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…
I remember how I felt when I found out I was pregnant with my first baby. It was a total surprise. It took several days for it to really sink in. Once it did, my first thought was “I can’t even take care of myself half the time, how will I take care of a…
A nipple shield is an ultrathin, silicone nipple used to assist with breastfeeding. Typically, they are used if a baby isn’t latching well if the latch is causing pain or nipple damage, or for premature babies who need a little help with feeds. Nipple shield use for breastfeeding has grown quite a bit in the…
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…
A baby carrier is basically an umbrella term for the many carriers out there. Some carriers are structured, some are slings, some are wraps. There are fantastic benefits to go along with having and using a baby carrier. Which carrier is the best baby carrier for breastfeeding? Benefits Of Baby Wearing Baby carriers keep you virtually…
One of the desirable benefits of breastfeeding is the bond. Whenever I ask parents why they want to breastfeed, undoubtedly bonding comes up as a top reason. Attachment and bonding go hand in hand with breastfeeding, yet attachment and bonding are very different. In addition, how can you achieve attachment and bonding without breastfeeding? Bonding…
One of the most common questions I receive is whether or not breastfed babies can overeat. Can they? How can you prevent a breastfed baby from overeating? The answer isn’t a straight YES or NO. It’s a little more grey than black or white. A baby overeating is as problematic as you or I overeating,…
As a lactation consultant, I often hear little tidbits about breastfeeding that make me shake my head. One of these is the fat content in breastmilk. This is usually what the medical profession and unsuspecting families will blame for a baby who isn’t gaining weight at the rate expected of them. Breastfeeders might be told to increase their…