Mama and Me Lactation

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United States
Mokena, IL
Mama and Me Lactation

Bridget Knaperek, IBCLC and founder of Mama and Me Lactation provides personalized lactation support to help mothers and babies acheive their feeding goals.

We offer home and virtual visits, so you can get the support you need, wherever you are

01/08/2026

Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with families about bottle refusal. It’s important to know that bottle refusal is common and it’s not your fault!

Many breastfed babies struggle with bottles, often around 2–4 months. This doesn’t mean you waited too long, did anything wrong, or that your baby is “stubborn.”

Several factors can play a role, including:
🍼Bottle flow (too fast or too slow)
🍼Who is offering the bottle
🍼Preference for the breast
🍼Normal developmental changes

With the right support and approach, early and intentional bottle exposure can help protect both breastfeeding and bottle acceptance. And the good news? Bottle refusal is usually fixable — without forcing feeds!

I’m happy to help find the best strategy that works best for your baby and your feeding goals 🤍

01/01/2026

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year’s Eve!
I hope everyone has enjoyed the holiday season with family and friends🎄

After some time off, I’m feeling refreshed and excited for what 2026 will bring! I’m looking forward to continuing to support families on their breastfeeding journeys in the year ahead✨

12/11/2025

Is breastfeeding hurting? It shouldn’t. Feeding your baby shouldn’t be stressful, painful, or something you dread — I’m here to help!

I offer lactation appointments in-home, in my Mokena clinic, and virtually (although I recommend in-person for pain-related issues).
Let’s figure out what’s going on and get you feeding comfortably again!

Visit mamamelactation.com to book an appointment or to check out the other services I offer!

12/04/2025

Today, December 4th, marks one year since I opened the doors to my own lactation clinic! It’s hard to believe how quickly this year has gone — and how incredibly meaningful it has been.

I just want to take a moment to say thank you.
Thank you to my husband, my kids, my family and friends for being the ones who keep me going every single day.

To my clients… you are truly the best. Thank you for welcoming me into your families and trusting me to support you and your little ones on their feeding journeys. Your support means the world to me!

Lastly, a special thank you to the Mokena community for welcoming Mama & Me Lactation with open arms. Serving this community has been such a gift, and I am so grateful for every family who has walked through my doors.

I’m so excited to see what this next year brings for Mama & Me Lactation! 💗

Here’s to growth, connection, and supporting even more families in 2026 🍼

12/03/2025

Breastfeeding Myth Check!

“If I’m sick, I shouldn’t breastfeed my baby.” 🤧

Truth: Yes — you can absolutely keep breastfeeding as usual! Your breastmilk is packed with antibodies that help protect your baby from the illness your body is fighting.

There’s no need to pump and bottle-feed just because you’re sick (unless that’s what you prefer). Nursing directly is completely safe — and actually beneficial.

Reach out to me with questions or if you would like to book an appointment! ❄️

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁

I’m so grateful for all of the clients and families I have the privilege to work with. Wishing you a day filled with rest, joy, and time with the people you love! 🧡

11/25/2025

If no one’s told you today… you’re doing an amazing job 🤍

Breastfeeding is so much more than just feeding — it’s emotional, physical, beautiful, and sometimes really hard. And when it’s hard, it can feel like you’re doing something wrong..

But hear me out:
✨ Struggle ≠ failure
✨ Asking for help = strength 💪🏼
✨ Your worth isn’t measured in ounces 🍼
✨ And remember — having the right support and resources (like me!) can make all the difference!

You and your baby are finding your rhythm. Your effort, your care, your love — that’s what counts most.

If it feels heavy right now, you don’t have to carry it alone. I’m here to help 💛 Visit my website to book an appointment today! mamamelactation.com

11/13/2025

One question I frequently get asked: “Do I need to bring my breast pump to the hospital when I deliver?”

I usually tell my clients no, you don’t need to — hospitals will have pumps available. However, there may be a situation where baby is struggling to latch, and you’d like the hospital staff to show you how to use your own pump. In that case, it can be helpful to have it with you!

The most important thing is to advocate for yourself if you want to start pumping! I’ve had moms reach out to me a week after birth who were not advised to pump, and by then it can be more challenging to boost your milk supply back up.

Prenatal education makes such a difference — it gives you the confidence to know when and how to ask for support. If you want to feel more prepared before delivery, reach out! I’d love to help answer your questions and ease your mind before baby arrives.

At the end of the day, you know your body best. Trust your gut and speak up if something doesn’t feel right! 🩷

11/09/2025

Busy weekend, full heart! Grateful for my clients who keep me running (and caffeinated ☕). This coffee gift was such a treat! ☺️

10/28/2025

As we support breastfeeding and women’s health, we also stand with those affected by breast cancer 💗

This month is a reminder: your breast health matters at every stage of life. Perform your self-exam, schedule your screening, and take care of you!

10/23/2025

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 💜

This isn’t something I talk about easily, but it’s part of my story. I was a victim of domestic violence. No one ever thinks their marriage will turn out that way — I certainly didn’t. I didn’t even realize how bad things had become until it was almost too late.

I lost myself — who I was and who I wanted to be. My kids didn’t have the mom I always dreamed of being for them. It took everything in me to ask for help, especially when I wasn’t sure I even needed it… and I was afraid no one would believe me. From the outside, it all looked perfect. I hid the marks, covered the lies, and smiled through the pain even though I was breaking inside.

It took one close friend to help open my eyes and guide me toward healing — and my friend, who’s now my amazing husband, stood by me through it all. His support, patience, and love helped me find the strength I didn’t know I still had. Not everyone believed me — abusers can play the victim so well — but I kept going.

It took years of therapy and rebuilding, but I found myself again. Today, I’m the woman and the mother I always wanted to be. 💜

If you are in that dark place — please know this: you are not alone. I don’t care who you are or if we’ve never met — if you need help, reach out. I will help you find the support and resources you need.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. You deserve safety, healing, and peace. 💜

10/21/2025

Nothing screams fall like pumpkin pancakes 🧡
A sweet client of mine shared this recipe with me, and I can’t wait to give it a try!

If you have a favorite fall recipe, I’d love to hear it — send it my way!

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Mokena, IL

Website

http://www.mamamelactation.com/

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