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.

If your baby is wide awake at 2am, you are not doing anything wrong.In the first 4 months, babies do not have a develope...
03/10/2026

If your baby is wide awake at 2am, you are not doing anything wrong.

In the first 4 months, babies do not have a developed circadian rhythm. They do not know day from night. Their tiny tummies need frequent feeds, and biologically they are wired to wake often.
Frequent waking is normal. Night confusion is normal. Wanting to be held is normal.

What you can do
Expose baby to natural daylight in the morning
Keep nighttime calm and dim
Feed on demand
Lower expectations and focus on survival and bonding

COMMENT SLEEP and I will send you the link to book an appointment with me so we can gently support your baby’s sleep 🤍

Night feeds can be exhausting - but there are ways to make them more manageable. 🌙 Many parents don’t know that gentle s...
03/07/2026

Night feeds can be exhausting - but there are ways to make them more manageable. 🌙 Many parents don’t know that gentle strategies can prevent over-stimulation for both baby and parent.

Dim lights, keep voices soft, and have all your feeding, burping, or diaper supplies nearby. Using a short but consistent bedtime routine helps your baby know it’s still night time, which can support longer stretches later.

Struggling with night feeds? Share your story - I can offer strategies to make nighttime smoother for everyone.

Feeding your baby can take up so much of you physically and emotionally, and it’s easy to put yourself last. 💛 But your ...
03/06/2026

Feeding your baby can take up so much of you physically and emotionally, and it’s easy to put yourself last. 💛 But your well-being matters just as much as your baby’s.

In the U.S., about 1 in 8 moms experiences postpartum depression, and up to 1 in 5 parents face postpartum mood or anxiety disorders. You’re not weak or doing anything wrong if you’re struggling. You’re human. And getting support early can make a huge difference.

Build small moments of care into your day. Drink water while you feed, eat something nourishing, step outside for fresh air, or hand the baby off for 10 minutes of quiet. Accepting help and talking about how you feel can protect your mental health and help you avoid burnout.

You don’t have to do this alone. How are you caring for yourself right now? Share below. If you comment “mental health,” I’ll send you a link to my podcast episode, Shellytaftibclc My Journey Through Postpartum Depression, where I share my story and support for anyone who needs it.

You can use all the ni**le creams in the world, but if you don’t address the root cause of ni**le pain, it won’t truly g...
03/05/2026

You can use all the ni**le creams in the world, but if you don’t address the root cause of ni**le pain, it won’t truly get better. 💛

Sore ni**les, engorgement, or blocked ducts can make breastfeeding feel overwhelming. Many parents don’t realize that small adjustments can make a big difference.

✨ Check your baby’s latch and positioning. This is the most common cause of sore or cracked ni**les.
✨ Use cold compresses before feeds for engorgement and gentle breast massage to encourage flow.
✨ Feed on demand and vary positions to help prevent clogged ducts.
✨ For soothing sore or cracked ni**les, applying a small amount of coconut oil may help. Research has shown it can support skin healing and comfort.
Remember: it’s easier to prevent issues early than to fix them later. Support sooner rather than later makes all the difference.

Struggling with breastfeeding challenges? Share your experience below or send a message. I’d love to help guide you toward a more comfortable, confident feeding journey. 🤍

Being an IBCLC is more than a profession. It is a commitment to support mothers, babies, and families during one of the ...
03/05/2026

Being an IBCLC is more than a profession. It is a commitment to support mothers, babies, and families during one of the most meaningful journeys of their lives. Every latch guided, every concern heard, and every parent encouraged makes a difference.

Today we celebrate the dedication, compassion, and knowledge of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants around the world. Thank you for the care you give and the lives you help nurture through breastfeeding support.

Happy IBCLC Day to all who continue to empower parents and protect the bond between mother and baby. 💛

If you are a parent who needs guidance on breastfeeding or infant feeding, you are not alone. I am here to help you on your journey.

Share your breastfeeding story in the comments. 👇

03/04/2026

Holding Feeding Equipment, like Mend, holds fish. 🎣🐟

Transitioning from breast or bottle to solids is such a big milestone. 🍎 It can feel exciting and a little overwhelming ...
03/03/2026

Transitioning from breast or bottle to solids is such a big milestone. 🍎 It can feel exciting and a little overwhelming at the same time. Many parents worry about timing, choking, or whether their baby is getting enough nutrients, but a gradual, responsive approach helps babies build confidence and enjoy food.

Introduce one new food at a time and continue offering breast or bottle feeds alongside solids. Let your baby explore textures, make a mess, and move at their own pace. Following their cues reduces stress and supports a positive, healthy relationship with food.

Starting solids soon or feeling unsure where to begin? Comment “solids” and I’ll send you a link to my post.

Mixing breast and bottle feeding can feel tricky - but it’s possible to do smoothly without stress. 🌸Introduce the bottl...
02/27/2026

Mixing breast and bottle feeding can feel tricky - but it’s possible to do smoothly without stress. 🌸

Introduce the bottle after breastfeeding is well-established (usually 3-4 weeks). Start with one bottle a day and use paced feeding to mimic breastfeeding flow.

Are you combining breast and bottle? Comment on your experience below. I’m here to help parents navigate both with confidence.

Worried your baby isn’t getting enough milk? You’re not alone. 💛 Many parents feel this way, and there are gentle, effec...
02/26/2026

Worried your baby isn’t getting enough milk? You’re not alone. 💛 Many parents feel this way, and there are gentle, effective ways to help increase milk supply and feel more confident about feeding.

Feeding on demand, ensuring a deep and comfortable latch, adding extra stimulation (like pumping or hand expression after feeds), and spending plenty of skin-to-skin time can all help signal your body to make more milk. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference.

Have concerns about milk supply? Share your story below - parent deserves reassurance. I’m here to support you and help you feel confident about your feeding choices.

Can we talk about how feeding your baby somehow turns into a full-time job you were never trained for… and everyone has ...
02/24/2026

Can we talk about how feeding your baby somehow turns into a full-time job you were never trained for… and everyone has an opinion about it? 🙃

Every baby is different. Every parent is different. And yet we’re all out here wondering if we’re doing it “right” at 2 AM with one eye open and a cold cup of coffee.

And honestly? Breastfeeding in the U.S. is hard - not because you’re failing, but because the system is. Most parents get little (or no) paid leave, support is hard to access, and you’re expected to figure out latch issues and supply questions while wildly sleep-deprived. No wonder so many families feel overwhelmed or alone.

So if feeding feels confusing or emotional or messier than you expected… you’re normal. Not broken. Not doing it wrong. Just human.
You deserve support, not stress.

Got questions or just need someone to talk it through with? Drop a comment or book a session. I’m here for real-life, judgment-free support - messy buns and all. 💛

Hello Parents 💙If you’ve been thinking about adding a sleep coaching certification to your private practice, you’re goin...
02/22/2026

Hello Parents 💙

If you’ve been thinking about adding a sleep coaching certification to your private practice, you’re going to love this month’s Deeper Dive.

On February 24th at 10 AM ET / 7 AM PT, Shelly Taft, LPN, ISE, IBCLC, will walk us through the difference between a lactation consult and a sleep consult. She’ll also share how you can better support families around sleep, even if you have no plans to offer full sleep consults.

You’ll leave with practical counseling strategies you can start using right away in your practice.

This Deeper Dive is part of our live monthly series hosted by Annie. When you join, you also get access to more than 50 past recordings with private practice and clinical experts. And if you can’t make it live, no worries, you’ll get the replay.

The real magic happens when you show up. ✨

Teething can make feeding uncomfortable for babies and stressful for parents! 😢 Many parents don’t realize that simple a...
02/19/2026

Teething can make feeding uncomfortable for babies and stressful for parents! 😢 Many parents don’t realize that simple adjustments can keep feeds calm and prevent frustration.

Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething toy before feeding to soothe gums. Breastfeed or bottle feed in a slightly upright position to reduce pressure on sore gums. Shorter, more frequent feeds may also help.

Is teething making feeds tricky? Comment below with your experience I can guide you through these challenging weeks with reassurance and strategies.

Address

218 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester, MA
01604

Telephone

+15082037797

Website

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