breastfeeding classes Archives

Apr 19

Sweet Dreams with Owlet Smart Sock 2

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, breastfeeding tips, Recommended Products

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Our friends at Owlet have launched a new product — the Smart Sock 2! One of the most frequently asked questions I get in my breastfeeding classes is, “How can I get more sleep?!” Any Mom with a newborn is going to be short on restful sleep – this new tiny human depends on you for everything. I remember the first few days with my newborn I was so exhausted but couldn’t really sleep even when they were asleep because I was worried about them. “Is he breathing?” “Oh no, it’s been too long let me check on him, etc, etc.” It took so much work to get my baby here, I couldn’t let my guard down now! In comes Owlet Care.

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The Owlet Smart Sock 2 uses pulse oximetry technology to track your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep. If their levels go higher or lower than the preset zones, you are designed to be notified via the owlet base and the app on your phone. As a nurse, I know all about pulse oximetry as I’ve used it frequently to monitor my patients. Owlet is using clinically proven technology to give parents peace of mind that baby is doing great when they are asleep.

Here’s what’s new about Owlet’s updated product the Smart Sock 2.

Design – the smart sock 2 is better fitting, goes on either foot, is hypoallergenic, and designed to grow with baby. The updated fabric sock makes it easier and more intuitive to place the sensor in the right spot for the best readings.
Better Range – the upgraded bluetooth capability has greater range at up to 100 feet between the smart sock and the base.
Mobile App – see baby’s oxygen levels in real-time and with push notifications. The smart sock is also compatible with ‘Connected Care’ (coming this summer!) to allow you to see sleeping trends and historical data of any notifications.

Since parents choose lots of different sleeping arrangements for them and baby, it’s tough to find a product that is useful for all of them. The owlet is great for parents who sleep with their infant in the same room or across the hall! You can learn more about the Owlet Smart Sock 2 here and order one today. For a limited time, you can get a free pair of infant crib moccasins with your purchase!

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Thanks for stopping by,

lins headshot peach top

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Photography in this post by Jessica Kettle

Pros & Cons for Each Breastfeeding Position

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, breastfeeding tips

Hi mamas! I’m Kristin Gourley, IBCLC. I’m a mom to 5 and lactation consultant with Lactation Link. I’m here today to talk about the pros and cons for various breastfeeding positions. Enjoy!

In general, any position is just fine as long as mom is comfortable and baby is able to get....

In many breastfeeding pictures you come across on social media or in other places, you may notice that lots of moms feed in a cradle or cross-cradle position. In fact, many hospital nurses are only familiar with cradle positions! Our in-person and video classes, however, go over many different breastfeeding positions commonly used for breastfeeding. It can be great to have all these different tools in your toolbox for when baby is tired, distracted, you need to rest, your nipples are sore, or baby is having trouble latching.

What are the positions?

Check out our classes for detailed information and video how-to’s, but some great breastfeeding positions are:

Cradle & cross cradle
Football
Laid back / Biological Nurturing
Side lying

As baby gets older and more acrobatic in his nursing, you may notice that you experience some very creative and non-traditional breastfeeding positions! In general, any position is just fine as long as mom is comfortable and baby is able to get all the milk he needs.

Which breastfeeding positions should I use?

The answer to what position you should use is just like the answer to so many breastfeeding questions- it depends! Baby’s age and size, your breast size and shape, the type of birth you had and how you’re recovering, and many other things can influence what position you’ll find most comfortable for you and your baby.

I’m going to go over the most common breastfeeding positions and give some pros and cons to them to help you decide what might be best for you. Remember that sometimes you don’t know if you’ll like it until you try!

Pros & Cons to Breastfeeding Positions

Cradle & cross cradle

The most common positions and your nurse at the hospital is probably familiar with them and can help you adjust some
When latching baby with the cross-cradle, you can help steady his head and bring him gently and quickly to your breast when he opens wide. Sometimes moms can be nervous and this position can help them feel more in control!
Many moms find cradling baby’s head in their forearm/elbow to feel comfortable and natural, and leaves their other arm to do something else (hold a remote or reach for that snack!)
Many nursing pillows are designed for the cradle positions and can help raise baby higher without too much strain from mom, and can help position baby tummy-to-tummy with mom.
When nursing in public, this position covers your postpartum tummy with baby’s body!
Many moms use this position successfully from baby’s birth day until weaning day, no matter how old baby is when that happens!

Breastfeeding Positions: Pros and Cons via lactationlink.com

Cross Cradle hold

Cradle hold

Football

Many moms who had a cesarean birth find this position most comfortable since it doesn’t press baby’s body onto your abdomen.
It is usually able to be used with nursing pillows, especially if you rotate the pillow to your side.
You can steady baby’s head with your hand as you bring him gently and quickly to your breast when he opens wide.
Some moms find baby latches better and seems more cozy in this position since they are so tight against mom and their legs don’t hang at all. If baby is sleepy, though, it might make baby fall right to sleep due to the coziness.
Depending on baby’s size and mom’s breast size, football position can be tricky in public. It’s generally easier to achieve a good latch when you have pillows behind you, which isn’t always possible at a restaurant or the mall!
Usually most compatible with smaller and younger babies.

{Football hold} + {Plum Pretty Sugar Robe}

Laid back / Biological Nurturing

This is a great position for mom to relax or even catch a little nap with her feet up!
Some babies are more comfortable on their tummies, and this position allows baby to be on his tummy.
This is a great position to try when skin to skin.
Baby takes the lead with this position, which can feel strange for mom at first.
It can feel very tricky at first, but remember that practice makes perfect! Some moms find that having an IBCLC help them with this position for the first time to be helpful. Many moms I see have their husbands help them the first few times with this one as they learn how to position baby and their breasts. Other times Mom can sit back and watch baby latch unassisted.
Being laid back can be great for mamas with oversupply or a forceful letdown because gravity helps to slow down the milk flow for baby. Babies who get frustrated by choking on the milk in other positions often like this one.
Can be used with any age or size of baby.
Even if you are primarily using another position, reclining some can make any position more comfortable and prevent painful hunching over baby.

Laid back nursing + {Undercover Mama dress: use code LLINK for 20% off}

Laid back nursing

Side lying

This can be a good position if you’ve had a difficult birth and it’s uncomfortable for you to sit for long periods.
Some moms find this position comes naturally, but some moms need a little help figuring out where to put their arms, breasts, and baby. Having another person help position baby at first can be helpful, too.
This is not the best position for nursing in public since we don’t often have access to a bed or comfy spot to lay down and nurse when not at home.
Of course, this is one of the best positions for mom to take a nap while feeding! Just grab a nursing nightgown and a pillow for your head!
Many moms use this position over the whole course of breastfeeding, no matter baby’s age!

Side lying + {Undercover Mama nursing dress: use code LLINK for 20% off}

Feel free to come back and go over these pros and cons when baby enters a new stage and you need to try something new– babies always keep us on our toes! For more information about how to achieve these positions, check out our Breastfeeding Basics class. If you’re trying a position and it’s just not working, don’t hesitate to try another one and contact us for a consult to give you some personalized support. Remember that the only rule when it comes to breastfeeding positions is that both mom and baby are comfortable and baby is getting what she needs!

Have you signed up for our free email breastfeeding course?

I think you’ll find it really helpful. Click the image below for more info.

Thanks for stopping by,

Kristin Gourley, BS, IBCLC

References

Wilson-Clay, B. & Hoover, K. (2017). Positioning and latch in The Breastfeeding Atlas, 6th ed. Manchaca, Texas: LactNews Press.

Lauwers, J. & Swisher, A. (2011). Getting breastfeeding started in Counseling the nursing mother: A lactation consultant’s guide, 5th ed. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Mar 27

Breastmilk Storage Guidelines

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, breastfeeding tips

Hi mamas, I’m Stephanie Weight Hadfield, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of 4. I’m here to talk about one of our most frequently asked question topics, breastmilk storage. Hope this answers your questions!

Learn these breastmilk storage guidelines to make sure your pumped milk maintains all of its....

Fresh human milk is a dynamic, living substance. It is packed with live immune cells that actively target and kill bacteria, so it takes longer to spoil than pasteurized cow’s milk or formula. This is one of the many reasons why so many mothers choose to pump their breast milk when away from baby. Our Pumping and Storing Breastmilk online class has so many tips to make this easier on mom. In this post, I will discuss the necessary care when handling your precious milk. Learn these breastmilk storage guidelines to make sure your pumped milk maintains all of its wonderful nutritional and immune protecting properties. Here are some easy-to-remember tips:

Breastmilk Storage Guidelines via lactationlink.com

Handling your pumped milk:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds before expressing your milk. (sing the alphabet song in your head to get the timing right)
Store milk in clean glass or plastic containers with tightly fitting lids or heavy duty plastic bags designed for breastmilk storage. Breastmilk storage bags are a space-saving option for freezing milk. Ordinary plastic storage bags are not recommended for breastmilk storage, because they can easily tear and leak. (1)
Clearly label the milk with the date it was expressed, as well as your child’s name if it will be given to a childcare provider. Use the oldest milk in the fridge or freezer first.
Wash bottles and pump parts in hot, soapy water after use. Pump parts and bottles can generally be washed on the top rack of a dishwasher too; check the manufacturer’s instructions on your specific items to be sure. Sterilizing bottles and pump parts is unnecessary for healthy, full-term babies. (2)
Store milk in smaller portion sizes to minimize waste. Storing in 2-ounce amounts and offering additional amounts if the baby is still hungry will prevent having to throw away unfinished milk. Having a few 1 oz portions stored can also be helpful for times that baby is hungry but mama is on her way. (3)

Guidelines for storing your pumped milk:

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers ranges of time that milk can safely be left at for certain temperatures, you can find them here if you want to take a look. I like to recommend a simple rule that fits within these ranges and is easy to recall, even for the most sleep-deprived parents. Just remember 5-5-5.

5 hours at room temperature. If the room is very warm (more than 85 degrees F/29 degrees C), 3-4 hours seems to be a safer time range.

5 days in the fridge (store milk in the back of the refrigerator where the temperature is the coldest.)
5 months in a regular freezer (the separated compartment in a typical fridge/freezer unit) According to the CDC, milk frozen for longer than the recommended time ranges is safe, but may be lower in quality as some of the fats in the milk break down.

Other time ranges that don’t fit as neatly within the 5-5-5 rule, but are still helpful:

Human milk can be stored for 6-12 months in a chest or upright deep freezer.
Human milk can be safely stored with ice packs in insulated storage bags for up to 24 hours.

Milk Thawing and Use

Thawing slow and gently is the best way to preserve the immune properties that protect your baby and prevent milk contamination. An easy option is to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can also hold the container under warm running water or place in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.

Never thaw or heat milk in the microwave. It can destroy many of the milk’s anti-infective factors. The uneven heating of microwaves can also cause hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth or throat even if milk is swirled or shaken afterwards. (4)

Breastmilk storage guidelines via lactationlink.com

Thawed milk can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. The current guidelines for milk storage recommend that thawed milk should not be refrozen. However, in a 2006 study, researchers froze, thawed and then re-froze and re-thawed donor milk and tested batches that were then refrigerated or left at room temperature. None of the batches developed unacceptable bacterial counts or decreased vitamin content compared to a control batch that was only frozen once. (5) This indicates that current recommendations might be more conservative than necessary, and you may want to consider this as you make decisions about using your expressed breastmilk.

Have you taken Lactation Link’s Pumping and Storing Breastmilk video course? It’s packed with helpful information and will answer many questions about pumping and milk storage that you didn’t even know to ask.

Thanks for stopping by,

Stephanie Weight Hadfield, BS, IBCLC
Sources

(1) Garza C, Johnson CA, Harrist R, et al. Effects of methods of collection and storage on nutrients in human milk. Early Human Development 1982;6:295–303

(2) Pittard WB 3rd, Geddes KM, Brown S, et al. Bacterial contamination of human milk: Container type and method of expression. American Journal of Perinatology 1991;81:25–27

(3) Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. (2010) Clinical Protocol Number #8: Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use for Healthy Full Term Infants [PDF-125k]. Princeton Junction, New Jersey: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.

(4) Quan, R., Yang, C., Rubenstein, S., Lewiston, N.J., Sunshine, P., Stevenson, D.K., et al. (1992). Effects of microwave radiation on anti-infective factors in human milk. Pediatrics, 89(4 Pt 1), 667-669.

(5) Rechtman, D. J., Lee, M. L., & Berg, H. (2006) Effect of environmental conditions on unpasteurized donor human milk. Breastfeeding Medicine, 1(1), 24-26.

Mar 16

Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, breastfeeding tips

Hi mamas! I’m Kristin Gourley, IBCLC. I’m a mom to 5 and lactation consultant with Lactation Link. I’m here today to talk about some breastfeeding tips for new moms. Enjoy!

Whether you are a brand new mom or have been a mom for years and have a brand new baby, breastfeeding can seem overwhelming at times! We help new moms and veteran moms every week who.....

Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

Whether you are a brand new mom or have been a mom for years and have a brand new baby, breastfeeding can seem overwhelming at times! We help new moms and veteran moms every week who have questions that they didn’t even know to ask while pregnant. I’m always glad that they asked for help from an expert, instead of relying on what their mom, neighbor, or social media said. I’m going to give my top four breastfeeding tips for new moms today– they’ll help you get off on the right start and know what to do if things get tricky.

These tips mostly are directed towards the time when moms feel most vulnerable: after they are discharged from the hospital. To learn tips for those first hours and days after birth, check out our Breastfeeding Basics video or in-person class!

Top Four Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

Don’t suffer in pain! Some nipple soreness is normal, due to postpartum hormone changes and your breast tissue stretching. This is common the first few weeks. The pain should not last more than 6 0 seconds or be a tow-curling pain. If you have “ouch-ouch-ouch!” pain after the first couple of weeks, notice wounds on your nipples or they come out of baby’s mouth shaped like a brand new lipstick, seek some professional help to make sure that baby is latching well. Keep calm and call an IBCLC!
Breastfeed often! For the first few weeks or even months, new moms might feel like they’re feeding baby all the time. I tell moms that you can’t nurse too often, but you can nurse too little. The first couple of weeks are very important in establishing your milk supply for the whole time you breastfeed. Additionally, baby’s tummy is small and breastmilk is digested quickly. That’s a recipe for frequent feeding! Aim to feed your baby at least 8-12 times in 24 hours; many moms find that they feed even more often than this. Remember that practice makes perfect, so breastfeed often!
The pump is a tool, not a necessity. If you want to pump to have some extra milk in the freezer or if you plan to return to work, you will likely want to get a pump. But that doesn’t mean you need to start using it that first week or two home from the hospital! If baby is latching and breastfeeding is going reasonably well, you may just want to keep it simple rather than introducing the pump right off. Many women think that they should pump due to engorgement but it is generally more effective to hand express when new moms feel engorged. Take it one thing at a time; not every mom needs to introduce the pump right off the bat!
Practice nursing in public, at home. Many moms are very nervous to breastfeed in public! It can seem a little strange to lift your shirt in public for the first time, but remember that baby has to eat and the law is on your side! One way to ease your mind before that first public outing is to practice nursing in front of a mirror. Latch baby on in whatever clothes you are planning to wear and see what shows. You may be surprised how discreet public breastfeeding can be! If you’re uncomfortable showing your postpartum tummy or just want a little coverage, you could use a tank like Undercover Mama (use code LLINK for 20% off!) that you pull down after you pull up your normal shirt. If you’re getting stir crazy at home with your new little one, don’t let the thought of breastfeeding in public be the reason you stay home!

Breastfeeding tips for new moms via lactationlink.com
Hopefully these tips bring you some peace of mind while in the turbulent waters of the newly postpartum period with your tiny baby! If you’re pregnant or you still have questions, definitely check out our Confident Breastfeeding Course, which goes over in detail a myriad of questions, concerns, and ideas for troubleshooting. If you need personalized help, don’t hesitate to reach out for an in-person or e-consult!

Have you signed up for our free email breastfeeding course?

I think you’ll find it really helpful. Click the image below for more info.

Thanks for stopping by,

Kristin Gourley, IBCLC

Feb 09

3 amazing breastfeeding benefits for moms

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support

We see so much in the news, on blogs, and on social media about the benefits of breastfeeding for baby– for good reason, breastfeeding is GREAT for babies! But did you know that research shows that breastfeeding also provides long-term health benefits for moms too? Here are my three top reasons that breastfeeding benefits mom’s health:

3 Amazing Breastfeeding Benefits for Moms

Breastfeeding improves the overall health of women. When a mother breastfeeds, she is reducing her risk of reproductive cancers as well as other common health problems. A great way to decrease your lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is to breastfeed (1). Breastfeeding also reduces your risk of ovarian cancer. The longer you breastfeed, in fact, the greater reduction in your risk. Other health issue risks reduced by breastfeeding are hypertension and heart attack. (2)
Breastfeeding moms get more sleep. It may seem counterintuitive if you’re a tired mama waking often to nurse your little one back to sleep, but it’s true! Multiple studies have found that exclusive breastfeeding moms sleep more hours, are healthier physically, and have more energy than formula feeding mothers. What an amazing breastfeeding benefit that we all need! (3, 3a)
Longer duration before fertility returns, but more thorough return to pre-pregnant state: Did you know that a mom’s uterus returns to its pre-pregnant size much faster if the mom is breastfeeding? Weight loss can vary among breastfeeding moms, but mom’s uterus size going back to normal is definitely influenced by breastfeeding (4). Also, breastfeeding is much more likely to keep your period away after birth. Exclusive breastfeeding–following baby’s lead day and night–can prevent your menstrual cycle from returning for a time and even be used as a reliable form of birth control for up to six months as long as you don’t have any vaginal bleeding in that time period (5). If this sounds like an option for you, you can discuss natural family planning methods with your healthcare provider.

3 amazing breastfeeding benefits for moms via lactationlink.com

Breastfeeding can seem overwhelming sometimes and it’s hard as a mama to be on-call 24/7 for your little one, but reviewing the benefits for not just baby but also for you can be a great motivator when the going gets tough. What breastfeeding benefit has been most impactful for you as a mom? I’d love to hear in the comments.

For more info on breastfeeding benefits for both mom and baby, check out our Confident Breastfeeding Course!

Thanks for stopping by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

References

(1) Newcomb, P.A., Storer, B.E., Longnecker, M.P., et al. (1994). Lactation and a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine. 330:81-87.

(2) Schwarz, E. B., Ray, R. M., Stuebe, A. M., Allison, M. A., Ness, R. B., Freiberg, M. S., & Cauley, J. A. (2009). Duration of Lactation and Risk Factors for Maternal Cardiovascular Disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 113(5), 974–982. http://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.0000346884.67796.ca

(3) Kendall-Tackett, K., Cong, Z., Hale, T.W. (2011). The effect of feeding method on sleep duration, maternal well-being, and postpartum depression. Clinical Lactation 2(2): 22-26.

(3a) Doan, T., Gardiner, A., Gay, C.L., Lee, K.A. (2007). Breastfeeding increases sleep duration of new parents. Journal of perinatal and neonatal nursing 21(3), 200-206.

(4) Negishi, H., Kishida, T., Yamada, H., Hirayama, E., Mikuni, M., Fujimoto, S. (1999). Changes in uterine size after vaginal delivery and cesarean section determined by vaginal sonography in the puerperium. Archives of gynecology and obstetrics 263(1-2), pp. 13-16.

(5) Riordan, J. & Wambach, K. (2010). Fertility, sexuality, and contraception during lactation. In Breastfeeding and human lactation (4th ed., p. 705-736). Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Bartick, M.C., Schwarz, E.B., Green, B.D., Jegier, B.J., Reinhold, A.G., Colaizy, T.T., Bogen, D.L., Schaefer, A.J., and Steube, A.M. (2016). Suboptimal Breastfeeding in the United States: Maternal and Pediatric Health Outcomes and Costs. Maternal and Child Nutrition, doi: 10.1111/mcn.12366. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mcn.12366/full.

Dec 21

Do I need a breastmilk freezer stash?

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, breastfeeding tips, Uncategorized

{Simple Wishes Supermom Bra} Use code LLINK for 20% off!

Hi mamas! I’m Kristin Gourley, an IBCLC and mome of 5. I’m here to answer some concerns about breastmilk freezer stashes. Enjoy!

If you spend any time on an internet breastfeeding support group, you’ll see at least a few mentions of a breastmilk freezer stash. If you aren’t familiar with the term, it’s a way some moms refer to the bags, sometimes hundreds of ounces, of breastmilk in their freezer.

There are lots of ways women end up with freezer stashes, but are they necessary? Do you need a freezer stash of any size to be successful at meeting your breastfeeding goals?

Having your breastmilk available in the freezer at all times is not a necessity to be successful at breastfeeding—but many families have circumstances that make it very convenient to pull milk out from the freezer to feed baby.

Common reasons moms might consider a freezer stash:

You are returning to work.
You have a premature or sick baby.
You pump more than your baby needs when you’re at work.
You want a date night or vacation away from baby.

If you don’t foresee yourself leaving your baby for more than an hour or two, you may not need a freezer stash at all! Many mothers, throughout the world and for millennia, have successfully and exclusively breastfed their children without pumping or storing a single ounce. Watching your baby’s feeding cues and bringing baby to breast whenever he or she wants is the best way to meet your breastfeeding goals, but we are glad we have pumps now to provide more options for moms!

There are lots of ways women end up with freezer stashes, but are they necessary? Do you need a freezer stash of any size to be successful at meeting your breastfeeding goals?

If you have more questions about pumping or storing milk, like how to get the most milk in a pumping session or how long your milk can be stored in the fridge or freezer before going bad, check out our Pumping and Storing video class. It has everything you need to know to pump and store your milk!

Thanks for stopping by,

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Kristin Gourley, IBCLC

Oct 14

When should I wean?

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, breastfeeding tips, Classes

toddler breastfeeding

When to wean?

When questioned about when to wean from breastfeeding, I like to point parents to the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on breastfeeding when answering this question. The AAP recommends all infants be exclusively breastfed until 6 months and then adding complementary foods. They recommend to continue breastfeeding until a year, or as long as it is mutually desired by mother and child. Worldwide ages of weaning range from a few months to a few years.

When's the right time to wean your baby from breastfeeding? I refer parents to...

Personal choice

Like I discuss in my Breastfeeding Basics 102 class, most babies will not self-wean until 18 months old or older. It’s important when making this decision that you remember the benefits of breastfeeding do not end at a certain age. Your milk continues to supply your child with antibodies, anti-allergens, growth factors and anti-viruses throughout the breastfeeding relationship. Some research shows that when breastfeeding for over a year, you milk has “significantly increased fat and energy contents” to benefit your child’s nutrition. When it comes to weaning, it’s really up to you and your baby!

What affected your decision to wean? Share in the comments.

I’ve created a free e-mail course to help you get breastfeeding started on the right foot! Click the image below for more info.

Thanks for stopping by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Source:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16140689

Oct 12

What supplement can I take to increase milk supply?

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, breastfeeding tips, Classes, Home/Hospital Visits

Increase supply with hand expression.

Many times on my Instagram forum and on other online mother forums, I see moms who ask how to increase supply and many other moms suggest breastfeeding supplements. This is what I want to address today. I’ve had a post about milk supply before and you might have noticed that I did not mention any breastfeeding supplements.

What are these breastfeeding supplements?

Let’s talk a little bit about these breastfeeding supplements. In the research literature, they are known as galactagogues or a substance that increases milk supply. Some breastfeeding supplements that I have seen suggested are fenugreek, fennel, blessed thistle, Gatorade, brewers yeast, beer and water (in copious amounts). For most breastfeeding or pumping moms, galactagogues are not necessary to keep up a normal or necessary milk supply. I try to base my classes and advice on evidence-based information and there is simply not enough research on galactagogues (breastfeeding supplements) for me to give a solid recommendation.

What does help increase milk supply?

What I do suggest to moms who need to increase their milk supply is to encourage baby to feed frequently and increase frequency of breast stimulation. If the mom is pumping, I also suggest using hands-on pumping and hand expression to help increase supply. Remember that milk is made by asking for milk. And we ask for milk by breastfeeding or expressing through pumping or hand expression.

Final notes

In most cases galactogogues will not hurt you, but make sure to consult with your healthcare provider when introducing any herbs or supplements in conjunction with any medications you are already on.

I know that there are many women who have had success with galactagogues and I think that’s great! But without frequent breast stimulation, milk supply will not increase in most cases. If you feel like your supply needs a boost and frequent breast stimulation has not helped, you would probably benefit from a one-on-one consult with an IBCLC. I love helping moms with in-person consults and eConsults. In my video classes I discuss various ways to encourage a healthy supply like hand expression and hands-on pumping, in-depth. What helped encourage a healthy milk supply for you? Share in the comments.

I’ve created a free e-mail course to help you get breastfeeding started on the right foot! Click the image below for more info.

Thanks for stopping by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Oct 08

Tips for breastfeeding in a carrier from a babywearing educator

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, breastfeeding tips, Classes, Features, motherhood

woman breasfeeding her child using a carrier

We are excited to have Laura Brown, a certified babywearing educator with Ergobaby with us today! To celebrate International Babywearing Week, she will be sharing her tips with us on how to breastfeed while wearing your baby in a carrier. Thanks for sharing with us Laura!

Breastfeeding in a carrier made simple with these tips from a baby wearing expert!

Make sure you having breastfeeding upright down before trying out in your carrier. You can either lie back, have baby gently straddling you, or even practice side lying and breastfeeding to get your latch down.
Know your carrier and its features well, as well as how to put it on comfortably on your own so you feel confident before attempting breastfeeding in it. Most carriers also have hoods you can use if you if baby is distracted or you’d like some additional privacy.
Practice! Practice at home or another environment where you feel comfortable before trying out and about. Try latching baby on before baby is crying and upset, when baby is content and curious. Move and sway if you need to.
Dress in a way that makes it easy for access to the breast. Crossover tops and nursing tanks work well, or the “two shirt method” where you layer one top over another so you can lift the top one up and bottom one down (like an envelope).
You will likely need to lower your carrier and possibly being breast up to meet baby. Practice lifting the edge of your buckles to release slack and drop baby down a few inches. If you still feel your breast is too low, you can put a rolled up washcloth under your breast, or you may want to try a soft cup bra rather than drop cup nursing bra which will give you a few inches of boost.
Keep in mind the younger baby is, the more you may have to help guide until they have complete head and neck control. Don’t forget to lift baby back up and retighten your carrier once you’ve finished.

Laura Brown is a Certified Babywearing Educator with Ergobaby, posptartum doula, and the founder of BabywearingLA. She currently teaches classes and consults in Los Angeles.

The carrier seen here is the Ergobaby Adapt, a new carrier that allows you to use from birth without an insert! The dress is Harper & Bay’s Raglan dress, which has side zippers to open for nursing!

How has breastfeeding while babywearing helped you? What has been your experience? Share in the comments.

I’ve created a free e-mail course to help you get breastfeeding started on the right foot! Click the image below for more info.

Thanks for stopping by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Mar 08

Testimonial Tuesday – Why you need a Lactation Consultant

By Lindsey Shipley | Breastfeeding, Classes

This last week, I read one of the most impactful testimonials I’ve received to date. I wanted to share it with you because I think it illustrates my vision for Lactation Link and our classes. I want to be able to empower women to reach their own goals! Each breastfeeding class and consultation, I ask the Moms what their goals are. I don’t want to make those choices for you, I want to support and empower you so you have options! Being educated and supported is a great way to tap into your maternal instinct.

“Lindsey, this is Kassy. I was a client of yours about a year ago. It’s come time that our little boy is no longer nursing. As I was putting away nursing tops, nursing bras, and everything else associated with it, I couldn’t help but get emotional. It’s been an amazing experience 100% breast feeding my son and when I mean 100% I’m not exaggerating. I wanted it to work with my second as it wasn’t as smooth with our first and it made me feel like the biggest failure. It bothered me to the point I questioned having more children, very silly, I know! I don’t know if you understand the part you played in that. You were a major part in me being able to nurse him and for that I will be eternally thankful!! I just couldn’t end this journey without thanking you for the major role you played in our happiness as a family and mine as a mother. You were a true blessing in our lives!”

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I love to hear from you! Email me your reviews for the video breastfeeding classes, come meet me in an in-person class (upcoming UT & Seattle dates), or ask a question on instagram.

I’ve created a free e-mail course to help you get breastfeeding started on the right foot! Click the image below for more info.

Thanks for coming by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

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Testimonial Tuesday – Why you need a Lactation Consultant

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