It takes a village to nurse a child

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

A bra for every body type

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:

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?

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...

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

“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

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