Breastfeeding with Love December 7, 2018 09:20 10 Comments

Simple Wishes, Pumping Essentials and Poncho Baby

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.  

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Breastfeeding Community is Essential July 27, 2017 12:56

I always wanted to breastfeed. In my mind there was never any question; it’s a natural, healthy connection I wanted with my baby. I had no idea it was going to be so difficult.

We started lactation coaching sessions at the Pump Station in Los Angeles where I learned how to make sure my daughter was latching correctly and different options for breastfeeding positions. It all seemed pretty technical, but it worked and my milk started to come back. They also recommend that I breastfeed and pump at the same time to increase production. It was like a breastfeeding marathon. After a few weeks production began to increase enough and I was able to breastfeed alone.

It was also rewarding to participate in breastfeeding group sessions where I met other moms. We shared our experiences and challenges. It was an amazing and supportive group.

Now I believe that lactation support is essential for the breastfeeding success of a new mom.  Family members, friends, lactation consultants, doulas, midwifes, hospitals and other supporting organizations all make a difference in the breastfeeding experience.

A few years ago, my sister also experienced difficulty breastfeeding with her first baby. Like me she initially did not think that a lactation consultation was necessary. She began to have pain while breastfeeding and developed a blocked duct. I told her about my experience and encouraged her to get help. She was able to find an amazing lactation consultant who guided her through her challenges and she successfully breastfed her baby exclusively for more than a year.

These are my tips to make have a successful breastfeeding experience:

Create a breastfeeding supporting community through family, friends, doulas, doctors, midwifes or lactation consultants. Select a doctor and hospital that support breastfeeding. Participate in breastfeeding sessions before you baby is born. Get a breast pump, breastfeeding essentials and bottles before having your baby arrives Include your breastfeeding desires in your birth plan. Ask for breastfeeding support at the hospital. Visit a lactation consultant the first days or few weeks after you have your baby. Join breastfeeding groups.

Since the breastfeeding support is very important for new moms, we are launching a breastfeeding support site. Initially it will include our suggested lactation consultants and hospital. In the future, we are planning to expand to doulas and midwifes.

Lots of love,

Carolina

Breastfeeding, Pumping and Traveling – Tips to Make it Easier January 29, 2017 12:54 2 Comments

Breastfeeding, Pumping and Traveling – Tips to Make it easier 

It’s hard enough for breastfeeding moms to be away from their babies. Add in the stress of pumping while traveling, and it’s all rather daunting. But with a bit of planning and shared knowledge from moms who have “been there, done that,” I hope this experience can seem manageable. I traveled for business a lot, both within the U.S. and internationally, while I was breastfeeding my girls. For example, on a seven day trip, I was able to bring back 180 ounces of refrigerated breast milk for my younger daughter. We did not lose any milk and I was able to keep my supply up. Here are my tips that will hopefully help you on your journey as well.

First up: What are you going to do with all that breast milk?

If you’re on a short trip, about one to four days, it is easier to pump and keep the milk with you, unfrozen. You’ll be bringing it back home, cold, using a good cooler and ice packs. It’s very important to mark the amount you’ve pumped, and the date, on each container.

Once you’re back home, use it fresh or freeze the milk for future use. A refresher: breast milk is safe for four hours outside, four to seven days in the fridge and four months in the freezer. The La Leche League (LLL) has more specs on temperatures and guidelines here. You could also ship your milk back, via a carrier such as Fed/Ex. This may prove more expensive and difficult than simply carrying it back, but it’s an option.

As a last resort, you could freeze the milk and ship it back using dry ice. If you’re going this route, be sure to investigate where to buy the ice and the regulations for the country you’ll be in.

I prefer to ship the milk refrigerated in a very good cooler. 

What to Pack:

• Your portable breast pump, with battery pack and AC adaptor
• If you’ll be somewhere it may be hard to get extra batteries, pack some
• Hands free bra for pumping - Simple Wishes
• A cooler, with the size based on the number of days you’ll be traveling
• A set of extra parts
• At least four bottles (I always brought six)
• Organic cloths or wipes
• Nursing cover for privacy 
• Organic dishwashing soap in a small, leak-proof container. 

For the Airport:

• Have a printed copy of the TSA's rules on traveling with breast milk, found at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children

Hopefully you won’t have problems, but you never know.

• Your breast pump is considered a personal item and can be carried on like a laptop or a purse on the majority of airlines.
• Keep your breast milk separate from your other liquids and inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you carry breast milk, and in excess of 3.4 ounces, in your carry-on bag. You won’t need the milk in 3-ounce containers like your other liquids; it can be in the storage bags or bottles.
• Don’t worry; an Xray machine will have no harmful effect on your breastmilk.

On an Airplane:

• If you plan to pump during your flight, book a window seat.
• Use the nursing cover for privacy if you prefer.
• Some moms who prefer additional privacy pump in the bathroom, but it could very uncomfortable and not very pleasant, not to mention unsafe if there is unexpected turbulence.
• Never clean your pumping equipment or bottles using the airplane sink’s water since it could be unsafe. Request bottled water if you need to clean your equipment.
• Ask the flight attendant for ice if you need some for your cooler.

At a Hotel: 

• Call ahead to your hotel to have them put a refrigerator in your room.
• Speak with the room service to make sure that they do not unplug the refrigerator.

Visiting a Company, Vendor or Tradeshow:

• Check in advance to find out if there will be a mother’s room or a lactation room at the location. If not, request another quiet and secure spot where you can be accommodated.

For International Trips:

• Check the plug type and voltage for the country that you are visiting. You may need an electrical current adapter.

With a bit of planning and determination, you’ll be able to keep up your milk supply, continue to nourish your baby, and still travel wherever you need to. Good luck, Mom, and let me know how it goes!

Breastfeeding Essentials - Breastfeeding With Love Giveaway August 2, 2016 09:43 2 Comments

Valued over $620, the Breastfeeding Essentials in our Breastfeeding With Love Giveaway Package includes the best essentials for breastfeeding moms with an amazing suite of products to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week.

1. Poncho Baby Organic Rose Nursing Cover:  Award-winning Poncho Baby Nursing Cover, patent-pending design, allows Mom to see the baby while breastfeeding and provides back coverage. It's incredibly soft, multi-functional and USA Made with 100% premium imported muslin cotton.
2. Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra: 1bra - This innovative bra gives moms the valuable gift of time by freeing up their hands for other tasks or allowing them to simply relax while using their breastpump.
3. Belly Bandit B.D.A.™ Bra: 1bra - During pregnancy and when nursing, comfort is key. This lightweight, wireless and gently supportive bra is expertly designed to grow and shrink with your changing body.
4. Bandita Nursing Bra: The removable contour pads mold to your body’s new shape and a simple release feature means baby can easily access your breast for a stress-free latch on. 
5. Mother Tucker® Nursing Tank: Designed with an ultra-soft breathable knit, this tank has been engineered to offer exceptional underwire-free support and slide-over cups for discreet nursing. In addition to all that support, our nursing tank is created with three strategic zones of compression to flatten your belly.
6. Rumina Pump&Nurse Classic Coverage Tank: Moderate to Firm support, the Classic Coverage Tank’s all-in-one hands-free pumping and nursing does it all! With a classic v-neckline, moms can pump and nurse discreetly, without revealing your tummy, disrobing or adding extra garments.
7. Silverette Cups: Small nursing cups made out of 925 silver to help protect the nipples while breastfeeding.  Silver is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory element and it heals and prevents cuts, wounds, cracks, soreness and infections.
8. Pariday Tendher Pillows: Pillows are made of soft-touch, medical-grade film for maximum soothing. Gel-filled pillows soothe breasts & nipples on contact at room temperature. Pillows may be cooled or warmed and worn with sleeves for additional soothing. Washable, re-usable sleeves wick away moisture while preventing minor leaks. Perfectly sized for both coverage and tuck-in-bra discretion.
9. Babymoov Essential Diaper Bag: Functional baby changing bag to make your every-day life with baby easier! Many accessories: Changing mat, Insulated bag, Transparent pocket, Soother pocket , Stroller harness
10. Perfect Postnatal™ . Six  Month Supply. Multivitamin is formulated with vitamins and minerals recommended specifically for breastfeeding women, including whole-food cultured Iron, Vitamin B6, Iodine and Vitamin D3. To help address your body’s needs after giving birth, Perfect Postnatal delivers whole-food cultured Iron‡—required for red blood cell production—as well as Folate.   

                                                    Winner Trista O

 

 

Breastfeeding Problems and the Power of Support April 27, 2016 14:57 11 Comments

Quick Tips:

• Understand that breastfeeding is not always easy
• Recognize the Importance of a supportive environment
• Find lactation resources

When my first daughter was born, I thought breastfeeding would be an easy natural bonding event.  After all, it’s expected - moms have been doing it for centuries.  So how difficult could it be?  My mom did not breastfeed any of her kids, so she could not provide any advice. 

At first I didn’t realize the importance of advice and support.  After all my daughter seemed to be very comfortable breastfeeding.  Okay, well maybe she was a bit cranky and took a while to settle down.  But I didn’t think anything of it, until her pediatrician was concerned that she was not gaining enough weight.  I went into panic mode and we started supplementing with formula in a bottle.  But I still was producing milk.  Nevertheless, I began to think it was not enough.  I was not ready to give up.

Fortunately, I went to some amazing breastfeeding sessions with Corky, a lactation consultant and owner of the Pump Station in Los Angeles.  In turned out in my case, my milk was almost gone since my baby wasn’t latching on correctly.  After the first meeting with Corky, I began a milk saving marathon where I needed to nurse and pump while weaning my daughter off formula.  The less formula I gave her, the more she wanted to nurse.  It makes sense in retrospect, but as new moms we often think that we don't have enough milk.

Despite an extremely challenging start, my milk went into full production following several crazy weeks of nursing and pumping.  But it was totally worth it.  Nursing became natural as I developed an amazing bond with my girls.  I ended up breastfeeding them exclusively for about a year.  If I hadn’t sought the help of a lactation consultant, this story may have had a different outcome.  We should encourage and support new moms because it makes a difference. Lactation support is important after having your baby - don’t be afraid of asking for help.  Breastfeeding could be challenging and moms need to know how important is to surround themselves with a supportive team of friends and family. 

When close friend called few weeks ago because she was close to giving up, I was relieved she reached out. After some C-section complications and the lack of breastfeeding support, she started giving her baby formula. Her struggle was similar to mine, she was worried about not being able to produce enough milk. This must be a common concern for moms before right before they stop breastfeeding. Now, she enjoys breastfeeding her baby in a warm supportive environment with the advice of a professional.

Stay tuned for the breastfeeding guide coming soon. Did you have a similar experience you'd like to share? We would love to hear from you. 

Best, 

Carolina