Some Links on various topics

A mom-friend of mine was asking about what to say to a mother who was not interested in nursing. Sometimes when a person is resistant to the idea of nursing, it's hard to break through that barrier. The mom in question was expecting twins. So, I compiled a list of links with good information. I thought these were good enough to pass on.

All but one of these articles originates from La Leche League, my first go-to source for questions:

Here's a link about BF after a Cesarean birth:
http://www.llli.org/faq/cesarean.html

An extensive article on colostrum:
http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvdecjan05p123.html

The science of breastmilk as it compares to formula:
http://www.llli.org/nb/nbiss3-09p28.html

Breastfeeding and work, showing the business case for breastfeeding, that nursing is actually good for the employer, too:
http://www.llli.org/law/lawemployment.html

This is a great article written from a nursing mama  who is also  a practicing lawyer. It covers nursing on demand and folowing mother's instincts and baby's cues. After her article there is a note from her husband about what he went through in his evolution as a father:
http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/elizabeth_baldwin.html

An article about breastfeeding twins:
http://www.llli.org/faq/twins.html

Resource page on nursing multiples from LLL:
http://www.llli.org/nb/nbmultiples.html

Flat or Inverted Nipples

I've had a couple of moms come to me so far with concerns about flat or inverted nipples. I haven't had a lot of experience with this. I have not experienced this problem, nor do I have close friends that have. However, I found some good articles from La Leche League and Kelly Mom, both trustworthy sources. Some links from their direction follow:

Here is a great article from La Leche League on Frequently Asked Question, about inverted nipples:

http://www.llli.org/faq/flat.html


　

Here is another article from Kelly Mom--Kelly Flora is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant:

http://www.motherandchildhealth.com/Breastfeeding/Becky/inverted.html

La Leche League talks about nipple shells. I found this link. They don't seem overly expensive. Maybe worth a try, if mom is able to find them:　

http://www.amazon.com/SoftShells-Breast-Shell-Soothers-Inverted/dp/B000058DPM/ref=tag_stp_s2f_edpp_breast13ls

Here is a link on the Evert-it Nipple Enhancer. Again, not overly expensive. Perhaps worth a try:

http://www.amazon.com/Evert-It-Nipple-Enhancer/dp/B0002VPXVI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

　

ABC's of Nursing

I will develop this further at a later date. I have been thinking of ways to streamline the teaching of breastfeeding into 3-7 major pieces. According to brain research in teaching and learning, the brain only can take in so many pieces of information at a time, 3-7 pieces for adolescents through adults. So, this is what I came up at first brush:

The A B Cs of Nursing:

• A - Allow
  Allow baby to nurse when s/he is hungry. This is called Nursing on Demand. Research shows it is best to follow baby's cues and allow them to nurse when they are hungry, for as long or as short as they need. Let them detach from the breast on their own.
• B - Breast
  Nurse baby at the breast when possible. There are a variety of reasons why sometimes it is necessary for a mother to pump milk and have it fed through a bottle or feeding tube. Latch issues, at first, are a common reason. Other reasons may include cleft palate or premature birth. However, a baby will be infinitely better at draining the breast and stimulating milk production than any pump will ever be. Some women do not let down easily for a pump. It takes longer to drain a breast from a pump, even when letdown is happening. On average, pumping needs to take place more often than a 'normal' nursing schedule to keep up with a baby's needs. For this reason, baby should be nursed at the breast whenever possible. If latch issues are occurring, they should be resolved quickly, as milk supply usually diminishes with prolonged use of a pump for exclusive draining of the breast.
• C - Continue following Cues
  Follow baby's cues in continuing of nursing. Nursing patterns will change with the age and development of the baby. It is best to follow his/her hunger cues (rooting, smacking of lips, fussiness). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, the 'ideal' length of the nursing relationship is as follows:
   - to exclusively breastfeed with no other supplements or other food sources for 6 months
   - after the 6 month mark, to supplement breastfeeding with the gradual introduction of solid foods
   - to continue to supplement the introduction of solid foods with breast milk for at least the 1st
        year of life
   - beyond the 1 year mark, breastfeeding continues to provide benefits for both mother and child
       it can and should continue for as long as mother and child are comfortable doing so.

Pumping and Feeding

Sometimes situations come up where nursing from the breast is difficult. These may include, but are not limited to the following: latch issues (baby won't latch well on the breast), cracked and sore nipples (resulting from poor latch), mother discomfort with nursing (physical pain or emotional discomfort with using her breasts for feeding). Any or all of these can contribute to moms resorting to pumping milk from the breast and feeding it through a bottle.

　

Pumping and feeding is certainly an adequate way to nurse a baby, when nursing from the breast is not possible. However, moms should be informed that exclusively pumping, without baby nursing at all from the breast, can result in a diminished milk supply. Milk supply is created through supply and demand. As more milk is drained from the breast, the body in turn makes more milk to ‘keep up’. The body will generally not let down as well or as completely from an artificial pump as it will from a baby on the breast. For that reason, supply will eventually diminish if baby is not put back to breast, or if pumping is not increased adequately to reflect baby’s needs. Pumps can help maintain supply for finite time periods, when skin to skin nursing is not possible; however, it rarely makes a complete substitute. Babies are much better at draining a breast than any pump will be, hospital grade or otherwise. Therefore, if pumping and feeding is your only means of breastfeeding, be aware that supply can diminish if not carefully monitored. Pump more often to increase supply. Pump for longer periods. And If at all possible, re-introduce the breast to baby, as it is the BEST way to stimulate milk production and adequately drain the breast. The more often baby is put to breast, the more likely milk supply will fall into the right place.

　

Below are some good articles and resources on pumping and feeding from KellyMom.com (the author is an International BoardCertified Lactation Consultant):

• For more information on pumping and feeding, what to expect in terms of output when pumping, and ways to increase milk supply while pumping, read the following article:http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html
  
• For more information on establishing and maintaining a good milk supply when baby is not nursing directly from the breast, read the following article:
  http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/maintainsupply-pump.html
  
• For a complete list of articles on pumping and milk supply, look to the following:
  http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/

Breastfeeding and the Law

Wisconsin has state laws on the books to protect the rights of breastfeeding mothers. Basically, a woman can breastfeed anywhere where she and her baby are permitted to be together. We have federal law that requires empolers to allow breastfeeding mothers the opportunity to express milk for their child for the first year after birth. They must also provide a place to pump, other than a bathroom.

http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=14389

Wellness Center of Door County

Some links for reference:

Facebook info page:
http://www.facebook.com/wellnesscenterdoorcounty?ref=ts&sk=wall#!/wellnesscenterdoorcounty?sk=info

Website:
http://www.wellnesscenterofdoorcounty.com/

Women Food Pregnancy Program (for women of childbearing age):
http://www.wellnesscenterofdoorcounty.com/programs/woman-food/index.php

When to Nurse Your Baby - How to Calm Your Baby

Q: When should I nurse my baby?
A: You should offer the breast first when baby shows signs of hunger or fussiness. It’s the first and best line of response. Early signs of hunger will be displayed by lip smacking, rooting (biting on fists), turning head from side to side, and showing increased restlessness. You will learn to recognize these cues easily as you get to know your baby better. Offer the breast early for easiest feeding. Crying is a late sign of hunger. Often, if feeding is put off, baby will be fussy and will be more likely to feed poorly. If you offer the breast right away when early hunger cues are being shown, baby will be happier, calmer, and more likely to feed well. Nursing when baby is hungry is called, "nursing on demand." Breastfeeding experts agree that nursing on demand is the preferred way to breastfeed. Rigid nursing schedules and following the clock can threaten milk supply.

 

Q: What if my baby is still fussy.
A: If baby won't take the breast when offered, try to calm the baby with other methods. Below are a few tried and true other ways to sooth a fussy baby, especially in those early weeks. Some of these are taken from Dr. Harvey Karp's book, The Happiest Baby On the Block. I would highly recommend this as a reference:
http://www.amazon.com/Happiest-Baby-Block-Harvey-Karp/dp/0553381466/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350418202&sr=8-1&keywords=the+happiest+baby+on+the+block

1. Is it anything obvious: check or change diaper. Is there something scratching, poking baby? Check clothes for anything that might be uncomfortable. Is baby too hot or too cold? The general rule is to dress baby in one layer warmer than what you would be comfortable wearing. Sometimes, just checking the basics associated with general comfort can be a good place to start.
2. Reduce stimulation: Babies are constantly learning and taking in new information. When in a room with new people, they are looking at and trying to identify with each new face. It is exhausting work. Sometimes they get overstimulated--especially in the later part of the day. Turn down the lights, turn off TV, put baby up on your shoulder, letting them nuzzle (or cry) on your shoulder. Protect them from the world a bit. Find a quieter place if you can. Be patient. It takes time for them to calm sometimes. Sleep is often  the 'reboot' button that allows their brain to settle. More tips on getting them sleepy follow.


3. Swaddle: Wrapping a newborn tightly in a blanket, called swaddling, can help soothe baby. A snug wrap around the body will simulate the feelings the baby had in the womb. It has a natural calming effect. Slings and wraps that hold baby snugly to your body can also be soothing in this way. For techniques on swaddling, look here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSYPqGtFBYQ
   http://pediatrics.about.com/od/weeklyquestion/a/0607_swaddling.htm
   
4. Swing or provide movement: Gentle, rhythmic movement also helps calm babies by simulating what happened in the womb. When you wrap baby tightly AND move them rhythmically, it simulates that movement they felt in the womb, when mom was walking and moving around during the day, while baby was held snugly inside. Ways to provide gentle movement include dancing or walking with baby held securely in your arms (or a sling). Swaying back and forth with baby held securely in your arms (or a sling). A baby swing or rocking bassinet will also do a good job providing this movement. Rocking together in a rocking chair is also soothing. A ride in the car (in a safe car seat, of course) is another good choice.
5. Shhhhh: Sometimes it comes naturally, we say shhhh, shhhh, shhhh to baby in their ear. Well, good science has found there’s a reason we do this. Rhythmic loud noise also simulates womb environment by providing the noise that was present all the time in their pre-birth existence. The rushing of mom’s blood through the blood vessels in and around the placenta is loud for babies, in the womb. That same kind of loud rhythmic, white noise is soothing in the early weeks/months, too. You can provide this by saying, "Shhh, shhhh, shhh," loudly in baby’s ear. Sometimes running a vacuum or standing near a running laundry machine is helpful, too. My husband, desperate to help, stood next to one of his loud ‘tools’ in the shop. It did the trick & put our baby to sleep. You will find that when baby is in a loud environment, s/he will often ‘shut down’ and sleep. This is good to use to your advantage with shhh-ing or creating some loud background noise.
6. Suck—again, offer the breast. The sucking helps soothe babies to sleep. Dads can sometimes offer a finger to suck on, or a pacifier, if baby is not too young. Breastfeeding experts usually advise against using any artificial nipples in the first 4-6 weeks. Talk to your health care provider about this.
7. Skin to skin contact—Strip baby down to diaper. Take off your shirt. Let baby be close to you, touching your skin. This skin to skin contact helps release hormones in you and in baby that calm and relax you both. Rock in a chair, under a blanket, and let the two of you be in close, skin to skin. Several of the soothing mechanisms will be triggered.
8. Pressure on the stomach—First and foremost, it is important to reiterate ALWAYS PUT BABY TO SLEEP ON HIS/HER BACK. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MEASURE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF SIDS. That being said, sometimes pressure on the tummy when fussing is helpful in soothing baby to sleep. What we did is put a pillow on our lap, sitting in a good chair or couch, put baby on the pillow on her tummy, gently rocking her back and forth with our knees, and then offering a pacifier, if she wasn’t sucking her fingers. We, of course, had hands on baby to make sure she was securely held. My husband was good at holding baby on his forearm on her tummy and swishing her back and forth, using the other arm as support. This movement  coupled with pressure on the tummy helps soothe baby to sleep.
9. Stay calm – baby can tell if you’re stressed out. Take some deep breaths yourself to reduce your stress level. Put in ear plugs, if it helps. I know being around a crying baby for an extended period of time is stressful. If you have a co-parent/partner/friend around to help, take turns and give the other person a chance to step away & take a walk around the block—get out of the environment. A few minutes of quiet can do wonders to help calm the nerves. If nothing else, if you have no one there to help, put baby where she is safe, in her crib, for a few minutes and step away. It is important that you find a way to calm yourself. Baby can pick up on your stress and react to it, making the situation even worse. NEVER SHAKE A BABY.  For more info, go here: http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/uichildrenshospital/childprotection/pdf/sbsflyerfinal.pdf
   
10. Remember, this won’t last forever. Sometimes as parents and human beings, we think whatever challenge we’re facing will last indefinitely. When a baby is upset, it can feel like it will last forever. IT WON’T. Try to keep this in perspective. Babies get fussy. Babies cry. This is the only way they have to communicate when they are upset. If you can’t figure it out, for the short term, just be empathetic for your baby. Be that soft place to land. Look at her in her eyes and say, "I know you’re hurting. I’m so sorry. I’m here to help you." Just passing that emotion of wanting to help to your baby can go along way. Keep this in perspective. If your baby is inconsolable, call your doctor and see when you can bring him/her into the office next. Always consult a health professional if you’re feeling that something is truly wrong. Trust your gut. Trust those instincts.

Low Milk Supply

Technically, low milk supply is supposed to be rare. However, I have recently heard of several cases of moms having concerns and real issues with milk supply. Here is a link to a book put out by La Leche League, a trusted breastfeeding source. It has all kinds of information about milk supply, how to tell if you are producing enough, and ways to encourrage greater supply. I have not read it, but knowing La Leche League, I would trust it's a good source:
http://store.llli.org/public/profile/362

Nipple Pain

Here is a good article from La Leche League about causes of nipple pain and remedies.

http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvfebmar00p10.html

Common Breastfeeding Myths

This is a very comprehensive and accurate list of breatstfeeding myths and the truthful story behind each. I'd encourrage you to read and pass it on:

http://blog.nurturedchild.ca/index.php/2011/01/30/the-truth-behind-common-breastfeeding-myths/

More Benefits to Breastfeeding

Another great link showing the many benefits to breastfeeding...

http://www.llli.org/cbi/facts.html

Breastfeeding and Lowered Risk for Autism and ADHD

Autism and ADHD are childhood developmental disorders, highly talked about in this country. I was doing some reading on breastfeeding rates and both of these disorders and found some interesting conclusions.  In the handful of studies I’ve read about, increased rates of breastfeeding and longer durations of breastfeeding were linked with lower instances of each of these disorders. Bottom line, reduce your child’s risk by breastfeeding for as long as possible. It would be great to see more research done in both of these areas.

While the causes and mechanisms of these disorders are still not understood completely, it is encouraging to see that we can reduce risk factors. I’d encourage any mom with concerns about these disorders to breastfeed and continue to breastfeed for as long as possible. A year is the gold standard. However, the benefits multiply even more for nursing beyond a year. And we should remember, any amount of time at the breast is a good thing & should be celebrated. 

Here are some links:

The duration of breastfeeding

and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Kądziela-Olech H*, Piotrowska-Jastrzębska J:

http://www.advms.pl/roczniki_2005/volumes/54_Kadziela_Olech_H_Duration%20of%20breast.pdf

Causes of ADHD

February 26th, 2009 by Ronit Baras

http://m.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/causes-of-adhd/?wpmp_switcher=mobile

Breastfeeding, infant formula supplementation, and Autistic Disorder: the results of a parent survey

Stephen T Schultz^1,2,5*, Hillary S Klonoff-Cohen¹, Deborah L Wingard¹, Natacha A Akshoomoff³, Caroline A Macera², Ming Ji² and Christopher Bacher⁴

http://www.internationalbreastfeedingjournal.com/content/1/1/16

Autism and the Breastfeeding Family

Celeste Land
Vienna VA USA
From: LEAVEN, Vol. 37 No. 2, February-March 2001, p. 10-11

http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvfebmar02p10.html

Door County Breastfeeding Support

Door County Breastfeeding Support Network meets the 1st Wednesday of each month from 10:30-11:30am at the Door County Public Library, 2nd floor meeting room. Dates for 2011 are as follows: Jan. 5, Feb. 2, Mar. 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7

Warning against 'Babywise'

There is a new article published by the AAP, warning against the 'method' aspoused by 'Babywise'.
You an find the full text at the link below:
http://www.drmomma.org/2009/12/babywise-linked-to-babies-dehydration.html

I'd steer clear of any measure that stresses scheduling. Breastfed babies do better when you feed on demand. The AAP supports this viewpoint.

Top Ten Reasons for Breastfeeing

There are a lot of good reasons to breastfeed. Here is my top ten list of reasons why I love breastfeeding:

1.       Breastfeeding boosts a baby’s immune system with antibodies, from the mother, that will help fight illness.  Bottom line, breastfed babies will get sick less often, and when they do get sick, it will usually be for a shorter duration. This happens for as long as a child is breastfed. Less ear infections. Less stomach illnesses. Less hospitalizations for illnesses.

2.       When baby is sick, I know she’s getting the best source of hydration, nutrition, and ‘medicine’. When I have had sick babies at home, pretty much all they want to do is nurse and sleep. They can do both simultaneously, and this ensures they are well hydrated. They get my antibodies, which helps fight off the illness quicker. It helps comfort into sleep, which is what they need to get better. Breastmilk is digested quickly, so I know that some nutrients are getting ‘in’ even when diarrhea and vomiting are happening.

3.       Moms who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer. I have breast cancer in my family history. Both of my grandmothers died of the disease. I am so happy that breastfeeding my girls has helped lower my risk of getting this disease. The longer a mother nurses, the greater the preventative benefit to her.

4.       Babies who are breastfed are at lower risk of becoming obese or developing diabetes. I come from an overweight family. I have diabetes in my family history. Thankfully, both girls have been very ‘normal’ in their growth and development. And I know it helps them lower their risk of obesity down the road. Babies who nurse naturally follow their hunger cues better. They eat slower, allowing their bellies to tell them when they’re full. This, in turn, develops a lifelong habit of eating to fullness, not just ‘finishing a plate’.

5.       Breastfeeding provides lots of skin to skin contact between mom and baby, which helps bonding between mom and baby happen. It is a very natural way to become close to your baby.

6.       Breastfeeding is cheap. Outside of a few supplies that will be helpful along the way, like maybe a few nursing bras and/or a breast pump, you can breastfeed your baby without any other costs. Formula is expensive. And the way food programs are designed, particularly the WIC program, more real food (fresh fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, milk, cheese, and canned meat) is provided for breastfeeding moms and breastfed babies.

7.       Breastfeeding travels easy. You don’t have to pack bottles & formula. It’s all right there with you. Throw a diaper and some wipes in a small bag and you can go out with your baby for a long time. Bottle feeding requires lugging around much more stuff.

8.       Breastfed babies reportedly have higher IQ (intelligence) than formula fed babies. I know I could have used a few extra IQ points in school. I’m glad to be giving my girls the best boost I can in this area.

9.       You and baby can sleep while you’re nursing, especially in the early days after delivery. Baby will eat and sleep a lot in the first weeks of life. If you can be home with your baby during that time, it provides an excellent opportunity to rest and regain strength. Provided you can have some help from family & friends with other household tasks and sibling care, you can lay down and sleep with baby while s/he is nursing.  It feels wonderful to rest with baby. (But do look up safe ways to sleep with baby *here*.)

10.   Breast milk changes as the baby grows to help meet his/her nutritional needs. Even as baby transitions to solid food and cow’s milk, the smaller amount of breast milk contains higher concentrations of antibodies to prevent disease. The fat and nutrient content change as baby ages. No need to research different types of formula and read fine print, just nurse, it’s all in there!

Other Reputable Resources:

Spangler, Amy.  (2006). A Parent’s Guide to Breastfeeding.  Cincinnati, Ohio: Specialty Lithographing Co.

http://www.llli.org/NB/NBbenefits.html

http://www.kellymom.com/parenting/sleep/familybed.html#linkssafety

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

This book is an awesome resource. I had been introduced to it in my meetings at La Leche League as sort of, "The Bible of Breastfeeding." I would highly recommend it for new moms and nursing moms alike. New moms, you could probably borrow it from a library as well, but if you like it, do yourself a favor and buy a copy:

Buy it from La Leche League:
http://store.llli.org/public/profile/414

or find it at your favorite book vendor!!

No Guilt Trips

Since this is a new blogsite, I just wanted to make something clear from the get go... this is not a place for guilt trips. I think all moms do the best they can to provide and care for their kids. I happen to love breastfeeding, but know that for a variety of reasons, it doesn't always work. I do not wish to make any mother feel badly or inferior for their experiences. I only wish to educate and make breastfeeding easier and more of an attainable goal for as many people as possible. I will share information here that has to do with all around baby and mom care too, so it isn't all about breastfeeding. That said, breastfeeding will be a key focus, as I am employed as Peer Breastfeeing Counselor in Door County, WI. I will share this site with moms I serve. Please feel free to join in the conversation.

The book "Best Milk" by Kate Carothers, Illustrated by Jessica Scheberl

Click on the link below to learn about a great new book about breastfeeding. Geard toward children, this book will help all members of the family  get acquainted with the changes that come when welcoming a new nursing baby into the family.
http://www.bestmilkbook.com/About_Us.html

Best Milk  by Kate Carothers, Illustrated by Jessica Scheberl

Slings

The other thing that is great for moms, especially nursing ones, but really any, would be a good sling. Now, Target sells some, but I'd recommend some other brands that I trust more. Target sold the Infantino sling that was recently recalled for safety issues (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10177.html)   I've had lots of experience with "Over the Shoulder Baby Holders." This is a padded ring-style sling. These were sold at the hospital where I delivered both girls. Of all the varieties of slings I've used, they've been the most useful and versatile.   The Over the Shoulder Baby Holder is no longer manufactured, but I found some comparable ones below.

 There are lots of good brands of babt slings. Any good baby boutique will have some good varieties. "Maya wrap" is a well known, trustworthy name. On Amazon, I see, "Light on the Shoulder" which looks very comparable to what I have (over the shoulder baby holder, now discontinued). The key thing I'd recommend is that it be a ring style wrap. Padded or unpadded. I've tended to use padded, but I've seen lots of women use and enjoy unpadded ones. These are the safest and most versatile. Here are a few links that might help:

http://www.amazon.com/Lite-on-Shoulder-lime-Baby-Sling/dp/B000MOKPTK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296233419&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Original-Maya-Wrap-Padded--Black/dp/B000JT0VTC/ref=sr_1_5?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1296233650&sr=1-5

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dbaby-products&field-keywords=maya+wrap#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dbaby-products&field-keywords=ring+sling&rh=n%3A165796011%2Ck%3Aring+sling

I would not recommend any slings that look loose or pouchy. Here is an example: http://www.target.com/Karma-Baby-Organic-Cotton-Twill/dp/B001TEGPGO/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=baby+sling&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-11&qid=1296233879&rh&searchRank=target104545&id=Karma+Baby+Organic+Cotton+Twill&node=1038576%7C1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0

They need to be adjustable to hold baby high up on the body, with head out, mostly. Not safe to be buried deep or loose in a low fitting sack.

Any ring sling would be a good buy. I'd stay away from some of the new fangled ones.

Moby Wraps, as I said, are nice early on. I used it a bunch with my second in the first couple of months.  The baby stays in very securely.  These are particularly nice when they're light and little & sleep a lot. You can really move around (or sit) easily with them snuggled in well. Here is a link from amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Moby-Wrap-Original-Carrier-Chocolate/dp/B000X4WORU/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1296234084&sr=1-1

But for ease of use, length of use, and the money spent, I do think the ring carriers are a better buy. Just my opinion though. Moby wraps are very 'popular' right now.

Gift ideas for new moms

Slings & Supplies for New Moms:

I’ve been asked a few times about gifts for new moms who plan to breastfeed as well as what sling I would recommend.

Gift Ideas for New Moms

The most valuable gift that you could get from a place like Target would be a Boppy, Boppy cover, some lanolin (put out by Medela or Lansinoh). Lanolin is a great cream for nipples, but doubles as a great lip balm too. My husband loved it! The Boppy is a special pillow that fits around the body to help support the baby while nursing. Other things can be used, but it's really helpful & the Boppy Brand has a good design. I have three in my home I still use. They can be used to support baby while sitting. So, they are valuable even outside of nursing. When baby is new, these are super helpful. I kept one in my car and one in our bedroom and one in baby's room. Oh, and I'd highly recommend bringing it to the hospital (tell the new mom that). For my first birth, I did not have a Boppy on hand, and in hindsight, wish I had.

The other thing that is great for moms, especially nursing ones, but really any, would be a good sling. Now, Target sells some, but I'd recommend some other brands that I trust more. Target sold the Infantino sling that was recently recalled for safety issues (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10177.html)   I've had lots of experience with "Over the Shoulder Baby Holders." This is a padded ring-style sling. These were sold at the hospital where I delivered both girls. Of all the varieties of slings I've used, they've been the most useful and versatile.   The Over the Shoulder Baby Holder is no longer manufactured, but I found some comparable ones below (see “More on Slings”).

Other breastfeeding supplies would be milk storage bags put out by  Medela or Lansinoh. Disposable breast pads, I preferred Johnson & Johnson. Please advise any new mom to bring some breast pads to the hospital.  A couple of days after birth, when the milk comes in, a new mother usually wake up with a soaked bra, shirt, and sheets.

Helpful Links:

Medela: http://medela.factoryoutletstore.com/?cid=11779&chid=1&gclid=CNqjkNmJiKcCFQTrKgodXySGdw

Lansinoh: http://www.lansinoh.com/

Boppy: http://www.boppy.com/

More on slings.

 "Over the Shoulder Baby Holder" has been discontinued by the manufacturer, which is why it's so hard to find on Amazon. There are lots of good brands. Maya wrap is another well known, trustworthy name. On Amazon, I see, "Light on the Shoulder" which looks very comparable to what I have. The key thing I'd recommend is that it be a ring style wrap. Padded or unpadded. I've tended to use padded, but I've seen lots of women use and enjoy unpadded ones. These are the safest and most versatile. Here are a few links that might help:

http://www.amazon.com/Lite-on-Shoulder-lime-Baby-Sling/dp/B000MOKPTK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296233419&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Original-Maya-Wrap-Padded--Black/dp/B000JT0VTC/ref=sr_1_5?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1296233650&sr=1-5

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dbaby-products&field-keywords=maya+wrap#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dbaby-products&field-keywords=ring+sling&rh=n%3A165796011%2Ck%3Aring+sling

I would not recommend any slings that look loose or pouchy. Here is an example: http://www.target.com/Karma-Baby-Organic-Cotton-Twill/dp/B001TEGPGO/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=baby+sling&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-11&qid=1296233879&rh&searchRank=target104545&id=Karma+Baby+Organic+Cotton+Twill&node=1038576%7C1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0

They need to be adjustable to hold baby high up on the body, with head out, mostly. Not safe to be buried deep or loose in a low fitting sack.

Any ring sling would be a good buy. I'd stay away from some of the new fangled ones.

Moby Wraps, as I said, are nice early on. I used it a bunch with my second in the first couple of months.  The baby stays in very securely.  These are particularly nice when they're light and little & sleep a lot. You can really move around (or sit) easily with them snuggled in well. Here is a link from amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Moby-Wrap-Original-Carrier-Chocolate/dp/B000X4WORU/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1296234084&sr=1-1

But for ease of use, length of use, and the money spent, I do think the ring carriers are a better buy. Just my opinion though. Moby wraps are very 'popular' right now.

Welcome

This blog will be dedicated to providing help and support to mothers with regard to breastfeeding and baby care. My name is Teri. I am a Peer Breastfeeding Counselor, working in Door County, WI.