I was recently a part of a quick survey, put together by Haakaa (my favorite silicone breastmilk catcher brand!) where they specifically asked us, what were our go to breastfeeding tips for new mothers. As a doula, I support my clients where they are with educational support that they desire. With that perspective I went into this question with the idea of "find a lactation expert!" I was so pleased with their answers! I hope that these tips and tricks are valuable on your breastfeeding journey.

What are some of your most valuable breastfeeding tips to impart of your mothers?

Make a list of local lactation resources before you need them: take a class, seek a local group for lactating parents, enlist a supportive partner, find a lactation coach. Don’t wait to get help. You may not know all of the questions you should be asking, so get help.
It should not hurt, so ask for help if it does.
When it gets tough, keep going. Don’t quit on your hardest day.
Feed on demand. Never time the baby. Follow the baby’s cues. Nurse often. Every drop counts, so watch the baby, not the clock.
If the baby is making any type of distressed noise, put them straight on the breast even it’s been only 15 minutes.
Trust your body, trust yourself, trust your baby.
Use hand expression before and after feeding to empty the breast.
Keep skin to skin as much as possible.
Latch is the most important thing to be successful with breastfeeding. It’s all about the latch.
Always breastfeed or pump when you are calm and relaxed. It makes for a better experience, and it’s easier to let down.
Make sure the baby is in a comfortable position with its head and neck aligned.
The best time to get a full milk supply is in the beginning. If you baby is not feeding well or your supply is down, by all means pump. And pump like it’s your job!
Sing to baby from pregnancy to birth. Then when you need to pump, sing the same song and it will trigger a letdown.

And if you are looking for an AMAZING tool to collect breastmilk and start a freezer stash or simply help baby empty the breast, go buy a Haakaa today. Seriously, I'm not even getting paid to say this. It's the best breastfeeding tool in the whole wide WORLD!!!

Mar 12, 2024

Breastfeeding During Illness

Every new mom can tell you that getting sick and having to take care of a baby are two things that should never go together! There is nothing worse than trying to care for yourself and your baby at the same time. This predicament can be made even worse when you are breastfeeding. There can be fear of passing the illness on to the baby and making sure you are taking care of yourself is crucial. Here are some steps and ideas to utilize when sick and breastfeeding.

Benefits and Risks of Different Birth Settings

If you are newly pregnant, you may be wondering where the best place for you to give birth in Kansas City would be. We are so lucky to have such phenomenal care providers in every sector in Kansas City so we have put together a quick benefits and risks check list for you to help you decide what would be the best location for you. Take a look and fill out our contact sheet so we can help walk with you as you make this important decision!

Dec 16, 2021

Goldie's Birth

One of my dreams has always been to have a peaceful, beautiful home birth where I can give birth in the water and immediately snuggle up with baby in my bed! That was the plan for three years as we tried and tried to get pregnant with Goldie. Finally in January of 2021 we found out that we were pregnant again and I immediately texted my midwife with the news. The 10 months of pregnancy flew by and soon it was my due date, september 25th! We had everything set up and I was getting so excited as I would be the first of my sisters to give birth to one of the fab four. Nothing happened for five full days after my due date. Finally on the morning of the 29th I started contracting at 7:30 AM. I was so excited because with Fred, I started contractions at 7 and had a baby by 2:30! I just knew that that would be the case here to

Jul 30, 2021

Hiring A Doula During Covid

So you are pregnant and want to hire a doula, congratulations!

We are also currently living during a worldwide pandemic that doesn’t seem to be interested in slowing down or cooling off.

We are as frustrated as you are!

Mar 23, 2021

So You Are Having Twins?

Conceiving and growing two (or more!) babies at once rather than one is a pretty big deal. There are two tiny humans inside of you, which means your body is responsible for the development and health of double what a singleton Mom is responsible for. Is this a reason to panic?

Feb 1, 2021

What Is In A Doula Certification?

I have a few people each month contact me in search of the best doula certification to embark on their journey in becoming a doula. We also have clients ask us every now and then “what is your certification and why was it the one you chose?” I want to spell out doula certifications for you in this blog to help everyone better understand what it is, what it looks like and how we get to where we are.

Jan 6, 2021

ABC's of Pregnancy: K is for Kegels

In the most basic sense, kegel exercises are a workout for your pelvic floor. They help prevent incontinense issues and other pelvic floor problems. Childbirth is one of the main ways that weaken our pelvic floor so keeping it strong is so important.