First-time moms often struggle with nursing and the challenges that go hand in hand. In today’s interview, registered dietitian & new mom, Caitlin Jindrich, shares her story on how she tackled the oftentimes painful first few weeks.
The Raising Healthy Kids series brings moms together sharing tips & tricks for feeding kids.
Feeding children is a task parents typically take on without any education.
To help parents with this task, each week we’ll interview a different registered dietitian mom.
We’ll hear her families story while learning tips we can apply in our own homes. These moms share what works for them, what doesn’t, the successes AND failures, to help moms like you who have the same goals.
We are all simply trying to raise healthy kids.
Let me introduce Caitlin Jindrich, RD, LD. Welcome, Caitlin!
Tell us about your family and where you live:
We are newly a family of 3, plus a fur child! We frequently move for my husband’s job, but the Pacific North West will always be our home.
What has surprised you the most about feeding kids since becoming a mother?
How hard/challenging breastfeeding is! Luckily I was given the heads up by friends that it’s not easy, and boy were they right!
Tell us about your most challenging moment feeding your child:
The first two weeks (even the first month) were SO challenging. Our little guy had a shallow latch and would shove his hands in front of his mouth as he was trying to latch. More than once took 3 adults to get him to latch. I was terrified for when my mom left and husband returned back to work. I had no idea how I was going to be able to handle it on my own. I also had a hard time telling if he was pacifying or eating and ended up getting scabs on both nipples (at different times). I would DREAD when it was time for him to feed on the scabbed side. It was SO painful.
How did you solve this problem?
My husband was great and kept reminding me that both baby and I were still learning and to have patience. I took full advantage of the IBCLC’s at my OB office and ped’s office at every visit. With time and practice, the baby was doing so much better by 1 month. Now he is 3 months old and is self-latching! I would not have believed that would be the case even 3 weeks before!! For the scabbing – gel pads were amazing! I used Lanolin as needed, but not too often. I would hand express milk and dab it on the scabs, which really seemed to help, and also let my nipples air out 😉 Not always being rubbed against a bra and rough shirt.
When bringing foods into your home, what factors influence your food choices the most?
When shopping and meal planning we follow more of a plant-based diet, but never restrict ourselves. If we are craving my husband’s yummy enchiladas or salmon, we have it! We like to by as local as possible but are mindful of the overall price as well.
In what ways do you encourage healthy eating in your home?
Meals always have a significant amount of vegetables included or we have a bag of steamable veggies for a quick side. I always try to have fresh fruit, veggies and hummus, nuts and when able, have homemade whole grain muffins in the freezer that can be thawed for a quick snack
What struggles do you face with your kids while implementing healthy eating in your home?
Since having our little guy the types of meals we make has changed. I don’t have the time to make some of the more elaborate dishes I did before. I’m also dealing with some physical issues postpartum that limits my time on my feet. So we are learning new recipes that are easier/quicker to make. I try to prep what I can throughout the day to shorten prep/cook time. It’s an evolving process.
What is your family’s favorite recipe?
My favorite nursing snack is the Out-The-Door Chia Power Doughnuts (made as muffins w/o the topping) by Oh She Glows. The recipe can be found in her first cookbook. Click here to find pricing on The Oh She Glows Cookbook.
Thanks so much to Caitlin for sharing her story. So many of the problems she experienced nursing were ones I still remember cleary and I am sure many of you can relate as well!
Did you struggle nursing? What was your biggest challenge and how did you solve it?!
FREE Kids Cooking eBook!
Do you want your children eating a more varied diet, but wonder how to get more fruit and veggies into their meals & snacks? This eBook is a fun filled way to get kids eating better while having age appropriate fun!
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