LilSugar

Breasts: Shrinkydinks or Balloons?

babysugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0700

One of the perks of being pregnant was filling out dresses and shirts like I'd never done before.

My curvy chest began to swell during the nine months of pregnancy and increased while I nursed. After weaning my babe, I deflated big time - resembling the barren plains of Texas rather than the Swiss Alps.

While some people claim to have more voluptuous tatas after the whole delivery and breastfeeding process, most mamas I know are like me – smaller than they were at the starting point.

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Would You Feed Your Child Breast Milk That's Not Yours?

LilSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:36 -0800

Doctors always tell you that breast milk is best, but is someone else's breast milk just as good? My pal recently told me that she just gave a friend, who has a younger baby, all her frozen breast milk, since it was going to go bad before her son could consume it all. Known as liquid gold in some circles, breast milk is a valuable commodity to a nursing mama and could be even more valuable to a mother who is lacking in that department. Salma Hayek nursed a newborn that was not her own, and many mommies donate their frozen breast milk to a milk bank. In both cases, the milk benefits babies in need even if it is unusual.

What if your child was the one in need? Would you feed your babe someone else's breast milk?

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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There's a Breast Pump Bandit on the Loose!

LilSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:00:29 -0700

Catch those milk thieves! Breast pumps are one of those motherhood necessities that can make a new mama cringe. The thought of spending upwards of $200 on a device she knows she will have a love/hate relationship with, is not exactly exciting, but 66 percent of LilSugar readers did invest in the pricey pump.

Police in Roseville, CA are on the lookout for two men and a woman who apparently didn't want to spend a bundle of cash and instead stole 14 breasts pumps from a children's store. According to the authorities, the bandits ran off with $14,000 worth of milk expressing devices and didn't leave a trace. One might expect such behavior for the hottest toy of the year or a desired diaper bag, but breast pumps are hardly droolworthy items. It will certainly be interesting to see where these mechanical gems turn up.

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.

Did You Rent or Buy a Breast Pump?

babysugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:00:49 -0700

If it's tough to stomach spending a good chunk of change on a gorgeous crib or a comfy glider, it may be doubly painful to add a $300 breast pump to an expectant mother's checklist. Many women choose to rent a pump instead of purchasing their own as the item is nonrefundable and pricey. If used enough, however, families might reap the financial benefits of storing breast milk.

Odd or Endearing: Ailing Father Drink's Daughter's Breast Milk?

LilSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:48 -0700

Georgia Browne's breast milk benefits both her son and her father. While young Monty is the obvious recipient, the new mother also offered the liquid gold to her dad Tim who has terminal cancer after she found research suggesting that mother's milk helps kill cancer cells. She said:

‘It feels like I’m doing the most natural thing for the people I love. 'I’ve been there when he has drunk it and it’s just not an issue. 'Not many women can say their dad drinks their breastmilk. But I would do anything to give my dad more time with me, our family and Monty.’

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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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Designer Breast Pads: Ga Ga or Gag?

LilSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:00:53 -0700

Nursing bras have become sexier and more stylish through the years, so why shouldn't the items we place in them be better looking? Visit almost any drug or baby store and you are likely to find a display of boxes of white disposable nursing pads or neutral colored washable ones.

Two moms who were tired of the drab-colored pads that sat in their bras thought it was time to add some life to these breastfeeding necessities. Using their design skills, they updated the absorbent items and launched Posh Pads ($10 per pair), colorful, washable breast pads made from organic cotton flannel and bamboo.

Would you invest in these designer breast pads to stick some style inside your nursing bra?

10 Tips For Coping With a Distracted Nurser

LilSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:12 -0800

While experts may agree that breastfeeding is one of the best things mothers can do for their babies, many moms admit it also happens to be quite challenging. Just as you and your baby get into the swing of things, he or she is probably noticing that there's more to life than just mommy. Though it may be a good sign of development, it can make nursing a chore. Many tots are more interested in taking in the world around them and not the milk. If you've got a distracted nurser on your hands (and breasts) check out these tips for coping.

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