Achieving a successful latch—whether at the breast or with a bottle—requires patience, practice, and sometimes professional support. Remember that both you and your baby are learning together. By recognizing early feeding cues, finding comfortable positions, engaging natural reflexes, and supporting baby-led feeding, you create the optimal conditions for latching success that benefits both of you. The time invested in learning proper feeding techniques yields returns far beyond efficient nutrition—it establishes the foundation for physical comfort, emotional wellbeing, and a positive feeding relationship that will serve both you and your baby throughout your feeding journey. 

When introducing bottles to your breastfed baby, selecting the right nipple shape can make all the difference between successful feeds and frustrating struggles. As a lactation consultant with specialized training in oral function and bottle feeding, I've learned that nipple design significantly impacts how well babies transfer milk as well as  their ability to bounce between breast and bottle. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the confusing world of bottle nipples to find the perfect match for your little one.

When it comes to nourishing your little one, bottle feeding requires thoughtful consideration beyond simply filling a bottle with breastmilk. As a lactation consultant working with many families and having completed specialized education in oral function and bottle feeding techniques, I've observed patterns that lead to successful feeding relationships. This guide explores evidence-based practices to help you navigate bottle feeding with confidence.

The Perifit (Simone) Pump makes a solid first impression with its quiet operation and smart features. I love that they’ve put thought into flange sizes and sterilization guidance, but the large size, heavy weight, and high cost of replacement parts are factors to consider.

After just one treatment, you’ll notice a dramatic difference: no more cloudy residue, just crystal-clear pump parts ready for use. Even if your parts aren’t fully dry, the clarity is noticeable right away, ensuring they look as good as new.

By incorporating this simple cleaning method into your routine, you can keep your breast pump parts spotless and in top condition, even in hard water areas. Try it out and see the difference for yourself!

I made the following graphic to aid in every family’s journey with their little one with minimum weight gain goals. Grab your printable PDF here or by clicking on the graphic below.

Saline soaks have long been a popular method for soothing and healing damaged nipples, especially for those who are breastfeeding or pumping. This simple technique involves submerging your nipples in a warm saline solution to reduce swelling and inflammation and promote healing.

Epsom salt soaks have become a popular social media home remedy for breastfeeding and pumping mothers experiencing clogged ducts or milk blebs. These salt-water soaks help soften the skin, reduce swelling, and promote milk flow. However, while they may provide temporary relief for some, there's ongoing debate about their effectiveness and potential risks.

The nipple is the portion we are most focused on when dialing in flange sizing. The nipple is the tip of the breast (think cherry on a sunday) and the nipple is where the milk ducts all end allowing milk to exit the body. So far each nipple has been roughly estimated to have around 10 milk ducts to allow for milk transportation.

Do ya boobs hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? Does your band ride up your back? Do your shoulders drop the straps? If so you need a better bra and thankfully there’s a simple way to find out just what you need! This blog will cover everything from how your bras should fit to how to calculate your bra size and so much more.

No “over the shoulder boulder holder” should be allowed to leave your breast clinging to a flange for dear life; it's far too simple to figure out your proper bra size.

Many moms face this scary situation, often hearing, "My milk dried up overnight!" The good news? It's often preventable, and in many cases, recoverable. Here's what you need to know. Whether you’re exclusively pumping or combo breastfeeding (pumping and nursing) adequate breast stimulation is critical to maintain your milk supply.

“When can I drop my night pumping?” is one of the top common questions plaguing pumping parents. This often leads to moms rushing into a minimal pumping schedule that ends up with a dramatic drop in their milk supply. When that happens they are sitting in front of me scratching their heads trying to figure out where it all went wrong.

Danger! Breast Pump Nose Suction Hack: What You Need to Know

New to the washing game? Master the routine with these tips: Always wash hands & use clean supplies. Wash pump parts daily with hot water & dedicated breastmilk soap (not dish soap!). Scrub all surfaces & nooks to avoid bacteria. Air dry on a rack or use a fan. Skip sterilizing unless advised by your doctor. Boil new items safely with indirect heat (pour boiling water) to prevent warping.

Don't let precious breastmilk go to waste! Learn the latest storage hacks for optimal hygiene & freshness. Wash hands & pump parts before handling, use dry storage containers, rotate milk (oldest first!), ensure fridge/freezer seals are intact, thaw in a clean bowl, & consider freeze flats for space saving. Master these easy tips for stress-free breastmilk storage! #breastfeeding #breastmilkstorage #momhacks

Haunted by bad IBCLC experiences? You're not alone! Author shares painful journey through unprofessional consultants, highlighting the need for qualified help. One true professional shines, restoring faith in IBCLCs & proving their crucial role in successful breastfeeding. Don't let one bad experience deter you! #breastfeeding #IBCLC #momlife #secondchances

Ditch unreliable advice! New moms deserve evidence-based support, not TikTok trends. Stop sharing fads (cheesecake for supply?!) and point moms to qualified professionals: IBCLCs for feeding support, doctors for health concerns. A true village supports with gift of professionals, not quick fixes. Let's prioritize baby's health & empower moms! #breastfeeding #momhacks #professionalsnotfads