Maternity Blog & News | New Beginnings
A parent's guide to UV sterilisers
There’s a wide range of sterilisers on the market. In this article, we will explore the world of UV sterilisers and explain why they are our number one choice for maintaining sterile baby bottles and accessories.
Learn moreDo I Really Need a Breast Pump?
Breast pumps - whether manual, electric, single or double, can be one of the best purchases you ever make as a new mum. Not only are they great for producing and storing breast milk, but they can also help in a number of other ways: Breast pumps help you produce more milk. The truth of the matter is, you will never know how your breasts will handle breastfeeding and milk production until it happens. Even if this isn’t your first baby, every birth is different. So if you’re finding you’re not producing enough milk, a breast pump can help stimulate your breasts and nipples to move things along. Breast pumps save your breasts from engorgement. Breast pumps can be used to help manage oversupply by removing excess milk from the breasts. Breast pumps help prevent mastitis. Oversupply can increase the risk of developing mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that is incredibly painful. Regularly emptying the breasts using a pump can help avoid this. Breast pumps give you back some time! The best part about breast pumps is you can express your milk and store it for future use, meaning you can actually share the feeding and get yourself out of the house for some much needed ‘me’ time. How do you know if you should buy a breast pump? Some mums prefer to wait until after giving birth to see how breastfeeding goes before investing in a breast pump, while others like to have a pump on hand in case they need it. Whether you’re from column A or column B, you’ll still want to choose a pump that’s right for you, so let’s take a look at what’s out there. There are three main types of breast pumps on the market: manual, electric and new to the category, wearable breast pumps. Each serves a purpose and works well for different people in different situations. Let’s take a closer look… Manual breast pumps Manual breast pumps are the simplest and most affordable option. They are operated by hand, usually with a lever or handle that you can squeeze to create suction. The New Beginnings Silicone Manual Breast Pump is perfect for mums on the go. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, this queen of manual pumps is soft, silent and dishwasher-safe. What more could a gal ask for?! Electric breast pumps Electric breast pumps use an electric motor to create suction and extract milk from the breast. They are typically more powerful and efficient than manual pumps, and are a good choice for mums who need to pump regularly or for extended periods of time. Electric pumps can be bought as either single or double. Single electric pumps extract milk from one breast at a time, while double electric pumps can extract milk from both breasts simultaneously. Double electric pumps are generally faster and more efficient than single pumps, making them a good choice for mums who need to pump frequently or for twins or multiples. The New Beginnings double electric pump has micro computer technology embedded within the motor to ensure it provides the perfect suction which dramatically reduces breastfeeding time by up to 50%! Check out our breast pump shopping guide for more tips on how to choose the best breast pump. What will happen if I don’t pump my breasts? Long story short, if you don’t use a pump it’s not the end of the world, but you could experience engorgement and mastitis if you produce a lot of milk, and you won’t have the flexibility of sharing the responsibility of feeding bub. Will I lose my supply if I don’t pump? If you're not pumping or breastfeeding regularly, you may experience a decrease in milk supply over time. Milk production is a supply-and-demand process, so if milk is not regularly removed from the breast, the body may produce less milk. What's the longest I can go without breast pumping? This depends on a few factors, such as your individual milk supply, how long it has been since you last pumped or breastfed, and how often you usually pump or breastfeed. In general, it's recommended that you empty your breasts at least 8-12 times in a 24-hour period to maintain your milk supply. However, this can vary from person to person, and some women may be able to go longer between pumping or breastfeeding sessions without experiencing a decrease in milk supply. Do I need to sterilise my breast pump? Yes, yes and yes! It's important to sterilise your breast pump regularly to ensure that it's clean and free from harmful bacteria. This is especially important if you're using a breast pump to collect milk for a newborn or a baby with a weakened immune system. And while there’s so many reasons to invest in one of these nifty breast pumps, remember that you should always consult with your doctor or talk to a lactation nurse if you’re having any issues with your breasts or supply. Ready to take the plunge and buy your breast pump? Shop our full breast pump range. Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit New Beginnings, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
Learn moreBooble Search - Will my areolas go back to normal size?
Worried about areola size after pregnancy? Learn about common changes, breastfeeding effects, and how to maintain healthy breast skin.
Learn moreBreastfeeding 101: How long should a newborn feed for?
Breastfeeding a newborn: How often and for how long? Find the answers in our comprehensive guide. Get expert advice to make breastfeeding a positive experience. Read the full article now.
Learn moreBreastfeeding 101: What is Newborn Cluster Feeding?
Is your newborn constantly feeding? Learn about cluster feeding, when it happens, its duration, & tips for managing it. Click to read more of New Beginnings' expert guidance!
Learn moreYour Ultimate Guide To Choosing A Breast Pump
From short-term reasons such as pain, engorgement or breast refusal to long term reasons such as going back to work, being away from bub or permanent latching issues, there are many situations where mums may need to express and use a breast pump. Whatever the reason is, having a good pump on hand can be a lifesaver. When looking for a pump there are many options to choose from and it can become very overwhelming, so we’re here to help you find what will work best for you and your unique situation. What is a breast pump? Breast pumps are available in both manual and electric forms that allow lactating mums to express milk when they need it. They can allow you to store extra milk, share the feeding time with your partner and help bub feed more efficiently. Choosing your breast pump When considering what pump will be best for you, there are a number of factors to consider: How often you will be pumping (frequency) Budget/Price Size & Portability Speed, strength and suction Noise Which pump should you choose? Manual vs Electric A manual pump is much cheaper, quieter and involves no setup to use. They can be used either for expressing or catching extra let down after feeding so your milk doesn’t go to waste. They use a vacuum seal against your breast to manually express your milk. On the other hand, electric pumps are more expensive and have multiple parts but are very easy to use. As they have a motor they do all the hard work for you, making them super convenient for expressing milk. Single Electric vs Double ElectricA single electric pump is a great option that allows you to express and feed at the same time. A single pump is generally a lot smaller and has fewer parts making it easy to transport and take with you. A double pump however cuts down expressing time by up to 50%, as it draws milk from both breasts simultaneously. A double pump is a great option if you need to store a lot of milk or have trouble breastfeeding To make things a little easier for you, we have provided a chart below to easily compare all the features and benefits of the different pumps available: Why New Beginnings Breast Pumps? At New Beginnings we believe in making high-quality products affordable for all mums. We have developed all our electric pumps with LacTech technology, to mimic the natural suckling motion of breastfeeding, so you can express comfortably and efficiently. All our pumps are extremely lightweight, easy to use and are almost completely silent, making expressing and feeding time that much easier. If you need some more convincing, check out what our NB mums are saying: Amanda - Single Electric Breast Pump “My new 'secret weapon'! Love this quiet, efficient little lady, she's my new BFF particularly when I'm exhausted and want to catch up on sleep - partner can take over, bubs is happy, partner can have some one on one time and mumma can have some much needed Z's!” Kim - Double Electric Breast Pump “I would definitely recommend the New Beginnings Breast Pump to anyone and everyone!! It was sooo easy!!! I was able to connect it all up and because it was so quiet, I was able to express while sitting there watching tv. The different levels of stimulation and suction were great as I was able to customise it depending on when I expressed (whether it was close after breastfeeding or much later). I loved the function of the time as I was able to gain an idea of how long it would take me to express a certain amount of milk. I also loved that it was a double as I could express a large amount of milk in very little time! The New Beginnings Breast Pump was also very easy to clean and reassemble afterwards. The stands for the bottles were also very handy as it meant no spilt milk! ???? I loved everything about the New Beginnings Breast Pump and I found it to be no comparison to another manual breast pump I have previously used. I would hands down recommend New Beginnings as my first choice electric breast pump!”Interested in learning more helpful tips and tricks about breast pumps? Stay updated with our Maternity Blog and News. For more information check out the pages below or contact us on sales@newbeginnings.com.au or on our socials @newbeginningsmaternity. Silicone Manual Breast Pump Single Electric Breast Pump Double Electric Breast Pump
Learn moreIs a UV Steriliser safe for your baby? | New Beginnings
Worried about germs? UV sterilisers offer a safe and effective solution. Learn how they work and why they're a great choice for families. Visit New Beginnings today!
Learn moreOur Spotify Playlist for Late Night Breastfeeding
Having a baby is a delicate time for all mums. From birth through to the first six months, it’s a seemingly magical period, unique to each mother and baby, where bonding involves sleepless nights of breastfeeding and holding bub close as you rock them over and over to sleep. In our blog, Everything They Don’t Tell You About Breastfeeding, we recommended to not turn on lights while breastfeeding, as a TV screen or phone can disrupt your baby’s circadian rhythm, making it harder for them to adjust to a sleep routine. Instead, we recommend listening to your favourite podcast or relaxing music. That got us thinking, what are the best songs for those 4am nights when you’re so tired but so happy? We asked New Beginning’s mums for their favourite song recommendations and got so many good suggestions, we created a Spotify playlist. Click here to check it out! A mix of soothing orchestral pieces and modern day low-fi - there’s no cutesy baby songs here! We like to think of this as your relaxing midnight soundtrack to help you remember the magical time when baby was just a newborn. Here’s a few stand out tracks we love: ‘Dancing In the Moonlight’ - L’aupaire This song is a classic and the cover version with L’aupaire is calming while still bringing back memories. Plus the words are also so perfect for night time with baby. ‘Nothing Even Matters’ - Lauryn Hill From her iconic album ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, this song, fittingly, is a celebration of Hill’s first born with Rohan Marley. The song talks about how everything disappears when you’re with a newborn. ‘Confidence’ - Ocean Alley So groovy, so funky - perfect for a late night jam session. ‘Together At Last’ - Alexis Ffrench Classical music with a twist! Alexis Ffrench creates positive and uplifting piano pieces that mimic modern pop songs in structure. Warm, simple and beautiful, it’s a perfect song to listen to late at night. ‘Milk’ - Kings Of Leon Sometimes you’ve got to have a sense of humour! ‘Milk’ is the perfect song to pump milk to, or breastfeed, without it getting too loud. What do you think of the song choices? Would you add any to our list? Comment below your favourite late-night songs to breastfeed and cuddle to. We might add some of them to the list! For more mum's entertainment, Watch the #BabyMamaDance. Thank you to Bijanka Orr, Nikki Moses and the other fabulous mums (who want to remain anon) for contributing to the playlist :)
Learn moreEverything They Don't Tell You: Breastfeeding Tips & Advice
We’ve all heard the common advice about breastfeeding, everything from ‘how to latch’ to ‘how to burp’. But what are the lesser known truths we don’t hear as often? Here are some bits of advice you’ve (probably) never heard before. Don’t Check Your Phone During Night-time Feeds While breastfeeding can be boring at night, try not to binge on Netflix or catch up on emails. Lactation consultant, Eileen Murphy, notes turning on lights or the TV can disorient your baby and make it harder to set them on a sleep schedule. We recommend listening to a relaxing podcast instead. You Don’t Have To Use The ‘Hollywood Hold’ The most common latching technique is to cradle your baby sideways with its head resting on your elbow, but if that’s not working there are 10 other positions you can test out on bub. Everything from lying down rugby holds (look it up) to vertical latching, where your baby faces you and rests on your knee. Experiment to find what’s right for you. Breastfeeding Can Deflate Your Boobs, If You Don’t Use A Supportive Bra Yes, it’s true, breastfeeding can make your boobs start to look like old tube socks (*silent screams). One way to prevent this is to find great maternity bras that really lift and support your boobs no matter what stage they’re in. A great bra will support the breast’s ligaments and help recover damage caused by your baby pulling on your breast as they turn their head about. Other preventative steps include strengthening exercises, diet and drinking lots of water. Drink Water To Produce Milk Speaking of drinking water, when breastfeeding the best thing you can do to produce milk is to stay hydrated. Your body will keep trying to produce milk even if you’re not, but it can make you feel pretty sick and unwell. If you'd like to know more about breastfeeding, have a read of our blog: How long should a newborn feed for? On a similar note, make sure you’re eating an additional 500 calories per day when breastfeeding. Try to eat a nutritionally balanced diet, but if you slip up and eat french fries it won’t hurt your baby. Your body is designed to make healthy, nourishing milk. Empty Your Milk Often To Reduce Painful Swelling When feeding or pumping, try to empty your milk during each session, this helps prevent ducts from clogging (don’t worry it’s a rare occurrence!). Similarly, try to breastfeed or pump whenever your breasts are starting to feel heavy and full. If you wait too long they can become swollen and painfully tender. Read our blog ‘Pump or Feed’ for tips on when and how to breast pump. Breastfeeding Makes You Bolder Lastly, know that breastfeeding makes you bolder and a protective mummy. Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles show breastfeeding increases your body's threshold for stress by increasing oxytocin and prolactin levels. In a scenario where a stranger was rude to their baby, breastfeeding mums defended their baby’s rights and had significantly lower blood-pressure than mums who solely bottle-fed their babies. They were more stress-resistant - a fantastic side-benefit of the unique mother-child bond. Having trouble breastfeeding? Remember to take deep breaths, relax and search for answers to your problems. If it’s still not working, see a lactation consultant. They’ll help you and your baby learn to breastfeed. Keep in mind every parent-baby bond is unique and takes time but it’s worth it.
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