Lactating parents often ask, “when should I pump?” My reply? “What is the purpose of your pump session?” aka “why are you pumping?” Often they look at me puzzled. In general, we should know why we are doing something before we do it, especially when it comes to hooking a machine up to our bodies. I happen to also be a firm believer in setting realistic expectations along with this “why.” Pump to Protect the Milk Supply Each milk supply requires a certain number of breast stimulations (nursing or pumping) per 24 hours to maintain a steady volume of output, often working on a 3-5 day lag from th ..read more

Vacuum Highest comfortable suction, not highest tolerable suction. Pain is not normal. More vacuum does not mean more milk. Flange Fit Best drain, most comfortable, nipple not rubbing. Try changing sizes, try using a pumping lubricant (store bought or olive oil or coconut oil). Length Of Time 10-30 minutes 3-5 minutes past last drops, but no longer than 30 minutes (unless milk is still flowing). Frequency  8-12 times a day for the first 6 weeks 6-10 times a day. Six if you are pumping large volume, twelve if you are trying to make more milk. Cycling/Speed Stimulate (fas ..read more

Breast pain can be totally nothing or it can be a serious infection. Let’s figure out what’s going on with you. Breast pain is any pain that you feel in your breast tissue, as opposed to your areola or nipple. Breast pain falls into two main categories: pain accompanied by visible symptoms and pain without visible symptoms.   When you can see or feel a troublesome spot and you feel breast pain, there are a few potential issues to consider: Engorgement: Shortly after your milk comes in, around three to four days postpartum, you may notice both of your breasts become very firm and te ..read more

What is a nipple, areola, breast? Chances are you have never been this up close and personal with your breasts in such a non-romantic way. Welp, there is no time like the present to get all up in your own business to figure out exactly what might be causing you pain. Breast Pain When we say “breast pain,” we are talking about the breast itself, not the nipple. This includes tissue that goes all the way up into your armpit.  You were doing self breast exams prior to having your baby (right??), so you know how to get in there and really feel all that meaty tissue in your boobs. Hopef ..read more

Our focus here is pain that is concentrated in your areola and/or nipple, with or without accompanying breast pain. Nipple pain is one of the primary reasons women quit breastfeeding, so let’s ease this pain ASAP by figuring out what is normal, what isn’t, and how to fix problems that arise.  Normal In the first few days of breastfeeding: It is very common to have discomfort with breastfeeding that you may describe as “tender or sore” for the first ten days of breastfeeding. After seven to ten days, your nipples should be getting better, not worse. When the baby first latches on, take a ..read more

As COVID-19 vaccines become available to the public, many people are making the decision on whether or not to receive a vaccine while breastfeeding. The following list is a compilation of the most recent recommendations and guidelines from major health organizations related to COVID-19 vaccines in lactating individuals. It is recommended that lactating individuals review the guidelines and recommendations as well as discuss questions and concerns with their personal healthcare provider. CDC Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists Infant Ris ..read more

When you began your breastfeeding journey, you entered the arena. The moment your baby was born, you felt the depths of vulnerability. “Vulnerability: The emotion we experience during times of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” — Brene Brown, Dare to Lead Balanced Breastfeeding is a community of women in the arena. We feel the deep dark depths of vulnerability over a sustained and prolonged period of time through intense physical pain, exhaustion, and emotional turmoil. It is highly likely this is the most “awake and alive” we have ever been or ever will be. It takes great courage to ..read more

Oftentimes, you feel a lot of feelings when you are a new parent. You feel a lot more feels a lot more deeply. I think it has to do with the fact that your heart grew an entirely new section. It’s bigger, so it hurts more. But wait, before we proceed, we need to clarify something. There are feelings, and then there are feelings with coating of judgment slathered on. Sometimes it is a thin coat, sometimes it is a heaping pile, but feelings with judgment have an extra stink to them. Another way to think of it is a reasonable feeling wrapped up in an irrational feeling. What causes the ir ..read more

(when the baby is latching directly onto the breast with or without a nipple shield). At Balanced Breastfeeding, if you are lactating, you are breastfeeding. Since breastfeeding can include pumping your milk or directly latching, we use the term nursing when speaking about direct latching.  If you haven’t read The Breastfeeding Rules, check those out too. Nursing must be comfortable and effective. Breastfeeding must be comfortable. It is common for your nipples to feel sensitive, tender, chapped, or sore for the first 10 days of breastfeeding.​ Around 10 days your nipples should be ge ..read more

Below are guidelines for the storage of milk for healthy, term babies. If you have a baby with special needs, please discuss this with your baby’s doctor in the intensive care until. Most likely, you will simply need to lean on the lower end of the storage parameters, such as three hours at room temperature and three days in the refrigerator. Remember most people can follow The Rule of 6’s 6 hours at room temperature 6 days in the fridge 6 months in the freezer (12 months if it is a deep chest freezer) The CDC recommends a 4 hour rule for fresh milk and 4 days for refrigerated milk, while th ..read more