Breast feeding doesn’t have to be all or nothing… & a GIVEAWAY!!!!!!
I breastfed my twins. It is one of my greatest accomplishments. But, it was no easy task.
At first I was told I shouldn’t introduce any formula, bottles, or pacifiers, because then my kids wouldn’t breastfeed. Unfortunately, I had two preemie babies that needed food, and I wasn’t producing enough. I pumped and pumped, I took fenugreek… I couldn’t produce enough. I started getting stressed, which made my milk go down.
I finally saw the most wonderful lactation consultant in the world! She was so supportive, told me I was Super Woman, and best of all, she told me not to stress. She said, “Only do as much as you can. Don’t worry about what you can’t do.” I learned, that breast feeding does NOT have to be an “all or nothing” thing. So, I started with trying to get them to the breast at least once a day, and I tried to pump at least 3 times a day. Sounds easy enough, but it wasn’t! I had two tiny infants that had no idea what day/night was, much less, what staying on a similar schedule meant!
Eventually, I worked my way up to doing most feedings by breast during the day. Yet, I never was able to exclusively breast feed. But, that was OK with me. Why?! Because I was doing what I could for my babies, and that was what was best for us.
I do think breast milk is the best and most nutritious food for infants. I breast fed Zane for 19 months and Bree for about 16. However, like in my situation, it isn’t always feasible for a mom to provide ONLY breastmilk… and some may not be able to at all. For at least the first year, I didn’t breast feed both at night. I was so exhausted all the time. So, Brett would feed one formula while I fed the other breast milk or a bottle of formula. The next feeding, we would switch. That is what worked for us.
So, this leads me to my first giveaway!!!!!! Yes, a giveaway!!!!! This is sponsored by Parents Choice. This is a brand that can be found at Walmart. It has the same nutrition as some of the leading brands, but at a fraction of the price! Here are some notes from Parent’s Choice:
Raising Healthy Babies without Skimping on Nutrition
There is good news for families with small babies who are looking for big savings without compromising nutrition.
Experts agree that mother’s milk is best and the least expensive option for infant feeding. If parents choose to supplement breastfeeding with infant formula or to formula-feed exclusively, they can turn to Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, and other retailers for store brands that offer the same safe, high quality, affordable infant nutrition.
Although all U.S. infant formulas must adhere to the same stringent FDA guidelines, they are not priced the same, as many leading store-brand formulas cost up to 50% less than national brands. In fact, parents can save up to $600 a year ($1200 for twins) by choosing a retailer’s store brand infant formula.
“A new parent today is met with a dizzying array of marketing messages when it comes to doing what is best for their babies,” said Dr. Barbara Levine, Associate Professor of Nutrition in Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University. “Nowhere is this truer than in the area of infant formulas. Thanks to strict government regulation, the fact is that there is very little, if any, differentiation in the nutritional values touted by the various national brands on the market, and in this economy, doctors are advising parents to switch their babies to a store brand formula so they can save money.”
FDA, in conjunction with the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition, establishes strict guidelines concerning the ingredients and their levels in infant formula; all U.S. manufacturers must conform to these rules. In addition, all infant formulas must demonstrate growth, development, and mineral absorption equal to mother’s milk before they may be sold in the United States.
In light of a recent press report of a parent diluting baby formula with water in this difficult economy, Dr. Levine urges parents to read and strictly follow the directions on the labels of their formulas of choice.
In addition to switching to store brand formulas, parents can save money on infant feeding by:
* Contacting their local service and religious organizations – state WIC agencies, local food banks, and churches may be able to offer additional assistance.
* Look for coupons on the Internet and save money on items such as baby formula and diapers.
“It is critical that parents refrain from diluting baby formula with extra water during these tough economic times,” added Dr. Levine. “If parents choose to feed babies infant formula, they must remember it is an infant’s sole source of nutrition.”
The Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Web site – www.parentschoiceformula.com offers:
* Free baby formula samples http://www.parentschoiceformula.com/baby-formula-samples.aspx
* A savings calculator http://www.parentschoiceformula.com/baby-formula-savings-calculator.aspx
* A formula finder http://www.parentschoiceformula.com/parents-choice-formula-finder.aspx
In addition, we have a facebook fan site http://www.facebook.com/pages/Parents-Choice-Infant-Formula/31916575476, complete with an application that allows fans to give one another free formula http://apps.facebook.com/parent_choice/
Since Parent’s Choice also offers an array of baby and toddler foods, we also have a product site http://www.parentschoicefoods.com/ and a facebook site:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Parents-Choice-Foods/23879928961.
NOW, for the giveaway!!!! Parent’s choice is giving away a $100 gift card to Walmart!!!!!! All you have to do, is go to one of the Parent’s Choice product sites (above) and check it out. Then come back here and post something you learned from the site. You can also get entries from posting about my contest on twitter, on facebook, or by subscribing to my site. For each way, please come back and post a comment telling me what you have done. A winner will be chosen at random. The contest will close at midnight on July 3rd. I will post the winner on INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!!!!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!
Wordless Wednesday
Toddlers love to shut doors… my easy solution
Recently, we redid some of the rooms. So instead of sharing a room, the kids each have their own room. Both rooms are pretty much baby proofed. They now have run of the whole house, minus the bathroom and our bedroom. They are so much happier!
One problem I have found is the doors. We have handle covers on the “no enter” areas. Those are doing a good job of stopping them, but they LOVE to shut the doors to their rooms! The last couple of days have found one child on one side screaming to get into the room as the other has shut the door. I wasn’t sure what to do. I know they have all sorts of locks and babyproofing stuff… but things cost money.
This morning I had a brilliant, but so simple idea. If it had been a snake it would have bit me! I put a folded towel over the top of the door! Now, it won’t shut fingers (which hasn’t happened, but likely would at some point) and no one can shut the doors! In addition, a towel is so easy to remove to shut the door for nap.
What an awesome week!!!!!!!!!
So, a couple of things happened the last couple of days that made my year! I wanted to share.
First of all, I was elected on the executive board for Triangle Mommies of Twins and Triplets. I am now the new Secretary. Our local multiples groups is the 3rd largest in the nation! I am honored to not only be a part of this group, but also to be elected in this position. www.tmott.org
2nd, last week I was accepted as the moderator for a Triangle Mommies as the moderator for the Natural Living/Attachment Parenting group. NL/AP is something I am very passionate about! I am so happy to be able to be able to work with people who hold the same values as myself. This is also a great honor! www.trianglemommies.com
Finally, my kids cake is featured on the Yo Gabba site!!!! As you saw in a previous post, this is the cake I made of the twins 2nd birthday. I feel like I’m getting my few minutes of fame!!!!! Such an exciting week!!!! http://gabbafriends.com/courtneys-brobee-cake-recipe
Thanks for sharing my joy and accomplishments! If you are in the triangle, please join one or both of these groups! TMOTT is a great resource for tips on surviving twins. And TM is a great connection for mommies. It is a great way to meet friends, find playdates, get questions answered, etc. Both groups have been instrumental in my survival for the first 2 years!!!!! 
Couple friends and not getting to relax
When you have a partner, you have groups of friends. We have hubby’s friends, and my friends. Then sometimes we find “couple” friends… those are harder to find… friends that have a husband and wife you BOTH like. Well, we lucked out. We have a “couple” friends who also have twins! They are about the same age as ours… you saw the tops of their heads in Thursday’s post.
Anyway, we are so happy to have them as friends. They came over this afternoon. The kids played in the pool, played cars, we went on a walk, ate dinner… then around 7:40 we put them all to bed.
The friends’ kids went right to sleep.
Ours’ did not.
It is now 10:40 and ds is still in his crib talking. Their routine or setting was not changed. The didn’t even know the other twins were sleeping in other rooms. Yet, the do not sleep. I did not feed them sugar. I have changed diapers. DD finally went to sleep about 15 min ago when the other kids left and I separated her.
This wouldn’t be so bad if they would sleep until 8 or 9. 6 or 6:30 is far to early if they are going to bed so late. ESPECIALLY, if I put them to bed at 7:30 and listened to them jabber away on the monitor all evening.
Ah the joys of twins. It is not all fun and games.
Wordless Wednesday…’er Thoughtful Thursday
So, I have been a bit slack with the posts. I don’t really have an excuse… 3 toddlers, colds, teething… nothing big. LOL Anyway, I haven’t forgotten you all. I thought I would post another picture today and try to get back into the blogging tomorrow.
Kids 2 year pictures
A few weeks before the twins turned 2, we met with Courtenay Bickler. She is a photographer in the triangle area.
Now, I have gotten pictures with the twins several times… it seems to be getting more and more difficult since they have become toddlers. I was worried about trying to get both of them to even look at the camera.
We met Courtenay at Pullen Park. She got the kids to warm up to her almost immediately (no easy feat with my two). She followed us around, watching us feed the ducks, play, etc. We spent an hour or more. They did their own thing… lol. They didn’t want to listen to me… as I tried to set up “ideal” picture situations. I feared there would be no good pictures. They were… well, toddlers. lol
I was wrong! Here are a few she sent me. They are beautiful! They are not only great pictures, but they capture my kids… being kids. I LOVE them!
If you are in the triangle area and looking for a photographer, check her out! She does pregnancy, newborn, toddler, etc. Her e-mail is: courtenay.bickler@gmail.com and her website is: www.courtenaybickler.com
And for those in the triangle, her specials are 20% off sitting fee with a free 8×10 if you are a member of Triangle Mommies. Or, if you’re not on tm, 10% off through June.
My little talker
Bree and Zane woke at the same time. I went into our room (they nap seperate) and got Bree first. Bree was thrilled to see me! I took off her sleep sack and set her on the floor. She ran into their bedroom. She ran up to Zane’s crib saying, “Hey Zaney! What ya doin??!!!”
I love hearing them talk!
Feeding toddlers resource
Twin ToddlersDad over at little stomaks has a survey group of posts featuring parents from all over the world. The title is Global Toddlers. His topic is “feeding toddlers.” We had the opportunity to be a part of this survey. Our post is here. This is an excellent resource for ideas on what to feed your toddlers and to hear from other parents who might have feeding issues. Our issue has been Zane’s “picky eating” habits.
He has twin boys. His blog is similar in that it shares experiences, tips, etc.
Check it out!!!!!!!
10 quick, healthy snacks for toddlers
Here is a list of some of our favorite snacks. I pack snacks in the morning, before heading out for the day. I put them in small reusable containers… each with a serving for each child.
1. Little sweet pickles (My kids LOVE these)
2. Pretzel sticks with peanut butter to dip (you can also use other butters like almond, sunflower, etc)
3. Apple slices (Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning)
4. Frozen edamame beans (My friend, Kimberly, showed me this… the gobble them up frozen, and won’t eat them raw!)
5. Edible Play-Dough (This is a FAVORITE of ours!)
6. Cut up grapes
7. Mini boxes of raisin (This is a perfect for a snack AND building fine motor skills!)
8. Cheese sticks (I buy a large block and just cut off sticks of the desired size)
9. Cut veggies (Our favorites are green bell peppers, carrot sticks, and peas)
10. Freeze dried veggies (We discovered these at Whole Foods. My kids ESPECIALLY like the green beans and corn)
The thing is, you don’t HAVE to use the prepackaged snacks. Though, we have used some small packs of crackers in a pinch, you can give your kids a healthy alternative. You are helping them build a base to continue their life of making healthy choices. You are giving them the best for their body and growth!
