I breastfed Carina for 18 Months before we stopped in July when my milk dried up. I loved nursing and to be truthful? I miss it. Every now and then when we are snuggled up real close Carina will say "milk!" and attempt to pull down my shirt. I'm thinking she misses it, too. Needless to say, I am excited to breastfeed again. I'm hoping to make it to at least 18 Months with the new baby as well.
 |
| Taking a sleepy nursing break at only a couple days old |
Coverage for breastfeeding supplies & support
Earlier this summer, the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act, which had a number of provisions that are extremely beneficial for breastfeeding Moms. Most health insurance plans are now required to cover breastfeeding support and supplies without co-payment! Health plans will need to implement this coverage with the first plan/policy year that begins on or after August 1, 2012. What does this mean for you and me? Your breast pump and lactation consultant visits might be covered already! And if not, they will be soon. Call your insurance company and ask when the new benefits will take effect for you. This applies per pregnancy, as well. If I needed to get a new pump after Aurelia is born, it would be covered. If you think you might need to see a lactation consultant but aren't sure how to go about finding one (or if you like to be prepared!) this handy little map will help you find a lactation consultant near you.Pumping in the workplace
Another provision included in the Affordable Care Act that is super helpful to working Moms is the requirement for employers to provide employees with adequate time and space to pump during the workday, until their babies are one year old. And? That space can't be a bathroom: employers must provide “a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public.” If your employer insists you need to pump where you would normally take a dump, insist that you be provided with an alternate location. Pumping can be hard enough as it is, you shouldn't have to be uncomfortable while you do it (and now you don't!) Note: there are a few exceptions discussed in the article above.Nursing in public
In most US states and countries of the world, it is perfectly legal to breastfeed your baby - covered or not - anywhere you are otherwise allowed to be. If you aren't sure what the law says in your area, check them out: Breastfeeding State Laws - US. In some states, people can even be fined if they try to stop you from breastfeeding or ask you to leave. Know your rights and exercise them as you see fit. If a store or restaurant owner gives you a hard time, inform them that your right to feed your baby is protected by law. Some Moms I know even carry around a printed copy of their state's laws, just in case they meet with resistance.In addition to being your own advocate when it comes to your legal rights, in my opinion it's important to be proactive and seek out the help, support, and even equipment you'll need in order to be successful! Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. is a licensed home nursing care provider specializing in breastfeeding support. Passionate about the health of babies and the mental health of mothers, they are committed to helping mothers achieve success in their breastfeeding goals, whatever they may be. Founded in 2000 by Kathy Moren, a Registered Nurse with experience in neonatal intensive care, home healthcare, and the corporate consulting field, Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. has served over 2500 families!
Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. supplies a number of must-haves for breastfeeding including pumps (sales & rentals), nursing pillows, nursing bras and other breastfeeding accessories. And if you're local to Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island, they offer breastfeeding support groups, classes, and a variety of other helpful services for Moms, including Lactation and sleep consults.
Win
Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. is generously offering one of my readers a My Brest Friend pillow in blue gingham! You might remember that I used My Brest Friend religiously while nursing Carina; it is one of my top baby items! I have it packed and ready to go with me to the hospital this time around, as well :)
Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. is generously offering one of my readers a My Brest Friend pillow in blue gingham! You might remember that I used My Brest Friend religiously while nursing Carina; it is one of my top baby items! I have it packed and ready to go with me to the hospital this time around, as well :)
How to Enter:
This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Click "Read More" below and then follow the instructions on the widget. Make sure to click "Enter!" after you complete each entry. All currents count! The giveaway is open to US Residents only and ends at 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, September 25th.
The first entry is mandatory - Visit Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. and tell me your favorite product that they sell or service that they provide! Once you complete this entry, the widget will give you the option of completing the rest. Complete more steps for more chances to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
In exchange for sharing this information with you, I've been given the opportunity to offer a giveaway prize from, and also receive a nursing care package to keep for myself from Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. All content and opinions are my own.
The first entry is mandatory - Visit Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. and tell me your favorite product that they sell or service that they provide! Once you complete this entry, the widget will give you the option of completing the rest. Complete more steps for more chances to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
In exchange for sharing this information with you, I've been given the opportunity to offer a giveaway prize from, and also receive a nursing care package to keep for myself from Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. All content and opinions are my own.
