Get out your calendars and let’s plan for baby’s early weeks!
BTW Good news, they start responsively smiling during this time and I’m pretty sure it was built into the design of babies to smile right before they get WAY harder!
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So important to normalize this as it can be shocker for the first time parent and grandparent, as well as confusing watching the colors change during the time frame of breast and chest feeding.
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Are you a partner who wants to know how to support a breastfeeding parent? The 3 bowl rule is for you!
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After teaching breastfeeding online this week, I noticed I was highlighting this concept frequently. Using the support around you (even though limited with Covid) is still essential to success. Partners, your extended family, your neighbors or community members, and professionals are all available to some degree to support you as you begin your journey with breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Don't try to tough it out.
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We are hearing from parents who don't have any other support in place during this strange spring and summer. They are doing it all, and asking us how to be better partners, how to support each other, and how to support their new baby.
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Right now too many families are not able to have the support they planned for. Many extended families aren't able to travel to help parent with their newborns and their physical recovery after birth. If are welcoming a baby this summer, consider having a doula supporting you while your family quarantines--so they can see the baby!--or prepares to see you when things are safer for travel and exposures.
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One of the biggest questions I get when I show breastfeeding videos in class is..."Do my nipples need to look like that for this to be successful?" (Then said quietly, "Because I don't have perfect nipples.")
Read MoreI used all these items during my postpartum recovery, and many, MANY of my friends did as well. We wanted each item to be useful whether a mom gives birth vaginally or has a c-section. And the totes are definitely "nursing-friendly" because in our experience most moms nurse, even if only for a bit. So we wanted to strike the balance of useful, and "you probably don't have this in your medicine cabinet." as well as some fun items just for mama to enjoy.
Read MorePeople are finally beginning to hear about postpartum doulas and all they provide (and not just how great birth doulas are…although they are!). Did you know these secret doula benefits?
Read MoreClearly the worst part about pumping is washing the parts and keeping everything clean and safe. Here are the top tips from Portland moms who have become pros at pumping and storing their milk:
Read MoreSo many moms ask us how to get ALL the milk out when they pump or nurse, especially when they are newly engorged or worried that a clogged duct is starting to form, or if they are on the edge of mastitis. Breasts are always making milk, especially in the very beginning of breastfeeding, so it might not be possible for you to 'empty' the breast. However you should be able to get relief and shouldn't be feeling uncomfortable after a feeding or pumping session.
Read MoreIt is the plea of hardworking mothers who slug their pumps with them to work, drop off their babies, and take their breasts along too.
"How do I pump enough to keep up with my baby when all I have is this machine??"
Read MoreOne of the biggest concerns for moms going back to work is that they won’t have enough milk for their baby while they are away. This needs to be tackled in two parts. Part 1 is about making sure to use the pumped milk wisely and not putting extra pressure on mom to pump more. Part 2 on how to maximize pumping at work is coming soon!First let’s talk about the person caring for the baby. Above all, don’t let them waste your milk!
Read MoreAs a brand new mother, I asked myself this far too often. I made some different choices than some of my family and friends, and didn’t want to rock the boat--ok, some of my friends are snickering at that last comment, but really, as a new mom, I REALLY didn’t want to disappoint anyone!
Read MoreThe long awaited top 10 is here! Jordann graduated recently with a twist: a top 10 list of all the things she acquired on her journey through the first 6 months (coming to moms group almost every week). She is our guest blogger, and shares some good stuff! I am going to take them 3 at a time (not to make you wait, but otherwise it might be a bit too long to read in one sitting with a squirmy baby).
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