Mary O'Donnell, IBCLC

01/28/2025

01/27/2025

Pumping is a choice many make because they see the value in feeding their infant breastmilk but it isn't always an easy choice to make.

Pumping is time consuming and often takes more time and effort than feeding straight from the breast.

This , we want to celebrate the love and acknowledge the commitment that goes into pumping . We want to celebrate YOU: the pumpers, the support people, the cleanup crew, everyone who takes on a piece of the invisible labour of pumping.

How are you celebrating World Breast Pumping Day?

12/08/2024

I get companies that make these ask me to work with them all the time and my answer is always a resounding NO.

Because I believe they
A) sell false hope for those with genuine low supply
B) prey on insecurities of those worried about supply when actually all is fine
C) stop people getting actual help
D) often taste gross
E) are expensive and that money could be spent on something delicious

12/05/2024

12/03/2024

Yesterday I ate the most delicious sprout dish I'd ever had in my life at in Bristol. So, so good. I'm ruined for a basic boiled sprout forever!

Anyway, eating sprouts (or cabbage, or beans, or whatever else) may make YOU windy, but it won't make your baby gassy. It's just not how the production of breastmilk works.
If you've noticed your baby is more windy after eating something, most likely it's a coincidence and that you're watching out for it.
For example, let's say you buy a new car, a blue ford focus, you start seeing them everywhere! It's not because there's more of them, it's that it's at the forefront of your mind and you're looking for it and noticing it more.

The only time you need to restrict that you're eating is if your baby has an allergy or suspected allergy to something, and if that's the case hopefully you're getting appropriate support to guide you.

So, team sprouts? Yay or nay?

09/01/2024

😂🤣

09/01/2024

🧡 Breastfeeding is an art! We are happy to share art that rolls breastfeedings warmth, nutrition, and love into one 💙💚🧡
📌 Coming soon: the new edition of our core book: The Art Of Breastfeeding!

🎨 Do you recognise the warm look passed between mother and child in this beautiful pastel work, Louise Nursing Her Child (1898), by Mary Cassatt? Cassatt was from the USA and worked for long periods in
France. Her work often focused on motherhood and the joy of nurturing at a time this was not the cultural norm in middle class Europe or the USA.

[Image description: artwork shows a nursing dyad looking at each other, the mother's arms gently encircle her child who's hand rests on her breast.]

08/26/2024

We're excited to announce standalone access to the three Military Lactation Counselor (MLC) modules that cover lactation support to military communities and information about Global MilCom.

This is a great option for individuals who already have a lactation credential but are interested in enhancing their ability to meet the unique needs of military populations.

The $50 fee grants access to the three modules AND can be applied to the full course if a learner decides to pursue the MLC certification at a later date.

SIGN UP TODAY: www.globalmilcom.org/mlc-military

08/08/2024

Mothers should never feel ashamed to breastfeed their babies

From a glass of water, a chat with a friend, or a comfortable space, we can all help respect the rights of mums to breastfeed anytime, anywhere.

Let’s all step up to support breastfeeding mums!

🤱🏽🤱🏻🤱🏾🤱🏼🤱🏿