Parenting Advice from UltimateMama

Ultimate or Interesting Use of Breast Milk - for cheese?!

UltimateMama wants to introduce you to Chef Daniel Angerer, a NYC father who is the owner and executive chef of Klee Brasserie.  He also makes cheese ... from his wife's breast milk (take a look at his blog).  Of course this special cheese is not a menu item yet. 

Now, that is an interesting use of liquid gold!  UltimateMama will take a pass....

Ultimate Breast-Feeding - Know when to ask for help

UltimateMama was not a natural at breast-feeding.  She's a great cook, keeps a clean house, can debate with the best of them, writes somewhat intelligently, but was not a born breast-feeder. 

On Sunday, February 21st 2010 The New York Times had an interesting article on Freda Rosenfeld, a certified lactation consultant, that is worth a read for all current and soon-to-be mothers. 

UltimateMama wants you to know that seeking out help is often a part rolling with breast-feeding.  Before birth, take a class on breast-feeding and childcare.  When you are in the hospital ask to speak to lactation consultants and nurses about breast-feeding.  Have them look at the way your breast-feed (your posture, positioning) and how the baby responds (latching on).  Take advantage of courses that are offered during your hospital stay, post-birth. 

Once you get home, seek help if you are still having difficulties or if you have any questions.  Go to your doctor for help or try to find a lactation consultant nearby through La Leche League or a referral.  They will often help you with breast-feeding basics and even coach you on your approach (NOTE: breast-feeding is not for the modest, many times the consultants or nurses will watch as you feed your baby and re-position you both). 

UltimateMama also wants to point out that a breast-feeding mama should not get worked up or stressed out if they are having difficulties so anyone nearby (fathers, friends, relatives) should support her 100%. 

Ultimate Breast Feeding - Top reasons for breastfeeding

UltimateMama is a fan of breastfeeding.  She encourages all mothers who had normal deliveries and healthy babies to give it a try.  Even if you last a day, a week, a month, three months, six months, or more then you are giving your child a healthy gift that only you can deliver. 

UltimateMama's top reasons for breastfeeding:

1. Bonding with your baby during these precious times.

2. Great for babies health, growth, and development.  Not to mention it protects babies from various infections.

3. Lowers mamas risk of developing breast cancer.

4. Helps babies immune systems - UltimateMama touched on this in point #2 but let us reiterate it!

5. Breastmilk it easy to digest.

6. Breastmilk is free (although UltimateMama will point out that mothers may want to invest in breast pumps, milk storage bags, bottles, nursing pads, nursing bras, nipple cream).

7. Breastfeeding helps mommy burn calories and get her body back in shape!

8. It is a portable feeding system  - grab your baby, a diaper bag, and go!  You can feed baby at parks, restaurants, friends houses, etc.

9. Breastfed babies have nicer smelling bowel movements (sounds funny but UltimateMama is completely serious about this one).

10. Good for cognitive development - some studies even show higher IQs for breastfed babies.  

BPA Update from the FDA

UltimateMama wants you all to know that the FDA recently provided an update on the issue of BPA (Bisphenol A).  Remember, this chemical is found in hard plastic bottles and metal food and beverage cans.  It seems as though the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health and FDA are concerned about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children. 

UltimateMama encourages you to reduce your family's exposure to BPA.  Do it for your CHILDREN!

For an overview and the full update please go to http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm064437.htm

Ultimate Nursing Supply List

UltimateMama knows the market for nursing supplies is vast and scary.  Below are some of UltimateMama's favorite nursing and breast pumping supplies:

- Easy Expression Halter bra is an amazing hands-free pumping bra that is both comfortable and convenient.  UltimateMama did not have this bra her first time around but a very good friend bought it for her as a gift and it was the best present ever!  It is soft (cotton and lycra blend) and machine washable.  UlltimateMama was able to read, check email, organize photo albums, write thank you letters, work, and fold the laundry while breast pumping! GENIUS product.

- Medela breastpump was another amazing product that UltimateMama did use for both of her daughters.  UltimateMama liked the Pump in Style backpack because it was easy to use both at home and work not to mention it was convenient to carry on the subway.  UltimateMama also appreciated Medela's prompt customer service response to her questions. 

- Lansinoh disposable nursing pads, milk storage cream, lanolin topical nipple cream, and Soothies Gel Pads were all wonderful products that UltimateMama greatly appreciated in her breastfeeding days.

Please note that UltimateMama did try cotton washable nursing pads in an attempt o be more environmentally friendly, however, she found that she leaked right through them!

Ultimate Feeding by Bottle

UltimateMama knows that some families run by routine while others are more liberal.  UltimateMama strongly encourages families to follow a routine (eating, bathing, diapering, sleeping, etc.)!  If you have a nanny or babysitter you need to stress the importance of a routine to them.  Additionally, be specific as to exactly what type of schedule you expect your childcare provider to follow.

Most parents want to make sure their child is neither overfed nor underfed.  Many parents, UltimateMama included, talk to their pediatrician to develop an eating schedule for their child.  This eating schedule is altered as the child gets older.

For infants, it is important to keep track of how many ounces of milk. breast milk, or formula the baby consumes each day.  UltimateMama encourages developing an eating schedule to make sure the child is getting the appropriate amount of milk or formula at specific times throughout the day.  Every single time the baby drinks from the bottle, the parents and childcare provider should record what time the baby was fed and how many ounces the baby consumed.  However, make it clear that your baby should never be force fed!

Additionally, make sure you properly burp the baby  during and after feedings.  Be specific with your childcare provider and tell her how many burps your baby usually has after each bottle.  If your baby tends to spit up a lot then make them aware of that as well.  Keep plenty of burp clothes in a visible spot so you or your childcare provider can use them throughout the day.  And for goodness sakes change the baby’s clothing if spit-up gets on the garments. 

Always hold your baby upright after feedings!  Tell your childcare provider how many minutes she should hold your baby as part of the digesting period before she puts the baby down in a crib or stroller. 

BPA Avoidance

UltimateMama was looking forward to hearing about the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's ruling on the safety of bisphenol A (which is a chemical found in many household products, including baby bottles).  However, it looks like the ruling on BPA will be delayed. 

UltimateMama continues her BPA avoidance stance.  If you are shopping for bottles or sippy cups, try Born free products!