TheMainKatie: August 2023

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