Becoming an IBCLC is not easy! Many people are surprised to find out that to becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is hard. You need 8 college courses, 6 continuing education courses, 300-1000 clinical hours working with breastfeeding families, a 90 hour professional lactation course, and THEN you can qualify to take a four hour exam. It is a true profession! If …
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All Things Breastfeeding 58: Part 2 Jessica’s Story- Not latching baby!
Caleb not latching? Oh no! We continue Jessica's breastfeeding story. Please don't worry, it has a happy ending! We ended with Jessica in the pit of despair and Caleb not latching. Even with all the support and knowledge that Jessica has, she is ready for the final hoop to become an IBCLC, taking the exam, she really struggles with what her instincts tell her to do to help with a not latching …
All Things Breastfeeding 57: Part 1 Jessica’s 2nd Breastfeeding Story
Jessica's second breastfeeding story is a doozy! When we have our second baby we think, well this has to be easier than the first time. Right? In Jessica's case this was not true! Her breastfeeding story is powerful! Yes, those baby worries weren't there (you rarely worry that you might accidentally kill your second baby like you do your first), you know the signs of a well fed baby, and your …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 43: Jessica’s Working and Breastfeeding Story
Jessica's Working and Breastfeeding Story! We are adding a new type of podcast to our collection beginning with our new intern Jessica! We have been having mothers share their breastfeeding stories but now we want mothers to hear from other mothers about the realities of going back to work while you are breastfeeding. Jessica's working and breastfeeding story is worth the listen as you consider …
All Things Breastfeeding: Jessica’s Breastfeeding Story
This week on the podcast Jessica shares her story! She had a rocky start, but is doing quite well now! We also chat about Jessica's most recent development-preparing for returning to work! Have you heard of the breast crawl? Jessica explained that her baby latched for the first time after doing the breast crawl! How cool is that?! Check out the video …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 91: 15 Years of BFCAA!
The Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor (BFCAA) has been operating for more than 15 years!! To celebrate this milestone Jessica and special guest Barb, the original co-host of the podcast, interviewed Barbara on the journey of starting, building, and growing the Center. From Barbara: "I opened the center in 2008 as a place for all of families' nursing needs. We had weekly support groups, …
Infant Feeding Must-Knows (Recorded presentation)
In December 2024, Jessica led this presentation at the Ann Arbor District Library on "Infant Feeding Must-Knows: Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding Essentials" Description: Whether you plan to breast/chest-feed, bottle feed, or a combination of both, come learn important information from infant feeding experts. This session is designed especially for pregnant and expecting families, but those with …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 86: Emily’s Returning to Work and Breastfeeding Story
In this parent interview episode, we focus on Emily's experience with returning to work and breastfeeding, specifically going back to work after maternity leave, pumping and continuing to breastfeed her baby. She worked as a hospital pharmacist in a fast-paced and high-pressure role, the type of job where taking a "break" to pump meant leaving extra work her team needed to cover. This is a …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 85: Alicia’s Returning to Work, Travel and Breastfeeding Story
We have another parent interview episode! We were thrilled when Alicia reached out to us from across the country to offer to share different parts of her feeding journey with baby Grant, especially factors related to returning to work and breastfeeding. We discussed Grant's week-long nursing strike soon after Alicia returned to work, the intense emotions involved, and what helped resolve that …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 83: The Power of Words and Breastfeeding Success
How important are our communication skills as lactation professionals for our families' success? This episode is all about the power of words as lactation supporters to boost or undermine our nursing families self efficacy. Barbara and Jessica discuss how the social emotional state of breast/chestfeeding families plays a huge role in the postpartum period and whether or not a family will achieve …
Meet the Team
Meet the Team Not your average lactation consultants. Barbara Robertson is the owner of The Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor and knows what it's like to be struggling with breastfeeding. In 2008 Barbara decided to open The Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor so mothers could get their questions answered and problems solved. Barbara has more than 21 years of experience working with mothers …
All Things Breastfeeding Ep 81: Julie’s story resolving ongoing breastfeeding pain
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding should not be painful! Ongoing and significant breastfeeding pain is a sign that something is wrong. Unfortunately, Julie's feeding journey was full of pain for the first few months! She was in a lot of discomfort both while the baby was feeding, later in between feeds and throughout the day as well. It turned out this was from multiple causes. If you are a lactation …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 80: Tara’s Story Pt 2
This is part two of Tara's breastfeeding story! This one got really long, so we made it into two parts. That's what happens when Jessica's best friend is the guest. They just kept going! Tara's original vision was to exclusively breastfeed Evie for at least a year. But as she says, even though these were her "best laid plans," the reality ended up quite different. She struggled with low milk …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 79: Tara’s Story Pt 1
This one got really long, so we made it into two parts! That's what happens when Jessica's best friend is the guest. They just kept going! Tara's original vision was to exclusively breastfeed Evie for at least a year. But as she says, even though these were her "best laid plans," the reality ended up quite different. She struggled with low milk supply, and Evie struggled with feeding at the breast …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 78: Liz’s Breastfeeding and Induced Lactation Story
This one is so special! Liz shares her journey of growing her family via a gestational surrogate, and how she induced lactation to bring in her own milk supply! Jessica hosted, and said "beautiful" and "oh my gosh" more times than you can count throughout this amazing story of strength, support, and love for baby Eve and Liz's family. (Apologies that Liz's microphone was a bit crackly during our …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 77: Plugged Ducts and Mastitis New Protocol
New Mastitis protocol? Yes, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has added a new protocol, #36, the Mastitis Protocol. Actually, it is updated but the ideas in it are so revolutionary, it may as well be new! Dr. Katrina Mitchell was a major force behind these changes. She had noticed in her clinic as a Breastfeeding Medicine Doctor, that parents with recurrent mastitis tended to be …
All Things Breastfeeding 74: Our North Stars
My work is extremely important to me and is a perfect fit for all of my beliefs and my personality. To me, what we do here at the Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor is to help families either become more attached to their babies (hopefully through breastfeeding but sometimes this isn't possible) and also help professionals learn how to best help families. Jessica, my colleague, has joined me …
All Things Breastfeeding 71: Miriam’s Story- Exclusively Pumping
So sorry for the delays in podcasts! COVID has done a real number on me and I have been struggling to get tasks done that are not critical. Jessica and I are committed to recording and releasing more often! Thank you for your patience. Barbara Back in May 2022 I got this email: "I don't expect you to remember, but 2 years ago we corresponded about writing a clinical perspective essay for …
Returning to Work Class for Parents: Feb 17, 2024
Class: Returning to Work and Breastfeeding We are launching a brand new class for parents who are returning to work and heading into the pumping-at-work / bottles-for-baby stage! While the day-to-day looks different for every family, there are some great basics, information and tips, and things to keep in mind that apply to everyone. Plus we'll have lots of time for Q & A. Sign up to reduce …
Breastfeeding Classes: Breastfeeding Basics for Expectant Parents
NEXT DATE TBD - Please reach out to Jessica@bfcaa.com before purchasing Breastfeeding class for parents! As you know, breastfeeding is the very best thing you can do nurture your baby. Learn all the basics in our breastfeeding class to get off to a great start with breastfeeding. Partners are encouraged to attend with the mother. The breastfeeding relationship combines instinct and learned …
All Things Breastfeeding 67: Breastfeeding Book Groups!
Breastfeeding book groups? What on earth do I mean by breastfeeding book groups? So, fall of 2019 I had just finished helping Lisa Marasco with some final edits of her and Diana West' new edition of Making More Milk, 2nd Edition. The holidays were coming and I ordered a copy of the book for each of my interns. I thought to myself, we should read this together as a book group. Let me explain a …
Episode 66: Karen’s Breastfeeding Story
OMG. It has been too long! Karen and I recorded this back in June but due to Covid I haven't been able to get this to move to the top of my list to publish. Thank Jessica for pushing me (in the nicest way) to keep after this and get it done! We love breastfeeding stories. Karen's is very interesting because she is actually part of the health care system herself. She did great with breastfeeding …
Families
You don't have to do this alone - In person and virtual consultations are available Private Consultations Meet 1-on-1 to create a plan of action to help you overcome your breastfeeding challenges. LEARN MORE Classes and Education Take a class with us, virtually or in-person at the Breastfeeding Center of Ann …
All Things Breastfeeding 62: Updated COVID updates
Here are our COVID updates! Barbara accidently published the unedited version of this podcast! Here is the edited version. Sorry! Jessica COVID updates Jessica is at home with her two your children trying not to miss a beat while being a full time parent and having her and her partner continue to work full time. This sadly, is a common theme. Although this is very challenging, Jessica is very …