Beyond the Breast

08/31/2026

08/25/2026

Touch is our first sense to be activated before or after birth. The calming hand on your belly to settle those kicks to the bladder or ribs, the gentle voice agreeing that spicy chicken might not have been the best breakfast.

Gentle touch and infant massage can calm the vagus nerve, relax parents and baby and help everyone settle into sleep.

Reducing fussiness, promoting feelings of security, calmer nights and naptimes

Want to learn more about infant massage and the ways and can support you and baby?
☝️Click the link above & scheduled a personalized class today

08/17/2026

The U.S.’s largest health insurer will halve payment for skilled lactation care, a change the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), warn will limit new families’ access to care.

Learn more about this change beginning September 1. https://iblce.org/2026/08/06/press-release-a-3-billion-problem-cutting-lactation-care-costs-more-than-it-saves/

08/07/2026

Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are unique providers as we often care for two or more patients, mom and baby/babies, during a feeding assessment. To cut this in half and only pay for one of the patients makes absolutely no sense and it's a disservice fair for families that need and want care.

Insurance companies across the board need to do better for the long-term health of mom's, their babies and their families.

“IBLCE calls on the health plan to reverse this change, and on payers broadly to ensure that reimbursement reflects the full scope of care delivered to both parent and infant.”

https://iblce.org/2026/08/06/press-release-a-3-billion-problem-cutting-lactation-care-costs-more-than-it-saves/?fbclid=IwdGRleATi29pwZG9mBWZkaWQWUMB88ar-HoMGu6I74-F--ew8GWmvNGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4p4Jl50q0C6m69r_Herv4B5AwTL3VT0SA9SnEtCtHcFaBRoRM2hnFWSQPE8A_aem_xm_MwS-jJyuzKyzirlAGrA

A change to how a single lactation visit is reimbursed effectively halves payment for care delivered to both parent and baby, threatening access to the most highly credentialed lactation providers.…

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July from Beyond the Breast! 🎇
Summer is in full swing - here's a few tips to help you and baby celebrate safely →

🌡️ It's HOT out there, y'all.
Baby can't regulate their temp like we can, so:
*Dress baby in light, breathable layers (yes, even less than you think)
*Shade > direct sun, always
*Watch for signs of overheating: flushed cheeks, fussiness, or fewer wet diapers
*Nurse or bottle-feed more often — feeding is baby's hydration on hot days

💦 Popular myth alert: "It's so hot, baby needs water too!"
Nope! Babies under 6 months get ALL their hydration from breastmilk or formula — even in Texas summer heat.🌵🔥
Extra water can actually be dangerous for little kidneys and tiny tummies.
More feeds = more hydration.

🎆 Fireworks are loud. Baby ears are delicate. If you're headed to a show:
*Baby earmuffs or ear protection made for infants (not adult ear plugs!)
*Sit further back from the launch site than you think you need to
*Watching from home or on a porch? Totally valid and just as festive
*Their tiny ears will thank you later 💕

Summer activities already have you feeling like you're running in circles? It's ok to step back, stick your feet in the sand or grass, or find a quiet corner of the world, even if it's the living room and snuggle withe baby.

🎉 However you're celebrating — backyard BBQ, big fireworks show, or pjs on the couch by 7pm — you're doing great.

Questions about feeding, hydration, or anything baby-related this summer? That's what I'm here for.
Happy Independence Day from our family to yours! 🧡
Questions about feeding, hydration, or anything baby-related this summer? That's what I'm here for.
Happy Independence Day from our family to yours! 🧡

07/03/2026

Prepping for a consult, worried about what questions to ask?
Ask them ALL! Anything, Really

20yrs of helping families meet their breastfeeding goals means I've heard a lot of questions, shared tears and laughs as we break down concerns, goals and ways to achieve them.

As a parent, I've had some of those same questions and concerns- no one is ever prepped for stereophonic newborn twin cries- but I will give you the biggest hug if you ask.

Slacker b***s, "milk hydrants", crazy bottles, sleep routines, allergy concerns
Your concerns are valid

This space is a safe space- bring the questions, we'll make a plan together

06/29/2026

After being out for several weeks following surgery, I'm delighted to share that I'm back in office!

I have a few openings this week before the 4th of July festivities
🔗Click the link above to schedule today

06/18/2026

👀 Plot twist: that thing you didn't even mention might be the missing dot

🤱Feeding struggles are connected to more than people realize — birth experience, stress, sleep, anatomy, all of it plays a role.
📝This is why I always start with your full story before we problem-solve anything & then work with you to create a care plan that your fits your lifestyle

📌Save this for the next time someone tells you "it's probably nothing."

06/16/2026

These changes will impact families and IBCLCs across the country.

Lactation consultants can only bill UnitedHealthcare for services provided to a mother, but not her baby, starting Sept. 1.

04/15/2026

New research for food allergy families