Tracey Carolan IBCLC

05/01/2026

Human beings are wired for comfort, connection, regulation, and closeness from the moment we are born. 🤍

Adults soothe themselves constantly. We drink warm drinks to relax, seek hugs when we’re hurting, sleep next to the people we love, call friends when we’re overwhelmed, and reach for comfort during stress.

Yet somehow, when babies and toddlers seek that same comfort from the people biologically designed to regulate them, it’s often labeled as “bad habits,” “manipulation,” or “dependency.”

Responsive parenting is not spoiling. Feeding for comfort is not failure. Holding a crying child is not weakness.

Connection is a biological need,
not a behavioral flaw. 🫶🏼

05/01/2026

Here's an idea,

Lets stop calling it a Let Down

In any other setting the phrase Let Down is a negative one.
Having your milk flow is definitely not negative ( well maybe when you forgot the nursing pads and are away from your baby that one time)

Lets keep our language positive and ditch those old phrases that a non lactating person most likely came up with a long long time ago.

04/30/2026

04/29/2026

Im probably the person who told you to use the silicone inserts.

And then this past weekend took a workshop all about Flanges, and now I know better.

Silicone does not work better.
The difference is amazing when we compare milk flow and comfort with your properly sized hard plastic fl**ge and an insert.

Now when a wearable pump is being used, you dont have a choice. It has to be silicone. This is why a wearable shouldn't be your only pump and why some brands are better than others, as they have a harder silicone fl**ge.

If pumping is not comfortable or if you dont feel like your pump is working for you, lets talk.

04/29/2026

What is something you've mulled over about breastfeeding that you can't seem to find an answer for? Share below!

[Image Description] Text: What breastfeeding question do you wish science would answer?

04/23/2026

I cant wait for the day when people call their IBCLC when they think they have mastitis and dont run to their Doctor.

Better yet, the day when Doctors say
"the recommendation is rest , ice and anti-inflammatory medications. Let me know if your fever doesn't respond to rest and worsens in the next 48 hours"

04/19/2026

When you are expecting a baby it can be super overwhelming not knowing what you actually need to invest in.

A wrap or baby carrier is essential. These let you get things done by being hands free. They allow you to do unlimited skin to skin while walking around the house. They keep baby close and kept away from strangers who tend to want to touch baby cheeks. They can be picked up cheaply or be a real investment that you can use into the toddler years.

A infant scale is not something thats needed. They tend to lead to anxiety that baby is or is not gaining appropriately. They are usually not as accurate as they need to be and they take up space. Attending your baby well visits when scheduled is all you need to do unless you have been informed otherwise by your Dr.

An IBCLC, absolutely needed. Your lactation information shouldn't be coming from social media. All new parents have questions even if feeding is going well. We help with bottle feeding and formula preparation as well. Make sure your LC is board certified, our evidence based information is kept up to date and we undergo continuous education/training,

A beautiful nursery is nice to look at but thats about it. It is recommended your baby sleeps in your room for the first 6-12 months. Cribs tend to be over priced laundry baskets. Most people end up redecorating in a couple years or moving their toddler out of the nursery to make room for a second baby, which is a lot of change for emotional toddlers.

Not every baby likes to be in a stroller, no need to invest in the top of the line model before your baby is even here. A simple umbrella stroller when they've grown some more is cost efficient and takes up way less space. Baby wearing for the win!

You need support! Whether that comes in the form of family, friends or a post partum doula. Recovering from child birth, running on little sleep, learning to nurse and still remembering to walk the dog is a lot. Having people who you can count on to support you and do all the things you dont need to be doing right away is absolutely needed.

What did you realize was simply a WANT and not necessarily a NEED?

04/17/2026

04/17/2026

04/04/2026

04/03/2026

Letting your baby soothe at the breast as long and as often as possible is exactly what your breasts are meant for.

Its a reminder to slow down and bathe in the oxytocin that follows.

04/01/2026

https://llli.org/news/cow-milk-formula-allergy-position/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQ6hWRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeOnrxulujjV3AIxOvk98ymtAk-oJ5zXA40fxBXIKAyZHJTCIBbWeOOXO-HYU_aem__VCmNFlTIJPy1gEqEyPfBg

Research has shown that it is best to avoid supplementation of cow’s milk formula in order to prevent cow’s milk allergy.