Breastfeeding

Over the past thirteen years, I’ve gotten used to blank looks and confused reactions when I tell people that I’m a postpartum doula. After all, even with increasing attention to the importance of the postpartum period (both in terms of physical and mental health), the unconscionable health crisis in the black community around birth and the postpartum period, and articles like this one, most people still don’t know what a postpartum doula is. ...

Stressing about milk production is perhaps natural for a new mother. However following best practices for breastfeeding, consulting a lactation consultant, and including galactagogues in your diet can work well in most situations. Make sure that you are nourishing yourself well at the same time, by choosing the lactogenic foods that are nutrient dense as well....

With all the expenses involved in having a new baby—Strollers! Nursing pillows! Breast pumps!—paying for a lactation consultant can be overwhelming. The last thing you want to be doing is frantically googling “Do lactation consultants take insurance?” when you’re in pain or worried about your baby. ...

When I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to nurse. In my family which is a mixture of Hispanic customs and Jamaican beliefs, breastfeeding was dominant. No one in my family had ever spoken of formula feeding, though there was never anything negative said about it....

What’s a Lactation Consultant? How do I know if I need one? And what are all those letters I see? The birth of a new baby is such an exciting, magical time but can also be overwhelming for new parents. ...

What does self-care really mean when you have just given birth and are winding your way through the postpartum phase of your new life with a newborn? Well, here’s some of the simplest self-care tips for new moms. ...

Boobertruths Episode 1: A mom’s journey: sticking to her maternal instincts, seeking and finding answers and getting lactation support for the oft-misunderstood tongue tie...

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be stressful— especially in those first sleep-deprived days when you and your baby are just getting the hang of things. One thing that can bring peace of mind is cutting through the mystery of milk production. ...

Did you know that you can give yourself acupressure to help lactation and breastfeeding? As an acupuncturist specializing in women’s health, difficulty with breastfeeding is one of the most common issues I see in new moms. ...

Holidays are a time when friends and families come together. They’re also a time that can bring added work and stress. Add in caring for a newborn and things can quickly spiral out of control. Your first holiday with a new baby is a wonderful time to practice caring for yourself and developing the say ‘no’ skills so you can be a better parent. Here are some simple strategies for surviving the upcoming holidays....