Lactivist Activist

By Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC Is your milk supply really low? First of all, is your milk supply really low? Often, mothers think that their milk supply is low when it really isn't. If your baby is gaining weight well on breast milk alone, then you do not have a problem with milk supply. It's important to note that the feel of the breast, the behavior of your baby, the frequency of nursing, the sensation of let-down, or the amount you pump are not valid ways to determine if you have enough milk for your baby. What if you're not quite sure about baby's current weight gain (perhaps baby hasn't had a weight check lately)? If baby is having an adequate number of wet and dirty diapers then the following things do NOT mean that you have a low milk supply: Your baby nurses frequently . Breastmilk is digested quickly (usually in 1.5-2 hours), so breastfed babies need to eat more often than formula-fed babies. Many babies have a strong need to suck. Als...

One of my Lactation clients and friend, with her first baby....Their Breastfeeding story and pictures shared with permission. My early Christmas Miracle 🎄 About 3 years ago, while I was working at a hospital owned lactation clinic, I took a lunch break and drove over to Sprouts to find something to eat. While sanding in line to pay, I noticed a darling mom and baby behind me. I smiled at her, knowing she looked familiar. Then this  sweat mother got my attention, and proceeded to thank me for helping her overcome her breastfeeding issues. She told me how much she appreciated my help, and that she went on to breastfeed for many months. Oh my goodness, she made my day...how could it get any better? I floated home in my car back to the clinic 😍 on cloud nine. A simple "thank you" does more to lift a care giver's spirits than anything else! I also really love to find out about what eventually happened to my clients. I returned to the clinic just before my ...

Mom's, I have a question for you: Do you ever remember  receiving a full breast exam during your pregnancy? I mean not just feeling for lumps, but a full breast examination? With a breastfeeding professional who knows what questions to ask that help identify roadblocks that you will likely need help navigating to be successful in breastfeeding.  I’ve learned in the last 22 years as an RN and 11 years as an IBCLC is that all women’s breasts and nipple are uniquely different. Large—small—soft—firm—flat nipples—inverted nipples—everted nipples—large areola—small areola—nipples point straight ahead, to the side, straight down toward the floor...okay, enough said!  But why even talk about this, or have a professional breastfeeding expert to look for breas tfeeding “roadblocks” like truly flat nipples... well, in this particular case, and depending on the consistency of your entire breast tissue, if a newborn cannot feel their mothers nipple in his mo...