Donna Bruschi, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant

12/14/2025

A 2016 law promised to protect parents traveling with breast milk, but it fell short. A new law, sparked by one mom’s ordeal, might finally deliver on that promise.

12/12/2025

Your baby comes with reflexes (which are like instincts) that drive them to your ni**le, nuzzle into it, open wide, attach and milk your breast, even if they don't open their eyes. Your job is to stabilize your breast or ni**le, holding it in one place, so baby can find it. Your other job is to make the milk flow. Don't disturb baby with tickling or cold cloths. When they get sleepy, compress your breast so they dream feed all the milk in your breast.

12/10/2025

It's been so cold and dark, I wanted to share a hopeful image. Your little squish? Next spring, you can dress her in a fairy dress, put flowers in her hair, find a magical setting and recreate this photo while you're breastfeeding. Love. Love. Love.

12/09/2025

Most new mothers imagine this is what breastfeeding is going to be like, but it's not. At least, not yet. The first two weeks can be truly awful--most mothers quit during this time--pain, lack confidence that baby is eating enough and mental health concerns drive premature weaning. Getting help from someone like me really does help. I come to your home and help you be more comfortable, confident and calm, in about 60 minutes. Works like magic, but it's science.

12/06/2025

You and your two loves are like this about 50% of the time-- the other 50%, you feel like a complete failure on the verge of catastrophe of one flavor or another. These extremes are totally normal--you are learning new skills, tired, and experiencing pain and hormone surges. What helps? Breathing slowly, closing your eyes, drinking water, eating food, shifting your body position, hugs, smelling your baby, and waiting for the bad moments to pass. You can also text me for answers to your many questions. 845-750-4402

10/25/2025

New Publication!

We’re thrilled to announce our latest study published in the Journal of Perinatology (2025):
“Quantification of illicit and prescription drug residues in pasteurized donor human milk: a comprehensive analytical approach.”

Our team analyzed 150 pooled samples of pasteurized donor human milk — representing 742 donors — for 15 different illicit and prescription drugs. Using advanced LC-MS/MS testing, we found no clinically relevant residues in any samples.

Authors: Michelle Brenner, Kaytlin Krutsch, Ashlynn Baker, Dhavalkumar Patel, & Palika Datta

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41372-025-02443-6 #:~:text=Conclusion,protocols%20and%20milk%20processing%20practices.

10/22/2025

Early Intervention is such a great program! It is run by your county's health department. Here is information for Orange County.

Parents of children under age 3 and providers of early childhood services are invited to join the next Department of Health Early Intervention Program information session from 7 to 8 pm, Tuesday, Oct. 28. For more information about the Early Intervention Program, resources and support visit eifamilies.com/

10/21/2025

Hey new mama....I know you feel underwashed, overwhelmed and stuck on the couch. This is you next summer: You and your little nature baby will be in nature, surrounded by other nursing mammals and your life will feel complete. 🤱🏾 **b

10/20/2025

How do babies learn to talk? They study you. Breastfeeding enhances human connection and communication by virtue of its intimacy, frequency and duration. Ever notice parents who face their babies away from them while feeding with a bottle? Who invented this? Why does it persist? From birth, babies need to engage you in conversation. No matter how you feed your baby, honor their need. 🤱🏾

10/19/2025

I know you will be shocked to read this: Breastfeeding can be really boring and exhausting at times. The truth is that caring for babies and children is boring and exhausting at times. You can feel trapped, burnt out and sad. One remedy is friendship. When you have a friend who is "In the trenches" with you, it gives you solace and hope. It gives you the energy to continue, because you remember this time is temporary. Life always get better-- sometimes it takes awhile tho. 🤱

10/18/2025

Ooooh...See that little fist? See that baby's chest? I just want to roll that baby's body into her mother's tummy so she can hug the b**b. Perfect alignment relieves ni**le soreness, eases mama's neck crunch and tight wrists, but mostly, it allows a baby to develop all 46 breastfeeding muscles symmetrically. Solid foods are coming. Dentition is coming. Speech is coming. These all work best with symmetrical development. **b

10/17/2025

Oh my gosh...there is LIFE after the first two weeks of breastfeeding! This will be YOU at two-three-four-twelve months. Hang in there. It really does get easier.