Breast Feeding: There’s an App for That, Too
A few weeks ago, I got a tweet from Tiffany, one of the moms you’ll read about in Different Dream Parenting once it’s released this coming October. Tiffany already claims the title of lion tamer at her her blog, but after reading her recent message, I officially crowned her Different Dream’s Queen of Apps.
Queen of Apps
Tiffany started inching her way toward the title during our interview in August, 2010. She described how she uses her smart phone to organize documentation concerning her daughter’s health condition. (More on that in Different Dream Parenting, too.) Not long after that, she emailed about an app that helps her keep track of her daughter’s medication. You can get the skinny on it in this September 20, 2010 Different Dream post.
Apps Galore!
Since then the number of special needs apps has exploded, thanks in part to the success of Apple’s iPad. I’ve reviewed several of them. (Type “apps” in the search box to find the posts.) In fact, I was so focused on special needs apps, anything not related to them sort of faded from view.
Tiffany’s Tweet
Until Tiffany’s tweet, in which she raved briefly about a new, free breast feeding app. Of course, she couldn’t say much in one tweet. Plus she’s uber busy right now with a new baby born in February. So I did a google search to find more details and turned up plenty of positive reviews. This one at nursingbling.com was especially helpful.
Why Here?
You may wonder whether a post about a breast feeding app has any place on a website about special needs. Unless you’re the parent of a newborn with special needs and you’re trying to breast feed or express milk. I was one of those moms 29 years ago, and this resource would have made learning to pump and store milk for our son so much easier. It also would have been reassuring to tap into a resource available to all moms. Doing so would have normalized the experience in one small way, something we craved as our son fought to live.
Any Other Resources?
If you know of other breast feeding resources, tell us about them in the comment box. The Different Dream Queen of Apps title is already taken, but I’ll dream up something good for you if you come through with a winner. That’s what DifferentDream.com is all about!
Long live the Queen of Apps,
Jolene
Well, currently breastfeeding the sixth child, I can tell you there are lots of resources out there. Of course, most hospitals now have a lactation consultant available. Also breast pumps are often available through local health department. In GA, Medicaid does not pick up special formula until a child is over 5. Before that you get it through WIC. WIC makes you go to “classes” including breastfeeding. That is how I found out that you can borrow a breast pump from them. Of course, supply is limited so not a good immediate solution if baby has a nursing strike. I did find out that some Babies R Us stores rent breast pumps. You should be able to find out online which stores offer that. There are all kinds of resources online if you do a search. La Leche League is a trusted resource that has been around for a least 25 years. Online you can also buy larger sizes nursing bras.
I just got a smart phone so looking forward to checking out some of these apps when I am not nursing!
Nancy