Breastfeeding

Open Wide: How to get a baby to open wide when latching. Updated 9/17/23 I feel like I have to wait for my baby to cry before I try to latch, what can I do? This is a common question! We have learned a lot of exciting things about the reflexive and learned behaviors of…

Problematic policies around infant feeding have caused ongoing issues for many people for a long time, often those with the least resources. Recent events, however, have brought everyone’s attention to our dependence on a system that does more to support formula companies than the people who rely on formula to feed their babies, or those…

Featuring Guest Author Angel Mattes, Doula and Lactation Educator at Collective Strength Doula Services You may have heard the public outcry about breastfeeding and the Trump administration after The New York Times article that was published over the weekend. Evidently, a resolution was introduced at the World Health Assembly in Geneva in the “protection, promotion and support…

Guest Author: Mary Jozwiak, IBCLC A breast pump allows you to express your milk for supplemental feedings and to stock breastmilk for your baby when you are away. Breast pumps can also be used to relieve engorgement, and are sometimes recommended for stimulating the breast to produce more milk when the baby is not providing…

Nursing “Gear” Updated 11/17/20 If you’ve got a baby on the way, you are likely contributing to our economy with lots of ‘consumer activity’ aka ‘shopping’.   If you’re hoping to save some resources for, say, college, or maybe even to support your breastfeeding goals with the right professional support (like a postpartum doula or lactation…

Updated 11/17/20 We encourage you to reach out to us or another Lactation Consultant if you experience any of the following situations: Your newborn is feeding less than 8 times in 24 hours, or more than 12 times in 24 hours. Your newborn takes more than 45 minutes to feed and/or does not seem satisfied…

Updated 11/17/20 Be honest.  Sometimes we just don’t love the things we think we will love about being a mom-at least not all the time. In my work supporting women through the childbearing year, I believe that much of what we struggle with comes down to our expectations.  A long labor feels difficult because we…

It’s been a few days since you’ve given birth and you’re not exactly sure what day it is today. You’re acclimating to all kinds of new sensations:  feeling a little lighter, a little bit or very sore, and you have been getting accustomed to nursing your baby. If you’re like most new mothers, you’re probably…

My baby is exclusively breastfed, but I’d like her to take a bottle so that my partner and I can go out once in while. What bottle would be best for my otherwise breastfed baby? – Jayne M., Chicago Breastfeeding is very much an “infant-led” process. Baby tells us when she is hungry by giving…