Mama Mentor LLC

11/21/2025

📢 Myth-Busting Time! 📢

Did you know that the idea that every baby needs to nurse for 10 to 15 minutes on both breasts at every feeding is a common misconception?

💡 The Truth: 10 to 15 minutes is a cookie cutter that not every mama and baby may fit into! Every mama is unique! Some have a faster flow when baby's feed more quickly and some really do nurse for 10 to 15 minutes on each breast. Your baby should not nurse for longer than 40 minutes at a time!

👶 Listen to Your Baby: Hunger cues and comfort nursing can vary widely. It's essential to focus on your baby's signs of fullness rather than a strict time limit.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

Follow your baby’s lead; some might be satisfied with just one breast!
Frequent feedings in the early days help establish your milk supply and meet your baby’s needs.
Trust your instincts! Consult with a lactation consultant if you have questions or concerns.
Let's empower each other with knowledge! Share this post to spread awareness.

11/19/2025

How Long Should You Breastfeed? 🤱💗
Let’s clear this up: there is no universal timeline for when breastfeeding “should” end — only what feels right for you and your baby.

Here’s what the evidence and real-life experience tell us:

✔️ Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months
After that, breastfeeding continues alongside solid foods.

✔️ Continuing past 1 year is normal, healthy, and developmentally appropriate
Many families nurse into toddlerhood. There’s nothing “weird” or “too old” about it — it’s biologically normal.

✔️ There is no expiration date on comfort or connection
Breastfeeding provides immune support, regulation, and closeness well beyond infancy.

✔️ Your journey is yours
Some parents nurse for a few months. Some for a year. Some for multiple years. The right length of time is the one that supports your family’s needs, wellness, and goals.

✔️ The only “rule”: nursing should continue as long as it remains mutually desired
You are allowed to set boundaries. You are allowed to continue. You are allowed to stop. And you don’t need permission for any of it.

If you’re navigating decisions about continuing, weaning, or simply wondering what’s “normal,” I’m here to support you with evidence-based, judgement-free guidance. 💗

📩 Send me a message if you’d like help creating a weaning plan or exploring what the next phase of feeding looks like for your family.

11/19/2025

🎁 PRENATAL GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎁

Hey mamas-to-be — this one’s for YOU 💕
I’ve partnered with some incredible local businesses to gift one lucky expectant mama a $500+ value prize bundle to help you feel nurtured, supported, and ready for this next chapter!

Here’s what’s included:
✨ Free Prenatal Consultation with Mama Mentor
✨ Any 15-minute session at Prenatal Imaging
✨ Initial exam or InSight Scan for mama + baby at Flack Family Chiropractic
✨ Free One Month Pass with SLAM (Sweat Like A Mother)
✨ $100 in gift cards to Tuscany Day Spa

Because every mama deserves the opportunity to rest, connect, and prepare her body and mind for motherhood 🤰🏼

To enter:
1️⃣ Follow on Facebook & Instagram
2️⃣ Like & share this post
3️⃣ Tag 3 mama’s or mama’s-to-be

🌿 Bonus Entry: Schedule your prenatal consultation before the end of the giveaway for an extra chance to win!

Giveaway closes BLACK FRIDAY, November 28, 2025. Winner will be announced in my stories!

11/17/2025

🚫 Nursing Strike? Don’t Panic, Mama 💕
A nursing strike can feel stressful, but it’s temporary — and it doesn’t mean your baby is weaning!
Here are some gentle ways to bring baby back to the breast:

✨ Keep offering often, but don’t force it. Try skin-to-skin and calm cuddles.
🕯 Nurse in a quiet, low-stimulation space or while baby is sleepy.
🍼 Offer expressed milk if baby refuses to latch so they still get nourishment.
🧘‍♀️ Check for possible causes — teething, illness, a stuffy nose, or changes in routine can all be triggers.
💧Keep your milk supply steady with hand expression or pumping.

💬 Remember, this is usually just a phase. With patience and connection, most babies return to nursing within a few days.

🤍 If the strike lasts more than a few days or you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out — I can help assess what’s going on and guide you through it.

11/14/2025

💞 Building Your Milk Stash with Confidence 💞

Heading back to work soon? Or maybe you’re planning a well-deserved date night (or even a little getaway 👩‍❤️‍👨)? Having a breastmilk stash can give you peace of mind — but there’s a safe way to prepare it so your supply and your baby’s needs stay balanced.

✨ Here’s how to get started safely:
🍼 Begin pumping once a day — ideally after your morning feed when supply is highest.
🕒 Collect small amounts and store together once cooled (don’t add warm milk to cold milk).
❄️ Store milk in 2–4 oz portions — perfect for thawing just what you need.
📅 Label everything with the date and time pumped.
🧊 Use oldest milk first — “first in, first out” keeps milk freshest.
🚫 Avoid overpumping before your return — it can cause engorgement or oversupply.

💡 Remember: A “normal” stash is about 20 ounces total — just enough to cover your first day back at work or an evening away. You don’t need a freezer full of milk to be prepared!

Even a few ounces a day adds up over time. Your stash is simply a backup plan, not a measure of success. 💕

If you’re unsure when or how to start, a prenatal or back-to-work lactation consultation can make all the difference. I’ll help you create a plan that supports your goals and keeps your body in sync.

🤱✨ Send me a message or give me a call today to schedule your consultation.

11/12/2025

💧 Using the Haakaa Wisely

The Haakaa can absolutely be a helpful tool — but timing and intention matter.

🚫 Skip using it before baby latches.
That early milk is for your baby. Collecting it first can take away what baby needs and may impact how well they feed.

✅ Use it after nursing instead:

To gently relieve fullness or tenderness when you’re engorged

To collect a little milk without setting up your pump

To ease pressure between feeds

⚠️ Use gentle suction and moderation.
The Haakaa isn’t meant to “empty” the breast — removing too much milk can trigger oversupply and make engorgement worse over time.

🩵 Mama Mentor’s Tip:
Think of the Haakaa as a helper, not a habit. A few mindful uses can bring comfort and convenience without interfering with your natural milk balance.

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 With Gratitude This Veterans Day 🇺🇸

Today we honor the strong, selfless men and women who have served our country — and the families who have stood beside them through every sacrifice. 💙

To the military moms and parents who continue nurturing, protecting, and loving through deployments, homecomings, and everything in between — your courage inspires us all.

From my heart to yours, thank you for your service and the example you set for the next generation. 🤍

11/10/2025

11/07/2025

🤒 Breastfeeding While You’re Sick: What You Should Know

When you’re under the weather, it’s natural to worry about passing your illness to your baby. But here’s the good news — in most cases, you should continue breastfeeding!

Your body is incredible. As you fight off an illness, your immune system produces antibodies that are passed directly through your milk, helping protect your baby from getting sick (or making their symptoms milder if they do).

💧 Stay hydrated
🛌 Rest as much as possible
🧼 Wash your hands
💊 Treat your symptoms

The best thing you can do — for both you and your baby — is to keep nursing and take care of yourself while you recover.

🤍 Your milk is more than nutrition — it’s medicine, too.

11/06/2025

Ni**le shields can be a helpful tool for breastfeeding parents facing challenges such as latch issues, ni**le pain, or babies with difficulty transferring milk. But like any breastfeeding aid, they work best with the right guidance and support!

What Are Ni**le Shields? Ni**le shields are thin silicone covers that fit over the ni**le and can assist with breastfeeding challenges. They’re often used to encourage a better latch or to protect sore ni**les.

🤔 Are They Right for You? Not every breastfeeding journey requires a ni**le shield, and for those that do, it’s only a temporary solution. "Training wheels" if you will! Consulting with a lactation consultant can help determine if a ni**le shield might be beneficial for you and how to use it effectively.

🔑 Key Tips for Using Ni**le Shields:
Right Fit: Ensure you have the correct size for comfort and effectiveness.
Proper Positioning: Practice placing the shield correctly for an optimal latch. Wetting the shield helps it better stay in place.
Short-Term Use: Shields are typically intended for short-term help while working toward direct nursing.

👩‍⚕️ Remember: Every parent’s journey is unique. If you’re considering a ni**le shield or have questions, reach out for support! Your comfort and baby’s nutrition come first.

**leShields

11/03/2025

💕 Every Mama Deserves Support — Not Struggle. 💕

Whether you’re preparing to breastfeed, navigating the first few weeks, or troubleshooting challenges along the way — you don’t have to do it alone.

As a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I specialize in helping families:
🤱 Establish a comfortable latch
🍼 Transition from hospital to home feeding
💧 Manage milk supply and pumping routines
😴 Find rest and confidence in feeding decisions

Your breastfeeding journey is unique — and support should be, too.
Let’s make feeding your baby a peaceful, empowered experience.

📍 Serving families throughout the CSRA — and virtually anywhere.
📲 Call or text today to book your consultation!

11/01/2025

🌙 Prepping for the Time Change With a Newborn

Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend, which means we “fall back” one hour. That extra hour sounds nice… unless you’re caring for a newborn 😅

Here’s how to make the transition a little smoother for everyone:

🍼 Shift Slowly: Start adjusting bedtime and feedings by 10–15 minutes each day leading up to the change. Small steps make a big difference.

💤 Keep Routines Consistent: Babies find comfort in predictable patterns—bath, feed, snuggle, sleep. Stick to the same sequence, even if the clock looks different.

☀️ Use Natural Light: Morning sunlight helps reset your baby’s internal clock. Open the blinds early and keep lights dim in the evening.

❤️ Give Grace (and Rest): It’s normal for sleep and feeding to feel “off” for a few days. Be patient with yourself and your little one—your rhythm will return soon.

If you’d like help building a flexible feeding or pumping schedule that fits your family’s needs, I’m here to help you plan ahead—not just react when it’s hard. 🤍