Rebecca McCann Lactation, LLC

10/10/2025

Ready to start solids—but feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice?

My new guide, From Milk to Meals, takes the guesswork out of introducing solids—helping you know when to start, what to serve, and how to feed responsively and safely.

Created by an IBCLC and nurse, it’s packed with clear, practical guidance you can trust—no fluff, no pressure, just real-world feeding support.

✨ 30+ pages of expert info
💻 $15 | Instant download - on sale this week for just $10!

Get it here: https://www.rebeccamccannlactation.com/product-page/from-milk-to-meals-a-guide-for-introducing-solids

10/06/2025

This is so true for breastfeeding. You might picture feeding going a certain way—direct nursing, pumping, or a mix of both. But sometimes reality looks different, and that’s okay.

Planning ahead matters, but also give yourself permission to adjust when things don’t go as expected.

As your lactation consultant, I’ll help you make a plan and I’ll be there if that plan needs to shift. You don’t have to do this alone. 💛

09/29/2025

🤫 I’ll let you in on a secret…

You really don’t NEED that much stuff for breastfeeding!

Are there things that are nice to have? Sure! Is there a lot of junk that is marketed to new parents that you don’t need (and might actually make things worse)? Absolutely!

Two things that I definitely recommend - comfortable nursing bras, and nursing pads. Some people will also need a high quality breast pump (but not everyone!).

Everybody wants to know which is the best breast pump. Here’s the thing - I don’t make blanket recommendations. People have unique needs and circumstances. What works best for you might not be the best pump for someone else. Also, in the nearly 20 years I’ve been working with breastfeeding families, pump recommendations have changed A LOT. I’ve seen good pump companies suddenly create a terrible pump 👀 and there are new pumps on the market all.the.time.

So, in an effort to provide the best, most current, and most personalized recommendations, I can’t make blanket statements. I CAN provide recommendations to you in a one-on-one setting.

Want to learn more about what stuff you need (and what stuff you DON’T)? It’s all included in my prenatal email series: 4 days, 4 ways to prepare for breastfeeding. Sign up here: https://www.rebeccamccannlactation.com/prenatal-breastfeeding-series-opt-in

09/26/2025

Have you heard this one?

It’s a MYTH.

Unfortunately there are many providers out there who will not recommend getting tethered oral tissues (tongue, lip, and/or buccal ties) released unless it is causing a problem with weight gain.

Oral ties can potentially impact SO MUCH MORE than weight gain. Some other things that can be related to ties include long or frequent feeds, reflux, and difficulty with speech or solid foods. Ties can also impact airway development, and cause dental issues. Nursing parents can experience damaged ni***es, recurrent plugged ducts/mastitis, low milk supply, frustration, etc.

All factors should be taken into consideration when determining whether a baby needs a release procedure, not just weight gain.

Let us know - have you heard this before?

09/22/2025

Let me explain…

As a hospital-based lactation consultant for ten years, one of the hardest things I faced was limiting what I shared with new parents. Of course I wanted the very best for my patients, but time in the hospital is short, and it’s just not possible to cover everything about breastfeeding in a quick consult.

🧠 Beyond the time constraints, new parents aren’t always in the best mindset to take in a lot of new information. They’re often tired or exhausted from delivery, and their focus should be on rest, recovery, and bonding with their baby. Hormonal shifts after birth actually cause physical changes in the brain. These changes help with bonding and caring for the baby but can make it harder to retain new information.

So, as hospital lactation consultants, we focus on the essentials—enough to help new parents feed their baby immediately. Then, we provide resources for follow-up support after they leave the hospital. We know it’s best not to overwhelm exhausted new parents with too much information all at once.

❗️What does this mean if you’re expecting a baby? Don’t rely on learning everything about breastfeeding in the hospital! Take the time to prepare before your baby arrives.

⭐️ If you’re not sure where to begin, I have a FREE 4 day email series - 4 days, 4 ways to prepare for breastfeeding, that will get you started on the right track. Click below to sign up.

https://www.rebeccamccannlactation.com/prenatal-breastfeeding-series-opt-in

09/16/2025

New blog post!

Breastfeeding is often described as natural and beautiful—but if you’re dealing with sore or damaged ni***es, it can feel anything but. You’re not alone: many parents experience ni**le pain in the early weeks. While mild tenderness can be normal, ongoing soreness or cracks deserve attention an...

09/15/2025

This summer I had the privilege of attending a conference with an amazing lactation colleague, Maya Bolman, one of the authors of these studies, and it completely changed the way I teach a few things.

One of the techniques I learned more deeply about was therapeutic breast massage — a skill parents can learn and use at home anytime they’re dealing with engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis.

Here’s why this matters for you:
✔️ You don’t necessarily have to rely only on medications, procedures, or fancy devices to feel better — your hands are free, always available, and they really work!
✔️ Learning these techniques EARLY (prenatally if possible!) can make those first few weeks of breastfeeding so much easier.
✔️ Having more than one tool in your toolbox means you’re less likely to feel stuck when challenges pop up.

Bringing this research into my practice means I can give families up-to-date, practical skills that actually make breastfeeding more comfortable and sustainable.

09/12/2025

You’ve built your baby registry…but have you planned for the support you’ll need once baby is here?

Picking out sweet baby clothes, building your baby registry, and setting up the nursery is so much fun (and yes, those things can be useful!). But the truth is—what makes the biggest difference in those early days isn’t stuff…it’s support.

I’d love to help you prepare for breastfeeding and guide you through the early weeks with confidence and calm.

Schedule now using the link below and let’s get you set up before baby arrives.

https://www.rebeccamccannlactation.com/consultations

09/09/2025

Don’t fall for the marketing hype! 🍼

Just because a bottle is labeled “best for breastfed babies” or “shaped like a breast” doesn’t mean it’s the ideal choice.

Here are a few key things to consider when choosing a bottle for your breastfed baby:

✨ Ni**le Shape: Bottles with ni***es that have an abrupt change in slope (think neck and shoulders, often marketed as “breast-shaped”) can cause a narrow gape and pursed lips—not how we want babies to latch when breastfeeding! Instead, opt for ni***es with a gradual slope (more like a mountain or triangle), which usually encourages a wider gape and deeper latch.

✨ Flow Rate: It’s usually best to start with the slowest flow available. However, flow rates vary across brands, so “slow” in one brand may be faster in another. You also don’t need to increase the flow rate as your baby grows—flow during breastfeeding doesn’t change over time, and bottle flow doesn’t need to either. The key is to observe your baby: they should feed comfortably within 15-30 minutes, with no signs of frustration or stress.

✨ Bottle Size: Breastfed babies typically take 3-4 oz per feed, so no need for oversized bottles!

✨ Material: Bottles come in plastic, silicone, or glass—choose whatever works best for your family.

This is just a quick overview of bottle selection. If your baby is having trouble with bottles, an IBCLC can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your baby’s needs.

If you want to learn more, check out my blog all about choosing a bottle for your breastfed baby:
https://www.rebeccamccannlactation.com/post/choosing-a-bottle-for-your-breastfed-baby

09/06/2025

Feel like as soon as you finally figure things out…everything changes? You’ve mastered one stage of babyhood and then feeding patterns shift. Teething starts. Solids get introduced. And you start wondering:
“Is this normal?”

Sign up for my free Ages & Stages newsletter!

Each month I send simple, up-to-date guidance on what to expect—developmentally and with breastfeeding—so you can stop the frantic Googling and feel more prepared.

Topics include:
• Feeding patterns
• Growth spurts
• Diaper output changes
• Bottle skills
• Starting solids
• And more

This is all the info I wish more families had in the first year. 💕

Here’s the link to get started and feel supported every step of the way: https://www.rebeccamccannlactation.com/ages-stages-newsletter-opt-in