According to the CDC, The National average of cesarean births was 32.1% in 2022. Whether or not you plan to have a C-section, it is important to consider how surgical intervention may affect your breastfeeding journey. Studies show that with proper preparation and assistance you can be successful. So, let’s chat C-sections and breastfeeding. Hormone…
You have done your research and know that to be successful breastfeeding after delivery you and your baby should be together and alert. You plan to deliver without any assistance but what if your baby is in an awkward position? What if your baby becomes distressed during delivery? What if your provider suggests an instrumental…
The classes, videos, and pictures make it all look so easy. Just snuggle close and relax and let your baby do their thing. There is something to be said for kicking back with your baby on your chest and letting them find their way to the nipple. Believe it or not, they were born for…
You’re ready to welcome your baby to this world! You went into labor naturally or had an induction. The contractions are getting more intense. You may have a wonderful doula guiding you through your breaths. Or maybe you knew from the moment those two little pink lines appeared that you would have pain medication in…
Express yourself! So you are ready to express your milk! Whether you want to collect colostrum in the early days, relieve engorgement, or introduce your baby to a bottle, there are many ways to remove milk. You can use a manual hand pump, electric pump, or silicone pump. But one quick and easy way is…
It is the miracle of childbirth! Nature perfectly choreographs every ebb and flow of hormones during labor that leads to the birth of your baby. When given the opportunity, your body can do wonders, so trust it, as it is most beneficial to avoid labor interventions. People often think of labor and delivery as separate…
What is colostrum? Your body begins preparing to feed your baby early in pregnancy. Around 12-18 weeks, your breasts start to produce colostrum. This early milk is highly concentrated, with all the proteins, sugars, fats, and (best of all) antibodies your baby needs in the first few days of life. It is thick and sticky,…
You’ve put in the hard labor and now your bundle of joy has arrived! What’s next? Skin-to-skin is the practice of holding your naked baby on your bare chest. With or without a diaper, but no hat or socks are necessary. This practice is a biological norm for mothering. When you perform skin-to-skin care (SSC),…
You are preparing to deliver your baby, and you plan to breastfeed. What does one have to do with the other? How do events in labor affect your breastfeeding success? This post will be the first in a series discussing labor interventions and their effects on breastfeeding. Disclaimer: We generally like to keep it simple…
Preparing for your hospital stay can be overwhelming. You want the necessities and the comforts of home, but not the kitchen sink. The average woman delivers between 37 and 40 weeks gestation. You should start packing between 32-35 weeks. We have created this simple hospital packing list as a guideline and included links to some…
