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Pumping and Storing | Hygeia Health

While it would be great if it were always convenient to breastfeed baby directly, sometimes that’s just not the case! Life can be hectic, and it can be hard to plan out, pump, and store for baby feeding.

When it comes time to pump and store breastmilk, there are plenty of resources to help. Check out part of KellyMom’s super handy Milk Storage Guide below (she offers more information if you click on the link!) and these pumping and storing tips from Texas WIC.

From KellyMom:

To avoid waste and for easier thawing & warming, store milk in 1-4 ounce portions. Date milk before storing. Milk from different pumping sessions/days may be combined in one container – use the date of the first milk expressed. Avoid adding warm milk to a container of previously refrigerated or frozen milk – cool the new milk before combining. Breastmilk is not spoiled unless it smells really bad or tastes sour.

To thaw milk

Thaw slowly in the refrigerator. (This takes about 12 hours – try putting it in the fridge the night before you need it.) Avoid letting milk sit out at room temperature to thaw.
For quicker thawing, hold container under running water – start cool and gradually increase temperature.

Previously frozen milk may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after it has finished thawing. Do not refreeze.

To warm milk

Heat water in a cup or other small container, then place frozen milk in the water to warm; or
Use a bottle warmer.
NEVER microwave human milk or heat it directly on the stove.

The cream will rise to the top of the milk during storage. Gently swirl milk (do not shake) to mix before checking temperature and offering to baby.

If baby does not finish milk at one feeding, it is probably safe to refrigerate and offer within 1-2 hours before it is discarded.”

Tips from Texas WIC

Start pumping on maternity leave. If you plan to go back to work, it’s a good idea to begin pumping while you are still on maternity leave. It will help you get prepared and build a backup supply of breastmilk. You can begin anytime you feel ready. Start with pumping once a day between feedings. Many moms find that they are able to express more milk in the morning. Once you find a time that works best for you, try to pump around the same time each day.

Keep a consistent schedule. When you return to work, you will need to express your milk during the times you would normally feed your baby. Let your employer know about the importance of keeping that same schedule. Pumping at work will help you breastfeed your baby longer because it tells your body to keep making milk. It will also keep your body comfortable so that you can focus on work.

Why Breastfeed – Understanding the Benefits of Breastfeeding

Everyone knows that breastfeeding is SO beneficial for babies. This article from ProMom lists 101 reasons (with sources!) breastfeeding is a great idea, starting with the fact breastfeeding is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Number four on the list talks about the unique nutritional needs breast milk meets for your baby:

“Human milk is uniquely superior for infant feeding and is species-specific; all substitute feeding options differ markedly from it. The breastfed infant is the reference or normative model against which all alternative feeding methods must be measured with regard to growth, health, development, and all other short and long-term benefits.”

What you probably don’t know, however, is how many benefits there are for momma! Check out this article by Dr. Alicia Dermer to find out all the ways breastfeeding can improve your health, both in the short term and the long term.

“It is now becoming clear that breastfeeding provides mothers with more than just short-term benefits in the early period after birth.

A number of studies have shown other potential health advantages that mothers can enjoy through breastfeeding. These include optimal metabolic profiles, reduced risk of various cancers, and psychological benefits. Production of milk is an active metabolic process, requiring the use of 200 to 500 calories per day, on average. To use up this many calories, a bottle-feeding mother would have to swim at least 30 laps in a pool or bicycle uphill for an hour daily. Clearly, breastfeeding mothers have an edge on losing weight gained during pregnancy. Studies have confirmed that non-breastfeeding mothers lose less weight and don’t keep it off as well as breastfeeding mothers (Brewer 1989).”

As if you needed more reasons, this video from CBS talks about a recent study that shows breastfeeding your baby could have long-term implications for development including a higher IQ, education and income all the way through adulthood!

“For the study, researchers followed more than 3,400 children in Brazil for a period of 30 years.

CBS News medical contributor Dr. Holly Phillips says the results were striking. “It turns out, compared to kids who were breastfed for less than a month, kids who are breastfed for a year or longer had almost 4 points higher in IQ” in adulthood, she told “CBS This Morning.”

The children who were breastfed also stayed in school about a year longer and earned more money when they grew up — an amount equal to about $104 extra each month.

The researchers corrected for other factors that could influence IQ, such as the child’s birth weight, mother’s education level and family income, and concluded breastfeeding makes a significant difference.”

You can read the rest of the article and see the video here.

How To Breastfeed | Hygeia Health

While breastfeeding is one of the most natural acts in the world, that doesn’t mean it comes naturally to all moms and babies. It’s a bit of an art form- a skill that both mom and baby have to work together to develop.Thankfully, there are plenty of step-by-step guides that will help you breast feed your baby. We like this one by Fit Pregnancy that demonstrates three different ways you can hold your baby when breastfeeding.

In their view, the most crucial part of breastfeeding is getting your baby to latch:

“Any good lactation consultant will tell you: Latching is everything. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Position the baby on her side so she is directly facing you, with her belly touching yours.

Step 2: Next, prop up the baby with a pillow, if necessary, and hold her up to your breast; don’t lean over toward her.

Step 3: Place your thumb and fingers around your areola and tilt your baby’s head back slightly and tickle her lips with your nipple until she opens her mouth wide.

Step 4: Help her “scoop” the breast into her mouth by placing her lower jaw on first, well below the nipple. Tilt her head forward, placing her upper jaw deeply on the breast. Make sure she takes the entire nipple and at least 1 1/2 inches of the areola in her mouth.”

The article suggests several ways you can hold your baby for comfortable feeding.

1. Cradle

Position your baby on your forearm, her head in the crook of your arm. Support her bottom with your other hand. Pull her in close to you, belly to belly, with her ear, shoulder and hip in a straight line.

2. Football

While useful for all women, this position is particularly helpful for mothers who have had a Cesarean section. Place your baby on a pillow, tucked close to your side. Rest your arm on the pillow to bring your baby’s mouth up to your breast; support her head with your hand.

3. Side-Lying

This position is also helpful if you had a C-section or want to rest while nursing your baby. Lie on the side you will be breastfeeding on. Place your head on a pillow and draw your baby in close to you, using your arm to support her bottom. Use your other hand to bring your breast up to baby’s mouth.”

Better yet, watch this video for a live action step-by-step tutorial!

Liquid Gold: Why colostrum is a treasure for your baby’s health

There is no reason to question your body when you don’t see milky white flowing from your breast when your baby arrives. The yellow, thicker liquid isn’t a sign that your milk has gone bad. In fact, this liquid gold is exactly what your body is meant to produce and exactly what your baby is craving.

Colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is the yellowish sticky substance your body produces in the first few days after childbirth before your regular breast milk comes in. It might be small in volume, but it packs a powerful punch! Here’s why it’s so important:

Immune system booster packed with antibodies

Colostrum is rich in secretory IgA antibodies, which act like a shield for your baby’s developing immune system. These antibodies line your baby’s intestines and respiratory tract, protecting them from germs and viruses in their new world.

“[Colostrum is] low in volume but high in protective factors, especially secretory IgA antibodies. These antibodies are passed directly from mom to baby through colostrum, providing immediate immune defense against illnesses like influenza, rotavirus, and ear infections.” – Dr. Tanya Altmann, pediatrician and co-founder of The Lactation Network

Nutrient Powerhouse

Don’t let the small amount fool you! Colostrum is concentrated with nutrients, high in protein, and low in sugar and fat. This makes it easy for your newborn’s tiny tummy to digest and provides essential energy for those early adjustments to life outside the womb.

“Colostrum is also high in protein and low in fat and sugar, making it easily digested by a newborn’s immature stomach.” – World Health Organization

Laxative Effect

More good news–Colostrum acts as a gentle, natural laxative! It helps your baby expel their first stool, which, don’t be alarmed, is a sticky, dark substance called meconium. Meconium accumulates in the baby’s intestines during pregnancy and needs to be eliminated to prevent problems like jaundice.

“Colostrum acts as a natural laxative, helping your baby pass its first stool (meconium).” –American Academy of Pediatrics

Promotes Gut Health

The foundation for good gut health starts early! Colostrum introduces beneficial bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome in your baby. This microbiome plays a vital role in digestion, immune function, and overall health.

“The initial exposure to bacteria through colostrum plays a crucial role in shaping the infant’s gut microbiome. Colostrum’s prebiotics, along with potentially some live bacteria of its own, act as a foundation for a diverse and balanced gut community.“ -Dr. Lilian Cheung, a pediatric gastroenterologist

Emotional Bonding

While it doesn’t come directly from the colostrum, the immediate focus on skin-to-skin contact, which is encouraged during colostrum feeding, promotes emotional bonding between you and your baby. This closeness releases feel-good hormones and helps regulate your baby’s body temperature.

“Skin-to-skin contact in the first 48 hours helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing.” –Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM)

Colostrum is a natural wonder food designed to give your baby the best possible start. While the amount may seem small, its impact on your newborn’s health is truly significant. So relax, mama! Your body is perfectly designed to nourish your little one.

Breastfeeding Essentials: Pack Your Hospital Bag for Success!

Newborn photos and swaddles are adorable, but what about YOU, mama? When it’s time to nurse your little one for the first time, what will you need by your side?

Breastfeeding Essentials for a Smooth Start

Let’s address the pump question: Most hospitals provide lactation consultants and pumps for postpartum use. Breathe easy! Call your hospital beforehand to see what breastfeeding supplies they offer and confirm lactation consultant availability. These experts are there to answer your questions and help you achieve a successful breastfeeding journey.

Now, let’s explore additional items to maximize your breastfeeding comfort during those precious hospital days:

Nursing Bras and Tanks: Easy Access
Who needs modesty when you’re a superhero fueling your newborn? Choose bras and tanks that prioritize easy latching and skin-to-skin contact.
Products to check out: Bravado Designs, Kindred Bravely, Bodily
Nursing Pads: Leakproof Protection
These lifesavers absorb leaks and safeguard your clothes. Disposable or washable options are available, so pick your preference.
Products to check out: Lansinoh disposable or Lansinoh Washable, Bamboobies,
Nipple Cream: Soothing Soreness
Breastfeeding is natural, but soreness can happen. Lanolin-based creams are popular choices to soothe any discomfort or cracking.
Products to check out: Lansinoh, Earth Mama Angel Baby, Mother Love
Feeding Pillow: Positioning Perfection
A nursing pillow can be a game-changer, especially for first-time moms. It provides support and frees up your arms for optimal baby positioning during feeds.
Products to check out: My Brest Friend, Twin Z Pillow
Pajamas, Gowns, or Robes: Comfy Clothes are Key
Embrace comfort above all else! Pack loose-fitting clothes that grant easy access for breastfeeding. A robe that layers over your nursing bra or tank can be a lifesaver, too.
Water Bottle: Stay Hydrated
As a breastfeeding mama, hydration is crucial. Pack your favorite reusable water bottle and keep it within reach. You’ll thank yourself later!

Remember: Your milk supply takes a few days to come in fully. Initially, your body produces colostrum, often called “liquid gold.” This amazing substance is exactly what your newborn needs. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a massive “milk” supply in the first 48 hours. It’ll come after the colostrum, but let that newborn drink up the gold while it’s there.

Bonus Tip: Some insurance plans cover breast pump accessories and replacement parts. Let us help you check your coverage and consider getting a hospital-grade pump through insurance. Hygeia provides a variety of accessories that compliment your Hygeia breast pump. Check out our pump and accessories on our website.

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