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…
Breastfeeding mothers who are going back to work have a lot on their minds. You might have already started worrying about keeping up your milk supply and expressing milk in the workplace. But have you thought about how your childcare provider could make or break your breastfeeding experience? Here are 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…
Last week, a woman who was having her second baby (by repeat cesarean surgery) asked if I would come to the hospital with her. I did. She was hoping I could help her to optimize that first hour or so when breastfeeding is so important as she had been only Read more…
Whether you are breastfeeding or not, gaining child custody is always a painful ordeal. However, if you are breastfeeding, you should be prepared for another layer of complexity. During my recent interview with Shannon Shubert, it occurred to me that mothers should consider at least 6 factors when considering breastfeeding Read more…
I have read a big pile of research studies related to breastfeeding after sexual abuse. But my recent interview with Elizabeth Johnson helped me to better understand how to actually help women in this situation. I’d like to share with you some ideas I would consider priorities for helping women Read more…
Only a few weeks ago, a mother disclosed to me, “Yeah, my husband told me to sleep on the couch. He didn’t want to be disturbed with me nursing the baby in bed.” I drew her into the conversation, and sure enough, he was exerting pressure to wean the baby, Read more…
Whether I’m talking with a friend or a colleague about how we counsel new mothers about breastfeeding, it often happens. They stop me, midway, to ask: “Yes, breast is best. But you don’t want to make mothers feel guilty, do you?” What a strange question! Apparently, it’s okay for me to be forthright when talking Read more…
Years ago, while I was teaching a course in Denver, an attendee blurted out, “Marie, this stuff is all like speaking Greek!” What a great observation! I thought. This stuff really does seem pretty foreign at first. That’s a great starting point for talking about the importance of learning terminology. Read more…
In 1993, I started helping people attain their IBCLC credential. Over the years, many course attendees have asked me: I’m not a nurse, and I don’t have a college degree. Even after I get my IBCLC certification how will I ever gain credibility with the doctors, the nurses, or anyone? Read more…