Mary Ausman

Boob Scoop: A great way to minimize the worry that comes with the thought of pumping and returning to work, is to do a practice run of what a work day will look like. A week or two before returning, pick a day when someone can watch your baby and schedule pumping sessions as if you were back at work. And of course it's okay if you never get a chance to do this: more important than squeezing in a practice run is to establish good milk supply during the weeks of maternity leave. Establishing good milk supply in the first 8 -12 weeks will play a key role in making the transition to work easier. http://yummymummystore.com/blog/ Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

Boob Scoop: After the first few months, you may be surprised that your baby is not nursing as frequently as the early months, which may lead you to question whether something is going on. Well as babies grow and become more efficient with nursing they don't need to be at the breast as often. Feeding frequency varies from baby to baby and is partly dependent on the mother's breast storage capacity (http://yummymummystore.com/blog/Breast-storage-capacity/). But no need to worry - efficiency is usually the driver of your baby's less frequent feeds. http://yummymummystore.com/blog/ Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

Boob Scoop: When showering, plain water is sufficient to keep the nipple and areola clean. During lactation, natural oils are secreted from the tiny glands on the areola which prevent bacteria from breeding. Soaps can mask or remove the natural oils, which the infant uses as a way to locate the breast. In addition, rubbing some expressed milk on the nipple and air-drying after nursing is also beneficial thanks to breastmilk's anti-infective properties. http://yummymummystore.com/blog/ Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

Although it may seem more manageable to pump one breast at a time, double pumping tends to yield more milk since a mother's Prolactin levels are highest when both breasts are stimulated. Another way to boost your Prolactic level? Nurse your baby on one side while you pump the other breast. This tip is especially helpful for moms whose babies feed from one breast per feeding. The breastmilk accumulated from the pumped side can be saved to build an emergency stash in your freezer.