Staying Healthy While Breastfeeding {Delta Labs Postnatals}

One thing I've struggled with post-baby is finding a great vitamin to take that will also include the nutrients I need while breastfeeding. I've simply been continuing to use my prenatals as a suppliment but recently found a better alternative from Delta Labs.

For the past two weeks I've been using Delta Labs Postnatal Fat Burner in an effort to continue to get the nutrients I need for breastfeeding (and increase milk supply) as well as helping me burn the fat that I still have from my pregnancies and before. While I'm at pre-pregnancy weight right now, I still have a long road to go.

These postnatal vitamins not only are safe for me but are safe for my daughter as well. The pills contain healthy CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), L-Carnitine, and B6. These three ingredients have been proven to promote weight loss, build energy, and increase metabolism leading to healthy weight loss.

The ingredients included in this little pill are 100% natural and are manufactured under strict cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines in a facility that carries a NSF certification.

Delta Labs offers a wide variety of supplements and nutrients made specifically for women so that any woman can find what they need! And if you want to know what works best for you simply contact them to find out. You can also reach out to them on Facebook and twitter.

Delta Labs is also committed to conservation and a greener planet. They will give you a $5 discount on future purchases simply for returning your empty bottle. How awesome is that?

Interested in WINNING a two-month supply 

of the supplement of your choice?

Enter to win two bottles of any Delta Labs health and wellness formulas in the rafflecopter form below. Two winners! Giveaway ends August 10th at 11:59 EST so hurry up and enter now. Good Luck!

And if you don't win this time around make sure to head on over in September to enter the Noise Girls For the Family giveaway for another chance to win a two month supply!

My Biggest Fear Planning for #BlogHer12

I'm a pretty social person.

I get along with a wide variety of personalities and have no problem being alone or walking around in numbers. I think it has something to do with my confidence and my own personality.

But the one thing I'm always super conscious about is the fact that I'm a lactating mama. And some other mamas might not be as understanding when it comes to the fact that I, personally, want to nurse my daughter for as long as I can. OR as long as she wants to.

So when I started to plan for BlogHer'12 in NYC (my FIRST trip away from the family) I realized I'd have to either bring a pump with me or figure out the best way to hand-express my milk to keep my supply going since I wouldn't be bringing my nursling.

The one fear I had was my roomate having an issue with a moo-machine in the room and breast milk storage in the fridge.

Last year there was a lactation lounge at the conference with milk donation set up but I haven't seen any news of one at this year's event. So I am not sure if milk donations are being arranged or not; I'd rather bag my milk and see if I could give it to someone instead of dumping it down the drain.

Liquid gold and all.

The whole time I've been making my check list for things to pack, outfits to wear, shoes to bring I've had this nagging feeling in the back of my head telling me to talk to the roomie about my lactation issues.

The miracle of coincidence and timing is awesome though.

Because my fears were for naught.

And how'd I find this out? I was just chatting about being nervous about leaving the family alone for so long for the first time and she agreed then mentioned the need for a pump. Relief!

Turns out my roomate is also still nursing her daughter and will be bringing along her pump as well! Talk about things working out perfectly, right? I mean, we aren't going to have a pumping party or anything but at least I'm rooming with someone who "gets it," you know?

So if there's something on your mind just speak up! More likely than not, those who you talk to will understand and be there to support you!

Worried your roomie is going to walk in on your pumping? Pick up some of these awesome door hangers I found! I so wish I had these when I pumped at work...

When to Wean {Breastfeeding}

As my daughter gets closer and closer to 18 months of age I keep thinking about when we will wean from breastfeeding. From a young age we knew that she would be a difficult one to wean. I was even told by one of her pediatricians that she would more than likely nurse until she was three if we let her.

And you know what? That sounds fine to me!

Some days it can be hard. She wants to soothe and relax by nursing while I'm trying to do housework or take care of my son. She still nurses 5+ times a day although never longer than 5 minutes at a time unless its naptime or bedtime. So while it takes me away from the task at hand, it's quick and then she's ready for the next thing on her list.

I recently read a post over on Naptime is My Time on weaning your baby.  The post was part of a series from The Mommy Mindset where a handful of bloggers share their experience. I was relieved to hear that a few other mommies were in the same boat. Their kids just aren't showing any signs of readiness even at 18+ months.

With my son I felt almost relieved when he finally decided he was ready to wean at 19 months. I was going into my third trimester with my daughter's pregnancy and I honestly don't think I was even producing much milk still. Plus he loved sippy cups (and took a bottle when he was younger!) which made a difference.

He happily stayed with family for a few days out of the week while I worked part time away from the home and was used to using his sippy for comfort instead of nursing. But since I've been home with my daughter she hasn't had much experience with having to take her milk from a sippy. I have been told, however, that she happily took her milk when we recently out for a date night that didn't end until well past bedtime.

I'm hoping that by following her cues and going with what feels right for both of us we'll figure out a great time to wean. And while nursing can sometimes take a toll on me (my body tends to hold onto weight when I am nursing) I cherish this time I have with my babies. It's definitely worth it in the end!