december 2009 mavens monthly - medela mom …...december 2009 mavens monthly greetings, medela mom...

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December 2009 Mavens Monthly Greetings, Medela Mom Mavens! The end of the year encourages us all to reflect on the past year and prepare a list of resolutions for the next. One thing you can feel a great sense of accomplishment for is your continued dedication to providing nature’s perfect food for your baby. This month, learn more about which items you should keep on hand at home to help breastfeed successfully and how to treat sore or cracked nipples. Read on for contest updates, breastfeeding news and our expert Q&A. MMM Updates Stay Connected If you’d like to find other Mom Mavens on Twitter — and want them to find you — we’re collecting Twitter handles (also known as user names) and posting them in the Networking section of the Mom Mavens Web site. Just send your handle to us at [email protected] and use “Twitter” as the subject line. Check the Networking section to see which Mom Mavens are Tweeting and begin following them. Not familiar with Twitter? Click here to see what it’s all about. Looking for other ways to get to know Mom Mavens and breastfeeding moms and stay current on Medela news? Join our official Medela Facebook page . Not a Facebook member yet? Click here to join Facebook. Read more MMM Updates... Lighting up the Message Boards This month we’ve tracked some breastfeeding conversations online where your expert advice might come in handy. Here are some moms looking for breastfeeding suggestions on the message boards: “dbilloch” at babycenter.com asks whether she needs a pump if she plans to stay at home with her baby. Share your suggestions with her here . “usafWiFe09” at babyzone.com is looking for manual pump suggestions. Click here to offer your recommendation. Read more about where to contribute to online conversations...

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Page 1: December 2009 Mavens Monthly - Medela Mom …...December 2009 Mavens Monthly Greetings, Medela Mom Mavens! The end of the year encourages us all to reflect on the past year and prepare

December 2009 Mavens Monthly

Greetings, Medela Mom Mavens!

The end of the year encourages us all to reflect on the past year and prepare a list of resolutions for the next.One thing you can feel a great sense of accomplishment for is your continued dedication to providing nature’sperfect food for your baby. This month, learn more about which items you should keep on hand at home tohelp breastfeed successfully and how to treat sore or cracked nipples. Read on for contest updates,breastfeeding news and our expert Q&A.

MMM Updates

Stay Connected

If you’d like to find other Mom Mavens on Twitter — and want them to find you —we’re collecting Twitter handles (also known as user names) and posting them inthe Networking section of the Mom Mavens Web site. Just send your handle to usat [email protected] and use “Twitter” as the subject line. Check theNetworking section to see which Mom Mavens are Tweeting and begin following them. Not familiar withTwitter? Click here to see what it’s all about.

Looking for other ways to get to know Mom Mavens and breastfeeding moms and stay current on Medelanews? Join our official Medela Facebook page. Not a Facebook member yet? Click here to join Facebook.

Read more MMM Updates...

Lighting up the Message Boards

This month we’ve tracked some breastfeeding conversations online where your expertadvice might come in handy. Here are some moms looking for breastfeeding suggestionson the message boards:

“dbilloch” at babycenter.com asks whether she needs a pump if she plans to stay athome with her baby. Share your suggestions with her here.

“usafWiFe09” at babyzone.com is looking for manual pump suggestions. Click hereto offer your recommendation.

Read more about where to contribute to online conversations...

Page 2: December 2009 Mavens Monthly - Medela Mom …...December 2009 Mavens Monthly Greetings, Medela Mom Mavens! The end of the year encourages us all to reflect on the past year and prepare

Did You Know?Your breastfeeding tool kit

Before welcoming your new bundle of joy into the world, you’ll want to make sureyou’re stocked up on everything you need to breastfeed successfully at home. Hereare the essentials a mom who plans to breastfeed should include on her shoppinglist:

Nursing Bras. Medela offers four different nursing bras and a nursing cami:

The Medela Sleep Bra has a no-tag, wire-free design that provides light support for soft, nighttimecomfort, and its breathable combed cotton and racerback style help encourage peaceful sleep. It featuresdrawback cups for easy nursing.

Read more about Medela’s breastfeeding essentials...

In the News: This month in parenting and breastfeeding

Topics concerning parents make headlines every day, whether it’s a new study about the benefits ofbreastfeeding or a health concern such as BPA. We’re constantly monitoring for news that affects moms likeyou. Here’s a recap of this month’s news:

ABC News: Breastfeeding May Curb Heart, Diabetes Risk Factors (12/8/2009)

A new study published in the Diabetes journal suggests that breastfeeding may reduce the risk factorsassociated with developing diabetes and heart disease.

Read more headlines...

Breastfeeding and Baby: Tips of the TradeAlleviating nipple soreness during breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is an experience that both mom and baby enjoy, and you can benefit fromsome initial preparation to help ensure a comfortable routine. New moms sometimes facenipple soreness during the first few weeks of nursing. This is usually caused bypostpartum skin changes or an inexperienced latch, is normal and doesn’t last very long.

Nipple soreness can be felt between or during feedings. Poor latch is usually the culprit: Anipple that is creased or drawn into a point is usually a result of baby compressing thenipple shaft, which can cause a decrease in milk flow. Blisters may form when baby needsto suck harder to get milk.

Read more about sore nipple relief...

Page 3: December 2009 Mavens Monthly - Medela Mom …...December 2009 Mavens Monthly Greetings, Medela Mom Mavens! The end of the year encourages us all to reflect on the past year and prepare

Expert Corner: Maria Sienkiewicz Lennon

This month’s expert, Maria Sienkiewicz Lennon (RN, MSN, CNM, IBCLC), a MedelaClinical Education Specialist with a focus on WIC efforts, answers your questions on howto successfully nurse multiples and premature infants in addition to other generalbreastfeeding questions. Maria joined Medela in 2000 and has 30 years of clinicalexperience in maternal child health and lactation. She is a masters-prepared CertifiedNurse-Midwife and has been continuously board certified as a Lactation Consultant sincethe first official exam in 1985.

Read more answers from Maria...

Maven Spotlight

Name: Veronica Kenney

Children's names and ages: Cadence Kenney (female); 19 months

Hometown and occupation: Kent, WA; Mechanical Design Engineer for The Boeing Company (less than 6months ago) - now I get to stay at home, while my husband took a more secure job, in Kentucky.

Read more about Veronica...

Contest Updates

There are contests and giveaways happening across the Web that give moms a chance towin Medela goodies.

From Monday, January 11th through Monday, January 18th, stop by La Petite Blog for thechance to win a Medela Freestyle and Medela nursing cami. The Freestyle is Medela’sfirst rechargeable, double-electric breastpump with a hands-free option, and it weighs lessthan a pound. It also offers 2-Phase Expression technology, which is scientifically provento mimic babies’ two-phase sucking pattern, allowing moms to get more milk in less time.The nursing cami, which is compatible with the Freestyle for hands-free pumping, is made from a bamboo-cotton blend that provides comfort and breathability with fast moisture absorption and natural anti-bacterialproperties.

Read more opportunities to win...

Follow Us Become a Fan

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MMM Updates

«Back to December Mavens Monthly

Stay Connected

If you’d like to find other Mom Mavens on Twitter — and want them to find you —we’re collecting Twitter handles (also known as user names) and posting them inthe Networking section of the Mom Mavens Web site. Just send your handle to usat [email protected] and use “Twitter” as the subject line. Check theNetworking section to see which Mom Mavens are Tweeting and begin following them. Not familiar withTwitter? Click here to see what it’s all about.

Looking for other ways to get to know Mom Mavens and breastfeeding moms and stay current on Medelanews? Join our official Medela Facebook page. Not a Facebook member yet? Click here to join Facebook.

Reporting Reminder

As always, when you have a breastfeeding conversation, online or offline, be sure to let us know through ourreporting form at www.mommavens.com/report. Remember to identify yourself as a Medela Mom Maven duringthese conversations.

Having a hard time remembering to report? E-mail us at [email protected] with “Weekly ReportingReminder” in the subject line and we’ll send you a reminder every week.

Give Us Your Feedback

We hope to continue to deliver newsletter content that serves your needs, and we welcome your suggestionsfor improvement. Please e-mail us at [email protected] with the subject line “Newsletter Feedback” toshare your thoughts.

Follow Us Become a Fan

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Lighting up the Message Boards

«Back to December Mavens Monthly

This month we’ve tracked some breastfeeding conversations online where your expertadvice might come in handy. Here are some moms looking for breastfeeding suggestionson the message boards:

“dbilloch” at babycenter.com asks whether she needs a pump if she plans to stay athome with her baby. Share your suggestions with her here.

“usafWiFe09” at babyzone.com is looking for manual pump suggestions. Click hereto offer your recommendation.

“mal614” at babycenter.com wonders how much milk she should be producing when she pumps. Clickhere to share your experience.

If you think a mom might benefit from speaking with a lactation consultant, remember to invite her to visit ourAsk the LC service. You can always start your own breastfeeding conversation on the Web, as well. To helpget you started go to www.mommavens.com/links for a list of message boards.

Follow Us Become a Fan

Page 6: December 2009 Mavens Monthly - Medela Mom …...December 2009 Mavens Monthly Greetings, Medela Mom Mavens! The end of the year encourages us all to reflect on the past year and prepare

Did You Know?

Your breastfeeding tool kit

Before welcoming your new bundle of joy into the world, you’ll want to makesure you’re stocked up on everything you need to breastfeed successfully athome. Here are the essentials a mom who plans to breastfeed should includeon her shopping list:

Nursing Bras. Medela offers four different nursing bras and a nursing cami:

The Medela Sleep Bra has a no-tag, wire-free design that provides light support for soft, nighttimecomfort, and its breathable combed cotton and racerback style help encourage peaceful sleep. It featuresdrawback cups for easy nursing.

The Medela Seamless Underwire Bra and Seamless Softcup Bra provide optimal everyday support. Theyfeature a one-hand release for easy nursing and a drop cup that encourages maximum skin-to-skincontact between you and your baby. Their cushioned straps and resilient cotton-spandex and nylon fabricblend ensure extra comfort.

The Medela Comfort Bra provides moderate support for day or night and is the ideal “take to the hospital”bra. It features a drop cup with one-hand release for easy nursing and special stretch fabric that feelslight and silky and keeps bra pads in place.

The Medela Nursing Camisole is made from a bamboo-cotton blend that provides comfort andbreathability with fast moisture absorption and natural anti-bacterial properties. Visit our Contest Updatesto find out how to win a nursing cami and Freestyle breastpump.

To learn more about Medela’s intimate apparel offerings, visit its “Which Bra When” chart or nursing bra fittingvideo.

Nursing Foot Stool. Medela’s NursingStool helps you maintain a comfortable position for breastfeeding orbreastpumping. It also alleviates stress on the back, shoulders and neck.

High-quality Lanolin. Medela’s Tender Care Lanolin provides soothing relief for dry, sore and tender nipplesand is easy to apply.

Bra Pads. Medela’s Washable Nursing Pads and Disposable Nursing Bra Pads help keep you dry.

Hydrogel Pads. Medela’s Tender Care Hydrogel Pads provide instant relief for sore nipples.

Breast Shells. Medela’s SoftShells and TheraShells help alleviate nipple soreness, engorgement and flat orinverted nipples, which are some of the most common problems faced by breastfeeding women.

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Breastpump. Depending on if and how often mom may be away from baby, she may consider investing ineither a manual or electric pump. Click here to find a pump that’s right for you.

Breast Care Gift Set: Medela’s Breast Care Gift Set provides new nursing moms with the tools that will helpthem successfully breastfeed all in one place, especially during the first few weeks. The set includes Medela’sTender Care Hydrogel Pads and Lanolin for sore nipple relief, bra pads to protect against leaks, a Mother’sMinder bracelet and a breastfeeding resource booklet.

Other essentials include a breastfeeding pillow to help support baby while breastfeeding, a rocking chair, andburp cloths for easy clean-up. Education materials (breastfeeding books and videos, as well as the help of alactation consultant) are also crucial to help prepare a nursing mom.

«Back to December Mavens Monthly

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Page 8: December 2009 Mavens Monthly - Medela Mom …...December 2009 Mavens Monthly Greetings, Medela Mom Mavens! The end of the year encourages us all to reflect on the past year and prepare

In the News: This month in parenting and breastfeeding

«Back to December Mavens Monthly

Topics concerning parents make headlines every day, whether it’s a new study about the benefits ofbreastfeeding or a health concern such as BPA. We’re constantly monitoring for news that affects moms likeyou. Here’s a recap of this month’s news:

ABC News: Breastfeeding May Curb Heart, Diabetes Risk Factors (12/8/2009)

A new study published in the Diabetes journal suggests that breastfeeding may reduce the risk factorsassociated with developing diabetes and heart disease.

Oncology Nursing News: Studies Highlight Links Between Lifestyle And Breast Cancer (12/14/2009)

A study done by the American Institute for Cancer Research/World Cancer Research Fund (AICR/WCRF)concluded that women who maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active, drink less alcohol andbreastfeed their children can lower their risk of breast cancer.

USA Today: Supporters add hidden nuggets to health care bills (12/8/2009)

A provision in the health care bills before Congress would require companies with 50 or more employeesto give nursing mothers a proper area and a reasonable break time to breastfeed their babies.

Follow Us Become a Fan

Page 9: December 2009 Mavens Monthly - Medela Mom …...December 2009 Mavens Monthly Greetings, Medela Mom Mavens! The end of the year encourages us all to reflect on the past year and prepare

Breastfeeding and Baby: Tips of the Trade

Alleviating nipple soreness during breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is an experience that both mom and baby enjoy, and you can benefit fromsome initial preparation to help ensure a comfortable routine. New moms sometimes facenipple soreness during the first few weeks of nursing. This is usually caused bypostpartum skin changes or an inexperienced latch, is normal and doesn’t last very long.

Nipple soreness can be felt between or during feedings. Poor latch is usually the culprit: Anipple that is creased or drawn into a point is usually a result of baby compressing thenipple shaft, which can cause a decrease in milk flow. Blisters may form when baby needsto suck harder to get milk.

To help prevent nipple tenderness before it starts you should:

Avoid using bottles and pacifiers too early. Make sure breastfeeding is well established before introducinga nipple to feed pumped breastmilk.

Breastfeed frequently (8-12 feeds per 24 hours) to prevent a hungry baby from sucking too hard.

Relieve engorged breasts with hand expression or pumping to help baby latch on. Try expressing somemilk first to stimulate the let down reflex before latching.

Check baby for conditions such as tongue-tie that can contribute to sore nipples.

Breastfeed on the least sore side first. Limit feeding on the sore nipple if necessary and finish emptyingthat breast with hand expression or a breast pump.

Place a clean finger between baby’s gums when removing him from the breast to prevent him from bitingdown on the nipple.

Avoid synthetic bras and plastic-lined pads.

Always consult with your health care provider before using herbal preparations, as some may be toxic tobaby (Ex: Vitamin E on nipples) or trigger allergic reactions (Ex: certain ointments or creams that areapplied to broken skin).

Keep pads and bras dry, and use multiple-hole breast shells to hold fabric away from sore nipples andallow air circulation.

If you experience nipple soreness, visit a lactation consultant to correct any latch or positioning problems. Youcan also try the following solutions depending on the level of discomfort:

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Manage engorgement or low milk supply problems.

Carefully wash any cuts to your nipples with a mild, non-antibacterial soap when you shower and rinsewell.

Use hand expression or a gentle, effective breast pump to help protect your milk supply until you’re wellhealed.

Try Medela Tender Care Lanolin for soothing relief of sensitive skin. Try Medela Tender Care HydrogelPads for instant cooling relief on contact.

Talk to your doctor about a safe, topical medication if you have broken skin that has become infected. Ifyou experience mastitis (a breast infection), oral antibiotics that are safe for breastfeeding moms can beprescribed as well.

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Page 11: December 2009 Mavens Monthly - Medela Mom …...December 2009 Mavens Monthly Greetings, Medela Mom Mavens! The end of the year encourages us all to reflect on the past year and prepare

Expert Corner: Maria Sienkiewicz Lennon

«Back to December Mavens Monthly

This month’s expert, Maria Sienkiewicz Lennon (RN, MSN, CNM, IBCLC), a MedelaClinical Education Specialist with a focus on WIC efforts, answers your questions on howto successfully nurse multiples and premature infants in addition to other generalbreastfeeding questions. Maria joined Medela in 2000 and has 30 years of clinicalexperience in maternal child health and lactation. She is a masters-prepared CertifiedNurse-Midwife and has been continuously board certified as a Lactation Consultant sincethe first official exam in 1985. Maria began her career in North Carolina working inhospital, private practice and public health settings. She established one of the first in-hospital lactationcenters, developed numerous breastfeeding education programs and worked with WIC and the North CarolinaDepartment of Health to help organize local breastfeeding coalitions. She is the mother of four breastfedchildren.

Q: How do you pump with two children?

A: Life is busy enough when you have a new baby — there just never seems to be enough hours in the day.Some days, it seems like a luxury if you get your teeth brushed or put on deodorant before dinnertime, muchless finding time to use a breastpump!

Ideally, when you have a second baby (or third or fourth), you will only need to breastfeed. If you find that youneed to use a breastpump, have the pump permanently set up in the room where you and your children will bespending the most time. This allows you to take advantage of the time and pump when your older child isplaying quietly or watching a video. Having a couple of pump kits — one attached to the pump and ready to goand one being cleaned — can also make it more convenient.

Q: My twins, born at 24 weeks, are now 7 months old. They latch on to the breast to breastfeed but donot suck effectively enough to get the calorie-rich hindmilk. How can I get my two babies to be moreefficient at the breast?

A: It is very common for babies born extremely prematurely to not be strong enough to completely drain thebreast when feeding; they often tire easily and fall asleep. Nursing with a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS)may be an option. The Medela SNS is a bottle filled with your expressed breastmilk that hangs around yourneck with a cord and has a tiny tube which is taped to your breast. The babies are able to receivesupplemental milk as they feed at the breast.

Another suggestion would be to try pumping for a few minutes to pump off some of the foremilk beforebreastfeeding. The babies would then get the more calorie-dense hindmilk as they nurse and the pumped milkcould be used as the supplement.

You deserve a big pat on the back for the dedication and effort you have put into giving your babies yourbreastmilk. You’ve done a terrific job!

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Q: I’m trying to wean my 13-month-old son because I’m pregnant. Is it true that my milk won’t producecolostrum for my new baby?

A: First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy! A woman’s body is amazing, and even if you are nursing atoddler during your pregnancy, your body will revert back to producing colostrum before the new baby is born.While some mothers choose to wean during pregnancy, there is no physiological reason to stop nursing. Yourmilk supply may diminish and some toddlers wean on their own because they don’t like the taste of the milk.Some women continue to nurse their older child and their newborn — called tandem nursing — but, becausecolostrum is vital for the new baby’s health, it’s important that the new baby nurse before the toddler at eachfeeding. Your body will adjust to adequately produce milk for both children.

Wondering if your baby is gaining enough weight or receiving enough breastmilk? Next month, Irene Zoppi, anInternational Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Medela clinical education specialist, will address yourquestions on how to tell whether a breastfed baby is growing appropriately. Irene is an experienced cliniciancaring for new families in antenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum and NICU settings. Irene also has writtenmany continuing educational programs for health professionals in the area of breastpump function andbreastfeeding support. She is a mother of two breastfed children, now teenagers. To submit your questions, e-mail [email protected] with “Expert Corner” in the subject line by Monday, January 11th.

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Page 13: December 2009 Mavens Monthly - Medela Mom …...December 2009 Mavens Monthly Greetings, Medela Mom Mavens! The end of the year encourages us all to reflect on the past year and prepare

Maven Spotlight

«Back to December Mavens Monthly

Name: Veronica Kenney

Children's names and ages: Cadence Kenney (female); 19 months

Hometown and occupation: Kent, WA; Mechanical Design Engineer for TheBoeing Company (less than 6 months ago) - now I get to stay at home, whilemy husband took a more secure job, in Kentucky.

Who is your parenting role model? My mom

What calms you down? Walks and snuggle-reading with my daughter are the best at calming me down. [Andwhen I was breastfeeding it was] the best calming activity.

If you were a Sesame Street character which one would you be? Kermit the Frog - I take life way toseriously, but I like to sing!

What’s the strangest thing you’ve recently found in your purse/pockets? Part of a cookie/tag/paper mychild tried to eat off of the floor somewhere.

What’s the last song you listened to? "Skid-a-marink-a-dink-a-dink" - a song I learned when I was little, stillremembered, and sing to my daughter. Who now tries to sing it back to me.

What’s the last book/magazine you read? The Nonrunner’s Marathon Guide for Women by Dawn Dais.

What mommy blog or parenting message board do you recommend? Cakewrecks or "In the Motherhood" -they are the best laugh ever and everyone needs a good laugh like that! For information I highly recommendkellymom.com. Also, MckMama.

What did you want to be when you were little? An astronaut or a veterinarian.

What item could you currently not survive without? A little organic cloth monkey we call Jo. Her favoriteaunt gave it to her, and we cannot find another one anywhere!

How did you overcome a breastfeeding hurdle? I visited or called my hospital’s lactation consultant. I was inthe lactation consultant's office at least once a week for the first three months. I had cracks with thrush andvaso-restriction issues - and I made it through still nursing!

What is the fondest breastfeeding moment you’ve had with your baby? When she was about 4 weeks old,and it was a 4 am feeding and she got gas bubble smiles - I managed to take a picture of one of her big goofysmiles.

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Interested in being featured in next month’s “Maven Spotlight?” If you haven’t already submitted your answers,e-mail them to the above survey (try to answer in one sentence or less per question, please) along with aphoto of you and/or your baby to [email protected] and we’ll select one Medela Mom Maven atrandom. Put “Maven Spotlight” in the subject line. To be eligible for January’s newsletter, entries must bereceived no later than by Monday, January 11th.

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Page 15: December 2009 Mavens Monthly - Medela Mom …...December 2009 Mavens Monthly Greetings, Medela Mom Mavens! The end of the year encourages us all to reflect on the past year and prepare

Contest Updates

«Back to December Mavens Monthly

There are contests and giveaways happening across the Web that give moms a chance towin Medela goodies.

From Monday, January 11th through Monday, January 18th, stop by La Petite Blog for thechance to win a Medela Freestyle and Medela nursing cami. The Freestyle is Medela’sfirst rechargeable, double-electric breastpump with a hands-free option, and it weighs lessthan a pound. It also offers 2-Phase Expression technology, which is scientifically provento mimic babies’ two-phase sucking pattern, allowing moms to get more milk in less time.The nursing cami, which is compatible with the Freestyle for hands-free pumping, is made from a bamboo-cotton blend that provides comfort and breathability with fast moisture absorption and natural anti-bacterialproperties.

Additionally, Medela is still seeking entries for its Mom of the Month contest. Enter to win a Freestyle here, bysharing your answers to one of the following questions

What activities would you do if you could pump hands-free?What is your funniest pumping experience, and how would Freestyle change this in the future?What would you do as a new mom with an extra 20 minutes in your day?

Good luck!

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