This year’s World Health Day, celebrated every April 7, is set to shine a crucial spotlight on the health and survival of women and newborns. There are critical challenges facing the health of both, particularly in regions where access to essential care is limited. As we celebrate this significant day led by the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s vital to recognize the interconnectedness of maternal well-being and infant health, with breastfeeding playing a pivotal role in both.
Strengthening Support Systems: Education and Resources
The WHO is highlighting the need for strong health systems and equal access to care. By most recent estimates, close to 300,000 women lose their life due to pregnancy or childbirth each year. Additionally, over 2 million babies die in their first month of life. That’s not to mention that around 2 million more are stillborn. It’s staggering and heartbreaking. This year’s World Health Day campaign is urging governments, donors and the health community to invest in proven, high-impact interventions, as part of efforts to improve overall quality of care.
From pregnancy related services to lifesaving emergency obstetrics; from special care for small and preterm babies to the support of mental health, malnutrition and an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases; the WHO plans to highlight it all during the campaign.
Remembering the Importance of Breastfeeding
Hygeia and The WHO share similar missions when it comes to mothers and babies. The WHO’s focus on reducing maternal and newborn mortality aligns with Hygeia’s commitment to empowering breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding is not just a feeding choice; it’s a cornerstone of infant health and development. It provides crucial nutrients and immune support. However, for many mothers, especially those facing challenging circumstances, access to an effective and reliable tool like a high-quality breast pump can make or break a situation.
Hygeia believes that access to quality pump should be a right, not a privelge. Ensuring mothers have means to provide their babies with breast milk, directly improves a newborn’s survival and health trajectory. This is why Hygeia is dedicated to bridging this gap for mother’s struggling to breastfeed. We offer hospital-grade breast pumps and specialize in helping moms navigate this process and maximize their insurance benefits. Let us streamline the process and we will determine your eligibility for obtaining a 100% insurance-covered breast pump.
On World Health Day 2025 we continue to focus on the health of mothers and newborns. We are proud to play a part in the vital endeavor to help every mother give her baby the best possible start.
With your breastfeeding journey on the horizon, researching breast pump options is naturally going to be on your list of to-dos.The array of options available can be daunting for new mothers, though. Understanding the distinctions between each type is crucial for a successful pump choice.
It’s common to feel overwhelmed when faced with choices ranging from single, manual pumps to double, wearable pumps. This guide aims to demystify the options, providing clarity on the benefits and appropriate uses for each. By exploring the differences mothers can make informed decisions.
Let’s ditch the jargon and dive into what you really need to know about hospital-grade, electric, manual, single, double, and those awesome wearable pumps everyone’s talking about. We’ll get you sorted, so you can focus on what matters most: your little one.
Hospital-Grade vs. Personal-Use Pumps: Power and Efficiency
Hospital-grade pumps are often considered the gold standard, and for good reason. These pumps are designed for frequent, long-term use, offering powerful suction and adjustable settings to maximize milk output. They’re ideal for moms who need to establish or maintain a strong milk supply, such as those with premature babies or those returning to work full-time. While they come with a higher price tag, their efficiency can be invaluable.
Personal-use pumps, on the other hand, are designed for less frequent pumping. They’re typically more portable and affordable, making them a good option for moms who pump occasionally, need a backup pump. This is also an option if your insurance cannot cover a hospital-grade pump and it is not in your budget to spring for one out of pocket.
Electric vs. Manual Pumps: Convenience vs. Control
Electric pumps offer the ultimate convenience, often allowing you to pump both breasts simultaneously with minimal effort. They’re perfect for moms who need to pump regularly and efficiently. Manual pumps, however, require hand operation and offer more control over suction and speed. They’re a good choice for occasional pumping or when portability is paramount.
Single vs. Double Pumps: Time-Saving Efficiency
Double pumps allow you to express milk from both breasts simultaneously, significantly reducing pumping time. This can be a game-changer for busy moms who need to pump frequently. Single pumps, while more affordable, require you to pump one breast at a time, doubling the amount of time you spend pumping.
Wearable Pumps: Freedom and Flexibility
Wearable pumps are the latest innovation in breast pump technology, offering unparalleled freedom and flexibility. These hands-free, cordless pumps fit discreetly inside your bra, allowing you to pump while on the go. They’re perfect for busy moms who need to multitask or those who want to pump discreetly in public.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Your Breast Pump
One of the most significant factors in choosing a breast pump is affordability. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, many insurance plans cover the cost of a breast pump. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific plan. It’s crucial to contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage details.
Some plans may cover hospital-grade pumps, while others may only cover personal-use pumps. At Hygeia Health, we specialize in helping moms navigate this process and maximize their insurance benefits. We can assist in determining your eligibility and streamline the process of obtaining a 100% insurance-covered breast pump.
Choosing the Right Pump for You
Ultimately, the best breast pump is the one that meets your individual needs and lifestyle. Consider factors such as:
Frequency of pumping: Frequent pumping calls for hospital grade or high quality electric double pumps.
Budget: Personal-use or manual pumps are more budget friendly, but many insurance policies will cover the cost of a hospital grade and top of the line pumps.
Lifestyle: Wearable pumps are great for busy, on the go moms.
Milk supply needs: Hospital grade pumps are great for establishing supply.
Hygeia knows every mom deserves access to the best tools to support their breastfeeding journey. That’s why we’re here to help. By completing a simple form we can help you see if you qualify for a hospital-grade breast pump 100% covered by your insurance policy.
We’re here to support you every step of the way, from finding the right pump to navigating insurance coverage. You’ve got this, mama!
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey that nourishes your baby with the perfect blend of nutrients and antibodies. But for busy moms, pumping allows for flexibility and convenience, ensuring your baby receives the benefits of breastmilk even when you’re not there.
Whether you’re a seasoned pumping pro or just starting out, mastering the process of pumping, storing, thawing, and feeding breastmilk empowers you to confidently navigate your breastfeeding journey. Here’s your comprehensive guide:
Pumping Essentials:
Find Your Rhythm: Establish a pumping routine that works for you. It could be several short sessions throughout the day or longer stretches that fit your schedule. Consistency is key to maintaining milk supply.
Choosing Your Pump: A high-quality breast pump makes a world of difference. Hygeia Health offers a comfortable, efficient, and quiet hospital-grade pump that is free to many through insurance. Consider your needs – portability for on-the-go pumping or a hospital-grade option for frequent pumping sessions.
Perfect Latch & Positioning: Proper positioning and latch ensure optimal milk flow and prevent discomfort. Your baby’s mouth should be wide open, with their chin and lower lip flanged outward. Their tongue should be positioned over a large portion of your nipple and most of the darker area around your nipple, called the areola). This ensures they get enough milk and prevents nipple pain for you. If you’re unsure about your latch, don’t hesitate to ask a lactation consultant for help.
Storing Liquid Gold: Safeguarding Your Breast Milk
Fresh is Best: Freshly pumped breast milk can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F) for up to 4 hours. This is ideal for short outings or pumping between nursing sessions.
Refrigerator Storage for Later: For longer storage, refrigerate breast milk in the back of the refrigerator where the temperature is most stable. Properly stored milk can last up to 4 days.
Deep Freeze for Long-Term Storage: Breast milk can be stored in the deep freezer (at 0°F or below) for up to 12 months. However, milk quality can degrade over time. Label containers with the date to ensure you use the oldest milk first.
Adding to your Storage: Small amounts of expressed milk may be added to the same refrigerated container or even a frozen container. The key is that the milk you want to add is cooled in the fridge beforehand. Don’t add body-temperature milk to cooled or already frozen milk.
Hygeia’s Storage Solutions: Invest in high-quality breast milk storage bags or containers. Hygeia Health offers a range of leak-proof, BPA-free storage options to keep your precious milk safe, including a cooler bag for temporary storage on the go.
Thawing Treasures: Warming Up Breast Milk Safely
Never Microwave: Don’t even think about it. Not only does microwaving destroy nutrients in breast milk but it can also create hot spots that could burn your baby’s mouth.
Gradual Thawing: The safest method is to thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator overnight or generally 12 hours. For quicker thawing, place the sealed milk bag or container in a container of lukewarm water, but never in boiling water. This kind of heat can damage the nutrients. It is also important to not let it thaw at room temperature.
Temperature Check and mixing: Before feeding, test a drop of milk on the inside of your wrist to ensure it’s lukewarm, not hot. Be sure to swirl the milk in the bag or bottle as the milk can separate during storage and you want to blend all the fats.
Limited window: Once you’ve thawed milk and left it at room temperature, you want to feed it to your baby within two hours. If that doesn’t happen, do not refreeze the milk. It’s time to pitch.
Feeding Time! Delivering the Goodness
Room Temperature or Chilled?: Either is fine! Breast milk can be fed to your baby at room temperature or chilled. Some babies may even prefer cooler milk. You can also warm the milk to body temperature but it’s not necessary.
Fresh vs. Thawed: If possible, prioritize using fresh or refrigerated breast milk over thawed milk. Thawed milk may have a slightly different taste or smell. It’s still perfectly safe for your baby; however, it will store longer and you can’t refreeze it once thawed, so save it for later.
Bottles and Nipples: Choose bottles designed for breastfed babies to help prevent nipple confusion. Experiment with different nipple types to find one your baby takes comfortably.
Hygeia’s Feeding Accessories: Hygeia Health offers a variety of bottle and nipple options to ensure a smooth transition between breast and bottle feeding.
Embrace the Journey with Hygeia Health
Juggling motherhood and breastfeeding can be demanding, but pumping empowers you to provide your baby with the irreplaceable benefits of breast milk. Hygeia Health is here to support you every step of the way.
We offer a convenient insurance-covered breast pump program to eligible mothers. Our hospital-grade pump is designed for comfort, efficiency, and portability, making it perfect for busy moms.
Click here to apply for your free breast milk pump today!
With the right knowledge, tools, and support system, you can confidently navigate pumping, storing, thawing, and feeding breast milk. Happy pumping, mamas!
September is Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month (NICU Awareness), a time to recognize the incredible strength and resilience of NICU families. For mothers of NICU babies, breastfeeding can be a source of comfort, connection, and nourishment.
Challenges Faced by NICU Moms
NICU moms often face unique challenges in all aspects of mothering a newborn, but specifically, breastfeeding a NICU baby can be particularly difficult. These challenges may include:
Separation from their baby: Being unable to hold and feed baby can be emotionally taxing.
Pumping challenges: Maintaining milk supply while baby is in the NICU can be physically demanding.
Stress and anxiety: The stress of having a baby in the NICU can impact a mother’s milk supply as well as the overall ability to breastfeed.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding a NICU Baby
Despite these challenges, breastfeeding a NICU baby offers numerous benefits and is still very possible. Some of these benefits include:
Colostrum: The first milk produced after birth is rich in nutrients and antibodies that can help protect your baby from infections. While baby may not be able to latch, a mom can pump and the colostrum can still nourish baby.
Reduced risk of infections: Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect your baby from infections, which are common in NICU babies.
Improved growth and development: Breast milk is specifically designed to meet your baby’s nutritional needs and can help promote healthy growth and development, which are all the more necessary in premature births and NICU babies in general.
Stronger bond: Breastfeeding can help you bond with your baby, even if they are still in the NICU and you cannot have skin-to-skin contact.
Support NICU Moms
Supporting a mother of a NICU baby can make a world of difference. By offering your support, you can help a NICU mom feel less alone and more empowered to care for her baby. Here are a few ways you can offer your support:
Be there for her: First and foremost, offer emotional support, a listening ear, and words of encouragement.
Help with practical tasks: Helping with what seem like simple household chores, errands, or childcare for older children can make a world of difference to a stressed NICU mom.
Respect her feelings: Understand that she may be feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Avoid making assumptions or offering unsolicited advice.
Connect her with resources: While you do have to be careful about unsolicited advice, it can be helpful to be sure she is connected with information about local support groups, lactation consultants, or other resources that can help her.
Celebrate her strength: No matter how small, take time to acknowledge her resilience and the challenges she is facing. Let her know that you appreciate her strength and courage.
How Hygeia Health Can Help
At Hygeia Health, we understand the unique challenges faced by NICU moms and are here to give the best support.
Support resources: We offer resources and support to help NICU moms on their breastfeeding journey. Our website provides information on breastfeeding and pumping, and our customer service team is available to answer your questions.
Lactation assistance: Access an expert anytime, anywhere for assurance and support on your breastfeeding journey. We partner with Nest Collaborative to provide virtual breastfeeding consults covered by most insurance plans at no cost to you.
Get a free breast pump: We believe that every mother should have access to the tools and support they need to breastfeed their baby. That’s why we offer a free breast pump to NICU moms through our NICU Mom Support Program. Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient, allowing you to focus on bonding with your baby.
Let’s work together to support NICU families and celebrate the incredible strength and resilience of these amazing mothers.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it can also come with challenges, especially in those early days. Finding a comfortable and successful latch is key for both you and your baby. The good news is, there’s no single “right” position – every mom-baby pair finds what works best breastfeeding position.
Popular breastfeeding positions to get you started:
- The Cradle Hold: This classic position is a great go-to for many moms, particularly newborns. You cradle your baby close, arm supporting their head and neck, with their body facing yours. Their tummy should be against yours, promoting skin-to-skin contact. This position allows for easy control and good visibility to ensure a proper latch.
- The Cross-Cradle Hold: Similar to the cradle hold, but with your baby nestled across your body, supported by the opposite arm. This can be helpful for babies with torticollis (a stiff neck) or those who have trouble turning their heads towards one breast.
- The Football Hold: This hold is like a quarterback cradling a football under their arm. Perfect for newborns with latching difficulties or moms with larger breasts. With your baby tucked under your arm, their head resting near your breast, it allows for better control and deeper latching.
- The Side-Lying Position: This cozy position is ideal for nighttime feedings or relaxed lounging. Lie on your side facing your baby, with pillows for support. Your baby can then nuzzle in close, latching comfortably.
- The Laid-Back Position: This relaxed approach allows gravity to assist your baby in latching. Recline comfortably, with your baby lying on your tummy. Let your baby lead the way, rooting around and latching on naturally.
Tips for Success:
Comfort is Key: Experiment with different positions until you find one that feels natural and supportive for both you and your baby.
Proper Latch: Ensure your baby’s mouth is wide open and they have a deep latch on both the nipple and surrounding areola.
Support: Pillows can be your best friend for positioning and comfort. Use them to prop up your arms, support your back, or elevate your baby.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: This is essential for promoting bonding, regulating baby’s temperature, and improving milk production.
Finding the Perfect Fit:
While breastfeeding positions are crucial, having the right breast pump can also play a significant role in your breastfeeding journey. Hygeia Health offers a range of high-quality breast pumps designed for comfort, efficiency, and discreet pumping.
Ready to Apply for a Free Breast Pump?
Many insurance companies are required to cover the cost of a breast pump under the Affordable Care Act. Hygeia Health can help you navigate the insurance process and determine if you qualify for a free breast pump through our simple online application. Visit our website at Hygeia Health website to get started today!
By finding a comfortable breastfeeding position and having the right support system in place, you can embark on a successful and rewarding breastfeeding journey.
