Pumping
Portable Breast Pump: Types, What to Check and Using One on the Go
What "portable" really means for a breast pump, how battery, manual and wearable pumps differ, and what to check before you buy or travel with one.
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Breastfeeding articles
Every guide on Breastfeeding Mom, newest first. Prefer to browse by subject? See all topics.
Pumping
Baby Bottle Washer Guide: Brush, Dishwasher or Countertop Machine?
How to wash baby bottles and pump parts with a brush, a dishwasher or a countertop bottle washer, and what to look for in each, based on CDC advice.
Common challenges
Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding: What Works and What to Look For
Lanolin, breast milk, hydrogel pads and all-purpose nipple ointment compared: what the research shows, how to choose a nipple cream and when to get help.
Common challenges
Does Breastfeeding Hurt? What's Normal and What's Not
Some tenderness early on is common, but lasting pain is a signal. Learn what's normal, the usual causes, what to try and when to get help.
Breastfeeding basics
Can Men Lactate? What Science Says About Male Lactation
Can men produce breast milk? It's possible but rare. Why it happens, when milky discharge needs a doctor, and what induced lactation involves.
Pumping
How to Choose a Breast Pump: What to Look For
There's no single best breast pump. Choose by how you'll use it, using the FDA's questions on type, fit, cleaning, power, parts and returns.
Breastfeeding basics
Baby Bath Tub: When You Need One and How to Bathe Your Baby Safely
When to switch from sponge baths to a baby bath tub, what the CPSC safety standard covers, why bath seats are risky, and how to keep bath time safe.
Breastfeeding basics
Baby Carrier Guide: Types, Safe Newborn Fit and Breastfeeding
How to choose a baby carrier, wrap or ring sling, keep your newborn's airway clear and hips healthy, and what CPSC says about nursing in a sling.
Breastfeeding basics
Baby Thermometer: Which Type to Use by Age and When a Fever Needs a Call
Which baby thermometer to use at each age, how to take a rectal temperature, what counts as a fever, and when to call your pediatrician, per the AAP.
Breastfeeding basics
Bassinet Guide: Safe Sleep Rules, Bedside Sleepers and What to Look For
How to choose and use a bassinet or bedside sleeper safely: federal standards, a firm flat surface, fitted sheet only, and room-sharing for night feeds.
Breastfeeding basics
Burp Cloths: What to Look For, How to Burp, and When Spit-Up Needs a Doctor
Why babies spit up, how many burp cloths are handy, muslin vs other fabrics, the AAP's three burping positions and the spit-up signs that need a doctor.
Breastfeeding basics
Diaper Caddy: What to Put in It and How to Use It Safely
How to set up a diaper caddy for changes and night feeds: what to pack, what to look for, safe changing habits, diaper rash basics and hand hygiene.
Nutrition & health
Hemorrhoid Cushion After Birth: Do Donut Pillows Help?
What sources say about donut and other cushions for postpartum hemorrhoids and perineal pain, how to sit more comfortably, and when to call your provider.
Breastfeeding basics
Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for You, Baby and Your Partner
A hospital bag checklist for you, your baby and your partner, with a breastfeeding focus, a car seat check and what to ask your hospital first.
Breastfeeding basics
How to Swaddle a Baby Safely: Step by Step, Hip-Healthy, and When to Stop
Step-by-step swaddling from AAP guidance, hip-healthy leg room, back to sleep only, when to stop, why to skip weighted swaddles, and swaddling around feeds.
Breastfeeding basics
Labor and Delivery Gown: Do You Need One, and What to Look For
Whether to bring your own labor and delivery gown or robe, and what to check: front access for skin-to-skin and breastfeeding, epidural and monitor access.
Common challenges
Lanolin for Breastfeeding: What It Is, Does It Work, and How to Use It
What lanolin is, what studies really show for sore nipples, who should avoid it, how to apply it and whether you need to wipe it off before feeds.
Medicines & safety
Can I Take Mucinex While Breastfeeding? Plain, DM and D Explained
Plain Mucinex and Mucinex DM are usually fine while nursing, but Mucinex D adds pseudoephedrine, which can lower milk supply. How to tell them apart.
Common challenges
Nasal Aspirator for Babies: How to Clear a Stuffy Nose So Your Baby Can Feed
How to use saline drops and a baby nasal aspirator before feeds, bulb vs tube vs electric types, cleaning, and when a stuffy nose needs a doctor.
Breastfeeding basics
Newborn Essentials: A Minimal, Evidence-Based List for the First Month
The newborn essentials you actually need for the first month: a safe sleep space, car seat, diapers, clothes, feeding basics, and what not to buy.
Nutrition & health
Padsicles and Perineal Cold Packs: How to Use Cold Safely After Birth
What padsicles are, what the research says about cold for perineal pain, how long to apply it, a simple home method, store-bought packs and warning signs.
Nutrition & health
Peri Bottle: How to Use One After Birth and When You Can Stop
What a peri bottle is, why hospitals hand them out after vaginal birth, how to use and clean one, when you can stop, and signs of infection.
Nutrition & health
Postpartum Pads: What to Use for Bleeding After Birth and for How Long
Why you need pads, not tampons or cups, after birth, how long lochia lasts, what to look for in maternity pads, and when bleeding is too heavy.
Nutrition & health
Pregnancy Pillow Guide: Side Sleeping, Shapes and Using One After Birth
Why side sleeping matters later in pregnancy, which pregnancy pillow shapes help, and how to use one safely after birth without it near your baby's sleep.