Are you a loud and proud breastfeeder or tend to have a more modest approach? Either way, when duty calls - or your baby screams - you gotta do what you gotta do! Although the laws vary by state, all states allow for breastfeeding in public so it is always within your right to do so. Here are some tips for confidently nursing in public: DRESS FOR THE OCCASION: Of course, the good ol’ nursing [...]
It was another great year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, hosting the Bessie’s Best “Family Nest” where families could come during their day. Though it wasn’t a record-setting year for overall attendance, the event did break a record for the most cars parked in a day, so it was a great year all around. We certainly had a full house many times throughout the day. We got the opportunity to meet so many families with [...]
Going back to work after having a baby can be completely overwhelming. Not only do you have to leave your brand new baby, but you have to start new routines, figure out how to juggle the workload of home, work, and now parenthood, and when you’re breastfeeding, you have to figure out how to manage your supply. If you’re breastfeeding and going back to work, here are some ideas for ways to maintain your [...]
The holiday season can cause stress to absolutely anybody, but breastfeeding parents, in particular, have an extra set of hurdles to overcome. If you’re worried about handling stress during the holidays, here are our best suggestions for managing these common breastfeeding challenges: Maintaining a Schedule: If you’re traveling, will be away from home, or even hosting people in your own house, it can be really difficult - and maybe even impossible - to maintain a [...]
Breast milk. How does your body know to start producing it? How does your body know how much to make? How can food help? Lactogenesis Stage One Lactation begins with colostrum production around the 16th week of pregnancy. "Lactogenesis Stage One" lasts until a few days after baby is born. Lactogenesis, by the way, is the transition from pregnancy to lactation. The nutritional makeup of colostrum is exactly what your newborn needs and the [...]
Postpartum hormones are no joke. One moment you’re staring at your new baby, the biggest smile on your face, and the next you’re bawling your eyes out - while the baby does, too. Even if you don’t feel that you are dealing with Postpartum Depression, postpartum mental health is a struggle for many new parents trying to get back to themselves after having a baby. If you’re feeling the blues, or just not like yourself, you [...]
With autumn comes sweaters and leaves falling and bonfires… and ALL things pumpkin! At Bessie’s Best, that also means that Lactation Pumpkin Bread is almost here! We have good news, and some changes to announce. The same pumpkin bread that you know and love IS, in fact, going to be available through bessiesbest.com this year. The pumpkin bread is a delicious, fall/winter option on Bessie’s menu of yummy lactation snacks. Full of four galactagogues [...]
You’re curious about lactation snacks and using galactagogues - or, milk-boosting ingredients - to help you while you breastfeeding. Here are our top Q&As about the topic! If I eat lactation snacks before I have my baby, will it help? Galactagogues in and of themselves will not induce lactation. That occurs naturally upon delivery of the placenta. Is it dangerous to eat lactation snacks while pregnant? Not at all! Galactagogues themselves are healthy foods. Your [...]
Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful things, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. This can especially be true if you are struggling with your milk supply. Since stress has a huge impact on overall milk supply, stressing about it can actually make it worse! It’s a double-edged sword. Although Bessie’s treats are a nutritious option full of galactagogues - or, milk-boosting ingredients - to snack on, this is just one option [...]
Breastfeeding and sleep training are not mutually exclusive. Contrary to popular belief, you can do both, and on today’s blog, Courtney Zentz, the Founder of Tiny Transitions, is both a Baby Sleep Expert and a Lactation Counselor, and she breaks it down for tired parents in simple terms. Also, you can check out owner Jen Acuna and Director of Brand Development, Brittany Hausmann on Courtney's blog The Kids Sleep Show. A good night's sleep is a [...]
