Ashley River Lactation

08/10/2025

August is National Breastfeeding Month. From benefits to real talk and local support, here’s what new moms need to know — plus tips from a postpartum doula.

11/19/2024

Did you know we offer in home one on one prenatal visits?? We do!! We assess previous medical history, experiences, and figure out a plan that will work for your family! Call us to set up an in home prenatal appointment and let us help decrease stress about feeding your baby.

10/30/2024

It’s that time of the year when littles share germs and you play that fun game where you guess the sickness 🤧 here are some breastfeeding tips to consider if you get sick

🤒 Read the active ingredients on the drug facts before taking an over the counter medication. If you’re experiencing a respiratory sickness, try to limit or avoid the use of oral decongestants. Instead, try a nasal decongestant or nasal saline spray. Always consult your medical provider for safe medications to use while breastfeeding.

🤒 Keep breastfeeding or pumping! Your body will make natural antibodies in your breastmilk for your baby to help them fight off any infections!

🤒 Give yourself the appropriate amount of rest and fluids. Your body may slow on milk production if you experience dehydration. Foods like watermelon, bone broth, and coconut water are helpful to keep your body hydrated.

Please reach out to your OB or midwife with questions on safe medications while breastfeeding. Contact an IBCLC to help with decreased production after being sick and questions on routine while sick.

10/13/2024

Did you know? Maternity care practices that offer support are shown to help families achieve their breastfeeding goals. https://bit.ly/4bmX6xS

10/13/2024

Love this. How we can support our friends with babies best.

10/05/2024

Keep Breastfeeding Going After Hurricane Helene

Even during stressful times, your body can continue making plenty of milk. Frequent feeding, keeping your baby close, and finding a comfortable space to nurse will help keep your milk supply strong. Adding formula can reduce milk production and increase the risk of bacterial exposure, especially when clean water or refrigeration isn’t available.

We are happy to announce that North Carolina parents can now access infant feeding support through the Appalachian Breastfeeding Network Hotline!

The Appalachian Breastfeeding Network hotline is funded by the Ohio Department of Health. North Carolina thanks the Ohio Department of Health for this support.

The hotline is open 24/7, every day of the year.

Call 888-588-3423 or text "BFHOTLINE" to 839863 for free help.

10/05/2024

If you want some privacy when feeding your baby in public, check out these nursing-friendly spots around Charleston!

08/14/2024

While you may not be swimming the 100m or stepping into the shot put circle, breastfeeding is still a serious workout. In fact, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you burn around 450-500 calories daily while breastfeeding. Everybody is different, but the bottom line is bodies use a lot of energy when breastfeeding (even more than in pregnancy). You may notice that you’re hungrier than usual — it’s important to eat nutrient-dense foods and drink enough water in order to keep up with the energy you burn while running the marathon that is breastfeeding. To learn more, click the link in our bio.

What are your go-to foods while breastfeeding?

08/09/2024

Agreed. We support you.

It's Breastfeeding Awareness Month
WE SUPPORT YOUR CHOICES...
No matter how you do it...
💛 nursing
🧡 pumping
❤️ hand expressing
💜 breastfeeding
💙 chestfeeding
💚 body feeding
💛 on your own
🧡 with support
❤️ with the help of a donor
💜 for one day
💙 or one year
💚 or maybe longer .. and especially when you make the choice that is best for you and your baby.
SEE OUR INCLUSIVE RESOURCES for at https://www.nationalperinatal.org/feeding-our-babies



U.S. Breastfeeding Committee - USBC

08/05/2024

Some breastfeeding journeys are long. Others are short lived. Some really feel like an uphill battle. And there are some that never got a chance to begin.

Hats off to you in whatever journey is yours! Each is unique and wonderful 🫶

08/05/2024

It wouldn’t be August without a hurricane 🌪️ We have complied a list of CDC reminders for keeping breastmilk storage easy and safe during storms. These are also helpful if traveling 😉

🌧️ Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs and for safe water once thawed. Remember you will need clean water to wash pump parts or bottles. Don’t forget the soap 😊

🌧️ When storing fresh breastmilk, use an insulated cooler with ice/packs for up to 24 hours. After the 24 hours, use, store, or freeze asap. If you are traveling, tell a first responder if you need to find an alternative place to store breastmilk.

🌧️ Frozen breastmilk can also be stored in an insulated cooler. As long as your breastmilk has ice crystals, you can keep it frozen or refreeze. If thawed, use it within 24 hours.

🌧️ Power outages can also occur during a storm. Plan for a portable battery pack or consider a manual pump if pumping. Hand expression can help in a pinch, too!

Reach out with questions! If this isn’t your first hurricane with breastmilk and have tips that helped you, leave below for other families!