"Breastfeeding is a mother’s gift to herself, her baby, and the earth."
Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding events in a mother’s life. There is nothing more amazing than being able to nourish, nurture and comfort your baby. On the other hand, it is one of the most challenging things that a mother has to deal with. From getting sore nipples while learning the correct position/latching to not being able to produce enough milk to satisfy your hungry little tot, breastfeeding can become overwhelming and discouraging. No matter if you are a breastfeeding or pumping mom, your tortured breasts will thank you for getting them this breast lactation massager from MomCozy. With 2 modes of warming and massaging and 6 intensities for each mode, it can relieve clogged ducts and mastitis while encouraging better let-down. You may also boost your milk production by drinking plenty of water and healthy fluids. You may also try to boost the breast milk production with this lactation tea. This tea is made of 100% organic herbs and ensures quick milk production. Rich in vital nutrients, this powerful tea may also calm down colicky babies and alleviate digestive complaints. While the decision to breastfeed may look different for everyone, it’s important to know the facts - as there are benefits for both mom and baby.
Why is breastfeeding beneficial for me and my baby?
Undoubtedly, under usual circumstances, the best way to feed your baby is by breastfeeding. Breast milk is rich with the exact proportion of nutritions required for your little one to grow up. Apart from that, it also provides important antibodies required for the babies to fight diseases. It can also reduce the risk for certain health conditions for both infants and mothers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for 1 year or longer.
Benefits for the baby: Because of the nutritional composition, breast milk is the best food for your baby, as it is easily digestible, helping with faster nutrient absorption. The antibodies found in breast milk help the baby to gain important immunity to a lot of different infectious agents. Babies fed with breast milk are often less prone to having food allergies or sensitivities. They are rarely constipated or are less prone to diarrhea or gas. There are reported reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), meningitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, leukemia, lymphoma, obesity, jaundice and juvenile diabetes in breastfed babies.
Benefits for the mother: Breastfeeding helps to burn calories, lose weight and brings back uterus to its normal size more quickly by using up the fat reserves. Breastfeeding is convenient and economical as there are no issues of mixing, measuring, and cleaning etc. No need to purchase formula as well! There are comparatively less odor in baby's spit up and poop. One of the biggest benefits in my opinion is that breast-feeding mothers run a decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis. Breastfeeding often protects iron reserves and protects from anemia because it suppresses ovulation and menstruation.
What do I need to know before buying a breast pump?
Breast pumps are a life-saver for working women like me. If your workplace supports breastfeeding, then make full utilization of the lactation room to pump milk for your little one and store it safely. Breast pumps are safe devices that can help you maintain and increase your breast milk supply. Breast pumps can also ease pain by relieving engorged breasts, plugged milk ducts, or pull out flattened or inverted nipples to help your baby latch more easily. Want to easily and safely alleviate the discomfort associated with breastfeeding so it can be a joyous and special time for you to connect with your baby? The Nipple Nurture Balm cream by Fairhaven Health is Lanolin-free and without harsh additives or preservatives, and is safe for both mother and baby. Organic herbal ingredients are combined with natural moisturizers to help provide soothing relief, heal affected areas, and even prevent cracks from reappearing.
There are three different kinds of breast pumps – manual, battery-powered, and electric. The biggest issue I had during pumping was the range of intensity. It was quite small, and sometimes I felt that the intensity was too weak to get most of the milk out, with the pump that I was using. After that, as per the suggestion from a friend, I started using the S12 wearable breast pump by the MomCozy. Small and portable, this hands-free pump can be placed in the nursing bra so that you can pump milk anytime and anywhere giving you the freedom to multitask while pumping. but also It is equipped with 9 levels of intensity in smaller increments to adjust precisely to suit each breast. Moreover, the wearable breast pump is also equipped with LCD Display for easy operation. They are compatible with any nursing bra but some of the most comfortable ones out there are those from MomCozy! These seamless ultra-comfortable nursing bras with great support is suitable for all body shapes and is bound to make you comfortable throughout your journey of pregnancy to motherhood! You may want to explore other electric breast pumps from Momcozy as well. Get 20% off on all the products from Momcozy.
How should I handle my breast milk?
To ensure safety for you and your baby, always make sure to clean your hands before handling breast milk. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer such as Purell with at least 60% alcohol. While using a breast pump, check to make sure the pump kit and tubing are clean and that there is no mold in the tubing. If you find mold in the tubing or anywhere else on your pump, throw those parts away and replace them before using your breast pump.
What are the safest ways to store my breast milk?
Human breast milk is not listed as a body fluid to which universal precautions apply. Occupational exposure to human breast milk has not been shown to lead to transmission of HIV or Hepatitis B infection. Breast milk can be stored safely in many different ways. Factors, such as, volume, temperature, and cleanliness will affect how long you can store your milk. For safe storage, pour your breast milk in storage bags, or clean food-grade containers made of glass or plastic, tightly sealed with a lid. Always clearly label your breast milk with the date it was expressed so you can keep track of when it will expire. If you’re not sure whether you will use freshly expressed breast milk within 4 days, place it in the freezer to protect its quality. If you purchase one of these MomCozy wearable breast pump, then you can get compatible storage bags. Especially designed double zip sealing to keep better your breast milk, without pouring out or being contaminated, this storage bag can save well your precious milk for your precious baby. It can self-stand to get a better organization, it can show the temperature of milk for you, it can even let you write down the data and it’s BPA free!
Is it unsafe to take medications and/or supplements while I breastfeed?
Most medications are actually safe to take while breastfeeding. Although many medications can pass into your breast milk, most of them have little to no effect on your breast milk supply or your baby’s health and wellbeing. Talk with your healthcare provider and your baby’s provider before taking any medications, vitamins, herbs, or over-the-counter supplements while breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking these medications and/or supplements, based on your health history and current health needs.
Transitioning to a bottle
As a working mother, if you started by breastfeeding your baby, you would need your baby to transition into bottle when you have to return to work. Oftentimes, babies cannot transition overnight from breasts to bottles, because of nipple confusion. To deal with this situation, Nanobébé have come up with a great idea of the Transition bottle. Baby instinctively connects to the bottle’s mom-like shape so there is no nipple confusion. The concave base is easy to hold and encourages self-feeding and the development of fine motor skills. Quick cooling ability reduces bacterial growth; quick and even warming prevents nutrient-damaging temperatures and hot spots so baby is fed safely and promptly. This one bottle is also perfect breast milk storage. You may also get additional storage bags here. Medium flow, vented nipple prevents colic and baby gas, great for breastfeeding babies ready for a larger bottle. And it is Baby Safe & Non-Toxic.
The familiar shape that infants know and love encourages a smooth, instinctual transition between breast and bottle, encourages the development of self-feeding skills, and satisfies your little one’s growing appetite with additional volume capacity. It is easy to clean and assemble, and is dishwasher-safe. Clean your baby bottles with this Nanobébé E-Brush Electric Baby Bottle Brush. Its high-speed rotation provides the deepest clean with gentle, non-scratch bristles to protect your baby’s feeding essentials. Built-in rechargeable battery connects via quick-snap magnetic port and holds charge for weeks. However, simply washing your baby bottles is not enough! It is essential to sterilize your baby's bottles and feeding accessories to ensure that they are safe, clean, and germ-free for your little one. The Nanobébé Microwave Steam Sterilizer quickly eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria, and remains sterile for up to 24 hours with the lid closed. That means you can sterilize before bed and wake up to sterilized bottles ready for use. It's a time and energy saving solution to your sterilizing needs, and the modern style looks great in any kitchen.
Warming up milk
It is important to adhere to some rules while heating up baby milk. Firstly, it should not be microwaved, because that causes to develop hot spots, that can burn baby’s mouth. Secondly, overheating milk would destroy important heat-sensitive components in the milk such as antibodies. Therefore, my recommendation would be the Breastmilk Bottle Warming Bowl by Nanobébé. It includes:
Optimal Warming System for Breast Milk: Provides safe, even warming of Nanobébé Breastmilk Bottles and Breast Milk Storage Bags with its unique geometry.
Adheres to Highest Medical Guidelines and Standards: Breast milk should be warmed in a bowl of warm water, not via a heating element, to prevent nutrient damage that occurs from overheating.
No Electricity, no Batteries: The Breastmilk Warming Bowl is convenient and zero fuss. Just add warm water. This also makes it great for travel.
Thinking about what to gift a new mom?
For the baby, I can vouch for the Nanobebe Ultimate Newborn Baby Bottle Feeding Set. It will be an extremely useful addition for a mom with a new baby!
But for the mom, the best gift to go for in my opinion is The Breastfeeding box by Sunflower motherhood. Ideal for a mom who plans to nurse or pump, this box includes: nipple cream, lactation tea, heat/cool packs, nipple cooling pads, hydration packets, nursing pads, lip balm, candle, signature Mama Affirmation card, and tips for each product from one mama to another.
When it comes to breastfeeding, preparation is the key. Talk with family and friends who have successfully breastfed. Check out breastfeeding books at your local library. And definitely sign up to take a breastfeeding class at a local hospital, taught by a certified lactation consultant. During this class you will learn the breastfeeding basics…the tips and techniques…the do's and don'ts. You'll learn what to do if problems should arise, and know when it is necessary to call your doctor or the pediatrician.
So if you are among the growing number of women who have decided to breastfeed…CONGRATULATIONS! And it you are still undecided, here is one suggestion: try it---you may like it. Because best of all, you and your baby will have reaped many, many benefits…if only for 2 weeks or for 2 years.
