Milk Matters

Working at a Baby-Friendly designated hospital, we "do" breastfeeding support well. However, it is not unusual to care for a mother who wishes to formula feed exclusively. She is well informed and this is her choice. Here are the 6 things we do to make sure the dyad receives the best possible care.

If you've been working with breastfeeding families for any amount of time, you've probably been asked, "When can I start pumping so my partner can give a bottle at night?"   I've heard the thought of not sleeping through the night described as, "not do-able," "terrible," and "a disaster."  Family me...

1. Carry a Copy of the TSA Guidelines

Print out and carry a copy of the official TSA Guidelines on Traveling with Breast Milk. TSA Guidelines

2. TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule

Understanding the basic TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule is helpful. This rule means that 1 person is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag co...

A colleague and I were recently discussing the things that would be on our “wish-list” if we could build the lactation program of our dreams in a hospital setting. Let’s see – excellent staffing with IBCLCs available to each mother every day, all nursing and providers having received lactation train...

The Clinical Guidelines on Infant Feeding for Individuals with HIV in the United States were updated in January 2023. The guidelines now incorporate breastfeeding options for people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy with sustained undetectable viral load levels in the blood.

Link to new Clinical G...

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, which in and of it...

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 PIDE...

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 challenges, like poor...

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 getting the place ...

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 safe to keep...

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 the locks on the doors and win...