue and a growing sensation of overheating. Even though I tried to sip water whenever I could, it seemed like my body couldn’t keep up with the demands of the day.   It wasn’t until we finally took a break in the shade that I realized the severity of the situation. My urine, which had been clear earlier in the day, had now taken on a dark yellow hue—a clear sign that I had underestimated the importance of staying hydrated, especially in my pregnant state. Concerned for my well-being and that of our unborn child, my family rushed me to the hospital. There, the medical team quickly administered IV fluids to replenish my hydration levels. As the cool relief of the saline solution flowed into my veins, I couldn’t help but reflect on the valuable lesson I had learned.   That day at the zoo had taught me more than just the importance of water; it had underscored the critical need to listen to my body’s signals and prioritize self-care, particularly during the miraculous journey of pregnancy. Conclusion The experience of dehydration during pregnancy serves as a powerful reminder of the paramount importance of staying hydrated. Whether embarking on outdoor adventures or navigating the everyday challenges of parenthood, adequate hydration is essential for both maternal health and the well-being of the growing baby. By heeding the signals of our bodies and prioritizing regular water intake, we can ensure a smoother journey through pregnancy and parenthood, safeguarding our health and nurturing the precious life within.   Dehydration – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

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]]> What’s the deal with Braxton Hicks contractions? https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/whats-the-deal-with-braxton-hicks-contractions/ Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:11:53 +0000 https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/?p=2846 Think of them as practice runs for your belly during pregnancy. They’re like little warm-up exercises for your uterus muscles, getting them ready for the big day! But here’s the fun part: Braxton Hicks contractions don’t mean it’s baby time just yet. They’re more like false alarms, popping up here and there but not signaling the start of labor. So, if you’re not sure if it’s the real deal or just a practice round, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or midwife for guidance. And how do they feel? Picture a gentle tightening sensation across your belly. These contractions come and go, lasting around 30 seconds to 2 minutes, but hey, they’re usually more like a little belly hug than a painful squeeze. When do those sneaky Braxton Hicks contractions make their entrance? Well, they’re like early birds, sometimes showing up in the first trimester, but you might not notice them until the second. Then, in the third trimester, they start throwing a bit of a party! Now, let’s talk about how they’re different from the real deal, the labor pain extravaganza: So, think of them as the quirky sidekick to the big show of labor! Let’s talk about the real deal – labor contractions:  Labor contractions actively dilate and open your cervix, facilitating the birthing process. When should you seek medical assistance? Promptly contact your doctor, midwife, or proceed to the hospital if your amniotic sac ruptures or if you experience contractions that amplify in strength, proximity, and regularity. How do I make these pesky sensations more bearable? Well, since Braxton Hicks are just your body’s way of practicing for the big event, they don’t really need any fancy treatment. But if they’re making you feel a bit uneasy, here are some tricks you can try: Oh, and here’s a pro tip: Practice your breathing exercises during these contractions. It’s like your body’s way of getting into zen mode before the main event! Discover how Guiding Star Southwest can empower you on your pregnancy journey. From educational classes and medical services to essential material assistance, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today to access the help and guidance you need for a healthy and informed pregnancy. References: Cleveland Clinic: Every Life Deserves World Class Care Get Support Now

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]]> Navigating the First Trimester: What to Expect and How to Prepare https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/navigating-the-first-trimester/ Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:00:37 +0000 https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/?p=2842 The first trimester of pregnancy brings rapid physical and emotional changes. Learn what to expect, from missed periods to morning sickness, and how to cope with these changes. Discover essential tips for navigating the first trimester smoothly and preparing for a healthy pregnancy.

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]]> Conquering Morning Sickness: Fun Tips and Tricks for Moms-to-Be! https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/conquering-morning-sickness-fun-tips-and-tricks-for-moms-to-be/ Tue, 25 Jun 2024 19:41:38 +0000 https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/?p=2839 Ah, the infamous morning sickness—a rite of passage for many expectant moms that can turn even the most enthusiastic about pregnancy a shade of green. But fear not, for there are ways to tame this queasy beast and make it through the day with a smile (albeit a slightly nauseated one). Picture this: you wake up in the morning, and suddenly the mere thought of breakfast sends you running to the bathroom. It’s like your stomach has declared war on anything remotely edible. But fear not, brave mama-to-be! Here are some tricks to help you conquer morning sickness and emerge victorious: And remember, if morning sickness is really cramping your style (and your stomach), don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They’re there to help you feel your best, so you can focus on the exciting journey ahead: meeting your little bundle of joy! Morning Sickness: When It Starts, Treatment & Prevention (clevelandclinic.org)

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]]> My Top 5 Breastfeeding Moments https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/my-top-5-breastfeeding-moments/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 23:14:32 +0000 https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/?p=2460 It’s World Breastfeeding Week, a week set aside to encourage breastfeeding in expectant mothers and show support for those who are currently nursing their children.  I have been breastfeeding my children pretty much for the last seven years.  There were a couple small breaks when I weaned my toddlers to get ready for the birth of a new baby, but for the most part I’ve been nursing.  I love nursing.  I will admit that it’s easy for me.  It can be exhausting, and yes, there are some not-so-awesome parts, but most of it is really, really wonderful.  So, in honor of it being World Breastfeeding Week, I threw together My Top 5 Breastfeeding Moments. 5. The Beach Shun. This summer our family went on our annual trip to the beach.  It was just a regular beach, not a conservative, cover all your extremities beach (Do those even exist?).  I mean, there were Mennonites in long dresses and bonnets, but most people were scantily clad in their swim suits.  The baby got hungry so I sat down, threw a light linen shawl over myself, and began nursing her.  Along comes a woman with her two pre-teen children.  She notices me nursing, and her eyes almost pop out of her head.  She shoots me the “how dare you scar my children for life” look, grabs her children close to her, and shields their eyes away from me.  She probably turned them towards the woman wearing the string bikini top who was showing much more boobie than I was.  I’m pretty sure that made my day.  I love irony. 4. Chocolate or Vanilla? I was nursing my son, our second, and my three year old daughter was sitting in the room with me.  My son was quite restless and just couldn’t decide which side he wanted to nurse from.  So we were playing a version of musical boobs.  My daughter noticed the movement and asked why he was switching sides.  I said, “I think he’s trying to decide which one tastes better.”  Her reply, “Oh, is one side chocolate?” 3.Quattro Leches. There was that one time I made a Quattro Leches cake instead of a Tres Leches cake.  Tres Leches means “three milks” in Spanish, and the cake requires three types of milk to make it.  I needed to nurse the baby while I was making the cake–I know what you are thinking, and no, I didn’t go there.  But technically, it did take four kinds of milk in order to achieve the finished product, hence the new name for the cake.  Did you have the same reaction as the others I told this story to? 2. The First Let Down. Perhaps, like any new mom, I had fears about breastfeeding.  I feared that my milk would never come in.  I was tired,  emotional, hormonal, etc. after giving birth and feared that I wouldn’t be able to nurse.  And then my milk came in . . . and then it came out.  One side got tapped and there went the other side.  Woah!  How does one turn off the plumbing on these things? 1. The First Latch On. And now for my top breastfeeding moment.  I have four children, and the first time they latched on and suckled was an amazing moment.  My first born did not get the opportunity until she was one month old.  After a few weeks of nutrition through an IV and then on to a bottle to get her stomach used to food, I was able to “pump out” (basically pump my breast dry) and attempt to let her latch on.  Being a month old, and much more alert than a newborn, she looked right up at me and we just stared at each other as she suckled.  It.Was.Awesome.  The first latch ons with my other children, directly after birth, were amazing as well.  Knowing that your body can switch gears, just like that, and produce milk for your baby is amazing.  I love breastfeeding!

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]]> Breastfeeding is hard https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/breastfeeding-is-hard/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 22:36:33 +0000 https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/?p=2459 Breastfeeding is hard. Yep. I said it. I have nursed all my children, and I am committed to nursing any future children, but it is hard. Sometimes it seems that those of us that are able to nurse our babies either forget to mention this, or don’t like to tell new moms it is hard. Maybe we don’t want to scare them off from trying. Maybe the bonding minimizes this fact. Maybe we are so tired that we forget how hard it can be. I feel fortunate in a way that I was largely unaware of the breast feeding issues that many mothers deal with when I was preparing to give birth to my oldest son. I was just committed to breastfeeding. I had no idea that PCOS potentially increases the chance of difficulties. I did not know that a c-section could delay my milk coming in. I did not know it could be painful, or that my supply might not be strong enough. I knew nothing about latch or positions. I certainly did not know anything about engorgement or clogged ducts. Our first nursing attempt set the course for the rest of our time nursing. The nurse handed him to me and he was already sucking on his fist! I found it incredibly difficult to hold him with my left hand because of the way the IV was inserted, so the nurse (a lactation consultant) helped me figure out the football position. He nursed in that position through road trips, family gatherings, and six months of coming into work with me. Aside from the initial pain that made me feel as though I was a lanolin addict, we had an uneventful time nursing, I thought. I pumped most of the time at work (with a single Medela hand pump) for multiple reasons: I could pump faster than he could eat, I couldn’t afford nursing wear, and the thought of nursing in my cubicle freaked me out. I also never once nursed him in public unless it was in the back seat of our vehicle. I thought our experience was pretty normal. I was expecting the same results with my daughter. Not so much. I found myself mumbling to myself, “Are you new?!” on an hourly basis. I had a slower recovery with her, and it felt as though everything was awful. The first few weeks with her my nipples were on fire. While I was no longer working outside the home at this point, we had a latch issue. I could not feed her in the only position I knew (in part because of another crazily placed IV) and I found it near impossible to express any milk with a hand pump because I was so completely stressed out. At this point I had read that I used lanolin too often with my first child (so I was obviously the devil), and I just felt as though I could get no relief! She would latch only to stop to look around, rinse, repeat. She never once fell asleep while nursing and she was always at her most alert while eating. Feeding her took 90 minutes at each session and I was exhausted. When I asked her pediatrician about the issues, she told me to use two pillows. I felt silly calling or asking for help after that, so I just buckled down and decided that she and I would just have to figure it out together. So we did. I threw the football hold out the window, and reminded myself that this too shall pass. As she grew and wasn’t so new, I kept trying. Within a few weeks we had a rhythm. (So much of a rhythm, that I forgot about introducing solids, but that is a story for another time!) Despite my commitment to nursing, I still have yet to nurse past five and a half months. No one told me that nursing bras were evil incarnate. Each time, I stuck out a few months in those awful things before returning to my normal bras for a few months. Once they were sufficiently destroyed, I would give up, switch to formula, and start feeding them baby food.I am now nursing my three month old son. (Has it really been that long?) I feel more nursing savvy, in part because of research and experience, but I am also prepared. I am at home with three children now. Avoiding nursing in public is just not possible. I knew this would be the case, and since we have saved virtually every baby item from the older kids, I decided to invest in some nursing tops, quality nursing bras, and a few baby wearing items for kicks. I cannot stress enough that this has made all the difference. Sure, I went through a period of feeling “touched out” (I was blessed this time though to not go through even the shortest period of fiery nipples.) but nursing doesn’t feel like a burden and it certainly is not the frustrating debacle it has been for me in the past. I am more confident in my ability to nurse my child, and I am working towards extending the time I spend exclusively breast feeding. I am still a little hesitant when nursing in public, but there is more breast exposed in a Victoria’s Secret ad than there is when I am trying to whip it out while holding a frenzied baby. (This is also why nursing wear is my new favorite thing ever and I can’t believe I nursed two children without a single nursing top.) To all new moms reading this: Do what works! I write this as a nursing mom wanting to be honest. Yes, nursing can suck. (Pun intended!) It is not all sweetness and light. There are days that the mere brush of a cotton t-shirt makes me want to scream in pain, and there are days were I could nurse all day long and doze in and out of sleep contently.

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]]> Breastfeeding makes me sad https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/breastfeeding-makes-me-sad/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 22:15:03 +0000 https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org/?p=2411 It is a perfect spring day. My toddler just went down for a nap, and my baby is hungry. I settle unto the sofa next to a steaming cup of herbal tea and a good book. A vague feeling of uneasiness briefly brushes my consciousness, but I ignore it. I snuggle in with my son, cover him with a soft blanket, and begin to nurse. I look at his perfect face and his long baby eyelashes. As I marvel at this wondrous little person in my arms, I feel like the most blessed woman alive. I giggle out loud as he smiles in his sleep, I – WHAM. I am hit by a sudden wave of sadness. It’s a physical feeling; my heart plunges to my toes, my stomach churns. I continue gazing into my precious son’s face, but my thoughts change. Now I am preoccupied by tragedy. How sad that he was hungry, that he was cold, that he was lonely… What if he felt abandoned while I was reading to his sister? What if he feels unloved? What if he’s picked last for the neighborhood soccer team? How will I ever tell him about slavery? The holocaust? I mentally shake myself, trying to break free of this feeling, when another wall of grief crashes on me. This one takes me down, sucks me into a black hole of sadness. I am falling, falling…. And then, it’s over. I’m back in my living room again, cozy and comfortable, in love with my family, in love with my life. My son is happily nursing, eyeing me sideways and making contented little baby sighs. What on earth just happened? When I first experienced this strange phenomenon, it was rather mild, and I attributed it to my changing postpartum hormones. But as time passed, it only became more frequent and intense. I knew I wasn’t depressed, so what was going on? Why did I feel like I was losing my mind every time I nursed? Where were all the warm fuzzy feelings I’d had nursing my first child? So, like any good millennial, I started Googling, and I came across the term dysphoric milk ejection reflex, or D-MER. According D-MER.org:“Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex is a condition affecting lactating women that is characterized by an abrupt dysphoria, or negative emotions, that occur just before milk release and continuing not more than a few minutes.” According to the website, D-MER appears to be caused by a sudden drop of dopamine levels triggered by the milk ejection (let down) reflex of the mother. When I read that, I felt instant relief. So I wasn’t crazy! This is actually a thing! So I took to my breastfeeding Facebook group, excited to share and find others like me. No one answered my post.I talked to my midwife, who had heard of it but had never met anyone who had it. In my internet research, I found that the phenomenon has only been described in a handful of places in the last ten years, and besides a case study, little if any serious research has been done into the matter. I hope this changes. I hope more women come forward and share their experiences, and that the scientific community takes notice. I’m two months postpartum now. And while I love nursing and I relish the connection with my son, D-MER continues to be a struggle. It doesn’t happen every time I nurse, and sometimes I hardly notice it. Sometimes it happens when I’m not nursing, like when I get a random let down while doing the dishes. I’m doing my best to take care of myself, to keep sharing with my husband and my family, and to do more research on my own. I find I’m better when I distract myself or do things to keep my baseline dopamine levels higher, such as when I exercise and take my vitamins. But I will likely deal with this as long as I’m nursing. This experience has been a wonderful reminder for me that while motherhood is a joy and a privilege, it can also be a challenge. And most importantly, that it is a task that was never meant to be undertaken alone. So whether you deal with D-MER, postpartum depression, milk supply or nursing issues, exhaustion, a strong willed child, too much to do and too little time, or you simply feel overwhelmed by the task of raising a human being, you are not alone. Never be ashamed to reach out, engage in your community, and ask for help. We’re all in this together.

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