Flying With Breast Milk During the Holidays: What Parents Need to Know Before Traveling
What Parents Need to Know Before Traveling Within the United States Holiday travel with a baby—or while pumping—can feel overwhelming. Add airport security, carry-ons, and questions about breast milk rules, and it’s easy to feel anxious before you even leave home. The good news? Breast milk is protected under TSA guidelines, and parents have more rights and flexibility than many realize. Whether you’re flying with your baby, pumping while away, or traveling solo and bringing milk home, here’s everything you need to know to fly confidently this holiday season. Breast Milk Is Allowed Through TSA Security When traveling within the United States, breast milk is permitted through TSA security checkpoints, even in quantities greater than the standard 3.4 oz liquid limit. ✔️ There is no limit to how much breast milk you can bring✔️ You do not need to be traveling with your child to carry breast milk✔️ Fresh, frozen, and partially frozen milk are all allowed This applies to breast milk, formula, and toddler milk. Breast Pumps Are Considered Medical Equipment Breast pumps and pumping supplies are classified as medical devices. ✔️ They do not count toward your carry-on limit✔️ You are allowed a separate pump bag✔️ Pump parts, tubing, and accessories can travel with you This protection helps ensure parents can maintain their feeding and pumping routines while traveling. How Breast Milk Is Screened at Security Most liquids go through X-ray screening, but breast milk may be screened separately if you request it. You can ask TSA officers to:• Inspect milk visually• Test milk containers without opening them• Use alternative screening methods 💡 Tip: Let the TSA officer know right away that you are traveling with breast milk to help the process move smoothly. Keeping Breast Milk Cold While Flying To keep milk safely stored during travel, TSA allows the following: ✔️ Ice packs✔️ Freezer packs✔️ Gel packs If these items are not fully frozen, they may require additional screening—but they are still permitted. What About Dry Ice? Dry ice is allowed, but airline approval is required. Each airline has its own policies, so check ahead before packing. You Do NOT Need Your Baby With You This is one of the most common misconceptions.You do not need to be traveling with your baby to carry breast milk through security. This means pumping parents traveling for work, holidays, or family visits can bring milk home safely. Helpful Tips for Holiday Travel With Breast Milk ✨ Arrive early to allow extra time at security✨ Pack milk separately for easy inspection✨ Label containers clearly✨ Bring extra storage bags and wipes✨ Know your airline’s pumping and storage policies Preparation can make a huge difference in reducing stress. Final Thoughts Traveling with breast milk—especially during the busy holiday season—doesn’t have to be stressful. Knowing your rights and planning ahead helps you move through the airport with confidence and peace of mind. At Lactation Station & More, we’re proud to be your trusted partners in perinatal care and breastfeeding support in Summerville, SC. Whether you’re preparing for travel, navigating pumping, or troubleshooting feeding challenges, we’re here to support you every step of the way. ✈️🎄 Have a safe and uneventful flight, and happy holidays from our family to yours! 💜 FlyingWithBreastMilk #BreastfeedingTravel #PumpingOnTheGo #TravelingParents #BreastfeedingSupport #LactationSupport #NewParentTravel #HolidayTravelWithBaby #BreastfeedingEducation #PumpingMomLife #BreastmilkStorage #TSAParents #TravelTipsForParents #PerinatalCare #SummervilleMoms #LowcountryFamilies #LactationStationAndMore #ParentEducation #ConfidentParenting #HolisticParenting
Oral Dysfunction Series: Navigating the Controversy Around TOTs (Tethered Oral Tissues)
Understanding who to trust, what to look for, and how to move forward with confidence. When a new parent hears terms like tongue tie, lip tie, or buccal tie, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. One provider may say, “Yes, absolutely!” while another dismisses it entirely. Suddenly, you’re left wondering: Who is right? Who should I trust? Does my baby really need treatment—or nothing at all? This uncertainty—paired with strong opinions from all sides—is exactly what makes Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) one of the most controversial topics in infant feeding and oral development today. This guide will help you understand the debate, recognize true oral dysfunction, and take informed, confident next steps for your baby. Why Are TOTs So Controversial? 1. There Is No Single Diagnostic Standard Different providers use different tools, philosophies, and training backgrounds. Some focus heavily on appearance, while others assess oral function. Because there is no universal diagnostic protocol, parents often receive conflicting answers. 2. Over-Diagnosis AND Under-Diagnosis Are Both Real Some professionals label almost every visible frenulum as a “tie,” while others ignore functional restrictions entirely—even when they affect feeding, breathing, or oral development. The truth sits somewhere in the middle. 3. A Frenectomy Alone Isn’t a Magic Fix A release (also called a frenectomy) addresses the restriction—but not the oral dysfunction. Without addressing muscle patterns, tension, and feeding skills, many babies experience only temporary or minimal improvement. 4. Training Levels Vary Dramatically Anyone can claim knowledge about TOTs, but true infant oral-motor expertise requires advanced, hands-on education, especially in feeding and functional movement patterns. How Can a Parent Navigate This Confusion? 1. Look at the Whole Baby—Not Just the Frenulum The real question you should be asking is: “Is my baby’s oral function restricted, and how is it affecting feeding, breathing, and development?” Appearance alone does not determine whether a tie is functionally significant. 2. Start With a Skilled Feeding Professional A specialized IBCLC should always be your first step. At Lactation Station & More, our team has advanced training in oral dysfunction and TOT-related feeding challenges.While we cannot diagnose ties, we can: This ensures you are not pushed toward unnecessary procedures—or left without help when one is truly needed. 3. Seek Collaborative, Multi-Disciplinary Opinions High-quality oral-function assessments often include: This team approach ensures structure, function, tension patterns, and feeding skills are all evaluated together. 4. Ask These Key Questions When Choosing a Provider Use this checklist to protect your baby and ensure thorough evaluation: These answers reveal a provider’s philosophy and depth of knowledge quickly. When Is a Frenectomy Truly Needed? A release may be appropriate when: A frenectomy should never be the first step—but it is sometimes the right step. Your Next Steps: A Clear, Parent-Friendly Roadmap Step 1: Book an Advanced Feeding & Oral Function Assessment We evaluate latch, oral movement, tension, coordination, and feeding—giving you a clear, customized plan. Step 2: Begin Conservative Measures This often includes: Step 3: Connect With Trusted Bodyworkers Tension frequently contributes to oral dysfunction. Addressing it improves outcomes dramatically. Step 4: If Needed, See an Airway-Aware Provider We guide you to dentists and ENTs who understand both structure and function—not just appearance. Step 5: Build a Thoughtful Post-Release Plan A procedure without aftercare rarely leads to long-term improvement. We ensure your baby has support every step of the way. Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone TOTs are real—and they can affect feeding.But not every baby needs a frenectomy, and not every provider has the training to evaluate function properly. At Lactation Station & More, we offer: Your baby deserves support rooted in evidence, experience, and empathy.And you deserve clarity, not confusion. 💜 Need help navigating a possible tongue tie or feeding concern? Book an Advanced Oral Function & Feeding Assessment today.We’re here to support you—every step of the way. #BreastfeedingSupport #InfantFeedingJourney #TongueTieAwareness #LipTieSupport #TOTsEducation #OralFunctionMatters #IBCLC #LactationConsultant #SummervilleMoms #LowcountryMoms #MomSupport #NewMomLife #ParentingSupport #FeedingTips #BabyFeedingHelp #OralDysfunction #LactationStationAndMore #MotheringTheMother #FrenectomyInfo #BreastfeedingStruggles #NewbornCare #PerinatalSupport #HolisticFeedingSupport #LowcountryBabies #EvidenceBasedFeeding
IBCLC VS LC: What’s the Difference?
Historically, women would look to their mom, sister, aunt, friend or grandma for support through pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and child rearing. Since formula made its debut in the mid to late 1800s, less and less women have been breastfeeding. By the 1970’s only 1 in 5 women were attempting to breastfeed. Sadly, those who did breastfeed were outcast by their peers and doctors. These mothers would hide their parenting style as if it were a “bad” thing to do. Finally, a feminist group in Chicago, Illinois noticed the need to support mothers who wish to breastfeed in 1956. The seven founders began private meetings for mother to mother support, open to anyone who wished for breastfeeding information. This group is still in existence today and is called La Leche League; named after a Spanish lactating shrine in Florida. These women pioneered a movement to teach “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding “at a time where you couldn’t turn to your doctor, family or friends. They affiliate with medical professionals who provide breastfeeding advice for the trickier problems. La Leche League has grown into an international organization, whose primary focus is to share information and encouragement while building confidence in new mothers who want to breastfeed. Albeit hoping this would eventually bring generations back full circle. So, if we have La Leche League, Breastfeeding USA, Nursing Mothers Advisory Counsel, online groups, breastfeeding cafes and various other free monthly meetings for women in need of breastfeeding support, why then should someone pay for private help? Remember the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”, well the same can be said for raising a mother. She will always benefit from complementary support. Seek out your tribe well before delivery if possible and embrace the different mentoring styles. There is a myriad of ways to learn and you will find which classification you fit in. It is a benefit to go to support group meetings. They are free, informal and many lifetime friendships are formed, for you and your children. Not to mention how gratifying it is that someday you will be the confident mom who gives the breastfeeding advice to a newbie. Every now and again, you may need a one on one clinical team for more intricate problems. See below to help navigate the labyrinth to professional lactation support. Unfortunately, in today’s world of hormonal imbalances it is not always a simple ride through pregnancy, birth and beyond so it’s not surprising that some moms and babies may need a more experienced voice. For example; if you have a thyroid problem wouldn’t you want an endocrinologist on your team? Choosing whom to reach out to can feel overwhelming and expensive, consequently making you want to stop breastfeeding instead (which is another expense). Since formula companies would have you believe that human milk and their products are equal, why bother to breastfeed? Sure, we know it’s healthier for babies, but as I pointed out, many generations have not had any human milk and survived. Or did they? To what expense? Before I review the assorted differences in education and experience amongst those with breastfeeding credentials, I want to be clear that they all have the same goals in mind: to give accurate information to the best of their knowledge at the time. I’ve broken these experts down into groups, for ease. If there is a specific credential you are looking for and you aren’t seeing it, I’m sure it’s in one of these categories. Reach out to me for more detailed info. As I said in the beginning, women have been helping women navigate parenthood through experience, since humans roamed the earth. When breastfeeding became “unfashionable” in the 1860’s and women stopped breastfeeding, the techniques that had been passed on for generations fell by the wayside. Since the 1980’s, the limelight has been shed on breastfeeding once again. Public health experts across the world have agreed to educate women about the necessity to use human milk for human babies for healthier generations to come. History does repeat itself, although this time women were unable to look through the lineage of their ancestors for support, thus creating a new way to share the “art” of breastfeeding. Forming generations of curious women who want to help each other with limited experience compelled a new subject in education. Today, with the countless pathways a person chooses to gain education in lactation, a mother will have no problem finding someone to help her pilot her breastfeeding journey. From an experienced stranger online to a friend or family member with some confidence we are on the road back to ancient times. Credentials will tell you the extent of the persons education, not the experience unless he/she is an IBCLC. Only this credential has education and experience. When reaching out for help, ask for the training and background of that person. Would you want someone who finished an online course in endocrinology but has never examined a patient before? Credentials matter when you and your baby are struggling. Remember it takes a village! If you’d like to become a lactation expert, reach out to me and I will help guide you. Happy parenting!
So, You’ve Decided to Exclusively Pump
So, you’ve decided to exclusively pump because you know that it is healthiest for you and baby. Exclusive pumping means the mother has decided to put her breastmilk into a bottle and feed it to her baby, exclusively. For one reason or another, she decided not to put the baby to the breast for his feedings. Exclusively pumping or “eping”, is a full-time commitment and takes good planning. For some moms, this is not how she pictured breastfeeding to happen and pumping is her last resort after many days/weeks of trying to latch her baby properly. For other moms, this is a choice and she always imagined herself only pumping and bottle-feeding breastmilk. Or maybe the choice was made for the mom, for example, her or the baby have been very ill, and they are not together. No matter what the reason is that you are “eping”, you are a selfless mother looking to do what’s best for your baby. With good proper planning (when possible), solid tools for success and keeping in contact with an expert, this technique can be a victory. 17 Amazing Tips because You Decided to Exclusively Pump Invest in a hospital-grade rental pump if you plan to do this for more than the first 3 months. This is not the “free or upgraded” pump from your insurance or WIC, nor is it the pump you see in a store on a shelf. These pumps are usually available as a rental from a durable medical equipment pharmacy, a lactation consultant or online. Only Ameda and Medela have this level of quality. Rental prices run between $65 and $100 per month, depending on where you get it. You may be able to buy a used one on ebay for a few hundred dollars. Think of this as an investment, you won’t need to buy formula. Regular pumps are meant to use 2-4 times per day for a mom going back to work and will lose its’ efficacy much quicker. Eping requires that you pump at least 8-12X per day in the first 4-6 months for the longevity of sustained milk supply. Remember that a pump is not as efficient as an effectively latched baby. For sensitive skin, lubricate before pumping. A little cooking olive or coconut oil on the breast or flanges will help keep skin from chaffing. Safe for baby to ingest. Invest in a hand pump for back up. Invest in a drying rack or system to clean parts. To expedite the system, put your pump parts into a container after each use and refrigerate to limit the amount of washing. At the end of the day, wash well and sterilize. Consider a nursing cover with a rigid neckline. This will help you see what you’re doing without always feeling isolated. Once you realize that eping is what you will be doing, make a plan and try to be consistent. The first month you are “blueprinting” your breast for optimal milk production. This is like ordering takeout, you call and wait for it to be delivered. With breastfeeding, the more you do the first month, the more yield you will have in the long run. Every time the baby eats, you should be pumping (you can do it simultaneously) both breasts for 15-20 minutes (including overnight). Continue to pump even if nothing is coming out. On the other hand, if you forget a pumping session and you are feeling overwhelmed just pick up where you left off. Your goal is at least 8x in 24 hours. Don’t go longer than 3-4 hours without pumping in the first months. Watch this video to optimize your production. It is worth investing in extra supplies to make your day go smoother. Consider having 2 pump kits, freezer bottles or bags, a cooler with quality ice packs, extra batteries/cords, car charger, a hands-free bra or pump and possibly a deep freezer. Try pumping pals for more comfort and yield. Replace valves or membranes every few months for best use. If you’re using Medela, run your pump after each use to get the condensation out of the tubing. Replace tubing if it is bad or has any sign of milk in it. Keep in mind that you will not always pump the same amount at each session. You will usually produce more volume in the morning and less at night. It is normal for one breast to make more than the other. Power pumping can be helpful to boost your supply. This means that you can try pumping 10 mins-turn it off for 10 mins-turn on 10 mins etc for an hour, once per day to stimulate more production. Or another way to power pump is to turn up suction until your let down, then turn it down until you are just dripping, then turn it up again until let down, etc. Pump into the bottles that came with your kit. The bags don’t make a good seal and you may see less volume. Pour milk into the bags for freezing and storing if that’s better for you. Don’t cry over spilled milk. Understand that it can come with the territory, especially if you have other kids around. Exclusive Pumping is Self-Less Some breast pumps work better than others, some flanges fit better than others so you may have to try a few before feeling confident in your pumping. It’s not uncommon to find a mom using a certain size flange for a few weeks but switching to a different size (a lot of body changes happen in the first 6 weeks postpartum) or maybe she’s using a different size on each breast. Completely normal! If you have the opportunity to prep ahead of time, this journey can go a lot smoother. If you were thrown into this blind, it’s ok too. Start with the tips above and do the best you can. Reach out for help, join a nursing mother’s support group like La Leche League , talk to your
The Many Uses of Breastmilk
The many uses of breastmilk may surprise you! It was eye-opening for my family. My then 14-year-old daughter worked in a pizza parlor and dropped a whole pie on her hand, cheese side down! FYI, the oven temperature was 500 degrees. This was bad, VERY bad but we managed to heal her burn with breastmilk swabs on her hand for a week–nothing else! She is 27 now and there is no evidence of this fiasco. Thankfully, she did not need skin grafts or other medication, breastmilk did the trick. The proof is in the pudding (or milk). We were sold and have been ever since. The many uses of breastmilk are likely to help alleviate the dilemma of throwing away any forgotten bags in the freezer. Or help a mom who drips from one side while feeding on the other. Unless it smells rancid, there is no reason to discard this amazing food. You probably didn’t know how useful human milk could be, besides the obvious. This substance is deserving of serious applause, it clinches the wow factor. Naturally occurring in a woman’s body after childbirth, this fluid can save lives! In case you need reminding, these are the basic benefits of breastfeeding in a nutshell, the food transferred from mom to baby! species-specific portable right temperature convenient saves time saves money reduces the risk of cancer for mother and baby reduces many diseases for mother and baby reduces the chance of postpartum depression burns calories and helps with maternal weight loss reduces the chance of infection in the baby reduces the chances of SIDS colostrum seals the newborn gut, creating the perfect microbiome reduces chance of NEC saves the earth lowers the risk of cancer lowers the risk of heart conditions For those moms that don’t produce a ton of extra milk, don’t despair. You really don’t need much to appreciate these miraculous benefits. If you are exclusively breastfeeding and not working or pumping routinely, just add a pumping in 1x per week and freeze that milk. Your little one will still have plenty of milk straight from the tap. Drum roll, please… The many benefits of breastmilk below can be used in a variety of ways; salve, soap, dropper, compress, soaked, ice pack, ice pop, etc. Use your imagination, in a pinch, just pour the milk in a bathtub with a child (or adult). You can’t go wrong or overdose on human milk! conjunctivitis ear infections sinus infections burns skin problems acne sore nipples yeast infection bacterial infection diaper rash eczema dermatitis umbilical cord diaper dermatitis sore throat blocked tear ducts teething circumcision healing itching, stinging burns warts insect bites stuffy nose anti-aging canker sores milk baths for skin hydration puffy eyes colds and flu Quite frankly, there is never an age that children outgrow the benefits of human milk. The benefits of your child having human milk don’t go away because the child turns 1 or 2, etc. If you have weaned your little one but have more frozen milk, feel free to serve it up. It comes in handy at flu season in a smoothie, ice pops or just in cooking and the best part is anyone can benefit-not just the littles. The antibodies can keep your whole family healthy all sick-season long. Drink up! P.S. If you are pregnant and can feel your baby move, you are producing colostrum (the first milk). Feel free to express a little by hand to aid in, chapped skin or a cold. It only takes a few drops. *If you are a high-risk patient, talk to your doctor about nipple stimulation, first. If you have the ok for intercourse, it’s usually safe to stimulate nipples. Happy Parenting!
Help My Young Baby Won’t Take a Bottle
Help my young baby won’t take a bottle and I have to go back to work! Or I need to go somewhere! Or my husband wants to feed him! Or I need surgery! Or you want to exclusively pump. You get the idea! These situations can be stressful, but it’s ok. Just follow these tips to get even the most stubborn baby on board. Babies can be picky creatures from the beginning of life. Just as some older humans have individual quirks, so can a newborn. You probably know people who can be very strict with a schedule or need lists of everything, or maybe she doesn’t like change. As well, perhaps you are the “go with the flow gal”? The person who may seem undisciplined or messy or can roll with the punches of life and still look unscathed (on the outside). Then there are those that sort of fall in the middle of both personalities. Obviously, there is no right or wrong way to be. After all, this is your life, and you have to live it. Sometimes you may need to adjust your thought process and make alterations, even if it doesn’t align with your way of thinking. Consider a time you needed to adhere to a compromise. What did it take out of you? How hard was it? Did you have time to adjust to this, or were you thrown into it? Did you master it eventually? What was the outcome? Here’s an example: you have worked the 9-5 shift for your entire adult life (7 years), your boss just informed you that you’d have to start the 2-10 shift next week. How do you handle all those changes? It seems simple to some, but a catastrophe to others. Now imagine a baby who has been eating a certain way for days, weeks, or months, and you try something new. His first reactions may be to spit it out, or play with it or bite it? If you’ve gone from breastfeeding to a bottle, he may not understand the texture. A soft, warm nipple that conforms to his mouth compared to a hard, rigid nipple that has no give can cause a mutiny for some babies. Not only does the receptacle in his mouth feel different, but the reward is not flowing the same as before. It is challenging for a baby to suck, swallow, and breath. His tongue is unsure how to move from a peristaltic wave-like motion to up and down motion. His brain is undeveloped and may need time to adapt. So what’s a mom to do if she has to leave her baby? How can we teach those “mini-me’s” to yield quickly to our way of life? Some of you might consider not breastfeeding at all due to your fear of having a hard time introducing a bottle. Others will never need a bottle if she plans to be with her baby 95% of the time (you can still have breaks of time alone-without bottles-if you exclusively breastfeed). Patience, flexibility, consistency, and creativity will bode you well in this instance. Check out the list below to help your cause, while keeping in mind that no two babies are the same. What works for some may not work for others. Helpful tips for the baby who won’t take a bottle Start with the slowest flow nipple/bottle. You may need to change bottle/nipple a few times to see what works for your baby. Remember, just because the product says it’s “best for breastfeeding babies” or that it is a “slow flow” nipple, doesn’t mean it’s true. Check the flow of the bottle by putting water in it and turning it upside down. If it drips, it’s already too fast. If you put pressure on one side of the nipple and it streams out, don’t use this nipple. The fast flow can feel like a fire hose in the baby’s mouth, and he may choke or overeat. He needs to work a little for the milk (like the breast). Ideally, start between 4-6 weeks of age if you will need to go back to work around 8-12 weeks. Try once per day. Feed when the baby is in between feeds (not starving or full). Content in the earlier part of the day, if possible. Let someone else give the bottles. A positive, patient, smiling, happy voiced person is best. Change the temperature of milk. Change position to feed. Try sitting baby away from the body. Change bottles when necessary. Teach that person paced bottle feeding. Place bottle under the armpit and trick baby. Use alternative feeding methods when appropriate: cup, syringe, medicine dropped, etc. The mother should go for a walk or position herself at least 20′ away from the baby when attempting (he smells you). To avoid waste, start with the smallest amount of milk. Have a bottle giver use your worn shirt, bra, or towel with your scent against his/her chest during a feed. If baby is crying through this endeavor, stop — calm baby down with a clean finger to suck. Hold, rock, sing to bring anxiety levels back to normal. If he doesn’t relax, let it go this time. If mom is around, she can breastfeed, and you can try again when he is calm. Don’t pressure, baby. Make this an enjoyable experience. Help, my young baby won’t take a bottle doesn’t have to be your motto! In a perfect world, this will be smooth sailing within a week. If you are still struggling after a few days, try alternative feeding methods; cup, spoon, syringe, medicine dropper, finger feeder. The bottle giver will feel better knowing the baby took something from him/her ( a small amount will do) even if it’s peculiar. The objective is to get milk in the baby when he misses a feed with mom. Some babies will not eat until mom gets home. As long as he is content and making up for lost calories later,
You Don’t Need Milk. Here’s Why.
Really, I was just as surprised to learn you don’t need milk, so here’s why… Anyone else feel duped by the dairy farmers? I grew up believing that drinking milk (from cows) was the most wholesome food, and I was allowed to ingest as much as I wanted. I’m quite sure my mother spent more money on milk than any other food group when I was young. It was a quick, easy, cheap way to get vitamins, calories, and minerals into her growing daughter every day. The best part was how much I liked it and could easily down 1/2 a gallon per day. Some of the slogans I heard growing up: Drink milk to get big and strong– quickly makes children interested. Milk does a body good- sold me! Got milk?-famous people with a milk mustache look cool, right? Milk Life-the newest campaign is to have people believe you need milk to live. Accentuating the protein craze. 3 A Day– burn more fat, lose weight. Referring to dairy products. Apparently, the dairy industry knew how to successfully advertise their product to earn big bang for their buck. Today, 99% of the USA purchases milk, and the average American drinks 25 gallons per year (that’s more than one glass per day). Curiously, the rates of osteoporosis have increased with the rise in milk sales. Does it surprise you that no other mammal has osteoporosis (unless raised on human meals)? Milk from my early childhood came delivered to our doorstep. There was an insulated, metal can on the stoop, and the milkman left a glass bottle full of the delicious, creamy white stuff. That was back in the ’70s. Since refrigeration was in most homes by 1930-40s, and the milkman era started to decline, I’m not sure how we ever had a service still delivering in the 1970s, in NY? Milkization Obviously, with the industrialization of milk came the plastic and cardboard containers along with grocery stores and the extensive refrigeration system. Plus, the need for daily delivery was a moot point as most households had a car and could pick up the milk whenever needed. So out went the milkman and glass bottles and in came mass production. Once dairy farmers told their convincing story of healthy children and factories could keep up, schools inadvertently marketed their product to parents. Who didn’t get “milk money” for chocolate or vanilla cardboard cartons of strong bones? Actually, even today this practice continues, but there are so many kids with allergies that it’s not pushed. There have always been risk factors when eating food from animals, due to disease and processing techniques-including milk. Still, since industrialization, the dangers have quadrupled. It’s one thing to drink what you take from your own healthy, range-fed cows (or your neighbors) but a completely different story when cows are bred for mass consumption for greedy people (moneymakers). The conditions for today’s cows have deteriorated; leaving them in poor quality conditions- visit a factory-farmed dairy mill to get this picture! Injected with growth hormones to make more at a faster pace-rBST, rBGH, BGH- imagine making 8 gallons of milk per day? They are given many medications due to infections- caused by the above. Stripped of their offspring to mass-produce their product- when only a machine does the job. Creating more CO2 emissions. Higher water consumption and contamination. Increased land degradation. The moo juice produced from the modern cow has high levels of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, preservatives, GMO’s and pus in the samples, amongst many other bacteria that you’d probably not like to hear about. These are present even after pasteurization (or sterilization). Milk is NEVER a Necessity First, I’d like to point out that I am not here to judge you or berate you for dining on cow products. And I love my family farmers, dairy and all. I am not perfect and do indulge as well (maybe not anymore). The point of this blog was to bring awareness to parents about something we have been brainwashed into believing was best for our children. Matter of fact, many mothers think they need to drink milk to make milk (breastfeed). So the #1 fact I want to point out is that you and your children will survive without dairy products. Dairy is not a core component of our existence on this planet. You can get all the same vitamins, minerals, protein, etc. from other foods-I’ll get to that. For now, I just want you to know that your baby, toddler, preschooler, school ager, tween, teen, etc. do not need milk, EVER. A Little History Milk is species-specific. Over 5000 mammals produce a liquid, after birth, for their offspring that is specialized for that particular breed. The nutrients vary based on calorie needs, lifestyle, intellect, age, health, etc. For example, a premature litter will receive a different composition of milk to survive the pups from its mother, naturally. And this fantastic substance will change to meet the needs of it’s young throughout the time it is needed. Weaning from such milk usually happens when the first permanent molar erupts, and other milestones have been met, in most creatures. Once a mammal is weaned from the mothers’ milk, it no longer drinks any milk. Unless it’s a human or if a human feeds “other” milk to the animal. So, why do we humans feed milk to our babies when weaned from the breast or formula feeding? As you saw from the above information, the dairy industry ingrained in the past 20 or so generations the imperative that babies and children needed milk to survive. Various generations of physicians have drunk the kool-aid too, and now we have a society supporting the dairy farmers. What’s the Harm Anyway? Aside from the cow conditions and feeling duped, why not drink milk or eat dairy products? Well, I’m not a scientist, doctor, or expert in any way related to dairy. Still, I have personally seen and felt the effects of dairy on families. Lactose intolerance or sensitivity is
7 Steps to Navigate the Holidays with a Baby
Seven steps to navigate the holidays with a baby can be your life preserver during such a stressful time. Share these tips with your partner and get a head start on your planning. Birth is one of those times that an instruction manual would come in handy. Each human spirit is so individual that the need for a unique set of guidelines at any birth could prove advantageous, for the rest of their life. No two beings are the same, and parenting them as such could improve the outcome for both mom & baby. Since our mothering instincts guide us and a lot of trial and error, I thought you might appreciate a few tips on a subject rarely intuitive or discussed. Special Occasion Tips How to navigate holidays, parties, celebrations, vacations, and any occasion that may take you and your baby away from your everyday norm can be confusing at times. Most families would go about the event as usual and deal with issues as they come up, not realizing they could’ve avoided some pitfalls. Get help; If you are in the first weeks (<12 weeks) postpartum and there is an occasion you are hosting, please enlist all those beautiful people in your life who are begging to lend a hand in some capacity. Be humble. Being a supermom is a curse, not a blessing. If you have a hard time letting go due to perfection issues, lower the bar just this once. Learn to “go with the flow” and be grateful for their efforts. There is scientific proof that your body needs to do nothing but rest, recuperate and feed your baby for a minimum of 6 weeks. Everything else will fall into place as it should. Early: The earlier you reach out for assistance during this event, the easier it will be for everyone. If you’re aware of the activity before birth, do some of the preparations ahead of time. Even meals can be cooked and frozen. If you fail to take my advice and do too much, you will feel the ill effects and have regret. Also, beware of going to any events in those first weeks as well. If you can decline the invitation, do so. Maybe you could skype or FaceTime to be part of more important activities. The people who care about you most will understand the importance of your recuperation and fear of germs with a newborn. If you are >three months postpartum, you still have every right to take it easy. The exhaustion and demands of the baby take up a good chunk of your life, and you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed. Let’s face it, babies can’t help themselves and need you 24/7, and the life events we are asked to be part of or plan will never take precedence. As exciting as it may be to get out and about with family and friends, reconsider when feelings of drudgery creep up. Nothing can be vital enough to cause you constant worry in your first year as a new mom or even a seasoned mom. Learning to care for another person can be so time-consuming that you can’t afford to risk the stress. Remember, stress equals a lowered immune system, which creates illness. You are most crucial to your family and need to stay healthy. Wearing your baby in a crowd will help lessen the germs and prevent well-meaning individuals from touching your little munchkin. If you must share, remind the family to wash or give them a squirt of hand sanitizer. Be especially active in your convictions around flu season, as many people can wake up sick the next day. You can also insist that he needs to eat often and take frequent breaks to avoid germs. Sometimes the baby may enjoy being passed from one relative to another. Even though he may be seemingly content, continue to feed him periodically. If you wait for him to tell you he’s hungry, you may have to deal with a complete meltdown and engorged breasts. He may be distracted one minute and ravenous the next. Engorged breasts can lead to plugged ducts and possibly mastitis, which can lower milk supply, which can create problems that last. Not worth it. On the other hand, you may have a fussier baby on these occasions. Keep in mind all personalities are different, and some babies may feel stressed in these circumstances. It’s best if you’ve prepared yourself to feed in public (practice in front of a mirror) and potentially in the presence of naysayers. He will settle best by continuing to feed frequently and hold or wear him. Someone undoubtedly will ask you if “he’s getting enough” or “when are you going to stop breastfeeding?” or worse yet, “would you like me to feed him a bottle?” Have a few comebacks ready or learn to steer clear of those people. Don’t let ignorant comments bring down your confidence. Do what’s best for you and your family. If you need to travel long distances, plan outside the box. By car, it’s best to visit when the baby sleeps most, even if it’s the middle of the night, and frequently stop when awake. By plane, take nonstop flights, breastfeed during take-off and landing, travel when the baby is sleepiest and pick seats next to a window or 1st class. Keep long-distance traveling to a minimum during those first years. It’s not for everyone. The steps to navigating holidays with a baby can be perfected with enough support and planning. There’s much to consider when pondering a holiday get together or vacation. Prior planning can help prevent catastrophes or lessen the discomfort. Be picky about taking on too much, and don’t let anyone bully you if you’re not up to it. If you find yourself with breastfeeding concerns after an event, be sure to reach out for help right away to get back on track. Happy Parenting!
Tips for Breastfeeding with Yeast
*If you click some of links I’ve added to this educational information, I may earn a few cents to help keep this operational. I’ve either used these products myself or trust the recommendations from the moms I serve and choose to pass on the great tips. Win-Win Tips for breastfeeding with yeast is not a replacement for medical advice. Determining the cause of candida albicans is most important when breastfeeding with yeast. Latch difficulties, tongue tie, nipple shields, breast pads, hormonal imbalance etc can cause sore nipples and may mimic yeast-like symptoms. Working with a professional to explore the potential problems before starting a plan, is the quickest way to relief. Diet: Lower your sugar, dairy, gluten, alcohol, high mold, artificial ingredients or anything you feel increases inflammation in your body! Increase garlic, vitamin 6, 12, vitamin c, D3, oral probiotics and echinacea. Drink lemon water, bone broth, herbal teas and apple cider vinegar. Eat mainly vegetables and low sugar fruits. Eat almonds, sunflower seeds, coconut and flaxseed. Eat avocado, olives, olive oil, sesame oil and coconut oil. Take 1-2 probiotics 2x per day for at least 2 weeks past finishing protocol. Baby can also have probiotics rubbed in his mouth 2x per day. Clean: Sterilize bottle nipples or pacifiers for 20 minutes each day. Hot water over 122 degrees F will kill yeast. Wash toys that baby has had in mouth or hands: Use hot soapy water, bleach or vinegar. Wash clothes in hot water with bleach or white vinegar. Hang in sun when possible. Add white vinegar to baths and washing machine to clean out when done. Freezing milk does not kill fungus. Use frozen yeasty milk sparingly when healed. Treatments: Minor issue-2-4 times per day after feedings. No need to wipe off to feed. Use breastmilk on nipples to air dry AND Mix a solution of 1 TBS white vinegar in 1c water to air dry on nipples after feeding if milk has yeast. OR Mix a paste of probiotics and water to rub on nipples and in babies’ mouth or diaper area. Major issue-2-4 times per day depending on severity of issue. Grapefruit seed extract on nipples and may take internally. Gentian violet on nipples and/or in baby’s mouth. OTC Anti-fungal cream: like athlete’s foot cream or miconazole. Rub on affected area after breastfeeding. May wipe off before nursing but wouldn’t be harmful to baby. Nystatin cream needs prescription: 2-3x per day on mom and or baby. Least effective on it’s own. Hydrocortisone ointment 2.5% on nipples when very sore, painful and swollen 2-3x per day when not using nystatin. Triple nipple or APNO cream needs prescription- follow directions. Diflucan needs prescription: follow directions. If you start a plan and don’t notice improvement after 3-4 days, discontinue and try a different remedy. It is imperative to have someone watch you latch the baby if you have not done so already, as well as discuss treatment. Always treat mom and baby at same time. Lower stress level when possible. Don’t let your guard down when feeling better. Continue minor treatments for at least 2 weeks after feeling better. If you have chronic issues, consider a daily probiotic until weaned. Keep in touch with lactation consultant to give progress updates. Tips for breastfeeding with yeast are to help manage a very stubborn problem some women experience during breastfeeding. With these suggestions, you could help combat acute problems and be proactive for avoidance. We may have many years of experience and training, but we don’t know your body like you, or your physician does. Please honor that and seek the advice from a health care professional at any time. Happy Parenting!
10 Breastfeeding Positions to Master
These 10 breastfeeding positions to master will determine the path of your breastfeeding journey. Master these skills and you will be a pro. If this is your first baby, I’m sure you’re wondering what the “breastfeeding positions” hype is all about. I mean really, what is the big deal about a specific position to hold and feed your baby at the breast? Don’t you just put the kiddo there and he naturally knows what to do? On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned successful nursing mom, you get it. You remember how integral the correct placement of hands could calm baby quickly and bring you comfortable tugging, not pinching. If you’re not new to breastfeeding but didn’t have an easy go of it, maybe this blog is the perfect fit for you. Either way, having a few reminders and pictures to refer to, can only aid in your expedition. The goal is to pass nutrients from your breast to the baby’s mouth with the least amount of discomfort and the most gain. Properly positioning the little one when feeding can alleviate a lot of the issues you hear about. Let’s look at the most common ways and explore a few other techniques that help during complications. Breastfeeding Positions to Master Cross Cradle: For the newborn, this and “football” are the go-to holds. Although don’t rule out the older baby- especially when sick, preemie, neurologically impaired or other anomalies. The more control you have to start the process of feeding, the easier your baby will obtain a comfortable latch. Primarily you would hold your breast with one hand and the baby’s head with the other for optimal results. While supporting baby with-say, the right arm you would cross your body to the left breast. The key to making this work is that you are bringing the baby to the breast, not your breast to the baby. Football or Clutch: As mentioned above, in the beginning, head management and breast support is the way to a foolproof, comfortable start. Imagine holding a football clutched under your arm and running down the field to the goal. You’ll need to keep the football safe and properly supported to reach your desired target. Same with a baby- without the running! Always HOLD your baby, don’t let baby lay on a surface- even the ones “made for breastfeeding,” like a boppy! When using your right hand, you’ll support the baby’s head and the left hand will support the right breast. Carefully and patiently you’ll use both hands to guide the baby to the right breast. Cradle: Most widely used position for the baby with head control and an experienced mom. In those first weeks, this position may cause nipple pain, slow weight gain and a lot of frustration. While it is a common, natural placement in the arms of a mother-or anyone for that matter-this hold has the tendency to make baby “search” for the nipple and take longer to get a quality feeding underway. Since the baby will have his head in the crook of the elbow and mom will need to lift her arm with 8ish pounds of a squiggly worm, it’s difficult to get the perfect latch. When the baby is in the left arm, he would go to left breast. With stronger neck muscles in the future weeks, cradle hold will be easy to accomplish. Side-Lying: For sure, the most comfortable way for an exhausted mother to nurse her young child. Let’s face it, Parenting is EXHAUSTING, and we need all the help we can get to keep going. Any chance you can assume a restful, feeding position- take it. There is nothing wrong with feeding this way any time of day or night. Having your body fully supported by setting pillows around you and between your knees, will give a higher likelihood of comfort and success. The first few attempts will go smoother if a helper can position the baby at the breast once you’re settled. Don’t worry about baby’s comfort, they are easily adaptable. You would get in your usual side-lying position with a pillow under your head, position yourself so that the bottom breast is accessible to baby and adjust your back so that it is supported. The helper puts baby on his side next to exposed breast with nose to nipple and mom wraps an arm around his back or puts a wedge there to keep him in this area. A few variations would be to invert or to cradle baby before laying down. Be patient and relax. Let the endorphins flow. Laid Back: Maybe you’ve heard this one referred to as “biological nurturing”? Either way, it’s the same concept, LAY BACK in a recliner of some sort. Not flat on your back. Allow you and baby to home in on your natural intuition in a relaxed, supportive chair or bed. If you sit semi-reclined with enough backing to your body and put the baby’s front side to your front side with the baby’s cheek somewhere near the bare breast, feeding will take place. You can support or guide him, hold or not hold breast and just watch your little one take the lead. It is essential that gravity is on your side and you have the option to let go if you choose to. More Complicated Positions to Master Hands and Knees or Dangling: Yes, I do mean laying baby on his back while you hang your breast over him and let him latch. This is a great option for an engorged breast, plugged duct, mastitis, sick baby, etc. When breasts or babies are congested this odd position can help alleviate the issue. It’s a good idea to have a helper to make you more comfortable with props once you get started. This is a short-term situation not meant for everyday use. Upright or Koala: Sounds awkward but it can be very effective for babies with reflux, ear infections, tongue
