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Sunday, December 10, 2023

My Oldest Son is Transitioning to Adulthood this Coming Year

As a mother, the odyssey of raising my only child has been a profound journey, filled with a spectrum of emotions that swell as I witness my firstborn son embarking on the threshold of adulthood. Today, my heart is both aflutter with pride and heavy with reflection as he proudly dons the mantle of an Eagle Scout.

The achievement of Eagle Scout is more than a badge; it symbolizes a voyage of growth, resilience, and commitment. I marvel at the transformation of the young boy who eagerly joined the scouts into the poised young man whose accomplishments stand as a testament to dedication and character.

Come February, we will mark his 18th birthday – a significant waypoint in the timeline of his life. It's a moment to celebrate the passage of time, as well as an opportunity for me to acknowledge the profound changes in him and in our relationship. The days of bedtime stories and scraped knees feel like distant echoes as he stands at the crossroads of adolescence and adulthood.

The culmination of his high school journey in May is a beacon on the horizon, illuminating the memories of countless school projects, soccer games, and shared laughter. As a mother, watching him stride confidently toward graduation is a poignant reminder that the child who once sought my guidance is now ready to navigate the world on his own terms.

This juncture prompts a delicate dance between holding on and letting go, as the nurturing instincts of motherhood collide with the awareness that he is prepared to chart his own course. The values instilled during his formative years become the compass guiding him into the uncharted waters of independence.

The achievement of Eagle Scout, the upcoming 18th birthday, and the impending high school graduation are not merely milestones but markers on a map of shared experiences and shared growth. The quiet evenings of homework assistance and the exhilaration of accomplishments both big and small have sculpted the contours of our familial landscape.

So, here's to my son – a new Eagle Scout, on the brink of adulthood, and poised for the exciting journey beyond high school. May the winds of change carry him forward with the wisdom, resilience, and compassion that have been nurtured through the years. As a mother, I embrace the ebb and flow of emotions, knowing that our bond will endure, even as he sets sail into the vast expanse of adulthood.




Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Navigating the Struggle: Working from Home, Parenting an Infant, and the Constant Battle of Self-Doubt

Parenthood is an incredible journey, but when combined with the demands of working from home full-time, it can feel like an unending balancing act. In this blog post, we'll dive into the raw and honest struggles of caring for an infant while juggling the responsibilities of a remote job. The constant stress, self-doubt, and the perpetual question of whether alternative childcare solutions could make a difference are all too familiar to many parents in similar situations.

1. **The Constant Battle:**
   Caring for an infant while working full-time from home is a challenge like no other. The continuous juggling act between meeting work deadlines and tending to a little one's needs creates an environment ripe for self-doubt. As parents, we often question if we're doing justice to either role.

2. **The Elusive Work-Life Balance:**
   The concept of work-life balance can feel like an unattainable dream. The struggle to compartmentalize professional and personal responsibilities within the confines of your home blurs the lines, leaving you in a perpetual state of being pulled in different directions.

3. **Milk Supply Woes:**
   For breastfeeding parents, the concern about milk supply becomes an additional layer of stress. The nagging question of whether being physically present at home, or opting for daycare or a nanny, could positively impact lactation looms large.

4. **The What-Ifs:**
   a. **What If I Wasn't Working?**
      The thought of how different things might be if you weren't juggling both roles simultaneously can be both tempting and tormenting. The grass often seems greener on the other side, but the reality is that each choice comes with its unique set of challenges.

   b. **Daycare or Nanny Dilemma:**
      Exploring alternative childcare options introduces another layer of decision-making. The internal debate over whether enlisting the help of a daycare or a nanny could alleviate some stress adds to the already overwhelming mental load.

5. **Navigating Self-Compassion:**
   Amidst the chaos, it's crucial to practice self-compassion. Understand that it's okay not to have all the answers or to feel like you're falling short. Parenting is a journey of learning and adapting, and acknowledging your efforts is an essential step in finding peace amidst the chaos.



Conclusion:

Parenting while working from home is an intricate dance of love, stress, and constant adaptation. The struggle is real, and the self-doubt is a universal sentiment. Whether you're questioning the impact of your work on your milk supply or considering alternative childcare solutions, it's essential to recognize that you're not alone in this journey. Embrace the challenges, seek support when needed, and remember that finding your unique balance is a process—one that evolves with time and experience.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Your friend just gave you $20! 🙌

YAY - time to shop! ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Sunday, September 24, 2023

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Sent from Katie Main

Friday, August 25, 2023

Pumping Success as an EBF

I think everyone knows I breastfeed, but I also started pumping so that I can bump my supply up and have some extra for various reasons. I am no where close to a super supplier like I was with Nathaniel. When pumping I was getting like 1.5 ounces with the first morning session and it was less over the next two throughout the day. Fairly frustrating considering this isn’t my first child even if it had been a while. 

I ordered smaller flanges for my Motif Luna and finally dropped the dime (lots of dimes on the Willow 3.0) and the milk containers for it since the bags are a little pricey. 

I did worse with the Willow with the bags but when the milk containers arrived it was like a miracle. I finally pumped just over 2oz (albeit it took 45 minutes) in my morning session while he nursed from one side. Later after Devon’s nap, while he nursed from one side (I don’t want to wash 2 containers 😅), I pumped another 2oz! I finally could bag 4oz and I only did 2 sessions! 🥳🙌🏼

Today, another 4oz day success! 🥳🎊

I should say that I had a slight diet change. As of Tuesday I started adding half a scoop of protein powder to my morning and afternoon coffee. Since that didn’t change my output Tuesday or Wednesday I feel like that had trivial effect here. 

Someone told me it’s funny how what excites us changes with every stage of life. Very true statement. I am literally so freaking excited about being a better human cow. Moooo 😂🥰


Thursday’s bounty! 🥛 


Friday’s milk treasure! 🥰🥳

This makes this mama feel so accomplished! 🏆 

Please Continue to Support the Breast Pump Tax Elimination

Greetings,

I am a proud constituent and a mother, and I am writing to you today to thank you for your efforts in eliminating the breast pump tax, and encourage you to make every effort to ensure that the breastpump sales tax elimination contained in the bipartisan budget bill becomes law.

Breast pumps are an essential tool for breastfeeding mothers like me who need to express milk for their babies when they are away from them. However, breast pumps can be costly, with prices ranging from $50 to over $500. For many families here in North Carolina, the cost of a breast pump can be a significant financial burden for working parents.

By eliminating sales tax on breast pumps, we can make this essential tool more affordable for all mothers who want to breastfeed. This tax exemption would benefit enumerable North Carolina families who may struggle with the high cost of breast pumps, while also enabling us to provide nutrients that have been proven to reduce the risks for significant health issues and reducing our risk of certain cancers.

Getting rid of the taxes on breast pumps in North Carolina will lead to healthier children and mothers, as well as have a significant cost savings for our state. I urge you to keep working to include the sales tax exemption for breast pumps intact in the current budget legislation in our great state. Thank you for your service to our community and for your support on this request.

Thank you for your consideration and support!


Katie Main
Proudly breastfeeding my 5 month old

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Support Breastfeeding 🤱🏼

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, as a proud EBF mom, I had to make a post.🤱🏼 

For something so natural, breastfeeding isn’t easy. Some women are fortunate that it is but many have struggles and have to work to be able to breastfeed their babies. 

Seventeen years ago when I had my first it took a week for my milk to come in. The pediatrician threatened me with CPS instead of referring me to a lactation consultant. I was determined to nurse my son and a woman at a drugstore told me to try Mother’s Milk tea. That worked! Probably helped that I sat down and relaxed while drinking it. After that hiccup start I ended up able to fully feed my son and pump at the same time. Our journey then lasted almost two years. 

Seventeen years later and I’m nursing my second son. This time my milk came in shortly after birth. However his weight didn’t jump up fast enough apparently (even still) and the pediatrician asked “how many ounces was he drinking when he nurses?” Very clear sign that once again I have a pediatrician who has little knowledge of breastfeeding and he didn’t refer me to a lactation consultant either. 

I’m 42 and have had some thyroid issues. But I’m determined! I have added several galactagogues to my diet, I pump while nursing at least twice a day, and I drink over a gallon of water each. 

We are succeeding! At his 4 month visit he was up 26%! He’s happy and thriving!

We are happy and thriving!

I love that we are on this journey.

If you want to breastfeed and struggle please know that you can get help from a lactation consultant. Contact your hospital, birthing center, or your insurance for help locating one if your pediatrician doesn’t refer you. Btw a pump is a friend in building your supply and it’s covered under insurance. 

https://portal.ilca.org/i4a/memberDirectory/index.cfm?directory_id=19&pageID=4356

https://llli.org/get-help/

https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/learning-breastfeed/finding-breastfeeding-support-and-information