Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category

Traveling? Take nursing travel tips along for the ride

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

July 4th is imminent, and we expect that your anxieties may be flying high as you anticipate traveling with your little one. We have compiled a list of helpful travel tips from fellow mamas that can make nursing en route a smooth ride.

*Where to sit on the plane? It’s a mama’s instinct to sit on the aisle seat for easy access to the walkway, but there is more room to nurse in the window seat – - and more privacy!

*Want extra privacy? Bring along a nursing cover, if it will make you more comfortable in those tight quarters.

*Wear your baby for boarding and deplaning. By using a baby sling or Maya wrap, you’ll free up both of your hands for carry-ons or your older child.

*Don’t forget to multiply the diapers! Take one diaper for every hour of travel. There is no such thing as too many.

*Thirsty? Bring an empty water bottle with you, and ask a restaurant on the other side of security to fill it for you. Traveling and the summer heat can be dehydrating, and you will need to replenish your liquids between feedings.

*Nurse upon takeoff and landing to ease the change in cabin pressure for your nursling.

*Germs? We all know how germ-infested an airplane can be. Be sure to pack your favorite sanitizing hand wipes or gel to cleanse along the way.

*Dress for the occasion! Wear a nursing top or nursing dress to make your trip easier. Access is key. Oh – and don’t forget an extra outfit (or two) for yourself and baby.

All of us at Milk want to be the first to wish you a Happy 4th of July and safe travels! Enjoy your time away, and please share any additional travel tips you have by visiting us on Facebook.

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Ideas for Spring & Summer Fun with your little one!

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

This is one of our favorite times of year, and not just because we’ve brought out our new bright and beautiful spring nursingwear collection; but because it’s a time to re-enter the “outside” world after a long winter.

We can imagine how excited you must be to leave the house with your little one, and introduce her to the spring air that is so fresh.

We have compiled a fun list of entertaining and stimulating activities for you and your baby to enjoy together.

*Balls ~ Babies love playing with balls. Let her roll it, or you can bounce it and let her watch in amazement.

*Bubbles ~ Bubbles evoke springtime, and they fascinate babies. Blow a bunch and watch baby try to catch them.

*Nature ~ Collect an assortment of pine cones, leaves, grass, and sticks, and allow baby to explore the different textures with her hands and feet. (No mouths!) Or lie very little ones on their belly for outdoor tummy time.

*Water play ~ Splish! Splash! Babies love to play in the water. With just a few inches and a bunch of toys (think boats, cups, sponges, and funnels from the Dollar Store), you’re set with an activity that may even last more than 3 minutes.

*Baby swings ~ Take your baby to the park and push them in the swing! It’s a great way for them to explore movement and feel the fresh breeze on their bodies.

*Sandbox play ~ It’s a “love it or leave it” kind of activity, but for those mamas that can handle sand all over and for babies that can sit up, allow him/her to explore in a sandbox. Again, with a range of toys (bucket, shovel, funnel, cups), it’s a great sensory destination.

*Finger paints ~ If you’re Type A and worry about giving your baby non-toxic fingerpaints in the house, it’s a great time of year to let them explore outdoors. Get a big sheet of craft paper, let her make a “masterpiece” and hose her off afterwards. Clean-up is a breeze.

*Animals ~ Visit a local pond and feed the fish and ducks. Or, if you have a petting zoo in your area, your baby may enjoy strolling around and touching a few animals. Or, of course, it’s a great time for the zoo.

It’s a time to enliven your child’s senses and encourage her development by presenting her with a variety of new outdoor activities. All of these activities will help promote language acquisition and allow her to use her senses in a novel way: smelling the flowers, hearing birds chirp, seeing the sights that surround, and feeling the grass (outdoor tasting not suggested).

As you know, we love receiving photos of you and your family. So once you’ve had some time to explore the activities above, send us your family favorites!

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Guest Blogger: Abigayle’s Insights

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

Thank you to our guest blogger, Abigayle C., for sharing her insights on instincts. A mother does know best!

I chose to have my baby, Eleanor, breastfeed right after she was born. She nursed for over an hour!  I thought she was a pro.  I thought we wouldn’t have to work at all.  I thought we were so lucky!

I thought.


Until the second night we were in the hospital.  Exhausted and anxious to sleep, we were introduced to our upcoming nurse who claimed to be a lactation consultant.  She asked how my breastfeeding was going.  I looked down at Eleanor as she was going to town, and replied, “She’s a pro!”

Then the nurse said something that shattered my dreams.  “Umm, I don’t think she’s latching right.  I don’t even think she’s getting any milk!”   She unlatched Eleanor, without permission, and immediately brought our breastfeeding to a halt.  She grabbed all of these tubes, syringes, and my pump, and told me I’d have to choose between feeding Eleanor through a syringe or giving up.   “Take your pick!” She said.

By the end of an overwhelming 2-hour lesson of how to feed with a syringe and tube, I began to cry uncontrollably.  I told everyone I just wanted to go to bed.  I apologized to Eleanor as they wheeled her to the nursery.

The next nurse that came on duty brought Eleanor to me to eat.  I shook my head and said, “Ok, I guess I’ll try.”  I placed her at my breast, and she nursed as she had since she was born.  I pointed out all of the things we were doing wrong to my current nurse, a mother of 5 breastfed babies.  “That nurse told you what?!”  She took another look and told me that Eleanor was doing just fine.  She said she saw milk dribbling from Eleanor’s cheek, so she was obviously getting milk.

I was confused, but I chose to go with the positive.  I mean, how could I not?  It was either go with the flow, or give up.

One week after Eleanor was born, she had gained an entire pound over her birth weight with being breastfed exclusively.  The home nurse called my breast milk, “White Gold.”


The moral of my story is to let your baby tell you how things are going.  If he or she is gaining weight, and you both are feeling happy and healthy, that is all that matters. Be confident and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

Abigayle is a proud Minnesotan, a creative mother of two beautiful girls, and wife to a wonderful scientist.

Would you like to be featured on FreshMilk as a guest blogger? We would love to hear your story! Email us at customercare{at}milknursingwear{dot}com for submission guidelines.

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Comparison Shopping

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

Milk Nursingwear is defying the myth that nursing wear has to be dull and boring. When you choose to nurse your little one, the last thing you want is to give up your stylish wardrobe.

At Milk Nursingwear, you don’t have to.

We’ve done a little comparison shopping to see how our nursing tops and nursing dresses measure up to the trends of the season. And we’re here to report that they’re spot on!

Just a few hot trends we’ve captured that you won’t want to miss:

*Smocked floral dresses ~ Like daughter, like mommy. The Smocked look is widespread across young girls’ dresses as well as womenswear. And the floral pattern just says “summer” like nothing else can.

*Tiered Ruffles ~ We have seen them on tops and dresses, isolated to the bustline or cascading down the full-length of the garment. Tiered ruffles are soft, feminine and fashionable.

*Crossover Tops ~ The faux-wrap look is seamless, easy-to-wear and flattering to most figures.

*Halters ~ They are hot! Whether they adorn ruffles or a cinched waistline, come in chiffon or cotton, halter dresses are the “it” item of summer. Lightweight and great for a mom on-the-go.

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Expressing yourself in the office

Sunday, July 24th, 2011

Breastfeeding and Work. It seems that these two words muster up all sorts of thoughts and emotions for us women. Yes – breastfeeding IS work. (A lot of really, fulfilling, hard work.) But breastfeeding AT work – well, that’s a whole different story.

For those ladies who work outside the house, balancing the desire to breastfeed and remain involved in one’s career can prove challenging. Some US States are more supportive of breastfeeding moms than others.  The more supportive states may require that employers make allowances for breastfeeding mothers.  For example, in California, employers must allow time to pump and a private space to pump that has a sink and no toilet in the room – so, not a bathroom stall (in short).

And some of those companies that aren’t mandated to provide lactation rooms or break time are slowly catching on. But not all of them are making it easy for women who are reluctant to speak out and stand up for what they need and want.  Some women are still faced with the challenge of where to express milk at work, and how to negotiate break times to do this.

We asked some of our Facebook friends to share their experience of breastfeeding at work, and here are just a few of their responses:

We finally got a room here (which doubles as a meditation room). Before that the best option was the handicap accessible restroom. –Mark (chiming in on behalf of his female co-workers)

We have a room at {work}. I have a sign I put on the door that says, “Please do not disturb. In a state of dairy.” – Margo

I used to have to pump in a closet, on my lunch hour, with everyone else eating their lunch right outside the closet! – Vicki

I got walked in on while I was pumping…by my male boss…. that was fun! -Melanie

I would sit on the floor under my desk. I was lucky enough to have offices to do it in, but one of them had a glass panel you could see into, and the other a huge window that looked into another building. -Aviva

I would sit in the bathroom and use a manual pump. It was gross. I ran out of milk so much faster because I could not use the electric one (no outlet)…. -Regina

At first HR told me to pump in the bathroom/handicap stall – just terrible – I cried. I tried to make the point/fight for – “Would you make your lunch in a bathroom??”  -Stacy

Here is our recommended checklist of things you’ll need to breastfeed at work – no matter what level of support you receive:

>your pump (a double-electric breastpump works best) and accessories
>anti-bacterial soap, a soft cloth for washing and soft cloth for drying
>ice packs and a cooler (if refrigeration isn’t available) to store expressed milk
>a 3-prong adapter (just in case the electrical outlets aren’t fit for your needs)
>a bottle of water (just for you!)
>a photo of your baby/babies or family
>breast pads (We recommend LilyPadz or the Moisture Wicking Bravado Nursing Pads!)
>while not essential, wearing a nursing bra, and nursing dress or nursing top can make pumping more convenient and make you feel less “exposed” even if in a private space at work

We’d love to hear your stories of breastfeeding at work. Send us an email to customercare{at}milknursingwear.com!

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Tips for Pumping Milk at Work

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

Are you planning to return to work after your baby is born?  Are you back at work now and pumping during the workday?  I pumped at work (and nursed during the workday at the onsite daycare) for the first year of my first daughter’s life and there were certainly some challenges, especially since my employer at the time did not have a lactation lounge.  I had to be creative to find a quiet and private place to pump and to make sure that breaks were built into my schedule for pumping.  It was well worth it though – so here are my top 10 tips for pumping milk at work (and we welcome your tips too!  Please click on the comment link below to share your tip or offer a comment): 

1.  Talk to your employer:  Before your maternity leave is up, let your employer know that you plan to pump.  This means that you will be taking a few short breaks during the day to pump, and you will need a private space to do so.  Discussing it ahead of time will make you feel more relaxed about it when you return for your first day of work.

2.  Find a space:  Some companies have lactation lounges fully equipped with comfortable chairs, sinks, outlets and some even offer breast pumps for employees.  If you are not fortunate enough to have such a facility at work - do not despair. What you need is a private space with a door that closes so that you can relax enough to pump.  An unused or empty office or even a large closet that can be converted can work just as well.  If you are not comfortable discussing this with your supervisor then talk to HR, they should be able to help you work this out.

3.  Practice pumping:  Start to pump at home at least two weeks before going back to work.  Pumping is very different than nursing and getting used to it while you are home with baby and not transitioning back to work will make it easier and less stressful.  Doing so will also give you a start on building up a stash of breastmilk in your freezer.

4.  Choose the right pump:  Consult with a lactation consultant to help figure out which pump will work the best for you.  You may want to rent a pump before purchasing one so that you can try it out and make sure that it is right and working well for you before committing to buying one.  If you plan to pump full-time at work you will be happiest with a double electric pump.  Rest assured that the money you will save on forumla will cover the cost of the pump many times over.

5.   Dress for it:  It may seem obvious but when you get dressed in the morning remember that you will be needing to access your breasts for pumping many times during the day and you may not feel comfortable getting too undressed at work, even behind closed doors.  Make sure that dresses have buttons down the front for easy access and that tops can be easily pulled up without looking wrinkled afterwards, or can be moved aside from the top.  Choose fabrics that will be less likely to show stains if some milk happens to drip. 

6.  Wear nursing pads:  Avoid embarassing situations by wearing nursing pads every day, so that if you leak during the day it will not be visible to others!

 7.  Don’t multitask:  While a working mom may multi-task during much of her day, I do not recommend taking care of work matters while pumping.  You will find that the milk flows more freely if you are thinking about or focusing on your baby.  Bring a picture of him to work to look at, or carry a clothing item of his with his smell.  The more relaxed you are while pumping the more easily your milk will flow.

8. Know what you will need: The essentials are a breastpump, a cooler or refrigerator to store your pumped milk in and a place to wash your pump parts.  I would also recommend bringing or storing at work extra milk storage bags, a change of clothes and a picture of your baby.

9. Running into roadblocks:  Hopefully your supervisor will be supportive of your efforts and desire to pump for your baby.  If not and you run into difficulties, talk to someone in HR, they should be more up to speed on supporting moms in the work place and your right and desire to pump.

10. Hang in there!  Pumping is not always easy and requires a lot of dedication to keep it up.  Rest assured that you are doing something wonderful for your baby by providing him with breastmilk.  Talk to other moms who are pumping to help troubleshoot and get support – this will help!  Feel proud of what you are doing and hang in there if it gets tough – you will be happy that you did!

Have you pumped at work and can you offer a tip to share?  Are you going back to work and have questions to ask other moms?  Please post your comments by clicking on the link below so you can help other moms!

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Demystifying nursing bras

Sunday, July 19th, 2009

Do you find shopping for nursing bras confusing?  You are not alone!  How are you supposed to know what and when to buy?   Let us help.

What is the difference between a nursing bra and a maternity bra?

Enlarged breasts are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.  Because breasts get larger during pregnancy, and since they have only ligaments and no muscle, they can be stretched if not properly supported.   Maternity and nursing bras are both designed and constructed to offer added support for pregnancy and nursing.  What makes a nursing bra different from a maternity bra is that it also provides access to each breast for breastfeeding, via a drop-down or move aside cup.  A nursing bra can also be worn as a maternity bra during pregnancy (and later, of course, for nursing).

When should I buy a maternity or nursing bra?

As soon as your current bra feels tight, it is time to purchase your first maternity bra.  Many women choose to be professionally fitted for their first maternity bra to ensure a good fit.  Do not be tempted to purchase a bra with “room to grow,” so that you do not need to purchase a larger bra later.  It is important to wear a bra that fits even if you may need to purchase larger ones later.  Some bras are sized to fit a range of cup sizes to fit you during pregnancy and after for nursing.

The right time to purchase a nursing bra for breastfeeding is around the 36th week of pregnancy to ensure a good fit once your milk comes in after birth.

There are so many kinds of nursing bras – how do I choose?

It’s actually not as complicated as it seems, nursing bras can be divided into these categories:

  • sleep bras – they provide extra support, as well as a place for a nursing pads, while sleeping.  They make night feedings much easier by proving easy access for feedings. 
  • daytime underwire nursing bras – larger busted women may prefer the added support of an underwire style.   Some lactation professionals discourage underwire nursing bras for concern that they can interfere with milk production or contribute to mastitis or plugged ducts.  If the underwires press on the milk ducts they may interfere with your milk flow.  Others lactation professionals believe underwire nursing bras are fine. 
  • daytime softcup bras – softcup bras have no underwire. Some softcup bras are molded, meaning they have light padding.  This may help give a smoother look under closer cut tops and dresses.
  • exercise bras – designed for extra support while exercising.  Non-nursing workout bras are particularly difficult to nurse in so a workout bra is helpful.  Some are constructed for lower impact workouts and others for high impact. Make sure you know what you are getting.

How do I determine my size?

There are many ways of selecting your bra size and its actually more of an art than a science.  Click here for our recommendation on how to measure yourself. 

Nursing bras have come a long way in terms of style – no longer boring and only solid white, you can find a variety of designs and colors.

Do you have any tips to share on selecting a nursing bra?  Brands and styles that you recommend?  Post your comments here so that other moms can benefit!

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Help – I have a wedding to attend!

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

When nursing moms get invited to a wedding – our first thought is, “what am I going to wear!”   Formal clothes don’t always lend themselves to breastfeeding – access can be a challenge.   But don’t despair, you CAN dress up and nurse your baby!

On a personal note, I can tell you that nursing my second child in the bathroom during a  cousin’s wedding in 1999 is what convinced me that I had to pursue my idea of developing a new line of nursingwear, one that included stylish dresses!   I missed out on the emotional speeches and toasts that evening as I sat in the bathroom, dress up to my head to nurse.  I knew there had to be a better way.

So here are fashion tips for those of you who will be attending weddings this summer:

  • Wear a  stylish nursing dress so that you can nurse discreetly and do not have to remove yourself from the festivities for feedings.
  • Select a non-nursing dress that has buttons down the front.  This provides access for feedings, and if you are able to cover up with a nursing privacy cover or a light blanket, you may be able to avoid having to excuse yourself to a bathroom or secluded area for feedings.
  • Wear a two-piece outfit so that you have easier breastfeeding access.  Even more convenient is to wear a nursing top with a skirt, so that nursing discreetly is not an issue and you can stay in the party and nurse.
  • If you will be attending the wedding without your nursling, calculate whether or not you will need to pump or express milk during that time.   If so, make sure that you are prepared and have everything you need. 
  • Be sure to wear nursing pads to avoid leaking on your beautiful dress or top!
  • Here are some great dresses for summer weddings - and because these styles can go from casual to dressed-up with a change of accessories – you will enjoy wearing them all summer long.

 

 

You will be a lot more relaxed, confident, and will enjoy the wedding more if you are dressed for breastfeeding.  It will mean less wrestling with your clothes and more time enjoying the celebration.  If you have been to a wedding with your nursling and have other tips to offer, please click on the comments box below to share.

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Airline travel tips for nursing moms:

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

It’s just after memorial day and summer travel season is beginning.  Many of us will be flying with our nurslings this summer.  Breastfeeding is actually very convenient for travelling – no worries about lugging formula, heating up bottles, and running out of food when your flight is delayed. 

Still, travelling with kids has the potential to be stressful, so here are some tips for travelling while nursing, to make things easier for you.

Do you have other tips or suggestions?  If so, please post them below in the comments so that other moms can benefit from your experience!

Airline travel tips for nursing moms:

  1. Drink!  Carry a water bottle with you and remember to drink throughout the day.  Airline travel is dehydrating, and the summer heat is too.  You lose a lot of fluids while breastfeeding so it’s important  for both your health and your milk supply to keep yourself well hydrated.  Keep in mind that current TSA regulations do not permit you to carry your own water bottle past security, so keep money on hand to purchase water bottles in the gate area when travelling through the airport.
  2. Change before the flight: Change your baby’s diaper shortly before boarding.  This will ensure that she is as comfortable as possible before boarding the plane.  It will make things easier for you since the changing spaces in the aircraft bathrooms is tight.
  3. Dress for it:  On the plane you will likely end up nursing in very close quarters to strangers, and this may be new to you.  Make it easier on yourself by wearing either a nursing shirt, nursing cami, or nursing dress for the flight, or carry a privacy cover or light blanket with you.  This not only offers privacy for you but will help your baby relax by being more secluded in an unfamiliar environment.
  4. Nurse during take-off:  If you are flying, the changes in air pressure during take-off and landing can be uncomfortable for your child.  Nurse them during take-off and landing to help ease the pressure on their ears.
  5. Pack some extras:  Be sure to pack an extra outfit (or two!) for baby and an extra top for you in your diaper bag or easily accessible tote.  Your nursling may spit up and if you have a long flight ahead that can be uncomfortable.  Remember to pack a plastic bag to put soiled items in.
  6. Know your rights regarding transporting breastmilk:  Be aware that on July 20, 2007, TSA modified the procedures associated with carrying breast milk through security checkpoints.  Whether flying with our without your child, you are permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces on board, as long as you declare it for inspection at the security checkpoint.
  7. Consider a sling:  It may be easier to carry your little one in a baby sling as opposed to pushing a stroller.  This frees your hands up for managing carry-on luggage as well as dealing with other siblings.  Once on board this will also help your baby stay close to you and relax, and it may be easier for him to sleep.  Remember, however, that if your child is over two years old he is required to sit in his own seat and be buckled during flight.
  8. Control the germs:  Remember that germs abound on airplanes.  Wash your hands or use antibacterial wipes before nursing.  Consider using them to wipe off the tray tables and armrests around you as well. 

Nursing on an airplane presents some challenges, and has gotten some difficult press this past year.  But in my own personal experience, nursing on airplanes has been a positive experience, and most passengers and personnel have been extremely supportive.

Enjoy your summer travels, and please share any additional travel tips you have by clicking on the comments link below.

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Posted in Breastfeeding tips, Tips, travel, Uncategorized | 16 Comments »