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Categories
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Ali's A-List
Get the inside scoop on all things giggle from our very own CEO and Founder, Ali Wing.
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9 Months
Expecting? We've got some great advice to prepare you for your pregnancy and the birth of your child.
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Nursing Know-How
Start your breastfeeding off right with helpful information from non-profit Best for Babes.
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City Mom
Learn strategies for navigating public transportation, crowded streets and small living spaces from Manhattan mom Monica Storch.
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Healthy Home
Build a healthy environment for your baby with practical and easy tips from national nonprofit Healthy Child Healthy World.
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Parent Talk
Get tips from the trenches with this information-packed blog from the authors of The Rookie Mom's Handbook and Stuff Every Mom Should Know, Heather Flett and Whitney Moss.
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Baby Style
Get fun fashion advice from blogger Nadia Carriere for the 40 weeks before and after your baby is born.
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Grab Bag
What's happening at giggle? Get the latest, learn about promotions, and read posts by some giggle friends and special guests.
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Breastfeeding and Sleep
You’re tired. We know. We are too. But so is your babe.
So here’s a little secret… breastfeeding is a fantastic way to help your baby fall asleep. Every baby is different of course, but nursing is a surefire way for some to drift off to la la land. And if baby is sleeping… that means you get some down time, too.
Mother’s Day and Breastfeeding
It’s your turn now! A day to celebrate your new role as mama. Kinda cool, right?
No matter what memories you have of past Mothers’ Days, it’s time for your new nuclear family to invent its own traditions. Family lunch? A night out to celebrate? Maybe a small token of appreciation? (A girl can wish). Or maybe, you just want to take a moment, while quietly feeding your baby, to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished already.
But if that sublime moment proves elusive, because you’re heading out for a big family shindig, you may need to brace yourself. Not everyone in the extended clan will be as comfortable with breastfeeding as you are. In fact, many of them may have never even seen someone breastfeed.
Decades ago, it was much less common for women to breastfeed. In 1970, roughly 25 percent of women breastfed their babies at birth. Today, that number has risen dramatically to 75 percent. (44 percent are breastfeeding at six months and at 24 percent at 12 months). But still, breastfeeding in public, even though it is with your family, can sometimes be a challenge. So how do you handle any potentially awkward moments? With your usual style and grace, of course!
Breastfeeding and Springtime
Spring fever. We’ve all got it! Ditch those coats and hats. Banish the heavy baby blankets. It’s time to head outside for some fun.
With this, comes more options for where you can comfortably breastfeed en plein air. Give it a go in the playground, at the park, on the sidelines of your older child’s soccer game. Soon enough, you’ll even be headed to the beach. The world is your oyster.
Tips For Weaning the Breastfed Baby
All good things must come to an end, we suppose. This is true for breastfeeding, too. But how do you decide when to wean your babe? And how do you do it?
First, there is no correct age to wean. It can happen at any point, and some moms will continue to breastfeed toddlers. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least one year, or longer. And the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for two years.
Breastfeed a Toddler? Why?
Maybe your mom breastfed you. But it’s just as likely that, she didn’t. A few decades ago breastfeeding wasn’t really the norm.
But today, that has changed. The number of moms who chose to breastfeed is on the rise. And there’s even a growing number of women who are choosing to nurse their toddlers. Sure, you may not see this all that often. But we promise you, it’s happening. And it’s a good thing.
Breastfeeding On The Go
Here’s one of the best things about breastfeeding. No preparation required. That’s right. No shopping. No formula to prepare. No bottles to clean and sterilize. The kitchen is literally open, all the time. And that makes traveling easy. When you head out with your baby, you don’t have to remember to take formula or bottles with you.
Picking a Breast Pump
In an ideal world, your babe and boob would spend all day and night together, feeding on demand. Sometimes, that works. And sometimes, reality intrudes. If you have to go back to work, or even just be away from your baby for a few hours, you may choose to pump your milk and leave bottles behind for a caretaker to use for feedings.
Breastfeeding and Babywearing
Sometimes, it’s great to multitask. Of course you’re a pro at this already. But you may not have realized you can actually nurse while “wearing” your baby. Here’s how it works.
Can I Drink Alcohol While Breastfeeding?
We know. You’d like a glass of wine with dinner. You’d like to go to a party and have a cocktail. You’ve been changing diapers and providing entertainment all day, and you’d just like to kick back before the screaming starts again. It’s not asking too much, right?
But can you have that drink if you’re breastfeeding? Guess what… it’s okay! Within moderation. (see American Academy of Pediatrics).
Best Positions For Nursing
Sometimes things come easily. Sometimes they don’t. And breastfeeding can just be one of those trial and error situations. You have to figure out what position works best for you and your baby. Luckily, you’ve got several options!
