Ashley Georgakopoulos, IBCLC

Regularly replacing your breast pump accessories is a vital practice for ensuring the efficiency and hygiene of your breastfeeding equipment. However, it's equally important to consider what to do with the parts you've replaced. Surprisingly, several of these components can be repurposed and given a second life through the process of recycling, and you can conveniently include them in your standard household recycling bins.

Although a history of breast cancer or the potential for cancer recurrence doesn't inherently compromise the integrity of breastfeeding, various risk factors and potential challenges may arise based on individual circumstances. The extent of these challenges primarily hinges on the specific care plan and cancer treatment, including hormone therapies, medications, and any structural alterations to the breast resulting from radiation, surgical procedures, or the presence of scar tissue. In cases where cancer affects only one breast, breastfeeding from the unaffected breast generally presents fewer obstacles, but it's essential to recognize that each situation is unique. Let's delve into these differences and factors for consideration.

If you currently are breastfeeding exclusively, transitioning to bottle feeding part-time can seem intimidating or worrisome for use at daycare. From seamless transitions to maintaining your pumping routine, we will help guide you on how much milk you need. Here are our top tips for balancing breastfeeding and daycare.

With all the encouragement to breastfeed for its nutritional, health, and bonding benefits for both mother and baby, the next question may be, “Ok, but for how long?” This commitment can be daunting, especially with obstacles and no end in sight when it feels all-consuming. We have the “shoulds” and the evidence-based research to back things up, but let's also discuss the nuances, the plan to get to the goal, and the tools to incorporate into your lifestyle to help get you there.

If you need to incorporate pumping into your routine or have decided to pump full-time, how often do you need to pump and make it work for you? We can look at different pumping needs and variables, from the baby’s age and exclusivity, to additional goals you may have, such as supply building and milk storage! Plus you can download a FREE pumping schedule to help you stay on track!

A well-rounded diet rich in nutrition is a priority when breastfeeding. While many assume its for their milk supply, milk production, and milk composition, evidence suggests that nutrition has more to do with the health status of the lactating mother in many ways, and providing a bioavailable source to the baby, meaning in a way that is easier for the baby to absorb. But how can we achieve a “well-rounded” diet? Looking at our lifestyles, long-term goals, and accessibility to resources, supplements, and healthy food is crucial. Once we know our desires and goals, we can assess possible or known obstacles, and form a plan to combat those. 

Skincare products and routines are hot topics, as many people are taking advantage of information being provided right at their fingertips. You can look to dermatologists online, with Reels and TikToks, to break it all down for when and how to use ingredients for various issues or preventative skin care. When it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding, however, extra precautions are needed. 

Did you know that optimal milk output and supply starts with the correct flange size? Size absolutely matters in both comfort and effectiveness of your pump. The first checkpoint in troubleshooting pumping is “do we have the right size?” Its also something that needs to be checked throughout the entirety of the pumping journey. From water retention and mother’s weight postpartum to fluctuations in milk demands throughout that first year postpartum, breast tissue and nipple diameters have the potential to change sizes. 

Labels, misinformation, outdated information, and access to online sources make navigating the use of medications while breastfeeding and pumping quite complicated. Lets gather what information is actually needed, common myths, and resources to check and discuss with your healthcare provider when seasonal allergies hit.

All breast pump parts should be clean and sterile prior to use and after pumping sessions, while the latter is particularly important for the first 6 months of baby’s life or if immune compromised (weakened immune system). The parts come in contact with skin, milk, air, saliva (if connecting to a bottle), and the environment around you, all of which can be vehicles for bacterial and microbe growth over time. Proper steps will also allow for full longevity of breastmilk inventory and storage prior to expiration, providing extra protection from contaminating factors.