Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms: Preconception, Pumping & Parenting Support

Congratulations on embarking on the wonderful journey of motherhood! Breastfeeding is an invaluable experience that offers numerous benefits for both you and your baby. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the advantages of breastfeeding and introduce you to MomMed, a brand known for their exceptional breastfeeding products. Let's dive into the world of breastfeeding and discover how MomMed can support you along the way. The Incredible Benefits of Breastfeeding Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that boost your baby's immune system, protecting them from illnesses. It fosters a strong bond between you and your baby while promoting your postpartum recovery and reducing the risk of certain diseases for you. Breastfeeding is nature's way of providing optimal nutrition and ensuring the healthy development of your little one. Introducing MomMed: Your Breastfeeding Companion: MomMed understands the needs of breastfeeding moms and offers a range of high-quality products to enhance your breastfeeding experience. Their MomMed S21 wearable electric breast pump is designed to be efficient and user-friendly, providing you with convenience whether you are at home or on the go. With MomMed as your ally, you can navigate your breastfeeding journey with confidence. Maximizing the Benefits with Mommed Products Utilizing MomMed products, such as the S21 wearable double breast pump and its accompanying accessories, can further enhance your breastfeeding journey. The MomMed S21 electric breast pump, known for its efficiency, ensures a comfortable pumping experience. With accessories like breast milk storage bags and nursing pads, MomMedsupports you in storing and managing your breast milk effectively. Exploring Different Breastfeeding Positions Breastfeeding can be done in various positions, and one technique to consider is breastfeeding while lying down. This position is particularly beneficial during nighttime feedings, allowing for relaxation and better sleep for both you and your baby. Utilize a breastfeeding pillow for added support and leverage the convenience of the MomMedS21 electric breast pump to make breastfeeding in different positions more comfortable. Seeking Support on Your Breastfeeding Journey Remember that you are not alone on your breastfeeding journey. Seek support from lactation consultants, join local breastfeeding support groups, and connect with experienced moms who can offer guidance and understanding. MomMed provides resources and online forums where you can find answers to your questions and connect with a community of breastfeeding moms. Conclusion As a new mom, choosing to breastfeed is a beautiful gift for both you and your baby. The benefits of breastfeeding, from providing essential nutrition to nurturing a strong bond, are truly remarkable. With the support of MomMed and their exceptional products, like the S21 electric breast pump, you can navigate your breastfeeding journey with ease and confidence. Experiment with different breastfeeding positions, including lying down, to find what works best for you and your baby. Remember to seek support and guidance when needed, as there are numerous resources available. Embrace this precious time with your little one, knowing that you are providing them with the best nourishment and the love that only breastfeeding can offer.

Understanding and Addressing Sore Nipples： Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby, but it can come with some challenges, including sore nipples. In this article, we will explore the common issue of sore nipples during breastfeeding and provide practical tips to soothe, moisturize, and heal nipple discomfort, allowing for a more comfortable breastfeeding journey. Additionally, we will highlight the benefits of using the Mommed Breast Pump as a useful tool for breastfeeding moms. Soothe & Protect Sore nipples are a common occurrence in the early days of breastfeeding, often caused by improper latch or friction. To soothe and protect your nipples, consider the following strategies: a. Proper Latch: Ensure your baby has a deep latch, taking in a significant portion of the areola along with the nipple. A proper latch distributes pressure more evenly and reduces nipple soreness.b. Breastfeeding Positions: Experiment with different positions, such as the cradle hold or football hold, to find the most comfortable one for you and your baby. Different positions can alleviate pressure on specific areas of the nipple, reducing discomfort.c. Nipple Shields: Nipple shields can provide a protective barrier between your nipples and your baby's mouth, especially if you have sensitive or cracked nipples. Consult with a lactation consultant to determine if using nipple shields is suitable for your situation. Moisturize & Maintain Moisturizing your nipples can prevent dryness and cracking, promoting healing and maintaining their overall health. Consider the following tips: a. Lanolin or Nipple Cream: Apply lanolin or nipple cream after each breastfeeding session. These products provide a protective barrier and moisturize the skin, soothing soreness and preventing further irritation.b. Breast Milk: Applying a few drops of breast milk to your nipples and allowing them to air dry can have healing properties. Breast milk contains antibodies and nutrients that aid in soothing and promoting the healing process.c. Mommed Breast Pump: The Mommed Breast Pump can be a valuable tool for breastfeeding moms. It allows you to express milk and relieve engorgement, which can contribute to sore nipples. By pumping, you can control the intensity of suction and reduce direct contact with your baby's mouth, giving your nipples a break while still providing breast milk for your baby's needs. Heal & Relieve Pain If soreness persists or if you experience cracked or bleeding nipples, taking steps to heal and relieve pain is crucial. Consider the following approaches: a. Warm Compress: Apply a warm compress to your breasts before breastfeeding to help increase blood flow and reduce pain. This can also help soften the breast tissue, making latching more comfortable.b. Air-Drying: After each feeding, allow your nipples to air-dry instead of covering them immediately. This promotes healing and prevents moisture buildup, which can contribute to soreness.c. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If nipple soreness persists or if you experience severe pain, consult a lactation consultant or healthcare professional. They can assess your situation, identify any underlying issues, and provide personalized guidance and treatment options. Conclusion While sore nipples are a common challenge during breastfeeding, they can be managed with proper care and attention. By following the tips mentioned above to soothe, moisturize, and heal nipple discomfort, you can enhance your breastfeeding experience and provide the best nourishment for your baby. Additionally, incorporating the Mommed Breast Pump into your breastfeeding routine can offer convenience and relief for moms. Remember, seeking support from lactation consultants or healthcare professionals is always beneficial if you encounter persistent or severe nipple pain.

It's human nature to want to breed. Children are the future, and without them, what is the point of living? Therefore, it seems apt that we want the best for them. We want to give them a loving home and protection, feed them the best, and ensure they grow up to be healthy and outstanding individuals. As a young parent, how do you begin to take care of a baby? Well, a newborn needs a few basic things: love, food, and rest. Whether you start your kid off with breastmilk or formula, a healthy weight is crucial.   What Denotes a Healthy Weight for Babies? Doctors will keep track of your baby's weight, length, and head circumference from birth. A healthy child generally shows steady growth following these three parameters. With that said, babies can be big or small, depending on their genetics, birth order, mother's health and nutrition during pregnancy, and if they are of multiple births. In the first week, babies tend to lose between 7-10% of their weight. Most of this is extra fluid, and it's nothing to worry too much about. In general, healthy newborns grow at about 30 grams a day. In the first few months, they will go through growth spurts, periods where they feed more and rapidly gain weight.   How Can You Tell if Your Baby Is Underweight? Babies born at term are considered underweight if they measure in the fifth percentile or less according to weight-for-age graphs. Preemies and newborns with certain health conditions will follow different curves, and it's vital to seek additional advice from your pediatrician for these special cases. If your baby seems to be growing at a slower rate than what you're expecting, you'll want to monitor the following: Number of feeds a day Breastfed newborns nurse around eight times a day, whereas formula-fed ones eat less frequently. If your baby seems underweight, you'll need a routine set up, with perhaps an alarm to even rouse the sleeping baby for feeding sessions. Amount of milk baby consumes It's easier to monitor how much milk your newborn consumes if you pump or use formula. Breastfeeding mothers who nurse directly will find this challenging, but babies who are full will seem satisfied. If they're still fidgety after a feed, they might not be getting enough. Number of daily wet diapers In the first few days, a baby will only wet about one or two diapers a day. This number will go up to between six and eight after the third day. Number of daily bowel movements Depending on what you feed your baby, poop color and consistency will differ. Newborns usually soil their diapers around five times a day when they're a week old.   Introducing a Revolutionary Product: The MomMed Baby Scale If monitoring your newborn's feeds and dirty diapers doesn't ease your worry, the MomMed baby scale surely will. With this revolutionary product at home, you won't have to wait for visits to the pediatrician to find out if your child is putting on weight accordingly. Benefits of Owning a MomMed Baby Scale MomMed's baby scale comes with a range of benefits that make it a must-have for new parents anywhere. Suitable for use from birth to adulthood The scale's measuring range goes from 50 grams to 100 kilograms. This means that it's suitable for newborns, toddlers, adults, and even pets. Featuring tare and hold functions MomMed's scale comes complete with tare and hold functions that assist with active babies and weight measurements that include diapers and blankets. Includes a handy tray for newborns You'll fall in love with the intelligent design of the scale, as it features a removable tray to hold your baby safe. When you're weighing a toddler or yourself, simply detach it. Provides accurate and precise readings This accurate baby scale will give you readings at a 10-gram precision, and this is its primary selling point. This feature will ease your mind between doctor visits and inform you of any weight issues. Great for weighted feeds Mothers who nurse their babies directly will find this scale irreplaceable as it's excellent for weighted feeds. Moms can easily determine how much their babies consume by weighing them before and after nursing. This way, there is no need for mothers to turn to pumping just to monitor how much milk was drunk.   What Else Does a Baby Need? Babies are tiny, but they sure need a lot of equipment. Aside from making sure they are feeding well, you'll also want to give them the best sleeping environment. This means a comfortable and safe crib and mattress, sheets, and receiving blankets. Babies need all the rest they can get because growing is very energy-consuming! As your baby gets older, you'll need to think about baby-proofing the home. This way, curiosity won't put them in danger. Naturally, the most crucial thing to give your baby is love. Understand that the tiredness is temporary, and the chuckles make everything worthwhile.

Find a schedule that works for you! Breastfeeding and pumping are two essential aspects of providing nourishment to your little one. However, many new moms may find it challenging to find a schedule that works for them. In this article, we will cover some of the top reasons why moms choose to breastfeed and pump, tricks of the trade, and provide a sample schedule to help you get started.   The Top Reasons Moms Choose to Breastfeed and Pump Breastfeeding is known to provide numerous health benefits to both the baby and the mother. It can help with bonding, boost the baby's immune system, and reduce the risk of certain health conditions such as ear infections and respiratory illnesses. Additionally, breastfeeding can help the mother's body recover from childbirth and reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Pumping, on the other hand, allows moms to provide breast milk even when they are away from their baby. It can help them build up a supply of milk, relieve engorgement, and allow others to feed the baby. Breast pumps such as the Mommed Breast Pump are a popular choice for moms who want to pump efficiently and comfortably.   Breastfeeding Tricks of the Trade Breastfeeding may not always come naturally, and it can take time to establish a routine. Some tips that may help include finding a comfortable position, allowing the baby to nurse on demand, and ensuring proper latching. If you experience discomfort or difficulty breastfeeding, it may be helpful to consult with a lactation consultant for additional support. Breast Pumps & Accessories Breast pumps and accessories such as breast milk storage bags and bottles can help make pumping more efficient and convenient. When selecting a breast pump, consider factors such as suction strength, portability, and noise level. The Mommed brand offers a variety of breast pumps and accessories to suit different needs and preferences.   How to Time Your Feeding & Pumping to Maximize Your Output Establishing a regular feeding and pumping schedule can help ensure that you produce enough milk for your baby. Aim to breastfeed or pump every 2-3 hours, or whenever your baby shows signs of hunger. It may also be helpful to pump after breastfeeding to build up your milk supply. Some moms may find it beneficial to pump at night, as milk production tends to be highest during this time.   Pumping Regularly Consistency is key when it comes to pumping. Aim to pump at the same time each day to establish a routine. If you are pumping at work, try to schedule your breaks accordingly. You may also want to invest in a hands-free pumping bra to make pumping more comfortable and convenient.   Here's a sample breastfeeding and pumping schedule to help you get started: 6:00 am - Breastfeed 8:00 am - Pump 10:00 am - Breastfeed 12:00 pm - Pump 2:00 pm - Breastfeed 4:00 pm - Pump 6:00 pm - Breastfeed 8:00 pm - Pump 10:00 pm - Breastfeed 12:00 am - Pump When you have a newborn, you’ll need to pump about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours including in the middle of the night. You should aim for about 15 to 20 minutes for each pumping session. Conclusion Breastfeeding and pumping schedules can vary for each mother, and it is crucial to find a routine that suits your lifestyle and meets your baby's needs. By following the tips and guidelines provided in this blog post, you can establish a successful breastfeeding and pumping journey. Remember, seek support from lactation consultants or other breastfeeding resources if you encounter any difficulties along the way. With dedication and perseverance, you can provide your baby with the many benefits of breastfeeding while maintaining a pumping routine that works for you.

At MomMed, we care about our breast pumping mothers. Sometimes we can't always get to the root of your breast pumping concerns. In our continuing effort to help you, we enlisted the expert help of Crystal Nelson, the founder of Save The Milk, a Breast Pumping Consultant, and inventor of several breast pumping products compatible with our MomMed wearable pumps.    What are the most common issues pumping moms have? Pain  Many mothers may think the pump they selected is not best suited for them because they have pain when using it. Lowering the suction will likely result in not emptying properly.  Not able to empty  Other pumping mothers may think their pump is not best suited for them because they cannot empty their breasts. They may spend the money to purchase another pump and face the same issues.      Blisters and cuts  Mothers that still need to pump and have not found a solution for the causes listed may further irritate their nipples, causing friction blisters and minor cuts.    If these situations sound like the ones you are in now, there is a solution: Flange sizing.   Since 2002, Crystal has dealt with these experiences herself and knows she is not alone. She discovered that flange sizing was the solution to most breast pumping issues. In 2021, she created the Nipple Queen Ruler, an accurate way for moms to size themselves for their correct flange or insert products.    One size does not fit all We understand the standard sizes of flanges and inserts provided may not work for every nipple. Flange sizing is one of the most important boxes to check if and when your nipples hurt or if you cannot empty your breasts. MomMed provides a 24mm flange size and optional insert sizes of 21mm, 19mm, and 17mm. Crystal offers compatible Pumping Pretty Inserts sizes 15mm and 13mm for those needing smaller.     What if you sized down, purchased different products, and still had issues?  As much as we wish breast pumping were as easy as 1-2-3, some moms may need extra help. Mothers could be dealing with other issues like elastic, flat, or inverted nipples, insufficient glandular tissue, and mastitis, to name a few. Speaking to a breast pumping consultant like Crystal from Save The Milk, who offers virtual appointments, and a breast pumping course, would be best.     Can I see a Breast Pump Consultant before I start pumping?  Yes. If you intend to breast pump at the hospital, Crystal recommends setting up a virtual appointment two weeks before your due date or sooner if you are at risk for preterm labor. If you don't feel comfortable seeing someone virtually, Save The Milk offers a convenient, at your own pace, breast pumping course that comes with the Nipple Queen Ruler.    Conclusion  If you don't have any breast pumping knowledge, are a new mom, or have started pumping and are having issues with comfort and being able to empty your breasts, we recommend you see a Breast Pumping Consultant. They will walk you through every possible breast pumping issue you may have. Mastering breast pumping takes time; it shouldn't take away the time spent with your baby; reach out to Crystal at Save The Milk for the solutions to your pumping problems.

Taking care of a sick baby can be difficult for parents. It gets harder to monitor a child's condition, feed them, and give them medicine the younger they are. It is challenging for babies to convey their emotions. They frequently cry or have trouble expressing their emotions. As a parent, one thing you can do is watch out for symptoms of illness in your baby. These include agitation, irritability, sensitivity, exhaustion, and fever, among the most typical indications that your baby is ill. What Should You Do if Your Baby is Feverish? Although it is not an illness, fever is a sign of one. The body produces more antibodies when there is an infection. Fever is brought on by the entire body becoming inflamed in the infected location. Your top priority when you have a sick baby is to reduce the fever. Additionally, you must provide your baby with the best comfort level as their body fights the infection. You can use a variety of techniques to lower your child's body temperature, including giving them medicine as prescribed by a doctor, giving them a lukewarm sponge bath, making sure they drink plenty of fluids and applying a fever patch, etc. Cooling patches are one of the best ways to reduce your child's body temperature out of all of these remedies. In addition to these advantages, cooling patches are an excellent way to lower fever, especially in kids. Signs that your baby has a fever In addition to acting differently, your baby can also be fussier than usual. Other signs of a baby's fever include: Sleeping poorly Eating poorly Not playing Playing with less enthusiasm Convulsions or seizures   How to Take the Temperature? Taking your baby's temperature is the best approach to be sure. A child's temperature can be taken in several locations, including the rectum, under the arm, mouth, ear, and at temples. Only using digital thermometers on children is advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Because there is a chance of exposure to mercury and subsequent poisoning if a mercury thermometer breaks, it is not advisable to use them. The most correct temperature readings are from rectal thermometers. You have to ensure that you are using a clean thermometer. If you want to clean it, use soap, water, and rubbing alcohol. To take the temperature, put your back on their belly or back, with their legs bent inward towards the chest and then check the temperature. The baby typically maintains a temperature of 36.4 °C. Your baby develops a fever if the temperature hits 38°C or higher. What Are Fever Patches? Cooling patches or fever patches can help relieve the symptoms when your baby overheats or has a fever. These cooling patches stick to the skin, which makes applying them to the forehead simple. The patches are ready to use; you don't need to activate them. Look no further than MomMed fever patches if you want to buy fever patches for babies. They offer physical cooling relief to protect the brain, with the impact lasting up to 8 hours. Because it is a baby-friendly prescription, babies can use it together with their medication. The fever patch uses weak-acid gel, which is less allergenic, skin-friendly, and free of aroma and color. Fever or cooling patches are reasonably priced, simple, and practical. All you have to do to use one is place it on your baby's forehead.   They Are Especially Ideal for Babies Since They have a high water content, which helps the body's natural cooling process. The evaporation process has no negative consequences on humans; that causes a cool sensation. They swiftly and efficiently dissipate heat and are easily absorbed. They do not include scent or coloring agents and are mild on the skin. They can offer calming, cooling comfort for up to eight hours.   Benefits of fever patch for babies They Help Reduce Fever Well, it goes without saying that one of the best advantages of a fever patch is that it helps reduce your baby's fever. You can never predict when your child may get a fever. One of the best methods to make them comfortable when they are ill is to reduce their temperature. However, maintaining a cloth over their head is complex, and taking a bath isn't always an option. Lowering body temperature is essential for keeping a sick child or family member comfortable. The ideal solution is, therefore, cooling patches. They are Highly Portable A fever patch will unquestionably be helpful if you're organizing a family vacation. Family vacations can be a tremendous amount of fun, but since babies are so delicate, it is best to be ready. Fever patches for babies are portable and straightforward to pack in a bag or suitcase so you can bring them on your family vacation. Planning is the secret to having fun when traveling with the entire family. It Helps Your Kid in the Heat A cooling patch is not only used to treat fever; in fact, it is also helpful in beating the heat too. Kids often neglect to hydrate and take breaks when playing outside. However, you can avoid this issue by having them wear a cooling temperature patch outside in the sun. By regulating their body temperature, these patches will keep your kids comfortable and help them retain high levels of energy. Final Words Therefore, be sure to have a fever patch ready if your baby gets a fever. They can help you effectively control your baby's fever and lower body temperature. However, be sure to see your doctor if there is still no change after trying several treatments. Always take their quality and durability into consideration while searching for a cooling temperature patch.

If you have been ticking off items on your list of things you have decided to start doing postpartum, and getting Botox is one of them, then we would like you to read this blog once before checking off the box. Since feeding anything into your system influences the quality and quantity of your breast milk and can potentially affect your baby’s health, we will urge you to spare a few minutes to find out if it is safe to get Botox while breastfeeding.   What Is Botox? Botox is the brand under which a toxin called on botulinum toxin A is sold. Yes, it is extracted from the bacteria that cause fatal food poisoning, and botulism; but Botox is FDA approved and is used in cosmetic procedures aimed at smoothing wrinkles on the face. No, it doesn’t kill because the required dose is significantly lesser than the amount that causes intoxication. It is basically a neuromodulator that interferes with the exchange of chemical signals between nerves and muscles, preventing muscle contraction. Botox relaxes the muscles it is injected into, contouring and preventing fine lines in that area. Its effect is localized and temporary. To retain the relaxed state of muscle, periodic retreatment is required. The use of Botox spans beyond cosmetic purposes. Because of its effect on muscle movement, it is used to treat an array of physiological conditions that result from abnormal muscle contractions. Some such conditions include hyperhidrosis(excessive sweating), lazy eyes, cervical dystonia, chronic migraine, eye twitching, and bladder dysfunction. Botox Side Effects Botox should always be administered by an experienced doctor. That lowers the chances of risk. However, there can be certain Botox side effects that users can experience. The symptoms vary based on the location of the injection. When Botox is used as a cosmetic procedure, the most commonly reported side effects include swelling, droopy eyelids, headache, and flu-like symptoms. However, there is a possibility of systemic spread of the toxin. That can be identified by signs like muscle weakness, vision problems, difficulty in swallowing, loss of bladder control, etc. if any of these signs appear after getting a Botox, rush to your doctor without a minute’s delay.   Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding? The safety of getting botox while breastfeeding is contingent on the presence of Botox in breast milk. Not enough research has been conducted on the use of Botox by breastfeeding mothers. However, according to a study, a nursing mother afflicted with botulism breastfed her baby through the disease without affecting the infant in any way. It means that botox is unlikely to pass into breast milk. This might seem like a green signal to get Botox while breastfeeding. However, that would be like taking a leap in the dark. Due to a lack of research, the possible consequences of taking Botox while breastfeeding are still unclear. We are uncertain about when we can get a concrete answer to the question since testing on such vulnerable demography is too risky. Therefore, even the FDA recommends against botox use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Though the possibility of finding Botox in breast milk is negligible as of now, you will be skating on thin ice if you resume botox treatment while breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.   What Doctors Say Physicians also have mixed opinions when it comes to nursing mothers getting Botox. While some will advise you to completely abstain from it while breastfeeding, some might allow you to get back on botox six months after delivery. Some doctors might suggest you pump and dump for a day or two while getting Botox while breastfeeding. If you don’t know what pump and dump are, we are here to tell you. It just refers to pumping and discarding your breastmilk until a few after taking medication to clear it out from your system and prevent your breastfed infant from ingesting it through your breast milk.   Botox Alternatives Safe For Breastfeeding If you don’t want to tread murky waters by getting botox while breastfeeding, it doesn’t mean that you will have to see lines and wrinkles cloud the glow on your face. There are safe Botox alternatives that can produce similar results for your skin. It might take these alternatives a little longer than botox to cast their spell on your face, but they will not disappoint you.   Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid is the queen of skincare regimens. HA loves water and hence helps the skin retain moisture. It brings about a skin-tightening effect by filling up skin cells with moisture. As a result, your skin looks plump and youthful. In about 8 to 9 weeks of regular use of HA serum, you can see your wrinkles disappearing. However, it just 15 minutes for hyaluronic acid to improve your skin’s hydration and impart a fresh and glowing look to your face.   Argireline Argireline’s mechanism of work resembles that of Botox. It blocks chemical signals that nerves send to the muscles causing them to contract. Therefore, it produces a similar effect on the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. However, Argireline is a topical solution and can be used as serums, creams, and lotions. Since it doesn’t have to be injected, it cannot get into your system and impact your breastfed infant.   Lifestyle Changes Certain lifestyle changes can do wonders for your skin. To experience similar benefits of botox, drink lots of fluids and add copious amounts of fruits and vegetables into your diet. Increase your vitamin C intake to facilitate collagen production. Acupuncture and facial exercises from certified professionals can also surprise you with their results. Conclusion It’s a bit tricky to say with confidence if you can get Botox while breastfeeding or not. However, we wager that you wouldn’t want to risk your little one’s health. Therefore, it is best to be on the safe side and leverage the alternatives discussed above till your baby is completely off breast milk. A few lines on the face are definitely not powerful enough to dampen the beauty of a gorgeous momma like you. So let your war with wrinkles rest for a while. In case you consider getting botox while breastfeeding, then run it by your doctor and abide by their words.

Though breastfeeding feels incredible to every momma out there, not being able to move out at all to prevent your baby’s feeding schedule from being disturbed can be exhausting. In such a case, you will find it taxing to continue breastfeeding for a long time. So, why not combine breastfeeding and pumping? If you are new to the gang, then let us lead you through all the crucial things you should know about this combination feeding. It has worked for a lot of mothers, and we are sure it will work for you too.   Why Combine Breastfeeding and Pumping? Combing breastfeeding and pumping have a plethora of advantages. If this form of combination feeding were not beneficial, mothers wouldn’t resort to this in large numbers, and it wouldn’t become a trend. So, let’s find out how combining breastfeeding and pumping actually help. Takes Care Of Your Baby’s Nutritional Needs In Your Absence Exclusively breastfeeding requires you to be there around your baby all the time. Simple activities like going to work, the gym, or a gentle stroll in the park become a luxury. This might make you feel caged and exhausted after a while. Even if you choose to breastfeed exclusively, there might be times when illness and certain unavoidable circumstances pull you away from being physically close to your baby. Combining breastfeeding and pumping allows you to have a stored supply of milk that any caregiver other than you can tap into when you are away. As a result, your flexibility in life doesn’t come at the cost of your baby’s nutritional needs.   Increases Milk Supply Lactation works on a demand-and-supply basis. The more milk you express, the more your breasts produce. So, when you combine breastfeeding and pumping, your breasts get the message that there is an increased demand for milk. Hence, your milk supply increases.   Allows Others To Bond With Your Baby When you breastfeed, only you are involved in your baby’s feeding session. But when you pump and store, your partner, your parents, or any other caregiver can feed your baby from the bottle. This gives them an opportunity to bond with your baby. This helps your baby grow up with beautiful relationships fostered with different people, not secluding them to the confines of just their parents.   How To Combine Breastfeeding and Pumping? When you start combination feeding, deciding on a suitable breastfeeding and pumping schedule can be tricky. Do not panic because you are not alone. We have all been there, and we know it can become quite overwhelming. Therefore, to ease your process a little, we have a few suggestions for you. However, what suits you and your baby must go up on the charts. Your needs are unique, so don’t let others’ schedules influence you. Do what works best for you. 1.When You Are At Work If you have resumed work and spend considerable time away from your baby, then it is best to pump as many times as your baby would breastfeed if you were with them. This will keep your milk supply established and prevent engorgement and mastitis due to the accumulation of milk in your breasts. Besides, you can build a milk stash that you can tap into whenever required.   2.When You Are At Home If you are home with your baby, you have more liberty to choose your breastfeeding and pumping schedule. Your breasts usually produce more milk in the morning. Therefore, scheduling a pumping session after hours of nursing your baby might help you pump milk in desirable amounts. If pumping in the morning doesn't work for you, you can pump anytime during the day at your convenience. However, make sure to feed your baby first. After your baby has their fill, you can express the extra milk. Leaving an hour gap between each breastfeeding and pumping session allows your breasts to restore the milk supply. You can also try pumping immediately after nursing your infant to store every drop of milk your body produces.   3.When Your Baby Is Nursing Babies often feed from one breast. When they are latching on to one breast, you can hook up the breastmilk pump to your other breast. That way, you can capture the milk produced by both your breasts. However, you don’t have to take this approach. Only if you find comfortable pumping while nursing, go for it; otherwise, find your own time to pump.   4.Power Pumping Power pumping might do the trick for you if you want to ramp up your milk supply. This emulates cluster feeding, where a baby breastfeeds more often than usual. The ideal length of a power-pumping session is an hour. It should start with a 20-minute power session, followed by a 10-minute rest. In the remaining time, you can alternate 10 minutes of pumping with 10 minutes of rest. This boosts the milk-producing hormone prolactin, increasing the milk supply. However, your breasts might take some time to process the increased demand for milk.   Things to Remember ●Say No To Stress Keep stress at bay when you are pumping milk. Studies show that increased stress affects the letdown of milk as the adrenaline secreted during stressful conditions inhibits the hormone oxytocin that helps release milk from your breasts. Therefore, find a comfortable pumping position. Without that, pumping can become frustrating and painful. Play songs of your choice, and make the environment conducive. Smelling your baby’s clothes and looking at their pictures might stimulate increased milk production. Envelope yourself in self-care and enjoy a calm pumping session.   ●Get The Right Breast Pump and Keep It Clean Choosing the right breastmilk pump goes a long way in deciding your pumping experience. You can either choose to express by hand or invest in a manual, electric, or hands-free pump at your convenience. Wearable electric pumps like the one from MomMed are the perfect fit for modern-day moms. As you work, cook, and drive, you can get your milk stock ready just by fitting the hands-free pumps under your bra.Whichever pump you choose, make sure to clean the parts thoroughly after every use to prevent the growth of infectious microbes, which can harm you and your baby. Conclusion If you have decided to combine breastfeeding and pumping, then settling into the schedule might take some time. Things might seem overwhelming. Therefore, we want you to know there is no right way to do it. Give yourself and your baby some time to figure out what works and adjust. Once you reach the point where both of you satisfy with the schedule, consider that perfect!

Though a lot is being told about the right breastfeeding positions for newborns, there is hardly anyone talking about the wrong positions and how things can go south because of those little mistakes. We are here today to do exactly that. Yes, talk about the effects of wrong breastfeeding positions. Here are some of the notable effects that follow from wrong breastfeeding positions. Go on and read till the end. Your Body Gets Sore And Fatigued Breastfeeding positions for newborns do not only focus on the positioning of the baby. Breastfeeding involves the two of you. Therefore, your comfort is equally important. Whichever breastfeeding position you choose, make sure that it is easy on your body.   Be it sitting upright or lying down, provide enough support to your back and arms. Bad posture will increase the strain on your body, making you stressed and fatigued. If you are not aware, then let us tell you that stress affects the breastmilk supply.  In addition, prolonged bad posture can lead to other chronic problems in the near future.   Your Baby Doesn’t Latch Properly While latching difficulties can be a consequence of certain physical issues like inverted or flat nipples of the mother, down syndrome, cleft lip and palate, and tongue-tie in the baby, very often it is caused due to wrong breastfeeding positions.   When your baby is not comfortable in the hold, is too far from your breasts, or feels a strain in any part of the body while feeding, they will not latch properly. A poor latch can lead to the following conditions. But before heading towards the consequences, let’s see the signs that indicate a poor latch.   Baby doesn’t wake up for feedings at least 8 times a day Baby appears fussy while feeding Doesn’t suck even after having the nipple and areola in the mouth Falls asleep within a few minutes while feeding Continues latching on letting go of your breast Feeds for more than half an hour without showing signs of being full   Now, let’s see what can happen if your baby is positioned wrong and doesn’t latch well.   Nipple Pain And Injury One of the most common signs of an improper latch is nipple pain and injury. As a result of inappropriate breastfeeding positions, the baby fails to latch properly. Problems might arise due to lack of sufficient skin-to-skin contact between the mom and baby, lack of support to the baby’s neck, shoulders, and spine, too much pressure on the baby’s head, and the baby having to turn their head to latch.   In such situations, babies tend to latch superficially. Your nipple and areola will not go sufficiently deep into their little mouths. As a result, it will cause irritation in the nipples, abraded skin, scabbing, bleeding, and a lot of pain.   Do not confuse this with nipple sensitivity which is the soreness of nipples that occurs after the commencement of breastfeeding. It goes away within 30 seconds of your baby's suckling and doesn’t come back after 4-5 days of birth.   If your nipple hurts throughout the feeding and after, try correcting the position during the next nursing sessions. If it still doesn’t help, consult a lactation expert.   Breast Engorgement And Mastitis A poor latch means your baby isn’t feeding well and emptying your breasts. Accumulation of milk in your breasts can lead to engorgement, the nightmare of breastfeeding mothers. Engorged breasts will be swollen, hard and painful. If you leave it unmanaged, then the condition can exacerbate due to clogged milk ducts and inflammation, resulting in mastitis, which is the infection of breast tissues. It is often accompanied by fever, chills, and severe breast pain.   Decreased Milk Supply Lactation works on a demand-and-supply basis. It means that only when your breasts know that milk is in demand, they will produce more of it. The signal for demand is sent to your breasts when the baby suckles.   When you are breastfeeding newborns and they fail to latch properly, the suckling becomes inefficient. As a result, there will be a drop in your milk supply over time. Therefore, it is imperative that you consult your doctor immediately and find out why your baby isn’t drawing enough milk. Your Baby Doesn’t Grow Well The only source of nutrition for breastfeeding newborns is breast milk. If due to improper nursing postures, they are not feeding enough, then it is a no-brainer that it will manifest in their health.   Well-fed babies wet their diapers enough. By the time your baby is 5 days old, they should urinate 6-8 times and day and pass stool thrice or more. If you see a decreased frequency in their urination and bowel movements, take it as a sign of insufficient feeding.   In addition, babies who do not feed well fail to put on weight as desired. It is fairly common for newborns to lose some weight in the first 3-5 days. But within one or two weeks, they get back to their birth weights.   If your baby’s weight doesn’t restore within the stipulated time or they start losing weight instead of gaining the pounds, then it’s time to check with the doctor. What Next? Once you get the cue that something is wrong with your breastfeeding posture, it’s time to act. Do not panic. There are a number of breastfeeding positions for newborns that you can try out. Every baby is different. So explore till you find the perfect one for your baby.   Besides, latching is a complex process. So seek help from your doctor and lactation expert till you are confident enough. You can also leverage organizations like La Leche League that extend help pertaining to breastfeeding in all dimensions. You can also complement your learnings with online sources which provide amazing tips on getting a spot-on latch.   Conclusion This was all about the effects of wrong breastfeeding positions for newborns. If you are reading this, then must have had an insight into the signs and symptoms of poor latching due to improper nursing postures. If you notice any of them, then try a better position. Things shall get better. If they don’t, then you always have doctors and lactation experts to help you out. So, reach out to them without hesitation.

Motherhood is a full-time job that requires a lot of energy and dedication. Breastfeeding moms, in particular, have a unique set of challenges and responsibilities that can make their days even more demanding. While these moms are busy taking care of their families and putting their needs first, it's important to show them some love and appreciation on Mother's Day. In this blog post, we will explore some gift ideas that are perfect for breastfeeding moms and offer some tips on how to choose the best gift for your loved one.   Breastfeeding moms are superheroes, but even superheroes need a break from time to time. When choosing a Mother's Day gift for a breastfeeding mom, it's important to consider items that will make her life a little easier. One gift that can be incredibly helpful for breastfeeding moms is a breast pump. A breast pump can help a mom to express milk, which can be stored and used at a later time. This can give her some much-needed freedom and flexibility, allowing her to take a break while ensuring her baby is still getting the nutrition they need.   Another great gift idea for breastfeeding moms is a nursing cover. Nursing covers are designed to provide privacy and comfort while breastfeeding in public. They come in a variety of styles and fabrics, so you can choose one that suits your loved one's personality and preferences. Some nursing covers also double as car seat covers or blankets, making them a versatile gift.   Breastfeeding moms often struggle with finding comfortable clothing that also allows for easy access when it's time to nurse. A nursing bra or nursing tank top can be a thoughtful gift that combines both comfort and convenience. Look for styles that are made from soft, stretchy fabric that will accommodate a changing body and allow for easy nursing access.   In addition to these specific gift ideas, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind when choosing a Mother's Day gift for a breastfeeding mom. Firstly, make sure the gift is something she will actually use and appreciate. Think about her lifestyle and needs and choose a gift that will make her life easier or more enjoyable. Secondly, don't forget about her own personal style and preferences. While practical gifts are important, it's also nice to receive something that reflects her personality and tastes. Lastly, consider getting input from other moms who have been in a similar situation. They may have some great gift ideas or insights into what would be most helpful for a breastfeeding mom.   Conclusion In conclusion, choosing a Mother's Day gift for a breastfeeding mom can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. By considering her needs and preferences, and thinking outside the box with practical and thoughtful gifts, you can show your appreciation and love for the amazing mom in your life. Remember that the best gift you can give a breastfeeding mom is support and understanding, so make sure to take the time to acknowledge her hard work and dedication on this special day.

Is your toddler still breastfeeding? If yes, then we want to tell you that our heart fills with joy to know that. If people around you have been nagging you to get your toddler off breastmilk, turn deaf ears to them. Weaning should comply with your and your baby's wishes and needs. We assume that your 2-year-old has a hearty meal three times a day and turns to your breasts for some cozy time, not for nutrients. If you are ready to wean your toddler and have been struggling with how to do it, here are a few tips to help you stop breastfeeding for a 2-year baby.   1. Use the Power of Communication At 2 years, your toddler has a decent power of comprehension. They are aware of things happening around them and can take and execute commands effectively. So, at that age, if you try to explain something, they can grasp what you are trying to convey and process it better than a few-month-old baby. Therefore, effective communication can assist you in weaning your toddler. Tell them that they are growing up. Encourage them by expressing that you are proud of them for being a big baby who can walk, talk and eat independently. Generate interest in them about the exciting things growing up can expose them to. In this process, sprinkle the fact that older babies no more require breast milk. Tell them they need to make space in their tummy by giving up breast milk to enjoy other, more delicious foods. Make sure you don't reprimand them for still wanting to breastfeed just because you have decided to stop breastfeeding. It is an emotional affair, so give them time to process what you said. It might take several tries, but do not lose patience. If they are not ready for the conversation, don't impose. Wait for a few more days and try again.   2. Restrict The Number Of Nursing Sessions It is better if you do not stop breastfeeding cold turkey. That way, weaning from breastfeeding won't be too hard on your toddler. In addition, you can prevent painful episodes of engorgement and mastitis, which usually occur when your breasts become full of milk, and your milk ducts are blocked and inflamed, respectively. If your toddler is actively breastfeeding, start by dropping one nursing session at a time. Breastfed kids usually have a hard time sacrificing the morning and nighttime feed.Therefore, to not overwhelm your toddler, begin by dropping the afternoon feed. If they ask for it, then distract them with their favorite snack, read them a story, take them out, or play with them till they forget what they asked for. If they nurse before bedtime and multiple times overnight, then cater to just their bedtime nursing needs. If they wake up at night to feed, comfort them by cuddling and snuggling them. If it gets too tricky, then send your partner or any other family member to put them back to sleep. Not having you around them will make it easier for them to digest the fact that they are not going to get to breastfeed.   3. Don't Offer Until They Ask When trying to stop breastfeeding for a 2-year baby, you no longer should feel obliged to offer your breasts as many times as your baby normally feeds. Wait and let them lead. If they are happy with their breakfast pancake or are too busy playing with their favorite toy, don't offer them your breasts. See how many nursing sessions they are voluntarily skipping. However, if they ask for it, then don't refuse. This can take time, but it will be a more tantrum-free approach to weaning your toddler. It is because they will not feel that their comfort-activity is being snatched away. They will wean willingly at their own pace.   4. Cut Back the Nursing Time If your toddler has achieved most milestones of weaning from breastfeeding and has reduced to just one nursing session that is too hard to drop, we have a trick for you. Reduce the feeding time. If your kid has a habit of falling asleep while feeding, then it's time to say goodbye to that. Set a timer. Feed for 10-15 minutes, and then engage your toddler in other activities. Give them a lot of cuddles. Sing them a lullaby or read a story and put them to sleep. Older kids breastfeed just for comfort and to feel close to you. They like the attachment. Therefore, assure them that breastfeeding is not the only way to feel close to you. Once they get the assurance, they will find it easier to wean.   5. Restrict Access to Your Breasts Another smart approach for mothers trying to stop breastfeeding for a 2-year baby is limiting the access their babies have to their breasts. Put on several layers of clothing or a bra when cuddling with your toddler.  If that happens, they will have a hard time getting to your breasts when they yank your top down in the hope of getting to breastfeed. This way, they will get a clear message that they are not getting your breasts now. Some mothers cover their nipples or apply unpalatable substances to repel the babies when they latch. When winning a nursing session becomes a struggle, your toddler will gradually lose interest and stop asking for it.   What About Quitting Cold Turkey? If your toddler is too stubborn and none of the ways works out, you might be forced to stop breastfeeding cold turkey. In that case, you will get breast engorgement because the milk produced will have nowhere to go. Accumulation of milk for a very long time can clog the milk ducts and lead to inflammation. This condition is called mastitis and can be associated with fever and flu-like symptoms. To prevent that, pump your breast milk when you feel the need to do so. Leave a little milk unexpressed so that your breasts get the signal that the demand for milk has reduced. The milk supply will gradually dry up. In the meantime, if you have engorgement, you can use a cold compress, cabbage leaves, or pain medications for pain relief. After you quit cold turkey, expect your child to be cranky. Understand that the change is overwhelming for them. So, make yourself available to them, spend quality time with them, and comfort them with a lot of cuddles. Having you by their side will help them better cope with the transition and emotional challenge. Conclusion When trying to stop breastfeeding for a 2-year baby, you will find many eyebrows frowning at you for nursing your baby longer than the conventional period. However, never let that affect the dynamics of your relationship with your baby. Don't make haste by looking at others around you. Give your baby time to adapt to the transition. A significant life change, like starting daycare, a new nanny, or a house shift, is not a good time to start weaning. Breastfeeding is unique for every mother and child and is not meant to continue forever. No time is too early or too late. The decision to wean depends on you and your baby. So, take time and cherish the journey.

One of the universe's greatest wonders is the ability of a mother's body to provide all the nutrients that a baby needs to live and grow during the earliest stages of life. Breastfeeding is ecstatic to every mother. It allows for an inseparable connection to be fostered between a mother and a child. 

Pregnancy brings with it an enormous list of restrictions. Now that your baby is out, you must be excited to resume eating the foods that most lovingly pamper your tastebuds and doing all those things that fill your dopamine void without worrying about affecting your baby. However, we are here to remind you that, as long as you are breastfeeding, your baby is going to be affected by everything you take into your system. So, without beating around the bush, let's state that breastfeeding products are not the safest time to get back to them if you are into smoking weed.  Cannabis enters your baby's body through breast milk and can potentially impede development. We know this has stripped the shine off your eyes, but we want the best for you and your baby. So the onus is on us to educate you on the consequences of smoking weed while breastfeeding.   Why Smoking Weed While Breastfeeding Is Not Safe? Your breastmilk has an abundance of fat. Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), found in cannabis, is fat-loving. Therefore THC reserves build up in the fat cells and remain there for an extended period. When you nurse your little one, it gets passed into their system. According to studies, your breastfed child gets around 2.5% of the cannabis dose that you consume. Depending upon the amount of your cannabis intake, the quantity ingested by your baby varies. Reasons for concern have doubled because the concentration of THC in cannabis has increased since the 1980s. Besides, you cannot pump and dump after smoking weed while breastfeeding. It is because THC can remain in your breastmilk from 6 days to as long as 6 weeks. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention advises breastfeeding women to stay away from cannabis as that can potentially hamper the child's development. It also inhibits prolactin, the milk-producing hormone, reducing your milk supply. Maternity products designed for breastfeeding mothers can help mitigate some of these issues by providing alternatives to direct feeding during this period. Moreover, it is a no-brainer that smoking weed can cause you to become high and affect your ability to care for your little one. Regardless of how tempting smoking pot is to you, we know that it cannot override your desire to be the best parent for your baby. So why not squash the itch for a while and rule out the possibility of a guilt trip in the coming days?  Impact Of Weed On Breastfed Babies Though more research needs to be done on the effects of cannabis on breastfed babies, no study shows that it is harmless or benefits the babies. All the studies conducted so far have concluded that smoking weed is potentially harmful to breastfed infants.  Cannabis is a psychoactive compound. When cannabis passes into the breast milk, tetrahydrocannabinol present in it activates specific receptors in the brain that cause a mood-altering effect. However, those receptors play an essential role in brain development. Since significant brain development happens during the first year of life, exposure to cannabis can lead to delayed brain development.   Smoking weed while breastfeeding can also cause sedation in your little one. Under the effect of cannabis, your baby will sleep more than required and will not wake up to eat often. As a result, they will have stunted growth and problems with normal development. Babies continuously exposed to cannabis also express difficulty sucking milk from breasts due to weak muscle tone or hypotonia.   Several studies have also linked exposure to cannabis in breast milk to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) in children. Because THC in cannabis hijacks the brain, smoking weed while breastfeeding can emotional stability in children and make them more susceptible to substance abuse later in life.   Passive smoking calls for equal caution. Breathing in cannabis from the breath of parents or the smoke present around them makes babies more vulnerable to suffering from middle ear infections, asthma, and other pulmonary disorders and puts them at a greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome.     Should You Give Up Cannabis While Breastfeeding Even if it is for Medicinal Purposes?   After learning about the effects of cannabis on breastfed babies, we don't think you need to hear an answer from us. Even if you were prescribed cannabis to ease symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, or other conditions, you must have been asked to discontinue that during pregnancy. The halt shall most likely continue till the end of your breastfeeding period. Discuss with your doctor about things you can do to manage the symptoms better during that time. Switch to therapy and incorporate lifestyle changes if required. If medications become necessary, you will be prescribed drugs compatible with breastfeeding. Rely on those till your doctor gives you the green signal to resume smoking weed.  When Is It Safe To Resume? If you have been wondering when you can finally get back to your comfort activity, then let us tell you that you can do it only after your baby is completely weaned off your breastmilk. However, it is still not safe to smoke weed with your babies around. Passive smoking can put them at risk of respiratory disorders and cause other harmful effects.  Conclusion Not enough research has been conducted on the effect of cannabis use by breastfeeding mothers on breastfed babies. However, all the studies conducted so far unanimously report that THC in cannabis and other common contaminants like heavy metals which pass into the breast milk pose severe threats to the growth and development of breastfed infants, thus declaring smoking weed while breastfeeding unsafe. Therefore, pediatricians are mandated to report cases where mothers smoke weed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are reading this, then we hope you have gotten your question answered. We trust you to make a decision in the best interest of you and your baby since it's only you who can wish the best for your little one. Related Reading: Breastfeeding 101

Caring for a baby is not a cakewalk. Along with ecstasy, motherhood brings with it pain, exhaustion, and a roller coaster of emotions. To add to it is your new responsibility of breastfeeding.The worst is it doesn’t come with holidays. Regardless of tiredness, sickness, and pain, you have to be there to feed your little human’s tummy. We understand your pain mommy. Therefore, here is everything in detail about the side-lying breastfeeding position, a nursing posture for all the hard times.  How To Nurse in the Side-Lying Breastfeeding Position Side-lying breastfeeding is one of the most comfortable breastfeeding positions for nursing mothers. To breastfeed in the side-lying position, lie down on your side with a pillow under your head. You can stack up some pillows behind you for better support. To enhance comfort, you can place a pillow between your knees. Make your baby lie down facing you. Ensure that their mouth aligns with your nipple. You can either use your arm on the underside to support your head or to cradle your baby. In the latter case, the hold can help you gently pull your baby toward your breast while nursing. In the side-lying breastfeeding position, you might have to support your breast at times. Note that you shouldn’t take your breasts to your baby. Rather, you should pull your baby towards it and guide them to the nurse. To ensure proper latching, check whether their mouth is wide open. If not, then stroke their cheeks gently. It will cause them to open their mouth wide because of the stimulation of their rooting reflex. The rooting reflex is nothing but a newborn’s ability to follow the touch and trace the breast or bottle, basically their food source. This reflex automatically vanishes after 4 months. Once they latch properly, let them feed till they are full. Once your lower breasts feel empty, you can either roll onto the other side and repeat the same positioning for your baby to nurse from the second breast. Otherwise, you can lean over and offer your second breast. However, just make sure that you change sides only after one breast is completely empty. Accumulation of milk over long periods can cause engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis.  Situations Where the Side-lying Position Helps the Most1. Breastfeeding After Cesarean Delivery Recovering from surgery is not child’s play. On top of that, having to continuously cater to your baby’s feeding needs can be exhausting. After a c-section, sitting up for a long time doesn’t feel comfortable. The side-lying position comes to the rescue during breastfeeding after cesarean delivery. In this posture, the baby doesn’t lie on top of you. Therefore, the pressure that could otherwise be put on your incision and belly region is averted. You can comfortably lie down on your side, support your baby, and feed them, yet prevent additional strain on your incision site.2. In the Hospital Breastfeeding starts immediately within a few hours of delivery. It is a no-brainer that delivering a baby is excruciating and it takes weeks to heal. After a few hours, the exhaustion would still cloud your body. In such situations, breastfeeding can be most comfortably done in the side-lying position.  Some new mums prefer breastfeeding in the laid-back position after giving birth. However, if you are too tired to prop yourself up, the easiest way is to roll to your side, bring your tiny human close, put the rails of the hospital bed up, and start nursing.3. Breastfeeding When You are Sick or Tired Breastfeeding can be taxing when you are sick. When your body has given up on you, pulling yourself together to breastfeed frequently can be a pain. However, we can’t stop that. So why not nurse and rest at the same time? The side-lying position helps you do just that. Even if you are not sick and are just tired or it's a nighttime feed, you don’t have to force yourself to sit till your baby is full. Simply lie down on your side and adjust your baby to help them latch.4. You Have Large Breasts When you have large breasts, it can get very uncomfortable to find a suitable position to breastfeed. If you have been wondering how to latch your tiny baby on your big breasts, then let us tell you that the side-lying position is one of the most comfortable breastfeeding positions for nursing mothers with large breasts.Try this and you might find it to be your perfect hold. However, if you have issues, consult a lactation expert and learn proper techniques to adjust your baby and master the latching process.5. When Your Baby Is Sleep All new mums know how big a hassle feeding a sleepy baby can be. It has been found that in the side-lying position, sleepy babies tend to nurse longer, sufficiently. In other positions, like the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, or upright position, babies are too snug and fall asleep half-full. The side-lying position gives sleepy babies an opportunity to feed and rest at the same time.  Thing To Keep In Mind We just saw how the side-lying position is a boon to mothers in a plethora of situations. However, there is one thing you should embed in your mind. Never fall asleep in the side-lying position while feeding your baby. Whether you are breastfeeding when you are sick, tired, or recovering from surgery, make sure that you transfer the baby to the crib after they are done feeding. Co-sleeping while breastfeeding often increases the risk of SIDS(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) due to suffocation. Therefore, no matter how irresistible falling asleep in the cuddly position feels, make the effort of shifting your little one to their sleeping space after they feed for their health and safety.  Conclusion Nursing mothers' resort to the side-lying breastfeeding position time and again and find the comfort and liberty they crave. Be it immediately after you deliver or on a particular day you find fatigue weighing you down, you can try the side-lying position.  It is well and good if you have been helped in the hospital to learn the proper positioning. If not, then you can contact your doctor or a lactation expert for further guidance. Have patience as your learning curve takes shape and cherish every moment of your beautiful journey.

The beginning of the breastfeeding journey can be bumpy, especially finding the right position. There is a long list of breastfeeding postures that you can experiment with before you and your baby come across your favorite. However, this post is all about the laid-back breastfeeding position, the favorite of most mums and lactation consultants. Keep reading to find out all about it.  What Is Laid-back Breastfeeding Position? The laid-back breastfeeding position, as the name suggests is a breastfeeding posture that imparts women the liberty to relax or recline. For many new mums, it is the first-ever hold for nursing their newborns. This position requires women to recline in the most relaxed manner, just like one does while watching television. The baby is put tummy-down on the mom and is left to wriggle towards their breasts. This breastfeeding position, in addition to being extremely comfortable and allowing efficient latching, helps enhance physical contact between the mother and child, thus fostering a beautiful bond between them.  Biological Nurturing and Baby-led Latch These are no new techniques. Biological nurturing and Baby-led nurturing are just other names for the laid-back or reclined position for breastfeeding. The significance of this breastfeeding position lies in its ability to stimulate a baby’s instinctive feeding reflexes. All young animals are capable of tracing their food source. Human newborns are no different. When placed close to their source of food, which is their breasts, in this case, they can find their way to it and latch.What assists the process is the secretion of fluid from special glands in the breasts that guides babies to them. Since it stimulates a baby’s instinctive feeding reflexes it is known as biological nurturing. Besides, as the baby takes the lead while nursing in this breastfeeding position, it is referred to as a baby-led latch. In the reclined position, you don’t have to restrict yourself in a posture and worry about your baby cooperating during the nursing session.As your hungry baby crawls up to your breasts and feeds peacefully, you can spend some quiet time cuddling and fondling them.  The Right Way Of Practicing Laid-back Breastfeeding Regardless of the breastfeeding position you choose, you should always prioritize your and your baby’s comfort. There is no perfect way; just the most suitable fit. If you are going for laid-back breastfeeding, then get yourself into a semi-reclined position in such a way that you can make eye contact with your baby when they lie on you. Ensure that your back, head, and neck are well supported to prevent fatigue during the breastfeeding session. Since laid-back breastfeeding allows a wonderful window for mothers and babies to have skin-to-skin contact, you can choose to be bare-chested while nursing. However, there is no compulsion. You can just adjust your clothes in a way that your baby gets unrestricted access to your breasts. The next step is to put your baby on you, tummy-down. You can make your baby lie down vertically or choose any angle that suits you best. Just make sure that their face is close to your breast, preferably, in a nose-to-nipple situation. Technically, this marks the end of guidelines for getting into the reclined position. Once you are set, spend time bonding with your baby. Cuddle, kiss, stroke, and comfort them. Don’t force them to feed. If they are drowsy, let them sleep in that position.When they are hungry, they will show some signs. Catch the cues and help them, nurse. Some most common signs in babies that you should look out for while laid-back breastfeeding are:-  Head bobbing Squirming Clenching their fists Making eye contact Licking their lips Pushing their way upwards  Laid-back Breastfeeding After Cesarean Delivery Many mums who are recovering from a cesarean delivery find the reclined position very comfortable. However, there is a catch. In laid-back breastfeeding, your baby will push your body to make way toward your breasts when hungry.For a mother recovering from surgery, this might be an inconvenience, since even their little kicks can be painful for her incision area. Therefore, putting the baby in the stomach region has negligible chances. Hence, for laid-back breastfeeding after cesarean delivery, there are other ways to position a baby. One way is to hold the baby horizontally across your chest. Their head can lie close to one of your breasts, while their body points towards the other breast. Another way is to place your baby lying by you, sideways. Their head should be close to one of your breasts and their bodies can lie under your armpit, supported by the bed, sofa, or chair. These positions ensure that new mommies get enough physical space to recover. If initially, you find it difficult to lift and position your baby, then don’t shy away from seeking help. Allow a family member to help you both get comfortable.  Benefits Of Laid-back Breastfeeding Position Here are a few advantages of the laid-back breastfeeding position:-  1. It is a comfortable position for mothers who have had a cesarean delivery, an episiotomy incision, or a painful and difficult childbirth, owing to which they are unable to sit for long periods. 2. It enhances skin-to-skin contact between the mother and child, helping them bond better. 3. It gives more power to the baby to act as per their feeding instincts and lead the nursing session. 4. Since gravity has a major role to play in this posture, latching becomes more efficient. Babies who present latching difficulties might get the hang of breastfeeding after trying this approach. 5. Since your baby latches properly, it will decrease the number of episodes with sore nipples for you. 6. In this position, your hands are completely free to stroke and pat your baby. This continued expression of affection and physical comfort calms the babies and helps build early confidence.   Conclusion We hope you have a clear insight into the laid-back breastfeeding position. It stands true to its name, a relaxed and laid-back approach. Allow your little one more freedom to exercise its feeding instincts, let them take the lead as you recline, and watch your little worm squirm up to suck its food.

Becoming a mom is hard and being a mom of twin babies is harder. It is natural for you to ponder over a lot of things- what to do when both babies cry together, how to understand their signs when to breastfeed them, and whether to breastfeed them together.  While we assure you that all your questions will get answered over time, in this post we will help you gain insight into the best positions for breastfeeding twins to help you a little in your brand-new escapade of motherhood.  Can You Produce Enough Milk For Two Babies? Motherhood hurls tonnes of questions into your mind. And when you are about to welcome two babies together, needless to say, the curiosity doubles. Before we move on to talk about the breastfeeding positions for twins, let us clear one of the biggest doubts of twin mums of all times- can your breasts produce enough milk for two babies? Yes, it can. Lactation works on a demand-and-supply basis. It means that the more your babies suck on your breasts, the more milk it produces. It is because it continuously gets the signal that the demand is on. When the frequency of breastfeeding reduces, the lack of demand signals your breasts to gradually reduce the milk supply.  Should You Breastfeed Your Twins Together? Breastfeeding is a hit-and-trial method. As we say, there is no perfect way. When you are preparing to have twins, it is normal to wonder if you should feed them individually or both at a time. To this, the best answer is, ‘ it depends on your choice’. Most twin mums choose to nurse twins in tandem to save time. Besides, it is not a mandate that both your babies will have the same sucking abilities. If you want to nurse them separately, then go ahead. Here are a few positions that you can try out: Laid-back position Upright position Cradle-hold Cross-cradle hold Football hold Side-lying position  If you want to try breastfeeding them simultaneously, then there is no reason why you should step back from giving it a try. Given below are some of the most preferred breastfeeding positions for twins. Go through them, try them out, and see what works for you.  Positions For Breastfeeding Twins 1. Double Football Hold This is undoubtedly one of the best positions for breastfeeding twins. If you are already familiar with the football hold position for singletons, then the double football hold is exactly the same on both sides. However, if you have no clue about what a football or rugby hold is or how you should adjust your tiny twins for tandem nursing, here is the thing for you. Place each baby on each side in such a way that their heads remain in front of your breasts, on pillows. Their bodies and legs should be tucked under your arms. Your hands should support their wobbly heads, while your forearm should support the rest of their body. In addition to being a very suitable position for nursing twins, the double football hold is comfortable for mothers who have had a c-section. Since most parts of the baby stay away from you, the incision site remains out of danger during breastfeeding. 2. Double Cradle Hold Another great way of nursing twins simultaneously is the double cradle hold. As the name suggests, a cradle hold requires a mother to place the baby in the crook of her hand, just like you would normally cradle a baby. But in a double cradle hold, there are slight variations to make enough room for both babies and ensure that they are put to the breast with equal comfort. In this position for breastfeeding twins, you have to cradle both babies on two different sides. The body of one baby should lie across your chest, while the body of the second baby should lie over the first baby in a crisscross manner. Since a major portion of the second baby's body stays away from you, you need to provide a little more support to them. In addition, you need to see how the first baby who is sandwiched between you and the other twin responds to the positioning. Switch positions for babies to see where each one is more comfortable. Getting into this posture for breastfeeding twins will take some time. Besides, do not shy away from seeking the help of your partner or other family members to hold the babies. You might think about what to do if the first baby kicks the second one and distracts them from feeding. The simple solution is to swaddle them and give them hassle-free nursing time. 3. Cradle Clutch Hold Combing two different positions can often allow you and your babies amazing flexibility to explore space and fit into a posture that serves you all well. One such combination position highly practiced for breastfeeding twins is the cradle clutch hold. Before we go further, let us reveal that the clutch hold is nothing but another name for the football hold. So, yes, it is the football hold and cradle hold that come together to form this position, enabling you to nurse twins in tandem. Hold one baby in the rugby hold, with their head in front of your breast and their body under your arm. The other baby should be cradled on the other side. Initially, your babies will require a lot of support to stay in the required position but as time elapses, they will gain more control over their bodies and adjust on their own to find a fit most suitable to them. 4. Reclined Position With Babies Upright Another way to nurse twins in tandem and feel well-rested is to recline and have your babies lay on you. You can prop up against your headboard or a stack of pillows. Put your babies on your body, each on one side of your breast. Their nose should touch your nipple for them to be able to latch easily. For newborns, you have to cradle them throughout the feeding session as they lack neck control. But for older babies, minimal support, combined with the effect of gravity is enough to keep them in place.  Conclusion This was a short list of the most popular positions for breastfeeding twins. Do not expect to master the art of breastfeeding in a day. Explore different positions with your babies, take help from your family members, and consult a lactation expert for the best guidance. For more amazing tips on breastfeeding twins, click here. Stay informed and stay calm. Happy breastfeeding!