Category: feeding
-
Navigating Pacifiers: Intention Matters
Learn how to navigate thoughtful pacifier usage and reduce negative impacts on baby’s development!
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Most Baby Bottles Suck – Here’s How to Pick a Solid One
I remember when I added bottles to my baby registry as an expecting, first-time parent five years ago. There were SO MANY CHOICES (and this was 2019 – there’s even more now) and all of them said the same thing. “Breast-like” “Reduces colic” “Natural flow” I picked one that was…
-
Prenatal Colostrum Expression: An Underused Superpower
Let’s talk about the *pure magic* that is human colostrum and why you should consider prenatal colostrum harvesting! Prenatal colostrum expression refers to the practice of manually expressing and collecting colostrum during pregnancy. This is usually done by hand, but can also be done with a pump. Colostrum is the…
-
10 Things I Wish All Parents Knew About Oral Ties
My primary motivation for becoming a lactation consultant was my own experience with my daughter’s oral ties when she was an infant. Since then, I’ve learned a great deal about oral dysfunction – and my goal in this piece is to clear up some of the rampant misinformation that’s I…
-
The Complete Guide to Feeding Must-Haves
Learn about must-haves, nice-to-haves, wait-to-buys, and not-recommended items, as well as options for investing in support!
Integrative Lactation Care 