Hot and sweaty, I began the trudge from the cardio machines to the women’s locker room at the YMCA. I passed two young mothers who were sitting together in lounge chairs, and one had a baby with her whom I took to be about 4 months old. She was trying Read more…
In an earlier post, I shared five tips for mother-led weaning, which dealt mostly with time. Now, we’ll conclude this two-part series, rounding out the final five of my 10 tips which focus more on mother-led weaning techniques. 6. Try different nipples or try something other than bottles If you Read more…
No, mother-led weaning isn’t going “cold turkey.” Mother-led weaning is a process, not an event. Yes, it’s the absence of some feedings at the breast, but it’s also the addition of some other form of nutrition. I’m a proponent of child-led weaning. But, for one good reason or another, some Read more…
In nursing school, I didn’t understand why we were required to read a whole chapter on communication. I felt confident in my ability to talk to people. Later, I realized that few of us needed to learn much about talking. We needed to learn plenty about listening in healthcare communications. Read more…
Remember that old song? “Love and marriage … go together like a horse and carriage.” You might have heard “teaching and counseling” in the same sentence, too. We tend to clump words or activities or events together as if they were the same or at least similar. You might say, Read more…
What food is delicious, nutritious, and so versatile that it can be eaten plain, combined with just about anything else, and enjoyed by a breastfeeding mom or her older infant or toddler? Avocados and breastfeeding may not be the first thing that come to mind, but I can think of plenty Read more…
Truly, the stories that mothers report about their experiences with breastfeeding, doctors, and hospitals never cease to amaze me. Every time I think I’ve heard it all, I hear one that is beyond the beyond. Understand, I’ve heard of mother-led weaning and child-led weaning. But now, I’ve also heard about Read more…
Sooner or later, every new parent hears that their baby “needs” a pacifier. The reasons offered may vary, but they all have one thing in common: They’re false. Not every baby needs one. But if you want to reality-check the myths, here’s the scoop on the top ones you’re likely Read more…
For over two decades, we’ve had good evidence that cue-based feedings are best for breastfed infants born at term. Until recently, the evidence for cue-based feeding for late preterm infants has been less convincing. Anyone listening to my interview with Dr. Tena Fry will gain some great insights that they might not Read more…
Wouldn’t it be grand if you could successfully influence mothers, bosses, friends, and everyone you know to promote, support, and protect breastfeeding? What if I told you that you and other healthcare professionals can influence others in this way—and more—by adhering to six simple principles from an 80-year old book? Read more…