*This post is now a tad outdated as it sat in my drafts for months.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.

The post Breastfeeding how you’re comfortable! appeared first on All Mum Said.

Breastfeeding isn’t something that comes naturally to every mother and there are many different reasons as to why some women cannot do it. In a lot of cases it may be that baby cannot latch on correctly, lack of supply, mastitis (milk fever), returning to work, inverted nipples, etc. This doesn’t mean they can’t give their baby breast milk; they just need to express it which also takes time to get the hang of.

The Closer to Nature breast pump range make it easy for parents to continue to give their baby breast milk even if they aren’t able to ‘breastfeed’ or are unavailable to do so (like if dad is getting up to do a night feed!). The manual breast pump is not only easy to use but it sits very comfortably around the breast and nipple thanks to the flexible cup; ultimately making it easier to pump a sufficient supply of milk.

I also love that it only has 3 parts to it so it means cleaning and putting it back together are so simple and not to mention fast! The pump itself is very quiet so it allows for more discreet expressing or in my case with the pumps I’ve previously used the noise from them just annoyed me.

The Closer to Nature Manual Breast Pump comes with: 1x breast pump, 1x 150ml Closer to Nature bottle with slow flow teat, 1x milk storage lid & 6x breast pads.

Available from: Babies R Us, Baby Bunting, Big W, Coles, Target, Woolworths

RRP $90

Closer to Nature has also made it easier to combine breast and bottle feeding by using teats on their bottles that are designed to mimic the natural feel and movement a mums’ nipple and breast. The teats also contain a super sensitive anti-colic valve that reduces the risk of baby taking in air by using advanced easi-vent technology. The bottles are 100% free from BPA making them even safer for your baby.

 The Closer to Nature bottles come in a range of sizes: 150ml, 260ml & 340ml.

Available from: Babies R Us, Baby Bunting, Big W, Coles, Target, Woolworths

The post Closer to Nature Breast Pump & Bottles appeared first on All Mum Said.