Not getting much milk with breast pump

Breast pumps and expressing... not getting much milk?  Read our article about using expressing with a pump and milk you get. 

Breast or Bottle - an experience with both

A story about Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding. A heart felt story shared by a gorgeous mama  Read here

This is my sister that shared this with us.

Harmony Manual Spare Parts

Customer asked me: The Medela Harmony Pump I have is no longer working...I think there's a tear in the diaphragm (underneath the handle). Would you know if the Pump covered under a warranty or if this part is replaceable.

 

These parts are not covered by warranty, as it is general wear and tear, but yes replacement parts are available.

 

I’m not sure which part you need, so have included a few options here.

 

The little thin white membrane is actually a really really important piece of the equipment, this must have no tears rips or cracks, and no milk residue.

 

The parts that are under the handle are also available separately, though I would need to order them for you which takes about 4 days.  Photo attached.

 

Handle

Diaphragm with Stem and O-ring

O-ring sold by itself (this is the rubbery part).  The stem is the yellow part.

 

View all our spare parts here

Baby Rejecting Boob

Baby is rejecting breast and wont feed.  Baby rejecting boob and prefers bottle.  I just wrote an article about this.  Baby Rejecting Breastfeeding

Second Hand Breast Pumps

Second hand breast pumps and buying them on auction sites Trademe.  A strong recommendation not to buy second hand breast pumps.   Read more

Avent BPA Free Breast Pumps

We now have the new range of Avent BPA free breast pumps.  Manual or Uno Electric versions. BPA free has the ‘honey tint’ colour.

Pregnant and doing breast pump research

I just wrote a new article about Buying a Breast Pump when Pregnant

 

 

Tongue Tie Op

I just wrote a post about finding a surgeon who will do the Tongue Tie snip for young baby

 

 

Large Size Bras

I just wrote a quick article about finding bras in larger sizes.

Prevent Mastitis

Do you have any products that can help with blocked ducks and /or trying to afford Mastitis?

I would recommend the Lactagogue Massage Oil and the heat packs 

Also lots and lots of vitamin C every day can really help.

 

Bouquet for Breastmates

A lady recently sent me this lovely email:

 

“Hi Frances

 

Just wanted to drop a note to say thank you for your site, I have just come across it for the first time. My kids are now 5 and nearly 3, but I still have plenty of friends having their ‘firsts’ and see the stress and guilt they go through, and it reminds me of my first time round. 

 

I had a breast reduction when I was 15, and while my understanding is that the procedure is much better now, when I had mine done (ahem, nearly 25yrs ago) the technology wasn’t so flash, and lots of my internal boob bits were just taken out.  I was warned at the time that I probably wouldn’t be able to breast feed in the future, but as you can imagine, meaningless advice to a 15yr old!

 

Subsequently, both my children have been fully bottle fed.  In both cases, I gave the boobs a damn good try, but my milk never came in either time.  I am a strong, educated Mum who had kids in her 30s, and still I was made to feel incredibly guilty when I couldn’t breastfeed the first time round (by the second time round I was a bit wiser and more bolshy!).  And there was no information available – when my husband asked the Waikato hospital midwives what he should look for when buying formula, he was told “you shouldn’t be buying formula and I’m certainly not allowed to give you any advice on it”.  Ridiculous!  If I was made to feel so guilty and useless, I shudder to think how younger, perhaps less educated Mums who can’t breastfeed for whatever reason must feel after going through ‘the system’.

 

So well done to you for your website.  I can see from a quick browse that it is more focused on breastfeeding, and that’s as it should be.  But I love the practical information that is on there about bottle feeding, and the fact that it is non-judgmental.

 

Cheers

 T

Mum to two robust, healthy, cheeky little monkeys!

 

 

 

 

Manual Breast Pump Parts

This is a very common question that I get asked, lots of mums melt their breast pump parts.

It does get confusing working out which part is which for the pumps, this lady took the initiative and emailed a photo.

She has the Medela Manual breast Pump, and just needed a new cylinder.  We can organize that for her no problem.

More information on Medela Spare Parts

 

Wineoclock

Although it was exhausting being at the Parent and Child show over the weekend, (and my voice is still lost), it was great to catch up with some other mums.  Swapping a few business ideas and having a good ol’ rant.  The Oyster Bay Sav went down a treat.  I definitely made the most of my weekend away in Auckland (without kids and hubby) and had social engagements every night.  Maybe that’s the reason I lost my voice… .hehehe

It was cool to put faces to names with other members of the Mums on Top forum and twitter.

We had Marilynn from Mums On Top – go and join the forum, you will really enjoy it.

Sarah and Shelly from Unido Slings

Jo from Best Blooms

Angela from Bonnie Bee Bag Co

Sarina from NudeyRudey nappies

And Bex and her gorgeous scrummy baby girl, Bexie Lady

There were a few other pikers that didn’t make it.

 So go and check out these websites, they are all fabulous sites run by fabulous women. 

Plus you also should join up to the Mums On Top website and tell them that Franny from Breastmates referred you!

Starting your baby on solids

A few tips on starting solids…..

 

 

Solids Offered before Bottle
Introducing solids
Fingerfood and snacks for toddlers
Starting Solids

 

 

 

Bottles and Teats

I get asked a lot of questions about bottle and teats.  Read full article

 

I wish someone had told me before...

some mothers share their thoughts

We asked the question from a group of mothers, to prepare other mums-to-be for the truth about life after baby arrives

Read the full article

Breastfeeding Pics

A customer recently shared these b/f photographs with us.  View here  cluck cluck

 

Warming Infant Formula

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority have provided some key points about warming baby bottles.  Key points and full document can be viewed here: Warming Infant Formula

 

 

Dads & Breastfeeding

 

A real story from a Dad. "It shocks me that dads don't want to help out with mum and baby especially in those first few days.  Since my wife was hurting I would do all the nappy changes and I would let the new mummy sleep. I loved looking in to my babies eyes and saying I'm your dad and NO ONE can take that away. Coming home, my wife recovered really well after her C sec, I put that down to a great LMC and myself, I didn't let her do ANYTHING except make milk and sleep. I joined a Mens Group and was shocked with the amount of guys who didn't think that a baby would change there life. They were complaining about the lack of sex Continue reading…

 

Breastfeeding & Ministry of Health

I’m involved with the Ministry of Health’s “Breastfeeding Campaign” in New Zealand.  You might have seen some of the adverts on TV and in magazines.

 

The next phase of their project is using social media, and creating a 2-way communication with NZ mothers.  The emphasis is that breastfeeding is a normal part of life.

 

It would be fantastic if you could please spread the word to your contacts, and come and join yourself. 

 

The page has just started (after weeks of discussion and approvals!)  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Breastfeeding-NZ/193386893968

 

(Its nothing commercial though)

New Baby Gifts

A few ideas on the perfect baby show gift, read the full article here: http://www.breastmates.co.nz/newborn_baby/Gift_Vouchers.html

Feeding baby with a tube

"My daughter, who is now 18 months old, absolutely refused to latch on when she was a newborn (to my despair). So the first photo shows her at one week old being fed expressed breastmilk via a tube that she sucked from my finger. As you can see in the photo I kept on doing skin to skin contact to hopefully encourage her to latch. After 4 weeks of persevering (and help from my midwife, a lactation consultant and a cranial osteopath!) she finally started to latch on to the breast and we successfully breastfed until she was 12 months old. The second photo shows her having a feed at 20 weeks old."

Words shared by a customer

View baby feeding tubes like the one used in the first photo

View more breastfeeding photos

Read more breastfeeding stories and tips

 

BF after CSection

A friend of my recently said she would be willing to share her story on Breastmates Website "Due to complications, I had my first baby at 37 weeks by way of "elective" (and I say that very loosely as it was not my choice!!) c-section under General Anesthetic followed by a Total Thyroidectomy operation - and so I woke up about 3 hours after my daughter Emily was born. I was determined to breastfeed and stressed for days prior to the operations/birth about how I was going to achieve this when I needed an operation immediately following the c-section. However I did manage to breastfeed exclusively despite this (with the help of my fabulous midwife) by way of expressing colostrum prior to the double operation (which was fed to Emily via syringe) and then with the midwives help who put Emily on and off my breast for the first day or two …. Continue reading the breastfeeding story

 

Medela BPA

A customer asked me these questions about the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump:

1. Is the Medela Breast Pump  product BPA free?     Yes all medela products are BPA free.

 

2. Seems like the breast pump does not come with a teat for the bottle.  Will teats from other bottles fit?  Is there a BPA free teat I can buy that will fit the bottle in this set?  No medela do not manufacture their own teats in New Zealand, but I always recommend these “Chu Chu” ones.  They are BPA free, fit medela bottles, but also are rather unique in that baby has to suck with the same motion as breastfeeding so doesn’t get lazy.  Ideal if you are doing both breast and bottle.  There is more information about this product here:  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/store/Feeding/Teats/chu_chu_teats.html

 

Boob Size

“How Long Do your boobs Stay Big?” When women are in their first trimester of pregnancy, they will usually notice a change to their breasts.  Some may increase a cup size or two, and other women may just have a feeling of more fullness. This size usually then stays the same for the majority of your pregnancy.  You may also notice that the band on your bra feels tighter, which is because your ribs are expanding to allow room for your baby.  This is the reason that nursing bras have 6 rows of hooks around the back, as you can wear them during your pregnancy too. Lactation Consultants suggest not to wear any underwires during your pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, as this can impede the development of milk ducts.  Another reason why you can wear a nursing bra during pregnancy, as none of our HOTmik bras have underwire. What's the 'best time to asses your bra' is another common question…...   You can continue reading the full article here:  Breastmates

 

 

Breast Feeding Videos

Here is a collection of Breastfeeding Videos that I’ve been working on.
Ad: Breastfeeding Videos Wanted
Baby Feeding Tube
Breastfeeding Sounds
Crying Baby Milk Squirts
Dream Feed
Extended Breastfeeding
Latching for Feed
Nursing Baby
Waiting for Letdown

Boosting Your Breast Milk

Here are some articles that I’ve written about how to improve your breast milk

Breastfeeding Food Intake
Complan Milkshake
Drinking Alcohol While Breastfeeding
Improve Breast Milk Supply
Lactation Boosting Cookies

 

Breast Pump Questions

I get a lot of questions about breast pump parts, so I'm compiling a list of common questions.  The spare parts for Avent and Medela breast pumps are listed at our store (Breast Pump Parts) but if you are not sure about the parts you need, please contact me.

Avent Spare Parts for Manual Breast Pump
Avent Uno Breast Pump Parts
Breastshield Sizes for Pumps
Medela Breast Pump Parts Diagram
Medela Breast Pump Parts- Harmony Swing Diagram
Medela Power Adapter
Medela Valves
Motor Unit for Medela Pump
Tubing for Breast Pump

Breast Pump Tight

Medela Breast Pump Not Working
Medela City Style Bag
Medela PNS Pump
Medela Pump Motor

 

Breastfeeding Pictures

Here are some beautiful breastfeeding photos that our customers have sent us.  Feel free to send us yours too!

We really want to encourage you to take a few shots while breastfeeding your baby, its such a special moment to share between mother and baby

Baby Feeding at 6 months

Big Brother Helper

Breastfeeding 3 hours old

Breastfeeding 8 month Old

Breastfeeding Newborn

Battle to Keep Feeding

Breastfeeding Pic

Lacta Aide Feeding Tube

Close Up Image

Feeding with Large Breasts

First Feed 45 minutes old

Full Figure Breasts and Nursing

Glamour Photo

Gorgeous Big Eyes

Multitasking Breastfeeding

Newborn Baby

Nursing in Bath

Breastfeeding in Bath

Nursing with Large Breasts

Professional Portrait 

Upright Breastfeeding

Wedding Day

Mother and Baby Photograph

Skin to Skin Day 1

BF at 8 days old 

Nursing at 7 and a half months

Loving the Breastfeeding

 

Bottle Feeding Articles

This is a summary of the articles that I have been writing about Bottle Feeding

Bottle Feeding - Storage and Heating
Bottle Feeding Costs
Bottle Feeding Special Teats
Bottle Feeding Tips
BPA Free Bottles
Heating Baby Bottles
How to Give Baby a Bottle
How to Prepare Baby Formula
Large medela bottles
Medela Bottles
Starting Baby on a Bottle
What Baby Formula to Buy

Baby Kicks in Belly

I asked a question to the mums on my Facebook page, to describe how it feels when you first feel baby kicks in your belly for the first time  How do you know what it feels like? With my first son, I felt the kicks at about 21 weeks.  But with my second son I did feel them earlier, about 18 weeks, because I recognised the feeling.  For me it was like a muscle twitch - you know how sometimes you get those in your eye?  Well this was a muscle twitch in my belly, and then it was a ripple feeling.  But the end of my pregnancy, there was no doubt about baby movement, and sometimes I could see a heel or some belly movement through my maternity top! When you start to get further along in your pregnancy, there will be a lot of baby movement!  Midwives say that you should feel (and count) 10 kicks per day so that you know baby is okay.  Take a look at our Reminder Wristbands - they will help you keep count of what number kick you are up to during the day so you can make sure you get all those kicks.  Then after baby is born, use this as a reminder for breastfeeding times. Anyway, read our article about how mothers described their first baby kicks

 

Thank you to the ladies that contributed their thoughts.

Breast Pump not Sucking

medela breast pump not working?

If your medela breast pump is not working, there are a few things that you can try at home first: With the little white membrane and the small plastic valve parts: Valve and Membrane: Is it there? What condition is it in? Has it become distorted or torn? Are there any cracks in the valve head? Is the membrane clean etc? Often problems can be resolved by putting on a new membrane.

Read the full article here and more helpful tips for your breast pump  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/breast_pumps/Medela_Pump_Trouble_Shooting.html

 

How to use a breast pump

Expressing breast milk with a breast pump is a very strange experience and it does take a while to get used to it.  Different models of breast pumps make different noises, some are quieter than others

Don't be surprised if you don't get a lot of milk when you first start expressing.  For your first attempt a volume of 20mL would be a good effort.

It does take time to build up your milk supply, especially if you are breastfeeding baby and also using a breast pump for extra milk storage

Read the full Breastmates article here

Yummy Mummy

Our latest press stuff is involvement with a Little Treasures magazine feature on Yummy Mummy bras.

 

You can see the full article about nursing bras here

Baby Biting while Breastfeeding

Tips to stop your baby biting while nursing

A customer recently emailed me: "I'm experiencing a few difficulties breastfeeding my nine-month-old - he has started biting during his afternoon feed. I think it's because my supply is dwindling, and let-down is delayed, and he's getting bored/frustrated" My initial thought when I read this email was that the baby is teething, and baby is seeking relief for aching gums. But it could also be due to baby having a cold or a stuffy nose. Alot of mothers will mistakenly think they don’t have enough milk …. Continue reading this article on Baby Biting While Breastfeeding

 

Constipated on Formula

If you are bottle feeding your baby, it is CRUCIAL you give them 100mls water per day (boiled & cooled).

Newborns will not drink the whole amount of water in one go, so sipping water throughout the day is what is needed.

It is more work and another thing to have to remember to do... however if you do not, your baby can become constipated... to the point they split their anus and they are bleeding when they pass a poo.

Continue reading our article on Constipated Baby

 

Preparing Baby Formula

Here are a few steps on how to prepare a bottle of baby formula for your child.

Please note that before it is time to make up the bottle, ensure that you have some boiled water (which has cooled) prepared as this is used to mix with the formula powder. 

Also ensure that all feeding equipment, bottles, and teats are washed in soapy water and sterilized before use.  Check with your microwave sterilizer, as different sterilizers keep the contents sterile for X hours.  Alternatively you can sterilize equipment in a saucepan of boiling water - just make sure that the water is actually boiling for 5 minutes.

I also suggest that you only prepare one bottle at a time, as close as possible to feeding time.  However if you do prepare a bottle in advance, keep it at the back of the fridge for a less than 12 hours.  You need to tip out the bottle if it has been in the fridge for more than 12 hours.

Bottle Preparation

• Before preparing baby formula, wash your hands
• Measure the required amount of water (as prepared above) into your sterilized bottle.
• Use the scoop provided with the baby formula tin, add the required amount of scoops into the bottle of water, level the scoop off with the edge of the tin.
• Add the bottle lid and cap, shake well until the powder dissolves.  You will need to tip the bottle upside down and shake hard, otherwise will get lumps in the bottom.
• Remove the lid, and add the bottle teat.
• Before feeding your baby, always make sure that the formula is the correct temperature.  Tip a few drops on the back of your wrist where the veins are, and you shouldnt feel any difference in temperature.

Continue reading the rest of this article on Preparing Baby Formula

 

 

 

How Many Maternity Bras to Buy?

People often ask me how many maternity bras they will need to buy, to use after their baby is born.

Well, obviously a salesperson will tell you "at least 40!"  (Thats just a joke from me, since I have a store selling maternity bras!)

Here is my honest answer as a mother, rather than a salesperson.

You need at least two bras.  Any more will depend on how often you wash them and how wet they get.

When you have a newborn baby, you are probably going to be wearing a bra 24 hours per day.  The reason for this is because you'll feel like your breasts need that extra support as they will feel different and heavier with your milk, and also to hold your breast pads in place.

This leads to my second point... depending on how much you leak, and if your breast pads are working, will also affect if your bra gets milk on it.  You might also get milk squirts, baby dribble, and not to mention the occasional baby chuck where it all goes down (and in) your top!

So maybe three bras is a better choice!

• one to wear
• one in the wash
• one to have in the draw ready

It also depends on how often you do laundry.  But then again, a bra is pretty light and even if you could rinse them out in the shower and leave to try on the towel rail.

As I mentioned above, you will probably be sleeping in your bra too (or we do have some HOTmilk sleepwear with built in shelf bras which are a little more comfortable).  If you are specifically getting a bra to sleep in, choose quite a plain one with minimal lace and detailing as this will be more comfortable.  We will have some "super comfy sleep bras" coming into stock soon.

Return to our main website for more Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding Tips and our Maternity Store

 

Pregnancy Boob Size

When women are in their first trimester of pregnancy, they will usually notice a change to their breasts.  Some may increase a cup size or two, and other women may just have a feeling of more fullness.

This size usually then stays the same for the majority of your pregnancy.  You may also notice that the band on your bra feels tighter, which is because your ribs are expanding to allow room for your baby.  This is the reason that nursing bras have 6 rows of hooks around the back, as you can wear them during your pregnancy too.

Continue reading the rest of this article here 

What Baby Formula to Buy?

If you need to bottle feed your baby with formula, it can be a really daunting task going to the supermarket and buying a tin.  There are so many tins all lined up, you probably don't know where to start and which one to choose.


In my opinion as a mother, here are my thoughts....



All of the different formula brands will come down to a basic age group. The tins will state the recommended ages on the front of the tin and they are branded as Starter, Follow on, Toddler.
Some brands will have a sample sachet available to purchase, which is a really good thing to use for the first few times that you are trying formula.  You can use the sample to see whether your baby drinks it, and check for any reactions.  



The most important thing in this formula route is that your baby is happy to drink the bottle, then you will know that they are getting the nutrition they need and they can grow!


There are many different brands of baby formula on the New Zealand supermarket shelves.  I believe that as long as you mix the formula according to the directions, and use pre-sterilised water, then all formula brands are suitable and safe for your baby to drink.  Though of course I must state for the record that breast is best, but we are talking about those times if you cant breastfeed.

Continue reading this article on Baby Formula

Breastfeeding Top Tips

Starting to breastfeed your baby can be a stressful and nerve wrecking experience.  Based on our own experience of breastfeeding two children, we have prepared our top breastfeeding tips for you 

Stay calm. If you start to feel uptight or wound up, take a break for a few minutes and then try again. Baby may be able to pick up on your anxiety.

Don't place high expectations on yourself. It can take a while before your milk flows, before baby gets the hang of latching, and before you get things sorted.

While you are still in the hospital or maternity ward, make sure the nurse helps you to latch baby every time you feed. Ring your buzzer to call the nurse.

Breastfeeding does hurt to start with. As the baby draws your nipple into their mouth it can be a painful tearful experience for mum. The pain should stop about thirty seconds or so after baby is latched. It may be like this for 3 or 4 days with a newborn. If the problem persists - seek help from your midwife, plunket nurse, doctor or a lactation consultant.

The key to successful breastfeeding is making sure baby has the correct latch. Put baby on your breast when their mouth is open wide and full. Pull baby's head to your breast - don't drop your nipple down to baby as you will get sore shoulders and back.

When baby is latched their lips will be covering your breast in a "K" shape that looks like the K on Cellog's Special K cereal.

Continue to read the rest of our Breastfeeding Tips

Return to our main website for more Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding Tips and our Maternity Store

 

 

Tips on Starting a Bottle

If you are going to start giving your baby a bottle (either formula or expressed breast milk) here are a few of my suggested starting tips. To get baby to drink from a bottle, let baby play with the bottle first. (When it is empty or with cold boiled water). Then they might put it in their mouth, suck a little maybe, and must be familiar with it. If you are expressing breast milk with a breast pump, store this in the freezer. You can store it in special breast milk storage bags or you could freeze it in the ice cube tray and then put the frozen cubes into a snap lock bag in the freezer. View the full list of bottle feeding tips

Return to our main website for more Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding Tips and our Maternity Store

Baby Poop

Breastfed Baby Poo   Did you know that babies who are breastfed have bright yellow poo?  It is characterized by its mustard yellow colour, with bits that look like tiny seeds.  It can have a very soft slightly runny consistency.  And it can have a sweet yeasty smell (!)

Formula Fed Baby Poo    Babies that are formula fed with bottle, have darker poo, which is much firmer and smellier.

View the full article on Breastfed Baby Poop…….

Breastfeeding Baby with a Cold

It can be a really difficult time if your darling new baby has a cold.

When babies are healthy, they can breathe through their nose while continuing to suck and nurse at the breast (or bottle). This is a natural instinct that babies are born with, but they will grow out of it. (have you ever tried to breathe and swallow at the same time - not possible!)

So when a baby has a cold, their sinus can be blocked up. This means that they won't remain latched on at the breast for a long time, because they will need to breathe through their mouth. You may find that baby will take a few sucks, then come off the latch. (and milk might squirt as your letdown continues!). This will mean that it will take longer to feed your baby, they could get very impatient as they are obviously hungry but can't get to their milk fast enough. A few tears and stress too!

View the full article on Breastfeeding Baby with a Cold Return to our main website for more Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding Tips and our Maternity Store

Breastmates Advice Launches

Well after popular demand, I’m now adding all my Breastfeeding and Bottle advice to a blog, to share for other people that need it.

 

Here is a little introduction about me, and what I do…..

 

Breastmates was created from scratch in 2004 by Frances McInnes, who has slowly developed the brand herself over the past few years to become a Specialty Baby Feeding Store with an extensive range of products for pregnant and new mothers.

 

Frances noted there was a lack of resources for mothers in New Zealand on baby feeding issues, and that it could often be difficult for people to get advice for their situation.   

 

Frances has taken it upon her self to fill this void.  Frances is a mother who has both breast and bottle fed her two children, and has been told that customers like her “non-militant non-judgmental” stance on breastfeeding.

 

After considerable time and investment, Breastmates relaunches this week as a useful resource for parents as well as an online shopping site.  “I wanted my website to consist of honest information to prepare people with the truth – and not unrealistically high expectations.   I can be the person that tells you ‘yes breastfeeding is hard, but if you can’t do it then forget the guilt trip,” she says.

 

Breastmates will now fill the need for information on infant feeding, and provides a balance between breast and bottle feeding.

 

To view more advice and articles, as well as to shop for gorgeous maternity tops, HOTmilk and other feeding products view http://www.breastmates.co.nz