Fourth Trimester
Your Breastfeeding Journey Series: Juggling Work/Breastfeeding/Life
Juggling Work/Breastfeeding/Life
Returning to work from maternity leave can spark many questions and can often feel overwhelming – especially if you are a breastfeeding mother. As a breastfeeding mother, being away from your child can stir up so many difficult emotions, as well as practical questions related to keeping your baby healthy and well-fed. For example, how much do you need to pump while away at work? How do you store your pumped breast milk? Which pump will be the best for your busy schedule and environment?
Choosing a Pump
This convenient flow chart can guide you through your breast pump options, helping you select the pump best suited for your lifestyle. A key consideration for most women is ensuring portability. For example, one very nifty feature available with some pumps is USB cord access, which can allow you to plug your breast pump into your laptop or computer for power if an outlet isn’t available. If you travel frequently for work, this may be a characteristic that is highly valuable to you.
Practice Makes Perfect
To ease the transition process, we suggest you practice pumping once or twice a day before returning to work. This will not only make you more comfortable with the process, but will help build your stock of milk before returning. Keep in mind that there’s no need for a fridge full of milk – really just a couple days’ worth of milk will be fine.
Another tip: make sure you are counting the number of times you breastfeed each day. Once you return to work, you should try to maintain this number of pumping sessions to also maintain your supply. And, even while pumping, try to breastfeed at the breast as much as possible when you are with your baby. This will also keep your supply up.
Lastly, consider trying to feed your baby with a bottle before you need to do so. This gives you and your baby time to practice and understand which type of bottle works well. Once your baby is a few weeks old, and breastfeeding is well established, it is safe to try a bottle and see how your baby responds. It might take a few tries, so don’t let it get stressful for you or your baby.
Minimize Extra Stress
Try not to add extra stress or worrying during this transition. Give yourself time to adjust to your new role. Pumping away from home is a big adjustment, and it’s important to stay relaxed (easier said than done!) and remember to reward yourself. Try to picture the feelings you have when you are with your baby and if you can, establish a comfortable designated space at work or school to pump each time to ease any anxiousness.
One way to ease stress is to find a baby travel bag and take it with you each time you leave home. Purchasing a travel bag will help with organization and storing your breast milk, which can only benefit your hectic schedule. For example, the Motif Baby Bag, which includes features like an insulated bottom half cooler, durability, hands-free capability (double shoulder strap), and comfort, is a common often for moms on the go.
What to put in your Baby Travel Bag
So, you’re bringing your pump with you to work – but what else should you bring? Below is a helpful list of items to pack in order to make your pumping journey easier.
- Sanitizer bags for quick cleansing
- Hand Sanitizer
- Breast milk bottles and storage bags
- Extra breast pump parts
- Breast pump battery pack or car charger
- Breast pads
- Breast pump cooler and ice packs (unless you have a bag with a built-in cooler)
- Sharpie to mark your bag
- Back-up shirt (messes can happen!)
- Reusable water bottle
- Extra hair ties
While these tips are designed to help the transition back to your work or school, please remember every mom’s experience is different and it is important to always do what you feel is best for you and your baby.
Thank you to Mom.com for featuring us in your latest article about pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that often goes undiscussed. It may sound scary, but with the right support it is manageable! Visit link in bio to read the full article.
#postpartum #postpartumsupport #pelvicorganprolapse #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #pregnancysupport
Did you know that your menstrual cycle is more than just the main event – your period? It’s actually a series of four different phases that each play a role in your reproductive health. Getting in touch with your cycle can help you with planning for pregnancy and even detecting other health issues. Swipe right to learn more.
The fertility awareness method (tracking of your menstrual cycle in order to prevent pregnancy) has been gaining traction on TikTok and other social media channels of late. But, does it work? Axia Women`s Health OB/GYN, Dr. Daniel DiSabatino, explains what you need to know about the risks/benefits in a recent interview with Yahoo! Swipe through to learn more.
#fertilityawareness #birthcontrol #naturalfamilyplanning #cycletracking #contraception
With many different options for prenatal vitamins available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Swipe right to learn the top expert recommended ingredients to support you and your baby.
Finding a healthcare provider who you trust and feel comfortable with is so important. At Axia Women`s Health, we`re proud to build relationships that span decades - from puberty through pregnancy. Thank you, Brittney, for sharing your experience with us! 💙
credit: @mrs_kochanski89
‘Tis the season of giving thanks, and we couldn’t be more thankful for our incredible patient community! 🙏🏻💛Thank you for trusting us with your care. Through the happy moments and the sad, from puberty to pregnancy and even into the golden years, through challenges and joyous moments, we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
#thankful #appreciationpost #patientcare #givethanks #pregnancy #obgyn #gynecology
All moms know that holding your baby is an important part of bonding emotionally. But did you know it can also provide physical benefits? Kangaroo Care, a specific form of skin-to-skin contact, can have benefits for both preemies and their parents. Research shows that holding a baby to your bare chest can help regulate the baby`s heart rate, breathing, and body temperature as well as promote bonding. To all of the NICU mamas, we see you and salute your strength!
#worldpreemieday💜
Do you know the physical signs of ovulation? If you`re trying to get pregnant, tracking ovulation can go a long way to helping you conceive. Beyond that, knowing your ovulation patterns can clue you in on other potential health issues like PCOS or thyroid conditions. Swipe right to learn the signs.
#ovulationtracking #ovulationsigns #TTC #ovulation #ovulationstest #tryingtoconceivetips #tryingtoconceive
Pregnancy and infant loss is a uniquely personal and complicated experience that affects each woman differently. No matter your experience, we`re here to remind you that your grief is valid and you`re not alone. Save this post as a reminder anytime you need support. <3
#pregnancyinfantlossday
It`s sexual health month, so 🎶let`s talk about sex 🎶 post-baby. Perhaps, you`ve had your 6-week-checkup but still aren`t feeling ready to be intimate again...that`s completely okay!
There`s so much to navigate as a new mom. 🤯It can be challenging to find the time or energy to be intimate with your partner. 👩❤️💋👨
But, if you`re feeling ready and are bothered by symptoms like pain or discomfort, don`t be afraid to speak up! Your Axia Women`s Health provider is here to help.
The truth is because PCOS can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle, it can take longer to get pregnant...but it`s not impossible! 💫👩🏽🍼
Some women may be able to conceive naturally after managing PCOS symptoms, while others may find help in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. 🔬
Wherever you are in your journey with PCOS, don`t give up hope! 💜 Stay tuned as we shed light on more common myths surrounding PCOS throughout the month.
As incredible as breastfeeding can be for bonding with your baby, it`s no secret that it can come with some challenges. That’s why we`re sharing our support during #breastfeedingmonth. Whether you breastfeed, chest feed, bottle feed, or do a mix of both, we salute you! Swipe right for some of our favorite resources on this topic.
Many women are seeking to better understand how the Supreme Court reversal of Roe v Wade may impact their reproductive health. At Axia Women’s Health, we’re actively involved in conversations with other leading health authorities and are committed to helping you navigate the future of your care. We’re here for you, and we encourage you to contact your Axia Women’s Health provider to discuss your individual needs.
To learn more about where abortion access currently stands in your state, follow @kaiserfamilyfoundation or visit their website at www.kff.org. News outlets like the @NYTimes also offer up-to-date tracking on their website at www.NYTimes.com.
Please know that birth control (when used for preventing pregnancy) and emergency contraception (like plan B) are not currently banned in any states, though it is an evolving situation, and may change in some states. Please refer to information regarding your specific state’s regulations, or speak with your Axia Women’s Health provider for the most current and accurate information.
Please note: This information is accurate as of July 21, 2022, and may change.
It`s true that during pregnancy and around our menstrual cycles our natural balance of progesterone and estrogen can be disrupted. This imbalance can create an ideal environment for Candida fungi, the bacteria involved in yeast infections, to grow. 🤔
Fortunately, several over the counter medications can help the infection clear up within a few days. 💊
But if you`re experiencing recurrent infections, it`s a good idea to chat with your Axia Women`s Health provider. 💬
#yeastinfection #vaginalhealth #whatsupdownthere
The invention of birth control was a game-changer for women`s health..in more ways than one. Did you know that certain birth control can provide benefits other than preventing pregnancy?
In fact, up to 50% of birth control users rely on it for reasons other than contraception. Your Axia Women`s Health provider can help you learn more and determine the best option for you!
#birthcontrol #periodpain #menstrualmigraine #acne #womenshealth
If the national baby formula shortage is causing you stress, we`re here to help. Swipe through for helpful tips and resources from @healthychildrenaap to keep in mind as you navigate this challenging time.
#formulashortage #formulafeeding #infanthealth #parentingtips #parenting #babyhealth
Many women wonder, "is it safe to dye your hair while pregnant?" Daniel DiSabatino, DO, from Axia Women`s Health spoke with Forbes Health to shed some light on this frequently asked question. Good news: you don`t have to completely forgo your beauty routine while pregnant, but it`s best to wait until the second trimester to use any hair dyes or bleach.
#pregnancytips #haircare #beauty #healthylifestyle #pregnancy
Join us next Thursday, May 26 at 12pm ET for a real talk about women`s mental health. Megan Lobsinger, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at Axia Women`s Health, will be sharing advice on navigating emotions around infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Have a question you want addressed? Comment below or DM us privately.
#IGLive #mentalhealthmonth #womensmentalhealth
Today, we`re honoring all those who "mother." We know each woman`s path to motherhood can be different. Whether you`ve given birth, have experienced loss, are actively trying, or have taken on the role of a mother, we salute you!
#mothersday #mothersday2022 #happymothersday
Have you ever wondered if playing music during pregnancy can support your baby`s development? The short answer is: we don`t really know, given inconclusive data. But we do know that music can be calming and soothing to the carrier, providing comfort during pregnancy. Dr. Thomas Dardarian, an OB/GYN with Axia Women`s Health, spoke with the LoveEvery podcast to further explore the topic of the "Mozart" effect. Visit link in bio to listen to the full podcast.
#pregnancy #mozarteffect #childhooddevelopment #parenting
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