Tag Archives: NICU

I have always wondered why women, myself included, get such odd looks and negative comments when we say we are going to breastfeed our expected twins, triplets or more. Because once a mother and her babies get the breastfeeding “down,” it’s actually easier to breastfeed. Also, each multiple and his/her mother has as much right to the breastfeeding relationship (and …

One in every 641 babies is born with Down syndrome, making it the world’s most common major genetic condition. Nursing the baby with Down syndrome can be challenging, but with patience and persistence and as the baby grows in strength and muscle tone, breastfeeding often gets easier. In the meantime, both you and your baby can enjoy all the special …

I have been sitting here in the book store staring blankly at an empty screen for quite a while, trying to think of what I can possibly say to other NICU parents that might be encouraging, supportive, and positive, yet not made of sparkles and unicorn farts.   I have also been sitting here quite a while because I locked myself …

Guest Post By Badass Taylor My son was born six weeks early, which came as a surprise when my water broke at 34 weeks. He spent 21 days in the NICU. I was an exclusive pumper who was only getting about 10 ml every two hours while my son was eating 80ml every two hours. The charge nurse explained to …

Worldwide, more than 15 million babies are born prematurely each year. In the US, that number is close to 500,000. Due to the increased incidence of multiple births resulting from fertility treatments, as well as medical technology that has increased the survival rates for extremely preterm babies, the numbers are rising. Between 5% and 18% of babies worldwide are born …

Dear Mama, One day, you will tell me not to cry over spilled milk. And I will tell you that you’re silly because I’ve seen and heard you cry over spilled milk many times before, mama. I saw you cry the night I was born prematurely; too soon for this already harsh world. With your hands tightly clenched, you held …

Ask Anne… Question: My first baby is due in a few weeks, and I’m working on my birth plan. I know the basics of what I want to do to get breastfeeding off to a good start- like nursing immediately after birth, delaying the baby’s bath and rubbing in the vernix, frequent feedings, etc. – but I have a question about …

I had a breast reduction in my early twenties. The doctor who performed it told me that they were mostly fat and had very little glandular tissue (IGT). He assured me I could breastfeed one day and I assumed he knew what he was talking about. When I had my first baby, Forest, I tried everything I could to breastfeed …