Breast milk is often referred to as "liquid gold" due to its exceptional nutritional composition and numerous health benefits for infants. However, there are situations where a mother may be unable to breastfeed her child. In such cases, donor human milk offers a remarkable alternative that can provide vital nourishment and support optimal growth and development. The World Health Organization, Health Canada, and the Canadian Pediatric Society recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months, with continued breastfeeding in addition to solid foods for at least 2 years. In this blog post, we wi ..read more

Breast milk is considered the gold standard of nutrition for infants. Its composition is a marvel of nature, perfectly tailored to meet a baby's evolving nutritional needs. Within this liquid gold, there are two distinct components known as foremilk and hindmilk, each playing a crucial role in nourishing and supporting a growing baby. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of foremilk and hindmilk to understand their differences and significance. Foremilk: The Starter Fuel Foremilk is the breast milk produced at the beginning of a breastfeeding session. It is thinner and ..read more

Breast pumps are a valuable tool for breastfeeding mothers, allowing them to provide the important benefits of breast milk to their babies when they are separated, or when a support person shares in the feeding journey. To maximize the efficiency and comfort of pumping, it is crucial to use the correct-sized breast shield. I often find pumping mothers using breast shields that are too big causing tissue damage and decreased milk output. I have even found moms inadvertently using 2 different sized shields at the same time without even realizing it! In this blog post, we will discuss the import ..read more

Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo mother care, involves placing a newborn on the mother's or father's bare chest. This practice has numerous benefits for both the baby and the parent. Skin-to-skin contact can also take place any time a baby needs comforting or calming and can help boost a mother’s milk supply. Here are some of the key benefits of skin-to-skin contact: Regulates body temperature Newborn babies have difficulty regulating their body temperature, and skin-to-skin contact can help stabilize their body temperature. The parent's body provides warmth to the baby, whic ..read more

Balancing the demands of motherhood and a career is a challenge faced by many women around the world in the workforce. For new mothers who choose to breastfeed their infants, the transition back to work can be particularly daunting. However, with the right support and accommodations, employers can empower working moms to continue breastfeeding successfully. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of breastfeeding support in the workplace and discuss practical strategies for creating breastfeeding-friendly and pumping-friendly environments. Breastfeeding offers countless benefits for ..read more

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, but it can sometimes come with challenges. Sore nipples are a common issue that many breastfeeding mothers face. Fortunately, there are effective ways to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. In this blog post, we will explore seven tried-and-true methods to treat sore nipples, allowing you to continue your breastfeeding journey with greater comfort and ease. Correct Latch and Positioning One of the leading causes of sore or damaged nipples is an improper latch. To prevent nipple damage, ensure that your baby is latching a ..read more

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural experience for many new mothers, but it can sometimes come with challenges. One such challenge is the development of milk blisters, also known as milk blebs or nipple blisters. These small, painful lesions on the nipple can make breastfeeding uncomfortable and even lead to complications like mastitis if not addressed properly. In this blog post, we will discuss what milk blisters are, their causes, and most importantly, effective strategies to treat and prevent them. Understanding Milk Blisters Milk blisters are tiny, raised, white or yellowish spots t ..read more

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, and it plays a crucial role in the process of lactation, or milk production, during breastfeeding. When a baby is born, the mother's body undergoes several changes to prepare for breastfeeding, and prolactin is one of the key hormones that drive these changes. Prolactin is primarily responsible for stimulating milk production in the mammary glands. It does this by binding to receptors in the breast tissue, which triggers the synthesis of milk components such as lactose, lipids, and proteins. The amount of prolactin in the mo ..read more

Mastitis is a common condition that affects breastfeeding mothers, characterized by inflammation and infection in the breast tissue. It can cause pain, swelling, redness, and fever, and if left untreated, can lead to breast abscess. Mothers may also notice a decrease in their milk production when experiencing symptoms along the mastitis spectrum which has been updated to include breast engorgement. Here are some strategies for treating and managing the mastitis spectrum : Rest and Self-care Rest and self-care are crucial for treating mastitis. It's so important to listen to your body and rest ..read more

Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural, and effective way to provide optimal nutrition to your baby. However, one of the most common concerns that new mothers have is whether their baby is getting enough milk during a feeding. Since breast milk is not measured like formula, it can be difficult to know if your baby had enough to eat. Fortunately, there are several signs that can help you determine if your baby had enough to eat after breastfeeding. Weight gain One of the most reliable ways to determine if your baby is getting enough milk is by tracking their weight gain. A healthy, full-term ne ..read more