My sick babies

Well if you read any of my recent posts lately, you would know that Destin had an up and down fever for a couple days...no other symptoms, just a fever..she got it Sunday afternoon, but by Monday evening she was fine again.

What's worse than having one sick baby? Two sick babies!

Then Tuesday, Arwen woke up with runny nose and coughing most of the day. Then that evening, Destin started coughing, and now has a little bit of a runny nose too. I just despise cold season, and even worse now because its not even supposed to be cold season. Its spring, for goodness sake! But with the weather being hot one day, and the cold the next - I am not sure if allergies are lurking close to my girls.

Last night, Arwen woke up about three times (which is not normal for her!) crying and wanting to be held, rocked and eventually fed at 3 AM. Destin kept waking up, talking in her sleep, and flailing her arms around ALL NIGHT LONG! So...no sleep for me or daddy! Ugh!

I know my allergies have been up and down...I just wish nice weather would get here, so we wouldn't have to be cooped up inside all the time. We were hoping to make a trip to Wichita, Kansas this weekend - a very long, overdue trip to visit with my dad's family - my aunt, cousins, grandma and great grandma (the girls' great-great). The last time we went for a visit was Christmas 2009! And now the girls get sick - perfect timing!!

That's one think that kind of bothers me...they say when you breastfeed your children won't get sick as much - and mine rarely do. But it doesn't help that wherever you go there are germs - on people, on shopping carts, on sinks, doors, etc. They are everywhere! See side note below...

I just hope that the girls are better soon...if we don't go to Wichita this weekend, it will have to be next weekend. Then we have two birthday parties to attend the month of April. I cannot wait for REAL spring weather!

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On a side note...my mom and I were talking about breastfeeding over the weekend and she mentioned that she breastfed me and my little brother (who is 15 years younger than me) until we over the age of 2. That is older than Destin! I could not imagine breastfeeding Destin still - but I know there are several mommy's out there in the world that continue to breastfeed well into the pre-K age. When I asked my mom why she breastfed that long??? She said that she didn't want to use a bottle, and sippy cups weren't traditionally introduced until 2 or older. I informed to tell her that both Destin & Arwen started using sippy cup as soon as they could sit up - between 4 and 6 months old.

As far as breastfeeding Destin goes, I stopped when she was almost one..and I was a few months pregnant with Arwen. I am not sure when I will stop with Arwen, but most likely it will be around the time she turns one. Simply because pediatricians say it is safe to give cows milk to your baby when they turn one.

What are your thoughts on breastfeeding past the age of two? Should more moms be doing this? I just cannot imagine breastfeeding Destin (even if we didn't have Arwen in our lives)...Destin is on the go all the time, independent, talking, walking/running/jumping and acting like a preschooler. I just don't know if I could do it.

Breast is best

I know that I have written about breastfeeding before, although I cannot seem to find where on here...so I thought I would discuss some topics about the subject. For those of you that don't know, I exclusively breast feed my youngest daughter Arwen (who is almost 8 months old) and I breastfed Destin until she was almost a year old. No formula, no pumping, no bottles - just breast! Too much info?

There is so much research out there that says "breast is best", that is...breast milk as opposed to formula can do wonders for your baby.

Breastfeeding helps defend against infections, prevent allergies, and protect against a number of chronic conditions.

Reasons to Breastfeed:
1. Breastfeeding is natural and is what your body was meant to do!2. Breastfeeding helps you recover faster after delivery.
3. Breastfeeding exclusively is recommended by The American Academy of Pediatrics and The World Health Organization.
4. Breastfeeding prevents your baby from developing many allergies.
5. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS.
6. Breastfeeding burns calories and can lower obesity for you and your baby.
7. Breastfeeding can raise the IQ of your baby!
8. Breastfeeding decreases risks of many diseases and cancers for you and your baby, such as breast cancer and diabetes.
9. Breastfeeding allows you to spend quality time getting to know your baby.
10. Breast milk is the best food to ever feed your baby!

And some of my own...
11. When you breastfeed you may or may not have your "monthly visit".
12. No need to have a bottle or formula - less expensive!

15 Products that Make Breastfeeding Easier
There are lots of products out there to help breastfeeding mommies including, breast pumps, pillows, covers and more! The two things from this list that I use: #5 my Boppy Pillow (I love mine - in fact, I have two! One for home & one for on the go which stays in the car at all times) and #9 Nursing Cover (I use blankets, my shirt, jackets, and I have two covers).

There are lots of controversies when it comes to breastfeeding...usually it has to do with feeding in public. Here is an article I found which lists the Top 10 Breastfeeding controversies...and here is one that was in the news recently: Breast milk ice cream - a ice cream shop in the UK was selling ice cream made from breast milk. The women who donated were of course checked for diseases, etc. and were paid for their supply.

Although the thought of being paid for my breast milk does sound appeasing, I am not sure I would want someone eating ice cream made from it. Would you?

Just thought I would share some of the highlights of breastfeeding...there are so many resources, books, sites, organizations and more that support this great way to help your baby grow. Until next time, take care!