Blog posts

Breastfeeding: As a parent-to-be, you’re looking forward to the experience of connecting with your newborn this way. But you’ve also heard it’s going to hurt. You’ve been told that cracked, bleeding nipples, soreness, and anxiety about milk supply are all in your near future. Maybe you already experienced those things the first time around. But the truth is, pain and suffering do not have to be part of the breastfeeding equation. In fact, cracked, bleeding nipples and soreness are all signs that you need to tweak something in order to make the breastfeeding experience better—much better—for both you and your baby. Pain and damaged nipples should not be considered the norm....

Whether you’re scheduled for a C-section by choice or due to medical necessity, there are things you can do to have the birth experience possible. The “natural” or “family-centered” cesarean can help increase initial bonding, increase skin-to-skin contact, make breastfeeding easier, increase early milk production, and reduce the chances of postpartum depression....

Recently, many celebrities and influencers have publicly shared their surprise at having to wear heavy-duty postpartum underwear after giving birth; some even likening it to joining their baby in wearing diapers. As a longtime postpartum doula and founder of boober, where we connect new parents to postpartum care providers who guide them through the 4th-trimester transition, I help new birthing parents navigate the ins and outs of postpartum from how to feed their baby, to how to heal their perineum, to what to wear during the birth recovery process. Many people will bleed up to 6 weeks post-birth and some will need to heal from a tear or an episiotomy, so I am often asked which postpartum underwear to pick. Reliable and comfortable postpartum underwear is key to your comfort and recovery post-birth. ...

Watch Jada Shapiro, boober founder, and maternal health expert, in conversation with physical therapist Dr. Sneha Gazi, PT, DPT, owner, and CEO of Sneha Physical Therapy, an expert with a passion for treating women with pre and postpartum issues such as incontinence, scar adhesions, diastasis recti, and pelvic pain. She is also the host of “Fit As a Fiddle with Dr. Sneha Gazi” a leading health and wellness Podcast. In this informative talk and Q&A, they talked about what to know about pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and your pelvic floor....

When your baby dies from miscarriage, stillbirth or at or after birth, your hope of being a parent dies, too. Dealing with grief after the loss of your baby can be overwhelming and everyone in a family deals with these feelings differently. Watch Jada Shapiro, boober founder, and maternal health expert in conversation with Erica McAfee, founder of Sisters in Loss, Loss Coach, and podcast host for an informative & thoughtful talk and questions and answers about miscarriage, loss, & pregnancy after loss. ...

When you are expecting a new baby, it’s normal to have lots of questions about pumping. It can feel like getting a breast pump for your milk is a top priority! Whether you plan to breastfeed/bodyfeed, exclusively pump and bottle feed or are not sure what your feeding plan will look like yet, having a pump available after your baby is born can be really helpful. In fact, most insurance companies will cover the cost of a double-electric pump and for those who end up needing a stronger hospital-grade pump—you can usually obtain one from a local hospital, pharmacy or lactation consultant’s office. In addition to having access to an electric pump, many nursing parents also like to have a hand pump like the Hakkaa or Elvie Curve. Finally, it is important to note that often the most effective and comfortable way to express milk is with your own hands. Hand expression is the best method for early milk (colostrum) removal, and lots of lactating parents continue to use manual milk expression throughout their nursing journeys!...

Plugged ducts and mastitis are common conditions that can appear in lactating people. If you’re experiencing a hard, painful spot or lump it could be a plugged or clogged duct....

One of the most rewarding parts of my Family Medicine practice is working with new parents to help their babies with breastfeeding/bodyfeeding challenges. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for babies is an amazing modality, widely used in Europe, that few American parents are aware of. OMT can help change a frustrating and painful breastfeeding experience to a more peaceful and fulfilling one. Here are the top 5 questions people have about OMT to help you see if OMT is the right modality for you to try on your lactation journey!...

Ultimately the breastfeeding position or bodyfeeding position that works best for you and your baby is your ideal position! You may start with one or two positions and as your baby grows you may begin to find many ways to nurse. In any position, remember that your comfort and stability is as important as your baby’s. ...

If you are pregnant, you may be wondering, “Should I take a childbirth class?” If you are an expecting parent, childbirth education classes will help you feel empowered and confident as you move through your labor, birth, and new parenting experiences. You will feel prepared for the big day and beyond with an evidence-based understanding of physiologic birth, the stages of labor, pain coping options and tools, postpartum adjustment and recovery, and so much more. During a pandemic period, you can safely take childbirth classes virtually and reap the benefits of childbirth education from the comfort of your couch, while learning about how to have a positive and confident hospital birth during covid-19. ...