Little did I know...

...that my extended breastfeeding may have significantly helped my son and his lung growth.

As many of you know, my son Par was diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia at 21 weeks gestation. Our start was rough--and our road to breastfeeding was L O N G--but all worth it, of course! Because of Par's CDH his lungs and heart were smushed by his stomach, spleen, kidneys, bowels throughout his life in the womb and not able to grow properly--thus, when he was born he was unable to breathe on his own--just one little lung and one little lung bud.
After his repair surgery to put it all back and a month on the ventilator--his little lungs began to expand and grow. After 3 more months on oxygen he was finally able to breathe without any help.
During all of this--in an effort to give him the best food possible and because I wanted to experience at least some normal part of motherhood (Par is my 1st baby)--I was VERY determined to breastfeed him. It was not without challenges--every bit of encouragement went a long way--and the information I am about to share may have made it even easier to persevere.
In a recent article--found here-- the doctor claims that the act of suckling itself improves lung development if breastfeed for 4 months or longer (not just breastmilk, but actually breastfeeding). It is a very interesting article and I am even more excited to see how little Par's lungs look at our appointment in February--and I can't wait to share this info with Dr. Kays.
To see the fruits of my labor...go here!

Not Me! Monday

Not me...no...I did not put Par to bed about 4 times this week in his clothes because he fell asleep...and when he woke up, I did not change his diaper quickly and nurse him back to sleep--again without changing him into pajamas...no...that would be cruel...(ironically, he has been the most well rested child these past four days!)
I did not cram animal crackers into my child's mouth a multitude of times during this Christmas season just to avoid him crying in public (doctor, church, grocery)--and they of course were fresh crackers--not stray ones in the bottom of my purse or hanging out in a cup holder in my car...that would be just gross.

What have you NOT done lately!
Check out mckmama--she's a riot!

Happy 2009!

I'm sure many of you think I have abandoned my blog because I have quit bf my baby...
Well...we are still going strong--14 mos old now, 8 teeth, 3 meals a day, snacks, whole milk in a cup and he still bf quite a bit.
BF a 14 mos old is new territory--he is starting to talk and he is very demanding--so putting him off for a few minutes (like to go to the bathroom or get some water) can cause an absolute meltdown on his end--he wants the mommy milk--AND HE WANTS IT NOW! We've had just a few issues outside our home--one in the grocery store where decided to expose me over and over again while grunting and screaming--classic mom moment. Although I call it Mommy Milk on the blog--we actually call it "mama milk"--I thought that was such a good thing to call it--and I thought Par (or any baby really) would be able to easily pick it up since "Mama" was one of Par's first words...and how hard can "milk" be to say? Well...my plan did not work...Par calls it "Me Me"--which isn't so bad...pardon me for being crass...but I have heard children ask for the "titty"---oh...it makes me cringe even writing it--to be honest...I don't even know if I spelled it correctly...anyway..."Me Me" is fine I guess...
So family has asked repeatedly--"When is he going to stop BF?"
and now I find myself apologetically telling people he is still bf--I am so weak!!!!
I should be ashamed of myself!!!!
So here it is...he still is BF--and he will BF until he is ready to quit...that might be next week or next year...
My only issue...I would love to have another baby--but I still haven't returned to normalhood...and it is because of BF...what gives me peace is knowing that I am doing exactly what God wants me to be doing right now. I pray I can continue to have peace about waiting.
I'll try to update more often...keep BFing!!!!!!!