#holidaygatherings #thanksgiving #christmas #hannukah Tips for Handling the Holiday Noseys How long do you plan on breastfeeding? Why don't you just pump and bottlefeed? Doesn't it feel weird? I didn't breastfeed and my kids are fine... In many cases, gatherings with friends and family are (sadly) synonymous with breastfeeding intrusiveness. When what you really want to hear is "How are you doing, mama?" what many inquiring minds seem to care about is how your baby eats. The irony here is that the commentary can come from both camps: from those who are "pro" breastfeeding, and from those w ..read more

But first: Imagine that we are having coffee, and you ask me what I do to support my neurodiverse and Autistic clients. That is the context I share the information below... The goal of this post is to help the underserved niche of women, girls and female-identifying Autistics seeking birth and healthcare support. This blog is not written to alienate other identifications, and is written with the intention to elevate acceptance of female and female-identifying Autistics. Disclaimer I am writing this blog from the perspective of a neurodiverse woman, who is the proud parent to a bright, talen ..read more

Maybe you’ve weighed out the benefits of social-distancing, maybe your area doesn’t have a lactation consulting resource close to you, maybe a video-consult seems less overwhelming, maybe you need quicker answers? Whatever your reason for seeking virtual health-support, we want to make sure you make the best of your time with your providers. While this is a breastfeeding-specific blog, these tips may help you also think thru how to make the best of your time with other birth-providers. TIPS 1. If the consult will involve your child or baby, see if you can have an extra set of hands for vid ..read more

What’s best? Video-health vs in-person lactation support, in the context of a pandemic? Our best answer is: You decide. On a good day, welcoming a new baby in to the world is full of emotions...and welcoming a baby during a pandemic is full of all the same emotions a few (ok, a lot) of added questions. Because brand new parents today have more to think about than any other time in recent history, it’s important that they be provided with complete information in order to do their own “benefit vs risk” assessment about all of their options in seeking care for their little ones. ​​••• Becau ..read more

By Dawna Mangrum, IBCLC, RLC ​ I was recently asked “what’s your favorite thing about being an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant ”. I have to admit, I was initially thrown off by the question. My immediate thought... All of it, duh! But...a singular favorite thing? Hmmm….well….. I do talk about tongue ties and oral restrictions a lot due to personal experiences. In fact, those experiences are largely what inspired me to become an #IBCLC. I’m also passionate about the disparities in care and ways to increase access to comprehensive lactation support. And there's the fact ..read more

Maybe you’ve weighed out the benefits of social-distancing, maybe your area doesn’t have a lactation consulting resource close to you, maybe a video-consult seems less overwhelming, maybe you need quicker answers? Whatever your reason for seeking virtual health-support, we want to make sure you make the best of your time with your providers. While this is a breastfeeding-specific blog, these tips may help you also think thru how to make the best of your time with other birth-providers. TIPS 1. If the consult will involve your child or baby, see if you can have an extra set of hands for vid ..read more

What’s best? Video-health vs in-person lactation support, in the context of a pandemic? Our best answer is: You decide. On a good day, welcoming a new baby in to the world is full of emotions...and welcoming a baby during a pandemic is full of all the same emotions a few (ok, a lot) of added questions. Because brand new parents today have more to think about than any other time in recent history, it’s important that they be provided with complete information in order to do their own “benefit vs risk” assessment about all of their options in seeking care for their little ones. ​​••• Becau ..read more

By Dawna Mangrum, IBCLC, RLC ​ I was recently asked “what’s your favorite thing about being an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant ”. I have to admit, I was initially thrown off by the question. My immediate thought... All of it, duh! But...a singular favorite thing? Hmmm….well….. I do talk about tongue ties and oral restrictions a lot due to personal experiences. In fact, those experiences are largely what inspired me to become an #IBCLC. I’m also passionate about the disparities in care and ways to increase access to comprehensive lactation support. And there's the fa ..read more