Good Day PJS!

Good Morning! This is really a quick hello because Huck just left for school and Hayden is quietly playing with his toys (don’t be jealous, this will last all of 10 minutes max). HOW ARE YOU ALL TODAY? I’m already halfway ready to leave for a morning meeting, but stay in my lounging pjs till the last possible minute. Always, right?

Glancing at this photo- how does my house (no matter how many times I pick up everything) always seem to have a random ball appear!? (see blue ball in lower corner) I mean— BOYS!

Working away on my holiday column for Soap Digest. Excited about this year’s article because it’s all about GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK. Snuggled up learning lines for B&B tomorrow and an audition later today and juggling pick-ups with kiddos. Big cup of coffee, check. About to get a refill.

Whenever I say, “it never ends,” Joel replies, “until it does.” Which I always think is kinda morbid! But, he’s right. Happy and grateful for today.

This photo above makes me want to go get Oscar and cuddle. He’s always trying to find a way to share my chair!

If you read the post earlier in the week, I commented on this marble table pictured above and how it migrates around our home. Not joking;) With their current sale, it’s $77. If you’re starting your holiday gift list, add this insanely plush blanket. It’s under $40, comes in a plethora of colors and seriously holds up. I have given this gift to friends and my sister and own two myself. Although these PJs can work for post-baby, I am wearing them nearly everyday. Soft, soft material. (I spy with my little eye the candle I can’t wait to share with y’all! I don’t even have to burn it, the scent just subtly fills the space and reminds me of winter. It’s a giving back product and it launches this week, so stay tuned).

Y’all have a great day!

IT'S FRIDAY, I'M IN LOVE ... AND FULL OF QUESTIONS. HELP!

I wish I could show you what I look like right now... you know...I might try because I just finished breastfeeding and putting Hayden down in his Halo. I am now pumping while I'm trying to write this post and shop the last days of the #NSALE! And I need some advice. I haven't kept it a secret that I had some issues with breastfeeding. Now, I'm having trouble with milk supply. He's totally getting fed! I'm just supplementing with formula if he's still hungry after I breast feed him- mainly at night.  I'm drinking a lot more water (I was drinking plenty before, but I guess this process requires an abundant amount of H2O) and adding fenugreek oil.  However, does anyone have any advice? One consultant recommended a hospital grade pump to increase supply.  Thoughts?

Also, did anyone else feel like they were gaining weight after they initially lost some of the pregnancy pounds? Is this due to breast feeding? Of course, he's worth all of it a million times over! Just curious if there were something else I should be doing/know about. Like more cardio (ha!!)!

I have more questions, but perhaps I should start with these two topics first. Both are fairly big conversations!  Hope you all had a good start to the weekend. xo

NO MORE CRYING OVER SPILLED MILK! What items are saving me (and my milk)!

UPDATE: AUGUST 2020. I hope this helps even one of you out there! I am so grateful I was able to have this time with Hayden and give him breastmilk. I also supplemented on occasion because I didn’t produce enough for his growing body. That combination worked for us. But, I spent so much time feeling guilty I wasn’t producing more. I look back and just wish I could have celebrated all the milk I did produce that fed his healthy body (there was a lot!). It’s easy to feel inadequate during this time and please do not fall into that trap! If you are reading this and have a baby, I hope you have a support system at home that builds you up and does not tear you down. If you don’t have that, there are groups online for new moms. You are doing great, mama!! Fed is best!! Whatever that looks like for you and your baby.

If you’re a new mom or know a new mom and have any questions, please leave them here. If I don’t have the answers, I will do my best to get them.

xoAshley

First of all, I'm grateful I can breastfeed. I know it's a privilege. I treasure this time with Hayden. His little hand patting my chest. The way he looks up at me…the sweetest feeling mixed with such an overwhelming feeling of responsibility.

It's been an incredibly challenging, emotional roller coaster. Sleep deprivation is a real thing! However, I know I will never regret all the effort I am putting into this. Although it hasn't even been a month, there are a few key materials I wish SO MUCH I had utilized from day one in the hospital. I'm back to work today on the soap. These products have helped me save extra milk for Hayden. This is simply my experience... I'm obviously not a doctor (even though I play on one on B&B- ha!), so do your own research and find what is best for you. 

First off, I've had issues. I'll write more in another post for those that are curious of my experience, but to spare you the morbid details, I'll just say my nipples got so raw, I couldn't breastfeed. I was still pumping, but it hurt. Badly. Excruciatingly bad. Finally, I listened to my mother and bought breast shields. Immediately, I was able to go back to breast feeding with Hayden.  It doesn't take away all the pain, but it lessens it by about 75%.  (***Please note: before you use these, do your own research. I truly believe they can help temporarily, but over time, could lessen your supply of milk. Don’t rely on it too long!)

Medela Breast Shield

I’m also using Milk Savers.  I really want to produce and save milk, it crushes me to see wasted milk in breast pads or dripping down my clothes.  When I would nurse on one breast, the other one would leak quite a bit. These would've saved me  a ton of grief, pain and spilled milk!  You know the saying... no sense crying over spilled milk? Well, let me tell you. I've shed a few tears over wasting this precious liquid gold.  Every girlfriend (nursing or about to try nursing) I have told about this product wants it!

While the Milk Savers are great while I'm nursing or even around the house, I am using breast shells inside my nursing bra occasionally between feedings. They collect excess milk and it can really add up. (TIP: if you use the lids with ventilation at the top, be careful when you lean over--- it will spill out!!). This is an easy way to collect milk when you aren't feeding or pumping. Plus, at least for my situation, it protects the nipples while they are healing.  I really used them mainly for that. I didn't love collecting milk in them.

Below, I rounded up the products that have helped me the most with breastfeeding.  I added my favorite nursing bra, too. I'm still in shock how quickly they get messed up and need washing... one minute the girls are all good and the next... oops! We're leaking! Anyhow, check it out... and please--- this takes a village, if there are products you highly recommend, PLEASE leave a comment. And let’s go drink more water and eat all the good things. xo