Archive for April, 2009

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My Brest Friend Pillow

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Our moms at GotBreastPump.com, truly love their My Brest Friend Pillow.  Sure, it is for the breast feeding mom and it is unquestionably the premier breast feeding pillow, but this pillow is wonderful for all types of feeding or just having baby nearby.

This pillow was designed and engineered by real moms and babies.  Breastfeeding experts were also brought in to ensure that this pillow met all the needs of breast feeding moms and babies.
Check out the features below.
• This yummy pillow has a wrap around design that secures to the body. This design helps moms maintain positioning and improves latch-on. I actually like the way if feels so much, that I would be tempted to have it on, jut to watch tv.  I just feels great to the back and is a support for arms and shoulders.
• The back rest shape does a lovely job to help you maintain a healthy posture during feeding and it stops that sore back and neck that a mom can get when she leans over and has to hold her baby without any support.
• The Firm, flat cushion keeps baby from rolling.
• One of my favorite features is the adjustable, silent-release strap that fits Moms or Dads comfortably and unlatches without waking baby.  Most baby items I used with my little ones, usually had Velcro.  Did you ever try to undo Velcro with a sleeping baby?
• I truly like the arm and elbow rests. These rests eliminate shoulder stress.  It really feels good.
• The cool pocket in the front is super for holding water bottles, burp cloths, phone, and anything else you might need.
Moms have given us their reviews on My Brest Friend Pillow.
 My baby just wouldn’t latch on. I had cracked and bleeding nipples. Once I got the pillow, my baby latched on correctly and no more problems with sore nipples.
Thank you My Brest Friend. This pillow saved me from quitting breast feeding.  It is really comfortable too. Lyra, Seattle
 I was having a really hard time getting my son to latch on and stay latched on.
My mother ordered this pillow for me. I was not sure how to use it but the instructions helped a lot.

It also came with instructions for breastfeeding that actually helped my baby latch on.

There are so many nice features in this pillow. All I can say is buy one if you are breastfeeding. It is super

Check out our video:  My Brest Friend Pillow

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Little or No Progress in Helping Mothers with Breast Pumping or Breastfeeding in the Workplace

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Workplace Still not Friendly to New Lactating Moms

In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set a national goal to increase the proportion of mothers who continue to breast feed their babies through the early months to 75 percent by the year 2010.
Professional, retail, and manufacturing sector women decide against breast feeding or stop nursing after returning to work, fearing it will interfere or cost them their jobs.
Additionally, mothers say that their reasons to stop breast feeding or breast pumping is due to a combination of factors. The first factor moms say causes them to stop breastmilk production is the shear amount of energy needed to breast pump or feed in the workplace. 
Breast feeding becomes a huge barrier and moms are typically not up to the challenge of educating their superiors or finding ways to get to their baby or get their baby to them.
Breast pumpers have similar problems, but add to it, the complications of carrying a breast pump and storage for the breastmilk, then finding a place to pump in the workplace, and getting the boss to allow the breaks to do pumping.  Remember, this is a new mom, who just added a huge workload to her life. She has her family, home and now job, plus the pumping and milk storage.  To all this, this woman is still recovering from nine months of pregnancy, birth and maybe even a Cesarean Section.
Presently, 71 % of mothers now work and only 22 states have laws relating to lactating mothers in the workplace. The national goal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to increase the proportion of mothers who continue to provide breastmilk for their babies from birth to 6 months.  The 2008 statistics from CDC is that 34% of mothers offer breast milk to their babies for 6 months. Their 2010 goal is 75 % is unrealistic in the present workplace environment. 
The fact that 34% of women are still producing breast milk at 6 months is a wonderful testament to women’s resilience.

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The Real Scoop on How Lactation Works

Friday, April 24th, 2009

How it Works – Breastmilk Production

A little low down on the facts behind breastmilk, may help to demystify this mommy mystery.

Right after your baby is born, breast milk is controlled by hormones (endocrine), but after a couple of weeks, it is heavily controlled by Supply-Demand control (autocrine).

This all sounds so medical, and it is. Breastmilk production is a fairly complicated process and a graph of a post-partum woman’s hormones look like fireworks on July 4th. No wonder we feel like our brain is being blended in a food processor. 

Prolactin is the director of breast milk production for the first few weeks after baby arrives, but your body makes less and less of prolactin during those first weeks. Between 6 and 12 weeks, prolaction really drops off.

Moms who do not pump much those first few weeks, are surprised to find their milk supply falling off.  This is the time when moms say they couldn’t pump enough milk and ended up quitting.

After the prolactin falls off, then the Supply & Demand (autocrine) take over. Remember, this is Supply and Demand.  If you don’t pump enough for milk Demand, the Supply will dwindle. Its kinda like the stock market but breast milk is totally reality based.

So, new moms, pumping 6 to 8 times each day, early on will take advantage of the plentiful prolactin. Plus you are setting up a healthy stock market of breast milk  before the Supply-Demand system really kicks in gear. 

True, I’ve mixed a few metaphors here. But I hope this is a little bit easier than the heavy medical jargon that typically puts me to sleep before I finish the article.  

Next blog, we’ll get into the processes that control breast milk when your hormones level out. Yea, they do level out some, although I’m not sure if it happens before your baby gets out of adolescence.

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How to Maximize Your Breast Milk’s Brain-Boosting Power

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

Maximize your breast milk’s brain-boosting power

By Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD

Many moms go to great lengths to provide breast milk for their babies.  This is true whether they breastfeed, exclusively pump or utilize a combination of pumping and nursing.  Everyone knows that breast milk has numerous health benefits, but few moms know that they can actually enhance the brain-boosting power of their breast milk.

Here’s the what, why and how of making sure you’re doing all you can do give your baby a brainier start.

What is this brain-building nutrient (DHA)?
You’ve probably heard of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), omega-3 fatty acids important for brain health. These fatty acids are mainly found in marine sources (fatty fish) such as salmon, tuna, herring and trout.  Another type of omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), comes from plant sources such as flax, walnuts and canola oil. 

Not all omega-3 fatty acids are created equal.  In fact, the health benefits listed below come primarily from DHA found from marine sources.  So you can eat all the plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids that you like but if you consume little or no fish, you’re milk is falling short on DHA.  Studies show that the amount of DHA in mom’s diet is directly related to the levels found in her breast milk.

Why does your baby need DHA?
The brain is one of the fattiest organs – almost 60 percent fat!  During baby’s rapid development, the central nervous system needs higher levels of DHA in utero, all the way through the first 2 years of life.  DHA plays a key role in forming synapses in the brain that will enhance learning, memory, vision, attention and language development as a child grows.

In The Ultimate Omega-3 Diet, author Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD says that the DHA in breast milk has decreased significantly in the last decade.  She also says that adequate DHA in pregnancy and postpartum may also lower rates of postpartum depression and attention deficit disorder in children, and improve baby’s sleep patterns, decrease the risk of asthma and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. 

How can you get enough DHA?
To avoid the risk of methyl-mercury, the FDA recommends an upper limit of 12 ounces of low mercury fish for high risk populations including shrimp, salmon, catfish and canned light tuna (no more than 6 ounces of canned albacore tuna) weekly with the avoidance of higher-mercury fish including swordfish, shark, tilefish and king mackerel. Many pregnant and lactating women may avoid fish all together which isn’t necessary.
In order to get enough DHA in your diet, the not-for-profit National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition encourage pregnant and lactating women to:
–Consume 12 ounces (2-3 meals) of low-mercury fish per week to get adequate DHA:
–Include fatty fish that are highest in DHA at least once week — salmon, trout and tuna.  See handout for more fish ideas. http://www.aboutseafood.com/sites/www.aboutseafood.com/files/share/FINAL_Pregnancy_Flyer_100208.pdf
–Try shrimp, canned light tuna (no more than 6 ounces canned albacore), cod and scallops to help round out your 12 ounces per week.

According to the DHA/EPA Omega-3 Institute http://dhaomega3.org/, lactating women only get about 80mg of DHA, which isn’t even half of what international groups recommend (the U.S. has no recommendations for DHA).  The International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) recommends pregnant and lactating get at least 200mg DHA daily.  If you can’t eat fish, or your intake is sporadic, consider a fish oil supplement that contains at least 200mg of DHA (check label for specific amounts)  
While doing so many things to help our children develop intellectually, we often forget about the role of nutrition.  Growing brains need the right fuel and in this case it’s DHA.     
Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD is the creator of www.RaiseHealthyEaters.com, a blog aimed to help moms raise healthy, happy and confident eaters.

References

DHA/EPA Omega-3 Institute http://dhaomega3.org/index.php?category=life-stages&title=Infancy

Consensus Statement: dietary fat intake for pregnant and lactating women. British Journal of Nutrition (2007). http://www.issfal.org.uk/images/stories/pdfs/dietary%20fat%20intakes%20for%20pregnant%20and%20lactating%20women%20bjn%202007.pdf

The Ultimate Omegat-3 Diet: Maximize the Power of Omega-3s to Supercharge Your Health, Battle Inflammation, and Keep Your Mind Sharp by Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD

Key words:
Diet and breastfeeding
DHA EPA
DHA pregnancy

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Toddlers & Clothes, or Lack Of

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

My toddler’s lack of inhibition is refreshing and shocking, almost everyday.  Clothes are supposed to be important to a woman. But my Gabrielle is not in the least into looking cute in her clothes that I buy online.  Even as a little girl I was so modest that I wouldn’t even wear sleeveless tops and would throw a fit when my Mom tried to put me in sun dresses.
Each morning, I put her in a chic little get up. But by 10 she no longer has on jeans or shorts. By noon, her shirt is gone too.  Good thing we live in the sunbelt.
Even the neighbors know about Gabrielle’s free spirit. She will go across the street to visit my neighbor’s doggie, donning only her Dora the Explorer panties. 
Gabrielle has just become aware of the mail box and the wonders of Easter and Birthday cards. Last week she was spotted checking the neighbor’s mail box for more colorful cards.  My neighbor’s son said, “Mom a little girl is looking in our mailbox.” She calmly asked, “Does the little girl had any jeans on?” and her son said “No she’s in her underwear.”
She told her son, “No problem, it’s just Gabrielle.”
My dearest hope is that she will outgrow this like Dana Carvey’s boys out grew ‘Naked Time.’ Otherwise, the nuns at school will get a rude awakening.
Clearly, I did not pass my modesty genes on to my precious baby girl.
Bar the door Katy!

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Toddlers & Clothes, or Lack Of

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

My toddler’s lack of inhibition is refreshing and shocking, almost everyday.  Clothes are supposed to be important to a woman. But my Gabrielle is not in the least into looking cute in her clothes that I buy online.  Even as a little girl I was so modest that I wouldn’t even wear sleeveless tops and would throw a fit when my Mom tried to put me in sun dresses.
Each morning, I put her in a chic little get up. But by 10 she no longer has on jeans or shorts. By noon, her shirt is gone too.  Good thing we live in the sunbelt.
Even the neighbors know about Gabrielle’s free spirit. She will go across the street to visit my neighbor’s doggie, donning only her Dora the Explorer panties. 
Gabrielle has just become aware of the mail box and the wonders of Easter and Birthday cards. Last week she was spotted checking the neighbor’s mail box for more colorful cards.  My neighbor’s son said, “Mom a little girl is looking in our mailbox.” She calmly asked, “Does the little girl had any jeans on?” and her son said “No she’s in her underwear.”
She told her son, “No problem, it’s just Gabrielle.”
My dearest hope is that she will outgrow this like Dana Carvey’s boys out grew ‘Naked Time.’ Otherwise, the nuns at school will get a rude awakening.
Clearly, I did not pass my modesty genes on to my precious baby girl.
Bar the door Katy!

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Your Breast Pumping Mommies Say, It’s Gonna Be Okay, Sweetie”

Monday, April 20th, 2009

I know you’re feeling anxious, I’m here to help.

So, now your baby is born, your hubby is home sleeping after the long eventful day and you lay in your hospital bed, alone. Your Mom lives so far away. If only she were around to reassure you that it’s all going to be ok.
Sure you’re a super competent wife and professional woman, but all of a sudden your mind is cluttered with concerns and fears about how you’re going to parent this precious new life.
75% of women do 90% of the feeding, diapering, and waking for baby. 
Suddenly, that amazing and beautiful thought of having a sweet baby is now a very long term reality. If only your Mom was here to talk to, for you to ask her the hundreds of questions you have.
Wendy and I are here to help you during those times, when you have questions about breast pumping and breast feeding.  With two generations of breast pumping and breast feeding experience, we know the fears and questions that moms have.
From day one to the end of lactation, Wendy and Toni can be your hug across the miles, when problems pop up.
CALL US, we really want to help fill the gap.  888-240-2266. Or email us at wendy@gotbreastpump.com. We are a mother (Toni) & daughter (Wendy) team who love to help moms.
Take good care of yourself.

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Double the 'Let Down', Double the Milk

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Double the ‘Let Down’, Double the Milk
More milk, more milk, how do you get more milk? Baby is 6 months old and needing more milk almost everyday.
You’re eating enough oatmeal to clean your arteries for a life time, and drinking enough water to fill the kiddie wading pool.  Still, after pumping for 25 minutes, you’re still getting 3 ounces from each breast.
What now?!
A super suggestion I’ve read about on a bunch of mommy blogs is to get a second let down.
Here’s how it goes.
Pump for 10-15 minutes, then turn your pump off for 2-3 minutes, then pump again for another 5-6 minutes.
Moms have reviewed this process and said that it really does help.  Based on understanding how breast milk is produced, it makes sense.
It sets up certain hormones that trigger increased breast milk production.  So, not only do you get more milk during these pumping sessions, but it will go a long way to increase your over all milk production too.
Some breast pumping moms don’t actually feel ‘let down’, but if you have produced any quantity of milk, you have a ‘let down’. This is the point in pumping when  the milk really begins to flow.
Try it and let me know what you think.

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Double the ‘Let Down’, Double the Milk

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Double the ‘Let Down’, Double the Milk
More milk, more milk, how do you get more milk? Baby is 6 months old and needing more milk almost everyday.
You’re eating enough oatmeal to clean your arteries for a life time, and drinking enough water to fill the kiddie wading pool.  Still, after pumping for 25 minutes, you’re still getting 3 ounces from each breast.
What now?!
A super suggestion I’ve read about on a bunch of mommy blogs is to get a second let down.
Here’s how it goes.
Pump for 10-15 minutes, then turn your pump off for 2-3 minutes, then pump again for another 5-6 minutes.
Moms have reviewed this process and said that it really does help.  Based on understanding how breast milk is produced, it makes sense.
It sets up certain hormones that trigger increased breast milk production.  So, not only do you get more milk during these pumping sessions, but it will go a long way to increase your over all milk production too.
Some breast pumping moms don’t actually feel ‘let down’, but if you have produced any quantity of milk, you have a ‘let down’. This is the point in pumping when  the milk really begins to flow.
Try it and let me know what you think.

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Pumping at Work PAW, “OMG, What a Witty and Authentic Mommy Blog”

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

Mamaresse’s Pumping Experiences

I read the best blog today, “The Real Deal Behind PAW (Pumping at Work)”, written by mamareese. 

The blog was posted on The Workin’ Mama site. Breast pumping sure can have its challenges and mamareese gives the real scoop on pumping in the bathroom at work.  She offers such sage advice with a bit of twisted humor for the mom who is committed to pumping at work.

I totally admire the commitment and fortitude she has for breast pumping and breast feeding.
Here is momareese’s blog, enjoy.

The Real Deal Behind PAW (Pumping at work)

Thanks, mamareese for coining the acronym “PAW” for working mamma pumpers.

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