Monroe County Lactation

10/11/2025

October 10th marks World Mental Health Day - and invites us to open up the conversation about perinatal and maternal mental health.

Studies have shown that breastfeeding can have a positive effect on parents' mental health - by increasing oxytocin production, lowering inflammation and cortisol levels, and more.
And while breastfeeding cannot cure depression, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for a new parent and many mothers report a boost in self confidence when breastfeeding is going well.

However, we're also all too familiar with the heartbreak & grief a mother may experience when she had hoped to breastfeed, but wasn't able to.
We recognize how important it is for any new parent to feel supported in their feeding choices and how crucial it is to receive evidence based information and compassionate support when breastfeeding becomes difficult.

At La Leche League, we often say "for every breastfeeding problem, there is a breastfeeding solution".
This doesn't mean that we disapprove of families choosing to discontinue breastfeeding - it means that if you want to breastfeed, our volunteers will listen to you, take your choice seriously and support you in finding ways to make breastfeeding possible.

All La Leche League Leaders are volunteers who have personal breastfeeding experience and have been internationally trained and accredited.

To learn more about breastfeeding and mental health, check out the below article on the LLL website:
https://llli.org/news/why-breastfeeding-is-good-for-mothers-mental-health/

10/10/2025

10/03/2025

“Mothering is about building relationships and nurturing the love and trust that enables babies and children to thrive”

At first, life with a new baby can seem quite chaotic, but as you get to know your baby, you will find gentle patterns emerging. You can build on these patterns, creating a daily rhythm to suit you both.

Our article has information that may help in the early days:
https://www.laleche.org.uk/rhythms-and-routines/

[Image: mother with a very young baby in a sling, they are looking at each other both with big smiles. Text: At first, life with a new baby can feel chaotic, but as you get to know your baby, you will find your rhythm.]

10/03/2025

So cool that human milk is all our babies need to continue to grow strong!!

Did you know although all mammals produce milk for their babies, the make up of this milk can vary hugely between species?

Take this example of hooded seal milk compared to human milk.

Hooded seals may only feed from their mothers for a very short period, before separation occurs and they have to fend for themselves, whereas humans remain dependant on their mother’s milk for many months, even years, for their survival and development.

And human milk’s high lactose (sugar) is perfect for growing our brains, whereas the seal milk is 60% fat to help the pups double their birth weight in days.

Fascinating, huh!

08/22/2025

Your body and your baby work together to make the milk your baby needs. Milk supply grows when milk is removed often and effectively. Responding to your baby’s cues, latching well, and spending time skin-to-skin all help keep the cycle going.

08/16/2025

💧 Facts About Breastmilk Supply 💧

🍼 1. Demand = Supply – The more baby nurses (or you pump), the more milk you make.
🍼 2. Empty often – Full breasts tell your body to slow milk production.
🍼 3. Hydrate & eat well – Good for your health, but frequent feeding is key.
🍼 4. Stress slows letdown – Relax and take deep breaths before feeding.
🍼 5. Cluster feeding boosts supply – Especially during baby’s growth spurts.
🍼 6. Uneven output is normal – One breast can produce more than the other.
🍼 7. Hormones affect supply – Menstruation or certain birth controls may cause dips.
🍼 8. Milk changes over time – From colostrum to mature milk, always perfect for baby.
🍼 9. Medications matter – Some can lower supply, others can help (ask your doctor).
🍼 10. Night feeds help – Prolactin peaks at night for more milk production.

💖 Mama, you’re doing amazing! Every drop is full of love and nutrients your baby needs. 🌸

08/09/2025

🌎💙 World Breastfeeding Week 2025 💙🌎
Theme: Creating Sustainable Support Systems

Breastfeeding is not just a journey between a mother and baby — it’s a team effort.
One of the most powerful ways to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals is partner support.

💡 When partners:
✅ Encourage and reassure
✅ Help with household tasks
✅ Protect time for rest and feeding
✅Wash pump/bottle parts
✅Care for mother’s physical needs
✅ Advocate for mom’s needs in public and private spaces
…they’re building a sustainable support system that makes breastfeeding success more likely.

🤝 A supportive partner doesn’t just make the journey easier — they help strengthen the bond between the whole family. Together, we can create an environment where mothers feel empowered, babies thrive, and families grow stronger.

💬 Partners — your support matters more than you know.
This , let’s commit to lifting each other up and creating lasting systems of care.

08/06/2025

Breastmilk acts as a baby’s first vaccine and boosts brain development. But for many mothers, breastfeeding isn't easy and barriers make it hard for them to continue.

Sustainable breastfeeding support systems in communities and through policies are critical to help families thrive.

08/06/2025

ATTENTION concerned citizens, breastfeeding mothers, supportive fathers, healthcare providers, and friends. We need your help to reach the ears of corporate management at BCBS. Please print, sign, and mail this support letter that dictates the recent discrepancy in breastfeeding support coverage. Together, we can help all mothers access affordable and accessible professional breastfeeding support.

Direct link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vS5jfy_NI_YM1xJunY1zp1OUgBs2W4ciFYFTK7bBLP_VTRCItxtmYJlWNz_la4xAw/pub

08/04/2025

Breast milk is tailored for your baby and changes throughout the day, with the seasons, as they grow, and to help them fight off illnesses.

Breastfeeding provides:
😴Signals that it’s time to sleep
💧Extra hydration when it’s hot
💪Specific antibodies when mum or baby is sick
🤱Adapted fat content and nutrients as they grow

02/17/2025

🚩 Red Flags in Breastfeeding Advice 🚩

❌ "Triple feeding should be done long-term."
❌ "Quit nursing while the dairy gets out of your system."
❌ "Clicking at the breast is normal."
❌ "Your milk isn’t fatty enough."
❌ "Tongue ties are just a fad."
❌ "They’ll take a bottle if they get hungry enough."

👶 Misinformation can make breastfeeding harder than it needs to be. If you’ve heard any of these, it’s time to seek evidence-based support! 💛