Mar 20

3 pumping tips to get more milk out in less time

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, breastfeeding tips, motherhood, Recommended Products

Okay pumping mamas, this post is all about you! Whether you are pumping to store just a little extra for a night out or you’re a full-time working and pumping mom, having the know-how to get the most out of your pumping sessions is so valuable. Our lives as mothers are so busy that truly the minutes count! So if I were to share a few tips that may shave a few minutes off your pumping routine, you’d be all ears, right? I get questions and comments all the time from pumping moms like this:

“Can I pump just a few times a day but for longer periods and still keep up my milk supply?” or

“I have a really good milk supply and don’t have the time to pump, I’ll be okay going 5-6 hours between pumping sessions, right?!”

{Clip and Pump hands-free pumping accessory}

My response is always the same. Frequent breast stimulation (every 2-3 hours you’re away from baby), is what maintains your milk production. It’s based off supply and demand. So you can’t get away with pumping less often but you can make your pumping sessions as efficient as possible. Who doesn’t want to get more milk out in less time?! Keep in mind, as baby gets older and is feeding less often, you’ll want to pump at least as often as your baby is breastfeeding.

I know that you don’t want to spend your life hooked up to a machine that goes ee-ah-ee-ah for any longer than you need to! I remember pumping when I went back to work as a labor and delivery nurse and I was a little overwhelmed when I started but pretty soon I had a system down and I flew through my pumping routine! Today I’m partnering with Bravado Designs to “hook you up” with 3 tips to help you get the most milk out in the least amount of time during your pumping sessions. Let’s be honest, we’ve got other things to do, right?!

#1 – Get familiar with your pump and it’s parts

If possible, get to know your pump before you ever need to use it. It can be frustrating trying to figure out how to work something for the first time when you need to use it right then! Becoming familiar with it a little while in advance can help ease any of those worries and create confidence with the pump. Get the pump out of its box, read the instructions, take apart the parts and put them back together a few times, plug it in, power it on and off, and learn any of the functions.

Just for you: Did you know you can get a free breast pump through your insurance? Click here to get it ordered.

Cheat sheet: The flange is the circular part of the pump that touches your breast and you want to be sure you have the right size! When you start pumping, check to be sure there’s just a little bit of space all the way around your nipple as it goes in and out. You can also book an online consult with us to make sure you have the right size!

#2 – Go hands-free

Did you know that pumping alone just provides suction, but when a baby is breastfeeding they are applying suction plus compression? So pumping by itself can leave out compression altogether. There’s a way around this! Research shows that using your hands (doing breast massage + compression) while your pumping gets the most milk out. This is where going hands-free with your nursing bra comes in handy! The clip and pump hands-free pumping accessory from Bravado Designs is a great option because it easily attaches to any nursing bra so you don’t have to completely switch bras every time you need to pump.

Here’s how it works:

Just for you: You can get 15% off your total purchase with the code ‘LLINK15’ on bravadodesigns.com. They also have great maternity and nursing bras and tanks. Here’s a few other posts that show some of my favorite nursing bras: Best Nursing bras and tanks || Nursing bra myths debunked

Cheat sheet: I have step-by-step video tutorials on hands-on pumping inside my Pumping and Storing Breastmilk online course. Want a sneak peek inside my courses? Try my free mini-course here.

#3 – Establish a routine

Set reminders for your pumping breaks! It’s easy to get into work or travel mode and forget about the clock! Setting a reminder on your phone for specific times can help you remember to pump every 2-3 hours. Frequency in pumping is the most important thing when it comes to maintaining your milk supply when you’re away from your baby.

Pumping: Use the hands-on pumping technique for 10-15 minutes (depending on how much time you have). Use the clip and pump accessory to save you time.

Washing the parts: A quick wash with hot, soapy water for the parts that come in contact with your breastmilk is recommended by the CDC. If you’re using a shared pump, wipe it down with a disinfectant. You can let your pump parts air dry on a paper towel.

Storing the milk: If you’re at home, remember that breastmilk is good for 5 hours at room temperature, so don’t feel like you have to rush it to the fridge if it’s the middle of the night. When you go to store it, you always want to label it with the date (you’ll always use the oldest milk first), and if you’re using a shared fridge (like at the hospital or work), you’ll want to add your initials, too. As soon as you can, get it stored either in the fridge or freezer, not on the doors and as far back as possible.

Cheat sheet: In a pinch and don’t have time for a full 10-15 min pumping break? A 2-5 min hand expression session over a sink or with a towel on your lap will help until you can get your pumping session in.

I hope these 3 tips on pumping were helpful! Thanks to Bravado Designs for partnering on this post. You can get 15% off your total purchase on BravadoDesigns.com with the code ‘LLINK15’. Share your pumping tips with me in the comments — would love to hear!

Thanks for stopping by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Mar 04

0

5 Nursing Bra Myths De-bunked

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, breastfeeding tips, Recommended Products

Finding a comfortable bra that provides shape in any stage of life is like finding gold in the sand, am I right? A great bra can make a huge difference in our comfort and our confidence! Or how about one less thing to worry about when you’re pregnant? Or something pretty and functional to put a little magic into the ups and downs that come with the postpartum time, or as we like to call it around here, the fourth trimester?

Maybe you’ve overheard things from other moms like “{*Sigh*}…It is what it is” or “You just have to get through it” when it comes to maternity bras during pregnancy or nursing bras postpartum. There are a lot of myths out there and today I’ve partnered with Bravado Designs to help shed some light on all this boobie talk and de-bunk anything you’ve heard that you don’t need to worry about! Read through to get a peek into their newest styles and colors, as well as some of their tried-and-true staples, and a Lactation Link exclusive promo code I begged them to give you!

Ok so here they are, 5 Nursing Bra Myths De-bunked!

MYTH #1 There’s no way around it, nursing bras are U-G-L-Y!

De-bunked: Need I say more than this image?

This line is sooooo beautiful! The colors are so complimentary for all skin tones and don’t resemble a traditional, boring old nursing bra AT ALL! Let’s say you’re like the majority of women and are caught still wearing their nursing bra even a year after baby has weaned, there’s no shame when you have one of these beautiful styles on.

{The Invisible nursing bra}

Lindsey’s recommendations:

My favorite for everyday wear: The invisible

Wear with your favorite tee: Buttercup

Sleep bras: Ballet and the Bodysilk Seamless

MYTH #2 It’s impossible to achieve shape while your breastfeeding

De-bunked: Have you heard of or experienced the uni-boob? (Asking for a friend.)

The official definition describes the breasts being lumped together (typically by a spandex-y nursing sports bra type-thing) and results in your chest looking more like one large breast rather than two. Hang on (get it), it’s not a lost cause! With the right fit and structure that provides support but separation (your breasts prefer their own room!), you can still have a shape in your bustline when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Lindsey’s recommendations:

Going out or back to work: The Belle Underwire

Everyday shape: The invisible and The Buttercup

MYTH #3 Wearing an underwire while breastfeeding is a big no-no

De-bunked: It’s been said, “An underwire will cause mastitis.” Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue like plugged ducts or a breast infection. I’m here to tell you: the underwire isn’t necessarily the culprit! The real issue is a bra with a poor fit – this could mean with or without an underwire! If the fabric or underwire of your bra feels like it’s pushing deep into your ribs, or your breast tissue is spilling out the top of the bra, it doesn’t fit right. That poor fit can restrict blood flow and block milk ducts leading to other issues. The bottom line is: don’t be afraid to wear an underwire while breastfeeding if it fits right!

Try this on: The Belle Underwire

Check this out: Bravado designs FIT video

MYTH #4 Pumping is an ordeal even when you’re wearing a nursing bra

De-bunked: Pumping takes time and let’s face it, time is a commodity for moms with an infant! In my online breastfeeding classes, I teach how to get the most milk out in the least amount of time…it involves being hands-free while you pump. Bravado has a great solution – their “Clip and Pump” hands-free accessory which connects to any nursing bra so you can quickly get your pump going – without changing all your clothes several times a day!

Throw this in your pumping bag: Clip and Pump accessory

MYTH #5 Nursing Moms just have to “get by” with discomfort during breastfeeding

De-bunked: If you’re like me, when you get home, your first item of business might be to take your bra off so you can relax! The great thing I’ve found about the Bravado Designs bras are they are designed to fit like an extension of you, so you may not even think about your bra anymore! Keep in mind that your size may change a bit from your pregnancy into the first several days postpartum to when your milk supply regulates (around two weeks postpartum). There are several styles I feel can grow with you and others you may want to wait until your supply regulates or plan on buying two sizes in.

Sleep bra: Ballet, The Original

Everyday: Invisible, Belle, Bodysilk Seamless

Thanks for stopping by today! All my Lactation Link mamas can get 15% off of their entire purchase at Bravado Designs with the code ‘LLINK15’.

Questions about maternity or nursing bras? Leave them in the comments below! How about getting started with my free breastfeeding course? Sign up here.

xo,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, BSN, IBCLC

*This post has been in partnership with Bravado Designs. All opinions are my own.

Jan 15

0

Probiotic for your vaginal health

By Lindsey Shipley | Recommended Products

Today we’re getting into some real talk about Vaginal Health. It’s something I’ve gotten quite a few questions about and it’s time to break the silence and dispel the common myths around vaginal health. I was so excited to learn about a probiotic designed specifically for feminine balance. I’ve been able to partner with AZO Complete Feminine Balance^® to bring you this informative post (All opinions are my own). Be sure to consult your health care provider when starting any new supplement or medications.

Keep reading to play one of our favorite games around here, #FactorFictionwithLL and also to get an exclusive discount on AZO Complete Feminine Balance^® probiotic.

FACT OR FICTION

Ready for some vaginal health fact or fiction? Don’t be scared, mamas! Let’s get past the “TMI” and nervous laughter and get serious about owning our days and staying balanced for optimal wellness. Today, let’s recognize we all have bodies and it’s best if we’re comfortable with how they work.

#1 FACT OR FICTION, “It’s normal to have different types of vaginal excretions throughout your cycle.”

Fact! There are different types of vaginal secretions, or discharge, that are normal and can help identify whether you are menstruating, about to ovulate, or have recently ovulated. You may have been told that any discharge is abnormal, but it’s actually VERY normal and healthy to see some.

While breastfeeding, if you haven’t had your period return, you may still notice these changes. Discharge that indicates there may be a problem (and signs that you should talk to your healthcare provider) includes if it has a foul odor, is a different color than you’re used to seeing (like green), is a texture you’ve never seen before or seems strange (for example, looking like cottage cheese), or is accompanied by other symptoms like vaginal pain or itching.

#2 FACT OR FICTION, “You should use a special soap regularly to ensure that your vagina is clean and healthy.”

Fiction! Your vagina is a living thing, just like the rest of you. While you use your hands to touch things at lots of places all day long so it’s good to use soap and really scrub them down sometimes to get rid of excess or harmful germs, the same is not true for your vagina!

In general, vaginas are pretty good at keeping themselves clean (that normal discharge? It can also help get rid of dead skin cells in there too!) and you don’t need to use a douche internally or even soap on the external folds of skin around your vagina (called labia).

In fact, using a lot of soap or douching can wash away GOOD bacteria that help keep things like yeast under control. The best thing for cleaning down there? Plain water!

#3 FACT OR FICTION, “Things may be different down there (your vagina) after you have a baby.”

Fact! This one you may know or have experienced. Having a baby, even if you have a c-section, can really change up things in your nether region, right? Well, it’s more than just the appearance or how things feel.

In fact, your normal discharge may change, your periods may be different, and sex may feel different. Keep note of these changes and if you’re ever worried, definitely talk to your care provider. But hormonal changes, as well as bacterial changes (especially if you ate a different diet due to pregnancy sickness, were in the hospital a long time or after labor), can give you a new normal.

#4 FACT OR FICTION, “I take a probiotic for gut health and it should cover my feminine balance too”

Fiction! Probiotics are something that maintain and restore good bacteria.* Usually, we think of bacteria as “germs” but many of them are considered “good bacteria” and keep us healthy.

Probiotics that are designed for gut health are good at stimulating good “flora” or bacteria that are most likely to call the gut “home”. It won’t cover your vaginal health, though, because the vagina has different strains or types of good bacteria that flourish there. So even if you’re already taking a probiotic for gut health, AZO Complete Feminine Balance^® could be a great option for you to discuss with your HCP.

Thanks for stopping by and playing along today! I’ve got a special promo for you today to give AZO Complete Feminine Balance® a try – remember it has been shown to work in as little as 7 days^§ . You can save $5 when you use this link (no code needed)!

xo, Lindsey

AZO Complete Feminine Balance® and Intelliflora™ are trademarks of DSM.

^§ Results demonstrated in clinical studies.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Jun 26

0

Lactation Link June 2nd Breastfeeding Basics Class presented by Bravado Designs — PLUS PROMO CODES

By Lindsey Shipley | Uncategorized

We had a fabulous Breastfeeding Basics class presented by Bravado Designs on June 2nd at the Loft at Brick Canvas, located in the heart of Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah! I loved teaching and getting to know all of our Lactation Link mamas (and supporting partners)! Helping create confidence in motherhood is what Lactation Link is all about. We also had a lot of fun with grab bags from our sponsors like Bravado Designs, Milk Snob, Sweet ‘n Swag and our yummy lunch from Village Baker Lehi!

Here is what one mom had to say about the class:

Click through for more photos, a sneak peak into the Breastfeeding Basics class, and AMAZING promo codes from our event sponsors!

Lactation Link Breastfeeding Basics Class Sponsors

Bravado Designs has the BEST bras for pregnant and nursing Mamas! You can check out this blog post to read my 3 nursing must – haves (Hint – Bravado has them all!) They also just released their brand new Nursing Invisible Bra — and WOW. Not only is it gorgeous, but it might literally be the softest bra I’ve ever felt

I’ve partnered with Bravado to get you 15% off your purchase! Use the code ‘LACLINK’ when you check out!

Their Belle Underwire Nursing Bra is the dreamiest bra you could ever hope for. Their Clip and Pump Bra is also a necessity for any mom planning to pump! Every mama deserves to have these comfortable bras, especially when you will be wearing them constantly! Use the code ‘LACLINK’ for 15% off your purchase!

Janae Kristen photography captured all these exquisite images for us at this class. She has also captured many of the beautiful images shown in our classes, website, and on social media. She does a beautiful job for weddings, maternity, newborn and lifestyle photography in Utah and is available to travel! She has offered an INCREDIBLE discount of $100 off birth stories when you mention this blog post! Contact her directly at hello@janaekristen.com to book!

Dr. Nice Breast Gel is an amazing all natural product! There is no reason breastfeeding should be painful – and this gel helps ensure that! You can use for sore, chapped, cracked, or chafed nipples. You can use the gel before, during, and after breastfeeding! You can apply straight from the bottle and keep in the fridge so that it is even more soothing – plus the smell is amazing! Use the code “DRNICEGOLD” on Amazon to receive 20% off!

Sweet n Swag also included a pair of adorable infant moccasins in every grab bag. You can use code ‘LLINK’ for 15% off total purchase on their site.

We were super excited to share Bamboobies with our moms. They are a great option for nursing pads – comfortable, reusable, and environmentally-friendly! (Plus they come in an adorable heart shape!) You can save 20% using the code “LLINK20” on their site.

Undercover Mama gave each mom a discount on one of their signature nursing tanks. It loops into any nursing bra! You can get 20% off by using the code “LLINK” on their site!

Fair Haven Health provided each mama with thawing breastmilk guidelines on a magnet, a milk bag, and 10% off, by using the code “MILKIES10” any purchase on their site! They have a variety of products that are helpful for all new mamas!

Havah Tribe included an exclusive coupon for our in-person attendees – check out their trendy nursing friendly clothes!

RxBar provided each mama with a delicious bar to help fuel them throughout the class – we love that all of the ingredients are listed on the bar!

I love that Sonnet James is all about helping moms be stylish and still free to have fun in their clothes! Check out their amazing summer dresses!

Our VIP ticket holders received a Milk Snob nursing cover AND an amazing gift card to Gathre AND they also receive all three of my online classes!

The Milk Snob covers are so useful to have, have four different uses (nursing cover, car seat cover, shopping cart cover, and scarf!) and also they look good! We even had moms using them during our class!

Gathre has amazing mats that are vegan, double sided, and beautiful! Check out their website to see the numerous types of mats they have!

All of our mamas also received some Milestones cards so families can capture their new baby’s breastfeeding milestones! (When you purchase our 3 video breastfeeding class bundle, you receive breastfeeding specific milestone cards to document your journey!)

Not only do our in-person Breastfeeding Basics class attendees get the best breastfeeding education and hands-on practice, Q&A time with our staff of breastfeeding experts, a delicious lunch from the Village Baker, a whole support network of new friends and lactation experts…they go home with grab bags worth over $230 when they purchased the general admission ticket, and over $480 when they purchase the VIP ticket!

It’s so important to me that all the mama’s in our community know how much I value these sponsors! Being able to hold these in-person classes at such an incredible rate PLUS send mama’s home with so many goodies makes me so happy! And I couldn’t do it without them!

Class Instruction

All the goodies are the icing on the cake after my presentation of the best research-based breastfeeding tips and tricks. This includes info on the first feed, how to latch, how to hand-express and more! One tip I shared in class is taking advantage of the quiet-alert state to feed baby, rather than waiting until they are overly hungry and upset.

Hailey said, “I loved the hands-on breakout groups, and getting to learn from each of the consultants. The content was incredibly helpful and easy to understand. The Q&A portion was also very helpful.”

This is ALWAYS my goal with teaching! I want every person to walk away knowing more about breastfeeding and feeling more confident!

We love hearing what our moms have to say about the Breastfeeding Basics class. Here is what a couple moms said…

Hands-on Learning

We were super excited to have so many moms and partners in class. In order for each person to get individual hands-on practice, we broke out into three groups led by our expert team of IBCLCs.

Brianne taught about positioning. Knowing multiple positions beforehand is so helpful so that you don’t have to stress about learning them once baby is here!

Stephanie taught all about latch — We had a fun object lesson using balloons — don’t forget, baby’s’ chin is basically a magic open button!

Kristin went over hand expression – Remember to start hand expressing right away after giving birth to maximize your colostrum output!

And I went over pumping – remember not to stress if you don’t pump as much as you think you should initially, and to make sure you’re in a comfortable environment while pumping. You can even watch videos of your little babe to help with the let down reflex!

Mingling & Photo-booth

We don’t like to let pregnant mamas sit too long, so we had a break to stretch our legs and have a little fun! Our lunch break was phenomenal, because Village Baker Lehi provided every attendee with a delicious sandwich or salad, chips, and cookie the size of my face!

We also had a fun photo booth for moms to take pictures at before, during, and after instructional time! We love being able to see all the glowing mamas (and partners!) shine in these pictures!

Mullbery House made this beautiful sign for our photo wall – and we’re obsessed! You can check out more of their work here!

Q+A

We make sure that our attendees are able to have time to ask their questions. Making sure our community of moms feels supported and heard is a big part of who we are. Moms were welcome to ask questions during the presentations and we had designated Q&A time at the end. If you still have questions, please feel free to reach out!

More classes and events

If you couldn’t make it to this class, we have you covered! You can check out our video breastfeeding classes and you can watch them anytime, anywhere, from any smart device (and they never expire!).

Our next class Breastfeeding Basics class will be on September 15th 10 am – 2 pm at Brick Canvas Loft in Lehi, UT. You can book tickets now via Eventbrite! From now until August 1st we have early bird pricing — after that ticket costs will go up! So hurry and snag yours while they are at an amazing deal!

Grab your seat now, we always sell out! Click here to see ticket options!

Can’t wait to help another group of parents create confidence in their breastfeeding journey!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO,

Lindsey Shipley + The Lactation Link Team

May 30

0

Three Reasons Why Working Mamas Love These Pregnancy and Postpartum Products

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, breastfeeding tips, motherhood

Are you a working mom? Pregnant and curious about how you’ll be feeling towards the end of pregnancy? How about navigating the return to work scenario after baby arrives? Coming from a mama who worked as a labor and delivery nurse after I had my first baby and now as a lactation consultant and mom of two – I totally get the extra stress, added pressure, and all the “what if’s?” that pop into your head! From pregnancy to postpartum and then back to work, it can be a lot to manage! Well, if you’re feeling that stress and pressure, you’re in luck. I’ve partnered with Bravado Designs on this post to show you some of my favorite “hacks” to make the pregnancy and postpartum period a little easier. I’ll be sharing a few products that can help “take a load off” and a few tips to help manage the stress! Keep reading to get my free download “How to avoid role overload”.

Pregnant Mamas

Three reasons why pregnant mamas, especially pregnant working mamas are loving the Bravado Designs Belly and Back Multi-Zone Pregnancy Support Band!

1. Distributes Weight

The belly band has 7 targeted knit-in support zones are designed to help evenly distribute maternity weight from a growing belly to reduce stress on your back during pregnancy. This will be especially helpful if you are a working mama with a job that requires you to stand for long periods of time.

2. Belly Support

The tighter-knit panels in the belly band will provide you with lower back support and belly support during your pregnancy. he best part about this band is that It can provide amazing support for women at all different times in their pregnancy. In the picture below the girl in the first picture is 33 weeks pregnant, the first in the second picture is 21 weeks pregnant and the girl in the third picture is 38 weeks pregnant.

3. Comfort

The material of this belly support band is soft, seamless, and has 4-way stretch fabric that hugs your pregnant belly. The super stretchy jersey center allows your belly to continue to grow comfortably and its long length offers coverage that is great for layering. Remember to wear comfortable clothes throughout your pregnancy and especially over the belly band so it can properly do it’s job in providing the ultimate level of comfort for you and your belly!

Pro tip: Staying active during your pregnancy helps reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling and will also help your ability to cope with labor. Here are some simple ideas for staying active during your pregnancy:

Take a walk on your lunch break.
Climb the stairs instead of getting taking the elevator.
When you’re shopping, carrying the bags and walk at a brisk pace.
Start taking an exercise class at the gym.
Go for a hike or a nature walk and enjoy the outdoors!
If you have other children walk them to school, if it’s not too far.
If you’re doing the housework, turn on some music and put some energy into it.
Take a break from your daily routine and dance to your favorite music!

Pumping Mamas

Three reasons why postpartum mama’s are loving the Bravado Designs Clip and Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory

1. Get the most amount of milk out in the least amount of time

This accessory just goes on over your bra and saves you time in taking your bra off or changing bras. Hands-on pumping requires a hands-free pumping experience. You can use your hands to massage your breasts while you’re pumping which will help you get much more milk in much less time!

2. Fast and Conveient

This clip and pump accessory attaches right to your regular Bravado Designs nursing bra. Don’t even worry about having to take time out of your day to change your bra at work. Just clip on the clip and pump bra and you’re good to go!

3. Smart Design

It’s elastic-enforced figure 8 opening holds bottles in an ideal upright position and gives you an option to pump on one side and breastfeed on the other! It also is made out of super soft, breathable material.

Pro tip: One of the most frequently asked questions is “how can I return to work and keep my milk supply up”. Here’s my best pro tip on what you can do: If possible, start preparing for returning to work before you go on maternity leave by meeting with your supervisor before you go on maternity leave and come up with a plan for when you return to work. You’ll also want to know the best time to start pumping a little extra milk (hint: it depends on how much maternity leave you have). This can be such a hurdle for working moms I created a whole class to help. It’s called Pumping and Storing Breastmilk, and it’s like a blueprint for returning to work and breastfeeding – keeping your goals intact!

I also think having a good bra and an easy way to do hands-free pumping is a must. Here are a few of my tried and true favorites:

Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra

Original Nursing Bra

Are you a working mama? I would love to hear in the comments what’s helped you or what you still have questions on!

Make sure you fill out the form below to download my best tips on How to Manage Role Overload!

Thanks for stopping by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

May 10

2

A How-to for Traveling While Breastfeeding

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, breastfeeding tips

Let’s be honest, traveling WITHOUT breastfeeding can be stressful, add in breastfeeding or pumping to the mix and you may start to feel overwhelmed. I’m here today to make traveling while breastfeeding as easy as 1-2-3! In fact, traveling while breastfeeding can become a breeze. Take it from a mama who took 17 solo flights during one summer with a four month old (yes we did that and yes we survived). It was daunting at first, but by the time our summer of travel was over, I was so excited to show my husband how easily I could get through security WITHOUT HIS HELP!! And with a smile on my face! Keep reading to find my tips on traveling while breastfeeding that will make your summer travel plans a complete breeze!

Will you be breastfeeding or pumping on this trip?

Since sometimes we take baby along and sometimes we don’t (think work trips or weekend getaways sans babe), I want to share 3 tips for each type of trip! I’ve also included some freebie downloads to help you get access to my favorite tried and true products and time-saving travel hacks.

Traveling with a breastfeed baby in 1,2,3

1. Plan ahead for pit stops and be ready to adjust.

Once you have your trip “booked” (whether it’s by air, land, or sea!) make sure you take a second to think ahead and pencil in some extra time. Do what you can to “plan out” some pit stops, but go into the trip knowing that baby will add some variation to your plans. As I teach in my classes and talk about on instagram daily, it’s best to follow baby’s lead when they want to eat. Baby’s meal times can be unpredictable!

For road trips: take a look at the map and the potential rest stops along the way. Plan ahead some definite stopping points and also make note of additional safe areas to stop if needed.

For flights: take a look at your itinerary. About what time will you get to the airport, about how much time will you spend waiting at the gate, how long is your flight, etc. Mentally walking through your trip beforehand can decrease some anxiety and increase your confidence that you’ll have plenty of time and space to feed your baby or pump as often as you need to.

A big reason why coming up with a breastfeeding travel plan is so important is because your baby’s response to being in a new environment is unpredictable. They may sleep for the majority of the trip, they may feel overstimulated and more fussy than normal. Try not to be stressed, upset, or worried if your baby needs to feed at unusual times – you can truly feed your baby whenever and wherever you need to! Try to approach traveling with an infant with a sense of humor and it will help you feel at ease to the “bumps” along the way!

2. Bring the essentials, leave the rest.

Traveling while breastfeeding doesn't have to be stressful! Scroll down to find my best tips on traveling with a breastfed baby that will make your summer travel plans a complete breeze! | Lactation Link
While it’s tempting to pack your whole house because of all the “what ifs” that could happen during a trip, trust me, less is more. Here are a few things I’ve found to be essential en route to your destination with baby in tow:

Extra clothes for baby. Its inevitable they will need a clothes change during the travel day. Try to keep it simple with onesies and pants or a footed onesie.

Extra top for you. If baby spits up on you or you spill your drink changing baby’s position, you’ll be glad you have a dry t-shirt in your bag so you don’t have to spend the rest of the trip wet and sticky.

Garbage sack for dirty diapers. Have you ever handed a flight attendant a poopy diaper? If so you’ve received the ultimate stink eye followed by the infamous eye roll. If you pack a few garbage sacks (I actually like doggy poopy bags the best for this), you’ll contain any smell and avoid that eye roll!

Nursing cover. This is such a good item to include as it allows privacy even in tight spaces like an airplane. Of course you can feed baby without a cover, it’s all up to your comfort level and what works for you. You can also use the cover to protect baby from germs on high chairs at restaurants, too. Our favorite Milk Snob covers actually have 5 different uses that will make your life as a mom so much easier! They have a ton of cute prints in their original cover but they also just launched their Luxe Cover line and these covers are so smooth and soft for both mom and baby’s comfort! They are made out of one of the softest and stretchiest materials that I have ever felt!

Here are all 5 of the amazing ways that you can put these cute covers to use if you’re traveling while breastfeeding:

As a nursing cover
As a carseat cover
On the shopping cart
On a highchair
As a baby swing cover

PRO TIP: When traveling by plane, the pressure change from takeoff and landing can bother baby’s ears and make them upset. If you breastfeed during takeoff and landing, the sucking can help ease the pressure change and alleviate any discomfort for baby.

Here are some of our other favorite items for traveling while breastfeeding:

Chicco Liteway Stroller

Ergobaby Carrier

3. Dress for the ‘breast’!

When you’re traveling, you never know when you will need to bust out the breast and feed your babe on demand! There are so many really cute, trendy, and comfy nursing clothes on the market these days. Some of these nursing clothes are hard to even tell are nursing clothes. Essentials include a nursing tank, nursing bra, and a few tops that can pull up or down with ease. Check out this post and also find some of my favorite nursing friendly tops and dresses here.

Traveling & Pumping in 1,2,3

Go from lunch meetings to let-downs with ease!

You might want to think twice before packing that cute sheath dress that you’ll have to pull up to your ears in order to pump. Packing clothes that are appropriate for the occasion (work or otherwise) but also have easy access for pumping on the go is so important. Starting with a nursing bra that is supportive, comforable, and functional is a game changer for traveling and pumping. I love Bravado Designs Clip and Pump accessory because it attaches right to any bra (nursing or otherwise! so you can have hands free pumping without changing bras. Find my favorite seamless, ultra comfy, nursing bras here. Find the Clip and Pump accessory here.

Don’t forget to pump frequently

Frequency is so important! Plan to pump about every 2-3 hours while your traveling. You also want to get the most milk out in less time right? Hands-on pumping is the best way to do that! I cover that in detail in my Pumping and Storing breastmilk course.

PRO TIP: Look at pictures or videos of your baby while pumping. Research shows that Moms that do this get more milk out during their pumping sessions!

Keep your liquid gold safe!

Call ahead to the hotel and ask for a room with a mini fridge to store your medications. Did you know that breastmilk counts as a medication? If that’s not an option ask them if they have a fridge to store your milk. If that doesn’t work, you may consider using a soft cooler and changing out the ice frequently. There’s also a new service called Milk Stork that will pickup and ship your breastmilk on dry ice directly from your hotel. Your employer may even approve this as a travel expense. If all else fails you can pump and dump (or donate to a local milk bank) while you’re away to maintain your milk supply for when you return.

PRO TIP: How long is my milk good for? Remember the “Rule of 5s”

Breastmilk can be stored for 5 hours at room temperature of up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Breastmilk can be stored for 5 days in the refrigerator at less than 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Breastmilk can be stored for 5 months in the freezer at less than 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are traveling or at work, milk can be stored in a soft cooler for 24 hours as long as it stays under 60 degrees fahrenheit.

TSA says: If you’re traveling by plane, according to the United States TSA,you are absolutely allowed to bring breast milk on board (it’s not subject to the 3 oz liquid limit), whether or not your baby is traveling with you. Just make sure you declare your breast milk during your security screening.

Are you a frequent traveler? Have you used any of these tips or have some of your own to share? Would love to hear in the comments below!

Make sure to fill out the form below and download my 5 PRO TIPS for traveling and breastfeeding!

Thanks for stopping by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Apr 18

0

Lactation Link April 14th Breastfeeding Basics Class “Presented by Bravado Designs + Dr. Nice Breast Gel” — AND PROMO CODES

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Classes, community breastfeeding support, Lactation Link team

We had a fabulous Breastfeeding Basics class “presented by Bravado Designs and Dr. Nice Breast Gel” on April 14th at the Loft at Brick Canvas, located in the heart of Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah! I loved teaching and getting to know all of our Lactation Link mamas (and supporting partners)! Helping create confidence in motherhood is what Lactation Link is all about. We also had a lot of fun with grab bags from our sponsors like Bravado Designs, Milk Snob, Sweet ‘n Swag and our yummy lunch from Village Baker Lehi!

Here is what one mom had to say about the class:

Click through for more photos, a sneak peak into the Breastfeeding Basics class, AMAZING promo codes from our event sponsors, and a chance to WIN our VIP Grab Bag!

Lactation Link Breastfeeding Basics Class Sponsors

Bravado Designs has the BEST bras for pregnant and nursing Mamas! You can check out this blog post to read my 3 nursing must – haves (Hint – Bravado has them all!) They also have a new Belly and Back: Multi-Zone Pregnancy Support Band! This support band is the mother of all support bands! It has SEVEN targeted knit-in support zones! I know mamas can become very uncomfortable during pregnancy — so we partnered with Bravado to get you 15% off your purchase! Use the code ‘LACLINK’ when you check out!

Their Belle Underwire Nursing Bra is the dreamiest bra you could ever hope for. Their Clip and Pump Bra is also a necessity for any mom planning to pump! Every mama deserves to have these comfortable bras, especially when you will be wearing them constantly! Use the code ‘LACLINK’ for 15% off your purchase!

Dr. Nice Breast Gel is an amazing all natural product! There is no reason breastfeeding should be painful – and this gel helps ensure that! You can use for sore, chapped, cracked, or chafed nipples. You can use the gel before, during, and after breastfeeding! You can apply straight from the bottle and keep in the fridge so that it is even more soothing – plus the smell is amazing! Use the code “DRNICEGOLD” on Amazon to receive 20% off!

Janae Kristen photography captured all these exquisite images for us at this class. She has also captured many of the beautiful images shown in our classes, website, and on social media. She does a beautiful job for weddings, maternity, newborn and lifestyle photography in Utah and is available to travel! She has offered an INCREDIBLE discount of $100 off birth stories when you mention this blog post! Contact her directly at hello@janaekristen.com to book!

Sweet n Swag also included a pair of adorable infant moccasins in every grab bag. You can use code ‘LLINK’ for 15% off total purchase on their site.

We were super excited to share Bamboobies with our moms. They are a great option for nursing pads – comfortable, reusable, and environmentally-friendly! (Plus they come in an adorable heart shape!) You can save 20% using the code “LLINK20” on their site.

Undercover Mama gave each mom a discount on one of their signature nursing tanks. It loops into any nursing bra! You can get 20% off by using the code “LLINK” on their site!

Fair Haven Health provided each mama with thawing breastmilk guidelines on a magnet, a milk bag, and 10% off, by using the code “MILKIES10” any purchase on their site! They have a variety of products that are helpful for all new mamas!

Tovala is an amazing way to have healthy home cooked meals with no work (30 seconds – 1 minute to prep) and little clean up! It provides a way for you to have dinner in 20 minutes (which as a new mama is very appealing!). Meals are only 400-800 calories, are steamed to keep nutrition, and they have numerous options! Use the code “LLINK” to receive $30 off your first order!

Our VIP ticket holders received a Milk Snob nursing cover. These covers are so useful to have, have four different uses (nursing cover, car seat cover, shopping cart cover, and scarf!) and also they look good! We even had moms using them during our class!

All of our mamas also received some Milestones cards so families can capture their new baby’s breastfeeding milestones! (When you purchase our 3 video breastfeeding class bundle, you receive breastfeeding specific milestone cards to document your journey!)

Not only do our in-person Breastfeeding Basics class attendees get the best breastfeeding education and hands-on practice, Q&A time with our staff of breastfeeding experts, a delicious lunch from the Village Baker, a whole support network of new friends and lactation experts…they go home with grab bags worth over $230 when they purchased the general admission ticket, and over $480 when they purchase the VIP ticket!

If you’re as obsessed with this VIP Grab bag (includes access to the 3 video bundle and a Milksnob cover!) as we are, then great news! You can win a VIP Grab Bag by clicking here!

Class Instruction

All the goodies are the icing on the cake after my presentation of the best research-based breastfeeding tips and tricks. This includes info on the first feed, how to latch, how to hand-express and more! One tip I shared in class is taking advantage of the quiet-alert state to feed baby, rather than waiting until they are overly hungry and upset.

Taylor said, “I loved all the information I received. I walked away feeling SUPER confident in myself to be able to breastfeed if I were to go into labor tomorrow… I loved that it was interactive and we got hands on practice and we were able to see real videos…Thank you for giving me the help I need to feel like I can succeed.”

This is ALWAYS my goal with teaching! Creating confident mamas is the number one purpose of this class!

We love hearing what our moms have to say about the Breastfeeding Basics class. Here is what a couple moms said…

Hands-on Learning

We were super excited to have so many moms and partners in class. In order for each person to get individual hands-on practice, we broke out into three groups led by our expert team of IBCLCs. You can book an online or in-person consult with any of these ladies to help you with your personal breastfeeding goals/needs! They are awesome and LOVE to help!

Click here to book an e-consultation.

Click here to book an in-person consultation.

You can use your healthcare savings account to pay for a consult too!

Brianne taught about hand expression. Remember to start hand expressing right away after giving birth to maximize your colostrum output!

Stephanie taught all about latch — We had a fun object lesson using balloons — don’t forget, baby’s’ chin is basically a magic open button!

And I went over positioning and helped mamas practice numerous different positions so that they can be prepared! Knowing multiple positions beforehand is so helpful so that you don’t have to stress about learning them once baby is here!

Mingling & Photo Booth

We don’t like to let pregnant mamas sit too long, so we had a break to stretch our legs and have a little fun! Our lunch break was phenomenal, because Village Baker Lehi provided every attendee with a delicious sandwich, chips, and cookie the size of my face!

We also had a fun photo booth for moms to take pictures at before, during, and after instructional time! We love being able to see all the glowing mamas (and partners!) shine in these pictures!

Q+A

We make sure that our attendees are able to have time to ask their questions. Making sure our community of moms feels supported and heard is a big part of who we are. Moms were welcome to ask questions during the presentations and we had designated Q&A time at the end. If you still have questions, please feel free to reach out!

More classes and events

If you couldn’t make it to this class, we have you covered! You can check out our video breastfeeding classes and you can watch them anytime, anywhere, from any smart device (and they never expire!).

Our next class Breastfeeding Basics class will be on June 2nd from 10 am – 2 pm at Brick Canvas Loft in Lehi, UT. You can book tickets now via Eventbrite! From now until April 30th we have early bird pricing — after that ticket costs will go up! So hurry and snag yours while they are at an amazing deal!

Grab your seat now, we always sell out! Click here to see ticket options!

Can’t wait to help another group of parents create confidence in their breastfeeding journey!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO,

Lindsey Shipley + The Lactation Link Team

Feb 28

2

Does my baby need a probiotic?

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, Features, motherhood, Recommended Products

So many questions from all of you mamas about baby’s tummy, including, “Should I give my baby any supplements or a probiotic?” Today I’ve partnered with Evivo to answer that question, as well as let you know a little bit more about how baby’s gut health works! First and foremost, remember that human milk is perfectly tailored to the needs of human babies, and it changes as babies grow and their needs change. In addition to this, it’s packed with live disease-fighting cells and other important immune factors. It really is the perfect first food for babies. New research into the infant gut microbiome is giving us even more of a glimpse into why breastmilk is so important. What is an infant microbiome? The term microbiome here refers to the microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that live in and on your baby’s body. Some of the bacteria in our microbiomes are bad and cause disease and inflammation, and some of those bacteria are good, and an essential part of a healthy immune and digestive system. As it turns out, human milk feeds both the baby AND the good bacteria in baby’s gut microbiome. (1)Would you believe that about 15% of mother’s milk is made up of an ingredient that babies can’t use? This ingredient is an amazing group of over 180 different specialized sugars, called Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs). The only organism that can utilize HMOs is an important kind of good bacteria that lives in the gut of babies, called B. infantis. HMOs help B. infantis to flourish and crowd out the bad bacteria that have been linked to a higher risk for conditions like colic, eczema, asthma, allergies, obesity, and diabetes. (2)

In the past, babies received B. infantis from their mothers during birth. However, there have been some shifts in the developed world during the past few generations that have led to a significant change in babies’ microbiomes. Cesarean sections, formula feeding, and antibiotic use have been important medical developments for many families, but they have contributed to a disruption in the transfer of important good bacteria, including B. infantis. That’s why I’m so excited about Evivo. It’s the first and only clinically proven probiotic to help restore gut balance to the infant microbiome, and it’s designed specifically for breastfeeding babies. In a clinical trial led by the University of California, Davis Medical Center, babies that were given Evivo showed an 80% reduction in potentially harmful bacteria such as E.coli, Clostridia, Staph, and Strep and a 79% increase in good gut bacteria. (3) A reduction in the bad bacteria can help lower your baby’s risk of allergies, eczema, childhood obesity, and even decrease fussiness. In combination with your breastmilk, Evivo can help lay the foundation for good health that lasts a lifetime. Using Evivo is as simple as 1-2-3. Once a day, simply take one sachet out of the fridge or freezer and pour into the included mixing bowl. Add a teaspoon of expressed breastmilk and mix with a spoon. Feed the mixture to your baby using the included syringe. (Don’t add to a bottle).

It’s simple: Pour. Mix. Feed.Click here to get your baby started with Evivo. Use these promo codes for an exclusive offer for Lactation Link readers.

HCP310 – $10 off starter kit (4 weeks or more)

HCP320 – $20 off starter kit (8 weeks or more)

Both codes are limited to the first 500 redemptions!

You can order and check out more FAQ about Evivo here.

Thanks for coming by today!

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

This post was written in partnership with Evivo. All opinions are my own.

^[1] Smilowitz JT, Lebrilla CB, Mills DA et al. Breast milk oligosaccharides: structure-function relationships in the neonate. Annu Rev Nutr. 2014;34:143-169.

^[2] Fujimura KE, Sitarik AR, Havstad S et al. Neonatal gut microbiota associates with childhood multisensitized atopy and T cell differentiation. Nat Med. 2016;22(10):1187-1191.

^[3] Smilowitz JT, Moya J, Breck MA et al. Safety and tolerability of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis EVC001 supplementation in healthy term breastfed infants: a phase I clinical trial.BMC pediatrics 2017 17:133.

Feb 16

0

Lactation Link February 3rd Breastfeeding Basics Class presented by Bravado Designs + Promo Codes

By Lindsey Shipley | Uncategorized

We had a fabulous Breastfeeding Basics class presented by Bravado Designs on February 3rd at the Loft at Brick Canvas, located in the heart of Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah! I loved teaching and getting to know all of our Lactation Link mamas (and supporting partners)! Helping create confidence in motherhood is what Lactation Link is all about. We also had a lot of fun with grab bags from our sponsors like Bravado Designs, Milk Snob, Sweet ‘n Swag and our yummy lunch from Village Baker Lehi!

Here is what one mom had to say about the class:

Click through for more photos, a sneak peak into the Breastfeeding Basics class, and AMAZING promo codes from our event sponsors!

Lactation Link Breastfeeding Basics Class Sponsors

Not only do our in-person Breastfeeding Basics class attendees get the best breastfeeding education and hands-on practice, Q&A time with our staff of breastfeeding experts, a delicious lunch from the Village Baker, a whole support network of new friends and lactation experts…they go home with grab bags worth over $230 when they purchased the general admission ticket, and over $480 when they purchase the VIP ticket!

Bravado Designs has the BEST bras for pregnant and nursing Mamas! And right before the class – they released their brand new Belly and Back: Multi-Zone Pregnancy Support Band! This support band is the mother of all support bands! It has SEVEN targeted knit-in support zones! I know mamas can become very uncomfortable during pregnancy — so we partnered with Bravado to get you 15% off your purchase! Use the code ‘LACLINK’ when you check out!

Their Belle Underwire Nursing Bra is the dreamiest bra you could ever hope for. Their Clip and Pump Bra is also a necessity for any mom planning to pump! Every mama deserves to have these comfortable bras, especially when you will be wearing them constantly! Use the code ‘LACLINK’ for 15% off your purchase!

Moby Wraps were a huge hit with everyone at our class! These wraps are a must have for every mom! They promote skin-to-skin contact (and all the benefits that come with it!) and also leave your hands free to attend to an older baby or get a few things done.

Each attendee received a Milk Snob nursing cover. These covers are so useful to have, have four different uses (nursing cover, car seat cover, shopping cart cover, and scarf!) and also they look good! We even had moms using them during our class!

Sweet n Swag also included a pair of adorable infant moccasins in every grab bag. You can use code ‘LLINK’ for 15% off total purchase on their site.

We were super excited to share Bamboobies with our moms. They are a great option for nursing pads – comfortable, reusable, and environmentally-friendly! Our mamas also received some of their comforting Nipple Balm and Pumping Lubricant. You can save 20% using the code “LLINK20” on their site.

Undercover Mama gave each mom a voucher for on one of their signature nursing tanks. It loops into any nursing bra! You can get 20% off your total purchase by using the code “LLINK” on their site!

Love Comma has adorable, modern breastfeeding clothes that are soft and durable with no zippers, snaps or buttons near babies cheeks! The clothes are comfortable to wear at home or out and about! Use the code “LOVECOMMA18” at check out to receive 15% off!

Fair Haven Health provided each mama with thawing breastmilk guidelines on a magnet, a milk bag, and 10% off, by using the code “MILKIES10” any purchase on their site! They have a variety of products that are helpful for all new mamas!

Clean Simple Eats has a variety of meal plans, that are SO yummy, and seasonally based that really help you eat healthy easily! You can get digital and hard copies of her meal plans. Use the code “LLINK” to receive $15 off!

Janae Kristen photography captured all these exquisite images for us at this class. She has also captured many of the beautiful images shown in our classes, website, and on social media. She does a beautiful job for weddings, maternity, newborn and lifestyle photography in Utah and is available to travel! She has offered an INCREDIBLE discount of $100 off birth stories when you mention this blog post! Contact her directly at hello@janaekristen.com to book!

All of our mamas also received some Milestones cards so families can capture their new baby’s breastfeeding milestones! When you purchase our 3 video breastfeeding class bundle, you receive breastfeeding specific milestone cards to document your journey!

It was so great to have Cami Kesler, Family Nurse Practitioner there at class to share her top tips for finding the right healthcare provider for your baby. She practices in the American Fork, UT Utah Valley Pediatrics office (801.756.5209 to book) and you can read tips on her Instagram @camikesler_nursepractitioner on Instagram.

Class Instruction

All the goodies are the icing on the cake after my presentation of the best research-based breastfeeding tips and tricks. This includes info on the first feed, how to latch, how to hand-express and more! One tip I shared in class is taking advantage of the quiet-alert state to feed baby, rather than waiting until they are overly hungry and upset.

Ally said, “THANK YOU. Thank you a million times for helping new and super anxious moms like me relax, have fun, and LEARN that our bodies know what to do and we have all the tools we need to be successful. You didn’t sell us on anything or tell us to buy this or that product, you told us how to use what we have and be the best we could be. I LOVED this experience.”

This is ALWAYS my goal with teaching! Creating confident mamas is the number one purpose of this class!

We love hearing what our moms have to say about the Breastfeeding Basics class. Here is what a couple moms said…

Mingling & Photobooth

We don’t like to let pregnant mamas sit too long, so we had a break to stretch our legs and have a little fun! Our lunch break was INCREDIBLE, because Village Baker Lehi provided every attendee with a delicious sandwich, chips, and cookie the size of my face!

We also had a fun photo booth for moms to take pictures at before, during, and after instructional time! We love being able to see all the glowing mamas (and partners!) shine in these pictures!

Hands-on Learning

We were super excited to have so many moms and partners in class. We had 100 attendees in this class! In order for every mom to get individual hands-on practice, we broke out into four groups led by our expert team of IBCLCs. You can book an online or in-person consult with any of these ladies to help you with your personal breastfeeding goals/needs! They are awesome and LOVE to help!

Click here to book an e-consultation.

Click here to book an in-person consultation.

You can use your healthcare savings account to pay for a consult too!

Stephanie taught on hand expression. Remember to start this right away after giving birth to maximize your colostrum output! Stephanie will be your gal for a consult if you live in Utah County!

Bri went over positioning and helped mamas practice numerous different positions so that they can be prepared! Knowing multiple positions beforehand is so helpful so that you don’t have to stress about learning them once baby is here! Bri does consults in Salt Lake and Davis Counties.

Kristin went over FAQs about breastfeeding and she is your gal for consults in Salt Lake and Utah Counties.

And I taught all about latch — We had a fun object lesson using balloons — don’t forget, baby’s chin is basically a magic open button!

Q+A

We make sure that our attendees are able to have time to ask their questions. Making sure our community of moms feels supported and heard is a big part of who we are. Moms were welcome to ask questions during the presentations and we had designated Q&A time at the end. If you still have questions, please feel free to reach out!

More classes and events

If you couldn’t make it to this class, we have you covered! You can check out our video breastfeeding classes and you can watch them anytime, anywhere, from any smart device.

Our next class Breastfeeding Basics class will be on April 14th from 9am – 1 pm at Brick Canvas Loft in Lehi, UT. You can book tickets now via Eventbrite! Grab your seat now, we always sell out!

Click here to see ticket options!

Can’t wait to help another group of parents create confidence in their breastfeeding journey!

Thanks for stopping by,

XOXO Lindsey Shipley + The Lactation Link Team

Jan 29

0

3 reasons why you may want to see more than one doctor during your pregnancy

By Lindsey Shipley | Classes, Features

“Should I request to see only one doctor during my pregnancy? Is it okay to see multiple healthcare providers? Help!” These are common questions women have when they are deciding where they will go to receive their prenatal care. Most OB/GYN clinics suggest their patients see multiple providers during their prenatal and postpartum checkups. Most clinics also use an on-call delivery schedule. This can be due to the difficult demand of providers having to be “on-call” at all times among other things. So many questions can arise as to how this works as women explore their options for prenatal care. Valley Women’s Health is a local clinic that follows a group practice model. As a labor and delivery RN, I got to work side-by-side with many of their providers and actually am a patient myself within their Certified Nurse Midwife group. Based in Utah, they have 10 different provider groups, 49 providers, 12 locations, and 10 hospitals where they deliver. They staff OB/GYN physicians, Certified Nurse Midwives, as well as Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners.

Here’s how it works with Valley Women’s Health, as well as many other OB/GYN practices:

Call as a new patient to schedule your first appt (If you’re local to UT, you can call 801.374.1801 to make an appointment with Valley).
Choose whether you’d like to be seen by a physician group or certified nurse midwife group
Attend your prenatal appts with different providers within the practice, hopefully meeting all of them during your pregnancy (there’s usually 4-6 providers within the same group)
When you get admitted to the hospital for delivery, your baby is delivered by the “on-call” provider within your group.

Whether you’re pregnant with your first or your fifth, whether your growing baby is the size of an apple or a swiss chard, I know what you’re thinking. How can I be sure that my baby and I receive the very best care possible? Can I still receive specialized care if I’m seen by an OB group of healthcare providers instead of a single provider?

What do you think? Do you see it as a positive or negative to be seen by several providers? Do you think you can still get specialized care this way? Think about it this way – what if you saw one provider your whole pregnancy, you go into labor and then that provider isn’t available for your delivery? Would that stress you out? Would you be okay with seeing multiple health care providers during your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery so you had confidence in whoever did the delivery? Let’s explore why it might be a good idea to see several (if not all) of the healthcare providers within your OB practice.

You’ll have multiple healthcare providers checking your health history and updating your care plan

Sometimes women can get worried they won’t get personalized care when they see multiple doctors. Keep in mind that in the provider handoff from appointment to appointment, staff may communicate about your health history, any changes or complications that arise, and even collaborate on personalized care plans. One could argue that the providers may be even more “on their toes” about reviewing history, vital signs, and doing thorough assessments when they don’t see you for every appointment.

It can cut-down on wait times during your prenatal or postpartum checkups

If you only see one provider, you may have to wait an extra long time or even be asked to reschedule if they are called to deliver a baby. Seeing multiple providers allows another provider to step-in and perform your routine checkup.

You’ll feel less pressure to deliver on a specific day

If you are set on one particular physician delivering your baby, you may feel the urgency to deliver on a specific day they are on-call or available. When you are less concerned about the physician on-call schedule, you can relax a bit and feel more comfortable letting your baby come on its own, when it’s ready.

You can feel confident and comfortable with whoever is “on call” when the big day arrives

If you request the same physician for every prenatal appointment but then they are out of town or not on call the day you go into labor, you may feel some anxiety about who will be there to guide your delivery.

“Who is on call?”

“What’s their name?”

“Will they be nice?”

“What can I expect?”

“Will they know what my birth plan is?”

These are the last thoughts you need running through your mind in-between contractions! When you meet and interact with several different providers in the provider group throughout your pregnancy, you can rest assured that you’ll be familiar with whoever is on-call for your delivery. One less thing to worry about!

All that being said, here are a few things you should ask about or ask yourself as your looking for the right practice for your prenatal care.

Is the staff all board-certified in their specialties?

How comfortable do you feel with the providers?

Do you find it easy to ask questions of the providers?

Do the providers explain things clearly and completely?

Do the providers seem like someone who will respect your wishes?

I hope this was helpful as you navigate and create confidence in your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care. I want you to feel like an active participant throughout the process – asking questions, putting together a birth and postpartum plan, and setting some goals. Thanks to Valley Women’s Health for partnering with me on this post, all opinions expressed are my own and from my own experience. I’d love to hear your questions or experiences in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC