4th Trimester Baby Lactation & Parent Support

05/30/2026

Breastfeeding While Babywearing!

I often recommend positions for breastfeeding that encourage extension, with chin tucked deeply into breast and mouth opening up and over for a deep latch. Positions such as koala and side-lying set baby up for this well. With a little practice, breastfeeding while babywearing accomplishes this same goal. Get baby positioned vertically on your chest, tuck them in nice and snug, use strap adjustments to drop them down, and if needed, give the breast a lift. Add some movement if able, and enjoy your little one gazing up at you! This may feel awkward at first, but it is really worth the practice :)

05/29/2026

Formula Prep/The Pitcher Method



Sometimes families need or choose to use formula for a variety of reasons. I like to emphasize proper formula prep, including boiling water to kill harmful bacteria in the powder, and considering the pitcher method - batch preparing a days worth of formula in a pitcher designed for that method! Formula prep machines (that look like coffee machines) do not always use proper temperatures or ratios, and this can cause some trouble for babies. Here is some deeper information about formula safety and prep, from the World Health Organization...

The present guidelines are presented in two parts. One part provides guidance for the preparation of Powdered infant formula (PIF) in care settings where professional care providers are involved in the preparation of large quantities of PIF for a large number of infants. The second part provides gui...

05/06/2026

I am still here!

This post is a note of thanks to all the wonderful families who have had me back for 2nd and 3rd babies, and who have referred me on to their families and friends! I have had a streak of these over the last few months, and I greatly appreciate seeing these beautiful growing families again, and getting to know those in your networks. This is essential for a small business such as 4th Trimester Baby to grow, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you!

05/04/2026

Bodywork!

I have had the pleasure of chatting with some wonderful chiropractors who work with babies, and have learned a lot about how beneficial this can be for a variety of reasons! "Tension" is one of the most common things I observe in babies who are struggling to latch at breast. Sometimes it shows up in neck and shoulders, sometimes in hips, sometimes assymetries in head shape, face, ability to turn head left and right easily, use of arms and legs, and more! Birth is quite an event for both the parent and the baby, so it is not surprising if one or both of you have a "tweak" that adds an extra layer of challenge. I love to share rhythmic movement exercises to do at home with baby, and will often share referrals to bodyworkers to help optimize baby's ability at breast. So, if your little one, for example, snuggles in comfortably on the right side but cries and turns away on the left, it is possible their bodies can benefit from a little extra TLC in the form of bodywork!

04/21/2026

The "Breast" Baby News!

Welcome to The "Breast" Baby News! Low Milk Supply: Digging a little deeper... Unfortunately, I have met with many families recently struggling with low milk supply. I always start with back to basics...milk removal 8+ times per 24 hrs by baby and/or pump, maybe an herbal supplement for a boost. But...

04/18/2026

The "Breast" Baby News!

Welcome to The "Breast" Baby News! Starting Solids Somewhere around the middle of the first year, babies embark on the adventure of starting solids! While it may be awhile before your little one is as skilled as the kiddo in this picture, it does happen! I am a big proponent of waiting until baby is...

04/14/2026

The "Breast" Baby News!

Welcome to The "Breast" Baby News! Co-Bathing! I want to draw attention to a useful technique for getting baby back to breast after a disruption, like a baby who has gotten used to too many bottles. Take a warm, relaxing bath WITH your baby! Here is a great article from La Leche League detailing how...

04/07/2026

The "Breast" Baby News!

Welcome to The "Breast" Baby News! The Power of a Prenatal I love to see families for prenatal visits! Why? Because we can talk through preparing for the birth experience, what to expect in the early hours and days, latch and positioning tips, even a little bit about pumping and bottle introduction....

04/01/2026

The "Breast" Baby News!

Welcome to The "Breast" Baby News! Stability and Alignment! Why an image of someone doing a plank?! What can that possibly have to do with breastfeeding my baby? I am CONSTANTLY discussing the importance of stability and alignment when considering positioning of both parent and baby while breastfeed...

02/13/2026

The "Breast" Baby News!

Welcome to The "Breast" Baby News! Time Saving Measures! I see many families who are "triple feeding" - baby to breast, pumping, bottlefeeding - for various reasons such as low milk supply or oral restrictions. While this strategy can and should be a temporary measure while we work toward the root o...