One of the typical worries during lactation is getting a clogged milk duct. Horror stories abound about hard, painful, tender lumps, the lengths people go to get rid of them, and what can happen if they don’t resolve. Luckily, clogged ducts are not as common as you may think, and recently much more about them has become clear. Our experts explain what constitutes a "clogged milk duct" and what to do if you suspect you have this issue.
This content has been reviewed for accuracy by Jennifer Jordan, Director of Mom & Baby.
Aeroflow Breastpumps is committed to helping mothers succeed by providing the very best motherhood equipment and supplies (such as breast pumps, pumping supplies, and compression garments) through insurance. We are happy to say that we are in-network with Caresource health insurance plans – which means we may be able to help you obtain the best insurance-covered breast pump for you!
With nearly a third of all U.S. deliveries occurring via cesarean section, it’s no surprise that healthcare providers and families alike are working to improve outcomes and the overall birth experience associated with surgical delivery. While the risks and health impacts of c-sections have long been studied, the emotional and psychological impacts have often been overlooked. Gentle cesarean sections (sometimes called family-centered cesarean sections) offer a solution that serves to improve both psychological and physical outcomes for parents and newborns.
Finding a pump that works best for you is a big decision! Answering each question below will guide you toward whether you need a manual pump, standard pump, high-performing pump, or wearable pump.
If you are an adoptive mother or brought your baby into the world through a surrogate pregnancy, you may want to induce lactation to provide your own milk for your baby.
If you’re breastfeeding and interested in pursuing healthier eating habits in the new year, be sure to talk to your doctor about what changes are best for your overall health.
Given that persistent DRA is often blamed for postpartum concerns like low back pain, pelvic floor issues, and lingering frustrations with post-pregnancy body image, it’s no wonder that it has become one of the hottest topics in the postpartum-rehab world. Can we prevent it? Why does it resolve in some people and not in others? Can we restore core function after birth even if we have stubborn DRA? What core exercises or ab exercises can heal diastasis recti?
Let’s take a look at what we know about DRA, and what we can do to address it.
Every breastfeeding journey is different and there is a huge variability in regards to when infants and toddlers wean from breast milk. Up until recently, pediatricians recommended breastfeeding babies until their first birthdays and then transitioning to whole cow’s milk. In 2022, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published updated guidelines for breastfeeding with recommendations to continue to breastfeed children for 2+ years, if desired. In this article we discuss FAQs about weaning breastfeeding.
On April 11-17, we celebrate Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW). According to the CDC, black women are currently three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This article will review the current state of the U.S. maternal mortality rate, recommendations for pregnant families and healthcare providers, and how to be an advocate for maternal and reproductive health.
As mothers, we carry an enormous load for our families. But often, the physical, mental, and emotional burdens that we carry go unseen and underappreciated by most of the world. Instead of being celebrated for all that we’re doing, we’re often critiqued for all that we are not doing. Let's take a closer look at a self-compassion practice called “Compassionate Letter Writing” that is a tool to cultivate emotional strength and is rooted in an evidence-based approach to mental wellness.