PopSugar

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.

Pump It Up

LilSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:00:26 -0800

A friend of mine had a love-hate relationship with her breast pump. She loved that it allowed her to provide her son with breastmilk while she was out, but hated feeling like a cow every time she was hooked up to it. You'll be hard-pressed to find a woman who is fond of her device as they are usually too loud, heavy or inefficient. With 80 percent of new mothers attempting to breastfeed their lil ones, it's a wonder that there aren't more tolerable items on the market.

The First Years miPump Deluxe Double ($100) is the latest to enter the fray and billing itself as the answer to nursing mommas' demands. Weighing in 60 percent lighter than its competitors, but providing the same power as pumps twice its size, the miPump offers moms both electric and battery power. It's also very quiet, so the whole world doesn't have to know that you are pumping in the bathroom stall next door.

To see what a kit includes, read more.

Though available in three models, the Deluxe Double, the model with the most bells and whistles, comes with two BPA-free Breastflow Bottles, the only bottle system that requires suction and compression - the same motions as breastfeeding - easing the transition from breast to bottle and back again. The kit also comes with flexi-fit breast shields, bottle adapters, a cooler bag with ice packs and a rather stylish tote for carrying it all.

Pumping And Expressing Breast Milk

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:52 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Pumping And Expressing Breast Milk

A woman who breastfeeds may need to pump or express her breast milk if she is going to be away from her baby for a number of hours at a time. Pumping can be done with a commercially available pump, or it can be done with your hands. There are several potential reasons for pumping milk:

If you work, you may want to pump your milk and then refrigerate or freeze some of it, so your baby's caregiver can bottle-feed your baby with your milk.
Your breasts may feel tender and swollen with breast milk, or they may begin leaking. Therefore, you might want to release some of it.
Your breasts will generally continue to produce milk as long as you breastfeed. If you stop breastfeeding for any reason, your milk will begin to dry up within a few days. Therefore, pumping is a way to keep your breasts regularly stimulated while you are at work, on errands, or if you have to be away from your baby.

When choosing a breast pump, consider the following:

What types of pumps are available? Should I purchase a breast pump or rent one? There are several different categories of pumps. These include: hand pumps, battery-operated pumps, small electric pumps, medium-sized electric pumps, and hospital-grade electric pumps. Pumps are available for purchase or rental. Depending on your budget and the type of pump that you are looking for, you should discuss which option is best for you with your doctor or lactation specialist. If you plan to breastfeed for more than six months, it may be less expensive to buy a pump than to rent one. Rental companies generally require you to buy a kit to go with them.
Am I going back to work full-time or part-time? Depending on how many feeding times you will miss, you may need a single pump or a double pump (which pumps both breasts at the same time). Generally, double pumps are more efficient for the full-time working mother because they get the job done quicker. If you are pumping more than once a day, you should get a double electric pump. They can empty both breasts in 10-20 minutes. If you are only pumping once a day, you may be able to use a single pump.
How do I store breast milk? Human milk is quite different from other types of milk. It is not homogenized or pasteurized, so there are certain steps that you must take to ensure that it is safely stored.
- Wash your hands before touching anything (breast pump, milk containers, breasts, etc.).
- Always make sure that the collection cup is clean, and avoid touching the insides of bottles or caps whenever possible.
- Make sure the milk is put in a sanitized storage container. Running containers and pump parts through the dishwasher is generally adequate.
- Label the container with the time and date of collection.
- Milk can be kept at room temperature for 6 to 8 hours.
- Refrigerated breast milk can be stored for up to five days, according to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.
- Frozen breast milk can last longer. In a freezer compartment within the refrigerator, milk keeps for two weeks. In a freeze with a separate door, it can last from 3 to 6 months, and in a chest or upright manual defrost freezer, it will last from 6 to 12 months. You should NEVER refreeze breast milk!
How do I thaw breast milk? You should NEVER microwave breast milk (it can disturb the nutrients and the milk could be too hot for your baby). Thaw your container in warm water (or run warm water over it) for about 30 minutes, or leave it in the refrigerator over night to allow it to defrost. It is normal for the milk to separate into milk and cream. Gently swirl the bottle to mix it before feeding. Do not stir or shake it. In addition, the breast milk may normally appear bluish, yellowish, or brownish. Some mothers report that it smells soapy. This is fine, but it should not smell sour. Use the thawed breast milk immediately or keep it in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours.
How do I help start my "milk flow"? By firmly massaging your breast in a circular motion, gently stroking your breast from the top to the nipple, and leaning forward to allow gravity to help bring the milk down, you can assist in stimulating the milk ejection reflex. Looking at a picture of your baby and taking slow, deep breaths to relax will also help.

Using a breast pump frequently will help to provide your baby with breast milk as if you were breastfeeding naturally. Likewise, it enables you to go back to work and feel comfortable that your baby is receiving the best food!!

Review Date:
2/19/2007
Reviewed By:
Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Pregnancy Center Links

How Implants Affect Breastfeeding

LilSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:00:14 -0700

Fake boobs don't always hinder breastfeeding. Seventy-seven percent of LilSugar readers said they'd consider a Mommy Makeover - a breast lift, tummy tuck and liposuction - if money were no object, but plenty of women undergo a lil nip and tuck before they bear children.

Former Playmate Kendra Wilkinson and reality show star Kourtney Kardashian recently revealed that they hoped to breastfeed once they give birth. Well known for her purchased assets, Pamela Anderson said she nursed both her boys. To learn more about whether or not implants affect a mom's ability to feed her offspring, we spoke with Dr. Robert Zubowski.

On whether or not the placement of implants affects breastfeeding. "The breast implant is typically placed in a submuscular pocket which separates the implant from the breast tissue. Augmentation in a subglandular position or any position directly below the breast tissue can be done safely without affecting the ability to breastfeed."
On incision placement affecting nursing. "Incision placement can make a difference with regard to breastfeeding. Incisions placed in the crease of the breast or in the armpit do not interfere with the gland or the ducts and therefore will not affect breast-feeding. Incisions placed in the lower half of the areola require that some dissection occur through the breast tissue and by consequence through the ductal tissue. Therefore in some cases especially if there is very little breast tissue, this may affect the ability to breastfeed."
On whether or not choosing silicone or saline matters. "The type of implant whether saline or silicone does not matter. Also studies have shown that there is no risk to the baby with regard to breastfeeding whether saline or silicone implants are used."
On engorgement's effects on implants. "Engorgement and pumping of the breast is not effected in any way in those women who have had breast augmentation."

Breastfeeding - Health And Other Factors

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:50 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Breastfeeding - Health And Other Factors

Breastfeeding is often an enjoyable and rewarding experience for mothers. A breastfeeding mother must continue to take care of her baby and herself, as she did during her pregnancy.

Mom's Nutrition

In general, lactating women should get nutrients from a well-balanced, varied diet, rather than from vitamin and mineral supplements. Eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, calcium-rich dairy products, and protein-rich foods (meats, fish, and legumes). Make sure you are getting enough calories.

Breastfeeding Daily Food Guide

Milk, Yogurt and Cheese - Eat at least 4 servings
Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs and Nuts - Eat at least 3 servings
Vegetables - Eat at least 3 to 5 servings
Fruits - Eat 2 to 4 servings; Choose two foods high in Vitamin C and Folic Acid, and one food high in Vitamin A
Bread, Cereal, Rice and Pasta - Eat about 6 to 11 servings
Fats, Oils, and Sweets - Go Easy!

This is just a general guideline, and you may need to eat more than this based on your size and activity level.

Drink Fluids

Nursing mothers need enough fluids to stay hydrated -- most experts recommend drinking enough fluids to satisfy thirst. Eight 8-ounce servings (64 ounces) of fluid such as water, milk, juice, or soup is a good goal.

Mom's Foods

Breastfeeding mothers can safely eat any foods they like. Some foods may flavor the breast milk, but babies rarely react to this. If your baby is fussy after you eat a certain food, try avoiding that food for a while, then try it again later to see if it is a problem.

Don't limit your diet excessively. Make sure you are getting enough nutrition for yourself and your baby. If you become overly concerned about foods or spices causing problems, try to remember that entire countries and cultures have diets that contain foods that are extremely spicy. In these cultures, the mothers nurse their infants without problems.

It is possible that some highly allergenic foods (strawberries, peanuts) may be passed into breast milk, increasing the risk of a later food allergy in the baby. If there is a strong history of food allergies in your family, discuss this with your pediatrician.

Caffeine, Alcohol, and Smoking

A nursing mother can safely consume moderate amounts of caffeine (equal to 1 to 2 cups of coffee per day) without causing harm to her baby. But any more caffeine than that may cause agitation and difficulty sleeping for your baby.

Since alcohol has been found in human milk and can interfere with the milk ejection reflex, it’s better not to drink alcohol and nurse your baby at the same time. It takes about 3 hours to clear the alcohol from a single drink (1 oz of liquor, 12 oz of beer or 5 oz of wine) from your system. So if you have a glass of wine with dinner, you can give your baby pumped milk for the next feeding and then you can resume breastfeeding safely. You don’t need to pump and dump your milk to get rid of the alcohol – it naturally clears from your breast milk as it’s cleared from your bloodstream.

If you are a smoker, this is a great time to quit for yourself and for your baby. Nicotine and other chemicals from cigarettes are found in breastmilk. If you are unable to quit, try to limit the number of cigarettes as much as possible, change to a brand with low nicotine, and visit your doctor regularly. If you can’t quit, it’s worth knowing that one large study suggests moms who smoke and breastfeed have healthier babies than moms who pump and bottle feed.

Drugs In Human Milk

Many medications (prescription and over-the-counter medications) will pass into the mother's milk. Most of them are safe, but check with your pediatrician before taking any medications. Do NOT stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking first to your doctor.

The American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Drugs releases a periodic statement with a list of drugs and their compatibility with breastfeeding. Your obstetrician and pediatrician are both likely to be familiar with this publication and can answer your concerns about breastfeeding while taking medications.

Lactation Amenorrhea

Most breastfeeding women do not have normal menstrual periods in the first few months after their baby is born. This is called lactation amenorrhea. Although the risk of pregnancy is less for a woman who is breastfeeding and hasn’t yet gotten her period, pregnancy CAN occur during this time. Breastfeeding should not be used for contraception, since failure is likely.

Birth Control

Birth control choice should be discussed with your health care provider. Barrier methods (condom, diaphragm), progesterone contraceptives (oral or injectable), and IUDs have all been shown to be safe and effective. Progesterone contraception is generally not started until the milk supply is established, usually at 4 weeks postpartum.

Estrogen-containing birth control methods are not recommended for breastfeeding women, because they may affect milk supply.

Getting Pregnant

Women can get pregnant while they breastfeed, although some women will find that their menstrual periods don't return while they are nursing. This is due to hormonal changes, which suppress ovulation. However, it is impossible to predict when ovulation and menstruation will resume. In fact, some women ovulate and conceive again before their period resumes.

Working Outside The Home

Mothers face unique obstacles in maintaining adequate milk supply once they return to work. With planning, commitment, and skilled use of a breast pump, breastfeeding mothers can maintain their milk supply and continue breastfeeding after returning to work.

A maternity leave is helpful for establishing your milk supply and breastfeeding skills before returning to work. Start stock-piling milk a few weeks before you go back to work, and store it in the freezer. Most women find they aren’t able to pump as much as their baby needs in the first week back at work, and having extra milk in the freezer helps ease the transition.

Before your first day back, scout out places where you can pump at work. An ideal work place would provide a private room for breastfeeding moms, with a comfortable chair and an electric breast pump for use by all nursing mothers. If you have your own office and can close the door, it’s often easiest to pump there – just close the door and let your colleagues know to knock before they come in. If you don’t have that kind of privacy, see if you can borrow a colleague’s office, or find an unused conference room or office. If all else fails, you can resort to a folding chair in a bathroom stall, but explore other options first.

For efficiency, your best bet is to get a double electric pump. These are more expensive, but they allow you to pump both breasts in 10 to 20 minutes, allowing you to get back to work – and, ultimately, home to your baby – much more quickly!

To simplify your life, buy several sets of pump parts and bring them to work in plastic bags. That way, you won’t have to wash and dry pump parts during the day.

Maintaining Your Milk Supply

Here are some tips which have worked well with many breastfeeding mothers who work an 8-hour day outside the home:

If you plan to return to work, introduce your baby to bottle-feeding several weeks before you go back to work. This allows plenty of time to establish good feeding habits. Starting bottle-feeds before 2 weeks of age often results in nipple confusion -- the baby has difficulty changing between the different sucking patterns required for the different types of feeding.
Two weeks before you return to work, buy or rent an efficient and comfortable breast pump and start building up a supply of frozen milk. If the day you return to work arrives and you don't have a freezer full of breast milk, one bottle of formula fed to your baby will be an adequate supplement. After returning to work, express milk 2 or 3 times a day, every 2 to 3 hours to continue exclusively breastfeeding. If you can only get one break a day and you are unable to pump a full day's allotment in one pumping, a supplemental bottle of formula may be needed. Be aware, however, that feeding formula decreases the need for breast milk, and your milk supply will decrease accordingly.
If your baby is sleeping through the night, consider pumping before you go to bed at night. It’s a good time to watch your favorite TV show and stockpile some extra milk.
Nurse your baby immediately before leaving in the morning and immediately upon return from work in late afternoon. Many mothers find that their babies nurse more frequently in the evenings on days they work. Feed on-demand when you are with your baby.
If possible, arrange to nurse your baby at lunch time.
Try to breastfeed exclusively when you are with your baby (evenings, nighttime, weekends).
Delegate and share household responsibilities with other members of the family.

Breast Pumps

There are a number of breast pumps on the market, with varying degrees of comfort, efficiency, and cost. Most require time to develop the skills to use them. Pumps may be hand-operated (manual), battery, or electrically-operated.

The most dependable, efficient, and comfortable pumps are electric, have intermittent action (creates and releases suction automatically), pump both breasts at once, and require minimal training.

When you start using a pump, remember that this is not a “no pain, no gain” situation. If you’ve adjusted the pump setting so that you are in pain, you won’t get more milk – you will just get bruised nipples!

Your local lactation consultant can help you make realistic plans and guide you to a supportive breast pump supplier. A listing of lactation consultants is available at www.breastfeeding.com.

Review Date:
1/2/2007
Reviewed By:
Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Pregnancy Center Links

Denise Van Outen Is The New Face of Bionsen Deodorants

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Denise Van Outen has been named the latest spokesperson for the Bionsen Deodorant range. These four Japanese deodorants have been developed as a healthier option for those concerned with body odour, and Denise has been asked to help educate women about the difference between deodorants and dangerous anti-perspirants.

For example, aluminum is a potentially hazardous ingredient in all anti-persiprants. It works to prevent skin from sweating by clogging your pores, which in time, may lead to serious problems like cancer. Since Bionsen is both aluminum and paraben free, it allows your skin to breathe. Instead, the range contains a gentle fragrance and nourishing ('Onsen') minerals found in the volcanic spas of Japan. They are created for all skin types and leave your underarms feeling cool and smooth.Charlotte Smith from Bionsen said,

"We are delighted to have Denise on board because she’s a natural beauty and embodies just what Bionsen stands for. A positively beautiful and natural role model to young women all over the world, Denise is also admired for her great work to support breast cancer charities and will act as the perfect ambassador for Bionsen."

Additionally, 10 pence from every sale off of this site will be donated to breast cancer research. For pricing information on each of the four products and to find out what Denise has to say about her new gig, read more.

View 5 Photos ›

Deodorant Stick is 40ml and costs £2.49
Deodorant Roll-On is 50ml and costs £1.99
Deodorant Pump Spray is 100ml and costs £2.49
Deodorant Aerosol Spray is 150ml and costs £2.99

Denise said,

"When I was asked to be the face of Bionsen I didn’t even have to think about it as it stands for an issue close to my heart. The entire Bionsen range is free from harmful chemicals, aluminium and paraben, which have been linked to breast cancer. Having lost my grandmother to breast cancer, it’s important to me to raise awareness of the issue and if I can use my celebrity status to do that, then that’s great. As the face of the brand, I want to get women thinking about the issue and encourage them to make informed choices. Any woman who buys a product from the range during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, will be supporting the cause."

Double Check Your Baby Goods!

LilSugar — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:00:51 -0700

Subsequent babies get lots of newborn hand-me-downs, but parents should double check their items to make sure they are still safe. In the time that passes between one tot's use and the next, goods may have been recalled or held to new safety standards.

Car Seats: Car seats are manufactured to last approximately six years, so be sure to check the manufacture date before installing it in your vehicle. It's also imperative to check the brand's website for news and to make sure the straps and harness are in working order.
Cribs: Make sure the slats are not cracked or missing and that they are not spaced more than 2 3/8 inches apart. The mattress should also be checked to see that it fits snugly into the crib. Precautions also include side drop cribs and the use of bumpers.

To see the rest of the list, read more.

Strollers: Strollers are tossed around throughout their use, so they must be thoroughly examined before reuse. Make sure the seat belt and harness systems are in working order and still attached to the frame. Test the brakes for effectiveness. Consider greasing the wheels to ease the steering.
High Chairs: Check the unit to see that the straps are still in working order and that the tray cannot be pushed off by a pushy tot.
Bottles: If your oldest tot is over the age of two, it is likely that any bottles or sippy cups you used with him contained BPA. Many states have banned the sale of products with BPA in them, and it is advisable to replace your bottles with newer, safer ones.
Breast Pump Accessories: Most breast pump manufacturers suggest replacing breast pump tubes and attachments for each child to eliminate any possibility of cross-contamination. Newer versions also tend to be BPA-free, making them even safer for babies.

Hiring Managers Share Their Not-So-Fond Interview Memories

SavvySugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:30:18 -0700

It seems like every hiring manager I meet could write a novel of bizarre interview moments. My pals in charge of hiring recently shared their own memorable outtakes, and CareerBuilder rounded up responses from 43 interviewees that stood out in the minds of managers. Here are 10 that stuck with me most.

In response to "Do you have any questions?":

"What do you want me to do if I cannot walk to work if it's raining? Can you pick me up?"
"What is your company's policy on Monday absences?"
"Can I get a tour of the breast pumping room? I heard you have a great one here and while I don't plan on having children for at least 10 or 12 years, I will definitely breast feed and would want to use that room."

In response to "Why do you want to work for us?":

"My old boss didn't like me, so one day, I just left and never came back. And here I am!"

In response to "What are your assets?" (as in strengths):

"Well, I do own a bike."

See more memorable responses when you read more.

In response to "What are your weaknesses?":

"I had a job candidate tell me that she often oversleeps and has trouble getting out of bed in the morning."

In response to "When have you demonstrated leadership skills?":

"Well my best example would be in the world of online video gaming. I pretty much run the show; it takes a lot to do that."

In response to "Is there anything else I should know about you?":

"You should probably know I mud wrestle on the weekends."

In response to "Use three adjectives to describe yourself":

"I hate questions like this."

In response to "Have you submitted your two weeks' notice to your current employer?":

"What is two weeks' notice? I've never quit a job before, I've always been fired."