The #1 Thing I Wish I Had Known About Breastfeeding

Before I had Little Girl, I fully intended to breastfeed her until she was at least one. So I read all the books I could find on breastfeeding, took a class at the hospital, and bought all the supplies. Everywhere I went to it was drilled into me that "breast was best" - and I took it to heart.

But, in all my preparations, there was one thing that no one bothered to mention. The most important thing I needed to hear - no one said. Oh how I wish I knew then what I know now -- it's OKAY if you don't breastfeed.

If someone, anyone - the doctor, the nurse, some baby expert - had told me that up front, I would have saved myself a month of agony and beating myself up for being an awful mother. But, instead, for the first five to six weeks of Little Girl's life, I spent hours trying to nurse a baby that wasn't getting any milk, crying because I was sure I was a selfish, horrible mother, and falling into depression under the weight of unmet, unrealistic expectations. It wasn't for lack of trying, let me make that clear, but my body, due to several conditions I have, just couldn't produce any milk, even with help of drugs. But I didn't know that then.

In the end, I decided that Little Girl would be better off having a sane, rested mother and drinking formula then me killing myself to nurse her. (And, yes, it was actually harming me because I ended up back in the ER with an infection because I completely wore my body out.) It wasn't until after that - after me coming to peace with myself and my decision - when I learned that my body really couldn't produce.

I wanted to say all this, not to dissuade anyone from breastfeeding. Truth be told, I still wish I had been able to. But, I at least wanted to put it out there, into the great expanse of space and information, that there is nothing wrong with NOT breastfeeding. Do not make the decision of how you're going to nourish your baby based on what others think or out of fear! Little Girl is healthy, went through the whole winter without getting sick, has minimal allergies, is growing like a weed, and is incredibly clever - all things, I was told, could only happen if you breastfed.

So, if there's one piece of advice your going to follow, make it this one - do what's best for your baby and you!

A Great Looking PreK Program for Just $10

I discovered Confessions of a Homeschooler a few weeks ago and am so excited about this resource! In particular, Erica's preschool program grabbed my attention. Obviously, I haven't used it yet (Little Girl is only seven and a half months old), but I will definitely be purchasing the download for just $10 in a few years.

Each week is based on a letter of the alphabet, and the list of activities range from Bible verses to memorize and books to read to craft projects and math activities. From her description, it sounds like all you have to do is print the materials off, laminate pieces if you want to, and gather up any additional supplies. How easy is that! You don't even have to make out lesson plans - they come with it too.

Even if you don't plan on homeschooling, this would be a great program to do with your three- or four-year-old. Just imagine how much 30 minutes a day would do toward preparing them for kindergarten. Plus, I think it just sounds fun and would give you some great quality time with your little one.

If anyone tries this program, please let me know what you think!

5 Secrets I'm Willing to Admit

What better way to break in this new blog and win over readers than revealing five secrets about myself I should be ashamed of. Fingers crossed that some other busy moms can relate and contain their judgement.

1. My daughter doesn't get a bath every night.

I like to think of this as me being "green" and saving the earth one less bath at a time. And, how dirty can a 7-month-old get?

2. I haven't cleaned my bathroom in over three weeks.

Before you grimace, I think I'm getting close to my husband being fed up and cleaning it himself! Now who's the clever one?!

3. I've decided that restaurant tables are fine for a teething baby to chew on.

Call me lazy, but I got tired of trying to stop her. But, don't worry, I do sanitize them before I let Little Girl start chewing.

4. I'm scared of cleaning my oven, and haven't done it in two years.

After all, it could turn on while I was scrubbing it - cleaning fumes and 350 degree heat aren't a good combination. Plus, the crumbs in the bottom are the only proof I have that I once baked.

5. Sometimes I wish my baby wasn't so smart.

Not that I want her to be dumb, but smart babies take way more energy than I thought. By 8:30 in the morning I'm already running out of things to occupy her. 

I think I feel better now that my secrets are out in the open...I think. 

Surely you have your own secrets too!