Five Secrets to Successful Breastfeeding for the New Mom Nursing Her First Baby or Subsequent Child

Baby Care

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When my kids were babies, I breastfed my four children -- triplets plus one more born within a year. My kids may all be teens now, but I still strongly advocate making a concerted effort to at least give nursing baby a try prior to deciding to exclusively bottlefeed.

My Triplets in an old photo: Talk about having lots of mouths to feed

For some time now there has been scientific evidence that breast milk strongly impacts not only a baby's nourishment during the first months of life and but also may actually increase her/his intelligence later on. What's more, as a nursing mother, you can potentially reduce your chances of breast cancer by breastfeeding your little one.

In this post an international expert shares her advice for new mothers. I think all these ideas provided by Sara Chana Silverstein, IBCLC, will be helpful and encouraging both to those of you breastfeeding for the first time and those who may have been unsuccessful with a previous child but want to try again with a subsequent baby. Sara's essential hints come from a woman who is not only a very experienced mother of seven children but also a board-certified lactation consultant, birthing instructor, classical homeopath, herbalist and popular speaker who splits her time between Los Angeles and New York.

Mommy Blog Expert's babies after about 3 months of nursing

Sara Chana's Breastfeeding Dos and Don'ts

• Don't believe breastfeeding is supposed to hurt and that sore nipples are the norm, or perhaps even a badge of courage for toughing-it-out. If the baby is latched on properly and draining the breast, it shouldn't hurt! 

• Do teach your baby to "breastfeed" and not "nipple feed." To do so, start by holding your breast steady and compress it into a pointy shape with your hand.

• Don't stuff your breast into the baby's mouth. Instead, bring your baby "to you". To accomplish this, support the baby well, holding him along his spine and at the base of his head.

• Do use RAM (rapid arm movement), and bring your baby (or RAM him) onto the breast in a quick-swift motion, allowing the baby to take the breast as deeply into his throat as he can.

• Don't get discouraged. With practice, a mom will be able to nurse pain free, when she and her baby share the experience of being on the breast deeply.

In the video above lactation expert Sara Chana goes into greater detail about nursing in an interview with mom blogger Daphne Brogdon of Coolmom.com

The benefits of nursing properly are clear. Breastfeeding can be not only a natural, positive and healthy experience it can also be a pleasurable one both for you and your baby.

You might also want to check out 4 Tips for Transitioning from Nursing Mom to Career Woman Returning to the Workplace

What advice would you add to Sara's helpful lactation hints? Feel free to share additional suggestions for new moms on this subject as a comment to this post. 

FTC Disclosure:  The Dos and Don'ts in this post were provided by lactation expert Sara Chana Silverstein. I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar This Week for Moms & Women March 26 - April 1

Twitter Parties

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Updated 3/30/12

This week's family-friendly Twitter Party list covering March 26 to April 1 is full of fun online events celebrating the arrival of spring that moms and women are going to love. Lots of Twitter parties are already on the calendar this week offering some great prizes to win for women, moms, kids and the rest of the family. Check back often so you don't miss updates and additions to this list as the week goes on.

Want to be the first to know when next week's Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live? Then consider following MBE on Twitter, Facebook and by subscribing to this blog.

THIS WEEK

Monday, March 26 - TONIGHT!


Come to the #CherylsCookieCard Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. To join in the fun use hashtag and follow both and @Resourcefulmom @CherylsDesserts Prizes: Sixty (60) winners will receive a Cheryl's Chick Cookie Card; Three (3) First Prize winners each win a Cheryl's Easter Brownie and Cookie Box and Three (3) Grand Prizes winners each will get a Cheryl's Treats Assortment Easter Gift Tin. RSVP

Join the @ActiveCareInc #gno Twitter Party to discuss senior living hosted by @Mom it Forward at 9 pm EST. Prize: Grand Prize WinneriPod Touch with 5 First Prize winners each receiving an ActiveCare branded Ogio Gym/Weekend bag RSVP


Don't miss it: the #AffordableBeauty Twitter Party 9:30-10 pm EST.  25 lucky party goers using the hashtag will win a Skinnygirl Margarita Bath Collection Gift Set. Be sure to follow @BethEnny and @Skinnygirlskin to participate. Details

Tuesday, March 27

Be sure to join the #PinSavvy Pinterest Twitter Party at 1 pm EST. Party hosted by @PinSavvySocial and @HomemadeFrontier by RSVP

Via @MamaSarahJane Midnight Velvet Fabulous Twitter Party w/PRIZES at 8 pm EST. RSVP by tweeting "RSVP @ShopMV #MVFabLooks Twitter Party"

Come discuss WWE's PG Family Entertainment and their anti-bullying campaign at the Westlemania XXVIII #WWEMoms Twitter Party scheduled for 8 pm EST. Hosted by @lisasamples @theonlinemom @RachelFerrucci @SoberJulie and @SKconcepts - Awesome prizes include 3 WWE Swag Bags and one lucky winner will receive an Xbox 360. RSVP

Join @MomitForward for the @Stonyfield #GNO Twitter Party at 9 pm EST to talk about organic living. For this week's giveaway one lucky winner will receive $250 worth of prizes that include coupons for YoKids Greek Yogurt, a pair of The Lorax theater tickets, The Lorax book, and assorted other goodies from YoKids and #Stonyfield  RSVP

Wednesday, March 28

You're invited to the #NotaMoneyTrasher @CVS_extra Twitter Party at 1-3 pm EST. Hosted by @ConsumerQueen. Get a gift by sending in your RSVP

Join the Post-it Brand @post-itproducts for a Twitter Chat at 1 pm EST with Style Expert Jill Martin @jillmartin answering questions on incorporating color into your life. #postitcolor

Take part in the @BobbleBots Twitter Party hosted by @MomTalkRadio at 8 pm EST. Prizes: Five (5) Bobble Bots Moshi Monsters Starter Sets, Grand Prize: Full Bobble Bots World Set including starter set + 10 Moshi Monsters. #BobbleBots  RSVP

Don't miss the @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST to discuss the pros and cons of Facebook for a chance to WIN $150 Amazon Gift Card. RSVP 


Thursday, March 29

Attend the Difference is Clear Twitter Party hosted by @MomCentral with brand sponsor Claritin and special guest @BrookeBurke at 4 pm EST. Six (6) people will win $50 Amazon Gift Codes and each of Two (2) people who Tweet before the party will each win a $50 Amazon GC. Use hashtag #DifferenceisClear to participate in party. Details

Join the Eggsciting @Smarties Easter Twitter Party at 7 pm EST with @LizatSmarties and hostess @SweepsMama. Prizes: Smarties candies for spring #HopOnSmarties  RSVP

Come to the Joie de Vivre #CraveBox Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Prizes given away every 10 minutes include @CraveBox contents as well as some full CraveBox packages. Door prize this week is worth $150  RSVP

It's #TimetoPlayLive at the Twitter Party hosted by @JimSilver and @TheToyGuy at 1 PM EST. Winners declared by @TimetoPlay. Lots of chances to win some of the most cool and innovative toys for kids at this weekly not-to-miss event. Go ahead and click, you've got to see the list of what you can win. Details

Please come to the Spring Green & Clean Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. WIN Great Prizes! Follow @Healthy_child for details.

You don't want to miss the Happy Family Twitter Party talking about home, health and safety at  9 pm EST. Sponsored by @HappySuperfoods and hosted by Philly Social Media Moms with Prizes from Happy Family, Mrs. Meyers, Dabble and OXO. No RSVP needed, just be sure to follow @JoLynneS and Happy Foods to participate in this party. #HappyFamily Details


Friday, March 30

Join the #theonlinemom #VZWBuzz @VerizonInsider Twitter Party hosted by @theOnlineMom and @RobynsWorld at 3 pm EST. Talking about mobile education with awesome prizes include LG Spectrum Smartphone (with a $125 gift card) and a set of HTC Rhyme Tangle Free Earbuds. RSVP

Next Week


Tuesday, April 3

Join the #TogetherCounts Twitter Party to celebrate Child Nutrition Month at 8 pm EST. Hosted by @Resourcefulmom and sponsored by @TogetherCounts

Come to the Green Works Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. Grand prize is $500 with smaller $50 and $100 GC prizes, too. Hosted by @MomBloggersClub with sponsor @GreenWorks #GreenWorks RSVP

Mark your calendar to attend the Never Settle for Less H&R Block Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. To participate follow @CleverGirlsColl @HRBlock @Technorati and use hashtag. Prizes include 10 American Express Gift Cards (each worth up to $100) #NeverSettleHRB RSVP


Wednesday, April 4

Come to the #DoleCookoff Twitter Party at 8-10 pm EST hosted by @Bookieboo and sponsored by @DoleFoods. Grand Prize: $150 Visa Gift Card, product coupons as assorted swag (1 winner). First Prize: Swag/Coupons plus $50 Visa GC (2 winners). Other prizes $25 Visa GC + Swag/Coupons (4 winners) and Dole Gift Bags with Swag/Coupons (4 winners). RSVP


Thursday, April 5

Mark your calendar for the Tropicana Pure Premium 100% Orange Juice Twitter Party hosted by @SocialMoms at 7 pm EST. Follow Social Moms and @tropicanaoj before party. Prizes: Twenty (20) Amazon Gift Cards, randomly selected 10 winners for Tweeting before party, 10 winners for Tweets during event #TropFloridaOJ. RSVP

Join @WisconsinMom and @temysmom for the Colgate #EasterSmiles Twitter Party at 1 pm EST. Prizes include two $25 Walmart Gift Cards, one $50 Walmart GC and one $100 Walmart GC. RSVP

Tuesday, April 1o

If you've got a baby, don't miss the #AbbysLane Twitter Party at 9 pm EST centering around diapers, baby wearing and parenting. Hosted by @Clothdiapergeek. Grand prize is a Limited Edition BabyHawk Mei Tai in Tori of Tokyo print, valued at $99 with other prizes from sponsors just as cool. RSVP


Thursday, April 12

Did you hear? @OregonChai is hosting a Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. Party goers can expect tips for finding Me Time, decadent chai recipes and giveaways including #OregonChai branded merchandise and tea products, a $50 Amazon gift card and a collapsible picnic basket. Grand prize is a Kindle Fire. Special prizes for 5 who pre-Tweet about the party include variety packages of OregonChai teas with one winner that Tweets about the party before it starts winning a $50 Amazon GC!

 

About this Weekly Twitter Party List Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com

Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. If you'd like to add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar please email janis at janiselspas dot com with Twitter Party in the subject line including all the details and links in the body of your message.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter Parties as a Guest. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

A Model Matzah Bakery Where Kids Learn the Story of Passover, Have Fun & Make Real Matzah

Celebrations

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I've been spring cleaning for weeks. That can only mean one thing to me: Passover will be here soon and there is still so much to do to get ready for this holiday. In case you're wondering, I hate the cleaning part of preparations but Passover is my absolute favorite holiday and you can bet I'll be cooking and crafting up a storm this year as always. 

Passover, also called Pesach in Hebrew, celebrates the mass exodus of the Jewish people out of Egypt and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. We have a special ceremony and meal on the first two nights of this holiday and we eat only unleavened bread called matzah.

Traditional Passover seder plate, detail from the Model Matzah Factory sign

Handmade sign outside covered with plastic to protect it from the rain

Similarly to the crossing of the Red Sea long ago, not even today's downpour of rain in L.A. -- complete with a steep outdoor cement staircase leading up to the event that looked more like a waterfall coming down  -- could deter my teens or the other kids from volunteering with The Friendship Circle to help out at the group's visit to the Model Matzah Bakery at the Chabad House near UCLA. Despite inclement weather this was a wildly successful sell-out event, with groups of kids arriving both before and after us.

Steep steps up to the pop-up Matzah Factory looked like a waterfall, add charm

It warmed my heart to see my teens and others paired off with children with special needs. Together this afternoon these adventurous young people entered a time machine through a magical door in a pyramid to travel back in time more than 3000 years.

Teen volunteers match up with Friendship Circle Kids for a unique experience

Moses invites kids to journey back in history via a pyramid time machine

Upon arrival at their destination the time travelers watched the story of Pesach come alive with modern references to Google to keep things relateable to today. The action featured some very dramatic costumed young men convincingly portraying Moses and Pharaoh along with a supporting cast of other well acted-out characters. 

Following a series of ten plagues starting with frogs flying onto to Pharaoh and his throne and culminating with the smiting the first born, Pharaoh was finally convinced by Moses to release the Jews from slavery. But he insisted they leave almost immediately so there was not enough time for their dough to rise. That's the origin of Matzah which the ancient travelers carried on their backs as they left Egypt headed for The Promised Land which today is known as Israel.

Pharaoh finally answers Moses' Demand, "Let my People go"

This engaging short and educational dramatization of the story of Passover was followed by a fun, hands-on crash course in how to make matzah, step-by-step.

Starting with Mr. Farmer, the children got to use an old-fashioned hand crank mill to grind raw wheat into flour.

 

After leaving the farm complete with red barn, they entered the forest where they were met by the cook who showed everyone how to draw water from a pretend well and then mix it with the wheat flour.
 

Then it was on to the bakery. Here, long tables awaited with a ball of dough at each place and all the tools needed for each child to roll their own handmade round matzah.

Basic equipment: A hat, rolling pin, and a tool to prick holes in dough preventing rising

My 16 year old shows his TFC Kid how to flatten the dough into a disk

The baker then slid everyone's flat dough disks into a very hot oven. The aroma of matzah baking enveloped the room. Just a few minutes later out popped warm, freshly-baked small matzahs for everyone to eat.

The Chabad Baker places the kids' matzahs in a real oven to bake

A great time was had by all, though it's hard to say who enjoyed this more: the teens who volunteered or The Friendship Circle kids. Really, I can't imagine a more wonderful way to spend a rainy Sunday in Southern California witnessing young people doing community service with such smiles of joy and compassion radiating from their faces.

Model Matzah Baker Mural at Chabad House, Westwood adjacent to UCLA

As for that rain, it's still coming down this evening. Reminds me of Albert Hammond's 1973 hit song It Never Rains in Southern California. Especially the part,"But girl, let me warn ya ... man, when it rains, it really pours."

What kinds of Passover activities and arts and crafts will you be doing with your kids leading up to the eight day festival that this year begins the night of April 7th? Please leave a comment as it would be really fun to share ideas here.

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.