Optimal Nurturing

02/06/2026

Pauses during feeding are normal. Milk transfer occurs during active swallowing, not continuously throughout a feeding.

Breaks, pauses, and changes in rhythm are a normal part of infant feeding.

02/05/2026

Keeping It Real Thursday 💛

Some mornings feel like a full recap of a night you barely remember.
The details are fuzzy, the coffee is essential, and somehow everyone else seems very confident about how it went.

If this made you smile, you’re not alone. These seasons are real, a little messy, and often best handled with humor and grace.

02/04/2026

Milk intake is determined by effective swallowing, not by time.
Minutes at the breast do not directly indicate how much milk a baby receives.

Feeding patterns can vary between babies and between feeds.

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

✨ Did you know Heather has her own blog on Substack?

Heather shares thoughtful, evidence-based insights on infant feeding, parent support, and real-life experiences through the Optimal Nurturing blog. New posts go out every Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM, making it an easy, consistent resource to add to your week.

📬 Subscribe here:
https://substack.com/

📖 Here’s today’s blog for you:
https://optimalnurturing.substack.com/p/2e443bb9-2506-4dac-830a-7d568da7b4c0

If you appreciate honest education, gentle guidance, and support that meets you where you are, this is a wonderful space to be part of.

02/02/2026

Walk-In Wednesday is here! 🤍

This Wednesday, February 4th, walk-in lactation appointments are available from 11:00am-3:00pm at The Nurturing House. Visits are first-come, first-served and availability is limited, so we encourage families to call ahead before arriving.

Our team is here to support you with nursing your baby, pumping, bottle feeding, breast and ni**le pain, returning to work, introducing solids, prenatal education, emotional support, weaning, and more.

📍 The Nurturing House
1523 6th Street Ext.
Bristol, TN 37620

📞 Call ahead at 423-228-0303

Insurance accepted on Walk In Wednesday includes BCBS, TNCare, Cigna, and self-pay.

02/02/2026

If the groundhog saw you questioning everything… it means you care deeply, and that matters.

Feeding journeys are full of questions, second-guessing, and moments of uncertainty. That doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It means you’re paying attention, learning, and showing up for your baby.

Support can make those questions feel lighter. We’re here to walk alongside you through every season of feeding. 🤍

02/01/2026

April due date? 🤍

Now is a great time to schedule your prenatal lactation appointment!

Preparing ahead can help you feel more confident, informed, and supported as you get closer to welcoming your baby.

01/31/2026

🎉 It really does make us smile.

Prenatal lactation appointments give families time to prepare, ask questions, and feel supported before baby arrives.

We love being part of the planning stage!

01/30/2026

Breast milk production is regulated by supply and demand. Milk removal signals the body to continue producing milk.

This process is driven by physiology.