I’d read a lot about breastfeeding before Addie was born. I took a class. I gave birth. I ate well. I made an excess of milk. But I could not breastfeed with much success.
Photo of Adelaide + me, June 2012 by Agroterra Photography
Addie and I did not have a good latch, and it broke my heart. We tried. We went to a lactation consultant and LLL meetings. I called the hospital nurses. I tried a shield. I gave up. I pumped for 18 months, and was proud that I was able to feed her from my body, even if it was non-traditional. And then I was pregnant again 2 years later, and I was hopeful, but cautious. I’d ordered my breast pump through insurance and it sat, waiting for my sweet Camille’s arrival. There were new glass bottles, still neatly packaged- there if needed, but unopened in anticipation that we would have better luck.
And then, in 2 hours and 57 minutes, Millie entered the world and was hungry! For months, she lived in my lap, nursing off and on all day. I loved our bond, but my back did not. I was sitting up, bent-over for night feedings, and when I attempted side-lying to nurse, I ended up needing to position myself with all of our pillows. To be perfectly on my side, but slightly back to expose my breast, meant strategic placing of pillows and no moving because then my positioning-work would slide everywhere. Seriously a mess, and my back was killing me.
So I asked my friends at Nurse Me Tender (thanks to Tall Mom Tiny Baby for introducing us), if I could have their L7 Nursing Pillow to try. I pored over each pattern, and decided the yellow was just what I wanted- when it arrived, I was so excited I tore it open, but waited until I could get photos of it to try it out. Addie, however, didn’t want to wait.
So, my thoughts?
@NurseMeTender L7 pillow is a dream! #breastfeedingselfie #normalizebreastfeeding #momlife pic.twitter.com/rIaJydoBz2
— Michelle Martinka (@martinkadelux) March 27, 2015
It’s perfection! I have not slept this well since Addie was born- no joke! The L7 keeps me perfectly aligned for breastfeeding throughout the night without having to stay perfectly still. Check it out: 
One of my other favorite things, is that it’s not too fluffy. The support is perfect (I slip my arm under under when I’m sleeping), firm, but not hard, and it’s great for everyone to try. 
Millie used it a lot last month when she got her first ear infection which left her congested. The slight elevation and support were exactly what the pediatrician thought would help her sleep… and she was right!
The whole family loves our L7 @NurseMeTender pillow. #baby #CamilleThea #breastfeeding pic.twitter.com/QzQkdgqyHx — Michelle Martinka (@martinkadelux) March 31, 2015
I really cannot say enough good things about this pillow! I actually added it to my must-haves for new moms, which currently stands at:
♥ Get a good night’s sleep! L7 Nursing Pillow
♥ Never lose a drop of milk! Milkies Milk Saver
♥ So you don’t forget the last diaper, feeding or nap! Feed Baby App for android or Apple
♥ Hybrid cloth diapers! GroVia
♥ A postpartum doula- check your local area.
Of course baby needs a few things of his or her own, but if the mama is well prepped, baby is already A-OK! In the first few weeks of life, I relied on help with Addie to get sleep, lots of snuggles, diapers, wipes and not spilling milk everywhere. Millie was dressed only to leave the house, and other than that was skin-to-skin… I highly suggest a baby carrier (for newbies, the NuRoo was AMAZING, but we live in the Moby now, even at 6 months and 21 pounds).
As for actually making milk… I have a million ideas, but remember that to make it, you have to take care of you! Lots of water, good calories (whole foods and good fats), skin to skin- as a baby close to your body helps signal you to produce, and most importantly, nursing- are the basics. The more baby is at the breast, the more your body is being prompted to produce. Your milk takes a few days to come in, and you have to be consistent for your supply to stay up! For me, at around 6 months my supply lessens a bit, but I continue to pump to donate. In order to do so, there are a few foods I remember to eat so that I can exercise, continue to nurse Millie (who has NO interest in solids), and pump. Garlic is thought to help increase supply- I keep a jar of minced in the fridge and throw it into almost every dinner and lots of lunches. Some babies have a sensitivity to what mom is eating, so increase your consumption with care. I also drink a lot of water- making sure to fill up multiple water bottles at night, store them in the fridge and continue to drink them throughout the next day.
Lastly, I like to make lactation treats for myself to enjoy as snacks to keep my energy up! Along side my Mother’s Milk Tea, I love to have Lactation Bars!
- 2c steel cut oats
- 1c granola ( the coconut and chia seed blend from BJs is awesome!
- 1/2c brown sugar, packed
- 1T cinnamon
- 2T flax seed meal (in its own mixture of 4T water)
- 1/4t salt
- 3/4c raw honey
- 1/2c crunchy peanut butter
- 1t vanilla extract
- 3/4c dark chocolate chips
- Combine oats and granola in a large bowl.
- Over medium heat in a sauce pan, heat sugar, cinnamon, salt, honey, peanut butter and vanilla- stir until well blended together.
- Pour over the oats and granola mixture, add flax seed meal/water, and mix just to blend.
- Let cool, then add chocolate chips.
- Press mixture into a greased 9x13 pan and slice into bars.
- Add some white chocolate chips, too! So good!
This post contains no affiliate links- just great products! Thank you to Nurse Me Tender for my pillow! Check them out on IG|Facebook|Twitter!
I never breastfed, but I am ok with my decision 😉
And you have AMAZING kids!!! <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
Great post. I never breastfed either.
It’s a great pillow for lounging, too. My hubby and toddler fight over it!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
This pillow looks really comfortable. I’m bad at laying on my side, so this would definitely help!
It’s awesome!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
That pillow looks like it really works nice and its comfortable for both of you.
It really is awesome!
I never had kids, so I’ve obviously never breastfed. I think it’s right for some people and not right for others. What I love about you do is that you show us all that it’s okay. I CANNOT stand when I woman breast feeds in public and people start to shoot her dirty looks or get all weird. Guess what, peeps? Boobs are little milk factories. That’s what they’re for!
Jennifer recently posted…Roll Back Savings with Walmart’s Stock and Save Event
So true, love! Thanks for the support!!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I think I can safely say that you are a nursing guru! Seriously, I love that you’re doing your part to show that breast feeding is a beautiful thing and not something to be shied away from or to be judged. It’s a perfectly natural thing!
Dawn recently posted…Snack Hack: One Step Chocolate Covered Strawberry Freezer Pops
Thank you! That means a lot to me. I love nursing the babes, but I also love that I have lots of friends who formula feed and are comfortable around me- we just do our thing, whatever that is.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I am sure this would do wonders for back support while breast feeding. I had such difficulty breastfeeding my kids, none of them would latch correctly.
Jenn recently posted…Get A Better Nights Sleep With Novosbed Pillows
Ouch! A hard latch is no fun for anyone. Addie had a bad latch, so I just pumped with her.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I have nursed all of I have nursed all of mine, still nursing our littlest who will be soon and I will nurse baby due in Dec. It is such a special time.
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Treasured Photo’s With Disney’s Memory Maker #WDWBigFun
I love that you have such a big family!!!! Keep feeding those little loves!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I breastfed and loved it. You look so happy. I’m glad that this helped with all your back pain. My Sister in law is about to have a baby and she has some back problems I will tell her about this.
Jeanette recently posted…Ways to Eliminate Stink and Stress from a Life Full of Boys
She will love this pillow- I was skeptical, but I would give up the pillow on my lap (the boppy style) for this one any day!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
That looks so much more comfortable!! I was never able to breast feed, since my son had a cleft palate and no suction. 🙁 Great for other people though! 🙂
Jamie recently posted…Things That Bring Back Memories – “Dukes of Hazzard” #MondayMemories
It’s also good if you’re a side sleeper. My hubby and toddler like to use it for naps!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I know the path towards breastfeeding can be difficult but I hear it is very rewarding. IT sounds like this pillow is great for bonding and can be used throughout the development of baby.
It can be! Exactly!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I breastfed my daughter. It was such a great experience. The nursing pillow looks so comfortable! I am going to have to get it as a gift for my friend who’s due in May.
Allie D. recently posted…24 No-Mess Toddler Activities
What a cool pillow. I definitely would have used it in my nursing days!
It’s a really great one!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
Yay! I love the way you say that breast feeding is not for some but comfort is. I applaud you. 20 years ago I breastfed 2 of my 3 daughters. Basically you were not allowed in public and to be honest I was fine with that. I knew what I was doing was for the health of my children. I was not argumentative and still to this day. I live and let live most of the time.
Laura (Lauras Little House Tips) recently posted…Egg Shell Planting-Perfect for Starting Plants
Comfort for all- which, of course, means doing what you’re comfortable with as well as the physical aspect. It’s hard to be a mom, isn’t it?! Just BEING is judged! Lame. I love sticking together… a little sisterhood of ladies who are just doing their damndest!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Home. My favorite spot in the city. #52weeksA4A
I love your photos! This looks like a fantastic pillow and a great gift for some upcoming baby showers. Thank you for sharing!
Nicole recently posted…Hotels Offer Summer Music Experiences
YES! This is my new gift for all mamas. They have no idea what to do, but then I hear ‘I LOVE THIS PILLOW’ right after the baby comes!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
That sounds perfect for lying on your side. The recipe is sure to help a lot too!
Liz Mays recently posted…5 Ways to Serve Nuts as Appetizers
It is a wonderful addition to any bedding arrangement- that’s for sure!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
This pillow would have been great when I was breastfeeding the kids. Two of my kids would not latch and I had to go to the bottle.
Kelly Hutchinson recently posted…Layered Taco Salad
It is a great pillow, for sure. We went through a latch issue, too. It’s hard, BUT I love that the pillow cradles me, which makes snuggling with the kiddos a more supportive activity!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I couldn’t breastfeed either due to medical issues but sure wished I could.
swell conditions recently posted…grilled sole tacos with chimichurri sauce
It’s hard when we can’t do something we want to for our babies. I felt the same way with Addie.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
Nursing is so different with each child! I have three and our stories were all our own… no two were alike. I perfected the in bed lay down nurse half-way through nursing my first and it was a great way to increase both our comfort and amount of quality sleep. Glad you found one that works for you! I loved mine.
SO true! Pregnancy through adulthood… I don’t think anything is ever the same with kids!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
Wow, that pillow looks awesome! I could imagine that it’d be pretty comfortable to sleep with even after you’re done nursing, too!
Christi recently posted…DIY Dollar Tree Spring/Summer Centerpiece
YES! My hubby loves it for himself!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
It’s great you found something to make it more comfortable for you. I know my sisters in law struggled at times and would have appreciated this.
Patty recently posted…Crepe Erase Review
The pain of sitting up at night nursing is awful!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
Wow, so many thing that weren’t around when my kids were that age. That pillow looks like it would make things much more comfy.
Aubrey recently posted…Triple Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe #ChocolateHistory Giveaway
There’s always something coming up that we miss out on.. I keep saying that about maternity clothes!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I wish I had that pillow when my two children were babies! It looks so comfortable!
It’s awesome… and great even if you’re not nursing!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I have never seen a pillow like that, it looks very comfortable especially for breastfeeding. Thank you for sharing the recipe, I cant wait to try them.
It’s awesome!!1
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I loved my nursing pillow, not just for nursing, but also for late night rocking back to sleep (saved my arms & back!), and for cuddling with a sick little one while still working at the computer (both Daddy and I used the pillow for that!). And then of course, they’re great for helping little ones sit up with just a bit of support, and crawling over or for rolling on for tummy time.
Megan Elford recently posted…Patti’s Story: Succeed, Fail, Pray, Regroup
Yes! I love this pillow because of all that- and the non-traditional shape. It is great for so much, and has the added benefit of supporting me (mamas need support too!) while laying down!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I love that pillow. It would have been fantastic when I was breast feeding my youngest. We stayed in that position all the time.
Our Family World recently posted…Mango Kiwi Spring Rolls: So Good, Your Kids Will Ask for More! #Bluedragon
LOL! It’s almost like I live there, some days. Just on my side forever!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
That looks like a great pillow! You can use it for breastfeeding as well as for laying on. I love it!
Yes! It is awesome!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
It was crazy. I had so many issues nursing my first born… then I wouldn’t give up on my second one and finally got to nurse her for about nine months… With my third I was hard-headed and finally learned about side nursing, tips for lactating, and so much more. It helped me nurse her for 18 months. It was the greatest experience and I feel like I missed out on those bonding times with the other two. LOL…
Finding the right position was so important for me, too! I am glad that you found it for you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
The L7 sounds like a great pillow. Wish I had something like that when I was breastfeeding.
Beth@FrugalFroggie recently posted…Sam\’s Club Memebership
It is pretty awesome!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
This would be an amazing gift for a new Mom. I loved breastfeeding my children. We experimented with a few lactation recipes when i was nursing.
I love giving this as my new baby shower gift! With a box of diapers- mom is set!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I never could breastfeed. My kids wouldn’t latch properly. But these are great for moms who can!
lisa recently posted…Best Gift For The Techie Mom: AMD FX Special Edition APU
The latch is so hard!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I was unable to breastfeed my last baby but I was okay with it. This looks really comfy for a new mommy though!
Maggie recently posted…Meal-Planning Monday
It really is the best for mamas… or anyone who side sleeps!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
Sounds like something I may need in the future. 😉
I’ll have to save your lactation recipes for future reference too. Thanks!
😉
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
wow – that looks great! And Kudos to you for pumping for 18 months!! I did it for 4, and it was a LOT!
Pumping is NOT the most fun thing in the world, is it!?
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
The pillow looks great and I like that it can be used beyond nursing… Those lactation bars look nutritious.
I LOVE the pillow- even when I am not nursing- so comfy!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I wasn’t able to breastfeed and it still bums me out, but I tried very hard both times. I am glad the second time around it worked for you. The pillow looks so comfy!
Jillian Fisher recently posted…Kids Shoes Toddler Sandals Adorable Tank Clogs Review + Giveaway
It’s hard to not be bummed. I feel sad I wasn’t able to nurse Addie.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
Props to you for a) nursing b) nursing even when you had to pump (I hate the pump… it makes me wanna shoot people in the face OR moo the entire time I’ve gotta use it) c) posting pics that might make dbags act like dbags and d) having nice boobs.
What?! I said it lol.
All around- you rule today. Congrats, from one breastfeeding Mama (of four) to the next 😛
Alysia from My Domestic Dish recently posted…My Sexy Hubby, Smile Brilliant and a Giveaway!
Thank you so much. This whole comment just made me feel awesome. Pumping SUCKS (no pun intended), but it doesn’t last forever ( at least that’s the motto I have to stick to LOL).
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
Your looking stylish while feeding!
Crystal recently posted…All-Natural Beauty Products Giveaway
Oh thank! I feel fancy… almost never, but I think the grease in my hair makes me look sleek. HA!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…A Media Kit for Every Social Media Maven
I’m having problems breastfeeting Tobias, he doesn’t latch easy and when he does he fall sleep right away. I’m pumping because of this and my milk was coming along well but this last two days it’s been less, I’m going to try that mother milk tea that you mention…. How will you suggest that I take it.
Hey Pam! I suggest 3 cups a day to start! Stay hydrated- more water, more milk. If he’s falling asleep, try nursing him undressed, and tickle his feet a bit. Is he taking a bottle?