Nizo Wear

2012-02-01T10:52:00.004-06:00

Hello Ladies! I recently discovered this amazing breastfeeding product called Pump-a-Pair. It allows you to turn any nursing bra into a hands-free pumping bra so you can multi-task while you pump! Brilliant, huh?! Can it get even better you are asking? Yes, it can. Bonus-it is VERY affordable! Well, Pump-a-Pair and Nizo Wear have decided to raffle off a nursing bra and Pump-a-Pair set to one lucky winner. Enter here to win!

Pump-a-Pair also puts out a monthly newsletter and I am loving the Be Mine card in this one. Check out! here:

Two amazing product giveaways...

2012-01-24T11:17:00.003-06:00

I love to support fellow small businesses as I know many of you do. So I thought I would share these two great products and the chance for you to win one!

Dont miss out on entering to win these two great products. Enter here.

Also, you can read about the wonderful inventors behind the products here(Jennifer Watkins Namazi and Dinah Madison Vogel).

Nicole

Every had a mommy brain moment? Check out these:

2012-01-17T11:52:00.004-06:00

I love this article I just read. It made me laugh out loud so I thought I would share. Gotta love mommy brain :)

Speaking of mommy brain, a great Madisonian by the name of Shannon Payette Seip wrote a very funny book on this very topic called Momnesia! It is definitely worth the read and makes a great gift to a new mom! In the mean time, I hope this makes you laugh as well....

Runny nose problem solved!

2012-01-17T11:33:00.002-06:00

I just discovered a new great must-have product for all you parents out there. It is called Sniffle Buddies. Are you tired of chasing after your child to blow their nose just to have them beat you to it by dragging it across their sleeve?? Well, Sniffle Buddies is the perfect product for you!

I actually think this product is brilliant because it will work for just about anyone. For anyone from my dad while doing yard work to myself while braving those blistery Wisconsin winters as I am traipsing around the dog park! Perfect for any runny nose season! Check them out.

Best,

Nicole
Nizo Wear Nursing Bras

picture taken from sniffle buddies website

Quick postnatal workouts

2012-01-05T12:36:00.003-06:00

Since winter is upon us and there is a few months before we can walk our babes outside (at least for those of us in cooler states, like Wisconsin) this link should help give you a few ideas on how to stay active inside...with our little ones.

Quick post-natal workouts

I wish I would have had these great exercises when my son was young. Since he was born in September we had many months before our WI weather allowed us outside comfortably. And foolishly I tried to wait until he napped before starting an inside work out. Since he only napped for thirty minutes at a time I quickly became frustrated.

Needless to say, I hope you enjoy and can use these (I love the step by step pictures they give)...

Warmly,
Nicole

Thank you fitpregnancy.com for supplying us with great tips!

Happy New Years

2012-01-01T14:11:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! Funny how having kids changes your new year's plans-huh? What did you do? Mine was spent with friends and family. Lots of noise going on, but I wouldnt have changed it for anything! Love ringing in the New Year!

I found this video from the Leaky Boob and LOVE Zooey so I thought I would share. Whenever I see her I always think of her in Elf. Love that movie. Enjoy and best wishes for 2012! :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSq1cez_flQ&list=UUyW-Owx53Zfd2dGlC0PS9JA&index=2&feature=plcp

Top Five Breast Pumping Tips

2011-12-14T14:21:00.004-06:00

I went back to work three months after I had my son. Lucky for me, it was only part-time (two-three days a week). It was quite a transition for my body to go from breastfeeding one day and the next pumping. Pumping breastmilk can sometimes be a challenge but hopefully these tips will help:.

1. Get into a pumping routine. I used to pump on my two 15 minute breaks (one morning, one afternoon) and at my lunch break. Liz Pevytoe RN, IBCLC recommends starting and ending your workday empty (Before you clock in and after you clock out, pump). Either way you choose to do it is fine, but the most important thing to remember is to stay on a schedule! Make sure you do not try to skip a pumping session as it could be detrimental to your supply or health. Every time I tried to skip a pumping I got a plugged duct and let me tell you that was not fun! I learned quickly the importance of a regular schedule!

2. Choose a good pump , cheap pumps can cause injury,low supply mastitis from lack of emptying. Invest in a good pump. My pump was a manual express by Medela. Since I was just part-time I felt like it was ok, but it would have been quicker and nicer with an electric one. I would definitely suggest an electric pump for full-timers. Liz recommends these:
Pump In Style …Medela $270.99
Ameda Purely …Ameda $207.00
Hygeia EnJoye …Hygeia $186.66
Medela Pump in…Stanford Distribut… $329.90
Ameda One Ha…Ameda$29.95
Whatever pump you choose, make sure you are using the correct size flanges. Ask a lactation consultant to take a look.

3. Make sure your bra fits properly! This is critical because if not, you can get plugged ducts (I know because I did!)A great fitting bra shouldn't dig, pull, poke or otherwise cause discomfort. If it does, it's not the right size (or bra) for you. Make sure it feels comfortable when you are moving around. There shouldn't be any breast tissue spillage at the top, side or bottom of the cups. If there is, your cup size is too small. Try sizing up for a better fit. Your bra should feel comfortable and supportive. You shouldn't have to settle for a so-so fit. Sometimes you will have to go up a cup size or two. Don't let it concern you – sizes do vary among brands. Finding the perfect bra takes time and patience, but the way you will look (and feel) once you have found it will be worth all of your effort.

4. If you find you need to increase your milk supply, talk to a lactation consultant or your doctor for advice. We found that using a galactogogue (milk stimulating herb) to increase your supply typically works well, but only if you are frequently expressing breast milk with a pump or by nursing. Also, it can make you sick if you are one to skip pumping sessions/emptying. I have found Motherlove's products to work wonderfully and Liz recommends these:
Fenugreek Seed 610 mg - 180 C… -Nature's Way $4.89
More Milk Plus Alcohol Free 4 oz.-Motherlove
Nature's Way Blessed Thistle…$6.66
Organic Mother's Milk Tea 16 Bags-Traditional Medici…$6.86

5. Store your breastmilk in a cooler with icepacks so that you do not forget your expressed breastmilk at work!

Most important thing to remember is to keep your local lactation consultants number on speed dial for questions and support. They are an amazing resource!

Let us know if you have any additional tips! We would love to hear them.

Warmly,
Nicole
Nizo Wear Nursing Bras

Thank you Liz Pevytoe RN, IBCLC, for posting such great tips on askthelactationconsultant.com !

Breastfeeding since the late 1800s

2011-11-24T07:21:00.003-06:00

I just discovered the following article and thought it was worth sharing. I love learning new and cannot resist sharing. I hope you all find it interesting too. Let me know what you think!! Best,
Nicole

(Thank you to examiner.com for sharing this article)In the late 1800's, large numbers of women began weaning their babies off the breast and on to cow's milk, often within ten weeks of birth. Economic class of mothers indicated different reasons for this early weaning, but the overall movement toward dangerous weaning practices did not seem to be limited by class distinction. Women who had to work didn't have much choice but to leave their infants with a caregiver, which made weaning necessary. Women who could afford to stay home with their children perceived this working-class trend as a chance to allow themselves an amount of freedom from traditional mothering challenges, and helped to make early weaning a fashionable thing to do. Infant mortality rates soon rose, with deaths commonly attributed to malnutrition, bacterial contamination, and diarrhea. The illnesses associated with feeding cow's milk to babies prompted dairy manufacturers to make pastuerization a standard practice.

Commercially available baby formula gained a cultural foothold in the 1950's, a time of modernization and progress following the Great Depression. Baby formula was a great help to mothers who needed or wanted to work after pregnancy. During this time when televisions were coming into the average American home, advertising shiny new products that automated household tasks, baby formula became fashionable for its ease of use. Most likely, the promise of maternal modesty played a role in the widespread cultural adoption of formula feeding. During the 1950's it would have been considered crude to use the term "pregnant" in advertising or on a television show, whereas a term like "expecting" would be considered more appropriate. Social dialogue regarding sexual matters in practical terms was taboo. For a generation that would have been horrified at the immodesty of seeing a single bed in Lucille Ball's television set bedroom, the idea of taking women's breasts out of the collective image of motherhood must certainly have seemed a favorable one. Due to a lack of research data and public education on the nutritional values of breast milk, formula feeding became the standard feeding method for infants in the U.S. Standardized formula use was considered an improvement on feeding practices of previous generations, and as a result, practical knowledge of breastfeeding became lost among generations of mothers who had never even attempted it. By the 1970's, breastfeeding began to reintegrate into popular culture. It is not widely known that the feminist movement is largely responsible for a renewed interest in the practice of breastfeeding children. Women began to feel more control of their bodies and sexuality, and as a result, began to feel more empowered and secure in their natural abilities. Embracing womanhood by way of feminism was a first step toward questioning the practice of formula feeding. Today, medical organizations the world over agree that breast is best for baby. An effort is being made to encourage women to use the tools nature has given them to care for their children. There is much cultural indoctrination against breastfeeding that must be dissolved over time, but the benefits of breastfeeding are slowly winning women back to nursing their own children.

Thank you Wikipedia for the great pic.

All honey is the same, right??

2011-11-12T12:47:00.002-06:00

I do not know about you, but I used to always buy the cheapest honey in the store and never understood the wide price range between brands. After seeing the 'queen of honey' (I'm not kidding, there is such a thing) at our State fair this past summer I changed my habits.

I just discovered this article and thought it explained the differences nicely. Most importantly it gives brands to stay away from as they could be dangerous!

Why we love honey:
"Raw honey is thought to have many medicinal properties," says Kathy Egan, dietitian at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. "Stomach ailments, anemia and allergies are just a few of the conditions that may be improved by consumption of unprocessed honey." At our house, we use honey before bed for sore throats! One medicine my son will not argue taking!!

Check out this article to know if the honey you and your family are consuming is safe! http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/11/tests-show-most-store-honey-isnt-honey/

Formula ads found to impact moms' feeding decisions

2011-11-07T20:06:00.003-06:00

Formula ads found to impact moms' feeding decisions

I recently read this article about how much formula ads impacted mom's feeding decisions and was quite shocked with the statistics! According to the World Health Organization (WHO)those who remembered a formula advertisement were two times more likely to formula feed over breastfeed. In addition, those advised by their doctor were four times more likely to feed formula rather than breastfeed. And if they started off breastfeeding, they were 6.4 times more likely to stop after seeing the ads or speaking with a doctor.

These statistics are so alarming because of the dangers formula feeding can pose in developing countries. The water used to mix with the formula can be contaminated, leading to serious health complications. Moms often use less formula than recommended to extend their supplies, resulting in malnutrition of their babies.

Now, I do not live in a developing country, but I do know that when I visited my doctor (towards the end of my third trimester) I received two coolers with formula names printed on them and two full size formula containers. I am pretty sure this is probably something that happened to many women and I can see how that is quite influential. Luckily, I was able to breastfeed and ended up donating what I received, but I can see how receiving the free stuff would easily persuade!

What was your experience?

Thank you oncloudmom for sharing this article!

view the full article here: http://blog.oncloudmom.com/2011/11/formula-ads-found-to-impact-moms.html

Breast Cancer Prevention: How to reduce your risk

2011-10-28T07:00:00.003-05:00

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month we decided to share some tips on how to reduce your breast cancer risk. (yes, breastfeeding is one of the four tips recommended!) I was shocked when I read one person will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes in the United States. But what is striking about this particular disease is that we have the ability to monitor for it in ways we don't necessarily with other types of cancer. Share this info and help save a life!

Get regular check-ups and do self-exams to make sure you're staying healthy! If you catch breast cancer early enough, the survival rates are very high.

(The following habits are provided by Mayo Clinic) Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy habits — such as limiting the amount of alcohol you drink and staying physically active. Understand what you can do to prevent breast cancer.
If you're concerned about breast cancer, you may be wondering if there are steps you can take toward breast cancer prevention. Understand the lifestyle factors that may affect your risk of breast cancer and what you can do to stay healthy.

What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer?
Breast cancer prevention begins with various factors you can control. For example:

Limit alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol — including beer, wine or liquor — limit yourself to no more than one drink a day.

Control your weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.

Get plenty of physical activity. Being physically active can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity (think brisk walking or swimming) or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (such as running), in addition to strength training exercises at least twice a week. If you're just starting a physical activity program, start slowly and build intensity gradually.

Breast-feed. Breast-feeding may also play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect

Discontinue hormone therapy. Long-term combination hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer. If you're taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with non-hormonal therapies, such as physical activity. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, consider using the lowest dose that's effective for your symptoms, and plan to use it only temporarily.

Can a healthy diet prevent breast cancer?
Research shows that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables doesn't offer direct protection from breast cancer. In addition, a recent study of dietary fat and breast cancer showed only a slight decrease in the risk of invasive breast cancer for women who ate a low-fat diet. However, eating a healthy diet may decrease your risk of other diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. A healthy diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight — a key factor in breast cancer prevention.

Shocking breastfeeding interview

2011-10-20T10:32:00.003-05:00

Interview with model and author Tara Moss on breastfeeding:

Hello! I came across this lovely interview with model and author Tara Moss who lives in Australia. What caught my eye, and shocked me, was learning that Australia’s breastfeeding rate is only 14% at 6months!

Tara was clearly as shocked as I am because she has teamed up with Unicef to help raise those rates. This is a great article that talks about our cultures ambivalence towards breastfeeding, especially in public. This is supported by the fact that we feel we have to create cover-ups and new laws to make it ok for a woman to breastfeed in public.

They also touch on the subject that society has no problem seeing breasts in an ad to sell a product. But when a mother breastfeeds her baby in public there is an uproar. Which, I thought raised a really great point that I do not often think about.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the interview.

Peace,
Nicole

http://blogs.abc.net.au/nsw/2011/10/tara-moss-advocate-for-breastfeeding.html#

Resources for family friendly activities in Madison WI

2011-10-05T13:47:00.004-05:00

photo from Madisonloveskids.com

Hello! I was just introduced to a new website that lists hundreds of resources for families who either live in Madison, Wisconsin or who will be visiting. This is a great one-stop website for either Wisconsinites looking for something to do or for those of you planning a trip to Wisconsin and are not sure what to do with your children.

MadisonMamas.com includes resources for pregnancy, groups, classes, activities, fitness, services, dining and shopping. They also showcase local events, specials, books, project ideas, recipes, décor, new products and much more. Each listing has a short description and link to the business's website.

Another amazing website I love that lists many local events is Madisonloveskids.com . This website has wonderful up-to-date information and best of all, witty writings! Check it out!!

Have any other sites we should all know about? Share them with us....

Nicole

What makes Nizo Wear Nursing Bras different?

2011-08-02T14:39:00.003-05:00

Nizo Wear nursing bras are different from all other nursing bras on the market because they add a discreet patented pocket to the pull down flap.
This pocket allows new mothers to place a heating and cooling pack comfortably to their
breast to aid in milk let down and for pain relief after nursing or associated
with plugged ducts and mastitis.

The pocket acts as a thin barrier between wearer’s skin and the heating and cooling pack, which increases wearer’s comfort and safety. This innovative design is offered in amazingly soft fabrics that boast flirty designs.

Not only are our bras functionally fabulous, but they are pretty! Admit it. Most nursing bras you are kind of industrial-looking. Nizo Wear nursing bras are designed to be both functional and pretty. Lace and rhinestones, playful prints, shapely lines, all designed to help you feel stylish and good again. And we know you just want to FEEL GOOD AGAIN!

Check out our products on www.nizowear.com ps. dont forget about our 30% off coupon on web orders with code: worldbfweek

The inspiration behind Nizo Wear Nursing Bras and why we love world breastfeeding week's theme!

2011-08-02T13:52:00.005-05:00

Want to know what inspired our unique patented nursing bras? I am sure it sounds like many of your stories. We'd love to hear yours! Here is mine: (ps. dont forget about our 30% off coupon on web orders with code: worldbfweek)

I am a mom who almost gave up nursing within the first week. Best piece of advice I wish I had? Find an experienced lactation consultant, doula or midwife before you give birth that will come to you when you need her! Most moms have that time of need and it is the make or break point of continued breastfeeding.

But I thought hey, since I took the breastfeeding class the hospital offered when I was pregnant and then after I gave birth I talked to the lactation consultants multiple times at the hospital, I should be good! Breastfeeding is simple, right? Well, I could never have been more wrong. But that was my first lesson on this journey of motherhood. I am continuously reminded that I cannot learn it all from a book or a single class!

Looking back, I realized that I really had no idea what to expect no matter how many people told me what it is "suppose" to be like. All the lactation consultant at the busy hospital asked me was "does it feel normal?" And I thought to myself, "Normal!??? How am I suppose to know if THIS feels normal??!!"

Sure, my beautiful baby looked like he was latched on correctly from the outside. Little did I know that his tongue was hitting the tip of my nipple with each suck, which over the course of the next week caused me excruciating pain and my nipples to crack and bleed.

Unfortunately, I did not have an immediate resource outside of my hospital. I tried calling the lactation consultant at the hospital but had to leave messages. When they did get back to me all they could tell me was to put ice packs on and to leave some of my milk on my nipples after each feeding. Well, the cool packs helped to ease the pain a bit after wards, but the root of my problem was not solved!

After a week of agony, my sleep deprived mommy brain clicked and I made a desperate call to a county health nurse I had previously worked with at my job. Thank goodness I remembered her in my state of crisis as she rushed to my rescue. She took one look at my nipples and told me the problem! Yeah, one look and she figured out how he was sucking incorrectly!

She showed me how to train my baby to get him to quit using his tongue and gave me a nipple shield to use until I was healed. It worked! The personal touch of a one on one consultation with someone who knows what they are doing is priceless! She was so amazingly wonderful and her kindness is the only reason I was able to nurse my son for 15 months! This is why I love this week's world breastfeeding theme: This year’s theme established by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy (WABA) is: “Talk to Me: Breastfeeding, a 3-D Experience.” Their focus is on the importance of connection between mother and baby (2-dimensions) but also the third dimension of support from the health care provider, friend, family member, or citizen.
I have now made it my goal to help educate other women about breastfeeding through my patented nursing bra that features a built in healing pocket to hold a hot/cold pack and through my blog. Yes, breastfeeding can hurt but there are things you can do to help you get the relief you so desperately need to continue breastfeeding.

Nicole Zoellner
President
Nizo Wear Nursing Bras
www.nizowear.com
twitter@nizowear
facebook/nizowear

World Breastfeeding Week

2011-07-29T13:35:00.005-05:00

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, Nizo Wear is offering 30% off any nursing bra purchased from their website http://www.nizowear.com/! Simply pick out what Nizo Wear nursing bra you cannot live without and enter coupon code: worldbfweek. You must hurry because this sale is only valid from Sunday July 31st thru Sunday August 7th!

What is World Breastfeeding Week??
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 August in more than 120 countries to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. It commemorates the Innocenti Declaration made by WHO and UNICEF policy-makers in August 1990 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

This year’s theme established by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy (WABA) is: “Talk to Me: Breastfeeding, a 3-D Experience.” Their focus is on the importance of connection between mother and baby (2-dimensions) but also the third dimension of support from the health care provider, friend, family member, or citizen. I LOVE this theme. Support is such an important aspect of breastfeeding, as those of you who know my story know that I could not have continued to breastfeed without it!

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old, and continued breastfeeding with the addition of nutritious complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.

The challenge

Malnutrition is responsible, directly or indirectly for about one third of deaths among children under five. Well above two thirds of these deaths, often associated with inappropriate feeding practices, occur during the first year of life.

Nutrition and nurturing during the first years of life are both crucial for life-long health and well-being. In infancy, no gift is more precious than breastfeeding; yet barely one in three infants is exclusively breastfed during the first six months of life.

The response
The World Health Organization recommends that infants start breastfeeding within one hour of life, are exclusively breastfed for six months, with timely introduction of adequate, safe and properly fed complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for up to two years of age or beyond.

Promoting sound feeding practices is one of the main programme areas that the Department of Nutrition for Health and Development focuses on. Activities include the production of sound, evidence-based technical information, development of guidelines and counselling courses, provision of guidance for the protection, promotion and support of infant and young child feeding at policy, health service and community levels, production of appropriate indicators and maintenance of a Global Data Bank on Infant and Young Child Feeding.

Tips you always wish you knew on how to get the right bra fit

2011-07-12T10:24:00.011-05:00

Tips you always wish you knew on how to get the right bra fit:
1.The bra should be quite firm around the body, and ideally fitted on the 3rd eye adjustment.
2.Shoulder straps loosened or tightened as necessary.
3.Breasts well enclosed within the cup.
4.Centre front going back reasonably well to chest wall.
5.Snug fit at neck and underarm edges (not too tight and not gaping).

Your bra doesn't fit quite right if...

If the back rides up,
try going down a band size, but up a cup size for similar cup capacity i.e. 36C to 34D.

If you are spilling out of the cup,

try going up a cup size or two, keeping the band size the same i.e. 34B to 34D

If your bra looks like this your cup is too big,

try a smaller cup size, keeping the bacnd size the same i.e. 34D to 34C.

Spill-over

Gapping

Low milk supply journey: Part 2

2011-07-12T07:07:00.003-05:00

Low Milk Supply Journey: Part 2-

"Our journey towards weight gain continues. At my son's 4 mth check-up his doctor noticed a decline on his growth curve. For the next week I was instructed to start taking fenugreek as a supplement and to breastfeed my baby more often. In addition I was told to give him a 2 oz supplemental bottle after each nursing session.

I am incredibly fortunate to have an overproducing sister with a baby 2 months older than my son. She supplied me with frozen breast milk! After the first 9 days my son gained 14oz! The next week I was instructed to follow the same regime. After that week he gained an additional 6oz.

Then came the true test - stop the supplemental feeding, but continue the herbal boosters. The hope was to gain 0.5oz every day. Half way through this week I began taking Motherlove's More Milk Plus. My doctor - who is also a lactation consultant - was familiar with their products and pleased I was starting them.

I had been emailing with Motherlove's local representative and she was fabulous in helping me get going! I can tell the More Milk Plus has been increasing my supply - my breasts have been feeling fuller in between nursing session and I just felt like I was producing more. I was very hopeful going into our next weigh-in.

On our own he did ok, but not great. His next weigh-in showed a 2oz gain. That puts us on the 2 week weigh-in plan, opposed to the weekly one we were on. I admit to being frustrated with the situation - this is my 4th baby and the first time I've had to go in for so many weight checks!

I knew sudafed would lessen any one's milk supply; through my experience I've also learned that sage is to be avoided while breastfeeding for the same reason. Throughout this whole ordeal I feel so fortunate to have a doctor who supports breastfeeding and all the natural ways available to keep that going! I also am impressed by companies like Motherlove who share the common goal with excellent representatives. There is hope for low milk supply!!" -Lisa

Here is a link to other herbs that may affect milk supply: http://www.babycenter.com/0_breast-milk-interactions-chart_8788.bc?page=1.

I was surprised to see peppermint, menthol and parsley on there! This shows you how naive I was when I breastfed. I knew to stay away from alcohol and caffeine but herbs were so not on my radar! I guess since I did not have a problem with that I did not research it. Plus, being a new mom we all have so many other things to worry about :).

I want to send a BIG thank you to Motherlove who continues to impress me with the quality of their products and the kindness and integrity of their company! Good luck to those of you out there struggling with low milk supply. We hope this helps you on your own journey!! - Nicole, Nizo Wear

10 things your breastfeeding boobs would say if they could talk

2011-06-27T13:05:00.003-05:00

I was reminded that yes, breastfeeding can be hard! So, here is a little boob humor to pick up you breastfeeding mamas! (If you have any additions to this list we would love to hear it. Please SHARE :) My favorite's are number 4 and 10! What is yours?

found in "If these boobs could talk" by S. Seip & A. Hedger:

1. Since when are we open twenty-four hours?
2. Get the soothing gel. Get it now.
3. Sir, this is a "Babies Only" zone.
4. Kid, how can you not see our nipples when they're the size of paper plates?
5. Woo Hoo! We're spraying across the room!
6. Wow, we look spectacular!
7. Wait, now we look like old gym socks.
8. Hmmm, do we hear a baby crying somewh....and there's the milk.
9. Hey, we dont get paid enough to work this hard.
10. Oh great. A tooth.

Low milk supply journey

2011-06-27T07:21:00.005-05:00

I have said many times that yes, breastfeeding is simple but it is not always easy! There are so many factors that come into play to make it difficult, like a poor latch, or low milk supply, or getting thrush or multiple other infections, or simply lack of support etc...

Recently I found out a good friend was having trouble in an area I had no problems with...milk supply (I was a milk machine, so much so that if I did not regularly feed every three hours or pump if I was away from my baby I would get a plugged duct.) But, there are many women out there that do have trouble with this issue. So many in fact that there are tons of products out there to assist these women. Since I am not the expert in this area my amazing friend has agreed to share her journey to boost her milk supply and her baby's weight with us! I will be posting the progress here so stay tuned!

My friend Lisa, who is a wonderful breastfeeding mother of 4, thought she would have nursing down to an art by now. But, she recently discovered that her fourth baby is falling on his growth chart. This is not something completely new to her as either her first or third baby prompted her to take fenugreek to help get her milk supply up. She is back on fenugreek now and with the help of Motherlove's More Milk Plus, her sister's excess milk and a strict regiment from her doctor she hopes to boost her lovely boy up the weight charts. Here, in her words, is the start of her milk boosting journey.

"I'm ready to up my dose (as per my doctor) and to also include Motherlove's More Milk Plus. We are on week 2 of giving supplemental milk after each feeding. I am so thankful to my sister for giving me her leftover pumped/ frozen milk! In 9 days my son gained 14 oz!!

He has a weight check next week, after which I will stop the supplemental milk and give it another week before yet another weight check. This week my instructions are to up the number of nursing sessions and also to try to get some pumping sessions in my day - not necessarily easy to do!

This is the most aggressive instruction I've gotten for feeding any of my babies; 2 others also had weight-gaining issues. I am somewhat annoyed at all the extra attention I have to give to feeding my baby - breastfeeding is supposed to be so easy! But I am thankful to have a plan to get us back on track. Until then I will continue to thaw extra milk every night and wash bottles daily in anticipation of maintaining a milk supply that will satisfy my hungry little baby!

And for anyone reading this who thinks that only first time moms make rookie mistakes, last week I was nursing my baby while enjoying crushed red pepper on my pizza. Somehow some of the pepper fell into my son's eye! He was quite upset, his eye got puffy and the skin around his eye was blotchy. The on-call pediatrician suggested to rinse his eye with contact solution and call Poison Control. The nice woman at Poison Control said to take a shower with him and let the water run down his face. We happened to be traveling so the shower was not an option. After a good 5 min my son finally stopped crying, opened his eyes and actually smiled at me! The puffiness went away and I am thankful he will not remember this incident as an adult." - Lisa

What is a bad latch?

2011-06-20T07:22:00.005-05:00

I was very familiar with a bad latch, as that is what inspired me to create Nizo Wear Nursing Bras. My sweet son appeared to have a good latch from the outside and he did not make any smacking sounds while nursing, but oh did I experience the nipple pain!

There was a point, about a week into my first breastfeeding experience, that I would cry every time I put my hungry son to breast. I felt like I was at my wits end and since he looked like he had a good latch I did not know what was going on or what to do to fix the problem.

Luckily I had a wonderful contact who came to my house, took one look at my nipple (all modesty was out the window at this point) and told me the problem. My son had a shallow latch and was not getting his tongue under my nipple far enough and was therefore brushing it with each suck. It felt as it someone had sandpapered my nipples raw and now I understood why.

This wonderful public health nurse showed me how to train my son to suck correctly and armed me with a nipple shield and miraculously I healed and went on to breastfeed my son for 15 months. Here is a great video showing you where your nipple should land in your baby's mouth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zln0LTkejIs&feature=player_embedded#at=52)

So, to help other breastfeeding moms out there I have found some tips from a great lactation consultant and thought I would share them with you. If you are having pain, I hope these help (check out the videos), and seek help immediately as there is nothing like personal touch. I also recommend a few products below.

Breastfeeding should not be painful. Good luck!

Below are listed the signs of a bad latch or a breast latch that might cause injury.

#1 SIGN = PAIN!!! Breastfeeding Pain is NOT normal. Breast feeding should not hurt. If it does, SEEK HELP TODAY.
Lips rolled in or circle “o” lips
Clicking, popping or smacking sounds at the breast.
Dimpling of infant cheeks
Mom reports “biting” sensation during feed
Compression stripe on nipple after feeding
Lipstick shape nipple after feeding (beveled)
Nipple easily slips out of mouth when baby pauses
Bleeding or injured nipple after feed
Baby is not gaining weight
Baby is not satisfied (this one can be tricky, because newborns can feed every hour to help your milk come in so until your milk comes in frequent feeds can be totally normal)

Uncorrected latching can quite frequently lead to nipple injury. Nipple injury can make mommies want to quit breastfeeding. So, avoiding injury is important. If you are having any of the above signs, please make an appointment with your local lactation consultant as soon as possible.

Some products to help you now!

Three products I found to work wonders to get you through this painful period:

1. Motherlove Herbal Nipple Cream found at http://www.motherlove.com/ (to help your nipples heal)

2. Smart Choices Breast Soother warming and cooling packs found on http://www.nizowear.com/ (for immediate pain relief)

3. Nipple shield found at many stores like Target (this is great in extreme cases to let your nipple heal while still continuing to breastfeed. Some mothers have good luck pumping instead of nursing while they heal, but my case was so severe that this product was the only thing that helped me)

What mom should be doing for a successful breatfeeding experience:
Has Good posture Sitting upright or lying on side
Is Comfortable - starting out uncomfortable is not good
Well-supported with pillows (pillows are usually more managable than a nursing pillow in the first 24 hours)
Lap flat or slightly elevated
Cups breast with fingers off areola

Check out this video to see firsthand what this should look like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oQHe1eYsnE&feature=player_embedded

What should baby look like?

Tummy to tummy or Chest to breast
Ear, shoulder, & hip aligned
At breast level, nipple to nose
Body slightly flexed with head relaxed slightly backwards (drinking position)
Body supported on pillows and by mother
Mother supports infant’s neck, base of head, shoulder girdle

Information from this post was based on personal experiences and information was collected from askthelactationconsultant.com

Surviving Colic

2011-06-01T07:17:00.002-05:00

If you are trying to survive colic and breastfeeding, like I was, here are some tips!

I was once in the place where you are trying to manage both the colic and breastfeeding. My first tip: I completely recommend reading The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp, MD. I found the 5 S's were the only long term solution. Yes, of course there were other tricks that often gave us brief relief like carseat on the dryer (yes, we held on the entire time for safety) or a car ride or running the vacuum cleaner. But when we did the 5 S's in order, no substitutions here people, it worked!

I know, some of you are saying "Ok, I can do four of the S's, but my baby loves to have his hands and legs free. I just do not feel right swaddling him". Well, I was one of you, before our colic got to the point of total frustration! Sure, my baby loved to explore with his hands but when it was time to settle down, he really needed the secure feeling that only swaddling could provide.

Now, I was given this book as a shower gift. I skimmed the important parts, dog-earring and highlighting. But when it came time to use it, I was so sleep deprived and crazed from the crying it took a while before I remembered I even had it! Then to find time to re-read to a point of retention so I could put the tools to use. Once we got the hang of it though, it was wonderful.

The most important thing for you to realize is that colic is not your fault and that breastfeeding is still the best thing that you can do for your baby. Switching to formula, as some people recommend, will only make it worse. In fact, some babies whose colic ends after three months seem to have it return when they are weaned from the breast!

What You Need to Know About Colic and Breastfeeding.

First of all, we need to understand what colic is. Colic is described as uncontrollable, extended crying in a baby who is well-fed, dry and otherwise should be fine. While every baby cries, some little ones cry for more than three hours a day, three to four days a week...these babies may have colic. My son was text book colic starting at about 5 weeks. Every night for about 4-6 hours he would just scream. No sitting the baby down to get anything done for us!

It is estimated that over 20% of babies have or get colic, and it usually starts around two to four weeks of age and can last for three months, or longer in some cases.

Tips: (I wish I had known this!!) If you are feeding from both breasts and have a fussy baby, I've been told that you may want to reconsider! Here is why, according to breastfeeding magazine: Breast milk changes during each feeding. One of the ways in which it changes is that the longer your baby feeds on a breast, the higher the fat content of the breast milk. (This higher fat milk is often referred to as hind milk.)

If mommies automatically switch the baby from one breast to the other during the feeding (before the baby has "finished" the first side) the baby may get a relatively low amount of fat during the feeding. Don’t be fooled by modern thinking…that is NOT good!

By doing this you are actually giving the baby less calories , and thus needing to feed more frequently. Also, if the baby takes in a lot of milk (to make up the low concentration of fat and calories,) she may spit up or cause acid reflux.

Due to the low density fat content of the milk, the baby’s tummy will empty quickly, and a large load of milk sugar (lactose) will arrive in the baby’s intestine all at once. The stomach proteins may not be able to handle so much milk sugar at one time. This will cause your baby to have some symptoms of lactose intolerance--crying, gas, and explosive, watery, greenish bowel movements. This may occur even during the feeding.

NOTE: These babies are not lactose intolerant. They are just victims of incorrect breastfeeding coaching and lack of awareness by moms. Learn more about breastfeeding oversupply here...

Don’t Blame Yourself! Many moms who are misinformed think it must be something the mom did or could be doing to prevent or cause colic. That is just not true! MOST cases of colic there is absolutely nothing that you can do to prevent it or stop it! Just remember that it is not your fault and more importantly--It will PASS!

If you feel your frustration getting out of control hand that baby off to your hubby or a good friend and to take a break…a bubble bath or a walk!! Both colic and breastfeeding can be hard on moms! If, or should I say when, it gets to you then give yourself permission to take a rest. Make sure baby is feed, changed and well-rested...and then PLEASE just take a break!

HANG IN THERE!

thanks http://www.breastfeeding-magazine.com/colic-and-breastfeeding.html for the helpful tips!

Weaning Tips

2011-05-11T14:13:00.003-05:00

Tips on weaning:

If you are ready to wean then there are several things you can do to ease the transition and possible engorgement that can occur while weaning.

The preferable method is to cut out 1 feed every 3rd day until you are "dried up". It can take weeks or months. This method is the least painful for you and baby. This worked REALLY well for me. It did not take long for me before we ended up only nursing before nap and bedtime. Then, when I was ready for that hurdle, I quit that as well. I did not need to use cabbage leaves or cold packs but I am told those really work.

The quick wean method is to cold turkey stop all feeds and stop ALL EMPTYING. If you keep emptying you will keep producing. DO NOT BIND your breasts, this not only is painful but it does not help.

You can however use cabbage leaves to aid in the process and reduce engorgement pain. Simply buy a head of green cabbage (red is ok but will stain fabric). Tear the entire leaves off, wash them, put them in a ziploc bag in the fridge to store and place one leaf in your bra until it is wilted. Throw away the wilted leaf and replace. Do this over and over until your milk is gone. It has been known to dry up milk in a day instead of a week.

some advice above was collected from askthelactationconsultant.com, which is a great resource for breastfeeding moms, and some is just what worked for me. I hope it helped. Share your weaning story!

Cool Breast Milk Storage Options

2011-05-04T21:13:00.006-05:00

There are some really cool new breast milk storage options are a lot better than they used to be. Expressing breast milk safely and using good storage options is critical to the well-being of your child and to your sanity so that you can take a break and have someone else feed your baby when needed.

I used Phillips Avent manual breast pump and it worked well and I never had a problem with it. I think the automatic would have been really slick, but for the price the manual was great.
Here are some storage options to save breast milk after pumping:

Storage Bags:

Some great storage bags are the Medela Pump & Save Storage Bags.

These handy collection bags give you the option of pumping directly into them…no need for transfer. They also have a pouring spout and area to label the contents and the date. According to breastfeeding magazine they are thicker and more reliable than other brands they have tried. Perfect for freezing milk.
Breast Milk Trays:
1. Slimlines Milk Storage

Another great way to freeze milk is in this new tray called Slimlines by Sensible Lines. Slimlines breast milk trays freeze in 1 oz amounts and can give mothers more room in their freezers. Not only because of the sleek design, but also because moms can pop the 20 or more “Milk Sticks” into one heavy freezer bag in the freezer. This is better than having 30 or more bags cluttering up the shelves and you can take out just the amount that you need! The little sticks are really handy because they easily fit into most brand bottle openings. This would have been so helpful to reduce milk waste! I first ran into these products at the 2010 ABC Kids Expo and thought they were brilliant! Available from Supermomz.
Bottle Storage:

My favorite bottle storage set is the Avent Breast Milk Storage Kit. They are simply the Avent four ounce bottles with nipple collars with seals. They work very well and are less likely to break or rip like a plastic bags can. Also, they work with the Avent breast pump mentioned earlier. Although it could get costly to use if you intend plan to store a lot of milk, most moms will be very happy with this method. They are really convenient because they can be used to pump into and feed out of with just a quick change of the top.

Medela Micro-Steam Quick Clean bags: are a must have for working moms! This bag saved my life when I had to pump three times a day at work. Love it because it:

Steam-clean your breast pump parts or bottles in minutes!Features & Benefits
Unique and powerful, Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags eliminate 99.9% of all harmful bacteria and germs from most breastpump parts and feeding accessories.
Fast – complete in just 3 minutes
Unique – faster than boiling and more effective than dishwashing
Easy-to-use – Just add water and heat in the microwave
Economical – 5 reusable bags per box (up to 20 uses per bag = 100 uses)

Thank you http://www.breastfeeding-magazine.com/breast-milk-storage.html for sharing these wonderful tips and inspiring my own list!

Skin to win!

2011-05-04T20:59:00.005-05:00

I LOVE the reminder from askthelactationconsultant.com about Kangaroo Care. What is Kangaroo Care you ask? It is another name for skin to skin contact with newborns. I had never heard this term, but apparently it originated from the ways Kangaroos carry their babies in a pouch (makes sense).

I do know that right after I gave birth to my son the nurse rapidly ripped down my gown (oh, yes she did) and put my son on my chest. I had read it was important to do but I found it interesting that the nurse did not ask, she just went ahead and did. Of course I am grateful, as I know the importance of the contact. In the first few days my husband also spent a lot of time having some Kangaroo time with our son and we all loved it as we felt it strengthened our bond!

Here is some more information about the benefits, which I did not know at the time:

The use of this technique has helped babies especially a premature baby to thrive. This simple action benefits the baby in many ways. To mention a few: helps to regulate blood sugars, temperatures and breathing.

The impact of chest to chest contact has on babies outcomes has been remarkable. Askthelactationconsultant has personally witnessed "a reduction in the "need" for formula supplementation due to low blood sugars, in my hospital setting, since we implemented this practice after birth."

Askthelactationconsultant urges moms (and Nicole says why not dads too! Heck even grandma or grandpa can right?!) to have a newborn placed on your chest as often as possible the 1st 24 hours. The benefits are many not to mention it is so precious.

Tip: Baby is stripped down to diaper, placed against the chest, blanket over both of you. Moms you may feel really warm while doing this, your body temperature will rise naturally to keep the baby warm. It is an amazing thing.

Profound new results that show excersizing helps strenghthen babys heart in-utero

2011-04-21T12:47:00.004-05:00

I think the findings of this article are great! One more reason, and many of us need them, to stay active during pregnancy! I hope you are enlighted as I was...

EXCERSIZING FOR TWO

By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS

Almost anyone who’s been pregnant remembers the profound link that can develop between a mother-to-be and her unborn child. You feel that life inside you, both physically independent and braided with your own.

Now, new research suggests that the bond may be stronger than had been suspected. When you exercise during pregnancy, your baby is not, as most of us would have thought, a passive, floating passenger (and ballast on the bladder). Instead, he or she may be actively joining in the workout, with the fetal cardiac system growing stronger and healthier as a result of the workouts.

This training response lingers apparently even after birth, the new science shows. Babies born to mothers who exercised while pregnant were found to have healthier hearts than other infants a full month after delivery.

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences revisited a group of 61 healthy women, ages 20 to 35, who’d been part of a pilot study of exercise, pregnancy and fetal heart health. About half of the women had exercised regularly during their pregnancies, jogging, power-walking or otherwise working out at a moderate pace at least three times a week. Some also had lifted light weights or practiced yoga. But their primary activity had been aerobic. The other half of the mothers-to-be “were normally active but did not engage in formal exercise,” said Linda E. May, an exercise physiologist who led the study.

When Dr. May examined the fetal cardiac readings, in an earlier report published last year, she found that fetuses whose mothers had exercised showed lower heart rates and greater heart-rate variability than those whose mothers had not worked out.
For her most recent presentation, Dr. May asked the women to return to the lab again, this time a month after giving birth. The newborns, healthy and no doubt squalling, underwent another cardiac exam.

The previous results held, Dr. May reported at the Experimental Biology meeting. The babies born to exercising mothers continued to have lower heart rates and greater heart-rate variability four weeks after delivery than the babies born to the other women. The effect was especially robust in the children whose mothers had exercised the most, Dr. May said; they had the slowest heart rates and presumably the strongest hearts.

“It’s exciting research,” Dr. May said, though it is also preliminary and incomplete. Just how a pregnant woman’s jogging or power-walking remakes her unborn child’s heart remains unknown, she said. Mother and fetus have, after all, completely separate cardiac systems and blood circulations. But certain hormones released during exercise do cross the placenta, Dr. May said, and could be stimulating changes in the developing fetus’s heart.

Read the full article here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/13/exercising-for-two/

Does it matter what material my bra is made of?

2011-04-15T14:59:00.002-05:00

I am sure many of us have never thought twice about the importance and differences between the fabrics for our undergarments. But, it really can make a difference, especially in a nursing bra. Here is some information to shed some light on the topic! First, materials for nursing bras should be stretchy. Quite simply, this is because elasticity helps to fulfill the function of support and comfort with breasts that might vary in size from hour to hour! Another important concern is that the fabric should also be breathable in order to keep moisture and possibly yeast infections down. How long a nursing bra lasts and how comfortable it is, will depend upon the fabric it is made from. Here are some of the most popular nursing bra materials: Cotton nursing bras are not what they used to be. Today they are considered the best choice by many, and recommended by professionals over any other nursing bra material. Cotton is lightweight, durable, and allows air to flow, which keeps breasts dryer. It also can be woven to have a moderate amount of elasticity. The drawback to cotton is that it lacks the elasticity of synthetic fabrics and is only moderately expandable and is not as absorbent as other materials so nursing pads should be worn. Spandex nursing bras tend to be the most flexible and sizable of nursing bra materials. They shrink and expand to fit best of all. On the other hand, they are not usually very breathable and don’t allow the airflow to your skin that cotton does. They also are not as comfortable for many women as cotton or cotton blends. Microfiber (Cotton/Spandex blend) nursing bras seem to combine the best of both worlds. This nursing bra material has the ability to stretch beyond that of cotton, and provide a nice firm support. The microfiber nursing bra material is also a lot more breathable than spandex and increased airflow which keeps the breasts drier and can enhance skin and breast health. Some microfiber nursing bras can be lined with bamboo. Bamboo provides a natural antibiotic effect that is eco friendly and can help prevent infections. It also has excellent absorbency and will wick water away from skin and can be luxuriously soft. On the negative side of the coin is that Microfiber nursing bra materials are usually synthetics, which is not a choice for those who prefer organic nursing bra materials. Many women hold the opinion that synthetic materials don’t last as long as organic materials. We hope this helps you navigate the wonderful world of bras! Let us know what you think.

Reflections from a breastfeeding mom

2011-04-06T20:46:00.005-05:00

My friend Lisa, wonderful mom of 4, recently sent me her reflection/thoughts on breastfeeding. She summed it up so nicely that I wanted to share with all of you. I'm sure many of you have had similar reflections. What is the weirdest place you breastfed or weirdest thing you did while breastfeeding? Mine was either on the Subway in DC (wierd for me as I had never ridden the subway before) or possibly in the backseat of the car as my husband drove. It is amazing how stretchy breasts are :)- I was not very risque. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Lisa. You are an amazing inspiration! "As a mother of 4 children, I've spent a lot of time breastfeeding. I've learned to preform many tasks in a few dire situations. I've played board games, cooked, gone to the bathroom and even walked through a park with my older two children while pushing the empty stroller - all while my baby nurses. My infant now is almost 2 months old. With three older siblings he's had to experience a lot "on the fly." But every now and then, when I give myself the opportunity to actually watch him nurse, it melts my heart. He is so calm, so peaceful. I love the feeling of being able to give him the gift of comfort so naturally!" Lisa

What to expect the first 2 weeks of breastfeeding

2011-03-30T20:49:00.006-05:00

I found this great article on what to expect during the first 2 weeks of breastfeeding on askthelactationconsultant.com. She consistently gives great advice on breastfeeding topics most people do not talk about. I love this article because there are links to find out more if you want to know it. I hope this helps shed some light for those of you wondering... Pass it on to those it may help. I wish I knew this BEFORE I had my son! :) Nicole Days 2-10: Your milk will come in sometime between day 2-5. Your mode of delivery will impact when the milk comes in. As well as factors like illness, excessive blood loss, hormone levels, exhaustion and emotional state. Click here to learn how vaginal vs. c-section deliveries will impact your milk. The time your milk comes in can be affected by several factors. Your birth experience, health status, medications you are taking and exhaustion. Milk production is considered an "extra" function so if your body needs to concentrate on something more important, like keeping you alive due to excessive blood loss, milk production may have to wait until you are better. But lets now assume your milk is in. How do you know? Most women will experience engorgement. Click here to learn more about engorgement. If you do not experience engorgement (WHAT? Seriously, there are people who do not experience engorgement?!), then your first indication could be that you are now hearing your baby gulp with every suck. Or that your breasts are leaking. If you do not experience any of these signs by day 7 I highly encourage you to see a lactation consultant. When your milk comes in another sign can be LETDOWN . The letdown response can be uncomfortable at the beginning. For me it was. It felt like it feels when your hand or foot falls asleep and the blood is returning- that strong tingling sensation only on your nipple areola area. It was pretty intense. The good news is that it only lasts for 10-15 seconds. Not all experience this but most do. After your milk is in, you can change your feeding pattern up a little now to better empty the breasts by: Feed on one side per feeding instead of both sides at each feed. A simple way to do this is to feed for 10-15 minutes, take baby off to burp and put them back on the SAME breast until they fall asleep. Then for the next feed go to the other breast. Why change the pattern? We suggest changing the pattern because of the foremilk/hindmilk that you have once your milk is in. Once you have milk volume, the milk in is catagorized as fore and hind milk. Foremilk is a thinner/watery type milk that can be obtained at the beginning of a feeding. HIND milk is a fattier milk that can only be obtained toward the end of a feeding. The idea is that if you offer BOTH breasts for 10 min and 10 min your baby may not get to the hind milk thus causing them to feed more frequently and possibly be gassy because the of the foremilk. Learn more about ForeMilk and HindMilk here For the next week, you will have these days: Feeding every 2-3 hours, changing diapers, sleeping when the baby does, eating whenever possible, showering daily if possible, visiting with people that you will not remember visiting with, and repeating it over and over. Sounds crazy but it is pure bliss getting to know your child. Cherish it, the time is over before you know it. Go from days 2 to 10 to first 2 weeks main page Go from days 2 to 10 to askthelactationconsultant.com

Genetically Modified Cows Produce "Human" Milk

2011-03-27T16:06:00.003-05:00

I just read this article titled Genetically Modified Cows Produce "Human" Milk. As I read the first few paragraphs I could not believe China had pulled off genetically altering cows milk and more importantly I could not understand why. But once I got through the genetic make-up mumbo jumbo, I understood it and I dare say it is brilliant (if they actually pulled it off) but is something so complicated necessary?

I did not realize that 90% of the adults in China are lactose intolerant and that they recently had a sickening of nearly 300,000 infants fed the tainted milk powder, which is what inspired this 10 year genetic project. Could a simpler solution be found by increasing support for and awareness of the benefits of breast-feeding itself and increasing enforcement of food safety laws?

This is very interesting, informative and had me saying "really" throughout the entire article so I thought I would share it and possibly spark some conversation. Share your thoughts!

FUN FACT: In ancient China, only the emperor and the empress could drink human milk throughout their lives, which was believed to be the height of opulence.

Click on the link to read the full article http://paper.li/60secondparent/breastfeeding

Surviving breastfeeding and colic

2011-02-27T17:13:00.004-06:00

If you are trying to survive colic and breastfeeding, like I was, here are some tips!

I was once in the place where you are trying to manage both the colic and breastfeeding. My first tip: I completely recommend reading The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp, MD. I found the 5 S's were the only long term solution. Yes, of course there were other tricks that often gave us brief relief like carseat on the dryer (yes, we held on the entire time for safety) or a car ride or running the vacuum cleaner. But when we did the 5 S's in order, no substitutions here people, it worked!

I know, some of you are saying "Ok, I can do four of the S's, but my baby loves to have his hands and legs free. I just do not feel right swaddling him". Well, I was one of you, before our colic got to the point of total frustration! Sure, my baby loved to explore with his hands but when it was time to settle down, he really needed the secure feeling that only swaddling could provide.

Now, I was given this book as a shower gift. I skimmed the important parts, dog-earring and highlighting. But when it came time to use it, I was so sleep deprived and crazed from the crying it took a while before I remembered I even had it! Then to find time to re-read to a point of retention so I could put the tools to use. Once we got the hang of it though, it was wonderful.

The most important thing for you to realize is that colic is not your fault and that breastfeeding is still the best thing that you can do for your baby. Switching to formula, as some people recommend, will only make it worse. In fact, some babies whose colic ends after three months seem to have it return when they are weaned from the breast!

What You Need to Know About Colic and Breastfeeding

First of all, we need to understand what colic is. Colic is described as uncontrollable, extended crying in a baby who is well-fed, dry and otherwise should be fine. While every baby cries, some little ones cry for more than three hours a day, three to four days a week...these babies may have colic. My son was text book colic starting at about 5 weeks. Every night for about 4-6 hours he would just scream. No sitting the baby down to get anything done for us!

It is estimated that over 20% of babies have or get colic, and it usually starts around two to four weeks of age and can last for three months, or longer in some cases.

Tips: (I wish I had known this!!) If you are feeding from both breasts and have a fussy baby, I've been told that you may want to reconsider! Here is why, according to breastfeeding magazine: Breast milk changes during each feeding. One of the ways in which it changes is that the longer your baby feeds on a breast, the higher the fat content of the breast milk. (This higher fat milk is often referred to as hind milk.)

If mommies automatically switch the baby from one breast to the other during the feeding (before the baby has "finished" the first side) the baby may get a relatively low amount of fat during the feeding. Don’t be fooled by modern thinking…that is NOT good! By doing this you are actually giving the baby less calories , and thus needing to feed more frequently.

Also, if the baby takes in a lot of milk (to make up the low concentration of fat and calories,) she may spit up or cause acid reflux.

Due to the low density fat content of the milk, the baby’s tummy will empty quickly, and a large load of milk sugar (lactose) will arrive in the baby’s intestine all at once. The stomach proteins may not be able to handle so much milk sugar at one time. This will cause your baby to have some symptoms of lactose intolerance--crying, gas, and explosive, watery, greenish bowel movements. This may occur even during the feeding.

NOTE: These babies are not lactose intolerant. They are just victims of incorrect breastfeeding coaching and lack of awareness by moms. Learn more about breastfeeding oversupply here...

Don’t Blame Yourself! Many moms who are misinformed think it must be something the mom did or could be doing to prevent or cause colic. That is just not true!

MOST cases of colic there is absolutely nothing that you can do to prevent it or stop it!

Just remember that it is not your fault and more importantly--It will PASS!

If you feel your frustration getting out of control hand that baby off to your hubby or a good friend and to take a break…a bubble bath or a walk!! Both colic and breastfeeding can be hard on moms! If, or should I say when, it gets to you then give yourself permission to take a rest. Make sure baby is feed, changed and well-rested...and then PLEASE just take a break!

HANG IN THERE!

thanks http://www.breastfeeding-magazine.com/colic-and-breastfeeding.html for the helpful tips!

Findings from Charlotte

2011-02-27T15:48:00.004-06:00

Here is what Charlotte, Mother and writer for Baltimore’s Child, had to say when she discovered Nizo Wear Nursing Bras:

“This product could be a life saver for many women. It would have been for me as I was nursing my son for the first year of his life (he is now 3). I am due with my second child any day now and am nervous about nursing because I had so many problems with nursing the first time - constant hot/ cold compresses for sure!”

Here is what Charlotte told Nizo Wear after she had a chance to wear our Solace nursing bra:

“I think you have a wonderful, wonderful product!! I received your bra (Solace) in the mail when I had come home from the hospital. I have been wearing it every day and find it so much more comfortable than the nursing bra I purchased just a few weeks ago. The ice pack I already had fit perfectly. I can't wait to share this with our readers. By the way, the nursing of my second child is going much better. Perhaps it was the luck of your bra!

Thank you Charlotte for sharing your personal experiences and honest feedback with us!
Sincerely,
Nicole Zoellner
Nizo Wear Nursing Bras
www.nizowear.com
twitter@nizowear.com
facebook.com/nizowear

Breastfeeding Humor-Firsts

2011-02-23T11:01:00.005-06:00

What breastfeeding firsts will you not forget? Mine was trying to put my pump together for the first time! I am not good with following instructions anyway, which is apparent in my cooking! I was crying after about a minute, thank you hormones, and cried even harder when it only took my husband 2 minutes to figure the stupid thing out! Oh, the memories :) Nicole

Here are some Breastfeeding Firsts: according to If These Boobs Could Talk. by Seip & Hedger

You'll never forget....

-The first time baby looked up sweetly at your face while you were nursing her

- The first time baby pulled away from your breast and was startled by milk spraying in her face

- The first time you saw your breast milk when you pumped it out

- The first time you accidentally spilled the breast milk you just pumped, and began to panic

- The first time you forgot to wear a breastfeeding-friendly outfit

- The first time you leaked and realized you weren't wearing breast pads

- The first time you enjoyed a nice nursing session with baby, only to have baby spit-up all over your chest

IRS Says Breastfeeding Expenses Are Tax Write-Offs. Finally

2011-02-23T10:58:00.002-06:00

IRS Says Breastfeeding Expenses Are Tax Write-Offs. Finally

Everyone markets it as cheap and easy. As in, "You can whip it out at any time." And, "It doesn't cost anything." And, "There's nothing to warm up."To a degree, that's true. Traveling and doing it is liberating. And the middle of the night? You can do it in bed; you can do it while you watch TV. But "cheap" isn't really a good descriptor for something so time-consuming and ultimately, especially, but not only, for women who work or want to step away from their child, so many accoutrements. And cheap isn't a good way to applaud something that provides so many benefits down the road. Cheap connotes easy. Cheap connotes worthless. And maybe that's the problem.I'm talking about breastfeeding, of course. Breastfeeding itself – which, if you count the countless hours breastfeeding women put in, is – while indubitably nutritious as well as wonderful -- far from free. And forget "free" when it comes to pumping. The state-of-the-art Medela backpack pump rings up at $264.99 (the "pump-in-style" hand bag can set you back $360). And that's before you extra valves ($7), bags for freezing ($10 for 50), extra tubing ($6), the "hands free" bodice that lets you pump and use a computer ($32). Some estimates put the yearly cost between $500 to $1,000.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has spent years trying to roll back the push of formula, trumpeting the benefits of breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of life (the World Health Organization promotes breastfeeding for two years). Breastfeeding gives kids good antibodies, immunities, is said to potentially guard against asthma, allergies, diabetes and obesity -- keeping kids well, long after they give up the nipple. A Harvard Medical School study published last spring in the journal Pediatrics estimated that if 90 percent of American women breastfed, 900 premature infant deaths would be prevented and patients and hospitals would see savings of $13 billion in lost wages and saved health care costs – so you might assume that doing so would be a tax write-off.Until recently, you would have been wrong. As of this fall, the IRS position was that breastfeeding didn't have enough medical benefits to qualify as tax exempt.Last week, the Internal Revenue Service finally agreed to allow 2010 taxes to reflect the costs of pumps and milk bags, as all the myriad ways in which to maintain breastfeeding while working or on the road can make "free" suddenly cost quite a bit of cash. That means women with flexible spending accounts can use their pre-tax dollars to pay for nursing supplies. Those who itemize can add them in to their health care costs.Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., hailed the change in a statement. "This is good news for nursing moms, and a welcome recognition of scientific fact by the IRS: breastfeeding has significant health benefits -- it helps prevent disease, and is good for moms and for babies," Maloney said. "Anything we can do to encourage healthy choices is a good thing -- and this ruling definitely qualifies!"But the IRS is not alone in trying not to think about breastfeeding for as long as possible. Last week Noriko Aita, a Rockville, Md. mom visiting the Hirshhorn Museum, was asked to feed her baby in a bathroom stall. She left, went home and Googled that federal law allows breastfeeding on federal property – anywhere and at anytime.In response, a nurse-in was organized, and dozens of moms descended on the Smithsonian to breastfeed in public. "We're not protesting against [the museum]," one organizer told the Washington Post. "The nurse-in wasn't organized to elicit an apology. What happened to Nori happened because there was a lack of education and awareness. We want to ensure it doesn't happen to anybody else again."As Dr. Melissa Bartick, one of the lead doctors of the Harvard breastfeeding benefits study pointed out to a USA Today reporter, the problem is seeing breastfeeding as a "lifestyle" choice rather than a "public health" benefit. Winning over the IRS is a triumph, to be sure, but one that's come years later than it should have.

Read the full article: http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/02/14/irs-says-breastfeeding-expenses-are-tax-write-offs-finally/

Michelle Obama works to remove barriers to breastfeeding

2011-02-23T10:43:00.002-06:00

First lady Michelle Obama will be speaking out to remove barriers to breastfeeding, Politics Daily has learned, throwing the spotlight on nursing as a way to reduce childhood obesity.

This comes as the Obama administration in the past year has made several moves to encourage breastfeeding -- including a push for more flexible workplace rules and an Internal Revenue Service ruling on Thursday that breast pumps and other nursing supplies qualify for tax breaks. Mrs. Obama -- who has spoken in public about nursing her youngest daughter, Sasha -- is going to tread carefully in what might be a sensitive area for some women.

"Breastfeeding is a very personal choice for every woman," Kristina Schake, Mrs. Obama's communications chief, told Politics Daily. "We are trying to make it easier for those who choose to do it."

Looking ahead to what she will do in the second year of "Let's Move," Mrs. Obama said: "We also want to focus on the important touch points in a child's life. And what we're learning now is that early intervention is key. Breastfeeding. Kids who are breastfed longer have a lower tendency to be obese."

"Breastfeeding rates are low among African-American mothers compared to other racial and ethnic groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Mrs. Obama took note of this when she addressed the Congressional Black Caucus Conference on Sept. 10."And because it's important to prevent obesity early, we're also working to promote breastfeeding, especially in the black community -- where 40 percent of our babies never get breastfed at all, even in the first weeks of life, and we know that babies that are breastfed are less likely to be obese as children," she said.

Robin Schepper, executive director of "Let's Move," told Politics Daily, Mrs. Obama wants to increase breastfeeding rates but "is not telling women to breastfeed ... but wants to make it easier for moms by encouraging hospitals to change practices so after a baby is born, the baby is in the room with them."Toward that goal, Mrs. Obama is going to push more hospitals to be certified as "Baby Friendly" by Baby Friendly USA, a non-governmental organization that works with the United Nations Children's Fund, or UNICEF, to increase breastfeeding opportunities. Only 3 percent of births occur at U.S. hospitals with the "Baby Friendly" designation.

"In a "Let's Move" policy report issued last May, one of the problems mothers may have with breastfeeding starts in the hospital where after birth, "many babies are unnecessarily given formula and separated from their mothers, making it harder to start and practice breastfeeding."

Meanwhile, the Internal Revenue Service announced Thursday that the costs for "breast pumps and supplies that assist lactation are medical care" are now, under the IRS code eligible for tax breaks. That means that breastfeeding supplies could be treated as deductible medical expenses and/or be reimbursed under flexible spending plans.

In the child nutrition bill President Obama signed Dec. 13, the WIC program for low-income women -- the nickname for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children -- provides more breastfeeding counseling and supplies to eligible mothers.

The Affordable Care Act signed by Obama on March 13 -- the health care overhaul Republicans are trying to repeal -- requires certain employers to give nursing mothers break time and a place -- not a bathroom -- to express milk.

Workplace rules have a major impact on a woman's decision whether to nurse."While 75 percent of women initially breastfeed their baby, after six months only 43 percent are still breastfeeding at all," Jarrett wrote. "One of the most common reasons mothers cite for discontinuing breastfeeding is returning to work and not having break time or a private space to express milk.

Check out the full article: http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/02/14/michelle-obama-to-promote-breast-feeding-as-irs-gives-tax-breaks/

Bra issues breastfeeding moms need to be aware of

2011-02-23T09:16:00.006-06:00

1. Bra issues breastfeeding moms need to be aware of:

*When to purchase-First, wait to purchase your nursing bra until you are into your third trimester as your rib cage will expand during pregnancy. Once you are in your third trimester your band size should remain the same. Most women go up a cup size after their milk comes in. I would look for a bra that is made of primarily cotton so it will breath, but one that also has some stretch/spandex in it as well to accommodate your changing breast size. So, if you are purchasing your bra before your baby is born I would fit the band and then go up a cup size to what you are currently measuring. The key is in the spandex at this point because your size will change so much in the first couple weeks. Comfort is number one priority here ladies.

*Fit-If you have a professional bra fitter in your area you may want to call upon their services. Just be aware that some people call themselves “professional”, but may not really know what they are doing. Even after you are fit, you may want to measure yourself as well to make sure they were right. Here is how to figure out your size.

-Band Size #1
Wearing a good supporting bra stand in front of a mirror and measure straight across your back just under your breasts (see attached picture). It is important that the tape measure is a straight line if it does not that will add inches. Also, Do NOT wear an underwire bra for this measurement as this will throw off your results slightly. Having someone help with this will ensure a more accurate measurement. Add one inch to the resulting figure. This figure will be the band size.
-Cup Size #2
While wearing a good fitting, well supportive, non padded bra measure across the back and over the top of fullest part of your breasts. If the resulting figure is a fraction, then you will round up to the nearest number and add an inch if the number is odd. For instance for 30 and ½ inches you would round up to 31 and add 1 inch. If the figure were 27 and ½ you would round up to an even 28.
Take the band size and subtract it from the second figure. The difference between these sizes in inches determines the cup size.
½ – 1 A
1 – 2 B
2 – 3 C
3 – 4 D
4 – 5 E
5 – 6 F

*Fit Tips:
-A great fitting bra shouldn't dig, pull, poke or otherwise cause discomfort. If it does, it's not the right size (or bra) for you. Make sure it feels comfortable when you are moving around.
- There shouldn't be any breast tissue spillage at the top, side or bottom of the cups. If there is, your cup size is too small. Try sizing up for a better fit.
-Straps shouldn't work too hard. Your bra's support comes from the band, not the straps. So be sure that you're wearing the correct band size. Too big, and your straps will end up taking the weight, which will cause them to put pressure on your shoulders and dig in.
-Is your band straight? Look in the mirror from the side. Your band should be at the same level all the way around your back. If it is riding up in back, it's probably too big. Try sizing down a band size or tightening your band.
-No gaping: The center front of your bra should lie flat against your breastbone. It should not lie on top of any breast tissue. If there's a large gap, you may need to go up a cup size.
-Band tightness: Your band should feel firm and secure, but you should also be able to slip two fingers beneath the band in back, and one in the center in front. If you can't, you may need to loosen your band a bit, or go up a size.
-Underwires: Underwires should lie flat at the front of your bra, against your ribcage. If you feel your underwire digging into any breast tissue, you should try a larger cup size or a different style.
-Bras stretch over time: Be sure you're wearing your bra on the loosest hook. Your bras can stretch with washing and wear, so when you buy a new bra, it's best to ensure it fits properly on a loose hook, so you can tighten it as needed.
-A perfect fit: Your breasts will feel like they are "sitting" in the cups, you will not feel any underwire pinching and your bra will feel comfortable and supportive. You shouldn't have to settle for a so-so fit. Sometimes you will have to go up a cup size or two. Don't let it concern you – sizes do vary among brands. Finding the perfect bra takes time and patience, but the way you will look (and feel) once you have found it will be worth all of your effort.

My Breastfeeding Story. What's yours?

2011-02-04T10:59:00.003-06:00

I am a mom who almost gave up nursing within the first week. Best piece of advice I wish I had? Find an experienced lactation consultant, doula or midwife before you give birth that will come to you when you need her! Most moms have that time of need and it is the make or break point of continued breastfeeding.

But I thought hey, since I took the breastfeeding class the hospital offered when I was pregnant and then after I gave birth I talked to the lactation consultants multiple times at the hospital, I should be good! Breastfeeding is simple, right? Well, I could never have been more wrong. But that was my first lesson on this journey of motherhood. I am continuously reminded that I cannot learn it all from a book or a single class!

Looking back, I realized that I really had no idea what to expect no matter how many people told me what it is "suppose" to be like. All the lactation consultant at the busy hospital asked me was "does it feel normal?" And I thought to myself, "Normal!??? How am I suppose to know if THIS feels normal??!!"

Sure, my beautiful baby looked like he was latched on correctly from the outside. Little did I know that his tongue was hitting the tip of my nipple with each suck, which over the course of the next week caused me excruciating pain and my nipples to crack and bleed.

Unfortunately, I did not have an immediate resource outside of my hospital. I tried calling the lactation consultant at the hospital but had to leave messages. When they did get back to me all they could tell me was to put ice packs on and to leave some of my milk on my nipples after each feeding. Well, the cool packs helped to ease the pain a bit after wards, but the root of my problem was not solved!

After a week of agony, my sleep deprived mommy brain clicked and I made a desperate call to a county health nurse I had previously worked with at my job. Thank goodness I remembered her in my state of crisis as she rushed to my rescue. She took one look at my nipples and told me the problem! Yeah, one look and she figured out how he was sucking incorrectly!

She showed me how to train my baby to get him to quit using his tongue and gave me a nipple shield to use until I was healed. It worked! The personal touch of a one on one consultation with someone who knows what they are doing is priceless! She was so amazingly wonderful and her kindness is the only reason I was able to nurse my son for 15 months!

I have now made it my goal to help educate other women about breastfeeding through my patented nursing bra that features a built in healing pocket to hold a hot/cold pack and through my blog. Yes, breastfeeding can hurt but there are things you can do to help you get the relief you so desperately need to continue breastfeeding!

This post was inspired by the amazing people at Mother Love! Check them out http://motherloveblog.com/

Nicole Zoellner
President
Nizo Wear Nursing Bras
http://www.nizowear.com/
http://us.mg3.mail.yahoo.com/dc/twitter@nizowear
facebook.com/nizowear

Thrush Symptoms

2011-01-25T22:08:00.003-06:00

Thrush symptoms seem to occur sooner or later for most breastfeeding moms. Here's how to know if you or your baby has thrush:

What is thrush?
Thrush is a yeast infection that can cause patches of white in your baby’s mouth and his the tongue. Babies often get thrush when a yeast called Candida, grows out of control because baby’s immune system is not yet mature enough to control the growth of yeast.

Signs and Symptoms
Here are the signs and symptoms that you or your baby may have a problem with Candida:

In mom:
•strong nipple or breast pain that lasts throughout each feeding
•sudden nipple pain after a painless nursing
•sore cracked nipples
•itchy and/or burning nipples
•shooting pains in your breasts during or after a nursing session (if the yeast has entered the breast milk ducts.)
•a vaginal yeast infection

In babies:
•spotty diaper rash that is not responding to normal diaper rash ointments.
•Small white spots inside of your baby’s mouth or on the tongue
•Refusal or reluctance to breastfeed•Clicking sound while breastfeeding
•Gassiness

If You Think You Have Thrush
You will need to call your doctor, because both you and your baby will both need to be treated. Breastfeeding moms and babies will pass a yeast infection back and forth between them.
Click here for more information on safe and effective thrush treatment options.

Here is another great thrush resource: http://breastfeeding.hypermart.net/thrush.html

thanks breastfeeding-magazine.com!

Surgeon General plans to ease obstacles to breast-feeding

2011-01-20T09:35:00.003-06:00

The surgeon general is issuing a call today (Thursday 1/20/11) to eliminate obstacles to breast-feeding — and working moms may see the first steps: The new health care law requires that many employers start offering "reasonable" break times to pump milk and a private place to do it. And No, the company bathroom no longer counts!

This law makes economic sense for the company," Benjamin stressed. "Women miss less time at work when the babies are healthy, and there's retention of their good employees."

How long a new mom breast-feeds can boil down to hassles at work, whether her doctor ever stressed how super-healthy it is, even whether Grandma approves.

Breast-feeding benefits both baby and mother but it isn't always easy. Three-quarters of U.S. mothers say they breast-feed during their baby's first days and weeks. But within six months, that drops to 43 percent who are breast-feeding at least sometimes and just 13 percent who follow recommendations that babies receive only breast milk during that first half-year of life.

"The hardest thing is to keep it up, because our society and our culture aren't there to support them," said Surgeon General Regina Benjamin. "They really shouldn't have to go it alone."

By 2020, the government hopes to have 82 percent of women start breast-feeding and raise to about a quarter those whose babies are exclusively breast-fed for about six months. Today, those rates are lowest for black babies, with 58 percent starting out breast-fed and 8 percent exclusively breast-fed for six months.

read the full article here http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41161102/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

Resources to help you with breastfeeding

2011-01-12T21:07:00.003-06:00

The best breastfeeding advice I could give to a new pregnant mom who is hoping to breastfeed? Get connected to resources before your baby is born so that they are there when you need them, and more than likely you will need them! Check out this video link from Baby Gooroo to get some more information and testimonials!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD-d1m7oKBo

Breastfeeding While Pregnant

2011-01-07T09:18:00.002-06:00

You may have never intended to be breastfeeding while pregnant, but here you are. The fact is that lots of nursing mommies never actually plan to be breastfeeding while pregnant, but as many of us know…sometimes babies are conceived at the most unexpected times!

On the other hand, you may be one of the moms that actually plans a pregnancy while still breastfeeding to ensure that your sweeties are close in age.

No matter what your situation, these moms all find themselves in the situation of nursing while pregnant.

Symptoms of Pregnancy During Breastfeeding

There are various things that a nursing mother might notice that may alert her to the fact that she may be pregnant while still nursing.
* Some women notice a decrease in their milk supply. This is usually not a permanent situation and your supply will adjust back so that you can continue nursing.
* You may have sensitive nipples.
* You may be more tired or thirsty than in a previous pregnancy…but as long as you keep drinking enough and resting enough this should not be a problem.

Is It Safe to Continue to Breastfeed?

Breastfeeding.com says Absolutely! In fact, throughout much of the world, breastfeeding while pregnant is a common occurrence. It is just “normal.” There is no reason why a mother cannot preserve a good breastfeeding relationship with her child without risk to the health of her new baby who is growing inside her. It is a very safe and natural event.

Research confirms that any mother who is getting the proper nutrition should have no problem providing perfect nutrition for both her unborn baby and the breastfeeding child. However, if a child is younger than one year, it is important to watch your child’s weight gain and provide additional solid food if necessary. (Your pediatrician can help you determine your child's needs.)

Things you may notice

In some case, the nursing child will think that the breastmilk tastes different or may be frustrated by a supply drop during pregnancy. This is normal and is not a sign that you must stop breastfeeding.

If you decide you want to wean your child, it's still easiest to do it slowly. Many moms try the "don't offer, don't refuse" approach if their child is old enough. Then if you can anticipate when your child is likely to want to breastfeed, you simply offer a snack or a helpful distraction instead.

However, most children simply adjust to the taste, your breast milk supply returns and they are perfectly content to keep nursing as long as mom is willing.

Don't ForgetBreastfeeding during this pregnancy may provide one of your last opportunities to sit alone with your breastfeeding child and nurse, cuddle and truly enjoy these moments...because before you know it you will have to divide your time between him and the new baby.

Enjoy this time! Don’t rush to wean. Allow your sweet baby to nurse and he will have the reassurance that, although there is a new baby coming, you still want what is best for him, too.

information in this article came from breastfeeding.com 1/7/11

How to treat Postpartum Breast Engorgement

2011-01-06T17:06:00.002-06:00

Engorgement usually occurs 2-3 days after delivery. It is attributed to the milk “coming in”. Up until this time the breasts produced colostrum, highly concentrated first milk. When the mature milk is produced breasts may become overly full and engorgement may occur. Luckily if treated, engorgement usually only lasts a few days. Unrelieved engorgement can lead to breast infection.

The best way to treat and prevent engorgement is frequent nursing. Nurse your baby often, approximately 8-12 times in a 24 hour period, especially in the first few days. Make sure breasts are completely emptied and that the baby is positioned and latched on correctly. A lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group in your community can help to assure your baby is feeding correctly.

Apply a warm compress such as SmartChoicesBreastSoother just before breastfeeding. Heat stimulates milk flow and also helps to soften the areola. Along with heat or immediately following, massage breast are a in a circular motion to promote milk flow.

Expressing some milk after heat application will also help to lessen any pain and make it easier for the baby to latch on.

Cold compresses can be used between feedings to reduce swelling. After nursing, apply cooled relief pads directly to breast area to relieve the pain of engorgement.
Taking a pain reliever may also help. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are anti-inflammatory medications and they can reduce swelling and lessen any pain. Also make sure to wear a comfortable bra, correctly fit bra. You may want to avoid bra’s that contain under wire the first few weeks.

Mastitis and Breast Engorgement
Luckily breast engorgement is short lived and can be resolved fairly quickly. If engorgement has not cleared up nor has not much improved please contact your health care provider if you experience any flu-like symptoms, fever, extreme soreness or pain, hardness or redness, please contact your health care provider as this could be a sign of mastitis or breast infection.

Thanks Breastfeedingmagazine.com for this helpful information.

Milk Trays breast milk freezing system

2011-01-02T15:04:00.001-06:00

Milk Trays™ are a breast milk freezing system that has been specifically designed for expressed breast milk.

Notable attributes of Milk Trays™ are:

Total of 16 semi-cylinder cavities that are 1 oz. each
Eliminates waste associated with nurser bags
1 oz. Milk Sticks fit through ALL bottle openings, unlike “ice cubes”
Lids block out freezer burn, eliminate freezer smells and are easy to stack
Slim in size to ensure ample room in the freezer
Plastic is very flexible making it easy to remove the frozen Milk Sticks.
Reusable and can last, depending on use, for up to one year
Made from hard plastic and does not allow fat soluble nutrients to adhere or cling to the sides like the soft plastic of nurser bags
Invented by breastfeeding, working moms

Let’s face it, breast pumping is hard! Babies know how to get fed better than we can pump. However since us women make up over 46% of the work force, we want to continue working and breast feeding, we have to pump and store our breast milk. Breast pumping requires dedication and patience not to mention staying hydrated and well rested! What mother can achieve all that?

You don’t want to have hundreds of barely filled nurser bags in your freezer that you'll tend to pour four to eight ounces into. The entire bag must be thawed and since breast milk cannot be refrozen once thawed (even warming then cooling then warming again is also a “no-no” because of early spoiling and even more destruction of valuable nutrients) usually several ounces get thrown away. Think about that for a moment…several ounces thrown away…that can really add up over time.

Here are just some simple numbers to consider……

If you were to waste only two ounces of breast milk in one day.
That equals 10 ounces wasted in one work week!
That adds up to 40 ounces wasted in one work month!
You have now wasted 480 ounces in one year!

WOW, and that is only counting just two ounces a day

Desperate breast-feeding moms reveal secrets

2010-12-28T19:51:00.003-06:00

(CNN) -- All newborn babies cry, but Anika Reese seemed to be in a category all her own. She screamed in pain nearly all the time, grabbing her own little cheeks so forcefully she sometimes drew blood.
Her mother, Suzanne, describes Anika's first four months as "living in hell with an angel."
"There are almost no words to describe what I thought was only some form of prison camp torture," Reese says.
Reese noticed her baby's stomach was swollen and her poops were green and frothy. Several friends and family members suggested it might be a problem with Reese's breast milk, and urged her to give Anika formula instead. But Reese was "hell-bent" on nursing and refused to stop.
Only 43% of moms breast-feeding at six months
Unlike Reese, many mothers, for various reasons, give up on nursing. While 75% of mothers breast-feed their babies soon after birth, only 43% are still nursing six months later, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends moms breast-feed for at least a year, but the first six months are especially crucial, says Dr. Lori Feldman-Winter, a spokesperson for the academy, since most babies that age aren't yet eating solid food and rely solely on milk for nutrition.

Reese was committed to nursing because of the significant health benefits to her baby: fewer cases of gastroenteritis and ear and upper respiratory infections, to name a few, and now a new study out of Australia shows some breast-fed babies do better academically later in life.
While it's not easy to overcome the hurdles of early breast-feeding -- whether it's sore nipples, a screaming baby, or a low milk supply -- Reese managed to do it.

When she noticed Anika's belly swollen and strange, frothy green poops, Reese called lactation consultants, who told her all babies have gas and to be patient. Then, when Anika was 7 weeks old, Reese noticed blood in her daughter's stool.

The Reeses raced to the emergency room near their home in Ramona, California. Doctors gave Anika a barium enema to get a good look at her intestines.
The test showed Anika's colon was normal. The Reeses then took Anika to a pediatric gastroenterologist, who advised Suzanne to stop eating foods that might be bothering Anika. But

Suzanne was already down to a diet of chicken, beef, sweet potatoes, and rice -- there was nothing more she could cut out.
Feeling like "a total failure," Reese still wasn't ready to give up nursing her baby. She called another lactation consultant, who listened patiently to her story and immediately offered this tip: pump some milk, throw it away, and put Anika to her breast.

"OVERNIGHT, we had a new baby!" Reese recalled in an e-mail. "INCREDIBLE! We were utterly relieved -- to the point of tears."

The lactation consultant explained Reese was producing too much foremilk, which is full of sugar and can irritate a baby's delicate gut if she gets too much of it. By pumping off the foremilk and getting rid of it, Reese was giving Anika more hindmilk, which has significantly less sugar.
"I was also utterly angry that we had to go through all of this when it was such a simple fix," Reese says.

Breast-feeding advice from moms who've been through "hell"

Reese found when it comes to breast-feeding, sometimes the experts who should know the answers -- pediatricians, lactation counselors -- don't.

"We're getting better at training residents to learn more about breast-feeding, but we still have a ways to go," says Feldman-Winter, a professor of pediatrics at Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey.

Reese is glad she kept looking for answers -- she's still nursing Anika, who turns 2 next month.
Various websites offer helpful breastfeeding tips, such as the American Academy of Family Physicians, pregnancy.org, and La Leche League International. In addition, La Leche League and babycenter.com offer forums where moms can seek advice from each other.

Read the full article to hear what other mothers who have to been through it have to say:
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/12/23/breastfeeding.secrets/index.html
By Elizabeth Cohen, CNN Senior Medical Correspondent
cnnAuthor = "By Elizabeth Cohen, CNN Senior Medical Correspondent"December 23, 2010

Funny Breastfeeding Statistics

2010-12-20T21:35:00.002-06:00

Did you know?
1. Norway is the only country to include breast milk in national food statistics.

2. The Philippines earned a unique Guinness Book of World Records achievement when 3,738 mothers nursed their babies simultaneously in Manila.

3. A study published in the June 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine shows that breast milk is known to cure warts.

4. Kangaroos sometimes nurse their young until they're the same size as the mothers. Yikes!

Stats provided by S. Seip & A. Hedger in If These Boobs Could Talk

8 Natural Cold Remedies

2010-12-13T20:31:00.002-06:00

With the cold season if full swing, here are some natural cold remedies. My son's eyes bugged out of his head when I read him #3 (...turn off the wii...) he said "it does not really say that does it mom?" It was too funny! I have to say he did love doing number six though! What remedies work for you??

1. Vitamin D: is an important infection fighter and most children are not getting enough. The AAP recommends 400 IU per day. An eight-ounce glass of milk has about 100.

2. Probiotics: Some research suggests that bacteria found in foods like yogurt and keifer may help prevent respiratory infections. You can also simply purchase an over the counter pro-biotic for more bacteria for your buck! In one study of kids ages 3-5, those who consumed active lactobacillus cultures daily for six months during cold season were less likely to get sick and if they did the duration was shorter. It is especially important to give a pro-biotic if your child is on an antibiotic.

3. Sleep: Sleep and immune function are intertwined. People who don't get enough sleep are more susceptible to colds. If your child does get sick, let him stay home from school, turn off the Wii for a while, and let him rest.

4. Salt: A study last year in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found this natural anti-inflammatory can help release mucus and ease breathing as well as soothe sore throats and coughs. For congestion, make a saline rinse with a half to a full teaspoon of salt per pint of warm water and administer it with a dropper (inexpensive saline nose rinses are also widely available). To treat a sore throat or cough, try teaching your child to gargle with the same warm saltwater solution. Try to make it a game and they may actually do it!

5. Moist air: Either a cool-mist humidifier or a warm vaporizer in your child's bedroom can help steam-clean nasal passages, reducing congestion. (Just make sure you keep whichever model you choose clean and out of your child's reach.) You can also steam up your bathroom, then take your cranky kiddo into this homemade sauna.

6. Honey: A study in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that honey at bedtime was more effective at quieting coughs than honey-tasting cough medicine. The dose is similar to that of over-the-counter cold medicines: a half teaspoon for kids age 1 to 5, a full teaspoon for kids 6 to 11 and two teaspoons for children 12 and up. (never give honey to a child under 1) The study used buckwheat honey, but other kinds should work fine too Dr. Kemper says (my son agrees).

7. Chicken soup: It's the go-to-get-well meal for a good reason-it helps! Research has shown that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory powers that stimulate the release of mucus reducing congestion (probably due to all the salt!).

8. Relaxation: That means you, Mom! "Parents stress when their child is sick," notes Dr. Bernstein. "Meanwhile, the kid's on the floor, playing with his toys, happy as can be, with snot coming out of his nose and coughing." Of course, if your child develops a fever or his symptoms seem to worsen, consult your doctor. Otherwise, try to remember: a normal cold will run its course over a week or so.

Thanks Laura Beil from Parenting Magazine's November Issue for the great tips!

Amazing gift

2010-11-11T23:39:00.003-06:00

Met with Lori from "Tied up with a Bow" today. Not only does this amazing lady offer personal shopping for the holiday season (perfect for those either to busy or not physically able to shop on their own) but she will

1. drive to your house (no additional charge here people!)
2. pick up your already purchased gifts,
3. and either wrap them there with you if you prefer or she will take them home and return to you in two days! (again, no additional charge)
4. She uses all of her own wrapping supplies (and I have seen first hand that she does an beautiful job!)
5. She will also ship them for people who are unable or simply want her to!

The best part, besides that she is completely affordable, you can give her as a gift to someone!!! It is the gift that keeps giving! To give a gift that is not only practical, but to give joy to someone who no longer can wrap and give their own gifts? PRICELESS. If you live in the Madison area consider using her services or giving her as a gift! I love it! tiedupwithabow@hotmail.com

Engorgement.

2010-11-07T16:04:00.003-06:00

Your milk is here-and you can't believe what it feels like! Here is how to explain it to your spouse.

It's like:

-An alien replaced your boobs with fourteen-pound explosive bowling balls.

-Truck tires that are dangerously overinflated.

-A wicked witch cast a spell on you that makes your boobs as solid as stone.

-You're wearing a superhero chest-plate of steel, and the villain is shooting lasers at it.

-There's a miniature army in your boobs and they are punching you from the inside.

-Your chest is the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead is pushing so hard, the dam is going to collapse in about two seconds.

-You went in to the hospital to give birth, but they accidentally gave you an enormous boob job.

If all this fails, relate it to him: It's like he woke up to find his testicles swollen to the size of grapefruits and as heavy as a pair of sandbags. (Oh yes, and burning like someone lit a bonfire inside of them.)

Thanks S. Seip & A. Hedger for giving us "If these BOOBS could talk" ! It is a much needed comic relief!

Tips on how to choose the right bra

2010-11-07T15:59:00.004-06:00

Choosing the right bra is always a difficult process! Here are a few tips

-Make sure the band is snug. Your band is what provides you with support. You should only be able to fit one or two fingers between your back and the band.

-Buy a bra that fits on the last hook since bras will stretch over time and you will want to maintain the snug fit for maximum support and comfort.

-Department store bras only last three to six months; a better-quality bra will alst for a year or more and is worth the investment.

-Hand washing (with a lingerie detergent) and air-drying flat will extend the life of your undergarments. Bras should be washed every few wears as the oils in your skin break down the elasticity of the bra.

Thanks Modern Bliss for these great tips!

Top ten most surprising things about breastfeeding.

2010-11-07T15:51:00.004-06:00

Top ten most surprising things about breastfeeding according to "If these Boobs could talk" Seip & Hedger.

1. How many holes there are when the milk comes out of your nipple.

2. How much they deflate after a feeding.

3. How quickly they fill back up.

4. How many days in a fow you can wear your favorite nursing bra.

5. How fast adn easy it is to prepare your baby's meal.

6. How satisfying it is to coax a little burp from your baby.

7. How absolutely thirsty you get while nursing.

8. How it can take almost an hour for baby to eat an entire meal of three ounces.

9. How your baby can just fall right asleep, smack in the middle of a meal.

10. How a person can enjoy eating the same thing, every meal, every day for months on end.

What was the thing that surprised you the most???

Think you can't live without an underwire?

2010-11-07T15:03:00.005-06:00

I hear from some women that they just cant live without their underwire bra. Well, I get it. There are many poorly constructed bras out there that need an underwire to offer any support.

But when you are breastfeeding, wearing an underwire greatly increases your risk of getting a plugged milk duct.

Nizo Wear has designed a bra that offers gentle support without the underwire. Here is what store owner Tina Marie from Tina Marie's boutique in Algoma Wisconsin has heard from her customers about Nizo Wear's Solace style nursing bra.

"My underwire gals are just as excited about the non-underwire nursing bra (Solace) once they get it on! They can hardly believe how great they truly are!"

Top ten things your breastfeeding boobs would say if they could talk

2010-10-28T14:36:00.003-05:00

A little boob humor to pick up you breastfeeding mamas!
according to "If these boobs could talk" by S. Seip & A. Hedger:

1. Since when are we open twenty-four hours?

2. Get the soothing gel. Get it now.

3. Sir, this is a "Babies Only" zone.

4. Kid, how can you not see our nipples when they're the size of paper plates?

5. Woo Hoo! We're spraying across the room!

6. Wow, we look spectacular!

7. Wait, now we look like old gym socks.

8. Hmmm, do we hear a baby crying somewh....and there's the milk.

9. Hey, we dont get paid enough to work this hard.

10. Oh great. A tooth.

7 ways to lower her risk of breast cancer!

2010-10-24T21:15:00.003-05:00

Research shows that breastfeeding lowers the mother's risk of breast cancer. Here are 6 other musts for every woman to lower her risk of breast cancer (according to Woman's Day magazine October 2010).

1. Stay a healthy weight.
Research shows that postmenopausal women who are obese are 1.5 times as likely to develop breast cancer.

2. Exercise.
The National Cancer Institute shows that exercising four or more hours a week can decrease estrogen levels and in turn help lower breast cancer risk.

3. Limit alcohol.
Limit yourself to no more than one alcoholic beverage a day. The more you consume, the greater the danger.

4. Know your family history.
If your mother, grandmother or maternal aunt developed breast cancer at age 50 or earlier, you may carry the gene BRCA1 or BRCA2, which can place your lifetime risk of breast cancer at 60% (and your risk of ovarian cancer at 15-40%)

5. Eat Healthy.
Diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, whole grains and legumes is linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

6. Check your D levels.
Research shows women who got a lot of vitamin D from diet, supplements or spending time out doors were 25-50% less likely to develop breast cancer than those with lower levels.

Top ten must haves for parents!

2010-10-17T20:41:00.008-05:00

I saw many amazing must have items for parents at the ABC show this past weekend! Here is a list of just a few. (number 1 is the grossest, and yet is my favorite!) Enjoy:

10. Baby Bubadoo:
This is more than just a diaper changing wrap. This amazing wrap not only keeps your little ones squirming to a minimum while you change their diaper but it keeps them from not touching dirty walls on the go or their dirty diaper area as you clean! AND it keeps your bundle of joy dry if you are not quick enough putting the new diaper on :). http://babybubadoo.com/

9. Pirose Nursing Scarf:
This stylish and innovative nursing scarf has endless fashion potential with 10 stylish prints and 3 sizes. You can wear this so many ways and is lightweight and breathable! http://www.renorose.com/

8. Milkies: helping mothers meet their breastfeeding goals
Milkies is a milksaver that catches leaking milk so no precious drop is waisted. So innovative and useful. http://www.mymilkies.com/

7. Milk Trays: by Sensible Lines
Exactly what is sounds like! Ice cube trays meant for breastmilk, shaped in an ingenious design to fit in any size bottle for easy thaw! Small amounts frozen at a time ensures the maximum amount of nutrients are saved. www.sensiblelines.com

6. HotMomEase TM: Maternity Support Ultimate by Margo Innovations
This support belt extraordinaire was designed and patented by a labor and delivery nurse! She designed a this belt after many years of prototyping. The finished product: a support belt with a pocket for a hot/cold pack conveniently placed across the back for pain relief! Brilliant. http://www.margoinnovations.com/

5. Undercover Mama
Make any shirt a nursing shirt. Undercover Mama is a strapless undershirt that hooks to your favorite nursing bra. Discreet, stylish, and practical Undercover Mama makes nursing your baby easy and convenient, at home or on the go! http://www.undercovermama.com/

4. The mommy measure:
If you are looking for the perfect pregnancy gift, the Mommy Measure is it! Our unique patent pending pregnancy growth chart & journal make it easy to record your belly growth (Fundal height / belly circumference) and pregnancy milestones.
BETTER YET: The Mommy Measure can also be used to track your baby's first year of growth! Simply lay the Mommy Measure™ alongside your baby on a flat surface and mark their length and write special milestones. http://www.mommymeasure.com/

3. Bamboobies Nursing Pads:
They are unique because they are made from a soft bamboo, organic cotton hemp so they are super soft, ultra thin and waterproof aka "milk-proof"! http://buybamboobies.com/

2. The Learning Tower: by Little Partners
Have a toddler who wants to “do it myself.”? Carol had one, which inspired her to create a safe way for her daughter to be curious and explore. The learning tower lets kids do everything from washing their hands to slicing a banana for snack to rolling out dough on an adjustable height platform, offering quality, safety and flexibility. Today, The Learning Tower is distributed around the world and enjoyed by young toddlers everywhere as they safely explore, discover and experience the world around them! http://www.littlepartners.com/

1. This was by far the weirdest invention I saw at the ABC kids show, yet it totally made sense to me!
NoseFrida:
The Snot Sucker! This is a nasal aspirator that works! It was developed by Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists at the University Hospital MAS in Malmo, Sweden. I wish I had this with my son. I know it looks gross, but it'snot!! http://www.nosefrida.com/

Vote for the next color in the Nizo Wear line

2010-09-03T14:07:00.001-05:00

Vote for the next color nursing bra in the Nizo Wear line! Black or Nude? Post votes on facebook page. http://ow.ly/2zh23

Mom love life

2010-09-01T21:10:00.004-05:00

According to Dr. Laura Berman "if you don't feel sexy, you won't want sex." She recommends making "sexy a part of your daily routine." So go ahead and get those undergarments that make you feel sexy ladies! You are worth it, your partner will appreciate it, and everyone will be happier for it!

[love life J BYTULAOARRAS]

"My partner and I have a great sex life, except for one thing: It's hard for me to go from "mommy" to "naughty" quickly, and often we only have time for a quickie. How can I make the transition?

It's not unusual for moms to struggle with the shift from mother to lover. Unhooking from the daily whirlwind and enjoying the here-and-now with your partner isn't always easy, but the more you do it, the better you'll get at it.

Some ways you can flip the switch: CULTIVATE A FANTASY LIFE...all day long! Allowing erotic thoughts to flit in and out of your head during the day will lay the groundwork for the big event later on. Let your mind run wild while you're showering in the morning or stuck in traffic. The daydreams don't have to be about your partner, either. With fantasies, anything is fair game.

When you and your partner do hook up, tune in to one of your favorite fantasies to help get
you in the mood, pronto. MAKE "SEXY" A PART OF YOUR DAILY ROUTINE. If you don't feel sexy, you won't want sex. So you have to tap into that side of yourself regularly, even outside the bedroom. Whether it's enjoying a glass of wine or wearing a leopard-print thong underneath your sweats, spicy rituals are concrete reminders that you're a sensual being.

MEDITATE FORA MINUTE. When the moment presents itself, take a minute (he'll wait) to just breathe. During this decompression, allow yourself to let go of your "mommy" persona. You're
a great mother, but that's just one part of who you are. ASK THE MOM SQUAD Laura Berman, Ph.D., author of Talking to Your Kids About. Sex, runs a sex therapy clinic in Chicago. Send her your questions at momsquad@parenting.com. 1,000 ways to say "I love you" #393 "I say yes."
+Leslie Garrison,Raleigh,NC

Article was taken from July 2010 Parenting magazine.

Racine, WI Breastfeeding Initiative

2010-08-24T21:18:00.002-05:00

Great article about Racine's one of a kind breastfeeding awareness initiative! I cant wait to see the cut-outs tomorrow!

If you are in the Racine, WI area stop by the City Hall at 1:00 for the unveiling and cake! Then stop by RG Natural Babies (www.rgnaturalbabies.com ) for a free bra fitting and 10% off a Nizo Wear nursing bra!

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_e9dbd6ac-af71-11df-a4e1-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story

Nizo Wear Behind the Scenes Photo Shoot

2010-08-15T17:02:00.002-05:00

There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes of a great photo shoot! The models, photographer, Anya Wait, and all helping did an amazing job! We all cant wait to see the photos!

Check out our Facebook page for an exclusive sneak peek at a few shots!

http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=132383173453122#!/album.php?aid=21143&id=132383173453122

Granola bar recipe for on the go moms!

2010-08-10T09:28:00.003-05:00

By Emily Rozell

These are great-tasting and good for you, and make an excellent breakfast, dessert, or quick snack on the go. The perfect pick me up snack for moms and kids alike!

2 cups oats 1 cup flour

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup raisins

1/2 cup wheat germ

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup honey

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

optional: a handful of nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit (like cranberries, bananas, or blueberries), flax seeds, etc.

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9x13 pan with foil or parchment paper then coat with a little oil. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl: oats, flour, brown sugar, raisins, wheat germ, salt and cinnamon (and any of the optional ingredients). In another bowl mix wet ingredients: oil, honey, egg and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into dry mixture and stir by hand until blended. Press evenly into the pan. Bake 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely then turn out onto a cutting board. Remove the foil/paper and cut into bars. Wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap.

http://mothering.com/all-things-mothering/food/easy-granola-bars

Tips on Biting with breastfeeding

2010-08-06T21:27:00.001-05:00

Tips on Biting
By Catherine Watson Genna, BS, IBCLC

Mothers sometimes worry about breastfeeding when their baby has teeth. Most babies do not bite, but a few do. There are things moms can do to stop baby from biting. It helps to know a little about how breastfeeding works. In order to suck, a baby needs to keep his tongue over his lower gum. This places the tongue between the teeth and the breast. Having the tongue over the gum stops the bite reflex. If the baby is latched properly, the nipple is deep in the mouth and protected from baby’s teeth. However, sometimes a baby may release the normal, deep latch and clamp down on the mother’s breast.
• Some babies bite to reduce the flow of milk if it is too fast for them. Try leaning back while feeding. Putting the baby in more upright feeding position helps manage a fast milk flow. Avoid pressing on the baby’s head. This allows him to let go of the breast if he needs to take a breath.
• Some older babies bite because their gums are sore from teething. Keep the gums clean with a soft baby toothbrush and plain water, or gauze moistened with cold water. This can reduce swelling and make baby feel better. Allow the baby to chew on a teething ring.
• Sometimes babies bite because they are not really interested in feeding at that moment. Older babies sometimes bite at the end of the feeding when they get distracted or want to play. Wait until the baby really wants to eat and don’t encourage the baby to stay on if he grows restless.
• Occasionally, a baby will bite if they are teething and receiving bottles…as they can bite on an artificial nipple without causing pain. When they try to do this with mother, her reaction may be surprising and confusing. Switching the baby to a sippee cup instead of a bottle may help.

Try to teach the baby not to clamp down on the breast before the teeth come in. If baby closes his gums on the breast, remove him from the breast and end the feeding for at least a few minutes. In a firm tone, say: “Don’t bite.” Some mothers also follow, in a gentler tone, with “Gentle with mom.” or “Open wide.” Babies are smart. They learn from the consequences of their actions. If clamping down on the breast means it is taken away, most babies will stop clamping.
If your baby bites, keep a finger ready to remove baby if he clamps down on the breast. Some mothers briefly pull the baby in close to block his nose. This will cause him to open his mouth to breathe, allowing mom to safely unlatch him.

Breastfeeding tips from World Health Organization

2010-08-02T15:43:00.004-05:00

1. WHO strongly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. At six months, other foods should complement breastfeeding for up to two years or more.

2. Health Benefits for infant: Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses - such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. Breast milk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance.

3. Bennies for Mom: Breastfeeding also benefits mothers. The practice when done exclusively often induces a lack of menstruation, which is a natural (though not fail-safe) method of birth control. It reduces risks of breast and ovarian cancer later in life, helps women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster, and lowers rates of obesity.

4. Long-Term Bennies for children: Beyond the immediate benefits for children, breastfeeding contributes to a lifetime of good health. Adults who were breastfed as babies often have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol, as well as lower rates of overweight, obesity and type-2 diabetes. There is evidence that people who were breastfed perform better in intelligence tests.

5. Why not formula? Infant formula does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk and is linked to some risks, such as water-borne diseases that arise from mixing powdered formula with unsafe water (many families lack access to clean water). Malnutrition can result from over-diluting formula to "stretch" supplies. Further, frequent feedings maintain the breast milk supply. If formula is used but becomes unavailable, a return to breastfeeding may not be an option due to diminished breast milk production.

6. HIV and breastfeeding: For HIV-positive mothers, WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

7. Regulating breast milk substitutes: An international code to regulate the marketing of breast-milk substitutes was adopted in 1981. It calls for:
-all formula labels and information to state the benefits of breastfeeding and the health risks of substitutes;
-no promotion of breast-milk substitutes;
-no free samples of substitutes to be given to pregnant women, mothers or their families; and
-no distribution of free or subsidized substitutes to health workers or facilities.

8. Support for moms is essential: Breastfeeding has to be learned and many women encounter difficulties at the beginning. Nipple pain, and fear that there is not enough milk to sustain the baby are common. Health facilities that support breastfeeding - by making trained breastfeeding counsellors available to new mothers - encourage higher rates of the practice. To provide this support and improve care for mothers and newborns, there are now more than 20 000 "baby-friendly" facilities in 152 countries thanks to a WHO-UNICEF initiative.

9. Work and Breastfeeding: WHO recommends that a new mother should have at least 16 weeks of absence from work after delivery, to be able to rest and breastfeed her child. Many mothers who go back to work abandon exclusive breastfeeding before the recommended six months because they do not have sufficient time, or an adequate place to breastfeed or express and store their milk at work. Mothers need access to a safe, clean and private place in or near their workplaces to continue the practice.

10. Phasing in new foods: WHO To meet the growing needs of babies at six months of age, complementary foods should be introduced as they continue to breastfeed. Foods for the baby can be specially prepared or modified from family meals. WHO notes that:
breastfeeding should not be decreased when starting complementary feeding;
complementary foods should be given with a spoon or cup, not in a bottle;
foods should be clean, safe and locally available; and
ample time is needed for young children to learn to eat solid foods.

http://tensteps.org/ten-facts-breastfeeding.shtml

How to pick a well fitting nursing bra

2010-07-28T21:44:00.002-05:00

Because a woman's breasts undergo numerous changes during and after pregnancy - becoming larger, heavier and more sensitive - it's important to get a good maternity bra. A well fitting, supportive bra will help reduce fatigue and make you feel more comfortable. Furthermore, a good fit is imperative because it ensures successful breast feeding by maintaining proper blood flow, which in turn prevents plugged ducts and mastitis.

Because breasts are more sensitive during and after pregnancy, most women abandon their underwire bras in favor of an all-fabric construction. Only women accustomed to wearing an underwire bra should consider doing so while nursing. A proper fit is critical: make sure the wire doesn't put pressure on the breast tissue.

When shopping for a maternity bra, don't rely on buying the same size you've been wearing. To get the most comfort and support, it's best to be fitted by a specialist. Take advantage of the sales staff's expertise.

The bottom band should fit snugly. A bra should not be worn too loosely around the rib cage; that allows it to ride up, keeping it from providing sufficient support and allowing the breasts to droop. The more you tighten the shoulder straps to raise the breasts, the more you raise the bra back above the shoulder blades, reducing support and increasing discomfort.You should be able to feel your rib cage just below the bra.

The breast should not be below the bottom edge of your bra, and each breast should be completely enclosed within the cup. If the bra seems to fit but continues to ride up in the back, try a larger cup size.The cups should be large enough to provide full coverage, with sufficient depth to fully support the breasts. If the bra doesn't fit snugly against the rib cage, the cup size might be too small. The result is inadequate support, potentially with ride-up in the back, drooping in the front or breasts slipping or bulging out from the bra.

Things to keep in mind when shopping for maternity or nursing bras:Choose a bra that allows easy access to the breast, with skin-to-skin contact for convenient nursing. A one-hand cup opening can be particularly handy.The best time to shop for maternity or nursing bras is during the final weeks of your pregnancy. Your breasts will continue to change as your due date approaches, but selecting a bra in the last weeks will help guarantee a good fit after the baby is born. You may have to get a different size later when your milk supply is increased.

Good luck!

Thanks squidoo.com/nursingbras for the great tips!

How to be free of back pain when Breastfeeding.

2010-07-21T20:47:00.003-05:00

If a new mother does not get her posture just right during feedings, back pain can often occur.
If a woman suffers from back pain while she is carrying her child inside her, it is very likely she could suffer from back pain while breastfeeding her new baby. But new mothers should not be discouraged by that fact, as there are many tips to get the most out of breastfeeding while still keeping her back in good shape. Here are a few quick tips to help:

-Use a good supportive chair or place a pillow behind you to ensure support and comfort.

-Use a chair with arm support.

-Use a foot rest.

-Make sure you are bringing the baby towards your breast rather than straining your back to lean over the child.

For the full article check out this link: http://www.betterhealthcentre.com/breastfeeding/breastfeeding_back_pain.htm

Mastitis vs. Blocked Duct and what to do about it

2010-07-07T20:32:00.003-05:00

Mastitis is a bacterial infection of the breast that usually occurs in breastfeeding mothers.

Mastitis needs to be differentiated from a plugged or blocked duct, because the plugged or blocked duct does not need treatment with antibiotics, whereas mastitis often, but not always, does require treatment with antibiotics. A blocked duct presents as a painful, swollen, firm mass in the breast. The skin overlying the blocked duct is often quite red, similar to what happens during mastitis, but less intense. Mastitis is usually also associated with fever and more intense pain as well. However, it is not always easy to distinguish between a mild mastitis and a severe blocked duct. A blocked duct, can, apparently, go on to become mastitis. In France, physicians also recognize something they call lymphangite that is fever associated with skin which is hot and red, but there is no underlying painful mass. They do not believe this requires treatment with antibiotics.

Blocked Ducts
Blocked ducts will almost always resolve spontaneously within 24 to 48 hours after onset, even without any treatment at all. During the time the block is present, the baby may be fussy when nursing on that side, as milk flow may be slower than usual. Blocked ducts can be made to resolve more quickly by:

-Continuing breastfeeding on the affected side.

-Draining the affected area better. One way of doing this is to position the baby so his chin"points" to the area of hardness. Thus if the blocked duct is in the outside, lower area of your breast (about 4 o'clock), the football hold would be best.

-Using breast compression while the baby is feeding, getting your hand around the blocked duct and using steady pressure.

-Applying heat to the affected area (with a heating pad or hot water bottle, but be careful not to injure your skin by using too much heat for too long a period of time).

-Trying to rest. (Not always easy, but take the baby to bed with you.)

By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., http://pediatrics.about.com/od/breastfeeding/a/mastitis.htm

It takes a village to nurse a child

2010-06-17T21:08:00.002-05:00

I just read this hilarious, and so true article, from Jennifer Coburn about her nursing experience. It had me laughing out loud! Here is a brief snippet...

"While I was pregnant, the Nature Channel aired a video safari through Africa. I watched as animals effortlessly nursed their young, and chuckled arrogantly as I recalled a friend's suggestion to take a breastfeeding class. Who needs a class on the most natural thing in the world?

Eight weeks, three in-home sessions with La Leche League, two trips to a lactation specialist, two visits to a hospital breastfeeding center, and a visit to the World Health Organization (WHO) later, I had my answer. Breastfeeding is no easy task.

By now, everyone was sucked into my drama. The mailman would inquire about my nipples on his daily visits. Everyone who knew me - even casually - knew of my nursing problems. The word "you" became synonymous with "your nipples", as in "How are your nipples?", "Can your nipples have lunch next week?", "Is there anything I can do for your nipples?" ..."

http://www.breastfeeding.org/articles/village.html

Bra: what to look for and what to avoid based on your body type

2010-06-15T08:42:00.005-05:00

A bra for every body type

2010-06-14T20:26:00.004-05:00

According to Jene Luciani, author of the Bra Book, your outfit shouldn't be the only thing flattering your figure. Your bra should be figure-flattering, too! The right bra can help create a more balanced silhouette under clothes. The first step, though, is knowing just what your figure is. Here are four basic body types.: Pear, Rectangle/Banana, Apple/Inverted Triangle, Hourglass.

Stay tuned for what to look for/avoid in a bra with your specific body type!

What new moms need to hear about breastfeeding, from other moms:

2010-06-11T14:40:00.003-05:00

Just read this great post from a mom who posts helpful hints from other moms about all the things you wished you were told before you started breastfeeding! I particularly like Jenna's comment (way at the bottom under "11 Responses..."). This was definitely the case for me as well.

http://jonirae.com/what-does-a-new-momma-need-to-hear-about-breastfeeding/

Why do I need a nursing bra?

2010-06-07T16:07:00.002-05:00

Most women experience an increase in their breast size during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Although this size change will vary greatly from woman to woman, it is usually at least one band size and one cup size. For example a woman who wore a pre-pregnancy size of 36c could expect to need at least a 38d.
A nursing mother needs to select the correct size to avoid mastitis and plugged milk ducts (which is not fun!). Some women use their regular bra and just pull up the cup to nurse. Unfortunately, the cup that is pulled up pushes on breast tissue and may cause plugged ducts and mastitis. Plus, it can be uncomfortable. Comfort is key, and as a nursing mama, you deserve it!! Also, wearing the correct nursing bra size will help prevent neck and shoulder aches and pains.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Zarchi

Demystifying parts of the bra...

2010-06-03T21:11:00.005-05:00

Wing and Bridge....are we talking about airplane parts? No, we are talking about something far less complicated, but still just as confusing to many of us! The Bra!

Bras have been around since 1907 when French couturier Paul Poiret loosened up the corset and made the first brassiere, yet it is more than 100 years later and many of us are still confused about this simple piece of fabric! Well, I am going to try to help shed some light on this very necessary part in women's lives.

Today, we'll start with a simple picture telling us just exactly what the parts are all called....its very simple. I promise!

Thank you Jene Luciani for clearing this up for us in "The Bra Book".

Unsafe bottle feeding

2010-06-02T19:44:00.002-05:00

“Every 30 seconds a baby dies from unsafe bottle feeding in the third world”

I found this article interesting that hospitals in third world countries are giving formula to mothers when they leave the hospital (instead of encouraging breastfeeding, which is free) but then when the families run out, they are left trying to scrape money together to buy more. Many families have to pay 50% of their income just on formula for their new babies!? So, families turn to other, less sanitary/safe ways to feed their babies out of necessity...

http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_videos/42_nestle_boycott.html

Breastfeeding cost vs. Formula costs

2010-06-01T20:37:00.002-05:00

In today's economy everyone is looking to save any way they can. Here is one way new mom's can save their family lots of money. The total costs to breastfeed your baby are less than 50% of the cost to provide the least expensive type of infant formula and supplies necessary to feed your baby. The average cost of breastfeeding supplies are $468 while the cost of the cheapest formula is $1,440 per year! Check out detailed information below...

Costs below are based on approximately 24 ounces of formula consumption per day.)
Pre-Mixed Ready-to-Feed Formula - Cost Per Day - $6.00, Cost Per Month - $180, Cost Per Year - $2,160
Concentrate in Cans (Mix with Water) - Cost Per Day - $4.60, Cost Per Month - $138, Cost Per Year - $1,600
Powdered in Cans (Mix with Water) - Cost Per Day - $3.75, Cost Per Month - $112, Cost Per Year - $1,350
Additional items:
Microwave Sterilizer $40, Set of Bottles $20, Bottle Drying Rack $30, Total Cost of Bottle-feeding Supplies - $90 (Plus Cost of Formula Above)

Cost of Breastfeeding Supplies
Breast Pump - $200, Breastfeeding Pillow - $40, Breast Milk Storage Kit - $30, Breast Cream - $8, Breast Pads (Pair of 2) - $20, Nursing Bra (2) - $50, Breastfeeding Tops (4) - $120, Total Amount of Breastfeeding Supplies - $468

Cost Savings on Health Care Expenses for Breastfed Baby
Research indicates that you can save additional money by breastfeeding not only in the cost of the actual formula but in the reduced health care costs for your breastfed baby. Parents who have chosen to breastfeed their babies will generally not need to take their infants to the hospital or pediatrician as often as those who feed their infants formula.
Studies have shown that nursing exclusively for 4 months of age resulted in 50% fewer ear infections than babies were fed infant formula. Thus, breastfeeding can save family's money from unnecessary office visits, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

Read more at Suite101: Cost Comparison of Breastfeeding and Formula: How Much Money Can You Save By Nursing Versus Formula Feeding? http://pregnancychildbirth.suite101.com/article.cfm/cost_comparison_of_breastfeeding_and_formula#ixzz0peh0n6Or

Mom’s in the workforse are growing

2010-05-28T10:13:00.002-05:00

I was shocked to find out that Women now comprise half the U.S. workforce, and are the primary breadwinner in nearly 4 out of 10 American families. The fastest growing segment of the workforce is women with children under age three! Hmm, that might contribute to our 20% drop in infants who were exclusively breastfed through 3 months of age (33.1% ) to 13.6% of infants who were exclusively breastfed through 6 months of age?
Interesting...
Have a great Holiday weekend everybody!!

That you CDC and wikipedia for enlightening us!
http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/

Maternity leave: How does the United Sates Compare?

2010-05-26T19:47:00.004-05:00

So were you wondering why Sweden and Norway held the top two spots for breastfeeding longevity? Well, it could be because of their amazing maternity/paternity leave. Norway offers 56 weeks (13 months) at 80% pay or 46 weeks (10.5 months) at 100% pay - mother must take at least 3 weeks immediately before birth and 6 weeks immediately after birth, father must take at least 10 weeks - the rest can be shared between mother and father. Amazing right??

What, you ask, does the United States offer? 0 weeks paid. Yes, you read that right, ZERO weeks paid. Of course in the 90's the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) was created, which mandates 12 weeks of UNPAID leave, but that is only if the requesting employee works for a covered employer (all public agencies; private companies with 50 or more employees within 75 miles.) In addition, the employee must have worked for covered employer for at least 12 months prior, and at least 1250 hours in previous 12 months. Other restrictions apply.

For comparison Canada offers 55% up to $447/week for 50 weeks (15 weeks maternity + 35 weeks parental leave that can be shared with the father)

If you are interested in reading more about this check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parental_leave which is where we found this shocking information.

Breastfeeding Rates Around the World

2010-05-24T20:44:00.002-05:00

The World Health Organization and UNICEF have recommended for a decade that mothers breastfeed for at least two years. But most US women who nurse stop before their baby is six months old - and many never start at all. How do other countries stack up? What is the reason? Is it that more US woman head back to work?? Will President Obama's Health Care Reform requirements for employers to allow "reasonable time" for employees to pump help?? Stay tuned and we will look at some of these topics this week!

Breastfeeding Rates Around the World
Country % of mothers who start % who continue 6 months or longer
Sweden 98 53
Norway 98 50
Poland 93 10
Canada 80 24
Netherlands 68 25
Britain 63 21
United States 75 20

Sources: Baby Milk Action, Cambridge, England; Center for Breastfeeding Information, Schaumburg, IL
Parenting magazine had some information on breastfeeding rates around the world in their April 1997 issue. Their article (p. 34) was entitled "Breastfeeding by the Numbers." The information above is from this article.

Page last modified: 05/19/2007 Written: 04/29/1998 taken from Kellymom.com

Must haves for moms who plan to breastfeed

2010-05-21T10:03:00.004-05:00

Nursing Mothers-What You Need:
As an expectant mom, there are a number of things you should consider gathering prior to babies arrival. The list below is specific for baby and breastfeeding. There are a number of items you should consider to prepare properly for the arrival of baby. Speak with your Child Birth Educator for a complete list of items.

At Home - for breastfeeding
-Breastfeeding books and videos - a number of good quality books and videos are available to answer many of your questions right away.
-The contact number of a Lactation consultant or La Leche League Leader who can help during really difficult times. Look for a La Leche League support meeting near you from this link. Support is imperative for many new breastfeeding moms. http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html
-At least three nursing bras (one to wear, one in the wash, one in your drawer) You may need more if you are anything like me and don't like to do laundry every day!
-A pillow to support baby while breastfeeding. There are companies who make specific nursing pillows, which many moms like.
-A rocking chair or glider to make late nights a little easier
-A nursing foot stool
-burping cloths - these come in handy for many cleanups. This helps prevent you from changing 5 times a day or from simply having spit up become a fixture to your wardrobe!
-Lanolin cream for ongoing nipple therapy. If your nipples become cracked seek medical advise about Lanolin cream as this could cause a reaction in some woman and prevent continued nursing.
-At least four sets of washable bra pads, or disposable pads to keep lactating breasts dry to prevent thrush or infections
-You might want to consider a breast shell for flat or inverted nipples. This may also be helpful if your nipples crack to speed the healing process. Medela is one company who sells breast shells.

At Home or work- for breastpumping
-A quality breast pump
-Breastmilk collection and storage bags or containers. This is a must have for moms who plan to go back to work or who plan to escape for a night away at some point.
-A portable cooler carrier for transporting your breastmilk. This is included with some pumps
-Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags and Wipes, which come in handy when you don't have time or discretion to wash between uses. This was an inexpensive lifesaver for me when I went back to work or was to gosh darn tired to wash the tiny pieces of my pump between uses.

Thank you Medela for these great ideas!

Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby

2010-05-20T09:28:00.002-05:00

I just read this eye opening article about the ability for a woman to start lactating even if she has not just recently given birth. I had never heard of this before! Check it out...

Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby

Yes, it’s true. Adopting mothers can breastfeed. Down through history, a traditional way of nurturing and nourishing orphans has been for another woman, often a relative, to put the baby to breast. Sometimes the adoptive mother already was lactating, but if not, the infant’s sucking would bring in a milk supply. The process of breastfeeding an adopted baby is called induced lactation.

By Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC

To read the full article click here: http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/tips-and-solutions/30/breastfeeding-an-adopted-baby

Back to work while breastfeeding

2010-05-18T16:01:00.003-05:00

I just watched a really great, short video from ABC News on what every breastfeeding mom should know about going back to work.

The video is an interview with a pediatric doctor and mom who talks about;
-products moms who breastfeed need when going back to work
-benefits of breastfeeding for baby
-benefits of breastfeeding for mom

put this link into your web-browser: abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7499500

Women who breastfeed for a year or more are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

2010-05-15T12:26:00.003-05:00

Most of us know that breast-feeding can be good for a baby, but research now shows that it can be good for moms as well! Breast-feeding may affect the immune system in a way that protects against diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
(Dean Health publication Notables fall 2009)

Breastfeeding saves lives...

2010-05-06T08:38:00.003-05:00

A recent article reports that researchers say the lives of nearly 900 babies could be saved every year if more women breast-fed. The journal Pediatrics, says if 90 percent of new moms breast-fed their babies for the first six months of life, infant deaths would decrease and $13 billion in medical costs could be saved annually. Breast-feeding may help prevent many costly and sometimes deadly illnesses, such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and even childhood leukemia. It's also been shown to combat ear infections, diabetes and asthma.

Check out the full article here: http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12256521

What's New...

2009-07-07T12:21:00.002-05:00

Well, there have been a lot of developments since my last post! I've been quite busy!!

First, our Allure style bra is now officially in its first store! Lady Moxie in Madison, WI is proudly carrying select sizes and we will be working to expand our store presence in the next few weeks.

Also, our second style (Solace) will be leaving the manufacturer any day and should be available in the next few weeks for purchase, which is VERY exciting!

We had our photo shoot last week for the models who will be added to the website www.nizowear.com and will be placed on the front of all of our packaging. Designing for that is coming to a close and I am excited to be sharing that soon with stores! My designer has done an amazing job and I cant wait to see the finished product.

Our product launch is the next big step we are working towards. This should happen by the end of the month and then our amazing products will be announced Nationally!
I will keep you all posted!

Sincerely,
Nicole
Nizo Wear, LLC

2009-03-26T07:30:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our new blog! We will post more information shortly, but for now, visit our website at www.nizowear.com for product information. Thanks for visiting!