Lifestyle

Breastfeeding Is Challenging – But There Are Ways To Make It Easier

Published

3 years ago

April 13, 2021

Experts recommend breastfeeding for the first year of life, including exclusively for the first six months, but according to the CDC, only about 35% of infants are still breastfeeding by their first birthday, and only 25% are breastfed exclusively until age 6 months. That’s no surprise, though, when we consider how challenging breastfeeding is on its own, and how much more difficult society makes it. In fact, hitting any of these landmarks is an achievement, but the good news is that there are also ways to make breastfeeding easier.

Don’t Wait

It’s a myth that you’ll only be able to breastfeed if you start immediately after birth, but doing so can make it easier. That’s because your infant’s nervous system is actually wired to seek out the breast in the hours after birth. Attempting a first feeding during this time, then, can encourage a natural latch and make subsequent feedings easier.

Invest In A Pump

Just because you’re breastfeeding, that doesn’t mean that you have to handle every feeding on your own. In fact, you shouldn’t. Instead, look into getting an insurance-covered breast pump and choose a storage system that lets you keep extra milk on hand. This will be particularly handy if you’re going back to work, but can also help you manage engorgement without wasting milk. If you really find yourself overrun with extra ounces, there are milk banks where you can donate excess breastmilk.

Buy Some Bottles

If you’ve got a breast pump, you’re obviously also going to need some bottles, and there are many different kinds on the market, but what kind you choose isn’t as important as you might think. Though some doctors recommend particular bottle designs for breastfed infants, the reality is that every baby is different and, since nipple confusion is a myth, you don’t have to worry about your bottle choice conflicting with breastfeeding. Plus, as any new mother can tell you, the most important thing about choosing bottles is that it means your spouse can take a few nighttime feedings and you can get a little sleep.

Develop A Routine

It’s important to develop a pumping routine if you’re going back to work while breastfeeding, but even if you’re staying at home, having a schedule can make things easier on your body. Many experts recommend beginning to pump around week 2 or 3 after birth and introducing a bottle around the same time. This will ensure that your baby is comfortable taking a bottle even if it’s not necessary yet – that way they won’t go on hunger strike for daycare or grandma or whoever takes over childcare when you’re away.

Know Your Rights

It’s important to know your rights as a breastfeeding mom, especially when pumping at work, but this also applies in other settings. Not only do you have a right to a private, non-bathroom place to pump at work, but you also have a right to feed your baby anywhere your baby has a right to be. That includes everywhere from restaurants and playgrounds to places of worship, and no one should tell you otherwise.

Breastfeeding is a serious commitment, but it’s also a beneficial and worthwhile one that contributes to your baby’s health and your relationship, so it’s worth considering what steps will help you navigate the process. Often, that means ensuring you have the right tools to help you navigate the process.

Breastfeeding can be complicated, yes, but at least the solutions for making it more manageable are simple.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.