Alice T. Gonyar, RN, IBCLC Lactation Services

06/17/2025

06/10/2025

Do fully breastfed babies need extra iron? Not even the MDs in the AAP can agree. Now, we have new findings from a 2025 meta-analysis that compares iron with no iron breastfed babies. What did we learn? While at 6 months, the iron group had higher hemoglobin levels, by 1 year there was no difference and the iron group gained less weight and had less growth in head circumference. Read more about it here:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40464050/

05/30/2025

💥 The silicone pump mistake most parents don’t know they’re making 💥

Silicone pumps like the Haakaa are everywhere these days and while they can be helpful, they’re not always the innocent “drip catchers” they seem to be.

Here’s the truth: these pumps don’t just collect milk. They actively draw it out. That means… you’re pumping.

✅ Latching baby on one side while using a silicone pump on the other might seem efficient, but it could backfire:

You may accidentally pull the “easy” milk baby would’ve gotten next

Baby might not get full and become fussy

You end up having to give that pumped milk as a top-off

It can even lead to oversupply, engorgement, or clogged ducts

🍼 Want to use a silicone pump the smart way?
👉 Use it on the first breast after switching baby to the second side
👉 Or use it sparingly if your baby only feeds on one side to avoid oversupply

This little tool can be powerful but only if you know how to use it well.

💬 Need support figuring out your feeding routine? Drop “pump” in the comments and I’ll send you the link to book a virtual or in person 1:1 consult. Let’s make feeding easier, not harder.

05/29/2025

02/24/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BJFcSxmod/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🍼 Breastmilk Storage Basics: Keep It Fresh & Safe! 🍼

‼️ Have you ever noticed that the human milk storage guidelines from various sources (CDC, AAP, ABM, WHO, etc) are all over the place? This is because these organizations are trying to give the MOST CONSERVATIVE recommendations in order to keep medically fragile babies safe. 🙏

🤔 But the truth is that human milk is really robust & fights bacteria. It’s not fragile. As long as your baby is healthy, breastmilk is very forgiving! 🙏


🕒 How Long Can You Store Breast Milk?
💗 Room Temperature (77°F or below): 3-8 hours—The cooler your home, the longer it lasts.
💗 Refrigerator (32-39°F): 3-8 days—Keep it at the back of the fridge where temps stay steady.
💗 Freezer (-4°F or below): 6-12 months—6 months is the minimum for standard freezers, 12 months is the gold standard for milk that isn’t being stored in the freezer door and constantly being exposed to thawing

❄️ Best Practices for Storing Breast Milk:
✔️ Use BPA-free storage bags or food-grade containers designed for human milk. No to regular plastic bags.
✔️ Label every container with the date the milk was expressed—first in, first out!
✔️ Store in small 2-4 oz. portions to reduce waste since thawed milk must be used within 24 hours.
✔️ Don’t mix freshly expressed milk with chilled or frozen milk (get them to the same temperature first).
✔️ Keep milk at the back of the fridge or freezer, where temperatures remain the most stable. Avoid storing in the door.

⚠️ Thawing & Using Stored Breast Milk:
✔️ Thaw overnight in the fridge or under warm running water.
✔️ Never microwave—it destroys nutrients and creates hot spots!
✔️ Use thawed milk within 24 hours; don’t refreeze (unless the frozen milk still has ice crystals in it- then it’s safe to refreeze).

Did any of these guidelines surprise you? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

01/26/2024

A quick check could save the sight of your child! Watch for a glow in flash photos of your child’s eyes! 📸

Learn more at KnowTheGlow.org.

08/24/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100050350425786/posts/846902886998051/?mibextid=cr9u03

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