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1)  Wash your Breasts: Wash breasts with warm water.  Avoid soap and other products as much as possible as they may dry out your nipples.

2)  Air Dry your Breasts:  Expose your nipples to air to toughen them.  Also change your nursing pads when they are wet to avoid bacteria.

3)  Ensure Proper Latch:  Latching should not cause pain during breastfeeding or afterwards.  If you are concerned that your baby is not latching properly, seek help from a lactation consultant immediately.  Latching issues can be resolved and should not cause you to stop breastfeeding.

4)  Drain Your Breasts:  If you are producing more milk than your baby takes at any one time, pump to drain your breasts.  This prevents clogged milk ducts and encourages milk supply.

5)  Wear Supportive Nursing Bras:  Supporting your breasts with a properly fitting nursing bra is essential to your breast health.  Breasts should sit upright on your chest and not be restricted or unsupported by underwire, elastic or straps that are too tight or too loose.  Use Leading Lady’s Find Your Fit bra calculator to achieve your ideal fit.

6)  Wash Contact Items:  Thoroughly wash items that come into contact with your breasts like your nursing bras and camis, and your breast pump shields.

7)  Maintain a Healthy Diet:  Much like pregnancy, your baby is getting a dose of everything you consume.  Continue to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, avoid or limit alcohol consumption and speak to your doctor and pediatrician about any medications you are taking.  It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and water-based fruits and veggies.

8)  Schedule Regular Checkups:  You can and should have regular breast exams during breastfeeding.  While breastfeeding does lower your risk of breast cancer, you should continue precautionary detection measures.

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From breastfeeding to education, we want only the best for our babies.   As moms, it is our responsibility to make sure their bodies are in tip top shape for physical and mental growth.  So when it comes to baby’s skin, the largest organ in the body, we should be particularly conscientious.

Imperfections are Normal:  Baby acne, reddish birth marks (also known as stork bites), cradle cap and minor rashes are normal and most go away on their own without any need for treatment.  Using a barrier cream is a great preventative measure for diaper rash and using over-the-counter medicated creams can cure most standard diaper rashes.  If your baby develops a more severe skin condition, such as eczema, your pediatrician may prescribe a topical ointment.

Test the Waters:  Because newborn skin is most sensitive, start by using products designed for sensitive babies including wipes, laundry detergent and bath soap.  After a few months, start switching to regular products one at a time.  If your baby has a reaction, switch back to the sensitive products and try again in a few months.  Also start by washing your nursing bras and camis in sensitive detergent as her skin will likely come in contact with these fabrics as well.

Temperature Sensitivity:  Newborns and infant bodies cannot regulate their temperature as adults do.  Newborns lose body heat rapidly and, whether indoors or out, should be bundled in blankets and should wear hats as most heat escapes through the head. Babies also should not spend too much time in the heat because their body’s cooling mechanisms are not fully developed and heat can cause red bumpy skin rashes.

Sunscreen is Vital:  If your baby is going to spend time outdoors, regardless of the temperature or cloudiness, apply protective sunscreen with an spf of at least 30 and specifically formulated for babies.  Tear-free and sting-free sunscreens are best in case it accidentally makes contact with your baby’s eyes.

Skin to Skin:  Your baby craves your touch.  Studies show that skin-to-skin contact starting from the moment your baby is born will help her early development and create a bond with loved ones.  Breastfeeding is an excellent time for skin-to-skin contact if you are in a space where you can remove your shirt and lay your undressed newborn on your chest.  Front closure nursing bras are perfect for easy skin-to-skin access.  Offering your baby a relaxing massage using natural lotions or oils can also be a special way for mom (or dad) to share a skintastic moment with your little one.

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We are delighted to announce world class cyclist Willow Rockwell as Leading Lady’s newest celebrity mom fan.  A champion mountain biker and champion mom, Willow’s breastfeeding journey has been a rocky, windy and bumpy road, much like her race routes.  She bravely shares her story in her new book My Wheels Gave Me Wings and in an interview with our partners Best for Babes.  

While Willow is focusing on creating a loving and nurturing environment for her family, she feels her daughter returns the love and healing through their breastfeeding bond.  During nursing, Leading Lady keeps Willow comfortable, supported and very stylish, especially in her favorite style, Leading Lady’s lace-cup nursing bra.

 Willow — we’re cheering you on!

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Breastfeeding for your baby’s first year of life is recommended and the majority of your baby’s nutrition should come from breastmilk throughout that year.  By one year, your baby will likely be nursing four to six times daily.

Solids are typically introduced around six months of age.  In the early weeks of starting solids, your baby will probably have only a few spoonfuls at each session.  This will gradually increase. Gradually your baby will be replacing a nursing session with solids, a process which should occur over several months.

Initially your supply will not change very much.  Eventually as you replace nursing sessions with solids, your milk supply will decrease.  For most moms this is a natural and  gradual transition to weaning when mom and baby are ready.

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If you are taking advantage of the last few days of summer and headed out for family excursions this Labor Day, you will probably want to select outings that not only suit your family’s interests, but also your needs.  Your breastfeeding needs, that is.

Many family friendly attractions such as amusement parks, community centers and zoos have lactation rooms for your convenience.  If they do not, ask if they can make accommodations for you.  They may have a private space where they will place a chair to make nursing easy and comfortable.

If you want to take advantage of Labor Day sales for your family’s back-to-school wardrobe at the mall, many department stores have nursing or family lounges with plush chairs and plenty of space for your family members, stroller and shopping bags.  Even if you aren’t shopping in that store, these lounges are open to anyone visiting the mall.

Sometimes it may be more convenient for you to nurse in public outside of a designated nursing room, and you have every right to do so.  Many family-friendly locations sell nursing covers in vending machines should you need one and want some privacy.  If you find yourself somewhere that has a special children’s area, such as a library or museum, you may feel more comfortable nursing in a space meant for families and kids.  If you’re at a pool, the baby pool is another area where you may feel more comfortable nursing.

And the key to easy breezy nursing on-the-go is a great nursing bra or cami.  Leading Lady’s simple nursing bra clasps or front closure styles make nursing a cinch.  Or try our super soft and stylish nursing cami that is a perfect top for warm weather outings or to layer under a sweater in cooler climates.

We hope you enjoy your family-time this Labor Day!

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At Leading Lady, we know being a mom is truly a “Labor of Love.”  In celebration of moms this Labor Day, we are giving you a chance to win some much deserved relaxation, rejuvenation and a new bra wardrobe!

Enter to win our Leading Lady “Labor of Love” Giveaway Gift Package on our Facebook page.  Here’s what you could win:

• The Ultimate Bra Wardrobe from Leading Lady (5 Bras!)
• A $100 Spa Gift Certificate to SpaFinder.com
• A $100 Dining Gift Card from American Express

Good luck and Happy “Labor” Day!

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We are thrilled to announce Leading Lady’s “Labor of Love” twitter party hosted by our friends MomTrends and SavvySassyMoms!  Please join us on Tuesday, August 28, 9-10 p.m. ET.

To participate, follow @LeadingLadyBras, @MomTrends & @SavvySassyMoms and follow #LeadingLadyParty to be part of the action.   Leading Lady’s on-staff lactation consultant Amy Berry (@AskAmyIBCLC) will also be sharing breastfeeding tips and advice.

Please registe HERE by 7 p.m. on the day of the event to be eligible for over $500 in prizes!  Here’s what you can win:

• Leading Lady Bras and Accessories including a 5-Bra Wardrobe from Leading Lady
• The Labor Queen Bag from Due Date Bags @DueDateBags
• A Moby Wrap @mobywrap
• A t-shirt from Mama Pear Designs @MamaPearDesigns
• Breastfeeding in Combat Boots by Robyn Roche-Paull @BFinCB
• Plus discounts on Leading Lady bras and a special offer from Stroller Strides @StrollerStrides

See you at the #LeadingLadyParty!

How to participate in a twitter party…It’s easy!

First, create an account on twitter.com.  Using your account information, login to tweetchat.com and enter #LeadingLadyParty at the top to follow all tweets under this hashtag.  You can tweet directly from the tweetchat platform and all tweets will link to the party automatically.  Finally, tweet up a storm!  Join the conversation, let us know your thoughts and good luck on winning some fabulous prizes.

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School is starting soon and you may be faced with a new parenting challenge:  how to balance nursing with a schedule change.  Whether you are nursing a pre-schooler who will be out of the home for several hours a day, or juggling nursing an infant while getting your older children off to school, you will need to re-access your routine and make adjustments to accommodate everyone.  We’ve come up with some tips to keep in mind as you figure out a new schedule that works for your family.

15 minute rule:  If you need to adjust a feeding or nap schedule, do it over several weeks and push up or back the desired activity by 15 minutes at a time.  A gradual change is an easier adjustment.

Easy fixes:  If you want your pre-schooler to get one last feeding before running off to play with friends, ask the school if you can feed inside the building 15-minutes before school starts.  And if you need to feed a younger sibling at the exact time you’re supposed to be in carpool line, arrive early and feed in the car before school lets out.  Be sure to wear an easy-access nursing bra or cami to make feeding on-the-go a snap.

Pump & serve:  If you can’t change your feeding schedule, offer your nursing tot some pumped milk, either in a bottle, sippy cup or mixed with a snack like cereal or oatmeal.

Make it Work:  Sending a child to pre-school should be an advantage for both of you.  If the school day is too long for your little one, pick him up early and stick to your routine.  Missing the last 20 minutes of playtime may be less damaging than messing up the rest of the day for the entire family.

Watch out, mom:  Be prepared for natural changes to occur as activities change.  Your little one may surprise you and be completely flexible in her nap or feeding schedule.  Watch for signs and follow her lead as new patterns emerge.

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As we hit the hottest month of the year, a refreshing cocktail may be just what you’re craving. Expectant and nursing moms can still enjoy their favorite summer flavors, without the alcohol, of course. Here are a few of the Leading Lady’s delicious mocktail recipes to help you lose the booze and keep you cool this summer.

Pure “Champagne”:  Mix pineapple and white grape juice with some ginger ale for fizz

Cool As a Cucumber:  Combine 3 quarts water with a packet of lemonade powder and a can of white grape juice.  Soak sliced lemons and cumbers and serve on ice.

Razzle Fizz:  Combine 3 parts raspberry juice with 1 part carbonated water.  Add raspberry sherbert for a creamy, fizzy concoction

Frozen Umbrella: Combine 3 ½ oz of frozen strawberries, ½ oz of sweet & sour mix, and a dash of grenadine syrup. Blend with ice and add tiny umbrella.

Chocolate Mocktini: Combine ½ cup milk, 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup, and crushed ice. Blend and add chocolate shavings for decoration.