Must Haves for Nursing Moms: Breastfeeding Awareness Month

WABA Logo, #WBW2018 slogan Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life.

Must Haves for Nursing Moms: Breastfeeding Awareness Month

Reinforce the importance of working together to protect, promote and support breastfeeding

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month. I’m citing the WABA logo above because I like their image of the WBW-SDGs Campaign ‘triad’ of two adults and an infant, which reinforces the importance of working together to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Branches, leaves and sprouts represent growth and development. The line extending from the triad and sprouting into leaves are the links between breastfeeding and nutrition, food security and poverty reduction which are all benefits of breastfeeding.

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Now let’s talk breastfeeding REALITY today. It is hard to escape the topic of breastfeeding as a new mom in the United States. We know it’s better if you can – but – there are many barriers to creating an enabling and supportive environment for women to breastfeed. Barriers include a lack of enabling health services, family and community support systems and workplace and employment policies. In my experience, I was not able to breastfeed as long as I would have liked with my older daughter because I had to return to work full-time after 6 weeks and I was not able to take breaks to pump when I needed and there wasn’t a designated or private space where I could go. If I was lucky enough to find an open conference room with a door lock, there wasn’t always an outlet to use a pump. I navigated this dance for as long as I could, but you moms in the know will shake your head in agreement – if you don’t pump when you need to – your supply diminishes. Le sigh. And – Oh man! – the guilt I felt at the time was overwhelming!

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Luckily, I was able to extend the time I could with some amazing products. In honor of awareness month, I want to share three incredible brands that have made it their goal to offer solutions to the myriad of challenges that can accompany the commitment to breastfeed. Nursing mothers know these challenges all too well, which is why I want discuss a variety products that every nursing mother should have in her back pocket. Most I personally used and one item is BRAND new. Oh la la. So whether you only breastfeed during maternity leave or are able to for a few years, I want to recognize that breastfeeding is not easy to maintain and I am giving all the moms out there a virtual high five! Let’s support initiatives for breastfeeding moms because it benefits our society.

Nanobébé: Breastmilk Bottle (3 pack for $22.99)

The Nanobébé: Breastmilk Bottle has a patented design that allows breast milk to be spread into a thin layer that cools quickly. It warms 2 times faster than standard bottles, which satisfies baby’s immediate hunger needs· This natural, breast-like design makes it easier to combine breast and bottle feeding. It is stackable, so you can save storage space and track pumping order. A breast pump adapter is included with each bottle and it is easy to take apart and 100% dishwasher safe!

UpSpring: Milkflow Fenugreek + Blessed Thistle Chai Tea Latte Powder Drink Mix ($17.99)

Need a boost? Try the first and only chai latte-flavored fenugreek beverage that is formulated to help boost breast milk supply. This yummy drink contains three known galactagogues (aka breast milk boosters); fenugreek, blessed thistle, and anise. This powder is all natural, non-GMO, and gluten-free.

Lansinoh: HPA Lanolin ($8.79)

Provides the safest, most effective relief for breastfeeding moms experiencing nipple soreness. Just apply a pea-sized amount after each feeding to soothe and protect sore, dry nipples. Lansinoh is a 100% natural, single-ingredient product so it is safe for both mom and baby. It contains no additives or preservatives, it is hypoallergenic and it is the #1 recommended nipple cream by lactation consultants and doctors in the US.

UpSpring Milkscreen Test for Alcohol in Breast Milk ($14.99)

The first and only test of its kind, this easy, 2 minute at-home test that detects alcohol in breast milk.· Helps reduce ‘pump and dump!’

Lansinoh: Nursie Breastfeeding Pillow ($24.99)

NEW from Lansinoh, this breastfeeding pillow was designed by a breastfeeding mom to help provide comfortable positioning for baby and mom to support successful breastfeeding. This pillow helps with comfortable positioning, latch and feeding. It’s compact and portable – easy feeding at home or on the go.