Shelly Taft LPN, IBCLC

Shelly Taft LPN, IBCLC 1:1 breastfeeding support, online prenatal classes, sleep education coaching from Shelly Taft, LPN a

I'm a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Doula, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Based in Worcester County, MA, I've been supporting new families in Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 2007. I know that every parent is different, so I don't believe in a cookie-cutter approach to lactation help. I will work with you to develop a breastfeeding plan that works for your life and your family. I've supported more than a thousand families in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and I'd be honored to help you, too.

10/06/2025

🤔💛 Who Supports the Partner While They’re Supporting Mom?”

We talk so much about supporting moms during birth (and rightfully so!)—but what about their partners? 💭

Partners often carry the weight of being “the rock,” the calm presence, the encourager… but they’re human too. They need reassurance, guidance, and emotional support just as much as the birthing parent. 🌸

When we care for both the mom and her partner, we create a stronger support system for the baby. 💕

👉 Do you think partners get enough support during birth? Share your thoughts and who supports your partner while you’re giving birth below ⬇️

Breastfeeding with a toddler around can feel like a juggling act—but it doesn’t have to be. 💕Here are 5 simple strategie...
10/06/2025

Breastfeeding with a toddler around can feel like a juggling act—but it doesn’t have to be. 💕

Here are 5 simple strategies that make nursing sessions smoother for you and fun for your toddler:
✨ Create an activity basket just for nursing time
✨ Carve out one-on-one time with your toddler
✨ Try breastfeeding in a carrier for hands-free moments
✨ Offer a healthy snack so both kids are fed and calm
✨ Give your toddler a “helper job” to keep them involved

Little tweaks like these can make the transition easier, help your toddler feel included, and give you a more peaceful breastfeeding experience. 🌸

💬 Which of these tips would help you most? Share in the comments ⬇️

❌🥛 “Plugged Ducts Hurt! Here’s What Every Breastfeeding Parent Needs to Know”Plugged ducts are no joke… 😖 If you’re brea...
10/03/2025

❌🥛 “Plugged Ducts Hurt! Here’s What Every Breastfeeding Parent Needs to Know”

Plugged ducts are no joke… 😖 If you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding, chances are you’ll run into one at some point.

Here’s what’s happening: inflammation narrows the milk ducts, trapping milk and creating that tender lump or knot you might feel. Ouch. 💔

The good news? Plugged ducts can be treated and the sooner you address them, the less painful they’ll be. Swipe to learn my go-to strategies for relief. 👉

But if you’re battling a stubborn plug that won’t budge, you may need extra help like ultrasound therapy and that’s where I come in. 💛

💬 Comment “lactation support” and I’ll send you the link to book a private consult with me. Together, we’ll get you relief and keep your feeding journey on track.

Have you ever had a plugged duct? Share your best trick in the comments ⬇️

😴💤 New Parent Sleep Wins You Deserve to Celebrate! 💕Let’s be honest - parent sleep isn’t perfect. But instead of chasing...
10/02/2025

😴💤 New Parent Sleep Wins You Deserve to Celebrate! 💕

Let’s be honest - parent sleep isn’t perfect. But instead of chasing “8 hours straight,” it’s about celebrating the small wins that make life with a baby a little smoother. 🌙

✅ Maybe you grabbed a 20-minute nap.
✅ Maybe your baby slept for 2+ hours.
✅ Maybe you asked your partner for help (and actually rested).

These moments count. Every little win is a step toward feeling more rested, more supported, and more confident as a parent.

✨ You are doing an amazing job, don’t forget to give yourself credit for these victories.

💬 Comment “sleep” if you need help achieving wins that make sleep easier for both your baby and you. I’ll send you the link to book a sleep consultation with me that supports your rest journey. 💛

💬 Share which ones did you check off last night?”

🚨 Myth-Busting Time: Baby Sleep Edition 🚨MYTH: Baby swings help babies sleep safely.FACT: While swings can be soothing, ...
09/30/2025

🚨 Myth-Busting Time: Baby Sleep Edition 🚨

MYTH: Baby swings help babies sleep safely.
FACT: While swings can be soothing, they are not safe for sleep. Babies should always sleep flat on their back in a crib, bassinet, or other approved sleep surface.

Why?
👉 Sleeping in a semi-upright position can restrict a baby’s airway.

👉 Babies may slump forward, increasing the risk of suffocation.

👉 The safest sleep setup follows the ABC rule: Alone, on their Back, in a Crib.

Swings are great for soothing, bonding, or playtime—but when it’s time for sleep, always transfer your baby to a flat, safe sleep surface. 🌙💤

💬 Need personalized support to improve your baby’s sleep routine? Comment “sleep” and I’ll send you the link to book a sleep consultation with me today.

🚨 Is Your Medication Secretly Lowering Your Milk Supply? 🚨⚠️ Struggling with low milk supply and not sure why? Sometimes...
09/24/2025

🚨 Is Your Medication Secretly Lowering Your Milk Supply? 🚨

⚠️ Struggling with low milk supply and not sure why? Sometimes the cause isn’t your body—it’s your medications. 💊

Certain prescriptions and even over-the-counter drugs can reduce milk production by changing hormones or lowering your body’s fluid balance. Here are 5 that may impact breastfeeding:

1️⃣ Birth control pills (estrogen-based) → Estrogen can suppress supply. Progestin-only “mini-pills” are often safer.

2️⃣ Decongestants (like Sudafed) → Just like they dry up congestion, they can dry up milk.

3️⃣ Some allergy meds → Older antihistamines (like Benadryl) may reduce supply; newer non-drowsy ones are usually better.

4️⃣ High-dose diuretics → Reduce fluids in the body, sometimes lowering milk supply.

5️⃣ Certain psychiatric meds → A few may affect supply, but safe alternatives are available.

✨ Not all medications will impact breastfeeding, but knowing the risks helps you make informed choices and ask the right questions.

💬 Comment “blog” and I’ll send you the full blog where I explain each medication in detail + what safe options to discuss with your provider. 🍼

🍼 Why Your Baby Might Not Feed in the First 24 Hours (and What To Do About It!)It can feel scary if your newborn doesn’t...
09/20/2025

🍼 Why Your Baby Might Not Feed in the First 24 Hours (and What To Do About It!)

It can feel scary if your newborn doesn’t seem interested in feeding right away—but here’s the good news: it’s often completely normal. Many babies are sleepy after birth and may not show strong hunger cues in those first 24 hours.
💡 You should wake baby to feed every 2–3 hours, but don’t stress if your little one is extra sleepy at first. Their body is still adjusting after birth.
👉 Here’s what you can do if this happens:

💗 Enjoy your baby. You only get one “Day One,” so take it in.

💗 Don’t panic. Their tiny stomach can only hold a few drops at a time.

💗 Skin-to-skin snuggles. This helps regulate their body temperature, calm them, and encourage feeding cues.

💗 Hand expression & breast massage. Even small drops of colostrum are liquid gold and can be fed by spoon or syringe.

✨ By day two, most babies become more alert and start feeding more actively. If you’re concerned about your baby’s feeding patterns, wet diapers, or weight loss, always reach out to your IBCLC or pediatrician.

💬 Want expert support on your feeding journey? Comment “support” and I’ll send you the link to book a lactation consultation where we’ll walk through feeding strategies tailored to you and your baby. 💗

🍼 Formula Feeding 101: Mastering the 24/1 Rule 🍼Formula feeding doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—once you know the basi...
09/17/2025

🍼 Formula Feeding 101: Mastering the 24/1 Rule 🍼

Formula feeding doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—once you know the basics, you’ll feel like a pro. Here’s what every parent should know ⬇️

✨ The 24/1 Rule
-Prepared formula that’s unused and refrigerated can be stored safely for up to 24 hours.

-Formula that’s been prepared and left at room temperature but unused should be discarded after 2 hours.

-Formula that’s been partially used (baby drank from it) must be discarded after 1 hour.

Why so strict? 🤔 Once your baby’s saliva mixes with formula, bacteria can grow quickly, making it unsafe to store for later. Following these guidelines helps keep your baby safe while also making feeding routines easier to manage.

💬 Need help with formula feeding? Comment “formula” and I’ll send you the link to book a lactation consultation so we can make feeding safer, easier, and stress-free for you and your baby. 💗

09/16/2025

😴 Should you ever wake a sleeping newborn? Let’s break it down 👇

⭐️ As an IBCLC, I recommend waking your baby every 3 hours for feeds until they are at least two weeks old AND have regained their birth weight.

👉 Why? In the early days, frequent feeds provide the calories and hydration babies need to grow, while helping your body establish a steady milk supply.

✅ Once your baby is gaining well, past the two-week mark, and feeding is going smoothly—you can begin to allow longer nighttime stretches.

🌟 The goal: at least 8 feeds in 24 hours to support healthy growth and development.

💬 Want to dive deeper into newborn sleep and feeding routines? Comment “SLEEP” and I’ll send you the link to book a sleep consultation service that can help your family rest easier. 💗

💡 Myth vs. Fact: Skin-to-Skin Isn’t Just for Moms! 💡🚨 MYTH: Only moms can do skin-to-skin with their baby.✅ FACT: ANY ca...
09/15/2025

💡 Myth vs. Fact: Skin-to-Skin Isn’t Just for Moms! 💡

🚨 MYTH: Only moms can do skin-to-skin with their baby.

✅ FACT: ANY caregiver—dads, partners, and even grandparents—can benefit from skin-to-skin bonding.
Why it matters:

👶 Regulates baby’s heartbeat & temperature
🧠 Calms their nervous system, reducing stress
💞 Builds trust and attachment with all caregivers
😴 Encourages better sleep and feeding patterns

Skin-to-skin is powerful, no matter who is holding the baby. It’s not just a “mom thing” it’s a human connection thing. 💕

💬 Comment “blog” and I’ll send you the full article where I explain the science behind skin-to-skin and how everyone can safely practice it.

🚼💡 “Parenting Myth Busted: Why You DON’T Need to Teach Your Baby Independence”❌ “You need to teach your baby to be indep...
09/11/2025

🚼💡 “Parenting Myth Busted: Why You DON’T Need to Teach Your Baby Independence”

❌ “You need to teach your baby to be independent.”

This is one of the biggest parenting myths out there and it’s simply not true.
Babies are born wired for connection, not independence. 💕 When you respond to your baby’s cries, feed them on cue, and comfort them, you’re not “spoiling” them you’re building trust.

That trust becomes the foundation for real independence later on. 🌱 The more secure a baby feels now, the more confident they’ll be when they’re ready to explore the world.

So the truth is: You DON’T need to teach independence. You just need to show up with love and consistency. 💛

💬 Comment “parenting” and I’ll send you the link to book a consult with me whether you’re looking for sleep support or lactation guidance, I can help you and your little one feel supported.

09/05/2025

The 5 Golden Rules Every Parent Should Know for Safe Baby Sleep 🌙

Safe sleep saves lives. 💛 These 5 gold standards are recommended by experts to lower the risk of SIDS and give your baby the safest rest possible:

1️⃣ Back to sleep, every nap & night
2️⃣ Firm, flat sleep surface
3️⃣ Room sharing (but avoid unsafe bed sharing)
4️⃣ Watch temperature & clothing (no overheating)
5️⃣ Breastfeeding/chestfeeding when possible

✨ Fun fact: Placing your baby on their back reduces SIDS risk by more than 50%!
Safe sleep doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—you just need clear, simple steps. 🌸

💬 Comment “safe” and I’ll send you the link to book a personalized sleep consultation with me. Let’s make safe & restful nights a reality for your family. 🌙💤

Address

218 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester, MA
01604

Telephone

+15082037797

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