Before starting my private practice, I worked in the hospital for 15 years - first as a postpartum nurse, then as an IBCLC. During that time, one of the most common questions I heard from new parents in the first few days after birth was: “Breastfeeding is supposed to be natural. So why does it feel so hard?" The truth is, breastfeeding is  natural - but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally . Modern life has stripped away many of the supports that once made breastfeeding easi

Are you having a baby while your spouse is deployed? Or will they be leaving for deployment soon after your baby arrives? It can feel overwhelming to think about managing the early days of parenthood on your own. I've been there. When our first baby was two weeks old, my husband left for a two-month training program. We were living in San Diego and didn’t have family nearby. I was very grateful to have some supportive friends, and several relatives who came to visit, but I st

The first week of breastfeeding can feel overwhelming, even if you've done all the research and taken a class (or read the books!). Between recovering from birth, adjusting to life with a newborn, and figuring out how breastfeeding works, it's normal to feel uncertain. The good news? Your body and your baby are built for this - and with a little guidance and support, you can get through this critical first week feeling more confident and comfortable. Here's what to expect and

In a previous blog post I discussed reasons why prenatal breastfeeding preparation is crucial , but to really optimize and simplify your life during the 4th trimester, I recommend crafting a comprehensive postpartum plan, addressing not only breastfeeding but also the broader spectrum of challenges and changes that occur during this time period. I recently conducted a casual survey on Instagram which revealed that a majority of respondents found postpartum recovery to be the