The value and benefit of breast/chestfeeding for both baby and parent are undeniable. There are countless studies out there to substantiate why breastfeeding is advantageous. We know breastfeeding provides a multitude of health benefits for both parent and baby. There are also various environmental, psychological, physiological, and financial benefits that are attached to breastfeeding. Regardless,…
When I am teaching prenatal breastfeeding classes, I often tell parents one of their biggest obstacles to breast/chestfeeding in the early days is a sleepy baby. We talk a lot about sleepy babies, how to manage them and what to expect for feeding. Regardless of how much warning a new parent has, I think they…
Feeding on demand. It sounds complicated and very involved. Just what does it mean when lactation consultants (and others) recommend feeding on demand? Well, there are several reasons why this is important. Let’s take a closer look at what feeding on demand looks like. Feeding on demand is basically what it sounds like. Is your…
Sometimes it seems like breastfeeding is going on forever. You know what I mean, those days when the baby has been on your breast / chest all day long. I have heard some parents refer to this as being a human pacifier. This is when family members and medical professionals might make it sound like…
Having breast reduction surgery before you have babies isn’t a deal-breaker for breastfeeding. Honestly, I know many families who thought they were done having children. They had the surgery and then welcomed another little surprise. Things happen, and many pregnancies are unplanned. Is breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery possible? Let’s talk about how breast reduction surgery can…
Families are encouraged to breast/chest feed exclusively for the first 6 months until complementary foods are introduced. This means nothing besides breastmilk, and medication if necessary. Then you bring your baby to their first pediatrician appointment and they encourage a vitamin D or iron supplement. Why? Doesn’t breastmilk have everything the baby needs? Do you…
The value and benefit of breast/chest feeding for both baby and parent are undeniable. There are countless studies out there to substantiate why breastfeeding is advantageous. But what happens when breastfeeding hurts? How do you continue? Painful breast/chest feeding is one of the main reasons parents abandon feeding altogether and switch to artificial feeding. Let’s…
Breastfeeding can feel like an absolute chore if you have sore nipples. Let’s be clear, no one wants to experience sore nipples. Ideally, it will never get to this point. Realistically, you may have some nipple sensitivity and tenderness when you first start breastfeeding. It is important to note that this is different from nipple…
The art of the tattoo is at least 6,000 years old and tattooing is the sixth fastest-growing American industry. Of those who have tattoos, 70% have more than one tattoo and 20% have more than five. 36% of Americans between the age of 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo. 72% of adults with…
I have noticed over the last several years that breastfeeding problems seem to come in waves. I might have one month when most of the issues are sore nipples and latch problems. Other months I might see more babies with slow weight gain. More recently, I have had several mothers complain about teething and biting…