LilSugar

Five Remedies For Breastfeeding Ailments

babysugar — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:01:00 -0800

I never found anything more painful than nursing my child. Thanks to tips from lactation consultants and other mothers, I was able to get through the harsh beginning and make it through many months of breastfeeding. Check out the slideshow to see what my five top recommendations are for nursing mamas.

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What Do You Know About Breastmilk Storage?

LilSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:30:33 -0700

Breastmilk is known to some as "white blood," because it's incredibly precious to nursing mamas who work hard to keep it pumping. Ask any breastfeeding lady and she'll tell you that nothing is worse than having to toss good milk that's gone bad. La Leche League International has put out guidelines for keeping your milk fresh, but how well do you know them? Take the quiz to find out how much you know about breastmilk storage.

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Nursing Pillows That Make Breastfeeding a Breeze

babysugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:30:46 -0700

What did mothers do before all of the posh pleasures of newborn life were introduced to the modern world? Technology and genius inventions have made the life of a mama much easier to manage, even breastfeeding. Where a pillow and a couch were the only accessories a mom once needed, she can now sit in the lap of luxury with a plush nursing cushion that adjusts to her specifications and even has a pouch to hold her nipple cream and water. Some offer a separate layer to adjust the child's positioning while others turn into lounge chairs for the wee ones. While any woman could get by with her own two arms and her babe, it makes the lactating world a more pleasant place to be when mommy can rest easily.

Fair warning, I've heard of certain men taking control of these tools of motherhood for their football watching frenzies on Saturday afternoons and turning the pouch into a beer and remote control apparatus.

The Sophie Snuggler Is Sassy and Sensible

babysugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:00:25 -0700

Breastfeeding is as natural an act as anyone could possibly find, but some moms have a tough time feeding their children when they're out in public. The chance that a blanket may slip and expose her breast and the fear of glares from strangers keep many mums from nursing in the open. While several shields have hit the market in recent years, none have done so quite as fashionably or discreetly as the Sophie Snuggler ($45). Created by a pro-breastfeeding mama, these colorful shawls look just like regular ones. Made with organic cotton, the wraps are machine washable, making them a sensible solution for soiled messes and spit-up mishaps.

Could Nursing Reduce the Chances of Breast Cancer in Moms?

LilSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:00:10 -0700

While the debate over whether breast-feeding leads to smarter and skinnier children continues, the list of perks for mamas grows. Women claim it helps with everything from shedding the postpartum pounds to cutting the budget. A new report claims that women with a family history of breast cancer can reduce their risk by nursing. Take our quiz to learn more about the link that's been discovered.

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Breastfeeding Doll: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

LilSugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:00:20 -0700

Teaching children about the birds and the bees is no longer a formal chat that happens during the tween or teen years. Many mamas choose to introduce the concept when a sibling makes her debut. Fourteen percent of lilsugar readers say they'd purchase a birthing and nursing doll ($90) to educate their kiddos about the miracle of life, while 43 percent of our mamas would invest in a Boobie Buddy ($55) or nursing doll. Now, a Spanish manufacturer has created an even more hands-on toy called Bebé Glotón ($62), a doll that comes with a halter top that allows children to "nurse" the baby. What's your opinion of the product - is it any different than buying your tot a bottle-fed babe?

8 Hospital Bag Essentials For Nursing Mamas

LilSugar — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 06:00:20 -0700

When you throw your clothes in a bag to head to the hospital, don't forget the goods that will aid in breastfeeding your new babe. Ease into the motherly duty with a few of these items that may ensure nursing success.

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Pump Up Your Breastfeeding Knowledge

LilSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Nursing mothers rejoice – it's World Breastfeeding Week! While the debate over the full-extent of breastfeeding benefits continues, organizers are staging a global campaign to bring awareness to the role breastfeeding plays in emergency situations. Choosing breastmilk for your baby is a commitment and we've discussed ways to make the experience easier. Take a look at some of our past posts and see how much you know.

10 Reasons Why I Loved Breastfeeding	Lactation Consultants Lead Babies to Mother's Milk	Things to Consider When Buying a Pump
Seven Tips For Pumping at the Office	Pumping Mamas Pump Milk and Iron	Six Tips to Increase Mama's Milk Supply

Things to Consider When Buying a Pump

babysugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0700

A newly expectant lady often knows what to buy when it comes to the layette and crib, but when she sets out to buy a breast pump, she may not have the slightest idea what to look for in her purchase. Since many retailers do not offer breast pump returns, it behooves the mama-to-be to learn about the breast pump's purposes before charging her card. Here are a few things to consider:

Does it have a stimulation phase to help the mother's milk let down?
Is it portable? A mom on the go may prefer a light and portable pump.
Does it have hand-free capabilities? Though it's not a necessity, some moms could benefit greatly from such amenities.
Can you control the strength and speed of the suction to mimic your own child's?

To see the rest of the list, read more.

Is it hand, battery or electric operated? Some offer all of the above. For moms pumping often, an electric pump may prove to be worth the investment.
How easy is it to clean and change the parts?
Can you pump both sides at once or is it a single breast pump?
Can bottles and bags collect the milk? Moms wanting to store the milk right away may like the choice of pumping directly into a bag.

Instead of buying ahead of the delivery, many women wait until they have started breastfeeding so they can get a feel for their needs. If she is still unsure of her pump requirements, she might choose to rent a pump (either from a breast pump store or the hospital) until she can determine what she needs.

Could Breastfeeding Contribute to Autism?

LilSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:00:19 -0700

The debate over autism continues. A two-year-old study about the link between breastmilk and the developmental disorder is gaining attention again after the university where it was conducted re-published the results on its website. In 2007, UCSF's Dr. Michael Merzenich introduced rats to the same levels of environmental toxins like PCB and PBDE found in breastmilk and saw significant deterioration of the brain.

Dr. Merzenich suggested that women exposed to high levels of environmental toxins should reconsider giving their tots breastmilk due to the toxins' ability to exacerbate brain disorders. No such studies have been conducted in humans at this point, but the research does have people talking. Do such findings make you reconsider nursing?