Latched By Kimberly, LLC

01/27/2026

Newborns don’t follow schedules, and that’s normal. We expect newborns to eat around 8-12+ times in 24 hours, but that doesn't mean they'll always space it out evenly- and it DEFINITELY doesn't mean you should ONLY feed your baby 8 times.

When we say "around 8-12 feeds per day" what we really mean is that your baby should be eating at LEAST 8 times, or every 3ish hours. For a newborn, this can often mean you have to wake them up to eat if they are super snoozy.

This is why breastfeeding families are often told to avoid a pacifier. We want to make sure that sucking on the pacifier isn't keeping baby from being fed!

Hunger cues can very from baby to baby, but if your newborn is chicken pecking at your shoulder, repeatedly shoving their fist in their mouth, or fussing, it'e time to offer them a meal.

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, responding to these cues builds trust and supports healthy growth.

01/27/2026

Here’s something many parents aren’t told early enough:

Doing some nursing and some pumping & bottle feeding is incredibly common.
Using both breast and bottle doesn’t mean you’ve failed—or that you’re “confusing” your baby. Your body needs to know when to make milk, but I hear families saying that they didn't pump in the first month because they were told they shouldn't.

There's no shouldn't! You can do both, you just need to understand the best way to make it all work together.

Feeding doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It gets to be what works for your family.

01/27/2026

01/27/2026

Believe it or not, we’re already looking ahead to September and October 2026 on our calendar! If you are just finding out you're pregnant and you're interested in midwifery care, don't wait to schedule a free consult! 🫶

01/27/2026

01/27/2026

How to safely store your breastmilk 🥛

Today, we’re sharing our helpful table showing how to safely store your breastmilk.

Did you know?
Breastmilk can be transported within the safe storage times, as long as storage temperatures are maintained. However, previously frozen milk should be used immediately once fully defrosted.

You can find more information on storing breastmilk on our website, including:

✨ Travelling with your breastmilk
✨ Freezing your breastmilk
✨ Reheating your breastmilk
✨ Variations in recommendations

👉 www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-information/continuing-the-breastfeeding-journey/expressing-and-storing-breastmilk/

✨ Save this post (or screenshot the image) to keep it handy for when you need it ✨

[ID: Safe Storage Table - Milk. Place. Maximum Time. Fresh Breastmilk including colostrum. Room temperature. 6 hours. Fridge at 5°C-10°C. 3 days. Fridge at 4°C or lower. 5 days. If temperature rises above 4°C after 3 days then use within 6 hours. Frozen breastmilk. Freezer at-18°C or lower. 6 months. Defrosting breastmilk. When defrosting in the fridge. Usually takes 12 hours to defrost, use as soon as fully defrosted. When defrosting outside the fridge. Use as soon as full defrosted.]

10/24/2025

10/24/2025

🍁 Autumn is a season of change and new beginnings.
Just like the fall leaves, our bodies and hearts prepare for transformation — and for many families, that means welcoming a new little one soon.
At Fruitful Oaks Midwifery, we’re honored to walk beside you through every season of birth and growth. 🎃💛

✨ Here’s to cozy snuggles, grateful hearts, and all the cute little pumpkins arriving this fall.

Love,
The Fruitful Oaks Midwifery Team 🌿

📸 Pics of your little pumpkin or pumpkins in the comments!

08/27/2025

Love this explanation on how it should be used! 💯

08/11/2025

08/04/2025

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

🌿 Did You Know???? ⬇️⬇️⬇️

1️⃣ Breastmilk Delivers Genetic Messages!!

Human milk contains microRNAs — tiny genetic messengers that help shape your baby’s immune system and gene expression.
🧬 Source: Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2016

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2️⃣ Your Ar**la Smells Like Amniotic Fluid!!

Montgomery glands on the ni**le release a scent that helps newborns recognize and locate the breast after birth.
👃 Source: Breastfeeding Medicine, 2007

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3️⃣ Eye Contact Boosts Milk Flow!!

Looking into your baby’s eyes during feeding can increase oxytocin and improve milk ejection.
👁️ Source: Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 2020

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4️⃣ Breastmilk Contains Natural Painkillers!!

It includes opioid-like compounds that soothe and reduce pain in your baby — like nature’s calming medicine.
💊 Source: Pediatric Research, 1997

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5️⃣ Preemie Milk is Custom-Engineered!!

Mothers of preemies produce milk that is higher in protein and immunity factors, perfectly designed for early development.
🍼 Source: Journal of Pediatrics, 2014

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6️⃣ Left Breast Often Makes More Milk

The left breast typically produces more milk than the right — and no one fully knows why!
🔄 Source: International Breastfeeding Journal, 2012