breastfeeding

When Smartphones Meet Smartpumps

By Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC

Ever since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was implemented in the United States in 2012, breast pumps are becoming commonplace after a baby is born. The number of breast pump manufacturers continues to grow now that most private health insurances cover and provide a double electric pump under the ACA. But, there is still a need for retail breast pumps too.

Some of the reasons why a mom might still need to purchase a breastpump after receiving an insurance issued pump are:

The insurance issued pump she receives is not compatible with her breasts and/or lifestyle.
She prefers to own two separate pumps leaving one at work and one at home to make working and breastfeeding easier when returning to work.
The breast pump she was issued from insurance stops working and is out of warranty.

Luckily, there are a lot more choices when it comes to purchasing a personal double electric breastpump. One of the newest pumps emerging on the market is the Lansinoh® SmartPump Double Electric Breast Pump. This new breast pump is the first to combine some of the most efficient and convenient features found on today’s personal breast pumps and gives it a modern twist by blending them with Bluetooth technology. Lansinoh Smartpump Double Electric Breast Pump’s integration with Bluetooth via its free app could make pumping more suitable for the millions of moms who choose to pump while breastfeeding.

The features which stood out in my opinion as a board certified lactation consultant are as follows:

Closed system: This technology minimizes milk from backing up in the tubing. Having the motor sealed decreases the chance of bacteria and other organisms entering the pump’s motor, which is often unknown to the mother.
Modern design: No knobs to turns; just easy and precise push buttons.
LetDown Button: Moms have been conditioned and want at the push of a button to have a pump mimic the change in speed and suction during a letdown and expressions phases.
Separate Speed and Suction Function: The Lanisinoh Smartpump allows for each mom to customize and maximize how she pumps. There are three Pumping Styles built in to choose from to try to mimic how her baby suckles from the breast or, at the push of a button, a mom can choose to customize her setting even more choosing up to eight levels of suction.
Compact Size: Thankfully the big and bulky pumps are less common within the new generation of breastpumps. Battery powered is optional because today’s mamas are on the go!
Clock/Timer: Losing track of time is easy to do with pumping since most moms I know are pumping handsfree and become distracted on their phones.
Backlight: Useful to have because moms don’t just pump in the day hours.
Different Flange Sizes Included: Having variances in flange sizes included better assures an accurate fit, which results in increasing output and decreasing nipple trauma. Having sizing options included prevents injury from having to use the incorrect size until a mom has time to go shopping.
Cost: The $199.99 MRSP is a good price point for a retail pump. The free app which connects automatically is what makes this pump so unique.
Lansinoh Baby App: Compatible with both iPhones and Androids. Can be connected prior to connecting to your pump to track the necessary data used when determining how well lactation is going such as output from diapers including color of stools, tracking feeding frequency, and duration. The best feature is it can be downloaded and shared with your lactation consultant and pediatrician to provide a thorough history. Gone are all those messy handwritten charts parents show me!

Since my breastfeeding days are six years behind me, I enlisted the help of a few local breastfeeding moms to let me know how the new Lansinoh® Smartpump Double Electric Breast Pump feels and functions compared to their current electric breastpump they were using. Disclosure: Lansinoh provided pumps to these two mothers for trial, but all opinions are our own.

Tester #1: Mother of two; ages 3 years and 2 months. Breastfeeds exclusively, but works fulltime. Has a flexible work environment and can bring her newborn to work with her on most days. She represents the “occasional pumper”. She pumps for breastmilk to be given by bottle by her spouse or caregiver due to work, date nights, and errands done without baby.

Pros

Suction “I could only stand the lowest setting which was strange because I usually have to turn my pump to the highest setting.”
Speed Tester 1 used Pumping Style Two, which is the default setting. “It felt faster, but I have never recorded my minutes before. The app made it effortless to know how long it takes me to pump. That was cool!”
Comfort “I used the standard size flange, and they fit the same as my previous ones. If I kept the suction at the lowest setting it felt comparable to my former pump’s highest setting.”
Ease of Use “I perused through the instruction manual before trying because I had never used a pump with separate speed and suction controls. I just turned it on, starting to letdown, and pumped. The first setting was perfect for me.”
Amount Pumped same as her previous pump
Favorite Lansinoh Baby App Features The pump automatically connects when turning on your pump making record keeping easy to do.

Cons

Small ice pack which doesn’t fit around the storage bottles in the cooler. Added second ice pack in cooling bag.
“Wish the pump parts which I already own (I have tons) are compatible.”

Would you recommend? “Yes, it has it all! The app has things on it you can use if not pumping yet. I would suggest a new mom download the app while still pregnant because learning to pump and playing with the app was another step.”

Tester # 2: First time mom, 7 month old; Exclusively Pumping (EP) mom who is a stay at home mom. Pumps 5-7 times per day and exclusively bottle feeds + solids using only her expressed breastmilk.

Pros
● Suction “It felt stronger which had me questioning if my current pump is wearing out from using it so much. Eight suction levels is a nice feature.”
● Speed “I used all three pump styles. I found each one to be good for the different fullness in my breast. I prefered Pumping Style 2 which is standard. However, when I’m fuller in the mornings, I then prefered Pumping Style 1 because it’s faster; removing more milk once I begin to letdown.”
● Comfort “I am so use to pumping, it never hurts me! This pump is about the same as my current pump.”
● Ease of Use “I cleaned the parts, assembled and just pumped! The automatic shut off feature is useful since I often would forget to turn off my pump when I was done while storing my milk.”
● Amount Pumped “I use to get about the same as my older pump, but now that I am more familiar with this pump I average 2-3 more ounces per day.”
● Favorite Lansinoh Baby App Feature “It replaced my previous baby app since it can do all that and more. I love that it automatically records when I pump by simply turning on the pump. I use both the bottlefeeding and diaper count feature too.”

Cons
● “I use this pump now in place of my current pump, but If I had to change give one thing about this pump it would be the size of the outside diameter of the flange (purple rubber part) and the fact it’s made out of rubber. This part is wider than my last pump and I had to cut the holes in my handsfree bra bigger because the rubber doesn’t slide in and out as easily. I wish it were plastic instead.”

Would you recommend? “Yes”

In America, breastpumps have become synonymous with breastfeeding. In fact, North America was the largest market with more than 63% share in global breast pump market. (1) While most lactation professionals agree that pumping more than your baby actually needs to gain a freezer “stash” is both unnecessary, could cause an oversupply which has health implications, and is too time consuming for the average breastfeeding mother. Breastpumps are vital items if you are one of the 70% (2) of moms who return back to the workforce after childbirth. Also, each year the initiation of breastfeeding rates continue to climb. Today’s moms are choosing to breastfeed longer compared to just a few years ago because of the increases in education and support which continue to improve. Pumping is imperative for the working mom obviously, but also the mom who only pumps regardless of work status. Exclusive Pumpers (EPs) are a population that is growing. These moms rely heavily on a breast pump’s features to be successful.

Thankfully, these moms and others have options when choosing their personal double electric breastpumps like the Lansinoh® Smartpump Double Electric Breast Pump.

Bio

Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC, RLC is a registered nurse whose specialties include NICU and maternalchild health and is a board certified lactation consultant with over 20 years experience working with families. She is the creator and CEO of Boobie Bar, The Original Herbal Lactation Bar. She currently works as a lactation consultant at Sharp Grossmont Hospital and in privatepractice in the San Diego, California area. She is also participates and speaks monthly through breastfeeding webinars hosted by Gugu Guru in the Gugu Village.

References:
1. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/pressrelease/globalbreastpumps
2. https://www.dol.gov/wb/stats/stats_data.htm

Newborn Lockdown!

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

One of the reasons pregnant mamas love registering on Gugu Guru is that we simplify every product into a very real life scenario and category. We know that registering can be overwhelming, which is why we are here to hold your (possibly swollen) hand and walk you through all the different categories when it comes to new-parenthood. The first stop in newborn land is what we like to call “Newborn Lockdown” – Newborn Lockdown describes those very early few weeks when you literally don’t leave the house, whether it’s because you’re healing, breastfeeding, exhausted, or simply too nervous to take that tiny baby into the giant world! We’ve gathered together some of our favorite products for surviving those first few weeks on lockdown – and if you’re not registering or pregnant, we highly recommend buying some of these items for your new mama friend (you can thank us later!).

For Mama –

Nesting Days Carrier: In those very early days of newborn-hood, it seems like baby never wants to be put down! The Nesting Days Carrier is unique in that it can be worn two ways – wear it at home (and get a chance to use your hands again!) for skin-to-skin time with baby; it also helps pull in your stomach muscles and provide tummy support. Or, use it out and about over your clothing for a hands-free way to carry baby close to you.

Victoria’s Secret Hoodie and Sweats: We know all you want to do is lie around with the baby, so why not look adorable doing it? We are loving these super soft “Boyfriend Pants” and hoodie from Victoria’s Secret – plus, the hoodie makes whipping your boobs out for breastfeeding all day long so much easier!

Netflix: Don’t have a Netflix account? You need one now – you’ll be spending many, many long hours rocking, feeding, and shushing a baby, the least you can do is binge watch The Gilmore Girls while you do it! (We highly recommend Dawson’s Creek and Felicity, too!). A Netflix account makes a wonderful baby shower gift, as well – mama can even watch on her phone late at night!

Silverette Nursing Cups: Are you breastfeeding your newborn? Check out Silverette Nursing Cups, which are 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. These cups are essential for anyone who is having problems with painful nipples or want to use them as a precautionary measure. They are completely easy to use and no creams or lotion are needed.

For Baby –

Owlet Baby Monitor: It’s nerve-wracking to bring home a newborn baby, especially for first time parents! It seems as though many parents are even too nervous to fall asleep because the baby seems so tiny and new – but, Owlet Smart Sock is here to help. The Owlet Smart Sock is a bootie which your infant wears, and uses hospital technology called “pulse oximetry” to monitor your baby’s breathing. The Owlet monitor relays the information and connects to your smartphone, so even if you’re cooking dinner downstairs, you can check on your baby’s breathing.

DockATot: The DockATot is a completely unique and versatile product for babies to lounge, relax, or play in. The unique shape and design allow babies to comfortably rest, play, snuggle and log in some tummy time. The idea is that your little one feels snuggled in a safe haven that feels a lot like the womb. The bumpers are made with a special air-permeable fabric that makes DockATot particularly worry-free. The DockATot is very lightweight and perfect for families who travel!

To register for these items, head over to our registry page and add them (and many, many other must-have items) to your personalized registry!

Nursing Essentials Roundup!

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week, so we wanted to share some helpful nursing essentials which you could add to your registry or gift to a new mama friend!

Sponsored Post

Bamboobies Nursing Pads: Bamboobies Nursing Pads are made of ultra-soft and soothing bamboo rayon velour, an absorbent inner layer of hemp and cotton with an outer milk-proof liner to help prevent embarrassing leaks! These nursing pads are super absorbent and eco-friendly. Bamboobies washable nursing pads come in two varieties. The ultra-thin, heart-shaped regular nursing pads are made for light leaking and are designed to be less visible through clothing. The round shaped overnight nursing pads are not only ultra-soft, but larger, thicker and super absorbent for heavy leaking and newborn nursing.

Milkies Milk-Savers: Any breastfeeding mom will tell you that they absolutely hate wasting even one drop of breast milk! Luckily, Milk-Savers by Milkies save the day! Easy to use, simply slip the Milk-Saver into your bra-cup on the non-nursing side before you breastfeed. The Milk-Saver collects the milk that is leaked when your breast milk lets down. Once you’ve finished your breastfeeding session, simply transfer the collected milk into storage containers and keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to feed your baby at a later time. Slim, durable, and portable, the patented Milk-Saver is comfortable to wear, holds a little more than 2 ounces of breast milk, and includes a protective lid to prevent milk from spilling out of the Milk-Saver during normal use. And with its stylish, durable case, your Milk-Saver will stay safe and clean when you’re on the go.

Bamboobies Nursing BRAHHH!: Bamboobies Nursing Brahhh combines the popular seamless nursing bra style with super-soft rayon from bamboo fabric. Wire-free comfort and soft support will make this bra your everyday favorite. Bamboo rayon is more breathable, softer and eco-friendly than cotton or nylon. Bamboobies Nursing Brahhh now has clasps for easy access nursing.

Beaugen Breast Pump Nipple Cushion: These breast pump nipple cushions are a universal fit, soft and stretchy which add comfort to your breast pump. Each package includes 2 nipple cushions which fit breast shield sizes 19mm-36mm. Make your time pumping more comfortable with these soft and helpful cushions!

Advanced Breastfeeding Class

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s also a learned practice that can sometimes be challenging. Set yourself and baby up for success by being informed on the basics and benefits of breastfeeding before baby arrives by attending the first webinar in our three-part series on breastfeeding and pumping: Advanced Breastfeeding Class!

Details
Join us for our 2-hour Advanced Breastfeeding Class* webinar from the comfort of your own home or workplace, led by Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC and creator of Boobie Bars. From explaining the components of breastmilk to a proper latch to solutions for common breastfeeding issues, this class goes above and beyond what is taught in a basic hospital class to help you and baby get off to the right start. We will also offer time for Q/A at the end of the class, time-permitting. Don’t miss out on our early bird pricing!

*Advanced Breastfeeding Class is part one of a three-part series, which covers setting yourself up for successful breastfeeding with a newborn. Parts Two and Three of this series will cover Pumping and Returning to Work, respectively. We are offering discounted early bird pricing, along with a discounted bundle package for those who wish to attend all three webinars. Those who purchase the bundle package will be entered to win a Lansinoh SmartPump breast pump and a supply of Boobie Bars!

Topic: Advanced Breastfeeding Class (Part I of III)

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM CDT / 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM MDT / 10AM-12PM PDT

Pricing:
Early Bird (first 15 attendees to sign up): $40
Standard Ticket: $45
Early Bird Webinar 3-Series Bundle (first 10 attendees to sign up): $90
Standard Webinar 3-Series Bundle (first 10 attendees to sign up): $100

This class is the first in a 3-part series of breastfeeding webinars brought to you by Gugu Village – Gugu Guru’s new online support community for expecting and new moms.

Advanced Breastfeeding Class
Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM CDT / 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM MDT / 10AM-12PM PDT
Tickets can be purchased above or here.

Well Mama Round Up!

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Happy mom, happy baby! With a new baby at home, it’s easy to forget that mom needs care too. Gugu Guru has rounded up a few items to help make it a bit easier.

Sponsored Post

Nesting Days Carrier: Skin-to-skin is a lot more than just having all that newborn deliciousness as close as possible. There are proven emotional and biological benefits for both baby and mom, and who doesn’t want a happier, healthier, less stressed baby? The Nesting Days Carrier makes hands-free skin-to-skin babywearing easy! Created by a postpartum doula and made locally in San Francisco, there are no straps, buckles, harnesses or wrapping techniques involved – and it even provides gentle abdominal support. So strip baby down to a diaper (when at home), slip her into your Nesting Days carrier, and breathe in all that yummy new baby smell!

Fannypants Freedom Plus Set + Maxi SmartPad Underwear: Did baby spend the last few months kickboxing your bladder and now that you’ve given birth, things aren’t quite how they used to be? Don’t worry, Fannypants has you covered! These moisture-wicking, flexible, stretchable panties come with a Maxi SmartPad (a washable, reusable pad that can be used for your period or bladder leaks). Go ahead and laugh and lift, you’ve got eco-friendly protection on your side!

yootoo Bra: As moms, we’re constantly making sure that our baby is as comfy as possible, but you need comfort too! (Hence the name of this awesome bra line.) yootoo nursing bras provide breathable support, clasps that open and close easily with one hand, a plunging neckline for versatility, and patented UGrow technology, which allows the bra to conform to your body. Plus, a portion of every yootoo sale goes to Every Mother Count, a non-profit founded by Christy Turlington Burns that supports maternal health programs around the world!

Mompreneur Spotlight: Morgan Hutchinson of Shop BURU ( + giveaway!)

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We are thrilled to be featuring Morgan Hutchinson for the Mompreneur spotlight today! Morgan is the founder and owner of Shop BURU, which designs chic, glamorous and totally functional attire for nursing and post-pregnancy moms. Morgan’s aim is to help new (and seasoned) moms feel and look their best, during breastfeeding, baby, and beyond!

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Shop BURU.

MH: When my baby girl was just a few days old, it became blatantly obvious to me that the bulk of my wardrobe wasn’t going to work— for nursing, for my post baby body changes or for (countless) spit-up catastrophes! My husband and I had just moved back to the US from an almost 4 years stint in Beijing. We landed in my tiny hometown in Kentucky to be with family for the birth of our daughter. While it was fantastic to be near those we love most at this special time, it was quite challenging to go from a city of 25 million (with shopping galore) to a city of 25,000 with extremely limited options.

With a background in fashion—from designing lingerie to styling photo shoots in China, I couldn’t accept the fact that my style should change just because I became a mom. I also couldn’t accept the fact that most nursing clothes were sold exclusively within maternity stores—destinations that I did not look forward to revisiting for a while.

With the help and support of my husband, I began scouring the racks of department stores (a 2-hour drive away I might add) to find tops and dresses with easy access to nurse and silhouettes to accommodate my new shape (aka my out of control nursing boobs). It was time consuming and frustrating (plus it was so easy to be distracted and tempted by all the amazing styles that wouldn’t work for my new phase of life).

Brett saw and appreciated the challenges I faced and together we began to brainstorm about a solution. 8 weeks after Olive was born we traveled to NYC to a wholesale market to hunt for brands and styles that would work. With freshly printed business cards emblazoned with BURU (the mandarin word for breastfeed), a dose of “ignorance is bliss” and absolutely NO working website—we took to the streets and turned my pipe dream into a reality.

SHOPBURU—the online destination for elevated and functional #momstyle will turn 3 this September!

GG: How do you balance work and family?

MH: Ha ha! What’s balance? Honestly, aren’t we all just winging it every day. The truth is that it’s my family that keeps me balanced—my husband’s arms, my daughter’s giggles…they ground me. I am not me without them, yet I also not me without my goals, my hopes, my dreams. Balance for me is the big picture. Perhaps everyday is not a perfect legal scale measurement, but if I get to tuck my happy little Olive in at night with songs and stories and then fall asleep in Brett’s arms, then I am good—no matter how bad, chaotic or insane the day was.

GG: What’s the best part of being an mompreneur?

MH: I love this question! I am often asked what the worst part is, but it is SO much better to focus on the good. And the good for me is huge. Let’s start with my favorite—I get to take Olive to ballet class, I get to pick her up from school, I get to volunteer in her class and I don’t have to ask anyone for permission! I may not get to do it every time, but it’s my choice, my decision and I am so grateful. This doesn’t mean there are not times when work/BURU gets in the way—of course it does, but at least the only guilt I feel is self-inflicted. It doesn’t also come from a BOSS!

Like what you see here? Enter below to win $250 to Shop BURU!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UpSpring Baby: Health & Wellness Improvement for Mom

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

This is more of a momprenuers (plural) feature. We speak with Lisa Williamson Rowe, co-founder and CEO of UpSpring Baby – a brand that creates first-of-their-kind products for today’s modern family. UpSpring’s mission is to improve the lives of moms and babies alike and create products that promote health, wellness, and safety. With Mother’s Day around the corner, it seemed like the perfect time to sit down and speak with Lisa about UpSpring’s dedication to health and wellness improvement for mom.

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about UpSpring.
LR: We [along with fellow co-founders Julie Jumonville and Dede Woodman] were three mom entrepreneurs that saw unmet needs in the mom & baby market. In 2005, we decided to partner up and create products that met those needs. Our first two products were Milkscreen, an at-home alcohol detection kit for breast milk, and Walking Wings, a unique tool for babies learning to take their first steps.

GG: How do you balance work and family?
LR: In my home, we definitely have family focus time, like dinner time. However, UpSpring has really just become part of our daily life and my family is likewise so much a part of UpSpring. My children and family life have inspired the UpSpring brand in many ways, and have given input and feedback all along the way as we’ve built the company.

GG: What’s the best part of being a mompreneur?
LR: It is just so rewarding partnering with other mom entrepreneurs and sharing products. We are now a village and that village includes other mom inventors, pediatricians and medical experts all sharing our dedication to promote wellness.

Some of Gugu Guru’s favorite products from the UpSpring catalog:

Milkscreen is an easy-to-use at home test that detects alcohol in breast milk. Because everyone metabolizes alcohol differently, the amount of time it takes for alcohol to leave your breast milk also varies. Now you may never have to pump and dump breast milk again.
Milkflow is a concentrated blend of natural herbal extracts including fenugreek and blessed thistle. This powdered drink mix helps you stay hydrated, promotes a healthy breast milk supply and is far more exciting to take than pills.
The Wellmom Breast Pillow is designed specifically to support the mother’s breast while breastfeeding. UpSpring’s new pillow is the first of its kind to provide optimal breast placement while nursing, which resolves the tiresome and painful-to-the-wrist act of physically holding the breast. The pillow lifts and comfortably supports the breast, and its stay-in-place cover holds the breast in position for hands-free nursing.
C-Panty: C Section Recovery Underwear: C-Panty after cesarean-section panty speeds recovery and slims post baby belly. Compression reduces pain and increases mobility. C-Panty takes care of you so you can take care of baby in comfort.
MS Panty: Postpartum Recovery Underwear: Designed for vaginal deliveries, MS-Panty is an after baby panty to speed up getting your pre-body back with just the right amount of compression.
Wellmom’s Organic Coconut Nipple Balm expedites healing and moisturizes tender skin with all natural ingredients that are okay for baby to ingest. Wellmom Coconut Nipple Balm does not contain lanolin, petrolatum, or parabens so you don’t have to remove the balm before breastfeeding baby.
Shrinkx Hips Ultra is the first and only wrap clinically proven to narrow hips after delivery. Shrinkx Hips works thanks to the hormone Relaxin which loosens pelvic joints and ligaments for childbirth. Relaxin stays in your system up to 8 weeks after delivery. Wearing Shrinkx Hips during this time gently guides hips back to their pre-pregnancy position, or smaller.
Shrinkx Belly Postpartum Belly Wrap helps you lose inches faster off your belly and waist after delivery. Triple compression customizes fit so you can look and feel better sooner.

Mompreneur Spotlight: Wendy Colson of Boobie Bar

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

This week’s Mompreneur Feature: Wendy Colson of Boobie Bar – a convenient herbal lactation bar with the “right” herbs in the “right” dose. It contains an entire daily dose of milk-making ingredients in a single bar – saving nursing mamas from having to pop pills or brew tea all day.

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Boobie Bar.

From my direct experience as an IBCLC working with moms who struggled with low milk supply, I hand selected each milk-making ingredient known as a galactagogue. This patent-pending proprietary blend of herbs, the Boobie Blend™, is what sets our bars apart from any other lactation product currently on the market. I wanted to create something which could replace moms having to brew teas or pop 6-15 pills a day. Now you can get your entire daily dose of galactagogues (milk-making ingredients) in a convenient health food bar which you can take with you on the go.

GG: How do you balance work and family?

I found balance when I learned to let go. Before I became a mother, I was a planner extremist. I not only planned all three of my pregnancies, but even chose each one of my kid’s birthdays. Conflict arose after the birth of my first daughter because I was trying to be the same person, but with a newborn! It just wasn’t working. I began feeling a sense hopelessness if I couldn’t keep the house clean enough, prepare daily meals made from scratch, run simple errands in a timely manner, and check off my never ending “to do” list. My husband put no added pressure on me (He’s a saint). I was my worst enemy. I wish I could tell you I found balance with work and family soon after the my first daughter was born, but it wasn’t until the birth of my second daughter, 22 months later, when I realized I had to change my old ways of doing things or I was headed for a self-induced breakdown.

I took a much needed inventory of my life and decided that I needed to accept this was the new norm. I set new goals for myself each day which were now attainable. Taking a shower before 2pm became my new goal and on most days I actually reached it!

The changes I made to find more balance didn’t just stop at home. I decided after just two months of being back to work after maternity leave, I would be a happier mom and wife if I resigned from my hospital nursing position. I commuted an hour and half with two babies under the age of two which was insane. As they say, “When one door closes, another one opens”. My “retirement” lasted only nine months because I love what I do. I was offered a nursing job only three miles from home and job shared with another mom who didn’t want to work twelve hour shifts either. I chose work by its flexibility, not for its money. As my three babies got older, the more work I picked up. I started a private practice for lactation consultations the week my youngest went to kindergarten. For both my private-practice and at Boobie Bar I had to set boundaries with my hours. I make it a point to be home each day at 2 o’clock and cook and eat dinner with them. When they go to bed, I go back to work to make up the time.

GG: What’s the best part of being an mompreneur?

Most kids have a hard time explaining what their parents do at work. Whereas, my three daughters got to see their mom take an idea, use her education and evolve it into a product which benefits moms and babies everywhere. It’s the best feeling to be that kind of role model for my girls.

Nursing Mama Travel Must-Haves

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

When you’re a breastfeeding mama, traveling can often cause lots of stress! You worry about your milk supply, when to pump, where to pump, or, if the baby is with you, finding a comfortable place to feed the baby. However, there are now a lot of products on the market designed to help just those situations. Here’s a round up of some of our latest and greatest nursing mama travel must haves:

Lansinoh recently released their Ultimate Protection Nursing Pads; you never have to worry about leaking through your shirts again. These nursing pads are the only nursing pads designed with the blue InvisiLock™ Core; this special feature instantly collects all moisture and disperses it away from the center of the pad. No more clumping, bunching, or soaked nursing pads! The pad stays thin, dry, and smooth – no one will even know you’re wearing one. Running through an airport? No worry, these pads stay in place with two adhesive strips. One of these super soft pads can absorb up to 20x its weight and still remain entirely discreet. You could travel for hours and still feel confident (and dry!) in your attire.

When traveling with a nursing baby, sometimes it seems there is so much extra stuff to carry with you – including a nursing pillow! However, nursing pillows can be bulky and not airplane or travel friendly. The Nurgo Pillow is a one-of-a-king travel nursing pillow. Created out of necessity by a mother, the Nurgo pillow hopes to ease the stress of traveling with a nursing baby. The Nurgo Pillow is made from a 100% non-toxic foam pad (odor free, no flame retardants, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic), which compacts into a small size, in its very own pouch. The pillow features a wedge design, which helps babies with reflux or a latching position better able to feed; there are two loops on the sides which can help secure a nursing cover, and even a side pocket and water bottle holder. A perfect travel companion for any mama and baby!

Speaking of nursing covers, we’re loving the multipurpose covers from Covered Goods! These stylish covers, invented by a mother of four, are handcrafted in Los Angeles, and cover a mom in all the right places so she feels confident feeding her baby anywhere! These handy covers can be scrunched up small and fit in any travel or diaper bag. With their 360-degree coverage, flexible neck, and easy on and off (no rings, straps, snaps, or buckles!), they are the ideal nursing cover for travel. When not nursing, Covered Goods can be used as a chic and super soft scarf, a carseat cover, or even as a shopping cart seat cover for babies and toddlers. You never have to worry about feeling exposed again with Covered Goods!

Often when breastfeeding mamas are traveling away from their babies or if they’re with baby but plan to bottle-feed out of convenience, they worry about their milk supply. Now, there’s a delicious snack which can help. Created by a nurse and lactation consultant, Boobie Bars, are a convenient and healthy snack and a wonderful alternative to taking pills and special teas to help your milk supply! Made of a proprietary blend of herbs, coconut oil, oatmeal, and fenugreek, these bars are offered in blueberry coconut, oatmeal chocolate chip, and gluten-free peanut butter! Eating just one Boobie Bar a day fulfills a daily dose of milk-boosting herbs that a breastfeeding mama needs. Throw these bars in your purse, diaper bag, or pocket so you can deliciously keep your supply up while traveling.

Making It Work at Work — Six Tips On How To Successfully Return To Work After Maternity Leave

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We had the pleasure of meeting Gina Ciagne, Global Vice President, Healthcare Relations at Lansinoh & Certified Lactation Counselor at the ABC Kids Expo and we love her dedication to supporting breastfeeding moms. Obviously, aside from being a lactation specialist, by working at one of the leading manufacturers of breastfeeding products, Gina knows a lot about pumping. And, as a business woman, she has great advice about making it all work when going back to work. Here, her six tips on how to successfully return to work when pumping:

Congratulations! You’re a mom who packs up her pump when you head to work, so your baby can continue to have the very best nourishment. You’re also ensuring breastfeeding security when the two of you are together by maintaining your supply while you are apart.

Whether you’re just returning to work or simply need a refresher, here are some tips to make it a win-win-win: for you, your baby and your employer.

Tip 1: Make a connection.

Every breastfeeding mother has a story about what worked for her when she returned to work. If you know other women who have pumped at work, talk to them about their experiences and solutions to any challenges they may have had.

You can also connect with other mothers on breastfeeding message boards.

Tip 2: Find time to pump.

Plan your pumping schedule to replicate your baby’s nursing times, so that your body gets the necessary signals to continue producing milk.

Avoid skipping sessions as this signals your body to produce less milk. Make sure you have regularly scheduled pumping sessions.

Tip 3: Be flexible, but don’t neglect your breasts.

Consider your employer’s needs, as well as your own.

Even if you only have a few minutes, still pump and don’t skip a session, if at all possible.

It will be uncomfortable as your breasts fill with milk, and regular stimulation is more important for your body’s response than pumping time.

However, a drained breast will replenish more milk, so ideally pump until your breasts are noticeably less full.

Set aside time if your schedule is unpredictable, or be creative about when you pump.

For instance, it’s possible to read or eat lunch while pumping especially when using a hands-free pumping bra.

Tip 4: Find a private place to pump.

It’s important to pump without disruption, so that the necessary hormones are released for let-down.

Having a lactation room at work is ideal, but other options are a private office or storage room that can lock.

Avoid using the bathroom, as it’s not a sanitary place to pump.

Tip 5: Discuss the situation with your employer.

It’s important to explain your need to have regularly scheduled pumping sessions to your employer.

And remember, The Affordable Care Act is on your side!

This healthcare law stipulates that an employer must provide the time and space for pumping moms. And, by the way, it specifically points out that the “space” should not be a bathroom.

For more details, you can visit The Department of Labor’s website.

Tip 6: Know your facts.

Hopefully you won’t run into any obstacles with your employer. But if you do, the following facts can help you make a convincing argument to gain support.

A study published by the United States Breastfeeding Committee states:

• Lactation programs are cost-effective, showing a $3:1 return on investment.

• One-day absences to care for sick children occur more than twice as often for mothers of formula-fed infants.

• Breastfeeding lowers insurance claims for businesses. One study showed that for every 1,000 babies not breastfed, there were over 2,000 extra physician visits, 212 extra hospitalization days, and 609 extra prescriptions to treat just three common childhood illnesses.

Overall, by supporting lactation at work, employers can:

o Reduce turnover
o Lower recruitment and training costs
o Cut rates of absenteeism
o Boost morale and productivity
o Decrease health care costs

We know that pumping takes extra effort, especially at work. But it’s worth it for your baby, for you and even for your employer. For more information or breastfeeding support, please go to www.lansinoh.com.

Gina Ciagne

Gina Ciagne, Lansinoh’s Global Vice President, Healthcare Relations is a nationally recognized expert on breastfeeding.

As a Certified Lactation Counselor and La Leche League International-trained breastfeeding peer counselor, she has worked with and provided advice and support to thousands of breastfeeding mothers around the world.

A sought-after speaker and media resource, Ms. Ciagne is a frequent contributor to The Huffington Post, and has appeared on The Bump, CNN, Fox News and many other TV and radio news programs.

In her role as Global Vice President, Healthcare Relations for Lansinoh, Ms. Ciagne oversees the company’s outreach to and engagement with healthcare communities.

She also is the mother of two breastfed children, whom she pumped for when she returned to work, so she knows the juggle!

« Previous Page

breastfeeding

Footer

Follow Us:

COME AND GET IT!