The Baby Pro Podcast

In the milestone 100th and final episode of the Baby Pro Podcast, join us as we explore the journey of breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery with Certified Lactation Counselor, Arlyn Althoff. Arlyn shares her personal struggles and triumphs, offering valuable insights on setting personalized goals and finding the right support. We also delve into the challenges of baby-led weaning versus spoon-feeding and managing seasonal allergies while breastfeeding.  

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Unique challenges and triumphs faced by mothers who have undergone breast reduction surgery.

• Knowledge about the differences between baby-led weaning and spoon-feeding, including how each approach affects calorie intake.

• Gradual process of introducing solids to your baby.

• Effective strategies for dealing with seasonal allergies without compromising your milk supply. 

• Role of a well rounded prenatal care team, including a nutritionist, pelvic floor specialist, and lactation consultant, to support first time mothers and those who have undergone breast surgery.

• Breastfeeding strategies to manage low milk supply, such as triple feeding, switch feeding and the benefits of paced bottle feeding.

• Emotional challenges new mothers face especially those dealing with breastfeeding after breast surgery.

• Importance of compassionate, non judgmental support from lactation consultants.

• Benefits of setting realistic expectations.

• Role of lactation consultants in hospitals and beyond like how they help new mothers with techniques like pumping, hand expressing and managing engorgement.

• Defining your own breastfeeding success.

Connect with Shelly: Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: 

Baby-led weaning provides adequate calories for infant growth, study finds

Why do babies reject the breast and how can you overcome breast rejection? Listen in as Shelly Taft IBCLC discusses this and more.

Join Shelly and Maria in this heartfelt episode of the Baby Pro Podcast as they share practical strategies for overcoming common breastfeeding issues, such as breast rejection and transitioning from bottle to breast. Learn effective techniques like skin to skin contact, the “bait and switch” and creating a positive breastfeeding environment. Celebrate East Hartford’s milestone of establishing Connecticut’s first breastfeeding friendly workspace and get answers to listener questions, including the safety of piercings while breastfeeding.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Actionable tips to address common issues such as breast rejection, particularly when babies prefer bottle feeding.

• Techniques of breastfeeding like skin to skin contact, the bait and switch method and a calm feeding environment.

• Effective methods to help your baby transition from bottle to breast.

• East Hartford, Connecticut’s accomplishment in establishing the state’s first breastfeeding friendly workspace at their town hall. 

• Advice on not to get a piercing while breastfeeding due to potential health risks and slower healing times for breastfeeding individuals.

• Seek help from an IBCLC to address more complex breastfeeding issues and ensure successful breastfeeding practices.

• Strategies to manage nursing strikes, which can occur due to environmental changes or anatomical developments in the baby.

• Tips on making the breast a happy place for the baby, such as using rhythm and movement during feedings and maintaining a nurturing environment.

Connect with Shelly:

Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: 

East Hartford becomes first CT town to be recognized as having a “breastfeeding friendly worksite” - CT Insider  

In this episode of the Baby Pro Podcast, Shelly and Maria dive into the multifaceted world of traveling with an infant while managing the demands of breastfeeding and pumping. They welcome Deseree, a former professional dancer turned stay-at-home mom, who shares her personal experiences of traveling while exclusively pumping with her first child and exclusively breastfeeding her second. Deseree offers invaluable insights and practical tips for parents navigating the challenges of feeding on the go, from dealing with TSA agents to keeping breast milk fresh during flights. 

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Deseree’s experiences with exclusively pumping for her first child and exclusively breastfeeding her second, providing practical tips for parents traveling with infants.  

• The challenges of balancing family life when one partner works in a high stress field like emergency medicine.

• Stress and logistical concerns of traveling with a newborn while managing a demanding work schedule.

• Managing travel anxiety and the importance of flexibility when traveling with a baby.

• Detailed strategies for traveling while exclusively pumping, ensuring the baby had enough milk during flights, including packing extra bottles and frozen milk.

• Practicalities and personal experiences of breastfeeding in public and on flights. 

• Emphasis on comfort, practicality and the supportive nature of the public and flight staff.

• Insights into the process of traveling with breast milk, including with TSA agents, keeping milk fresh and the procedures for thawing frozen milk during flights. 

• Tips for traveling with both infants and toddlers, emphasizing the significance of extra time for airport security, remaining calm and being flexible.

• Differences between traveling with one child versus two and the need for teamwork and support from a partner.  

Connect with Shelly:

Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: 

US pediatricians reverse decades-old advice against HIV-positive mothers breastfeeding - The Philadelphia Sunday Sun

In this episode of the Baby Pro Podcast, Shelly and Maria delve into the topic of nipple shields, providing a balanced view on this breastfeeding tool. They explore the history of nipple shields, tracing their evolution from early versions made of materials like nutmeg and silver to the modern, thin silicone designs used today. Whether you're a new parent struggling with breastfeeding, a healthcare professional, or simply interested in the topic, this episode provides valuable information, research findings, and personal experiences that highlight the effectiveness and proper use of nipple shields.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Pros and cons of using nipple shields in breastfeeding.

• The role of lactation consultants about the proper use of nipple shields.

• A study on AI's potential role in detecting childbirth-related PTSD

• Nipple shields as a temporary solution and should be used under an IBCLC's guidance to address underlying issues.

• The evolution of nipple shield materials from nutmegs and silver to modern silicone.

• Personal experiences and case studies illustrating the nuanced application of nipple shields in breastfeeding.

Connect with Shelly: Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: Mass General Study Evaluates AI Narrative to Detect Childbirth-Related PTSD

In this episode of the Baby Pro podcast, Kate Drake, a marketing executive and mother of twins, shares her experiences with breastfeeding while maintaining a full-time job and traveling for work. She discusses the challenges she faced, such as finding pumping facilities abroad and dealing with customs destroying her breast milk shipment. Kate offers practical tips for breastfeeding mothers traveling through airports, including researching lactation pod locations, using a travel pump bag with a cooler, and understanding TSA guidelines. She also advocates for better corporate support for working mothers who breastfeed and pump.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• The unique challenges that lactating mothers face when traveling, and the practicalities of pumping breast milk on the go.

• Insufficient support structures for breastfeeding mothers within the corporate environment.

• Planning and organizational skills required to manage the storage and transportation of breast milk.

• Challenges of finding private and hygienic spaces to pump in transit.

• Creating a supportive network and infrastructure for working mothers.

Connect with Shelly:

Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: 

1 in 8 U.S. women mistreated during childbirth, study shows - UPI.com

There are medications that can drop milk supply. In this episode, listen in as Shelly discusses one of these medications.

In this episode of the Baby Pro podcast, Shelly and Maria discuss various factors that may influence these findings, including socioeconomic disparities and research biases, while also examining claims about breastfeeding's link to higher IQs and healthy eating patterns. Additionally, Shelly tackles the delicate balance between breastfeeding and the use of medications like Abilify, which can potentially impact milk supply. Don't miss out on this essential conversation about the science and struggles of nursing infants.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• The validity of studies linking breastfeeding to higher IQs and healthier eating patterns, and advocate for systemic changes.

• How Abilify can affect milk supply by lowering prolactin levels, potentially reducing milk production.

• Guidance for parents balancing mental health and breastfeeding, stressing the importance of consulting healthcare providers before altering medications.

• A call for systemic changes such as better lactation support and access to nutritious food.

Connect with Shelly:

website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: 

Research Reveals The 1 Breastfeeding Benefit We Never Saw Coming

Jess and Shelly discuss different postpartum and breastfeeding traditions from around the world, and what we can learn from them.

Tune into today’s episode of the Baby Pro podcast where Shelly embarks on a fascinating exploration of international breastfeeding traditions and the latest advancements in postpartum support, featuring a conversation with Jessica Hull. Jessica, a former tech executive at Google and Facebook, has now established Mother Me - an application that includes video lessons and a support network, all rooted in the scientific research of Matrescence. Mother Me is designed to help accomplished women thrive, not just endure, during their postpartum journey. Discover how cultural attitudes toward  nursing differ around the world and learn about the groundbreaking approach one mother took to improve her postpartum experience through data analysis. Additionally, Shelly and Jess weigh in on the importance of community support and parental leave policies.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Breastfeeding practices around the world including extended breastfeeding in Mongolia and the communal support that is common in many cultures.

• Challenges some mothers face in the workplace, such as lawsuits against corporations like McDonald’s and KFC for not providing adequate spaces or breaks for breastfeeding.

• Practical advice for those who want to reintroduce breastfeeding after a hiatus, emphasizing patience, creating a stress-free environment and seeking guidance from a lactation specialist.

• A focus on how one mother used data to analyze and improve her postpartum experience.

• The positive effects of paid parental leave in Massachusetts and how such policies can reduce stress and improve postpartum family experiences.

• How different cultural practices such as extended family support and traditional foods can aid recovery and lactation.

• Significance of shared parenting and how cultural shifts in countries like Sweden, where paternity leave is encouraged, play pivotal roles for child rearing practices.

Connect with Jess: Website: The Mother Me Method

Insta: Instagram (@motherme.io)

Connect with Shelly: Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: 

McDonald’s sued for not providing adequate time, space to breastfeed

Have you been told to avoid certain foods while breastfeeding? Or told you have to consume more of other foods? Listen in as Shelly goes over the four most common myths about nutrition and breastfeeding.

In this episode of the Baby Pro podcast, Shelly discussed nutrition myths that leave nursing moms scratching their heads, cutting through the fog of misinformation surrounding breastfeeding diets, as she debunks the age-old tales of gassy veggies and the impact of caffeine and alcohol on milk supply. We also celebrate a monumental step forward for breastfeeding athletes with the Paris Olympics providing much-needed accommodations for nursing mothers for the first time. Whether you're an elite athlete or a mom juggling the daily hustle, our discussion on breastfeeding challenges and the power of support will resonate with you.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• How athletes and Olympians balance motherhood and competition.

• Clarifying misconceptions about breastfeeding mothers' diets and its effects on breastfed babies.

• The difference between cluster feeding and low milk supply, offering guidance on identifying each situation.

• Concerns over gassy foods, caffeine, and alcohol consumption, and the necessity of a healthy diet for quality milk production.

• Staying hydrated for milk production and dispelling  excessive water consumption is necessary for breastfeeding.

Connect with Shelly: website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: 

Breastfeeding Athletes Are Finally Taken Seriously By Paris Olympics

In this episode of the Baby Pro podcast, Grace Standridge shares her inspiring journey of breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery, challenging common myths and offering hope to those facing similar struggles. We explore the realities of post-surgery breastfeeding, including the role of support systems and the battle with conditions like mastitis.  Our discussion not only uncovers the physical challenges of multiple surgeries but also the emotional resilience required to push through the doubts and frustrations that come with striving to breastfeed post-procedure.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Addressing the myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding post-surgery.

• The importance of a supportive community, including healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and doulas, in overcoming breastfeeding obstacles.

• Outlining breast reduction surgery techniques like the anchor method and liposuction and its potential effects on future breastfeeding.

• The emotional aspects of parenting decisions, self-worth, and the need for self-compassion regardless of feeding choices.

Connect with Shelly:

Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: 

Birth outcomes improve in states that extend driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, research finds - The Source - Washington University in St. Louis

Let’s dive deep into a world where breastfeeding is not just about nutrition; it’s an emotional rollercoaster, a physiological marvel and a cultural conversation. In today’s episode of the Baby Pro podcast, we’re exploring the intricate world of breastfeeding and unveils the personal challenges faced from low milk supply to oversupply, mastitis and plugged ducts. Practical advice was also shared for managing overactive letdown and oversupply, tackling breastfeeding positions and the physiological aspects of milk production influenced by hormones like prolactin and oxytocin. 

Tune in to discover that the path of breastfeeding may be filled with difficulties, however with the right knowledge, supportive guidance and effective methods, these can be overcome ensuring optimal nurturing for their babies.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Personal experiences with breastfeeding, discussing a study on babies’ night waking and intelligence.

• A critical look at the cry it out method and its impact on infants.

• Understanding breast milk oversupply and hormonal influences on milk production.

• The challenges of breastfeeding with an oversupply of milk and its impact on infants.

• Strategies for managing breastfeeding oversupply and coping with a strong letdown reflex.

Connect with Shelly:

Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: It's a good thing that your baby doesn't sleep through the night 

Expert says it's actually a good thing that your baby won't sleep through night