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Welcome to Reliable Maternity's very own blog! We are so happy to have you. Although we are primarily a durable medical equipment (DME) company, our overall goal is to empower, educate and support our patients, their families, and beyond. We have always wanted to provide a safe space for parents to share, grow, and connect with one another. We are a team of women who wholeheartedly believe that there is “no shame in the feeding game.” However you decide to feed your baby whether that is breastfeeding, formula, bottle feeding, we are judgement-free. We think that it is important that every family makes the choice that is best for them and their baby. We want to be helpful in providing resources and insight for any situation! So, what will you find here? The #MoreThanAMotherBlog will be a place with articles and posts on topical information (the stuff we think you should be aware of!), tips & tricks, personal stories, resources from our certified lactation counselors, other experts, and more! Expect this to be a place that covers more than just what it means to be a mother. Want to take this IRL? We engage in community events all around New England and provide solutions for all types of lifestyles. Please visit our community events page to learn more about past and upcoming events. We hope to meet you soon!

Pelvic health has become a hot topic in the past decade, and for good reason. Women experience significant changes to their pelvic floors throughout their lifespans, and we have historically received minimal education about this part of our bodies. Perhaps you have birthed children vaginally and forever sworn off trampolines with your kids. Perhaps you leak urine when you sneeze, but you cross your legs and hope for the best. Perhaps you hit menopause, and have just accepted that you have symptoms of prolapse at the end of each day. These examples are extremely common, but far from normal. There are treatment options available and even ways to prevent many of these issues before they start. They are not something that women have to live with due to childbirth or aging as was believed by previous generations. The pelvic floor is a critical group of muscles at the bottom of the pelvis. They play important roles in sexual health, bowel and bladder function, organ support, core stability, circulation and posture. These muscles are small but mighty, and deserve more awareness and education. In females, the pelvic floor undergoes significant changes across the lifespan with injuries, exercise, pregnancy, childbirth (even Cesarean section), and menopause. Understanding what signs or symptoms to look for, and how to go about addressing or preventing them, can help avoid long-term issues and improve your quality of life. During childbearing years, the pelvic floor is a key player. It is quite literally responsible for supporting the growing uterus during pregnancy, which may lead to weakness or spasming of the muscles trying to support these changes in posture. Following childbirth, weakness, tearing, stitches, muscle spasm or trigger points can cause persisting issues with postpartum pelvic floor function. The pelvic floor also works closely with your abdominal muscles and breathing diaphragm, and the coordination between these structures can be altered after delivery. Women who have c-section births often still have changes to the pelvic floor from pregnancy, and scar tissue from c-sections can also directly affect how the pelvic floor works. The pelvic floor undergoes significant changes at menopause when hormone levels shift drastically. This group of muscles and the tissue at the perineum is particularly susceptible to the drop in estrogen in the body. These changes can lead to increased muscle atrophy, tissue laxity and tissue sensitivity. This often presents as symptoms such as organ prolapse, pain with sexual activity, or urinary urgency or incontinence, to name a few. Sometimes, these pelvic floor changes may be present (though asymptomatic) prior to menopause, but the hormonal shift can bring symptoms to the forefront and impact function. While the pelvic floor is a small group of muscles, it is an important puzzle piece that works closely with the rest of the body. Other factors that may affect your pelvic floor health include back and hip injuries, chronic pain, diastasis recti, core weakness, abdominal pain or surgeries, gynecological conditions or procedures, constipation, PCOS, endometriosis, stress/anxiety, or poor postural habits. Some types of exercise can also contribute to pelvic floor stress if not done properly or if you have underlying pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor is susceptible to many changes, stressors, and challenges throughout the female lifespan, which is really no different than any other group of muscles in the body. The difference, however, is that this small group of muscles is responsible for such critical roles, that when they are not functioning optimally, significant inconveniences can result. The great news is that there are treatment options available, and you do not have to live with these concerns indefinitely. Finding an excellent pelvic floor therapist as part of your women’s health team can be life-changing from reproductive years to post-menopause. After many years in this profession, I can tell you that it is almost never as simple as the blanket recommendation to “Do Kegels,” but a skilled physical therapist will assess your concerns and get you back on track to improve your pelvic health. You can find more information from Dr. Kaitlyn Labberton and ReclaimHER Physical Therapy at https://www.reclaimherpt.com.

Let's talk about the PUMP Act and why it's important for you to know about it. The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers was signed into law on December 29, 2022. This means that although it went into effect immediately the enforcement won’t go into effect until April 28, 2023. So, if a company or organization fails to follow this new legislation there are no repercussions until April 28th. You may have heard of the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law which was signed in 2010 and requires that requires employers to provide reasonable break time AND a private space for all lactating employees (bathrooms don't count). The PUMP Act is a different law, but it was created to address some of the loopholes in the Break Time law. How is it different? Let’s break it down! The PUMP act includes the following additions: Provides the right to break time and space to pump breast milk at work to millions more workers, including teachers and nurses, as well as other salaried workers Makes it possible for workers to file a lawsuit to seek financial compensation if their employer fails to comply Makes it clear that pumping time must be paid if the employee is still doing any work while pumping breast milk Why is the PUMP Act important? Well, first of all, this is huge news for all lactating individuals in general. Beyond that, this is big news when it comes to equity in the workplace. This law gives lactating individuals both proper support and protection. This act is another step towards gender equity in the workplace and allows for new moms who are wanting to come back to work feel that much more confident in being able to step into their role as a parent and not feel like they are jeopardizing their status as an employee. Secondly, if you are currently pumping breast milk you can feel confident in knowing that your employer is required to accommodate you. However, be mindful that employers who have yet to put this into effect in the workplace can't face repercussions until April 28, 2023. Happy pumping! Learn more: https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/pump-act.html https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2022/12/22/senate-passes-two-bills-for-pregnant-and-breastfeeding-moms-at-work/?sh=6491904633c2 https://www.americanprogress.org/article/5-facts-about-the-pump-for-nursing-mothers-act/

Get in touch with us! Reach out to us using email, phone, or by sending us a message. We'd love to hear from you. Let's get in touch Reach out to us! 1504 Boston Providence Turnpike, Suite 7B Norwood, MA 02062 Call: (888) 235-8355 Fax: (781) 987 8206 Email: customercare@reliablerematernity.com Open Monday – Friday | 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m Reliable Maternity & Reliable Respiratory Locations C o rp ora te He adquarters & Breastmilk Depot Drop Of f Site Norwood, MA 1504 Boston Providence Tpke Norwood, MA 02062 (781) 551-3335 Hours of Operation By Appointment Only Dartmouth, MA 365 Faunce Corner, Unit 101, Dartmouth, MA 02747 Merrimack, NH 416 Daniel Webster Highway, Suite T, Merrimack, NH 03 054 South Portland, ME 144 Thadeus Street, South Portland, ME 04106 South Windsor, CT 345 Nutmeg Road South, Suite A-2, South Windsor, CT 06074 Shrewsbury, MA 415 Boston Turnpike, Suite 208A, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 Woburn, MA 800 West Cummings Park, Suite 4600, Woburn, MA 01801 Warwick, RI 400 Warwick Avenue, Units 3&4, Warwick, RI 02888 White River Junction, VT 222 Holiday Drive, Suite 8, White River Junction, VT 0500 1 Williston, VT 183 Commerce Street, Williston, VT 05495

Articles and blogs featuring Reliable Maternity and the work that we are doing to support mothers in New England. View Our Past Events Boston Children's Corporate Cup July 2023 Learn More Boston Children's Yoga Reaches Out April 2023 Learn More Falmouth Road Race August 2022 Learn More Boston Children's Eversource Walk June 2022 Learn More Event Spotlights Back to all events

Frequently Asked Questions Do I really need a pump? Only you can decide that. Everyone's situation is unique, so it is important to evaluate your lifestyle and needs. Will you be going out or working outside of your home after the baby is born? If yes, and you are planning on continuing to breast feed, then a pump would be a must-have. This is because it will allow you to prevent painful engorgement and maintain your supply to meet your baby's needs. Pumps can also be helpful to maintain your supply, Sometimes your baby may not nurse, or you may be dealing with an illness or medication that isn't safe for breastfeeding. How do I know which pump is right for me? There is no "wrong" answer. While there is no such thing as a "one size fits all" pump, there are several pumps available that will accommodate your needs. With that being said, there are still some things you will want to consider to help determine what is right for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself (the order of importance depends on your lifestyle and needs): Your needs and lifestyle - Will you need portability? Is discreet pumping needed? Loudness - Does the noise level matter? Pumps are generally quiet, but some are quieter than others. Price point - what is the maximum you wish to spend? Which pumps will your insurance cover? Comfort - Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. What is comfortable for some is not for others. Does the pump you like offer a variety of flange sizes? Time - How much time will you have for your pumping sessions? How long you breastfeed and pump depends on your unique situation. Strength and Variability - While all pumps serve the same function, many pumps offer a variety of settings to assist with speed, comfort, and ease of use. When do I start pumping? This will vary depending on the situation, but it is recommended to wait until you and the baby have become comfortable with breast feeding (often around four weeks old). If your baby is having trouble with breastfeeding, is in the NICU, or you wish to pump exclusively, then there is no need to wait. Ultimately, it will depend on what is best for you and your baby. Will it hurt? You may feel a little uncomfortable when starting out (about 10-15 seconds) as your nipples start to stretch, but pumping should not hurt. You may experience some tenderness of the nipple especially as your milk releases (or "let's down"). If you experience pain you should pause, check to make sure the sizing is correct and try a lower setting. If the pain continues, it is best to reach out for a consult. Someone gave me their pump, is it okay to use? Bacteria and viruses from the previous owner could get trapped inside the pump. This could be potentially hazardous to your baby's health, even with repeated sterilization. The only pumps that can be shared safely are those labeled "Hospital Grade Multi User." For these pumps each user needs their own sterile kit which contains tubing and collection bottles. We do not recommend borrowing or using someone else's personal pump, unless it is still sealed in its original packaging. How do I clean my breast pump? It is best to wash all parts that encounter breast milk in warm water and dish soap. You will also want to make sure these parts are sterilized for use, please refer to the manufacturer's guide for the best procedure. Remember it is best to replace tubing and flanges every few months to avoid breakdown. A clean breast pump means safe breast milk, so it's best to try to develop a routine for keeping it clean. Do I need a prescription? A prescription is only needed if you want to proceed through insurance. If you wish to pay out-of-pocket, no prescription is necessary. Can I use my FSA/HSA to pay? Yes, you can! When will I receive my pump? Can I pick it up? At Reliable Maternity, we endeavor to ship every order the day that it is received. Usually, orders that are placed prior to 11:00am EST will ship the same day. If your order requires expedited shipping, please call us at (866) 551-3335 so that we can find a solution that meets your needs. Orders are processed Monday through Friday. We do not fulfill orders on the following holidays: New Year's Day 4th of July Martin Luther King Jr. Day Labor Day President's Day Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving Memorial Day Christmas We do not fulfill orders to resale companies, and we reserve the right to cancel your order if we believe that you are buying on behalf of a re-seller. Shipping Options Free Standard Shipping - Via Standard Shipping, your order should reach you within 4-7 business days of leaving our facility 2-Day Shipping - 2-Day Expedited Shipping is available for a flat fee of $25 on select orders Priority Next Weekday Shipping - Priority Next Weekday Shipping is available for a flat fee of $50 on select orders High value orders ($250+) will require a signature upon delivery How do I know what size flange I need? Let's be real, size does matter. There are a wide range of flange sizes, but most breast pumps only come with one or two "starter sizes". You may in fact need a smaller or bigger size to start, and for some, you may need a different size for each side. Having the correct size is important for a comfortable experience. Keep in mind that your size may change once your baby is born and you begin your breastfeeding and pumping journey. The flange will create a seal around the areola. The nipple should be able to move freely within the tube. Each pump offers slightly different sizing, so it is best to check the manufacturer's site to determine the proper size. If they don't offer the size you need you will want to look for one that can accommodate. Finding the right size and accessories can take some trial and error, but rest assured our team at Reliable is here to help! When do I need more supplies? Breast pumps and supplies wear over time. The amount of time you spend pumping can affect this, but the recommendation is to replace your pump supplies every 90 days. This includes flanges, tubing, and collection bottles. Not all supplies wear at the same time so you may need to replace some more than others. Watch for: Stretching: You may notice your tubing has thin spots or is starting to split Buildup: No matter how much you clean and sanitize, you will start to see evidence of bacteria buildup or residue, especially in the hard-to-reach areas like tubing Decline in pump function: As your parts wear down, you may find they don't fit together as snugly as before, creating leaks and a decline in suction