Let’s support breastfeeding moms more

those caused by stiches, episiotomy, general birth discomfort and C section—impacted their ability to breastfeed. Around 40 percent of moms continued to breastfeed despite the pain, but said it negatively impacted their mental health. But 26 percent stopped breastfeeding completely.

AN empty elementary school classroom in the Bronx borough in New York on August 17, 2021. Across the US, students have been absent at record rates since schools reopened after COVID-forced closures. AP

I HAVE always been inspired by the many breastfeeding advocates in our country, which celebrates this August the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. I have had many encounters with moms and admire their unique, and, at times, difficult, breastfeeding journeys.

I myself have two children who were breastfed for nearly a year. I loved that I was able to bond with my babies and contribute to their strong immune systems today. However, I also encountered some of the most common breastfeeding struggles like low milk supply in the beginning as well as cracked and bleeding nipples. This is why I am very empathetic to moms who share their struggles with me. I would always wish that more support can be given to them to make this journey more encouraging and comfortable, especially after the pains of childbirth.

According to a 2020 research published on britishjournalofmidwifery.com, one in four women reported that pain directly relating to birth—

I am glad that there are many products now that support moms for a comfortable and less stressful breastfeeding journey. The growing list includes Lansinoh, a US brand founded by Resheda Hagen 35 years ago. One of Lanisoh’s many products is the Hot & Cold Postpartum Therapy packs, which are slim, reusable pads that provide comfort and relief in two ways. Convenient to use right out of the freezer, cold pads relieve perineal pain caused by labor, birth, hemorrhoids, and C-sections. Or microwave these multi-taskers for soothing relief from uterine cramping. Then there’s the Lansinoh Postpartum Wash Bottle that provides a soothing stream of water to gently cleanse sore, tender areas after birth.

During breastfeeding, one of my sister’s friends relayed to me that her two main comfort products are Lansinoh’s Lanolin Nipple Cream and TheraPearl®. The Lanolin Nipple Cream soothed and protected her sore nipples. It is good that this is free from any petroleum, parabens, additives, or preservatives, so there’s no need to remove before breastfeeding. It is also ethically sourced and certified climate neutral. The TheraPearl® 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs provide hot or cold pain relief again and again for tender, overworked breasts.

It is recommended to use the hot therapy before breastfeeding or during pumping because it reduces pumping time. It also relieves clogged ducts and mastitis. Cold Therapy can be used after to relive engorgement, swelling and pain.

Lansinoh .com provides so many resources to support and encourage breastfeeding. I particularly found the tips on Managing Stress and Increasing Milk Supply very relevant and practical, which I will share here.

Below are some steps that you can start working on now so that you have plans in place to overcome any challenges with stress and breastmilk supply:

1. Stay up to date with your healthcare team . Work more with your OBGYN, pediatrician and hospital staff on information that will help you on information and put together a plan that is doable and safe.

2. Be kind to yourself. With all that’s going on in the world today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant “what-ifs” and “to-dos.” This can leave you feeling drained and discouraged. Be kind to yourself and remember…you just grew and delivered a brand-new human being.

3. Find relaxation methods that work for you . Selfcare needs to be part of everyone’s routine, and that is especially true for new moms. On a daily basis you can do things like taking a short nap, watching a favorite show, or meditating for a few minutes. To be continued...

Educators and experts say some parents and students have been conditioned to stay home at the slightest sign of sickness.

Renee Slater’s daughter rarely missed school before the pandemic. But last school year, the straight-A middle schooler insisted on staying home 20 days, saying she just didn’t feel well.

As they get older, you can’t physically pick them up into the car—you can only take away privileges, and that doesn’t always work,” said Slater, who teaches in the rural California district her daughter attends. “She doesn’t dislike school, it’s just a change in mindset.”

Sip into a delicious kind of healthy

PERFECT for those looking for a healthier milk alternative for their coffee, Seattle’s Best Coffee’s new Black Sesame Oat Series features the creamy taste of Oatside oat milk further enhanced with the delicate flavor of black sesame.

The latest innovation with Oatside is made with oats that contains beta glucans, which is good for the heart, reduces cholesterol, boosts immunity, and is low in saturated fats.

Make your day extra refreshing with the Iced Black Sesame Oat, an over ice creation made with black sesame, espresso, and oat milk, an irresistibly feel-good flavor in a cup. For Javakula lovers, Seattle’s Best Coffee offers the Black Sesame Oat Javakula, an ice blended drink made with black sesame, espresso, and oat milk topped with whipped cream for that extra rich texture.

Lastly, indulge in the Black Sesame Oat Javanilla, a velvety blended drink made with black sesame ice cream, espresso, oat milk and garnished with soft whipped cream on top.

Try the wonderful combination of the rich and creamy taste of oat with the distinct flavor of black sesame with the Black Sesame Oat Series at Seattle’s Best Coffee branches nationwide, available to order for dine-in, take-out, pick-up, and delivery thru Grabfood, Foodpanda & FB Messenger.