We have years of experience breastfeeding our own babies and supporting breastfeeding families in a professional capacity. Below we share our personal stories, breastfeeding tips, tricks and basic knowledge.

Breastfeeding Class Instructor showing how to use a haakaa breast pump

Should I Take a Breastfeeding Class?

By Christie Collbran | May 8, 2023

I talk to a lot of expecting mothers and hear many of them say they hope to be successful at breastfeeding, but they aren’t sure it will work out. These hopes are mixed in with stories they’ve heard from friends and families. At least 80% of women initiate breastfeeding. That is a high percentage who…

Breastfeeding Red Flags, Mom holding newborn baby

Breastfeeding Red Flags

By Christie Collbran | February 21, 2023

As a first time mom, breastfeeding my newborn baby felt like a beautiful continuation of our connection during pregnancy. However it was not without challenges. It’s common to feel nervous or unsure, and it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. You’ve never done this before! In the first few weeks, both you and…

Baby on Mom's chest during the Golden Hour After Birth

The Golden Hour After Birth

By Christie Collbran | February 5, 2023

The Golden Hour (or hours) refers to the immediate hour after you have given birth to your baby and the connection that takes place during this time. This quality time between you and your baby will have lasting effects on your relationship and how your baby adapts to their new environment. Your beautiful baby arrives…

Black Mom Breastfeeding

Black Breastfeeding Week, An Interview with Deidra Washington, IBCLC

By Christie Collbran | August 22, 2022

For Black Breastfeeding Week, we are highlighting one of our favorite lactation counselors. In addition to having her own private practice, Deidra is a member of the Buddha Belly team supporting clients with breastfeeding counseling. We are so grateful to have her on our team sharing her wisdom and experience. 1. Tell us about your…

Is breastfeeding always difficult

Is Breastfeeding Always Difficult? – One Mom’s Story

By Christie Collbran | August 8, 2022

In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, I wanted to share a little bit about my breastfeeding story. When I found out I was pregnant, everyone had an opinion about everything, including breastfeeding! I heard stories from my sister, who has had 4 children, about how her milk never came in, she didn’t produce enough milk…

healthy recipes for nursing parents

Five Healthy Recipes for Nursing Parents 

By Christie Collbran | July 11, 2022

While the breastfeeding journey with my son was successful and amazing, it did come with its own setbacks that I had to learn to work through. As a first time mom, I had no idea how demanding nursing would be in the beginning. Newborns have very tiny tummies and often feed at the breast every…

Breast-feeding and Birth Control

Breastfeeding and Birth Control

By Christie Collbran | January 21, 2022

We believe it’s just as important to understand your options and feel empowered in your decisions about birth control as it is for giving birth. In this post we share insight into breastfeeding as a form of birth control, called the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM).  Is breastfeeding my baby an effective form of birth control?…

Breastfeeding-Professional-Support

Breastfeeding Support Options

By Christie Collbran | January 6, 2022

Just like there is no such thing as “one size fits all” bras, breastfeeding help is no different. The best person that you can reach out to for breastfeeding support is a breastfeeding professional. Makes sense, right? In this article we will discuss the different types of breastfeeding support options that are available. As a…

Breast-milk-and-formula-storage-guidelines

Breast Milk Storage Guidelines and Formula Storage Guidelines

By Christie Collbran | September 27, 2021

Did you know the American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its guidelines for storage of breast milk? You can count on your team of postpartum doulas and lactation counselors here at Buddha Belly to always keep you up to date with the latest breast milk and formula storage guidelines. We love that the guidance starts…

infant-feeding-schedule

Infant Feeding Schedule ~ How Often My Baby Needs to Eat & How Much

By Christie Collbran | August 15, 2021

If you are the parent of a newborn, you’ve likely heard this question from the pediatrician or others: how many times a day is your baby feeding? I remember when I had my first baby, I answered, “A million?” It certainly felt like my newborn didn’t do anything other than eat, sleep and fill her…

how-to-make-mom-friends

How Not To Make Mom Friends

By Christie Collbran | June 5, 2021

This story goes out to any new parents struggling to make connections and feel like themselves again. Lonely and isolated at home with an eight week old baby, I desperately longed for companionship with people in the same season of life. Instead of continuing to perfect my cyberstalker skills on Facebook, I convinced myself I…

helping-baby-accept-a-bottle

Helping Baby Accept a Bottle

By Christie Collbran | April 11, 2021

It’s a bit of a terrifying scenario for breastfeeding parents who are returning to paid work: your baby refuses to feed from a bottle. Everyone panics. Your caregiver is nervous about how they will take care of your baby while you’re away. You are scared about your baby getting the nutrition and hydration that she…