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Advice For Moms Who Pump

9/27/2016

1 Comment

 
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We all know that breastfeeding is best for babies. However, in some situations, putting the baby to the breast full time is not possible. Some moms work, sometimes it takes longer than usual for babies to learn to latch properly, and sometimes there may be a physical challenge like a tongue tie or cleft palate which makes breastfeeding very difficult or impossible.  

Even if a baby cannot be at the breast for whatever reason, there is another option. A growing number of moms today are pumping their milk for their babies. Thanks to technology, modern moms have more options than ever for feeding their babies.

Pumping takes commitment and it’s not always easy. So here are a few tips for those choosing to pump.

  1. Invest in a good pump. This is a must. A cheap handheld pump can be helpful and effective in a pinch, and it can’t hurt to have one as an emergency to go. However, if you are planning to pump on a regular basis for your baby, you would do well to be using a good one. Electric pumps (especially double pumps) are very effective, comfortable to use, and worth the cost. They are also being made to look quite stylish these days, so you don’t need to worry about being embarrassed carrying it around.
  2. Make sure your shield is the correct fit. Many do not know that the shield that comes with the pump is not your only option. Nipple sizes vary from woman to woman and if your pump is not a proper fit you can get a new one. Talk to a lactation specialist about how to get the right fit for you. This just may save your breastfeeding relationship, or your ability to pump.
  3. Start early if possible. If you know you are going to be pumping, start making a habit of it as soon as you can after birth. This establishes pumping as a part of your routine and rhythm. If, however, it becomes apparent that you will need to pump long after giving birth, you can still get started pumping at any time and be successful at it.  
  4. Become well versed on proper storage for breastmilk. Breastmilk storage requires simple but deliberate storage instructions. Click here to read about safe storage and handling instructions.
  5. Find your own rhythm. Moms who have pumped for their babies are usually glad to share their stories about what worked for them, and how they got into a schedule. It’s so important to have a community of support, but understand that each situation is unique. What worked for someone else may not work in your situation, so it’s important to find your groove and test what is going to work.
  6. Have an open conversation with your employer. If you are pumping because you are returning to work, it’s important to discuss your situation with your employer. Be honest about the time you are going to need. If you are hoping to pump full time for a 6 week old baby, you are going to need more than one ten minute break a day to pump. You’ll probably need several that are a minimum of 15 minutes each. Remind your employer that the longer you pump, the less time you’ll need for breaks. As your baby grows and your body adjusts to pumping, you won’t need as much time to pump. Know your rights as a breastfeeding mother who is working.

Breastfeeding is hard work. Pumping takes the breastfeeding commitment to the next level. Know that you are not alone, and that you are giving your baby an incredible gift. Motherhood is largely a thankless job, and the effort you’re putting in for your baby will pay off in ways you may never fully understand. Good, job, mom. Keep up the good work.

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Allina Nurses’ Strike Begins Monday Morning

9/5/2016

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PictureAllina Nurses-Photo Credit CBS News
The nurses that work for Allina affiliated health care facilities in the Minneapolis area are planning to go on strike starting September 5th - Labor Day. They are striking for several reasons including staffing, workplace safety, and health insurance and there are about 4,500 nurses planning to strike. The strike is said to be open-ended, and that means the strike will continue until a deal is reached. It’s a challenging time for the nursing union, Allina Health, and especially for the patients that they provide care to. A Woman’s Design has no interest in discussing the politics and intricacies of this issue, but it has raised questions among several of our clients, and we hope to address those here.
The strike has several expectant mothers planning to birth at Allina facilities worried. Babies are unconcerned with the current events of the day, and they will come whenever they are ready. If that happens to be on a day when there is a nursing strike in place, what is going to happen with that mother’s birth?
Some are questioning whether they should switch care to a provider that is not affiliated with the hospitals affected by the nursing strike. Several mothers are wondering what they should be doing, considering there is a strike around the time of their estimated due dates. Others have discussed the possibility of having a “Plan B” in place just in case they go into labor during the nursing strike.
The truth is that we don’t have one answer to any of those questions since your situation is unique to you. There is no right or wrong answer. So, as with everything regarding birth, it’s important to review the facts and make an educated decision. We are glad to discuss the relevant facts with you, find what is important to you, and help you make your decision.
What we know is this.
  1. Allina hospitals will still have nursing staff available during the strike. This is not the first time Allina hospitals have had to manage a nurse’s strike since there was one back in June. They are hiring temp nurses, and bringing others in from around the country that helped with the last strike.
  2. Some services, such as water birth, may not be available during the strike if the substitute personnel are not trained in those skills. They did not say conclusively that water birth will not be available, only that it is a possibility. Availability is going to be solely dependent on the trained skill of the replacement nursing staff.
  3. The strike only applies to the nursing staff. OB/GYNs and Midwives are still going to be operational as usual, and since they will have replacement staff taking the place of the nurses on strike, the care provided by them should remain the same.

What that means in terms of what to expect for your birth is that, other than the off chance that water birth may not be available, there should not be much change in your expected care during the strike. However, if you feel that changing providers, or having a last minute plan B in place is important, we can certainly talk about those options with you. Until then, let’s hope they reach an agreement quickly so that all affected parties - including patients - are satisfied.

Sources:
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2016/09/05/5-questions-allina-nurses-go-on-strike/
http://www.allinahealth.org/Footer/Negotiations/

http://www.twincities.com/2016/09/02/nurses-strike-at-allina-hospitals-set-for-monday-what-you-need-to-know/

http://m.startribune.com/allina-nurses-set-strike-date/391391811/


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    A Woman's Design

    A Woman's Design Doula & Childbirth Educators are here to walk along side you during such a precious time. Whether it is your first journey or tenth, empowering women and families with education and support to trust their inner wisdom and make wise choices in pregnancy, birth and early parenting is the heart of A Woman's Design. 

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Contact A Woman's Design:
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Specializing In
Attachment Parenting | Babywearing | Birth Bootcamp | Bottle Feeding | Bradley Method | Breastfeeding | Cesareans Section (Family-Centered/Planned/Repeat) | Cloth Diapering | Epidural Birth | Home Birth | Hospital Birth | Hypnobabies | Induction | Lamaze | Multiples | Natural Birth | Spinning Babies |Vaginal birth Assisted by Medication | VBAC | Water Birth | Birth Doula | Postpartum Doula | Lactaction Support | Prenatal Education | Childbirth Education | Placenta Encapsulation |
Lamaze International, Childbirth International, DONA International
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Providing Professional Doula Services to Families in the Twin Cities, Minnesota

Minneapolis - St Paul
Anoka | Hennepin  | Carver | Chisago | Dakota | Ramsey | Washington    

​At the heart & soul of A Woman's Design is the belief that every mother has the inner wisdom to make the best choices for herself and her baby in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting. 
This is your story and we are your supporting cast. Birth. Your Way. 

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