Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms out there! This day is for celebrating you, your strength, your love, and everything you do. At Hygeia Health we believe you deserve to gift yourself this Mother’s Day!
We know that he month of May is one of the busiest times of year for countless mothers. School awards, spring flings, enjoying playdates, and sports schedules. It’s a time of fun but often a full schedule, so finding time to sleep can be hard enough. Never mind getting a relaxing day of being pampered.
Hygeia’s got you with the best gifts that seamlessly integrate into a busy life and offer moments of peace, joy, or efficiency. This Mother’s Day, consider gifting yourself something simple yet powerful: self-care through the amazing tech tools at your fingertips.
1. The Gift of Calm: A Meditation App Subscription
Think: Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer
Why it’s a gift: Even five minutes of guided meditation can bring a sense of peace and reduce stress. These apps offer a variety of sessions tailored for busy schedules and specific needs like sleep, anxiety, and focus.
Bonus! Check out this special series for moms on the Calm app.
2. The Gift of Stories: An Audiobook Subscription
Think: Audible, Spotify Premium (with audiobooks), Google Play Books,
Why it’s a gift: Escape into a captivating story while folding laundry, nursing, or when a mental break is needed. Audiobooks allow you to “read” even when your hands are full.
Bonus: Libraries also offer collections of audiobooks! All you need is a library card and you have free access. Check out Libby or Hoopla.
3. The Gift of Your Favorite Soundtrack: A Music Streaming Premium Account
Think: Spotify Premium, Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited
Why it’s a gift: Ad-free listening to your go-to playlists can instantly boost your mood, energize you for a workout, or provide a soothing backdrop to your day. Create playlists for different moods and activities.
Bonus! Need a good playlist? Steal some ideas from this Mother’s Day playlist!
4. The Gift of Knowledge on the Go: A Podcast Subscription/App
Think: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast
Why it’s a gift: Learn something new, be entertained, or feel connected to a community. Podcasts are perfect for your commute or while pumping. There’s a podcast for every interest!
Bonus! Need to find a good podcast? Check out this list of top podcasts for moms!
5. The Gift of Delicious Recipes: A Meal Planning App (Free Versions Often Available)
Think: Mealime, Plan to Eat, BigOven
Why it’s a gift: Take some of the mental load out of meal prep. Get recipe ideas, filter by ingredients or prep time, and other basic planning features.
Bonus! Most apps have a free version available and they are loaded with great content!
6. The Gift of Gentle Movement: An Online Yoga or Exercise App
Think: Down Dog, Peloton, Nike Training Club
Why it’s a gift: Even short bursts of movement can improve your physical and mental well-being.
Bonus! Many apps offer free trials, allowing you to explore what works for you without commitment.
7. The Gift of Captured Memories: A Photo Backup/Organization App
Think: Google Photos, iCloud Photos, Dropbox
Why it’s a gift: Ensure your precious photos and videos of your little ones are safely backed up and easily accessible. Organize them into albums to relive those sweet moments.
Bonus! Most of these photo organizers connect seamlessly to photo gift and print tools like Snapfish and Shutteryfly.
Hygeia’s year-round gift to moms
Don’t forget Hygeia Health’s year-round gift available to many expecting and new moms: a breast pump 100% covered by insurance. Every mother deserves access to quality breast pumps. Because many insurance plans cover the cost of a breast pump, we help moms navigate the process and find out if you qualify for a free, high-quality breast pump. Having a reliable pump will alway improve your breastfeeding experience.
Ready to see if you can get a breast pump covered by your insurance? Apply today and let Hygeia Health support your breastfeeding goals.
Remember that self-care isn’t selfish – it’s essential. Gift yourself this Mother’s Day (or any time!) to one (or more!) of these simple tech treats. You deserve it! Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Hygeia Health, where we are dedicated to supporting your motherhood journey, one pump and one moment of self-care at a time.
Have you ever stared into that freshly pumped bottle and think, “Huh, today’s batch is looking a little…golden?”
Or maybe a hint of blue?
Welcome to the surprisingly colorful world of breast milk, mama!
It’s like nature’s little art project, and while it might have you raising an eyebrow now and then, most of the time, those hues are totally normal and even tell a fascinating story about what’s nourishing your little one. This blog post will be your breast milk color decoder to help you navigate this liquid rainbow with confidence. Let’s dive into the shades and what they typically mean, so you can feel like a total pro when it comes to your amazing milk!
What can impact the breast milk color?
There are three major things that can impact your breastmilk having a slightly different color than the usual and expected white. This includes what you have eaten, the state of your health (or presence of illness), the stage of the milk, and how the milk has been stored, if at all.
Yellow or Orange: The Early Milk
Need to worry? No!
In the first few days after birth, your milk, called colostrum, is often yellow or deep orange. This color comes from beta-carotene, a nutrient that’s good for your baby. Colostrum is packed with antibodies and is very important for your newborn’s health. As your milk transitions, it may still have a yellow tint for a while. And you might also note that consuming turmeric can also turn your breast milk golden.
White or Creamy: Mature Milk
Need to worry? No!
Around two weeks after birth, your milk will likely become white or creamy. This is mature milk. The fat content in the milk gives it this color. Milk expressed at the end of a feeding or pumping session, called hindmilk, is usually whiter because it has more fat.
Thin and Bluish: Foremilk
Need to worry? No!
At the start of a feeding or pumping session, the milk might look thin and even a little bluish. This is foremilk. It has more water and lactose and helps to quench your baby’s thirst. This coloring can also indicate a higher level of electrolytes in your milk.
Green: When It Might Appear
Need to worry? No!
Sometimes, breast milk can have a green tint. This is often due to something you ate, like green vegetables such as spinach or kale. Green food coloring in drinks or supplements can also cause this change, but you should note that some medications can have the same effect.
Pink or Red: Usually a Little Blood
Need to worry? Not likely.
Seeing pink or red milk can be alarming, but it’s often not a serious problem. The most common reason is a small amount of blood. This can happen if your nipples are cracked or sore, which is common in the early days. “Rusty pipe syndrome,” where extra blood flow to the breasts causes a little blood in the early milk, can also cause this. It usually goes away on its own. Sometimes, broken blood vessels from pumping can also cause a pink or red color.
Brown or Rust-Colored Milk: Uncommon
Need to worry? No.
Brown or rust-colored milk is usually old blood. This can also be related to rusty pipe syndrome.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
While most breast milk color changes are normal, there are times to seek advice from a doctor or lactation consultant. If you see pink or red milk that doesn’t go away quickly or is more than just a little, it’s best to get it checked. Brown or black milk, especially if you’re not taking any medications that could cause it, should also be discussed with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant. If you or your baby have other symptoms along with a color change, like breast pain or fever, seek medical advice.
Understanding the different colors of your breast milk can help you feel more confident during your breastfeeding journey. At Hygeia Health, we’re committed to supporting you with information and the right tools. We believe every mother deserves access to quality breast pumps. Did you know that many insurance plans cover the cost of a breast pump? Hygeia Health can help you navigate this process and see if you qualify for a free, high-quality breast pump. Having a reliable pump can make your breastfeeding experience smoother, no matter what color your milk may be.
Ready to see if you can get a breast pump covered by your insurance? Apply today and let Hygeia Health support your breastfeeding goals.
Navigating the early days of breastfeeding can be overwhelming, especially for a mom who finds herself in the dreaded “pump trap” when trying to manage engorgement and proper milk supply. Understanding how your body regulates milk production is key to a successful breastfeeding journey.
Breast milk is packed with antibodies, nutrients, and everything your little one needs to grow and thrive. One of the most fascinating aspects of breastfeeding is how your body knows exactly how much milk to make. This is all thanks to a complex system of hormones and feedback loops. Understanding how breast milk supply regulation works can help you feel more confident in your breastfeeding journey.
This post will break down the fascinating science behind milk supply, explain how to avoid the “pump trap” that can exacerbate engorgement, and offer tips for managing your milk production long-term.
What to know about establishing your supply
The first few weeks after birth are crucial for establishing a good milk supply. Your body works on a supply-and-demand system. The more frequently and effectively your baby nurses, or you pump, the more signals your body receives to produce milk. This is why frequent milk removal is so important, especially in the early days.
It’s important to remember that your body is designed to regulate milk production; you’re not solely responsible for making it happen. Hormones play a crucial role. Prolactin, the “milk-making” hormone, is released when your baby nurses. More prolactin means more milk. Oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone,” is also released during breastfeeding. It triggers the muscles around the milk glands to contract, helping milk flow—this is the “let-down” reflex.
What to know about the role of feedback loops
Your body uses feedback loops to fine-tune milk production. Imagine it like a thermostat. When your baby nurses or you pump, milk is removed from your breasts. This signals your body to produce more milk to replenish the supply. The emptier your breasts become, the stronger the signal to make more milk. Conversely, if your breasts are full, your body receives signals to slow down production.
This is why it’s important to breastfeed or pump frequently and on demand, especially in the early weeks. Responding to your baby’s hunger cues and allowing them to nurse for as long as they want helps establish a strong milk supply. It also helps to avoid supplementing with formula unless medically necessary, as this can interfere with your body’s natural supply-and-demand system.
What is the “pump trap” and how to avoid it
The ‘pump trap’ happens when a mom is pumping to relieve engorgement, but it becomes a never-ending cycle because the body continues overproduce.
While many moms worry about producing enough milk, the pendulum swings both ways as oversupply and engorgement can also be a challenge. Engorgement can be very uncomfortable, potentially leading to problems like mastitis, and making it difficult for babies to latch.
Frequent feedings or pumping sessions are crucial for establishing a healthy milk supply, but they can also contribute to overproduction, especially when pumping for relief. While your baby’s cues will tell you when they’re finished feeding, pumping requires you to decide when to stop. Completely emptying your breasts with each pumping session signals your body to continue producing large amounts of milk. If you’re experiencing oversupply, the key, is to avoid completely draining your breasts when you pump.
It is also important to note that if you pump before breastfeeding in order to relieve engorgement and tightness in your breasts, express only enough milk to allow your baby to latch comfortably.
How to best manage long-term milk supply
As your baby grows and their feeding patterns change, your milk supply will adjust accordingly. Your body is remarkably adaptable and can meet your baby’s changing needs. Even if you experience a temporary dip in supply due to illness, stress, or changes in routine, your body can usually bounce back with consistent milk removal.
There are several factors that can influence milk supply and it is valuable to be aware of them as a means of knowing what can help you manage over or under supply.
Frequency of milk removal: As mentioned already, frequent breastfeeding or pumping will help your body increase supply.
Effectiveness of milk removal: Ensuring your baby is latching properly or that your pump is working efficiently is crucial.
Hydration and nutrition: Staying well-hydrated and eating a healthy diet supports milk production.
Certain medications: Some medications can interfere with milk supply. Talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or retained placental fragments, can affect milk supply.
When to seek help
It’s important to also know that breast engorgement is not always a sign of oversupply, so if you are experiencing engorgement but feel it isn’t due to oversupply don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They can assess your situation and provide personalized guidance and support. They can help you optimize your breastfeeding technique, address any underlying issues, and develop a plan to boost your milk supply if needed.
We’re Here to Support You:
Having a reliable and easy-to-use pump can be a tremendous relief to a mom as she helps her body regulate milk supply, especially in the early weeks. We’re committed to supporting breastfeeding mothers in all aspects of the journey and even offer a way for moms to get a 100% insurance covered breast pump.
Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient so that, in the end, you have a way to get your one-of-a-kind milk to your baby. To apply for a 100%-insurance-covered breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
Bringing your baby home is an exciting time, but it can also be filled with anxieties, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. You might be wondering, ‘When will my milk come in?’ and feeling anxious if it doesn’t seem to be flowing immediately. Rest assured, your body is working hard behind the scenes!
This blog post will explain what’s happening in those crucial early days, why your milk supply may not be abundant right away, and what your baby actually needs in the first few days after birth.
Understanding Colostrum
The first thing to put your mind at ease it to understand that milk is not the first thing your baby needs to consume after birth. In their initial days, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid packed with nutrients and antibodies. Think of it as liquid gold for your baby! This precious first milk is all your newborn needs in those early days.
With that, it’s important to not fret over the small amount of colostrum your body is producing. Colostrum is incredibly concentrated and your baby’s tiny stomach doesn’t need much. It’s completely normal to produce only small amounts of colostrum in the first few days. Focus on frequent feedings and observe your baby’s cues.
Maximizing Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact is crucial during the first days of your baby’s life. Holding your baby against your bare chest helps regulate their temperature, promotes bonding, and encourages frequent breastfeeding, which can also trigger milk production.
Skin-to-skin contact stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone crucial for both milk production and bonding. Oxytocin helps contract the muscles around the milk-producing glands, facilitating milk ejection, also known as let-down. It also stimulates the release of prolactin, another important hormone for milk production.
Additionally, implementing skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth can encourage early latching. With skin-to-skin time, your baby is more likely to instinctively crawl towards the breast and latch naturally. This experience also helps the baby learn to recognize and respond to hunger cues, leading to more effective feeding.
Waiting on Milk to Come In with Rest and Recovery
It can take 3-5 days for your milk to come in after you’ve given birth. During this time, it’s crucial to avoid stressing about your milk supply and instead rely on the colostrum while you rest. Rest is essential for both you and your baby. Allow yourself time to recover from childbirth and focus on bonding.
The onset of milk production is often indicated by changes in your breast temperature, milk leakage, and breast fullness or engorgement. The experience varies among mothers, with some experiencing a gradual increase in milk production, while others may experience a more sudden “let-down.” This timeframe is a general guideline, based on the experiences of many mothers. If you have any concerns once you’re home, it’s important to consult with your doctor or a lactation consultant.
Maintaining Hydration and Nutrition
In addition to rest, hydrating and nourishing your body is crucial for milk production.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keep a water bottle handy at your bedside, especially in the hospital.
Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet that includes:
Fruits and vegetables: Load up on colorful produce to provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Protein: Include lean protein sources like chicken, fish, beans, and lentils.
Whole grains: Choose whole-grain options like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread for sustained energy.
Remember that your appetite may fluctuate in the early days. Listen to your body’s cues, but make an effort to eat nutritious foods to support your milk supply.”
Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey
Milk supply can be a concern for many new mothers. At Hygeia Health, we understand that breast pumping can effectively stimulate milk production. Frequent pumping sessions, ideally every 2-3 hours, mimic a newborn’s feeding pattern and signal your body to increase milk production. This consistent stimulation helps to establish and maintain a good milk supply.
While pumping can be a valuable tool, direct breastfeeding remains the most natural and efficient way to stimulate milk production and build a strong bond with your baby.
Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient so that, in the end, you have a way to get your one-of-a-kind milk to your baby. To apply for a 100%-insurance-covered breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
These early days are a precious time for you. Focus on bonding with your baby, and trust your body to do what it was made to do.
Pregnancy is a wild ride, and your body is in for quite a transformation. One of the biggest changes you’ll notice is how your breasts grow and change. Pregnancy brings incredible changes to your body, including how your breast change during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Maybe you’re up for that; maybe you dread it. Either way, understanding what’s going on can help you feel more comfortable and ready for the journey ahead.
Physical Changes
As your body adapts to the demands of pregnancy, you’ll notice significant changes in your breasts. From increased sensitivity to the production of colostrum, these changes are all part of a natural process that prepares you for breastfeeding. Let’s first take a closer look at how these changes progress.
Hormonal Changes: Not the pregnancy hormones! Actually, these hormones are exactly what your body needs. During pregnancy, your body produces increased levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play a role in uterine growth, placenta formation, and, you guessed it, breast growth.
Increased Blood Flow: Worried about your sensitive breasts? Don’t be! It’s completely normal. It’s often something that tips off a mom to her pregnancy before she’s even taken a test. As your breasts grow, they require more blood flow to support their development. This increased blood flow can sometimes cause your breasts to feel tender or sensitive.
Milk Ducts: The milk doesn’t just show up along with your baby. During pregnancy, your body begins to develop milk ducts. These ducts are tiny tubes that carry milk from the milk-producing glands to your nipples. While they will develop during your pregnancy, it will be the routine breastfeeding and/or pumping that will maintain them after delivery.
Colostrum: Get ready for liquid gold! In the later stages of pregnancy, you may begin to produce colostrum. Colostrum is a thick, yellow fluid that is rich in nutrients and antibodies. It is the first milk that your baby will receive after birth, so it’s good news if you notice it in the final days of pregnancy.
Preparing for Breastfeeding
It is important to take care of your breasts during pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding. Here are a few tips:
Wear supportive bras: As your breasts grow, it is important to wear bras that provide adequate support. You not only want comfort for you, but the best support for your growing and changing breasts.
Massage your breasts: Gently massaging your breasts can help stimulate milk production and improve your milk flow. This can also help prevent clogged milk ducts.
Learn about breastfeeding: Taking a breastfeeding class or reading books about breastfeeding can help you feel more prepared. While your phone may be able to answer anything on the spot, it’s best to already have reliable resources in a pinch.
Embrace the Changes
Pregnancy is a time of incredible change. By understanding the changes that your breasts are going through, you can feel more prepared and confident for breastfeeding.
At Hygeia Health, we understand the importance of breastfeeding and the challenges that mothers may face. Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient, allowing you to focus on bonding with your baby.
We also offer resources and support to help mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Our website provides information on breastfeeding and pumping, and our customer service team is available to answer your questions.
Get a Free Breast Pump
We believe that every mother should have access to the tools and support they need to breastfeed their baby. To apply for a free breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
