Travelling, Pumping & Working... Jessica Writes

It is a great time to travel when your new bundle of joy is right in your arms, and breastfeeding because your baby is with you is really great!  

Now, the hard part, if you are travelling and pumping and working?!!

Our friend Jessica Shortall has writen an excellent book, part mom story, part 411, from her wild travel experiences working for TOMS (yes the famous shoe company).  

 You can buy her book at Amazon or many other places.

 Here is the link to her info-graphic

Below is the text of her info-graphic on breastfeeding + pumping while travelling/working.

 1. Call ahead

Call the client office, conference center, or venue where you'll be spending time. Find a friendly person and straight-up tell them you're breastfeeding and need their help identifying a private place to pump, and a fridge to store milk.

2.  Prepare for the airport

Pack your individual breast pump parts in ziploc bags in case the TSA worker wants to inspect them.  Minimize your carry-ons, because you'll have a bag or cooler full of milk on your way home.  

**Print this TSA provided link that says you're allowed to travel with a pump and as much breastmilk as you want.

https://www.tsa.gov/traveling-formula-breast-milk-and-juice

3.  Learn to pump in a bathroom

 Family restrooms are the best because they have outlets and counters and sinks. But in a bind, you can use your pump's battery pack and stand in a stall with the pump bag hung on the door hook. Throw the pump parts in a Ziploc and worry about washing them later.

4. Hotel

If they won't give you a fridge, say "FOR MEDICAL REASONS" until they cave. If they make you use the minibar, tell them that you expect not to be charged for moving stuff out of there. And if there just is no fridge, demand access to a kitchen fridge for your "medicine." Get the location of this fridge in writing so you can help the morning shift-worker find it when you check out.

Supplies List-

- Reusable, lined lunchbag (for bringing milk home) for 1-2 day trip

- Soft-sided 6-pack cooler for 3-7 day trip

- Lots of large, slider-top Ziploc bags

- More breastmilk storage bags than you think you'll need

- Gel ice packs (in a pinch, get a flight attendent or airport bartender to put ice in some empty breastmilk storage bags)

- A big shawl in case you need to pump somewhere less-than-private

 - Book: Work. Pump. Repeat: The New Mom's Survival Guide to Breastfeeding and Going Back to Work by Jessica Shortall Abrams Image, out September 8, 2015 www.workpumprepeat.com

*Took a little liberty to add a few items:

- We recommend packing  2-4 Bella Materna Nursing Bras, Nursing Tanks, Nursing Gowns, Nursing Essentials. you will need to have these key tools while you are on the road.  We have underwire or wirefree nursing bras available to fit 32-44 B-J cups.

- Breast Leak Prevention

we have 2 options:

Lily Padz Silicone prevents leaks - these are nice because you only need 1 pair, less bulk, easier to travel, easy to clean, quick to dry.  When you notice they are not sticking, that indicates when they need to be cleaned.  Use your body soap or shampoo to clean them.

Bamboo Travel Nursing Pads - if you leak be sure you have these extra soft and easy to use Bamboo Disposable Nursing Pads.  Made with the absolute best materials, Eco Pure, and extra milk barrier to ensure no leaks make their way.  

Take care - get plenty of rest and water, 

Anne

Bella Materna|President|Mom

Nursing Bra Controversy: Wire-Free or Underwire?

Nursing Bra Controversy: Wire-Free or Underwire?

Since 2000 we have been in the business of making maternity bras for expecting women and nursing bras for breastfeeding moms,  the first question usually is Wire or No Wire.

First off, this is just personal experience, not simply medical advice.  If you are having issues with clogged ducts, and pain, especially fever ---  quickly find a local Lactation Consultant.  It is worth the money!

In 15 years, I have had no more than 5 customers raise concern about our bras causing a clogged duct for them.  One woman was local, she came into our shop -- she had on a Wirefree bra....but the fit was way too tight! 

We have successfully offered our patented Flexywire  and Wirefree bras for almost 15 years now, and it seems to come down to a few things to be aware of in this realm.  I realize that most doctors still don't recommend and underwire, but I bet it has more to do with caution because of a worst case scenario, than the success women have had breastfeeding with underwire nursing bras for years.

Our breastfeeding model Audrey 

1. Bra Fit

If the fit of the bra is too tight and constricting, this can easily cause the clogged ducts.  A key location is the bra cup seam - notice if it is digging in, especially if that seam is on top of breast tissue.  It should be supporting tissue, not cutting it off.  Also, loose saggy bras can be a culprit too!  If your breast tissue is not supported well enough, gravity can be working against your milk flow.

2. Genetics

Some women are pre-disposed to getting clogged ducts, or worse - mastitis.  If you know this about yourself, personally I recommend not to play Russian Roulette - just go tp a good bra fitter (usually a local lingerie boutique or a customer service focused department store like Nordstrom) and get a wirefree nursing bra.  I highly recommend our Smooth Cup Wirefree bra especially if you are an E-H cup, also our Mesh Plunge or Anytime Bras are good wirefree alternatives.

3. Low tech 

If you are not pre-disposed to mastitis in a severe way, I personally found if there was a sore spot on my breast I would rub it firmly.  Usually I would be able to find the duct which was a little clogged (on all different spots) and like a cramp, you can gently massage it. It seemed to work for me, but again this is not medical advice - just my personal experience.  

4. Heal after birth - grow into breastfeeding

You just birthed a baby (vaginally or surgically it is traumatic on your body) give yourself time to recover and heal.  Even though I am a fan of the underwire - I needed a couple of weeks to get used to breastfeeding, feeling comfortable and in a good rhythem with my baby boy.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions - we have helped thousands of women over these years.

Toll Free: 1-888-700-8438 (10am - 3pm PST)

Email: order@bellamaterna.com

Chat on our website: www.BellaMaterna.com 

 Here is another resource for Breastfeeding-Problems.com

Take care - get plenty of rest and water, 

Anne

Bella Materna|President|Mom