The Blog

There is a lot of really good, really helpful information about breastfeeding out there. But between the Internet and the abundance of insights from well-meaning (but often woefully misinformed) friends and family, there is also a lot of misinformation. We … Continued

Dr. James J. McKenna is a professor of anthropology and the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame. He is a world-renowned expert on infant sleep — particularly the practice of bed sharing in … Continued

All babies reach milestones on their own developmental timeline. A multitude of factors influence the rate of each baby’s individual growth such as genetics, form of delivery, gestation at delivery, medical issues, effectiveness of the placenta prior to delivery, and … Continued

Exclusive pumping is becoming more popular among American Moms, often seen as a way Moms can “have it all.” Meanwhile, the effects on Maternal and infant health—and workplace policies—are rarely discussed. A serious pregnancy complication sent first-time mom Missy Boss … Continued

Today I collected a drawing from a framers in Bristol. A 7 by 9 foot charcoal and watercolour piece detailing all the currently known components of human milk, and explaining some of them. It started when a friend suggested I … Continued

Have you heard of the virgin gut? If you have, you either dismissed it as too pretentious, or if you’re like me, it became the bane of your life (at least for the first 6 months of parenthood). There is … Continued

Breastfeeding Over 70% of all Mothers with newborns in the U.S., currently breastfeed their babies, and that percentage is growing – and for good reason. There is a tremendous amount of evidence that Breastfeeding improves immune function in infants. According … Continued

Breastfeeding is meant to be a comfortable and pleasant experience. During the first week or two, however, many Mothers notice nipple tenderness. This may be related to normal postpartum skin changes, or to inexperience with latching on. Tenderness of this … Continued

Breast fullness is a normal part of Lactation which nearly all women experience when their mature milk “comes in,” 2–5 days after birth. (Note: The First Milk – Colostrum is milk, so the term “milk comes in” is a bit … Continued

So much of the battle over infant feeding plays out over breast versus bottle that there’s precious little time left to focus on another area marked by its own share of controversy: Do you feed baby on demand or on … Continued

What if babies were born knowing how to breastfeed? While that’s a new idea to most of us, it does make sense. Other newborn mammals know how to find and attach to their Mother’s nipples, following inborn instincts in response … Continued

Galactagogues are foods, herbs or medications that can help to increase breastmilk supply. The use of a galactagogue requires consultation with a Lactation Consultant and/or Health Care Provider. At least 95% of Mothers are able to produce more than enough … Continued

One of the most common reasons Mothers give for weaning, is that they feel they do not have enough milk for their baby. Here are some ideas to help you work out whether your milk-supply actually is low, and some … Continued

This IBCLC does a great job explaining the deep, off-center or “asymmetrical” latch! *Homeopathy is safe and effective while Breastfeeding. Please see also: www.classichomeopath.com www.lactation-911.com/homeopathy-and-breastfeeding/

IBLCE is the global authority that determines the knowledge of Practitioners in Lactation and Breastfeeding care. IBCLCs are essential members of the Maternal-Child Health Team who protect, promote and support Breastfeeding to benefit women, children and families worldwide. The IBCLC … Continued

Importance of Breastmilk for Preemies Breastfeeding benefits for preemies are numerous, ranging from lower incidence of ear infections in breastfed infants to a little help with weight loss for mommies. Not only does breastfeeding a premature baby offer all of … Continued

IBCLC Certification Program Reaccredited by NCCA Marks 26 years of continuous NCCA accreditation The International Board of Lactation Consultation Examiners® (IBLCE®) is pleased to announce that the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) of the Institute of Credentialing Excellence (ICE) … Continued

Oxytocin – 15 Fascinating Facts About ‘The Hormone Of Love’

Q. Can I nurse if I wasn’t able to (or didn’t choose to) nurse my previous children? A. Absolutely. Nursing previous children is not a requirement to breastfeeding this baby. While prior experience can be helpful, it certainly isn’t necessary. … Continued

MYTHS: 1. Many women do not produce enough milk. Not true! The vast majority of women produce more than enough milk. Indeed, an overabundance of milk is common. Most babies that gain too slowly, or lose weight, do so not … Continued

Breastfeeding is linked with healthier babies and healthier Mothers – and you might be surprised how far the benefits extend! Breastfeeding is critical to the proper development of a baby’s jaw, dental health and airway. There are few things in … Continued

In the United States, sports are big news. From neighborhood soccer clubs to professional football leagues, sports dominate advertising and the media, attract a lot of money and resources, and hold a generally positive image in society. Why doesn’t breastfeeding … Continued

1. A Mother Feeding Her Baby at a Chattanooga Bus Stop – 1943 2. A Mother Feeding Her Baby at the Beach – 1930s 3. Depression-era Breastfeeding 4. French Mothers in a Paris Doctors Office Waiting Room – 1946 5. … Continued

The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential identifies a knowledgeable and experienced member of the maternal-child health team who has specialized skills in breastfeeding management and care. The IBLCE certification program offers the only international certification in lactation consulting. … Continued

The Northwest Mothers Milk Bank is a 501 (c)(3) organization in Portland, Oregon. They expect to begin processing a small volume of donor milk in 2013. Information on becoming a milk donor. Northwest Mothers Milk Bank 417 SW 117th Ave. … Continued

Exclusive Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is an unequaled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. Review of evidence … Continued

AAP Reaffirms Breastfeeding Guidelines 2/27/2012 Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial source of nutrition and provides the healthiest start for an infant. In addition to the nutritional benefits, breastfeeding promotes a unique and emotional connection between mother and baby. In … Continued