When the kiddos’ naptime (aka my post-writing time) rolled around I stared at my screen with this dilemma:

The response came in for me on Twitter and Facebook (shameless plug to follow if you don’t already). Verdict = share what’s on my mind. Who am I to deny the answers social media provides? 

I have been facing an internal dilemma.What exactly? The scale. Dun dun dun!!!!

When maintaining my weight or gaining weight for conception and pregnancy I had absolutely no desire to use a scale. It did not matter to me in the least. Now I suddenly feel myself wishing I could have it available to me. Why? Well, I am trying to lose weight. Its necessary to get back to that place I personally feel my best. I sort of miss having a concrete way to know how those efforts pan out. I feel like I am approaching my goals blindly.

Although harder, its still possible to eat enough healthy food calories to inhibit weight loss. I also don’t want to lose too quickly, which can be detrimental to milk supply. And I have no clue if I’m doing either of those things. I fear that I will reach a point where I feel I’m not making progress and will then make unnecessary changes. It’s interesting…I gave up the scale to not have mental games, yet now it seems to be causing even more of those games.

I tell myself the following: I feel confident in my relationship with my body. I believe I could use a scale without getting caught up in the number. I trust that I would use it as a tool and nothing more – simply as a more regular gauge in addition to my clothes and progress pictures, which both take longer to show noticeable progress. I would still do my thing, with minor tweaks when needed and not because I think its time as I may without a scale. I would not focus on reaching a particular number and would never do anything drastic in the name of achieving a number. I would keep the balanced approach I have strived to achieve.

Then, there’s the other side. I know I don’t need a scale to tell me I’m making good choices for my health…and health matters most. I have stated here my belief in getting back in shape scale-free. I would feel like I was letting FFF, and its readers, down. I also feel like I would lose credibility personally. I have other ways I can track progress and focus on. I know that, while I weighed myself weekly after Makenzie, my body naturally returned to its happy place. Although I used the scale to reach my goals, I didn’t depend on it either.

I still don’t know where I end up with this internal dilemma. I want to be true to myself, my beliefs on health and balance, this blog and what it represents above all else. Can the two coexist?

Question of the Evening – What’s your relationship with the scale? Or any thoughts?

I started the day off right with my current oats combo obsession. It’s basic but tastes insanely good. White Chocolate Wonderful PB and sliced strawberries. Those two make for a heavenly combination.

Now, to finish answering all those questions you all sent my way. Here we go!

I’d love some info on what you can/can’t and should/shouldn’t eat while breastfeeding. I’ve heard mixed opinions on alcohol?
General recommendations include not to eat too much dairy, soy, beans, cruciferous veggies, spicy foods, caffeine, etc while breastfeeding because it could upset the baby’s tummy. Some children are more sensitive than others. I always eat normally then cut back on anything in particular I notice upset’s my baby. And the alcohol? I personally have no problem having a small glass, timed not too close to when he will eat again. I only do this very occasionally.

How long you plan to do it?
When it boils down to it…I breastfeed as long as I am not fighting my body to do so. I stopped at 7.5 months with Makenzie because I could not keep up my supply to her needs. It became a daily battle of Fenugreek pills for milk support, pumping extra, her always being hungry, and me always frustrated and upset. I make an effort to feed as long as possible, but if its not going smoothly for an extended time, I don’t feel bad for stopping. I don’t want breastfeeding to become a battle or something I resent. I don’t believe that is healthy for myself or my child.

What do you think if someone is unable to breastfeed?
It happens. I have had at least a few friends honestly unable to breastfeed and I fully support them every step of the way. Do I think breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed a child? Yes. Do I think mothers should try to breastfeed? Yes. Do I think mothers aren’t adequately caring for their children if they don’t breastfeed? No!!!

Some children don’t latch well. Sometimes issues can exist with production. Sometimes pumping doesn’t work and its the mother’s only option. I would hope someone would give a solid effort to breastfeeding, but if things are too difficult for one reason or another, there is absolutely no shame in stopping. As I said above, it should not become something of resentment and extreme struggle. Every mother knows what works best for her and her child. Those decisions should be accepted without judgment from others.

cute baby B photo to break up all the text…

My son stopped nursing after his first “taste” of the bottle. Is there any way you can increase your milk supply using the pump?
Whenever I have had to increase my supply I did a few things: Ate lots of oatmeal. Drank lots of water. Took Fenugreek, which is an herbal supplement and it works. Pumped a little longer or an extra session. And lactation cookies are always helpful. And delicious. Please note: I did this to increase my supply for nursing and I’m not sure on exclusively pumping. I would always speak with a consultant over personal challenges with feeding.

A friend told me she isn't breastfeeding so that other people can bond with her daughter. Does breastfeeding inhibit others bonding with the child?!
No! It does not. Holding, cuddling, singing, playing, rocking, changing diapers, and the many other things you do with an infant all are part of bonding. Yes, a special bond happens with nursing, but it does not limit a bond with anyone else who interacts with the child either.

Do you honestly ever get shy when you're nursing? Like when you have company or are out in public (or do you avoid those situations or go to another room?) I want to know etiquette of when/where it is okay to bfeed!
I will nurse anywhere…but you all probably know I am not the most shy person out there.  believe that you can nurse anywhere and in front of anyone as long as it is done discreetly. Family? They should understand what you’re doing and not be weirded out. Friends? Same thing. In public? You’re never going to see these people again so who cares what they think!

I do try to use a nursing wrap or blanket to cover up in front of others. I also will try to pick a more private space, like a seat in the corner of the room instead of smack in the middle of the couch and my friends. I will “warn” people that I need to feed my child. I have gotten really good at keeping all things hidden while doing so. There are times I will go to my car or another place that is completely private.  IE choosing to nurse in the car versus in a fast food joint when on the road traveling…or going to the nursing room at church versus whipping out the boob mid-service.

Question of the Day – What is your favorite type of nut butter? Who would you have the hardest time nursing in front of?