Babies Best Beginnings-Robbin Swann RN, IBCLC

11/09/2025

We strive to be available for you. We are however off for a family event on November 14-15. we are happy to serve you as usual Both before and after.

11/09/2025

Check the lot numbers if you have this formula!!

The FDA is investigating ByHeart, a “clean” formula brand, after 13 infants were hospitalized with suspected infant botulism possibly linked to their product from 10 states: Arizona, California (2), Illinois (2), Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas (2), Washington.

This isn’t their first issue, ByHeart baby formula was also voluntarily recalled in December 2022 for five batches due to potential Cronobacter sakazakii contamination, a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe infections in infants. No illnesses were reported at that time, but now, just three years later, we’re seeing another outbreak involving the same brand.

But this isn’t a one-time event, it’s a pattern. Another “premium” formula, another investigation, and another reminder that not all feeding options are equal.

🦠 What is infant botulism?

Infant botulism is a serious illness caused by bacteria that can produce toxins in the intestines. Symptoms can start as constipation, weak cry, poor feeding, and can progress to muscle weakness or breathing problems. It’s uncommon, but it reminds us that infant feeding isn’t risk-free, especially when we rely on mass-produced, powdered foods for newborns whose immune systems are still developing.

🙋🏼‍♀️ Why this matters

We keep hearing “fed is best.” But this investigation proves that how your baby is fed matters.

- Powdered formula is not sterile. The FDA and CDC have confirmed this for years. Even when prepared carefully, bacteria like Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella can survive and multiply in powdered formula.
- Recalls are not rare. From Abbott to Reckitt to ByHeart, contamination issues have been repeated headline stories from 2022–2024.
- Formula is not equal to breast milk. It’s manufactured to imitate nutrients, not the immune system. Human milk contains live antibodies, white blood cells, stem cells, enzymes, and prebiotics that actively protect against infection.

So no, “fed” isn’t the full story. Safe, biologically matched, immune-protective nutrition is the goal. And that comes from you.

🤱🏼 Why breastfeeding is optimal for infants

Your milk isn’t just food, it’s living medicine. It changes with every feed to match your baby’s age, health, and environment.
- It contains lactoferrin, lysozyme, and secretory IgA, which directly kill harmful bacteria and protect the gut.
- It also supports jaw and facial development in ways bottles can’t replicate.
- NOT breastfeeding increases the risk of ear infections, respiratory illness, GI infections, childhood cancers and disease.

Even partial breastfeeding provides measurable benefits. If you’re pumping, mixed feeding, or supplementing…. IT STILL COUNTS!

💛 For moms who use formula:

- Always check your formula’s lot code on the manufacturer’s site or the FDA recall page.
Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 ("Use by 01 Dec 2026")
Lot: 206VABP/251131P2 ("Use by 01 Dec 2026")

- Use hot water (≥158°F/70°C) to prepare powdered formula, then cool before feeding. It won’t kill botulism BUT it will kill harmful bacteria like Cronobacter! https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/423f27ea-b94d-447c-aa0c-46cdbc80e5b3/content

- Wash hands, bottles, and scoops thoroughly and ideally sanitize everything once daily.

- NEVER “stretch” formula with extra water or save leftover bottles for later feeds.

Every mom deserves truth, not fear tactics or formula marketing disguised as science. We can acknowledge that formula saves lives and admit it carries risks, just like any medical-grade food product. When parents are informed, babies are protected.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/response-broader-fda-investigation-byheart-initiates-voluntary-recall-two-batches-infant-formula

11/08/2025

Going to give some credit to a colleague for this beautiful well expressed work.
Babies go to breat for tons of reasons ONE of them is to eat!
(Credit lalactation for the amazing graphic)

11/05/2025

Come join me now at virtual mom group! virtual Mom Support Group
Wednesday, November 5 · 12:30 – 1:30pm
Time zone: America/Chicago
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/crn-hize-ekj
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 570-658-9214‬ PIN: ‪934 305 306‬ #
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/crn-hize-ekj?pin=6880825753598

Real-time meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations with teammates and customers.

11/05/2025

11/05/2025

I love this

It’s wild how we can run on fumes, half asleep, yet still manage to create something so magical. Breastfeeding moms don’t just make milk we make miracles on no sleep, cold coffee, and pure love. Here’s to all the mamas making the freshest meal in the house this Thanksgiving even with one eye open. 🤱💤🦃

11/04/2025

People ask why we want to do in-person initial visits, Let me tell you why.
We believe a responsible visit includes a full oral assessment to see what issues may impact feeding. As a new nurse I was taught to "look" for tongue ties. Looking tells me very little about how the tongue actually functions in your baby's mouth.
So when you have concerns, please consider that seeing you and your baby in person actually may decrease the number of visits you may need in the long run, because we can most likely focus on why there is a feeding issue.

11/04/2025

It's Milk Monday, So how do we protect our milk supply.
If you choose to pump to feed or wend away from your baby you should consider how pumping affects your milk supply.
Know the difference in pump types. Portable (does not have to be plugged in during use) VS Wearable.
Know that in general portable or plug in pumps have better suction ability.
Wearables are designed for the ultimate in convince but are not usually extremely efficient at milk removal.
Also know how much milk you can pump out is not necessarliy the amount your baby "normally" gets when feeding.
When in doubt see a IBCLC for concerns about breastfeeding and or milk supply.

11/03/2025

This is why I schedule initial assessments in person. I can not do an appropriate assesment without being able to assess suck! This is why I try to get parents to see someone who does body work. Looking is a small portion of an oral assessment!

Things you weren’t told about your baby’s tongue tie…

Let’s talk about what no one is saying loud enough: tongue tie isn’t as simple as “do they have one or not?” And if you’ve been left confused, dismissed, or overwhelmed… you’re not alone.

Here’s what you should’ve been told:
👅 You can’t diagnose a tongue tie from a photo.
That picture in the mom group? It might look like a tie… or it might not. Tongue ties aren’t diagnosed by looks. They’re diagnosed by function. How the tongue moves. How it lifts. How it works during feeding. And the symptoms you’re both experiencing

🩺 Your pediatrician can’t always tell just by looking. No shade, they’re doing their best. But unless they’ve had specific training in oral function, they might miss it. A quick glance under the tongue during a well check doesn’t cut it. A full hands-on oral assessment by a trained provider is needed

🌀 Body tension can mimic tongue tie symptoms.
Yes, really. Tight neck, jaw, or fascia tension can limit tongue movement. So even if there’s no actual tie, your baby might still struggle with latch, milk transfer, or comfort. This is where bodywork can be a game-changer.

📅 Timing matters. A tongue tie release is usually not an emergency. Rushing into it without preparation can actually make things worse. Babies often need prep work first: bodywork, oral exercises, sometimes feeding therapy. The goal? To help the tongue function better, not just snip tissue

🚫 Not every tongue is tied. And not every feeding issue is caused by a tie. There are many reasons feeding can be hard. We need to treat the whole baby and not just the mouth

✨ If you’ve been told your baby has a tie, or you’re wondering if they do, you deserve answers that go deeper than “yes” or “no.”
Feeding is whole-body work.
And your baby is more than their frenulum.

11/02/2025

11/01/2025

We love to support our partners. Have you chacked out Our favorite pediatrician? Beverly Hargrove The provider behind Whistle Stop Pediatrics is an amazing human, with a heart for families. Providing flexible client centered care. She believes parents should be educated about their options and make their own decisions.
What concept you are educated and offered options.
Check her page out or her website!
Whistlestoppeds.com You can schedule your initial exam on line.
Soon she will be adding a second location for clients also!