Krystal Kouder RN, IBCLC

01/25/2024

Super excited for our next event in chesterton!! Friday, February 2nd, 3-5pm! See ya there!

11/09/2023

We are settling in for day 2 of Postpartum Support International’s Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care!

Thank you to Northwest Indiana Center for Maternal Wellness for providing the opportunity! Lauryn, Jes, and Rachel each received a scholarship for this conference.

10/04/2023

We have been nominated for a feature in the Mom to Mom, NWI and Woman to Woman, NWI magazines! We would appreciate your votes ❤️ click the shared photo and like to vote!

10/04/2023

Our business was nominated for a feature in the Mom to Mom and Woman to Woman magazines. Please click the shared photo and like it to vote for us!

09/21/2023

09/21/2023

08/11/2023

Our Portage office sign is up! ❤️

05/19/2023

04/15/2023

Did you know that insurance often covers lactation services? Check your card!

We accept most commercial plans through UHC, UMR, Aetna, and Meritain. We also work with The Lactation Network to accept some plans through Anthem, BCBS, Cigna, and any insurance with the MultiPlan or PNOA logo!

Our team of 4 IBCLCs is ready to support you 7 days per week!

04/03/2023

I live for this day.

12/15/2022

06/28/2022

Unpopular Opinion Time!

The AAP Section on Breastfeeding recently shared that the statement policy on breastfeeding and use of human milk has been updated. This update states that the AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding until about 6 months, with the introduction of complementary foods and continued breastfeeding until age 2 or beyond as desired by the family. This is finally in alignment with other major organizations, including the World Health Organization.

This change is being largely applauded and I just can’t. The policy already stated that infants should be exclusively breastfed until about 6 months and yet the latest data shows us despite over 84% of families initiating breastfeeding, only 46.9% were exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months and only 25.6% were exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months. Statements don’t change breastfeeding rates - if they did, then the majority of the infants who began breastfeeding would still be exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months. [https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/reportcard.htm]

If we want to see breastfeeding rates increase, then we will need healthcare providers to recognize when there is an infant feeding problem and provide a referral to the specialist in breastfeeding and human lactation - the IBCLC. Instead they are telling people to just switch to formula, triple feed, introduce solids at 4 months, wean because their baby has allergies, their milk just doesn’t have enough nutrition, outright ignoring or dismissing the concerns of parents, and a whole host of other detrimental recommendations. Until pediatricians stop undermining breastfeeding and the use of human milk, breastfeeding rates will remain low.

05/17/2022

Pumping is a part of life for many people, whether by choice or by necessity. Of course we don’t love our pumps so response can be vastly different than it is to your baby, but we can definitely make it a better experience overall!

1) Use the correct fl**ge size. Get help with this if you’re not sure. 99% of pumpers in our practice are using the wrong size before seeing us! If it’s too large or too small, you’ll most likely experience pain and there will be decreased pump output.

2) Use a lubricant. Coconut oil, olive oil, and ni**le balms that don’t contain lanolin are great here. A small amount directly on the ni**le or lightly applied to the inside of the fl**ge tunnel helps the tissue move.

3) Use the highest suction that is comfortable for you. This means if cranking your pump to the highest setting causes pain, you need to reduce the level!

Low output and pain are the top two reasons people describe HATING their pump. These tips can help address both of those issues. If they’re not solving those problems, it’s time to call an IBCLC for individualized help.

05/16/2022

FreeFormula.Exchange is a mutual aid network connecting families who need formula with people who have it during this national baby formula shortage.

05/16/2022

Unpopular opinion time!

The biggest reason for regret with releasing ties is lack of improvement and the feeling that you’ve put your baby through this for nothing.

Releasing ties creates a POTENTIAL for normal function but does nothing to actually teach the brain how and when to use the muscles.

If your baby had ties released and feeding or other related problems didn’t improve, it is most likely because the brain was never mapped to do anything new with the released anatomy. If we continue to use the same compensatory behaviors because we don’t know anything different, how can we expect real change beyond the appearance of the anatomy?

The best results with tie releases happen when the release is part of a bigger plan that includes oral habilitation and bodywork before and after the frenectomy.

05/13/2022

Right now, the US is reacting to the formula shortage. Many families are struggling to be able to feed their babies, and that's a position no one should be in.

We wanted to share some info about the different ways to feed babies, in order of what's healthiest (based on nutrition and no other factors). Breastfeeding straight from mom is the ideal if at all possible! That doesn't make it easy...and our country still needs to get so much better at supporting women and providing correct information so that more can successfully breastfeed. It really is so much more beneficial than we're told, and there's no excuse for professionals not to be educated and honest about it.

If breastfeeding is not possible, women deserve next-best options. Donor milk is one. There are organizations that help connect women with donors, as well as milk banks in some areas (although banks pasteurize the milk and can be very expensive).

Finally, there is formula. If you are struggling to find formula options, you can order online, or try a homemade formula. Not all homemade formulas are nutritionally balanced (don't opt for canned milk and corn syrup!), so you must be careful what you choose. And if you do opt for homemade formula, you need to prepare it very carefully and sterilize your equipment. It's a very viable option when you do it correctly.

Our hearts go out to all the families affected right now!