Pumping as a Nursing Mom
I've learned that in motherhood so many people have different opinions, but it's important to just find what works best for you and your baby. Before having our son, I heard varying opinions and viewpoints about breastfeeding and pumping. It was honestly a little overwhelming!

I didn’t know where I’d land when my little munchkin actually arrived Earth side, but I was open to doing whatever was best for him and I. Once he was born, I ended up pumping slightly because he wasn't eating as much as my breasts were producing. This is totally normal at first because your milk can come in hot and heavy before it regulates to your baby! I needed to pump to release some of the milk to avoid pain or mastitis.

The #1 thing I was told to regulate your production was to get baby to breast as much as possible and allow him to eat when he wants. Babies have such a tiny belly when they are first born and so they typically eat quite often. Once he and I regulated, I produced just the right amount for him and it has worked well for us since!

I like to pump once or twice a week after the morning feeding to have some “extra milk” on hand to freeze and store. I wanted to make sure I had some incase I need to be away from him for any reason; aka if Tim and I should decide to leave the munchkin with one of our parents' to go out to dinner, to actually have a date night.

I wanted to share with you one pump that has been really helpful! I'll never forget the night where I woke up in a lot of pain and this little guy just didn't want to eat (and he wasn't actually hungry). I ordered this pump in order to save some of the milk for a later date or even sell/donate!

I’d love to hear your breastfeeding experience! Did you choose to pump? What was most helpful for you?

If you're currently a breastfeeding mom, grab my FREE guide here packed with tips and resources to help you along your journey!

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Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

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