Love & Latch with Leah

02/27/2024

What advice have you received about breastfeeding? Good or bad?!

The good ones I got were: watch your baby and not the clock!

Don't let your pump output dictate what you think your supply is!
The bad: Take a dry washcloth and rub them on your ni***es to toughen them up! Put sugar water on your ni***es to get baby to latch!

Please know that even some lactation professionals don't give the best suggestions, because they may not be up to date with current breastfeeding protocols or research (whomp whomp). Don't even get me started on the traumatic visit I had with a CLC, who was very "old school". I always strive to provide the mommas I visit with science-based, factual, current advice!

02/02/2024

Important information for fellow Tricare beneficiaries! There’s actually an ongoing investigation now regarding this issue. Please don’t let this happen to you!

Heads Up ‼️

The Tricare Doula and Lactation Pilot has unfortunately drawn the interest of some larger companies that may or may not be best qualified to provide lactation services.

Tricare approved providers all over the nation are running into more and more new moms that have used up all their covered lactation visits already by taking “free” classes through Aeroflow and other companies.

These companies have no issue with using up ALL of someone’s visits by having them watch some free videos for which they bill Tricare "prenatal lactation education". Once you have your baby and need lactation help, you have no visits left…

This happens for lactation consultants and IBCLCs in the East and West and it's upsetting and frustrating. You can find a free video to watch on YouTube but it doesnt substitute the assistance from a qualified lactation consultant.

Please read the fine print on free breastfeeding classes, free breast pumps and other free services. Whenever you are asked for your Tricare benefits number or insurance information, chances are it won't be free.

02/01/2024

It's been a while! I took quite a hiatus due to a lot of life changes in a short time span. One of those changes included relocating to northern California, and what an adjustment it's been! It's been less than six months and I still have so much on my plate. I'm quickly learning how to balance things in life.

With a new year upon us, I'd like to get back to my original desire: posting helpful content to help spread breastfeeding education! I've continued working as a breast pump consultant but I also have of course tried to help moms when they've reached out, and I still see such a need for guidance and education when it comes to breastfeeding and pumping. Here's to a new year, a fresh start, and taking one step at a time!

03/06/2023

Military Mommies is now offering the Spectra Synergy Gold OG and Portable! Reach out if you have questions about the pumps, or if you need assistance in obtaining your insurance covered pump! Don't forget, we now work with most major commercial insurances.

01/26/2023

Exciting news! As a lactation counselor, I work with .mommies to help expecting parents pick out the best breast pump to fit everyone’s individual needs and lifestyle. I am now able to help those with most commercial insurance get their pump through insurance coverage!! We carry a lot of popular brands with minimal upgrade fees. I am also available during the pumping/breastfeeding journey to offer support and resources! Please message me for more information 🙂 Feel free to share with anyone you know who is expecting! You do NOT need to be military affiliated, this is for anyone!

01/17/2023

We offer the Baby Buddha!

This small, powerful pump is a great option for moms who enjoy their freedom and like to be on the go. The pump is portable and convenient with strong suction.

Contact your local area partner or send us a message to get more info and assistance with ordering. This pump is fully covered by Tricare.

10/28/2022

Celebrating Halloween, CLC style!

10/22/2022

Tricare’s policy is that you need to be at least 27 weeks to order your breast pump! Your 28 week appointment is a great time to ask your provider for a prescription. I can also email you a prescription for you to print out and take to one of your appointments for them to sign. Once it’s signed, and you’ve filled out our eligibility form, I can order which ever pump you decide on!

I can’t wait to help you out! Just shoot me a message or email me at lcastro@militarymommies.com.

10/21/2022

Did you know that there are three stages of lactation? Let's geek out for a moment!

During stage one, the colostrum making phase, several changes are happening - your breasts are becoming fuller, your ni***es may darken, and the Montgomery glands on your ar**la start secreting oil to help lubricate your ni**le. Your body is also making colostrum, which is highly nutritious and serves as your baby's first food! It's also referred to as "liquid gold". Some moms may start leaking during this phase, which is normal. If you do notice leaking, you can collect the colostrum and freeze it for later use!

Stage two, referred to as the transitional milk phase, starts happening after your baby and placenta are delivered. Your prolactin hormone level increases therefore signaling your body that it's milk making time! This is often referred to as your milk "coming in", and you'll be able to tell when it happens. Your breasts will often feel engorged (or overly full of milk) to the point where they feel sore or tender. You may also feel some aching all the way up to your armpits, as I did!

Stage three, the mature milk phase, is the rest of the time you're breastfeeding. Mature milk/lactation will continue for as long as milk is being removed from the breast, whether that's one month, 6 months, 15 months, etc.

What are some facts about breastfeeding you've learned recently?

10/15/2022

Tricare mommas! Do you want the ability to choose from a wide selection of breast pumps? I can help you! Not only can I assist you in choosing and ordering your Tricare covered breast pump (for free!), but also:

*Access to automatic shipments of resupplies
*Ordering other Tricare items, such as a postpartum recovery garment
*Free, continued support throughout your pumping and breastfeeding journey

Happy pump-kin season!

09/23/2022

PLEASE read! Everything we thought we knew about clogged ducts and mastitis has changed thanks to outstanding research by the Academy of Breastfeeding.

MAJOR CHANGES in recommendations for how to treat mastitis. If you have any questions about clogged ducts, mastitis, or any other breastfeeding-related issues please don’t hesitate to reach out!