Recent Articles
Caloric Needs for Successful Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a wonderful and natural way to nourish and bond with your newborn baby. As a breastfeeding mother, it is important to understand that your body requires additional calories to produce an adequate milk supply and maintain your own health. Proper nutrition and meeting your caloric needs are vital for the successful breastfeeding journey.
An Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol, And How It Pertains To You
Recently, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine released its protocol for “Managing Nighttime Breastfeeding in Young Infants”. Here at Leva, we are firm believers in supporting mothers, and evidence-based practice. So, what does this lengthy protocol say, and how does it apply to you?
Does Breast Size or Shape Affect Breastfeeding?
Did you know that breast size is not directly proportional to milk production? What really matters is the glandular tissue, milk ducts, and alveoli that form after conception.
Reimagining Infant Feeding: Prioritizing Maternal Mental Health as the Path to Success
The traditional "breast is best" message has been harmful to many mothers who struggle to breastfeed. The "fed is best" philosophy, on the other hand, recognizes that every mother's journey is unique and that feeding decisions should prioritize both the mother and child's overall health and well-being.
Hands-Free Breast Pumps: A Guide to the Best Options
Hands-Free Breast Pumps: A Guide to the Best Options
There are many different hands-free breast pumps on the market, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. This article provides a guide to some of the most popular options, including the Willow, Elvie, Baby Buddha, MomCozy M5, and Medela Freestyle Hands-Free. When choosing a hands-free breast pump, it's important to consider your needs and budget. If you're looking for a discreet pump that you can use in public, the Elvie or Willow are great options. If you need a powerful pump that can help you pump a lot of milk at once, the Baby Buddha is a great choice. And if you're on a tight budget, the MomCozy M5 is a great option. No matter which hands-free breast pump you choose, make sure to do your research and read reviews before you make a purchase.
Which Breast Pump Is Best For Me?
Best Breast Pumps for New Moms: A Comparison
There are many different breast pumps on the market, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. This article compares five of the most popular pumps, including the Medela Pump In Style, Spectra S2 Plus, Motif Luna, Evenflo Advanced Double Electric Breast Pumps, and Lansinoh Smartpump 2.0. We look at factors such as price, features, ease of use, and customer reviews to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Read on to learn more about the best breast pumps for new moms!
Breastfeeding in Netherlands
The best part about having a baby in the Netherlands, which goes hand in hand with their very naturalistic approach to early motherhood, is the enormous support when it comes to breastfeeding.
“You’re Cleared!” Postpartum Sex: What to Expect and How to Prepare
You are just now feeling semi-human again at your 6-week appointment, and your doctor clears you for SEX… Now what??
Updated Research: Do I Have a Plugged Duct?
Plugged ducts and mastitis are prevalent breastfeeding conditions affecting up to 20% of women. These conditions cause breast pain and discomfort, impacting long-term breastfeeding goals. Effective management and treatment of these conditions are essential to minimize pain and discomfort and maintain breastfeeding.
Updated Research: How to Manage Engorgement
Breastfeeding can be as challenging as it is beneficial for mother and child, particularly in the first few weeks. One of the greatest challenges that a breastfeeding mother can face is engorgement. Most breastfeeding mothers will have experienced engorgement at some stage in their breastfeeding journeys.
Updated Research: Do I have Mastitis?
Previously, mastitis was always associated with a bacterial infection. However, science has taught us that it can occur because of several factors, including ductal narrowing, inflammation, edema, disruption of the microorganisms in the milk, and bacteria. Mastitis often occurs in the first three weeks after childbirth, but may occur at any stage of lactation.
When Should I Start Eliminating a Feed?
Nursing strikes, introducing solids, and spacing out feedings can all be tricky when nursing your baby. In addition, as they grow, the schedule you were accustomed to is suddenly different. So, when do you start eliminating feeds?
Cancer, Donor Eggs, and a Successful Feeding Journey
I always knew I wanted to breastfeed. When I envisioned motherhood, breastfeeding was an important aspect of that. My journey did not turn out the way I initially wanted, but I am proud of how far we made it and proud of my body. To understand my experience fully, let me provide some background.
My Breastfeeding Journey - Dealing With Diabetes and Low Supply
I recently gave birth to my second son, who was born at 35 weeks. In the months leading up to his birth, my prayers were for a healthy baby AND a beautiful breastfeeding journey. I was DETERMINED to breastfeed him no matter what. The journey thus far has not been easy, but worth it!
How Supplementing Helps Some Moms Breastfeed Longer
It’s most breastfeeding moms’ goal to be able to provide all the nourishment their little one needs from latching at the breast alone, but like many things in life, the ideal plan isn’t what always comes to fruition. Some moms that have been around the breastfeeding block before are familiar with the term “triple feeding,” and most let out groans of displeasure when they hear it. It’s no secret that adding extra steps to the feeding routine can be a monumental amount of work. So what is supplementing anyway, and how can it be used to your benefit?
My Breastfeeding Journey - Balancing a Career, Difficulty Breastfeeding, and Motherhood
Despite her challenges, Grace remained determined to be the best mother and professional she could be. Now the mother of three, she still continues to pursue her passions for running, yoga, and weightlifting, and enjoys hobbies like SCUBA diving and collecting sea glass. Grace continued to excel in her career, using her expertise in therapeutics, medical devices, and more to make a positive impact in the biotech industry.
Surviving the Holidays
As a mother, this exciting and busy time of the year can be a bit anxiety-evoking or worrisome as we gather with family and friends. Often this means that we need set boundaries for our children, ensure their safety, and remind them not to upset Aunt Jo. These extra chores all add to our already-full plates.
My Breastfeeding Journey - Dealing With a Tongue Tie and High Palate
With little National Health System (NHS) support, I hired a private lactation consultant to visit our home and watch a feed. I will never forget the devastation I felt when we learned my son had a tight posterior tongue tie and high palate (which was missed by several healthcare professionals). No wonder he couldn’t extract milk and was so distressed at the breast!
My Breastfeeding Journey - Agony, Control and Surrender
Breastfeeding is supposed to be easy, right? Hardly! Thrush, low supply, vasospasm, tongue tie, and clogged ducts, we went through it all. And came out a year later still loving each other.
My Breastfeeding Journey - Nipple Shields to the Rescue
For me, breastfeeding was the hardest part of becoming a mom. I wasn’t prepared for it at all. All the books I read and all the videos I watched made it seem like this blissful bonding experience for mom and baby. Until my turn came, and it just wasn’t at all.