Birthclub: April 2024

Exclusive pumping for 2 years is definitely a challenging but achievable goal. Many mothers have successfully exclusively pumped and provided their babies with breast milk for the first 2 years of life. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a well-established pumping routine. Here are some tips to help you on your exclusive pumping journey to ensure your baby can drink breastmilk until 2 years old: 1. Establish a consistent pumping schedule: Aim to pump around 8-12 times a day in the beginning to establish and maintain your milk supply. Gradually, you can reduce the frequency of pumping as your baby grows older. 2. Ensure a proper pumping technique: Make sure you are using the correct flange size, maintaining good breast pump hygiene, and practicing hands-on pumping techniques to maximize milk output. 3. Stay hydrated and well-nourished: Drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients, and consider taking supplements if needed to support your milk production. 4. Seek support: Joining support groups for exclusive pumpers can provide you with valuable tips, encouragement, and solidarity from other mothers who are on a similar journey. 5. Consider using a breast pump that suits your needs: Investing in a high-quality breast pump can make the pumping process more efficient and comfortable for you. Remember, every drop of breast milk you provide for your baby is invaluable. Stay determined, take care of yourself, and reach out for support when needed. You are doing a fantastic job in giving your baby the best possible start in life. https://invl.io/cll6she

Hi mummies, First of all, congratulations on your little one! It's completely normal to have concerns about your baby's milk intake, especially when they seem to be taking less than usual. Don't worry, I've been through similar experiences with my own children, and I'm here to help you out. One thing to keep in mind is that every baby is different and their appetites can vary from day to day. It's important to understand that your baby's feeding patterns can change as they grow and develop. They may have growth spurts where they eat more, and there may be times when they eat less due to various reasons such as teething or feeling a bit under the weather. To address your concern about increasing your baby's milk intake from 100ml to 120ml, here are a few suggestions: 1. Offer smaller, more frequent feedings: Instead of trying to increase the amount per feeding, you can try offering smaller amounts more frequently. This way, your baby might be more willing to finish their bottle and it can help prevent them from getting too full or overwhelmed. 2. Pay attention to hunger cues: Watch for signs that your baby is hungry, such as rooting, sucking on their hands, or making smacking noises. By responding to their hunger cues promptly, you can ensure that they are getting enough milk. 3. Create a calm and comfortable feeding environment: Make sure the feeding environment is quiet, peaceful, and free from distractions. This can help your baby focus on their feeding and potentially increase their milk intake. 4. Burp your baby during and after feedings: Sometimes, babies can take in air while feeding, which can make them feel full before actually finishing their milk. By burping them regularly, you can help relieve any discomfort and make more room for milk. 5. Consult with your pediatrician: If you're still concerned about your baby's milk intake or if you notice any other changes in their behavior or health, it's always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice and address any underlying issues that may be affecting your baby's feeding. Remember, every baby is unique and their feeding patterns can vary. As long as your baby is gaining weight, having wet diapers, and showing signs of contentment between feedings, they're likely getting enough milk. Trust your instincts as a mother and remember that you're doing a great job taking care of your little one. If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask. And remember, we're all here to support each other on this beautiful journey of motherhood. Warm regards, A fellow experienced mommy https://invl.io/cll6she

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this. Postpartum hypertension can indeed be quite concerning and stressful. It’s not uncommon for some women to develop high blood pressure after giving birth, even if their blood pressure was normal throughout their pregnancy. First, it's great that you’re keeping track of your blood pressure at home. Consistent monitoring is crucial. Here are a few things you might want to try: 1. **Stay Calm and Manage Stress**: Anxiety and stress can definitely affect your blood pressure. Practice deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help keep yourself calm. Having a newborn is already a big change, so it’s important to find some time for yourself to unwind. 2. **Diet and Hydration**: Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Reducing salt intake can also help manage blood pressure. Staying well-hydrated is equally important. 3. **Physical Activity**: Gentle physical activity, like walking, can help lower blood pressure. However, make sure you consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine postpartum. 4. **Medication**: Follow your doctor's advice on medications. If they’ve prescribed something to help manage your blood pressure, take it as directed. 5. **Regular Check-Ups**: Keep up with your postpartum appointments. Your healthcare provider can offer the best guidance tailored to your situation. 6. **Support System**: Rely on family and friends for support. Sometimes just talking about what you're going through can alleviate some of the stress. You mentioned anxiety about high blood pressure. This is quite common, especially when you’re navigating new motherhood. If the anxiety feels overwhelming, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional who can provide support. If you're breastfeeding and need help with milk production, consider using a breast pump. The [Medela Breast Pump](https://invl.io/cll7h6h) is highly recommended and can be very useful in maintaining milk supply. Take care and remember, you are not alone in this. Many mothers go through similar experiences, and there are always resources and support available to help you through it. https://invl.io/cll6she