We've all heard the admonitions - Breast is best - for babies AND mommies. And then of course, every lactation consultant worth her weight in gold will tell you how both breasts are equally important. The Mommish knows firsthand about this second piece of advice, as I had to endure not one, but two painful bouts of mastitis in my "milk dud" (you know you have one too) within the first month of the Babish's precious life (at least I finally got to use that Lamaze breathing that never came into play during my labor...). And the Grammish, who is a nurse, mother of six and la leche peer counselor, loves to recant the anecdotal evidence of Hong Kong fishing women who only nurse on one side as custom. Among such women, there was found to be an increase in breast cancer on the side that was never used...Actually - just googled it - there was an actual study (And - the study indicates "that in postmenopausal women who have breast-fed unilaterally, the risk of cancer is significantly higher in the unsuckled breast, and that breast-feeding may help to protect the suckled breast against cancer.").
As if a new insecure mommy didn't have enough to worry about (and c'mon - at least it's more fun to talk about poop color)! So how, pray tell, you ask, are the sleep deprived mommies supposed to keep track of which side was fed off of last? [believe me, those first few weeks, I had enough trouble trying to remember if it had been 3 or 4 days since I had last showered and brushed my teeth...] Well, aside from relying solely on your NSP (nursing sensory perception, n., when a mommy has the innate knowledge of how much or how little her baby has nursed, which side was nursed off of last, or whether or not she really needs to pump and dump after half a glass of chardonnay. Note, NSP doesn't usually kick in until at least the 6th week post-partum), there are several gadgets on the market to help you keep track. I kept diligent notes the first few days - but this went by the wayside as soon as my son had surpassed his birthweight at his one week check-up. And I never really got into the pins or bracelets, as they were too bulky, bulging and just not my style.
Finally, (figures - just as I am about to begin planning my exit strategy - just don't mention it to the Babish yet) a new solution has hit the market. Enter the Booby Button - the cute, discreet and comfortable way to take the guess work out of keeping track of where your babe got their last meal. The diminutive clip can attach to a bra strap, tank top or sports bra - and you won't see or feel a thing. Insta-reminder for the sleep-deprived mommy in a fun and cheeky package. It makes a great gift for the nursing-mom-to-be. It comes in several adorable designs, including a personalized version. My personal fave design is the gas-pump... so fill'erup!
Check out http://www.boobybutton.com/
Note - to my wonderful mommy readers/friends who couldn't breastfeed or who chose not to breastfeed - don't beat yourself up. The most important part is doing what's right for your family, your sanity and your stress level... i.e. going with your gut and focusing on learning about and knowing your baby.
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