What Makes a Good Breast Pump?

Many women with a good health insurance plan are able to purchase a double-electric breast pump through their insurance at no cost to them. This is fantastic!

Except that many insurance plans are only covering a low-end pump that many lactation consultants refer to as “mastitis machines.” This widely-sold pump is so infamous for . . . → Read More: What Makes a Good Breast Pump?

On Scalding

Imagine this: you pump an ounce or so per day while you’re on maternity leave, building up your freezer stash for when you return to work. The day approaches, so you thaw some out to practice giving your baby a bottle. As you gently warm it, hoping your babe will accept the nipple, you . . . → Read More: On Scalding

Pump and Drive…and Then You Wail

Anyone else listen to Brian Setzer in your youth? Back in the day, I used to bop all over the place doing things like go dancing, watch movies, eat dinner…jumping and jiving was all in a Saturday evening. Who cared if I made 3 stops before heading home for the night?

These days, when I . . . → Read More: Pump and Drive…and Then You Wail

Women Shaming Women

Lots of sports stadiums are creating suites for nursing moms. Which is awesome! These suites have space to nurse, change diapers, or even pump. Reports on the nursing suites indicate high usage, too, because moms who are made welcome to see to their babies’ needs can now attend hours-long sporting events without worry. The . . . → Read More: Women Shaming Women

Pumping in a Cubicle: Tips for Making it Work

Office jobs make for some of the most successful scenarios for mothers to pump their milk for their babies, especially if women have an office with a door they can close and lock.

But really, most women working in offices actually work in a cubicle that does not offer much privacy. Many large offices . . . → Read More: Pumping in a Cubicle: Tips for Making it Work

Duct Work: Unplugging a Block

I spent most of last weekend texting pictures of my side-boob to my friends. Is this a plugged duct or an insect bite? 

Thankfully, I have friends who support me through these sorts of messages. I recently became accredited as a peer breastfeeding counselor through Breastfeeding USA, which might explain why I have so many friends willing . . . → Read More: Duct Work: Unplugging a Block

Weaning from Pumping When You’ve Met Your Milestone

Monday was the last day I plan to ever use my breastpump. I remember my final pumping session vividly: we were moving into our new house, and I crouched on the floor in my dining room, hiding from the movers. Of course, it didn’t work and I still got caught. Oh well!

My mother . . . → Read More: Weaning from Pumping When You’ve Met Your Milestone