Our Breastfeeding Journey and Some Earth Mama Love!

My breastfeeding journey with my babies started over 14 years ago. I nursed both my boys until they were three and my girl until she was four. Baby boy is now nursing at 16 months and going strong! Breastfeeding for me and my babies has always been such a dance of love and attachment, nourishment and connection. While an excellent source of food and an optimal way for babies to thrive, breastfeeding is about so much more than a daily meal or a quick drink. Nursing for us has been about nurturing, cuddling, a safe place to come back to once they are out and exploring, calm in the midst of chaos, a kiss for an ouchy, quiet when they are sensory overloaded, a soothing way to be close to Mama, and a way to relax into sleep at the end of the day or before a well needed nap.

It has been a journey for sure, starting out as a young Mama with no breastfeeding role models and just following my intuition even in the face of criticism. It took me searching out for support, and finding my own way through La Leche League meetings and reaching out to other mothers I saw nursing in pubic, before I started trusting that gut feeling for how and how long to nurture my child the way that felt right for me and my babies, but I am oh so glad I did. I've gone on to enjoy four healthy breastfeeding relationships well into toddlerhood and know it is right for us. I also understand that not every mother can breastfeed exclusively, and I am in support of all Mamas and how they nurture knowing their unique Mama-baby relationship. But, I am still an avid breastfeeding supporter because if you CAN breastfeed you SHOULD based on the significant benefits to Mama and baby, as well as the emotional bond that it creates.

The hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, helps return the uterus to its regular size much more quickly after birth and can reduce postpartum bleeding. Studies have also shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and works as a natural contraceptive between pregnancies. As for baby, exclusive breastmilk can help build a strong immune system, healthy development, as well as emotional attachment. Breastmilk is also cheaper than formula, easier to prepare (just need some extra Mama snacks, hahaha), and is better for the environment, with no added packaging to dispose of or water to use. For those that are new to breastfeeding, or starting again with a new babe, Mama to Mama support is so beneficial in those early days and weeks, and heck, everyday! Also, knowing the right products to help a breastfeeding pair really helps when you're in the trenches figuring everything out and getting through the waves of milk production. So, to share some love with you Mamas on that journey, I want to share some of my favorite breastfeeding essentials, that's right some Earth Mama Angel Baby love!!!!

And, what would this month of Love be without our annual Earth Mama Angel Baby Giveaway! Eco-safe, organic, Non-GMO and deliciously divine, their products have been such a blessing in our home. And, the Mama's Breastfeeding Essentials Bundle is no exception. Full of organic goodies for Mama and baby, including Organic Milkmaid Tea (still an absolute favorite of mine!). This tea is a USDA Certified 100% Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Kosher nursing tea that helps support healthy breast milk production. Also included is the ever so awesome and a new Mama's 'breastfriend' (lol)... Earth Mama's Natural Nipple Butter, a Lanolin-free, Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth, and a Non-GMO Project Verified nipple cream that helps soothe and prevent sore, cracked nipples. And, last but not least, the magical Booby Tubes® are gel-free breast packs to use warm or cold to ease breasts sore from engorgement or mastitis. All wrapped up with love in Earth Mama’s reusable, 100% Certified Organic cotton Mini Logo Tote, the Breastfeeding Essentials Bundle is the perfect gift for all new Mamas starting out on their breastfeeding journey, or as continued support for those in the beautiful Mama trenches full of round the clock milkies.

All you need to do to win this bundle of awesomeness is comment below why you (or a friend) would love a Breastfeeding Essentials Bundle to start your breastfeeding journey or continue on with more littles, and/or what breastfeeding means to you. Follow us on our Facebook and/or Instagram pages, and comment here or there now through the *Full Moon* on March 5th ------- GIVEAWAY extended through Sunday, March 8th!--------- Share for an extra entry! Thank you Earth Mama Angel Baby for this awesome Giveaway and for supporting Eco Womb and my breastfeeding journey with my babies! Happy milk making to all!