For most breastfeeding women, nursing pads are a necessity. Leaking happens. We've all wanted to keep from being embarrassed by having a wet shirt, so breast pads can become one of our new best friends. The cost of disposable breast pads adds up, plus they can be uncomfortable. Buying reusable breast pads requires an upfront cost, and for some women, the pads can be too small. What's the solution to spending a lot of money on breast pads? Make your own breast pads. Making your own breast pads is simple, cheap, and eco-friendly. Supplies needed to make your own breast pads Fabric (you can use a lot of different kinds; I've put some … [Read more...]
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Disclaimer: The information in this post is for educational purposes only. I am not a doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider.
Nicotine and Breastfeeding
I'm going to assume that if you're reading this it is because a baby you love is being breastfed by a mother addicted to nicotine. Nicotine addiction isn't something to be written off lightly. It is a serious flaw in our society and it is a very hard addiction to shake. Though nicotine and breastfeeding should not go hand in hand, we do not live in a perfect world. In this article I want to give you some support for deciding to breastfeed your baby despite your addiction. I would also like to offer encouragement for quitting. Nicotine and Breastfeeding - Support and Encouragement I have recently made the journey from smoker to non-smoker. … [Read more...]
Which Breast Milk Storage Bottles are Best?
You've picked out your pump (a monumental task, for sure!). You've washed all the cute onesies. You're pretty much ready to go...oh, wait! Did you remember to pick up some of those breast milk storage bottles? You have to pump into something, right? But...which are the best? Whether you're planning to exclusively pump or just pump for an "every now and then" bottle, you'll want to have a few (or many!) storage containers in which to refrigerate that liquid gold. Breast Milk Storage Bottles - Tips and Suggestions Many companies make breast milk storage bottles. Most choices will be determined mostly by preference. But here are a few … [Read more...]
Thyroid Disease and Breastfeeding: Preparing During Pregnancy
I am pregnant with my fourth baby. I am very pregnant. I have done the thyroid disease and breastfeeding thing already and am trying to set myself up for the greatest success this time around by preparing during pregnancy. Thyroid Disease Can Affect Pregnancy Thyroid fluctuations are strongly tied to hormonal changes and weight changes. Pregnancy and childbirth bring about both. Thyroid issues in pregnancy and postpartum are quite common though not always identified or addressed by doctors. At the start of pregnancy, your doctor will likely check to make sure your thyroid is not sluggish. Hypothyroidism can contribute to miscarriage. If … [Read more...]
3 Advantages of Expressing Breast Milk by Hand
There are many ways to express breast milk. It can either be expressed by hand, with a manual pump, a battery operated or electric breast pump, or a hospital grade pump (which are electric). Even with all the different types of breast pumps out there, knowing how to express breast milk by hand is a useful skill. It might take a few tries to get used to expressing breast milk by hand, so don't get discouraged if it doesn't work the first time. The trick is to put pressure not on the nipple but on the milk ducts. Once you are familiar with hand expressing, it's sometimes easier and more convenient than using a breast pump. What are the … [Read more...]
7 Breastfeeding Themed Pinterest Boards Worth Following
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Pinterest is an excellent resource for finding a new recipe or your next DIY project, but have you considered looking to Pinterest for breastfeeding advice? There is a significant lack of Pinterest profiles dedicated to breastfeeding support, but there are many breastfeeding themed boards worth following. 7 Breastfeeding Themed Pinterest Boards Worth Following I personally follow or contribute to each of these Pinterest boards dedicated to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Mamas Support and Love - 1,700+ followers Pregnancy, Birthing, Breastfeeding, & All Things BABY! - 12,700+ followers Breastfeeding - 3,700+ … [Read more...]
The Quick Guide To Weaning Baby Off Formula
It's been three days since your baby's relatively uncomplicated delivery. Your nipples are extremely sore, bleeding and cracked. But, the nurses at the hospital told you it was fine. You notice your baby isn't stooling much, but figure maybe he is just taking his time. When you go to your one week checkup, your baby is not gaining any weight. In fact your baby has lost over 10%. The doctor might say, "He needs a bit of supplemental formula, in order to gain weight." You go obediently to the store and purchase the formula your doctor recommends and begin the supplementation plan in which you and your doctor feel comfortable, aided by your … [Read more...]
The Healthy Living Bundle – Your Resource for a Healthier Family!
Mama, I know you want to make better health and lifestyle decisions for yourself and those you love. You want to lose some of that baby weight weight, have more energy to play with your kids, use greener non-toxic products you don't have to worry about, create nutritious meals for your family, get fit, and feel confident that you’re doing all you can to prevent serious diseases. Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the masses of healthy living advice out there – to the point where you're frozen into complete inaction? This resource can help. (Read to the bottom for a special resource we are offering to you as a … [Read more...]
Why I’m Done With Cheap Nursing Bras
There are so many expenses when a new baby arrives, especially with your first child. Car seats, diapers, clothing, baby carriers, nursery items, and more abound. It can be so tempting for the breastfeeding mom to settle for cheap nursing bras so that money can be spent on other things! Yes, that was me. In fact, I'm almost embarrassed to admit that it took me five babies to finally give up my cheap nursing bra habit. For nine years I couldn't justify spending more than $20 on such a small amount of fabric! But you know what? By the fifth time around I finally decided that I'm done buying and using cheap nursing bras. They are a pain. … [Read more...]
Bottle Feeding Breast Milk to Baby
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Deciding on when to begin bottle feeding breast milk to your baby is a hard decision. Some mothers are unsure about whether or not they want their child to receive milk from a source other than mother's breasts; and then some are nervous that attempting to bottle feed may interfere with the nursing relationship. When it comes to bottle feeding breast milk to your baby, you should first consider why you are wanting to do it in the first place. Rather than bottle feeding breast milk because of outside pressure, have a good idea of why you want to offer breast milk bottles to your baby. Some Reasons for Bottle Feeding Breast Milk To … [Read more...]
