Breastfeeding

If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle.
-- Vincent van Gogh

Dylan is 8 months old now and I have been exclusively breastfeeding him and let me tell you it is the most rewarding experience for a mother. The eye contact and bonding time you share solely with your little one is describable and I can not compare it to anything else! Not only is it beneficial for your baby, its also good for you! I gained a little over 45lbs while pregnant. I lost all the pregnancy weight and plus a couple pounds extra from breastfeeding.

I highly recommend breastfeeding your newborns. I'm not trying to sound judgmental but I kind of think those who don't are selfish. YES-I know it can be inconvenient at times especially when the baby is young and needs constant feedings but it's the best gift you can give to your child. YES-I know due to complications with labor and birth it can be difficult the hang of it breastfeeding with latching and positions and so forth but I had a c-section and was still able to manage just fine. The people that claim "their milk isn't coming in quick enough" its medically proven that milk comes in naturally and automatically as soon as your body recognizes that you gave birth to your baby. WE are designed to breastfeed that's why breasts are there. YES- I know some people have to go back to work after 3 months or so maternity leave but that's why pumps were invented.

Benefits for Baby

• Breast milk is custom made, the perfect nutrition, and therefore the best food for your baby. Because of its chemical makeup, your baby can easily digest and absorb the nutrients.
• The antibodies found in breast milk help to fight many infections, including: respiratory, urinary tract, ear, and blood infections. It also improves your child's immune system.
• Breast milk helps to prevent food allergies and sensitivities.
• Breastfed babies are almost never constipated. They rarely have diarrhea or gas.
• Because nursing requires more effort than sucking on a bottle, breastfeeding encourages better, jaw, tooth and palate development. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to get cavities later in childhood.
• Breast milk helps to prevent jaundice.
• There is a decreased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), meningitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, leukemia, lymphoma, obesity, and juvenile diabetes in breastfed babies.
• Breastfeeding appears to increase a child's IQ.

Benefits for Mom

• Breastfeeding helps to return your uterus to its normal size and it uses up fat stores.
• Breastfeeding burns calories and helps mom to lose weight and get back into shape.
• Breastfeeding is convenient. There is no mixing, measuring, and cleaning. There is no advanced planning or packing.
• Breastfeeding is economical since there are no bottles, nipples, or formula to buy. And half-emptied bottles or opened cans of formula are never wasted.
• There is less odor in baby's spit up and bowel movements.
• When mom breastfeeds, she experiences a decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis.
• Breastfeeding protects iron stores because it suppresses ovulation and menstruation.
  

Enough said.

Conception and Pregnancy

Having a child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit.
-- Bill Cosby

There is no doubt in our minds that our beautiful son was conceived out of pure love and happiness. . .

I didn't realize that I was pregnant for nearly a month because I was under so much pressure with work at the time that I just assumed my period was late due to lack of sleep and stress. . . I confided in D and my BFF my suspicions and low and behold after 3 pregnancy tests* later. . . *for future reference always get the one that clearly indicates "YES" or "NO" instead of those faint line tests the digital pregnancy test clearly revealed a STRONG and BOLD "YES" and thus my pregnancy journey began hand in hand with D.

In the beginning, I have to admit my immature narcissistic side of myself kept thinking "Oh my gawd- how fat am I gonna get? Am I gonna get stretch marks?" These thoughts always remained throughout my pregnancy but it certainly didn't prevent me from indulging in my cravings.

pregnancy converted me to a foodie

The main thing I craved in the very beginning was BEEF- steak, kalbi, bulogi, etc. I never ate sooooo much red meat in my life. A couple months later I was in this phase of salads galore. I craved vegetables all the time. The answer to my cravings during this time was *drumroll* Sweet Tomatoes- I always got a huge plate of the Asian Chicken Salad with a side of corn and peas with a glass of strawberry lemonade.

5 mths pregnant and grubbing it @ Sweet Tomatoes with my BFF

Foods that made me nauseous were:
Fish
Any Pork Product- ham, bacon, sausage

Foods that tasted fantastic during pregnancy:
Desserts
Ice Cream
Frozen Yogurt
Blueberry Green Tea
Milkshakes
Chikfila lemonade
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

After my salad phase, I had a bad case of morning sickness and heartburn. I would throw up in the middle of the afternoon and night. This was an awful phase because I would lose my appetite after I threw up. I would just lay in bed feeling awful watching Korean dramas while D tried to get me to eat. I was so happy when this passed. . .but as months passed on I felt Dylan growing inside me as my belly became rounder and harder. . .both frightening and amazing.


Adjustments had to be made. . .balancing yourself with a huge belly is quite a task and saying goodbye to my favorite heels was not easy. I always had to accommodate my pregnant belly in all things- shower, driving, sleeping etc. My pregnancy was not an easy pregnancy- but it was a very healthy pregnancy. Some of my friends asked me to take belly pics and I retorted why would I want to document fatness but I am glad that I have some pics being pregnant thanks to my friends.

4 mths pregnant

I want to emphasize that having the love and support of your loved ones is sooo important during pregnancy. . .I honestly believe Dylan felt that inside of me and as a result is such a happy baby. He was surrounded by love from conception on and we are truly blessed to have him forever a part of our lives.