Wondering which pump is right for you? Read on to learn more!

The double electric pump

This style of pump is a tried and true classic that can be plug-in or portable. It uses a durable motor (typically one, but sometimes two) to pump both breasts at the same time. An electric pump uses traditional flanges – the funnel-shaped part of the pump that touches your breast – to form a vacuum seal around your nipple and areola. Features vary widely, but you’ll typically want one with controls to set suction, cycle speed, and toggle between different modes. Many also prefer one with a built-in light, timer, vibration, or set programs.

Examples that have many of these features:

• Spectra S1/S2
• Baby Buddha V2
• Unimom Opera
• Pumpables Genie Advanced

Ovia Tip! A comfortable pumping bra will allow you to be hands-free while using an electric breast pump.

Wearable Pumps

Newest to the scene, wearable pumps are one-piece units where the motor, flanges and tubing are all in one compact package. If you want the benefits of double pumping, you’ll need one pump for each breast. Luckily, most companies sell these as a set of two. Each pump fits against your breast and directly into your bra. You may not need a specialized bra to use your wearable pump, but a bra with easily adjustable straps is always helpful.

Some of the bonuses of a wearable are flexibility in movement, discretion, and useful tech. However, it’s important to be aware of the downsides, too. Wearable motors aren’t designed for durability, and this type of pump doesn’t use traditional flanges, which can make them tricky to fit for some folks. Combined, these two factors can negatively impact milk removal, so a wearable may not promote a healthy milk supply when used regularly. While many wearables have fewer parts to clean, that’s not always the case.

Examples that offer important features at a reasonable price point, include:

• MomCozy Air 1, M5, and S12 pro
• Eufy E10 or S1
• Willow Go

Ovia Tip! Stay in charge — if you forget to charge them, most wearables won’t let you turn them on and use them, even if you’re willing to plug in while using it. 

Manual Pumps

Manuals are the original pump! Whether powered by a simple hand crank or silicone suction, these are an essential backup for almost everyone who breastfeeds. In a pinch, these very low-cost pumps can save your comfort and milk because they offer quick and effective milk removal. Note that these pumps allow you can change the flange size to get the most comfortable and effective fit.

Here are some hand-powered pumps to try:

• Medela Harmony
• Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump

Some manual pumps use suction only (no hand crank). Silicone breast pumps suction onto the breast and create tension to help you express milk. Newer brands come in different sizes for more comfort. Check out these different styles below:

• Haakkaa Generation 2 Silicone Breast Pump
• Pump Pod by Save the Milk

Ovia Tip! Silicone breast pumps are often marketed as passive milk collectors (a type of breast pad alternative that collects leakage and letdown when you are not latched on), but they are definitely pumps.

Now what?

Now that you know more than the basics, how do you decide which pump is right for you?

See what’s covered!

Many people start by checking with their insurance to see which brands and styles of pumps are covered. Check online for the different medical devices companies offer. Some insurance companies may give you a flat amount you can spend on any pump. We suggest using your insurance benefit for an electric pump. Although we think everyone should have a manual option at home, the cost of a manual pump is low. It’s also great to add to your baby gift wish list! 

How often you pump is a big factor

If you plan to pump regularly, you should seriously consider a double electric pump. You can always purchase a second pump down the road if you pump often and want to have flexibility. Many portable double electric pumps can be used with cups instead of flanges to give you something close to a wearable experience. 

If you plan on pumping occasionally, you have the freedom to start with the features you like. Many women will begin with a manual and take time to figure out what will be best. Remember, you can typically use your insurance benefits for a breast pump for a period of time after giving birth. 

Do a little homework

Lastly, beware of marketing terms like “hospital grade,” “powerful suction,” or “just like baby.” These don’t mean it’s a great pump, but they are very appealing! Concentrate on specific features and quality manufacturers. But note that even reviews are tricky because they are often paid for, and every person’s pumping needs are different. 

Take the first step

Learning about pumping and what works for your body takes time. It’s important to remember that pumps are not one-size-fits-all. If you invest in a pump that isn’t the best match, use what you learn to weed out what you don’t want and need and hopefully find the best option for you.

Ovia Tip! Finding your best flange size, on your own or with the help of an expert, can go a long way toward making your pumping journey successful. 

*Ovia does not endorse any specific brand or type of pump. Medical device selection is personal, and there is no guarantee that a specific pump will work for every body.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Expensive bath products

High-end bath products may contain chemicals that aggravate the skin and cause allergic reactions. Your skin will be troubled enough during pregnancy, so stick to the economical brands.

Safe alternative: Bath products designed for babies and young children are usually gentler on the skin, and do not contain harmful chemicals.

Skin whitening

Skin whitening should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy, as it increases the risk of sun exposure, something expectant moms cannot afford. Hydroquinone can also cause cancer and hinder fetal development.

Safe alternative: There’s really no alternative to skin whitening during pregnancy, and it should be put off at least until you are no longer breastfeeding.

Chemical hair removal

Hair removal products contain thioglycolic acid–its effects on pregnant women and their babies are unknown, so healthcare providers recommend that you avoid chemical hair removal products while you are pregnant.

Safe alternative: What’s wrong with the natural way? Plucking, shaving, and even waxing are all safe ways to remove unwanted hair during pregnancy.

Heavy fragrances

Your nose will be more sensitive while you are pregnant, so avoiding overly powerful scents might be a good idea. Heavy fragrances may also contain toxic phthalates, which can disturb fetal development.

Safe alternative: Healthcare provider suggest using less intense, natural perfumes and fragrances rather than the irritating, heavily chemical ones. You’ll still smell great, and it won’t upset your nose!

Sticky or stinky beauty products

Any product with an overly chemical smell should be avoided, as there are a number of irritants they could contain.

Safe alternative: Natural scents are preferable for pregnant women because they don’t contain as many airborne, irritating chemicals as the stickier and stinkier products.

Prescription acne medications

Acne is a common symptom of pregnancy, but you should not treat it with harsh chemicals. Accutane, and products containing tetracycline, are known to cause miscarriage, birth defects, or stunted development.

Safe alternative: Gently washing your face with an oil-free wash on a daily basis can help treat and prevent acne, even when caused by pregnancy. Refraining from picking, scratching, or excessively touching your face could also help prevent acne.

Tattoos

Even if you’re an ink addict, it’s best to avoid getting new tattoos while pregnant, as healthcare providers aren’t totally sure what effects ink might have on baby.

Safe alternative: Although getting permanent tattoos is discouraged during pregnancy, getting henna tattoos, which usually last a few weeks, is perfectly safe. They are completely safe to get while pregnant, so long as the ink is not black.

Hair care

Pregnant women should avoid getting too involved in their hair care, due to the possible risk posed by chemicals in salon products. If abstaining from hair care is not an option, make sure you’re using non-toxic substances.

Safe alternative: It’s super important to get your hair done in a well-ventilated space and wash the chemicals off of your hair as quickly as possible to reduce your risk of sinking into your bloodstream.

Lead products

Lead products can be extremely poisonous, and should be avoided while you’re pregnant. Stunted fetal development and premature birth are just two of many possible effects of lead poisoning during pregnancy.

Safe alternative: It’s definitely a good idea to avoid everything made from lead while pregnant–look for safer, less poisonous metal products.

Hair dyes

Although hair dyes can frequently contain some unsavory chemicals, the amount of pollutant actually absorbed into the body is extremely low, so hair dying during pregnancy is usually perfectly safe.

Safe alternative: Moms-to-be might want to opt for vegetable dyes, wear gloves, and maintain proper ventilation when coloring their hair, to keep your hair vibrant, safely.

Electric blankets

In most cases, electric blankets are safe to use during pregnancy, but in rare cases, if they’re set high enough to raise body temperature, they have been linked to serious health concerns for developing fetuses.

Safe alternative: When using an electric blanket while pregnant, it might be a good idea to heat the blanket up before getting in bed, and unplugging it once in bed so it will cool down throughout the night and prevent you from overheating.

Pesticides

Pesticides contain various chemicals that damage the nervous system, so it is very important to avoid exposure to these substances when you are pregnant, as the chemicals could irreparably damage your baby’s developing neural tube.

Safe alternative: A combination of hot water, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar is an effective, pregnancy-safe way to keep your garden bug-free.

Botox

Pregnant moms are highly discouraged from using Botox, a localized bacterial injection known for its anti-aging effects, as the bacteria’s ability to infect breast milk and baby is not well known.

Safe alternative: Skin gets super gorgeous during pregnancy – ever hear of “pregnancy glow”? There’s no safe alternative for Botox, but there’s really no need for one!

Fertilizers

Chemical-based fertilizers may contain substances that could lead to stunted development or miscarriage, so when pregnant, it is wise to handle only natural fertilizers.

Safe alternative: Moms-to-be should only use explicitly marked natural fertilizers for their gardening needs.

Paint

Many paints contain glycol ethers, a group of chemicals that act as solvents and range in toxicity. Ethylene glycol can lead to a host of developmental problems for your baby, so make sure the paint you are using contains safe compounds.

Safe alternative: Painting is usually okay, but you should make sure that your particular brand of paint does not contain glycol ethers.

Paint thinners

Many paint thinners emit fumes that have not been tested on pregnant women, so the effects are unknown. They could also factor in to allergic reactions or irritate the skin.

Safe alternative: Water-based paint thinners are a safe alternative and shouldn’t be as irritating.

Industrial cleaning products

Many industrial cleaning products contain certain chemicals whose effects on pregnant women are not well known enough to approve their use.

Safe alternative: There are lots of safe alternatives, like natural cleaning products, that are less likely to cause harmful side effects.

Overly tight clothing

Pregnant women should not wear clothing that is too tight, as these items could restrict blood flow, increase swelling, and possibly reduce nutrient distribution to your baby.

Safe alternative: Wearing loose clothing should help keep you comfortable, and Baby safe.

Tampons

In rare cases, tampons have been known to create infections that can lead to miscarriage in pregnant women. You should use pads instead of tampons to deal with spotting or bleeding.

Safe alternative: Pregnant women do not get their periods, but panty liners are safe to help deal with discharge.

Herbal supplements

Unless explicitly directed by your healthcare provider, you should avoid herbal supplements during pregnancy, as their ingredients are not regulated by the FDA.

Safe alternative: Your prenatal vitamin has all of the vitamins you and Baby need.

Read more

• Hair and nail care during pregnancy
• Foods to avoid during pregnancy

Sources

• P Bozz, A Chua-Gocheco, A Einarson. “Safety of skin care products during pregnancy.” Canadian Family Physician. 57(6): 665-667. Web. 6/11/2015.
• Belanger K, Leaderer B, Hellenbrand K, Holford TR, McSharry J, Power ME, Bracken MB. “Spontaneous abortion and exposure to electric blankets and heated water beds.” Epidemiology. 9(1):36-42. Web. Jan-98.
• Lawrence E. Gibson. “What’s the best way to treat pregnancy acne?” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 1/15/2014. Web.
• “Exposing the Cosmetics Cover-up.” EWG. Environmental Working Group, 10/10/2013. Web.
• Roger W. Harms, M.D. “Is it OK to use hair dye during pregnancy?” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 6/03/2016. Web.
• “Effects of Disasters on Pregnant Women: Environmental Exposures.” CDC.gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d. Web.
• “Lead and pregnancy.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes, 7/14/2015. Web.

Before you travel

Always check with your OB provider before traveling away from home. They may have specific precautions for you related to your unique health and risk factors. It’s important to heed their advice, even if it seems conservative. 

If you’re traveling away from home, it’s important to have an easily accessible copy of your pregnancy medical records. No one plans to need medical care while traveling, but it can certainly happen! If you can’t access an online patient portal, be sure to get a written copy before you go.

It’s also important to know where, or if, you can access the care you need while pregnant at your destination. Levels of care vary widely—even within the U.S. For example, if you travel around 30 weeks pregnant, is the local hospital equipped with a Labor and delivery unit and a neonatal intensive care unit? We sometimes take it for granted that everywhere we go, we will have what we need, but unfortunately, many areas lack meaningful medical services for pregnant people and babies.

It is so helpful to check the CDC travel advisory for your destination. There, you can find travel warnings specific to pregnancy and links to information about necessary vaccinations or malaria prophylaxis. 

While you’re on the road

First things first, buckle up in your regular seatbelt! Seatbelt adjusters or additional cushions sold for use in pregnancy are NOT necessary or safe. Plan to stop every two hours to empty your bladder (you know we’re going to recommend staying hydrated) and stretch your legs to help prevent blood clots. If you are prone to swelling in your legs and feet, consider compression socks, too!

Taking to the friendly skies? Check out our article all about flying while pregnant here.

Cruises

Cruising is a really specific type of travel, and most cruise lines do not allow any pregnant parents onboard after 23 weeks. You may need a letter confirming your due date, and please do not attempt to bend this rule. These guidelines exist because medical facilities are extremely limited on board. It can take a very long time to access emergency care for you and your baby from a cruise, depending on where your ship is when it happens (hours to days). The closest physical hospital may not be in a location where you’d feel comfortable getting care, or that has adequate facilities for pregnant people. In addition to this, cruises are frequent locations for disease outbreaks because of the close quarters of so many people. Pregnancy is a time when your immune system is suppressed (low), so you may be at higher risk of catching a virus. There is quite a bit to research to make sure this is an okay option for you!

Packing

Bring what you need to be comfortable! This isn’t the time to skimp, as we all know it can take a little extra to feel good during pregnancy. Giant pillow? Check. Tons of your favorite snacks? Check. You deserve to feel great during travel, and this may mean a slightly larger bag than usual. While everyone’s needs are unique, we hope we’ve given you some useful pointers as you prepare to enjoy a getaway!

Read more

• Products to avoid while pregnant
• Foods to avoid during pregnancy

Nipples

In general, the starting point for bottles is actually the nipple shape. Most experts agree that sticking with a long, skinny nipple (with no bulb at the tip) and a gradual slope to the base is the best place to start. This shape mimics what happens to a breast inside the mouth and maximizes oral motor function. A bottle nipple that looks a lot like your breast actually isn’t an ideal shape because of how much human nipples change in a baby’s mouth during feeds. Will this be true for every baby? No, but it does narrow down the first ones you’ll try. If you want examples of what this looks like, take a peek at Dr. Brown’s, Lansinoh and Pigeon brands. No specific brand is “best,” but this will give you an idea of what to look for in any brand of bottle and nipple.

Most nipples are made of silicone, but latex is also available. Latex and repeated exposure to it can make a latex allergy more likely, so silicone is generally the go-to for nipple material. 

Latch

For your baby to safely and effectively remove milk, they need to be able to latch on to the nipple you’ve chosen. If you notice their jaw chomping up and down, their cheeks sucked in, or lots of milk leaking from the corners of their mouth – something is up! A poor latch can mean your baby will tire out before taking the milk they need. This may make the baby feel upset during feedings. 

Some nipple shapes may make it difficult for the baby to latch properly, and could even alter the latch on the breast when switching between breast and bottle feeding.

Bottles

At first, your baby’s feedings will be really small! Using a 4, 6 or 8-ounce baby bottle for 1-2 ounces of milk or formula may feel strange. Over time, breastfed babies may never need more than a 4-ounce bottle size. Formula feeding needs will definitely creep up towards 8 ounces. It helps to get a variety of baby bottle sizes to start.

The biggest question for most people is the bottle’s material, whether glass or plastic. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

• Glass bottles are heavier for you and baby to hold 
• Glass can be more expensive
• Paint on the outside of glass bottles must be lead-free
• Fewer companies make glass bottles, so there are fewer options to choose from
• Plastic may release microplastics, even when BPA-free
• Plastic will wear out faster compared to glass bottles 

If you’re going with glass, you can get creative! Some companies make nipples for mason jars. There are lots of silicone sleeve options available to make the bottle safer from throwing, breaking, and warm temperatures.

Happy and Fed

At the end of the day, there is no perfect bottle for every baby, and no need to fix what isn’t broken. That’s why you’ll see so many bottles and nipple shapes out there! It’s okay to need some trial and error to find “the one,” but hopefully, you’ll hit a home run with your very first choice. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Switching from breastfeeding to formula feeding and vice-versa 
• Pumping is Breastfeeding

Your mental and physical health is a series of connections working together to keep you going. At the center of it is our heart. Maintaining your heart health is crucial to your wellbeing. Understanding how the heart functions, its role and the risk factors you may face are key to getting on the path toward keeping it as healthy as possible.

How your heart works with the rest of your body

The heart is a muscle that works in connection with the rest of the body through the circulatory system. As the heart pumps blood throughout the body’s circulatory system, it operates in a coordinated effort with the lungs (pulmonary circulation) to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen and with the rest of the body (systemic circulation) to deliver oxygen-rich blood.

Our heartbeat is the heart’s rhythmic contractions, regulated by electrical impulses. These contractions ensure continuous blood flow, support bodily functions and maintain stable body function. The heart speeds up in response to movement, physical activity and hormone signals to meet the body’s demands.

Heart health’s connection to family history

Family history can significantly impact heart health. Genetic predisposition can increase the risk of many cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and congenital heart defects. 

Genetics also have a role in terms of high cholesterol and increasing your risk of developing diabetes- both of which are risk factors for heart disease. While you can’t change your genetics, awareness of your family history can guide preventive measures, lifestyle choices, and early screenings to mitigate these risks.

Cardiovascular health and its unique effects on women

Cardiovascular health can affect women uniquely due to several factors. Women may experience different heart attack symptoms than men, such as nausea, dizziness, and back or jaw pain. Also, pregnancy, reproductive conditions, mental health and hormonal factors increase the risk of heart disease among women.

Reproductive health and the heart

In many ways, pregnancy is like a stress test for the heart, as many signs of heart disease show up during pregnancy or in the postpartum period, including:

• Preeclampsia greatly raises the risk of developing hypertension and/or diabetes later in life. It also increases the risk of a stroke.
• A gestational diabetes diagnosis raises the lifetime risk of developing diabetes. About 50% of women with gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors for heart disease

Many risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease, including:

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and excessive alcohol use.
• Health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease.
• Genetic factors: family history of heart disease, especially at an early age
• Age: the risk of developing heart disease increases with age.
• Gender: Men are generally at higher risk at a younger age, but the risk for women increases and can surpass that of men after menopause.
• Ethnicity: Certain groups are at higher risk, such as African Americans, who have a higher risk of high blood pressure and South Asians, who have a higher risk for heart disease. 

Understanding these aspects of heart health is crucial for helping you manage your health. Preventive care such as regular check-ups, a health-focused lifestyle, and managing risk factors can help maintain heart health and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

Connective Matters: Heart Health | Steps Towards Preventive Care

Sources:

• National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). How the Heart Works: The Heart. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart
• Center for Disease Control (CDC). Prevent Heart Disease. cdc.gov. March 21, 2023 https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htm#:~:text=Eating%20foods%20high%20in%20fiber,prevent%20or%20help%20control%20diabetes.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Heart Health for Women. acog.org. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/heart-health-for-women#:~:text=Lack%20of%20physical%20activity%20can,of%20heart%20disease%20and%20stroke
• The Mayo Clinic. “Strategies to prevent heart disease”. www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease-prevention/art-20046502

Hand expression

Even if you don’t want to collect and store colostrum, learning how to hand express colostrum at the end of pregnancy is so valuable. It is much easier to learn a skill when you’re well rested and have some privacy than when it’s an immediate or urgent need just after giving birth. 

Your body starts to produce colostrum as early as 20 weeks. Some people find they leak small amounts of it or that their bra is stuck to their nipples at the end of the day. If you’re interested in collecting and saving colostrum during pregnancy, experts generally recommend waiting until 37 weeks. Your OB provider can help you create a timeline that works for you!

Hand expression can take some practice to master, and you may find that each breast needs a slightly different touch or technique. We love this short video that shows some different ways to express those precious drops. The best way to save colostrum is in very small syringes that are about 1-3 mLs in size. You can label and freeze the syringes until you’re ready to thaw and use them.  

Who does it help?

Colostrum collection can benefit many parents. Those who have experienced low supply or who have risk factors for low supply may want extra colostrum on hand to avoid excessive newborn weight loss or reduce the risk of jaundice. 

Those with gestational diabetes or who take beta blockers may want to collect colostrum to use in case of low or unstable blood sugar instead of using formula. 

Parents of multiples, babies who have IUGR, and babies with diagnosed genetic or physical differences may also benefit from having extra colostrum saved. There are a variety of reasons why it can come in handy. Talk to your provider or a lactation professional about the pros and cons. 

For some people, hand expression causes temporary but uncomfortable cramping, so it’s always a good idea to check in with your OB provider beforehand to see if there are any activities you should avoid that may cause contractions. Again, it’s generally recommended to wait until 37 weeks to try hand expression or colostrum collection.

Helpful tips

The best time to practice hand expression or collect colostrum is when you’re relaxed and not in a rush. Often people find that being warm and post shower/bath is a great time. Some gentle breast massage can help warm things up as you get started. Once a day is generally enough for practice until you get the hang of it. You may consider expressing more than once a day if you are actively collecting and storing. Keep in mind that at first, you may see just a hint of clear wetness or nothing at all.

If you’re collecting colostrum you’ll want to:

• Wash hands and have clean spoons, container/syringe ready
• Express for few minutes on each side collecting drops (aim for 10 drops and measure how much this is to make future collection easier, for example 10-15 drops might equal 1 mL)
• Date and store your colostrum in the freezer

Now that you have a little bit more information about hand expression and colostrum harvesting, you can make an informed decision about what is right for you!

Read more

All about colostrum

Breastfeeding basics

Deanna Barnes works in Chicago in advertising technology sales and lives with her husband of twelve years and her three kids: Avery (age 8), Bennett (age 6), and Greyson (age 3).

We sat down to talk about her breastfeeding experience and how it changed with each baby. From setting breastfeeding goals early to pumping all across the country, this resourceful working mom knew from the start that she wanted to breastfeed each baby for 12 months. Here’s her story. 

Can you tell me a little bit about your breastfeeding journey?

I knew I wanted to breastfeed. I come from a Black mother who did not breastfeed – maybe it was her generation, but it wasn’t a focus. She knew she was going to formula-feed before she left the hospital. I breastfed all my children for a year, and as a working mom that definitely had its challenges. 

Two things to take away from breastfeeding:

1. Breastfeeding is not as intuitive as you would think. I needed help in the hospital with a lactation specialist. I needed help when I got home with a lactation specialist. It’s not intuitive. I can remember crying but pushing through.
   
2. Secondly, the first kid teaches you a lot. We really learned it all together. With my second and third, I had some great lactation specialists who said: “Every baby is a different dance partner,” and I just remembered that throughout the process whenever it got hard. 

Are there any moments that stand out when you think back on breastfeeding?

Those 3 a.m. quiet nights, nursing in a rocking chair while listening to a podcast. I remember just thinking, “This is really nice.” As many challenges as there were along the way, when it came time to end, I was very sad. 

There is no bond like the bond created when you’re breastfeeding. I knew I was going to miss that time together. That’s why I love the infant and newborn stage so much — you don’t get that back and it’s just the best time.

Was it challenging to care for other kids while also breastfeeding your second and third kids?

Oh yes. And don’t forget to throw a pandemic into the mix. When I had my first two, I was the working, parenting mom. I pumped in airplanes and Amtrak stations, in bathrooms and hotel gyms and cars. There was so much transporting of milk. I’ve had my milk dumped out by the TSA. There were many challenges. 

But when my third kid was born, I had to do all that and navigate a new job. I had a two-week orientation in New York with a three-month-old at home. So I pumped and used Milk Stork to ship all my milk back. It was a lot. I had alarms on my phone so I could pump at work, it required time management and planning. But if you’re a mom running a household, you’re used to all that planning. 

What specific issues did you face along the way?

Like I said earlier, it’s just not intuitive! I didn’t intuitively understand the latching part and it was so painful. But I had lactation specialists who taught me all kinds of different methods. That education aspect is important. We’re so vulnerable at that stage and open to everything. My biggest challenge was just knowing what to do, understanding supply and demand, etc. I feel so fortunate that I got that education because I know a lot of people don’t. 

Did you ever have a moment where you thought, I can’t make it to 12 months? 

Never. I had a freezer of milk. I feel very fortunate that I had enough supply. Every body is different, but I never had to supplement. I did everything possible so that I could make it to a year. And if there was a challenge, I always thought, “Ok how can I fix this?”

Do you have any messages for people who are preparing to breastfeed? Either for the first time or for another child. 

Every kid is a new dance partner! Remember that, so you don’t put so much pressure on yourself. You have the kid who falls asleep on the boob and the other one who drinks drinks drinks. And don’t succumb to the pressure. If you feel you’ve reached the end of your journey in three months, kudos! If it’s one day, that’s great. Three months is better than nothing. One day is better than nothing. 

It’s a lot to be a mom and take care of a little being. So do what works for you. In the end, the baby wants you happy and healthy and mentally stable first. Make the decisions you need to make to feel mentally stable and present. 

Read more

• Breastfeeding Bootcamp
• Breastfeeding how-tos

 

Content created withThe National Birth Equity Collaborative

Preterm birth increases the risk of complications and often results in a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) stay. Preterm delivery can be scary to think about, but there are many ways that you can prevent it, in some cases with zero complications. Read on to learn more. 

Preterm birth impacts Black women and babies 50% more than their white peers. This disparity exists due to racism and bias within the healthcare system itself. Still, there are actions you can take early in your prenatal care to advocate for yourself and your baby.  

Understanding the risk factors

We don’t know all of the causes of preterm delivery, but what we do know is that the chances of preterm birth  can be impacted by the following conditions:

• A history of having a procedure done on your cervix after an abnormal pap smear
• Shortened cervical length early in pregnancy
• A previous preterm birth
• Carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Using tobacco and/or other substances 
• Hypertension
• Diabetes

Becoming pregnant shortly after delivering a previous baby (less than 18 months)

Ask what you can do

Talk to your provider about what you can be doing to minimize your chances of delivering early. Providers will frequently recommend:

• Quitting smoking or drug use, if applicable
• Eliminating alcohol 
• Checking your cervical length
• Taking a progesterone treatment if you have a history of preterm birth 
• Managing your blood pressure and blood glucose through the use of medication and physical activity alongside a nutritious diet

Listen to your body

You know your body best, so if you’re ever concerned that something is wrong, reach out to your provider right away. If you’re not sure that what you’re feeling is normal and want to get a better understanding of what people at your point in pregnancy typically experience, reach out to an Ovia Health Coach any time, 7 days a week. You have a right to understand what is going on in your body and to receive care and support throughout your pregnancy.

Read more

• The power of preparing for preterm birth
• Risk factors for preterm labor and birth

Sources 

• “A Health Crisis Impacting Women and Babies of Color.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes. https://www.marchofdimes.org/mission/health-disparities.aspx. 
• “Premature Birth.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 1, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/premature-birth/index.html. 
• “Preterm Birth.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 1, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pretermbirth.htm. 
• Office of Communications. “What Are the Risk Factors for Preterm Labor and Birth?” Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/conditioninfo/who_risk. 

Dear Ovia, How to deal with a controlling MIL who says horrible things to her son?

First of all, let me just say that I am so sorry you’re dealing with this. Pregnancy is challenging on so many levels (even if everyone is healthy), and having conflict within the most important part of your family must be super stressful. Let’s talk about your role in this. 

One of the biggest things that pregnancy and parenting changes is your primary relationship. Even though this question is about your mother-in-law, the solution can be found within your relationship with your husband. It’s his responsibility to set boundaries when it comes to his mother. This is obviously easier said than done, but at a bare minimum she should not be permitted to be hurtful to you or him in word or in action. And he has to lay that out for her.

She is going to need to hear what behavior is and is not OK when it comes to her relationship with him, with you, and with your growing family. And, unless you have an excellent relationship with her, she needs to hear this from him. I can imagine it’s going to be very difficult for him to set boundaries and consequences with her (especially if he hasn’t done this before), but I imagine this pattern is something that he wants to change as well. 

This shouldn’t be your burden! But it is your burden to get the conversation going with your husband and separate yourself from your mother-in-law as much as possible until that’s accomplished. 

If she is being verbally abusive and controlling, they may need more support than just talking as two adults. If therapy isn’t accessible to the two of them, is there a family member who is great with conflict resolution who could act as a mediator? A member of the community or a religious leader who could be present for this conversation? Now is the time to act on boundary setting for the wellness of your family.

Cycles of mistreatment can be broken, and hopefully your husband sees that there is some work that must be done — ideally as soon as possible.

Read more from this series

• How to get my partner involved in baby preparations?
• Will we still have time for each other?

Dear Ovia, I’m worried about not having enough time for myself and my relationship when this baby gets here. How can I make sure we’re still feeling connected after baby get here (and don’t only talk about the baby, which has already started!)?

Kudos to you for recognizing that a major shift is happening — even before the baby’s birth! Early parenting advice focuses on what to do to prepare for baby, birth, breastfeeding, and beyond. It rarely centers the couple at the start of it all, and yet feeling positive about your relationship is so important for satisfied parents and a healthy family.

Your family will change, as you’ve noted, and that’s something to expect. The new human in your life will not just be an addition to your previous life, or something to “fit in.” It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, overjoyed or a mix of both by the responsibilities of new parenthood and how different life will be. 

Talking with your partner about how to maintain some time for yourself and your relationship is the best place to start. The type of leave you’ll both have from work and the support you have from other family and friends is an enormous factor. But even if you have very little outside support, you can start small, “Hey I hope I can decompress for a half hour and (insert hobby here) every Thursday when you get home early. What kinds of things do you still hope to have the flexibility for?” When it comes to your relationship, you may have to adjust your old ways of connecting depending on what kind of support you have, and how comfortable you feel leaving your baby when the time comes. It’s okay to want solo date nights or to adjust them to brunch. It’s also okay to feel like you can maintain and grow together with your baby around. Having an ongoing dialogue with your partner about what’s working will help!

And as for not only talking about the baby — well, that’s a tough one! Couples certainly make loving rules for themselves to set a timer for other conversations before they can talk about babies or look at pictures together. I know people who even read the same book simultaneously so they can have their own mini book club! But it’s also okay to laugh at yourselves as parents who just can’t stop talking about their baby, and appreciate that it’s a fairly normal instinct (kind of like looking at pictures of them after they’re asleep). This is still a way of being connected as a couple, it’s just a new and potentially unexpected one.

Read more from this series

• How to get my partner involved in baby preparations?
• How to deal with my controlling mother-in-law?