Friends Talk About Feeding
When I first became a mom, I had so many questions on repeat in my mind around feeding. Nursing, bottle feeding, formula—no matter how you do it, this uncertainty about the hows, whens and what if’s is just the beginning of this crazy ride.
I’ve found great comfort in my crew of fabulous mom friends. Sharing advice, hugs, tears and everything in between, we’ve always got each others’ backs. So I’m thrilled Walmart is giving me this opportunity to welcome you on this journey with us.
Supplies For Success
These days, there are so many great products to get you started with feeding your baby. With my first, I used a nursing pillow, pump and bottles. Another essential was a nursing cover, though with my second baby I just threw on a scarf or wore a big shirt. And nursing pads are a must-have (my fave brand is Lansinoh). Once you’ve leaked in public, you don’t make that mistake again!
Other reccos from my favorite moms include:
“Spoons, Bumbo, a baby food steamer/mixer and 1-ounce storage containers. For my first son, the Brest Friend nursing pillow worked great.”
-Angel
“I had an endless supply of nursing pads and nipple cream. I also had a giant electric breast pump (supplied free by La Leche League) for bringing bottles to the hospital for my second baby.
-Valerie
“When my first daughter started spitting up a lot I switched to a soy formula. I also fed both of my babies Gerber cereal and jarred baby food, later adding in mashed table food and a variety of finger foods.”
-Alayne
“I used mostly gear from boon—some cute spoons and a great high chair. When my daughter started feeding herself more, I had those little mesh bags you put frozen fruit in. She liked those.”
-Jaime
Would’ve Been Nice to Have…
One thing I wish I’d had was a portable pump. I’ve heard the Evenflow pump is great, and it really could have saved me a lot of rushing home to use my big pump. Curious to know what products other moms longed for?
“I wish the Munchkin sippy cup with a weighted straw had been around for my children. It works when held all kinds of ways, and is truly no-spill. Also, the silicone Mini Mat by EZPZ has a sectioned plate that is wonderful for a highchair tray or table.”
-Alayne
“I wish I had a high chair that attaches to actual tables. It allows the baby to be a part of dinnertime instead of separated from the family.”
-Angel
“Nine years ago, we didn’t have options like organic pouches of quinoa baby food. I definitely could have used those!”
-Jaime
Feeding Lessons Learned
My biggest takeaway is to be kind to yourself. With my first, I tried to nurse exclusively but was frustrated by my lack of milk. This made me constantly discouraged and unnecessarily disappointed in myself. By the time the second came around, I was way more relaxed and didn’t put any pressure on myself. In turn, I actually produced more milk. Isn’t it funny how the world works?
Here are more words of wisdom from moms who’ve been there (believe me):
“If you’re using a bottle, hold your baby as you would if you were breast feeding. This calm, one-to-one time is a perfect chance to make eye contact, talk softly and touch gently.”
-Alayne
“I fed on demand so I that I wouldn’t be stressed about scheduling. The twins eventually ate at the same time without me forcing it, which saved me so much time with feedings.”
-Angel
What Would I Do Differently?
I remember setting my alarm to wake up at 3am to pump because I read that your supply is highest at that time. The thought of that makes me laugh now. I would NEVER wake up to pump while my baby is sleeping. I would SLEEP!
So how would my crew do things differently with a do-over?
“I wish I had introduced my first son to more diverse flavors at a younger age. He’s now 7 and can’t stand the thought of eating a salad. With my 2 year-old twins, I allowed them to eat anything I was eating from 6 months. Now they eat raw greens without blinking!”
-Angel
“I would give myself full permission to supplement with formula, and not feel I have to make all of my baby’s food from scratch. Looking back, I see there is so much else that is more important. Like my sanity and centeredness as a mother!”
-Jaime
Notice some common themes? Invest in great products, skip the stress and most importantly, be good to yourself. Let’s keep the convo going in the comments below.
The Awesome Ladies Who Made this Article (and My Sanity as a Mom) Possible…
Name: Angel Laketa Moore Tanksley
Occupation: Actress, Host, Speaker, Social Media Influencer
Ages of kid(s): 7 year-old and 2 year-old twins
How did you feed your baby/babies in the first year?
Breastmilk and solids
Name: Valerie Kiadeh
Occupation: Teacher / Curriculum Specialist
Ages of kid(s): 34 and 29 year-old daughters and 35 year-old son
How did you feed your baby/babies in the first year?
Breast milk, formula and solids for all babies.
Name: Alayne Stieglitz
Occupation: Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education
Ages of kid(s): 33 and 30 year-old daughters and 18 month-old granddaughter
How did you feed your baby/babies in the first year?
Breast milk, formula & solids for both babies.
Name: Jaime Morrison Curtis
Occupation: Author, Travel Writer, Mother
Ages of kid(s): 9 year-old girl
How did you feed your baby/babies in the first year?
Breast milk, formula and solids