There Is No Such Thing as The Perfect Mom

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breast pumping at the park

By Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC

Instagram, Facebook, Mom Groups, even TV commercials and our own circles of friends all seem to be telling us there is something we could be doing better…..especially when it comes to motherhood!  Be sure you avoid that epidural. Only use 100% organic cotton garments on your little bundle. GMO, BPA, DHA, Vit D, RDA, BMI, OPD, PPD, PPA…..aaahhhh!!!!. You sleep train? Gasp! You don’t? From swaddling to co-sleeping and purees to Baby Led Weaning, parenting is full of choices.  It’s no wonder that today’s mothers feel incredible pressure to always get it right. In the Information Age data, trends, and opinions are all at our fingertips, but so are the blindingly judgmental comments of millions of social media participants. Somehow, with the availability of so much information, has also come the unattainable expectation of perfectionism.  And, to make matters worse, no one can agree on which type of mother is actually perfect……because SHE DOESN’T EXIST!

The truth is even if you do all of the “right” things, there will still be something, or likely lots of things, you’re going to wish you had done differently.  There’s just no way around this, and that’s because life is messy. We’re not supposed to have all of the answers. We’re not supposed to be able to see, with perfect clarity, how to pick the perfect daycare provider, or when to let them have their first sleepover.  Some of that knowledge can only be gained by living those experiences. As a veteran mom of four, soon to be five, I can assure you there are so many things I thought were of the utmost importance when my older kids were babies, and now I realize they really didn’t matter much at all.  The brand of diapers, the jungle theme or sailboats, whether we introduced the orange vegetables before the green ones, do we do SPF 50 or SPF 65? As my kids have aged, I have come to realize that the #1 thing that matters is if I’m really there for them. Am I there when they fall down and get hurt?  Am I there when they’re scared? Am I there when they don’t fit in with the popular kids? Am I there when they get their first crush? Am I there when they have to own up to telling a lie? Am I there when a friend betrays them? This is what matters! These are the moments when great moms are made. 

So, when you’re in the trenches of the newborn phase, or you’re bogged down by the demands of toddlerhood, try not to overcomplicate it too much.  Be their person. Make sure they know you are the one they can count on even when they feel like there is nowhere else to turn. If you can do that, then I promise the other stuff won’t matter nearly as much, and maybe not at all. It’s ok if you’re not the perfect mom because none of the rest of us are either.  

Benefits of Baby Wearing

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newborn baby breastfeeding

Benefits of Baby Wearing

By: Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

It doesn’t matter what Grandma Susie says you can’t spoil a baby. It’s biologically normal for babies to want to be held. All around the world mothers have worn their babies for centuries in specially designed fabric wraps, ring slings and carriers. In recent times, baby wearing has gained popularity in the US because it allows busy parents to cuddle their babies close while keeping them hands free!  

Read on to check out 5 pretty cool facts about baby wearing:

Great For Being On The Go

Whether it’s a short trip to the grocery store or an international travel trip, baby wearing is an excellent way to be on the move. Who loves dragging a bulky stroller around? Not me! When you are baby wearing on the go, babies are less likely to fuss or cry because they’re close to you. Less worry and more time to run around getting things done. 

Good For Baby’s Overall Health and Well Being  

Let’s start with the fact that momma’s chest is a baby’s natural environment. Did you know that on a mother’s bare chest, a baby’s temperature and heart rate regulate? Pretty neat. If you have a baby with reflux, or colic you’ve likely been told to keep baby upright as much as possible because this position can lessen symptoms. Baby wearing does that! Baby wearing can also prevent flat head syndrome and improve cognitive development. By wearing your baby, you’re allowing them to be at your level exploring the world around them. This can encourage speech, social interaction, and independence. Bonus: People are less likely to touch a baby held tightly at your chest versus when a baby is in a stroller. Less exposure to nasty germs and less sicky – poo hands all over baby! 

Benefits For Mama Bear

We know skin to skin has a ton of benefits. Skin to skin promotes breastfeeding, bonding and oxytocin (the feel good hormone) which can lower rates of postpartum depression. Baby wearing makes it easier for mom to go out in public and socialize. Walking the mall with a friend or going to a church service doesn’t seem to be such a grueling task anymore. Getting mom out instead of keeping her all couped up at home – isolated, can help her transition easier into motherhood! 

You Can Nurse Or Pump In It! 

Structured carriers with a top hood are great to nurse in and YES, even pump! Throw the Spectra 9Plus in your pocket and you’ll pump your liquid gold without missing out on any fun going on. I recommend pumping one breast at a time if you are wearing baby. But hey! Why not use the carrier as a nursing cover?! Make your pumping sessions even more discreet and interchange your carrier for a breastfeeding cover. And YES mamas! Pumping is breastfeeding! 

Other People Can Bond With Baby 

Nothing warms my heart more than seeing an older sibling or daddy wearing the baby. Sometimes the rest of the family can feel a little left out since baby spends so much time with mama, especially during the first 6-8 weeks. Baby wearing can promote bonding with others and will let you get some much needed rest. 

Now, to choose which carrier type is best for you? Wrap, ring sling, structured carrier? You definitely want to consider the baby’s age/weight, your height, as well as where you will be wearing the baby. For instance: short trips, a formal event, or if you’re hitting the theme parks may call for different types of carrier styles and designs. Choosing the best type of carrier is a personal decision. Joining a local baby wearing group can help you decide. Click here to find one! Many have meetups and carriers to try on before purchasing. We love baby wearing because of the functionality and benefits for both mommy and baby. Like a mom boss, keep your baby close, get stuff done…baby wearing for the win!

What’s in Breastmilk Anyway?

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mom holding breast milk bottle

By Jacquelyn Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC

Breastmilk contains over 200 components, and that’s just what scientists have discovered so far! It is no surprise that breastmilk is the optimal food for babies, but what exactly is in it anyway?  With macronutrients, micronutrients, trace minerals, bioactive components and more, breastmilk truly is a living food!

Macronutrients

Macronutrients are nutrients that our bodies require in large amounts, typically measured in grams. Here’s a look at the average concentrations of macronutrients in 1 ounce of mature human milk. 

Carbohydrates 2.1 grams/oz
Protein 0.39 grams/oz
Fat 1.2 grams/oz
Calories (kcal) 22/ oz

Micronutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals

Micronutrients and minerals are essential for human growth and development.  It is important to note that some of these components of breastmilk can be influenced by mom’s dietary intake. Below is a list of just some of the micronutrients and minerals present, on average, in mature human milk.

Iron 23 mcg/ oz
Sodium 4.5 mg/oz
Phosphorus 4.5 mg/oz
Vitamin C 1.2 mg/oz
Vitamin A 18.2 mcg/ oz
Calcium 10.6 mg/ oz

*Note the above table is certainly not a comprehensive list of all micronutrients and minerals contained in breastmilk.

Additional Components 

Breastmilk not only contains amazing nutritional components, but also digestive enzymes, hormones, growth and development factors, antimicrobial components, and immune modulating components.  These non-nutritional agents make breast milk ideal for babies and toddlers! Here’s a brief look into some of these breastmilk super components:

Macrophages Protect against infection by seeking and engulfing potential immune threats
Stem Cells Essential for regeneration and repair
Secretory IgA Most prevalent immunoglobulin in breastmilk. Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory
Cytokines Help modulate immune response and play a huge role in gut health.  Help protect against NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis)
Lactoferrin 2nd most abundant protein in breast milk, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, aids in iron homeostasis, helps reduce instance of sepsis and NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis) in pre-term infants

Wow!  It’s obvious that breastmilk is truly amazing and can’t be duplicated!  How incredible is it that women’s bodies can create this incredible living food for their babies!  So, nurse or pump on mamas……you’re providing the best food on the planet, and every drop counts!

Sources

  • American Academy of Pediatrics, Policy Statement. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics 2005; 115:496-506.
  • ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition; Agostoni C, Braegger C, Decsi T, et al. Breast-feeding: A Commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 2009; 49:112-125.
  •  Ochoa, T. J., & Sizonenko, S. V. Lactoferrin and prematurity: a promising milk protein?. Biochemistry and cell biology = Biochimie et biologie cellulaire 2017, 95(1), 22–30. doi:10.1139/bcb-2016-0066
  • Walker A. Breast milk as the gold standard for protective nutrients. Journal of Pediatrics 2010; 156(2):Suppl. 1.
  • World Health Organization http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en/

 

How Birth Affects Breastfeeding

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Whether you’re in the process of growing a tiny human or you’ve already given birth, you know that nature is amazing.  Somehow our bodies know exactly what to do throughout the pregnancy process to create a beautiful new baby. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that breastfeeding is also a part of this natural process.  Breast milk production starts with preparation during pregnancy and ultimately begins with the birth of your baby.

How our bodies prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, you will notice changes in your breasts as time progresses.  How dramatic these changes depend on each individual mama.  Pregnancy hormones will promote milk duct growth and get breast tissue ready for milk production.  This makes the breasts feel heavier and look fuller. The areolas (the darker skin around your nipples) will typically get larger and darker as well.  By the third trimester, your body is ready to produce milk!

How the birthing process initiates breastfeeding.

When labor is initiated, the hormone oxytocin promotes powerful uterine contractions and signals to the body that it will soon initiate breastfeeding.  Throughout labor, hormones are released to help keep mom and baby energized and strong.  Typically once born, your baby will immediately look for your nipple to start breastfeeding.  This is their natural instinct. It will promote further oxytocin release to help expel the placenta in the final stages of labor.  Birthing the placenta is what truly initiates breast milk production with the release of the hormone prolactin. Once the birthing process is complete, the focus for breastfeeding turns to making sure baby is able to latch and feed well.  Ideally, this should be initiated within 30 minutes to one hour after birth. This will ensure further stimulation of breast milk production.    

How modern birth interventions can affect breastfeeding. 

In the U.S. only 2% of women give birth without any medical interventions.  These interventions are now a common part of labor and delivery and they, unfortunately, can affect the initiation of milk production for breastfeeding.  This can include interventions like induction, epidural, and/or cesarean birth. It has been found that undergoing any medical interventions makes a mother six times more likely to have a C-section!  No matter what specific procedure, it has been found that they affect the normal cascade of labor and milk producing hormones.  It can also leave baby and mama feeling lethargic making it hard to promote adequate breast stimulation when everyone just wants to sleep.  Of course, mothers and baby can still successfully breastfeed with the right support and education no matter what their birth experience entails. 

Strategies to optimize your success with breastfeeding after birth.  

  • Avoid unnecessary interventions.  Be well informed and if baby is healthy, try to wait for labor to start naturally.  
  • Get as much skin to skin contact as possible to promote adequate hormone balance for breast milk production.
  • Respond quickly to baby’s hunger cues and feed them often to establish good milk production and build baby’s trust in the feeding process.
  • Get proper support.  If you’re feeling unsure, ask for help immediately from a certified lactation consultant  (IBCLC) to maximize your breastfeeding journey.  Ask for help from family and friends as well to allow you to focus on breastfeeding, rest, and healing. 

Breastfeeding is the natural next step to caring for your beautiful new baby after birth.  With the right care, you should feel empowered to decide how your baby feeds and thrives! 

Clever Ways To Store Your Breastmilk

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You’re on top of your breast pumping game.  You have part of the fridge and a freezer full of milk. You are rich with liquid goal for your baby, hooray!  As your freezer gets fuller, you may be starting to wonder where it all will go. Before you take up more space in your home with a new deep freezer or feel like you’re losing your mind due to disorganization, try these genius storage tricks for your breast milk.

General storage tips.

  1.       You can store milk in bottles or storage bags.  Storage bags are ideal for space saving. Some can be directly attached to your breast shields on your pump and self-stand for easy filling and storing.
  2.       Once expressed milk is in the container you plan to store it in, always label it so you can keep track of where it needs to go (see options below).
  3.       Use your breast shield as a funnel when transferring in milk to decrease risk of spillage.

Organization for the fridge. 

  1.       If milk is in the fridge and you plan to use it within the 4 day limit, you can opt for convenience and keep it in a bottle if you have the space. 
  2.       Keep your breast milk organized in one area of the fridge.  Try using a designated tub or box always keeping what will be used next at the front for convenience. First in, first out.
  3.       Use a labeling system to keep track of when bottles were put in the fridge.  This can be as simple as post it notes or can become fancy with charms labels with days of the week (or dates) on them.

Organization for the freezer.

  1.       When trying to freeze large amounts of milk, space saving techniques are key to maximize your storage capacity.  This means using storage bags and freezing them lying flat (at least until frozen) so that they aren’t bulky and can be easily stacked. Sandwiching the freezer bags between two cookie sheets can help freeze them even thinner saving more space! 
  2.       Try using boxes made into “dispensers” by cutting a storage bag sized hole in the bottom.  Google DIY breast milk dispensers and prepare to be amazed! You can easily recycle things like gift bags and shipping boxes for this purpose (boxes may be easier to stack for optimal space saving). 
  3.       Keep track of how old your milk is in batches so it’s easier to organize and find via color-coding or labeling. This is where using gift bags can be fun!
  4.       **Writer’s Favorite** To minimize time rummaging through the back of the freezer, try a left to right system.  Always put the newest milk on the left and then shifting your storage containers to the right as you add. So simple it’s genius!   

Storage while traveling or at work.

  1.       Use a cooler with ice to keep milk fresh for up to 24 hours. 
  2.       When flying, ask for ice at a coffee shop at the terminal or while on the plane.  For more travel tips check here.
  3.       At work, keep ice packs in the company freezer (don’t forget those labels to avoid confusion!) to use for the commute home.
  4.       For more guidelines on how long milk can be stored at different temperature check out this great resource here. For other general tips on milk storage look here.

 Making your fridge or freezer pretty and organized can give you peace of mind.  Then you can focus on all the fun parts of raising your baby!

What To Do When The Witching Hour Hits

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The witching hour is a phrase used for an inconsolable baby typically between the hours of 6pm and 10pm, despite every effort to calm them.  It was originally a phrase used in the middle of the night when paranormal activity was most expected. For any mom that has experienced their baby during “witching hour”, this original idea isn’t far-fetched!  This can be a very trying time of day for mom, baby, and family when everyone is returning home from their busy days and everyone could use some relaxation time.

Tips for Dealing with ‘Witching Hour’

    1. Decrease baby’s stimulation.   By the end of the day, baby might just need a rain check from all the excitement. Put them in a nearby dim or quiet room and try to play soothing music or white noise.
    2. Feed on demand or cluster feed. Milk supply is lowest in the evenings.  The best way to make sure your breasts are keeping up with baby’s demand is to try to feed them whenever they are giving you hunger cues.   This will help boost your supply for the evening times in the future, keeping them well fed and happy.
    3. Put them to bed earlier.  Your baby may simply need to go to bed as early as 6 pm to prevent getting overtired.  Keeping them awake to get them to sleep through the night can backfire since it leaves them fussy and unable to calm themselves down for the night.
  • Let them nap more during the day.  Again, trying to keep babies awake to sleep better later does not typically work.  Putting them down for more frequent naps during the day may help combat end of the day overstimulation.  Since witching hour most commonly starts at 6 weeks, remember that most babies this age still need up to 16 hours of sleep per day!  
  1. Ask for help.  If you are feeling stressed, either directly from a fussy baby or from outside stressors (work, family life, etc.), make sure you’re asking for help.  Chances are if you’re feeling stressed your baby is picking up on that and making (or maybe even causing) the situation worse. This might mean getting help around the house so you can focus on baby more at the end of day or getting some personal time away from baby.  Do what will help you manage your own stress and recharge!
  2. Try soothing techniques. Find what works for your baby such as a warm bath, magic hold, a warm bath,  skin to skin snuggles, pacifier, singing, walking, rocking, vibrations and white noise.
  3. Talk to a specialist about your milk supply.  On average, breastfed babies need about 25 ounces of milk per day.  This can be hard to judge if you’re exclusively breastfeeding but totally feasible if you are pumping by tracking their intake.  If you’re concerned your baby is truly frustrated due to low milk supply, try boosting it. Start with these basic tips here.

If you are concerned there is something more going on talk to your pediatrician to rule out other potential issues like reflux or allergies. It can be hard to imagine while in the thick of it, but remember this is just a phase.  Try not to wish away those first few months because of witching hour and enjoy all the little moments. Before you know it, baby will be grown and you’ll be an empty nester. For more baby and mom support check out Spectra Baby USA’s blog here.  

10 Breastfeeding Friendly Foods

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By Melissa Portunato, MPH IBCLC

Alright, let’s be real. As a new mom, the only thing that gets you excited for dinner is pizza with a side of ice cream. And besides, with all the nursing and pumping you have been doing, who has time for self care anyway?? Though it’s totally fine to indulge every once in a while, maintaining a balanced diet will give you energy, keep you satisfied longer, and can help your breast milk flow easier. Try working the following 10 items into your diet rather than going for a full blow diet change off the bat.

Making milk for a tiny human is no joke so we created this list for you to take it along the next time you make a grocery run! Let’s go!

High quality protein

Scrambled, sunny side up, or a’la flambe! Pasture-raised eggs are a high quality source of protein and aren’t very expensive which makes them an easy go-to meal. Eggs have a long list of health benefits but the top of the list includes improving eye health, aiding in weight loss, and preventing disease.

A lack of iron can suck the energy out of you, consuming iron packed grass-fed beef can help increase your iron and Vitamin B-12 levels. Both are helpful in sustaining your energy and will aid in keeping up with your busy schedule.

Wild caught salmon

Salmon is a powerhouse loaded with DHA which is exactly what newborns need for healthy, neurological growth. All breast milk contains DHA, but pretty cool evidence tells us, moms, who intake DHA regularly have higher levels! Ah-ma-zing!

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, Legumes are loaded with iron and protein too! Especially the dark ones!

Leafy greens

Leafy greens are nutrient dense, low in calories and carbs, and packed with vitamins and minerals like Calcium, Vitamin K, Folic Acid, and Iron. Spinach is a heavy hitter when it comes to leafy greens! It can be cooked with pretty much any meal, raw in salads, and blended in smoothies. It can be pureed and added to sauces too!

Fresh fruit

Fresh fruit can be added to yogurt, oatmeal and is a simple, nutritious snack!

Blueberries are one of the most nutritious fruits in the world providing Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Antioxidants. Eating 2 servings a day of fresh fruit like berries can help amp up weight loss, decrease inflammation, and promote digestion which is beneficial to breastfeeding moms recovering from childbirth.

Nuts and seeds

Flaxseed is one of the world’s first superfoods. Its benefits include improving skin and hair, balancing hormones, and even helps to bust sugar cravings. Adding flaxseed to your diet is a quick and easy way to consume fiber and essential fatty acids. Flaxseed will ensure your body performs at optimal health to make your breastmilk and give you more energy to care for your newborn baby. Make sure you are grounding your flaxseed for best results. Ground flaxseed can be sprinkled on toast, yogurts, blended in smoothies, and even sprinkled on salads.

Packed with protein, calcium, magnesium, and iron, raw almond butter makes for a simple snack for busy breastfeeding moms. Spread almond butter on bananas, apples, or eat it straight from the jar! I mean why not, right? Read labels, sugar can be sneaky! Raw almond butter is best.

Healthy fats

Avocadoes make a great food for breastfeeding moms because of the variety of minerals, especially the high levels of Vitamin K. This vitamin can help with blood clotting and help postpartum moms recover faster from labor and delivery. The healthy fat found in avocados helps to keep you fuller longer. Load up avocados in salads, add to smoothies, or pour olive oil over it and eat it straight from the skin!

Complex carbs

Complex carbohydrates include many plant-based foods that are nutrient dense and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals needed for overall health and to support breastfeeding. Complex carbs like sweet potatoes are excellent in providing energy for busy moms on the go and they can help fulfill those carb cravings! Complex carbs from starchy veggies can help satisfy a sweet tooth without adding sugar or inflammatory grains.

Rather than spending your precious time preparing complicated meals, make it easy by preparing smoothies, soups and crockpot meals! Planning ahead will definitely make it easier to eat healthy. Overall, you will be burning 300-500 extra calories by breastfeeding. You want these extra calories to be full of nutrition to boost your energy. Though there is no particular breastfeeding diet, it’s important to eat balanced to maintain a healthy body for yourself and to care for your baby. Avoid empty calories and choose real fresh foods instead. Keep taking your prenatals or choose a non – gmo multivitamin.

And don’t forget to hydrate! An easy tip to remember – drink ½ your weight in ounces every day to stay hydrated! Carrying around a refillable water will help get those ounces in. Add some fresh lemon, berries, or cucumber for a hint of flavor.

Has breastfeeding made you feel hungry? Any cravings? Share with us! We would love to hear more!

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Breastfeeding changing color? What does that mean?

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by Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC

You finally got the hang of breastfeeding. You perfected baby’s latch, you’ve mastered the football hold while texting, and baby has a ton of poop diapers so you know your milk supply is right on track. But since you’ve started pumping, you’ve noticed variations in the color of your breast milk. Your breast milk went from yellow in color after delivery then to white when you came home and your milk came in. Now you started to pump and noticed the color of your milk seems off. Is this normal or have you started to produce milk for a tiny Martian? Before you totally freak out, we’re here to tell you color changes in breast milk is a normal occurrence. Don’t pump and dump just yet mamas. Get the true story, bust the myths and breastfeed on.

Here are a few important facts to know about breast milk color variations and to assure you that your milk is perfectly safe for your baby.

Understanding the stages of breast milk

During the first few weeks after delivery, your breast milk will change rapidly in amount and in color. In the first few days, your body will produce colostrum, also called “golden milk” because of its deep yellow or even orange color. Colostrum is highly concentrated and nutritious. You will only make a few teaspoons of colostrum at first because that’s all that baby really needs to fill up their tiny belly. After about a week your milk will start transitioning and start to come in. During this time, moms will sometimes experience engorgement as their bodies begin to produce mature milk. Transitional milk will get less yellow and more white in color. You will notice your milk is not as thick as before and you have much more now. You might even be able to hear baby chugging while nursing. Gulp! The last stage of breast milk is when your milk supply has been established and is now in sync with baby’s demand. You are now producing “mature milk.” At this stage, you may notice when you first turn on the pump or maybe even drip a little before nursing, that your milk is clear and thinner which is called foremilk. And behind the foremilk, your breast milk is creamier which is your hindmilk (higher in fat). Both foremilk and hindmilk are essential to baby’s development. Research tells us that if baby is breastfeeding well and nursing sessions are not getting cut short, there is no reason for concern. Overall baby will receive a balance of both foremilk and hindmilk throughout the day and get exactly what is needed for an appropriate growth trajectory.

Colors and variations of breastmilk

Most color changes are caused by diet but things like herbs, nutritional supplements or medicine can also alter the color of your breast milk. Taking a close look at what you’ve been eating can often pinpoint where the color change is coming from. A green or bluish tint can come from eating foods that contain dyes or overloading on dark leafy greens. Baby is literally tasting the rainbow when drinking breast milk. Research says breastfed babies are less picky eaters as toddlers because they try different foods through mommy’s milk. Keep with the healthy eating. You are opening baby’s palate to healthy nutritious foods and they will be more likely to eat them as they get older.

Brown or pink colored milk or even blood tinges in breast milk can be coming from a variety of different reasons like cracked nipples, damaged capillaries in the breast, or even hormonal changes. The evidence shows, if you and baby are healthy, occasional breast milk streaked with red or pinkish in color, is perfectly safe to be given to baby. It is important to note small amounts of blood ingested by baby are likely not to be of concern, but larger amounts can cause baby to have an upset stomach and have blood appear in their stool. If you have an infection such as Hep B or C, or baby is immune compromised breastfeeding may need to be interrupted. Reach out to your doctor to discuss the best plan of action.

Rusty pipe syndrome is a temporary condition that can happen during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. This condition typically only lasts a few days and is caused by colostrum mixing with transitional milk. Don’t panic if you notice your milk looks like dirty or “rusty” water. It shouldn’t bother baby or affect breastfeeding whatsoever. If it doesn’t clear up in the first few days of breastfeeding or if it starts to happen later along your breastfeeding journey something else may be going on and it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Stored breastmilk and changes in color

Pumping and storing milk can alter the color of breast milk. When storing breast milk in the fridge you will notice it will separate into those 2 layers of foremilk and hindmilk. Fat rises to the top, so that’s why you will see the separation. The foremilk on the bottom might even appear bluish or grayish and this is normal! No need for concern and safe to be given to baby. Give the bottle a gentle swirl and it will combine again. Breast milk will also change color in the freezer and can appear more yellow. This is also completely normal and your milk has not gone bad. Check out the CDC guidelines for proper milk storage to maintain the safety and quality of expressed breast milk.

When to scream and call the doctor

Pain is not subsiding and you are seeing some pretty large amounts of blood in your breast milk when you pump or in baby’s mouth after nursing. Call the doctor! Along with blood, you have hard lumps, fever, body chills and aches that are progressing. Call the doctor! Mastitis or “inflammation of the milk ducts” can be either infectious or non-infectious. Most of the time it’s non-infectious and can be treated with simply rest, frequent nursing or pumping, and lots of fluids. But when it’s infectious, you may see large amounts of pus, blood, or other wacky substances leaky from your nipples. Call the doctor!

Although changes in the color of your breast milk is usually not serious, it’s always best to talk to your healthcare practitioner if you are concerned. Keep in mind there can be contraindications with some medicines, herbs, or supplements while lactating and they can also alter the color of your breast milk. Download the free LactMed app! Review the evidence behind medications and breastfeeding with your doctor and make the best decision for you and your baby. It’s unlikely breastfeeding will need to be interrupted and in that rare occasion that it might be, it will almost always only be for a minimal amount of time. Trust your body. Trust your breast milk. And nurse on moms!  

Working and Pumping: The Struggle is Real

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What To Know When Returning to Work

Well, it’s sadly that time, when you are headed back to work after maternity leave.  Hopefully, your employer offers that necessary benefit. The baby honeymoon is over and now you have some big decisions to make regarding childcare and feeding.  If you’ve been breastfeeding up to this point, there is a good chance you’ll want to continue providing baby with your milk. After all, it is recommended to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months if possible, to get the continued benefits such as less frequent illness.  Before your actual return, try to be as prepared as possible. Make sure you know your workplace rights; have all the gear you need and have at least a general plan for how you will feasibly pump enough to keep up your supply for baby. Here are the basics to get you started:

Protection under federal and state laws

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law with provisions related to nursing mothers and pumping at work. The guidelines include employees that are not exempt under section 7 of the law.  This includes most hourly paid employees. The law specifically calls for providing a nursing mother unpaid (unless all employees are paid for their breaks) reasonable breaks with a private room for nursing that isn’t a bathroom.  If your employer is smaller than 50 employees, they may be exempt from this law if it causes them “undue hardship.”  For full details check out these great resources here and here.  If you aren’t covered under the ACA, make sure to check your state laws.  Twenty-eight of fifty states have some kind of provision related to breastfeeding.

Planning and educating yourself

First, figure out what laws you are specifically covered by depending on your employment from the resources above.  If you aren’t sure, talk to your boss, human resources, or a workplace lawyer so you can start making a game plan.

Next, equipping yourself with all the essentials for successful workplace pumping is key.  To maintain a good milk supply it is important to have access to the best possible pump. For time management and optimal pumping, look into getting a double, electric breast pump that is hospital strength.  Under the ACA, it is also required that your health insurance provide you with a pump (either a rental or single user depending on the model). There are several pump options available and companies that will do all the footwork for you to get you the pump you need with little hassle.  Spectra Baby USA is one of these companies with the added bonus of great customer service and lactations consultants on hand as needed.  Check out their page for a comparison chart of different pumps to find the best option for you and you can also check their insurance lookup tool that locates a DME (Durable Medical Equipment) company that will work with your insurance policy to get you a breast pump covered by your plan.

Lastly, consider any accessories to purchase to make your life easier as a pumping mom.  This includes items like a pumping bra, sterilizing tools, nipple cream, adequate collection bottles, freezer bags, and insulated tote to be able to get your milk safely to and from work.  Having the right gear will keep you organized and efficient!

When and how to pump: finding a schedule

In general, you want to pump in a way that would mimic your baby’s current feeding schedule.  This generally means that a mom will have to pump every 3-4 hours. For a full-time employee that should be 2-3 times depending on lunch breaks and commute time.  How you want to schedule these into your day is completely dependent on what works in your day. Regardless, make sure that you try to actually schedule these times into your calendar to remind yourself and your co-workers.  It’s easy to forget or skip a pumping session if you don’t make it a priority and this can negatively impact your supply. If you are short on time one day, don’t stress and just try to get in as many short sessions as you can to keep the supply signal going to your breasts.

The last big consideration is your milk supply as your switch from breastfeeding to the use of a pump.  Your baby is much better at extracting milk from your breast than a machine, so if you have trouble initially with the amount you are pumping don’t be discouraged.  Keep these basic tips in mind: keep hydrated, eat healthily and frequently, stimulate an adequate let down with massage, heat or thinking of your baby (even look at a picture!), stay relaxed and comfortable and make sure you have the right size breast shield.

With the right preparation, you will manage the transition into a work-family balance well.  You rock mama! Keep up the good work providing liquid gold for your child while crushing those career goals.

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