recommended breastfeeding products Archives

Feb 27

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Which nursing pad is best for me? via lactationlink.com

Which nursing pad is right for me?

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

Hi mamas! I’m Lacey Parr, a lactation educator and mom of 3. I’m here on the blog today to talk about how to find the perfect nursing pad for you!

One of the most useful tools for breastfeeding is a good nursing pad! Especially in the first few weeks or months, many moms will leak breastmilk. So it’s nice to have something there that will catch the leaks before they come through your clothes and some nursing pads even help prevents leaks! In this post, we have partnered our favorites to help you save when you need to stock up and we will go over the pros and cons of each so you can find one that works best for you. We love sharing products with you that we have used and loved ourselves!

Disposable nursing pads

which nursing pad is right for me? via lactationlink.com

{Bamboobies disposable nursing pads: use code LLINK20 for 20% off}

In the first few days and weeks, most moms will leak quite a bit and will need to change pads out often to prevent things like thrush. This is when a disposable nursing pad comes in handy. You will be amazed at how much liquid these babies can hold! Remember to change your pads out each feeding or anytime you notice any wetness on your skin. Bamboobies have great disposable nursing pads because you can forget the guilt over more trash because these are made from eco-friendly and sustainable bamboo. The inner layers are also antibacterial and antimicrobial. Use code LLINK20 on their site for 20% off your entire order at Bamboobies. If you want to deal with less packaging and waste after the first few weeks, a reusable nursing pad might be right for you.

Reusable silicone pads

{Lilypadz nursing pads: use code LLINK for 15% off}

If you’ve ever been a nursing mom in a public place without a pad, you understand that direct pressure can sometimes prevent a let down. Lily padz are reusable silicone nursing pads that apply gentle pressure on your breast to prevent leaks from starting. They also cling to your skin, without being sticky, so there is no losing them in the folds of your clothes. Some moms find that their leaks accumulate in the pad and they have to carefully remove them to prevent a big spill. And after some time and regular use, the surface that adheres to the skin will wear and will become less tacky. Just be sure to properly use and care for them so they will last as long as possible. But they are super nice because they cling to your skin and you can wear them without a bra. (Yay for braless days!) One study even showed that mothers using Lilypadz had fewer cases of mastitis and thrush. Score! Use code LLINK to save 15% on your Lilypadz order.

{Lilypadz nursing pads: use code LLINK for 15% off}

Reusable cloth pads

{Bamboobies cloth pads: use code LLINK20 for 20% off}

The most common type of nursing pads that moms use are reusable cloth. Bamboobies cloth nursing pads are also made out of bamboo and are super light and soft while still being absorbent. Their overnight pads are helpful for overnight and the times of big leaks like the first few weeks. But their regular pads are perfect for day-to-day use. Just remember to change them out as soon as they feel wet on your skin. I keep an extra set in my nursing basket and diaper bag. You can use code LLINK20 for 20% off your Bamboobies order.

{Bamboobies cloth pads: use code LLINK20 for 20% off}

For more tips on breast and nipple care products, check out our favorite products post and our post on how to care for engorgement.

Have you signed up for our free email breastfeeding course? Lots of great tips and info on breastfeeding. Click below for more info!

Thanks for stopping by,

Lacey Parr, BS, CLEC

Jan 27

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3 Tips for Breastfeeding in the NICU

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, breastfeeding tips

When you have a baby (or two) in the NICU, breastfeeding can have interruptions that can make meeting your goals a little more difficult. To help through this time, I am sharing 3 tips that can make it easier.

A Lactation consultant shares her top 3 tips for breastfeeding in the NICU. The first one is...

Frequent skin to skin

Skin to skin contact has been shown to be the best way to establish and even increase milk supply (1). When you are with baby, make most of your time together by spending it skin to skin. Ask for a comfortable chair and help from a nurse if needed. As baby becomes accustomed to your chest, he or she will become better and better at breastfeeding. Even having your partner do skin to skin with baby can be beneficial.

3 tips for breastfeeding in the nicu via lactationlink.com

{Simple Wishes Supermom bra use code LLINK for 20% off!}

Pumping while away

When you are separated from baby, pumping every few hours will also help establish and increase your supply. My Pumping and Storing class is great place to learn how to get the most out of your pumping session. But a good place to start is with hands-on pumping. Massage your breasts while pumping to increase your output. Great tutorials in the class! Using a handsfree nursing and pumping bra like the Supermom Bra from Simple Wishes is a great tool for hands-on pumping. (Use code LLINK for 20% off.)

Reducing stress

Find ways to reduce stress at home and at work. I have a great list of ways to reduce stress in Breastfeeding Basics. Let go of extra responsibilities such as in your church or community. Invite grandparents or other relatives to spend extra time with your older children. Embrace simple meals and a messier house if that helps you feel less stressed and able to spend more time with baby.

Lastly, remember to give yourself grace during this period. A little breastmilk is better than none. Your baby needs you right now, in whatever form that is at this time. With some effort and support, you can meet your breastfeeding goals. Helping moms get breastfeeding off to a good start is what I love best and I would love to help you reach your goals and create confidence in your motherhood.

Have you had a baby in the NICU? What was your experience like? Share in the comments.

We’d also love for you to be a part of our Confident Breastfeeding Course. Click the image below for more information.

Thanks for stopping by,

lindsey-headshot-white-with-grey

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Sources

(1) Bramson, L., Lee, J. W., Moore, E., Montgomery, S., Neish, C., Bahjri, K., Melcher, C. L. (2010). Effect of early skin-to-skin mother-infant contact during the first 3 hours following birth on exclusive breastfeeding during the maternity hospital stay. Journal of Human Lactation, 26, 2 (130-137).

Jan 19

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Tuesday Tools with Pregnancy + Newborn Magazine

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Classes, Media

I’m excited to be featured in Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine’s January issue! I’m debunking a few breastfeeding myths in the article. Here is a preview of the questions I’m answering:

“Breastfeeding hurts. You’ll just have to get through it.”

“You’ll figure it out as you go. There’s no need for a prenatal breastfeeding class.”

“Just ask a nurse or lactation specialist at the hospital.”

“At least you tried — just give the baby a bottle.”

“Your mom and sister didn’t produce enough milk, so you probably won’t either.”

Catch my answers and the full article here! Also, my video breastfeeding classes answer all of these topics in detail! Available to click and learn and they never expire. Come say hi on instagram today and make sure you have my ‘Top Ten Tips for Breastfeeding Success’ to start with.

Thanks for coming by,

Lindsey Headshot white with grey

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Jan 11

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Caffeine + Breastfeeding

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Can I breastfeed if?, Classes

Is it safe to consume caffeine while breastfeeding? I posted a Fact or Fiction about this topic Friday on instagram and many of you had a lot to say! The Fact or Fiction statement was, “Caffeine should be avoided while breastfeeding.” Here’s a few comments from you guys.

Elizabeth Kallen said, “If I can’t have caffeine after being up all night nursing, then no one is going to get fed, dressed, or loved!”

Bethany Nixon said, “I have heard up to 5 cups regular coffee a day is okay…am I doing that? NO! But if I need a second cup in the afternoon to get over the afternoon slump I will!”

Addison Fagner said, “I don’t know the answer but I do know every time I drink soda, that same night is sooooo hard on my little one! I’ve stopped all caffeine now. Not worth it!”

Here’s my answer to the statement: Fiction.

Based on research studies, very little caffeine actually passes into mother’s milk (1). Many experts agree that it takes more than 5 cups of caffeinated coffee daily to see effects in the breastfed baby (2). That is the equivalent of about 300 mg. Something to keep in mind is that you are aware of each source of caffeine you are consuming. Examples of caffeine sources include coffee, iced and hot teas, energy drinks, caffeinated soft drinks, and some over-the-counter medications. Chocolate contains a substance that mimics caffeine and can produce a similar effect in large quantities.

Newborn baby

While these are general guidelines, we know that every baby is different! It may take a smaller amount to affect some infants. Here are some symptoms to watch for indicating your infant is overstimulated due to your caffeine intake.

Wide-eyed
Alert
Difficulty staying asleep
Unusually fussy

If you are noticing these symptoms, try avoiding caffeine and substituting caffeine-free beverages. Observe your infant and watch for an improvement. If the symptoms were due to too much caffeine, your infant should improve within a few days to a week.

I hope this is helpful! My passion is educating you on all your feeding options so you can reach your goals, whatever they may be! My video classes are available to click and watch at your convenience. You can learn in the comfort of you home in your jammies! Also my classes NEVER EXPIRE! You can watch them over and over. They also come with a notes outline. A great promo going out to my newsletter subscribers in the morning. Sign up to see how to get a free full-size nipple cream from Boob and Baby. The photography in this post is by Lizzy Jean Photography.

More on this topic form Lactation Link:

Can I breastfeed if I drink alcohol?

Thanks for coming by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Lindsey Shipley - Lactation Consultant

Berlin, C. et al. (1984). Disposition of dietary caffeine in milk saliva and plasma of lactating women. Pediatrics(73), 59-63.
Nehlig, A. and Debry, G. (1994). Consequences on the newborn of chronic maternal consumption of coffee during gestation and lactation: a review. J Am Coll Nutr(13), 1, 6-21.

Dec 08

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mom learning how to breastfeed correctly

Tuesday Tools – Both Hands Make a “C”

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Classes, Features, Recommended Products

In my Breastfeeding Basics class (offered in-person and online) I spend about ten minutes going over latch. I focus so much teaching here because I find that the majority of my personal consultations are spent improving or correcting a poor latch. Difficulty with latch is also one of the top 3 reasons mothers wean their infants.

Today for my Tuesday Tools I’m sharing “Both Hands Make a C” when learning the cross-cradle breastfeeding position (one of my favorites to teach).

women in a class

Here I am in a recent Breastfeeding Basics class teaching the attendees about making a C with their hands when latching their infants. (Nursing Pillow is from Ergobaby).

baby being breastfed

Here you can see one hand is ‘making a C’ supporting the breast. Keep in mind not to get too close to the nipple or areola. You don’t want to get in baby’s way! You can see the other hand is ‘making a C’ by supporting baby’s neck and her fingers are placed loosely below the infant’s ears. The palm is resting in-between the shoulder blades.

Hope this helps! More great tips like this in my breastfeeding video classes – Breastfeeding Basics, Intermediate Breastfeeding, and Pumping and Storing Breastmilk. Once you purchase the classes they can viewed over and over and they never expire! In-person class dates coming up are 12/10, 1/16, 2/20, 3/12, and 4/9. If you’d like me to come to your area, I would love to travel for a class size of 5-10. Email me to arrange.

Thanks for coming by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Lindsey head shot

Oct 16

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Friday Favs – Covered Goods

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Classes, Recommended Products

One of my favorite things to recommend in my classes and consultations is a Covered Goods multi-use nursing cover. I’ve had so many clients tell me how much they love it! Also Moms who didn’t have it with a previous child tell me they don’t know how they lived without it. One client sent this to me after I recommended Covered Goods to her,

“With each baby I truly have learned that less is more when it comes to ‘baby items’. However, I can’t count how many times over the past few months I’ve said, ‘How did I live through nursing four other kids without this!!!’ Covered Goods really should be at the top of ANY nursing moms MUST-HAVES! The material is simply perfection and the design flawless. I’ve found it especially helpful because our family is always on the go and I’ve put it to use on the airplane, at soccer games, as a car seat cover, out at restaurants, and most recently on the beaches of Hawaii! Thanks for letting me know about it.”

Jamie, the owner of Covered Goods, really hit a home run with this product. I love when I find something that is truly beneficial for so many Moms. This is a 4-in-1 cover that can be used for breastfeeding, as a car seat cover, a scarf, and also some Moms buy another and use it as a shopping cart cover. The ‘Watercolor’, ‘Mismatch’, and ‘Classic Grey & Ivory Stripe’ are my current favorite prints!

I recommend Covered Goods in all my classes, both in-person and online. I have a few upcoming Breastfeeding Basics classes in Highland, UT on 10/24, 11/5, and 11/14. My online video classes that are available at your convenience include Breastfeeding Basics, Intermediate Breastfeeding, and Pumping and Storing Breastmilk. Anytime after 12 weeks in pregnancy is a great time to start preparing for your little one!

I’ve created this great e-mail course to help you get breastfeeding started on the right foot! Click the image below for more info.

Hope this is helpful! Thanks for coming by today,

xo ~ Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Lindsey head shot

recommended breastfeeding products Archives - Lactation Link

Which nursing pad is right for me?

3 Tips for Breastfeeding in the NICU

Tuesday Tools with Pregnancy + Newborn Magazine

Caffeine + Breastfeeding

Tuesday Tools – Both Hands Make a “C”

Friday Favs – Covered Goods

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