Mom Life According To Elisa

I don't use rewards like toys, candy, or money to  motivate my child . I find that without treats and prizes, she  gains more self-confidence  and  better values her personal achievements . But I didn't always feel this way.  Read the rest here on POPSUGAR

Breastfeeding on a schedule worked best for my baby, but I quickly learned not to talk about it.  Breastfeeding mothers  often rely on babies' hunger cues and shun schedules. But the clock's guidance actually transformed  my colicky infant  into one who was happy, alert, and even  met her milestones  more quickly. Read the rest here on POPSUGAR

Finding the best nipple cream may have saved my  breastfeeding journey  from ending within weeks. I had no idea how  painful nursing  would be for me, especially since my baby had a poor latch. In the end, I made it through and ended up  nursing for two years and four months . I came to love and cherish breastfeeding, but I almost didn't make it past the first month. Read the rest here on POPSUGAR

“Have you been depressed or thought of suicide?” The question rolled off the doctor’s tongue, and I smiled and shook my head on cue. I had heard it about seven times over six weeks after having my baby girl — from NICU nurses, our pediatrician, my lactation consultant, and now from my OB at my 6-week checkup.  They all rattled the question off, and I always smiled and said no. Depression has never been much of a friend of mine, and after having my first child, I was on the other end of that spectrum. I was so happy I felt a constant sense of bliss and euphoria. Between the postpartum and breastfeeding hormones flooding my system with oxytocin and soaking in the concept that I did this—I had a baby, my life’s goal complete—there was no depression. None. But there was anxiety. No one ever asked me about that.  I never even asked myself. It’s very difficult, for me at least, to reflect upon my emotional or mental state while I’m in the middle of experiencing it. I can...