In this episode, Gigi emphasizes the importance of preparing for postpartum, recommending adding doula services, lactation education, massage, and supplies like loose clothing and food delivery to registries. Gigi details her differing breastfeeding experiences with each child, from challenges latching her first to an anxious pumping routine with twins during the pandemic's isolation. Gigi advocates adding services over products to registries, suggesting doula support, belly binding lessons, and meal deliveries. Gigi recommends a few bottles in small sizes, nursing pads, nipple butter, and a haakaa, warning against fast flow nipples. Gigi stresses finding an IBCLC prenatally and educating grandparents to support breastfeeding, not undermine it with misguided bottle practices.

Meet Gigi
Gigi Vincent is a postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, and lactation educator who is committed to shifting the disparity between the amount of focus most families place on birth versus preparing for the fourth trimester. A strong advocate of preparing for postpartum by investing in maternal support instead of fancy baby equipment, Gigi empowers families so that once baby arrives, they can focus on resting and bonding, instead of researching and stressing. Knowing there isn’t one right way to have and raise a tiny human, Gigi works with parents as they find their way to thrive in the fourth trimester and beyond.

Connect with Gigi
Instagram - @a_simple_home
https://www.asimplehome.org/links/

Connect with Bethany at:
Breastfeedingreliefwithbethany.com
Instagram: @BethanyLovern
TikTok @Breastfeedingrelief

Think your child may have a tongue-tie? Grab my freebie Do You Have Pain When Breastfeeding Your Baby? Where I share signs and symptoms of both Mama and Baby where your baby might have a tongue-tie.

Work with Bethany 1:1 with her Emergency 911 Lactation Support for 30 Days

I now offer 24-hour support where you can text, send pictures, or voice messages. I promise to respond back to you in 24 hours or less. Usually a lot less but I do sleep a few hours a day...lol I will send you back a voice response because who doesn’t love a personal Mama touch rooting you on for success?!?

Enjoying the content but don't need breastfeeding help:
~ Buy Me a Coffee: https://bmc.link/BethanyALoo

In this episode, Ashley detailed her experiences breastfeeding two children, including latching challenges with her first and pumping challenges with her second due to nasal issues. Bethany commended Ashley's use of different positions and pumping to maintain supply. Ashley outlined how stretching can relieve tightness and pain for breastfeeding mothers through increased flexibility, mobility, and blood flow while improving posture and sleep. Bethany related her experience with pain from hunching while feeding. Ashley recommended heat for tight muscles and ice for inflammation, suggesting heating pads and rice socks. Bethany clarified that ice, not heat, helps reduce clogged duct inflammation for faster relief.

Meet Ashlea
I live in North Carolina by the beach with my supportive and loving husband, two toddlers, and one fur-baby. I have been involved in the healthcare field for over twenty years, with physical therapy being the main focus. I have worked in all clinical settings however, I am passionate about helping postpartum moms because I know what they are going through. I have been there myself and have experienced the postpartum journey firsthand. While being pregnant with both of my children and then after delivery, I realized just how much my body went through. Having so much tightness in my low back that started during pregnancy, and upper body tightness from pregnancy and nursing, I knew I needed to do something about it. Especially, having mild scoliosis in my thoracic (upper spine) region is always something I need to be mindful of. So after transitioning to a stay-at-home-mom to take care of my newborn and toddler, I created Stretch With Ashlea to focus on gaining back mobility and being able to feel better throughout the day. Which is what I need because I am definitely staying busy being a mom of two toddlers, and taking care of all the 'extra stuff'. But I wouldn't change a thing!

https://stretchwithashlea.com/
Pinterest: @stretchwithAshlea

Connect with Bethany at:
Breastfeedingreliefwithbethany.com
Instagram: @BethanyLovern
TikTok @Breastfeedingrelief

Think your child may have a tongue-tie? Grab my freebie Do You Have Pain When Breastfeeding Your Baby? Where I share signs and symptoms of both Mama and Baby where your baby might have a tongue-tie.

Work with Bethany 1:1 with her Emergency 911 Lactation Support for 30 Days

I now offer 24-hour support where you can text, send pictures, or voice messages. I promise to respond back to you in 24 hours or less. Usually a lot less but I do sleep a few hours a day...lol I will send you back a voice response because who doesn’t love a personal Mama touch rooting you on for success?!?

Enjoying the content but don't need breastfeeding help:
~ Buy Me a Coffee: https://bmc.link/BethanyALoo

In this episode, Masha detailed her extensive breastfeeding research and largely positive experience, contrasting with challenges pumping posed due to inadequate technology. She resolved to improve pumps after frustration with pain and inefficiency hindering her independence. Masha recounted shock and self-doubt from her first traumatic pumping experience, likening the vacuum sensation to a household appliance. This spurred an obsession to find natural alternatives enabling the freedom and bonding of nursing away from your baby. After prototyping with 3D printing and validating strong demand, Masha persevered through multiple iterations informed by mom feedback, prioritizing tongue-like suction and adjustable sizing. Trials reinforced nature-aligned design was key to ease and efficiency. The pump's adjustable compression and motion mimicking a baby's tongue and palate were highlighted. This natural approach focused on relaxing let-down rather than forceful suction, working with hormonal processes to maximize comfortable, effective expression. While prepared through research, Masha wished to remind mothers challenges remain normal and temporary. Asking for help should be demanded!

About Masha
Masha Waldberg is the founder and VP of Product for Annabella, a first of its kind, FDA-cleared and patented breast pump. Masha founded Annabella after her experience breast pumping, which proved to be painful and time exhaustive. Frustrated by the options in-market, she created a breast pump that closely mimics the experience of breastfeeding, prioritizing speed and occurence of milk. While developing Annabella, Masha was juggling being a new mother and running the Waldberg Learning Center in Israel. Masha's mission is to support and empower breast pumping parents everywhere.

Connect with Masha
Instagram - annabellapump
Facebook - Annabellamilk

Get 10% off the Annabella pump with the code ANNABELLARELIEF

Connect with Bethany at:
Breastfeedingreliefwithbethany.com
Instagram: @BethanyLovern
TikTok @Breastfeedingrelief

Think your child may have a tongue-tie? Grab my freebie Do You Have Pain When Breastfeeding Your Baby? Where I share signs and symptoms of both Mama and Baby where your baby might have a tongue-tie.

Work with Bethany 1:1 with her Emergency 911 Lactation Support for 30 Days

I now offer 24-hour support where you can text, send pictures, or voice messages. I promise to respond back to you in 24 hours or less. Usually a lot less but I do sleep a few hours a day...lol I will send you back a voice response because who doesn’t love a personal Mama touch rooting you on for success?!?

Enjoying the content but don't need breastfeeding help:
~ Buy Me a Coffee: https://bmc.link/BethanyALoo