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.

“No, your baby can’t self-soothe at night… and that’s not a bad thing 🤍”Your baby isn’t giving you a hard time — they’re...
12/15/2025

“No, your baby can’t self-soothe at night… and that’s not a bad thing 🤍”

Your baby isn’t giving you a hard time — they’re having a hard time.
Infant brains are brand new. Unlike adult brains, they haven’t yet developed the ability to turn stress off. The parts of the brain responsible for calming, reasoning, and regulation are still under construction. That’s why babies are co-regulators — they rely on you to help their nervous system settle.

When your baby cries at night, their brain is saying:
👉 “I need help.”
👉 “I don’t feel safe yet.”
👉 “I’m learning how the world works.”

This is why responsive support (feeding, rocking, cuddling, soothing) isn’t “creating bad habits.” It’s building the brain. Over time, with repeated safe and calm experiences, your baby learns how to regulate — and eventually self-soothe.

Sleep skills come after safety, connection, and development — not before.
✨ You’re not doing it wrong.
✨ Your baby isn’t broken.
✨ There’s a reason why.

If you’re navigating sleep and want support that’s developmentally appropriate, gentle, and evidence-based, I’m here to help 🤍










Some things are better left unsaid…👇Every breastfeeding/chestfeeding journey is unique and comes with its own set of str...
12/10/2025

Some things are better left unsaid…👇

Every breastfeeding/chestfeeding journey is unique and comes with its own set of struggles. 😮💨

That’s exactly why being mindful of your words matters. What may seem like a harmless comment to you could feel overwhelming to a nursing parent in that very moment. 😔

Swipe 👉 to see 5 things you should avoid saying to a breastfeeding parent—and the reasons why.

❓Have you ever heard any of these? How did you handle it? Do you agree with my take? Let’s talk in the comments ⬇️












11/14/2025

Things I do as an IBCLC

Every lactating mom knows — this bag isn’t just a bag… it’s your lifeline. From snacks to storage, it carries your sanit...
11/10/2025

Every lactating mom knows — this bag isn’t just a bag… it’s your lifeline. From snacks to storage, it carries your sanity (and your milk). 🍼✨

💬 Comment your must-have in your baby bag!

11/07/2025

Every IBCLC has a betrayal list… here’s mine 😤👇”

Let’s be real — some things just shouldn’t still be happening in 2025.
Here’s my IBCLC Betrayal List, aka the moments that make every lactation consultant want to scream into a burp cloth:

🚫 When pediatricians say “there’s no such thing as tongue tie.”
💔 When parents are told “breastfeeding is supposed to hurt.”
😩 When sleep books promise “12 hours by 12 weeks.”
💸 When insurance won’t cover lactation services (because feeding support IS healthcare).
🍼 When pump companies still only include two fl**ge sizes… both way too big for most people.

Parents deserve better. Better education, better support, and better access to care that actually helps them thrive — not just survive. 💛

💬 Comment “support” if you’re ready to finally get real help for your feeding journey — whether that’s breastfeeding, pumping, or combo-feeding.

Did you know that something as simple as your touch can boost your baby’s development and deepen your bond? 🤱✨Infant mas...
11/06/2025

Did you know that something as simple as your touch can boost your baby’s development and deepen your bond? 🤱✨

Infant massage isn’t just about helping babies relax—it’s a science-backed practice that supports:

💛 Bonding and connection – builds trust and emotional security.
🌙 Better sleep – promotes relaxation and reduces fussiness.
🍼 Breastfeeding success – encourages oxytocin release, helping milk flow and emotional connection.
🧠 Developmental growth – stimulates the nervous system and aids in language and sensory development.

It’s gentle. It’s powerful. And it’s one of the most beautiful ways to connect with your baby. 💕

💬 Comment “support” if you’d like guidance in lactation, sleep, or infant massage and I’ll send you details on how we can work together. 🌸

11/04/2025

🍼✨ “Still Using a Ni**le Shield? Here’s How to Wean Off with Confidence!”

If you’ve been wondering how to finally stop using your ni**le shield — this one’s for you 👇

Ni**le shields can be a helpful bridge in the early days of feeding, but when it’s time to move on, many parents feel stuck (and that’s totally normal!). 💕

With the right approach, your baby can learn to latch comfortably and confidently without it. My gentle weaning strategies are designed to help you transition smoothly—without the stress or frustration.

💛 Because feeding your baby should feel empowering, not overwhelming.

💬 Comment “shield” below and I’ll send you the link to book a personalized lactation consult with me — we’ll create a plan to help you ditch the ni**le shield and feed with ease.

**leShield **leShield

Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy — just simple things that help you feel human again.Eat well. Move when you can. Rest...
10/31/2025

Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy — just simple things that help you feel human again.

Eat well. Move when you can. Rest when you need to. 🕯️💤

💬 Comment “care” if you’re working on small wins this week.

10/30/2025

🍼🚫 “Not All Breast Pumps Are Created Equal — Here’s What They Don’t Tell You!”

Let’s talk about one of the biggest myths in the pumping world 👇
❌ “All breast pumps work the same.”

Nope — they don’t.
Many parents are led to believe that any pump will do the job, but the truth is, pump design, suction rhythm, and fit make a huge difference in how effectively milk is removed. 🫠

Some pumps are marketed as “hospital-grade” when they’re really not. Others may work well for occasional pumping but not for full-time use. And an ill-fitting fl**ge? That can lead to pain, poor output, and frustration.

The bottom line: a pump that works for one parent might not work for you. Your body, your milk supply, and your comfort all matter. 💛

💬 Have questions about which pump might be best for your needs? Drop them in the comments ⬇️ I love busting marketing myths and helping you find what actually works!

Motherhood has its fair share of jump scares — from mystery milk drops to 2 AM pumping nightmares. 😱💀These spooky moment...
10/28/2025

Motherhood has its fair share of jump scares — from mystery milk drops to 2 AM pumping nightmares. 😱💀

These spooky moments aren’t from a horror movie... they’re straight from the breastfeeding trenches. 🍼 Whether it’s a haunting latch, a cursed pump, or freezer stash chaos — every mom has faced her own lactation horror story.

But here’s the twist — you don’t have to face the ghosts of low supply or latch pain alone. 💛

💬 Comment “BOO” if you’re ready to banish your breastfeeding fears and I’ll send you the link to book a lactation consult today!

10/28/2025

🌙💤 “Tired? You Don’t Need a Miracle—Just the Right Sleep Guide.”

The only thing you really need to survive infant sleep? 👇

A clear understanding of how your baby sleeps, why they wake, and what actually helps them rest better. 🍼✨

That’s why I created my brand-new guide — “Understanding Infant Sleep.”

It’s a gentle, expert-backed roadmap to help you:
💤 Decode your baby’s sleep patterns
🕰️ Recognize sleep cues and timing
🌙 Build comforting bedtime rituals
😴 Navigate night wakings with confidence
💛 Shape healthy sleep foundations—without “cry it out”

With 7 comprehensive sections+ practical handouts, this guide helps you make sense of sleep… even during the 2 a.m. chaos.

👉 Download it today for just $5 ($20 value!) and start building peaceful nights and well-rested mornings.

💬 Comment “sleep” below and I’ll send you the link to grab your copy!

Address

218 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester, MA
01604

Telephone

+15082037797

Website

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