You know those days where by the end of it you are completely and utterly exhausted? Those days you can barely holding it together? Well this was me yesterday.

I am usually a very laid back person, it takes a lot to break me. But I can say with all honesty that I have never in my 9 years of being a parent ever had a day that shit! I was woken by fighting kids, breakfast everywhere, my kitchen resembled a holding cell for untamed animals.

I thought once I dropped the boys at school surely my day would improve. I was wrong. So unbelievably wrong! My 2 year old daughter seems to have embraced the terrible two’s with open arms. There was just no letting up. She is a very strong willed child which I’m hoping will be a benefit in her older years but for now, she is driving me to breaking point. I ask her to do something. No. Please do it. No.

I am not typically a parent who resorts to bribing my children to do things (toilet training excluded, they can have whatever they frigging want if it means they will crap in the toilet!) however yesterday I was at my wits end. I did not know what to do. I was stressed, time deprived with my husband and I cannot remember the last time I left the house to do something for myself or by myself.
I’m just tired of being tired.

As the afternoon went on it didn’t improve. Homework arguments, racing the clock for swimming lessons because their class times had changed. Rushing out the door with an extremely overtired 2 year old, 3 month old baby and the boys, only to get there and be told they changed our lesson time to the next half an hour slot which meant I had to entertain the devil child, I mean toddler, for an hour instead of 30 minutes in what can only be described as a sauna. *It is a heated indoor pool in a shed that is ONLY for lessons.

By this point I was barely holding it together. I made dinner and was counting down the hours until my husband came home. He walked inside and asked me how my day was – I couldn’t contain it any longer – “It was fucked!”. There was no other way to explain it. The tears started flooding my face and as my husband comforted me, I fell into a messy sobbing heap. He asked me what had happened to make it such an awful day and as I told him, the crying got worse. But as I talked and cried, I began to feel lighter, less stressed, less irritated (possibly less irrational).

My husband being the wonderful man he is reminded me that everyone has bad days. It is ok to not be on top of everything every single day. Not to bottle it up until breaking point and that tomorrow will be better! And like always….. He was right.

Have you experienced days like this too? How do you prevent it from happening?

The post My Shit Day As a Mum – We All Have Them Right? appeared first on All Mum Said.

How to prepare for baby when you don’t know the gender

So you’ve decided you’re going to wait until bubs arrives so you can have that traditional ‘It’s a [insert gender here]!’ moment. Maybe you’re happy about it or maybe you just lost the argument with your partner over the issue. Either way, you have yourself a dilemma – how on earth do you prepare for a baby when you don’t know the gender?

A quick scan of any of baby stores awash with pink and blue will tell you that manufacturers are assuming you asked that all-important question at your 20-week ultrasound!
Don’t panic, you can still make sure you’re prepared without buying double of everything, just in case.

Choose a gender-neutral theme for the nursery

There are some really gorgeous gender-neutral prints out there – jungle scenes with impossibly sweet giraffes and monkeys; circus clowns with brightly-coloured beach balls balancing on the nose of happy seals.
The beauty of this approach is you’ll be able to use the same sheets and sleeping bags for any future little brothers or sisters!

Leave space for pink and blue

It can be as simple as a delaying the purchase of a throw rug to draper over the chair and keep you warm during the midnight feeds; or leaving a space on the wall for a beautiful pink butterfly picture or a montage of dump trucks.
These final touches can easily be added in the days or weeks following the birth of your precious bundle.

Buy gender-neutral coloured baby clothes

Let’s face it, nobody likes lemon. It makes babies look jaundiced even if they’re not. Unless you’ve found a lovely pattern which combines lemon with other colours (crimson or navy make great contrasts), steer clear of pale yellow onesies!
White, green and red are great options, and good for staples like onesies and singlets, but they’re not particularly exciting on their own.
If you’re really looking for something that will really brighten up your baby preparations, consider opting for patterned clothing. The availability of gender-neutral patterned clothing is limited, but you’re certain to find a few lovely items that you can feel proud to bring baby home in.

Delay buying clothes and bedding

Obviously you need to make sure you’ve got something to pop bubs in when he or she is first born, and the last thing you want to be doing is hitting the shops when you get home from hospital!
However, there’s nothing wrong with waiting a little while to buy some really pretty pink or handsome blue outfits. What you may not realise is those first few weeks are often such a blur of highs and lows you probably won’t much care what baby is wearing – as long as they don’t cover them in poo and let you get some sleep!
And remember – there’s always online shopping, which you can do from home… on your phone… during the 3am feed if you like!

Gift-free baby shower

Baby showers are great fun, but if your friends and family don’t know the gender of the baby, you may end up with piles and piles of grey and white clothing and wraps that they didn’t really want to buy. You’ll be miserable and so will they.
Consider gently suggesting to your guests that they spend the baby shower having fun with you and celebrating your pregnancy. Point out to them how much more fun they’ll have shopping for your baby when he or she is born – they’ll be able to happily fling their way through racks of frilly pink dresses or robot-encrusted rompers!

Rebecca Bowyer is a Melbourne mum of two preschool boys. You can find her writing about all things parenting at Seeing the Lighter Side.

The post How To Prepare For Baby When You Don’t Know The Gender appeared first on All Mum Said.

5 Gift Ideas For Newborns

Welcoming a new person into the world is always exciting, but you know that their parents will be absolutely exhausted for a while to come. Even if they have tried to prepare for their new arrival as best as they can, there are some things they may have forgotten or run out of time to buy. And then there are items that just don’t fit in the budget. If you are in the market for a gift for a friend’s new baby, here are some ideas you might want to consider.

1. Personalised Items

Personalising a gift will make it all the more special, both for the parents and the newborn. You want an item that will be practical and memorable yet will also last a long time. It may even be worth trying to make something with your own two hands. But if you aren’t that handy or crafty, you might prefer to take advantage of specialists in personalising gifts such as Personalised Favours.

2. Blankets

A newborn can never have enough blankets, especially if they are born during the colder winter months. There are so many different types of blankets, made from a variety of materials, so there are endless possibilities for gifts. You might want to also consider personalising such a purchase (with the child’s name or initials, for example) just to add that extra bit of flair.

3. Clothes

Clothes are always a great gift, and you will always have fun shopping around for them. The number of outfits available for children is enormous, so make sure you look for clothes that have been constructed and sewn well and are also easy to wash.

4. Books

Even though they may not be able to read yet, every child needs their own library of books. This is often an overlooked gift, thanks to the advent of technology and eBooks and the like, but the tactile sensation of holding and reading a book is something that cannot ever be replicated.

5. Toys

Every child loves toys, and almost everyone will have fond memories of a cuddly toy that stayed with them through their childhood. You can also buy a variety of educational toys for newborns, and these can range from simple puzzles to the ever-popular set of alphabet blocks. If you want to buy something special, you may want to consider visiting a workshop where you can construct your own toy for your lucky recipient.

These are just five types of gifts you might want to consider getting for a newborn. This is not a prescriptive list, and there are plenty of other fantastic presents out there for you to purchase. If you are still really stuck, consider asking some of your friends who have children for their ideas and thoughts on different types of presents; they should be able to point you in the right direction.

What types of gifts would you like or would you have wanted? What is the best gift you’ve received for your baby?

Leave your thoughts and experiences of gift ideas for newborns in the comments.

This is an S2 POST.

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How To Reduce Headache In Children

Don’t freak out at the first sign of a headache in children, read this, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce their pain.

No parent wants to see their infant or child suffering from headaches and sometimes they need more than a cuddle to make it better. Consider the following to help ease their discomfort.

Remedies to reduce headaches

While you want to do everything you can to make your child’s aches go away instantly, sometimes you have to wait just for medicines and methods to take effect.

• Reduce sugar intake – we have all heard the stories about how addictive sugar is, well unfortunately it is true. Too much or too little amount of sugar, especially if your child is regularly eating/drinking it, can cause severe headaches. Slowly reduce the amount to a healthy level to avoid future withdrawals and overindulges.

• Rest – Lack of sleep is a common cause for headaches. Your child should be regularly getting sufficient rest to minimise this tiredness. A damp washer or towel placed over their forehead will also help to relieve their pain.

• Drink water – Dehydration, no matter how mild will cause headaches. Not just in children but adults as well. Ensure your child is drinking sufficient water throughout the day, particularly in the warmer months!

• Exercise – Regular exercise does amazing things for the body by reducing stress, improving moods and helping to maintain a healthy weight. All of these factors contribute to headaches.

• Tech free time – Get your children away from the screens, Tv’s, iPads, etc. When they are staring at these devices for long periods of time their brains become overstimulated and result in headaches. Monitor and reduce the time with technology.

• Medicine – Whether you opt for a natural supplement or Nurofen to help ease headache in children, they will generally begin to improve within 15 minutes. If their pain persists, please seek the advice of your doctor.

Unfortunately not all headaches can be relieved easily; this is when there is probably another underlying cause. Your medical professional will be able to advise if your child has an ear infection, viral infection or another cause entirely. For more information on headaches in infants, children and teenagers click the link.

Parents want to relieve a headache in children as efficiently as possible which is why you should bookmark this page for future reference!

How do you reduce headache in children? Tell me below!

This is an S1 POST.

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To Swaddle Or Not To Swaddle

Every baby is different. Some love to be swaddled whilst others prefer to be able to move freely. I have experienced both of these from my children when they were born.

My eldest preferred to be wrapped nice and snug, my second liked to be loosely wrapped and my daughter despised having anything around her from birth. I wonder what baby number four will be like. As I said, each baby is different!

It is common knowledge that most babies feel secure when they are swaddled as it is a familiar feeling for them, having grown in such a tight space for 9 months. Unfortunately for parents who are already trying to figure out the whole parenting thing, some infants find comfort in being swaddled however prefer their hands to be able to move about. Just in case you weren’t struggling enough already!

For more information about swaddling babies with a blanket, see how to swaddle a baby correctly.

Love To Dream Swaddle UP Reviews – Denim Stripe

Thankfully Love To Dream^TM are changing parents lives by allowing them to rest easily knowing their child is sleeping safely without being derived the use of their hands. The Swaddle UP^TM allows newborns and infants to sleep in their natural position with their arms up but still having some control to calm their startle reflex. Research has shown that babies swaddled this way settle faster and sleep for longer as they are getting a better rest.

Swaddle UP features

I love that Love To Dream^TM create practical and comfortable sleepwear for babies, but their skills don’t end there. They now embrace current trends so your little one can be a stylista and on trend instead of sticking with a simple pink, blue or white swaddle blanket. The new limited edition Swaddle UP Denim Stripe is a classic denim design. The arrangement is fun and features a mint green stripe making it an ideal unisex pattern.

This gorgeous swaddle is made from soft fabric and features no seams inside for maximum comfort. The twin zipper makes it easy for nappy changes without having to completely take it off and disturb your baby. Travelling with little ones can be tricky when they enjoy being swaddled however the travel slot on the back allows for peace of mind and comfort.

Available in two sizes, the Love To Dream Swaddle UP comes in small (3-6kg) and medium (6-8.5kg) for $41.95. You can purchase this adorable and practical swaddle from Love To Dream Australia. 

3x WINNERS!

Each prize includes: 1x Love To Dream Swaddle UP Denim Stripe (Winners choice of size: S or M). RRP $41.95ea. (Total Prize Pool: $125.85)

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I received the above product for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

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Before you start your baby on formula, read this, breastfeeding benefits both you and your baby.

You are finally holding your precious little baby in your arms after a long 40 weeks of pregnancy. You just want to admire their precious little features but they are hungry. Often mothers have to overcome struggles; maybe you think you aren’t producing enough milk or perhaps your baby won’t attach to your breast properly. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to end there and here is why.

How Breastfeeding Benefits You And Your Baby

Breastfeeding benefits for mum

The benefits of breastfeeding extend further than just ‘breast is best’. Yes it is amazing for your baby but it is also beneficial for you, the mother. These benefits include:

• Weight loss – Producing milk for breastfeeding burns extra calories which result in pregnancy weight being lost faster. Like that isn’t reason enough!
• Emotional health – Breastfeeding encourages bonding and a stronger sense of connection between mother and baby. This results in reducing stress levels and the risk of postpartum depression.
• Lowers risk of cancers – Breastfeeding has shown to lower the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.
• Delayed menstruation – Women who breastfeed will find that as a result of feeding, their periods will be delayed. This is because the production of oestrogen and progesterone hormones are lessened by prolactin. As a result of the low level of fertility hormones breastfeeding mothers produce, it prevents ovulation and menstruation while breastfeeding.
• Feeling empowered – Having the knowledge and being able to watch you baby thrive and grow on breastmilk alone, will leave you feeling empowered. This is a wonderful way for a new mother to feel!

Breastfeeding benefits for baby

We know it is best for babies to have breast milk over formula but often we don’t know exactly why. The benefits of breastfeeding your baby is a list that goes on forever but the main ones you can identify with include:

• Breastmilk is sterile – This means there is nothing to clean, sanitise or be concerned about when feeding your baby. It is pure, sterile and perfect for your baby exactly how it is.
• More resistant to disease and infections – Antibodies are passed from the mother through breastfeeding to the baby, which strengthens their immune system.
• Formulated to suit your baby – Breastmilk has all the nutrients required in perfect dosages to suit your baby and their needs. With thousands of different ingredients, such as proteins, fats, lactose, vitamins, iron, minerals, enzymes, probiotics and stem cells. Breast milk is completely unique.
• First immunisation –Many of the proteins in breast milk are designed to kill bacteria and pathogens, while others act as immune barriers. Breast milk is technically your baby’s first immunisation.
• Gentle on tummies – As a result of it being tailored to perfectly meet the needs of your growing child. It is gentle on tummies and easy to digest thanks to the enzymes already packaged within it.
• Bonding and closeness – While this also benefits the mother, it has beneficial physical effects the baby. It calms the heart rate, increases oxygen levels and regulates breathing in addition to reducing crying.

Other breastfeeding benefits

It is great that breastfeeding benefits both mum and baby but the positive results don’t end there.

• Good for environment – There is no need to recycle tins, clean bottles, sterilise teats, etc.
• It is 100% natural.
• Convenient – You don’t need to prepare bottles prior to leaving the house in case your baby gets hungry. You have the convenience of it being ‘on tap’.
• Eases finances – It is FREE! Because it costs nothing, it eases the financial burden of purchasing formula.

Breastfeeding benefits come in many different forms but just because it is natural, does not mean it is always easy. If you are struggling and want to breastfeed, ask for help or visit Australian Breastfeeding Association online for more information. While breastfeeding is best for your baby, it is sometimes not what is best for the mother or family. This is perfectly OK as well; your baby is being fed, loved and looked after. Parents of formula fed babies should not feel inadequate or guilty by their decision.

Did you find breastfeeding easy and natural? Did you struggle? Was it simply not for you?

Share your tips below to help other mums on this journey?

The post How Breastfeeding Benefits You And Your Baby appeared first on All Mum Said.

Introducing Solid Foods to your Baby

What age should you start introducing solid foods to your baby? This is a very common question for new mothers. Obviously each child is different but on average it is when your baby is around 4 months to 6 months old. The questions then turn to what to feed them? What brands offer the most nutritional food for my baby? How much do they eat? As you answer one question, you will have another to back it up. This is normal and introducing solid foods to your baby is both scary and exciting.

How do you know when your baby is ready for solid foods? It is often by them exhibiting curiosity to what you are eating and opening their mouth when offered food. They should be able to control their head and neck along with being able to sit aided. My children often tried to grab food out of my hands to try, I took this as a sign they wanted more than just milk. They started solids around 4 months.

Babies initially won’t be interested in eating for long durations as they get full very quickly or get distracted. This is completely normal. Infants often start with 1-2 teaspoons and can be increased as their appetite does.

What brand is best? I have 3 children (with another on the way) and we tried so many brands of baby food. This was to be expected because you want the best for your child and parents will go to great lengths to ensure they are giving their baby not only the greatest quality available but also nutrition and flavour. As I said we tried lots of brands; Heinz, Rafferty’s Garden, Ella’s Kitchen, Bellamy’s, Only Organic and any other brand you will find on the supermarket shelf. While all these brands are good and offer great benefits; for one reason or another we always came back to Heinz.

I like the fact that even though Heinz is convenient for busy parents; the new recipes contain no preservatives, artificial colours or flavours which makes them delicious and nutritious meals for little tummies. They are more than just convenient,they consist of just the good stuff.  My kids always loved the Heinz recipes and I’m sure baby number 4 will be no exception, especially as Heinz continue to improve and keep relevant with modern requirements of both nutrition and families expectations. The new flavours and recipes are approved by nutritionists who are passionate about flavours and are mums themselves.So you can guarantee the consideration taken into the production process at every point in their country Victoria kitchen is fantastic. From the sourcing of quality ingredients, to how they are steamed cooked and taste tested to ensure quality and flavour.

Why do parents use pre-packaged baby foods? As a result of our busy lifestyles, work, children, etc. parents don’t always have time every single day to make a special batch of baby food. Well I don’t anyway. This is why I relied on the convenience of nutritional jar and pouch foods on many occasions. I didn’t feel guilty by not having prepared each of their meals from scratch as I was confident it was good for my infant and I had trust in the brand I was feeding to my children. Instead of feeling ‘mother’s guilt’, I got to enjoy and bond with my baby over the excitement of learning to eat different foods and textures.

Is home cooked or pre-packaged better? My children enjoyed both and all three of them are happy and healthy. They also have a relaxed mother who thanks to having the option of convenient pre-packaged trusted quality and nutritious meals, never felt overwhelmed by the pressure of having to ensure they had a perfect home cooked lunch/dinner every day. Of course when I had time I would cook in bulk and freeze baby food but variety is a must to keep little ones excited and interested. I found mashed potato, pumpkins and carrots were an easy option as each time it was served to the family the baby could enjoy it as well. There is no right or wrong answer for this one, it comes down to parents’ preference. Introducing solid foods to your baby can be daunting but it can also be the perfect time for some additional bonding.

What else should I know? While checking the latest recipes suitable for introducing solid foods to your baby, I discovered that on the Heinz for baby website they also have page dedicated to infant nutrition and health. It shares tips on nutrition, how to start feeding your baby solids, what foods to initially offer and much more. There is also a page of recipes that incorporate Heinz baby food but that also offer your child a whole new experience of flavours and textures for each specific age. This is not only a great tool for expanding their taste buds but it also encourages them to try new foods from a young age. As both my husband and I are chefs this is something we have always encouraged in our home. The Heinz for Baby Facebook page also regularly shares tips to help make this transition a smooth one for both you and your infant.

Your child will not like everything they try but if they don’t try or aren’t given the opportunity to trial new flavours they could become a very fussy eater. Keep in mind that if your baby doesn’t like something at first don’t push it, just try again at a later date.

The joy on their very messy little faces is one that I will treasure forever.

What do you food do you feed your baby? Home cooked, pre-packaged or a mix of both?

 This post is sponsored by Heinz.

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Anyone with little kids whether they are a baby, toddler or child will know that when they get sick and their nose is blocked it can be a nightmare to help them breathe easily. The blocked nose not only causes pain and irritation for the child but it ultimately affects the parents as well; often resulting in lack of sleep, the sense of helplessness and often frustration at not being able to help.

There are many different ways you can relieve a child’s blocked nose. Steam from shower, if they are old enough to blow it out or a nasal aspirator. With so many nasal aspirators on the market now it is hard to know which one worth buying. I’ll be honest, I saw the ones at my local baby shop that require the parent to physically suck on the end of a tube. I thought it was a joke! Needless to say I passed on that one. Many others you see require you to empty and clean the ‘snot catching’ part which potentially holds bacteria. So I passed on those as well. After searching and searching with no luck (I have been searching since B1 was born, he is now 8) technology has clearly advanced and Oricom have created the best hygienic electronic nasal aspirator available and have been generous enough to provide me one to review and another one to giveaway to one of All Mum Said fans.

Oricom CLEANOZ Nasal Aspirator

I love the Oricom CleanOz nasal aspirator (as much as one can love a gadget designed to suck out snot). There are so many things that make it great and stand out from others on the market. It is so unbelievably quick and easy to use! This is a must when you have sick little ones as their tolerance is often slim to none so the job needs to be done swiftly. The Oricom CleanOz nasal aspirator allows you to unblock stuffy noses in a matter of seconds by simply covering a small hole with your index finger and pressing the button with your thumb. You then release the hole. Your child now has a clean, unblocked nose.

The Oricom CleanOz is hygienic which is another must in my book. There is no transferring germs and trying to make sure you have killed them all before using it again. The tips are single use which means you use and throw away. Replace with a new tip for the next stuffy nose, these have been designed to be easily inserted and removed. The flexible silicone tips can be purchased in boxes of 10 from your local baby store or online at Oricom for $19.95.

Requiring only 3 AAA batteries it is cheap to run. It isn’t overly loud which means it won’t scare your little one and because it is so quick and easy to use, you have finished before they even know what you are doing. The RRP for the Oricom CleanOz nasal aspirator is $69.95 which may seem like a lot but when you can use it for years and relieve your little ones stuffy nose and restore peace to the home it is absolutely worth it! I just wish they had released them years ago because it would have saved me a lot sleepless nights.

Prize Includes: 1x Oricom CLEANOZ Nasal Aspirator (RRP $69.95) and 1x box of 10 Disposable Reservoir Nozzle Tips (RRP $19.95) Total Prize: $89.90.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I received the above product for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

The post Breathe with Ease this Winter + GIVEAWAY appeared first on All Mum Said.

Bringing a newborn baby home from the hospital can be a very daunting experience for parents, especially first time parents.  They have so many questions, many of which you won’t find the answers to in books. Parents learn and gain experience on the job and it makes it so much easier when there are trusted brands that provide products to help reassure us, like Safety 1st. Some questions often asked are ~ How hot should the bath water be and how much do I fill it? What is that crusty stuff on my babies head and how do I get it off safely? My baby has a blocked nose and is struggling to breathe, how can I unblock his nose without causing him harm? My baby feels warm but how do I know if she has a temperature? How can I trim bubs nails without hurting him, he keeps scratching his face? The questions don’t stop, not even as they get older which is why Safety 1st offers a wide range of products to help make daily life with children easier.

Safety 1st

Safety 1st assists parents in being organised, safe with medicine, taking temperatures and other health related concerns by providing products that eliminate the guess work. The Bath Pal Thermometer and Bath Toy bag ensure your baby has the perfect bath temperature and you can store toys away neatly. When your baby has a blocked nose the Nasal Aspirator is safe and easy to use in removing excess mucus. Getting an accurate temperature is often a struggle for parents as babies like to squirm and move which is why Safety 1st have a range of thermometer options to suit everyone and their specific needs; you’ll find Pacifier thermometers, flash fever 1 second ear thermometers, quick read ear thermometers and a basic digital thermometers. Another very important concern parents have is administering medication for their babies and how they will often struggle to take it; the medicine set and pacifier medicine dispenser will help you there.

You will also find wonderful items in the grooming range that allows you to safely trim babies nails, brush or comb their hair and if they have cradle cap Safety 1st has a Cradle Cap Care product available. I have only just recently discovered this and will be purchasing it as Poppet has had cradle cap from when she was a newborn and I’d love to get rid of it.

If you are a new (or new again) parent and want that extra bit of reassurance, check out the Safety 1st product range.

Disclosure: This post was written in collaboration with Safety 1st however all opinions are my own.

The post Safety 1st with a newborn appeared first on All Mum Said.

*This post is now a tad outdated as it sat in my drafts for months. I thought it had been published and no one cared for the post but it turns out I hadn’t hit publish! So here is the post about my journey breastfeeding my now 11 month old daughter*

Me and Poppet

I’m sure you all know that I have a 12 week old baby, if you don’t than you must be new around here so welcome. Anyway, what you may not know is that I am a breastfeeding mum. I am not anti-formula. I believe whatever you are comfortable doing as a mum is what is best for baby and that not everyone can breastfeed. I however can and do ~ proudly! I breastfed both my boys when they were babies however they were mix-fed from early on and shortly after were 100% formula. This was not entirely by choice but more that my supply couldn’t keep up with their very healthy appetite. B1 was approx. 8 weeks old and B2 was approx. 10 weeks old before they were no longer satisfied.

I was not discouraged when I couldn’t continue to breastfeed them, it was just not meant to be. They were being fed formula and their appetites were being fulfilled so I was content knowing that they were happy and healthy. Now as I mentioned I have a 12 week old baby girl and I am so pleased to report that I am still breastfeeding – successfully! In the first week it was touch and go as she had attachment issues and caused severe damage and bleeding to my nipples but with the help of some amazing nipple shields (*Tommee Tippee Miomee Silicone Nipple Shields*) we resolved those first initials hiccups and allowed myself time to heal while still being able to breastfeed and continue to do so. Poppet is feeding like a champion and without any further complications; I wasn’t expecting to be breastfeeding for any time in particular but used the timeline of the boys as a guide. We have however surpassed and exceeded the duration I thought I was ever destined to breastfeed for and with Hadley being so content and happy to continue; I am feeling so pleased that I am finding it hard to explain in words. I am beyond proud of myself and if I can say in all honesty I feel like I have a closer bond with her because we have accomplished this together. If I had to stop breastfeeding her tomorrow I would be able to do so knowing that we gave it everything we had and I gave her the best start to life I could. This may be my third child but I am amazed at how much you can still learn, how much more you can grow as a person and how each day you can be proud of everything you accomplish as a woman and mother.

*This post is NOT sponsored in any which way. I mentioned the nipple shields as they were an amazing help to me and recommend them to anyone who finds themselves in the same situation.

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