Category: Uncategorized

Why does my baby need a helmet?

- Julie Matheney

Plagiocephaly happens when a baby develops a flattened spot on their head, usually due to prolonged pressure in one area. This can result from:
• Positioning – Spending lots of time on their back (as recommended for safe sleep) or favoring one side when lying down.
• Torticollis – A tight or shortened neck muscle that causes a baby to prefer turning their head one way, leading to uneven pressure.
• In-utero positioning – Limited space in the womb (e.g., with multiples or breech positioning).
• Prematurity – Soft skulls and extended NICU stays (where babies are often positioned on their backs for medical care) increase the risk.

Why Does Early Intervention Matter?

A baby’s skull is very soft in the first few months of life, which means flattening can get worse quickly but is also easier to correct early. If caught in the first few months, simple strategies like:

✔️ More tummy time
✔️ Adjusting head positioning during sleep (while still following safe sleep guidelines)
✔️ Holding baby upright more often
✔️ Physical therapy if needed (for torticollis)

…can help round out a baby’s head naturally without needing a helmet.

When Is a Helmet Needed?

If repositioning and therapy don’t improve head shape by around 4–6 months, a helmet may be recommended. Helmets work best between 4–12 months because babies’ skulls are still growing rapidly. The helmet gently guides head growth into a more symmetrical shape over several months.

Beyond aesthetics, untreated severe plagiocephaly can sometimes impact:
• Jaw alignment – Leading to potential feeding or dental issues.
• Vision – Uneven skull shape can affect eye positioning.
• Ear positioning – Potentially impacting hearing or how glasses fit later.
• Neck mobility & gross motor skills – If linked to torticollis, limited movement can delay rolling, crawling, or sitting.

The earlier we intervene the less time baby will need the helmet! If you have any concerns about the shape of your baby’s head, speak with your pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist!
#babyhelmet #plagiocephaly #flathead

Why is my baby chewing on their pacifier or bottle and not sucking any more?

- Julie Matheney

Reflexes are neurological blueprints that help us do movements for survival and to learn skills. Reflexes are triggered by certain movements, touch or sound. Sucking and swallowing are primitive reflexes present at birth to help us learn how to feed. These reflexes are triggered by touching baby’s lips, tongue, and palate. If you put anything in baby’s mouth, they will suck on it and if there is any kind of liquid in their mouth, they reflexively need to swallow it. These reflexes are there for the first 3-4 months while babies are learning how to suck and swallow on their own. Around 3 to 4 months they have practiced sucking and swallowing so many times that these reflexes integrate into the brain and they can suck and swallow by choice. They now move to a more mature oral motor pattern of chewing. If you are going to introduce a pacifier or bottle, do so around 3-6 weeks while baby is reflexively sucking. After 3 months babies now have more volitional control of their tongue and get to choose what they suck on. From 3-4 months babies now reflexively like to practice chewing. If you touch their gums, the reflex is to chew which helps them practice the next essential skill of getting ready for solid foods. Babies start putting everything in their mouth at this age including hands and toys. Hands in the mouth is no longer a hunger cue, but a way to trigger the bite reflex to help practice chewing. If you introduce a pacifier or bottle at this age, you may find that the baby will prefer to chew on it. This is the next stage of development and is normal. If you try multiple bottles, and they refused to take them, you could move to spoon or cup feeding that milk instead. This toy is one of my favorites to practice chewing at this age.

Co-regulation and babies

- Julie Matheney

From the moment they are born, babies rely on us to help regulate their nervous systems. They don’t yet have the ability to manage big emotions or stress on their own, so they depend on a process called co-regulation—where a calm, attuned caregiver helps them settle through connection, movement, and responsiveness.

One of the key ways we help babies regulate is through stimulation of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a crucial part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s ability to rest, digest, and feel safe. When a baby is distressed, our gentle movements—rocking, bouncing, rhythmic walking—can help stimulate their vagus nerve, slowing their heart rate, deepening their breath, and signaling safety to their nervous system. This is why holding, skin-to-skin contact, and even humming while swaying can be so powerful for calming a fussy baby.

But co-regulation isn’t just for babies—it’s something we continue to rely on throughout life. As adults, we help regulate each other’s nervous systems too. A warm hug, synchronized breathing, walking together, or simply being near someone who is grounded can help shift us from a state of stress to a state of calm. This is why we instinctively reach for loved ones when we’re overwhelmed—our nervous systems are wired to co-regulate. And just look at this amazing co-regulation happening between all the adults, even the one without the baby!

How to Use Co-Regulation for Yourself and Others:
• For Babies: Hold them close, sway, bounce, or walk rhythmically. Skin-to-skin contact, soft humming, or even just deep breathing while holding them can help regulate their nervous system.
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• For Adults: When a loved one is stressed, offer a hug, sit close, or breathe together. Even making eye contact or speaking in a calm, soothing voice can activate their parasympathetic nervous system and help them settle.
• For Yourself: If you’re feeling dysregulated, try gentle movement, deep breathing, or spending time with someone who feels grounding to you. Walking, rocking, or even humming can activate your own vagus nerve and bring a sense of calm.

Why am I not losing weight while breastfeeding?

- Julie Matheney

Breastfeeding is often celebrated for its many benefits, including the extra calories it burns — up to 500 calories per day for some people. However, the relationship between breastfeeding and weight loss is far from straightforward. While some find that breastfeeding supports gradual, natural weight loss, others may notice that their weight remains stable or even increases

According to La Leche League International (LLLI), the belief that breastfeeding alone guarantees weight loss is a misconception. In reality, hormonal shifts, individual metabolism, and other lifestyle factors all play a significant role in postpartum weight management

Why Some Parents Lose Weight While Breastfeeding
• Increased calorie burn: Producing milk requires energy, which can contribute to weight loss for some parents, especially when combined with a balanced diet and physical activity
• Metabolic Adjustments: Some bodies may naturally prioritize using stored fat for milk production, leading to gradual weight loss over time.

Why Some Parents Hold On to Weight or Gain Weight

For many who are breastfeeding, weight loss doesn’t happen as easily or predictably. LLLI notes that some people retain weight while breastfeeding, especially if their bodies are holding on to fat stores to ensure sufficient energy for milk production. This biological mechanism is often nature’s way of protecting both the parent and the baby. Factors that may contribute include:
• Hormones: Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, can promote fat storage, particularly in the hips and thighs.
• Appetite Changes: Breastfeeding increases hunger in many parents, leading to higher calorie intake.
• Sleep Deprivation: Fatigue can affect metabolism and make it harder to make balanced dietary choices.
• Stress and Cortisol: High stress levels can lead to increased cortisol production, which may contribute to weight retention.

Every body is different. Your body is doing a phenomenal job growing a second human

#milksupply #postpartumweightloss #postpartumfitness

When should I start pumping if I’m exclusively breastfeeding?

- Julie Matheney

When should you start pumping if you’re exclusively breastfeeding? It depends! If you’re planning to be with your baby, you never need to pump!! An efficiently feeding baby who is fed on demand will maintain your milk supply with no need to pump. But that’s not the plan or goal for every family. There are several ways to pump and each would use different timing:

➡️ Building a Stash: If you’re heading back to work or want a freezer stash for occasional bottles, many people will tell you to start around 2-4 weeks— once baby has figured out how to breastfeed. You can start at any time, even before 2 weeks, just make sure you’re prioritizing feeding the baby over feeding the freezer. If the baby is struggling to feed or not gaining weight, pumped milk goes to baby and not the freezer. Pumping once a day after a morning feed often yields the most milk. If you consistently pump at the same time each day, your body will think that’s going to the baby and will increase your overall supply, leading to oversupply. Which is fine if that’s your goal. If you only want a small stash for going back to work, occasional or sporadic pumping shouldn’t drive up supply

➡️ Feeding it Back: If you’re planning to offer the milk soon (like for a date night or sharing feeds with a partner), you can pump as needed! Some people will pump right before they leave baby and have a caregiver offer that fresh milk while they’re gone. Others will pull milk from a collected stash and pump while they’re gone to replace that milk. It depends on how long you’re planning to be away from baby

Remember, not everyone needs to or wants to pump. If breastfeeding is going well and you’re not separated from your baby, your milk supply is typically just right for them. Pumping too early or too often can lead to oversupply which has its own risks, but it depends on your goals.

Every journey is different — your pumping plan should match your goals, not someone else’s freezer stash. 💛

When did you start pumping?
#breastfeedingjourney #milksupply #breastpump #pumpingmilk

Why does my baby sleeping longer when I hold them?

- Julie Matheney

Why are human babies like little barnacles? 🐚 Clingy, attached, always wanting to be on you — because they’re supposed to be!

Humans are carry mammals, meaning our babies are designed to be held. Unlike nest or cache mammals (who leave their babies alone for long periods), human babies thrive in our arms. Why?

✨ Milk Matters: Our milk is low in fat and digests quickly, so babies need to nurse often. Staying close to their food source ensures survival until they can get their own food

🧠 Born Immature: Human babies arrive with a lot of growing to do, especially their brains! Being close to a caregiver helps regulate their body temperature, breathing, and heart rate. This regulation also helps them sleep longer. Waking frequently when they are off your body helps them survive

🤗 Safety First: Clinginess isn’t a bad habit; it’s survival. Staying near their source of food and protection is hardwired. As they become more independent, they become less clingy

So if your little barnacle is suctioned to you, know it’s not just a phase — it’s biology. Carry them, cuddle them, wear them in a carrier. You’re doing exactly what nature intended. 💛

#Boobbarnacle #breastfedbaby #newborncaretips #babycarrier #babywearing

Don’t fall for the marketing

- Julie Matheney
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What do 10,000 steps a day, Michelin star restaurants, and feeding you baby have in common?

Marketing.

Yep, that’s right. The idea that you need to walk 10,000 steps a day? Not science—marketing. A 1960s Japanese pedometer company created it as a catchy slogan, and it stuck. The Michelin star system? It was developed by a tire company to encourage people to drive more (and wear out their tires faster).

And breastfeeding? From milk supply to baby sleep to feeding methods, you are being marketed to.

➡️ Your milk supply: One day, it’s a tea. The next, a cookie. Then a supplement. The underlying message? Your body isn’t enough on its own—which, for the vast majority of parents, is simply not true.
➡️ Your baby’s sleep: Special weighted sleep sacks, “magic” swaddles, and promises of longer stretches—often based more on fear than actual evidence.
➡️ How you feed your baby: Bottles designed to mimic the breast (but often don’t), formula marketing that plays on guilt or exhaustion, and products that convince you you need more than just your body and your baby.

Does this mean every product is bad? Nope. Some things make life easier! But it’s worth asking:
✅ Is this product solving a real problem, or one I’ve been told I have?
✅ Is there actual evidence behind it, or just really good marketing?
✅ Is this making me feel more confident—or more dependent?

The truth? Your baby needs you more than they need “stuff.” And while marketing isn’t going anywhere, your intuition is stronger than any ad campaign.

What marketing did you fall for that was a waste?

#babystuff #babyshowergift #breastfeedingsupport

Getting Rid of Breast Milk Stains

- Julie Matheney

Breastmilk stains fabric because of its unique composition, which includes:

Getting out breast milk stains

•Proteins – These can bind to fabric fibers, especially if exposed to heat, causing stubborn stains
•Fats – Milk fat can leave greasy or yellowish marks, especially over time
•Sugars (Lactose) – While not the main culprit, sugars can contribute to staining and even attract bacteria, which can worsen discoloration

The biggest issue with breastmilk stains is that they change over time—fresh stains might look like simple wet spots, but as they dry and oxidize, the proteins and fats can yellow, especially if exposed to heat (like from a dryer). That’s why cold water rinsing, pre-treating, and sunning are so effective—they break down the stain before it sets!

If you catch it early, you’re in luck! Here’s what to do:
1. Cold Water Rinse – Always start with a cold water rinse. Hot water can “cook” the proteins into the fabric, making the stain worse
2. Mild Soap or Baby Detergent – Rub a little liquid soap (like castile soap or your baby’s detergent) into the stain and let it sit for 5–10 minutes
3. Rinse Again & Wash – Toss it in the wash with cold or warm water (but not hot!) and your regular detergent
4. Check Before Drying – Heat from the dryer can set stains, so make sure it’s fully gone before tossing it in.

The Magic of the Sun ☀️

This is the easiest, most natural way to get breastmilk stains out!
•Sunlight naturally bleaches stains—no harsh chemicals needed
• Don’t dry the washed clothes in the dryer! Simply lay the damp fabric in direct sunlight for a few hours. Stains will fade like magic
•This works even on cloudy days, though it may take longer
•Bonus: Sunlight also kills bacteria, which is great for cloth diapers and burp cloths!

Preventing Breastmilk Stains
•Wear breast pads (disposables or washable ones) to catch leaks
•Rinse spills ASAP—even just a quick splash of water helps

#stainremover #stainremoval #babyfashion #babycare #spitup #spituphappens

Post Release Tongue Tie Stretches

- Julie Matheney

After a tongue-tie release, the body naturally tries to heal by closing the wound. The problem? If the tissue heals incorrectly, it can “reattach”, leading to restricted movement again. Stretches help:
✔️ Keep the wound open long enough for it to heal with full mobility.
✔️ Prevent scar tissue from forming too tightly.
✔️ Encourage proper tongue function for feeding, swallowing, and speech development.
Without stretches, there’s a risk that the frenulum will regrow to short or tight, making the procedure less effective.

There’s no universal standard, but most providers follow these general recommendations:

Start within a few hours post-procedure – many providers will have you wait a few hours, but start stretches same day

Frequency: Most protocols recommend stretches every 4–6 hours for 3–4 weeks post-release. I don’t recommend stretching overnight if baby is sleeping well. Stretch before bed and again in the morning

Some providers believe stretches are critical to preventing reattachment, while others suggest the body may naturally heal well without them. Every baby heals differently, so it’s best to follow your provider’s specific recommendations. A knowledgeable lactation consultant can also help guide in wound healing

Wound care is just one piece of the puzzle. To help your baby get the most out of their release:
✔️ Lactation support – A consultant can help improve latch and feeding
✔️ Bodywork – Chiropractic, craniosacral therapy, or occupational therapy can help with tension
✔️ Oral exercises – If needed, speech or feeding therapy can help strengthen tongue movement

I first saw this standing stretch by @drchelseapinto and is a great way to promote healing and mobility while reducing stress for the baby

What was your stretching protocol like?
#tonguetie #babyoralcare #tonguetierelease

Why is my breast milk supply decreasing?

- Julie Matheney
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One of the coolest things about breast milk? Your milk volumes adjust to meet baby’s growth! But milk volumes don’t just keep going up forever—they follow a natural pattern of increasing, leveling off, and then gradually decreasing as solids take center stage.

Weeks 1–6: The Build-Up Phase
🥛Newborns start with tiny tummies—think 5–7 mL (a teaspoon!) per feeding in the first days.
🥛By week 1, they take in 1–2 oz per feeding (about 10–20 oz per day) to help them regain their birth weight
🥛By week 2–4, intake increases to 2–3 oz per feeding and we calculate milk needs by weight: Babies typically take 2.5 oz per pound of body weight per day, maxing out around 24–30 oz per day for most babies. A 7# baby needs less milk than a 10# baby. Most babies have several weeks of cluster feeding to get your body to slowly increase supply to reach your max

Weeks 6–6 Months: The Plateau
⏰Around 4–6 weeks, milk volume stabilizes! Your baby will likely continue taking 24–30 oz per day with little change until solids are well established.
⏰There is a range because everyone’s calorie count in their unique milk is different! Unlike formula which is a standard 20 calories per ounce, breast milk can range from 16-32 calories per ounce!!

6–12 Months: Gradual Decrease
🥕As solids become a bigger part of the diet, total milk intake may dip slightly (closer to 20–24 oz per day by 9–12 months)
🥝Some babies still drink more, some less—it’s all about how quickly solids become the main event

After 12 Months: Milk Becomes a Side Dish
👧🏽Around the first birthday, breast milk intake gradually decreases as table foods provide most of the nutrition
👧🏻Many toddlers still nurse several times a day (or just for comfort), but total intake is often 16–20 oz per day or even less

💡 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Watch your baby for their own optimal growth. How old they are and how much they weigh do play a role in milk needs
✔️ Everyone makes milk tailored to their own baby. It’s ok to see milk volumes fluctuate and even decrease with time
✔️ Babies don’t need more and more milk forever—your body adjusts milk composition instead!

#milksupply #makingmilk #breastmilk #breastmilkstash #breastmilksupply