A resource to inspire, inform and empower parents.

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. 

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Learning From Mistakes: 6 Reasons It’s Important To Let Your Kids Struggle


Parents see themselves as their child’s number one protector. They kiss the scrapes and bumps and help chase away any monsters under the bed. However, parents must also allow their children to problem solve on their own and simmer in the struggle. While it can be uncomfortable to see your child frustrate, there’s power in making mistakes. Here are six reasons it’s important to let your kids struggle.

1.   Makes Them Learn How to Cope

The most healthy parent cycles allow children to go out into their environment and try new things. Then, after adventuring, they come back to the parent to show their unique skill or what they learned. Teaching this plays out best when trust levels allow the child to leave their parent’s side to venture a little further on their own. This skill continues into the teen years and beyond. Even college often embraces the cycle of security, allowing the child to go off to college, returning intermittently for support but continuing to foster newfound independence.

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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). 

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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. 

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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. 

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Sage Personal Moisturizer and Lubricant Review and Giveaway!

Vaginal dryness is a real problem and often we are struggling with discomfort that we don’t realize is a result of it. Have you experienced a burning sensation in your vaginal area? Itching? Discomfort during sex? All this over some vaginal dryness? Well, yes. 

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Milkies Breast Milk Jewelry Review

Days can feel like a lifetime as a breastfeeding mom. When things get rough we feel like our babies  will small forever and that we will be breastfeeding until the end of time. But one day you will look back and this will all be over. Your kids will be pulling on your shirt begging for that cool new gadget for their birthday or you’ll try to pick them up and realize that you can’t do it anymore. It might not seem like it now, as you lie here tired, another night of no sleep, sore nipples and secretly yearning for the day they finally wean. It sneaks up on you. 

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You Need Me

By Cydney Damo,

9 months postpartum. This is the real, raw image of my life 9 months into motherhood. No, my body didn’t “bounce back” and that’s ok. I probably eat more carbs than I should. I probably eat more sweets than I should. Most of the time I don’t eat breakfast and then sometimes I don’t eat lunch until 3pm and then eat supper at 7 but that’s ok. Sometimes I scarf my food down while my baby girl is sitting in my lap trying to slap the food out of my hand… and that’s ok. I promise you, despite what social media may tell you.. it’s not all “rainbows and butterflies” babies cry. babies scream. babies want YOU and sometimes ONLY YOU.

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Milk Saver, Milk Saver On-The-Go And Milk Trays by Fairhaven Health

Milkies Milk Saver

The Milkies Milk Saver is designed to be placed on the opposite breast while breastfeeding or pumping. You can simply slip it into your shirt or bra and place your nipple in the hole. When you are finished you can transfer the milk to your favorite storage container to be used later. People are constantly shocked at how much milk they are leaking. I’m talking ounces upon ounces per day! The Milkies Milk Saver fits a little more than 2 ounces of breastmilk in a comfortable and sleek design. It comes with a lid to prevent spills and a stylish portable case. The Milk-Saver has zero chemical leaching and contains no BPA or phthalates, and it’s silicone-free. It’s getting praise around the world from moms and professionals alike for a reason.

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Does Breastfeeding Cause Cavities?

You’ve probably heard it. Breastmilk is sugary and causes cavities, especially at night! So is this really true? Is it really true that your body grew a baby, birthed a baby and then created milk specifically for your baby, but that milk actually rots their teeth?

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