The Breast Help • Holistic Lactation + Sleep Support

The Breast Help • Holistic Lactation + Sleep Support Harriet is an IBCLC Lactation Consultant + Child Family Health Midwife who understands Birth, Babies, Breastfeeding & Biology.

03/04/2026

Fertilisation isn’t simply the “fastest s***m wins.”

Millions of s***m begin the journey, but only a small number reach the egg. Along the way, they must undergo changes (capacitation) to even be capable of fertilising. The egg is surrounded by protective layers, and only s***m with the right molecular compatibility can bind and pe*****te.

Once one s***m successfully fuses with the egg, the egg immediately triggers a reaction that blocks all others from entering (preventing polys***my).

So while s***m compete to reach the egg, fertilisation ultimately depends on highly regulated biological processes where the egg plays an active role in determining which s***m succeeds.

21/03/2026

Breastfeeding thirst is real.

Milk is made up of around 87% water. Every time your body produces milk, it’s pulling fluid from your system. That’s why you feel constantly thirsty and why half-full glasses end up scattered around the house.

Your body is essentially a milk factory running 24/7. It needs water to keep everything flowing, support your energy, and maintain your wellbeing.

A simple hack? Invest in a good drink bottle with a straw and keep it with you wherever you go. Sip often, and don’t stress if your house looks like a mini water museum.

That thirst is a sign your body is doing exactly what it’s meant to do.

19/03/2026

Fl**ge sizing can play a really important role in how pumping feels and how effectively milk is removed. The fl**ge (the funnel-shaped part of your pump) is designed to support comfortable, efficient expression, but because every body is different, the “standard” size that comes with a pump doesn’t suit everyone. When the fit isn’t quite right, some parents notice discomfort, friction, or that pumping just doesn’t feel as effective as expected.

It’s also very normal for things to change over time. In the early weeks especially, as your body adjusts to feeding and expressing, what feels comfortable or works well can shift. Many parents are surprised to learn that fl**ge fit isn’t something you set once and forget, it can be worth revisiting if pumping feels off at any stage 🤞🏼

If pumping hasn’t felt quite right for you, fl**ge fit is often one of the first areas to explore. I stock a range of fl**ge inserts and fl**ges compatible with Medela and Spectra pumps, and can help you find options that feel more comfortable and possibly a little more successful for your pumping journey!

19/03/2026

LISTEN TO HER.

If I schedule it, it'll happen! 💫Breastfeeding class is set for 23 May 10am at .village.collective__ Tell your friends!
17/03/2026

If I schedule it, it'll happen! 💫

Breastfeeding class is set for 23 May 10am at .village.collective__

Tell your friends!

But my middle child is… 🥰🐢🍁
12/03/2026

But my middle child is… 🥰🐢🍁

12/03/2026

You’ve probably heard of “leap weeks” from The Wonder Weeks.

But the original research that proposed these predictable developmental leaps was based on observations of around 15 babies.

Later studies have struggled to replicate the exact timing of the “leaps”.

Babies absolutely go through periods of rapid development 🙃 but development doesn’t follow a universal weekly calendar.

Every baby develops in their own time.

Two things can be true at once.Yes, milk can flow freely during a feed.And babies still use their hands to help the milk...
12/03/2026

Two things can be true at once.

Yes, milk can flow freely during a feed.
And babies still use their hands to help the milk move.

When babies press, knead, or “massage” the breast while feeding, they are often helping stimulate the milk ejection reflex (let-down) and encouraging milk flow. You’ll see this especially in the early months when babies are learning how to get the milk they need efficiently.

These little hand movements can:
• help trigger or maintain let-down
• increase milk flow during the feed
• keep the baby engaged while feeding
• support milk transfer when flow slows

Babies are incredibly instinctive feeders. They don’t just suck — they use their mouth, tongue, hands and body to help the milk move.

So yes… sometimes it looks like playing.
But very often it’s also a tiny human doing exactly what their body is designed to do.

Breastfeeding is a full-body activity for babies.

If you’ve noticed your baby kneading, twiddling, or pressing during feeds, you’re not imagining it. It’s a very normal part of how babies interact with the breast.

03/03/2026

Happy IBCLC Day!

There are many people supporting feeding families — but not all feeding advice comes from the same training.

In Australia, IBCLC is a protected title, meaning it can only be used by clinicians who’ve met strict education, clinical practice, and ongoing competency standards. It’s similar to titles like midwife or medical specialist — regulated to protect families and ensure safe, evidence-based care.

IBCLCs support the whole feeding picture — from latch, pain and milk supply, to pumping, bottle feeding, returning to work, weaning, and more complex feeding journeys.

When feeding feels hard and everyone has an opinion, one trusted voice can make all the difference 💛
Happy IBCLC Day.

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Shop 70-72, 189 Ocean View Road
Ettalong Beach, NSW
2257

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 3pm
Thursday 9:30am - 3pm
Friday 9:30am - 3pm

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