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.

So, here are a few tips on how to control and/or disguise the sour stench of breast milk, which has permeated your breast-pumping world.

Wear freshly washed clothing as often as possible.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but when you’re sleep-deprived and running on all cylinders, even the obvious needs reminding.  And although you hate to part with your favorite sweat pants and fuzziest socks, the clothing you wear is the worst offender of permeating stench. The hormones your body generates in the early stages of post-partum may lead to a change in your normal body odor and sweat levels and your clothing holds onto everything like an old kitchen sponge. Also, your boobs are leaky and even with the help of breast pads inside your bra, those pesky leaks somehow find their way into your shirt and sweater and even your socks! Wearing freshly washed clothing as often as possible is the surest way to escape the sour stench.

Commit to washing your baby’s clothes and accessories as often as possible.

Another seemingly obvious fix, but it’s worth a reminder. Your baby’s clothing and bibs and burp cloths are constantly in contact with your body as you hold and rock and burp and snuggle your precious smelly little one. Using freshly washed clothes and accessories are another sure way to reduce the sour waft in your world.

Rinse your breasts and chests after each pumping session.

Make this cleansing step a part of your breast pumping routine. Just as you commit to applying Lanolin or other healing ointments to your nipples after your pump, it’s equally important to wipe yourself down. When you’re home this is as simple as using a damp washcloth. If you’re in public or at work, use a few fragrance-free wipes to do the job. 

Wash your pumping bra as often as possible.

If you use your hands at all while pumping then odds are a hands-free pumping bra has become your very best friend. But at $30 odd dollars a pop, few of us have a plentiful drawer-ful of these awesome brassieres. If you can swing it, invest in at least two of these babies and rotate them into the laundry as often as possible. This one rotation will make a hug difference in the stench of your daily life.

Splurge on a favorite lotion for all your non-breast parts.

Don’t forget to dote on the rest of your body every once in a while. Your breasts are getting (and need) so much attention as you pump, but your other parts could use a quick refreshment as well. We find that splurging on a favorite lotion to be kept at your pumping station or in your pumping bag helps remind us to dote on the rest of our bodies every once in a while. After you’ve stored your breast milk in a sanitary container but before you get up and change gears, take a moment to massage your arms or legs or feet with a pump or two of a creamy, decadent, beautifully aromatic lotion.

Apply an organic perfume or natural body oil.

You want to be careful not to disguise your natural scent too well as it’s…natural. Your smell is something your new darling will use to identify you and find comfort in. If you keep your body and clothing as clean as possible the sour after-smell of breast milk should not be overwhelming.  Applying heavy, chemically-formulated perfumes may pose risks[1] and overwhelm your child’s new and sensitive system. However, if you need a last line of olfactory defense, find an organic perfume or natural body oil with a scent that gives you (and thereby your baby) comfort.

*This blog is informed by our resident moms-in-the-know and not by medical professionals. This blog is intended to share the wisdom of experienced moms but never to replace the advice and insight of your doctors. Always consult proper and licensed medical professionals when making any decisions about your health and the health of your children. 

Sources:
[1] http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/toxic-perfumes-and-colognes/