Milk and Grace Lactation

Milk and Grace Lactation 🌸 Jeanette DeMeis, BA, IBCLC
🌺 Serving Spokane & Coeur d'Alene
🌸 MicroPreemie + Twin Mama
🌺 "An art, science & touch of faith."

04/17/2026

To all the people who think you can force a toddler to breastfeed. Have you ever met a toddler?

Sometimes things don't go to plan right from the start. In the raw and vulnerable state of postpartum, the feelings can ...
04/17/2026

Sometimes things don't go to plan right from the start. In the raw and vulnerable state of postpartum, the feelings can come on hard and strong.

Early weight loss. Separation in the NICU. Latching issues. Overwhelming doubts about milk supply. Fussiness that doesn't seem to end. A sleepy baby that won't wake up. A provider that says something invalidating.

Some aspects of breastfeeding are in our control. Some aspects are not.

The grief runs deep. The self blame hurts. It's ok to feel these feelings long enough to process them.

Find someone you can trust. Work with a professional. Ask for support. Let the tears flow.

Somehow, after we are broken down to our very core, we put ourselves back together again. In our own way. On our own timeline.

Breastfeeding is a journey. We're not always in the driver's seat the way we hoped to be. We learn how to adapt and adjust. We see breakthroughs happen. We persist. We let go. We become new.

There is a level of exhaustion with a newborn that can't be described with words.It's true what they say. "A picture is ...
04/14/2026

There is a level of exhaustion with a newborn that can't be described with words.

It's true what they say.
"A picture is worth 1,000 words."

When I look back at this memory, the exhaustion is palpable.

I don't forget how hard those early days were.

So many families reach this level of sleep deprivation and desperation for help before they ever reach out to connect with an IBCLC.

Don't wait to line up your postpartum feeding support.

You'll be so glad it is there when you need it.

It's my honor to be a part of this vulnerable journey with my clients.

04/13/2026

As an IBCLC, what do my own kids think about "extended" breastfeeding?

They know I help babies breastfeed, but I actually have not spent much time educating them beyond their own experiences.

Bear in mind, 2 out of 3 of my kids breastfed past the age of two.

What do they remember? What attitudes have they picked up?

They sure are a lot kinder than the adults I see commenting on breastfeeding content.

One of the most challenging aspects about breastfeeding is that it is not always fair. Effort does not always lead to su...
04/11/2026

One of the most challenging aspects about breastfeeding is that it is not always fair.

Effort does not always lead to success.

There are parents who pour their heart and soul out to make breastfeeding work and yet they do not reach their goals.

Oversimplifying breastfeeding is not helpful and can even be hurtful to those who are giving it their all.

This is not to say that breastfeeding exclusively does not take effort because it absolutely does.

It is to recognize the parent who gave a full effort, but factors outside of their control led to a different outcome than what they hoped for.

I see you.

04/09/2026

There's a lot to manage that falls to the wayside when caring for a newborn around the clock. Am I right?

Stress affects milk supply by hindering the letdown and reducing supply over time. These are some simple things that you...
04/08/2026

Stress affects milk supply by hindering the letdown and reducing supply over time.

These are some simple things that you can do prior to and during a breastfeeding session to promote relaxation.

Let me know if any of these worked for you and drop your suggestions in the comments.

My preceptorship through UC San Diego took place at a busy breastfeeding clinic in Los Angeles, CA. There were easily 25...
04/07/2026

My preceptorship through UC San Diego took place at a busy breastfeeding clinic in Los Angeles, CA.

There were easily 25 babies seen each day, typically right before their 3 day pediatrician checkup.

While I learned so much with the exposure to so many different dyads, it confirmed my desire to work in private practice.

There was a rush of time for these families and it almost felt like a factory line at times.

I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to spend 60-90 minutes collaborating in a first appointment to get the full picture.

As a mom with complex feeding journeys and high levels of anxiety, there is something so calming about a home visit.

With most insurance covering lactation support, it's a no brainer!

04/06/2026

Late preterm and early term infants do not have the same feeding skills as full term babies. You deserve someone to come alongside you and provide feedback and insight for how to make breastfeeding successful.

Do these two look traumatized from breastfeeding until 3.5? They weaned when they were ready and I gave the final push b...
04/05/2026

Do these two look traumatized from breastfeeding until 3.5?

They weaned when they were ready and I gave the final push by encouraging "big boy snuggles."

We aren't the only mammal species where natural weaning occurs after the age of 1.

Here are just a few examples.

Gorillas: 3-4 years
Chimpanzees: 4–5 years.
Orangutans: Up to 8 years

There is no research you will find that demonstrates any negative psychological effects of breastfeeding toddlers. In fact, it's quite the opposite.

Cultural norms and taboos are a strong driving force for weaning.

It's always up to the nursing dyad to decide when weaning is best for them.

Keep on nursing, mamas!

04/05/2026

The boppy did nothing but frustrate me.
Slipping out from under me.
Little babies falling into it.
I really never got the hype!!

🐣 Easter over the years from 2017 - 2024 🐣 Easter is a reminder that there is hope amidst our pain. There is redemption ...
04/04/2026

🐣 Easter over the years from 2017 - 2024 🐣

Easter is a reminder that there is hope amidst our pain. There is redemption despite our failures. There is healing from our past.

Sometimes our feeding journeys need a resurrection.

There is often grief involved in how we feed or don't feed our babies.

If we meet our goals, there can be loss and sacrifice.

If we don't meet our goals, there can be guilt and shame.

Bring your journey, present or past, to the foot of the cross.

I have found so much healing in community.

I'm here to help.

Better yet, you're only a prayer away from the Great Physician 🙏🏼

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Spokane Valley, WA
99016

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

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