Bond and Bloom Lactation

03/04/2026

✨ Happy IBCLC Day! ✨
Today is a day near and dear to my heart—International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Day! 🤍

Why I became an IBCLC
I chose this path because I saw firsthand how the right support—or the lack of it—can completely change a family’s trajectory. I became an IBCLC because I believe no parent should have to navigate the ups and downs of feeding alone. My goal is to blend high-level clinical skills with genuine heart, helping families shift from 'this is too hard' to 'we can actually do this’!

What I love most about this work?
It’s hard to pick just one thing, but if I had to choose, it’s the "Aha!" moment.
* The second a painful latch becomes comfortable.
* The relief on a parent's face when they realize they’re doing a great job.
* Helping families reach their unique goals, whatever those may look like.
* And…of course, ALL the sweet babies! 👶

Being an IBCLC isn't just about the "how-to" of feeding; it’s about protecting the bond between you and your baby.

To the families I serve: Thank you for trusting me during your most vulnerable and beautiful moments!

To my fellow IBCLCs: Happy IBCLC day! You are doing an amazing job helping families all over the world! 🤱✨

01/22/2026

Great information with the possible ❄️ storm coming our way!

⚡️ POWER OUTAGE + BREASTMILK?
Here’s what to do to keep baby and breastmilk safe.

Power went out and you have breastmilk in the fridge/freezer...I know that panic feeling so well, especially when your milk represents HOURS of work and a food source for your baby.

✅ FIRST: Keep fridge/freezer doors CLOSED as much as possible.

MILK IN THE FRIDGE

🧊 If fridge is ≥ 40°F / 4°C for 4+ hours: save for a milk bath.
✅ If still cold (≤ 40°F / 4°C): use within typical timeframe.

MILK IN THE FREEZER

❄️ If milk has ice crystals: SAFE TO REFREEZE
❄️ If milk is fully thawed but still cold: use within 24 hours (do not refreeze- some parent will opt to refreeze based on their own comfort).
🚫 If milk is warm or you’re unsure: save it for a milk bath.

✨ Pro Tip: Move freezer milk to a cooler with ice packs if outage lasts longer than expected.
✨ Pro tip: keep a cheap fridge thermometer inside your fridge/freezer, it makes decisions SO much easier during outages.
milkstash postpartumtips ibclc lactationhub

01/17/2026

Hello from beautiful Switzerland! 🇨🇭✨

I am currently enjoying Day 3 of the Tongue Time Conference, and my brain(and notebook) are absolutely full!

Being surrounded by the world's leading experts in infant feeding and oral function is such an inspiring experience.

Speakers I have enjoyed so far:
Michelle Emanuel (TummyTime Method)
Dr Baxter (author of Tongue-Tied)
Dr Zaghi (The Breathe Institute)

It was super exciting to hear and support our local colleagues Angie Lehman and Stacey Steely Oral Myofunctional Therapy of York present on myofunctional and manual therapy!

01/12/2026

Just had to share a recent review I received that embodies why I do what I do! ❤️
I'm so proud of this Momma who followed her intuition and continued to search for answers as to WHY her baby was not feeding properly. I'm so happy she found us at the Pennsylvania Tongue-Tie Center and that we could contribute to making feeding successful for her and her baby boy!

Summer S.
Had such a great experience with Amber, Moriah, and Dr. Cockley! When I first brought my baby home we noticed he was gulping when he was eating from me. I had an appt with the lactation lady from my hospital 5 days after he was born and she recommended switching to bottles because he was getting air when eating from me and gulping from my letdown. Immediately switched to bottles but something still was off. I took him to his pediatrician to be checked for a tongue tie, which they said he did not have. We were still noticing how he was taking forever to eat a bottle, falling asleep while eating, always fussy, having the hiccups, clicking his tongue and much more. After talking with a friend I truly felt my baby had a lip and a tongue tie. I called East Berlin Smiles/ PA Tongue-Tie Center who got us in the very next week. My baby was indeed lip and tongue tied. Moriah was great to work with when we went to do therapy before his releases. Amber recommended switching to the Lansinoh bottles which made an huge difference even before his releases. After his releases we met with Amber who helped me with getting my baby to latch back onto me after almost 2 months of solely bottle feeding. He is now solely feeding from me with no problems at all. Amber has answered all my crazy questions and replied to my lengthy emails asking for help. I could not recommended these women enough for listening to my concerns and helping me with my baby boy.

01/11/2026

To my amazing community of families,

I’m so excited to share that this week (January 12-18), I’ll be in Switzerland attending a global conference dedicated entirely to Tongue Ties and Oral Health with my PA Tongue-Tie team (Dr. Cockley, Moriah Cockley and Lindsey Mackley Pennsylvania Tongue-Tie Center )!🎓

This isn't just any meeting—I’m joining experts from all over the world—surgeons, dentists, and therapists—to learn the absolute latest ways to help our little ones thrive.

Because research on tongue-ties is still in its infancy, I am heading there to learn about the newest breakthroughs in:

Airway Dynamics: Understanding how the tongue affects breathing and sleep.

The Tongue as a Sensory Organ: Looking at how oral restrictions impact more than just feeding.

Orofacial Integrity: Ensuring your baby’s oral function is supported from every angle.

My goal is always to provide you with the most up-to-date, evidence-based care possible.

📅 A quick note on my schedule:
I will be away from January 12th and back in the office on January 19th.

While I’m learning, I’ll have limited access to my phone.

🌸Mom's I'm currently supporting: Please email me and I will do my best to respond as soon as possible.

🌼Mom's that would like to schedule: Please leave me a voicemail and I will get back to you when I return on 1/19.

I can't wait to share what I have learned with all of you when I return!

01/07/2026

🤒 Feeling Under the Weather? Don't Put Your Nursing Journey on Hold!

One of the most common questions I get from tired, sniffly parents is: "Can I still breastfeed while I'm sick?"

The short answer? Yes! In fact, it is often the very best thing you can do for your baby.

Here is why your "liquid gold" is even more precious when you aren't feeling 100%:

🛡️ Custom-Made Protection
When you’re exposed to a virus or bacteria, your body immediately goes to work producing antibodies and specific immune factors. These are passed directly through your breastmilk to your little one.

The Result: Your baby gets a "personalized" defense system that helps them either skip the illness entirely or experience much milder symptoms.

🤱 Protecting Your Health and Supply
Suddenly stopping or skipping feeds can lead to new problems you definitely don't want to deal with while sick:

Preventing Engorgement: Keeping the milk moving helps you avoid painful swelling or the risk of developing mastitis.

Maintaining Supply: Consistency is key. Skipping sessions can signal your body to slow down production, making it harder to get back on track once you're recovered.

💡 Quick Tips for "Sick Day" Nursing:

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Fever and illness can dehydrate you quickly, which can affect supply. Keep a large water bottle nearby.

Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid coughing/sneezing directly toward your baby while nursing.

Rest with Your Baby: If possible, practice "side-lying" nursing in bed so you can get the rest your body needs to heal.

Check Your Meds: Most common cold/flu medications are compatible with breastfeeding but always double-check with your doctor or a lactation professional to be sure!

Cough & Cold Medications while Breastfeeding | InfantRisk Center

Bottom line: Your body is incredible. Even when you feel weak, you are providing your baby with the ultimate health insurance.

01/01/2026

👋Hello 2026!

This year, my resolution is simple: to ensure you never feel alone in your feeding journey.

Feeding your baby is about so much more than nutrition; it’s about the BOND you build and the ways you BLOOM together as a family.

Every journey is unique, and every milestone—no matter how small—is worth celebrating. 🥳

My mission for 2026 is to help you Bond and Bloom through:

🌸Evidence-based support tailored to your unique goals.

🌸Confidence-building for every latch, pump, and feed.

🌸Compassionate care every step of the way.

12/11/2025

Monday and Wednesday mornings I have the privilege of working with Dr Cockley Pennsylvania Tongue-Tie Center and Moriah Cockley, LMT, MS for infant tongue-tie consults. If you suspect that your baby may have a lip or tongue-tie, schedule a comprehensive consultation with our team! 📞717-259-9596

Moriah Cockley, LMT, MS
Bond and Bloom Lactation
Pennsylvania Tongue-Tie Center

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✨ Why do you see so many babies at East Berlin Smiles? ✨
Because tiny miracles like this 3-day-old sweetheart come to see Dr. Cockley, Moriah, Amber and Brandi who help our littlest patients thrive! 💗

On Monday and Wednesday mornings, our office fills with babies, including newborns who need help with tongue ties and lip ties—and we are honored to be part of their very first days on earth. Amber is not only an EFDA (Expanded Function Dental Assistant) but also an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)—the only one in the entire country with both credentials! 🌟 Her expertise helps these little ones feed better and rehabilitate after their surgeries.

Yesterday alone we cared for a 3-day-old (this precious angel!) and a 5-day-old, among others. Being trusted with these early moments is truly a joy and a privilege.

Do we love what we do?
Just look at these smiles. 💕👶✨

12/08/2025

💡 Debunking a Myth:
A babies' ability to stick out their👅DOESN'T Rule Out a Tie!

Parents are often told by well-meaning providers, "If the baby can stick their tongue out, they don't have a tongue-tie".

As an IBCLC, I want to clarify: This is a major myth! The ability to stick the tongue out (protrude) is only one small piece of the complex puzzle 🧩 of oral function.

❌ Why: Protrusion Isn't the Whole Story

A tongue-tie is not just about how far the tongue can stick out; it's about how the tongue can lift, cup, and move side-to-side.

Here's why protrusion alone is a poor indicator of a functional restriction-
1. The Focus is on Function-for effective feeding, the tongue needs to:

-Lift to create the suction vacuum.

-Cup the breast or bottle ni**le to maintain the seal.

-Wave (peristalsis) to actively extract milk. A baby with a restrictive tie may be able to stick the tongue out, but the body of the tongue may still be tethered to the floor of the mouth, preventing the necessary lift and cupping action.

2. “Posterior Ties” are Often Missed: Many highly restrictive ties are classified as “posterior” (hidden under the mucous membrane). These ties might allow the tip of the tongue to protrude, but they severely limit the elevation of the mid-tongue. These are often the most missed and most problematic ties when it comes to milk transfer.

3. Compensatory Movements: Babies are resourceful! They will often use tremendous effort and recruit other facial or jaw muscles to force the tongue tip out. This can look like normal protrusion, but it hides an inefficient and tiring suck.

Instead of just looking at protrusion, a thorough assessment by an IBCLC focuses on clinical symptoms and observation.

🤱 Trust Your Instincts & Seek Specialized Help

If your baby is feeding poorly, losing their latch, "clicking", or you are in pain, the issue is functional, regardless of how far their tongue can stick out. Don't settle for a quick look! A trained IBCLC can assess the function and structure of your baby's entire mouth. I use specific functional assessments to see how your baby uses their tongue. If you suspect a tie based on symptoms, please reach out to me for a full, comprehensive feeding assessment!

12/03/2025

👅 Why Does My Baby Have a White Tongue?

Reason 1: Milk Residue

The white coating on the center of the tongue is most likely residual milk left on the tongue seen right after or between feedings. The "milk tongue" is typically only found on the center portion of the tongue and not on the perimeter of the tongue.

What it is: When your baby drinks milk (whether breast milk or formula), some of the proteins can stick to the surface of the tongue. This can occur because the tongue cannot fully elevate against the roof of the mouth and "self-cleanse" against the palate.

How to tell if it is milk residue:
It usually looks like a thin, light coating that might be patchy.
It easily scrapes off with a clean finger or a gentle rub from a soft, wet cloth.
It doesn't usually bother your baby; they feed happily.

The fix: For many babies, no intervention is needed! Regular feeding usually washes it away eventually, and it's harmless. However...if you ALWAYS see a white tongue, this is one reason to suspect or further investigate a potential tongue-tie, which may not be allowing ideal movement and elevation of the tongue.

Reason 2: Oral Thrush
This is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans.

How to tell:
It often looks like thick, white, curd-like patches on the tongue, gums, cheeks, and roof of the mouth.
The patches DO NOT easily scrape off—if you try, you might see small, red, spots underneath.
It can sometimes cause discomfort or pain during feeding, leading to fussiness or refusing the breast/bottle.

⚠️ Important: If your ni**les are suddenly pink, shiny, burning, or painful between feeds, you may have a coinciding yeast infection that needs treatment, too.

The fix: Thrush usually requires an antifungal medication prescribed by your pediatrician. Mom and baby may need to be treated simultaneously (if breastfeeding) to prevent passing it back and forth but there is no contraindication to continue breastfeeding or pumping.

Anything that comes in contact with baby's mouth or mother's breast should be cleaned in hot/soapy water or run through the dishwasher.

If you are concerned about a persistent white tongue and baby's tongue function- 👉 Schedule a Consult with Me! 717-739-6566
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12/01/2025

In-Office Lactation Consultation

What to Expect and How to Prepare for Your In-Office Visit 📋

I'm looking forward to seeing you and your little one at my office!
First of all, great job prioritizing your feeding goals by scheduling an appointment. I am so proud of you for seeking support, and I can’t wait to help you and your baby thrive!

To help you prepare, here is a breakdown of what to expect and how to maximize our time together at the office:

💖 How to Prepare for Your Visit

Optimize Feeding Time: The most important prep is ensuring your baby will be ready to feed soon after your scheduled appointment time. A small, "snack" feeding about an hour beforehand can curb their hunger without filling them up completely.

Plan Your Travel: Give yourself plenty of time for parking and getting settled in our space so you can arrive relaxed.

Complete my intake online: I will email intake paperwork at scheduling. Please fill it out prior to our appointment so I can review it and prepare to address all your concerns.

Weight History: Have your baby’s birth weight, discharge weight, and most recent weight available.

Pump Prep: If you are requesting help with pumping or a fl**ge fitting, please bring your clean pump and parts with you.

Feeding Accessories: If you are using a ni**le shield or bottle, please bring those to the appointment along with some breastmilk or formula.

✨ What to Expect During Your Office Visit

I will be ready to welcome you on arrival, prepared with all the necessary tools and knowledge in a comfortable, private setting.

Warm Welcome: l will get you settled into a cozy, private consultation room.

Weighted Feed: I will have a scale ready to weigh your baby before and after feeding to accurately measure milk transfer.

Observation & Guidance: I will observe a feeding, offer gentle suggestions for latch or positioning improvement, and highlight all the positive things you and your baby are doing!

Oral Exam: I will perform an oral exam on your baby to evaluate tongue function and give any needed exercises to help improve their feeding skills.

Support: I will address your concerns, answer your questions, and provide guidance on pumping and bottle feeding, if needed.

Care Plan: I will prepare a Care Plan that will address your concerns and things we need to work on for optimal feeding. This will be emailed to you, and we will discuss plans for follow-up.

I can’t wait to welcome you! Until then, hang in there and happy feeding! ❤️

11/28/2025

✨ Frenectomy Success: The Critical Steps BEFORE the Release! ✨
Thinking about a lip or tongue-tie release (frenectomy)?
The truth is, the procedure is only one part of the solution!

As a Lactation Consultant, I work closely with a trusted release provider to ensure both mom and baby are fully prepared for the procedure and successful aftercare. My goal is to maximize your feeding comfort and your baby's efficiency from day one!

For the best outcomes, we want to prioritize these two steps BEFORE the release: Bodywork and Lactation Support.

1. Why Bodywork is ESSENTIAL (CST, PT, OT, or Chiro)

Nervous System Prep: Therapy sessions help to prepare the baby's nervous system for the sensory and motor changes that come with a release. This crucial step improves the baby's overall tolerance and cooperation during and after the procedure.

Optimal Function: Bodywork helps to release head, neck, jaw and body tension to optimize baby's active movements, ensuring the tongue, lips, cheeks and body are ready to move differently after the release.

Better Assessment: A relaxed baby allows the release provider to make a more precise assessment.

2. The Importance of PRE-Release Lactation Support:

Establish Baseline: We assess your baby's current latch, milk transfer, tongue function and your comfort level to establish a clear baseline and measure progress post-release.

Toolbox of Techniques: We practice positioning and latching to maximize milk transfer with the current restriction. I give specific exercises to promote tongue movement prior to release and show you how to do the post-release aftercare stretches.

Personalized Plan: We create a personalized pre- and post-release feeding plan, setting clear expectations for the first days after release and reducing parent anxiety.

Working together, we can get Mom and baby ready for the procedure and aftercare so you can transition to a comfortable, successful feeding journey. Don't wait until after the release to seek help—let's start preparing today!

Reach out to schedule your pre-frenectomy consultation! 717-739-6566

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