This post is sponsored by EverlyWell & SweatPink. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been blessed with two amazing breastfeeding journeys. Besides some killer bites lately (ouch!) I really have nothing to complain about. I realize that this isn’t always the case for everyone, so I applaud each and every one of you who has figured out the best way for YOU to feed your little love bugs. Personally, I love knowing that breastmilk is the near perfect mix of vitamins, fats, protein and nutrients - and it's ridiculously convenient for a stay-at-home mom like myself. I ended up breastfeeding Miss Mak longer than I had expected to (17 months!) and am well on my way to hit the 1 year mark with Little Hallie. Time will tell how long we continue with her!
My Girlies #WhyIBreastfeed
In both of my pregnancies and while I'm nursing, I try to pay extra attention to what I’m putting in my body. A variety of healthy foods, lots of water and a high quality daily supplement. What goes into my body goes into my girls’ bodies, so that definitely makes me want to make good choices. Plus, it’s important for me to be fueling my body well so I can continue “mommin’” the best I can! But how do we REALLY know if we are providing them all of the nutrients they need? Not everything has glaring signs of deficiency.
When I had an opportunity from EverlyWell to do a DHA test on my breastmilk, I jumped at the chance! I had never heard of breastmilk testing so I was definitely intrigued. First, I had to remind myself of what DHA was. I know I learned about it in College Nutrition 101 but I was still a little shaky on it. So, according to the awesome resources I received from EverlyWell, “DHA is a vital Omega 3 Fatty Acid for a baby’s health as they grow during their first 2 years.DHA is crucial in a child’s early development, in particular for their visual acuity and cognitive development.”
Well cool! I was definitely hoping to hear some positive results. But here’s the thing – it’s estimated that about 75% of American’s are actually deficient in DHA, so I wasn't holding my breath!
When I had an opportunity from EverlyWell to do a DHA test on my breastmilk, I jumped at the chance! I had never heard of breastmilk testing so I was definitely intrigued. First, I had to remind myself of what DHA was. I know I learned about it in College Nutrition 101 but I was still a little shaky on it. So, according to the awesome resources I received from EverlyWell, “DHA is a vital Omega 3 Fatty Acid for a baby’s health as they grow during their first 2 years.DHA is crucial in a child’s early development, in particular for their visual acuity and cognitive development.”
Well cool! I was definitely hoping to hear some positive results. But here’s the thing – it’s estimated that about 75% of American’s are actually deficient in DHA, so I wasn't holding my breath!
So here’s how it all works.
I was worried that I’d have to go into a lab somewhere (which was SO not happening with my 2 little ones in tow), so I was PUMPED (haha see… what I did there?!) to see that I could collect my sample at home, and actually, without even using a pump! I only needed a few drops of my first morning milk (no food or supplements yet) onto a little card. They actually mailed me everything I needed ahead of time, with really easy to follow instructions.
I collected my sample, dropped it on the card, placed it in the the provided bag, put everything back in the box and shipped it off with the free shipping label. All of the shipping was free! Then I just had to wait a week or so to receive my results via email.
I was worried that I’d have to go into a lab somewhere (which was SO not happening with my 2 little ones in tow), so I was PUMPED (haha see… what I did there?!) to see that I could collect my sample at home, and actually, without even using a pump! I only needed a few drops of my first morning milk (no food or supplements yet) onto a little card. They actually mailed me everything I needed ahead of time, with really easy to follow instructions.
I collected my sample, dropped it on the card, placed it in the the provided bag, put everything back in the box and shipped it off with the free shipping label. All of the shipping was free! Then I just had to wait a week or so to receive my results via email.
The results:
Dun da dun….my levels came in at Optimal! I was actually a little surprised considering the statistics, but really overjoyed! I’m so glad my girlie is getting lots of DHA for that little brain to grow!
One thing I LOVE about EverlyWell, is that they are great at empowering you to be even healthier, rather than making you feel bad about less than optimal results. They included ideas of how to increase DHA levels like eating fatty fish, liver, eggs and microalgae. I rarely eat these things except for eggs, so I’m chalking my good levels up to high quality eggs and great DHA supplements!
Dun da dun….my levels came in at Optimal! I was actually a little surprised considering the statistics, but really overjoyed! I’m so glad my girlie is getting lots of DHA for that little brain to grow!
One thing I LOVE about EverlyWell, is that they are great at empowering you to be even healthier, rather than making you feel bad about less than optimal results. They included ideas of how to increase DHA levels like eating fatty fish, liver, eggs and microalgae. I rarely eat these things except for eggs, so I’m chalking my good levels up to high quality eggs and great DHA supplements!
Another awesome thing about this test is that my results were reviewed by a physician IN MY STATE, and can be easily shared with my own physician. FSA accounts often cover the cost of this as well. There is literally no easier “lab work” I’ve EVER done.
For those of you who are dying to try this – I’d love to share a 15% discount on this test for you! Just enter HFF15 at checkout HERE!
For those of you who are dying to try this – I’d love to share a 15% discount on this test for you! Just enter HFF15 at checkout HERE!
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