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.
Being pregnant and becoming a new mother is an exciting time that is often filled with questions and decisions you will need to make. What can you do to be as prepared as possible for birth and meeting your lactation goals? Let's take a look at some essential tips for birth and breastfeeding.
There's a lot to learn when it comes to becoming a new parent! Many new mothers have questions and concerns about breastfeeding and breast pumping. Take a look at our most common questions and gain expert tips from our IBCLC team.
As new moms, there are so many things that cause us stress. Is my baby getting enough sleep? Am I holding him too much? Did the new mom in that Facebook group really just tell me to stop spoiling my baby? While I can’t offer you too much help on what to say to nosey moms who think they know everything, I can offer you a little insight as to why your milk production might be slowing down.
This content has been reviewed for accuracy by Jennifer Jordan, Director of Mom & Baby.
What is the best breast pump? We consistently find when choosing the best breast pump, new moms consider: suction strength, portability, weight, noise level, and insurance coverage. Find your best breast pump through insurance.
The health benefits of breastfeeding are endless for both mom and baby. You may know about many ways that breast milk benefits babies, but breastfeeding is also a powerful player in the long term health of the breastfeeding mother. Breastfeeding can actually reduce the risk of certain cancers.
This content has been reviewed for accuracy by Jennifer Jordan, Director of Mom & Baby.
Breastfeeding or pumping in public places can be stressful with many moms still discriminated against by 24% of Americans who deem any kind of breast exposure as inappropriate. If you’re worried about comments from others telling you to “cover up,” it is important to know that you have the legal right to continue nurse in public, despite the negative stigma surrounding it.
The reality is that we do not pump in an ideal world, and oftentimes find ourselves pumping under less than ideal circumstances! For many reasons, it’s not unusual to sometimes have to combine breast milk from different pumping sessions for your babies’ supplemental bottles. Let's take a look at some breast milk storage guidelines and how to combine pumped breast milk.
Donor breast milk is human milk that is used as a substitute or supplement for mothers’ own milk. There are many benefits of supplementing full term and preterm babies with donor human milk including helping the immune system to help babies fight infections, forming a healthy and diverse microbiome, and improving vision and developmental outcomes. Contact your nearest milk bank to find out about breast milk donation.
