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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.

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The following is a guest post by Emily Dickey, a mom, breastfeeding champion, blogger at BabyDickey.com and Leading Lady fan.

Working online as a blogger, I’m surrounded by other mamas and I hear all kinds of nursing stories. There’s something that seems to keep coming up over and over and it breaks my heart. All too often, I hear mamas upset by the fact that they can’t keep their baby full. They think maybe they aren’t producing enough milk, they have no idea how much milk their baby is getting because you can’t measure breastmilk (unless you’re pumping), and they aren’t sure how to keep their babies full….

A common phrase I hear: “I nursed until I was empty, but my baby was still crying for more! I wasn’t making enough to keep him full, so we’re supplementing.”

Ohhhh, this hurts my heart. I truly think that most of the time, mamas want to continue breastfeeding and they’re heartbroken themselves that they need to add formula to the mix.

When Ryan was born, I had taken a newborn care class that talked a little bit about breastfeeding, but not enough. I didn’t take any separate breastfeeding class and I didn’t read any books about it. I thought… breastfeeding is natural! It just… happens! Yes, that is true, but there is so.so.so much to learn. More importantly, there is so much misinformation out there about nursing that you need to arm yourself with knowledge against it!

I remember when Ryan was a newborn and I felt this same way. As a blogger, I was active on twitter and was lucky enough to have an incredible support system at my fingertips. I am afraid that without them (these wonderful, caring strangers on the internet) I may have broken to the pressures as well. When I complained on twitter that Ryan wouldn’t stop nursing and that I couldn’t keep him full, everyone told me about GROWTH SPURTS!

OH!!!! Well, yea, that makes sense! Of course, babies are constantly growing! But there are certain times when they’re really growing and that can lead to what feels like constant nursing. Your baby will “empty” you (no, you are never actually “empty” of milk!!! Another phrase that hurts my ears!) and still want more. I know, believe me I know, how frustrating and hard it can be to feel like you aren’t feeding your baby enough and to feel like you have no milk left.

But you do.

Leave that baby at your breast, get them to continue suckling, and I promise you’ll have another letdown with more milk. This also gives your body a cue that, HEY! We need more milk! And your body will start producing more! It really is simply amazing. Almost like magic.

If you supplement with formula instead? You’re giving your body a cue that it doesn’t need to produce as much milk and you will actually start making less.

Another way to boost supply to help during growth spurts? Pump! You can pump after a feeding or between nursing sessions. You may not get much, but that’s okay, just remember that it’s not a signal to how much your baby is getting, so don’t worry!

Another super important thing to know: these growth spurts occur so often during a newborn’s life, it may feel like you’re going through this issue constantly. But your baby is growing and developing! And trust me, it goes so quickly, try to cherish those cuddles. Growth spurts (and feedings) grow farther and farther apart.

Average ages for growth spurts: the first few days, 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 9 months. Additional information from Leading Lady’s IBCLC is also below.

These spurts can last from a couple days to a week… so if you look at that timeline and imagine it lasting for a week, you don’t get much of a break before the next spurt starts! But don’t fret, mama, this too shall pass. Find a support group, find other moms to chat with (in person or in a mom’s group online!), and pick up that book you’ve always wanted to read–it’s a great way to pass the time during those marathon nursing periods :)

An editor’s note from Leading Lady’s Ask Amy: Amy Berry, IBCLC

As a lactation consultant, I have had many phone calls regarding growth spurts. Most babies will have a growth spurt around 4-6 weeks of age.  During this time the baby may want to feed more frequently.  It is also during this time that many moms milk supply levels off.

A mom whose breasts felt really full at feeding time may now have soft breasts and may not have any leaking.  So now mom has a baby fussing frequently to nurse, soft breasts and no leaking.  One of the first things they think of is that they don’t have enough milk.  Actually, it is a rare mom who doesn’t have enough milk.  All of this that is going on is quite normal.  It is normal for breasts to be soft between feeds by 6 weeks.  It is normal for babies to go through growth spurts and it is normal for breasts not to be leaking by 6 weeks.  Many moms at this point get worried that they don’t have enough milk.

More often than not, they have plenty of milk.  If, at any time, a mother feels that she doesn’t have enough milk, I encourage her to seek out the assistance of a lactation consultant or her baby’s pediatrician.

About Emily Dickey

Emily is a mom of two with a combined total of 3 years breastfeeding! You can find her blogging about breastfeeding, birth advocacy (she had a homebirth VBAC this year!), and other parenting stories at babydickey.com.  And if you need some instant breastfeeding support, find her on twitter (@babydickey) where she’s always happy to listen!

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We’re thrilled to introduce our newest celebrity Leading Lady, LPGA player and mom-to-be Danah Bordner! Danah is teeing-up for the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic, which begins today, and we can’t wait to cheer her on!  The expectant golfer plans to continue playing in pro tournaments throughout her pregnancy while wearing Leading Lady’s versatile maternity and nursing bras to keep her comfortable and supported.

On the fairway, Danah is sporting Leading Lady’s lightly molded crossover leisure bra and our modal crossover sport leisure bra, styles which feature stretch and flexibility that will flow with her swing.  In the clubhouse, at home or on-the-go, Danah is loving Leading Lady’s modal wirefree cami bra and nursing bralette.  Each of these Leading Lady bras of these bras will take Danah through pregnancy and into breastfeeding, providing easy nursing access when her baby girl arrives.

We are proud to call Danah a fan and help to prepare her for her for the sport of motherhood!  We are rooting for her this weekend and throughout the season!

For more information on Danah, please visit her profile on LPGA.com. 

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Happy World Breastfeeding Week everyone!  World Breastfeeding Week is a celebration of breastfeeding that supports moms and moms-to-be, and educates them about the role breastfeeding plays in raising healthy babies. Leading Lady would like to share some fun, interesting and useful facts about breastfeeding and nursing bras.  Whether you are currently breastfeeding, plan to, or have nursed your babies, read on!  We encourage you to put these tips to use, and share with those who have supported your breastfeeding journey.

Did you know…

1)     As early as your second trimester, your breasts are capable of producing milk. This is why many women feel their breasts are heavier and larger during pregnancy.

2)     You can wear nursing bras during pregnancy.  By the third trimester you should shop for nursing bras to be prepared for the baby.  But don’t be shy about wearing your new bras during pregnancy since they should be comfortable and support your current size.  Look for stretchy leisure styles with give-and-take.  Nursing camis are also a great choice once the baby arrives because they allow easy nursing access while still covering your post-bump belly.

3)     Studies show that moms who breastfeed within the first hour of giving birth are more likely to have long-term success.  So bring your nursing bras to the hospital because you will need them right away!  If you experience any difficulty, ask to see the hospital’s lactation consultant.  And hang in there – you are giving your baby a wonderful gift!

4)     Your milk levels will stabilize about 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. You should re-measure yourself for nursing bras around this time, and you may be able to transition into more structured styles

5)     Your bra size may continue to fluctuate somewhat throughout the course of breastfeeding.  Bra styles with 4 hook-and-eye closures in back and adjustable straps allow for these common differentiations.

6)     You should not be afraid to try underwire nursing bras if that is the style you find most supportive.  Just as you would with all other bras, you should ensure a proper fit.  A proper fitting bra will allow your breasts to sit upright and centered on your chest, and the straps will remain in place while you are moving.

7)     Your breasts will need constant support while breastfeeding, and you will likely want to sleep in a bra while nursing.  Sleep bras, leisure bras, nursing camis or a nursing chemise made of soft, stretchable fabrics will keep you supported day and night, and make night time feedings easier.

8)     Nursing bras can be cute and sexy too!  You (and your partner) will be pleased to know that nursing bras are not all plain and matronly.  From lace cup to lace trim, your nursing bras can be just as flirty as your regular bras!

9)     Accessibility is one of the most important factors in a nursing bra.  There are a variety of closure styles including cup clasps and hook-and-eye front closures.  Play around with which style best suits your needs.

10) You should replace your nursing bras about every six months or when they have lost their shape and support.

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Leading Lady is proudly sponsoring our good friend Kristen, founder of Birthing Beautiful Ideas, at the BlogHer 2012 conference, which kicks off later this week.  In the guest post below, Kristen shares some helpful and meaningful insights for first-time moms:

What I Wish I Knew as a First-Time Mom

As a birth doula and a mother of three who has breastfed all of her babies, sometimes I wish that I could go back in time and talk have a talk with my first-time-mom self.

There is so much that I’d want to talk about, like how I should be savoring (and not wishing away) the newborn period, and how I shouldn’t worry because some day I will sleep through the night again, and how the years will start to fly by so fast.

But I’d also want to talk about breastfeeding.

I wouldn’t necessarily want to discuss any complex science, nor would I really want to demonstrate any complicated techniques.  Instead, I’d want to impart these five simple bits of wisdom to my first-time-mom self.

1. Put the baby on the boob early and often.  That’s right: early and often.  Because when the nurse tells you to “nurse the baby at least every three to four hours,” that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should put the baby on a nursing schedule.  In fact, in these first few days, you might be doing cluster-feedings, nursing your baby every hour (and seemingly ‘round the clock).  But you know what?  All of these frequent feedings help to create a great milk supply for your baby.  What’s more, these cluster-feedings sometimes lead to four to five hour stretches of sleep down the road.  (Woohoo!) And don’t wait until your baby is crying to start breastfeeding: if baby roots, sucks his fingers, squirms, starts to fuss, PUT. HIM. ON. THE. BOOB.

2. The first time that a woman breastfeeds, there are two people trying to get the hang of the whole nursing gig: both the mom and the baby.  And sometimes getting the hang of it takes a little time.  And that’s also okay.  And also normal.  Your little one does have a suckling instinct, but that doesn’t mean that getting a perfect latch is going to be easy for him in the beginning.  And yes, your body is producing breastmilk without you even knowing it!  You’re lucky—breastmilk-making is easy!  But this doesn’t mean that breastfeeding will be easy for you in the beginning.  Accept that you are both learning.  Be patient with your baby and with you.

3. Yes, some day you will be able to breastfeed with your eyes closed.  Sure, it seems like a giant production every time your baby is ready to eat.  You prepare your breastfeeding pillow just-so around your waist, you delicately place your baby into the perfect position, and you crane your neck to get the perfect view of your baby so that you may guide him into a spectacular latch.  And sometimes you spend the whole nursing session wondering if you’re doing it right: “Am I?!  Am I doing it right?!  I don’t know!!!  Help!”  No joke, this is a lot of work.  But I promise you, in the months and weeks to come, you will one day find yourself lounging back, cradling your breastfeeding baby in one arm, holding a glass of water in your free hand, and reading a magazine that you have propped on the arm of your couch.  And sometimes, you’ll even lay your head back and breastfeed with your eyes closed.

4. The same person who cried in pain during those first few nursing attempts can cry wistful tears as she treasures those last few nursing snuggles when her child is weaning.  Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, and it might have taken you and your baby to get a good latch that wasn’t causing you any pain.  But you will grow to love this special bonding time that nursing gives you and your baby.  Believe it or not, you might even miss it some day.

5. Not all nursing bras are dowdy, unsupportive, and unattractive.  That’s right—you don’t have to give up your love of cute, sexy, and supportive bras when you make the transition to nursing bras!  In fact, one day, you’ll have a wardrobe of nursing bras that you actually adore.  And thanks to Leading Lady, your nursing wardrobe can include the Lace-Cup Wirefree Nursing Bra and the Striped Nursing Cami from Leading Lady, now discounted 20%!

by Kristen Oganowski, Birthing Beautiful Ideas”

Thank you for these inspiring words of wisdom, Kristen!  Follow Kristen on Facebook and Twitter.

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Most women have plenty of milk to nurse their babies, but it takes a little bit of work and dedication to stimulate the milk, especially at the beginning.

In the early months, babies should gain four to seven ounces per week.  If your baby’s weight gain is slower than average, there may be a medical or physical reason.  So before you make the move to formula, I encourage you to make an appointment with a lactation consultant, who can help ensure your baby is latching properly.  Not latching deeply enough is a very common problem.  If the baby is only latching on the tip of the nipple, he won’t get as much milk and milk supply will not be stimulated.

Hang in there and seek professional help.  Breastfeeding creates a wonderful bond between mother and baby, and using outside resources and support is part of the partnership.

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AMY SAYS:

I recommend limiting your caffeine intake to no more than 500 mg daily in the early weeks and months of breastfeeding. A newborn may be more sensitive to moderate caffeine consumption than an older infant. If your infant is excessively fussy or wakeful and caffeine is part of your daily diet, consider reducing your intake for a few days to see if there is improvement in your baby’s demeanor. If you do notice a change, you may want to eliminate caffeine from your diet or moderately reduce your intake for a few months before reintroducing it.  As everyone reacts differently to caffeine, consult your physician to discuss recommendations specific to you and your baby.

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Pumping is a great way for you to involve your partner in breastfeeding and get a break every now-and-then. If you are plan to pump in order to freeze milk, my suggestion is to pump small quantities at a time. You can begin pumping as early as your baby’s second week. You may want to pump in the morning because your milk supply is highest early in the day. Getting in the habit of pumping early also frees up the rest of your day for all of your little one’s needs.

Here’s a trick: I recommend that you pump about an ounce off the opposite breast while your baby is nursing. If you pump while your baby is latching, you can take advantage of the letdown. This also saves time and you will quickly collect the milk you need to store. Refrigerate the expressed milk and add additional pumped milk until you have 3 or 4 ounces that you can freeze. By the end of the week you will have several feedings frozen.

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AMY SAYS:

It is smart to be prepared by packing nursing gear to take to the hospital. Leading Lady recommends beginning with three nursing bras or camis: One to wear, one in the wash, and one in the drawer.  I suggest starting with soft leisure nursing bras or nursing camis for your early nursing days. Either one of these choices can be worn comfortably day and night. You may notice your breasts changing in size and swelling as early as your second day in the hospital, so a leisure bra or cami will give you flexibility to accommodate these fluctuations. Some new moms also prefer to wear a nursing nightgown or chemise that is designed for discrete breastfeeding. Pajamas or sleep pants with a nursing cami also work very well.

You may also experience milk leaking in the hospital so it is a good idea to pack nursing pads. Both disposable and reusable pads are located in the feeding section of retail stores or online.

As you begin nurturing your baby through breastfeeding, I encourage you to ask for a visit from the hospital’s lactation consultant if you have any questions. And remember — Breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt, so talk to your doctor or lactation consultant if you need guidance regarding lanolin or hydrogel pads.  Enjoy the beginning of this very special journey with your little one!

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Happy Independence Week!  Leading Lady is proud to support the military and for us, support comes from the intimates, out.  We are celebrating the July 4^th holiday in several ways:   In addition to the Military Friends & Family discount you can find on LeadingLady.com, we have a very special guest post from Robyn Roche-Paull, author of Breastfeeding in Combat Boots.  Robyn’s amazing dedication to breastfeeding while on active duty and continued support of women seeking breastfeeding options in the military is an inspiration.  We are honored to share her story with you this week: 

Over the years, both as an active-duty sailor breastfeeding my own baby, and later, as an IBCLC helping other active-duty moms to breastfeed their babies, I’ve heard the same questions and concerns over and over from military mothers, “Can I breastfeed while on active duty?” and “How often do I need to pump during a 12-hour shift?”  While other questions are very specific, such as “I work with JP-8 fueling aircraft every day, can I feed my baby my pumped milk?” or “I will be deploying to Afghanistan for four months. Can I pump and ship my milk home from overseas?”

I wrote Breastfeeding in Combat Boots and the companion website www.breastfeedingincombatboots.com to answer those, and many other questions. More importantly, I want to reassure and provide military moms with insight into the rewarding aspects of breastfeeding on active duty, while also giving a realistic look at the challenges that lay ahead. And finally, I want to give military breastfeeding moms the tools they need to succeed.  I want to show that, except for some very unusual circumstances, with a little preparation, a “can do” attitude, and some creativity, it is possible to breastfeed on active duty.  The book and website are geared towards pregnant and breastfeeding moms serving on active duty in any of the five branches of the U.S. military: Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard, as well as the Reserves and the National Guard. Women in professions such as firefighting, police, EMT, long-haul trucking, or any other job with unusual hours, time away from home, and heavy physical exertion, or who work in a male-dominated environment may also find the information to be helpful as well.

The book and website discuss such issues as the importance of breastfeeding (to you, your baby, your command), basics of breastfeeding (getting started, latch/positioning, common concerns), military policies, pumps and pumping basics, finding a time and place to pump, deployments, hazardous materials exposure, physical training and weight standards, and where to find support (plus a whole lot more).  There are numerous true stories and anecdotes written by a current or former active-duty mothers who breastfed their child(ren) while serving in the military sprinkled throughout the book as well.  On the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/breastfeedingincombatboots mothers can find real time support and information from other active-duty mothers across the globe and in all branches of the military that have or are facing many of the same issues.

In summary, is breastfeeding on active duty worth it?  Yes, you bet it is! Breastfeeding in the military is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.  You won’t regret for a moment the time and energy or the love and commitment those bottles of pumped breastmilk represent.  The inconveniences you may endure will be worth it a hundred times over when your baby gazes up at you with adoring eyes as he is snuggled up at your breast.  Proper information and lots of support are the keys to success.  With the number of military mothers I’ve spoken with over the years, I’ve never met one who didn’t tell me it was the hardest thing they ever did…and who also said that it was the one thing they were most proud of.  You can do it too!

Robyn Roche-Paull, BS, IBCLC, LLL Leader, USN Veteran is the Author of Breastfeeding in Combat Boots and Founder of the companion website www.breastfeedingincombatboots.com. In her practice she primarily helps military mothers balance returning to active duty while continuing to breastfeed. Robyn is not only an advocate for active duty military mothers who wish to combine breastfeeding with military service, she is also a US Navy Veteran who successfully breastfed her son for over a year while on active duty as an aircraft mechanic. She is the mother of 3 long-term breastfed children now 16, 13 and 9, and wife of 18 years to her husband, a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy. Visit her at www.breastfeedingincombatboots.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/breastfeedingincombatboots, you can also follow her on Twitter at BFinCB.