Your milk supply doesn’t appear overnight—it develops in three distinct stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Understanding this natural process can calm new-parent worries and help you recognize what’s normal.

Returning to work while breastfeeding can feel overwhelming—but with preparation, it’s completely doable. From understanding your rights to setting up your pump station, this guide walks you through everything you need to keep your milk supply strong and your baby fed, even during the workday.

Breastfeeding recommendations can feel confusing. Some say six months; others say longer. But what do the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) actually recommend—and why?

Breastfeeding recommendations can feel confusing. Some say six months; others say longer. But what do the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) actually recommend—and why?

As a new mom, you may have heard conflicting advice about supplementing with formula. Some say to avoid it at all costs, while others suggest it freely. So, when is supplementation truly necessary? The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) provides clear guidelines on when and how to introduce formula while maintaining a successful breastfeeding journey.

Let’s break it down.

As you prepare to welcome your baby, packing your hospital bag is an exciting milestone! While most hospital checklists cover the basics—like clothes, toiletries, and baby essentials—many don’t emphasize what’s helpful for breastfeeding success. As a lactation consultant, I want to share a breastfeeding-focused hospital bag checklist to ensure you’re well-prepared for those precious first moments with your newborn.

Achieving a comfortable, effective latch is one of the most important steps in successful breastfeeding. When your baby is well-positioned and latched deeply, you’ll see better milk transfer and reduce the risk of nipple pain or damage. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to position your baby, how to latch step-by-step, what to do when it hurts, and when to seek extra support.

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and nourishing things you can do for your baby—but that doesn’t mean it always comes easily. One common challenge many new moms face is cracked or sore nipples. It’s painful, frustrating, and can make those early bonding moments feel stressful. The good news? With the right care and information, cracked nipples can heal quickly, and breastfeeding can become a more comfortable experience.

As a new mother, you may have heard the term “letdown” mentioned in breastfeeding discussions, but what exactly does it mean? The letdown reflex, also known as the milk ejection reflex, is your body’s way of releasing milk from the milk ducts to your baby. This natural process is crucial for effective breastfeeding, ensuring that your little one gets the nourishment they need.

Newborn weight loss in the first few days is expected due to:

✔ Fluid loss: Babies are born with extra fluid, which they naturally shed after birth.
✔ Meconium stools: The first few bowel movements help clear out waste, contributing to weight loss.
✔ Colostrum feeding: In the first few days, babies drink small amounts of colostrum before mature milk comes in.

As a new mom, you may be wondering whether introducing a pacifier will interfere with breastfeeding. Some experts warn against early pacifier use, while others suggest they have benefits. So, what’s the real deal?

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) provides evidence-based recommendations to help parents make an informed decision. Let’s break down what the latest research says about pacifiers and breastfeeding.

The first hour after birth, often called the Golden Hour, is one of the most critical times for establishing breastfeeding and fostering a strong bond between mother and baby. Research, including guidelines from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), shows that immediate skin-to-skin contact plays a crucial role in initiating breastfeeding, regulating newborn physiology, and promoting long-term health outcomes for both mother and child.

Catching a cold while breastfeeding can be exhausting, especially when balancing self-care and caring for your little one. The good news is that many remedies—both natural and medicinal—are safe to use while nursing. Breastfeeding itself provides your baby with powerful immune-boosting antibodies, helping protect them from illness. Below, we’ll explore safe and effective ways to manage cold symptoms while breastfeeding, based on guidance from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Breastfeeding is a journey—beautiful, challenging, rewarding, and sometimes downright exhausting. It’s a blend of cuddles, bonding moments, and spit-up on your shirt. If you’re a breastfeeding mom (or know one), you’ll relate to this lighthearted peek into a day filled with nursing, multitasking, and lots of love.

Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to provide your baby with the nutrients and immune protection they need, even during times of illness. Whether you or your baby are unwell, continuing to breastfeed is often not only safe but also beneficial. This post, based on guidance from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), will help answer common concerns and provide practical tips for breastfeeding through colds, flu, or other health issues.

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural ways to nourish a baby, yet myths and misconceptions about it abound. These false beliefs can create confusion, discourage mothers, and even lead to unnecessary challenges. To support mothers in their breastfeeding journeys, let’s tackle some of the most common myths and provide evidence-based facts to set the record straight.

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a life-changing moment filled with awe and wonder. Amid the joy, one practice can profoundly impact a baby’s health, emotional well-being, and breastfeeding journey: skin-to-skin contact. According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), skin-to-skin care is not just a warm and nurturing start to life but a scientifically-backed practice with far-reaching benefits for both mother and baby.

SeaWorld can be a magical place to create lasting memories with your family, including your youngest member! However, navigating the park with an infant, especially as a breastfeeding mom, can bring unique challenges. Fortunately, SeaWorld offers amenities and opportunities to make your experience enjoyable and stress-free. Here’s a guide to the best places to breastfeed in the park and tips for exploring SeaWorld with an infant.

Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial process, but it’s not without its challenges. One of the most common issues parents face is a poor latch. According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), addressing a bad latch early can have significant benefits for both the infant and the breastfeeding parent, particularly in supporting optimal oral function development. Here’s why it matters and how correcting these issues can make a lasting impact.