Is it ok for my baby to sleep with their mouth open?

- Julie Matheney

Why should babies sleep with their mouths closed?

You might be wondering, “Does it really matter if my baby sleeps with their mouth open?” The answer is: YES, and here’s why—keeping that little mouth closed isn’t just adorable; it’s essential for their development and long-term health. Let’s break it down:

1. Better breathing = better sleep

Babies are designed to be nose breathers. When their mouths stay closed, air passes through the nose, where it’s filtered, warmed, and humidified. This helps prevent dry mouth and keeps airways moist, making breathing smoother and quieter. Mouth breathing can lead to snoring, interrupted sleep, and even mild sleep apnea in some cases. And we all know—better breathing means better sleep for everyone!

2. Facial development & growth

When your baby sleeps with their mouth closed, their tongue naturally rests on the roof of their mouth. This constant gentle pressure promotes proper facial development. Babies’ growing faces are highly malleable, and mouth-breathing can affect how their jaw, cheeks, and even nasal passages form. Long-term mouth breathing can result in a more narrow, elongated face with a higher risk of dental issues.

3. Palatal expansion & tongue posture

Did you know your baby’s palate (roof of the mouth) is actively shaping itself during infancy? When the tongue rests on the palate during sleep, it encourages the palate to broaden and flatten out, making room for future teeth and promoting a healthy bite. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, can leave the palate high and narrow, which can contribute to issues like crowding of teeth and needing orthodontic intervention later on.

How to encourage nose breathing:

• Check for nasal congestion: If your baby’s nose is stuffy, it’s natural for them to open their mouth to breathe. You can help by using saline drops and a nasal aspirator to gently clear things up.

• Check for ties: Tongue and lip ties can affect tongue posture, making it harder for your baby to keep their mouth closed. If you suspect a tie, consult with a lactation consultant or pediatric provider for an evaluation.

• Monitor sleep position: Babies sleeping with their heads tilted back or mouths open may benefit from a slightly adjusted sleep position. However, always follow safe sleep guidelines!

The takeaway?

A closed-mouth sleeper isn’t just cute—it’s a sign that your baby is breathing well, developing properly, and setting the stage for a healthy smile. Keeping their mouth closed during sleep helps with breathing, facial growth, and creating the perfect space for those future teeth to line up just right.

If you’re concerned about mouth breathing or have noticed your baby always sleeps with their mouth open, don’t hesitate to reach out to a provider. Early intervention can make a big difference!

Now go ahead—gently close that little mouth after the next midnight feeding, and rest easy knowing you’re helping your baby grow, breathe, and thrive!

How could my pediatrician miss my baby’s tongue tie?

- Julie Matheney

Missed Ties: Why It’s Not Always You (And How to Advocate for Better Support)

It’s heartbreaking to hear stories from parents whose babies have struggled to breastfeed, only to have their concerns dismissed or misdiagnosed. One of the most common issues I see in my practice? Tongue and lip ties that are very obvious to trained eyes but somehow missed by pediatricians, and yes, sometimes even by untrained lactation consultants.

Let me break this down:

Breastfeeding Is the Biological Norm

Our bodies are designed to feed our babies. It’s a system millions of years in the making. Babies come into the world with the reflexes and tools they need to feed effectively—and our breasts are designed to meet their needs. When breastfeeding isn’t working, the question we should ask isn’t if you’re capable, but why it’s not happening as it should.

It’s Not Always You, Mama

Yes, modern life can throw curveballs into the breastfeeding journey. Hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, and even certain medications can affect milk supply. But here’s the kicker: when there’s pain, damage, or low milk supply after birth, the issue is often not your body—it’s the baby’s ability to nurse effectively.

Tongue and Lip Ties Are Often Missed

If breastfeeding is a struggle, and your baby isn’t transferring milk well or causing you pain, it’s not enough for a pediatrician to just glance inside their mouth. Here’s what a thorough tie assessment should include:

• A Functional Exam: The provider should gently manipulate your baby’s tongue to assess its ability to move in all directions (up, down, side-to-side, and forward).

• Observation of a Feeding: Watching how baby latches, sucks, and swallows provides critical clues about what’s going on.

• Nipple Assessment: Checking your nipples before and after a feed can reveal if baby’s latch is causing damage or isn’t deep enough.

• Symptom History: You and your baby’s feeding challenges are part of the puzzle—this context matters.

If this didn’t happen, your baby wasn’t really assessed for ties.

What Pediatricians (and Some Providers) Get Wrong

Many pediatricians are incredible at their jobs—but infant oral function isn’t their specialty. If they tell you low milk supply is simply “your fault” or that formula or pumping is your only solution without addressing the underlying why, they’re not being breastfeeding supportive.

And if you’re pumping enough milk to feed your baby, but they still can’t latch or transfer milk well from the breast? That’s a BABY issue—not a YOU issue.

How to Advocate for Your Feeding Journey

• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, keep pushing for answers. You know your baby best.

• Seek Specialists: Work with a trained lactation consultant (IBCLC) who has experience assessing oral ties and feeding issues.

• Comprehensive Care: Ask for a full feeding evaluation, not just a quick “look in the mouth.”

• Get to the Root Cause: Don’t settle for Band-Aid fixes like pumping-only solutions or being told to “wait it out.” Resolving the underlying issue is key to breastfeeding success.

You Deserve Real Support

Your baby’s challenges are not a reflection of your ability to provide for them. You’re doing an incredible job by seeking answers and fighting for your feeding journey. If breastfeeding isn’t going as planned, there is a reason—and with the right support, you can find it.

Because here’s the truth: Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s not always easy. And when it’s hard, you deserve care that addresses the real problem, not just the symptoms.

You’ve got this—and you’re not alone.

Are you Pump Trapped?

- Julie Matheney

Are You Pump Trapped? How Comfort Pumping Can Backfire

If you’ve ever finished breastfeeding, still felt full, and thought, “I’ll just pump a little to feel comfortable,” only to find yourself stuck in an endless cycle of pumping—welcome to the pump trap.

It’s easy to fall into, and it happens because milk production works on demand and supply (not the other way around). The more you remove, the more your body makes. Most babies only take 65-80% of what’s in the breast until supply regulates around 3-4 months. So breasts are supposed to still have milk and feel a little full for cluster feeding and growth spurts.

How It Happens

1. Baby nurses but your breasts still feel full.

2. You pump “just a little” to relieve discomfort

3. Your body sees that extra milk removal as a signal to make even more.

4. Next time, you feel just as full (or fuller), so you pump again.

5. The cycle continues, and suddenly, you’re stuck in an oversupply loop.

Breaking Free From the Pump Trap

• Resist the urge to fully empty your breasts after feeds. Your body will adjust if you let it.

• Hand express just enough for comfort instead of pumping. This sends a weaker signal for more milk.

• Gradually reduce pumping sessions if you’ve already been stuck in the cycle. Skipping suddenly can lead to clogged ducts or mastitis.

• Trust your baby to regulate your supply. If they are nursing effectively, they will take what they need, and your body will match their demand.

Some parents need to pump for various reasons, and that’s okay. But if you’re feeling trapped in an endless pump cycle, know that your body can find balance again. Less pumping now may mean fewer issues later.

Have you been caught in the pump trap? What helped you break free?

Does Eat, Play, Sleep work?

- Julie Matheney

The Truth About Full Feedings & Reflux: Why “Eat, Play, Sleep” Might Be the Problem

If you’ve ever been told to “push for a full feeding” so baby will go longer between meals, this one’s for you.

Overly full bellies can actually make reflux worse. That “nice, long stretch” of sleep people promise often comes with more spit-up, discomfort, and a cranky baby.

Let’s talk about it.

The Problem with “Eat, Play, Sleep”

The Eat, Play, Sleep routine sounds great in theory—baby eats a big meal, stays awake for a bit, then sleeps peacefully until the next feed. But that’s not actually how most babies are wired.

Instead, many babies prefer Eat, Play, Eat, Sleep (or even snack their way to sleep). Why? Because:

• A super full stomach puts more pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the little valve that keeps milk down. Babies have immature LES muscles, meaning a too-full tummy makes reflux worse.

• Digestion is a process, not an instant fix. Smaller, more frequent feedings keep the stomach from overfilling, making digestion easier and reducing spit-up.

• Babies instinctively regulate their intake when given the chance. If we push them to take in more than they need, they may reflux it right back up.

Smaller, More Frequent Feeds = Happier Tummies

Instead of focusing on “full feedings” at every meal, consider a biologically normal feeding rhythm:

• Offer feeds more frequently, in smaller amounts

• Allow baby to cue for feeds as needed, even if it feels like a “snack”

• Follow baby’s natural feeding rhythm instead of rigid schedules

• Responsive feeding reduces reflux risk by preventing stomach over distension

But Won’t My Baby Sleep Less?

Not necessarily. A baby who is comfortable (not overstuffed and refluxy) is actually more likely to settle and sleep well. The goal isn’t to “tank them up” but to feed in a way that supports their digestion and comfort.

Bottom Line?

Bigger feedings don’t equal better sleep—they often mean more reflux, more discomfort, and more wake-ups. Let’s trust babies to tell us how much they need because when it comes to feeding, less (more often) is sometimes more.

Has this been your experience? Let’s talk in the comments.

Cup Feeding: When breastfed babies refuse a bottle

- Julie Matheney

Cup Feeding: A Smart Backup Plan for Your 4-Month-Old

When your baby happily breastfeeds but gives a hard “no thanks” to bottles—and you’re headed back to work soon—it can feel overwhelming. But guess what? A bottle isn’t the only game in town! Enter cup feeding, a gentle, baby-led alternative that works beautifully for some families.

Here’s what you need to know about introducing cup feeding to your 4-month-old:

Why Choose Cup Feeding?

•No bottle battle needed: Skip the stress of trying every bottle and nipple on the market.

•Preserves breastfeeding: Cup feeding won’t interfere with your baby’s latch or feeding skills.

•Flexibility: Caregivers can easily use a small, open cup (like a medicine cup, shot glass or silicone training cup like the EZPZ Tiny Cup) to feed breast milk.

How Much Will Your Baby Take?

At 4 months, babies typically drink 3–5 oz per feeding. (Think of it as small sips, not chugging!)

How to Get Started

1.Choose the right cup: A small, lightweight, open cup works best—something baby can sip from without too much spilling.

2.Practice position: Hold baby upright on your lap, supporting their head and neck.

3.Take it slow:

•Fill the cup with a small amount of milk (start with ~1 oz).

•Gently tilt the cup so the milk touches baby’s lip.

•Allow them to sip at their own pace. It might be messy at first, but they’ll get the hang of it!

4.Be patient: Learning something new can take time. Keep the vibe calm and encouraging.

Tips for Success

•Start practicing early: Give your baby a few weeks to get comfortable before your first workday.

•Offer it when they’re calm: A hungry, upset baby won’t be in the mood to try something new.

•Involve the caregiver: The person who will be feeding your baby should practice, too. Babies often do better with someone other than mom offering the cup.

•Keep breastfeeding: Cup feeding is a supplement, not a replacement. Continue nursing when you’re together to maintain milk supply and connection.

FAQs

Won’t my baby spill everywhere?

Maybe a little! But with practice, they’ll improve. Use a bib and keep a burp cloth handy.

Doesn’t cup feeding take forever?

At first, it might feel slow, but once your baby gets the hang of it, feedings can be quick and efficient.

Is this safe for a baby so young?

Absolutely! Cup feeding is often used with newborns in hospitals. Babies as young as a day old can learn this skill.

Cup feeding can feel like a lifesaver for families navigating this tricky phase. With patience and practice, your baby will learn how to sip like a pro—and you’ll feel confident knowing they’re getting what they need while you’re apart.

Got questions? Drop them below—I’m here to help!

Here are some published research studies and articles on cup feeding babies:

1.Flint et al. (2016):

•Title: “Cup feeding versus other forms of supplemental enteral feeding for newborn infants unable to fully breastfeed.”

•Source:Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

•Key Findings:

•Cup feeding is a safe and effective alternative to bottle feeding for newborns.

•Helps preserve breastfeeding compared to bottle use.

•No significant differences in weight gain, but cup feeding can require more time and caregiver patience.

•Link:Cochrane Review on Cup Feeding

2.Yilmaz et al. (2014):

•Title: “Effect of cup feeding and bottle feeding on breastfeeding in late preterm infants: A randomized controlled study.”

•Source:Journal of Human Lactation.

•Key Findings:

•Cup-fed late preterm infants had a higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge compared to bottle-fed infants.

•Suggests cup feeding supports long-term breastfeeding success.

3.Raval et al. (2002):

•Title: “Comparison of breast-feeding techniques: Cup feeding versus bottle feeding in hospitalized neonates.”

•Source:Indian Pediatrics.

•Key Findings:

•Cup-fed neonates had fewer issues with breastfeeding and latch post-discharge.

•Demonstrated cup feeding as a viable alternative to avoid nipple confusion.

4.Lang et al. (1994):

•Title: “Randomized controlled trial of cup feeding versus bottle feeding for term neonates during supplemental feeding.”

•Source:Archives of Disease in Childhood.

•Key Findings:

•Cup feeding helped maintain breastfeeding duration longer than bottle feeding.

•Initial feeds may take longer with a cup, but the benefits for breastfeeding were notable.

Additional Resources:

•World Health Organization (WHO) recommends cup feeding as an alternative feeding method, especially in cases where breastfeeding or bottle feeding is challenging.

•La Leche League International: Supports cup feeding as a way to supplement breastfed babies without risking nipple confusion.

Let me know if you’d like more details or summaries of these studies!

Intrusive Thoughts vs Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER)

- Julie Matheney

Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) and intrusive thoughts can both be distressing experiences during breastfeeding, but they are distinct phenomena with different causes and characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of each, how they overlap, and how they differ:

What Is D-MER?

•Definition: D-MER is a physiological response to milk ejection (letdown) characterized by a sudden wave of negative emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, or anger.

•Cause: Thought to be linked to a sudden drop in dopamine during the letdown reflex, which is necessary to release prolactin for milk production.

•Key Features:

•Emotions are fleeting, lasting 30 seconds to 2 minutes during or just before milk letdown.

•The feelings are tied directly to the act of breastfeeding or pumping, not external triggers.

•Mothers often describe it as a “doom-like” sensation.

•The feelings fade as the breastfeeding session progresses.

What Are Intrusive Thoughts During Breastfeeding?

•Definition: Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary thoughts or mental images that can be distressing. They often focus on fears of harm to the baby, inadequacy, or catastrophic events.

•Cause: Typically linked to postpartum mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

•Key Features:

•Can occur at any time, not just during breastfeeding.

•Not tied to a physiological reflex but rather psychological or emotional stress.

•The thoughts can feel persistent and overwhelming, even if they are fleeting.

•Often accompanied by feelings of guilt or shame for having the thoughts.

Key Differences Between D-MER and Intrusive Thoughts

Overlap Between D-MER and Intrusive Thoughts

Both can occur during breastfeeding and may contribute to a mother feeling overwhelmed or questioning her ability to cope. However, the underlying mechanisms are different, and the strategies for addressing them vary.

Red Flags to Distinguish Intrusive Thoughts From D-MER

1.When They Occur:

•If the distress arises only during milk letdown and fades quickly, it is likely D-MER.

•If it occurs outside of feeding or is tied to specific scenarios, it is likely intrusive thoughts.

2.Content:

•D-MER involves generalized dysphoria, not specific fears or scenarios.

•Intrusive thoughts often have vivid, specific, and sometimes graphic content.

3.Level of Distress:

•D-MER causes emotional discomfort but usually not panic or deep guilt.

•Intrusive thoughts can be deeply distressing, triggering anxiety or obsessive worry.

4.Impact on Bonding or Functioning:

•D-MER is unlikely to affect overall bonding with the baby.

•Intrusive thoughts may lead to avoidance of certain situations (e.g., not wanting to be alone with the baby).

How to Manage D-MER vs. Intrusive Thoughts

•For D-MER:

•Understanding It: Knowing it is a hormonal reflex can ease guilt or fear.

•Stay Hydrated and Eat Regularly: Stable blood sugar may help.

•Monitor Triggers: Some mothers find stress or caffeine can worsen symptoms.

•Seek Support: Talking to a lactation consultant who is familiar with D-MER can provide reassurance.

•For Intrusive Thoughts:

•Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage anxiety and reframe intrusive thoughts.

•Medication: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be helpful if symptoms are severe.

•Mindfulness Techniques: Grounding exercises can help reduce the impact of intrusive thoughts.

•Talk About It: Sharing these thoughts with a trusted friend, partner, or therapist can help normalize the experience and reduce shame.

When to Seek Professional Help

•If you are unsure whether you’re experiencing D-MER or intrusive thoughts, consult a lactation consultant or mental health professional.

•Seek immediate help if you feel like you might act on harmful thoughts or if the distress is impacting your ability to care for your baby or yourself.

Remember

Neither D-MER nor intrusive thoughts mean you are a bad parent. Both are challenges that can be managed with the right support, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You’re not alone in this.

Intrusive thoughts while breastfeeding

- Julie Matheney

Intrusive thoughts while breastfeeding are more common than many people realize and can be deeply distressing for parents who experience them. These thoughts often come out of nowhere, feel unwanted, and can cause feelings of guilt or fear. Here’s a breakdown of where they come from, what’s normal, and when to seek help:

What Are Intrusive Thoughts?

•Definition: Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary thoughts or images that pop into your mind. They can be bizarre, scary, or even disturbing.

•Common in New Parenthood: They often revolve around fears of harming your baby (accidentally or intentionally), your baby being harmed by others, or catastrophic events (e.g., dropping your baby or suffocating them during sleep).

Where Do Intrusive Thoughts Come From?

1.Hormonal Changes:

•Postpartum hormone shifts (like drops in estrogen and progesterone) can affect mood and thought patterns.

•Oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” can heighten your emotional sensitivity and awareness, making you hyper-alert to perceived dangers.

2.Sleep Deprivation:

•Lack of sleep impacts mental health and increases anxiety, which can lead to more intrusive thoughts.

3.Heightened Responsibility:

•The intense responsibility of caring for a newborn can trigger fears about your ability to protect and care for them.

4.Postpartum Mental Health Conditions:

•Intrusive thoughts are common in postpartum anxiety (PPA), postpartum depression (PPD), or postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (PPOCD).

5.Evolutionary Factors:

•Some researchers believe intrusive thoughts are an evolutionary “alarm system” designed to make parents vigilant about their baby’s safety.

What’s Normal vs. Concerning?

Normal Intrusive Thoughts:

•Brief and fleeting.

•Recognized as irrational or not aligned with your values.

•Do not lead to actions.

Red Flags:

•Thoughts are persistent and distressing, interfering with your ability to function or bond with your baby.

•You feel like you might act on the thoughts or cannot separate yourself from them.

•They are accompanied by other symptoms of postpartum mental health issues, such as:

•Intense anxiety or panic attacks.

•Feeling emotionally disconnected from your baby.

•Hopelessness, worthlessness, or excessive guilt.

•Difficulty eating, sleeping, or concentrating.

When to Seek Help

If intrusive thoughts are causing significant distress or you feel unsafe, reaching out to a healthcare provider is essential. Support options include:

•Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially effective for managing intrusive thoughts.

•Medication: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may help in severe cases.

•Support Groups: Postpartum mental health groups can normalize your experience and provide coping strategies.

•Lactation Consultant: If breastfeeding itself feels like a trigger, a lactation consultant can help identify ways to make the experience more comfortable and manageable.

Tips for Managing Intrusive Thoughts

•Acknowledge and Label the Thoughts: Recognize them as intrusive, not reflective of your true feelings.

•Practice Self-Compassion: You are not a bad parent for having these thoughts. They are not your fault.

•Talk to Someone: Confiding in a trusted friend, partner, or therapist can ease the shame and isolation.

•Grounding Techniques: Mindfulness, breathing exercises, or engaging in sensory activities (like holding a warm cup of tea) can redirect your focus.

•Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition: Even small improvements in self-care can make a big difference.

Intrusive thoughts can feel scary, but they don’t define you as a parent. With support and care, they can be managed and often resolved. You’re not alone, and help is available.

High lipase=soapy milk. Oxidation =metallic milk

- Julie Matheney

High lipase in breast milk can affect the taste and smell of expressed milk. Lipase is a natural enzyme found in breast milk that helps break down fats, making them more digestible for infants. When lipase levels are higher than average, the fat breakdown process can accelerate, which may lead to changes in the milk’s flavor and odor. Often, breast milk with high lipase develops a “soapy” or “metallic” taste after being stored, even when properly refrigerated or frozen. While this change does not make the milk unsafe, some babies might refuse it due to the taste.

It’s important to distinguish high lipase from the oxidation of breast milk. Oxidized breast milk tastes rancid or sour/spoiled even when stored per usual guidelines. It’s caused by drinking water that may contain copper or iron ions, and from taking  fish-oil and flaxseed supplements or eating a diet high in polyunsaturated fats.

If you’re dealing with high lipase in breast milk and want to reduce the taste changes, here are a few strategies that may help:

Scald the Milk: heating it to around 180°F (82°C) until you see small bubbles around the edges but not a full boil—can inactivate the lipase enzyme, stopping further fat breakdown. This process needs to be done immediately after pumping, before storing the milk in the fridge or freezer

Trial of Different Storage Techniques: Although high lipase is an inherent trait in the milk, storage methods can sometimes influence how quickly the milk’s taste changes. For example, freezing milk immediately after pumping may slow down the enzymatic activity more effectively than refrigeration

Offer Freshly Pumped Milk: For families who don’t need to build a large freezer stash, offering freshly pumped milk can avoid the taste change issue altogether. Since high lipase typically impacts milk stored for longer periods, using milk within a few hours after pumping can maintain the taste and avoid baby’s rejection

Experiment with Mixing Fresh and Stored Milk: If scalding or using only fresh milk is impractical, some parents have success blending fresh milk with previously frozen milk, which can dilute the taste changes enough to be acceptable to their baby

Such training doesn’t work for babies over 3 months

- Julie Matheney

Around the 3- to 4-month mark, babies experience an exciting transition as the suck reflex, which is so vital in the early months, begins to integrate. Sucking is a reflexive skill designed to help babies feed effectively, but as babies develop, they naturally transition to exploring other oral skills, including chewing, which is key for future eating skills when solids are introduced around 6 months. At this stage we no longer focus our energy on “suck training”, because many babies don’t want to practice sucking, they want to chew

Chewing toys and teethers help babies strengthen their jaw and practice moving their tongue and mouth in ways that lay the groundwork for chewing solid foods. This is a learning period without the expectation of swallowing food, which reduces pressure and lets them practice freely

Teethers and chewing toys let babies feel different textures and shapes, building their sensory awareness in a safe, controlled way. These sensations will become familiar, making the transition to solids more comfortable later on. These skills also carry over into sucking skills

Ditching the pacifier at this age can be helpful because it allows babies to focus on this new skill of chewing, which they are naturally ready to explore

Practicing with teethers is all about giving babies the chance to explore their mouths and practice controlling the movements they’ll need for safe and effective food chewing

By shifting from pacifiers to chewing toys, you’re supporting this natural developmental progression and giving your baby plenty of time to practice essential oral skills well before they’re expected to handle food. It’s a low-stress, baby-led way to prepare for solids while giving them the space to practice and play.

Why is lactation advice so confusing?

- Julie Matheney

Lactation advice can be incredibly confusing, and honestly, it’s not surprising why! There’s a lot of conflicting information out there, and not all of it is based on the latest research or tailored to individual needs. Here are a few reasons why lactation advice can feel so overwhelming:

🤱🏽Every Baby (and Breast) is Different: No two breastfeeding journeys are the same. What works for one mom and baby may not work for another, and there isn’t always a one-size-fits-all answer.

📽️Outdated Recommendations: Sometimes advice from well-meaning friends, family, and even healthcare providers might be based on outdated practices. For example, certain ideas about feeding schedules or how to handle milk supply have shifted significantly in recent years.

⚖️Mix of Personal Opinions and Evidence-Based Practices: Online forums, social media, and parenting groups are full of personal stories and tips. While these can be helpful, they sometimes mix opinion with fact, making it hard to know what’s genuinely evidence-based.

🔮Cultural Beliefs and Biases: Different cultures and communities have unique approaches to infant feeding, which can sometimes clash with medical advice or feel like extra pressure to follow a particular path.

📚Medical Professionals Vary in Knowledge: Some healthcare providers don’t have in-depth lactation training, which means that their breastfeeding advice can be more limited. That’s one of the reasons why lactation consultants are so helpful—they’re often more up-to-date on the latest research and trained to support different needs.

❤️‍🔥Emotional Investment: Breastfeeding can be tied to a lot of emotions—self-doubt, hopes, frustrations, and joy—which makes it easy to feel overwhelmed when things aren’t going as planned or when you’re getting conflicting advice.

🚽Unrealistic Expectations on Social Media: Pictures and stories on social media sometimes show breastfeeding as this seamless, beautiful experience. While it can be that way, it’s not always immediate or easy. This portrayal can make it harder for parents to navigate real-life challenges when they crop up.

Finding a trusted source, like a certified lactation consultant, can help cut through the noise, since they’re trained to provide advice that’s both evidence-based and supportive of each family’s unique needs. Having someone in your corner who understands the challenges and can offer personalized support makes all the difference.