| Question |
Answer |
| Are
swollen ankles and achy legs during pregnancy something
I just have to endure? |
No,
but they are common due to the increased pressure on your
veins from weight, greater blood flow to and from the
womb and hormone changes. Light- or moderate-pressure
maternity hose will relieve leg fatigue. For severe varicose
veins or persistent swelling, your doctor may prescribe
a higher compression stocking. |
| Can
I breastfeed if I have inverted nipples? |
Yes,
breast pumps are effective in pulling out the nipple to
allow the baby to latch on properly. |
| Can
I continue breastfeeding when I return to work? |
Yes,
if you plan ahead, you can pump and store breast milk.
Today’s breast pumps are designed for the working or active
mother. We even carry adapters suitable for travel, as
well as manual and battery-operated breast pumps. |
| Can
stretch marks be prevented? |
While
no product guarantees to take care of stretch marks, our
products provide deep, penetrating moisture to the skin,
which aids in their prevention. |
| I
am pregnant. What can I do to alleviate the pain in my
lower back? |
A
properly-fitted maternity belt, girdle or lumbo-sacral
support relieves abdominal pressure, pelvic pressure and
low back pain. |
| Is
there a difference between maternity and nursing bras? |
Maternity
bras should be custom fitted during the fourth and fifth
month of pregnancy. They are designed to expand with the
breasts and rib cage. The cup size of your nursing bra
will be at least 1 to 1-1/2 sizes larger than your maternity
bra and should provide more support. |
| Is
there a right or wrong style of nursing bra? |
Yes,
you need a properly fitted nursing bra that supports your
breasts adequately. A bra cup that is too tight can constrict
the milk ducts, causing mastitis and discomfort. There
are many styles available. Let our certified fitters assist
you in finding the right one. |
| Should
I buy or rent a breast pump? |
If
you are going back to work, you may want to purchase a
pump for convenience, especially if you plan long-term
pumping. If your baby is premature or you have breastfeeding
problems that a breast pump can correct, you may prefer
to rent. If you need to pump occasionally, you may prefer
a manual or battery-operated pump. Find out about our
line of breast pumps. |
| What
if my nipples become sore or cracked? |
The
number one reason your nipples are sore and/or cracked
is incorrect latch. Correct your baby’s latch. Wear a
good-fitting nursing bra. Nurse more frequently. Alternate
nursing positions. Massage your breasts. Avoid using soap
on your nipples. We offer products that soothe and help
heal sore, chapped or cracked nipples. |
| Where
can I get books and information about breastfeeding? |
Each
Women’s Health Boutique has an Educational Library
with a selection of books, videotapes and literature about
successful breastfeeding. These resources can be checked
out free of charge. |
| Why
should I breastfeed? |
Breast
milk provides perfectly balanced nutrition for your baby
and is ideally suited for a baby’s immature digestive
system. Breast milk provides your baby with important
immune resistance to allergens and illnesses. Breastfeeding
benefits the mother by causing the uterus to contract
to the pre-pregnancy size more quickly and by producing
the hormone prolactin, which stimulates relaxation. |
