Milk Stork Blog

12/4/23

Family Health

Planning for Parenthood in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide to Health Insurance, Workplace Benefits, and Parental Leave

As 2023 winds down, many families and parents-to-be are looking ahead to next year. If you're hoping to expand your family in 2024, a little planning can go a long way to ensure a smooth transition. The checklist is long, so we've put together a handy guide to help you properly plan and prep all the aspects of new parenthood. Let's dive in! Before Parental Leave 1. Understand Your Health Insurance Coverage Pregnancy and NICU Services: Begin by reviewing your…

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11/29/23

Family Health, Pumping & Feeding

Supporting Pumping Moms in the NICU: A Guide for Dads and Partners

Pumping breast milk in the NICU is a demanding task, and as a dad or partner, you play an essential role in supporting pumping moms through this journey. From the pressure to maintain a consistent pumping schedule, establish and maintain a sufficient milk supply, to navigating the roller coaster of emotions like guilt, frustration, sadness, and exhaustion—the need for support has never been greater. This guide offers practical ways to provide assistance and emotional support to pumping moms in the…

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11/16/23

Travel Tips, Pumping & Feeding, Employers

Pumping, Working, Traveling: Challenges for New Moms In the Workplace

New moms returning to work encounter distinctive challenges that often go unnoticed. The delicate balance of managing career responsibilities, particularly involving travel, while navigating the demands of infant care can be an incredible task. This is compounded when that mother is breastfeeding. The ability to pump and deliver that nourishment to their baby while on the road is an intense undertaking that requires significant support. For employers, understanding and addressing these challenges isn't just a matter of empathy or compliance;…

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11/12/23

Family Health, Pumping & Feeding

The Critical Importance of Properly Refrigerating Breast Milk: What Every NICU Parent Needs to Know

For preemies and NICU babies, the breast milk can be an actual life-saver. Proper storage, specifically refrigeration, is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of this liquid gold. Here’s what you need to know about properly storing breast milk to ensure that your baby is getting the safest, most nutrient-rich breast milk that you work so hard to provide. Preserving Essential Nutrients Breast milk is a powerhouse of vital nutrients—proteins, fats, vitamins, and antibodies—that are especially critical for your…

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11/8/23

Family Health, Pumping & Feeding

NICU Parents, This is Why Milk Stork Can Be a Lifeline for Your Precious Preemie

In. honor of Prematurity Awareness Month, we're sharing why NICU nurses and lactation consultants recommend Milk Stork to NICU families everywhere. Trust that Your Precious Breast Milk Will Reach Your Preemie. Breast milk is a vital lifeline for premature infants, known for its unique benefits that enhance immune function and support neurological development. Neonatal nurses and lactation consultants understand this better than anyone and recommend Milk Stork to NICU parents for the ease and reliability we provide to parents traveling…

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11/7/23

Family Health, Pumping & Feeding

How to Create a Pumping Schedule for Your NICU Baby

When you’re already dealing with the emotional and logistical challenges of having a baby in the NICU, finding the time and energy to pump can feel overwhelming. But a regulated pumping schedule can make a world of difference for your precious preemie. Not only does it help maintain your milk supply, but it also ensures that your baby receives the nutrients they need for growth and development. Today’s post includes tips to help you create a pumping schedule that syncs…

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11/1/23

Family Health, Pumping & Feeding

NICU Nurses and Lactation Consultants, This is Why Milk Stork is a Game-Changer for NICU Families

November is Prematurity Awareness Month and that puts the spotlight back on the life-saving work neonatal staff do every day. In addition to employer support, many NICU parents rely on resources and recommendations from you, their trusted neonatal nurses and NICU lactation consultants, to help them navigate the journey. Here are a few reasons why it's helpful for neonatal nurses and lactation consultants to have Milk Stork as a tool in their back pocket when speaking with NICU families. 1…

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10/17/23

Pumping & Feeding

Navigating Bottle Feeding with Expert Guidance: How Lactation Consultants Support Breastfed Babies

Introducing your breastfed baby to a bottle is a big step! Whether you’re preparing for the transition to daycare or just want to lighten the load of breastfeeding, it’s best to introduce bottle feeding slowly to give you and your baby time to adjust. Lactation consultants, with their specialized knowledge and experience, are valuable allies during this transition. Let’s take a look at how lactation consultants can play a pivotal role in the successful introduction of bottle feeding to breastfed…

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10/10/23

Bottle Prep Checklist for Daycare: Keeping Your Baby Nourished

Whether you’re sending breast milk or formula, organized preparation ensures that your little one remains nourished and content throughout their time at daycare. As you tour daycares, be sure to ask: If bottle labels are required and/or provided. If baby bottles can be plastic or glass. How much breast milk can they store? A daily supply, weekly, etc. If you can see their breast milk storage area. After you’ve selected your childcare provider, follow this comprehensive bottle prep checklist for…

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