Recent Articles
Switching from Breastfeeding to Formula Feeding
When doing their research and considering how they would like to feed their newborn, most parents set out with the goal of providing breast milk to their baby. In fact, 83% of babies are breastfed at some point- but that number drops to just 25% being exclusively breastfed at six months of age. Many mothers then have to switch their babies to formula. Read on to learn how to make the transition.
Do Mothers Lose Weight Faster With Breastfeeding?
Of all the benefits breastfeeding brings to babies and their mothers, the potential to lose the extra weight pregnancy brings may be on the top of the list for many! But does breastfeeding help you lose weight faster in the postpartum period? Various studies show that mothers who exclusively breastfeed their infants return to pre-pregnancy weight more quickly than those who don't.
The Relationship between Breastfeeding and Speech Development
The World Health Organization stresses its importance not just for the early months but recommends breastfeeding up until 12 months because the benefits of breastmilk continue long past infancy, and several studies have shown that breastfeeding enhances speech development and clarity.
Is It Safe to Breastfeed and Eat Sushi?
One of the first things I was advised to give up immediately was sushi. An avid sushi fan (I would literally eat sushi 4 times a week), it was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. What made it even worse is that my mother insisted I had to give up sushi not just while I was pregnant but well after my daughter was born as she was adamant that sushi contaminates the breastmilk! Read on to learn if it’s safe to eat sushi while breastfeeding.
A Collection of Short Breastfeeding Stories
I got my women tribe and book club ladies to share and compare our breastfeeding stories. Our children are of various ages, from babies to teenagers, and some of us are stay-at-home moms, and some are working moms ranging from teachers to physios. It was an interesting collection of stories highlighting how normal breastfeeding is, with the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Anatomy and Function of the Breast
During pregnancy and after birth, the baby's and mother’s bodies work together seamlessly in a beautiful symphony where both mother and child benefit. Understanding how your breast changes during pregnancy and lactation helps to fully appreciate how breastfeeding works.
My Breastfeeding Journey: My Babies NEVER Slept!
While many would say I had an almost idyllic breastfeeding journey, those early years were some of the toughest of my life. My eldest son, Tor, was born in 2012, and when I was pregnant, I read everything I could get my hands on about the birthing process. I had an easy pregnancy and wonderfully event-free water birth.
Pumping While Driving
As a new mom with an infant to care for, you probably have realized how talented you are at multitasking. And this is before you even came close to the end of your maternity leave. Juggling all the extras like nappy changes, nursing, bathing, burping, rocking, soothing, and everything in between on top of your already full cup of daily tasks is no easy feat. When you throw in your work obligations, if you are a working mom, your time is minimal, and you have to optimize it to the best of your ability. This is why being able to express while driving becomes such a valuable skill.
Breastfeeding and Mental Health
If you've experienced anxiety or depression in the past, you may have learned coping skills and be better prepared for dealing with postpartum depression. Unfortunately, sometimes mothers who have never experienced anxiety or depression find themselves in the depths of postpartum depression when their babies arrive. It has been found that up to 80% of women experience "baby blues" postpartum.
Why We Need Our Tribe
From the dawn of time, women needed each other to share the heavy burdens that fell upon them. They helped each other through the pains of childbirth. They joined forces in feeding and nurturing their families. They were "the village" we speak of when we say it takes a village to raise a child because they all looked after each other's children in their village. They shared their fears, dreams, hopes, sadness, and pain, but most of all, they shared their strength.
To Be or Not to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom
Sometimes, the stay-at-home option works better for moms and their families as it reduces the stressors influencing their daily life. Multitasking can take its toll on the mother's mental health. By letting go of job-related stress, moms can shift their focus to their families. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of being a working vs. non-working mom.
My Breastfeeding Journey - Why I Became an IBCLC
Following a STAT Primary Cesarean Section, something that upset me greatly, I was DETERMINED that my breastfeeding journey would be a success. We made it 15 months with what I now believe was a posterior tongue tie, suck blister, excessive spit-up (due to a milk allergy we only discovered after weaning), mastitis SIX times, oversupply issues, and pumping while away from my baby during my 12-hour shifts.
Mom Rage is a Real Thing
Mom rage can't be a real thing, can it? Moms are all about love and cuddles, smiles and kisses, hugs, and happy things, right? A mother will move mountains for her children, shielding them with love and care. There is no feeling stronger than a mother's love. But moms are also human. And being a mother is considered one of the most demanding and challenging jobs there is. It’s no surprise that they may experience rage at times. Read on to learn about mom rage and how to deal with it.
My Breastfeeding Journey in NICU During COVID
I promised myself that it would be different this time - that I would be calm and allow my baby to feed wherever and whenever he needed. I would avoid all that time and stress expressing and sterilizing bottles. However, our plans rarely go according to plan. Never did I imagine that the journey would be this difficult.
Plus-sized Breastfeeding
It's no secret that everyone's anatomy is different. Each breast, areola, and nipple have unique characteristics. Women labeled "plus-sized," or those with larger breasts, often have concerns about their ability to breastfeed their babies. Read on to learn more about breastfeeding your baby as a plus-size.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Breastfeeding
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a well-known condition caused by increased pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, but not the little finger. The nerve is affected by the intense pressure from a build-up of swelling, which causes a loss in sensation in the fingers.
But I’m Not Ready To Wean
Some women struggle to breastfeed for six months, while others hold tight beyond a year, and some moms are happy to make it long enough to return to work. Whether you set a goal for you and your baby or just went with the flow, we can all agree how disheartening it is when your baby starts weaning before you planned.
BenefitBump Bumpinar Q & A
If you watched our Breastfeeding 101 Bumpinar with BenefitBump, thank you! We hope you learned something valuable to help you reach your breastfeeding goals. We know that it was quite a bit of information packed into a short session, so we had a quick Q&A at the end.
Why Can’t You Just Breastfeed?
We all truly want what is best for our children. If you ask me, the biggest divider in our motherhood community is the breast vs. formula groups. With the recent shortage of formula across the US, the same question continues on social media forums, in conversations at the park, and even in the grocery store aisles, "Why can't you just breastfeed?"
Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding?
Botox injections contain far lower doses of the toxin than those that result in Botulism, so it is unlikely this will pose a threat to your baby’s health and it is unlikely that toxins will pass from your breastmilk to your baby following Botox injections.