The Boob Group: Judgment-Free Breastfeeding Support

There are many things a breastfeeding mom can do to help herself on her journey- while she's pregnant and after the birth of her baby. What are some of the best ways to be successful at breastfeeding so you won't need the help of a lactation consultant? How can your medical team make or break your experience? And what situations put mothers at higher risk for needing assistance? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many breastfeeding mothers, oversupply may seem like a great problem to have, but it comes with its own set of challenges. What are some causes of oversupply? Does oversupply result in overactive letdown? And how can you better regulate these conditions to make a more enjoyable experience for both you and baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're breastfeeding and headed back to work- then you probably have pumping on the brain! What policies here in the U.S. help protect moms who need to schedule pumping breaks throughout the day? And what happens if you have a job where you can't take standard pumping breaks? What are your options? We have some amazing mamas on this episode to give you some insight on what worked for them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All women need support throughout their breastfeeding and pumping journey. And for some families, that includes financial help to better care for both mom and baby. Today, we're talking all about WIC, which stands for Women, Infants and Children. It’s a federal program that helps pregnant and their postpartum moms and children receive the nutritional care they need. Learn more about their services and how they’ve helped lower income families all over the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your baby, but what about dads and partners who aren’t actually feeding the baby? What can they do to help bond with their babies in their own ways? And how does that initial bond strengthen over time? For the first time ever, we're turning the show over to dads so they can share their personal experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breastfeeding is often overlooked by pregnant moms as they prepare for their new babies. We often have no idea what breastfeeding really looks like until we're nursing our own child. The "Mother of Midwives" Ina May Gaskin explains how mothers can prepare themselves for an enjoyable breastfeeding experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're a breastfeeding mom and you still have nine months of pregnancy weight hanging around after the birth of your baby. How can you successfully lose the extra pounds while still maintaining a healthy milk supply for your little one? How many calories are needed to keep your supply and what are some healthy meals to help you keep on track? Plus, how to keep your body from producing too much lactic acid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite federal and state laws protecting a mother's right to breastfeed in public, many women still face harassment and ridicule when feeding their babies outside the home. What are some of the ways women are harassed? What should you do if asked to cover up? And what resources are available for women who's rights have been violated? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To cover or not to cover, that is the question! Picture this: you’re walking through the store, your baby gets hungry. What do you do? Do you find a seat in the middle of the mall, unclip your nursing bra and let your little one go to town? Or do you reach into your baby-bag and whip out your trusty nursing cover? Today we’re talking about all breastfeeding covers- should you or shouldn’t you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You planned to exclusively breastfeed your baby, but there have been some bumps in your breastfeeding journey. One option is to supplement your baby with another mother's breast milk. And social media has paved the way for many mothers to bypass the milk banks and find mothers who are donating their own milk. But is this safe? What are the main risks and benefits? Learn more from women who have both donated and received milk directly from another mother. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a mother experiences a chronic low milk supply with one of her babies, she may wonder what she could do the next time around to have a greater milk supply. What are some possible causes of low milk supply? What are some recommended ways to increase supply? And how do you handle the constant worry and possibility of not being able to provide enough milk for your little one? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your baby has been placed in the NICU, the separation between mom and baby can sometimes cause a challenge with breastfeeding. How can a mom maximize her breastfeeding success when in this situation? What are your options when it comes to supplementation? And how do you maintain a good milk supply when separated from your baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your return to work after maternity leave can be challenging. Combine that with an employer who less-than-supportive of your pumping rights and you have even more stress. What are your pumping rights when you return to work? How can you ensure these laws are upheld? And what's the best way to handle your break times and make them work for you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly is a nipple shield and how is it used? What types of babies typically benefit from using a nipple shield? Also, what are some of the difficulties of using one and why would you want to wean your baby from it as soon as possible? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a new mom, you may be familiar with how breastfeeding and pumping is perceived within your own community, but what happens when you need to travel to another country? What about important issues such as breastfeeding in public and finding quality places to pump? How do you stay respectful of other cultures while still pursuing your own personal feeding goals? And where do you turn if you need help? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're pregnant and had no intentions to suddenly stop breastfeeding. While the thought of being pregnant while breastfeeding your little one can be daunting, it is possible for most moms. What type of changes could you experience early in your pregnancy? Should you expect a dip in your milk supply? Plus, tips for the nursing two children shortly after giving birth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A baby's latch may look perfect from the outside, but it's what's happening on the inside that's causing the breastfeeding challenge. How can a baby's oral anatomy impact their ability to breastfeed? What are some of the most common issues babies face? And how have our panelists overcome their personal struggles? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cesarean, induction and epidural rates are at an all-time high. How can birth interventions, such as these, impact your ability to breastfeed your baby? Which type of birth interventions have the greatest risk for negatively impacting breastfeeding? And what can you do, after your birth to minimize these challenges? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're continuing our popular discussion on what it's like to breastfeed a toddler. What are some great night nursing strategies as well as ways to get your little to sleep without breastfeeding? What's the difference between producing less milk and not enough milk? Plus how to you start the weaning process if that's something you're hoping to do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re pregnant and you’re planning to breastfeed your baby. But how? Putting your newborn baby at the breast seems pretty basic. Still, you may have many questions, and that’s why many moms are choosing to take a prenatal breastfeeding class! What can you expect from taking one of these classes? What do you really need to know before your baby is born? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mothers have breastfed their babies since the beginning of time- otherwise, the human race wouldn't have survived. So, why does it seem that more and more women are having trouble? Are we missing something that our babies are trying to tell us? Today we're learning all about biological nurturing, which encourages your own breastfeeding instincts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The time has come to wean your baby from breastfeeding. Perhaps it’s your choice or maybe you’re letting your child choose when it’s time to wean. Regardless, it can be a challenge both mentally and physically for both of you. Today we're talking with moms about the practical side of what it takes to wean their babies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breastfeeding and pumping for your baby isn't always convenient, but having the right clothing always helps! Thankfully, moms have more choices than ever when looking for comfortable clothes that offer the perfect amount of coverage for you and your baby. So, how do companies create these clothes for breastfeeding and pumping moms? What options are out there, and how can the right clothing help you accomplish your personal feeding goals? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have our own unique breastfeeding challenges. Overcoming those challenges and persevering can greatly empower you on your breastfeeding journey. April learned about her aggressive cancer just 11 days after giving birth to her fourth child. Determined to breastfeed her baby, April pumped and dumped her breast milk throughout her chemo treatments in order to keep her milk supply. This is her amazing story of strength and determination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having a baby is a big deal. There are so many choices to make. And to make those educated choices, we need information about our options. You may have heard of the term “evidence-based” information, but what exactly does that mean? And how does it differ from other kind of information out there? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first 24 hours of your baby's life can make a huge impact on your breastfeeding relationship. What can you do during those first 24 hours to maximize your success? How important is skin to skin contact? And what should you do if you are separated from your baby and are unable to breastfeed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traveling with a breastfeeding baby or toddler can be anxiety provoking for any parent. What are some great tips to help you thrive during long road trips? Or how about traveling on a plane? What supplies are absolutely necessary and what can you leave at home? Plus, some advice about crossing state lines and visiting different cultures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More mothers are seeking breastfeeding support through social media. What resources are they typically using to get additional support? What are the benefits of seeking support online rather than in-person? And how crucial are these connections in accomplishing their overall breastfeeding goals? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ouch! That's what happens when your sweet, little baby clamps down on you like you're a teether! Sometimes it's on accident and sometimes it's on purpose (followed by a cute smile), but it's never enjoyable for mom. So, when do babies start biting? And how do you get them to stop? Our moms share what's worked best for them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We often take for granted having modern conveniences at our fingertips. But for many moms who do not live in urban communities, these plans look a little different. What if the nearest hospital was 40 minutes or more from your house? What if you only have one health clinic in your town? What does it look like for a mom seeking breastfeeding support right after birth in these circumstances? Today we’re talking about what it’s like to breastfeed in a rural community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breastfeeding is going well, and then all the sudden your baby seems uninterested. Sound familiar? Many moms associate this disinterest with signs that your baby is ready to wean, but that isn't always the case. What are some of the main reasons babies go on nursing strikes? How do you overcome them and how do you protect your milk supply in the meantime? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just when you feel like you've got a handle on this whole "breastfeeding thing", you experience a sudden drop in your supply. What are some possible reasons for this? How can going back to work impact your supply? What about baby sleeping through the night, eating solid foods and the return of your monthly period? Plus, some great tips for increasing your milk supply from the beginning and protecting it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A jaundiced baby is usually separated from its mother, which means supplementation may be needed. How can a mother help her baby get rid of the jaundice without compromising her breastfeeding goals? Plus, more information about jaundice, what causes it and how it's typically treated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women with large breasts often have concerns when breastfeeding their babies. Will you somehow smother your little one? Could you produce too much milk and become engorged? Will your flow be faster and more uncomfortable for your baby? Today you'll hear from large breasted women who are successfully breastfeeding their babies about what works best for them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are some many myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding, especially when it comes to milk supply. We're answering some of your top questions including whether or not breast size can be used to gauge effective milk production. Does pumping output equal the same amount your baby is taking at the breast? Is colostrum really enough for your baby in the first few days? Plus, ways to increase milk supply after the first couple of weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know proper nutrition is important for breastfeeding moms, but what exactly does a well-balanced diet look like? What specifically should we be looking for or avoiding in our food? And what effect does this have on our milk supply and keeping a postpartum mom healthy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New moms typically struggle with the challenge of feeding their newborn babies while trying to get some decent sleep. What exactly does "normal" sleep look like for your baby? What type of night wakings can you expect during your baby's first year? Plus, what's the best nighttime routine and sleep arrangements for your family? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you age 40 or older and wondering if you can still breastfeed your baby? How does your body's ability to produce a full supply of milk change with age? What are the risk factors and potential challenges? And how can you better prepare yourself prenatally? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As mothers, our bodies go through an incredible amount of change in a short period of time. We spend about nine months growing a baby, and after our babies are born, our bodies create breast milk (the most nutritious food possible) to help them grow and keep them healthy. Our bodies are truly amazing, and still many of us don’t view them that way. So, what’s the problem? And how can these negative feelings impact our breastfeeding goals? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Returning to work after having a baby can be quite emotional for a new mom. Add pumping and keeping up with your milk supply and your life can seem pretty stressful. How can you make this transition as smooth as possible? What should you expect from your colleagues, your boss and human resources? And how can you help other breastfeeding moms who may find themselves in the same situation as you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're often told to avoid alcohol when breastfeeding. That's the "safe" answer, but it's not always practical. So, if you're going to have a drink, what do you need to know to protect your breast milk? How long should you wait to breastfeed your baby? How much alcohol is actually getting into your milk and how can that impact your baby? Can beer actually boost your milk supply? Plus, learn some alternatives to the dreaded "pump and dump". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nursing rooms have now become a popular thing. More and more venues, public spaces and businesses are recognizing the importance of accommodating moms who breastfeed and breast pump. So, how can small businesses support moms coming into their stores? What's really needed to create a nursing room? What are other options for helping moms if you don't have much space? And how can you promote these services and help grow your business? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How long will you breastfeed your baby? Do you have any goals in mind? There are different recommendations out there, but most experts say giving your baby breast milk for the first six months to one year is ideal. But, how do you actually make this happen? Today we’re exploring the practical side of breastfeeding- featuring moms who’ve been there, done that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just how passionate are you about breastfeeding? Do you consider yourself a lactivist? Perhaps you proudly use this term to describe yourself, or perhaps you're hearing this term for the first time? So, what exactly is a lactivist? And what impact does it have on the breastfeeding community? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moms have many options when it comes to how they chose to feed their babies. You can breastfeed, pump, milk share, formula feed or perhaps a combination of any of the above. Sometimes our decisions on how to feed our babies isn't just dependent on what we want, but income may also play a factor. It’s unfortunate, but it’s also reality for many parents, who simply want what’s best for their family. Today we’re exploring how money impacts these choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each child has his own breastfeeding style and needs, which can make weaning your twins more of a challenge. Who typically makes the decision and how? Is it possible to still breastfeed one twin and wean the other? Plus, does the concept "don't offer, don't refuse" really work for twins? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since breastfeeding requires a baby has full range of motion with his tongue, jaw and neck, some babies may require a little extra assistance to relax these areas and their central nervous system. One technique is Craniosacral Therapy. How does it work and how can it help improve breastfeeding and other challenges new parents face? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know those first days of life are extremely important in developing your breastfeeding relationship with your baby. So, what happens when most of that time is spent recuperating inside a hospital? What is the hospital’s role in the promotion of breastfeeding? Are hospitals doing enough or are some hospitals going too far to promote breastfeeding? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have personal stories that help shape our breastfeeding journey. Today you'll meet Miriam Valdez who tragically lost her second child within the first month after birth. Miriam shares her experience breastfeeding through pregnancy and the loss of her newborn baby. Plus, learn how continuing to breastfeed her older toddler helped Miriam heal from this difficult situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do some babies simply refuse to take a bottle? When is the ideal time to introduce the bottle and how should you do it? Plus, tips for moms who have a difficult time collecting expressed breast milk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices