Whichever it is for you, if you are pregnant, I am sure you have tried it. I was religious with putting on the oil (Earth Mama Angel Baby Stretch Oil at Baby Blurbs.com) and I luckily didn’t have the dreaded stripes down my abdomen. So many books told me that it was due to heredity, and not because of topical creams and oils. I think that it is a mix of both, though. Either way, pregnancy flies by, so I didn’t want to risk it. I will mention that if you are going put on the slick stuff, then stick with it. You don’t want to give up two weeks before your due date! That is when some women notice the marks popping up!

Do you feed your baby exclusively by the breast? Do you get tons of marketing for formula in the mail? If you answered yes, then why not give your coupons and free formula to moms that need it? Your local adoption agency or mothers clubs can find a use for those items that you would normally throw away. There are many women that cannot breastfeed, and formula is so expensive that every coupon or formula sample will help those in need. Even your OB-GYN would know the local outlets that would gladly take it all off your hands!

Here are some tips from one mom to another.

*Olive oil is okay to use on your breast pump. Pure lanolin is okay to use on your nipples. Nipple Butter by Earth Mama Angel Baby at Baby Blurbs is made from organic olive oil, and doesn’t have to be wiped off. It is safe for baby!

*Mastitis, Yeast/Thrush, and even over active or under active Montgomery glands can lead to latching problems or feeding problems, resulting in pain for mom and too much or too little milk for baby. Make sure you ask your OB-GYN or family doctor about any potential problems.

*There are a million different breast pads out there, and you can write the companies for free samples to try them out. Change your breast pads very frequently so not to develop yeast problems!

*Soothies and Booby Tubes are great help for sore breasts. The Breastfeeding Kit at Baby Blurbs contains Booby Tubes that are cold for easing pain and can be warmed in the microwave for moist heat 5 minutes. before nursing. They can be reused, too. Moist heat helps your let down and is great for engorgement.

*This is the best tip: Use all of your friends and family that are pro-breastfeeding. You will need a clan of help to get you through the hard times. Remember, it is the best for you and baby!