Mel and the New Normal

Not sure if it was memory gap, but I don't remember breastfeeding being so hard! I only breastfed (mixed with formula) on my 1st pregnancy. With my 2nd, only for a week or so, because I couldn't take the pain of both the ceasarian delivery with the pain of breastfeeding (oh, you weakling!) With my 3rd pregnancy, because Kat passed away, I pumped every 3 hours. But breastfeeding with Elena? Oh, that takes the cake. I think I can say it now, with utmost honesty, as Elena is already 3 months old - that 1st month was incredibly grueling. Physically, it was so painful! I'm glad I put lanolin on my nipples for a month before delivery - otherwise, it might have been much much worse! I felt like my nipples were on fire! I didn't expect it to feel that way, I only expected the pain of engorgement, which I experienced anyways already. However direct feeding without any bottle to save me was harder than I thought! You know how they say that baby feeds every 3 hours? And some s...

Often times breastfeeding moms forget to take the necessary vitamins since they're so tired or distracted.  However, taking of calcium is so so important. Your body depletes your calcium stores during pregnancy, and  some more during breastfeeding. I personally take Calcium Carbonate (Calci-Aid) by Bayer because I prefer gel capsules over tablets. The recommended dose is 1000mg, but if you're a young mom (14-18 years old) the recommended dose is 1,300 since you are also still building your bones. Calci-Aid is 500mg per capsule, so I take two a day. You can get calcium from a well-rounded diet, but I don't take chances since with out schedule, I don't get to monitor my vitamin intake. Since I don't drink cow's milk (since some of the babies I donate to are allergic to the protein of cow's milk), taking calcium supplements are important everyday. I've heard of some moms who suddenly feel weak, like their bones hurt, and their doctors tell them it's...