Baby #3’s Birth Story: Accepting My Fate as a C-section Mama
If you read my first two birth stories you know that I ended up with two emergency C-sections. They were unplanned and while I never felt like a failure or like my body had failed me, I still would have preferred not to have surgery.
Since having my C-sections, I’ve read many articles about how moms felt like they didn’t get to experience birth as it was meant to be. Read More
Baby #2’s Birth Story: Trying (and Failing) for a VBAC
When I became pregnant with my second baby (read about my first baby’s birth story here) my first order of business was talking about a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean).
“I want a VBAC,” I told my doctor at my twelve-week appointment. Surprisingly, she pulled out her phone. After a few taps into an app only OBGYNs know about, she told me I had a 54% chance at a vaginal delivery and anything over 50% she was happy to go for. Read More
Baby #1’s Birth Story: Nothing Goes as Planned
When I was pregnant with my first, I read every birth story I could get my hands on. I was fascinated to learn how women were able to get babies out of their bodies. It seemed impossible, even though I knew I had no choice but to do it. The one thing I knew for certain was that I was going to fight a C-section with all my might. Spoiler alert: I ended up having three C-sections. Read More
What if Breastfeeding Is Really, Really Hard?
As you read in my previous post about my breastfeeding story, I had a fairly easy time with breastfeeding. While my birth stories were less than ideal (two emergency C-sections and one planned C-section), breastfeeding came easy to both me and my babes.
However, I know many women who weren’t as lucky.
So what happens when breastfeeding is really, really hard?
Marci S. — a mom of two — talked to me about her experiences and how breastfeeding was one of the biggest challenges for her as a new mom. Read More
4 Reasons I’m Thankful for Breastfeeding
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I don’t know about your family, but in my crazy, crowded, cozy home after we all load our plates to the breaking point, we go around the table and say what we are thankful for. A cheesy tradition to be sure, but it’s tradition and who am I to mess with that?
I am very lucky I have a lot to be thankful for, and this year I will be thanking my body. Read More
How to Prepare for Breastfeeding Before Your Baby Arrives
If you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy, your feet are probably swollen, you pee 30x a day (or maybe 30x an hour), and all you want is for your baby to come out and be in your arms. Those first few newborn snuggles will rock your world, but then some of the realities of being a mama set in. You have to actually try to feed this beautiful baby!
I know it’s not easy, which is why I have some insider tips that I hope help you on your breastfeeding journey. Read More
Everything You Need to Know About Pumping at Work…From Someone Who’s Been There
Whether your baby is six-weeks, twelve-weeks, or six-months, heading back to work after child birth and maternity leave is no small feat. Not only are you leaving your baby for the first time, but if you’re a nursing mama then you have a whole new world of pumping at work to learn.
I pumped at work for two full years (one for each of my daughters). What nobody tells you is that learning how to efficiently pump at work is like learning a new skill. Read More
My Breastfeeding Story + Tips – 3 Kids in 5 Years
Hi there! I’m excited to be joining the Insurance Covered Breast Pump community as a fellow breastfeeding mama. I have a 5 year-old girl, 3-year-old girl, and 5-month-old boy. I nursed all three and am still nursing the baby. So as you can imagine, I have a lot to say about the subject.
I can’t wait to share my breastfeeding story and my pumping tips and learn about yours. But first, let’s get to know each other! Read More
Will TRICARE cover my Breast Pump?
Yes! TRICARE covers breast pumps and breast pump supplies for eligible new mothers, including mothers who adopt an infant and plan to breastfeed. TRICARE permits the breast pump and supplies to be supplied before or after the delivery of the baby.
The benefit is available under all TRICARE plans including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, the US Family Health Plan, TRICARE Reserve Select; and TRICARE is extended regardless of the sponsor’s duty status (active duty, retired, Guard/Reserve). Read More
Understanding Insurance Coverage for CPAP Machines
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are a critical part of therapy for those suffering from sleep apnea. However, understanding whether your CPAP machine is covered by insurance can be a complex process. In this article, we’ll guide you through the nuances of insurance coverage for CPAP machines and how to make sure you’re adequately covered.
The Importance of CPAP Machines
CPAP machines are the most commonly prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Read More
Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week
Some of you may or may not know this week is World Breastfeeding Week. It goes from Tuesday, August 1st to Monday August 7th, and 2017 is its 25th year of being celebrated and recognized across the globe. The theme for this year is “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together”.
World Breastfeeding Week started in 1992 and is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA. They are a global network of individuals and organizations concerned with the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding worldwide. Read More
What is engorgement?
Engorgement is the feeling that you have when your boobs are so full of milk that you feel like they may explode.
Usually, this feeling happens a few days after delivery, between two to four days. In those first couple days, you will be producing thick, yellow colostrum. When you hit to the two to four day mark, your body will start producing milk and this is when it can occur. It’s normal for your breasts to get hard, swollen, or painful and this is not just from milk. Read More
