I know you host events, often with a lactation consultation, or with other local mom companies, what do you hope people get out of attending?
We realized that there’s not much education around pumping or nursing, and first time moms don’t really know what to expect or how to prepare. We want to empower moms, help them understand what to expect after their babies are born and how they can best prep to nurse or pump. We also want to bring moms together- new motherhood can be isolating, so having a supportive mom community around you is extremely important.
Now that you’ve recently had your second daughter, what are things you wish you had know as a first-time mom? What is some advice for those about to have a second child?
I wish I’d known to contact my lactation consultant to help me immediately- literally the day the baby is born. Getting help with breastfeeding early on can help with latching and prevent the pain associated with breastfeeding (spoiler alert the first week or so can be extremely painful if your baby isn’t latching correctly!) I didn’t realize I would need to pump right away with my first baby (sometimes it’s necessary), so I wasn’t equipped with a pump or any products/accessories I’d need, like a hands free pumping bra. Definitely order your pump and bra before your baby comes- you don’t want to be scrambling when you get back from the hospital.
What parts of motherhood, nursing and pumping aside, do you see needs to change?
We talk about setting expectations as you enter new motherhood- both with yourself, and with your employer if you are heading back to work. Moms are very hard on themselves, so it takes time and patience to jump back into “normal life” as a mother. Postpartum life is called the fourth trimester for a reason: your body is still adjusting to mental and physical changes.
Let’s talk about fathers and partners, those who aren’t doing the feeding and pumping, how do you think those partners can feel like they’re supporting a new mom? And on the other hand, nursing mothers often have a closer bond than the other partner (at least in the beginning) how can a couple really feel like a partnership with a newborn?
The best thing for partners to do is to take on other responsibilities and help care for the mother, so she can focus entirely on caring for the baby. My awesome husband would cook every meal for me while he was on his paternity leave, which was amazing because I didn’t have time to cook or feed myself. For the partner to feel connected to the baby, skin-to-skin contact is extremely important. Moms can give their partner a special job like rocking the baby to sleep, or bottle feeding the baby.
What are some products you can’t live without, Milx Bra aside, as a parent, or for your kids?
The right swaddle blankets can make a huge difference in your newborn’s sleep! Get a variety to test out as you won’t know which one your baby will prefer.
What are some other women founded, mom oriented companies you think are doing awesome work?
FPC - pre and post natal workouts run by 2 working moms
Loyal Hana - a postpartum clothing brand for nursing moms
Holi Chic - Indian contemporary bridal line that mixes modern and traditional fashion
What’s next in 2019, what do you hope to achieve with Milx, in motherhood, and as a badass woman? To scale our reach nationwide! We’re launching Milx Bras in additional colors, and are expanding into other products that help modern moms.
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