The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is a wonderful resource for mothers and especially professionals working with lactating mothers and their children. It is a rich evidence based resource for information on lactation. It is a wonderful easy way to access the research available to back up what we all want mothers and the public at large to know. Check it out and perhaps become a member.....

Doesn't every CLC need this?

I really want to order one of these or maybe two. They would have looked great on while I was teaching my breastfeeding class. They are simple and just plain cute. And, as my 12 year old daughter said, "Now, that is not an inverted nipple".

Click on this photo to go buy your own!

One of my new favorites....

This book is becoming one of my favorite breastfeeding books. It is such a nice way to transition into weaning at night with your toddler.....



click the picture to buy the book or just get more information from the author



My first breastfeeding class...

Well, I did it. I taught my first breastfeeding class yesterday to a wonderful group of doulas, doulas in training, and childbirth educators. I am so proud to be a small part in the community to help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Oh yeah!! And I have some official business cards.

The Lactation Counselor Certificate Training Program

The Center for Breastfeeding is gearing up for their training conferences around the nation. Go to their website if you are interested in registering for the program. I hope to see you all there!

Doulas support breastfeeding

Doulas are becoming more common and more popular figures at the birth of children in our area. They are trained to provide continuous physical. emotional, and informational support to the laboring mother. But what about after birth? Doulas are trained to support the breastfeeding needs of the new mother and her baby. Some doulas provide breastfeeding support well after the actual delivery. Taking advantage of a postpartum doula that will come to the home and assist a new mother with the challenges of breastfeeding beyond the first few hours after birth can make a big difference in establishing a working breastfeeding relationship. Some new moms may not be able to travel to a clinical setting to see a licenced lactation consultant. Some mothers need a more natural setting to address their individual breastfeeding needs. Enlisting the services of a postpartum doula fits those needs for a lot of mothers.

Today I attended a meeting of the group Birmingham Birth Stories. I lot of the participants at the meeting were either pregnant or doulas or both! These meetings are a great place to meet other moms who have used doulas. One of the doulas at the meeting, Melissa, came all the way from Tuscaloosa to participate. If anyone is interested in her services in the Tuscaloosa area she can be reached through her website, Melissa Barsdale - Birth Doula.

Come to the next meeting of Birmingham Birth Stories. It is a great place to meet other moms who have used doulas or to meet a doula for your next birth. They meet every second Tuesday of the month at the YWCA downtown on the second floor in meeting room 3. I'll see you there.

Pump Ease

The Pump Ease hands free pumping support is great. It is easy to use and allows busy moms to pump and do other activities at the same time. For those moms that are exclusively pumping it even allows you to hold and comfort your child as you pump. You just can't beat being able to eat, read a book, or type on a computer while you pump when you are short on time. Some moms even pump in a private office at work while they are working. Check them out!