October 2011                                                                  Buy Cookies
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hello from milkmakers 
delicious cookies that boost milk supply and replenish key nutrients moms need.  

  


Greetings!

 

We've got some exciting things going on at milkmakers! This month we are giving away a hands-free nursing bra designed by Simple Wishes. It makes pumping a million times more convenient for busy moms. With a Simple Wishes bra you can make breakfast, check your email, fold laundry and pump all at the same time!


This month's Real Mom story is from a mother of two, who struggled with and overcame many of the same breastfeeding challenges that we know you face. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we are sharing a few important facts with you.

 

And...have you ever wondered if something in your diet is counter-acting your attempts to increase your milk supply? Read our article about foods that decrease milk supply to find out.

At milkmakers we pride ourselves on being a lactation cookie company and a breastfeeding resource. We want to help breastfeeding moms achieve their goals. We're happy to announce that - due to popular demand - we'll be hosting another Q&A session on our Facebook page with lactation consultant Renee Bebee, M.Ed., IBCLC November 17 from 9am-10am PST.

 

Our Facebook Promotion ends October 31, so hurry and get your friends to "Like" us so you can save 10% on your next order!

 

 

 emily-seattle-times

  emilysignature

 

 

 

 

 

mom to Isabel, Olivia & James and founder of milkmakers                                                                           

Simple Wishes: A Simply Wonderful Nursing Accessory for Busy Moms

For any mom who has ever wanted to be in two places at once- Simple Wishes has the solution.

 

simple wishes

As a leading maker of hands-free pumping bras loved by moms all over the country, Simple Wishes has just made it even easier for

Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bustier
Click here for a video demonstration of the Simple Wishes nursing bra

 breastfeeding women to learn the advantages of pumping, utilize the

 incredible resources available to them, and enjoy every blissful moment of motherhood. 

 

With the introduction of a step-by-step video on all of the wonderful ways to use their versatile hands-free pumping bustier, along with the launch of their new non-profit website Hands-Free Pumping, new moms can take care of all things they never thought possible with the support of lactation experts, product innovators and other breastfeeding moms just like them.

 

We had the opportunity to sit down with Joy again, the Business Developer behind Simple Wishes, to get all the details on why she chose to launch these new resources.

 

Why did you feel it was necessary to create this video on using the Simple Wishes pumping bra for moms out there?

 

While we know women look at our product and think it's a good idea, we want them to realize how life changing it really is. It's one thing to see a Simple Wishes bra modeled in a photo, but to actually see a woman using it in all the various ways it can be worn

 and used in day-to-day situations, makes all the difference and I think will really inspire women to try hands-free pumping. In this video, you see how Simple Wishes offers a versatile fit (removable velcro panels and a front zipper) to fit changes in size, and you see how to actually use your electric breastpump with the bra (where and how to insert), and how simple it is.

 

Then of course, you get to see the bra actually being used in real situations. You see a mom who is  working and checking her emails, talking on the phone, enjoying breakfast in the morning, all while pumping- and all things that women still need to do even when they're breastfeeding. To have the ability to do all these things simultaneously really is amazing!

 

Tell us about your new website, Hands-Free Pumping, and how it came about.

 

Hands-Free Pumping (www.handsfreepumping.org) is an informational website and resource for breastfeeding moms where they can learn all the different ways to pump hands-free and the options that are available to them. The main goal behind creating this was to help moms 'discover' this incredible new way to pump (turning their electric breastpump into a hands-free pump), and essentially help them achieve their breastfeeding goals.

 

In addition, the site will also offer free breastfeeding advice on a bimonthly basis from internationally board certified lactation consultants, who will answer all of the frequently asked questions surrounding breastfeeding. There will also be links to resources where moms can find a lactation consultant and breastfeeding advocacy organizations (such as La Leche League and Best for Babes) in their areas.

 

In doing your research on breastfeeding, can you share some of the statistics you've found that new moms may not be aware of?

 

Well, according to the Center for Disease Control, in 2006 in the U.S. only 13.6 of babies born were exclusively breastfed for 6 months. This is an incredibly low number! To help put this in perspective, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that a mother exclusively breastfeed for this specified period of time at the very least. So at 13.6, we're falling very short of our AAP's recommendations.

At Simple Wishes, we feel that this low percentage is due in part to the fact that so many mothers in the U.S. return to work almost immediately after giving birth, on average within the first three months. And while they may have the best intentions to continue breastfeeding their child, they tend to give up out of the frustration that can come from trying to do this at work.  

 

By launching the Hands-Free Pumping website, we feel we're doing our part, as moms ourselves who have been there in trying to juggle motherhood and a career, to help moms discover a way to lessen their frustrations associated with pumping and find the necessary and accommodating resources that will ultimately help them reach all of their goals for both themselves and their babies.

 

As a leading maker of hands-free pumping bras loved by moms all over the country, Simple Wishes has just made it even easier for breastfeeding women to learn the advantages of pumping, utilize the incredible resources available to them, and enjoy every blissful moment of motherhood. With the introduction of a step-by-step video on all of the wonderful ways to use their versatile hands-free pumping bustier, along with the launch of their new non-profit website Hands-Free Pumping, new moms can take care of all things they never thought possible with the support of lactation experts, product innovators and other breastfeeding moms just like them.

 

Below view a video demonstration on exactly how the Simple Wishes nursing bra works!

 

 

Click here to check out another milkmakers' exclusive interview with Simple Wishes co-founder Joy.


Foods that Decrease Breastmilk Supply

 

reneebebee

Renee Bebee, M.Ed., IBCLC

 

It seems that a breastfeeding mother's main concern and worry is, "will I make enough milk for my baby?" Fortunately, our bodies are designed to make copious amounts of milk even if we're not really trying. If babies and breasts are left to their own devices, things tend to work out. There are, however, situations in which mothers struggle to make enough milk for baby. Perhaps you are one of those mothers...

 

If you've struggled with milk production, you know that a mother with low milk-supply issues will try just about anything to increase supply. You probably also know that certain foods and herbs can increase milk supply. Oatmeal, fenugreek* and blessed thistle* and many others all have a reputation for helping mothers overflow with milk.

 

But did you know that some foods can actually decrease milk production? There is no need to worry about small amounts of any of the following foods, but if you're struggling with low milk supply already, avoid ingesting large quantities of the following. On the other hand, if you are one of those mothers with an over-abundance of milk, or if you are in the process of weaning, you may find the following foods helpful!

 

Parsley is a diuretic. Nibbling on a sprig of parsley after a meal tastes refreshing and will not harm your milk supply. You may wish to avoid dishes with large amounts of parsley, however, if you are breastfeeding and you are concerned about milk production. One dish to avoid in the immediate postpartum period is tabouleh. Once your supply is established and everything is going well, and occasional plate of tabouleh is probably OK.

 

Peppermint and spearmint can adversely affect milk supply. Drinking an occasional cup of peppermint tea should not be a problem. You'd have to drink very large amounts daily (think quarts!) to decrease your supply. Altoids and other candies made from peppermint oil are a different story. Mothers who enjoy many of these candies each day have noticed a drop in milk production.

 

Sage and oregano can negatively impact milk production. Sage tea is a common remedy for over-production.

 

The topical application of cabbage leaves. Cabbage can work wonders to relieve breast engorgement, but don't over-do it!  Applying cabbage more than once or twice a day can decrease your milk supply. Topical creams made from cabbage extract can have the same effect.

 

Beer and other alcoholic beverages are often touted as milk-supply boosters. Have you ever heard this? "Have a beer! It will help you relax and make your milk come in." It is absolutely false! In fact, alcohol inhibits your milk ejection (let down) reflex. This makes it harder for baby to get your milk. Over time, this can decrease your milk supply. Is an occasional drink ok? Yes! Just be sure to have that drink after you have fed your baby.

 

*Please seek the advice of a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), naturopath or certified herbalist before experimenting with ANY herbs to help with milk supply issues. Herbs are medicines and many have potential side effects and even can cause severe allergic reactions. In addition, it is important to understand the history and underlying cause of your particular situation in order for any treatment to be effective.

 

Written by Renee Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC. Renee is available for in-home consultations. Enlist Renee's help to create a customized plan for re-entering the workforce. Renee also offers phone consultations for a wide range of issues including childcare, pump selection, pumping and storing milk, increasing milk production and getting enough rest. Renee can be reached at www.second9months.com .

  

For more breastfeeding articles and resources visit: http://www.milkmakers.com/resources/

Issue: 14
In This Issue
Simple Wishes: A Simply Wonderful Nursing Accessory
Foods that Decrease Breastmilk Supply
Real Mom Story
 
New milkmakers prices begin 
November 1st. 
Order a subscription by Oct.31 to stay at current prices.
 
 
 
 
You've got questions...we've got answers!

 

Thanks to our lactation consultant Renee Beebe M.Ed., IBCLC  for our live Q +A last week on Facebook. milkmakers moms had some great questions and learned a ton! We hope to hear from you next month!
  
Be sure to join our next live Facebook breastfeeding chat on November 17 from
9am -10am PST (12pm -1pm EST). 

 

We'll see you there!

Facebook Q+A
 

 

 
simple wishes

Win a Simple Wishes Nursing Bra

  

We're excited to offer you a fabulous giveaway!

 

To be eligible, simply like the Simple Wishes Facebook page and write on their wall telling them why YOU should be the winner. 


hands-free-pump

 

"Gone are the days of hunching over, holding the breast pump flanges on, and being "stuck" for 15 minutes! You can have your cake and eat it too with the Simple Wishes Bustier."

 - Satisfied Simple Wishes customer Kerri O.

 

Facebook.com/SimpleWishes

 

 


Celebrate Breast Cancer 
Awareness Month
 
 Did you know...

"Breastfeeding protects against breast cancer (especially premenopausal breast cancer). Breastfeeding appears to lower the risk of both estrogen receptor-positive and estrogen receptor-negative tumors. In a pooled analysis of 47 studies, mothers who breastfed for a lifetime total of one year (combined duration of breastfeeding for all children) were slightly less likely to get breast cancer than those who never breastfed." - Susan G. Komen for the Cure





Real Mom Story

joci
Joci mom to Jack (almost 3) & Jane (4 ½ months)

 

I love being a mother and raising my children full time as a stay at home mom. I try to appreciate the little things each day and enjoy every moment - life goes too fast.

 

My number one priority is my children, their growth, health and safety, but I don't want to lose sight of who I am as a person. I want to be a strong, happy role model for them to learn from so I try each day to create a balance between being a great mom, wife, friend and daughter.  I try to do things that stimulate my mind and body too. I enjoy photography, graphic design, interior design, cooking, gardening, and hosting parties. The greatest reward is watching my children learn and grow and seeing their faces when they experience something for the first time. When we quietly snuggle together, I find myself trying to understand how my husband and I created these wonderful little people.

 

With Jack, I faced almost every breastfeeding challenge out there. He had a terrible latch and thrush. My milk didn't come in for 6 days. We worked with a lactation specialist for eight weeks. I was determined to breastfeed and make it work and am so glad that I stuck through the hard times, tears and frustration. Jack breastfed successfully until his 1st birthday. Jane was completely different. She came out ready to nurse and we haven't had any issues so far, but I do eat a milkmakers cookie every day this time around. They are convenient and delicious! milkmakers are the best product on the market for nursing mothers and their families. Everyone wins with a bag of milkmakers!

 

q+a

What has being a mom taught you?
What it means to feel like you would give up anything (literally anything) for another human being.

Since becoming a mother I have become more grateful for the things I have - health and lots of love.

 

My favorite children's books: 
Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You, Curious George

 

I wish someone would have told me that:
Breastfeeding a baby can be one of the most difficult challenges.

 

My advice/wisdom to share:
Even though you think you might have "the best" way to change the diaper, sooth the crying baby, etc. let daddy figure out his own way.

 

Best thing about breastfeeding:
Is the bond that we have formed - it's something that only she and I have and I cherish each time I get to feed her.

 

The best thing about being a mom:
Is when my son says "I wuv you mommy" for no reason. And when my daughter looks up and smiles at me like I'm the greatest person in the world.

 

I "treat" myself with: 
A massage or a pedicure, for sure.

 

 

What's your story? We would love to hear from you!

 

realmom@milkmakers.com  

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