As a new mom and Postpartum Doula, I’ve experienced the value of regularly collecting and storing breastmilk for maintaining my supply and saving up for future usage. I was recently asked if I had any tips or product suggestions for preparing feedings in advance for future growth spurts .
Personally, I’ve found the @haakaacanada extremely useful for collecting milk and the majority of my milk storage (I have three bins stored now and H is 12 weeks old - I started collecting around week 4) comes from the Haakaa, as I can collect while nursing so it doesn’t take any extra time. When I have some free time (rarely 🤪🤣haha), I’ll use the @medela_canada Freestyle double electric pump to collect a significant amount of milk in a short amount of time. My favourite milk storage freezer / fridge bags are the @lansinohusa because they lay flat and are easy to stack / stand up and store when frozen within my freezer storage containers. My favourite bottles are the @drbrowns glass natural flow bottles because they create a paced feeding similar to what babies experience when breastfeeding. I prefer glass bottles because they are great for sterilization/cleaning/warming milk and have zero leaching. I use bottles sparingly, but when I do it’s to allow family members the opportunity to feed H and/or when I’m out for an appointment and unable to nurse as I’ll miss his feeding .
There are so many products on the market and a variety of ways to prep advance feedings, but this is what currently works for me (I’m sure it will change as time goes on, and change again) as a nursing mama .
I’d love to hear what’s working for others !
For those using formula, post your tips for our formula feeding mamas!
Travelling 🧳 with a baby has slightly changed how we fly ✈️, especially when packing gifts for family, but we’re still able to keep things to a minimum. Having a baby hasn’t stopped our local & afar adventures, but it’s a learning process. It’s possible to travel light and it gets easier with each trip. Considering that two of these bags are filled with Christmas gifts (our holiday celebrations get extended since family lives away), we’re not doing too bad! I’ve learned that it’s easier for baby H and I to share a bag, rather than packing him his own bag (it’s best not to have an extra bag for us to lug around) . Having a @lillebaby / @lillebabycanada carrier is a must for after checking in the car seat. Life is so much easier when you’re hands free. What are your must-have travel essentials?
* Postpartum leakage & night sweats oh my 😲 * !
Looking for comfortable, eco-friendly 🌱 , and leak-proof nursing pads that actually work? Look no further! After trying multiple nursing pads, my favourite by far is the reusable @alvababyusa organic Bamboo Nursing Pads. These natural washable babies are soft, absorbent, durable, and colourful 🌈 . And they actually work! No more waking up soaked or arriving at my destination wet due to leakage. I have lots of milk, so when I’m travelling, sleeping, or unable to collect or pump in between feeds, I previously always had to worry about leakage and soaking through my clothes 🙄. Worry no more! Day or night, the hygienic and breathable multi-layer cloth inserts support my breastfeeding journey, lifestyle, and budget .
To further support me during postpartum, aka the fourth trimester, I’ve been using @sajewellness Transitions Hormonal Support Mist to help with balancing my hormones and night sweats post birth. Postpartum night sweats are one of my least favourite parts of my body adjusting to not being pregnant anymore. In addition to essential oils, I’ve been trying other home remedies: staying cool, drinking cold water, avoiding trigger foods, meditation, yoga, & breathing exercises, eating healthy, massage, and Acupunture. Post your tried and true tips and tricks to help curb postpartum night sweats.
Save baby’s skin & save the planet 🌎 .
My ULTIMATE {must have} mom hack is burnt flour and homemade baby wipes. This dynamic duo keeps baby 👶 H’s bum clean, dry, & protected. Happy baby = happy mama .
My favourite natural 🌱 baby wipe solution recipe: 1,1/2c distilled water, 2tbsp fractionated coconut 🥥 oil, and 2tbsp @honest Everyday Gentle baby shampoo body wash. Mix solution and absorb in thirty 100% cotton @bumkinsbaby cloth wipes and store in large sanitized (boil for 5min) dry glass mason jars .
Burnt Flour: Put a 1/2c of plain wheat flour in a clean & dry heavy skillet/frying pan. Place pan on stove and turn to medium/high heat and stir flour constantly with a spatula until well browned - hazelnut in colour, but don’t actually let it burn. (Oh yes, it does smell when being browned). Place browned flour in a small sterilized (boil for 5 min) dry shallow glass jar. {Disclaimer - flour “can” stain diapers} .
Thank-you Shandelle of @blossomandbirth for introducing me to the world of burnt flour.
I love surprises! One of the greatest gifts I have ever given myself was keeping the gender of our baby a surprise. Despite it being torture for my poor husband who would have preferred to find out the gender at 20 weeks, he humoured me and we waited. The wives tales, guessing, and anticipation was exciting and I waited anxiously for one of the greatest surprises of my life. Few things in life are surprises, but I knew this would be one worth waiting for. By not knowing the gender, I also found that preparing for the baby’s arrival (who we lovingly referred to as “baby”, “piña” – pineapple in Spanish, or “they”) was easy and enjoyable.