TIPS AND TRICKS FOR NEW MOTHERS
basics
of pumping
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Wash your hands: Wash your hands before touching breasts, then start massaging both breasts.
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Start with low suction: Pump both breasts at the same time, starting with low suction. Once feeling secure, increase to a suction that feels comfortable. If you can free one hand, try compressing your breasts to get more milk out. You can do this by squeezing softly and then letting go, over and over. Continue this until milk flow starts to a trickle.
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Massage: It is crucial to massage your breasts throughout this process. Massage in areas that feel full.
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Express into the pumps bottle: Finish by hand expressing your milk into the pumps bottle or pumping one breast at a time. Do whichever way you are able to express the most milk.
-To express your milk faster you can use an electric breast pump and your hands at the same time.
-If you are unable to stay at home 24/7 with your baby, it would be a good idea to begin pumping while you are on maternity leave. This will help you be prepared and have backup supply of breast milk for your child. Many moms find that it is easier to express more milk in the mornings. Find a time that works best for you and try to pump around that same time each day.
-If you return to work, tell your boss the importance of keeping the same pumping schedule. Having a consistent schedule tells your body to keep making milk. This will also help keep your body feeling comfortable so you can focus on your daily duties.
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-If you are having trouble pumping milk, thoughts of your baby can help milk flow. Take some time to look at a picture of your baby, think about nursing your baby or listen to your baby’s voice. These are all ways you can relax and start your milk flow.
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-Pumping should not hurt. If you have pain or difficulty with pumping, call your doctor immediately.
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Wash your hands before handling breastmilk.
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You can store your breastmilk in a plastic or glass bottle with a screw on lid or in sterile zip-seal breastmilk storage bags. You can find these in the baby section of most grocery stores.
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Label your container with the date the milk wat pumped and your baby’s name. The name is helpful if your baby goes to child care and needs a bottle there.
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Cool down the breastmilk you pump as soon as possible. You can store it in a refrigerator or on a cooler with ice packs. The milk can also be frozen if you are not going to use it right away.
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Store breastmilk in amounts that you use for normal feeding. This will make it easier when it is time to feed your baby. 2 to 4 ounces per bottle or bag would be best to start off with.
How To Install A Car Seat
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Find the best place in the car for your little one- The back seat is the safest place for your baby. Make sure you check your owner manual to see where you can put a car seat in your vehicle. Make sure that the other passengers in the car are able to ride safely with a seat belt on as well when installing the car seat.
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Use the seat belt or latch- There are often 2 ways to secure a car seat in the vehicle.
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One way in installing the car seat is by using the vehicle seat belt. Place the seat belt through the car seat at the belt path. There should be arrows on the car seat label that shows you the correct belt path to use.
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Another way you can install the car seat is by using lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). Car seats that have lower attachments that connect to the cars lower anchors. If facing the car seat forward, use a top tether when securing the car seat.
Both the seat belt method and LATCH method are both safe, but don’t use both at the same time.
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3. Do the Snug fit test- Is your car seat safe and reliable for your baby to sit in it? Do the inch test to find out! If your car seat is properly installed it should not move one inch front to back or side to side when pulled at the seat belt path.
Things To Consider When Buying A Stroller
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Where will you use it? Models can be big and bulky so if you are living in a city a smaller umbrella stroller might be better for you. Make sure your purse, diaper bag and necessities can fit in your stroller.
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Is it newborn friendly? Many models are more suitable for infants and have neck control for the child.
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How easy is it to use? Always do a test drive before buying the stroller. Compare your favorites and decide from there.
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How easy is it to fold and unfold? You will most likely be on the go when using a stroller. Make sure it is suitable for you.
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Helpful features in a stroller? Make sure there are safety features, quality wheels, a sun canopy, washable fabric and storage. Your child will be able to use this for years so make sure it can be washed and it is durable.
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How heavy is it? When you are on the road, lighter is better. If you live in a city consider taking subways and carrying the stroller.
Get your home Organized!
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A crib or crib mattress
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Glider/rocker
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Changing station
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Video baby monitor
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Night light
Stock Your Nursery
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Diapers/wipes
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Recommend honest for diapers- they are free and clear from lotions, fragrances and chlorine bleaching.
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For wipes, water wipes are a top choice, they are fragrance free and completely non-toxic.
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-Onesies
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-Swaddle blankets/ Sleepsack
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nursing supplies
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Pacifiers
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-Baby bottles
