Steps when using a Breast Pump

Steps when using a Breast Pump

When you get ready to use a breast pump find a quiet spot where you will have twenty to thirty minutes undisturbed. Wash your hands with soap and water Wash and assemble all breast pump equipment Find a comfortable location to express your breast milk Gently massage your breasts or apply a warm washcloth Center the nipple on the plastic flange.  Begin... [Read more...]

Employed and Breastfeeding

Employed and Breastfeeding

There are some particular challenges faced by the mother who returns to work and desires to continue breastfeeding her baby. Fatigue and Discouragement – Fatigue plagues all new parents from time to time and caring for a new infant is hard enough without the added demands of a daily commute, deadlines, and all the other aspects of a job. Don’t... [Read more...]

Bottle Feeding

Bottle Feeding

You may find that bottle feeding is the only alternative feeding method that works after exploring the other ways.  Bottle feeding can be useful if the infant has difficulty opening their mouth to get good latch on the breast. A word of caution, babies who switch back and forth between bottle feeding and breast feeding are likely to suffer from... [Read more...]

Middle of the Night Feedings

Middle of the Night Feedings

One of the most dramatic adjustments you will make as a new parent is a loss of control on your sleep schedule.  Gone are the days (at least for now) of staying up as late as you want and sleeping as late as you want.  Now the amount of sleep you get will depend on your child. Newborns don’t have a schedule as they are adjusting to the world... [Read more...]

Breast Engorgement

Breast Engorgement

In the initial days after giving birth, overly full or engorged breasts can be a problem as your body adjusts its milk supply to your babies needs. The best way to relieve engorgement is to nurse frequently and get your body tuned into your baby.  Warm moist wash cloths  applied to your breasts before breastfeeding can help your milk flow easier.... [Read more...]

Premature Birth and Breastfeeding

Premature Birth and Breastfeeding

Many parents feel helpless when their child requires so much medical attention, but a great way for you as a mother to be involved and provide the nourishment your child needs is to begin pumping your breast milk. This will provide your child with the ideal source of nourishment and keep your breasts ready for when your newborn can effectively nurse. Babies... [Read more...]

Breast pumps

Breast pumps

Breast pumps come in several general styles depending on their expected use. Hospital-grade electric breast pumps – As the name suggests these are generally used in hospitals or on occasions where an accurate substitute for a baby’s sucking is needed.  These pumps are useful to stimulate milk production and larger volume milk collection... [Read more...]

Five item breastfeeding checklist

Five item breastfeeding checklist

There are several items that can make your first breastfeeding experience much better. Nursing bra – The eight month of your pregnancy is a good time to pick up three or more nursing bras.  If you can have a professional fitting for your measurements have changed since your pregnancy began and these bras fit differently than the ones you have... [Read more...]

Breast Milk Expression Tips

Breast Milk Expression Tips

If you are going to be away from your baby for any length of time, here are some breast milk expression tips to help keep a stash of breast milk on hand.   Storing some of your breast milk before hand is a great way to continue to provide the benefits of breast milk to your child while you are away. Pumping ahead of time also allows close friends and... [Read more...]