Tag Archive: breastfeeding

1. Breastfeeding covers: Options for discrete nursing

   April 22, 2024 2:50 pm Leave a Comment

   The journey of motherhood brings a host of joys and challenges, and for many new mums, breastfeeding in public can be one such challenge. Remember, nursing covers aren’t required for breastfeeding in public, but it can be intimidating, especially in the early days when nipple contortion is an unfortunate necessity. When you don’t always get the luxury of choosing to be somewhere quiet at feed times, cover-ups can help make the experience more discrete for you. They can also provide a calming atmosphere for your baby, and help them concentrate on the job at hand if they are prone to getting distracted during feeds.

   There are many on the market, but most will fall into one of these 3 styles; let’s explore the pros and cons of each option.

   Apron style breastfeeding covers

   With an adjustable strap that goes around your neck and material that drapes over your torso, apron-style cover-ups allow a customisable fit that will accommodate different body shapes and provide good coverage, so you can feel confident in your privacy whilst breastfeeding.

   • They allow you to see your baby: Many feature rigid neckline designs, which keep the top of the apron away from your chest and allow you to visualise latching, and maintain eye contact with your baby while nursing. This helps with bonding and connection between you and baby, and may make feeding a newborn easier when it’s not always straightforward and you need to keep an eye on the situation!

   • Ventilation: The rigid neckline also provides a bit of ventilation which you both may be grateful for in the hot summer months – it’s no fun for either of you if you’re uncomfortably sweaty.

   • Potentially less discreet: Because apron style covers are obviously breastfeeding covers, you may feel they draw attention to the act of breastfeeding rather than concealing it. Do remember though, breastfeeding in public should not be something to be ashamed of. It’s beautiful and natural – be proud.

   Click here for our favourite apron cover

   Scarf style breastfeeding covers

   Breastfeeding scarfs blend functionality with style, easily transitioning from a stylish accessory to a nursing aid without any effort. When worn, they are ready to use at any point during the day, and allow for very discrete feeding.

   • Often lightweight material: The soft and lightweight fabric of breastfeeding scarfs ensures comfort for the baby and breathability for the mother, making them useable all year round, but particularly useful in summer.

   • Can be hard to see baby underneath: A scarf will naturally conform to your baby’s shape. This can make seeing your baby underneath difficult if you want to keep your breast covered at the same time. Particularly with newborns, this can be cumbersome and awkward, potentially lead to moments of frustration when nursing in public.

   • Versatile design: The large swathes of material mean they can double up as sunshades, blankets, or even car seat covers, making them a practical choice for mums on the go.

   Here is a high recommended and well priced scarf

   Poncho style breastfeeding covers

   Unsurprisingly designed like a poncho, these have ample material to slip baby underneath to feed. They have pros and cons very similar to scarf style cover-ups. Available in many patterns, they can be worn as a stylish day-to-day top, always ready for those impromptu feeds. They are available in a variety of fabrics so you can tailor your choice to the season, ensuring comfort for you and your baby. The drawbacks are that you are unable to see your baby feed underneath them, so they are best suited for established breastfeeding rather than newborns who may need your time and help to latch on and maintain feeding.

   Here is our favourite poncho

   Conclusion

   Using a breastfeeding cover can help you feed modestly, allowing you to feel confident to breastfeed in public. They can also be incredibly versatile, and you may find your preference (and that of your baby!) changes with time. There are many different options available, and the best one for you will be a very personal choice. You may find having good visibility of your baby makes feeding a newborn easier. Established breast feeders will generally cope with more versatile options, but you still need to consider the practicality, the preference of you and your baby, and the season, when making your choice.

   You can use a cover-up for as long as you want in your breastfeeding journey, but as breastfeeding becomes more familiar and easier over time, you may feel the need for a cover diminishes. Ultimately, the most important factor is that both you and baby are comfortable and able to breastfeed successfully.

   References:

   The 7 Best Nursing Covers for Breastfeeding Moms (gentlenursery.com)

   How to Use Breastfeeding Cover: Discreet Nursing – Health 4 Littles

   Author

   This article has been written by Sophie Platt

   Sophie lives with her husband, two young girls (Megan and Jessica), and their daft spaniel, Louie. While her post-natal journey with Megan was very typical, Jess was born 2 months prematurely, with a congenital heart defect and Down Syndrome, giving Sophie first-hand experience dealing with a wide range of circumstances. When she’s not wearing her ‘mum’ hat, Sophie works as a small animal Veterinary Surgeon, and enjoys dabbling with some veterinary and medical writing in addition to her clinical work.

   

2. Your post-pregnancy body: easing breastfeeding back pain

   January 29, 2024 8:57 pm Comments Off on Your post-pregnancy body: easing breastfeeding back pain

   When you become a mum, your body changes. You have just given birth, one of the most amazing, emotional, physically challenging, and rewarding experiences of your life – it’s okay if your body feels some strain after welcoming your little one into the world.

   Your post-pregnancy body may feel slightly different, and you may experience some common physical complaints, such as back pain, related to your pregnancy or birth, or related to your new routine such as lifting, carrying, or breastfeeding your baby.

   A new mum’s back is put under a lot of strain every day, but there are lots of things you can do to help yourself.

   

   Breastfeeding & back pain explained

   Breastfeeding is a skill. Many women put themselves under enormous pressure trying to master it instantly. If you do choose to try and breastfeed, it is important to be kind to yourself and allow time for you and your baby to learn, and to seek advice from health professionals whenever you need it. NHS guidance reminds mums that there are many different breastfeeding positions, such as the cradle hold and the rugby hold, and it is good to try out different ones to work out what is best.

   However, your back pain could be due to your own posture during a feed, and this can be eased with some posture correction.

   Top tips: breastfeeding & posture

   The number one tip to avoid back pain when breastfeeding is to keep your back straight. Always remember to bring your baby to your breast, rather than bending over baby to breastfeed.

   Before a feed, make sure you are in a comfortable position, with relaxed arms and shoulders. Use a cushion to help support your lower back, and to keep your back straight. If the cradle hold is a breastfeeding position that works for you and baby, sit in a comfortable chair with good back support and arm rests, or on a bed with cushions or pillows around you. If you are sitting on a chair, try resting your feet on a stool or small table – this will stop you from leaning forward which can make your back ache.

   Working on your posture when breastfeeding may help with back pain, but you may still experience backaches from your new daily routine with baby.

   Ways to relieve your aching back

   Your body is still recovering in the weeks and months after pregnancy and childbirth, and your back pain will improve over time. However, there are practical ways to ease the pain:

   • Try not to bend your back. When lifting your baby, make sure you keep your back straight and bend at your knees, not your waist. This means you are lifting with your legs, not your back.
   • If possible, try kneeling in front of your baby when putting them into the car seat, instead of bending your back.
   • Remember to avoid twisting your body when you are holding your baby and try not to carry your baby on your hip, as this can put strain on your back muscles.
   • When picking toys up off the floor or bathing your baby, try kneeling or squatting instead of bending your back.
   • Keep your back straight when you push your pram or buggy.
   • Try carrying your baby in a well-fitting sling which will help hold your baby’s weight up and into your body and allow you to stand straight and relieve your back. Check out our blog on the benefits of babywearing. Here at Mumie we love the Ergobaby Omni 360 sling – comfortable yet secure and supportive for both you and baby.
   • Change nappies on a raised surface. You could try kneeling on the floor next to a sofa or bed.
   • Speak to your GP about whether your body is ready for some gentle exercise, like Pilates or yoga. This can help strengthen your back muscles and improve posture and flexibility. Returning to exercise? Have a read of our blog on how to do this safely after having your baby.

   Bring it up at your postnatal check

   If a physical problem like back pain is worrying you, you can always ask your GP or a health visitor for help at any time. Your postnatal check at around 6 to 8 weeks is a good chance to talk to your GP about how you are doing since the birth. You can find lots of information on how you can prepare for your postnatal check on the Mumie app.

   Although post-pregnancy back pain is common, it is also important to listen to your body, be gentle with yourself and rest up whenever you can. If you are breastfeeding and you have an aching back, or your back is hurting from your new mum routine, remember that what your body has achieved and continues to achieve every day is powerful and should be celebrated.

   

   Karen McCusker is a Copywriter from Ireland, with a passion for creating meaningful connections with others through language. Her goal is to amplify women’s voices and experiences through her writing. She describes herself as a storyteller at heart, and the ultimate “Swiftie”