It is a well known fact that breastfeeding suppresses a woman’s fertility in the early months after giving birth. However, many women do not feel comfortable relying on breastfeeding as a form of birth control or natural family planning because they have been told it is unreliable, or perhaps because they know someone who became pregnant while breastfeeding. As a Certified Lactation Educator, I can tell you breastfeeding alone is not fool-proof. Many women mistake breastfeeding with the Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM). How…
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As many mothers know, breastfeeding is natural but it doesn’t always come so naturally. My mom and two older sisters didn’t breastfeed so I prepared myself by reading a few books and taking a…
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Breastfeeding Motherhood Parenting Postpartum
Demystifying Co-Sleeping & Bedsharing: Dispelling Myths & Safety Precautions
I wanted to write about the importance of safe co-sleeping and bed-sharing and also dispel any myths associated with it. Many families either believe it is unsafe or don’t fully understand its benefits and…
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Women’s bodies have an incredible ability to make babies and breast milk. As a Lactation Educator and Counselor, I am often asked about ways to help increase breast milk supply. Herbs, like other plants…
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Breastfeeding Childbirth Motherhood Postpartum Pregnancy
Essential Nutrients for Conception, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Beyond
Eating a well-rounded and wholesome diet is particularly important before, during, and after pregnancy. Since I’m currently pregnant with our second baby, I am especially mindful of eating nourishing, holistic and delicious foods throughout…
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After overcoming many breastfeeding challenges with my older son, I became a Lactation Educator and Counselor to help support other mothers and babies on their breastfeeding journeys. In addition to my formal training, I learned a lot…
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Every breastfeeding mama should know how to hand or manually express breast milk. Some advantages to hand or manual expression include: Some mechanical breast pumps can cause discomfort and/or are ineffective. Many mothers are more…
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I personally had a heck of a time with recurrent plugged ducts after the birth of my older son. Through my professional training as a Lactation Educator and Counselor and experimenting with different approaches,…
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I am so honored for the opportunity to interview internationally recognized award-winning painter and mother Katie m. Berggren. You may be familiar with her beautiful paintings or perhaps you are discovering her here for the…
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In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week I wanted to share why I became a Certified Lactation Educator Counselor (CLEC), what it entails and provide information to those who are interested in pursuing this path. I believe…