Cluster feeding is when your baby has a lot of feeds in a short amount of time. It can definitely feel taxing on your body and can cause you to feel a little overwhelmed.
I remember when my little guy had moments of eating non-stop for what felt like forever, of course it is not forever, but in the moment that’s how it felt. It’s normal to forget that cluster feeding is a thing (I know I did) and that in fact there isn’t anything wrong with him or me, it's just how babies do life!
So how can you make cluster feeding a little more manageable?
✨ keep water and snacks nearby
✨ have a station set up with things to entertain you (in reality this is multiple stations for me😜)
✨ change positions when you can (I like to alternate boobs, helps regulate flow plus keeps the boobs a bit more even 😆)
✨ plan ahead (go to the bathroom, make sure your water is filled)
✨ ASK FOR HELP
It’s so important to ask for help when your baby is cluster feeding because your focus is solely on feeding baby during this time. If you need someone to hold baby for a moment or two in-between feeds or someone to get you a snack or fill your water; that’s okay! You’re going to be so glad you asked for help.
I think of the most important things I've learned/been reminded of when it comes to caring for a baby is to just pay attention and think about what could be going on. This sweet little baby is so new and just getting used to life outside the womb! As new parents, we have a tendency to jump to the worst case scenario, when that isn't always the case. Definitely learning as we go!
Breastfeeding can be a little stressful at first, which is why I created a resource just for breastfeeding moms packed with tips and resources to support you along your journey! Grab it here!
The autoimmune mindset is something that can be complicated and depending how you look at it, can have certain effects on your overall health.
In fact for many people, when we believe our own body is attacking us we not only hinder our healing process, but often feel our body betrayed us and we become the scapegoat for this 'disease'.
So do we have a condition or not?
Let me ask you this…. does it really matter?
For me, it didn't. I realized that I definitely had something going on that needed healing. I needed to clean up my act and treat my body and mind with respect.
I wasn’t feeling well and knew that if I didn’t make a change and take care of myself that nothing was going to get better. Whether I wear that label of having an “autoimmune” or not, I want to prioritize and take care of myself.
The first few things I did were diet, movement and mindset related and to this day those are a daily focus in my day to day life (even as a mom!).
✨Wahls Protocol. This protocol has been life changing for thousands around the world in healing different autoimmune conditions.
✨ I make sure to get in movement, everyday. Even if it was a short walk, or a quick arms workout - it helped so much mentally and physically!
✨ The way we think about things really matters. It's not just, oh think positive and everything will be alright, but it's deeper than that. Truly deeply believing and knowing that your body can heal itself has been shown in many cases (think Joe Dispenza) to actually heal your body (I do believe along with food choices, toxin reduction, movement and more).
I’ve made many strides towards better health and changes in my life so that I’m able to feel good and at the end of the day, that’s what matters to me.
Exercise has also been a passion of mine and something I have truly enjoyed. I have loved exercise since I was 16 years old when I realized it could help me feel better and bonus for looking better too.
Getting pregnant didn’t stop me one bit. I exercised all throughout my pregnancy, right up until a few days before birth; it helped me mentally and physically, not only prepare for birth but prepare for that 4th trimester.
As you're getting used to your body again (after holding a beautiful baby for quite some time) you may want to get back to movement, whether that's a mental or physical reason, it can still show up pretty heavily.
I wanted to get moving after the first month or so, but knew I needed to take my time or I could risk overdoing it, which I did not want to do as that can cause permanent issues (especially for that pelvic floor).
I have been doing some pelvic floor exercises (sent to me from my pelvic floor therapist), some arm workouts and walking, but now I wanted to up my game.
This last week I started running again for the first time in over a year. I LOVED it! I had missed it so much and it's something my little guy and I can do together! I have started very slow (again didn't want to overdo it) with the couch to 10k app which keeps me in check.
Here are a few tips as you transition to working out postpartum!
- Start gradually; it’s important not to push yourself and put undue stress on your body.
- Focus on core and pelvic floor exercises; a pelvic floor specialist can be a great resource
- Stay hydrated; so important, especially if you are breastfeeding
- Listen to your body; if something doesn’t feel right, take a step back or adjust the workout.
- Be patient; your body is completely different now, give yourself a little grace.
I'd love to hear your experience with working out after having a baby!
Sometimes overnight oats are great to have for breakfast (everyone has a different body that can handle different foods in the morning!) So this is something I would personally do for an afternoon snack!
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup organic sprouted rolled oats
- ½ cup plant milk (I use gum free coconut milk)
- ¼ cup Organic unsweetened coconut yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon organic maple syrup
- 1-2 drops Cardamom Vitality
Directions:
- Add all the ingredients into a jar and stir together until combined.
- Seal jar and place in fridge, letting it soak overnight for a creamy consistency.
- In the morning, top your overnight oats with your favorite toppings (we recommend nut butters, fresh fruit or nuts and seeds) and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Why not sprinkle some NingXia Dried Wolfberries on top, packed with fiber and flavor!
Nursing in public can sometimes feel a little overwhelming and stressful, but is a a natural and important part of caring for infants. Unfortunately, there are a lot of different thoughts and feelings around breastfeeding in public. I've always been the, 'every woman should do what she wants and feels good doing' type of person with this, as it truly is the mother's decision.
The goal is for you to feel comfortable and empowered to breastfeed your baby whenever and wherever you need to. If you feel comfortable doing so in public, great! But if you are someone who doesn’t feel comfortable nursing in public, that’s okay too! My stance is that baby’s got to eat regardless of where we are.
If you're not exactly one of those types or aren't sure yet what type of nursing mom you might be, here are some tips that can be helpful!
✨ My first tip is to dress comfortably and in a way that allows you to easily nurse. There are great clothing options you can grab to dress for success!
Nursing tops or tops that make it easy to nurse are helpful.
✨ If you prefer to use a cover, make sure to use one that is loose and well ventilated. It can quickly become a hot and sweaty situation for mom and
baby!
✨ Wearing baby in a sling or wrap to nurse is a great option too and is comfortable for both of you.
✨ Depending where you are, you can ask for special accommodations; many places have nursing stations!
In summary, it's important to do what is most comfortable for YOU. Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural part of caring for your child.
Currently a breastfeeding mom and looking for a little support?
Grab my breastfeeding freebie here packed with tips and resources for breastfeeding moms!
