Pump Up Your Knowledge: How can you find the perfect Breast Pump for you!

After much debate and research, you have made your mind up. For your baby Breast is Best. But how can you stick to this commitment? Whether you are headed back to work, want to give daddy special feeding bonding time, or are just looking to give your nipples a break, breast pumps are your answer.

Now, which on to choose? There are SO MANY OPTIONS!

Manual? or Electric? Is a great place to begin. The Mayo Clinic has created a great list of questions based on your lifestyle that can help guide your decision, Here is our list:

·      Will you be pumping on a tight schedule?

o   Do you need a double pump?

·      Does the pump come assembled?

·      Is the pump light, quiet and convenient to transport?

o   Does it come with an insulated carrying case?

·      How easy is the pump to clean?

·      Is it BPA Free?

·      Can you adjust shield size, speed, rhythm, and suction levels?

·      Is it able to be used without a plug-in power source?

o   Does it come with a battery backup or a car charger?

·      Where can you find reliable product reviews?

·      Finally…What is your budget?

This will help determine where you may want to get your pump.

Buying isn’t the only option. You can also borrow one from a trusted acquaintance or rent one. There are many resources on the benefits and how where to rent or borrow .

If you are looking to purchase your pump many models can be seen on display at Brand name baby stores and big box stores. For a thriftier option you can often purchase used systems from medical supply stores, community newspapers, even social media swap and sells are great go tos.

But, did you know most health insurance plans cover the cost of buying or renting a breast pump. There are even places like Acelleron who’s staff are skilled in helping you pick the pump best for you.

Remember, Maine doulas are here to support you in all your lactation needs, from set up to clean up, reviews and even How Tos. We are available to make sure you are picking the perfect pump.

Staying Healthy With a Bun in the Oven

Many expectant parents prioritize Mother and Baby's health above all else through out pregnancy. However, with pregnancy cravings in full swing, eating for two and tons of hormonal changes happening through out your body, staying healthy during pregnancy is no easy feat! 

We have put together a list that can help pregnant parents stay happy and healthy through out their pregnancy! 

First up is hydration. Many people know, pregnant or not, that the first step to a healthy lifestyle is staying up on your water intake. Water dilutes your urine which can prevent infections like Urinary Tract Infections and more. Water is specifically important during the last trimester because dehydration can cause contractions that can trigger preterm labor.

Next up is healthy eating. We totally sympathize with your pregnancy cravings, but your daily pint of ice cream could be doing more harm than good. Make sure when you indulge in your cravings you are also reaching your proper intake of fruits and veggies. Juicing is a great way to do this for those who aren't fond of the kitchen. You can pack tons of fresh produce into one cup! 

Last is exercise. Although pregnancy does limit ones ability to be able to hit the gym HARD, there are a variety of exercises that can help keep mom in good health. Prenatal yoga is a great start. Prenatal yoga stretches and strengthens your pelvic floor and gets your body prepared for the big day ahead. Prenatal Water Aerobics with Nancy Charlebois is amazing for many. Most other exercises are safe, so long as you don't over do it and exercise with caution. 

For more inspiration on prenatal recipies, exercise options and more be sure to follow us on Pinterest! 

Birthing Together, Just The Two Of You

Whether you choose to have a Labor Doula as a part of your birth team, or not, there is a chance that you and your partner will be birthing together, just the two of you, for at least some of your labor. 

Many couples who choose not to have a doula at their birth are met with the shocking realization that for the most part they will be birthing together, alone. See, real birth isn't like T.V. or movie birth, where there are tons of bodies in and out of the room through out the entire process. With the exception of routine nurse checkups, as you labor, you're mostly on your own. 

Bringing new life into the world is a magical moment and many expectant parents choose to welcome their bundle of joy with as much privacy as possible. We have put together this blog to give some guidance to those who are choosing to birth with their partner, alone.

First we suggest some preparation. Sitting down together and writing a birth plan will allow you and your partner to be on the same page prior to the birth. You can write what your 'idea' birth looks like, and what alternative routes you are willing to take if things don't go as planned. 

We also like to recommend couples who are looking to birth alone look into Maternity Concierge Options. 

We're here to help you prepare for laboring at home, and what it's like when you arrive at the hospital. We're here to discuss your goals for your cesarean birth, natural birth, birth with medication, or your wait-and-see birth. We'll come to the comfort of your home for an opportunity for relaxation and comprehensive discussion to cover all the topics that are on your mind and the ones that aren't. We help with "what you don't know you don't know".

For more information on Main Doulas Maternity Concierge Services, be sure to contact us today. 

Fertility Is Something...

Infertility is described as not getting pregnant despite having carefully timed, unprotected sex for one year. In the United States there are 200,000 cases of infertility EACH YEAR, and yet those who are struggling with infertility often feel like they are alone. 

The struggle is REAL. 

The struggle is COMMON. 

Telling your family and friends, "I'M PREGNANT!", is one of life's most exciting moments.

However, Infertility is notorious for bringing along heartbreak, frustration and disappointment.

Infertility means constantly being on the edge of your seat. Infertility means keeping secrets to spare your loved ones the potential heartbreak, leaving you and your partner to bear the burden. THAT is exactly why those who struggle with infertility feel so alone. 

Although there is no cure for infertility, many families utilize common treatments that significantly improve their chances of getting pregnant. These treatments include hormone treatments, fertility drugs, and surgery. 

In addition to these common (and often pricey) treatments, there are a variety of alternative therapies that may help heighten your chances of conception followed by a successful pregnancy. 

According to several studies and medical research, acupuncture is said to increase fertility.

How? Acupuncture is said to reduce stress that is caused or associated with infertility, while also increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and balancing out the endocrine system.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, “In many cases, fertility issues may be associated with improper nervous system function, poor nutrition, high stress and poor lifestyle habits."

Having said that, many 'trying' couples are turning to Chiropractic care when struggling with Infertility. 

It is suggested that Chiropractic care reduces the stress on spinal nerves which innervate the reproductive organs. Plus, who doesn't like a good trip to the Chiro? 

Meditation is a great coping mechanism when dealing with infertility.  

Meditation can help both partners manage the emotions that come along with what is known as the 'trying' period. It is emotionally draining and exhausting but a growing number of fertility clinics and doctors have suggested meditation as a useful tool during this process. 

Unfortunately there is no 'cure' for infertility, but it is important to remember that during this journey there will be times where you let things go, and other times where you hold on tight. 

Take each day as it comes and do your best to live a happy, healthy and stress free lifestyle and remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.