With the warm weather upon us, breastfeeding in summer can present its own unique set of challenges. Having had two summer babies myself, I understand the importance of staying cool. Here are a few of my tips to help you breastfeed in comfort this summer.

1. Stay Hydrated - it is really important to drink enough fluids to ensure you don’t get dehydrated in the warmer weather. A good way to do this is have a glass of water before every feed and always have a glass next to you during a feed. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic drinks which are dehydrating.

2. Maintain your cool - find a cool spot in the house to breastfeed. Set up a portable fan that helps to circulate the air to keep you and baby comfortable. A wet washer over a fan can also help cool down a room on a really hot day for those of us without airconditioning.

 3. Jump in the bath - a wise midwife passed this tip on to me when my first son was born in the middle of a hot QLD summer. When the weather gets too much, breastfeed in a tepid bath to help get rid of that sticky skin feeling. Make sure the water isn’t too cold for you. A great way to settle a hot, cranky baby too! 

 4. Natural Fibres - Look for cool natural fibres such as cotton or other lightweight fabrics that will absorb moisture and not stick or cling in the warmer weather.  For other great breastfeeding tips and news visit my blog for more information.

Kelly Gough is a business mum who runs online boutique Nuvo Maternity. Nuvo specialises in stylish nursing wear and have recently launched their signature label of breastfeeding fashion.

After the birth of my son hospital staff asked me to express milk by hand. No breast pump was offered. I just could not get it right and it was a very frustrating experience. Even after breastfeeding for many months I still never managed to express by hand. If I ever have another baby I will be sure to take a breast pump to hospital with me. It is something I had not considered at the time I had my first baby. With this short post I would like to share my personal experience with other mums-to-be.

There are many different breast pump brands available. The Australian Breastfeeding Association stocks a large range and can give good advice. On my website I currently only offer the Avent manual and electronic breast pumps. I used the manual pump at home with my son and was very happy with it. My friend is having a baby at the end of this month and she has upgraded to the Avent iQ Uno electronic pump. You start pumping manually and then the electronic mechanism takes over and continues at the same pace at which you initiated manual pumping. The speed is also easily adjusted while the electronic pumping is in progress. We are running a great introductory sale offer on the Avent breast pumps. If you are an expecting or new mum you might like to take advantage of this special or to visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association website to read more about the various breast pumps available and how they can benefit you.

Our website is Visit www.nursingwear.com.au
www.nursingwear.com.au

I have only ever used the Avent breast pump personally. If you have used another brand with which you were particularly happy/ unhappy why not post a reply here with a product recommendation/ cautioning.

Yoga Principles for New Mothers

By Natalie Burgess 

The postnatal period is a time of adjustment for all new mothers, as they recover from the physical effort of labor and birth, and begin life with their beautiful baby.  Yoga facilitates the return of post pregnancy stamina, tone and fitness, and encourages the new mother to  respond instinctively to her baby. 

Yoga allows the new mother to improve posture, helping to alleviate everyday discomforts associated with the postnatal period and caring for a new baby.  The priority as a new mother, is to maintain correct spinal alignment, and strengthen the pelvic floor.  New mothers will often have muscular aches and pains the day after delivery, perhaps as a result of remaining in one position too long, and certainly from using muscle groups specific for labor and birth.  For the first few days after birth a new mother can start with simply posture awareness, to reduce lower back fatigue and work towards the beginnings of regaining core muscle strength.

• Ensure that when moving in and out of a chair or a bed, that strain is not placed on the spine, or upon weakened abdominal muscles.  Draw the navel back to spine, lifting the pelvic floor.
• Caesarean  section mums need to  avoid ‘bending into’ their abdominal wound (which causes curvature of the spine) to compensate for any discomfort. 

Energy levels are depleted after labor and birth. The days and weeks of getting to know a new baby, breast feeding and becoming accustomed to the demands of a newborn, further depletes the bodies energy stores.

• Sleep when your baby sleeps
• Eat simple, frequent, nutritious meals
• Relaxed breath, soft face

Basic yoga principles allow the new mum to conserve energy levels, promoting a relaxed mind and body.  Yoga promotes the release of endorphins, the bodies’ natural opioid, encouraging a relaxed state of mind, and reducing onset or severtity of symptoms of postnatal depression. Yoga also facilitates the intake of oxygen, energizing muscles and calming the mind. Following birth a womans ligaments remain softened, due to the influence of the pregnancy hormone relaxin.  It is important to remember that it is easy to cause  injury if recommencing some activities too soon after birth, such as jogging.  Regular practice of yoga teaches women to be aware of their pelvic floor, abdominal and back muscles, therefore promoting pelvic floor strength and awareness. Following birth, it is still very important to maintain correct posture to avoid injury or strain.  

To correct standing posture, ensure the baby is kept close to the chest when being held

• Stand with feet hip width apart
• Strengthen the leg muscles
• Tuck the bottom in
• Open the chest and release the shoulders
• Relax the jaw and face

Take care when placing babies in and out of a car seats.

• Use the legs, not back, when maneuvering with baby and car seat
• Bend into a squat when moving the pram in and out of the car

Some basic points (for posture) to keep in mind while breastfeeding.

• If sitting, ensure that the back is supported, perhaps with a pillow
• If the feet do not comfortably reach the floor, use a pillow or foot stool, therefore ensuring the lower back and hips are correctly aligned

• Relax the shoulders, feeling the tips of the shoulders relaxing down and away from the ears
• Feel the neck lengthen as the shoulders release down
• Soften the face, relax the jaw
• Take a moment to practice relaxing and calming the breath

Yoga not only provides the new mother with the opportunity to improve posture and reduce discomfort, but also gives a wonderful opportunity to simply (and quietly) observe their baby.  As a general guide, the daily cycle for a baby (0-6mnths) will include:

• Feed
• Play (length of time varies dependent on age), active alertness
• Sleep (again length of time will vary)
• Quiet alertness

Quiet Alertness is the time in which a baby is happy to observe their environment and will sit or lay contentedly.  The length of time each baby is happy to be a quiet observer is variable, and influenced by their unique little personality.  During this time of quiet observation, a new mother may discover that intuitively responding to their baby’s needs will result in a content and relaxed baby, and a happy, relaxed mother. 

It is strongly recommended that you practice yoga with a qualified yoga instructor, who is familiar with the pregnant and postnatal aspects of yoga.  .  Always conduct your yoga practice on an empty stomach and in a safe, clutter free environment. 

Copyright © Yoga Baby Bliss 2007 - ABN 96 282 733 677 

By Kelly Gough 

Breastfeeding no longer means sacrificing fashion just because you’re a nursing mum! With a celebrity baby boom and resurgence of breastfeeding, maternity designers have taken note and are now designing nursing wear just for breastfeeding. With a little planning and a few tips, you’ll be well on your way to breastfeeding in style.

Look at your needs

While pregnant plan ahead and look at your lifestyle to plan your breastfeeding clothes and nursing wear purchases before your baby is born. Are you sporty? Like to socialise? Returning to work? Then think about styles and colours to suit your lifestyle as you’ll be living in them for several months while breastfeeding.

Plan a nursing wear kit

Once you know your needs it’s a good idea to plan a nursing kit to get you through breastfeeding. Choose versatile colours that are easy to mix and match. As a basic guide you will need to include the following items to get you started:

• 2-3 good quality nursing bras
• 1 pair of PJs or nightie for night feeds
• 3 comfortable breastfeeding tops for everyday
• 1 dressy top or nursing dress for special outings

Quality Fabrics

Choose quality and easy-care fabrics that feel soft against the skin and will last frequent washing. The addition of spandex or lycra to a fabric will also help the garment adjust to your changing shape. Natural fibres are best for bras and sleepwear while soft rayon jersey and cotton/spandex fabrics are great for tops and dresses.

Accessories for a unique look

Adding stylish accessories is a cheap and cheerful way to create a modern look. Funky necklaces, bangles and scarves will keep your look fresh and help create different outfits from your nursing wear basics. Don’t forget the must-have statement bag for all your baby needs!

Personal Grooming

Having a newborn baby means little time for high maintenance haircuts or skin care regimes. Ask your hairdresser for a stylish cut that is easy to care for and looks great with minimal fuss. Keep it simple and stick to the basics for effortless chic.

Breastfeed in style

Planning your breastfeeding wardrobe will help you to feel calm and confident when breastfeeding in public. Knowing you look good in fashionable clothing will do wonders for your self-esteem and leave you with one less thing to worry about at this exciting and hectic time in your life.

Kelly Gough is a business mum who run online boutique Nuvo Maternity while also caring for her two small boys. Nuvo specialises in stylish nursing wear for breastfeeding mums and recently launched their first range of breastfeeding fashion.