A resource to inspire, inform and empower parents.

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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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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Confronting Medical Professionals About Bad Breastfeeding Advice

There is really nothing that gets me more annoyed than a medical professional giving out misinformation about breastfeeding. Unless they have gone through specific lactation training then they do not have the information needed to advise you about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not a part of medical curriculum; that round they did through labor and delivery or the anatomy class does not count. Our doctors, pharmacists and dentists are an important part of our lives, but they are not to be used for breastfeeding guidance.

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Lopsided Breastfeeding Breasts and Shitty Titties

I got an email last week from a Badass who needed help. She said that her baby prefers one breast over the other and that her breasts have become lopsided. As a result of baby breastfeeding more one side, that breast mow makes more milk. Her other breast, as she calls her “shitty titty” makes less milk and is smaller in size.

Asymmetry in the body is very normal. Hold up your thumbs; they’re different aren’t they? Most breastfeeders make different amounts of milk in each breast. We just don’t usually notice! If your baby prefers one side over the other then you might notice more.

You can try the football hold or lying down to help your baby become more comfortable nursing from the other side. But don’t worry, your breasts will even out as your breastfeed longer or when you wean. And there is no problem with breastfeeding your baby more from one side.

For more of this candid and hilarious conversation listen to this week’s episode of The Badass Breastfeeding Podcast!

Vitamin D and Iron Supplements For Breastfeeding Babies

There’s nothing scarier than thinking your baby isn’t getting the nutrients that they need. As adults we take vitamins all the time because we are told we are deficient. Does this mean our breastfeeding babies are too? Were you told to give Vitamin D or Iron to your baby?

The information out there right now is confusing, contradictory and misleading. Your breastmilk is enough. Period. Know that. Your breastmilk has everything your baby needs and it’s absorbed much better from your breastmilk than in any other form.

Vitamin D is low in breastmilk, but that’s because most of us are deficient. It’s not a problem with your breastmilk. The option here is to supplement your baby or yourself. Supplementing yourself is a win-win!

Let’s talk about this more! Click here to hear the full conversation!

Milk Supply Myths That Hurt Breastfeeding

I am always amazed at all the myths that still circulate about breastfeeding. At first glance they seem like an annoyance, but in reality they actually ruin breastfeeding relationships. When we do not have the correct information about what’s going on with our bodies and our babies we cannot possibly reach our breastfeeding goals!

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Ask an Expert: Is doing a smoothie cleanse safe while breastfeeding?

by Wendy Wisner, IBCLC

Fan Question:

“Can you do the 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse while breastfeeding?  Thanks in advance!” [Read more…]

Ask an Expert: Is My Baby Weaning?

by Wendy Wisner, IBCLC

Fan Question:

“My bubba is 18 weeks old and I think he’s weaning off the boob . He feeds fine during the night, even comfort feeds but during the days it’s becoming increasingly impossible to get anything into him, he feeds for 5 mins (if that) then he’s off and he’s crying at me and doesn’t want to take anymore from me. I’m at such a loss. Do I need to start giving him formula? Do I need to start giving him food?” [Read more…]

Ask an Expert: The Return of Your Period

By Robin Kaplan, IBCLC

Fan Question;

“Is it normal to start your period 4.5 months into breastfeeding my twins? Does it mean my milk will dry up? Any ideas.” [Read more…]

Perseverance Through Breastfeeding Struggles

by Kimberly

My daughter and I had a very rough start to breastfeeding.  I knew very little about it, besides I wanted to bf.  When she was born, she didn’t latch on like everyone said she would/should.  I had nurses grabbing my breast and shoving it into my daughters mouth (upsetting us both).  Then I was told she had trouble latching because I had flat nipples.  I had never heard of flat nipples but I was suddenly very ashamed of my body.  I felt disgusting and like a failure.  [Read more…]