Do You Know The Muffin Man lyrics

Photo: iStockphoto

Start singing the song “Do you Know the Muffin Man?” and it’s bound to lead to more questions. Like: Who is the Muffin Man? And where is Drury Lane?

The basis of memes, TikTok videos and the hilarious interrogation scene in the animated movie Shrek, “Do You Know the Muffin Man?” is unlikely to be — as some have claimed — a warning to kids about a 16th-century serial killer who lured children with a muffin tied to the end of a string. (What a creepy urban legend!) 

Rather, this classic nursery rhyme, which was first recorded in a British manuscript in 1820, is most likely about the 19th-century bakers who went door-to-door selling English muffins, much like how milkmen used to deliver bottles of milk. Drury Lane, where the Muffin Man lives, is a thoroughfare bordering Covent Garden in downtown London.

When you sing “Do You Know the Muffin Man?” with your kids, sing together or try a call-and-response format where you sing the first four lines and they respond by singing the second set of four lines. Now that you know who the Muffin Man is, you can sing truthfully and honestly when you respond to the question, “Do you know the muffin man?”

O do you know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man.
O do you know the muffin man,
Who lives in Drury Lane?

O yes I know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man,
O yes I know the muffin man,
Who lives in Drury Lane.

This article was originally published online in July 2013.

Related:

Lyrics to I’m a Little Teapot

Lyrics to Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Lyrics to Brahms Lullaby

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There’s a new way to get a crying baby to sleep

You’ve tried the shush, the swaddle, the soother and the stroller, and all the other various S’s to get your inconsolable newborn to settle down, but nothing seems to work. Now scientists are saying there’s a quick fix for a crying baby that’s much, much easier than you think. 

A new study published in Current Biology presents a method for soothing crying babies to sleep and — equally important — ensuring they stay asleep once you put them down.

The “walk then sit” method

The process, which can be applied to both naps and bedtimes, is astonishingly simple — and cost-effective! The steps are:

Holding your crying baby in your arms, walk them around for five minutes to soothe them into sleep.
Sit down and hold your sleeping baby for another five-to-eight minutes.
Put your baby in the crib.

That’s it. That’s the method.

The rationale

The inspiration behind the first step, the carrying part, comes straight from the wild. Picture in your head a mother lion carrying her baby in her mouth. The relaxed posture and docile nature of the lion cub is the result of something called the “transport response,” a calming effect that comes from being carried. Transport response, which occurs in many altricial mammals — that is, mammals whose young are born in that underdeveloped “fourth trimester” stage — is associated with a reduction in heart rate and voluntary movement. 

Principal investigator Kumi Kuroda and her fellow researchers at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Japan wanted to know if the same response could be triggered as part of a process to guide human babies into a deep sleep.

“For many, we intuitively parent and listen to other people’s advice on parenting without testing the methods with rigorous science,” Kuroda told ScienceDaily. “But we need science to understand a baby’s behaviors, because they’re much more complex and diverse than we thought.”

The study

To assess this, researchers observed 21 babies between the ages of one and seven months, comparing their behaviour, movements and heart rates in response to four different scenarios: being held by their seated moms, being held by their walking moms, being placed in a “mobile cot” (i.e., a rocking cradle or a stroller) and being laid in a crib alone. 

The results showed that the crying infants were most effectively and consistently soothed by being walked by their moms or by the mobile cots. They also found that crying infants were best soothed to sleep after at least five minutes of walking, even in the daytime when they were previously alert. 

The next step was getting them into the crib. Sleeping babies were much more likely to stay asleep if their mother held them, while seated, for five to eight minutes before putting them down. In cases where they were put down before the five minutes were up, the babies were more likely to wake up and and cry. Researchers also tried different positions and speeds for laying the baby down, but found that only the seated hold had any significant effect.

“Even as a mother of four, I was very surprised to see the result,” said Kuroda, who told ScienceDaily that she had assumed whether a baby woke during the “laydown” was at least partly influenced by their positioning or how gently they were placed.

Based on these observations, the researchers concluded, “infant transport robustly reduces cry and potentially promotes sleep.”

The caveat

It’s important to note that the study, like all studies, has its limitations, having observed only babies and their moms — no dads or other non-maternal caregivers were involved. Furthermore, the suggested method is not meant to be a long-term sleep training strategy, as stated within the report: “This protocol instead provides an immediate calming of infant cry and may be useful especially on special occasions when the regular sleep routines, breastfeeding, or pacifiers are not effective or available.”

However, if you’re an exhausted parent looking for a little reprieve so you can survive another day — and would you be here if you weren’t? — you’ve got nothing to lose giving this simple trick a shot. 

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12 products new moms wish they’d put on their baby registry

Making a baby registry or a pre-baby shopping list is no easy feat. There’s the decoding of things like sleep sacks versus swaddles, the deep-diving on every stroller model, the constant “Do I really need all this?” questioning. And even after all that, there’s that lingering feeling that maybe you’re simply unaware of some crucial items. Outside of biggies like a car seat or high chair, what are the lesser-considered game-changers that can make those early days (and beyond) way easier? We asked moms across Canada for the products they swear by. (A recurring response: “Wow, I didn’t realize I was so passionate about this!”)

Here, the baby registry must-haves they wish they’d thought of—and that they really, really want you to know about. You can add them to your list if you haven’t had a baby shower yet—or just treat yourself!

Photo: Courtesy of Yeti

1. A *really* good mug

“After giving birth to my daughter, it took about two days of drinking cold coffee to convince me to get an insulated mug with a lid,” says Marissa, the mom of a two-year-old in Toronto. She swears by the Yeti for its double-walled insulation, minimalist design and easy-to-open magnet sliding lid. Want to level up? Ottawa-based mom-of-two Ashley vouches for the Ember Mug2 ($150, ca.ember.com), a battery-powered cup (with chargeable coaster). “You can set it to keep the exact temperature you like your coffee or tea at for 90 minutes,” she says. There’s even a phone app so you can adjust it when a certain someone has you stuck with coffee just out of arm’s reach.

Yeti Rambler 414 mL Mug in Nordic Purple, $40, yeti.ca

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

2. A quick-control nightlight

“For those middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper-changings, I found that my nightlight made my life so much easier, especially with the quick touch control—a few taps to turn on, dim or brighten,” says Kristina, a Montreal-based mom with a 19-month-old son and a baby on the way. With a quick tap, the MediAcous lamp she swears by emits a soft warm light for the ungodly hours or a brighter white light for bedtime reading. “I ended up buying one for my side of the bed, my husband’s and for the nursery,” says Kristina. “They’re also super easy to pack for trips. Honestly, a must-have!”

MediAcous Baby Night Light NL02, $30, amazon.ca

Photo: Courtesy of Lovevery

3. That Instagram-famous play gym

You’ve probably seen Montessori-inspired The Play Gym by Lovevery pop up in your social feed, along with its equally eye-catching price tag of US$140 (about $185 Canadian). But as Toronto mom Jennifer says, “not all baby toys are created equal.” She bought The Play Gym after trying and failing to thrill her then-three-month-old son Ozzy with several different play mats and educational toys. Even now eight months later, its five different learning sections and thoughtful accessories keep Ozzy engaged. “There are other perks, too, like how easy it is to put together and take apart to clean whenever your baby pukes on it, because they sure will,” she adds.

Lovevery The Play Gym, $184, lovevery.com

Photo: Courtesy of OXO

4. A weighted wet-wipe dispenser

We’re not talking about a wipe warmer, which is a surprisingly controversial product among parents. (Detractors, like the author of this story, say wipe warmers take up space, use electricity, and get your baby used to heated wipes, which you won’t have when you’re on the go.)

Here, we’re referring to a wipe dispenser. Breanna, the mom of a six-month-old in Peachland, B.C. swears by her wipes dispenser that features a weighted plate inside so that just one wipe comes out at a time. “Despite what you may have learned in your prenatal classes about changing a diaper, the whole game changes when you have a squirmy baby screaming like a banshee on the table,” she says. “And when you go to pull out a wet wipe and the entire package comes out with it, suddenly the baby isn’t the only one crying.” She describes her refillable weighted dispenser, which lets her grab a wipe with just one hand, as one of her “favourite baby purchases ever.”

Oxo Tot PerfectPull Wipes Dispenser in Gray, $29, amazon.ca

Photo: Courtesy of Uppababy

5. A cup holder for the stroller

Most strollers offer a cup holder attachment that you can purchase separately, and if not, you can opt for a generic model that attaches to almost all strollers. This item might sound like a nice-to-have, but it’s essential, says Eliza, the Toronto mom of a five-month-old. “Early wake-ups mean strolling around the neighbourhood until the earliest coffee shop opens, and the one-handed stroller push is harder than it looks,” she says. She loves her UPPAbaby’s plastic cup-holder attachment because it’s easy to remove and clean. If you’re looking for an option that doesn’t add width to your stroller, try a caddy that attaches to your handlebars, like the Jolly Jumper Deluxe Stroller Caddy, $27, babiesrus.ca. Eliza’s tip for avoiding hot spills while on a stroller walk (a very scary prospect, if you think about it): “Order your drink in a cup one size larger.”

UPPAbaby Cup Holder, $40, westcoastkids.ca

Photo: Courtesy of Dyson

6. A nursery-ready humidifier

One of the very few items that Toronto mom Zoey put on her baby registry as she was planning for her second child? A humidifier. “I only learned this after having my first, but when babies are sick with a cold, there’s very little you can do for their symptoms,” she says. “A humidifier is something you can offer your babe for some relief from their congestion.” Even now that her kids are four and six, Zoey still leans on her humidifier as daycare and school bugs make their seemingly constant cycle through her home.

It’s worth noting that the Canadian Paediatric Society does not recommend humidifiers for a baby’s room, since both hot and cool mist humidifiers can breed mould and bacteria if they are not washed thoroughly every day, and hot mist humidifiers can be a burn hazard for small children. If you’d like one anyway, look for one with cool-mist settings to avoid burns and commit to cleaning it consistently. Consider Dyson’s asthma- and allergy-friendly model, which includes a UV light to kill off bacteria. (On that note: Never feel uncomfortable putting a big-ticket item on your registry! A group of your friends or family might like to go in on a larger gift.)

Dyson Humidifier AM10 in White/Silver, $600, dysoncanada.ca

Photo: Courtesy of Babies “R” Us

7. Approximately a zillion tiny face cloths

Small but mighty, a generous stash of little 100 percent cotton face cloths is key to have on hand, says Jenna, a mom based in Charlottetown, PEI. “They’re the most used item I got from my baby shower and continue to use today, and my daughter is now three-and-a-half!” She uses them for everything from bathtime to post-meal cleanup to on-the-go messes. “They’re basically the wipe version of cloth diapers,” she says.

Kidiway KidiComfort 12 Supersoft Washcloths in Grey, $9, babiesrus.ca

Photo: Courtesy of Mophie

8. The longest phone-charging cable imaginable

Whether you’re streaming a show while nursing or texting newborn questions to your group chat, your smartphone becomes (even more of) a lifeline during early parenthood. To make sure it always has enough power, Toronto mom-of-two Samantha recommends an “obscenely long” charging cable. We’re talking between six and ten feet long. “As a mom who was in and out of the hospital and on home bed rest for extended periods, I needed to charge electronics and stay connected with plugs in awkward spots,” she says. “I never had to worry about being out of touch during long snuggle sessions.”

Mophie USB-A Cable with Lightning Connector (3 m), $40, apple.com

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

9. A portable blackout curtain

“One of the best items I’ve discovered as a new mom is a portable blackout curtain,” says Michelle, the mom of a 14-month-old in Calgary. You can find options with holes to hang on a rod, but Michelle recommends getting one with suction cups so you can take it with you on the go. “Not only do we use it in our baby’s room on a daily basis, but it’s such a clutch item when travelling to Grandma’s house or the cottage.”

Amazon Basics Portable Window Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups, $40, amazon.ca

Photo: Courtesy of Medela

10. A couple of manual breast pumps

If you plan to try body-feeding, it’s a good idea to have a non-electric pump or two. For collecting “let down” (the released milk) from the side you’re not using, Mary, mom to a 17-month-old in Picton, Ont., recommends the silicone suction of the Haakaa ($27, babiesrus.ca): “You can get up to three to four ounces per breast per feed, and can store that milk in the freezer for when your boobs need some alone time.” If you need a quick release when you’re out sans babe or are in weaning mode, try a hand-powered pump like the Medela Harmony Breast Pump, says Renée, a Hammond, Ont.-based toddler mom expecting her second. “I found it easier to use than setting up the electric pump,” she says. “It helped to avoid mastitis when my son was weaning.”

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex, $70, babiesrus.ca

Photo: Courtesy of IKEA

11. A rolling cart

To make your sleep-deprived life a little easier, set yourself up with a mobile station that stores all your essentials for feeding and/or pumping, says Souzan, a Toronto-based mom of a one-year-old. “On the top shelf, I stored any nursing supplies I might need (pump parts, Haakaa, nipple cream, etc.); on another shelf I had a supply of snacks, tons of water, hand sanitizer, etc.; then on the bottom shelf, I kept my nursing pillow, phone charger and phone stand,” she says. Make sure the cart is fully stocked each night before you go to bed. (If you’re the one getting up at night and your partner isn’t, consider putting them in charge of keeping your cart filled.)

Bonus: As your child grows, you can repurpose the cart as an art station or a homework station!

Ikea Raskog Utility Cart in White, $50, ikea.com

Photo: Courtesy of Frida Mom

12. Postpartum underwear

When focused on planning for all of the baby’s needs, it’s easy to forget your own, but birthing parents are quick to point out the need for down-there care (and there’s no reason to feel the least bit embarrassed requesting these items as part of your baby registry). Michelle, a mom to a five-year-old in Toronto, highly recommends period underwear. “I hated the feeling of the XL pads the hospital gave me to wear postpartum,” says Michelle, who recommends getting at least three pairs, and swears by Knix’s leakproof styles ($38 for high-rise, knix.ca). Another popular option is disposable undies from Frida Mom. “They’re soft, stretchy and seamless, moving with you while still holding everything in place, including overnight pads,” says Mishal, a mom to an eight-month-old in Toronto. “They come in a few different styles, including a high-waist version designed for C-sections, which I could wear comfortably without irritating my incision.”

Frida Mom Disposable C-Section Postpartum Underwear, $25 for eight pairs, chapters.indigo.ca

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4 nursery decor trends that won’t get old before your kids

Created for

Nurseries aren’t just rooms with a crib and a glider anymore, they’ve become designed spaces and hashtags with millions of views. Luckily, decorating with trends in mind doesn’t have to be a major undertaking—especially if you know where to shop. Enter Little Seeds, an innovative furniture line that is now available in Canada at Indigo.ca.

Follow these four decor trends identified by Carolyn Greathead of Ponder Design Co. and pair them with quality furniture that will see you through the toddler years for a kid’s room both you and baby will love.

Curved Lines

Doorway arches, round coffee tables and curved couches are front and centre in the design world. “Curved lines create softness in a space,” says Greathead, “and a nursery is a room you want to feel relaxing, warm and safe.” Look for the trend in beds and cribs with curved edges, and headboards. Little Seeds Monarch Hill Hawken Metal 3 in 1 Convertible Crib features a modern silhouette with arches that add softness. To up the ante on the cozy (and safe) factor, you need a mattress that you can rely on. The Little Seeds’ bestselling Little Seeds Moonglow 6” Reversible Bonnell Coil Twin Mattress is made in Canada and features eco-friendly recycled fibres, is GreenGuard Gold certified and is constructed with layers of support with an eye to support and comfort. 

Functional Spaces

“Nursery design has really honed in on creating a room that will grow with your child—instead of a room that they’ll grow out of quickly.” Purchasing pieces that are functional as well as beautiful means that they’ll be practical and useful for years to come, and Little Seeds offers high-quality children’s furniture that grows with your kids, like cribs that convert into toddler beds and change tables that turn into dressers. The Little Seeds Crawford Curved Post 3-in-1 Crib, for example, converts from a crib to a toddler bed to a day bed—the perfect investment for your little one right from birth. 

Mixing Wood Tones

While the matching bedroom set used to be the way to go, many parents are opting to be more intentional with their nursery purchases. “Now we’re seeing a more collected approach to furnishing a room,” says Greathead. The easiest way to embrace this is to incorporate different wood tones which can add dimension and visual interest to a space. This is especially helpful if you have an heirloom, vintage find or hand-me-down you love, but it’s a different wood tone than your chosen crib or dresser.

Pairing a darker wooden heirloom with the Little Seeds Sierra Ridge Ashton Changing Table is the perfect way to marry modern and quality furniture with a much-loved vintage piece. To ensure the space feels collected and cohesive (instead of collected in a rummage-sale kind of way), make sure you’re bringing these different tones and colours into other areas of the room. For example, if you have a darker wood rocking chair in a room that’s otherwise light oak, bring in darker wood picture frames, wooden toys that have a deeper tone or even a rug with darker brownish-red weaving or speckling.  

Turned wood

Turned wood is an ancient technique that helps to create shapes in wood—think intricate legs and spindles. Originally done on a lathe, it was popular in the Victorian era, and we’re seeing a resurgence of this traditional technique in the modern era. “Turned wood’s intricate and delicate design is a perfect addition to a nursery because it brings in an element of playfulness with its unique shapes, while still feeling elegant and upscale,” says Greathead. To keep this look modern, we’re seeing it a lot in lighter wood tones like oak, or even in painted wood pieces, like the Little Seeds Rowan Valley Arden 6 Drawer Dresser that features turned wood legs and side detailing on the soft white piece.

Shop Little Seeds, now online at Indigo.ca.

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Finally! There’s some good news about newborns and COVID

Bringing a new baby home from the hospital is nerve-wracking at the best of times, and COVID-19 has added a whole new level of anxiety for parents of pandemic babies. Fears have swirled as parents wonder how badly their newborns would be affected if they got COVID and how to keep babies who are too young to be vaccinated safe from the virus. Luckily, researchers have some good news that’s sure to put concerned parents at ease.

A new study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found that newborns aren’t infected with COVID-19 as often as people think. Out of the 1 million newborns sampled across 109 different US health system databases, only 918 newborns were diagnosed with COVID-19, which is about 0.1% of the sample group. Just by this stat alone, the chance of your newborn catching the virus is miniscule.

But you might still feel anxious. What if my baby is unlucky enough to be in that 0.1%? While this is a valid concern, the report showed that only 71 of those infected had a severe case of COVID. All of these babies received sufficient respiratory support and 66 of them were safely discharged and made a full recovery. This amounts to a 93% recovery rate even with a severe infection, which is really comforting. The rest of those infected had mild cases or were completely asymptomatic, ultimately recovering on their own.

So there you have it, some good COVID news (finally!). This doesn’t mean it’s time to totally let your guard down, it’s still in our best interest to maintain some of the COVID safeguards we adopted like hand-washing, getting vaccinated and masking in very busy public places. But you can breathe a sweet sigh of relief knowing that your newborn isn’t likely to be severely affected by COVID, if at all. Phew.

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Can you take melatonin while pregnant? We asked an expert

Sleep issues are just one of the many things that can make pregnancy a waking nightmare. If you’ve been wondering whether melatonin is a safe solution for pregnancy insomnia, we’ve got expert guidance to help you make a healthy and informed choice.

What is melatonin?

When people talk about melatonin, they’re often referring to the synthetic supplement—but it’s also a naturally-occurring hormone that supports your circadian rhythm. 

“Melatonin is a hormone that is normally secreted by the pineal gland in our bodies, and it’s really important in regulating normal sleep/wake cycles,” explains Dr. Tali Bogler, a family physician and chair of family medicine obstetrics at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Essentially, melatonin can make you drowsy and help you drift off to dreamland successfully. The hormone is produced as a response to darkness, according to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health, and being exposed to natural or artificial light (e.g., the blue light emitted by screens) can block melatonin production. 

Does melatonin work? Does it actually help you sleep?

That depends. While melatonin is an incredibly popular supplement that’s sold over-the-counter as a sleep aid, there is limited evidence to support its effectiveness in treating insomnia. “Melatonin can help people fall asleep, so it helps with jet lag or shift work, but it’s not necessarily for pregnancy insomnia,” Bogler says. While the drowsiness some people experience after taking melatonin supplements can help you nod off, neither natural nor synthetic melatonin helps a person stay asleep. So whether your insomnia is chronic or pregnancy-related (or you’re struggling to regulate your sleep patterns thanks to the addition of a newborn) melatonin supplements are not likely to make a huge impact on your sleep health.

Can you take melatonin while pregnant?

You can, but not without some level of risk. Bogler notes that because melatonin is known as a “natural” sleep aid, it’s become very popular and is often assumed to be safe for long-term use, paediatric use or use in pregnancy. However, there isn’t enough clinical research on humans to firmly support these beliefs. 

“We do have studies on animals, but we know animals are different,” says Bogler. “To adequately say this is safe in pregnancy, we need human data.” She cites a clinical study which showed some changes to the sexual maturation and reproductive hormones in rats that received a high melatonin dose, but no further adverse effects. So while there aren’t any known significant risks to humans, we can’t rule them out.

Another concern about melatonin use in pregnancy is the dosage, particularly when the product is bought off the shelf rather than prescribed by a physician. “The amount in these over-the-counter preparations is often way higher than what’s produced in the body, and you don’t always know exactly the dose you’re getting,” Bogler says, noting that it’s often “way higher” than what’s natural or necessary. Pregnant or not, that could be an issue.

The bottom line is that while it’s not known to be harmful, there isn’t enough research to conclusively say that melatonin is safe for use during pregnancy. (The “pregnancy gap” in clinical research is an issue pregnant information-seekers are all-too-familiar with.) “In smaller doses—which we typically recommend anyway—it’s probably fine. But we can’t say it with total certainty,” Bogler says.

Knowing this, Bogler isn’t convinced it’s worth it. “If you’re going to use something that has very little effect, why use it at all?”

What sleep aids are safe for pregnancy?

Bogler doesn’t prescribe a lot of sleep aids for her patients, pregnant or not, because sleep issues are so multifactorial. “Is it stress, body positioning, discomfort, underlying depression or anxiety?” she says, acknowledging that physical changes in pregnancy can make sleep particularly challenging. “It is hard, you can’t deny it, but medication can’t always help those things.”

To support patients with insomnia and other sleep issues, Bogler addresses proper sleep hygiene and makes behavioural recommendations: getting enough exercise during the day and avoiding screen time for at least an hour before bed, for example. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, can be helpful for some individuals with sleep issues. Bogler often recommends pregnant patients use a sleep pillow, sleep upright, or elevate their legs.

“I really try to offer lifestyle approaches for sleep before medications,” Bogler says. That said, it’s beneficial to have your thyroid and iron levels checked to rule out physical issues that could cause cramping or restless legs in the evening.

Can you take melatonin while breastfeeding?

Like the discussion around melatonin and pregnancy, taking melatonin while breastfeeding is a bit of an unknown due to limited human data. “Low doses of melatonin are probably OK,” Bogler says, again emphasizing the lack of research on humans. 

“Studies have shown that melatonin does pass through the breast milk, but it doesn’t have a known adverse effect,” she says. “I would just make sure you’re taking the recommended lower doses.”

Are there other natural remedies for pregnancy insomnia?

The thing to know here is that natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe. Melatonin may not have any major known risks to pregnant or nursing mothers, or to their babies, but that doesn’t mean the same can be said for all supplements. Naturally occurring products are often assumed to be harmless when in fact, some may be dangerous.

“We used to have things like Motherisk where you could call about natural products, but right now in Canada, we don’t have access to that,” Bogler says, suggesting that it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Sleep deprivation and exhaustion can be incredibly difficult, but supplements like melatonin aren’t necessarily the answer. If you find yourself struggling to sleep while pregnant or nursing, ask your doctor for support—they may be able to offer solutions outside the vitamin aisle. 

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13 best nursing bras that are actually comfortable

Shopping for a bra is tough, but shopping for a nursing bra can be downright excruciating. After all, the breasts you’re used to buying for are changing. They’re growing, leaking, sensitive and unpredictable. “I have to say, even as a bra lady, buying a bra during all of these changes even stumped me,” says Jené Luciani, a mom of four and bestselling author of The Bra Book: An Intimate Guide to Finding the Right Bra, Shapewear, Swimwear, and More! However, if you arm yourself with some know-how before you shop, you’ll be better able to land the best nursing bras—and less likely to be crying in the fitting room.

How to buy the best nursing bra

Here are six tips to keep in mind when stocking your underwear drawer with new nursing bras.

1. Buy before your baby arrives

It’s often recommended that you have a good nursing bra by the time you’re eight months pregnant, but there’s no reason not to get a good nursing bra earlier. “Your breasts deserve to be comfortable throughout pregnancy,” says Luciani. “Stretchy, breathable bras are perfect for a growing pregnant woman. Plus, you’ll be prepared when the time comes.”

2. Get professional help

If a professional bra fitting is available at a nearby department or maternity store, lingerie boutique or breastfeeding support network, you should definitely get a fitting. After all, many women—pregnant or not—wear the wrong bra size. “At some stores the lingerie salespeople go through a certified bra-fitting training program, so they’re knowledgeable about fit and which styles and brands will work best for you,” explains Luciani.

3. Look for bras that move

Nursing bras that are 100 percent cotton, a blend of cotton and Lycra or another stretchy synthetic will move and grow with your fluctuating breasts. If a nursing bra is too tight and puts pressure on your breasts, it can increase your risk of mastitis and clogged milk ducts.

4. Seek support

Women with larger busts will likely want to look for wide-set straps that have cushioning, a back band that has at least three or four rows of hook-and-eye closure options and side seams that sit almost under the armpit.

5. Get a good fit

The best nursing bras for you shouldn’t cut into your breasts or cause them to spill out. The straps shouldn’t dig into your shoulders, and the band across your back needs to sit horizontally without riding up.

6. Don’t forget about you

“While comfort is most important, how you look and feel plays a huge part in your confidence,” says Orit Hashay, a mom of one and founder of Brayola, an online bra retailer (now merged with Bare Necessities) that developed a smart-fit algorithm to help online shoppers find the perfect-fitting bra. “Having a nursing bra that fits and looks good can help you feel more like your pre-baby self,” she says.

The best nursing bras to buy

“You’ll definitely need more than one,” says Hashay. “I recommend having at least three or four nursing bras: one to wear and a few extras to have on hand when those get dirty and need to be washed.” Plus, even nursing moms need a sexy nursing bra or one just for the gym. Here are our top picks.

Photo: knix.ca

1. Leakproof Nursing Bra

No nursing mom wants an itchy or pokey underwire. Plus, the removable (and machine-washable) absorbent pads slide right into an opening between the soft fabric layers of the super-stretchy cups. The end result is as smooth as can be, instead of the crumpled, bulky or bumpy look you can get while wearing the disposable drug-store nursing pads.

Knix BlissFit Leakproof Nursing Bra, $68, knix.ca

Photo: motherhood.com

2. Sleep nursing bra

A great stretchy, cotton-blend bra to sleep and lounge in is ideal for new moms and moms-to-be. Expectant moms who need a little extra support throughout the night will barely notice this light and cozy Wrap Nursing Sleep Bra from Motherhood Maternity. And, fingers crossed, that added comfort just might promote some much-needed shut-eye, too. Moms who are new to nursing will love the criss-cross design for easy breast access (no clips!) during middle-of-the night feedings when they’re too tired to be fumbling around.

Wrap Maternity and Nursing Sleep Bra, $30 to $45, motherhood.com

Photo: hotmilklingerie.com

3. T-shirt nursing bra

T-shirt bras are a mainstay in many lingerie drawers for a reason: They are impossibly practical and look great under any top. There’s no need to give that up when you’re nursing. Instead, invest in a Forever Yours Contour Nursing Bra, with its one-handed drop-down cups, for easy-peasy breastfeeding. It also boasts the contour and foam-moulded cups you’ve always counted on for a smooth profile, and its flexiwire design is less rigid than your standard underwire nursing bra.

Forever Yours Frappe Contour Nursing Bra, $65, hotmilklingerie.com

4. Sexy nursing bra

Just because you may not want postpartum sex, that doesn’t mean that you don’t want to wear pretty underwear. This sexy nursing bra for large-size busts from Panache is a stunner, with black lace atop beige cups. It’s wireless and lined with soft cotton for comfort, while the four-section cups create a lovely silhouette.

Sophie Wirefree Nursing Bra, $79, broadlingerie.com

 

Photo: barenecessities.com

5. Nursing bra for larger breasts

Yes, you can flatter your full figure in a nursing bra. This wire-free Goddess nursing bra offers the support you need, the style you want and the breastfeeding ease you deserve. The bra cups feature a special multipart construction (plus side panels) to ensure that side spillage doesn’t occur and your breasts are always pointing in the right direction (hallelujah!). Hook count varies by size, so comfort and support can be had by all. Finally, the wide elastic underband adds even more stability and support.

Goddess Keira Wire-Free Nursing Bra, $66, barenecessities.com

Photo: cakematernity.com

6. Nursing sports bra

Like nursing, running can do a number on your breasts. That’s why you need a super-supportive double-duty nursing sports bra like Zest Flexi Wire Maternity & Nursing Sports Bra. Its innovative construction is breathable and moisture-wicking and does a fab job of minimizing bounce, which will not only stave off pain but also help prevent sagging. Available in sizes 32B to 40K, it has padded straps, features drop-down breast access and comes with a racerback conversion clip. Win-win!

Zest Flexi Wire Maternity & Nursing Sports Bra, $95, cakematernity.com

Photo: brayola.com

7. Adjustable nursing bra

The La Leche League knows breastfeeding. That’s why one of the best nursing bras around is its Q-T Intimates Wrap ’N Snap Nursing Bra. This wire-free, stretch-cotton nursing bra features a front-snap closure just beneath the breast that allows you to easily adjust the bra as your body changes during pregnancy and after. But you don’t actually have to open it all the way to nurse—simply undo the clips at the base of the straps. It’s flat-out ingenious! And the satin trim gives it a nice feminine touch.

Q-T Intimates Wrap ’N Snap Nursing Bra, $52, amazon.ca

Photo: target.com

8. Nursing bra tank

Most nursing camis and nursing tanks feature hidden shelf bras. They can be fine for some women, but when they’re just not enough support, there’s an alternative. This layering nursing tank from Undercover Mama isn’t really a tank top at all. Instead, it’s a long, stretchy strapless shirt that easily attaches to the top of your nursing bra with elastic bands. Your bra straps act as the tank’s straps. The discreet clips are easy to release when it’s time to breastfeed while allowing your belly and back to remain covered.

Undercover Mama Nursing Tank Top, $20 USD, undercovermama.com

9. Racerback nursing bra

A go-to for maternity activewear, Cadenshae delivers on an everyday racerback nursing bra that’s comfy enough to wear day after day (so you may want to buy a few). Soft fabric, easy clips and supportive wireless construction make it a fan favourite.

Everyday Racerback Nursing Bra, $75, cadenshae.ca

Photo: Today’s Parent Approved

10. Nursing bra for pumping

A hands-free pumping bra is a game-changer that will give your arms a much-needed break—you’re now free to scroll through Instagram. This Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra is adjustable, so you can get that comfy fit you’re looking for. Plus, it has a 10-inch-wide Velcro closure on the back so that you can adjust it to your changing breast size. Compatible with all electric breast pumps, it has removable straps and is comfortable to wear—we promise!

Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra, $50, amazon.ca

11. Nursing yoga bra

You don’t have to go to mommy-and-me yoga or Pilates to wear this yoga nursing bra. After all, the Bravado nursing bra is one of our very favorite options for everyday wear, too. Seamless and wire-free, it has convertible straps and is designed to keep you comfortable and supported throughout your favourite low-impact activities. It’s even woven with special technology to help stave off workout odour. It’s no slouch in the nursing bra department either, with an easy, one-handed fold-down design and removable foam inserts.

The Body Silk Seamless Yoga Nursing Bra, $57, bravadodesigns.com

Photo: cosabella.com

12. Nursing bralette

This comfortable and lovely sweetheart lace pullover bralette is sure to make any nursing mom feel pretty. It’s easy to nurse in (hello, quick-release clips!) and lightly padded for a supportive fit. There are also zero back clasps to deal with. Plus, it comes in pretty much every colour of the rainbow.

Cosabella Never Say Never Mommie Nursing Bralette, $104, cosabella.com

13. Cheap nursing bra

So pretty, feminine and affordable! This two-pack at H&M offers soft-cup, jersey-lined bras made from 95 percent organic cotton. The wide-set straps give solid support and lift, and the nursing clasps are easy to use. There are two packs to choose from: a grey melange and pink duo and a black and cream set.

Mama 2-Pack Padded Nursing Bras, $30, hm.com

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It’s Black Breastfeeding Week—here’s why that matters

For many, breastfeeding isn’t easy. Those who want to do it usually require support, understanding and education. If you were able to find those things and nursing went well for you, have you ever considered whether that might be partially thanks to the colour of your skin? The fact is, there’s wide racial disparity in the rates of people starting and sticking with breastfeeding, and that’s not OK—which is why Black Breastfeeding Week was created. (This year, it’s August 25 to 31.)

Eden Hagos is a Toronto-based public health promoter with a focus on maternal health through an anti-racist, intersectional approach. Her academic work and advocacy is guided by her experience as a Black mother of three, soon to be four, who has been breastfeeding for over six years. We asked Hagos why breastfeeding advocacy is so white, what that means for Black people, and how Black Breastfeeding Week helps.

What are the particular challenges of being Black and breastfeeding?

There are many factors that make breastfeeding challenging for Black folks. The following is neither an exhaustive list, nor are the factors true for all individuals.

To begin with, the historical oppression of enslaved Black women as wet nurses throughout North America continues to impact the way that breastfeeding is viewed in some Black communities, and thus may result in less social support for breastfeeding parents, and increased stigma towards breastfeeding or full-term breastfeeding.

One of the most significant factors of course is the institutional racism that Black birthing people experience. During pregnancy and labour, Black birthing folks face higher chances of experiencing obstetric violence. Immediately postpartum, when breastfeeding support is most critical, Black parents are less likely to be offered support from a lactation consultant and are more likely to experience pressure by health-care providers to formula feed. All of these can discourage breastfeeding and decrease success rates with establishing breastfeeding.

There’s a perception that Black women don’t or won’t breastfeed. Why do you think this is?

I think the only real explanation for that perception is racism. The truth is that Black Canadians are more likely to initiate breastfeeding than any other race. The evidence shows that nine out of 10 Black birthing parents initiate breastfeeding.

However, in the general Canadian population, including Black Canadians and all other races, fewer than one in four babies is exclusively breastfed to the recommended age of 6 months. This points to a need for more support for breastfeeding folks, because as we know, community support, employment equity and good maternity leave policies all increase rates of exclusive, full-term breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding advocacy is white-female led, and the lactation field is overwhelmingly white. Why is this a problem?

The over-representation of straight, cis, white women in this field, as in any other, is exclusionary. Black parents deserve to be supported by other Black parents. When I was a new mom, I joined a number of parenting groups where my infant and I were the only Black members and I always felt uncomfortable. I was fortunate because I finally found a La Leche League that had a Black peer supporter who invited me to my first meeting, and I have since introduced her to other Black moms. She, along with the other parents, have helped me through so many breastfeeding challenges throughout the last four years, and I believe all Black parents deserve to find culturally appropriate support from other Black folks.

The Black community is resilient and culturally diverse, and this diversity is often not reflected among breastfeeding advocacy, nor among breastfeeding professionals such as lactation consultants. This lack of representation is problematic because it continues to perpetuate the myth that Black folks don’t breastfeed. Additionally, the lack of Black lactation consultants means Black parents are less likely to receive care that centres their culture. And finally, anti-Black racism from lactation consultants of other races could result in worse care for Black folks.

Why is Black Breastfeeding Week important?

Black Breastfeeding Week is important because it encourages breastfeeding among Black parents, and it also celebrates it! The week sees social media flooded with stories and images of Black experiences of breastfeeding. It also centres the work of Black folks, including birth workers, lactation consultants, parents and breastfeeding advocates.

The reason that I am participating in Black Breastfeeding Week is the same reason that I share photos of my children breastfeeding on my social media. As a veteran Black mom who has breastfed three children, breastfed through numerous pregnancies, tandem nursed toddlers and newborns, and breastfed a child with food allergies, I choose to share my experiences to encourage others, and to show that while breastfeeding is not easy, it can be a rewarding experience.

Black Breastfeeding Week, which is international, highlights events across Canada and the US that centre and celebrate the experiences of Black folks. It also provides community grants for those who wish to host events, and this year there are numerous online events every day up until August 31. Visit blackbreastfeedingweek.org more information, including resources for Black folks seeking information and support about breastfeeding.

Follow Eden Hagos on Facebook or IG @Blacktivistmommy

This article was originally published online in August 2020.

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10 tips for breastfeeding after returning to work

Photo: iStockphoto

Most Canadian mothers are eligible for up to 18 months with our babies while our jobs are held for us. For some, though, finances or personal choices dictate an earlier return to work—and you may wonder if it is possible to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.

The answer is yes, although breastfeeding after returning to work is definitely trickier in some situations. Read on for tips on how to make it work for you and your baby.

1. Assess your breastfeeding status

If your baby is just a few weeks old and you must return to work, you may feel breastfeeding is not yet well established. This is the most challenging age to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. You’ll probably need to pump at least twice while you’re at work, and possibly three or four times during the day to keep up your milk supply. If breastfeeding is well established, but your baby hasn’t yet started on solids, you will also need to pump to provide milk for your baby while you are separated.

2. Don’t get ready to go back to work too early

Your focus should be on getting breastfeeding well established, so you have a solid milk supply and a baby who nurses effectively. There’s no need to, for example, introduce a bottle at two weeks because you are planning to return to work at six months. A couple weeks before your return to the job is usually plenty of time to begin helping your baby to get ready. If your older baby has always nursed to sleep, naptimes may be your biggest worry. You may want to talk to your daycare provider about approaches used to help babies nap (such as patting their back or rocking them) so that you can add these to your baby’s going-to-sleep routine.

3. Seek out supportive child care and discuss your plans to breastfeed there

Daycare situations vary greatly, and some know more about breastfeeding than others. Ask about how they would store your milk if you are planning on bringing some in each day. Ideally you will be able to spend some time in the centre nursing your baby at the beginning and end of each day. Not only does that help your child feel comfortable in the daycare environment, but it also exposes you to any germs that might be present so you can create antibodies against them and have those antibodies present in your milk. You may also want to ask the daycare provider to time the daily feeds so your baby will be hungry and ready to nurse when you arrive at the end of the day.

4. Pump or hand-express as needed

Heather Tsarfati’s daughter Talia was 11 months old when she returned to work part-time, working five hours a day. “For the first little while, I needed to hand-express some milk during the day or I’d be too full. My breasts soon adjusted, though, and by the time she was 18 months old I was able to go to an all-day conference for work and didn’t even feel uncomfortable.” If you are returning to work with an exclusively breastfed baby (not yet eating solid foods), pumping during the day can be essential. Look for a high-quality pump that allows you to pump both breasts at the same time (saving precious minutes each time you pump). Talk to your employer about how this can fit into your schedule and where milk can be stored. If your boss is uneasy, telling him or her that research studies show breastfeeding mothers take less time off work because their babies tend to be healthier could help allay concerns.

5. Know the guidelines for storing your milk

If you are pumping milk for your caregiver to feed your baby, your first choice, if possible, should be to store your milk in a refrigerator, and have it fed to the baby within eight days. Milk that’s been frozen loses some of the protective enzymes and antibodies present in fresh milk. However, it still has more antibodies and more appropriate nutrition for a baby than infant formula, so building a small freezer stash can be helpful in case you aren’t able to pump much on some days, and you can store milk in a freezer for between six and 12 months. Human milk can also safely be kept at room temperature (between 19 and 26 degrees Celsius) for six to eight hours.

6. Consider avoiding bottles altogether

With a young baby, most daycare providers will want to use bottles for feedings. But if your baby is older than six months, you have other options. Your milk could be offered to her in a sippy cup, added to solid foods such as cereal, soups, or mashed vegetables. It can also be frozen into popsicles. Tsarfati found Talia wasn’t interested in mommy’s milk offered in a sippy cup, but she’d take water from a cup, and she continued to breastfeed during the evening and at night.

7. Plan for increased night-time nursing

Many babies will start breastfeeding more often during the night than before you returned to work, especially during the first few weeks. There’s a side benefit to this: the levels of prolactin (the hormone that encourages milk production) are higher during night feedings, so this will help maintain your milk supply. But it can be tiring, so plan to maximize your sleep.

8. Start back on a Wednesday or Thursday if you can

The first few days are likely to be the toughest, as you figure out pumping, milk storage and managing daycare. Having a shorter week to start means you’ll soon have the weekend to evaluate how things are going and make adjustments as needed. For Tsarfati, the biggest challenge was realizing how much longer it took to get ready in the morning than in the days when it was just her and her husband.

9. Breastfeed “on demand” on weekends

If you’ve noticed your milk production flagging during the week at work this is your chance to rebuild it and enjoy the convenience of a more natural nursing relationship. If you are pumping, the milk you stored on Friday will keep just fine in the fridge for baby to have on Monday.

10. Remember breastfeeding is so much more than a source of nourishment

They nurse to reconnect with you after a long day apart, to feel comforted and in contact with you. Even if you find you need to give formula (or, with an older baby, cow’s milk or other liquids) during the day, continued breastfeeding during the times you and your baby are together may still be very important to your child.

You may find it is important to you as well. It bridges the gap between work and motherhood in a unique way, and it’s something you can give your baby no caregiver can.

This article was originally published in September 2011.

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The truth about probiotics for kids

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Most of us never think about the trillions of microorganisms (aka microbiota) that live largely in our intestines. But they do everything from stimulating our immune systems and preventing us from getting sick to synthesizing vitamins so our bodies can benefit from them. The truth is, we should be thinking about our gut health—and doing everything we can to protect our microbiota so they can protect us—and our kids.

More and more research studies reveal the role good gut bacteria can play. In July 2021, researchers at the University of Alberta found a link between beneficial gut bacteria and advanced cognition and language skills in infant boys. In April 2022, University of Helsinki researchers discovered that even a single course of antibiotics can affect the delicate balance of a baby’s microbiome (the collection of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes, that naturally live on and in our bodies). One of the best ways to maintain healthy gut microbiota and prevent the potentially disruptive effects of antibiotics is by taking a daily dose of probiotics.

Good gut health is important from day one

“Gut microbiota is what makes you special,” says Dr. Gianluca Ianiro, a gastroenterologist and researcher. “We share more than 99.9 percent of the human genome with other people, but we share only 10 to 20 percent of the gut bacteria genome. Gut microbiota is what makes us unique.” That unique microbiome can be influenced from the moment we’re born, Ianiro says. Everything from delivery—vaginal or Caesarean—and breast compared to bottle feeding can change a baby’s microbiota. “In the first two years of life, the so-called ‘native core microbiota’ is established and it’s what we take with us for the rest of our lives.”

A healthy microbiome is crucial for both metabolic and immune function, Ianiro says, which is why it’s important to protect children’s microbiota from an early age. “When there is an imbalance of the gut microbiota, it changes to survive,” he says. One of the biggest stressors that can cause imbalances is antibiotic use, which kills all bacteria, good and bad. “We have data that shows antibiotic use in the first two years of life can lead to an increased risk of the future development of inflammatory bowel disease, weight gain and obesity.”

How probiotics help

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can keep delicate gut flora in balance. A daily probiotic, such as Florastor, not only supports general gastrointestinal health and helps treat acute infectious diarrhea, but also reduces the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and imbalance. “Antibiotic diarrhea affects one in four people who take antibiotics,” Ianiro confirms. Florastor offers safe, clinically proven probiotics for all ages, including infants as young as three months old. It’s the only probiotic that contains Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, which is naturally resistant to all antibiotics tested

The Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 strain is a safe and effective yeast probiotic that was first discovered in Indochina in the early 1900s from the skins of two tropical fruits—lychees and mangosteens. The strain has since been studied in more than 100 clinical trials worldwide and has promoted gut health in adults and children for 65 years and counting.

To learn more about keeping your gut healthy and happy, visit Florastor.ca

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Probiotics for kids and babies
Florastor probiotics are GMO-free, gluten-free and vegetarian. They’re also convenient as, unlike many other probiotics, they don’t need refrigeration. Best of all, Florastor probiotics can be taken at the same time as antibiotics to reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea by up to 80 percent in children and 84 percent in adults

Florastor Baby: Beginning at three months, these powder sachets can be mixed into an infant’s food, breast milk or formula to support digestive and immune health, treat diarrhea and reduce vomiting. 

Florastor Kids: It is specially formulated to promote healthy digestion in children in a kid-pleasing tutti-frutti flavour. 

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