Articles
Looking for practical breastfeeding tips to make your nursing journey easier?
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Lactation Cookies: A Gentle, Nourishing Way to Support Milk Supply
When you are a nursing mother, your days and nights might revolve around one central question: Am I making enough milk for my baby? Perceived insufficient milk supply is one of...
Types of Breast Pumps: A Guide to Choosing the Right One
Choosing the right breast pump can make expressing milk more convenient, comfortable, and efficient. Whether you are returning to work, building a milk supply, sharing feeding...
Breastfeeding with Nipple Piercings
Can You Breastfeed with Nipple Piercings? Yes. For most parents, nipple piercings do not automatically mean you cannot breastfeed. Many people with healed nipple piercings go on...
Sunflower Lecithin: A Gentle Support for Breastfeeding Moms
Breastfeeding is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Many mothers encounter issues such as sore nipples, engorgement, oversupply, and one of...
Safe Sleep 7: A Compassionate, Evidence-Based Guide for Breastfeeding Families
Welcoming a new baby into your life changes nearly every aspect of daily living—including how (and where) everyone sleeps. The early weeks with an infant often involve frequent...
Allergies Got You Down? How to Manage Spring Symptoms Without Sacrificing Your Milk Supply
Spring allergies can be a challenge for lactating parents and make you feel like there are no options because you are breastfeeding or pumping. Nasal congestion, sinus pressure,...
Breastfeeding Challenges: What’s Normal and When to Seek Support
Breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience—but it often comes with breastfeeding challenges, especially in the early days. Many parents are surprised to learn that feeding a...
Breastfeeding Basics: What It Is and How It Works
Breastfeeding basics begin with understanding that breastfeeding is a natural process that allows a parent’s body to produce and deliver milk that nourishes a baby. While it is...
Benefits of Breastfeeding, Ideal Foods for Milk Supply, and Safe Milk Storage Practices: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcoming a new baby is a beautiful and transformative experience. Whether you're preparing to breastfeed or currently nursing, understanding how to support your body and your...
What Is a Lactation Consultant? A Warm Guide to Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural experience, but it isn’t always easy. Many new parents have questions, concerns, or challenges along the way. That’s where a lactation...
Nourishing the Future: The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby
When it comes to giving your baby the best possible start in life, nothing compares to the benefits of breastfeeding. It’s more than just nourishment; it’s comfort, bonding, and...
Pumping Schedule Guide: Support for New Moms
Breastfeeding and pumping are deeply personal journeys, and everybody responds differently. Whether you’re planning to pump regularly, trying to boost your milk supply, or...
Tongue Tie in Babies: What New Moms Should Know About Ankyloglossia and Breastfeeding
For many new moms, breastfeeding is meant to be a natural, bonding experience, but when something feels “off,” it can be confusing and discouraging. One common cause of early...
What Does a Lactation Consultant Do?
A lactation consultant (IBCLC—International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) provides expert care for all things related to breastfeeding, breast milk, baby feeding, and...
Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
A gentle guide for breastfeeding parents One of the most common questions new parents ask is, “Is my baby getting enough milk?” Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, pumping,...
Red Light Therapy for Breastfeeding Health & Wellness
A soothing, natural way to support painful nipples, nipple healing, mastitis relief, and clogged ducts Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience, but it can also come with moments...
Postpartum Anxiety vs. Normal Worry: Understanding the Difference and Finding Support
Bringing a new baby into the world is beautiful, emotional, and deeply transformative. With all the joy and tenderness can also come a swirl of new worries, questions, and...
Safe Baby Bottles in 2025: Reframing Glass vs. Plastic
When it comes to feeding your baby, every choice can feel like a big one, and choosing the right bottle is no exception. Whether you’re pumping, supplementing, or bottle-feeding...
Cluster Feeding and Power Pumping: Complete Guide for Parents
Cluster feeding is one of the most common — and often most exhausting — parts of the newborn stage. Babies may want to nurse every 20–40 minutes for several hours in a row,...
Best Gifts for Expecting Moms: Breastfeeding & Postpartum Comfort
Welcoming a baby into the world brings moments of joy, tenderness, and transformation. While adorable baby clothes and nursery décor are common gifts, what many new and expecting...
Medela Symphony Pump Guide: Features, Alternatives & What to Know
If you’ve been researching hospital-grade pumps, you’ve almost certainly come across the Medela Symphony breast pump. It’s powerful, quiet, and trusted in hospitals — yet it’s...
Types of Bottle Nipples and Their Flow Rates: How to Choose What is Best for Your Baby
A Practical, Gentle Guide for Feeding Success When it comes to bottle feeding—whether you’re exclusively bottle feeding, combining breast and bottle, or just planning for...
Formula Types: Organic, HIPP, Holle, and U.S.-Based Options
A Gentle Guide for New and Expecting Parents in Maryland Choosing how to nourish your baby is one of the most personal and sometimes overwhelming decisions you’ll make. Whether...
Formula: How to Know What to Use
Becoming a mother, whether it’s your first time or your fourth, is an experience that brings a world of decisions, especially when it comes to how you feed your baby. In a...
Understanding Milk Supply: Why It Changes Throughout the Day (and Why That’s Okay!)
If you’re breastfeeding or pumping and noticing that your milk supply seems to go up and down depending on the time of day, or even from one day to the next, you’re not alone....
Uneven Milk Supply? Why It’s Normal for One Breast to Make More Milk Than the Other
If you’ve noticed one breast produces more milk than the other, you’re not alone! It’s one of the most common things parents observe during their breastfeeding or pumping...
Finding the Balance: Pacifiers, Soothing, and Supporting Breastfeeding
Pacifiers can be a helpful tool for calming a fussy baby, but many parents wonder when and how to use them appropriately. Like most things in parenting, balance is key! Knowing...
Why Babies Are More Active at Night (And How Parents Can Cope)
Many new parents are surprised (and exhausted) by how active their newborns seem at night. Just when you’re ready to wind down and rest, your baby wakes up, wants to feed...
Why Support Groups for New Parents Matter: Finding Comfort in Shared Experiences
Bringing a new baby home is a life-changing moment. Along with the joy and excitement, many parents experience exhaustion, stress, and uncertainty. Sleepless nights, feeding...
Emotional Recovery After Hysterectomy: How IV Therapy Can Support Your Healing
A hysterectomy is a major surgery that involves the removal of the uterus, and for many women, it can bring a mix of physical and emotional challenges. While the procedure can...
Cold Season Survival for Breastfeeding Parents: Remedies and Resources
Dealing with a cold while breastfeeding can be challenging, as lactating parents often worry about the safety of medications and remedies for their baby. Fortunately, many cold...
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Bottle for Your Baby: Glass vs. Plastic vs. Silicone and Popular Options
When it comes to feeding your baby, choosing the best bottle can be overwhelming. Baby bottles come in various materials, shapes, and features, each catering to different needs...
Distractibility During Breastfeeding: Strategies for Your Curious Little One
As infants grow, they become more aware of their surroundings, which can sometimes lead to distractibility during breastfeeding. While this phase is a natural part of...
A Head Start for Your Baby: The Power of Prenatal Colostrum Collection
Prenatal colostrum expression is gaining recognition as a beneficial practice for expectant parents. Collecting colostrum during pregnancy can prepare parents for breastfeeding,...
Comfort Meets Science: Revolutionizing Flange Fitting for Pumping Success
Proper flange fitting is essential for effective and comfortable breast pumping. Recent advancements in flange sizing techniques have demonstrated promising results in optimizing...
Breastfeeding Duration: How Long Should I Breastfeed My Baby?
Many new parents wonder about the recommended breastfeeding duration for their baby. In answering this question, it’s important to consider the nursing pair’s needs and...
Should I Be Using the Haakaa to Collect Extra Milk?
Silicone milk collectors, such as the Haakaa or Elvie Curve, can be a convenient way to gather extra breastmilk for bottles your baby might take or to store. However, it’s...
How Much Breastmilk Do I Need for a Freezer Stash?
Building a breastmilk freezer stash can be a helpful step for moms preparing to return to work, but it's important to know that a large stash isn't necessary. Many moms assume...
Breastfeeding After Returning to Work: A Feasible Journey
Returning to work after having a baby is a significant transition for many parents, and one of the common concerns during this time is whether it is possible to continue...
Should I Wake a Sleeping Baby to Feed?
When it comes to caring for a newborn, one of the common concerns parents face is whether they should wake their baby to feed. Newborns have small stomachs and need to eat...
Why Evenflo Balance Bottles Are One of Our Top Picks
Paced bottle feeding is a technique that mimics the natural rhythm of breastfeeding, allowing babies to feed at their own pace and reducing the risk of overfeeding. International...
Breastfeeding During Infant Growth Spurts: A Vital Source of Nutrition and Comfort
Infant growth spurts are periods of rapid physical development when babies require more nutrition and comfort. These spurts can lead to increased feeding demands, making...
Breastfeeding During Infant Sleep Regressions: A Source of Comfort and Stability
Sleep regressions are a common and often challenging phase in an infant's development, where their regular sleep patterns are disrupted. During these periods, breastfeeding can...
Breastfeeding with Inverted Nipples
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal and rewarding experience, but it can come with its own set of challenges, especially for mothers with inverted nipples. This condition, while...
Why Breastfeeding and Pumping Parents Don’t Need a Large Freezer Stash
Building a large freezer stash of breast milk has become a prevalent goal among breastfeeding and pumping parents. While having a reserve of frozen milk can offer peace of mind,...
The Benefits of Not Swaddling: How Letting Your Baby Move Can Promote Sleep and Healthy Weight Gain
Swaddling has been a common practice for centuries, providing newborns with a sense of security and warmth. However, recent studies and expert opinions suggest that not swaddling...
The Importance of Tummy Time for Infants and Its Role in Breastfeeding
Tummy time, the practice of placing infants on their stomachs while they are awake and supervised, is a vital component of a baby's development. This simple activity has numerous...
Craniosacral Therapy: A Gentle Solution for Infants with Feeding Difficulties
Feeding difficulties in infants can be a source of stress and concern for many parents. These difficulties can arise from a variety of reasons, including anatomical issues like...
Nipple Shields: Helpful Tool, or Avoid at all Costs?
Breastfeeding can be a natural process for both parent and baby, but it doesn't always come easily. For some, challenges like nipple pain, latch difficulties, or premature birth...
Breastfeeding Dilemma: Offering Both Breasts or Just One?
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal and individual experience for both parents and babies, and one common question that arises is whether to offer both breasts during a feeding...
Nourishing Your Breastfeeding Journey: Foods That Support Lactation and Milk Supply
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, but it can also be physically demanding for mothers. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting...
Understanding Night Feeding: How Long Do You Need to Wake Baby Up
Navigating night feeding or nighttime feedings is a common concern for new parents, especially when it comes to understanding how often and for how long to wake a sleeping baby...
Enhancing Breastfeeding Journey: The Role of Acupuncture in Supporting Lactation
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful way for parents to nourish their babies, but it can sometimes present challenges. From low milk supply to engorgement and mastitis, lactation...
Navigating the Options: Choosing a Hands Free Breast Pump
Parenthood often requires multitasking, and for breastfeeding moms, a hands free breast pump can be a game-changer. Whether it's returning to work, managing household tasks, or...
Nurturing Bonds: The Vital Role of a Support Network for Parents in Establishing Feeding Routines with a New Baby
Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exhilarating yet challenging experience, particularly when it comes to establishing feeding routines. The importance of a robust support...
Laying the Foundation: The Importance of Prenatal Consultations with IBCLCs for Successful Breastfeeding
Embarking on the journey of parenthood is a beautiful and transformative experience, and for many, this includes the decision to breastfeed. While breastfeeding is a natural...
Soothing the Way: How IBCLCs Provide Relief for Nipple Pain and Damage in Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful and natural way for mothers to nourish their infants, but it can sometimes come with challenges, particularly in the form of nipple pain and...
Nurturing Support: How IBCLCs Assist Parents Dealing with Clogged Milk Ducts
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it can also present challenges for new parents, and one such challenge is the occurrence of clogged milk ducts....
Nurturing Newborns: The Expertise of Lactation Consultants in Feeding Sleepy Babies
Feeding sleepy babies can be a common challenge for new parents, impacting both the baby's nutrition and the mother's breastfeeding experience. International Board Certified...
Navigating Weaning: The Supportive Role of Lactation Consultants
Weaning, the process of transitioning a baby from breast milk or formula to solid foods and other forms of nutrition, is a significant milestone in a child's development. While...
How a Lactation Consultant Can Help with Low Milk Supply
Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of infant development, providing essential nutrients and fostering a strong bond between parents and their babies. However, some parents may...
Comprehensive Guide to Breast Milk Handling and Storage
Breast Milk Handling: Best Practices for Hygiene and Safety Handling and storing breast milk properly is crucial to ensure its safety and nutritional quality for your baby. This...
Harnessing the Healing Power of Infrared Saunas for Mastitis Treatment
Mastitis is a painful and often debilitating condition that can affect many breastfeeding parents. Mastitis typically occurs when milk ducts become blocked, leading to the growth...
Should You Work with an IBCLC if You Exclusively Pump and Bottle Feed?
Lactation consultants, also known as IBCLCs, play a multifaceted role in supporting mothers with breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle feeding. Their expertise extends to various...
Is Responsive Bottle Feeding the Same as Paced Bottle Feeding?
Responsive bottle feeding is an approach to feeding infants with a bottle that aims to mimic breastfeeding by allowing the baby to take an active role in the feeding process and...
Does Insurance Cover Lactation Consultants?
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as a cornerstone of infant health, providing numerous benefits to both the baby and the breast/chest feeding parent. However, many parents face...
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) as a Natural Birth Control Approach
The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is a natural form of birth control that relies on the temporary infertility that often accompanies exclusive breastfeeding in the...
Contraceptive Use and Its Impact on your Milk Supply: Breastfeeding and Birth Control
Bringing a child into the world is an incredible experience, one that comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. For many new mothers, breastfeeding is not only a...
Power Pumping: Boosting Milk Production Through Strategic Pumping Sessions
Breastfeeding is a remarkable and essential aspect of nurturing an infant, offering a wealth of nutritional and immunological benefits. However, many mothers encounter challenges...
Preventing Clogged Milk Ducts with Hands-Free Breast Pump: A Comprehensive Guide
Breastfeeding is a precious bonding experience between mother and baby, and provides benefits for both, however, it can also come with challenges, and one of the most common...
The Remarkable Immunity Support Benefits of Breast Milk: Nurturing Immunity Through Nature’s Elixir
Breast milk, often hailed as nature's perfect food for infants, offers an astonishing array of immunity support benefits that go beyond mere nutrition. For decades, researchers...
Breast Milk Storage and Handling: Best Practices for Nurturing Health
Breast milk is a remarkable source of nutrition that offers a myriad of benefits for newborns and infants. Its composition is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of a...
Mastitis and Clogged Milk Ducts: Navigating Common Breastfeeding Challenges
Breastfeeding is often celebrated as a natural and bonding experience between a mother and her infant, providing essential nutrients and antibodies crucial for the baby's growth...
A Guide to Efficiently Utilizing the Willow Breast Pump
The Willow breast pump has revolutionized the world of breastfeeding for modern mothers, providing a discreet and convenient way to express milk. Designed for on-the-go...
Deciding to Breastfeed or Formula Feed: Making the Best Choice for You and Your Baby
The decision to breastfeed or formula feed your newborn is a significant choice that many expectant parents grapple with. Each method has its own set of advantages and...
Nourishing the Journey: Prenatal and Postnatal Nutrition’s Crucial Role in Breastfeeding Success
Breastfeeding is a remarkable journey that provides infants with vital nutrients, antibodies, and a strong foundation for healthy development. Prenatal and postnatal nutrition...
The Infant Microbiome and Its Health Benefits
The infant microbiome refers to the complex community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, that inhabit an infant's body, particularly the...
Baby-Led Weaning: Empowering Infants who are Starting Solid Foods
Introducing solid foods to infants is a significant milestone in their development, marking a transition from exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first 6 months of...
How Can You Get More Sleep for You and Your Baby Safely?
by Laci Tang, BS, IBCLC, PCD (DONA), CBE Normal Infant Sleep Behaviors Human babies are born more immature than other mammalian species. Physical contact with their parent is how...
The Joys and Challenges of Breastfeeding Twins: Nurturing Two Little Ones Simultaneously
by Jenny Busbey, BSN, RN, IBCLC Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way for mothers to nourish and bond with their babies. While it can be an incredible experience,...
Bringing Home the New Baby
by Jenny Busbey, BSN, RN, IBCLC Help Siblings Continue to Gain Independence with Grace and Love. When your family grows and it is time to bring home a new baby, it is important...
Car Seats: Why Safety Matters
by Diane Litwin, BSN, RN, IBCLC, CPST Many new parents can feel overwhelmed about car seats and having them fitted safely in their vehicles. Finding the right car seat can...
Babywearing Basics: It is a Family Affair
by Laci Tang, B.S., IBCLC, PCD (DONA), CBE What is Babywearing? The word babywearing may be new to you or you may already be familiar with the term. Simply put, babywearing is...
2023 DC/Maryland Breastfeeding-Friendly Awards
The D.C. and Maryland Breastfeeding Coalitions are excited to announce the 2023 recipients of their Breastfeeding-Friendly Awards! Awardees were recognized at a ceremony today....
Need a breast pump? Learn the pros and cons of renting vs buying
Parents who are not breastfeeding directly often need a breast pump to express breast milk so that they can provide breast milk to their babies. Breast milk is the best way to...
A Lactation Consultant can bring comfort to your breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be hard for new parents. It can sometimes also feel like a lonely journey. In many cases, even with the help of family, friends and trained medical personnel,...
How to Increase Milk Supply
Many mothers worry they “do not have enough milk” to meet the needs of their baby. If you're wondering how to increase your milk supply, remember that breastfeeding is a DEMAND =...
Breast Pumps – Choosing the Best Pump for Your Needs
Newborn parents need all the help that they can get, especially when it comes to making sure their babies are well-fed, happy, and healthy. Many choose to incorporate the use of...
Low milk supply
Low milk supply is one of the most common reasons for breastfeeding parents to reach out to a lactation consultant. Many new parents are concerned about “not making enough milk”....