Expert: Danielle Downs, IBCLC Expecting and new parents sometimes feel like magnets for unsolicited advice. A trip to the grocery store or a walk to the mailbox can turn into a lesson in feeding, diapering, or the all-sacred infant sleep schedule. Since every family has its own tips, tricks, and childrearing culture, new parents are often stuck between conventions and traditions. While all of this advice is typically well-meaning, it’s frequently conflicting, and more importantly, it isn’t always accurate.  I know all of this information can be confusing and overwhelming. As an intern ..read more

Please note that some products listed are linked to affiliate websites and we may collect a small commission on your purchase. In 2022, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its updated policy on breastfeeding, which included a call to state and federal governments and business leaders to offer more support to parents who choose to breastfeed. In a surprising turn of events, people in power listened, and the PUMP Act was passed in December 2022, providing more protections for pumping parents and requiring employers to accommodate them better. The Centers for Disease Control and ..read more

Expert Sources: Sara Chana, IBCLC, RH (AHG); Nicole Peluso, IBCLC TABLE OF CONTENTS When Is the Right Time To Wean? Communicate What’s Happening   Option 1: Parent-Led Weaning Option 2: Child-Led Weaning Tips for Stopping Breastmilk Production and Managing Pain Whether you’ve loved every minute of it, slowly came to enjoy it, or simply powered through it, at some point breastfeeding will come to an end. Knowing when and how to begin the weaning process is not necessarily intuitive, but with a little planning and patience, you and your baby will find new ways to nu ..read more

By Ashley Ziegler Back in June, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a statement saying they were increasing their recommended breastfeeding time from one year to two years (or more), while also alerting the masses that lactating parents are in desperate need of more support. While some policy-makers and corporate leaders might have brushed off the AAP’s statement as soapbox rhetoric, it’s going to be much harder for them to continue to ignore the situation now—because real-life parents have weighed in on the issue. And, as it turns out, their cries for help directly align wit ..read more

By Ashley Ziegler It’s long been the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommendation that parents or caregivers who are able to breastfeed their children do so, as the health and developmental benefits of this practice are far-reaching. While this remains the official stance of the AAP, on June 27, 2022, the organization published a news release that announced an update to their existing breastfeeding policy report, and it’s being applauded by breastfeeding parents everywhere. Now, in addition to recommending breastfeeding, in general, the AAP is also advocating for increased support for ..read more

Pregnant women and new mothers sometimes feel like magnets for unsolicited advice. A trip to the grocery store or a walk to the mailbox can turn into a lesson in feeding, diapering or the all-sacred infant sleep schedule. Since every family has its own tips, tricks and culture of parenting, new moms are often stuck between conventions and traditions. Fortunately, there is good science to support many of those new-mommy instincts and relieve moms of the stress of restrictive old wives’ tales. Learn the truth behind these misconceptions and go forth to nurse your baby confidently and successful ..read more

Breastfeeding in itself is a home run of accomplishment. Breastfeeding twins and beyond is a whole other ballgame. If you’re expecting a handful of babies, chances are you have questions: How do I do this? How do I keep up with milk supply needs? How do I create a feeding schedule? Barbara Carr, MD, neonatologist and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group of Kansas, took on all of our questions and concerns to help fellow moms of breastfed babies feel more informed and confident for the task at hand. Read on for her expert insight. 1| Does a mother make more milk upfront when she has bir ..read more

Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally. Many breastfeeding mothers will tell you that the first days are the hardest: You and your baby are both learning, and your body is adapting to its new demands. Establishing beneficial habits and developing a schedule early on will encourage triumphant nursing in the months to come. Successful breastfeeding begins in the delivery room. Some mothers choose to have their infants placed directly on their chests at birth, beginning the bonding process and the skin-to-skin contact that can lead to better breastfeeding. Others pref ..read more

Like so many parts of parenthood, whether or not a nursing mom can or should drink is seemingly always up for discussion and attracts a bevy of opinions. Depending on who you ask, moms should either practice pumping and dumping to air on the side of caution, or they shouldn’t be too worried and feel free to continue with regular feedings. But what does science say? And is there always a concrete answer? We asked Jennifer Ritchie, IBCLC, author of The Smart Parents Guide to Breastfeeding, to help make sense of all the heated hearsay. Is there a safe amount of alcohol for breastfeeding? Moms ..read more

Nursing may be the most natural thing a woman can do (aside from give birth), but that doesn’t mean it’s without the help of a few friends. For ultimate success in your breastfeeding journey, enlist these hardworking, practical pieces to arm you with confidence and determination. Comfort: New moms know maternity leave isn’t all cat naps and cuddles, but because your clothing may have you looking like a professional lounger, why not spice it up a bit with an option that prizes form as well as function? The Luxe Body Lace Wireless Nursing Bra isn’t only comfortable, but it’s one-hand nursing cl ..read more