My current favorite galactagogue

Is this Dandy Blend of dandelion. Tastes pretty much exactly like coffee but a bit more creamy, and since it's instant all it takes is the stir of a spoon to make a delicious hot or cold drink. Dandelion is on the list of herbs that increase lactation, and is a great substitute for that morning cup ritual for the nursing mother who is avoiding caffeine. Now officially on my Super Posh Post Partum list, a bag of Dandy Blend is the perfect thing to accompany a casserole and a pack of practical onesies when you're making more posh moments possible.

On the subject of breastfeeding, what's weirder than a breastfeeding baby doll that noisily suckles and comes with a halter top for the little mommy to wear with the hungry name of 'Bebe Gluton'?

Yep much weirder than a doll who plays pretend at nourishing naturally has been the reaction to it. Eric Ruhalter at NJ.com turns out not to be a total cretin thanks to his heartfelt apology for comparing the act of breastfeeding to alcoholism and erectile dysfunction. Seriously what you were thinking man??? Fox's Dr. Manny Alvarez epitomizes the misconception of breastfeeding as equal to a pornographic sexual act rather than the healthy physiological act it truly is when he worries that pretending to breastfeed could traumatize a child. Traumatize?? The truth is that it's very normal for little girls and even little boys (shocker!!!) to mimic what they see and if they have a younger sibling who is breastfed, guess who's tying a stuffed wolf to their chest with a scarf and giving little pat pats to their baby as they pretend to feed them with their body?

I disagree that there is anything 'growing up to soon' about that kind of play at all, as others have voiced concern. What an excellent way to teach children how the human body works and what they're capable of! Being open, honest and positive about pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding in the context of family, responsibility and love gives children a solid and true foundation for understanding human sexuality. One to cement in their hearts that they can draw from as they grow up and navigate a world of irresponsible attitudes in a rape culture. Whether you recognize it or not YOU are their first educator and sex ed starts early. You have an incredible opportunity to teach by example how to be proud of your body and all it's functions, to confidently protect and respect it, to learn and love it. And in turn, love others. And the new little others love brings.

Though I could do without the halter top Bebe Gluton comes with (I usually find special breastfeeding clothes unnecessary anyway) she's not offensive in the least in my opinion, especially compared to a Bratz Doll. Yuck. Baby dolls already giggle and cry, poop and pee and make bottled liquid disappear, why shouldn't one suckle? How does the fact that pretty much every baby doll on toy store shelves comes clutching a bottle affect breastfeeding rates? Probably pretty profitably for formula companies. Boycott Nestle!

I'm in favor of anything that promotes a biological norm, and find that young girls are the most curios and ardent onlookers when I'm out and about breastfeeding my babies. They're also the ones I give my best smile to in return. Yes little ladies THIS is what your breasts are for, not the Abercrombie & Fitch push-up bikini top.

Anyway, I wouldn't buy Bebe Gluton as I find her a little sucky and lame. If I wanted a truly cool breastfeeding doll I'd spend my money one of these posh creations by MamAmor.

I leave you with one more random tip on the subject of nursing. To keep your nips soft, healthy and happy you really don't need to spend money on any expensive nipple conditioning cream (though ok I do like MotherLove's) because guess what Posh Mama you are already making your own. Hands-down the BEST thing in the world is to express a bit of milk onto yourself and allow it to air dry a minute or two. Breastmilk is actually a cure for a multitude of things.

.....the secret is inside you