The Boob Group: Judgment-Free Breastfeeding Support

If you're about to have a baby, you may have a lot of questions about breastfeeding your newborn, especially within the first couple of weeks. What does nursing look like during a baby's second week of life? What can you expect when your mature milk comes in? How often should your baby feed? Plus, what to do during those crazy growth spurts! Today, we're continuing our series focused on brand new moms as they begin their breastfeeding journeys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breast milk alone may not provide all the vitamins a growing baby needs. Sometimes pediatricians will recommend additional Vitamin D and iron. Why are these vitamins being recommended and what kind of effect does it have on mother and baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After returning to work, many breastfeeding moms have questions about pumping schedules and strategies. How much milk will you need to pump while you are away from your baby? How do you calculate how often you should pump at work? And how do you store and transfer your pumped breast milk?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A partner's support is crucial to a breastfeeding moms' sense of success. But partners who aren't lactating may find it difficult to understand their supporting role and know how to better assist their breastfeeding partner with the process. What can partners do prenatally and postpartum to increase the odds of meeting their breastfeeding goals? Today you'll learn all about a national campaign with the mission of de-stigmatizing public breastfeeding by educating men and empowering women.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At some point, many breastfeeding moms question if they're making enough milk for their baby. Sometimes there is an issue with milk supply and other times the dip is a result of something else entirely. How do you know if your baby isn't getting enough? Should you be concerned if your breasts don't feel as full as they used to? Plus, pumping strikes and impact of reducing your pumping sessions at work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gassy, fussy, grumpy babies! What can a breastfeeding mom do to help relieve this discomfort and make her baby feel more comfortable? What does typical gas and fussiness look like in a newborn baby? How are GERD and reflux diagnosed and how are these issues resolved? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Returning to work can be a bit of a challenge for breastfeeding and pumping moms. There are so many things to consider, both mentally and physically. So, how can employers help ease this process for mothers returning from maternity leave? What are some of the challenges businesses face? And how can employees advocate for themselves? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know that breastfeeding is natural and normal. It's also something that everyone seems to have an opinion about. Whether it's coming from your mother or a complete stranger, breastfeeding criticism can be tough to endure. Why do they think it's ok to voice their opinion? How do you handle a potentially awkward situation? And can you prevent that situation from happening in the first place? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your breastfeeding baby seems to have his nights and days mixed up, then you may be experiencing reverse cycling. So, what do you do when your child isn't really interested in feeding during the day but wants to breastfeed all night long? When does it typically happen and how long will it last? And what can you do in the meantime to get more of that much-needed rest? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As twins babies get older, positioning, timing and breastfeeding, in general, can become easier. How is breastfeeding older twins different than breastfeeding newborns? What are some practical positions for this age range? What about distractibility and its impact on routine and schedule? Plus, our panelists share their most challenging moments breastfeeding their twins and how they handled it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having a baby can cause a strain on any relationship. Let's face it, parenting can be exhausting. Breastfeeding moms may feel additional stress and responsibility as the pain provider of nutrition for their babies. How can partners help relieve some of the burden and bond with their babies at the same time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It if seems like your baby always wants to breastfeed, then your baby may be cluster feeding. Why do babies cluster feed? Could it be a sign of a growth spurt? What should you do if your baby is nursing non-stop? And how can cluster feedings impact milk supply? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the final episode in our series, Breastfeeding Expectations, where we follow three breastfeeding moms through the children's first year of life. At 12 months, our moms reflect back on their one-year journey. What was their biggest challenge? What do they love most about breastfeeding? And would they do anything differently, if given the chance? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Consistent nipple pain may be the result of a common yeast infection known as thrush. How is thrush normally treated? When should you seek professional help? And how do you know it's not thrush and must be some other type of infection? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sexual abuse can greatly impact your breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby. What are the main signs of trauma? How can you overcome those emotions and create a positive experience? In this episode, you'll meet sexual abuse survivors and hear what worked best for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may be breastfeeding your baby. You may be pumping breast milk for your baby on a regular basis. Or perhaps you're doing both. But what happens if you need to express your breast milk and there's no pump in sight? Maybe your pump breaks unexpectedly or perhaps you need an alternative if you don't have a power source? These are just some of the benefits of hand expression and manual breast pumps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All breastfeeding and pumping moms need support. And many times, you can find mom-to-mom support through social media groups and forums where help is available 24/7. But what do you need to know before joining these groups? What can you expect to gain from being part of them? And what are the basic dos and don'ts when it comes to advising other moms? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know the way you become pregnant can impact your overall breastfeeding success? An Australian study suggests mothers who become pregnant through IVF (in-vitro fertilization) may experience more challenges when trying to nurse their babies. What are some of the challenges mothers face when breastfeeding after IVF? And what can determined moms do to improve their overall experience? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Symptoms such as nipple pain, slow weight gain, and a fussy baby may be signs that your child has a lip or a tongue tie. How can you tell if there's really an issue? What are your treatment options? And what does this mean for your breastfeeding relationship? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding time to feed yourself nutritious foods can be a struggle when you're a new mom. So, what exactly does your body need during this time to maintain and even enhance your milk supply? What specific foods are typically recommended for breastfeeding moms? Plus, we reveal our favorite go-to items for breakfast, lunch and dinner!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As new mothers, we can be a little too obsessed about fitting back into our pre-pregnancy clothes. As it turns out, having a little extra fat on your body may be its way of protecting both you and your baby. So, what exactly is your body mass index, or BMI? And what impact does overall nutrition and exercise have on your breast milk?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many mothers, breastfeeding is the best way to help soothe their little ones to sleep. How does this impact hot button topics such as bedsharing and sleep training? If you choose to share your bed or co-sleep, how can you do it safely? What can you expect with sleep training and how can it impact the breastfeeding relationship you have with your child? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breastfeeding twins can be challenging, especially when the babies are late preterm. What are some of the ways these babies behave differently? What should you know before attempting to tandem nurse? Plus, some great advice for managing triple feedings: breastfeeding, supplementation and pumping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A mother's breastfeeding experience changes drastically over time. And still, that experience is different for every mother. Today we're launching a new series called "Breastfeeding Expectations", where we follow three new moms on their breastfeeding journeys during the first year of their baby's life. This month, learn more about their labor and delivery experiences. Plus, how did they prepare for breastfeeding? What type of support did they need during those first few days? And how have their partners helped with the whole process? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The mechanics of breastfeeding multiples may seem overwhelming, but there are definitely some tricks to the trade. Is tandem nursing really possible? What equipment do mothers of multiples find helpful? Learn how to deal with the challenges of nursing more than one baby at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're breastfeeding your baby and you interest in sex is all but gone. Where has your libido gone that helped you make that baby in the first place? What typically causes the loss of sex drive after having a baby, and what other options do you have for connecting with your partner when your levels are really low? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've tried everything, but your breastfeeding experience isn't turning out as planned. If plans A, B, and C fail... what's the next step? Learn how to recognize the signs early, get help and stay strong through the whole process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite every intention to breastfeed their babies, sometimes moms must look for alternatives, such as feeding their babies their expressed breast milk. What are the pros and cons for exclusively pumping? How can pumping impact a mother emotionally? Plus, how to choose the right parts to help make exclusive pumping work for you and your baby.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you need to be away from your baby, most breastfeeding moms think of pumping or perhaps using donor milk. But what about having another mother breastfeed your baby? It's called wet nursing or cross nursing and it's been around a lot longer than breast pumps- that's for sure. What's the history of wet nursing in the United States? And how are moms using it today? Real moms share their real experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hormone imbalances can definitely complicate a breastfeeding mother's milk supply. But how do you know if your thyroid is really to blame? When are most women diagnosed with a high or low thyroid? What type of tests help determine this condition? And what can a mother do to help manage these levels better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having a baby can cause a strain on any relationship. Let's face it, parenting can be exhausting. Breastfeeding moms may feel additional stress and responsibility as the pain provider of nutrition for their babies. How can partners help relieve some of the burden and bond with their babies at the same time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your baby needs supplementation shortly after birth, you may be asking yourself a million different questions. Will you be able to make enough milk to eventually breastfeed? What are your options for supplementation during this time? Should you pump? And what's the best way to transition to the breast?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More women develop postpartum depression each year than strokes, diabetes, and breast cancer. If you're a breastfeeding mom, what choices do you have when it comes to treatment? Are there non-medicinal options that can effectively treat the problem? What roles do Omega 3 fatty acids, exercise, and bright light therapy play? Our panelists share what worked for them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Irritating and judgmental breastfeeding comments can really derail a mom, and even ruin her experience nursing her baby. How can you cope with these statements without having your self-esteem completely squashed? What's the best thing to say when you feel like you're being attacked? And is there any way to stop these comments before they even happen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It if seems like your baby always wants to breastfeed, then your baby may be cluster feeding. Why do babies cluster feed? Could it be a sign of a growth spurt? What should you do if your baby is nursing non-stop? And how can cluster feedings impact milk supply? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding. When it comes to breastfeeding your infant, should you really "rough up" your nipples to decrease sensitivity? Should breastfeeding ever be painful? Does a little formula or rice cereal really help your baby sleep better at night? And what should you do if your baby is insistent on using you as their personal pacifier? We're busting these myths and more in our new series featuring questions submitted from our listeners! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breastfeeding support can truly make or break a mother's breastfeeding experience. Yet, with so many local and online options, how's a mother to choose which support will actually be beneficial? Today we're chatting with Sarah Ortega, a mother of four, a certified lactation educator, and the moderator of Nevada Breastfeeds, an online Facebook page that offers support to breastfeeding mothers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breastfeeding beyond toddlerhood is a very hot topic. What are some of the benefits of extended breastfeeding? What are some of the common benefits of continuing to breastfeed? What should you do if your child wants to breastfeed day and night? How much breast milk does your toddler really need? Plus, tips for criticism about breastfeeding beyond two years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breastfeeding twins can be overwhelming, but with a little planning and some great props, you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish. What are some great positions to try with your newborns and how can these positions evolve over time? What about tandem nursing and the challenges of latching and nursing two babies at the same time? Plus, the pros and cons of keeping your babies on a feeding schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you breastfeed your baby past one year? The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and up to two years with complimentary food. Yet many health care providers are unclear about the benefits of extended breastfeeding. What are some of the benefits? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mothers who adopt babies or have babies through a surrogate often have a desire to breastfeed. But, is it possible to bring in a milk supply without giving birth? What exactly does induced lactation look like? Is medication required? And is it possible to exclusively breastfeed without supplementation? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a breastfeeding mom, it is sometimes difficult to find natural remedies for common ailments. Essential oils provide an alternative to medications found at the pharmacy, but many have ingredients that a breastfeeding mom wouldn't want to pass along to her baby. So, what exactly are essential oils and how are they made? How do you apply these oils? And what are the best essential oils to use for common ailments in your home? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breastfeeding in public can be a daunting task for a new breastfeeding mom. Today we're talking with Abby Theuring of the popular blog, The Badass Breastfeeder, about her recommendations for conquering those initial fears to accomplish your breastfeeding goals. Why is it so important to breastfeed while in public? And what tips does Abby have for dealing with staring onlookers?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a breastfeeding mom isn't making enough milk on her own, she has to consider some sort of supplementation for her little one. If you have low milk supply, what options are available and what are the pros and cons of each? Which options did our panelists choose and why? And what additional resources are available to help you make an informed decision? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know unusual amounts of stress can impact the breastfeeding relationship you have with your baby? Sometimes these hormones work together to improve mood and lactation and sometimes they are in conflict with one another. So, what can we do about it? How does fear and anxiety impact your baby? And how can it create difficulties when trying to bond with your baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Athletes are a special group of people who are constantly in the mindset of looking and feeling their best so they can perform well. The training can be intense, so what happens when you have a baby and you decide to breastfeed or pump for your baby? Today we're talking about what it means to be an athlete and the changes or challenges you may experience while breastfeeding and breast pumping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One alternative to milk sharing from mother to mother is using a milk bank. But, what exactly do milk banks do? What relationship do they have with hospitals? And what is the process for donating your milk to these banks so they can distribute to babies in need? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a breastfeeding mom going back to work, pumping is just part of your daily routine. But that routine can definitely become more challenging if you need to travel for work. Whether you're traveling across town or across the country, how do you make the most of your travel experience? How do you maintain your pumping breaks through airports and bus rides? How do you store your milk and make sure it follows all the TSA guidelines? And how do you stay sane throughout the whole process? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At some point, many breastfeeding moms question if they're making enough milk for their baby. Sometimes there is an issue with milk supply and other times the dip is a result of something else entirely. How do you know if your baby isn't getting enough? Should you be concerned if your breasts don't feel as full as they used to? Plus, pumping strikes and impact of reducing your pumping sessions at work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone has their own unique breastfeeding challenges, including Amanda Dickey. Amanda achieved her goal to breastfeed her son and has plans to breastfeed her daughter due later this year. And she's accomplished all this without the use of her arms or legs. Amanda is quadriplegic. This is the inspirational story of how Amanda overcame the odds to provide her children with the very best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices