A resource to inspire, inform and empower parents.

Ask A Lactation Consultant: Fussy At The Breast

“My 4 month old baby is fussy while nursing. Do you think I’m not making enough milk?”

[Read more…]

Ask A Lactation Consultant: Fat Content In Breast Milk

“My doctor told me that I do not have enough fat in my breastmilk now that my son is 1 year old and that I should give him cow’s milk. Do I really have to do this?” 

[Read more…]

Ask A Lactation Consultant: Vitamin D For A Breastfeeding Baby

“Does my breastfed baby need vitamin D? My pediatrician says I should give my 4-month-old a vitamin D supplement. What should I do?”

The short answer is yes.  However, there is a lot more to it.  Parents sometimes assume that they will need to supplement their baby with additional Vitamin D because human milk is deficient in Vitamin D.  This is usually what they are told.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  The truth is human milk does have Vitamin D, but it is rarely enough for both the parent and the baby.  There are many variables to consider about this as well.  The most efficient way we get Vitamin D is from the sun.  Was your baby born during winter months(not that we recommend having your newborn out in the sun anyway)?  Do you live in a colder climate?  Do you or your baby have darker skin color?  All of these things can affect how much Vitamin D you and your baby are exposed to.  If you are breast/chest feeding and you are deficient in Vitamin D, the chances are good your baby is as well. 

[Read more…]

Breastfeeding and Zoloft

Dr. Samantha Radford is a chemist with expertise in Public Health. She focuses on how mothers and babies are exposed to chemicals, and what the effects of those chemicals are. In addition, Samantha owns Evidence-based Mommy, where she helps mothers and their kids to thrive using science and wellness. Samantha has four children of her own.

Is Zoloft safe for breastfeeding?

Whether you’ve dealt with mental health challenges in the past, or it’s a new experience for you due to postpartum hormone changes, anxiety and depression can be debilitating for a new mom. And while there’s several ways to help with PPA or PPD, one of the most common remedies is to prescribe Zoloft (sertraline). 

[Read more…]

Breastfeeding Journey Of A Micro-Preemie

by Hava Rich

Yesterday was the first time in 97 days I didn’t pump. From the day I had Jameson I’ve pumped every three hours, minus a 5 hour stretch to get a little extra sleep. 

[Read more…]

Who Cries Over Spilled Milk?

By Shalmeka Sweet

I always knew I wanted to breastfeed my child. However, my plans for breastfeeding my daughter were almost derailed after my daughter was born 10 weeks early. I was admitted to the hospital after a routine doctor’s appointment. My prognosis changed daily and I wanted to be ready for the first latch upon her arrival. Being the planner that I am, I immediately called my insurance company to request a breast pump. I’d read pumping can increase milk production for premature births. The insurance company advised me I was eligible for a free breast pump. However, since I had not delivered the baby, they would need a note from the hospital stating my admittance due to prematurity. The hospital provided the letter but it was faced with opposition as they could not fathom my concern with obtaining a breast pump. They submitted the letter to the insurance company while I was a mother in-waiting to possibly deliver my daughter at any moment. After being admitted into the hospital for almost two weeks my daughter was born via emergency c-section due to heart rate irregularity. 

[Read more…]

The Milkies Milker Saver Versus Milk Saver On-The-Go: Which One Is Right For You?

That time you were breastfeeding your newborn and your other leaking breast soaked through your shirt.

[Read more…]

Your Legal Rights As A Working Breastfeeding Parent, And What To Do If Your Rights Are Violated

By Wendy Wisner, IBCLC

The majority of new moms return to work after having a baby—only 34% decide not to return to work, and as many as 1/4 of moms return to work within 2 weeks of having a baby. The reasons moms return to work are usually financial, although some women do so because they genuinely love their jobs. [Read more…]

February Breastfeeding and Pumping Photo Contest!

The Badass Breastfeeding Podcast

The Badass Breastfeeding Podcast is back with a PHOTO CONTEST! The theme is BREASTFEEDING/PUMPING IN PUBLIC! Abby and Dianne, hosts of the podcast, will choose 10 finalists. These 10 photos will be posted on Instagram and Facebook for YOU, the badass community, to vote on. All of the 10 finalists will win a bundle of Badass Breastfeeder gear (My Mom is a Badass Breastfeeder t-shirt, key chain and pack of empowerment cards.) The photo with the most combined Likes will be A GUEST ON THE BADASS BREASTFEEDING PODCAST! Yep, an entire episode featuring you and your story! Let us know below if you’re in! [Read more…]

17 More Days

By Jenny Manos

Jenny Manos pumping at work

17 more days.
17 more days until I reach my goal of nursing my second child for an entire year.
13 more days of pumping at work.
I pumped because I couldn’t afford to stay home the whole time I was nursing. [Read more…]