Breastfeeding During COVID-19

As mentioned in a previous post, I recently had a bout with COVID 19. During this period I did breastfeed and I did find that my youngest (under a year) was the least affected by any symptoms. Canada has not yet published any specific guidelines around breastfeeding while positive with COVID 19. However, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) among others recommend that breast is still best. 

Are there any guidelines around breastfeeding during COVID-19 in Canada?

At this time, there are no Canadian guidelines published on COVID-19 and breastfeeding. Below are some resources, shared by Enfamil Canada in their recent newsletter to parents, that can help to inform your breastfeeding decision.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim guidance on breastfeeding and COVID 19 (https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/maternal-or-infant-illnesses/covid-19-and-breastfeeding.html)

• The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/key-topics/covid-19)

• The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (United Kingdom) (https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/)

• Dietitians of Canada (https://www.dietitians.ca/News/2020/Advice-for-the-general-public-about-COVID-19)

Guidance on breastfeeding and COVID-19 may change as knowledge evolves.  Whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers. 

 Are you a breastfeeding or soon to be breastfeeding mom? What are your thoughts on breastfeeding during this time?

Breast Pumps: Are They Even Necessary?

“Breast Pumps, are they even worth buying?” This is a question many first time moms have asked themselves (myself included). This may seem like an obvious yes or no to those who are already moms and especially moms who have breast fed but for the budget conscious and minimalist mom, this is definitely a question worth exploring. Here are some results to this question as answered by real moms on social media:

Based on the results many moms believe breast pumps are not must haves (in certain instances) while others believe they are must haves in other scenarios. So let’s start with some of the reasons for moms saying it’s not a must have.

The number 1 reason  moms give for not needing to own a breast pump is if you are a stay at home mom who is rarely away from your child. In this case it may actually be more beneficial to spare yourself  this expense and to borrow a pump as the need arises. You can borrow a breast pump from a close friend or family member or rent one from your hospital or breastfeeding clinic.

Another alternative to owning or borrowing a breast pump is to practice the hand expression technique that lactation specialists teach in breastfeeding classes. The hand expression technique can help to deal with any temporary engorgement issues. Recap: If you are constantly with your baby, a breast pump may just be a nice to have or luxury item for you.

Here are some reasons/cases moms gave for saying a breast pump is a must have item for expecting moms. A breast pump is a must have for:

• Moms who have to go back to work early, travel or be away from their baby in general
• Moms who want to (or need to) take a break from breastfeeding every now and again
• Moms who want to involve other family members in the feeding process for family bonding
• Moms who need to release pressure in the breasts from milk over supply or engorgement in general.  

For those moms who fall in the breast pump as a newborn must have category here are my top picks (that I’ve actually used - you’re welcome!) for a breast pump: 

1. Medela Pump In Style - A pump with lots of useful accessories like a stylish tote, breastmilk storage bags, a cooler and ice pack, a battery powered charger, breast pads, nipple cream and extra bottles to store milk. 

2. Spectra breast pump - powerful, programmable suction that gets the job done in little to no time. Has a neat bottle holder to rest bottle of expressed milk and a night light so it's great for expressing in baby's nursey in the wee hours of night (if you need to.)

3. Hakka Breast pump - light weight, portable and gets the job done. Depending on your breast size it could even be hands free.

What is your take - is a breast pump a must have, nice to have or a luxury item? Have your say by commenting below! 

Safety First Comfort Pacifier

A little device I'd recommend for pacifier loving babies (or even just those who will take a pacifier) is the @safety_1st comfort check pacifier! The bonus pack also comes with a pacifier medicine dispenser. This combo has given me the confidence I needed when baby had to get the first set of immunization shots. I simply threw it in the diaper bag and started fever checking and continued at home for the 2 weeks following. Luckily, baby didn't get a fever this round, so I didn't have to use the medicine dispenser. I'm glad I have these two handy devices to face future rounds of baby immunization. It also is the best kind of budget thermometer for vacation and travel. As baby's safety comes first, this is definitely a top 10 baby must have in my books. 

What’s your go to thermometer while on the go with baby? 

Vicks for Baby & Moms

It’s already cold and flu season and another baby essential that I have in my motherhood toolkit is everything Vicks! I really do believe that the big box retailers should carry a gift set of various Vicks products for new moms. This would make the perfect baby registry item. 

Until then, you can make your own Vicks gift basket for any expecting or new moms in your life and it can include:

For Baby

1. The Vicks Baby Rub - safe to rub on baby’s chest

2. The Vicks VapoSteam for use in any humidifier with a medicine tray that allows you to pour liquid Vicks in.

3. Vicks VapoPads for use in the Vicks Vaporizer

For Mom

4. Regular Vicks Rub for mom

5. Vicks inhalers for mom

6. Vicks cough drops for mom

My mom personally used Vicks on me, as a child struggling with nasal congestion, cold and flu, so I was pleased to know it’s one of the only safe things that an expecting mom  or new mom can use instead of medication when battling the cold and flu. 

What other Vicks products do you use in your motherhood toolkit?

                                             

Infantino Cuddle Up Ergonomic Hoodie Carrier

An infant carrier is a great newborn baby must-have option for new moms with more than one child and for mamas navigating city/suburban life! There are so many good ones on the market but this post is all about the @Infantinobaby Cuddle Up Ergonomic Hoodie Carrier. 

The Infantino Cuddle Up Ergonomic Hoodie Carrier is great because:

• It is beautifully designed. It differs from other carriers on the market as it has a very cute removable hoodie feature with vibrant colours.
• The adjustable straps really gives a comfortable ergonomic fit for parents. 
• It’s helpful for having baby close & comforted while still being hands free. If baby is fussy or clingy you can put them in the carrier and get major chores done around the house and on the go. 
• It’s good value for money as it can be passed down or on to multiple babies with little to no wear and tear. 
• It makes for a great baby shower gift. II received this as a baby shower gift for my first born and I’ve since gifted this to other new and expecting moms. It’s a very practical but cute gift that’s sure to come in handy. 

What infant carrier are you planning to get (or do you have) for your little one? What do you like about it? Comment below!

The crib we chose for baby is the @storkcraft Avalon 4-in-1 crib. It was important for us to find a crib that is sturdy, budget friendly and converts up to a toddler bed. So far it's living up to what we expected. It was fairly easy to setup (always follow the instruction booklet), is sturdy, plus the sleigh design is so beautiful to look at. 

How did you go about choosing your crib? Drop a comment below 👇