One Year Postpartum

My body has now had over a year to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. I would say that it's in a much better place, but some things will just never be the same.

Mentally, I still experience some postpartum OCD, but it's much less. I get anxiety and stress like most new parents. I haven't cried much this year and sometimes I wish I had cried more, to just let everything out. I have had a tendency to let things build up and I have to remind myself that it's not healthy. So every once in a while I have a good old breakdown and open the flood gates...

Emotionally, I love being a mom. More than I imagined. Having Keira in my life is just amazing. Watching her learn and grow and change is like seeing a miracle first hand. My capacity to love has grown and she's made me more compassionate and forgiving just because I want the world to be a better place for her to live in. I like holding her close to me and still love walking with her in the carrier...

Mother's Room

We recently made some improvements to the Mother's Room in my office. It could be bigger and better but this tiny little space is all we have to work with for now.

Here's a little peek...

My "One Year" Post to my BF Support Group

Here was my "one year" post to my Breastfeeding Support Group, and the group leader, Susan. They have been SUCH a big part of our success. I highly recommend joining a local group!

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Dear Susan and Fellow Mamas, 
I truly know how quickly time can pass now that I have a baby.

Breastfeeding - One Year and Beyond

We are still breastfeeding and plan to keep it up for another year. Why not?

It keeps baby happy, it's free and I always have breastmilk with me!

I know a lot of people start to introduce cowmilk at 12 months, but I didn't feel comfortable with that, and this article just reassured my decision-

http://breastfeedingarts.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/whats-the-deal-with-cow-milk-at-12-mos-anyway/

I will keep pumping at work twice a day and on my days off Keira will keep nursing on demand (typically 6-8 times a day).

How could I say no to this sweaty little girl, she looks so peaceful...

Are there benefits of breastfeeding beyond 12 months?

All the health benefits of breastfeeding continue after baby's first birthday, including offering fabulous nutritional content and improved resistance to infections. Children who are still breastfeeding and attend daycare are known to have fewer and less severe infections than non-breastfeeding kids, meaning mama has to take fewer days off work.

Some parents worry that extending breastfeeding could hamper baby's independence, but breastfed toddlers prove the opposite. Children who wean on their own time often seem to gain confidence by taking this step themselves. (And children who are weaned before they’re developmentally ready can sometimes become extra-clingy.)

Breastfeeding can also be a sort of secret weapon for the mom of a toddler; nothing soothes a sick, scared, hurt, or upset child (or their mom) better than nursing. Plus, mom and baby get to continue to enjoy the intimacy of their breastfeeding relationship. As Dr. Jack Newman says in his article, Breastfeeding a Toddler -- Why on Earth?, "Breastfeeding is a life-affirming act of love."

In our culture breastfeeding moms of toddlers sometimes catch some flack, but these policy statements from major health organizations affirm that there are, indeed, benefits to breastfeeding for the long haul:

The World Health Organization says:

"Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to six months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond."

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:

"Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child....Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother....There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychological or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer." (AAP 2005)

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians:

"Breastfeeding beyond the first year offers considerable benefits to both mother and child and should continue as long as mutually desired….If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned." (AAFP 2001)

(From: http://m.thebump.com/new-mom-new-dad/breastfeeding/qa/benefits-of-breastfeeding-beyond-one-year.aspx?MsdVisit=1)

Mid Day Baby Fix

After 7 hours away from Keira I start to miss her really badly. This doesn't mesh well with an 8 hour work day and trying to work out afterwards. So I tried getting a mid day baby fix this- it was great! I stop by after her lunch and just get and give some cuddles and nurse her. She cried for a minute when I left but then her teachers distract her immediately.

Those baby snuggles got me through the rest of the day, and a short workout. Gotta get my baby snuggles!!