Breastfeeding

So little Ethan is a week old (technically yesterday), and we have survived a week on breastmilk only! This is a small achievement for me. I have to look back at Benjamin's blogs, because I can't remember how long I lasted, but I know it wasn't very long because I got thrush on my nipples (and he had it in his mouth) and then mastitis. After that 103 temp and feeling/looking like I was at death's door, I said "to heck with that!" and went to the bottle. I'm trying really hard this time since I will have the full 12 weeks off to breastfeed exclusively and increase my supply. I also wish I had done a before and after photo from the day we got home until today. Technically not even a week back home and my uterus/belly is way down. That's helpful too. I had some pretty severe swelling when I first got home. I'm getting back to normal!

Also, I read somewhere that you burn 20 calories an ounce of breastmilk, so I am HELLA trying to stick to that to help me lose weight. Plus these lactation smoothies I'm making (thanks Pinterest!) are making me eat more healthy and are full of good fats that are keeping me pretty full. Once I get the go ahead from my Dr. I will start incorporating some neighborhood jogs into the mix (and once baby starts sleeping a little more... sleep deprivation is REAL in the O'Brien house).

Well, I've got to pump in a little bit for Ethan, so I should probably nap!