Author Archives: Melissa

  • Picture of salt water being poured into a class

    Saline Soaks For Nipple Healing While Breastfeeding

    Posted on August 25, 2019 by in Maternal Challenges

    Nipple damage (open wounds, bleeding/scabbing, etc.) is not a part of normal breastfeeding. However, sometimes nipple damage does occur. While it is important to identify and treat the root cause of the damage, many women report that saline soaks help to heal nipple cracks or fissures sustained during breastfeeding. In the following recipe, the salt […]

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  • Support Licensure for Lactation Consultants in Washington State

    Posted on July 16, 2016 by in Licensure and reimbursement

    The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded preventative health care services to include breastfeeding support. As of August 1, 2012, health plans in the United States were generally required to cover “breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling” in conjunction with each birth. Yet, here we sit years later, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), who are […]

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  • Breastfeeding Babies and Biting

    Posted on October 16, 2013 by in Infant Challenges

    Why Babies Bite It can be difficult to continue nursing a breastfeeding baby who bites. I frequently talk about “table manners” with regard to breastfeeding and it is OK for babies to learn that biting the breast that feeds them is frowned upon. Understanding the reasons why babies bite can help us find solutions to […]

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  • Let’s Get Together and Spread the Boobie Love

    Posted on May 17, 2013 by in Advocacy

      There’s a lot of hoopla in the field of lactation, specifically regarding credentialing, licensure, and reimbursement for lactation professionals, as we work to integrate lactation care into the healthcare industry.  I’ve seen and heard and been a part of many conversations about the various roles/providers and how they fit into the very new and still […]

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  • IBCLCs Make a Difference

    Posted on March 6, 2013 by in Normal Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Support

      As seen on Bloom Spokane. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are healthcare professionals who are recognized as the experts in the field of lactation.  In honor of IBCLC Day 2013, here are four ways IBCLCs make a difference on breastfeeding: Help Families When prenatal education and postpartum care is provided to women from […]

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  • Flat and Inverted Nipples

    Posted on May 31, 2012 by in Normal Breastfeeding, Maternal Challenges

    About Flat and Inverted Nipples It is common for women who are pregnant for the first time to have nipples that do not fully protrude; about one third of mothers have nipples with some sort of inversion.  Because your baby takes in not just the nipple but also a significant portion of the surrounding breast […]

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  • Breastfeeding Specialists and Lactation Professionals Defined

    Posted on May 30, 2012 by in Normal Breastfeeding

      The choices in lactation professionals providing breastfeeding support can be confusing.  When looking for breastfeeding help, it is advised to select a professional who has completed lactation-specific training and who is certified by a governing body or organization.  This ensures that the professional has the proven knowledge necessary to support you most effectively.  Also, […]

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  • Feminism, Parenting, and Nature

    Posted on May 21, 2012 by in Inspired Thoughts Blog

    I came across this article on FB and was inspired to respond. The “new” feminism, in my opinion, isn’t about WORKING and advancements toward equality, it’s about recognizing the power of the feminine and embracing it. Breastfeeding and child-rearing is the quintessential expression of feminism: honoring the biology of ourselves (women) and our children. I […]

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  • Breastfeeding with Laid Back Positioning or Biological Nurturing

    Posted on May 19, 2012 by in Positioning

      When to use: Biological nurturing or laid back positioning is a natural way to encourage your own and your baby’s instincts to facilitate effective latch and bonding. It can be used as soon as mom and baby want after birth. How to facilitate biological nurturing: • Mother’s body should be adequately supported with pillows, […]

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  • Football Hold for Breastfeeding

    Posted on May 19, 2012 by in Positioning

      When to use: The football hold is a great position for mothers who’ve had a cesarean section, as well as for mothers with a forceful letdown or who have large breasts. This hold is also useful for babies who are tongue tied or who have trouble maintaining tongue extension. Step by step: • Baby […]

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