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 …
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Were you ready for breastfeeding? Our breastfeeding check list could have helped!
How do you know you are ready for breastfeeding? Would a breastfeeding check list have helped? What do we mean by "breastfeeding check list"? While we don't have a lot of research on many aspects of breastfeeding one thing that has been studied is what factors seem to lead to families to being able to meet their breastfeeding goals. Here are some things on our breastfeeding check list that …
All Things Breastfeeding 50: You’re being set up for breast feeding failure
Breast feeding failure? Most women in the USA want to breastfeed yet many of these women don't reach their breastfeeding goals which is often defined as "breast feeding failure". In some states, as many as 90% or more of families initiate breastfeeding. These states tend to be on the east and west coasts of our country. The lowest number of mothers who start out breastfeeding is Mississippi which …
Nursing Bras: Are You Comfortable?
Nursing bras that fit!!! I am so excited because I just received my first order from Cake. These are nursing bras in sizes that are hard to find! I have made it part of my mission to have nursing bras that fit almost any mother that walks through our door. Why am I so passionate about this? Let me tell you about how this came to be. My story (FYI TMI, don't read if you are interested!): When I …
Nipple Shield Survey: For Parents, For Professionals
Nipple Shields The history of using nipple shields goes back in modern history for quite a long time. The debate about if they should be used, how they should be used, and why they should be used has caused many disagreements in our field. The research on nipple shields is limited. The purpose of these surveys is to get a sense of how and why nipple shields are actually be used by families and …
Quality in a Lactation Course?
Quality in a lactation course? What does that mean? First of all we have to look at what is the purpose of education in the first place. Then ask how can an instructor structure the educational content to make the time spent on it as valuable as possible. What is the purpose of education? Why do we bother with learning? In general, the purpose is to help facilitate positive behavior change. If …
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 …
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 …
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 Episode 33: What’s In The Numbers?
What's in the numbers? This week on the podcast we talk about numbers! Birth weights, how accurate they might be, comparing one scales weight to another, and all the variables to take into consideration when looking at numbers. Sometimes the scales might not be calibrated properly. What if the baby was weighed with a full belly and full of poop? The next weight might have your baby starving and …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 32: Breastfeeding Support Groups
Are breastfeeding support groups right for you? This week on the podcast, Barbara and Barb chat all things breastfeeding support groups. Why are they helpful and who might benefit from a breastfeeding support group? Many people feel that a "support group" is old fashioned or if you need to go to one, it is a sign of weakness. Far from it! Gathering with a group of like minded people feels …
Breastfeeding support: Top 5 secrets
Breastfeeding can be really hard, especially in the beginning. According to the CDC, over 80% of mothers in the US begin breastfeeding but by 6 months we are down to only 50% of mothers doing any breastfeeding at all. What is going on? We do have many barriers that impact breastfeeding numbers here. There is family pressure not to breastfeed, poor support in the hospital, …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 28: Birthing and Breastfeeding
This week on the podcast Barbara and Barb discuss birthing and breastfeeding. How does birth affect breastfeeding? Does the birth experience matter? We tackle these questions and more! Show Notes: March of Dimes-39 week induction ACOG guidelines on induction Listen to Jennifer Canvassar's episode as mentioned in the show! Suzanne Colson Womb to World In The …
Overcoming the odds
This is the title of our latest podcast. However, it could be the title of so many people's breastfeeding stories. But why does it take "overcoming the odds" to achieve something that is the essence of being a mammal? One of the biggest obstacles to breastfeeding, IMO, is the birth. I know it was for me and my first baby. You can listen to my 1st breastfeeding story to hear all about that …
What do Mothers really need for breastfeeding success?
I have been thinking about this question a lot. Not only am I an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), but I do professional training in lactation skills, and I mentor interns who want to become IBCLCs. Jamie Oliver has gotten in a lot of hot water for supporting breastfeeding recently. Because of his personal experiences with his wife, he thought it was pretty easy to …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 18: Tips For Engorgement
This week on the podcast we share quick tips for engorgement. Although completely normal after birth when colostrum is transitioning to mature milk, it can be painful to deal with. Let us help you. Great listen for pregnant mamas! Resource of the week: Kelly Mom information on engorgement Getting off the to best start with breastfeeding podcast episode Visit our Working and …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 12: What Do You Really Need for Breastfeeding?
The breastfeeding market is exploding! There are so many products available and so this week on the podcast Barbara and Barb discuss what you really need for breastfeeding? Do you really need anything at all? Barb's favorite breastfeeding products: 1. A good breastfeeding pillow. Barb Loves the My Brest Friend Pillow. 2. Breast pads 3. Nipple cream. We really love Mother Love …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 11: How To Become an IBCLC
This week on the podcast, Barbara and Barb take on the topic of how to become and IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). If you are an aspiring lactation consultant or think it may be something you are interested in, this show will be very helpful for you. Show Notes: If you are interested in becoming and IBCLC, visit the IBLCE website for …
Size matters! In breastfeeding?
Does it really? Get your mind out of the gutter! We are talking about breastfeeding. And yes! Surprisingly, size does matter in many ways for breastfeeding. Here are five examples. 1. Birth weight. A little baby makes a big difference! One of my girlfriends had a 6 pound baby the first time and an almost 9 pound baby the second time. She was astonished at the difference in her two, baby …
All Things Breastfeeding Episode 8: Tongue Tie with Dr. Alison Hazelbaker
This week on the podcast Barbara and Barb speak with expert Dr. Alison Hazelbaker about tongue tie. Dr. Hazelbaker's original research on tongue-tie, done in 1993, has changed clinical practice both in the USA and abroad. We discuss the new thoughts on tongue tie and treatment options. Visit Dr. Alison Hazelbaker's website to learn more about her work and practice in Columbus, …
What is education? (And what does this have to do with breastfeeding?)
I was called to be a teacher a long time ago. One summer day, I was with my sister Up North in a field near a place we visited every year. I was sharing some information about the wildflowers that I had learned. We were both having a great time. My much younger sister was feeling empowered and important. I was feeling like I was guiding her to a stronger place of knowledge and self-esteem. This …