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Pregnant During Deployment: How to Make Life Easier

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This post is sponsored by the Breastfeeding Shop!

Pregnancy During Deployment: How to Make Life Easier

I was 25 weeks pregnant with my second child when my husband deployed for the first time. I also had a two year at home. And we lived on the 3rd floor of a stairwell apartment. This created a bit of challenge for me, especially as the pregnancy went on.

Pregnancy in general isn’t easy and not having my husband around to help added to it. But I did what I could, had to get creative sometimes, and made it through. For example, I knew I couldn’t go up and down those stairs multiple times a day so I would get a couple of bags of groceries every few days and that made things a lot easier. It helped to have access to a close Commissary to be able to make that work.

Here are a few things you can do to make life a bit easier if you are pregnant during a deployment:

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Others in the community have been when you have been and many would love to help you out in one way or another. Anything from offering used clothing to watching an older child during prenatal appointments. Finding your support system is a must!
  • Take classes. Most duty stations will offer classes on childbirth and parenting. These classes can help you feel more at ease when it comes to preparing to give birth and then raising your baby.
  • Ask family or good friends to come visit and help you. I know asking for help is hard but if you have anyone that might be able to come help you, even if for a few days, that can ease some of the stress. I was thankful to have my mom come out for two months to be there during the birth and then after the baby was born.
  • Stay organized. There is a lot to do to prepare for having a new baby. You will want to stay organized whether it is keeping track of all your appointments, what you still need to buy before they get here, or just what you need to do on a day to day basis.
  • Breathe. I know that being pregnant during a deployment without a partner in the house is overwhelming but you can get through this. Let go of some of your expectations. You won’t be able to do everything. Give yourself grace for getting done what you can.

When you are pregnant, your body changes in so many ways. And sometimes you need a little extra support, especially as you get closer to your due date.

Compression garments for your pregnancy

The Breastfeeding Shop, known for a great place to get your FREE breast pump, also offers a selection of compression garments to help you feel better during your pregnancy.

You can find:

Pregnancy Support Bands

Pregnancy Support Bands and Pregnancy Support Braces which help improve posture and reduce pain, Pregnancy Compression Socks and Maternity Support Hose which help prevent swelling and discomfort, and V-Sling Pelvic Support Bands.

Maternity Support Hose

TRICARE will cover prenatal support garments and maternity compression hose and socks.

These products can help you feel a little better during those last few months before the baby comes.

When it comes to what you need for baby, beyond the breast pump you can get a range of breastfeeding supplies. Many are covered by TRICARE too!

TRICARE covers the following supplies:

  • A breast pump kit
  • Power adapters
  • Tubing
  • Tube Adapters
  • Locking rings
  • Bottles
  • Bottle caps
  • Storage bags
  • Valves and membranes
  • SNS (Supplemental Nursing System)
  • Nipple shields and splash protectors

You can begin getting breast pump supplies before delivery, starting at 27 weeks, up to three years after the birth event.

The Breastfeeding Shop is the perfect place to get your free breast pump, breast pump supplies, and maternity support garments. They make it easy to order what you need and you can upload your prescription right on the website.

The Breastfeeding Shop is a family owned business who offers a range of supplies for whatever a new mom or a breastfeeding mom needs to nourish their babies. Visit them for all of your breast pump and breastfeeding needs.

What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

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What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

If you don’t already know, you can receive one breast pump at no cost through your TRICARE benefit, for every birth event. A birth event would be giving birth to a baby or an adoption. This started in 2014 and allows military spouses and service members to be able to have a new breast pump for each baby that they have.

Learn How To Order A Breast Pump That Is Covered By TRICARE, if you would like more information on the breast pump part of this benefit. You can order your pump easily through The Breastfeeding Shop’s website, or app.

If you have ever used a breast pump before, or are planning to, you might be curious about accessories and supplies and how TRICARE works as far as those go.

TRICARE does cover the following supplies, up to 36 months after the birth event:

  • Standard power adapters
  • Tubing and tubing adaptors
  • Locking rings
  • Bottles and bottle caps
  • Shield/splash protectors
  • Storage bags

You will also be able to get two breast pump kits per birth event.

What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

If you are interested in ordering accessories or supplies, you can easily do that through The Breastfeeding Shop’s website. They have an Accessory Resupply Order Form that makes ordering easy to do.

You will need to upload a prescription if you did not order your breast pump through them, or if your previous prescription does not state supplies or accessories. It is very important that your prescription says this. If your original one does not, you will need to get another one.

You can also put down your physician’s name and information, and The Breastfeeding Shop will be able to contact them directly. However, this will take more time than if you can upload the prescription yourself.

You can specify which brand of supplies you need. The Breastfeeding Shop also offers two types of storage bags, the Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags or the Kiinde Twist Pouches Breastmilk Storage Bags. You can also order a mix of the two.

What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

Make sure to also visit some of my past blog posts with the Breastfeeding Shop to learn more about what they offer and how they can help you receive your TRICARE breast pump benefit:

 The Breastfeeding Shop Has a New App and it is Amazing

How to Decide What Breast Pump is The Best One For You And Your Baby

FAQs About Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Through The Breastfeeding Shop

And here is the Accessory Resupply Order Form if you are in need of ordering them 🙂

Top Five Tips For Increasing Milk Production

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Top Five Tips For Increasing Milk Production

Top Five Tips For Increasing Milk Production

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

Breastfeeding was something I knew I always wanted to do with my babies. However, getting started with breastfeeding wasn’t easy for me, especially with my oldest son. I had a lot of concerns about if he was getting enough of my milk. If only I could go back in time, I would have made things a little easier for myself through the process.

There are things you can do as a new mom to help increase your milk supply. This helps the breastfeeding relationship as well as making sure your baby is getting all the nutrition they need.

1. Nurse your baby often

Make sure you are nursing your baby often. Breast milk is digested quickly and the more you nurse, the more milk you will make. Feeding on-demand vs a rigid schedule is the best way to go. That way you are meeting your baby’s needs as much as you can. If your baby is going through a growth spurt, they will want to nurse even more, and that is okay too.

2. Double check your latch

Sometimes our milk supply issues are due to a bad latch. When your baby is not latching on the breast correctly, they are not getting all of the milk that they should. If you have a question about your latch, you should go and see a lactation consultant. They will be able to check on your latch or help you with other breastfeeding questions.

3. Drink water, eat healthy foods

When you are nursing you want to make sure you are drinking enough water, as well as eating a healthy diet. Doing both of those things will help your milk production if you are struggling. Keep a water bottle within reach when you are nursing or pumping and try to have a lot of healthy snacks available for you as you go about your day.

4. Use your breast pump

Pumping in between feeding sessions can help with your milk supply. While you are pumping, you will be making more milk, and that will increase how much milk you should be making. Make sure that you have taken advantage of your TRICARE benefit regarding breast pumps. You are eligible for one breast pump for every birth event. Head over to The Breastfeeding Shop to find your breast pump and start the process. They make ordering your breast pump pretty easy too.

5. Get enough rest

While this is much easier said than done, especially with a newborn, make sure you are getting as much rest as you can. Say no to unnecessary commitments while you are trying to build up your milk supply. See if you can hire a babysitter for your older kids and if your spouse is home, make sure they are helping you with everything that needs to get done. Try to sleep when you can and take the time to rest as much as possible.

Interested in more information about your TRICARE benefit breast pump and The Breastfeeding Shop? Check out these blog posts too:

The Easy Way To Order Your No Cost Breast Pump

How to Decide What Breast Pump is The Best One For You And Your Baby

FAQs About Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Through The Breastfeeding Shop

 

The Easy Way To Order Your No Cost Breast Pump

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The Easy Way To Order Your No Cost Breast Pump

If you don’t already know, you can receive a no cost breast pump through your TRICARE benefit. Any military woman service member or spouse can receive one for each birth event she has. This is a fantastic benefit that makes sure that all of these moms have access to a breast pump to help them with feeding their baby.

The Easy Way To Order Your No Cost Breast Pump

This is a sponsored post by The Breastfeeding Shop!

The Breastfeeding Shop is a company that you can work with to receive your breast pump, and they make ordering your breast pump super easy. They have a new order form and I wanted to walk you through the steps you have to take in order to place your order.

You can do so on their website or on the app. If you don’t want to fill out the order form you can also call them to place your order.

Here is a video of me filling out the order form. As you can see all the information is laid out well and I was able to complete the form in about five minutes.

Here is what you will be asked about:

1. Insurance provider

Find TRICARE or TRICARE Overseas.

2. Select your breast pump

You have a lot of options on what breast pump to pick. Make sure to read Which Breast Pump Is Best For You? You can also talk to friends about breast pumps they have used and loved. If you don’t see what you want, pick “other” and call 866-255-6779.

3. Name, phone number, email, and address

Please put your current information here.

4. Your birthday

They want to know your date of birth.

5. Due Date of your baby

This is your baby’s due date. If your baby is already born, make sure to put their birth date there.

6. Insurance number

This would be your service member’s social security number, or your own if you are the service member.

7. Seconardy insurance

If you happen to have secondary insurance.

8. Physician’s name

Your doctor’s name.

9. Physician’s phone number

Your doctor’s phone number.

10. How you will submit your prescription

There are a few different ways you can submit your prescription to The Breastfeeding Shop. You can upload it, email it, fax it, or have them contact the doctor for you. If you choose for them to do that, know that it will take longer for you to receive your breast pump.

11. Important info

You will check if you agree here.

12. Privacy notice, etc

You just need to acknowledge that you have received this information.

13. Signature

You can use your mouse or your finger to sign.

14. Comments

If you need to leave any comments.

You can also read more about this amazing TRICARE benefit and what you need to know in order to receive yours:

FAQs About Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Through The Breastfeeding Shop

The Breastfeeding Shop Has a New App and it is Amazing

How to Decide What Breast Pump is The Best One For You And Your Baby