Tag: baby

Breastfeeding in Public: It is (Not) a Big Deal!

hollymilkowski October 13, 2014

Breastfeeding moms are kind of ridiculous.

Seems like all we say is, “Hey, breastfeeding is so not a big deal! Lighten up, naysayers!” But then we stage nurse-ins, tweet to businesses that have mistreated us, and remind everyone from our friends to the mailman about the zillion ways that “breast is best.” I know, it’s a bit backwards to make a point of talking about breastfeeding at every chance, purposefully inflating it into a big deal when the bottom line of our advocating is, “Hey people, breastfeeding is NOT a big deal!”

Especially, especially, especially… breastfeeding in public.

Before Baby’s First Bath, Learn About These 9 Things

hollymilkowski August 9, 2014

1). Vernix

Babies are born with a natural skin-protecting substance called vernix. This should not be wiped away from the skin; rather, it can be rubbed into the skin for maximum absorption. This covering, which was laid down in the third trimester of pregnancy, has many important functions: easing transition to life outside the uterus, offering body temperature control, “skin surface adaptation,” plus antioxidant, anti-infective, wound-healing, and moisturizing properties, and it has been shown to be a more effective skin cleanser than commercial soaps. A study published by American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology called Antimocrobial Properties of Amniotic Fluid and Vernix Caseosa are Similar to Those Found in Breast Milk came upon some rather fascinating and groundbreaking findings, some of which unveiled some new information about vernix.

Demonstrating Breastfeeding Positions – With Dolls, Because… Dolls Cooperate

hollymilkowski August 5, 2014

So, it turns out you can’t just install your baby onto your chest (like a car seat, top-end up and rear-facing), then just kinda expect feeding to happen. Nope, you are the car seat! Which means you’ll have to figure out how to buckle your baby around the boob using the rest of your body.

If you’re new to holding babies, don’t stress if you thought you’d instinctively know how to hold yours while nursing. Sometimes, a change in positioning is all it takes to make breastfeeding snafus less snafu-y. Most likely, you and your baby will find a favorite position that works best with each age and stage.