Poncho Baby Community and Breastfeeding Tips August 24, 2018 13:17 4 Comments

My breastfeeding experience thought me the importance of community, support and determination.

Before I had our first baby, I read many books and went to pre-natal breastfeeding classes. I thought that breastfeeding would come naturally to me. When the baby was born, I was very lucky to breastfeed her as soon as I saw her. She seemed to latch on correctly. I received a brief breastfeeding consultation at the hospital and rented a breast pump to take home. I thought that I knew it all and was ready for the breastfeeding experience.

Unfortunately, our daughter got jaundice in the first week and she kept losing weight even though I was breastfeeding her every two hours. I almost lost all my milk before she was only four weeks old. My mom helped me as much as she could but she did not have breastfeeding experience.

I panicked and decided that I needed help and support; otherwise, I would not be able to breastfeed my baby. I reached out to friends and to the breastfeeding community.  I was very lucky to have found an amazing breastfeeding consultant who identified my issue. She taught me how to latch the baby correctly and how to increase my milk production. I started pumping and breastfeeding at the same time. After an exhausting month, I was able to get my milk back and my baby started growing fast.

The breastfeeding journey is different for each mom. I always encourage pregnant moms to reach out to a lactation consultant and create a community before the baby comes. In this way, it is easy to find support during the first few months, which is a decisive period to have a successful breastfeeding experience.  

These my breastfeeding tips:

1. Enjoy the special bonding with your baby
2. Create a breastfeeding community by supporting other moms
3. Have a group or private lactation consultant session after you have your baby
4. Get a good breastfeeding pump. Check and clean it before the baby comes
5. Start pumping after the first month. It is good to start storing some breastmilk and to get the baby use to the bottle.
6. Use nipple cream few weeks before you have the baby.
7. Drink water, tea or juices.
8. Have a breastfeeding pump bra

We have included breastfeeding tips for our Poncho Baby community below. Thank you for sharing your tips in our blog comments. 

• @mrs_knarr:In the beginning it can be tough but baby and mommy are both learning about one another and this will help you build a strong bond. Your body can do amazing things such as breastfeeding! All the benefits such as the immunity you are able to pass to your child and just knowing your body can nourish theirs... It’s amazing what women can do! 
• @mirasolalife:Always drink a glass of water while feeding. Helps keep your water intake up and be patient while the milk comes in.
• @hollleerback:Drinking 100% pineapple juice helps with inflammation and makes the first few weeks easier!
• @only_mianicole:Be patient with yourself and baby. This is a learning process for the both of you guys. It can be hard at first but very beneficial once you get the hang of it.
• @erika_troy_4ever:Always burp baby after feeding!
• @amy.hawkins.17:Take deep breaths during those frustrating moments and drink LOTS of water!
• @krissymom_of_4:Always make sure you have a good latch or you will be sorry! Don’t let your baby be lazy or it will hurt!
• @heathersmith10416:As they get older it takes longer because they get distracted so easilyeasy.
• @runnercov:Always keep your boppy and burp cloths near!
• @beloved_bonds: Find breastfeeding support through online communities before your baby arrives and take it one moment at a time.
• @krashlee:pumping is necessary sometimes, and sometimes it's the only option due to medical reasons, but that doesn't make it any less magical. Your milk is beautiful in any form for your baby.

We think these tips will help expectant and nursing moms to have a better experience.  Keep in mind that all bodies are different and you might find different tips that work better for you and your baby.  

Mother’s Day - Top Gift Ideas for New Moms and Moms-to-Be May 6, 2017 17:06

We love to celebrate motherhood all year round at Poncho Baby, so having Mother’s Day coming up on May 14 is very exciting! We honor all those hardworking mothers and expecting moms out there. Sometimes picking out a great gift can be challenging, so we’ve come up with some suggestions for gift ideas for new and expectant moms, and hope you enjoy a Happy Mother’s Day.

• Keepsake pregnancy journal. Being pregnant is a time of reflection, change and creativity. Encourage Mom-to-Be to save her thoughts with a beautiful keepsake journal. Uncommon Goods makes a nice one.
• Massage oil. For super-tight skin on the growing tummy—or relaxing massages on the shoulders—high-quality oil is sure to be appreciated. Empire Squid’s Mama’s Blend is all-organic, and there’s a nonscented version for the first trimester.
• Massage gift certificate. Speaking of massages, how about a gift card for a professional prenatal massage? Check with your local spa, or, a national chain like Massage Envy offers the service.
• Nursing cover. Our award-winning Poncho Baby nursing cover has a special neckline so that Mom can see the baby easily while nursing; and the organic fabric is incredibly soft and soothing (and machine washable).
• Super-soft pajamas. Bamboo is an ideal fabric for sleeping, as it wicks moisture to keep body temperature regulated. Sumptuously soft, yet still stylish, pajamas will become her new best friend. This option, by Seraphine, has a crossover top designed for nursing, as well.
• Pickles and ice cream. Okay so this can be a bit of a joke—or not—depending on what she’s craving. But how cute is the idea, right? Get some well-made, quality choices, like McClure’s pickles and McConnell’s ice cream.
• A seat cushion. It’s not a sex-say gift, but a lot of moms-to-be and new moms will swear that having a seat cushion is the best thing ever! The brand Purap has received good mentions on Babycenter.
• Postpartum bath tea. Once the medical professional has given the thumb’s up for tub baths, Mom will be clamoring for some relaxing “me time” in the tub, so a soothing herbal blend is a thoughtful gift idea. Try an organic version like Ali’s Postpartum Tea Bath.
• Personalized necklace. Have the baby’s name initial stamped onto a tiny dogtag style pendant for the new mom. We love this affordable silver option from Pamela Curran, or a lot of other designers offer hand-stamped initial jewelry as well. You can also use your breastfeeding healing cups and convert them into a personalized pendant  SilvereteUSA
• Organic Mom and Baby Plus Gift Set. Still feeling stumped? Go for a gift set. Ours comes with a onesie, nursing cover, and bandana bib, for example.
• Pump&Nurse Bra:  a comfortable bra is very important for a new breastfeeding mom. Rumina's Seamless Pump@Nurse