The Mama Coach

Pumping at Work Because pumping is breastfeeding too, I wanted to make sure to touch on this this week! Pumping can be such a stressful thing for new moms to think about on top of processing through returning from maternity leave. So let's talk about a few things that can help make this easier! Know your Rights. You have a right to have breaks to pump as well as a place to pump separate from a bathroom. In the state of California, employers are required to provide a certain... number of rest periods. Take care of yourself mama, become informed on your rights. Each state has different requirements for employers, look up what yours are so you can feel empowered to advocate for yourself. Speak to your employer before you return about making adjustments to your workday for pumping. Now that we know what you have the right to, here are some things that you can do to help you prepare before going back to work: Make sure you are familiar with your pump practice how to use it and see how much you typically get each session. Introduce a bottle to your baby (maybe also have someone else feed them) to help them get used to it before you start back. Its good for them to practice before the big day comes too! Know how you are going to store the milk breastmilk is good for 72 hours in the fridge and 24 hours in a cooler with freezer packs. Wear a top that will allow for you to pump easily (and a good pumping bra is also helpful!) Create a pumping schedule, notice how many times you’re feeding your baby during the day when you’re home. Side note Most insurance companies will cover a pump on a pre-approved list. Make sure to look and see if you are eligible for one! It’s typical to notice a slight drop in supply when you return to work. Don't get discouraged if this is the case, mama! There are things that can help. As always, if you need help with any lactation concern or if you feel it is time to wean, and want to talk about that too, I am here

This week is National Breast Feeding Week (hence why you may be seeing women breastfeeding all over social media!) While I absolutely believe that women who breastfeed should be celebrated (or more so should celebrate and be proud of themselves for partaking in something that is definitely not an easy task) I hesitated to post about this because I know that this can be an issue that is hard and full of pain for many; either those who can’t breast feed because their bodies won...’t let them, because their baby can’t be with them, because they simply don’t want to and feel shame about that, or many other reasons that mamas face. My stance on this is fed is best, so never would I want someone to think less of themselves in anyway because they do not breastfeed. However, I do think that breastfeeding takes a lot of work, energy, time, and bodily sacrifice, and when we as women do hard things I think we should come together, celebrate, and encourage one another. This is not something that has always been celebrated, and it is still something that can be extremely difficult for mothers to do and feel comfortable with even if it is something they truly want to do. Because of this, my desire here is to empower women to feel like they can be proud of who they are, the choices they make for themselves and their babies, and be supported in whatever those choices may be. So to the breastfeeding mama out there waking up in the wee hours of the night to feed your little one I see you. To the one who got a look in public because you feed your crying baby in a place where other people were I see you. To the one who has had pain from a clogged duct or mastitis and did all the things to keep going I see you. To the one who pumped (exclusively, power pumped, or pumped to keep up your supply) and put in all the hours that that entails I see you. You are a rockstar, your body has created life and now it is sustaining it, and you have every right to be proud of yourself right now, mama. If you are having feeding trouble (of any kind) and want any additional support, please DM me. We are all in this together mamas! : by the amazingly talented @artbyamandatucker

When I say things like you are not alone in this. I really mean it. I have listened to my 2 year old sing "germs, germs go away" as I tell him we can't go to some of his favorite places. I have felt the heaviness of feeling like I am doing so much and yet doing nothing at the same time. I have felt grateful at times to have my partner home more during this time, while also feeling moments where I just wish he could go to the office so I could have my own space back. And I kno...w what it feels like to navigate the fear and uncertainty of being pregnant right now in the middle of a pandemic. . I feel the loss of not having family around so much more than I did before because I can not go travel to see them. I feel the loss of not having pregnancy groups to join and needing to have video appointments or go to my doctor appointments alone. And what is probably the hardest thing for me is realizing that this transition time, the time we have together as a family of three before this little girl comes, looks so different than how I imagined it to be. . But we can and will get through this. If I have learned anything about being a mama to my first it is that we as mothers are strong. Strength does not mean we lack fear, it means we move through the fear to something bigger than ourselves. In this case it is bringing a life into the world. . Even though there are more barriers up right now than usual, this absolutely does not mean we have to do this alone. Nor should we. Find your mom tribe, reach out to family and friends when you need to talk (chances are they are probably lonely too), and feel free to reach out here as well. We are all in this together, so let's not be afraid to lean on each other to make it through. See more

The summer is often full of fun and active things to do when you have littles at home. But some of those things require us to be extra vigilant for our children’s safety. Did you know that a child can drown in as little as 10 seconds? And the scariest part is it is SILENT. Okay, take some deep breaths, I know this can be terrifying. But I want you to feel equipped to handle the things that the summer may throw at you. So let’s talk about some things you can do to make sure th...at everyone has the best possible time while swimming, all while staying safe! Be There. A conscious, sober adult needs to be watching the kids, and they need to be within arm’s reach. Actively watch your little ones (no phone time or reading a book I know, I know...) your focus should be on the kids at all times. If you’ve got a really active toddler who doesn’t stay close to you, or is extra adventurous, put them in a PFD (Personal Flotation Device)! Participating in a CPR Workshop or becoming certified in CPR is an excellent way to give yourself the peace of mind that you’ve got the knowledge to respond in case of an accident. Link in bio for more information on the classes I offer for this Also link in my bio for a full helpful article on this topic.

Bringing a little one into the world or raising tiny humans can be confusing and stressful -- and right now even more than usual. Places are starting to open up again, but the guidelines are blurry and the statistics can be scary. So I wanted to come on here and offer some things that may be helpful and allow you to feel like you have some control over things in your own life. If you currently have children at home: Sleep. Right now is a great time to work on sleep. Lack of... sleep causes more stress to our bodies and brains. If this is something you and your littles are struggling with I would love to talk with you! (p.s. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation). Create a schedule. I am a fan of schedules that are order based instead of time based; meaning you just do one thing after the previous thing is done. Ex: after breakfast we may read together, but just whenever breakfast is finished and we only read for as long as we want/ have time. @bethanymenzel has a helpful template! Give everyone, including yourself, some grace. At this point we have been doing this alternate life for some time now, and it can be exhausting. If you feel overwhelmed you are not alone. Be kind to yourself, mama. If you are pregnant: Educate yourself. It is so easy to find information online that contradicts one another. Some reliable go to sources are the CDC, WHO, the American Pediatrics Association, or your local healthcare professional. Know that I am also here for you, mama. Right now I offer virtual prenatal courses and am happy to answer any questions you may have! Antenatal hand expression. This is when you express and collect colostrum while you are still pregnant. Sounds so crazy, I know! But we have seen it work in practice time and time again. Link in my bio for more info! Also give yourself grace. You are pregnant in the middle of a global pandemic. That is a lot. Becoming a mom is hard enough. Do things to take care of yourself, mentally as well as physically. That could be things like exercising, or... it could be taking a Saturday to just relax and watch Netflix! Do things that help you feel comfortable and more like you.