We have lots of new mommies in the queue, so I thought I would share some of the great products available for milkin' mammas.  I picked four categories, and with the help of Talisha Heiden, I have product descriptions and some informational videos for you.

As I mentioned in my newbie's post, it is important that mom's get help within the first three weeks of their current breastfeeding relationship if they have any doubts or are concerned about their milk supply.

In this video, Talisha shares her knowledge of the products she carries to help new mother's increase their milk supply.

One of the most common words people associate or know in regards to breastfeeding is "engorgement".  When milk comes in after 2-7 days of making colostrum, a mother's breasts will swell as they fill with milk.  If you are producing a regular amount of milk or an oversupply, you are likely to experience some level of engorgement.  This can be uncomfortable and painful.

Both brands of therapy pillows are filled with flax seeds and can provide warming or cooling relief with an all natural, gel-free product. The pillows can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer to provide warming or cooling relief from the common discomforts of breastfeeding.

A warm pillow opens clogged ducts and increases milk production.  The warm, moist heat encourages milk flow, maintains open milk ducts to prevent clogged ducts, promotes let-down and it could comfort the symptoms of infection or mastitis.  

Therapeutic cooling soothes sore new mama nipples and breasts.  You can store them in the freezer and wear them inside your bra between feedings to help reduce the swelling and tenderness of engorgement.  Since they are made to last, you can use them as you complete your breastfeeding relationship to comfort breasts during weaning.

As you can see, the bamboobies product covers the nipple, whereas the Earth Mama Angel Baby product fits around the areola.  The right product for you will depend on which of your nursing parts are sore and need relief.

We suggest that our Bradley Method® students do their research if they decide to use a nursing pad.  If they think they want to use nursing pads, we suggest they take care to choose a product that prevents leaks from showing through their clothing while keeping the nipple area dry.  Moisture in the area can keep a sore nipple from healing and it can also grow bacteria - yuck.

Talisha offers her description of her favorite nursing pads - both of which she sells in her store.  In the product gallery below, you can also see two more offerings.  She does offer a variety because each mom is unique - what feels good to mom is an individual choice.

All of the products shown here are washable and reusable - modern mommies take care to use earth-friendly products :)

This falls under the "must-haves" on Talisha's breastfeeding survival list.  She is especially fond of the Motherlove product since it made a big difference in the nursing relationship with her firstborn.  A good nipple cream will quickly relieve the discomfort of sore, cracked nursing nipples. Look for a product made from ingredients that are safe for ingestion, so it does not need to be washed off prior to breastfeeding baby.  The Motherlove product she carries fits this description.

As you can see, Talisha is a wealth of information when it comes to establishing and maintaining a mutually enjoyable and beneficial nursing relationship.  The products shown today are just the tip of the iceberg.  She is a working mama who made the breastfeeding relationship work.  Her experience drives her product line.  She carries a full compliment of breastfeeding supplies and accessories in her store: nursing teas, nursing cookies, nursing covers, breast pumps, milk storage supplies, bottle-feeding equipment and more. 

In addition to speaking with Talisha, you can attend the free Breastfeeding Support group on Monday mornings that is facilitated by Debbie Gillespie, IBCLC, RLC, or attend Debbie's class that is offered the first Saturday of every month.  Talisha and Debbie make a great team for nursing moms that are looking for answers!  If you can't stop in to the store and see one or both of them, you can always call and reach them on the phone (480-857-7187). 

This season, give yourself the gift of knowledge...there is no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to learning how to feed your child the way you want to feed them.  There is no shame in needing or wanting to take advantage of this tremendous resource.  You will be glad you did, and baby will thank you later when they are fed, happy and sleeping peacefully.

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to all!