Celebrating a Month All About Mom

May has arrived and with it, celebrations for mom are all around! From Mothers’ Day to Pregnancy Awareness Month, Lansinoh loves to join in celebrating moms everywhere.

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Shutterbug

For moms just beginning their journey in motherhood, Pregnancy Awareness Month (P.A.M.) can be a great resource. They have information on everything from pregnancy nutrition to setting up your nursery.
Soon-to-be moms should also review the valuable information that’s available on the Lansinoh website covering a range of topics such as:

• What to Expect

• Get Ready Checklist

• Tips for Dad

• Debunking Breastfeeding Myths

For all expecting moms, here are some great tips on preparing yourself for breastfeeding.

• Attend breastfeeding classes so you know what to expect. Having as much knowledge about breastfeeding as possible helps you be confident when baby arrives and will definitely help your breastfeeding experience be a success.
• Connect with a lactation specialist and work together to put a plan in place for maximizing your breastfeeding success.  Many hospitals and birthing facilities have lactation consultants they can offer to visit you on your first or second day after delivery, but it may give you greater peace of mind to have that resource and relationship established prior to delivery. To find a consultant, see the directory on the International Lactation Consultant Association website.
• Stock up on some breastfeeding essentials ahead of time. Nursing pads, nipple cream, breastmilk storage bags, a breast pump, and a nursing cover are all things to consider.
• Prepare your body with great nutrition, lots of rest and relaxation and good hydration. If your nipples are already a little tender and sore from your skin stretching from pregnancy, you can use Lansinoh HPA Lanolin to ensure they are soft and supple ahead of starting your breastfeeding journey. This is not “preparing” your nipples for breastfeeding, because you don’t have to do anything to prepare, but it is a way to ensure that you don’t enter nursing with tenderness.

Remember that although being a mother is an exciting, amazing and rewarding time, it can also be overwhelming at times. This month and every month, reach out to other moms for advice, support and celebration. Motherhood is a beautiful time and should be shared with many!

Have a great weekend,
Gina

PS – See Lansinoh’s great coupons for May for the new Lansinoh®Affinity Pro™ Double Electric Breast Pump and Lansinoh® mOmma®Bottle with NaturalWave™ Nipple, which is especially designed for breastfed babies.

How Breastfeeding Is Rewarding Emotionally and Financially

Let’s face it, babies are not cheap. However, when it comes down to breastfeeding, mothers can save a significant amount of money and even lower health risks for both baby and herself.

Photo credit to Benjamin Magaña

A recent UNICEF study reported that women who breastfeed their babies for the first six months can prevent costly hospitalizations from childhood diseases such as stomach viruses, ear infections, asthma, and Type 1 and 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding can benefit baby and also lower the risk for certain types of breast and ovarian cancers for mom, as well as help moms lose their baby weight (it takes up to 600 calories per day to breastfeed).

Plus, you can extend savings beyond your

valuable health! There are many cases in

which breastfeeding can reduce the costs

and spending for nursing moms. Ways you can save include:

• Mothers who buy formula and formula accessories can spend well over $1,500 each year according to Women’sHealth and TheSimpleDollarblog. Imagine how much that money could grow if you put it in a college investment account for your little one!

• We know that buying baby equipment can be expensive, and this includes breast pumps and nursing pads. If you are worried about spending too much money, know you can claim your breastfeeding equipment as tax-deductible.

• While accessories can be expensive, there are affordable but quality options that offer great features like the closed system in double electric breast pumps – ideal for hygienic purposes.

• Be on the look-out for coupons and sales from stores and manufacturers. In fact, there is a great buy one get one 50% off sale on all Lansinoh breastfeeding accessories at Babies R Us in-store and online right now until May 2nd! Additionally, current coupons for select Lansinoh items are always available at www.lansinohmommadeals.com.

We understand breastfeeding may be challenging at times, especially in the beginning, but rest assured – learning the advantages and nursing your newborn is worth it financially and emotionally and provides some of the best benefits that cannot be duplicated. Remember, your baby needs only breastmilk as nourishment for the first six months – nothing else!

Have a great weekend,

Gina

If You Need to be Apart, How to Introduce a Bottle of Expressed Breastmilk

Breastfeeding is one of the best things that Mom can do for baby. For breastfeeding Moms who must return to work, the stress of having to leave baby is often compounded by the challenge of continuing to breastfeed while separated for extended periods of time. It is important that moms stimulate their breasts in order to keep making milk and also so they can have their expressed breastmilk to leave behind for their baby.

Based on a survey Lansinoh did recently of breastfeeding Moms, going back to work is one of the reasons Moms may be reluctant to initiate breastfeeding, or continue it when they return. According to the CDC, even though initiation breastfeeding rates are up, less than half of Moms are breastfeeding after six months and only about a quarter are still active at 12 months. Much of this could be contributed to returning to work. And we get it, it’s not always easy, but it is always worth it. For breastfeeding Moms, returning to work means making time for pumping in order to make enough milk to feed baby while away. This is a topic we have discussed frequently (Planning to breast pump? Moms give advice for making the transition back to work, Lactation transportation).

However, the other critical component to continuing to feed baby while away is finding a bottle and nipple that your breastfed infant will take and the challenge of ensuring her baby will not prefer the artificial nipple over Mom.  

The good news is – success is achievable! Rest assured Mom, it IS possible to go back to work and keep breastfeeding!  All it takes is some preparation, determination and drive. 

Below are some frequently asked questions that I often hear from moms returning to work.

1)      I need to introduce a bottle so baby can eat while I’m at work, but I’m unsure when to start and what to do.

Once baby is about four weeks old, and/or a good breastfeeding relationship has been established, you will want to prepare for when you and your baby will be apart.  It’s a bit tricky because you don’t want to introduce a bottle earlier because breastfeeding should be very firmly established so baby can teach your body how much milk to make and so baby does not develop a preference for the artificial nipple. On the other hand, you don’t want to wait too long and risk baby refusing a bottle. The sweet spot tends to be around four weeks, but each baby is different. Also know that if there is no need to introduce a bottle, you don’t have to and many moms and baby feed at the breast and never introduce a bottle.

2)      How can I find a bottle my baby will take, but still want the breast when we are together? I’ve heard stories about babies rejecting the breast because a bottle is easier.

When you are looking for a bottle to use, make sure it requires baby to mimic her or his natural feeding pattern of latching on, using peristaltic and natural “wave-like” tongue motions to extract breastmilk, and swallow. This can help ensure she will go from breast to bottle to breast with minimal confusion. By using the same actions as when at the breast, she is less likely to be confused or develop a preference for the artificial nipple. The Lansinoh® mOmma® Feeding Bottle with NaturalWave Nipple is clinically proven to help maintain established breastfeeding patterns and allows baby to mimic these same natural actions. However, nothing can be like feeding at the breast and no artificial nipple can ever completely replicate the nurturing that happens when baby is at the breast.

3)      What’s the best way to introduce baby to a bottle?

Each baby is different, so there’s no set rule on the best way to give baby his or her first bottle. Because breastfeeding creates such an intense bond and preference for the breast, it might help to have Dad or another person try to give baby a bottle when you are out of the room or house. If baby can’t see or smell you, she may be more willing to try a bottle when she’s hungry. Don’t get discouraged if baby won’t take a bottle at first. Just be patient and continue to nurse to ensure baby is getting the nourishment and nurturing she needs.

4)      When’s the best time to introduce a bottle?

It is important to wait until breastfeeding is firmly established – usually between four to six weeks—before introducing an artificial nipple and bottle. Some moms prefer to bypass a bottle completely and many babies go right from the breast to a sippy or straw cup and that is ok.

5) What do I do if baby won’t take a bottle?

Some babies may have no issues and take a bottle with no complaints. Other babies may put up a fight and even go on a mini strike when Mom is gone and will only want to feed at the breast when mom and baby are back together. Each baby is different, so don’t be worried if your baby won’t take a bottle. Sometimes baby has to be hungry enough to take the bottle, and sometimes baby needs extra time to get used to the nipple. It’s ok to try different bottles and different positions. Try not to position baby the same way he or she breastfeeds if baby seems to have big issues with a bottle. But keep trying – baby will eventually take a bottle. It just means that she loves breastfeeding, which is a very good thing.

Do you have some tips to share on getting baby to take a bottle? Share them below!

Thanks, and have a great weekend!

Gina

P.S. Do you need to stock up on bottles or other breastfeeding accessories? For a limited time only, ALL Lansinoh breastfeeding accessories are buy one get one50% off at Babies R Us! 

Extended Breastfeeding: Benefits for mom and baby don’t expire

As we approach the year anniversary of the much-talked about TIME magazine cover of Jamie Lynn Grumet breastfeeding her toddler (read her insights here), many more voices have joined the conversation about attachment parenting and extended breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding through at least the first 12 months though standards of how long to breastfeed vary across cultures and personal beliefs. It is important to know that the benefits of breastfeeding continue for you and your baby as long as you are nursing and last far beyond weaning. Just because baby turns one, the benefits don’t diminish or expire on a magic date!

A Lansinoh survey found that 52 percent of moms in the US breastfeed between 6-12 months, but only 19 percent nursed beyond a year. That same study found that 56 percent of moms in Turkey breastfed past 12 months, while 13 percent of UK moms and 10 percent of German moms nursed past a year. Additional data on extended breastfeeding around the world can be seen here.

Photo credit to Kelly Verdeck

When parents choose to introduce cow’s milk is a personal decision, though traditionally in the US, it’s around the time a baby celebrates her first birthday. But some moms, as mentioned above, choose to continue breastfeeding until their baby is 18 months, 24 months, 3 years or even older. Whatever decision you make, be assured that the benefits of breastfeeding don’t diminish for you and your baby because your child reaches a certain age. As long as you continue, and beyond weaning, breastfeeding still provides antibodies, immunities, proteins, fats, nourishment, bonding and a host of other attributes to benefit you and your baby.

Are you curious about extended breastfeeding? The site KellyMom.com has a great section on breastfeeding toddlers including:

• How often toddlers breastfeed
• Best positions for breastfeeding toddlers
• When to wean
• Facing criticism about breastfeeding (especially once baby is 12 months and older)

In the end, only you know what’s best for you and your child, and I hope you’ll enjoy the time you have together!

Have a great weekend,

Gina

April Showers Bring Power Outages – What do to with frozen breastmilk

Photo courtesy of Luis Argerich

Power outages can be stressful. But if you are a nursing mother and have frozen milk, it can be an all-out nightmare. Power outages can be anticipated in the case of hurricane or winter storms, but sometimes they are unexpected.

Number one rule? Don’t panic. Not only will panicking increase your stress level, but an increased stress level can lower your milk supply. So keep calm, and consider the following tips.

• Consider investing in a back-up generator. Even though this can be a little costly, they can keep your freezer running at the appropriate temperature without the aid of any extra ice. Remember though, most generators run on gas and you will need to refill. Stock up on extra gas to prevent the generator from dying.

• Use dry ice to keep milk frozen. If you don’t have a generator, consider using dry ice to keep your milk frozen. Dry ice can usually be found at a local grocery store. Other stores such as Wal-Mart, ice distributors and others also have dry ice and coolers for sale – check out their websites before heading out. Remember to read up on the proper handling and storage of dry ice before buying, and try to by the ice as close to the storm or outage as possible.

•  Contact a local hospital or emergency center ahead of time. Some may have emergency storage facilities that can accommodate milk you have stored up. It’s never too early to inquire in your area to see if this option is available.

• Keep your fridge door closed. If there is no immediate reason for you to open your freezer door, don’t. A full freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours, or 24 hours for a half-full freezer. Although this isn’t a long-term solution, it can help you to save time without using a generator. If you need to keep pumping through the power outage, here are some tips on how to ride out the lack of power.
• Purchase a car adapter or extra battery pack for your electric pump
• Stock up on batteries as these will lose juice fast
• By a back-up manual pump to keep in storage just in case you run out of battery power
• Learn how to hand express
• Ask a trustworthy neighbor beforehand if you are able to store breastmilk  in their freezer in the event you lose power and they don’t
• Remember, use any thawed milk within 24-48 hours. Do not refreeze thawed breastmilk.

Mother Nature and power outages can often strike without warning, so try to have a Plan A and Plan B before a storm strikes. If you don’t you could risk losing that liquid gold you worked so hard to stock up on.

Have a happy weekend, and remember – April showers bring May flowers!

Gina

Spring into Toddlerhood

Photo Courtesy of Savannah Lewis

Spring (officially) started March 20, and now we’re in the whirlwind time of resetting forgotten clocks and cleaning out winter clothes from closets. Every season brings changes and the same goes for your little one! The transition from baby to toddlerhood can be filled with many emotions and new expectations. One particular milestone is the introduction of solid foods. The experience of introducing solids is different for every baby, so we’ve included some tips about how to handle the change.

New Beginnings

First and foremost, don’t transition too quickly. According to a recent article from the New York Times, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found many infants are being introduced to solid food too early, and per the AAP’s guidelines mothers should wait until baby is at least 6 months before considering the introduction of complimentary solids.

So once your baby reaches the six month milestone, when will you know if it is the right time to start introducing solid foods? One of the first clues will be when you notice your baby starting to watch you eat very closely, being very curious about exactly what you’re doing. She may even try to grab your food and put it in her mouth! Please note that while some babies reach these milestones earlier than 6 months, it is still important to wait to introduce solids until that time. These other cues are highlighted by Babycenter.com:

•  Sitting well when supported (to eat solid foods, baby needs to be able to sit upright while eating)
• Significant weight gain
• Growing appetite
• Head control (your baby can keep her head steady and upright)
• Losing the “extrusion reflex”  (stops pushing food to the front of her mouth and out with her tongue)

      Baby Steps

Even when your baby is ready to start trying solids, he or she should still be getting the majority of nutrition from your breastmilk. So with this in mind, keep breastfeeding baby as before, and introduce solids after nursing. This transitional time between six months and one year is when baby learns about the flavors and textures of solid foods and how to eat them; it is not intended to replace baby’s primary nutrition through breastmilk. If baby’s physical cues indicate she is ready to be introduced to solid food and she is 6 months, the next step is choosing the right foods with which to start this important next milestone in her life. Introduce pureed vegetables or fruits first, as these are the most palatable and easily digested. While cereal has traditionally been a recommended first food, the AAP and other medical organizations have determined that it is not necessary.

Ready for Change

Don’t underestimate how much of a change this is for your baby. Solid foods are an entirely new concept for their mouth, tongue, throat and stomach, and it presents a new challenge for your baby’s digestion. It is recommended to introduce one new food at a time, waiting two to three days before starting a new food. Waiting in between foods will allow you to notice any negative or allergic reactions to the new food, such as diarrhea, rash or vomiting.

Every baby develops at a different rate and it is the parents’ job to determine if they think their little one is ready for the next step. If you are unsure about the process or worried you’re moving too fast (or slow), be sure to consult your pediatrician.

Have a great weekend,

Gina

Lansinoh CLC Gina Cicatelli Ciagne Featured in USA Today

Originally posted in the USA Today Expectant Parents Supplement on Friday, March 22, 2013

Breastfeeding 101 

by Gina Cicatelli Ciagne

Breastfeeding is natural but does not always come naturally

• While breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt, it is common to experience some soreness while you adjust. If pain persists, gently unlatch baby and re-latch so you can be sure her mouth is wide open and able to take in more than just the nipple.

Breastfed newborns nurse a lot

• On average, your baby will feed at least 10-12 times every 24 hours and sometimes more– including waking at night to feed every 1-3 hours too! Breast milk production is based on supply and demand. As your body releases milk, it begins to replenish it again.

Also featured in the USA Today Expectant Parents Supplement was Dr. Thomas Hale, author of "Medications and Mothers' Milk: A Manual of Lactational Pharmacology"

Breastfeeding and Pharmaceutical Drugs
By Dr. Thomas Hale

The common phrase “Do not take while pregnant or breastfeeding” examined by an expert

It is generally thought that women can ask their physicians about various medications they can take to relieve common ailments like nausea, vomiting and depression during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Unfortunately, even in the age of Google and other advances in technology and health care, many of today’s providers remain unsure about the risks specific medications pose to unborn children and infants. Rather than prescribing a substance that might put the baby in jeopardy, physicians often decide to forego treatment of the mother or advise mothers to stop breastfeeding, depriving babies of significant physical and mental health benefits of breast milk. In rare cases, some physicians may advise the mother to terminate her pregnancy.

Learn what’s real 

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center established the InfantRisk Center in 2010 as a central source of information to help women and health care providers sort out their options and provide accurate evidence-based counsel on what medications are safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The international call center’s staff and website has developed two-way relationships with millions of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to create healthy breastfeeding relationships, reduce the number of birth defects and unnecessary pregnancy terminations.The center expanded its services worldwide to provide 24/7 access to up-to-date, evidence-based information about the use of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding through their website and a smartphone application for health care professionals. 

A better resource

In the future, the center hopes to launch a free app for consumers to provide them with the most current information available on medications and product safety to continue to protect mothers and infants throughout the world.

Dr. Thomas Hale is a clinical pharmacologist and considered one of the leading experts in the field of human lactation and the use of medication. This article was originally published in the USA Today Expectant Parents Supplement on Friday, March 22, 2013.

Don't forget to check out this special Lansinoh offer from today's USA Today Expectant Parent Supplement below. For more Lansinoh deals, visit www.LansinohmOmmaDeals.com.