Forget Resolutions

If you’ve ever made a New Year’s Resolution, you’ve undoubtedly broken it as well. While we don’t think there’s anything wrong with setting positive goals for personal growth, we don’t like how these benign little bits can get the better of our self-esteem. For when we sit down to assess the ways we could improve our lives, we also open ourselves up to severe self-criticism.

The salve for these unnecessary floggings is often a lofty and completely unrealistic “resolution.”

Rejuvenating Ideas for a Pumping Mama

You are a mother. You’re radiant. Nurturing. Alluring. You’re bosomy. Curvaceous. Buxom. Yes, you are sexy.

But odds are—with all the pumping and feeding, pumping and feeding, pumping and feeding—you don’t feel sexy. These days, most likely you feel more like a sweaty, pungent, engorged cow.  

We know.

So here are a few tips on bringing your sexy back in the New Year.

Happy Holidays to You and Your New Pump

Happy Holidays, Mama!

Although your new breast pump might not be the shiniest or fanciest package under the tree, it may well be your favorite.

Actually, if you’ve never used a breast pump before, it’s more likely that the contraption is still in its box, unopened, menacing you from across the room. Hardly a favorite. Unimaginably a lifesaver. Frustratingly complicated with its tubes and funnels and dials and hum bugs!

People Say The Oddest Things

Kids do the darndest things. People make the oddest comments. Strangers overstep the boundaries of obvious propriety. If you don’t agree with these statements, odds are you haven’t been a breast-pumping mama.

Just for fun (and as a way to commiserate through the awkward) we compressed versions of the best/worst breast pumping stories we have recently heard.

Spinach is a Good Feeding Food

No doubt you’ve heard that spinach is a “super food.” It is one of the most affordable vegetables and it’s protein-packed—supplying the same daily values as meat, fish, eggs, and chicken. It’s integral in skin, hair, and bone health. It delivers essential irons, vitamins and minerals. Spinach has shown to improve blood glucose control in diabetics, lower the risk of cancer, improve bone health, and lower the risk of developing asthma.[1] It is a true super food.

Spinach is also a fabulous dietary element during pregnancy and lactation due to its rich content of folic acid. It’s even suggested to improve the quality and taste of your breast milk.[2] Now that’s what we call a good feeding food!

Here are two spinach recipes that we love – one for the morning and one for lunch or dinner.

A breast pump is a tool. Used by many. Loved by lots.

Opinions. We all have them. We all seek them. And we all become offended by particular ones. But if we can resist the urge to become defensive when a family member, colleague, a store clerk, or a blogger starts spouting his or her truths, we could actually benefit from connecting with one another through our opinions.

Breast feeding always seems to be a topic rife and reeking with opinions—from experts, physicians, celebrities, third cousins, vaguely familiar around-the-block neighbors, that “judgy” mom-friend who always knows what’s best for you, even our own usually well-meaning but terribly vocal mothers.  And by extension, breast pumping gets a healthy corner of the now all-too-public conversation on how moms should best feed our babies.

Cluster Feeding Support

Cluster feeding is exactly what you think is would be: when your baby wants to feed a number of times, close together, at specific times of the day (especially in the evening). Your darling will give you her familiar signals. He will chew or suck on his hands. She will root. He might cry. This is completely normal.[1]

However, as a pumping mama, you’re likely frustrated when your darling wants to cluster feed—especially if you haven’t stockpiled enough reserves.

Oatmeal is a Good Feeding Food

No doubt you’ve heard that oatmeal is a “heart healthy” food.  According to researchers, consuming a bowl of oatmeal daily can lower your blood cholesterol and help to maintain healthy blood pressure. [1] But, did you know this gooey comfort food may also support your body’s efforts in lactation?

Undoubtedly, a nursing mama wants to eat a healthy, balanced diet and oatmeal is a wise choice within such a diet. But oatmeal is also a comfort food and the simple act of sitting down to a warm, nourishing bowl of this breakfast staple many help you relax, which then may stimulate your body to release the oxytocin hormone, promoting milk production, and successively, encourage letdown. [2]

Here are two oatmeal recipes that we love – one for the morning and one, well it’s cookies, so anytime!

Holiday Wish List

Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves…and a full peaceful night of good sleep.

Beyond that, what could you possibly wish for this holiday season, Mama? Well, in case your under-slept, overly-taxed mommy brain is drawing a blank, let us make a few recommendations of items to help you as you pump, feed, and mother your way into the new year.

Pump and Dump

Here’s the good news: It’s the holiday season. No doubt you have many opportunities to gather with friends and family to celebrate. And if you enjoy a beer, a cocktail, or a glass of wine there’s a good chance each party will be stocked with liquid cheer.

Here’s the bad news: Just as there’s no magical cure to hastily speed a hangover, there’s also no quick fix to clearing alcohol from your system. As an adult enjoying adult beverages, it’s your responsibility to know when it’s safe to drive and when it’s time to call a cab. As a breastfeeding mama, it’s your responsibility to know when it’s safe to feed your baby your breast milk and when it’s time to “pump and dump.”

Prematurity Awareness

No doubt you’re well aware that today is Black Friday. Whether you’re planning to rush the malls in pursuit of perfect holiday gifts or sit this frantic day out, we encourage you to reflect a bit today on the luxuries we enjoy with first world medical and preventative care.

Throughout November, Medela has promoted support for Prematurity Awareness through its Facebook page. Before the end of this month, we encourage you to take a peek and post a pic, as Medela plans to generously donate $5 to the March of Dimes for each uploaded photo. We thought this was an awesome idea as well as an easy way to help. 

Thankful for Breast Pumps

Yes, we know breast pumping is hard work. We’ve done it. We are doing it. Likely, we will do it again in the future. It takes time, dedication, and perseverance. We know.

And we are thankful to have our breast pumps, to best nurture and feed our precious little ones.

So in the spirit of this Thanksgiving holiday, we’ve compiled a list of ten reasons we most love our breast pumps (in no particular order).

Breast Shells

Breast shells are soft, plastic, cup-shaped devices worn to protect irritated nipples or pull out inverted nipples.

Breast shells are worn inside your bra, just against the breast, between or before nursing or pumping sessions.

This device is quite simple. It’s comprised of two parts: a back with a small, circle opening and a rounded front case.

Breast shells that protect irritated nipples have a (comparatively) larger circle opening. The purpose of these shells is to safeguard nipples so sore it’s painful to have them in contact with even the softest of bras.

12-Week Benchmark

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: every woman’s nursing experience differs—whether it’s your first child or your fifth, if you’re exclusively pumping or just supplementing with expressed milk, regardless if you’ve read every book on the subject or rely solely on first-hand experiential learning. Your experience and your timeline will be unique.

But just as a guideline, here’s an overview of the first three months—what you might expect, how to prepare, and how to augment your breast pumping routine as you reach the 12-week mark.

Breast Pumping Rights

If you are a new mother you’re consumed with the well-being of your precious little one. You’re trying to figure out his sleep while desperately scrounging together the hours for your own shut-eye. You’re entranced by her every move, coo, wiggle, and smile. And yes, you’re challenged with the often heart-wrenching and nipple-crushing efforts of nursing. You barely have time to figure it all out, shower, remember your own name and eat your own few bites of food.

Who has time to research (and then remember) your breast pumping rights?

Who knows? But what we do know is that it is important to have the knowledge to advocate for yourself and your child (and your plump and pump-able breasts) when and if it becomes necessary to pump in a public/work setting. So here is a brief overview to get your started and some links for further reference (if needed and time-willing).

Nipple Shields

Nipples shields—in their current form—are artificial nipples made of rubber, latex, or silicone. They fit over a nursing mother’s natural nipples to assist in the feeding process.

Nipple shields are introduced for a variety of reasons. The most common of these reasons include:

·      Facilitating latching when a mother presents flat or inverted nipples.

·      Supporting the nursing process for premature infants or infants with suck challenges.

·      Overcoming breast refusal.

·      Assisting in latch challenges due to engorgement.

·      Protecting and/or preventing sore and damaged nipples.

Essentially, a nipple shield negotiates an infant’s approach to the breast, making the nipple more accessible or attractive when the bare nipple has been unsuccessful.

Two Phases of Breastfeeding

According to researchers, babies’ instinctual sucking switches between a first and second phase to optimize the milk output from a mother’s breast.[1]

The first phase is termed the Stimulation Phase, with the purpose of “stimulating” the breast for output. When a baby first attaches to his mother’s breast he will suck with a faster pace and quicker intensity to pull the nipple out and commence the milk flow.

Once this stimulation is rewarded with milk flow, a baby switches to the second phase, termed the Expression Phase. During this phase, the “letdown” has occurred, milk is flowing to her (or more precisely, being “expressed” by her) and she sucks with a slower but deeper rhythm.

Hints for Personal Hygiene

Nothing smells sweeter than a cuddly, lovable baby—especially when it’s your tender little one. Poopy diapers, stenchful gas, milk stained bibs, and dribble-doused onesies are no matter. Somehow these seeming culprits of stink might even smell sweet (when—and only when—they come from your gentle, perfect one).

But when the odor migrates onto you, the effect is none so benign. Even if no one in your company detects or complains about a lasting breast milk pungency, odds are you will sense it and smell it and begin to hate it.

Hygeia’s Q Model Breast Pump

You’re expecting a baby. Hoorah! And a breast pump is now covered by most insurance policies. Yahoo!

But which one should you choose?

The last thing you have time or patience for right now is an exhaustive search into customer reviews of popular breast pumps.  So we’re compiling them for you.

Breast Pumping Etiquette

Let us first say—we know this might be a touchy subject; but it’s also one that moms want to discuss. Because breast pumping can be difficult—physically, emotionally, and mentally—and it’s a challenge further compounded by time restrictions due to busy family schedules, work commitments, and the normal desire for us moms to get out of the house and return to social and community life. So even though most of us moms would prefer to pump in the quiet sanctity of our homes—at times we simply need to breast pump in public.

So what etiquette should be considered?

Etiquette is the set of commonly accepted rules of conduct for a specific community.  It’s the balance between attending to your needs while acting with consideration for the needs of those around you.

Freemie Freedom Hands Free Breast Pump User Reviews

You’re expecting a baby. Hoorah! And a breast pump is now covered by most insurance policies. Yahoo!

But which one should you choose?

The last thing you have time or patience for right now is an exhaustive search into customer reviews of popular breast pumps.  So we’re compiling them for you.

What Is An Ideal Pumping Schedule?

An ideal pumping schedule is the one that works best for you and helps you meet your breastfeeding goals. Maybe you’re an exclusive pumper mama, expressing all your milk via this method. Maybe you’re pumping so you can establish a supply of breast milk for your child while you’re away or at work. Maybe you’re pumping to ease the burden and fatigue of nighttime feeds or to share the bonding experience with your partner. Depending on your goals, your schedule will vary.

Spectra User Reviews

You’re expecting a baby. Hoorah! And a breast pump is now covered by most insurance policies. Yahoo!

But which one should you choose?

The last thing you have time or patience for right now is an exhaustive search into customer reviews of popular breast pumps. So we’re compiling them for you.

What Should You Know About Breast Pump Accessories?

When you first start researching breast pumps it might seem that the amount of information is overwhelming and any mention of accessories is moot.  And while you might not care at the outset about breast pump accessories, supporting products, or product accessibility, this information will eventually become relevant.

Why?

Breast pumping is a different for every woman and the challenges you might face and the support you require will be individual. Because of that, as you choose your breast pump, it’s at least important to know that accessories are available that might ease your breast pumping experience down the road.

Ameda User Reviews

You’re expecting a baby. Hoorah! And a breast pump is now covered by most insurance policies. Yahoo!

But which one should you choose?

The last thing you have time or patience for right now is an exhaustive search into customer reviews of popular breast pumps.  So we’re compiling them for you.

How Do I Know I’m Using the Correct Flange Size?

First of all – what’s a flange?

The flange is the part of your pump that fits on your breast around your nipple. In most traditional pumps, the flange resembles a funnel.

Second – what is being measured to determine a good fit?

The size of a flange is determined by the width of its opening. The size of your flange will depend on both the size of your breasts and more importantly, the size of your nipples. It is not uncommon for a woman’s two breasts (and nipples) to vary slightly in size and therefore vary slightly in best flange size.

Medela User Reviews

You’re expecting a baby. Hoorah! And a breast pump is now covered by most insurance policies. Yahoo!

But which one should you choose?

The last thing you have time or patience for right now is an exhaustive search into customer reviews of popular breast pumps.  So we’re compiling them for you.

Water Intake - How Much Water Should I Be Drinking While Pumping?

The simple answer is the same for a healthy woman breastfeeding or pumping. You should be drinking enough water to quench your thirst plus a bit more.

Not exactly quantifiable, we know.

So instead think of it this way: if you are asking your body to create more liquid output in the form of breast milk, you’ll want to increase your liquid input. A general guideline is to drink an extra four 8 oz glasses of water daily.

But you’re busy! You have a baby to care for and a life before pregnancy to remember and a schedule to return to and – jeez – how can you remember to drink (and then actually drink) an extra four glasses of water daily?

Sterilizing Your Pump

Before its first use, you will want to fully sterilize your breast pump. However, every pump is different, with different parts. So before you boil up that big pot of water, consult your user’s manual for directions on proper sterilization. Failure to follow the recommended procedure could damage the pump or invalidate your warranty.

Breast Milk 101 – Milk Production

Whether you decide to exclusively nurse, exclusively pump, uniquely combine the two efforts, or introduce formula, the Breast Milk 101 series is an effort to give you basic information about breast milk without opinion or judgment, to help you form your decision.

Breast Milk 101 – Three Stages of Breast Milk

New moms and dads you meet, your family and friends, your colleagues, the online forums, even your local politician – it seems that everyone has an opinion about breastfeeding these days and they aren’t afraid to share it with you. But this is your baby to raise and the way you plan to feed him or her is your decision. Gather all the information you can before he or she arrives, decide on a feeding plan, and then follow that plan to the best of your ability, health, and sanity.

How Should I Set Up My Pump Station?

An article from Psychology Today, discussing the pros and cons of routines, begins
like this: 

If you’ve got a good routine set up…you’ve freed yourself from a lot of small decisions that could slow you down or capture valuable brain space that you’d prefer to use for something else. You can now go on autopilot and still accomplish your goals. In this way, paradoxically, a good routine can be freeing. No need for constant decision-making about what’s coming next or what you should do. You’re going to brush your teeth before you leave the house, and that’s that! (1)

While we intend to say nothing about sticking to routines for the rest of your life, we do suggest making everything about your breast pumping a routine so that it can become easy and relaxing! Part of establishing your pumping routine is establishing a pump station—one place that you regularly pump when you’re home.

How Do I Get My No-Cost Breast Pump?

Because of the Affordable Care Act most health insurance policies are required to cover the cost of a breast pump for mothers. This applies to all private health insurance plans (with the exception of grandfathered plans), Medicaid in certain states, and through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in some instances. See (link to overview of ACA post) for an overview of the Affordable Care Act and its effect on maternity benefits.

What are the Features of Top Breast Pumps?

To select the best breast pump for your needs it’s important to do a bit of preliminary reading and research. Narrow down the options by first determining which breast pumps are available to you at no cost under your insurance policy.  Gather further information about specific makes and models through the manufacturers’ websites, asking recent moms which models they use(d) and the features they liked or disliked, or reading relevant user reviews.*

How Much Time Should I Spend Pumping?

Don’t you hate it when you want a quick and definitive answer to a straight-forward question and instead you get: There is no one answer. Everyone is different.

Well—we hate to tell you that, so…we’ll pretend like we didn’t (although it is true) and move on to a few generalities and average breast pumping times as provided by published medical practitioners and experienced moms.

Is my Breast Pump Really “Free” Under the Affordable Care Act?

“The best things in life are free.” 

Who can argue with the wisdom of Coco Chanel? And even though the fashion and cultural icon had no children running through and cuddling into her own life, she too would undoubtedly agree that the little midnight coos, morning hugs, the budding smiles of happy content—some of the precious first moments shared between mother and baby—are free and the very, very best.

How Can I Get Comfy with My Breast Pump Before I Actually Have to Use It?

We know we need a breastpump. We know it will become a handy tool in our daily lives providing relief when we’re engorged and the benefit of stockpiling milk supply when we’re able. This breast pump will become our new best friend. And we’ll just figure out exactly how to use it when we need it. Later. Much later. Right?

Wait and see. That’s one approach. Receive your breast pump, neatly stack the unopened box among
the dozens of other unopened, unlearned, promise-to-make-your-mommy-life-so-much-better items.

An Overview of the Changes to Maternity Care and Breastfeeding Under the Affordable Care Act

In 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. The goal of this legislation is to make health care more affordable, accessible and better. But the legislation is long and complicated.

Few of us—certainly not the ever multi-tasking women, anxiously expectant mothers, or the expertly juggling mamas among us—have time to sift through the details and understand the how the changes within the Affordable Care Act actually impact your life and your dollars.