Browse Ask Nurse Wendy

As a busy mama, your time and energy are essential ingredients in taking care of your family. Remember, when using this guide that there is no perfect way to take care of yourself and there is no perfect way to nourish yourself! Here’s some guiding principles with tips on common self care challenges mamas face + what to focus on:  If you are struggling finding time to eat  Set reminders on your phone to go off throughout the day in 3-4 hour intervals  Set up one handed snacks at your nursing/pumping station to nosh on while feeding baby (try: BOOBIE* Bar, BOOBIE* Bark, individual packets of nuts, dried fruit) When preparing meals, try batch cooking and preparing larger portions to use as leftovers for...

Knowing what to eat is half the battle- putting it into action is the other half! Here’s a simple framework to help you not only prioritize your nutrition amidst a busy lifestyle but a plan strategy that will also help save you time + money.    Step 1: Take inventory First things first: take stock of what you already have by checking:  Pantry items: breads, grains, pasta, cereal/oatmeal, beans, nuts/nut butters Fridge items: dairy items, eggs, deli meats, dips/spreads Frozen items: frozen meats, vegetables For example, if you have plenty of frozen ground beef, rice and some frozen vegetables you can plan your meals around these staples. This also ensures you aren’t over purchasing items.  You can jot down what...

By Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC, RLC   I hear from breastfeeding moms all the time about their run-ins with relatives at holiday gatherings regarding how they chose to feed and raise their babies. Here are some fun facts about motherhood to help divert the conversation when the nosey relative tries to give you advice at the dinner table.  Baby it's warm inside! Human breastmilk is higher in fat in the winter months. Which mammal has the highest milk fat? Answer: Whales  I'm not a cow! The closest mammal's milk to human milk is from a horse, not cow. What's for dinner, mom? Breastmilk changes in flavor with every meal mom eats because who would want to eat the same meal each...

By Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC, RLC  You’ve spent a long 9 months growing a beautiful baby and now you are wondering- is it safe for me to drink alcohol while breastfeeding?  You do not have to "pump and dump" (a terrible expression) afterwards and you do not have to wait a certain time after your more recent drink in order to restart breastfeeding. I’ve got the answers to your most common questions about breastfeeding and alcohol below so you can enjoy your glass of chardonnay (or spicy margarita, whatever you fancy!) guilt free.   5 Common Questions about Breastfeeding and Alcohol: How long do you have to wait to breastfeed after drinking alcohol and how many drinks are safe? If you feel...

By Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC, RLC   Why breastfeeding positioning matters during breastfeeding. As a lactation consultant, I often say “if it is not broken, we do not have to fix it,” meaning that if you and your baby have found a comfortable position we do not have to change it! The best breastfeeding positions are the ones that you and baby are most comfortable in. Since breastfeeding is something you are doing multiple times a day, it is good to have some different positions in your back pocket to experiment with to maximize your comfort for marathon nursing sessions!    What are the most common breastfeeding positions? Cross cradle  The cross cradle position is often the most common position...