Pregnancy Changes: Preparing to Breastfeed

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Medela

Many pregnant women wonder how they can prepare for breastfeeding before their baby arrives. The truth is, your body does most of the work for you. While pregnant, you’ll notice some major changes in your body, many of which are meant to help you prepare for breastfeeding.

Some moms wonder if they need to “toughen up” their nipples before baby arrives, and the answer is no. In fact, doing so can actually damage your nipples and make it more difficult to breastfeed. So, don’t worry! Your body naturally handles the preparation you need for frequent breastfeeding. The best thing you can do to prevent sore nipples, is to ensure your baby has a good latch. In fact, many hospitals have breastfeeding classes you can take while pregnant to learn about breastfeeding and techniques that assist with latch. A Lactation Consultant can also help when the time comes.

Once pregnant, your breasts will undergo some serious changes. Your milk ducts and other milk producing cells will begin to grow. Likewise, more blood will flow to your breasts to aid in growth. As you move further into your pregnancy, hormonal changes will cause your breasts grow even more. At this point, it’s very common for your breasts to feel sore or tender. Consider wearing a highly supportive maternity bra to minimize any discomfort you may experience.

As your due date approaches, your breasts may begin to leak a fluid known as colostrum. This milk, also called the first milk, is packed with nutrients to help your little one fight infection after birth. Washable or disposable bra pads can help protect your clothes and keep you as comfortable as possible during this time.

Your body’s changes can sometimes be uncomfortable, but they should never be painful. If you notice any unusual lumps or nipple changes that cause discomfort, talk to your healthcare provider. They’ll be able address these problems and help relieve any discomfort.

Moms, did you notice these changes while you were pregnant? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

TIME Magazine: Are you Mom Enough, to Breastfeed

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Medela

Time Magazine made a bold breastfeeding statement this week. Check out the article if you haven’t read it yet; it discusses the viewpoints of attached parenting. We shared the photo on our Facebook page yesterday and wanted to share a few comments that came in from our moms:

ROBIN

“Who cares how old he is? If it works for them then who is anyone to judge? I wish women, especially mothers, would support each other.”

KATRINA

“I think the article and photos do exactly what it set out to do…bring extended breastfeeding out in the open and start discussion/debate. Personally, I do not like the title; however, I am a firm believer that most parents have their child’s best interests in mind and do the best they can with their life circumstances and the information they have (whether it’s evidence-based or outdated).

Currently, the WHO and AAP recommend exclusive, on-demand breastfeeding until the age of 6 months (breastmilk directly or pumped from mother, breastmilk from a healthy wet-nurse or milk bank if not available from mother, and formula as a prescription medication if breastmilk is not available from any source), breastfeeding with solids until the age of 1-2 years, and continued breastfeeding as long as mother and baby chose to do so.

Research shows the natural age of weaning to be 2.5-7 years of age (meaning some wean before and after those ages). However, according to Healthy People 2010, most mothers in the United States do not even breastfeed the recommended 6 months. Many researchers theorize this is one of the reasons why the United States has more health issues than other countries who breastfeed for longer periods.

It is a reflection of how society views breastfeeding in our country. I am glad to see extended breastfeeding in the media, because it is another aspect of parenting that some parents do and some don’t – either way, it is NORMAL. Although I haven’t breastfed in public for a while, Aurora (age 5) still nurses about once every other month with her brother, Landon (age 3), who still nurses about once every other day. Serenity breastfed for 2.5 years before she self-weaned. I prefer child-led weaning (I don’t offer, I don’t refuse, but I will delay…by then, they usually forgot until bedtime). Sometimes I wish they were weaned; other times I cherish our special time together (but I know they get more out of it than I do: comfort, nutrition, medicine)…once they’re done…they’re done…and they’re only little once. Extended breastfeeding may not be for everyone, but it’s what works for us. Who are any of us to judge?”

WENDY

“I support breastfeeding, people are always criticizing moms for breastfeeding in public and this photograph is definitely in your face. We need to start talking about the importance of breastfeeding and stop judging moms for when, where, and how long they breastfeed. It puts pressure on some moms and it makes them feel guilty. It is the best food for your child, pure, organic and safe. You are not more or less of a mom for breastfeeding longer or shorter than the recommended 6 months.”

AMY

“Bottles and breastfeeding should not be compared. There is so much more to breastfeeding than just the milk.”

KAREN

“I’m not 100% attachment parenting, but I nursed all 4 of my kids (13 months with the first, 20, 24, and 30 months for the others). So I guess that qualifies as “extended breastfeeding”. The cover is intended to be shocking, and does the issue of extended breast feeding a disservice by portraying it in a very unnatural way, bringing up emotional reactions that make it difficult for people to be reasonable. But reactions sell magazines, I guess.

I would like to respond to the people who say that “once they can walk or ask for it, they shouldn’t be nursing”. So, once they can say “baba” for bottle, do you wean them to a cup? My kids all walked between 9-11 months old. So I should automatically wean them but it is ok for the mom whose baby doesn’t walk till 18 months to keep nursing? Ridiculous. Motor and speech skills are in no way indicative that nursing is no longer beneficial or normal. All it means is it makes YOU more uncomfortable to watch because you are hung up on breasts being sexual and not wanting to look all “third world”. They are still babies. It’s your hang-ups that make it seem “wrong” to nurse a baby that can walk.”

What are your thoughts about the article? Share in a comment below.

REPORT: New Breastfeeding Research

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Medela

By: Amy O’Malley RN, MSN

Recently, I attended Medela’s 7^th International Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium to learn about new breastfeeding research. The presenters explained new findings about the components and benefits of breastmilk, as well as, introduced new information about the way a breastfeeding mother’s body works. These findings were not only educational for the healthcare professionals in attendance, but this information when shared with mothers will motivate them to continue to breastfeed longer.

Specifically, the presenters focused on three notable areas of research:

The effect of a mother’s medications on breastmilk
The unique properties of breastmilk that make it impossible to replicate in formula
The presence of stem cells in human milk

Medications and Breastmilk

Thomas Hale, R.Ph., Ph.D., a Professor of Pediatrics and Assistant Dean of Research at Texas Tech University School of Medicine spoke about medications and breastmilk, a topic that has always been a concern for breastfeeding mothers. He estimated that only about 33% of available drugs have specific information about how they interact with breastmilk. So, Hale and his team began researching the transfer mechanism of drugs into breastmilk. This initial research showed that not all medications need to be stopped while breastfeeding, and in some cases, effective alternatives can be taken. This is great news for moms who need to take medications while breastfeeding, specifically those who take anti-depressants.

Unique Properties of Breastmilk

Lars Bode, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics from the University of California explained that complex sugars found in breastmilk, called oligosaccharides, can not be replicated in formula. This supports the finding that formula-fed, mainly pre-term babies are six times more likely to have inflammatory bowel disease than breastfed babies.

So moms, keep up the great work. You truly are providing the best nutrition possible.

Stem Cells in Breastmilk

University of Western Australia doctoral candidate Foteini Hassiotou talked about how the stem cells found in breastmilk are capable of becoming other body cell types such as bone, fat, liver and brain cells. This is a potential solution to a long-standing political issue, meaning there could be an ethical way to obtain pluripotent stem cells in a non-invasive way. It’s particularly exciting for nursing moms because these cells could contribute to more health benefits for baby.

Read on for more details on this new breastfeeding research.

What do you think of these findings? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Is a Breastpump Covered by Health Insurance?

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Medela

Breastfeeding moms are always happy to hear that many health insurance companies cover the costs of a breastpump and other breastfeeding-related supplies and services. In order to receive these benefits, it’s important that moms understand their benefits and communicate effectively with their insurance company.

When it’s time to reach out to your insurance company, keep the following tips in mind.

Do your research. Your insurance company or your employer’s benefits department can give you a policy handbook with specific details about your coverage. You can also find information on the company’s website. Most insurance companies also have a trained customer service department available to answer any initial questions you may have.

Have specific questions in mind. As you do your research, put together a list of questions you plan on asking. This will help prepare you for your conversation and ensure you don’t forget to address certain questions. You can start with some of the breastpump coverage questions we have prepared on our website.

Be confident. You have every right to thoroughly understand your benefits, so don’t be shy. Ask as many questions as you need. There are trained employees whose job is to make sure you understand your coverage. If you are unhappy with your experience, ask to speak with a supervisor. You don’t need to take “no” for an answer; besides, it’s your and your baby’s healthcare you’re talking about.

Document all communication. Whether it’s over the phone or via email, note the details of your conversation, date and the representative you spoke with. Also, keep copies of any written communication. That will help protect you if there are ever any discrepancies between conversations.

Get assistance. In many cases, your employer’s HR department determines the extent of your insurance coverage; so don’t hesitate to ask them for help in the process. Their support may help with final approval of the coverage. Also, it may be beneficial to have your Lactation Consultant or healthcare provider reach out to the insurance company, as well. They will be able to speak to your medical needs and help to justify the coverage.

Pay attention to details. We understand this process can seem overwhelming, but providing detailed and accurate information will help expedite the process. Errors and missing information in forms and communication will only delay potential approval.

Did your insurance company cover a breastpump or other lactation products or services? Share any tips you have in the comments below.

Getting To Know Different Breastfeeding Positions

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Medela

Every mom and baby has different needs and preferences, so it’s no surprise there are so many positions for breastfeeding. If you’re planning to breastfeed or looking for tips to make breastfeeding easier, read on for our recommended breastfeeding positions.

Cradle Hold

This position requires you to be sitting upright in a chair with a sturdy armrest or pillow to support your elbow. Hold your baby so that his/her head is cradled within your elbow. He/she should be positioned on her side, so his/her whole body is lying across your abdomen. Then, use your forearm to support his/her back and neck.

This is a very natural position, and is a great option for full-term babies who have developed some strength to support their own head. If you had a cesarean section, you may find this position uncomfortable until you are fully healed. Until then, you may consider one of the other positions below.

Cross-Over Hold

This position is very similar to the cradle hold, but you use your hand to support your baby’s head, instead of your elbow. Place your thumb and fingers behind your baby’s head to help guide her head to your breast, while holding her close to your body with your other arm.

This position is ideal for smaller babies who may have latching problems. It allows you to control the positioning of your baby’s head to encourage a proper latch.

Clutch or Football Hold

You guessed it! With this position you hold your baby like a football or purse under your arm. Your baby should be facing you with her nose at nipple level and her feet wrapped around your body. Resting your arm on a pillow will help you support your little one’s back and neck with your forearm. With this position, use a C-hold and guide your baby’s mouth to your breast. Be sure to do this gently to avoid your baby tensing up and becoming fussy.

This position is most comfortable for moms who had a cesarean section, and would like to avoid their baby resting on their abdomen. This can also be beneficial to moms of twins, because it allows both babies to be fed simultaneously.

Side-lying or Reclining Position

This position allows you to breastfeed while lying down. To begin, lie on your side with pillows supporting your back and hips. Have your baby lying next to you, facing you at nipple level. Use either hand, based on your comfort level, to support your baby’s head and guide her mouth to your breast. Feel free to use additional pillows to position you or your baby, so it’s easy and comfortable to feed.

This position is great for moms who are recovering from a cesarean section or illness, as it allows you to breastfeed from bed. Many moms also choose the side-lying position for late-night feedings.

What breastfeeding position made you and your baby most comfortable? Share in the comments below.