Most babies of all ages will accept a bottle – some with a little coaxing! It isn’t so much about nipple confusion for a baby when they take a bottle, but more about flow preference. If you keep the flow slow they may be more likely go back and forth between breast and bottle easily. …
How to Introduce a Bottle to a Breastfed/Chestfed Baby Continue reading »
It can be hard to tell if your baby is getting enough to eat from nursing. The milk can’t be seen, so how can you possibly measure it?! Here’s some things to look for to make sure baby is getting all the nutrients they need. How many times are you feeding? 8-12 times in 24 …
How to Know Baby is Getting Enough to Eat at Breast/Chest Continue reading »
At the beginning of a nursing session, it’s fairly typical for the nursing parent to have a few moments of discomfort. But once baby latches, other than some gentle tugging on your breasts, nursing shouldn’t hurt! It’s important to stop nursing and resposition if nursing is painful. Continued painful nursing can contribute to sore and …
Why is My Breast/Chestfeeding Latch Painful? Continue reading »
As doulas and educators, it is vital that we know about updates in research so we can pass along evidence-based and accurate information to our clients and students. One of the newest updates in the area of lactation addresses mastitis and “blocked” milk ducts. This new information is really challenging the way we view the …
Changing the Way We View and Treat Mastitis Continue reading »
Black/African American mothers continue to face disparities that impact breastfeeding rates, be it initiation, duration, or exclusivity. The disparities faced by Black/African American mothers aid in the increased maternal/infant mortality and morbidity rates. The rates are significantly lower with inevitable health consequences for mother and baby. Breastfeeding offers preventative health benefits; exclusive breastfeeding must be …
Breastfeeding in America: The Black/African American Mothers Experience Continue reading »
1. Your presence in the early hours and days postpartum places you in a key position to support nursing. By learning all you can about lactation and infant feeding, you can help parents and babies get off to a good start. “Doulas should understand they can help clients reach their breastfeeding goals by ensuring babies …
Six Things IBCLCs Wish All Doulas Knew About Lactation Support Continue reading »
What: State and Local breastfeeding coalitions are there to support, educate and advocate for families, healthcare providers, childbirth educators and doulas. Check in your state or county to see what they are up to for 2021! Many Coalitions are supported by The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) which is an independent nonprofit coalition of more …
Does your State have a Breastfeeding Coalition? Continue reading »
Some mother’s experience challenges while breastfeeding, there are many challenges that they can face while breastfeeding. When moms encounter these barriers, they are less likely to continue their journey with breastfeeding. One of the common challenges I get from moms are nipple pain, which then leads to the question, “Is my baby getting enough milk?” …
The success of the chest/breastfeeding couplet depends largely on the amount of support they receive while making the decision to breastfeed, during pregnancy, and after the birthing parent delivers. Research has demonstrated for many years that people who receive excellent social support will have increased confidence to breastfeed and will sustain a more positive outlook …
What is trauma-informed? Be trauma-informed is to recognize that trauma is very common in people’s lives. Simply put, “There’s a story behind every person. There’s a reason why they are the way they are. They aren’t just like that because they want to be. Something in the past created them, and sometimes it is impossible …