Thrive Lactation Blog Posts

Sarah Schooler, MSN, RN, IBCLC Sarah Schooler, MSN, RN, IBCLC

Breastfeeding Positions & Latch: A Step-by-Step Guide with Fixes for Pain

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.

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Sarah Schooler, MSN, RN, IBCLC Sarah Schooler, MSN, RN, IBCLC

Caring for Cracked Nipples When Breastfeeding: A Guide for New Moms

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.

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

What Is a Letdown? Understanding Your Milk Ejection Reflex

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.

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

Why Do Newborns Lose Weight?

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.

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

Pacifiers & Breastfeeding: Do They Help or Hurt?

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.

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

The First Hour: Why Skin-to-Skin Contact is Crucial for Breastfeeding Success

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.

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

Cold Remedies While Breastfeeding: Safe Options for Moms

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).

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

A Day in the Life of a Breastfeeding Mom

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.

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

Breastfeeding Through Illness: What You Should Know

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.

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

Breastfeeding Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

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.

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

Skin-to-Skin Contact: Why It Matters for Breastfeeding Success

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.

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

Breastfeeding and Navigating SeaWorld with an Infant: A Guide for Moms

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.

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

The Benefits of Correcting a Bad Latch and Oral Function Development

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.

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Jayme Bolander Jayme Bolander

What is Mastitis? Understanding the Condition According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine

Mastitis is a common and often painful condition experienced by breastfeeding mothers. It involves inflammation of the breast tissue, often accompanied by infection. According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), mastitis can cause significant discomfort and disrupt the breastfeeding process, but with early detection and appropriate treatment, most mothers can recover quickly and continue nursing.

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