Why I Breastfeed

I know the choice to bottle feed or breastfeed to some people is very personal.  In my opinion, the most important thing is that baby is happy and fed, no matter if they are getting breast-milk or formula.  As a new mom, there are many decisions to make and I wanted to share my personal reasons for breastfeeding.  I am going on 9 months of exclusive breastfeeding/pumping (with solids introduced at around 6 months) and although it has had it's highs and lows, here is why I am happy with my choice to breastfeed.

• Because it feels natural. The second I had Gavin, my body provided food that was made especially for him. It felt natural to embrace my body's way of providing nutrition for my child.

• Studies show it's proven to be the healthiest and best nutrition for the baby.  Specifically the American Academy of Pediatrics claims that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of infections, asthma, SIDS, and obesity in babies. 

• I'm lazy. Yup, I like that I do not have to get a bottle ready in the middle of the night, especially since my fridge is downstairs.  I lie Gavin right next to me, half asleep, and he feeds while I am half-snoozing.

• Selfish, I know, but breastfeeding really has helped me lose postpartum weight. According to Women's Health Magazine, nursing burns 300-500 calories per day.  The science behind it is, that your body is working very hard to produce these nutrients for your baby, and this extra work on your body burns calories while you provide nutrition.  It's definitely a win-win!

• Saves time and work.  While on maternity leave, it was nice to not have to clean a single bottle.  Now that I am back to work, I realize how much time is taken out of my day prepping, cleaning, and warming bottles daily.  It's nice to run out the door when in a rush without having to prep a bottle or even think of packing one and it's always at the perfect temperature.

• No periods.  Most women do not have to worry about menstruating during the time they breastfeed.  I am enjoying the hiatus.

• It's virtually free.  Sure, I invested in a breast-pump (some insurances cover elctric pumps), however comparing to the cost of formula which can be $150-400 per month, I am saving thousands.  I must admit, my grocery bill as gone up as I am ravenous but that's a small price to pay. :)

• The bonding is incredible.  Since the day Gavin was born and I nursed him, skin to skin, I felt that breastfeeding truly connected us in an incredible way.

I'd like to create an open dialogue about breast-feeding.  I will be sharing more of my experiences on breast-feeding and I'd love to hear yours as well!  I am a huge fan of making breastfeeding a natural topic of discussion to normalize it.  I love that female icons such as Alyssa Milano and Jesse Decker are taking a stand to normalize breastfeeding.  What are your thoughts?

Ever After,

Jamie

Shades of Blonde

I am a typical Aries. I get bored really easily which is one of the reasons I love fashion.  I love to take fashion risks, wear new textures and colors, and buy those "crazy" shoes that most people would be appalled by.  I also get super bored with my hair.  Although I don't do anything super-drastic with it, I constantly try new shades of blondes, ombres, bayalages, brondes, highlights-- you name it!  My favorite so far (which is how it is now) is matching my natural color which is like a dark blonde/light brown and doing natural lighter blonde bayalage highlights.  Looking at all my shades of blonde over the past 2 years, I can't believe how many different hair colors I have had.  Which one is your favorite? Pictures from blonde to blondest :)


Ever After,

Jamie

Favorite Essentials

Items in photo: Scarf (Venice), Sunglasses (Ray-Ban), Watch & Fragrance (Gucci), Denim (21 Denim), Vest (Sanctuary), Kindle, Lipstick (MAC), Jewelry (Alex & Ani, J.Crew), Heels (Madden Girl). Photo + interview by Ike Abakah

A few months ago, I was chosen as one of CT's most influential bloggers as part of Hartford Fashion week.  As part of the interview, I was asked to choose my favorite wardrobe "essentials".  Boy was that hard!  Since I spend most of my time in worn-in jeans, that was a no brainer.  I chose pieces that tell a story, such as my scarf from Italy as a symbol of my love for travel, a bold statement necklace from J. Crew in neon which expresses my colorful personality, and an edgy faux leather vest that layers well with any outfit combination.  I shared my interview below; for the full interview, check it out here.

Who is Jamie Taylor? 
Jamie Taylor is a TV media professional at News 8 in New Haven, fashion blogger, wife, and new mom.

How would you describe your style?
My style is eclectic; I like to mix and match vintage and modern, high-end and modest pieces.

While we were doing the shoot, you mentioned your love for travel and how it has played an influence on your style...which place has influenced your style the most? 
Italy and Mexico.  I loved the architecture in Italy and visited Milan (the fashion capitol) and loved finding colorful pieces in Burano, Venice, and Rome.  Mexico's colorful palate has also inspired me to try new colors and patterns.


What is your most prized fashion piece? 
A bold statement necklace that has been passed down for 3 generations.  My aunt had given it to my mom and my mom recently gave it to me.  It's a gorgeous bold green color and really pops with a LBD (Little Black Dress).

Tell us a little about your blog & how it began: 
I have always loved fashion so I decided to share my personal style through my blog and just kind of ran with it!

You've worked with Guess Watches, Gucci, Topshop... how did those opportunities come about?

After starting my blog , I gained a lot of positive response from readers and these companies started to reach out to me to do collaborations with me & I delightfully accepted!


What's next for your blog? 
Since my lifestyle has changed as I am now a new mom, I want to take my blog in a new direction to incorporate not only fashion, but also motherhood and family as well.