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
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
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