This author has yet to write their bio.Meanwhile lets just say that we are proud Melissa Portunato contributed a whooping 73 entries.
Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC Breastmilk is a living substance loaded with nutrients, antibodies, and vitamins, providing the perfect nutrition composition for your growing baby. Experts recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding for 2 years or as long as the mother and baby desire. Some mothers exclusively express breastmilk for […]
Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC Not all babies bite and the ones that do learn pretty quickly that mama does not like it and stop. If you’re part of the lucky few that does have a baby shark don’t worry mamas! Biting down at the breast is almost always temporary. With patience, time and support […]
By Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC On June 27, 2022, The American Academy of Pediatrics updated its existing policy statement on breastfeeding. The revision has come at a controversial time amidst the current formula crisis, failed legislation, and the recent Supreme Court ruling on reproductive health rights. Read on for the full breakdown and what […]
Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC Babies are born with a strong innate sucking reflex necessary for survival. When combined with the rooting reflex, a newborn baby can find the breast, suck and swallow milk. Sucking can also bring soothing comfort to a newborn baby, and parents often run to a binkie for a quick fix. […]
By Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk. After 12 weeks, your body has gotten the hang of […]
Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC Are you ready to hit the road with your breast pump this summer? Planning ahead will eliminate unnecessary stress so you can enjoy the time away and make long-lasting memories. Read on for our practical and easy-to-follow guide to pumping while on vacation. Ring Before You Go When booking a […]
Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC Though most women have the initial desire to breastfeed, the CDC reports only 25% of babies meet the recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. As the baby formula shortages continue in the US, many parents are now faced with the unprecedented stress of keeping their babies fed. If […]
Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC Are you worried your precious little one will grow to prefer the bottle over your breasts? Are you concerned you might not be able to keep up once baby begins taking bottles regularly while you’re away? Are you exclusively pumping and looking for tips on bottle feeding? We’ve got you covered with our full guide on Paced Bottle […]
Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC Nipple soreness in the first few weeks postpartum is normal as you navigate breastfeeding, but wanting to cry every time you turn on the pump or latch your baby is NOT normal. Painful nipples can be caused by challenges with latching baby at the breast, incorrect flange sizing, or even […]
By Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC What is Parallel Pumping? Parallel Pumping is a feeding technique that involves nursing a baby at the breast on one side while simultaneously using a breast pump on the other breast. Why Parallel Pumping? Many mothers are prescribed Triple Feeding (nurse, pump, and feed baby) when latching is difficult […]
Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC With so many breast pump options, it can be overwhelming to make a final choice. We’re known for our innovative closed system pumps that make pumping more hygienic while also preventing milk from making its way to the pump motor. While all of our spectra pumps offer high quality and amazing comfort, […]
By Trill Paullin, Ph.D. Co-Founder, Free to Feed ∘ Military Veteran ∘ Breastfeeding Mother of 2 Many parents struggle in their breastfeeding journey. We know breast milk does an amazing option for our babies – yet the support and guidance are lacking significantly. Another huge issue is the amount of misinformation regarding breastfeeding and newborn […]
