AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Oh, Gawd. Bewbs again. DATE: 3/10/2009 09:04:00 PM ----- BODY:

For those of you who know me in real life, I hereby warn you that I am about to talk about my boobs. Again. You may click away now, or read at your own risk.

Catherine breastfed another woman's child this weekend. If you don't know the story and would like to, it can be found here. It's not directly related, but it's got me thinking.

I have two breasts. My momma has one. My friend has none. I still have two that I should be grateful for.

They are mine. I grew them. I have lived with them for almost 25 years now. For most of those years I hid them. I wore baggy shirts and sweaters that were too big. I was uncomfortable with the attention they garnered.

It was more attention than I ever received myself. In fact, this space is even overshadowed by them, with the most searched hits coming from "ginormous boobs" or some incarnation thereof.I suppose that is also because I continue to talk about them.

The first time my husband, then new boyfriend, saw them in just a camisole, he blurted, "My God! They're ginormous!" I quickly put the baggier shirt back on and slunk down in my seat. I wanted the focus to remain on me, not them. Betrayed by my breasts once again.

Only I wasn't. After the initial shock, he went right back to talking to me. My face, rather. He held my hand, put his arm around me, all without copping that oops-feel that even some of my friends' husbands have been guilty of copping. Later, I learned that Kevin's reaction to the girls and their girth was in fact just shock. He actually just considered it a big bonus and gave me reason to believe it too. And since my mother reads this blog, I will stop there.

After I became a mother, I expected to have an epiphany about my breasts. Learn the "real" purpose they serve. Open the heavens and sound the trumpets: breastfeeding. My boobies were created to be a food source to my babies. I would magically begin to respect them and they in turn would learn their place in this world. Which was about four inches lower than I had hoped for, but whatever.

The thing is, I don't think the heavens opened, and I don't think they were made just to feed babies.

You see, I have these hands. Two of them. They type, they play the piano, they change diapers, they bathe a child, they prepare meals, they clean this house. They do a multitude of things for every different part of my being. The writer, the musician, the mother, the wife, all use these hands.

It is the same with my breasts. They are functional; feeding my child. They are sexual; just ask my husband. They are decorative; clothes fit better with them than without them. They are all of these things to me.

The boobies belong to me. If I want to use them to feed my child, I can. If I want to use them to pump milk for another child, I can. If I want to use them to nurse another child, I can. If I want to use them to try and sell albums, I can. If I want to use them to reach orgasm, I can. If I want to use them to keep my toes warm, I can in another few years, I'm sure.

They belong to me. Yours belong to you. And no one. No one should be telling us what we should or shouldn't be doing with them.

Labels: Boobilicious, Breastfeeding, Nursing, Random Thoughts, Things I Should Keep to Myself

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 10:14:00 PM EDT You know what? I've decided to stop blogging. I'm just going to link to your blog every time you post anew. Then I'll be all set b/c for some reason you keep publishing posts that are exactly things I've been thinking. How the hell do you do that?

I too was hoping for the breastfeeding boobie epiphany that never came. I've always been a hater of my boobs (they are the definition of ginormous) but I'm at least beginning to have days that we actually get along. Of course, my sexy red Bravissimo bra helps with this.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is: You rock those boobs, girl and I will try to follow your lead.

-Abby ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Two Lines On a Stick DATE:Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 1:13:00 AM EDT I totally laughed out loud. I don't think your boobs will be down to your toes EVER. At least I hope not. In the most non-sexual way. Um, I'm stopping now... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amy DATE:Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 8:44:00 AM EDT Amen.

And LOL about keeping your toes warm. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

No Minimom DATE:Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 8:44:00 AM EDT I'll tell you the same thing I told my best friend in 7th grade who was already a C cup and was several cup sizes larger by the time we graduated high school: If you don't need all that, I'll gladly take some off your hands! ;-)

I wholeheartedly agree with this post. There is no way on the green green earth I would let a stranger nurse my baby, but I wouldn't feel weird at all doing that for someone else (maybe that's hypocritical, but there it is). Regardless of my personal views, it's not my place to say what someone else can do with their body! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Magpie DATE:Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 10:32:00 AM EDT Well said. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 1:50:00 PM EDT Wow. There is so much news out there that I would miss if it weren't for you.

As for the ginormous boobs, I'm with No Minimom -- now that I'm not nursing, I think I'm a whatever-comes-before-A-cup. So I say enjoy them, even if you have to hike them up a bit first! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nita DATE:Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 8:04:00 PM EDT Damn straight! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 9:12:00 PM EDT Toes! Warm!

I totally forgot what else I was going to say. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 9:14:00 PM EDT Love it! Love it! You can nurse my baby anytime you want - do you want the 2:30 am, 3:30 am, 4am, 4:45am, or 6 am? He calls them "muggles." ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becki DATE:Friday, March 13, 2009 at 11:31:00 PM EDT Very true words :)

And glad your toes will be warm ;) ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Because rock stars love boobies DATE: 6/23/2008 06:30:00 PM ----- BODY:

There weren't many benches at the NAMM show. There were more babies than I expected. And there were 100 times as many tattoos as I expected.

At one point, Christopher needed to eat. He was tired and hungry, but Guy and Lovely were still looking around. No problem, I said. I would just go find a bench, sit down, nurse him, and let him nap in my lap for awhile.

Only there were no free benches.

I thought for sure that if I walked up with a crying baby, parked my stroller next to a bench and stood there for a minute, that someone would get up and offer me a seat.

Not a chance.

My victims were two old dudes who were enjoying their pre-lunch Bloody Mary's. They looked up at me as if my child was disturbing their hangovers with his crying. I turned my back a little more to them so I could aim the wailing more in their direction.

Five minutes this went on. I stood there shushing, bouncing, and rocking my baby, waiting for anyone, particularly the men closest to me, to get up and give me a seat.

It never happened.

So I sat on the ground against the wall, popped out my boobie and started to nurse him.

HOLY HELL! A TIT IS ON THE LOOSE!

Those men jumped up with their drinks faster than if I had poked them with a branding iron. One of them diverted his eyes and asked if I would like to have his seat.

Um, no. I had just gotten settled down on the ground and the baby was finally content and nursing. Had you asked five minutes ago? I would have said yes.

I'm exaggerating a little bit. I didn't exactly pop my boobie out. I have become very discreet at nursing in public. The only reason those men even noticed was because the crying had stopped. It wasn't like I was flashing a big ole milk dripping titty all over the place.

Because Lord knows, showing breasts at NAMM is a terribly distasteful idea.

Oh wait a minute, no it's not.

There were DOZENS of women who were walking around showing more boobage than I was while nursing. Boobs are the number one marketing tool of music merchandise. You know, because they have something to do with guitars?

The only thing, by the way, that boobs have to do with guitars is if you buy an Ovation. The back is rounded, and it rolls up over big boobs leaving you playing it like a levitating steel string guitar. I'm not sure how that would help their marketing though.

But please. PLEASE. Would someone please explain to me why it is alright to show boobs hanging out left and right and up and down when it is to sell guitars, but it is not okay to flash the tiniest bit of breast when feeding your child?

I was going to post pictures as examples and link to some of the companies who use breasts and guitars as phallic symbols as marketing. Then I reconsidered giving them the traffic.

It did feel pretty empowering though, watching all the guys walk by and get all flustered when they realized I was breastfeeding my child. I laughed out loud when one young guy actually asked the hootchie he was walking with if I was allowed to do that in there. Seeing as how I could tell you what kind of wax she had last gotten due to the length, or lack thereof, of her skirt, I don't think she was exactly the person to be asking your questions of appropriateness.

My breasts have always drawn unwanted attention from men. This time? At least the last laugh was on them. I finally don't care who looks at them or for how long. Besides, they are just breasts. What I really don't want you looking at is my belly or the bags under my eyes. So stare away if you like. I'll even tell you what size they are.

They serve a purpose now. A beautiful and miraculous purpose.

And it isn't selling guitars.

Labels: Boobilicious, Breastfeeding, Music, My Life

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stella DATE:Monday, June 23, 2008 at 10:50:00 PM EDT You are SO RIGHT! I'm not sure why I never thought of that before. I'm not against breasfeeding in public but I never even stopped to think about all those women who walk around looking a lot more provocative than a woman feeding her child in a completely natural way!

You totally should have told those old guys that you didn't want their seats but you'd take their Bloody Marys! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 1:06:00 AM EDT Right on!

(Or whatever the hip phrase is now. That sounded so terribly old.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Andria and Co. DATE:Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 10:13:00 AM EDT Rock on with your bad self!

I hate the double standard, also. Seriously- it's okay to flash your boobs on 6th street here, but try to discreetly nurse, wearing a nursing wrap no less, in the mall and you get stares and snickers.

Effers. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 2:55:00 PM EDT Hilarious! Sometimes I think it's fun just to upset them. Of course, that's just the mini-revolutionist in me. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kelly DATE:Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 5:48:00 PM EDT Good for you!! I hate that double standard! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Clifford DATE:Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 12:47:00 AM EDT M was having her own personal Mardi Gras at NAMM...woohoo! Did the baby get any beads? Le Crewe De Bewb on parade.

I'd like to cast my lone and apparently dissenting vote in that breasteses still have an aesthetic function, even after having children. If a guy stares, it's

a) because he's a guy and is too dumb to realize what he's doing (you gotta realize that seeing a beautiful girl is like throwing a stun grenade at your average guy. Takes us a sec to get our senses back), and

b) he found something worthy to look at. Take it as a compliment. 99% of the time, it is intended as such.

There's nothing wrong with a cute woman showing a little cleavage. It's not like a guy has ever looked at his wife's nice legs and said, "Yeah man, she can climb the HECK outta some stairs with those things."

And M. Girlfriend. About the dress code...you were at the Wal-Mart of career musicians. What kind of clientele did you expect? I do apologize for the decidedly non-chivalrous behavior showed you, baby or no baby. The guys should have been falling over themselves offering you, or any other girl, their seat. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 5:04:00 PM EDT Loved the comment on the chick's skirt - When dressing, one should always look in mirror and ask herself, is this a TMI? Also really loved Clifford's comments. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Weeeee-nors, as my brother would call them DATE: 4/23/2008 04:19:00 PM ----- BODY:

I held a couple of contests a million years ago. You might not even remember. One was the "Bird Pool." The other was the "Guess how big my knockers are going to get."

Thrilling, I know.

The long awaited announcement is before you.

Katy, who I'm assuming is the wonderful Katy from Mom22Teens is the winner of the Bird Pool. She was eerily accurate. Much more so than even my Turkish psychic friend. Katy, if you will email me, I'll send you a lovely Sirius radio as your prize. You have to activate it, but if you do, it might give you access to the outside world unheard of in your land of dial up and mountains. Hee hee.

The winner of the Boob Pool is Stephanie from Lawyer Mama. She has probably forgotten that she even rendered a guess, but she was pretty close. My nursing bras have settled in at a lovely 38H. WooHoo! Stephanie, if you will email me, I'll send you the Pennyrich Bra Patch t-shirt I promised.

Thus endeth the contests. Congratulations, ladies, and thank you to everyone who participated!

Labels: Bird, Blogging Babes, Blogging Innards, Boobilicious

----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Goldilocks needs a t-shirt DATE: 4/12/2008 10:45:00 AM ----- BODY:

On the off chance that a bored fashion designer might read this post, I have a request.

I would like to have some fitted t-shirts that allow for a large chest. I'm stuck wearing t-shirts that still look like maternity shirts, swimming all around my midsection, just so I can fit my boobs in them. I am ready to look put together again. Please.

These t-shirts would be more generous in the bust. The arm holes would be adjusted so that the shirt isn't stretched out of shape in the armpits. The shoulder line would fall a little lower to give the illusion that my shoulders are wider than my breasts (which they aren't).

The cute cap sleeves would be a little bit longer so that they at least reach my bust line. Bare arms next to boobs accentuate them even more.

Most of all, these t-shirts would be longer so that they don't ride up over the top of my pants. My boobs take up so much of a t-shirt that the poor shirt that I need little suspenders at the bottom of the shirt just to keep it from constantly climbing up my belly. I got over showing belly exactly 12 weeks ago today.

I am 35 years old. My postpartum body is alright with me. Really, it is.

I would like, however, some t-shirts that fit.

Maybe they exist already and I just haven't found them? If you know of any, please leave me a link. I'm due to be locked up by the fashion police any day now.

Labels: Boobilicious

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 11:08:00 AM EDT I agree! Better T-shirts for big busted gals!!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Liz DATE:Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 12:13:00 PM EDT I would like one or two as well! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

gail DATE:Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 12:31:00 PM EDT I do the OLd Navy skinny tees with a cami... I wish I had time to to and make something for myself but I tell you it would take months to draft anything that big, heeee! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Steph DATE:Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 5:19:00 PM EDT (((HUGS))) I DONT have boobs and I STILL cant find a tshirt that fits!! :( ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 10:04:00 PM EDT Can't help you there ... but I well remember your pain! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

momma knows DATE:Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 12:10:00 AM EDT I know this isn't what your looking for, but here's what I did...I wasn't quite ready for the "fitted" tees, plus I found them hard to get up and down while nursing. I went to wallyworld and bought mens (Hanes) v neck tagless white tees in sm and med, I used the med until my boobies decided what size they were going to be...I lived in these things, I washed them with dreft along with her clothes, it just worked for me. Afterwards I used them to sleep in since I can only seem to sleep in white...yes I evidently have issues, LOL!

Hope you find the perfect tee :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MB DATE:Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 8:50:00 PM EDT Hey, what happened to the guess your post baby/breastfeeding bra-size contest? Who's the lucky winner? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marty, a.k.a. canape DATE:Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 10:29:00 PM EDT MB - Thanks for reminding me! I got so wrapped up in this mom thing that I forgot about it. The t-shirt is waiting in my closet though. I'll award it this week :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Monday, April 14, 2008 at 8:08:00 AM EDT If you find any - let me know! I've never been able to find anything that fit nice like that. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Candygirlflies DATE:Monday, April 14, 2008 at 9:59:00 AM EDT http://www.smartflyercanada.com/penningtons.html

Hi, Canape...

I'm not sure exactly what size you are on top right now, but here is a link to a store up here in the Great White North that has some nice looking tops, with a good selection of different "fits". I shopped here for a little while after my second child was born-- to accommodate my top-half!!

What you are looking for is a t-shirt that has DARTS in the sides, to accommodate your chest. That little bit of tailoring will eliminate the wrinkles that currently form under your arms. And longer!! Yes!!! T shirts should ABSOLUTELY be being made longer, with a bit of curve in the waist, to accentuate your body.

I know you don't want to shop at maternity stores anymore... but up here there are also a few maternity places that sell beautiful things for nursing mothers, too. I'm not talking about those awful shirts with the slashes down the front and the big bib-flap buttoned over the top. I mean some nice shirts that are properly tailored to fit well, and also provide "easy access". Maybe try the Shirley K or Thyme website??

Let me know how the search goes!! I remember the desperate urge to feel "put together" again after my kids were born, and how hard it was to assemble a post-partum wardrobe...

Lots of love to you-- CGF xoxo ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bon DATE:Monday, April 14, 2008 at 4:17:00 PM EDT if you find these, will you send some?

i think i spent most of my post-partum summers in tees from old navy, which were a bit tight in the chest but not bad. of course, i was only an EE even while nursing, which felt huge but i realize in retrospect was not. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becki DATE:Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 9:24:00 PM EDT I feel your pain!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

TheMusingMommy DATE:Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 1:10:00 AM EDT Have you tried Coldwater Creek for their tee shirts and knit tops? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nita DATE:Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 1:03:00 PM EDT I know it is 2 months late and all, but I ran across these shirts a few weeks back and have been very pleased. They are thicker than paper so they aren't see-thru. They are plus size so generous in the bust but tapered at the waist. - perhaps the smallest size will work for you and at only $10, they just might be worth a shot. They have a nice little slightly rushed cap sleeve.

Check em out at www.avenue.com, under apparel>basic tees. I prefer a nice v-neck shirt as I find the scoop necks always stretch too far. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Because I can't believe it myself DATE: 2/22/2008 02:35:00 PM ----- BODY:

At the pediatrician's office today:

Doctor: I don't see any signs of thrush.

Me: Are you sure? Because my breasts hurt so badly. Like I would rather be in labor again than have my breasts hurt this badly.

Doctor: And you're sure you want to continue breastfeeding?

Me: (after initial stun of question wore off) Absolutely I do, and I will.

Doctor: Well, they're your boobs, not mine.

OH MY DEAR GOD. He actually said those exact words to me. Perhaps I am still hormonally sensitive???

Or PERHAPS NOT?

Please. Weigh in. Would you be taken aback if your older than dirt pediatrician actually taunted you about your persistence in breastfeeding? And used the word BOOB? I mean, I use it all the time, but the letters M.D. don't follow my name either.

Let's discuss, shall we?

And you don't have to tell me to get a new pediatrician. It's already in the works.

Labels: Bird, Boobilicious, Breastfeeding, Just plain pissed

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Heather @36 balloons DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 2:48:00 PM EST One of the ped's our practice is just that nonchalant about preserving the breastfeeding relationship. Very irritating! Have you looked through kellymom.com for ideas? I thought I had thrush with my first, but it turns out she just had a crappy, lazy latch and was using her jaw instead of her tongue or some such nonsense and my nips wanted to run away from the torture. It got better. Hoping for the same for you. You rock! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Steph DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 3:44:00 PM EST Im sorry he was so flippant and hope you can figure out why you hurt. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

TheMusingMommy DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 3:58:00 PM EST delurking to comment...

I find it so hard to believe when members of the medical community play down breastfeeding. It is SO AGGRAVATING. If I could, I would send you my lactation nurse. She's the best...when I run into her at the grocery store she takes time to find out how it is all going.

We had breastfeeding issues in the beginning too. My daughter wouldn't latch, and it took a lot of (literally) hands on work to teach her. We used the supplemental nursing system, as well. But after a couple of weeks it got better.

They say the first 6 weeks are the hardest for breastfeeding. I found after the 4th week it was smooth-sailing. I'm still nursing her (just before bed) and she's 17 months now.

So good luck! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 5:42:00 PM EST First 6 weeks are horrible, but keep it up! If our ped. said that to us, we too would be getting a new Dr. I thought we had thrush, and our Dr. saw no evidence, but suggested several things I could do, none of which included quitting breastfeeding! You have my support. Keep it going, and have that lactation consultant come back out to check on your latching and for thrush, sometimes the baby has no symptoms... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anth DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 6:46:00 PM EST Um, yeah, I would think it was really weird if the ped used the word "boobs." And was so nonchalant and unsupportive of me continuing to bf. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the new girl DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 8:13:00 PM EST Not that you asked for stories but I had MASSIVE NIPPLE HURTAGE and her latch was fine, it's just that she was clamping down from an overactive letdown.

I know that may not be your issue but the lactation consultant will probably be more helpful than your asshat pediatrician in figuring out the problem. She will certainly be more supportive than your asshat pediatrician.

It boggles my mind that they know next to NOTHING about breastfeeding, really. They honestly don't. Your determination and your lactation consultant are all you need to do this.

Your conviction that you're doing what's best for your beautiful son is what makes you a great mom.

And yeah, they ARE your boobs. Damn right they are. lmao.

Did I mention that I think he's an asshat? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 9:12:00 PM EST I can't believe he said that. Breastfeeding can be off to such a rough start and it GETS BETTER, much better. WOmen need encouragement!

Anyway, I had a horrible yeast infection in my breast when I nursed my daughter (who did have thrush) and it was like she was suckling on my breast and there was a horrid piece of glass deep down inside. If that had been my first nursing experience I would have stopped. Hope it's not what you have.

My OB gave me an oral pill (1 day) for a vaginal yeast infection (which I didn't have) and it cleared it up pretty well.

Best best of luck to you.
Maybe find a lactation consultant... but not one that's too militant! :)
C. B. in NY ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

sunraysnsaturdays DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 9:23:00 PM EST Whoa. That man needs a new profession. Asshat. Hope you figure out what is going on so you can get some relief. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

FENICLE DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 9:37:00 PM EST Although I understand his point...that he can't tell you what to do...it was a rather inappropriate way to get his message across!!! Geez. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marty, a.k.a. canape DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 10:08:00 PM EST If any of you (CB in NY!) are back reading comments, could you tell me if your baby was treated too? Or just you?

Right now, I'm just taking the oral medication you mentioned, C.B., but I'm worried that we're not also treating Bird.

Any insights? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Clifford DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 10:29:00 PM EST Did you burn four-letter words into his forehead with your eyes or what? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mutt DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 11:08:00 PM EST Seems a little casual to me.

Breastfeeding is hard and it surprised me how little help those in the medical profession were. We did find an incredible lactation consultant through our local childrens hospital. She spent over an hour listening to us and watching me try and then really helped us.

Hang in there. As much as you can give him is great for him. If you can't go for a year (or longer, I don't know your thoughts on that) then at least you know you gave every drop you had.

I had very few supporters, but my husband was great and we just kept going as long as we could. We made it to about 10 or 11 months and switched to formula.

Again, I think it's great your doing this for bird. It's so hard with the recovery, no sleep, sore boobs, and all the other issues. Congrats to you!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beautifully Unique DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 11:14:00 PM EST Hang in there girly, you are doing a great job and your Dr. should be slapped in the mouth.
Just a little FYI, when I had thrush, we BOTH had to be treated. We did Nystatin and it worked great. Best wishes! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

toddlerplanet DATE:Friday, February 22, 2008 at 11:31:00 PM EST Bee-zare. If our pediatricians don't support us, who will?

Oh, yeah. Lac consultants. Love them.

I'm seconding the hurtful latch idea and suggesting making some LLL buddies locally too ... others may have reservations, but I mostly found them WONDERFUL. Christopher could also just have a very strong suck, which could be hard for awhile.

Breastfeeding is SO important, for mom and baby, but it is also SO hard for the first 4-6 weeks.

Good for you to keep going. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Cher DATE:Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 6:15:00 AM EST I would be so completely pissed, and probably not polite enough to NOT say something to him right on the spot!
Its been many moons since I breast fed, but my mother gave me a set of nipple guards. They are little plastic sheilds that fit over your nipple area and help the baby latch on better. Maybe seeing if you can find some? Like I said, it's been a while (like since 1984) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 7:57:00 AM EST Hi C-
This is CB (Carin) in NY. Yes, baby was treated too-- a goo to squirt on her cheeks inside. Her thrush was obvious-- white patches on the insides of her cheeks and back of her tongue. The medication was for both of us-- I was supposed to rub it on my nipples also, which I did.

I'm not a doc, but I had been timid enough with physicians to just do what they said-- no more. If you think your baby has thrush, get a second opinion. If you don't trust your pediatrician (with good cause it seems!)or even just feel wierded by him get another. If you think you have a yeast infection in your breast, find someone to take you seriously. It frikkin hurts!!!

I found a serious problem was, no physician seemed to think my breasts were their area of responsibility. Seriously! Because I was nursing, my breasts became this third entity!... my OB thought the pediatrician should do something. My pediatrician said I wasn't her patient. My general practitioner helped me, but thought the OB dropped the ball (I agree).

Best, best of luck to you. I even nearly bought gentian violet http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/breastfeeding/a/gentian_violet_2.htm to treat my sore breast, even though it might turn your breast-- and baby's mouth-- purple for a while. But, the oral yeast pill did the trick for me, so I never attempted the purple cure. :)

Take care!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

katy DATE:Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 9:51:00 AM EST A new pediatrician is definately a must have. Wouldn't you walk out if your gynecologist told you he/she needed to see your boobs? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

useless_rambler DATE:Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 10:57:00 AM EST I just emailed you (off of the picture link email) and forgot to change the subject so as to get your attention...

check it out...

Good luck!!!!

j ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

KimmieRo DATE:Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 12:05:00 PM EST Treat Bird too. You can pass it back and forth otherwise. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

~JJ! DATE:Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 1:33:00 PM EST I can't believe he called them Boobs. He's a professional. Or supposed to be.

Since you are already on the path to a new ped. All I can say is do what is right for you...If you can get over the pain threshold until it becomes comfortable for both of you, do it....

However, I have no idea about breast feeding we couldn't do it.

Good luck Mamma. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Paige Jennifer DATE:Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 9:20:00 PM EST Apparently Bedside Manner 101 was not part of his medical school education.

(1) Find a new pediatrician.

(2) If there are multiple physicians in the practice, I'd eventually pen a letter explaining why you left. Sorta similar but I had a doctor with a cunt for a receptionist. And when I relayed how she handled his patients, he was aghast. Doctors are doctors but they also are a business and the less people who come in the less money they make. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 11:19:00 PM EST Okay... so I'm totally a lurker... but I wanted to offer up an unlikely possibility.

I thought I had thrush because my breasts burned and itched and were red and swollen and my nipples were always sore. I kept smearing myself with Lansinoh, because baby didn't have thrush and I just figured they were irritated from nursing 24 hours a day.

After consulting with a lactation consultant, turns out, I was allergic to the "hypoallergenic" lanolin ointment. Within 24 hours of stopping using it, I felt 800% better.

I think this is super atypical but I bring it up just in case. I know you have a lactation consultant, so you probably don't need my second hand advice. :) Hope things get better for you two soon! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Momma B DATE:Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 12:19:00 AM EST I would have probably bitten his head off. That's terrible! You might want to check with your OB/Midwife. Snugglebunny had very obvious thrush and we battled it for over a month, but there were times during that period when she didn't have it and I still did. We both got treated with nystatin, her with a liquid and me with a cream. I hope your new PED is more supportive! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Andria DATE:Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 6:54:00 PM EST No words. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Space Mom DATE:Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 8:15:00 PM EST Dude, that is SO wrong. Boob is not acceptable for doctor....

Sigh.... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 7:26:00 AM EST I definately don't have the experience you or most of your commenters have, but it doesn't seem right to me. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

sltbee69 DATE:Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 11:44:00 AM EST Delurking to say that pedi needs to retire. And yes, if it is thrush bird needs to be treated as well or you'll never get rid of it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

VDog DATE:Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 1:38:00 AM EST OHmahFG!!

My jaw would have been on the floor. KUH-RAZY.

I am so sorry that happened to you!

I've always read that you need to treat both mom & baby.

If it is a latch/other problem, I love, love, LOVED my nipple shield (Medela small size, if ya need to know, heh). We used it until 3 months, and then weaned off of it. By then their mouths are larger and suck is more effective. And they've learned correct mouth positioning from the shield (easier to manipulate their mouths on the silicone than on skin).
The only drawback is when you're out and about and have to put it on -- I carried mine in a 4 oz tupperware or specimen cup (seriously) everywhere I went.

Good luck! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lilith DATE:Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 10:31:00 AM EST Find a lactation consultant, they know their stuff. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

The Mommy DATE:Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 8:44:00 PM EST That's SO uncool! I can't believe he said that to you! Pediatricians should try to encourage breastfeeding! My gosh! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: What I thought would come naturally. Not so much. DATE: 2/10/2008 10:17:00 AM ----- BODY:

In a rare moment of two handed typing, I find myself wondering exactly what I need to unload here. There is a post about breastfeeding that I have been sporadically working over the past couple of weeks. In general, it details all the outside obstacles that I have encountered while simply trying to feed my child. It lists the number of heath care professionals who have told me to just use formula. Use a pacifier. Switch to bottles.

It was quite a surprise to me.

What was an even bigger surprise is how I've had to try and convince not just everyone around me that breastfeeding is worth the effort, but how I've had to convince my own body that it's worth the effort.

After a week of engorgement, Christopher was hungry. This is why he was screaming. The poor child was hungry. He had not been able to get the milk I was producing. I had pumped to soften them. Run hot water over them. Placed hot packs on them before feeding. I thought he was eating. He was staying at the breast for an hour or more, but wasn't getting what he needed.

Let me tell you - sitting in a doctor's office and being told that you have been starving your child, and that is why he has been crying? He could have just taken a scalpel and cut my heart out.

And once again, I was told that I needed to start him on formula.

We haven't. We did start using the breastmilk I had in the freezer in bottles and alternated nursing and bottles to make sure he was getting enough to eat.

Then, something I never imagined would happen, happened. For some reason, my breasts decided they were no longer needed and went on vacation. I was pumping on Thursday to try and make his next meal, and got nothing. Not even enough to cover the bottom of a bottle. The girls were on strike.

I was ready to punt the pediatrician and the long list of every piece of advice I had received. Even the source of some of my biggest support emailed me to tell me that it was my own fault I had dried up. That she told me not to use bottles. I was beyond rational and spent the next long hours sobbing and panicking over my empty breasts.

I did what I should have done from day one before there even was an issue. I hired a lactation consultant.

Now, as often as possible, but at the very least, every 3 hours from start to start, we are feeding our child. Guy and I both. Baby at the breast until he empties them or pisses himself off trying. Then, the syringe and tubing at the breast with expressed breast milk until he is full.

Before, during, and after feedings, Christopher gets weighed. Guy helps position him and holds the syringe. He thaws and warms the milk. He changes the diapers in between. He holds Christopher after feedings so that I can then pump to encourage my breasts to start making milk again.

But he goes back to work again Monday, and I find myself wondering how I'm going to continue this on my own. I need four more hands. And I need to figure out how I'm supposed to sleep and keep this up.

And tonight, we will run out of expressed breast milk. As much as I know that plenty of babies have been raised on formula, and it isn't Satan's spit as some breast feeding advocates would have you believe? I don't want to feed my child formula. I just don't. I don't want good enough for him. I want the absolute best.

I know there is a lot of wisdom out there, but I'm turning off comments for this. I just can't bear another piece of advice right now. I swear to you that I've heard them all. The herbs, the pumping, the beer, diet, rest, prescriptions and everything else. Even my favorite piece of advice for how to get pregnant is back. Just relax. Oh please.

But I have a plan now and a lactation consultant that I trust.

So I'm just going to keep at it and know that you are silently cheering me on for this round.

Not surprisingly, it is time to go feed my child. If you could say a little prayer that the well isn't dry, I would greatly appreciate it.

Labels: Bird, Boobilicious, Breastfeeding

----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: You should talk about boobs too DATE: 9/27/2007 07:56:00 PM ----- BODY:

I never thought I would talk about boobs so much on this blog.

Of course I never thought my boobs would get to serve a purpose. I didn't expect to get to have children. Now, I sit, Bird tippy tapping just below my belly button, and I'm peeking over my chest at the computer screen. These boobs have grown to mammoth proportions, getting ready to perform the most important task in the world. Feeding my child.

Right now, women all over the blogosphere are uniting to speak up about breasts. So many of us have been talking about how you don't have to have a lump to have breast cancer. Now though, we are talking about breast feeding.

Facebook, MySpace, Applebee's, Delta Airlines, all have brought their companies under the wrath of mothers everywhere by treating breast feeding as something dirty. Something that needed to be covered and hidden. Something that we should be ashamed of.

I don't have accounts on Facebook or MySpace. I would rather lick the bottom of some movie theater seats than have to eat at Applebees. And I fly American because there is more leg room on some of their planes. I'm all leg. And boob.

I can't even talk about Bill Mahr. It makes me too mad. Someone should wax that man's balls. With really really hot wax.

But I can post the button. And let you know that if you post breastfeeding pictures or you want to breastfeed while you shop, eat, blog - go for it. It's not bothering me one bit.

While I considered joining in and posting a picture of the acres of dairy farm that have taken up residence, there is no baby yet. So I am refraining. No baby, no boobs. So sorry. I don't have access to a wide angle lens anyway.

I joke a lot about my breasts now. I mean, they are crazy huge now, and some days, all I can do is laugh because my shoulders and back hurt, and I look a bit cartoonish. Pictures of me look photoshopped with my tiny head and overwhelming chest. It's hard to find clothes that fit, and I look a good 20 pounds heavier than I really am, just because of the chest.

But to honest. Completely honest, I'm not laughing at them all the time. I'm not ashamed of them. I'm actually kind of proud of them. It's like they are really rising to the occasion. Well, they aren't really rising I suppose.

But they are real, and they are fabulous.

At least that's what I hear. From the guy, called Guy, sitting to my left.

Guy, and those construction workers I walked past downtown today. Awesome.

Labels: Blogging Babes, Boobilicious

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

twolinesonastick DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 12:25:00 AM EDT Yay for boobie pride :) Seriously, it helps to be strong about breastfeeding before you start, because it's not always easy. Knowing how much you want it, and not being afraid to do it wherever, will help you be successful! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

The Farm House Kids DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 1:45:00 AM EDT C.,

I know we don't know each other very well, but I kind of have a huge favor to ask you.

Can I have just a tiny little bit of each boob? Little Bird won't miss just a little bit.

I promise to take care of them and I'll wear them proudly. I promise!

Tanya ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Karaoke Diva DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 7:49:00 AM EDT LOL! You are indeed boobalicious! :-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MamaGeek @ Works For Us DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 8:11:00 AM EDT A-men sister. I also swiped to post later. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

T with Honey DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 9:43:00 AM EDT Pregnant and nursing boobies are so beautiful. I started talking about them and admiring them from the time I was 2-months pregnant until Princess started weaning.

As twolinesonastick said, Yay for boobie pride! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

gail DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 10:16:00 AM EDT Boobs rock, even mine. ANd I will post my boobie photo for the world to see when I get my blog back up, snort. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

FENICLE DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 10:34:00 AM EDT Something about those jugs that just makes you feel proud!! I can totally see why some women who have very small chests opt for implants. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Redneck Mommy DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 12:10:00 PM EDT You had me at boobs.

Rawr. I love me a good set. Especially when they're useful and not just decorative.

And thanks for cheering me up with the image of hot wax on Bill's balls. I couldn't think of a nicer image to that jackass of a man. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Whymommy DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 12:13:00 PM EDT Boobs were made for breastfeeding. Wait. See. It will be so amazing, you'll burst with pride.

It sounds like you're there already.

Awesome.

You'll see. They're going to be put to good use, and Little Bird will love you for it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jess DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 12:59:00 PM EDT WOOHOO for boobies! (I have nothing moree poignant to add...) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lisa DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 1:03:00 PM EDT All legs and big, bodacious tata's. Am envious. Very, very envious right now. (And its not fair because my boobs didn't get bigger when I got pregnant. But my ribcage did. Geez. I felt like I was a barrel or something.)

So glad you are enjoying the physical changes that come with pregnancy. And am loving the nickname you have for the baby too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Liz DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 1:03:00 PM EDT "they are real. and they are fabulous."

perhaps one of the BEST seinfeld lines ever spoken.

Great post. you know where i stand on this! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

slackermommy DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 1:35:00 PM EDT Excellent post, girl! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

katy DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 5:35:00 PM EDT I spent many years when I was young praying for bigger boobies....I forgot to ask that my butt not grow faster than my boobs. Sigh! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bon DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 10:10:00 PM EDT god, i loved this, Canape. i snickered, and smiled at your good humour about apparently having basketballs stuck to your chest, and totally warmed in your pride in 'em at the same time. i get it. and Li'l Bird is going to love them, Whymommy is quite right. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

slouchy DATE:Friday, September 28, 2007 at 10:14:00 PM EDT Love this post. And this line -- "rising to the occasion."

Heh. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Steph DATE:Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 7:51:00 AM EDT You rock! Pure and Simple. Yay for boobie pride! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: A contest, a haiku, and more about my boobs DATE: 9/14/2007 02:51:00 PM ----- BODY:

My friend and I just got done from a lovely morning of bra shopping and lunch. We are both hard to fit, but for opposite reasons.

I am to the point where I take a bra off at the end of the day, and it leaves an imprint of every seam or piece of lace in the cup. Textured boobs. Lovely. So I figured it was time to buy one or two more to last me the next couple of months.

Turns out, we do indeed need a new adjective. G is for ginormous won't fit anymore, quite literally. Today I purchased as 36I. Yep. I.

Remembering that it is Haiku Friday, I submit my humble lines here:

My boobs are so large
I believe each weighs 10 pounds
Sure hope Bird's hungry.

T and I decided that I should have a contest. A boob pool, if you will. Here are the rules:

In the comments, take a guess at what you think the girls will require one week after giving birth. Right now, at 21 weeks, we are at 36I. Pre-pregnancy was 36DDD.
If you are a "no-reply" comment leaver, please include your email address. Otherwise, I can't let you know if you win.
By Valentine's Day, 2008 (I'm giving myself some leeway here because of the whole first time giving birth and all), I'll choose a winner from the correct guesses. I'll put the names into one of my bra cups and draw the winner at random.
The winner will receive a t-shirt from the Pennyrich Bra Patch. As of right now, she only sells Mediums and Smalls, so I can't promise it will be a t-shirt that fits you, but I asked her if she would order more today. She said she might, because the frat boys from NCSU love them. They are awesome shirts. T got one today, and she said I could post a picture of her in hers.
You have to guess before I write another post about my boobs, which could be anywhere from a week to a couple of months, depending on how much humor they provide me with.

That's it. A simple little contest. That won't be done until February, but hey. You know you want a Pennyrich Bra Patch t-shirt.

Labels: Baby Lust, Boobilicious, Haiku Friday, Try Try Again

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

slackermommy DATE:Friday, September 14, 2007 at 3:41:00 PM EDT Ooooh, I'm first! Damn girl, you got some big knockers. I noticed they were big but not that big! I'll go with 36J because I'm really not sure if a J or K exists but they must since you are already at an I. What does Pamela Anderson wear? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MB DATE:Friday, September 14, 2007 at 4:53:00 PM EDT J's exist. I used to be one before having reduction surgery.

I'm gonna go with 38 K. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Ally DATE:Friday, September 14, 2007 at 5:41:00 PM EDT Is there such thing as 36-L? Cuz that's what I'm guessing. If you think they're big now, just wait until your milk comes in and your turn into a bona fide porn star. Oy.

And, you haiku made me snort. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Steph DATE:Friday, September 14, 2007 at 7:29:00 PM EDT Hmm.. 21 weeks and an I... Im gonna guess you'll need a 36L when your milk comes in. (Please dont hurt me). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ImpostorMom DATE:Friday, September 14, 2007 at 9:44:00 PM EDT I'm gonna go with 36L as well. I made it to a 36I but that was after giving birth. You do have some big ole boobies. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lawyer Mama DATE:Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10:04:00 PM EDT I'll go with 38J. And really, I'm just hoping that you won't get any bigger! I was a 40F at one point during pregnancy. NOT COOL! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

The Farm House Kids DATE:Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10:56:00 PM EDT Oh My Goodness! Boobs really come that big? For Real? Boobs?

Sadly, my boobs couldn't even make it to a B as full blown milkers.

You still have a ways to go and then your milk has to come in ... so I'm saying 38L.

Do you know that is 11 size bigger than mine! That would be in comparison a Tangerine to a Watermelon! I'm so jealous!

Tanya ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bitsy Parker DATE:Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 11:46:00 PM EDT I'm just stunned. Almost stunned into silence. First, I'd never even heard of a G, much less a J.

You're only a little more than halfway done; so, I can't believe this could happen, but an M??????? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bon DATE:Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 7:18:00 PM EDT oh man, i'm late to this, but you crack me up! "sure hope Bird's hungry"...heh heh. giggle. snort.

um...i'm already blown away by the size of your chest, to be perfectly frank (made it to a DD briefly the week after giving birth the first time and was freaked out.

um...is 38K taken? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bon DATE:Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 7:19:00 PM EDT oh, it is. hmmm. 40K. forgive me. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

FishyGirl DATE:Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 10:42:00 PM EDT 38L, based on my past experience. I am a 38D normally, but due to so many pregnancies and nursing and such, right now, milk time, I'm a 40H. I say it's H for humongous.

If your milk supply is as abundant as mine, you might need to only nurse on one side at a feeding after about the first week or two, once you have a good supply established. My poor babies have had such a hard time trying to nurse at first - like trying to get a drink of water from a fire hose.

Also, since I am SLLLLLOOOOOOWWWW on the uptake, can I get a Team WhyMommy button? I'd be happy to post and link and do whatever I can to help. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Clifford DATE:Monday, September 17, 2007 at 10:58:00 AM EDT This post, as well as the comments thereafter (i was good until your friends started posting alphanumerics and things about milk), would be extremely uncomfortable for me if they weren't so frickin funny. hee. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kathy's Surprise Party DATE:Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 4:52:00 PM EDT Do they make a 38 KK (partial since these are my initials)?

If there are no double or triple letters after D then I'll guess..

38M ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Spennig / Rynivor DATE:Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 11:03:00 AM EST Speaking from experience, went into pregnancy with a 38 JJ bra, and it fit throughout, just got tighter. I doubt you'll go much farther up DURING pregnancy. Once things are done, and whatever hormones were making them grow anyway kick out, I'd say you'll hit at least 1-2 more.

I'm fishing for the 38 KK-ish size now, cost and availability suck though. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

trixieturtle DATE:Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 1:17:00 AM EST ok i had a comment! I happen to come across this blog by accident. I was looking up bras to see if there was some where I could buy one online. I wear a 38 KK! so yes they do exist! and very hard to find! and they horrible!! I really hope u don't get much bigger! I have a 22 month old and the bigger they get the harder they are to breast feed with bc ur boob is so much bigger then their little head. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

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