Proudly shouting, “Look, no hands!” is always fun, especially when it comes to breast pumping, even though it may be awkward if people actually look. Let’s face it, for busy moms pumping can take up a lot of time so a hands-free breast pump might save you tons of time by giving you the freedom to multi-task.
When and How to Use a Nipple Shield for Breastfeeding
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.
Relactation: How to Start Breastfeeding Again After Stopping
A pause breastfeeding that happens for any reason doesn’t have to be a permanent end. In many cases, restarting is possible with the right steps and made easier with the right support.
If you’re worried about having a low breast milk supply, you are not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns for new and veteran parents alike, but you should know this: the number one reason women struggle with breastfeeding is a lack of proper support, not a personal failure.
Before you start to doubt your body, let’s explore proven ways to increase your breast milk supply and get you back on track.
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.
While it's true that milk transitioning may be delayed and that it can be uncomfortable to nurse after having the surgery, there are ways to encourage timely transitioning of mature milk and improved comfort in positioning.
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.
Breastfeeding Your Premature Baby in the NICU - Tips for Success
Breastfeeding a preemie is possible, but a very different situation. Feeding a preterm baby comes with its own set of complexities. Health status and gestational age will play a big role in determining the amounts given, how often, and even the method in which they are fed.
Are you breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed? There’s a lot to learn when it comes to infant feeding, lactation, and breastmilk itself! Did you know — human breastmilk is a living, fluctuating substance made up of several “ingredients." Learn more about what makes breastmilk composition so special in this blog!
Supplementing Your Breast Milk Supply: How and When
For some new moms, supplementation is a temporary chapter to fill in a gap in caloric needs, while others may need to supplement their breast milk supply the duration of their time lactating. And that is ok!
