Want more breastmilk later? Tell your body you want it from the beginning? What do I mean by this? Biologically, it makes no sense that women who get pregnant and give birth struggle with breastmilk production. Literally this would be a bad design from nature and nature is an amazing architect. The normal progression is you get pregnant, you give birth, you make milk. It is the mammal thing to …
All Things Breastfeeding 44: World Health Assembly and Breastfeeding
Why are we talking about the World Health Assembly and breastfeeding? Because world policy sets the priorities for money spent on support. And we all know we can use more breastfeeding support. The New York Times released a story about the news. Here is another story about this. What was the controversy? World Health Assembly and breastfeeding news was all about the USA trying to block other …
How to become an IBCLC
How to Become an IBCLC Note: These are Barbara’s interpretations of the IBLCE website to attempts to try and clarify this process. For more information about our dynamic 95 hour courses which fulfill the "Lactation Specific Eduction", please go here! Want to know more about becoming an IBCLC or our 95 hour professional lactation course, the CCLS? Contact us or email barbara@bfcaa.com for …
New 90 hour lactation course! CCLS- Clinical and Communication Lactation Specialist
What? A new 90 hour lactation course? Yes, a new 90 hour lactation course! Let me tell you about how this came to be. The thing I love most about my work is teaching. Whether I am helping one on one with a family, offering a prenatal course, or working with a group, I am a teacher at heart. When I was twenty-one years old, I literally had an epiphany out in a field in the upper peninsula of …
Could my lactation services or breast pump be covered by insurance?
Could my lactation services or breast pump be covered by insurance? This is such a common concern! Love it or hate it, the Affordable Care Act is great for breastfeeding! Breast pumps are a required benefit but your company could provide you with the best pump available or a simple hand pump. Covering lactation services is also a required benefit but insurance companies are still sorting out …
Why Women Really Quit Breastfeeding
Why Women Really Quit Breastfeeding When we talk about the reasons mothers quit breastfeeding in the early weeks those reasons are pain and worried about having enough breastmilk. However, after about 7 weeks or so, most of these issues have worked themselves out with time or by getting some expert help from an IBCLC. But then comes the next big challenge just as things are getting …
Hospitals Preventing Formula Feeding?
Hospitals preventing formula feeding? Are formula manufacturers just writing these articles themselves now? I have never had a hospital refuse to feed a crying newborn for 6 days. I am not saying this didn't happen, it's possible, but as I have said in the past, my families are having to beat off formula pushing in hospitals, even ones that are Baby Friendly. I have a lot of questions as well. …
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 Episode 42: Breastfeeding Missions
Breastfeeding Missions? What does this mean? I, Barbara Robertson, want to make Breastfeeding Missions a reality! I have always worked on giving back to the community. I have been hosting a weekly, free, breastfeeding support group for over 10 years, volunteer when I can for her local WIC office, and offer a sliding scale for her consultation services for families who need it. I am still a La …
Breastfeeding and Depression: Where is the balance?
Breastfeeding and depression? I just read this article about breastfeeding and depression from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. May 2nd is World Maternal Mental Health Day. I have actually been thinking a lot about this. Where is the line between working really hard to succeed at something and driving yourself crazy? Breastfeeding can be so hard in the beginning. It can feel like all the …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 41: Barbara’s Journey to how to become an IBCLC
How to become an IBCLC? This week Barbara and Barb talk about Barbara's journey to becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)! Some people think because the IBCLC credential is consider part of the health care field that you have to be a nurse. This is not true! Many of the biggest movers and shakers in our field are not RNs. Cathy Watson Genna has a bachelors of …
6 Ways Blogs Make It Hard to Breastfeed: Breastfeeding Miss-information and more!
I just read the blog, 6 Conditions That Can Make It Hard to Breastfeed According to Science. Of course, the word science caught my eye! I love science about breastfeeding! So, what did it say? Here are the conditions they had listed that make breastfeeding hard: 1. Flat or inverted nipples 2. Nipple piercings 3. Postpartum depression 4. Having a c-section 5. Raynard's Phenomenon of the …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 39: Breastfeeding Story: Dawn
As promised, we are back in business and Dawn is going to be sharing her breastfeeding story. Dawn's work with babies has led her down paths she didn't expect. Isn't this often the case? Who knew my own struggles with breastfeeding would lead to a whole career I never imaged? We encourage you to check out some of Dawn's resources that are below. Dawn tells us about her two experiences. With …
Breastfeeding: Helping to level the playing field
Breastfeeding: Helping to level the playing field... What does this mean? Here is one of my favorite quotes to help explain: "Breastfeeding is a natural "safety net" against the worst effects of poverty. If the child survives the first month of life (the most dangerous period of childhood) then for the next four months or so, exclusive breastfeeding goes a long way toward canceling out the …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 40: Breastfeeding Podcast Update
Barb is getting ready to take her IBCLC exam in April and I have been busy doing other things besides creating a breastfeeding podcast! But we are back to making our breastfeeding podcast! I am being joined by my new intern, Jessica, who is going to continue my podcast journey. Don't worry, Barb is not gone! You will see her here and there! We want to be able to deliver our breastfeeding …
Why mothers “fail” at breastfeeding: Unresolved breast feeding pain
How about this for a starting point, "Scientists know more about what's in a tomato than what's in human milk, according to Katie Hinde, a lactation researcher and associate professor at Arizona State University. (And we know twice as much about erectile dysfunction.)" Are you joking? I wish. We haven't even IDENTIFIED all of the ingredients in breast milk. Let alone the nuances for the act …
Is a lip tie real?
Tongue tie, lip tie, oh my! What to do about a possible lip tie? I just finished reading Why Upper Lip-Tie Isn’t a Thing Please don't slam me for this title! I didn't write it! I am also not sure what to think. I googled the author but couldn't find much about her. Her blog seems to be well thought out, well researched, and I do agree that in many areas casing the allusive cause of poor …
Increasing breastmilk?
As an IBCLC,one of the most common reasons mothers come to see me is that they are worried about their rate of breastmilk production. Increasing breastmilk. Notice my terminology. RATE of breastmilk production. All mothers make some breastmilk. However, some definitely make more than others. First of all, if you are struggling with the rate of breastmilk production, or just worried, wondering …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 38: Taking A Prenatal Breastfeeding Class
Breastfeeding class? Why take one? Today's episode is just a quick informational show on the importance of taking a breastfeeding class before you have your baby! A little knowledge can go a long way! Please share this episode with new mamas and friends! Breastfeeding a new baby is natural but not always easy. Some people say breastfeeding a baby was the easiest thing they ever did, some …
All Things Breastfeeding Podcast Episode 37: Breastfeeding and Dentistry
Breastfeeding and dentistry? What do teeth have to do with breastfeeding? This week on the podcast Barbara and Barb discuss breastfeeding and dentistry. Is there any truth to the idea that breastfeeding causes cavities? There was a recent study that found babies who had been breastfed for more than 6 months had more cavities than the babies who were not breastfed for at least 6 months. …
All Things Breastfeeding Podcast Episode 36 : Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression can happen to any women, no matter how much she wanted her baby, no matter what her socioeconomic status. This week on the podcast, Barbara and Barb talk about postpartum depression (PPD). A very common occurrence in many woman after they have a baby, yet not talked about often enough. We were inspired to talk about this subject after doing a podcast with Michelle. She had …
All Things Breastfeeding Podcast Episode 35: Breastfeeding in Public
Breastfeeding in public! This week, Barbara and Barb do a round-up on breastfeeding in public, just in time for the summer. Moms are out and about, and babies still need to eat. We discuss a recent incident where a breastfeeding mother had an employee suggest she might be more comfortable nursing in the bathroom after other customers had been complaining. People don't understand how brave a …
All Things Breastfeeding Podcast Episode 34: Michelle’s Breastfeeding Story
Michelle's Breastfeeding Story! We haven't had a podcast for a while! Michelle's breastfeeding story has many ups and downs! This week on the podcast, Michelle shares the story of breastfeeding her one year old daughter. She comes from a very supportive breastfeeding family who nurse for years, and knew she wanted to breastfeeding as long as baby wanted. There are some cultural differences and …
Breastfeeding: Babies first milestone
I am doing a presentation for Gold Lactation 2017 on April 10th, 2017. Here is a little podcast about what I will be talking about, just a little taste. Enjoy! …