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The ladies at Bella Materna graciously took the time to explain how to properly fit a breastfeeding bra. This is what I learned: Find your band size. This is the measurement around your rib cage-along the underside of your breasts. The band should feel snug and firm. The band should not ride up....
The milk that we buy at the grocery store has been pasteurized and homogenized. The pasteurization process kills all the bacteria and live cells in the milk—making it safe for us to drink, but also less stable. Homogenizing the milk blends in the fat so that it doesn't separate and float to the...
In this Mother’s Day season I want to congratulate all the mothers in the world. In the past few months I have realized how amazing and resilient we all are by having some incredible “aha” moments. Whenever I come into an unusual situation or new challenge I think of my birthing moms, you are...
Smart moms look for bargains. Hand-me-downs are often as good as new and can save you a lot of money. When it comes to purchasing a breast pump, however, think twice about buying used or sharing with a friend. I often hear, “My pump is used, but I bought a new pump kit so I know it's safe.”...
You may wonder why a lactation consultant--someone who considers herself somewhat of an expert in the art and science of breastfeeding--is writing an article about crying babies. I have been moved to address this topic because every day parents ask me about hunger cues, sleep and crying....
Recently, a number of nutrition clients have been reporting that they have the MTHFR gene. MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofoloate reductase) is an enzyme/ protein that is used to activate folic acid, a crucial B vitamin for pregnancy. In certain cases, the MTHFR gene does not activate the folic acid...
Expect the unexpected is very apropos when it comes to births. There are so many different and unexpected things that can happen and no birth is ever alike. Each one presents its own challenges and excitement. This is one big reason why I love what I do! No matter how many classes expectant...
Are you wondering if health care legislation that includes provisions for breastfeeding is a good idea? How do you feel about requiring businesses to accommodate mothers who want to pump at work? Consider the following: Every year, more than 3 million mothers in America breastfeed. These...
Nearly every new mother I see asks the question, “Is it ok for my baby to use a pacifier?” Here is the simple answer: Yes and no! The concern addressed in that question is whether pacifier use will interfere with breastfeeding. I can say with confidence that I have never seen a baby prefer a...
This young mother called me at the urging of a friend who already knew and trusted me. Breastfeeding was very important to Marissa, but she didn't know how she could go on with so much pain. Normally, I would have seen this mom and baby in person. She lives in another city, however, and she felt...
You may find a wide spectrum of guidelines written about the safety of breast milk at various temperatures. It can be confusing to try to figure out which source is correct. Why is there so much variability? The simple answer is that research is conducted in controlled situations and different...
One of the first things they told us before we left the hospital with our newborn was to wait to introduce the pacifier. Perhaps the most important task of the newborn is to learn to be a good eater. If you are breastfeeding, introducing the pacifier too early can burn too many calories leaving...
As the founder of FertileFoods.com my intention is to support men and women from the childbearing years all the way to the family dinner table by prioritizing relaxation, pleasure, exercise, healthy foods and high quality nutrient supplementation.