The early weeks set the stage for your baby’s sleep journey. Newborn Foundations helps you understand newborn sleep patterns, set up a safe and flexible routine, and gain confidence in soothing your baby to sleep. Includes: • 1 in-depth consultation (90 minutes, virtual or in-person) • Education on normal newborn sleep cycles and cues • Personalized day-night rhythm strategies to support longer stretches • Gentle soothing techniques (rocking, swaddling, feeding to sleep with balance) • Guidance on safe sleep spaces and positioning • 2 follow-up sessions (45 minutes each) • Messaging support between sessions (within package timeframe)

Short naps and unpredictable days can leave everyone exhausted. Nap Reset focuses on helping your baby nap more easily and restfully, while giving you tools to create a calmer rhythm at home. Includes: • 1 virtual or in-person consultation (60 minutes) • Gentle nap-time troubleshooting tailored to your baby’s age • Step-by-step guidance for creating a soothing nap routine • Support for common nap struggles (contact naps only, short naps, resistance) • Personalized nap plan you can begin right away • 1 follow-up check-in (30 minutes) for adjustments and reassurance

Designed for parents preparing to transition back to work, this bundle provides the tools and reassurance to protect your supply and help your baby adjust. Includes: • 1 pumping & back to work consult (60 min) • 1 follow-up (45 min) to fine-tune your plan • Messaging support between visits • Printable guides for caregivers and milk storage

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally to every mother or baby. One of the most important elements of successful breastfeeding is achieving a good latch—and the position you use can make all the difference. Whether you’re a first-time mom or looking to improve your nursing experience, understanding how to get a good latch and exploring different breastfeeding positions can be game-changers. In this post, we’ll cover how to achieve a proper latch and walk you through two of the most popular and effective breastfeeding positions: the cross-cradle hold and the football hold. These positions are especially useful for new moms and babies learning to breastfeed. What Is a Good Latch, and Why Does It Matter? A good latch ensures your baby gets enough milk and helps prevent nipple pain, soreness, and damage. Signs of a good latch include: Your baby’s mouth covers both your nipple and part of the areola (the darker skin around the nipple). The baby’s lips are flanged out, like fish lips. You hear or see steady swallowing. There is no sharp pain once feeding begins (a tugging sensation is normal). Your baby’s chin is pressed into your breast, and their nose is free. If the latch feels painful or shallow, it’s best to break the latch gently with your finger and try again. Steps to Achieve a Good Latch Start with Skin-to-Skin Contact: This helps your baby feel calm and naturally start to root. Position Your Baby Nose to Nipple: This encourages your baby to open their mouth wide and tilt their head back. Wait for a Wide Open Mouth: Like a big yawn—this is key to a deep latch. Bring Baby to Breast (Not Breast to Baby): Align their body facing you—tummy to tummy. Support the Breast (if needed): Use a C-hold with your hand to gently guide your breast into the baby’s mouth. Most Popular and Successful Breastfeeding Positions Cross-Cradle Hold Great for: Newborns, moms needing more control This position is ideal when you’re learning to breastfeed because it gives you more control over your baby’s head and helps guide them to a deeper latch. Sit upright in a chair with good back support. Use the opposite arm from the breast you’re feeding on to hold your baby. (e.g., left hand for right breast). Support your baby’s head with your hand, placing your thumb behind one ear and your fingers behind the other. Use your free hand to support your breast in a C-hold. Keep your baby close, tummy to tummy, with their head tilted slightly back. Tip: This position offers great visibility and control, making it easier to correct shallow latching. Football Hold (Clutch Hold) Great for: C-section recovery, moms with larger breasts, or twins In this position, your baby is tucked under your arm like a football, with their body supported along your forearm. It allows for excellent head control and keeps pressure off your belly. Sit in a comfortable chair with a nursing pillow beside you for arm and baby support. Tuck your baby under your arm on the side you’re feeding from (like holding a football). Support their neck and head with your hand, keeping their nose in line with your nipple. Make sure baby’s body is turned fully toward you and not facing upward. Tip: This position is a top choice for moms healing from C-sections and for tandem feeding twins. Final Thoughts Breastfeeding takes patience, practice, and support. Achieving a good latch and finding the right position for you and your baby can make all the difference in your breastfeeding journey. Whether you’re using the cross-cradle hold to fine-tune your latch or the football hold to stay comfortable post-delivery, the right position is the one that works best for both of you. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone—lactation consultants and breastfeeding support groups can offer personalized help when you need it.

When Ronan was born, nothing immediately stood out as “wrong.” But as the weeks passed, I began noticing something I couldn’t quite ignore. His body consistently slanted to the right. It wasn’t dramatic. It didn’t look alarming at first glance. But it was always there . Around two to three months old , I realized there was no real progress in him naturally stretching or straightening out as he grew. I tried to reassure myself. Babies are curled. Babies are uneven. Babies grow out of things. Still—something didn’t feel right. Trusting My Instincts When Others Didn’t When I finally voiced my concerns, the response was almost immediate and unanimous: “You’re diagnosing him.” “That’s normal.” “Just wait it out.” I felt nervous and upset , but also deeply conflicted. I wasn’t trying to label my baby or jump to conclusions—I was simply observing him. What made it harder was that everyone around me seemed confident there was nothing to worry about, while my intuition refused to quiet. That disconnect left me feeling confused , second-guessing myself, and questioning whether I was overthinking. But even with reassurance from others, I couldn’t shake the feeling that waiting wasn’t the right move. Eventually, after continuing to advocate and showing pictures, Ronan’s pediatrician listened. Getting Answers: A Torticollis Diagnosis Ronan was officially diagnosed with torticollis  by his pediatrician. At the time, there was no flat spot , thankfully—but because I had raised concerns, we were sent for DSi imaging  to assess his head shape and determine whether helmet therapy might be necessary. Hearing the diagnosis brought mixed emotions. Relief that I wasn’t imagining things. Fear because now I had to figure out what came next. The Feeding Struggle That Suddenly Made Sense Looking back, one of the earliest and most telling signs had been feeding . From the beginning, Ronan struggled to latch on my right breast . No matter how we adjusted positioning, it never felt quite right. Feeding was often painful, and I dealt with abrasions on my nipples . To make nursing possible, I relied on nipple shields  until Ronan was about five months old . A lactation consultant later shared that his sucking reflex on the left side of his mouth wasn’t fully developed . That information was a turning point. It helped everything fall into place. His feeding challenges weren’t isolated—they were connected to how his body was functioning as a whole. When Access to Physical Therapy Isn’t an Option Physical therapy is often recommended for torticollis, but our reality made that difficult. We were unable to find a local physical therapist who accepted Medicaid , and suddenly I was left trying to navigate this on my own. That was overwhelming. There was guilt. There was frustration. And there was the weight of knowing my baby needed support while access to care felt out of reach. So I did what many parents end up doing when systems fall short:I researched.I learned.I observed my baby closely. And I did the best I could with what I had. Introducing the Torticollis Pillow (Safely) Through my own research, I discovered the POWYS torticollis pillow . I want to be very clear here: this pillow was never used during sleep  and was only used during supervised, awake time . We began using it when Ronan was around three to four months old , during short rest periods while he was awake . It wasn’t a cure or a replacement for therapy—it was simply a supportive positioning tool  that helped his body settle into a more neutral alignment. At the same time, I was committed to doing gentle at-home stretches three times a day , always right before feedings . Combining movement with feeding felt intentional and supportive for his body. Small Shifts That Added Up The changes didn’t happen overnight—but they were noticeable. First, I felt less resistance when turning his head.Then, his body began to feel more balanced when I held him.Over time, his tilt softened. His movements became freer. And then—feeding changed too. Feeding Resolution That Confirmed Everything Around five months old , feeding finally began to feel right. For the first time, Ronan was able to latch without it hurting  or causing abrasions on my nipples. Even more importantly, he could latch on my right breast without a nipple shield . Looking back, I truly believe his body tension and tilt were directly impacting his latch . Feeding often felt effortful for him. He seemed lazier  when latching—not because he wasn’t capable, but because his body wasn’t working efficiently. As his alignment improved, feeding became easier for both of us. His mouth could organize better. His body stopped fighting the position. And I no longer had to rely on tools just to get through a feed comfortably. That timing wasn’t a coincidence. Babies don’t feed with just their mouths—they feed with their entire body . What This Journey Taught Me This experience reshaped how I view babies, feeding, and parental intuition. I learned that: Torticollis doesn’t always look severe or obvious. Feeding challenges can be an early clue that something deeper is going on. Parents often notice subtle signs long before they’re validated. And families navigating care without easy access to services deserve support—not judgment. A Gentle Safety Reminder If you’re exploring supportive tools like torticollis pillows: Use them only during supervised, awake time Never  use them for sleep View them as one part of a broader plan that may include stretches, positioning, and professional care when available Every baby is different. What helped us may not be the right fit for every family—and that’s okay. To the Mom Who’s Just Starting to Wonder If you’re a mom who is just starting to notice signs and feels unsure, I want you to know this: You are not imagining things. You are not overreacting. And you are allowed to trust what you see. You don’t need to panic—but you don’t need to silence yourself either. Ask questions. Take photos. Seek support. Early awareness can make a meaningful difference. Ronan’s journey reminded me that gentle tools, consistent care, and a parent’s intuition can work together—even when the path isn’t simple. And if this is where you are right now, you are not alone 🤍

Bringing life into the world is a powerful and emotional experience—one filled with anticipation, love, and hope. But when a baby dies during pregnancy, birth, or shortly after, that love doesn’t disappear. And neither does your body’s instinct to nurture. For mothers facing the devastating loss of their baby, lactation after loss can be an especially painful and confusing experience. Your body continues to produce milk, even though your arms are empty. If you are reading this, please know from the very beginning: you are not alone. This blog is for you—the mother who carried life, who prepared her heart and home, and who is now navigating grief no one should ever have to face. It’s okay to feel everything at once: anger, sadness, confusion, longing, love. Your milk, your body, your experience—they are all real, valid, and deserving of support. This guide will gently walk you through what to expect with lactation after loss, what options are available to you, and how to care for your physical and emotional well-being during this time. Understanding Why Milk Comes In After Loss After giving birth, your body begins producing breast milk as a natural part of the postpartum process. Hormonal changes—particularly the drop in progesterone and the release of prolactin—signal the body to start making milk. This happens regardless of whether your baby is born alive. Typically, your milk comes in between 2 to 5 days postpartum. For mothers who have lost their baby, this can be especially triggering and heartbreaking. Seeing or feeling your breasts fill with milk can stir emotions that are both physical and symbolic—your body is preparing to nourish a baby who isn’t here. Common Emotions Mothers Experience It’s important to acknowledge the unique layers of grief that come with lactation after loss. Many mothers describe this experience as adding insult to injury, as their bodies don’t yet seem to know what the heart already does. You may experience: Shock or disbelief  that milk is coming in at all. Anger or betrayal  toward your body for producing milk. Guilt  for not needing the milk or not wanting to pump. Longing  for what should have been—a baby at your breast. Confusion  about what to do with the milk. These emotions are completely valid. There is no “right” way to grieve or respond to lactation. Give yourself permission to feel it all, without judgment. Your Options: What to Do With Your Milk Once your milk comes in, you have several options. None are right or wrong—only what feels best for you. 1. Suppressing Lactation If you choose not to express milk and want to dry up your supply as gently and quickly as possible, this is known as lactation suppression. How to suppress milk safely: Wear a snug (but not tight) supportive bra. Avoid nipple stimulation or expressing milk unless needed for comfort. Use cold compresses or chilled cabbage leaves on your breasts. Drink sage or peppermint tea—both may help reduce milk supply naturally. Take over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen for discomfort. Avoid binding your chest tightly, as this can cause clogged ducts or mastitis. Note:  It may take 1–2 weeks for your milk to fully stop, depending on how much milk your body is making. 2. Expressing for Comfort Only Some mothers choose to express just enough milk to relieve discomfort and prevent painful engorgement. This can be done manually or with a pump. It’s important not to overstimulate your breasts during this time. Only express until you feel relief, and gradually reduce the frequency over time to avoid increasing milk production. 3. Donating Milk For some grieving mothers, donating their breast milk offers a way to honor their baby’s life and help others. Milk banks such as the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA)  accept donations from bereaved mothers and distribute the milk to medically fragile infants in NICUs. Milk donation can be emotionally healing for some, but it is also a commitment. If this is something you’re considering: Contact a nonprofit milk bank near you for screening and guidance. You can begin pumping regularly and freeze milk until cleared to donate. You are in complete control—if it becomes emotionally too difficult, you can stop at any time. Even if you don’t donate, some parents choose to save a small amount of milk in a keepsake vial or jewelry as a tribute to their baby. Caring for Your Body During Lactation Whether you decide to suppress or express your milk, it’s essential to care for your physical health during this time. Tips for comfort: Use cold packs or cabbage leaves to reduce swelling. Wear breast pads to absorb leaking milk. Avoid hot showers or heat on the breasts, as this may stimulate more milk. Gently massage your breasts if you feel lumps—this can help prevent clogged ducts. Monitor for signs of infection (fever, redness, hot spots), and contact your provider if you suspect mastitis. Your body has just been through a tremendous ordeal. Rest, hydrate, and be gentle with yourself. Emotional and Mental Health Support Lactation after loss is more than just a physical issue—it’s an emotional wound layered on top of grief. Many mothers are blindsided by the intensity of feelings this brings. Consider the following supports: Grief counseling:  Speaking with a therapist trained in pregnancy and infant loss can help you process complex emotions. Lactation consultants:  Some IBCLCs are trained in bereavement support and can help you safely manage lactation or milk donation. Support groups:  Connecting with other mothers who have experienced similar losses can offer comfort. Look for groups like Share , First Candle , Empty Cradle , or The Compassionate Friends . Online communities:  Sometimes connecting virtually feels easier. There are online forums and Facebook groups specifically for bereaved mothers. Partners, Friends, and Family: How They Can Help Grief is a deeply personal journey, but you shouldn’t have to walk it alone. Loved ones can offer support in specific ways during this time. How others can help: Respect your choices  around milk—whether you decide to suppress, express, or donate. Help with comfort care , such as getting breast pads, teas, or supportive bras. Listen without trying to fix  your pain. Sometimes silent presence is the greatest gift. Remember your baby  with you. Saying their name, acknowledging milestones, and honoring your grief is healing. If you are close to someone who has lost a baby, don't underestimate the power of small, thoughtful gestures. Validate their grief, recognize their postpartum body changes, and never assume they’re “over it” just because time has passed. Honoring Your Baby and Your Milk For many mothers, lactation feels like the last physical connection to their baby. Choosing how to honor that bond is deeply personal. Some ideas for remembrance: Write a letter  to your baby, acknowledging your milk and your love. Create a milk keepsake , such as jewelry or artwork made from your milk. Plant a tree  or flowers as a living tribute to your baby's memory. Hold a naming or farewell ceremony , if it feels right for you. Donate in their name  to a milk bank or grief support organization. Your baby mattered. Your milk matters. And your experience as a mother is real and enduring. Final Thoughts: You Are Still a Mother The loss of a child does not erase your motherhood. Your body responded to pregnancy, to birth, to love. Lactation after loss is not just a medical event—it’s a symbol of your deep connection to your baby. Whether you suppress your milk, save a few drops in a keepsake, or donate gallons to NICU babies in need—your path is valid. Grief is never linear. Be patient with yourself. Be kind to your body. And hold space for every emotion as it arises. Above all, know this: you are not alone. There is a community of mothers who walk this path beside you. You are seen. You are supported. You are forever a mother. Resources for Further Support: HMBANA Milk Bank Locator Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Empty Cradle Postpartum Support International – Loss Resources La Leche League – Bereaved Mothers Support If you would like personalized help with lactation after loss or to talk with someone who understands both breastfeeding and grief, don’t hesitate to reach out to a bereavement-informed lactation consultant. You deserve support, respect, and tenderness every step of the way. 🕊️ Your milk is love. Your grief is love. Your baby will always be part of you. 🕊️