Blog

A nipple shield (NS) is a thin silicone nipple-shaped device that is placed over a mother’s nipple-areola prior to baby latching on to breastfeed. Documented use of nipple shields dates back to the 16^th century. Apparently breastfeeding challenges have been around for a long time,...

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third must abundant solid component in human milk behind #1-lactose and #2-lipids (fats). So far scientists have identified more than 200 of them in human milk. I use the acronym, PIDEN Seal, as a way to remember what HMOs do. This works for me because...

Let’s face it- breastfeeding can be a challenge!  From the early days of just getting started, to future challenges such as growth spurts, teething and weaning, there are multiple times when breastfeeding mothers may need support.  For some mothers, there are even more daunting...

This blog presents 10 breastfeeding milestones, starting with a term baby arriving home from the hospital.

1. Primary care provider (PCP) follow-up after the hospital stay

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a health supervision visit within 48 to 72 hours after discharge from the...

The history of laid-back breastfeeding - aka - biological nurturing position

It has been suggested that it takes about ten years for research findings to make their way to the bedside.   With that being said, laid-back breastfeeding, (aka biological nurturing position) is finally...

My daughter’s best friend, who lives in Salt Lake City, recently texted me that she was sick with Covid and wondered if she should stop breastfeeding her 3-month-old. My niece, who lives in upstate New York, recently called when she was diagnosed with a bad GI bug and wondered if it was...

By Michelle Visser, LMHC, CEIS

“You just had a baby a week ago, it’s okay to rest,” my friend said.

“No need, I have so much energy! I’ve done all of the laundry, prepped meals for the week, and wrote thank-you cards for all of the gifts. I still need to check all of...

There are times when newborns struggle to latch, or families face other challenges which cause an interruption to breastfeeding in the early days. When this happens, supplemental feedings often become necessary. The question is, what is the best way to deliver that supplement so as not to break...

Colostrum is the first form of human milk, being present from about 16 weeks' gestation to several days after birth. The color of colostrum can vary - pale yellow, yellow, light orange, deep gold, clear. The color is due to beta-carotene, a product of Vitamin A.

Primips (women giving birth for...

Antenatal milk expression (AME) refers to the practice of hand expression, collection and storage of human milk during pregnancy starting around 36 weeks’ gestation. The colostrum is used after the birth of the baby. This practice is increasing in popularity and has been found to be safe to...