Breastfeeding Your Child

You’ve pumped and pumped and pumped. Now what do you do with the fruit (or milk) of your labor? Follow these simple how to procedures for storing breast milk.

Why to Store Breast Milk

Mothers store breast milk for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is to supply cabregivers with bottles while the mother is at work, on a trip, out to dinner, or finally sleeping through the night with Dad in charge of baby. Some mothers face an upcoming medical situation that would require they not nurse their babies for a time, so the baby receives bottles while the mother pumps and dumps. Some try to encourage greater milk production by temporarily increasing the demand on the breast, and then store the results of their efforts. Finally, many like the security of knowing that a little bit of Mama is in the freezer for baby, whenever the little tyke might need it.

Where to Store Breast Milk

Store all breast milk in sterile bags or sealed containers. Some sterile milk storage bags offer convenient zipper seals, such as Gerber’s Seal and Go. Dr. Brown’s sealable storage bags tout a doubled zipper seal and dual-layer thickness for extended freezer life. Companies like Avent and Medelah, among numerous others, provide storage systems to accompany their model of breast pump. Look for PBA-free storage products and bottles, now readily available from most breastfeeding supply companies. If you plan on freezing the breast milk, only use freezer safe storage containers that will not leach harmful toxins into your baby’s next meal.

How to Store Breast Milk

Either pump into a sterile bottle or directly into a storage container. If pumped into a bottle, transfer the milk to a sterile storage container or bag. Store the milk in small quantities, from 2-4 ounces, to avoid wasting your milk and pumping efforts. Seal the container and mark it with the date it was pumped. If the milk is to be consumed within the next few hours or days, include the time as well. Companies such as Lansinoh manufacture medical-grade milk storage bags with a convenient label built in. Use ink rather than a permanent marker which can leach into the milk if using a bag.

To avoid bacterial problems, do not add fresh milk to previously stored milk, and do not reuse or freeze milk that the baby has partially eaten.

As you increase your supply of stored milk, always keep the oldest milk to the front and use it first.

How Long to Store Breast Milk

Different sources will site different lengths of time for proper breast milk storage. You will need to determine for yourself by consulting your child’s pediatrician, a local La Leche League advocate, or the information that comes with your milk storage supplies. Following are the general ranges.

At room temperature: 4 to 8 hours

In the refrigerator: 2 to 3 days

In a freezer within a refrigerator: up to 2 weeks

In a freezer outside of a refrigerator (like a side-by-side): 3 to 4 months

In a deep freezer: up to 12 months

When freezing, store the milk in the coldest region in the back of the freezer, and not in the door.

How to Use the Frozen Supply

Thaw the frozen milk in the refrigerator, under running water, or in a pan of warm water heated indirectly. Never boil or microwave breast milk or any other item you will be feeding your baby. Not only does the heat damage the nutrients in the milk, but it poses a burn risk to the baby due to hot spots in the bottle. Always test the temperature of the milk on the inside of your arm where you are more sensitive.

Don’t worry about the unusual appearance of the milk, whether blue, yellow, brown, or separated. This is normal. Remember, breast milk is a natural product which has not undergone any form of processing. It will vary.

Storing baby’s liquid gold is a simple process.

If the term “nursing bra” sends up red flags on your “frump” meter, it’s time to put that notion aside, Mama! Today’s nursing bras can be as fashionable and, yes, sexy as the cute little numbers you shoved to the back of the panty drawer during your pregnancy.

Just as with regular bras, nursing bras come in an array of styles, each with their own advantages.

Softcup bras are available in anything from the ugly burn-it-when-you’ve-weaned to the kind that will make your husband look twice. Focus on comfort and support, something you can best determine by trying it on. Some sport nursing flaps while others require Mom to pull down the cup to nurse. Determine what is most convenient for you. Try out the flap to be sure that you can rapidly and discreetly open it (remember, you’ll have a demanding, hungry baby in your arms) and close it (you’ll have a limp, sleeping baby in your arms) with one hand. Hook and eye flap closures offer adjustable cup sizes–great for a changing Mom–but are often tricky to close one-handed. The larger plastic hooks are easier to close, but generally do not have options for adjustment. Some even close in the center or only allow the nipple area to be accessed, something your baby may not appreciate.

The controversy continues regarding underwire bras. While women love them for their support, they are a common cause of clogged milk ducts and mastitis. If you choose underwire, make absolutely certain that you have the right fit, that nothing rubs or presses on your breast or underarm area, and that you never sleep in it. Forget about underwire entirely the first few weeks after baby’s birth, and swap it out for a softcup any time you are engorged. If you are accustomed to the separation and support of an underwire, consider opting for a ruched center such as Bella Materna sells.

Seamless bras spruce up the mother’s undergarment wardrobe. Padded or natural, they offer a sleek look under fitted tops.

Sleep bras are a stretchy material that offer mothers nighttime support and a place to hold breast pads to absorb the inevitable night squirts. The top easily stretches down so a groggy mom can feed a not-so-groggy baby.

Full chested moms have a remarkable array of choices as well. Plus Size nursing bras are available from companies such as Medela and Bravada, with Underworks even offering up to size 50L.

Moms can even find strapless, backless nursing bras that are essentially cups which attach to your shirt. Padded nursing bras that allow Mom to remove the pad are a great option for fluctuating breast size. Anita sells bras that allow you to easily mark which breast was last used for feeding.

The options don’t stop there. Glamourmom makes a nursing bra tanktop which they have since expanded into full tops, attractive sleepwear, and cute dresses. Carriwell sells chic nursing swimwear for moms on the go. Who says mothers have to be frumpy!

Whatever style you choose, look for a bra in a breathable, absorbant material that will help keep the breast dry and prevent thrush, such as cotton, cotton blends, and microfiber. If the bra has lace, be sure it isn’t irritating to your breasts once they are called into action.

Purchase two or three bras toward the end of your pregnancy when your breasts have grown significantly. These can double as maternity bras and will get you through the early months of breastfeeding. Later, however, your breasts will adjust to the feeding process and lose a bit of bulk. If your bras are not adjustable, you will need to purchase another few bras to get you through this time period. Manufacturers such as Bravado offer nursing bras specially designed for these various stages in the nursing process.

The right fit is crucial to the proper bra size. During pregnancy, the chest cavity expands (mostly a permanent change), so you will need to measure under your breasts and around the back to find your new band width. Measure across the fullest part of the breast. If the difference between the two measurements is less than 1/2 inch, buy AA, if 1/2 to 1 inch, buy A, if 2 inches, buy B, if 3 inches, buy C, and so on. Be certain that all breast tissue is within the cup so as to avoid discomfort and infection.

Buy the best bras you can find based on fit, function, and comfort. If the price tags online are scaring you off, consider Playtex, which offers a variety of nursing bras at prices you can expect to see at local department stores.

The most important consideration when selecting a nursing bra is how you feel–comfortable, supported, and ready to take on the world . . . or at least the needs of a hungry eight-pound bundle of love.

They said it couldn’t happen, getting pregnant while breastfeeding, but “they” were wrong. Here you are nursing a baby and growing another. You’re not ready to stop nursing, and neither is Junior, but you want what is best for the new bundle of love growing inside you. Carefully consider the following before hurriedly weaning.

If I’m nursing, how can I be pregnant?

While nursing is a natural method for spacing children, it is not foolproof birth control. Mothers who experience the longest period of infertility after childbirth are those who nurse on demand (no less than once every four hours during the day and once every six hours at night), introduce solids late (not replacing more than 5-10% of the baby’s overall intake), and often co-sleep to increase feedings. This maintains a constant flow of the nursing hormones that suppress ovulation and decrease your chances of becoming pregnant.

Is it safe to nurse while pregnant?

Absolutely! As long as you have no health problems, there is no reason to wean.

When is it not safe to nurse during pregnancy?

If your obstetrician tells you to avoid all pelvic activity or nipple stimulation, then you should wean. The oxytocin released from nursing, while small enough to not affect a normal pregnancy, is a factor for women at high risk for pre-term labor.

Be forewarned that most doctors will unilaterally say that you should wean while pregnant. If you have a healthy pregnancy, do not feel pressured by this. Encourage the doctor to research this specific issue.

Will pregnancy affect my milk supply?

The early months of pregnancy will cause no change in your milk supply. Later the milk may lessen and change flavor, sometimes resulting in a toddler or older child self-weaning.

Your milk supply may dry up completely in the third trimester. If this does not encourage your child to wean, then you will be dry nursing, essentially serving as a human pacifier. For some women this is painful, while others have no issue with it.

What nutritional considerations must I consider when pregnant and nursing?

It is important to focus on proper nutrition during any pregnancy. Nursing during pregnancy will make you a little hungrier and require you to eat a bit more, as well as require a bit more focus on proper hydration.

What drawbacks are there to nursing through a pregnancy?

Just as when you first began nursing, your nipples may become tender. If you end up dry nursing, you may have some pain. The tender breasts common in pregnancy, although less of an issue during subsequent pregnancies, may bother you if a rambunctious toddler is nursing roughly. Encourage gentle behavior

What are the benefits to nursing through a pregnancy?

While all the pre-pregnancy benefits remain, such as bonding with your little one and releasing calming hormones, an added benefit is that the child’s request to nurse will force you to sit and rest your tired body. Tandem nursing after the newborn arrives will help the older child bond with the infant. Rather than competing for Mom’s attention and being forbidden the breasts which are now given to the newborn, the older child can still feel a part of Mommy and have that precious bond maintained.

Nursing is a precious, sacred time for a mother and her child. Do not let anyone pressure you into premature weaning unless it is a medical necessity. Enjoy these cherished years!

After nine months of resisting your evening cocktail and holding that tempting cup of coffee at bay ‘lest they damage your still-growing baby, you’re dying for a sip of wine or a jolt of java. Your best friend shows up at the maternity ward with a steaming double mocha latte, and your grandmother swears by drinking a beer every night to get that baby to sleep better, but the nurse warns that breastfeeding mothers are not to touch the stuff. It is time to set the record straight.

Caffeine

Not to be the bearer of bad tidings, but the stimulants in coffee, cocoa, soda, and some tea will reach your breast milk and therefore will be consumed by the tiny fellow you are trying to encourage to sleep through the night. Caffeine and a new baby are not a good combination.

While a small amount of caffeine may not outwardly affect your child, the cumulation in the baby’s small body will have an influence. Drinking too much will show immediate results in the form of an irritable or gassy baby, and long term use may even result in a caffeine-addicted baby. No need to call Caffeine-Drinkers-Anonymous. Just use our savvy tips.

If you must sip, do so right after you have nursed. The longer the baby waits to nurse again, the more diluted the caffeine will be. Two or more hours is ideal, although holding off more than two hours to feed a newborn is not advised, even for the sake of a good cup of coffee. Pumping and dumping after a coffee is another option.

Alcohol

Just as alcohol enters into your blood, it enters into your milk, your baby, and your baby’s blood. Just as your liver will filter the alcohol from your blood, your little cutie’s liver will have to be called on to perform the same cleansing tasks. If your baby is under three months, that tiny liver is half as efficient as Mom’s, meaning any alcohol baby gets through your milk will stay in that little body twice as long.

Okay, that’s the science, but what does it mean? Can I have that White Russian or not?

It depends.

If your baby is under three months, try not to drink at all. If your baby is older, nurse immediately prior to indulging. Wait at least two hours–three is better–before feeding the baby. By that time, the alcohol should be out of your body. If you intend to overindulge, pump ahead of time for a sober caregiver to feed the baby until the alcohol has left your bloodstream and milk.

More than two drinks a day lands you in the heavy drinking category. While drinking heavily, you should neither nurse nor be exclusively responsible for the care of a baby, even at night, since your reaction and ability to be roused from sleep are impaired.

If you do choose to drink lightly and nurse your baby, be forewarned that–sorry Grandma–alcohol actually stimulates a baby and causes fussiness and poor sleep. Alcohol also slows the let-down of the milk. Infants exposed to alcohol are slower in achieving their developmental milestones than those breastfed babies of mothers who do not consume alcohol. Instead of giving up nursing, adjust your schedule to nurse when the baby will be least affected, or seek help to cut back to healthy limits.

Rest easy, Mom! There’s no need to call off beer and pizza night or chat time with the girls at the local coffee shop. Just be smart–your baby will thank you.

The world of the breast pump seems an unnatural and confusing realm. Maternal instinct does not kick in when holding a hard piece of plastic, and the whole nursing process loses its appeal without the soft bundle of sweet smelling baby in your arms. But you have made the commitment to nurse this baby, and you will figure this pump thing out. Good for you! It isn’t as hard as it sounds.

If every woman could buy the ideal pump, it would be a dual-powered, silent, dual pumping, hands-free, electronic heavy pumper that fits discreetly into an attractive carrying case. Reality is that most budgets can cover the hand-powered, silent, single pumping, hands-on, manual lightweight pumper that you shove in your purse. Let’s break that down and get you the best bang (or pump) for your buck.

The primary pump choice is between electric and manual. Manual is admittedly a lot more work than electric, because you have to physically squeeze the pump handle to express the milk, but it is quiet, affordable, portable, and does the job. An electric pump will work faster and better. It also makes noise, is heavier to carry, and requires a power source.

If you are only an occasional pumper, a manual pump will suffice. Look for brands such as Avent Isis and Medela Harmony which have comfort shields that massage the breast as they extract the milk. Medela Pedal Pump is a manual pump with a foot pedal which makes pumping more convenient. Size is also a consideration. Ameda One-Hand is small enough to stow in a desk drawer or carry in a purse.

If you will be pumping daily, you will likely prefer to invest in an electric pump, which presents more options. First, consider your time constraints when pumping? A double pump, such as the new Playtex Embrace, will simultaneously empty both breasts. Bump up the power (and the price) with a hospital grade pump such as the Medela Lactina.

If you must continue to work while pumping, consider hands-free options. Some companies such as Medela and Easy Expressions offer hands free nursing bras that support the pumps so you can keep working.

Also consider the power source. Will you have access to an outlet or would battery-operated fit your situation? Some models offer both.

While most electronic pumps cost well over one hundred dollars, or even over one thousand if you are considering a hospital-grade beauty such as the Medela Symphony, there are more affordable options. While not as powerful or loaded as the higher ticket pumps, the Evenflo Comfort Select is a battery-operated pump that comes in under $40. As with everything else, you get what you pay for, but it is wise to only pay for what you need.

Whatever pump you choose, you will need to keep these tips in mind. Since the plastic machine does little to release the maternal hormones needed for let-down, be sure to relax and think of your baby. Photos, cherished objects, or a little baby lotion on your wrist may all assist with let-down. If you must pump consistently while at work or away on business, be sure to maintain a steady milk supply by emptying the breasts completely and pumping consistently. (Do you see why most working mothers prefer an electronic pump?) Clean your pump by boiling any parts that come in contact with the breast or milk, and then keeping them clean by thoroughly cleaning or washing in a dishwasher. Do not share your pump–it is contamination waiting to happen.

Congratulations on your decision to pump! You can be proud of yourself for your commitment to give your baby the best food possible–yours.

The decision to breastfeed your baby is huge, so it is natural that you will have questions. Anyone who has ever nursed, been nursed, or heard of nursing will have advice for you. It is important that you let the facts speak for themselves, follow your instincts, and always keep what is best for your baby and you in the forefront of your mind. That said, you may still have unanswered questions.

The best place to find answers to your questions is from a personal breastfeeding consultant. La Leche League members are excellent for answering questions from an educated point of view. They will be able to share with you the nutritional benefits to nursing a new baby.

Many hospitals also have breastfeeding specialists either on staff or as part of the maternity ward special services. These women are excellent for answering questions, showing you how to nurse, and pinpointing problems.

Find a mother who shares similar child-rearing philosophies, or seek out another mother who, despite differing parenting styles, is someone you highly respect. You will be surprised how much there is to learn from someone who has already walked the path of sleepless nights, nursing struggles, and sweet-smelling babies.

Do not lean too heavily on friends that will drag you down with the negative side of parenthood. A woman that focuses on blaming the baby for your lack of alcohol binging is not the person to turn to when feeling frustrated with your new role as mommy.

If you are experiencing severe pain or showing any signs of infection, it may be time to turn to the medical profession for advice.

While the Internet is a wealth of information, balance the abundant tips with solid research, advice from wise women, and good common sense.

Don’t be afraid to ask for breastfeeding advice if you have any concerns or questions. In the meantime, relax and enjoy this too-brief chapter in your life. Babies have been nursing and thriving for generations. Your baby will know what to do. Before you realize what has happened, your baby will be running and climbing and you will be the breastfeeding expert. Savor the moment.

There was a time when no self-respecting fashionista would be caught in public in a nursing shirt, once a slightly less unattractive variation of a hospital gown. With pregnancy and nursing becoming fashionable even among the Hollywood crowd, designers have jumped on the maternity bandwagon to give today’s breastfeeding mothers a number of chic options designed to offer convenience, discretion, and style.

Tops

Gone are the over-sized T-shirts that once made up the nursing mother’s entire upper body wardrobe. The selection of nursing tops in today’s market is the best it has ever been.

Tank tops or camisoles under a shirt have long been a staple for nursing mothers. Shirts with hidden slits have replaced the awkward nursing top of yesteryear. Some companies such as Glamourmom incorporate a nursing bra into a tanktop, shirt or dress. The modern fashions offer baby easy access to the breast while still providing maximum coverage and maintaining modesty during nursing. Many sport a stylish layered look, while others are suitable for office wear and allow for easy pumping.

Dresses

Once too inconvenient for a nursing mother, dresses are now available in an array of attractive mama-friendly fashions. Designers offer styles for holiday parties, business meetings, and every day comfort. Nursing access varies from dual-layered criss cross openings to slits to zippers. Some simply pull down to expose the breast, so you will want a matching shawl or cover-up to remain discreet when feeding your baby in one of those numbers. With such easy access, you will also need to be wary of the babies with a help-yourself independence.

Some of these styles will reveal a bit too much of the ratty old nursing bra your husband wishes you would burn, so you will need to consider one of the new fashions in nursing bras, some of which are, dare I say, sexy.

Sleepwear

Sleepwear for new mothers has graduated from the tent category into downright cute Most have simple pull down tops or two side slits, both styles enabling maximum ease of night-time nursing. Some manufacturers are including built-in bras, breast pad pockets to catch milk leaks, or other forms of comfortable support. Of course, there is always the old standby–your husband’s T-shirt and boxers.

Activewear

Nursing moms can even be stylish when on the go with a variety of active apparel. Carriwell even offers cute nursing swimwear for a day at the beach with baby.

Nursing attire has come a long way since your mother’s time. Now you can step out in style with a baby on your hip, a diaper in your purse, and a wardrobe that screams chic mama!

Your new baby is finally here and you’ve made the commitment to breastfeed. While you thought this was a personal decision, everyone from the checkout clerk at the supermarket to the lady sitting behind you at church has conflicting advice about how to eat when nursing. It’s enough to make an overwhelmed and underslept mother cry like a colicky baby. Relax, Mom! Eating the best diet for your baby is as easy as pie…which, by the way, you can eat while breastfeeding your baby.

The most important point about your breastfeeding diet is to be aware that everything from the garlic in last night’s Italian extravaganza to the chocolate on the hot fudge sundae you ate for lunch will affect your baby’s next meal. Generally this is fine, but it is advisable to consult a knowledgeable medical practitioner to determine if your medicinal herbs or drugs are safe.

The mother’s diet is often the cause of gas or symptoms of colic in a nursing baby. While there is no single universal trigger, some simple trial and error will tell you what is troubling your little tyke. Some of the more common contributors to your little bundle’s stomach aches are cruciferous foods (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), caffeine-related products (coffee, soda, chocolate), or foods that pack a punch (garlic, hot peppers, spices). Pay attention to your baby to determine if such foods are bothering the little nipper.

Common edible allergens may also have an effect on your little one’s system if the baby is prone to a food sensitivity. The most common foods in this area are peanuts, dairy, soy, eggs, wheat, shellfish, and corn. If your baby indicates such a sensitivity through recurring fussiness after you have consumed such foods or if food allergies run in the family, simply eliminate the guilty party from your diet for a while.

The concerns for consuming fish during pregnancy still apply when nursing. While fish oils help build your baby’s brain, do not consume high mercury fish or eat and seafood more than twice a week. Let the current EPA recommendations guide your choices.

As a nursing mother, make common sense, healthy eating choices for your own benefit. While your body requires 500 more calories to feed a baby than it did before you were pregnant, the abundance of extra food should come from fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, legumes, and complex carbohydrates, not from cookies and ice cream. This will assist your body in replacing nutrients lost to the breast milk and in achieving your post-partum weight loss goals. Do not attempt any form of dieting for at least six weeks after your baby is born. If you do eventually pursue a weight loss diet, do not cut back on the healthy, common sense essentials. Your body needs nutritional support to recover from pregnancy and combat sleep deprivation.

Eating to feed that new bundle of joy should be a pleasure, not a stress. Trial and error will tell you what your baby can and cannot tolerate, and a healthy eating plan will give you the energy to lovingly tend your new blessing and the patience to smile politely at the checkout clerk with the parenting advice.

Breastfeeding veterans are always happy to terrify a new mother with horror stories of breast infections. Yes, breast infections hurt, but armed with a little know-how you can tackle the ebast before it gets the better of you.

Prevention

Breast infections generally begin one of two ways, either through a clogged milk duct or through cracked nipples which allow bacteria into the breast.

To prevent clogged milk ducts, make sure the baby is emptying the breast before moving to the other side. Consider swapping out the underwire bra for a less obstructive softcup model that does not bind anywhere. Wear non-restrictive clothing and accessories, being that purses, backpacks, and baby carriers do not press on the breast or surrounding areas for an extended period of time.

To prevent cracked nipples, rub either lanolin or breast milk on the nipple after each feeding and let it air dry. Be sure your bra material breathes properly.

Symptoms

A breast infection is hard to miss. A clogged duct begins as a hard, generally painful lump. If it turns into mastitis, the medical term for an infection of the mammary regions, it may become red, streaking across the breast. You may have a fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, and serious breast pain.

Another form of breast infection, thrush or a yeast infection, shows itself through breast pain and in nipple changes–dried, cracked, blistered, red, or shiny. This can be passed between mother and baby. The baby will have yellow or white patches in the mouth as well as sores on the sides of the mouth.

At-home treatment

At the first sign of a clogged duct, nurse, nurse, nurse. The best way to empty the clog is to get the milk out, and who better to handle that job than your sweet baby. Opinions vary on whether the chin, nose, or cheek should be facing the clog to best drain it, so either do what seems best for you, or torate the little fella. Next, hit the showers. Warm compresses and warm water with massage often clear the problem area. Keep nursing!

Thrush is often a more difficult infection to cure. Eliminating sugars and white flours from your diet are a good first start, as well as introducing healthy bacteria through probiotics. Mothers often will sprinkle small amounts on a nipple prior to nursing the baby. Among the many home remedies mothers recommend, gentian violet and grapefruit seed extract receive the highest raves. (Gentian violet will, however, temporarily stain the skin violet.) There is no reason to stop nursing.

When to See a Doctor

If you cannot clear a clogged duct on your own, if you have a high fever, or if you are growing worse, a trip to the doctor is in order. The doctor will almost invariably prescribe antibiotics for the mastitits and Nystatin or Diflucan for the thrush.

Breast infections are a pain in more ways than one. Jumping on them at the first sign of a problem will keep you out of the doctor’s office, off medication, and feeling fine!