Rockwall Lactation

11/04/2025

We've known for a long time that breastfeeding had a protective effect for moms but now we have some information about WHY!

"The researchers discovered that women who had breastfed had significantly higher levels of specialized immune cells known as CD8+ T cells. These cells patrol breast tissue like guards, ready to recognize and attack abnormal cells that could turn malignant. Some of these cells were found to persist in breast tissue for up to 50 years."

A new study in Nature Communications finds that breastfeeding may activate long-lasting immune “guards” in breast tissue, helping explain its link to lower breast cancer risk.

10/13/2025

Love it when I get to help a mama AGAIN! Saw a sweet mom and her darling little squish today and BOY was he cute!

09/04/2025

During prenatal education I often have moms who want to have a natural birth. This can mean different things to different people but in terms of breastfeeding success, we know that the fewer interventions in labor and delivery the better the breastfeeding tends to go in the early days. But, let's be honest, pushing out a baby hurts.

I want to share one type of resource for you if you're considering an unmedicated birth. You must prepare for it and self-hypnosis can be a great tool to set you up for success. There are several different options available for this including Hypnobabies (Official) and more. The idea is that you train yourself to relax and let your body do its thing and at the same time, train your brain to focus on something other than the pain. Sound crazy? Maybe. But the research (while limited) does support this as an effective method and proven to reduce the need for medications in labor and delivery. https://evidencebasedbirth.com/hypnosis-for-pain-relief-during-labor/

No one is standing in front of you swinging a pocket watch and telling you to quack like a duck. You are in complete control and that's the point. Check it out. Check the comments for a picture of me using hypnobirthing (I'll vouch that it worked for me!)

09/03/2025

Let's talk about boundaries during breastfeeding. ❌🙅❌

* Setting boundaries with family and friends is okay. Be kind and communicate your wishes but it's alright to set a boundary if that is what you need. This may look like:
* "We have chosen to breastfeed only so you can't give him a bottle but I'd love for you to change a diaper and give him a sweet snuggle!"
* "We prefer to have visitors after we get home from the hospital. I hope you understand that we need that time to recover and bond."

* Setting boundaries with your baby is okay too! Let's unpack this a bit. Newborns and small infants rely on us entirely, don't they? In these early days we make a lot of sacrifices of our own desires to meet the needs of these little ones. And that will continue. BUT, when your baby is older, breastfeeding is the first place you can begin to set boundaries. Some examples may be:
* to my 1 year old, "mommy needs to go potty and then you can have milkies"
* to my 8 month old, "Do not bite. That hurts me." and then put them down for a moment before resuming to feed if needed.
* to my 2 year old, "we can have milkies for 2 songs and then it's bedtime."
and the big one.....
* to my child of whatever age "Please do not twiddle. I do not like it."

If you older baby is doing something that you do not want them to do then you can tell them to stop. They may not be happy about it but that is okay. Children are not always happy with their parents and we all need to settle into that a little bit. You can do it and if you need help with a problem that has arisen, reach out and make an appointment!

08/29/2025

Did you know that you can pump straight into some breastmilk storage bags? Save yourself a step and clean fewer bottles by doing this! Pictured here is a Spectra fl**ge with a Lansinoh milk bag pulled over the connection where you would put your bottle. You still need the duckbill or valve so don't skip that part or it won't work!

08/27/2025

This really spoke to me. Motherhood and especially that early postpartum period can be so challenging! It's a roller-coaster of emotions - high highs and low lows. Please know that you are not alone. You are not a bad mom. You ARE in fact made for this even though it may not feel like it. If you need extra support, please don't be afraid to ask for it. Here are some ideas:

* Help from friends. Sometimes people say "let me know how I can help you" and you have no idea what to ask for or you feel guilty for asking. Just ask. Help me vacuum up the dog hair. Help me by bringing me dinner. Help me by taking my older child to the park for an hour.
*** If you're this friend who made this offer, try making a more concrete offer or just show up! ***

* Talk to a professional. I'd be happy to give you a pep talk but sometimes you need more than that. My favorite resource in DFW is Kim Kertsberg at https://dallaspps.com/ but there are many excellent counselors in the area who can absolutely help you.

* Talk to your spouse. They can help you. They want to help you. They need to know what you're feeling so they can help you.

Don't suffer in silence. You deserve better than that.

“Yes, everything is fine.“

Are you and your partner letting each other know how you really feel? With transparency and gentleness! So you can support each other?

It’s hard.



Illustration from 📕 WHAT ABOUT US by and

08/24/2025

A few appointments available this week - schedule today! Remember I offer prenatal appointments to set you up for success!

08/22/2025

I love it so much when I get to help a mama see that she is in fact doing it! Her baby is doing well and they're making their goal happen!

08/18/2025

Bags are packed, kids are ready, and a new year begins 🎉

That also means 🥁🥁🥁 that Rockwall Lactation is back to regular hours! Make your appointment today!

08/01/2025

So excited to be highlighted in Voyage Dallas!

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dodie Hamrick. Hi Dodie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.Hi! I’m Dodie Hamrick, IBCLC, MPA, BA I am a Dallas native living in Rockwall, wife of a USAF veteran, and the mom to three beautiful children. I believe tha...

07/31/2025

“There’s so much more research to be done in this area—we’re just getting started,” adds Jaquish. “If we’re seeing a connection between the gut and the mammary gland, what other interactions might be happening in the body? And what else could be impacting the milk that we’re passing on to our offspring?”

How does the immune system prepare for breastfeeding? - Salk Institute for Biological Studies https://share.google/gScRN3xlf7bc2RKZE

07/29/2025