River Valley Lactation

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Osceola, WI
River Valley Lactation

Lactation Consultant serving Western WI and Eastern MN. Booking link: https://rvlactation.intakeq.com/booking

At River Valley Lactation, I’m Kayli, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom serving families in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley in Western Wisconsin and Eastern MN. I provide personalized in-home and virtual breastfeeding support to help you achieve your feeding goals with confidence and comfort. Whether you’re preparing for baby, navigating early challenges, or planning your return to work, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My compassionate, evidence-based approach meets you where you are, empowering you on your unique breastfeeding journey. Book your consultation today:https://rvlactation.intakeq.com/booking

02/06/2026

💤 Breastfeeding Reduces Risk of SIDS by 36%

📊 The Evidence:

A major meta-analysis published in Pediatrics (2017) reviewed data from over 9,000 infant deaths and found that any breastfeeding, regardless of exclusivity, was associated with a 36% reduction in the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 2 months reduced SIDS risk by up to 50% — and the protective effect increased with duration.

🤔 Why does breastfeeding protect against SIDS?
There’s no single cause of SIDS, but breastfeeding may help by:

🛡️ Enhancing immune protection
Breastmilk contains antibodies and immune factors that protect against infections — especially respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, which are linked to increased SIDS risk.

🧠 Supporting neurological and cardiorespiratory development
Breastfed babies tend to have more stable heart rates, better arousal responses from sleep, and improved brainstem function — all crucial for survival during sleep disruptions.

🌡️ Reducing inflammation
Human milk reduces inflammatory markers and may promote better autonomic regulation, which helps prevent sudden cardiorespiratory failure during sleep.

👃 Decreased exposure to harmful pathogens
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of infections and bacterial colonization, particularly in the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

🗣️ Bottom Line:
Breastfeeding — even partial — is a powerful, evidence-based way to reduce the risk of SIDS. Promoting and supporting breastfeeding is one of the most impactful public health tools we have for infant survival and safety.

02/05/2026

Oversupply is one of the most misunderstood breastfeeding issues right now.

Social media has made it look like a badge of honor — huge pump sessions, deep freezers, and “look how much I make” videos.

But in real life, oversupply often means:
• painful engorgement
• clogged ducts and mastitis
• constant leaking
• babies who cough, choke, or pull off the breast
• gassy, uncomfortable babies with abnormal slimy stools

And here’s something many parents don’t hear enough:

👉 Pumping small amounts after breastfeeding is normal.
👉 Bigger bottles don’t mean better supply.
👉 More milk isn’t always better for baby.

The goal isn’t maximum milk.
The goal is a comfortable mom and a baby who feeds well and feels good.

If you feel like your body is making way more milk than your baby needs, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to just live with it 🤍

02/04/2026

This is what River Valley Lactation is all about.

Sitting beside you, helping you feel confident, supported, and never alone—whether you’re feeding at the breast, by bottle, or both.
You don’t have to “figure it out” by yourself. 🤍🍼

02/03/2026

We talk a lot about signs breastfeeding is going well —
but let’s also talk about 🚩 red flags your baby may not be getting enough milk.

Because sometimes things look “fine” on the outside… and still need support.

Here are signs to get help sooner rather than later:

🔴 Baby is still acting hungry after most feeds
🔴 Frequent popping on and off the breast in frustration
🔴 Feeds regularly last 45+ minutes and baby doesn’t seem satisfied
🔴 You rarely hear swallowing during nursing
🔴 Baby is very sleepy at the breast and hard to keep actively feeding
🔴 Fewer wet/dirty diapers than expected for their age
🔴 Frequent crying after feeds that may seem like “just fussiness”
🔴 Ni***es come out pinched, flattened, or damaged after feeds
🔴 Poor weight gain or dropping growth percentiles
🔴 Your breasts never feel softer after feeds

None of these mean you’ve done anything wrong.
They mean it’s time for more eyes on feeding — because small changes can make a big difference fast.

You don’t have to guess. You don’t have to “wait and see.”
Support early = less stress later 🤍

02/02/2026

✨ Limited Availability This Week! ✨

I have just two in home lactation visit openings this week — Tuesday at 9 AM & 1 PM.

I help with things like oversupply, low supply, pumping questions, latch concerns, and oral assessments — and more! All with personalized support in the comfort of your home. Many families are surprised to learn insurance often covers lactation visits!

👇 Check the link 🔗 below to schedule and see if your insurance covers your visit!

01/29/2026

Is your baby refusing a bottle? 🍼

If your baby is refusing a bottle, you are not alone — and it’s absolutely something I help families work through.

Bottle refusal almost always has an underlying cause. During a visit, I do a full oral assessment to look for possible reasons and bring a large assortment of bottles to try, so you don’t have to spend money buying every option yourself.

One of the best ways to help prevent bottle refusal is to introduce a bottle before 6 weeks of age and keep it in regular rotation after that — even if breastfeeding is going great.

If you’re feeling stressed about returning to work, an upcoming appointment, or just wanting flexibility, please don’t hesitate to reach out. There are solutions, and we can make a plan together. 💛

01/28/2026

Did you know I offer in home lactation consultations in our area and throughout the greater River Valley? 🤱✨

Many families qualify for visits covered by insurance with no out of pocket cost.

Whether you’re learning to breastfeed, dealing with low milk supply, navigating bottle refusal, or wondering if lip or tongue ties could be affecting feeds — you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to provide personalized, compassionate support for whatever feeding challenges come your way! 🫶🏼

⬇️ See below to schedule or check if you qualify for a free consultation! 👶🏼

01/27/2026

Most of my patients are shocked to hear I didn’t swaddle my babies arms in 😱

Swaddling can be a helpful tool for newborn sleep—but did you know when it’s used all day long, it can actually quietly impact breastfeeding and milk supply!!

Here’s what many families aren’t told:

✨ Swaddled babies often feed less effectively✨
When babies are tightly swaddled, their hands can’t come to their mouth or chest—movements that help with rooting, latching, and staying actively engaged at the breast.

✨ Feeding cues can be missed ✨
Early hunger cues are subtle: stirring, hand-to-mouth movements, head turning. Being swaddled for long stretches can hide these cues and delay feeds.

✨ Sleepy feeds = less milk transfer ✨
A very cozy, very swaddled baby may latch but not feed actively, which can mean baby takes in less milk.

✨ Less frequent or less effective feeding can affect milk supply ✨
Milk production works on supply and demand. When feeds are delayed, shortened, or spaced out because baby stays swaddled and sleepy, the body may get the signal to make less milk over time.

✨ Daytime swaddling usually isn’t necessary ✨
Swaddles are most helpful when mom and dad are actually to sleep. During awake times, being unswaddled helps babies move, cue, feed more often, and support healthy milk production!

💡 What can help:
• Fully unswaddle for feeds
• Allow baby to be unswaddled and alert during the day
• Use swaddles for nighttime sleep (or not at all!), not all day wear
• Feed based on early cues

Swaddling isn’t “bad”—it just works best when used intentionally. In the early weeks, frequent, effective feeding is one of the most important drivers of a healthy milk supply.

If feeding feels sleepy, stressful, or confusing, support can make a big difference. You’re not doing anything wrong—and you don’t have to figure it out alone. 🤍

01/26/2026

Sharing my availability for lactation support this week 🤱

If you’re struggling, need guidance, or know someone who does, I have a few appointments available!

Send me a direct message to get scheduled 🗓️

Please feel free to pass this along to someone who may need it 🤍

01/23/2026

Are you due in March or April? 🌷🤰

Now is the ideal time to schedule your in home prenatal lactation education—before baby arrives. 🏡 🫶🏼

Here’s why learning during pregnancy makes such a difference:

Knowledge reduces anxiety 🧠
• Understanding how milk supply works, what a good latch looks like, and what’s normal in the early days helps you feel calm and confident instead of overwhelmed.

You build your support toolbox early 🛠
• You’ll recognize common challenges, red flags, and when to ask for help—so you’re not panic-Googling at 2 a.m.

Your partner/support person learns too 🤝
• Prenatal education helps them understand how to support you and advocate for your feeding goals from day one.

Realistic expectations = better outcomes 🎢
• Many parents stop breastfeeding not because they can’t—but because they weren’t prepared for the normal ups and downs.

💬 It opens the door for ongoing support:
• Starting this relationship before birth makes it easier to reach out once baby is here. Lactation help isn’t a one stop shop, we are here to support in all stages!

👉 Schedule your prenatal lactation education now! Your insurance may even cover the visit! 🗓️

01/22/2026

It’s easy to point out what doesn’t work well for some babies — but what’s more helpful is knowing where to start! 🙌🏼

Some commonly LC-preferred bottle options include:
• Evenflo Balance+
• Lansinoh
• Pigeon
• NUK Perfect Match
• Dr. Brown’s Narrow

Just as important as the bottle itself is how it’s used and side laying paced bottle feeding can be a helpful bottle feeding technique!

How to pace feed 🍼:

1️⃣ Hold baby in a supported side-lying position. If they have good head control, upright works too — but never flat on their back. Side-lying is my preference.

2️⃣ Keep the bottle mostly horizontal — just enough tilt so there isn’t air in the ni**le. Don’t tip straight down.

3️⃣ Let baby gape widely and draw the ni**le in — don’t push it into their mouth. Check positioning like you would at the breast. Ex: is their chin slightly lifted off the chest?

4️⃣ Give breaks, burp, switch sides, and try not to rush the feeding.

Struggling with bottle or breast feeds? See if your consult is covered below🔗 ⬇️

https://intakeq.com/new/fxkpn3?fbclid=IwRlRTSAPe_iJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEes8AMCgmEk91jnTXRxf7MWj33Pye05nMkDe_6mxf3uLF6WYwazdWIsIYDGOU_aem_ifSzx0Qs4evBz2bjRg-Tbw

01/21/2026

Do you use this bottle? 🍼

If so, have any feeding challenges shown up?

Some things I commonly see:
• Needing to move to a faster ni**le (often a size 2) just to get through a bottle in a reasonable amount of time
• Jaw chomping or changes in latch at the breast after bottle feeds
• Increased air intake, fussiness, or discomfort
• Slow or inconsistent weight gain

I see this bottle in nearly every home I visit — thanks, Amazon registry boxes 🫠 It’s widely marketed as supportive of breastfeeding and easy transitions between breast and bottle. In practice, many lactation consultants find the opposite can be true for some babies.

In many consults where families are struggling with the back-and-forth between breast and bottle, this bottle often shows up. Are there babies who do great with it? Absolutely, and if that is you, no need to worry!

If you own this bottle, try a quick experiment with me:
Fill it with water, fl**ge your lips around the ni**le, and try to draw water out — no biting allowed.

I’d love to hear how it goes 😆

Again, if this bottle is working well for your baby, no changes are needed, however, if feeding feels harder than it should, I can help determine a better bottle fit. 🫶🏼👶🏼

Address

Osceola, WI
54020

Telephone

+17154973593

Website

http://rvlactation.com/

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