“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.” On April 22, Earth Day Network will lead people across the globe in an effort to change human behaviors and provoke policy changes to promote a cleaner environment. Some people will march or sign petitions; others will plant trees or clean up their towns and roads. At this time of year especially, we’re reminded to mind the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. As a breastfeeding mom, …
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Will That Be One Drink, or Two?
You waited 9 months. Nine. N-I-N-E. No wine, no beer, no mimosas at your baby shower. You ate right (minus those, ahem, few late-night trips through the drive-thru), went to bed at a reasonable hour, and refrained from taking a dip in the hot tub during your babymoon. But now your bundle of joy is here, and you’re ready to let your hair down a little. Maybe you’ve got an office holiday party coming up, or you’ll be attending a family gathering where Uncle Jim …
The Art of Keeping Your Baby Healthy This Holiday Season
The holidays are upon us, and nothing is more akin to a starfish in a touch tank than a baby at a family gathering. If this Thanksgiving will be your little one’s first group social, you may be feeling a bit uneasy about exposing your baby to so many people—and their germs. Given that cold and flu season is likely to be in full swing, your desire to protect your baby from illness is understandable. But assuming you don’t want to be housebound with your child …
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Where to Find Support and Help for Breastfeeding Struggles
While producing breast milk is natural, breastfeeding a baby is something that takes time to learn. And that can be frustrating. At a time when you’re already sleep deprived, stressed, and dealing with all the changes a new baby brings, struggling with breastfeeding is the last thing you need. Fortunately, there is a wealth of breastfeeding resources and help for new moms who are struggling. You just need to know where to look. Check out these tips for where to …
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Common Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Fix Them
The first days and weeks of breastfeeding are often challenging for new moms. Although breastfeeding is natural, it’s not easy. The stress of wanting to breastfeed your baby but struggling with unexpected challenges makes some moms feel like a failure. And it makes the choice to continue breastfeeding difficult. But most breastfeeding challenges can be overcome. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding but you want to continue, check out these tips for …
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How to Store Breastmilk to Maximize Freshness
*The following guidelines apply for healthy, full-term babies. If your baby is preterm, seriously ill, and/or hospitalized, discuss milk storage guidelines with your baby’s doctor. Before expressing and handling breastmilk, wash your hands and make sure all your pump parts and milk storage containers are clean. After you’ve expressed some milk, Put the milk in a breastmilk storage bag or clean glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. …
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Building Your Freezer Supply of Milk
If you’re headed back to work or school soon, you’re probably wondering how to begin building a supply of milk to ensure your baby is properly fed while you’re away. Below are some recommendations for how to get started. Pumping FAQs How soon should I start pumping? Three to four (3–4) weeks before you are scheduled to return to work or school. When should I pump? Within 1 hour after the first morning feeding. How long should I double-pump after the morning …
Thawing and Feeding Stored Breastmilk
Thawing Frozen Milk To thaw frozen milk, you can do one of the following: Put the container in the refrigerator. Put the container in a cup of warm or lukewarm water. Run lukewarm water over the container. Whatever method you choose, keep these tips in mind: DO: Thaw the oldest milk first (REMEMBER: First in, first out). Keep the container sealed. Use milk thawed in the refrigerator within 24 hours (from the time it completely thawed—not from the …