Author: Jill Mailing, IBCLC
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2025 Holiday Gift Guide (Local & Eco-Friendly!)
I believe in our power as consumers to make an impact on our world. That’s why I put together a gift guide – to help make it easier for busy parents (and anyone!) to shop thoughtfully. If I can help you route $5 (or $50!) from a big box store…
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Navigating Pacifiers: Intention Matters
Learn how to navigate thoughtful pacifier usage and reduce negative impacts on baby’s development!
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The Truth About Smart Bassinets
As a lactation consultant, it’s my job to provide the families under my care with evidence-based information about parenting choices that can impact their baby’s feeding and development. New parents often assume this is generally limited to how to position the baby for nursing, how to hold a bottle, and…
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Why Your Pumping Experience Might Be Sucking More than Necessary
In hundreds of pumping consults and pump fittings, I have yet to meet someone who loved the experience of pumping. I’m sure they’re out there! But it’s certainly not a common phenomenon. Most parents find pumping neutral at best, and annoying, uncomfortable, and/or painful at worst. My goal as your…
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We Need to Talk About Poop
One of the most controversial topics in infant care is: do babies (especially breastfed babies) need to poop daily? When it comes to their baby’s health, parents often have questions about what is normal vs. what isn’t. what constitutes normal GI function and how to manage any gastrointestinal (GI) issues…
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Signs Your Baby Might Have a Tongue Tie
Many parents are unaware that a tongue tie can manifest in a variety of different ways, depending on their individual baby. These symptoms are ones I see commonly dismissed by pediatric care providers who lack a comprehensive understanding of infant feeding, sleep, & oral function. Read on to see if…
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Why All Birthing Parents Need Postpartum Labs
Pregnancy and birth are transformative, and influence the physiology of the body in significant ways. Assessing postpartum levels of hormones, micronutrients, and other markers is essential for ensuring optimal health of the birthing parent (and by association, the baby, too!). Hormone dysfunction and/or micronutrient deficiencies can cause or exacerbate issues…
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Bottle Refusal Isn’t Your Fault
I have started seeing more clients for bottle refusal over the last few months and the consults often start the same way: “I should have done X”, or “We just didn’t try hard enough at Y”, and it breaks my heart because bottle refusal isn’t the parent’s fault. It’s not…
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Fortifying Breastmilk with Formula: What Parents Need to Know
Disclaimer: This article is intended for parents of full-term babies, or babies who were born preterm but have since graduated from specialized care. Per usual, this article is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider about the information discussed below. It is not uncommon for parents who come…
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Signs of Readiness for Solid Food
Parents are often excited to introduce solids with their little one for the first time. I remember it fondly as one of my favorite phases with my daughter! However, before introducing solid foods, it is important to make sure that baby is ready. The World Health Organization recommends waiting until…
Integrative Lactation Care 