Difficulty latching, pain, prematurity, and physical anomalies, such a severely inverted nipples or flat nipples are common reasons for utilizing a nipple shield for temporary relief and assistance.
Finding the right fit is always important – whether it’s for clothing, shoes, but especially when it comes to your breast pump flange size if you're a breast pumping mom. Soreness, pinching, irritation, and clogged milk ducts don’t sound fun but are all things that can occur if you don’t have the correct flange size. A breast pump flange (breast shield) size that is too small or too big could seriously hinder your pumping experience and overall breast pumping journey. So, be sure to choose the correct size to properly express milk for your infant.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious problem experienced by as many as 4 in 5 mothers within a few days after giving birth, and in some, continues past the first weeks or months postpartum.
Just like with breastfeeding, pumping your breasts should most certainly not be painful or uncomfortable. While some discomfort and pain may happen, the occurrence of either could be an indicator that something needs to be adjusted or addressed.
There will inevitably come a time when you have to tackle the weaning process, and this will look differently from child-to-child, in time frame, temperament, readiness, method and reasons. Just like with many other things, there is a "right" and "wrong" way to approach this, but in less polarizing terms, a way that is less impactful to our emotions, theirs, and your health.
When traveling with breast milk, a little planning ahead makes the process quite simple and little-to-no hassle! By now you may already have your stash developed or have a pumping routine in place, but now there is planning needed to transport the milk, whether fresh or stored. Whether you are taking a road trip or are flying across the country, knowing how to store the milk you bring, or pump, along the way is imperative to save the integrity (and time spent!)
Choosing your pump and learning how it can work FOR you is the first step to confidently achieving your pumping and stashing goals.
While the history of having breast cancer or the risk of the cancer returning does not directly affect the integrity of the breastfeeding relationship, there are some risk factors and possible obstacles, depending on individual situations.
When considering a pump, take into account pumping needs and the environment you will be pumping in. This includes things like access to an outlet, quiet and clean rooms, on-the-go/in the car while multitasking, and more.
