So far, this pregnancy has been easier and much less fraught-with-nerves than my first go-round. There’s no doubt that actually having a baby is the best crash-course in all things parenting, and nowhere is this more true than with feeding a baby, which for many women can be wonderful, frustrating, and sometimes even a source of guilt or anxiety. To nurse or not to nurse? For some women, biology or life’s demands (like a workplace that’s not breastfeeding-friendly) makes the decision for them; others may decide that not nursing, or supplementing with formula, is simply the path they’d like to choose. I’ve had close friends take just about every possible approach when it comes to feeding, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there’s no one “right” way for everyone. The only real advice I can give to other current and future mamas is to not put unnecessary pressure on yourselves to follow someone else’s feeding journey — only your own body and baby can make the decision about what’s right for you.
I’m sharing more about my own nursing journey with Phoebe and my approach with Baby #2 below — but first, I’m super excited to unveil a new collaboration and awesome giveaway with one of my very favorite companies, The Honest Co. For today’s post, I wanted to share some of my very favorite feeding essentials (just launched by Honest!) whether you’re nursing, using formula, or doing a combination of both. No matter what you choose, there’s no question that being prepared with the right tools to promote good health for mama and baby is the first step in making the entire process easier, so checkout the boards below for the essentials I’m stocking up on — for both breastfeeding and bottle feeding. We’re also giving away an Honest Feeding Kit including formula and accessories to three readers who sign up for an Honest.com account and then leave a comment on this post. Scroll to the bottom for details!
Now as promised, my own baby feeding story. When I had Phoebe, I was determined to exclusively breastfeed for the first year — no formula in our house! Since I went back to work part-time when Phoebe was 6 weeks, I became close friends (frenemies?) with my breast pump, and making sure I was storing enough pumped milk in the freezer for when I had to be away from Phoebe became a bit of an obsession. I remember accidentally dropping one of the storage bags on the floor one day and watching the hard-earned milk (aka “liquid gold”) spill all over the floor. Let’s just say there were tears, and lots of them.
01 Honest Organic Nipple Balm 02 Honest Wipes 03 Nursing Tops from Au Lait 04 Two-in-One Organic Nursing Cover + Scarf 05 Nursing Pads 06 Lactation Plus supplements 07 Nursing Bra
My milk supply naturally started to decrease when Phoebe was 6 months old, and I began having to supplement with formula for one or two feedings a day. And you know what? Nothing bad happened. Phoebe actually loved it, and I discovered that it was really nice to be able to have a glass of wine at night and not worry about it. Or if I had to go out of town for a couple days of work, I didn’t freak out about the exact number of bags of breastmilk I’d been able to store up in the freezer in the days preceding the trip. At about 8 months, I stopped nursing altogether. Phoebe had started eating a good amount of solid food in addition to milk, and when I found out I had to be gone for 3 days on a work trip, I decided that my breast pump was not going to make the trip with me. (Pumping in an airport? Not so fun.) So maybe I didn’t make it for an entire year nursing, but Phoebe continued to be an incredibly healthy baby with a strong immune system and I was glad that I’d been able to nurse for the first several months.
01 Silicon 8-Ounce Bottles 02 Burp Cloths 03 Drying Rack 04 Hand Sanitizer Spray 05 Organic Premium Infant Formula 06 Baby DHA
So what’s my plan for this next newborn journey? All I know for sure is that I’ll nurse for as long as my body allows me to, and as long as it works well for our lives. I do believe in the health benefits of nursing — but I’ve learned that supplementing with formula doesn’t negate those benefits, and this time around, I’ll probably lighten up and buy some formula to have on hand from the start for those times when it comes in handy. It’s all about a happy balance. And speaking of happy…
The giveaway! We’re making it super simple for THREE of you guys to win an Honest Feeding Kit including formula and accessories. Just sign up for an Honest.com account and then leave a comment at the bottom of this post letting us know which Honest feeding product you’re most excited about trying out. Contest ends Sunday 3/29 at midnight and is open to readers in the US and Canada. Enter here for your chance to win!
*top image: boudoir chic photography via the bennett bump
I am currently a subscriber and get their essentials bundle. Do I need to still make a new account? I am really excited about their baby dha and the drying rack. 🙂
i also already have an account. I’ve got twin boys coming this summer so I’m excited about the nipple balm
I am a member as well! With my new little one due in just 10 days (!!!!!) I would love to try the nipple balm and the silicone bottles for when I start pumping. 🙂
http://simplesallymae.blogspot.com/
Oh, I would love to win! Honest is AMAZING and I have only tried a few products!
Now that my son is one, I’ve been thinking about weaning by transitioning from nursing to The Honest Company formula – would love to try it!
I’m already a member as well! Definitely interested in trying baby DHA. Also – and not sure if one can really be “excited” for this – the nipple balm will definitely be a necessity. First little one is due in August, eeks.
Thank you for sharing your story, Camille!! When I had my daughter, I had no expectations about most things, breastfeeding included. However, the world made sure to let me know that IT had expectations of ME. All of a sudden I found myself in the midst of the breastmilk vs formula battle, and sadly I was very unprepared for the fight. The worst part was realizing that it was women who were quick to judge other women. I quickly learned that breastfeeding exclusively was not for me, yet I agonized with the decision for MONTHS because of all the reactions I got from other women. The fellow females (related or not) in whom I sought comfort and advice—because they could relate to having milk-producing breasts—were often not supportive or at even understanding. But never once did a man judge me or shamed me for considering feeding my baby formula; not my OBGYN, or my husband, nor my male friends (I also never came across male strangers posting rants against formula on the internet). I survived the journey and came out stronger, in case there’s a second round, but I still look back at those days with a little bit of sorrow.
The formula!!!
thank you so much for sharing this. With my first baby I had low milk supply and I did everything possible to increase…spent hundreds on fenugreek, pumped after every nursing session, did pumping boot camp but still could not produce enough. I felt so ashamed to have to supplement with formula. Later I realized I was so obsessed with being able to breastfeed I was not fully getting to enjoy this special time with my baby. Now I’m much more relaxed with my second. It always helped me to hear that other people supplemented too.
I just became a member and am excited! Baby #2 is due in 7 weeks and we do combination feeding. Would love to win! Thank you for the giveaway
The formula and the lactation supplement – and may I just say that I am so glad we live in a time where babies can thrive irrespective of ability to breastfeed.
I love the silicone bottles and the balm!
I currently use Honest for diapers and love them! Would love to try their formula as well as the lactation support vitamins!
The new lactation plus supplement seems like a great addition to the daily vitamin. I’d love to give it a try once my first lil guy joins us this Spring!
I am preparing to be a mom expecting my first baby this August. I have heard rave reviews about Honest so I signed up for an account also to receive a giveaway from Honest. I know I have so much to learn before baby McConn arrives and really appreciate your advice on feeding and nursing. I know with pregnancy, birth and raising a child there are many things that can happen that contradict my plans. So, I am trying to keep an open mind and know that no matter what I will do my best to raise a happy and healthy child. Thank you again for your insight!
I’d love to try out the bottles! They’re the best looking bottles I’ve seen so far!
As a father expecting a baby boy in the next month I would love to try these honest products!
I am already a member! I am expecting baby #1 and due in May!! I would love to try out their nipple balm and have some of their formula on hand in case I would need to supplement as well!
Those nursing tops look amazing!!
I am already signed up and would be pumped to win the giveaway. I’m must interested in the baby bottles as I have to go back to work in a few weeks…
Lactation supplement
It is so nice to read something kind, reasonable, and open-minded about feeding choices. Breath of fresh air. Thank you.
i have an honest account and already stocked up on tons of their diapers for our june baby. id love to try the vitamins to help make b-feeding as easy as possible!
I’m excited about the formula because I wasn’t able to breastfeed. Great giveaway!
I am most excited about diapers & wipes!
I’m signed up and have been using their cleaning products for a while. My third baby is due in one week and I’ve purchased diapers and wipes that I’m excited to use. I’d love to try their bottles once we start supplementing and perhaps some formula. Hoping that I can make it longer nursing this time around but 6 months has been my max with the other two due to low supply. Thanks!!
I’m already an Honest subscriber and can’t wait to order their diapers, wipes, and diaper cream PLUS so many of the products you mention above when my baby boy arrives in May!
expecting my second- love honest baby supplies and would love to try their nursing products- especially the breast pads and burp clothes
I am expecting my first child in October this year and we are so excited! I want to breast feed but it’s all so overwhelming that this would definitely put some tools and information into my hands and would make life a little easier on this first time mom. I have heard breast feeding is healthier for your baby and want to do right by my child.
I’d like to try to nipple balm & diapers
exxpecting my second in May, and would love a chance to win. We love Honest diapers and wipes!
Expecting my first baby in November and I’m so excited to use ANY of the Honest products. I’ve used their lotion in the past and loved it. This will be a great first time kit for me to try for our first baby! 🙂
Expecting my 1st child in May, love all Honest products and now subscribing to the diaper and wipes bundle.
Already a member! We love the bubble bath. I would love to try out those bottles
Honest seems like a great product! Would love to try out the bottles!
Already an Honest Member and I love all of the products! I am expecting baby #2 in July and I’d love to sample their formula as a breastfeeding backup. Thanks!
I’m already a member and currently get their diapers & wipes for my little one – but i’m most excited to try the lactation plus supplements.
My husband and I are expecting our first child in June and just attended a breastfeeding class last week. I too plan to breastfeed for the first year, but am open to the fact that life happens and will just do the best I can! Have been looking forward to trying Honest products, so this is a great opportunity.
We brought our first baby home from a special nursery just yesterday. I signed up for the diaper and wipes bundle ahead knowing he might arrive early. So glad I did! One less thing to think about, not to mention they are keeping him fresh and clean from the start. And we have inherited the drying rack, both functional and fun. Ready to try their other products. Thanks, Honest Co!
I’m in my first pregnancy and expecting twins this summer! With two on the way I’ve been considering all the feeding options out there. Thanks for the sharing your experience and hosting such a great giveaway! I’d love to try all the products, but the balm and lactation supplements seem like a great place to start.
I am waiting for my first child and I am looking forward trying most of the “Honest Organic” products. So happy that I can find organic products for me & my baby!!! I am most excited to try the silicone bottle and the nipple balm.
I’m signed up! Their cloth diapers look amazing
I’m in the belly balm zone right now, so I think I’m looking forward (or will be in desperate need of) the nip balm next.
I’m already a member and I’m excited for the nursing cover. So cute!!!
I am a member and have four kids, I would love to try these products and compare them to past materials since I’ve heard only amazing things about this line. Can’t wait to see for myself!
I subscribe to honest company! I love it!!
I became a member! I’m excited to try the balm!
I have an account with honest! I really want to try the nipple cream.
I already have an account with honest, does that still count? We just found out that we are expecting baby number 2 (hooray!) and am excited that honest has formula now. Our first was exclusively breastfed but it did a number on my body and I know little number 2 will have to have formula in some combination. Thanks for the giveaway and congratulations!
I signed up previously! I’m excited about the hand sanitizer!
I hope to breastfeed, but it didn’t work with my first baby. I would love to try the organic formula with number 2 due in 6 weeks!
I’m already an Honest Company member. All of the products look great, but I’m especially interested in the natural feeding peristaltic nipples.
Great giveaway! I’m due in 4 weeks and would love to give the Honest products a try!
Their bottles look very cool. My little guy is 9 months and my supply is winding down, so I’ve needed to supplement over the last few weeks. Wouldn’t mind giving their organic formula a try either!
Super post! I am a subscriber to Honest and love the products! I am going to try the new DHA supplement with my 7 month old.
I just ordered the DHA drops for my daughter. I love the Honest Co products!
I am most excited about the formula. I searched high and low for a good one, and it seems that most available in the US have something missing (or something unwanted added).
I just had a baby girl 5 weeks ago and am very excited about all the new products Honest Co has now, especially the DHA drops and nipple cream.
I want to try the organic formula
Denise M
uclangel422 at yahoo dot com
Maya, thank you for being so candid about your experience. Mothers should band together and support one another! It’s tough enough being a woman, why not build each other up, instead of tearing each other down for parenting and feeding decisions.
My husband and I are expecting our first child in November and I personally am scared out of my mind but absolutely thrilled all at the same time. I am most interested in the wipes and diapers, but would love to try all of the other products as well.
Thank you for this fabulous contest!!
I’m entering because my first grandchild is expected to arrive any day!! My son and daughter-in-law would love the bottle feeding essentials set! 🙂
interesting post!
http://nurielfashion.blogspot.co.il/2015/03/prints-are-backo.html?showComment=1426448638439#c2721779229455279676
Expecting our first! I love and use organic and natural products for myself and my husband! I’ve never tried this brand of products and I’d love to try the Organic nipple balm!
excited to try the dha! fingers crossed!
I have an account and excited for the new lactation vitamins for our new baby in May!
excited about all of it! especially the bottles
I have an account and excited to try the bottle when our little bundle of joy joins us in July!
I’m currently 18 weeks pregnant and am dying to try those bottles!!! My babies have all been preemies so I have ended up exclusively pumping for them. So I’m always looking for the best bottle! And I already love honest diapers on my 2 year old so I know I’ll love all the rest of honests things!! (Already subscribed to honest)
Being 33 weeks pregnant and planning on nursing I would LOVE the nursing kit! I love Honest! Thank you
excited to try the formula and DHA so we can do combination feeding when I go back to work part time (first day is tomorrow!). we love honest everything!!
I’m a member! Already loving Nipple Balm but will use Honest formula when pumping stops working for us after I go I back to work. I plan to try the new boittles too! My 2 week old is a happy girl in her strawberry Honest diapers!
I love the honest company products that I use currently but I am excited about the lactation plus and the silicon bottles!
I’m expecting (due in August) and have been an Honest member for awhile. I love their prenatal vitamins and their safe cleaning products!
Oh and I forgot to note that I’m the most excited about the organic formula for when I stop breastfeeding or if I need to supplement 🙂
I love The Honest Company products That I’ve used so far. Excited to try the new lactation products.
Forgot to mention that I am already a member.
I have an Honest Company account and love their products. I was excited to see they came out with a feeding line and am interested in several of the new items – if I had to pick just one, it would be the Lactation Plus supplement. I have supply issues, and like you, had also wanted to make it to a year with breastfeeding. We are still going strong at 5 months but I have realized that enjoying time with my baby is more important than anything so I’m at peace with the fact that I may need to supplement – and that’s okay!
I am most interested in the bottles and the nipple balm.
I would love to try the Lactation Plus supplement. I’ve always had a problem with milk supply.
I’m having my first this July and am so excited- I eat up any kind of info on baby/mama necessity bundles. 🙂