Ionia County Nurse to Dispel Myths Associated with Breastfeeding for West Michigan Mothers.

New Product to provide women with comfort and relief to be featured at Women's Expo Grand Rapids, MI.

New mothers in West Michigan may soon receive guidance to relieve the complications and pains of breastfeeding. Rachel Gross, an Ionia County registered nurse and entrepreneur, will speak about and demonstrate ways to make breastfeeding easier and less painful at the upcoming West Michigan Women's Expo.

The Women's Expo, held March 7-9 in DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, will offer seminars on fashion and beauty, health and wellness, home decor and shopping.

Although breastfeeding has been proven to be the best for both baby and mother, many women struggle with the transition and complications that arise. Gross will discuss both the benefits and struggles of breastfeeding at the Expo.

Breastfeeding seems easy, but it's not easy, Gross said. "�'ve been working with many Grand Rapids area mothers to show them that breastfeeding can be a beautiful experience for both the mother and baby."

In addition to using her personal experience of breastfeeding her own children and helping new mothers as a nurse, Gross has been working with Baby Beloved, a Grand Rapids-area lactation support group to understand what a wide variety of women go though. She was also invited to attend a weekly breastfeeding group session, where she listened to local mothers' problems and experiences with breastfeeding.

"Many young women today weren't breastfed by their own mothers, so many women lack knowledge and experience in the area," said Gross. "Because of this, many myths have developed about breastfeeding."

Common myths about breastfeeding:

• It is normal for breastfeeding to hurt.
• Some women don't produce enough milk. 
• There is no safe way to tell if baby is not getting enough milk.
• If the mother has an infection, she should stop breastfeeding.
• Breastfeeding ties a mother down.

According to Gross, regardless of the complications associated with breastfeeding, the benefits are numerous, including emotional bonding between mother and baby and low cost. If problems are addressed early on, it is easier to prevent future problems.

Inspired to comfort new mothers

After seeing women breastfed and recover from breast surgery in the hospital experience breast swelling and pain, Gross was inspired to create a product to provide relief. She developed a soothing breast pack called Blossumz that can be put either in the freezer or microwave to be cooled or warmed to provide much needed comfort for women.

"Unlike home-made hot/cold packs, Blossumz are a comfortable and effective way to treat sore and swollen breasts," Gross said. "Women no longer have to settle for a frozen bag of peas, frozen cabbage leaves or uncomfortable bags of ice cubes. No more inconvenient hot showers and messy warm washcloths."

Gross said Blossumz can help with the following painful conditions:

• Engorgement
• Mastitis
• Plugged milk ducts
• Weaning phase

According to Gross, Blossumz are different than ordinary gel packs or heating pads because they are specially designed to fit and comfort a woman's breast. They are easily conformed to any breast size and are lightweight enough that they can easily be placed inside a bra.

Gross demonstrated the use of Blossumz to the breastfeeding support group and provided samples to the mothers. "I'm impressed with the high quality of Blossumz and how effective it is to finally provide women relief," said Anne Calhoun, a Grand Rapids NICU nurse. "Blossumz makes that transition easier by providing soothing and effective relief of sore and swollen breasts associated with these breastfeeding conditions."

Consolation for women recovering from breast surgery

Gross' product also can provide comfort for women recovering from breast surgery. Mary Anne Smith, a recent breast cancer survivor used Blossumz directly after her mastectomy and raved about its benefits, saying it was both comforting and easy to use.

"It was easy to use, both for cold and hot use. I would put it into the freezer and then lay it over my chest where the mastectomy was- the cold compress felt wonderful," Smith said. "I'd recommend this to anyone who is breastfeeding or who has had a mastectomy."

Presentation at Women's Expo

Gross will present and explain five common mistakes women make while breastfeeding, how to fix them and will dispel myths associated with breastfeeding. Her seminar at the Expo will be Friday, March 7 at noon. 

*With every Blossumz purchase, Gross will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation