It goes without saying that many women experience fatigue during pregnancy—for some people, it can even be their first sign of pregnancy! It’s typical for energy levels to ebb and flow throughout the trimesters. And many pregnant people find they struggle the most with fatigue in the first and third trimesters, but they return to feeling normal energy levels during the second trimester. It shouldn’t be surprising that feeling so tired comes with the territory of pregnancy! After all, your body is working hard 24/7 and growing a whole, completely new person. That takes a lot of effort! What exactly does that mean? Even when you're sleeping, your body isn’t getting the deep rest it usually gets. Remember it is still busy building a baby. While there’s nothing that can be done to decrease your body’s need to work all day and night, you can help support your body in doing that extra work. Here are my top 7 tips to help you stay energized during pregnancy:
EveryBODY is indeed different, and this truth extends to the world of breastfeeding and pumping. While pumps can be incredibly useful tools for nursing mothers, it's essential to recognize that not all bodies will respond the same way to them. Some mothers may find their milk flows easily with one pump but struggle with another. This natural variation can sometimes lead to frustration, but it's important to remember that your body's response to a breast pump is a unique and individual experience. In this article, we'll explore why different bodies react differently to pumps, offer tips for those who aren't getting the results they expect right away, and provide encouragement and support for mothers on this journey.
If you’re looking around online, you might wonder if postpartum recovery garments are the same thing as shapewear. If you already own a corset or body shaper, you might be tempted to wear those after the baby is born. However, I don’t recommend doing that! Postpartum compression garments are specifically designed to help your body heal after birth. Shapewear helps smooth the curves of your body—those are very different functions! To be even more specific, let’s take a closer look at five differences between postpartum recovery garments and general shapewear.
If you currently are breastfeeding exclusively, transitioning to bottle feeding part-time can seem intimidating or worrisome for use at daycare. From seamless transitions to maintaining your pumping routine, we will help guide you on how much milk you need. Here are our top tips for balancing breastfeeding and daycare.
August is no ordinary month– it holds a special place in Motif’s heart and within our mom community. A time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and supporting breastfeeding mothers. Motif celebrated National Breastfeeding Month by sharing your unique breastfeeding journeys. We loved seeing your tags, comments, and DMs on social media. We feel so lucky that you chose Motif to be a part of your unique breastfeeding journey. Whether you did it for just an hour or rocked it for years, you deserve recognition!
Breastfeeding looks different for a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). If feeding well, the main obstacle is separation from the mother, as there is no 24-hour access point. These specialized units offer advanced medical care and support to premature or critically ill newborns. However, they also present unique challenges, particularly in relation to breastfeeding. The journey of breastfeeding in the NICU is a testament to a mother's unwavering determination-- a delicate balance between medical necessity and the invaluable benefits of nurturing through breast milk.
POV: You have a sleepy, hungry, tiny human who is only minutes old. Now what? Feeding trends are no different, from milk consistency to time at the breast, the first two weeks of a newborn’s life are deemed the most challenging, as the mother and co are on learning curves trying to keep up with hunger cues and satiety affirmation. In this blog we will cover newborn feeding milestones, hunger and fullness cues, and concerns of over- and under-feeding.
With all the encouragement to breastfeed for its nutritional, health, and bonding benefits for both mother and baby, the next question may be, “Ok, but for how long?” This commitment can be daunting, especially with obstacles and no end in sight when it feels all-consuming. We have the “shoulds” and the evidence-based research to back things up, but let's also discuss the nuances, the plan to get to the goal, and the tools to incorporate into your lifestyle to help get you there.
If you need to incorporate pumping into your routine or have decided to pump full-time, how often do you need to pump and make it work for you? We can look at different pumping needs and variables, from the baby’s age and exclusivity, to additional goals you may have, such as supply building and milk storage! Plus you can download a FREE pumping schedule to help you stay on track!
