Anna Carrie Baby Review

I bought a Mei Tai style carrier from Anna Carrie Baby on Etsy about 5 months ago. I wanted to baby-wear so badly since my daughter, Zoey, was a few months old but never had the money for a good carrier. I heard good things about this one from a friend on IG and it only cost $36 shipped if I remember correctly, so I decided to try it out. I like the pattern on my carrier; it looks just like I expected it to. The sewing quality is really good. It feels nice and sturdy. The one bad thing I have to say about it is that straps are definitely not long enough! I am very thin and still have trouble having enough slack to tie around me.
Overall, I say I'd recommend these carriers to a friend but tell them to request longer straps.

Extended Breastfeeding

I will admit...I used to be one of those people who thought breastfeeding a toddler was very strange. I still think it is odd to bf past age 2, but that's just my opinion and that too could change. Now that I am a breastfeeding mom, I understand extended breastfeeding. It is such an incredible thing to be able to make the perfect food for your growing child with your own body. It is such an amazing, unparalleled bond with your child. It is so convenient to have food for your child with you wherever you may be!! Forgot the snacks at home? Oh well. Here, have some milk. Before my daughter was born, my goal was to exclusively breastfeed for 12 months. Once I had her, I changed it to 6 months because it was pure hell for me for 8 weeks straight! After we got past that rough couple months I could see myself making my original goal. I still had a few days here and there that made me want to quit but I knew it was the very best thing for my daughter and I was determined to keep going. I am very proud to say that we made it through the first year and I am now planning on going til 18 months! :) I actually feel now that I will miss it when it's over. I am so happy that I gave my daughter something that will help her for her entire life. I give the credit to breast milk for her being so healthy. I have had people tell me that I need to start weaning her or ask me, "You're still nursing her?" I am proud to tell them, "Yes I am!" even if they think I shouldn't be. She is MY child and I will do what I think is best for her no matter what others think or pressure me to do.

For those of you who want to breastfeed longer for a year (or for any amount of time, more or less!) and don't have the support of your family and friends...do not give up! You can find supportive friends online. You can find supportive resources in your community such as WIC. It makes it more challenging, but you will be so glad you stuck with it. If you need to stop for some reason, don't be hard on yourself. As long as you TRIED, that is better than never giving it a chance.

UPDATE: Zoey is now 15 months old and we are still breastfeeding!  I plan to start weaning her from daytime feedings soon but continue to nurse her before bed and when she wakes up in the morning. 

Breastfeeding Resources

Here are some great resources for breastfeeding moms:

WIC offices have counselors who are there specifically to educate and support women who want to breastfeed. They are extremely helpful and were my best resource when I was first starting out.

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/
breastfeeding.com
kellymom.com
La Leche League

Also, if anyone wants to ask me questions feel free to e-mail me!! SamanthaMae1308@yahoo.com

Personalized Parenting

Breastfeeding support is the reason I decided to start a blog, but I also plan to write about all of my personal parenting choices…co-sleeping, co-bathing, modified baby-led weaning, etc. Parenting is such a personal thing! Everyone parents differently and that’s ok. Do what feels right for you and your baby. If you are a first time parent that does not mean you have to do things the way others say you should (unless it affects the safety of your baby).  My mom was really against me co-sleeping. My husband wanted me to let my 6-week-old daughter cry it out. (Uh, no!) My dad wanted me to “toughen her up and not baby her”. Umm…she is a baby…lol. Anyway, I just went with my instincts and did what I felt was right and I do not regret a any of my parenting choices so far. I am very happy with the way I have raised my daughter :) You are the mom. Like I said, do what works for you and your child! Personalize your parenting.