Early Days/Latching

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be a problem for both mom and baby. Boosting levels when pregnant and lactating ensures that baby avoids associated illness and developmental delays. Certain populations, like vegans and those who have had weight loss surgery, are at high risk for a B12 deficiency.

Vitamin D supplements are important for breastfed babies now that people routinely protect themselves and their infants from the damaging rays of the sun. Deficient levels of Vitamin D can cause the childhood disease Rickets, which is a softening and weakening of the bones. Children with this affliction may have bowed legs, stunted growth, and bone pain.

Keep in mind the 3 rules of breastfeeding when early efforts get derailed by special circumstances.

When a breastfeeding newborn develops a 10% weight loss, parents need help figuring out if baby can safely continue to exclusively breastfeed.

Why is Triple Feeding necessary, how can it be accomplished, when can we stop, and what are 10 hacks to make it easier?

The two main hormones of lactation, prolactin and oxytocin, play important roles in helping to make and deliver milk. There are also maternal benefits to having these hormones released at every feeding, and some of them may surprise you!

Nipple shields are like training wheels on a bike. When used with guidance from a lactation consultant, they can be a very useful tool that sometimes help save the breastfeeding relationship! Just make sure you know how to protect your milk supply when using this device.

For moms who have to pump to bring in their milk for a NICU baby, collecting only drops at first, is normal, but can be discouraging. For a boost, try adding hand expression to your routine!