tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post4372512881690678760..comments2023-09-13T05:41:15.562-04:00Comments on Is There a McDonald's in Heaven?: Mourn and Release: BreastfeedingNella @McDonald's In Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02324910265728062898noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-7950911791662749922014-01-22T11:12:19.376-05:002014-01-22T11:12:19.376-05:00Oh my gosh, so I posted your article yesterday abo...Oh my gosh, so I posted your article yesterday about abortion, and someone said, 'have you read her breastfeeding one'. So I thought I'd come check it out. I am in love with this post.<br />On the facebook, I read this comment last year (one should never read 'thefacebook' comments). An adoptive mother had admitted breastfeeding wasn't going to happen. This woman posted, 'as a breastfeeding advocate, let me assure you, we would never judge an adoptive parent for not being able to breastfeed'. Although I am sure the sentiment was lovely, I thought to myself, 'well, as a breastfeeding advocate, who exactly do you think you can judge for not breastfeeding?'. <br />It's a year later....maybe I should let that go! :)Mary Wilkersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08895931413075965922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-73413261647628513342013-08-12T20:08:46.900-04:002013-08-12T20:08:46.900-04:00Thanks Julie! We DO have city water...good to kno...Thanks Julie! We DO have city water...good to know! It's such a relief to see that bottles/formula, etc. is pretty individual. Nella @McDonald's In Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02324910265728062898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-16461067065043813882013-08-12T20:07:06.436-04:002013-08-12T20:07:06.436-04:00Hi Heather, I'm glad you and your little girl ...Hi Heather, I'm glad you and your little girl are ok! All of these comments are showing me that I can relax about this! Thank you so much!Nella @McDonald's In Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02324910265728062898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-29304598367285349622013-08-12T11:33:29.818-04:002013-08-12T11:33:29.818-04:00I couldn't produce enough milk with either of ...I couldn't produce enough milk with either of my boys, so supplemented with both of them. We loved the Playtex VentAire Advanced bottles with wide nipples. We used Similac for one baby, Enfamil for the other. I noticed no difference -- I just chose one over the other based on whatever coupons we were getting at the time. Re: sterilizing, we boiled all the pieces when our babies were newborns, but once they got older, we just used the dishwasher. Also, our pediatrician told us that if we were on city water, we could use the tap water to mix the formula. (Which was great, because then we didn't even need to heat the bottles -- we'd just adjust the temperature on the tap water to what we wanted.) If you have well water, there's a chance it has bacteria in it, so then I think you'd need to do something else. Best of luck with it all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-88232856843862973072013-08-07T23:26:23.110-04:002013-08-07T23:26:23.110-04:00I nursed my oldest three but after having our four...I nursed my oldest three but after having our fourth baby I nearly died and as a result never produced enough breast milk to feed her. I pumped a measly 6 whole ounces a day for 6 weeks but it just wasn't going to happen. She is now 2 1/2 and just as smart, crazy, healthy as the rest of them. We used Costco's store brand formula and the cheap bottles from Walmart, I figured it was best to start cheap and then change to more expensive items if she needed it. Heather Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07282617277688280815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-61847684399769066792013-08-01T15:48:26.073-04:002013-08-01T15:48:26.073-04:00Thank you Melissa, I'm not the queen of the la...Thank you Melissa, I'm not the queen of the laundry anyway so we might be thanking our lucky stars that as the 4th girl a lot of her wardrobe will be hand me downs. Maybe when Mama's stuff get's stained I'll be thankful for the excuse to replace things that have been in heavy rotation for more years than I care to admit ;). I really admire the Mom's who work and pump and manage all of that, you ladies are way more together than I could ever hope to be. Nella @McDonald's In Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02324910265728062898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-8006851607009610712013-08-01T15:44:30.236-04:002013-08-01T15:44:30.236-04:00Thank you Beth! Based on the pictures on your blo...Thank you Beth! Based on the pictures on your blog your kids are a resounding endorsement for formula :) Thank you for the recommendations and absolutely note to self, no glass bottles for toddlers. Nella @McDonald's In Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02324910265728062898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-89885688712831203522013-08-01T10:58:49.745-04:002013-08-01T10:58:49.745-04:00It could be that I have rushed through reading thi...It could be that I have rushed through reading this blog post and comments and that what I am about to say has already been covered. If that happened, then just read this as "I'm praying for you." k?<br /><br />As Jillian said, formula poop stinks. Formula puke also stinks. More importantly, both of these can stain. It's possible to wash clothes and diapers with formula poop and puke on them and think that they are clean and then they come out of the dryer with stains on them—heat-treated, intractable stains. Yeah, there are worse things than having slightly stained clothes and diapers, but why have them if you don't have to?<br /><br />I don't know how to avoid them. When we had our kids, I had to work full time. And the milk that I pumped at work didn't stay fresh from Friday through Monday no matter what we did. Plus I couldn't manage to nurse longer than seven months with any of the kids—being forced to work full time probably didn't help, and going through this in the '80s (when nursing was almost counter-cultural) didn't help, either. So anyway, my kids were partly nursed, partly bottle-fed with my milk, and partly formula-fed. <br /><br />It could be that it would work to air-dry the clothes that get baby excretions on them. I know that the heat of the dryer sets some formula stains, so a solar dryer (read: clothesline) might help. But I don't know.<br /><br />Whatever happens, I am praying for you and that sweet little baby!Melissa H-Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03674140433439195917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-36275780089063528012013-07-31T11:11:20.387-04:002013-07-31T11:11:20.387-04:00I followed Barbara's link to your blog...and I...I followed Barbara's link to your blog...and I've got a lot to say about nursing. I have IGT (meaning my body never developed the tissue needed for milk production) so I also use formula. I use a supplementer at the breast for the first few months, then move on to bottles. <br /><br />I've found the Born Free bottles to be the best out there, no leaking! We've used both glass and plastic models. The glass should not be given to an unattended 11 month old who can toss things on to ceramic tile floors :)<br /><br />About formula, honestly, I've found the Target Brand Gentle Formula to be the best for my children. I've used it with the last two and no issues with gas or constipation. You can also buy it online from their website, no need to go to the store. <br /><br />And those people who judge at your use of a bottle, I have found holding my head high while reaching for the bottle tends to keep the dirty looks away, or at least allows me to ignore them. I've never felt comfortable explaining my situation because I can hear the responses "Well you need to nurse more, or try this herb...." and anything I say sounds like an excuse for not wanting to bf. I do explain my situation to women who are friends or if breastfeeding comes up in conversation. I've also talked about it on my blog. So I don't know if a left hook or not :) <br /><br />Finally, I have five kids, all of them have been on formula, and they all seem fine :) Beth Fhttp://catholicmumma.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-88295791116732978412013-07-27T08:26:10.766-04:002013-07-27T08:26:10.766-04:00Welcome Barbara! Thank you so much for stopping b...Welcome Barbara! Thank you so much for stopping by. It's easy to forget breastfeeding is not a guarantee against health issues. We could all stand to be reminded there are no guarantees. Thanks for your prayers, they are so appreciated!Nella @McDonald's In Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02324910265728062898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-34242330162938805272013-07-27T08:24:19.164-04:002013-07-27T08:24:19.164-04:00Thank you Tm, your Mama's boy is so blessed. ...Thank you Tm, your Mama's boy is so blessed. I appreciate hearing that this bottle stuff isn't as complicated as it seems. You're right, they DO love unconditionally. Thank you for reminding me :).Nella @McDonald's In Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02324910265728062898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-77826934303760010742013-07-27T08:21:57.860-04:002013-07-27T08:21:57.860-04:00Thank you Anon ;) You are one of the strongest, b...Thank you Anon ;) You are one of the strongest, bravest warrior Moms I will ever know. You don't know how I'm doing it? You've done more in the last 2 years than I will ever do. Stella and Nigel are blessed to have you as their Mama! Your courage and Stella's inspire me daily. I most certainly WILL keep swimming. If you and Stella can do it, then I will too.Nella @McDonald's In Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02324910265728062898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-88440516684385447612013-07-26T22:07:39.867-04:002013-07-26T22:07:39.867-04:00Followed a link from Mary and just want to say I n...Followed a link from Mary and just want to say I nursed two and bottle fed two. All smart in their own ways, all healthy except the two breastfed have terrible allergies (one life-threatening) and the two bottle fed have no allergies at all. But they did have to have their tonsils out -- weird connection. Anyway-- it's all good in its own way. It has to be. If I had it to do all over again I'd use glass bottles, but I don't even know if they make them anymore. And rubber nipples. I used plastic bottles and heated them in the micro and now I could shoot myself. Now I'm a plastic phobe.<br /><br />I will keep you and your little one in my prayers. She'll be just fine!Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00747308009364094199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-33228575255052342282013-07-26T02:17:54.242-04:002013-07-26T02:17:54.242-04:00Nella, for me this was the hardest part of going t...Nella, for me this was the hardest part of going thru chemo....not being able to nurse. I know you don't want to hear this and I probably am making you cry....but really....I cried the most over bottle feeding my infant than when I got my diagnosis. I was able to breastfeed the first two and half months...then the ct with contrast and other test started and I had to stop cold turkey. Hurt like hell! But the pain of having to give him a glass bottle was worse. And you know what, my son was given cheap formula (parents choice) and a variety of bottles....only sterilized before first use and with refrigerator filtered water and he is now a happy loving terrible two year old. He's even a mamas boy! :). Your baby will be just fine and grow healthy and happy just being with you. Thank God they love unconditionally. You on the other hand will deal with post part umm pregnancy hormones telling you the bottle is cruel and unusual punishment. Don't listen to the hormones! Just enjoy your little blessing during your tribulation. God will get you thru it. And knowing you want to be there for this new love in your life will keep you moving forward. That's what got me thru and pushing forward. There was NO other way. God bless you and your family. I'm praying for you! Tmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07812095978324610289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-30155971271319569832013-07-26T01:02:11.466-04:002013-07-26T01:02:11.466-04:00it's so difficult to leave the choices you'...it's so difficult to leave the choices you've made behind and accept what is given to you when it's not what you'd choose if given the choice. Cancer strips so much choice away... just keep swimming, just keep swimming is not just a mantra for treatment but life as a whole while in treatment. I learned this while Stella was inpatient in the Peds wing of Roswell. Nothing we were doing was ideal and nothing was our choice it seemed. We were told when and what treatments were ahead of us and we just needed to figure out where my son, Nigel, would go - not that I could have my first, second or third choices on his caregivers some of the time if A, B & C were busy. I don't know how you are doing all you are STILL doing as I'm sure you are still doing more than I do in any day. Nursing is hard because it's just what you've done... I never weaned without medical intervention. Stella was 18 mo and I was preggers with Nigel and had hyper-emisis - I went to the hospital for hydration and never nursed her again. Nigel was 20 mos and I had to have a CT with contrast and it meant no nursing for 24 hours so no more after that... I wanted more than two kids but I think Nigel's pregnancy and my Fibromyalgia was God's plan so I wouldn't have more kids to worry about when Stella was in treatment and Nigel was safe for 6 hours a day in school... It's what I've told myself to come to terms with not having more kids as I had deeply wished for before I had Nigel... I had the Dr trying to talk me into tying my tubes before he was even born! Sometimes it's not worth the questions but to keep saying to yourself "just keep swimming, just keep swimming" in Dory's voice to get you through along with lots of prayers. You're always in my thoughts Nella! <3Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-23300172876187954592013-07-22T16:45:39.146-04:002013-07-22T16:45:39.146-04:00Jill, you're so right about Daddy feeding the ...Jill, you're so right about Daddy feeding the baby. I'm actually looking forward to that. The kids are really looking forward to "nursing baby sister". That is a huge blessing. Thanks for the recommendations too. PS. You don't need to hear it from me, but you're an awesome Mom and I'm not surprised about that one bit.Nella @McDonald's In Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02324910265728062898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-19594012113805974392013-07-22T16:43:21.222-04:002013-07-22T16:43:21.222-04:00Thank you! Burping-check. That will be a change,...Thank you! Burping-check. That will be a change, I'm a VERY lazy burper. Poop-check. I've heard that it's very different. You might get some calls from me as I figure this out!Nella @McDonald's In Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02324910265728062898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-2795134143281208762013-07-22T14:45:14.308-04:002013-07-22T14:45:14.308-04:00Sweetie, as a working mom, i breast fed and bottle...Sweetie, as a working mom, i breast fed and bottle fed. Your child will know the love you have for him or her long after a bottle or breast. I could not physically nurse after 3 months with Ava and 2 months with Andrew because i could not keep enough weight on for my health and to feed the baby. (I know, slap the skinny bitch now). I felt like a complete failure. James told me he liked to feed the baby too because it helped him bond more. You are lucky to have a house full of loving people to bond with your new gift while you continue to heal.<br />Bottle thoughts...Tommy Tippie is my absolute favorite. (Target and babies r us) It is the only bottle that never leaks! Besides a bottle cleaner scrubbie and a bottle drying rack, you don' t needmuch more. I used emfamil with both of my kids and it was a good product. You can get coupons and free samples if you go to their website.<br />Formula poop is completely different, brace yourself for a visible and smelly change. :) Jillian bartholomewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153757604210563105.post-58313158080250671702013-07-22T14:43:06.085-04:002013-07-22T14:43:06.085-04:00First of all, thanks for this post. You don't...First of all, thanks for this post. You don't know how many times I felt like I needed to explain why we have used formula, and still got "the look" or very insensitive comments from people. I wrote to you already about formula, but just wanted to chime in about the whole bottle thing/sterilizing. We use the regular old Evenflow glass bottles or the Born Free glass bottles (which are way pricier but those nipples and vents seem to work better when my babies are very young). The Evenflow are affordable, and available everywhere (Target, Walmart, even TOPS) and glass. I sterilize before first use and then once a week when the babies are very young (like the first 4 months). After that, just wash like the rest of dishes. The amount you feed is very dependent on the baby. Generally they start with 1-2 ozs when they are born and go up from there (1 oz per month is a good guide at first, but like I said, it's up to the baby). I like do not use a bottle warmer, I just warm it up in a measuring cup with hot water, but a bottle warmer is easier and faster, which comes in handy in the beginning. There is that wait time for the bottle as opposed to just letting them nurse. Obviously, the longer they need to wait, the more they will fuss. And if I can give one most important piece of advice, it is to BURP. BURP. BURP. Every 1 ozs, especially if the baby spits up a lot, which formula fed babies tend to do more of. This really helps. They swallow more air when they drink from a bottle, so this is really important, or you will experience major spit ups, not to mention gas (NOT FUN). Don't worry Nella, it's not that complicated, I think once you get in the routine, it'll be piece of cake. Just keep a watch on those poops...formula tends to constipate.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08446805874646087558noreply@blogger.com