Rebecca McCann Lactation, LLC

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

08/29/2025

Announcing September dates for the New Mom Coffee Meetup!

I call this the New Mom Coffee Meetup because I remember how lonely and overwhelming those early days of motherhood can be. But this group isn’t just for brand-new moms—if you have older babies or children, or if you’re expecting your first, you’re absolutely welcome!

It’s simply a casual time to connect, chat, and support one another. We all need community, and it’s so valuable to hear from moms who are a step or two ahead (or right in it with you). Come as you are—we’d love to have you join us!

08/27/2025

Join me tomorrow (Wednesday 8-27)! Hope to see you there!

08/05/2025

Becoming a mother changes you in so many ways. I love this quote because I think it’s so true.

Walking alongside new families as they cope with new fears and discover new strengths is such a privilege and one of the things I love most about my job.

What do you think?

08/03/2025

What to do when your baby is pulling off the breast?

Breast refusal—or pulling away from the breast during feeds—is something I see often in my practice. It can be stressful and confusing, especially when it feels like your baby was feeding well… and now suddenly isn’t.

Unfortunately, there’s not always a quick fix. The cause can vary from baby to baby, and resolving it often requires a thorough, individualized look at what’s going on.

But while you’re waiting to get help, here are a few gentle steps you can try right away to support feeding:

1. Skin-to-skin
This isn’t just for newborns! Skin-to-skin can help older babies reconnect with feeding too. Try holding baby on your chest while you relax—or even take a bath together (I recommend having an extra adult around for safety).

2. Offer when there’s no pressure
Try offering the breast when baby is drowsy, at the end of a bottle feed, or during calm moments between feeds. If either of you feels stressed, take a break and try again later.

3. Use breast compressions
If baby latches, even briefly, gently massage or compress your breast to help keep milk flowing. A dip in milk flow is a common reason babies start to pull away.

4. Protect your supply
If feeds have changed or baby is refusing more often, keep up regular pumping or hand expression to maintain your milk supply—especially overnight.

5. Get support
This is something you don’t have to figure out alone. An experienced lactation consultant can help uncover the cause and guide you through next steps.

✨ You and your baby deserve personalized, compassionate care. If you’re navigating breast refusal, I’m here to help.

08/01/2025

It’s World Breastfeeding Week, and I’m celebrating by giving away 3 spots in my Prenatal Breastfeeding Class 🎉

It’s an on-demand, watch-anytime class designed to help you feel ready — with guidance on latching, fl**ge sizing, bottle selection, and what to do if things don’t go perfectly.

When you sign up, you’re automatically entered to win — and you’ll also get my free email series:
4 Days, 4 Ways to Prepare for Breastfeeding - it includes quick tips to help prepare duringg pregnancy, including supply lists and brand recommendations!

Giveaway closes August 8. Link below.

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