So Your Kiddo Hates Tummy Time…. What Can You Do?

In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics started the Back To Sleep campaign.  The hope was that placing babies on their backs to sleep would reduce the amount of infants who succumbed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS.)  The second component of this Back to Sleep campaign was Tummy To Play; doctors knew if babies were going to be spending so much time sleeping on their backs that they had to counterbalance that with time on their tummies while awake.  Yet, somehow Tummy to Play has really taken a back seat, which has led to a significant increase in head molding, head flattening, and developmental delays.

Why is Tummy Time so Important?

• Improves motor milestone achievement

• Helps prevent skull deformities and helps round out a baby’s head

• Helps remedy torticollis

• Improves head control

• Decreases reflux

• Helps with digestion and gastric emptying

• Helps improve range of motion in a infant’s tongue

• Provides fantastic interaction between parent and infant

So, your kiddo hates tummy time…. What can you do??????

It’s all about how you do it!  Want to know the secret???

In late April 2018, our SDBFC staff attended the Tummy Time Method training.  Up until then, many of us were just placing our infants on their tummies, directly from holding them upright on our chests.  Then our infants would start to fuss almost immediately, so we thought that they hated tummy time. In all actuality, it was the transition to tummy time they hated, or better said…. The lack of easy transition into tummy time.  We were initiating their fight or flight reflex from the drastic movement from upright to tummy. In our training, we were taught that rolling an infant onto his tummy actually limits stress or overstimulation for the infant, making tummy time much more enjoyable.

So check this out!  We have been demonstrating this new rolling method to our patients and their babies are LOVING it!  Like full 180 from hating tummy time to totally digging it!

Here is a video, created by our awesome instructor, Michelle Emanuel, on how to roll your baby into tummy time.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgeJM3u3_Tw&list=PL9hKPtJid7hRIlxJXwzmLXikP0DXCXjDi

Components of an super fun tummy time routine:

• Designate a tummy time area on your home - should be on the floor (with carpet or blanket)

• Roll your infant (2 weeks old - crawling) into tummy time 4 times per session, about 4-5 sessions per day. For reference, the video shows the baby rolled into tummy time once.

• Make sure to get down on the floor and interact with your baby.  Have older siblings join in on the fun, as well!

• As soon as your kiddo starts to fuss, roll her out of tummy time, pick her up and hug her close.  Then start again, if the session isn’t complete.

• Choose times when your infant is calm and relaxed, like right after a feeding session.  Tummy Time shouldn’t cause him to spit up more.

 

Are you excited to join us in the Tummy Time revolution?

If your kiddo is still struggling with tummy time, we offer Tummy Time consultations, both in-person and in-office! Click here to book an appointment!

Meet SDBFC's Newest Lactation Consultant - Michelle Clookie!

We are so thrilled to introduce you to our newest lactation consultant at SDBFC! Michelle Clookie joined our team in September 2017, as a lactation consultant intern.  Since then, she has joined our SDBFC Foundation Board, is one of our support group leaders, and started to see her own patients on May 7th. Here is my interview with Michelle.  We can't wait for you all to meet her!

Michelle, tell us about yourself! 

I grew up in Southern California, and moved to San Diego 11 years ago after living in Austin, TX for 2 years. I met my husband, Jeremy, shortly after moving to San Diego and we have been married for 7 years. After 8 years in non-profit, where I focused on training, development and content writing, I decided to stay home with our little girl Charlotte when she turned 1. I fell in love with all things motherhood: the community, the support, and soon starting working for the Postpartum Health Alliance part time to help support Mamas. After having our son, Beckett, who is now two, I realized I wanted to go even further into supporting families. I decided I could combine my love for training, and supporting families, by becoming a lactation consultant. Supporting people through empowerment has always been my passion and my work, and this has by far been the most fulfilling. I work part time and then spend as much time as I can with my kids and husband at the beach! 

What inspired you to become a lactation consultant?

I had breastfeeding challenges with both of my children, and because it was so unexpected with my first baby, it took a long time for me to accept the situation. I tapped into a lot of support, and these struggles allowed me to see an incredibly supportive side of the San Diego mom community.  I quickly began doing all that I could to help normalize breastfeeding and motherhood challenges. This just feels like the most natural next step in my support of all things mom/baby/family. 

What are you most excited about working with SDBFC? 

I have been a patient of the SDBFC two different times, and I am most excited to offer the same quality care I received to the families I work with. I am also really proud that SDBFC supports so many military families. I have a deep respect for the sacrifices military families make on a daily basis, and I feel honored to be able give back to their families anyway I can. 

What are your top 3 tips for a brand new breastfeeding family? 

1. Surround yourself with people who have similar goals. There are many different ways to parent a child, and I have found it easier to achieve my parenting goals when I surround myself with others who share my same vision. Breastfeeding can bring on unexpected challenges, but when you are surrounded by people that understand your goal, it will be much easier to reach it! 
2. Have a plan, but keep your expectations flexible. I LOVE planning, and learned within the first 24hrs of parenthood (actually birth) that sometimes your kids have other plans. That’s ok. I have found it much easier to offer myself grace (and others grace) when I am flexible with my expectations. Things may not look the way you wanted them to, but there is still beauty there! 
3. Ask for help! There is a running joke not to ask me if I need anything, because I will gladly tell you my Costco shopping list. Motherhood wasn’t meant to be done alone, ask for help without shame. San Diego has the most incredible resources for families, if you are in need of support in any way, I can almost guarantee you that there is a loving person waiting to help you! A great place to start making those connections is in Breastfeeding support groups, baby classes (sign language, tummy time etc.), and baby wearing groups! 

WELCOME TO THE SDBFC TEAM, MICHELLE!

Join Us for a Private Screening of The Milky Way Movie

Please join the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation for a screening of The Milky Way Movie.

Whether you’re a newly breastfeeding parent, a seasoned pro, an advocate, birth worker or just plain interested in birth and breastfeeding, come join the conversation!

Before the movie, you will have time to mingle with other local families and practitioners, enter our opportunity drawing for amazing gifts and services, and pick up a signed copy of Robin's new book, Latch: A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage.

After the movie, we'll be hosting a panel discussion moderated by Robin Kaplan (President of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant & Author of LATCH) featuring Executive Producers of the film Chantal Molnar and Jennifer Davidson and more experts to be announced.

Event goers will receive a free raffle ticket, with the opportunity to purchase more.  All proceeds from the event, raffle and book sales will go to the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation

Schedule:

• 1pm - Doors Open

• 1:30pm - The Milky Way movie

• 3pm - Panel

• 3:30pm - Opportunity Drawing

Please share this event with your friends and families and don't forget to purchase your tickets before the event through our Eventbrite link.

If you are interested in donating an item or gift certificate for services/classes, please contact our event coordinator, Liz Bradshaw at lizbradshaw@sdbfc.com

Film Synopsis:The Milky Way is a documentary exposé about breastfeeding in the United States. We show how women can reclaim their birthright and restore the nursing mother archetype. More than a breastfeeding promotion film, this is a film by, for, and about women. It is about the knowledge that inherently resides in every woman, how to access that knowledge and how to trust what we already know. It is a film that inspires women to say, “I can do that! I want to do that!”

2017 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway

The theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2017 is ‘Sustaining Breastfeeding Together’, which is probably our favorite theme thus far!  We know that all families benefit from a team of support to reach their personal breastfeeding goals and this year’s theme really brings that collaborative spirit to the forefront!  In addition to the in-person, online, and mom to mom support that the San Diego Breastfeeding Center and the Badass Breastfeeder offers, these amazing companies have been part of this breastfeeding-supportive team for families for many years and we are thrilled to partner up with them this year for our 2017 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway!

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2017, over 15 breastfeeding-supportive companies have donated items for an enormous Breastfeeding Mom Prize Package, valued at over $2000!  First we’d like to introduce you to the co-hosts of the 2017 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week giveaway.  Then, we’ll share all of the goodies that have been so graciously donated.

Meet Our Hosts!

San Diego Breastfeeding Center:  A judgment-free online and in-person resource for evidence-based breastfeeding information and personalized assistance for mothers facing breastfeeding challenges.  Founded by Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC in 2009, SDBFC offers private breastfeeding consultations, classes, free support groups, and an extensive blog. In August 2016, Robin started the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which offers reduced-rate lactation consultations to families with financial need.  

The Badass Breastfeeder: The Badass Breastfeeder is a blog written by Abby Theuring, a social worker, writer, public speaker, activist, wife and mother of 2 who lives in Chicago, IL. The blog empowers mothers to breastfeed in public, and to breastfeed beyond infancy. It encourages moms and dads to trust their parenting instincts and helps parents develop the confidence to make important decisions for their families. It’s also the personal story of one family’s struggles through the ups and downs of attachment parenting. Unlike many parenting blogs, it paints an honest, authentic picture of the stressful moments that come along with being a parent. The Badass Breastfeeder is a global community of moms and dads who share their experiences so that we know we are not alone.

How to Enter the 2017 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway

You may enter the giveaway from August 1, 2017 - August 7, 2017.  On August 8, 2017, we will announce 1 lucky winner of the Breastfeeding Mom Prize Package.  Winners must live in the United States or Canada.  You can receive up to 33 entries into the giveaway by signing up for our newsletter, adding comments to this blog post, and checking out our social media.  

Now for the Prizes!

One Amaryll hand pump from Ardo. The Amaryll handle attaches three ways for the perfect, ergonomic way to pump right or left-handed. Amaryll is an efficient, easy-to-use and comfortable option when you need to pump on the go. Like our electric pumps, Amaryll does not "let go" of your nipple for added comfort and effectiveness.  Includes three breast shell/flange sizes (26mm, 28mm, 31mm) plus the Optiflow (26mm) soft silicone breast massage insert.

One $50 gift certificate to GlamourMom. The original expert in full support nursing bras built into stylish tanks and tops.

One Ayla All In One Nursing and Handsfree Pumping Bra from Dairy Fairy.  A lacy, supportive and comfortable bra for nursing and handsfree pumping. We make ingenious intimates for mama's milk. 

One Pump&Nurse Set from Rumina, which includes: 1 Pump&Nurse Tank and 1 Pump&Nurse Bra - style, color and size of winner's choice.  Rumina's Pump&Nurse bras and tank tops makes nursing and pumping, Simple, Comfortable and Convenient.

One $50 gift certificate for Lactation Granola Bars from Oat Mama.  Undeniably delicious and packed with brewer's yeast and healthy fats from nuts and seeds, Oat Mama lactation granola bars are lovingly crafted by breastfeeding mamas for breastfeeding mamas.

One Bamboobies Breastfeeding Bundle, which includes a pack of reusable nursing pads, a jar of organic nipple balm, and our new nursing yoga brahhh.

One Milk-Saver. One Milk Tray, one Nursing Blend, one Nursing Time Tea, one Softies Nursing Pads, and  one Nipple Nurture Balm all from Fairhaven Health. Milkies by Fairhaven Health is a line of innovative breastfeeding products to help moms reach their breastfeeding goals! Products include breast milk collection and storage solutions to help moms returning to work, as well as supplements, teas, nipple balm, nursing pads, and much more!

One $50 gift certificate from Momzelle.  Momzelle's mission is to help mothers feel comfortable and confident breastfeeding in public by designing high quality, affordable and super cute nursing wear.

One $100 gift certificate from Vida Leche Amor. Vida Leche Amor is a collection of fashionable tops and dresses designed to be worn during the full-term breastfeeding relationship and beyond.

Freemie Deluxe Cup Set with Expanded Compatibility Kit (works with all compatible pumps) Pump with your shirt on—anytime, anywhere, with Freemie!

One Large size NuzzleHUG.  The NuzzleHUG by Nuzzle soothes a nursing mother's lactation discomfort with warm and cool breast, neck and body therapy.

One Milk It Kit and a set of 120 waterproof breastmilk labels from Milk It. This set will help mom organize and label her milk and go back to work without worry of pumping session walk-ins or shared fridge milk mishaps!

One Chic Cowl Nursing Top in Purple from Udderly Hot Mama.  You'll feel so stylish and enjoy the quick access to nursing so much that you'll want to wear this shirt all year round. The patent-pending inside flap, included in every Udderly Hot Mama® nursing garment, provides extra privacy during a feeding. When baby's weaned, you can easily remove it and add your top to your everyday wardrobe.

One Breastfeeding/Nursing Necklace from Wee Kings.  Wee Kings nursing necklaces are the perfect distraction for baby's hands while being fed, and are a stylish, practical accessory for mom to wear.

LatchPal Breastfeeding Clip and Little Zip Pocket Blanket from Happy Fig.  LatchPal is the only breastfeeding clip of its kind; the one-handed, patented, quick fastening method makes it easy for postpartum and pumping mothers to secure their shirts and nurse in comfort.  It also doubles as a nursing reminder clip!  Little Zip Pocket Blanket is a fashionable and functional blanket that can be used for cuddling, nursing, and carrying your parenting necessities. This innovative blanket has a hidden zipper pocket that stores diapers, wipes, breastfeeding accessories, and more.

One $75 gift certificate from Milk Nursingwear.  Milk Nursingwear designs chic nursing tops, nursing dresses and nursing sleepwear that feature hidden openings making breastfeeding anywhere, anytime both convenient and discreet

One Prenatal Bundle from Rumina Naturals.  Our Prenatal bundle includes three of our best selling products.  Our Womb to Grow complete prenatal vitamin,with Methylated folate, will nourish mom and baby from the inside out while our Totally Tallow skin cream will provide soothing moisture to a growing, glorious belly! Our Baby Rump Rub is a must-have for all new Mommas to help heal and protect those tiny bums from diaper rash right from the start.

Meet SDBFC's Newest Lactation Consultant - Nicole Kreps!

We are so thrilled to introduce you to our newest lactation consultant at SDBFC! Nicole Kreps joined us on April 10th and started to see her own patients on May 8th. Here is my interview with Nicole.  I can't wait for you all to meet her!

Nicole, tell us about yourself!

I was born in New Jersey but raised in the Los Angeles area. After high school I moved to San Diego to attend San Diego State University where I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing.  I worked as an RN in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Recovery Room and as a critical care transport nurse. I have 6-year-old twin boys and a 4 year old daughter. After my youngest was born I took a couple years off to be a full time mom. I eventually complete my Lactation Consultant training at UCSD Extension and am happy to now be working in a field that I am passionate about.

What inspired you to become a lactation consultant?

I faced several challenges in attempting to breastfeed my twins. I was at the point when I thought I was going to quit, but then I remembered that I had been given the phone number for a lactation consultant. Working with her was a turning point for me. She was an important piece of my support network as a new mother. I would like to pay it forward and help other mothers overcome their challenges.

What are you most excited about working for the SDBFC?

I am excited to be part of a group of lactation consultants that are compassionate and knowledgeable. The SDBFC has a strong reputation and therefore also has a wide reach on the population of new mothers in San Diego. I have the potential to help a lot of people reach their breastfeeding goals.

What are your top 3 tips for a brand new breastfeeding mama?

1. Surround yourself with supportive people. Whether it is friend or  breastfeeding support group being able to relate to other people who know what your are going through can be very therapeutic.

2. When people offer to help, take them up on it. Having someone bring dinner or lunch is always a great idea. Keep your body nourished. Breastfeeding is hard work!

3. Cut yourself some slack. We all have an idealistic image of how we would be as a parent and you will be getting lots of advice about what your “should” be doing. No one is perfect. We are all doing the best that we can. Do what works for you. Just keep trying and keep moving forward.

Welcome to the team, Nicole!

Meet SDBFC's Newest IBCLC - Debbie Murai!

We are so thrilled to introduce you to our newest lactation consultant at SDBFC! Debbie Murai joined us on March 6th and will be doing office visits starting today!  Here is my interview with Debbie.  I can't wait for you all to meet her!

Debbie, tell us about yourself!

I was born and raised in Southern California and grew up in Orange County. I moved to San Diego after marrying my high school sweetheart, Mark. I attended San Diego State University and enjoyed working at the Fallbrook Community Clinic. One month after graduating from the nursing program at SDSU I gave birth to my first child, Kyle. About 2 years later I had my daughter Katie and 5 years after Katie I had my third child, Miles.  I really enjoyed being home raising my kids, but I always had the desire to return to nursing when they went off to college. Now that my youngest child is attending college, I am looking forward to helping moms start their journey into motherhood too!

What inspired you to become a lactation consultant?

While  working at the community clinic in Fallbrook, I really enjoyed working with mothers and babies and this first sparked my interest in helping moms with their breastfeeding issues.  When I had my three children and dealt with the challenges and triumphs of breastfeeding, I knew when I would go back to the nursing profession, I would make lactation my focus.  

What are you most excited about working for the SDBFC?

I am excited about being able to help moms meet their breastfeeding goals. I am also really excited about working in the San Diego community.

What are your top 3 tips for a brand new breastfeeding mama?

1. For the first few weeks, ask for help with cooking and cleaning from your friends and family when they visit.  Spend as much time as you can connecting with your baby instead of doing chores.

2.  Trust your instincts.  There will be friends and family giving you advice with the best of intentions.  You can always listen to them, but do what works best for you and your family.

3.   Try to meet other new moms either through a breastfeeding support group or play group so you have other moms to get together with and share experiences.    

Welcome to the team, Debbie!

Why Has My Pumping Output Decreased?

I love when we receive emails with questions that our blog readers could benefit from!  Here is a question from one of our mamas who is wondering why her pumping output has decreased.  

____________

Hi Robin!

I met with you awhile back when I first went back to work to set up a good pumping schedule.  It has worked like a charm these last 6 months.  Thank you for that!

My little guy is about to turn one and I’ve noticed a big reduction in my pumped breast milk the last few weeks. I’ve gone from pumping around 25 ounces of milk/work shift to around 15 oz.  It feels like it happened overnight. I’m just wondering if you have any suggestions on things I can do to get milk back or if this is just a normal progression.  I’m not ready to give up breastfeeding yet, but want to make sure he is getting enough milk.  He has been eating ALOT of solid food for about 5 months, so I’m sure this has had an impact on my supply :-(

Thanks for your time!

N

____________

Hi N,

I am thrilled to hear that our plan worked so well for you!  That is awesome!  

So, pumping output can dip for many reasons, regardless of baby’s age.....

1. Baby is sleeping through the night.  When babies start to go longer stretches in the middle of the night without eating, it can cause a mom’s milk supply to dip overall.  If your kiddo is going to sleep a few hours before you are, you can consider adding in a dream feed or pumping before you go to bed so that your breasts don’t go for such a long period of time without removing milk.  Also, if your kiddo wakes up in the middle of the night, you could consider breastfeeding at that time, rather than soothing back to sleep right away, if you are worried that your supply is dipping too low.
2. Pump suction is losing its stamina (which is HUGE and definitely common!)  I would recommend getting your pump suction checked immediately.  Many lactation consultants have pump suction gauges to check the pressure created when running.  A less-than-stellar functioning pump can definitely decrease pumping output, even when supply is right where it needs to be.  Renting a hospital-grade pump will also help you determine if your own pump is not working as well as it should.
3. Pumping frequency has gone down while at work.  As moms get closer to that year mark, many prefer to cut down on the pumping frequency at work.  Sometimes they are able to keep up their supply when this is done.  Others find that their milk supply is more sensitive, so it requires that extra pumping session.
4. Baby is eating solids before breastfeeding (when mom is with baby), so he isn't as hungry when breastfeeding. Up until about a year, solids should be offered after breastfeeding so that babies are getting the bulk of their nutrition from breast milk and getting solids after their bellies are more full.  
5. You got your period and are experiencing a temporary dip. When mom’s hormones are shifting due to her cycle, this can temporarily dip her supply.  
6.  Something else has changed in mom’s routine…. More working out on a regular basis, not eating enough calories per day, recovering from stomach flu or a cold, etc.  Again, all temporary.  But, make sure that you are eating at least 2000 calories a day to keep up your supply, as well as even extra, if you are working out.  If you are recovering from an illness, this will take a few days to rebound once you are feeling better.

That being said, 15oz of pumped milk at 1 year is pretty awesome!  At this point, your little guy doesn't need much more than that to complement all of the whole foods he is eating.  Plus, that doesn’t even take into account how much breastmilk he is getting from you while breastfeeding.  As long as he isn't getting frustrated at the breast, then just keep on plugging along, knowing that a breastfeeding baby should always be able to take out more than the pump.

Hope that helps!  Definitely get your pump suction checked, asap, and let me know if you have any other questions.

Warmly,

Robin

It's Here! Our DIY Breastfeeding YouTube Channel

Ever wish you could actually watch a mama breastfeed her baby in a laid-back position because you couldn't picture it in your mind from the blog article you just read?  Wonder how you can tell if your pump flanges are fitting correctly? Well, look no further!

Today, we are beyond excited to annouce our newest baby, DIY Breastfeeding!  

 

What is DIY Breastfeeding?

On our DIY Breastfeeding YouTube channel, you will find 2-3 minute instructional videos about different breastfeeding topics, ranging from positions to latching to pumping and more!  Each video was recorded with one of our lactation consultants and some super cute local moms and babies.  

Which topics will be included on DIY Breastfeeding?

A few months ago we started collecting video topics from all of you and your ideas were AWESOME!  We are proud to say that today we are launching our channel with 10 stellar videos fitting into 5 different categories. Here are our current categories:

• Breastfeeding While Babywearing
• Latching
• Breastfeeding Position
• Pumping Strategies
• Breastfeeding Twins

Lastly, we would like to share a HUGE amount of gratitude to our DIY Breastfeeding partner, New Mommy Media!  Without Sunny's awesome video shooting and editing expertise, these videos would look completely amateur and out of focus!  Sunny, we adore you to pieces and we cannot wait to create more videos with you!

So head on over to DIY Breastfeeding!  Let us know what you think about the videos and share your ideas for additional topics/categories you would like for us to include.

Which other topics/categories would you like to see included? 

Help a Mama Out: Dealing with the Biting Breastfeeder

Oh, that sweet infant gummy smile!  So serene.... so innocent.... so adorable.  But all toothless mouths must come to an end and teething starts another fun developmental stage for your little one.  Teething can also stir up some anxiety in the breastfeeding mama, which we are hoping to aleviate today.

Will my baby bite me?  

Do I have to stop breastfeeding?  

Most moms have felt a clamp down on their nipples from their teething babes once or twice, but it doesn’t mean that your breastfeeding relationship has to come to an end.  No need for those new teeth to be a deal-breaker!

We turned to the wise breastfeeding mamas on Facebook to offer some tips for dealing with a biting breastfeeder.  As always, your advice was amazing.  Here is what you had to say.

Top Tips for a Dealing with a Biting Breastfeeder

Stacy: Remember that your baby isn't malicious and isn't trying to hurt you. If baby bites at the beginning of a nursing session, try giving him/her something cold/hard to chew on beforehand. If it's at the end, pay close attention and break their latch as soon as they finish eating but before they are tempted to play with the new sensation of using their teeth.

Amber: Remember, it’s just a phase!

Michelle: I found that using a nursing necklace was really helpful.  Instead of pulling back on my nipple when he distracted, he would play with the nursing necklace while breastfeeding and focus on feeding.  I found that he mostly bit down when he was distracted.

Liz: Ugh. Cry? I do the "don't bite. That hurts." And set P on the ground for a few minutes. Then nurse again.

Katie Jo: What ultimately worked for me was to pay close attention and learn to recognize when he was finished eating. Then I would have to quickly unlatch him with my finger before he started to play/explore what he could do with his teeth. If I didn't catch that moment quickly enough, he would bite down the instant he sensed I was about to unlatch him, and my nipple turned into a rubber band chew toy for him. Sometimes he would bite my finger instead. I tried pressing him into my breast and telling him ouch in an upset voice, but he just laughed every time.

Julie: I bought my daughter an amber necklace to help relieve some of the teething pain she was feeling.  Less teething pain = less biting while breastfeeding.  I also wore one around my neck as well.

Jen: I tell P, "ouch, that hurts mommy." She stops biting/nursing and looks at me with concern. I let her know it hurts and to be gentle. Sometimes it takes a few reminders, other times she will stop.

Stephanie: If your child will take a cold teether, try offering that before or after a nursing session.

Tamara: Be patient, they may be in pain from teething and doing their best to find relief.

Jennifer: Keep your finger close by their mouth so if they go to bite, you can stick your finger in the side quickly to get them to unlatch!

Erin: I loved the Camilia teething liquid to help with teething pain.  I would use this a couple of times during the day when my baby was really teething badly and I thought it really cut down on the biting while breastfeeding.

Kat: My kids didn't start that nonsense until they were 10 and 8 months old respectively. So every time they bit, I would quickly unlatch them and set them down. I would say "no biting Mama" and ignore them for a minute or 2. My daughter figured it out after a couple of days, and my son took a week. I tried a couple of times to do that thing where you push their nose into your boob to make them open their mouth but it's so counterintuitive! The first instinct is "get it off me!"

Kim: My 9.5 month daughter got her first teeth at 4 months 1 week. She usually bit me when she was done eating or not hungry. I would tell her no biting and take her off my boob. I would make sure when she was done eating to immediately unlatch her or that's when the biting would begin. I could tell when she was about to bite. Now she is biting my shoulder.

Don't miss our article about why babies bite while breastfeeding and a few more tips and tricks to stop it from happening: Breastfeeding a Teething (or Toothy) Baby

Also, check out our Boob Group podcast episodes where we discuss biting babies and toddlers:

Breastfeeding A to Z: Sore Nipples and Biting

Breastfeeding Toddlers: Frequency, Biting, and Staying Motivated

Help a Mama Out: Tips for Talking with your Boss about Pumping

'Help a Mama Out' Topic of the Week:

Tips for Talking with Your Boss about Pumping

What's your best tip for discussing your pumping rights/schedule with your boss? 

Shelly Hovies Rogers: Be assertive with your rights, but be flexible and willing to work with your boss and coworkers.  I found my workplace to be quite accommodating to me when I nicely, but matter of fact, told them what I needed.  Also, although I didn’t have to quote the state law, I familiarized myself with it, just in case I needed to use it. 

Kelly Reyes: Before I left for maternity leave, I discussed my need to pump with my boss and then HR, just to make sure we were all on the same page.  When I had issues with the way the ‘wellness room’ schedule was being managed, my boss went to bat for me and fixed the problem that day! 

Marie Bishop: My best advice is to know the law and stand up for yourself and your baby.  In states, such as California, it is required by law that your employer provides a non-restroom space that is private for you to pump.

Meggin Dueckman: We just talked about it!  We’re all pretty close at work, so it was no problem.  I was the first of our staff to want/need to pump at work.  Mind you, here in Canada we get a year of maternity leave, so it’s not as common for people to want to pump as frequently when they return to work.  I only pumped 1 times a day at work, more for my own comfort!

Jamie Howell Swope: As a teacher at a school, it wasn’t an easy process, but I went in knowing the law and advised my principal ahead of time why I wanted to meet with her.  That way she had time to think about how to make it work, too.

Kat Picson Berling: I was really lucky in that 2 of my coworkers were pumping moms, so they had paved the way.  I told my boss that I was going to take 2 pumping breaks at x and y time and I will be in this office and it will take 15 minutes.  He was fine with it.  I’m not going to lie…. Because I had a cubicle at work, it was sometimes difficult to find a place to pump.  Even our HR coordinator wasn’t sympathetic for me.  Just make sure to know the law. 

Chantel McComber: My advice would be to put your fears aside.  Sometimes it’s hard as a working mom to ask for things because not everyone has them.  Remember that you are doing this for your health and your baby’s health and those are two things that should always come first.

Jennifer Haak: When I discussed my date of return, I told my boss that I needed a lock installed on my office door and I explained why.

Andrea Blanco: First, know your right.  Be sure that your company falls under those rights.  Then file that information away and try *not* to use it as it can be perceived as a threat (and no one likes to be threatened.)  Second, have a plan in place.  I find that if you’re willing to have the conversation in advance, go into it as sweet as possible, and have it all planned out as to how it will work for you (with consideration given to work environment/demands/pumping law.)  Then, it is much harder for your employer to say no. 

For the United States Lactation Accommodation laws, check out Break Time for Nursing Mothers