How Breastfeeding Saved My Life

I'm excited to bring you another guest post, submitted by Star a WIC breastfeeding peer supporter and gentle breastfeeding advocate.  Star shares her story of the unexpected impact breastfeeding had on her own health and indeed her life.  I am honored to be bringing you this guest post and appreciate Star sharing her story.

I’ve addressed before how I’m sort of the reluctant lactivist who originally thought she wouldn’t breastfeed.  I talked a lot about how and why I changed my mind, and the struggles I faced to nurse my first.

But there was one crazily unexpected benefit that I didn’t discuss.

Rewind a few years to when I was 25, and pregnant with my first daughter.  I had a very high risk pregnancy.  Part of this was because I was classified morbidly obese.

If you just met me today, you probably wouldn’t think such a thing.  In fact, at 6 months postpartum with baby 2, and still carrying around an extra 10-15 pounds, I’m still within a very healthy weight range for my body frame/height.  In fact, people have been known to call me slim. 

But this was me then:

I was, at the end of my pregnancy with baby #1, slightly over 300 pounds.  Granted, I’m tallish for a woman – but not tallish enough that that much extra weight was even close to ok.  I’m also asthmatic, severely – so carrying that weight was a huge burden on my health in many ways.  I didn’t worry about it until I got pregnant.  And then one day, while looking at my chart, I saw the words “morbidly obese” notated there.

Those are NOT fun words to see on a chart describing yourself.  Like, at all.  Especially when you think of yourself as more like “attractively plump” or “large, but well-proportioned.”  But those two words are pretty effective at drying up denial quickly.

So I had my daughter – by c-section – something that I’ve always wondered if my weight had an impact on.  And then I thought about how I didn’t want to be the fat mom who couldn’t run around with her kids, or was the butt of their friend’s jokes, or anything like that.  And I certainly didn’t want to die young – which was a very real possibility with some family history and my obesity.  But I had literally no clue how to change things.  And I was having those aforementioned issues with breastfeeding and my daughter, which, quite frankly, made life too stressful to even attempt a lifestyle change.  So I put it off.

Then something pretty awesome started to happen.

Little by little, my jeans were looser.  My face was thinner.  I could button jeans that I’d only dreamed of buttoning in the past. 

“Well,” I thought, “I probably just lost a little more after the pregnancy.  No big deal.  It won’t continue.”

But it did.  And I bought new clothes and weaned off one of my asthma meds.  And I hadn’t done anything differently. 

It was 60 pounds later when I stopped just losing weight by existing.  Let me repeat that – SIXTY pounds.  Sixty.  Six Oh.

At a routine checkup, my doctor said, "So, what are you doing differently?"

"Nothing," I told her.  "I think I have a tapeworm or something.  Can you check for tapeworms?"

She laughed at me and flipped through my chart.  “You’re breastfeeding?”

“Yeah.  Is that ok?  Because, seriously, I’m not completely joking about the tapeworm thing.  Can tapeworms go through breastmilk?”

She shook her head at me.  “Your weight loss is likely caused by breastfeeding.  I highly doubt that you have a tapeworm or anything else wrong with you.  I can run a blood count if you’re really concerned that you have something wrong with you, but I see this a lot with breastfeeding women.  The weight just kind of melts off.  That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t make changes to become healthier overall.  But this is a good start.”

I took that to heart.  And, yes, I did eventually have to work out and eat better foods and all that jazz to get to a good place, weight wise.  But breastfeeding kick started it.  And that kick start gave me the confidence to continue it.

Star after breastfeeding her first baby

I'm sure some of you will scoff at the notion that breastfeeding saved my life.  However, I don't think any doctor would argue that being morbidly obese sets you up for a whole slew of life-threatening ailments.  And when you add in all the *other* health benefits of breastfeeding too, well, it no longer seems like a stretch. Not to mention the 60 pounds it helped me to lose, it’s really probably not that far off from the truth.  Breastfeeding saved my life.

The author today, healthier, happier and breastfeeding her second baby.

A Note from Jessica

I love Star's story, it is beautiful, inspiring and full of hope and I am so honored to share it here.  Breastfeeding educators have long shared how breastfeeding can help a woman lose weight and recently the New York WIC caused a stir with their breastfeeding campaign that focused on weight loss as one benefit of breastfeeding.  This isn't a reason to breastfeed in and of itself but it is a potential positive benefit from breastfeeding and a dang good one at that.  At the same time it is important to note that not every woman will lose weight while breastfeeding and some, like myself, may even hold on to some extra padding until they wean.  Even if that is the case, breastfeeding still has so many other wonderful effects on mom and baby that it is worth continuing.  Be encouraged that either way you breastfeeding is wonderful for both you and your nursling!  To your health!

A Mark of My Own

I have a bunch of reviews to do and I'm excited to start with one from a Leaky I've known for years.  I knew Lizabeth before she ever leaked a drop.  Now though, she's a veteran breastfeeding mom running her business, A Mark of My Own, and caring for her 3 year old daughter.  She also makes awesome apple pineapple cider and is a good friend.

This past week, in the middle of preparing for Thanksgiving (she had 3 turkeys in a cooler and baking to do!), Lizabeth had our family over to glaze some of her beautiful unfinished ornaments and to drink some of that delicious cider of hers.  She had a dazzling selection of bisque laid out for us and we all selected our favorites.  Amazingly, even with all the hubbub and little ones afoot, not a single ornament was broken and no paint ended up on the carpet or walls.  While I consider avoiding disaster a success in an of itself, the beauty of the ornaments we get to bring home is even better.  We painted well over a dozen of her designs and are excited to have some beautiful handmade ornaments not only for our own tree but to give as well.

Through A Mark of My Own Lizabeth creates handmade works of art that are beautiful left plain just as they are or as a canvas for customers to unleash their own creative flare.  As gifts, gift tags on packages, family memory keepsakes or to create the perfect designer touch for your tree, A Mark of My Own helps you bring a unique artistic touch to your holidays.  Lizabeth fired the ornaments we glazed in her kiln but customers that order through her can either glaze and fire their own (pottery studios will make kilns available for a small fee usually) or use other art supplies that don't require firing in a kiln.

The bisque ornaments- I want a basket of these sitting on my table as decoration:

The artists at work:

Of course I breastfed while painting, Smunchie got hungry!

I swear, this was totally unintentional, I didn't even realize it until Lizabeth pointed out that it looked like a b@@b.

Considered writing "The Leaky B@@b" on it but stuck with the rainbow plan.

 The finished product after firing:

In case you're not sure, here is a little information about what these ornaments are.


Q: What is "bisque" or "bisqueware"?

A: Let's first start with "greenware". It is simply air-dried clay, an unfired clay form that can be destroyed by water.

Once the greenware has been fired it is called "bisqueware," fired ware that resists MOST water, but is beyond the point of being able to be destroyed by normal means. At this point it may be decorated with paint, such as acrylics, colored with a permanent marker, decoupaged, etc.

Bisqueware is also the point where most potters will apply glaze. "Glaze ware" (or finished ware) are ceramic forms that have been bisque fired and then glazed (creates a shiny surface as well as adds protection to the piece). The forms are fired one last time after a glaze is applied, this causes the glaze to adhere and usually pushes the piece to full vitrification (accepts NO water). 
 

Lizabeth is a delightful WAHM to work with, be sure to check out her shop and let her know I sent you.  Tomorrow she is having a sale for CyberMonday that you won't want to miss.  I'm already planning my next ornament, I'm thinking beeswax block crayons or oil pastels with marker... The possibilities are endless!

Squiggle Bug and Lizabeth's daughter Zuzu enjoy homemade tomato basil soup and cheese together after painting.

This Moment- Earth Baby Gets Her First Pair of Pointe Shoes

{this moment} - A Friday ritual from Soule Mama, one of my favorite bloggers. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. 

KIDS EAT FREE!- Wild Mother Arts

The Leaky B@@b sponsor Wild Mother Arts have a beautiful giveaway for us this week.  Something special that not only moms but their little ones will enjoy as well, Jacquelyn has created something a unique piece to be cherished.

Goodnight Moon Nursing & Storytelling Necklace

"Goodnight room, goodnight moon..."

This is a very special nursing necklace, made from a 30mm (just over an inch) Millefiori glassworked donut in a calming midnight blue, with a sky full of stars and a little yellow moon. It's perfect for early evenings and can also be used as a storytelling necklace for mama to wear as a signal to your child that it's time to settle down, to listen to stories before bed, or for afternoon quiet times. It makes a wonderful addition to your nightly bedtime routine for older children, too.

It's adjustable in length, has strong woven cotton cord and is dressed up with a lead-free Tierracast pewter bead. The necklace comes in a heavy cotton gift bag stamped with the International Breastfeeding symbol and a little card telling you about the necklace.

•  To be entered simple comment on this post and include your email address. Not required but would be lovely to see, share your favorite book to read with your little ones before bed time.

• For a second entry into this give-away go to the Wild Mother Arts etsy shop and find your favorite product in her store, come back here and let us know what your favorite item in her shop is.

• You qualify for a third entry when you check out the Wild Mother Arts Facebook page and like her so you can hear about sales and new products easily by following her store.

• For one more additional entry, share this give away on a social networking site such as Facebook, Twitter (and be sure to tag Wild Mother Arts as in your post or tweet- she's @birthgoddess on twitter)  or a parenting board (Not TLB forums) and let us know how you shared it in another comment.

That's it!  This giveaway is Runs from Tuesday, November 23th through Friday, November 26st.

For those that just can't wait or are eying one of the other marvelous products on the Wild Mother Arts site, Jacquelyn has given us an awesome and generous coupon code for 10% off just for Leakies good through November 30th: LEAKYBOOB2010.  Happy shopping!

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This Give-Away Is Now Closed!

Thanks to Wild Mother Arts and everyone that entered.

The winner is Rachael! Wild Mother Arts will need your shipping address, I will email you.
Congrats and enjoy!

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It Takes A Little Support- Welcome New Sponsors!

I'm so please to have found a way that helps me be able to continue blogging and running The Leaky B@@b Facebook page by having sponsors on the blog.  There are a few new recent additions to the sponsor team and I'd like to introduce them to you.

Wild Mother Arts -  In the top far right corner is a beautiful ad for Wild Mother Arts one of our newest sponsors.  Jacquelyn creates beautiful jewelry for mothers.  For the last week I have enjoyed a new necklace similar to this one from her shop, a lovely stone on a secure adjustable cotton cord.  Smunchie has enjoyed playing with the stone while at the breast though the necklace gets even more love during diaper changes, creating a distraction that keeps her from wiggling away from me, I love it!  Earth Baby has this necklace waiting for her first cycle, her menarche, and I know she's going to love it.  Personally, I've had my eye on these beautiful celtic knot earrings, I think they would look lovely in my stocking come Christmas morning.  Jacquelyn, thank you for your support!

KD's Doll Shop - In our family we avoid plastic materials as much as possible, particularly for our children's play things.  You just can't beat natural fibers that provide a wide range of sensations for exploring hands.  Even more so when that toy is a doll destined to become a good friend.  This is why I'm so excited about this sponsor, beautiful hand made dolls inspired by the Waldorf philosophy of playthings from natural materials and simple features to leave more room for imagination.  The Little Red Riding Hood doll is begging to come live with our family as is this adorable girl with cute pigtails and a cookie shirt.

Lullabye Kisses - Leaky mommy Amanda owns and operates this company bringing hand picked natural parenting products to mommies and daddies everywhere.  She welcome suggestions of products she should carry so if you don't see something you'd like, let her know so they can look into adding it to their shop.  Safety products and information on car seat safety are available on their site, check out these SafetyTats you and your child will love.  The gift registry is perfect for expecting Leakies looking for a way to let friends and family know about the natural products you'd love to welcome your newest bundle. 


Healing Pixie - I have been a fan of Healing Pixie teas for quite some time so I was thrilled when Lisa was interested in becoming a TLB sponsor.  She has a shop on Hyena Cart as well as Etsy.  Teas, coffees, and spice blends, her shop is chuck full of delights to tantalize your tongue.  My absolute most favorite tea is her Harvest Moon Chai, a warm mix of flavors that say "autumn" to me.  Not that I only drink it in the fall, I like it far too much for it to be seasonal!  I have 3 other teas from her sitting on my shelves plus a sample of her Supply and Demand tea, a breastmilk boosting combination that I actually like!

A heartfelt thank you to all the new sponsors that have joined The Leaky B@@b support.  These sponsorships help make it possible for me to continue to give my time to encouraging breastfeeding moms and the people support them.  Please show your support of TLB by clicking on their links and ad banners and consider giving them your business.  Each and every sponsor currently on my blog is also an actively participating Leaky, I love that we have the chance to support one another.  If you have a business and would like information about becoming a TLB sponsor check out this information and email me if your are interested in joining the team.

This Moment- Avocado and Pumpkin Smiles

{this moment} - A Friday ritual from Soule Mama, one of my favorite bloggers. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. 

If These Boobs Could Talk- More Than Fun Bags

I have finally found and understood my purpose in life.  Most people never get that and yet, I have.  And I'm just a pair of boobs.

B@@bies.  Jugs.  Fun Bags.  Hooters.  Tits.  Ta-tas.  Knockers.  Rack.  Bazongas.  I've got a lot of names, a lot of incarnations, and a whole lot of varieties.  Breasts, no matter what you call me, pretty much every woman has me front and at least sort of center on her chest. Perky, droopy, apples, melons, socks with rocks, long, full, short, floppy and everything in between, I've been bouncing along for as long as humans have traipsed around this planet.  Which is a long time.  But every woman has to figure out what to do with me at one point or another and it isn't always easy.  It has been vogue at various times of history to leave me free and unfettered under clothing, to push me up and out, to bind me tight and flat, to pierce me, paint me, hide me and flaunt me.  In some cultures I'm always out and open, others I'm so revered I'm covered yet a peek is desperately sought so much so there are men that will even pay money for it.

Before they have their own pair, every little girl at least notices that the adult version of herself has some sort of extra padding on her chest, something her male counterparts do not have.  These chest pillows are fascinating and in today's western cultures a bit of an obsession.  As little girls grow they start experimenting with what they'd look like with soft round growths on their chest.  I am the mark of woman.  Not alone in that responsibility, I share the distinction of being uniquely feminine with the female pelvis and vagina.  With the exception of man-boobs.  But for everyone's comfort, we'll pretend those don't exist, anywhere.  Ever.  Before I begin to develop on immature females, they play that I am there just because it is synonymous with playing a grown-up.

Then they sprout their own pair, slowly or quickly breasts eventually appear.  Confusing feelings mingle with my advent on a changing girl's chest.  Pride and excitement about becoming a woman collide with embarrassment and a desire to stay a care-free child.  Eventually she learns that in western cultures breasts equal a certain kind of power, one she may not be comfortable wielding or one that is wielded against her.  Her breasts may feel like a burden regardless of their size or like a defining part of her personhood that she can use to her advantage.

As for me, I was just an average pair of smallish boobs, situated on a small framed woman that often wished I was bigger.  To make matters worse, one of my nipples was a split nipple, malformed and strange looking.  Her dissatisfaction with my size and shape led to uncomfortable bras to pad me out and push me up and I endured criticism every time she looked at me in a mirror.  No matter what I did, what I wore or how I participated in lovemaking, fashion and life she was unhappy with me.  She never knew what to do with me and I never knew what to do with myself.  I was inadequate.

Until one day.  There had been change, I had grown recently but she still wasn't satisfied, now I managed to be too big or too... something.  No matter what I wasn't good enough.  My bigger size included painful growing and she was distracted by other physical changes that were apparently far more important than me, the neglected, the unloved ones.  That is until that day.  The uterus and vagina, in one of their greatest moments of achievement produced a baby.  As the placenta left the uterus I got a signal, one that changed me forever: feed baby now.  I had already been producing a golden yellow liquid for which I saw no purpose and caused her even further disgust in me but when that baby came out and was placed on the belly, I knew.  Arms drew this small person close and the baby's mouth immediately began searching for something: me.

In no time it became clear that I was this baby's favorite thing in the world.  Every chance she got she latched on to me.  She loved me.  She didn't care if I was perky or sagging, smooth skinned or flecked with red stretch marks, if I had large or tiny nipples, or even that one nipple wasn't quite right.  She had a special sign for me, and that was the first sign she ever used.  It took us some time, the 2 or really 3 of us, but it was really just getting used to each other and figuring out how this works.  There were some rough moments, a few tears and frustrated words but we got it, we worked it out.  We had to.  Because this was what we were made for.

Now I have a position of respect and I am celebrated.  Five babies now have been nourished by me, have searched for me in their sleep, patted me as they suckled and asked for me by their special name.  I have comforted a small one hundreds of times over when nothing else would do.  Through me has flowed the healing power of sweet milk custom made for the baby whose mouth opened expectantly.  Small cheeks have rested on me in slumber after I have satiated their hunger and their need to be warm and close.  When I am seen in the mirror I am viewed sometimes critically but always with appreciation and I am treated tenderly.  My purpose is clear, everything else I do is nice and I enjoy a full and active life but nothing has fulfilled me as much as feeding a baby. 

Some day this job will be done and I will no longer feed babies.  I am ok with this; for when one finds and understands their purpose and the time in which it is served, one can accept when that time is over, satisfied in having discovered and served a purpose at all.  Knowing that I was more than an inadequate pair of fun bags and meant the world to 5 little girls is enough for me.

Not every pair of breasts will find their purpose the same way I did but I hope more and more do.  It doesn't matter what you call me, what I'm dressed in, what society says I'm supposed to look like or what my role is, I'm happy.  I have been appreciated, loved and enjoyed for who I really am.

P.S. I love this video.