Shelly Taft LPN, IBCLC

Shelly Taft LPN, IBCLC 1:1 breastfeeding support, online prenatal classes, sleep education coaching from Shelly Taft, LPN a

I'm a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Doula, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Based in Worcester County, MA, I've been supporting new families in Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 2007. I know that every parent is different, so I don't believe in a cookie-cutter approach to lactation help. I will work with you to develop a breastfeeding plan that works for your life and your family. I've supported more than a thousand families in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and I'd be honored to help you, too.

Breastfeeding When You’re SickMost of the time, you can and should continue breastfeeding when you’re sick. Common illne...
12/22/2025

Breastfeeding When You’re Sick

Most of the time, you can and should continue breastfeeding when you’re sick. Common illnesses like colds, flu, fever, or stomach bugs are not passed through breast milk. Instead, your milk provides protective antibodies that support your baby’s immune system.

Medication tips:
✔ Safe options often include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, many antibiotics, and allergy meds like loratadine or cetirizine.
⚠ Use caution with decongestants like pseudoephedrine, c

🍼 How to Pump Effectively (Without the Stress) 🍼Let’s clear something up first — building a “good” milk stash does not m...
12/22/2025

🍼 How to Pump Effectively (Without the Stress) 🍼

Let’s clear something up first — building a “good” milk stash does not mean filling your freezer wall-to-wall with milk.

✨ A good milk stash is one that:
• Supports your baby’s needs
• Fits your lifestyle and goals
• Doesn’t leave you overwhelmed, exhausted, or discouraged

💡 Pumping effectively isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing it smartly and sustainably.
In this week’s blog, I break down:

✔️ The different types of pumps (and who they’re best for)
✔️ How to use your pump correctly
✔️ When and how often to pump
✔️ How to store milk safely and confidently
If pumping feels confusing, stressful, or like a full-time job — you’re not doing anything wrong. You may just need better information and personalized support 🤍

👉 Comment “BLOG POST” and I’ll DM you the link!









✨ PSA for new & expecting parents ✨ Not all lactation support is the same - and knowing the difference can make all the ...
12/19/2025

✨ PSA for new & expecting parents ✨
Not all lactation support is the same - and knowing the difference can make all the difference in your feeding journey.

🏥 Hospital IBCLCs are amazing at what they do:
They provide immediate, short-term support during your hospital stay, focusing on getting feeding started safely and efficiently. Their time is limited, and care is often more general due to high patient volume.

🏡 Private Practice IBCLCs, on the other hand, offer:
💛 Personalized, one-on-one care
💛 In-depth assessments of both parent and baby
💛 Extended support beyond the early days
💛 Specialized help for complex feeding challenges

Breastfeeding (or chest feeding) doesn’t end when you leave the hospital - and neither should your support. If you’re struggling, have questions, or simply want reassurance, working with a private IBCLC can provide the continuity and individualized care you deserve.

You don’t have to figure this out alone 🤍
Support exists - and it can be tailored to you.







💤 Sleep Experts Don’t Recommend Cry-It-Out — Here’s Why 💕While “cry-it-out” is often talked about as a quick fix for sle...
12/18/2025

💤 Sleep Experts Don’t Recommend Cry-It-Out — Here’s Why 💕

While “cry-it-out” is often talked about as a quick fix for sleep struggles, many certified sleep experts choose not to recommend it - especially for babies and young children.

👶 Crying is communication.
When babies cry, they’re telling us they need comfort, reassurance, or support. Ignoring those cues can increase stress rather than teach healthy sleep skills.

🧠 Research shows that responsive caregiving helps support emotional regulation, attachment, and nervous system development - all of which play a role in long-term sleep success.

✨ The good news?
You don’t have to choose between sleep and connection. Gentle, responsive sleep approaches can improve sleep while still honoring your child’s needs and your parenting values.

If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure what approach is right for your family - support matters. Sleep can be taught with comfort, not tears 💙









🍼 3 ways tongue ties can affect bottle feedingBottle feeding doesn’t always come easily—and for some babies, a tongue ti...
12/17/2025

🍼 3 ways tongue ties can affect bottle feeding

Bottle feeding doesn’t always come easily—and for some babies, a tongue tie can make feeds harder than they should be. You might notice your baby struggling to stay latched on the bottle teat, taking in extra air during feeds (which can lead to wind, reflux-like symptoms, or discomfort), or becoming tired quickly because feeding takes more effort.

These challenges can be frustrating and worrying for parents, but the good news is that support can make a real difference. With a thorough assessment and the right feeding strategies, many babies go on to feed more comfortably and efficiently.

If feeding feels stressful or something just doesn’t seem right, you’re not alone—and help is available 💛









✨ This festive season, the best gift isn’t under the tree — it’s breastfeeding.A gift of nourishment, comfort, immunity,...
12/16/2025

✨ This festive season, the best gift isn’t under the tree — it’s breastfeeding.

A gift of nourishment, comfort, immunity, and connection, given day by day.
As a lactation consultant, I remind families: your milk matters, your presence is powerful, and support makes all the difference.









“No, your baby can’t self-soothe at night… and that’s not a bad thing 🤍”Your baby isn’t giving you a hard time — they’re...
12/15/2025

“No, your baby can’t self-soothe at night… and that’s not a bad thing 🤍”

Your baby isn’t giving you a hard time — they’re having a hard time.
Infant brains are brand new. Unlike adult brains, they haven’t yet developed the ability to turn stress off. The parts of the brain responsible for calming, reasoning, and regulation are still under construction. That’s why babies are co-regulators — they rely on you to help their nervous system settle.

When your baby cries at night, their brain is saying:
👉 “I need help.”
👉 “I don’t feel safe yet.”
👉 “I’m learning how the world works.”

This is why responsive support (feeding, rocking, cuddling, soothing) isn’t “creating bad habits.” It’s building the brain. Over time, with repeated safe and calm experiences, your baby learns how to regulate — and eventually self-soothe.

Sleep skills come after safety, connection, and development — not before.
✨ You’re not doing it wrong.
✨ Your baby isn’t broken.
✨ There’s a reason why.

If you’re navigating sleep and want support that’s developmentally appropriate, gentle, and evidence-based, I’m here to help 🤍










Some things are better left unsaid…👇Every breastfeeding/chestfeeding journey is unique and comes with its own set of str...
12/10/2025

Some things are better left unsaid…👇

Every breastfeeding/chestfeeding journey is unique and comes with its own set of struggles. 😮💨

That’s exactly why being mindful of your words matters. What may seem like a harmless comment to you could feel overwhelming to a nursing parent in that very moment. 😔

Swipe 👉 to see 5 things you should avoid saying to a breastfeeding parent—and the reasons why.

❓Have you ever heard any of these? How did you handle it? Do you agree with my take? Let’s talk in the comments ⬇️












11/14/2025

Things I do as an IBCLC

Every lactating mom knows — this bag isn’t just a bag… it’s your lifeline. From snacks to storage, it carries your sanit...
11/10/2025

Every lactating mom knows — this bag isn’t just a bag… it’s your lifeline. From snacks to storage, it carries your sanity (and your milk). 🍼✨

💬 Comment your must-have in your baby bag!

11/07/2025

Every IBCLC has a betrayal list… here’s mine 😤👇”

Let’s be real — some things just shouldn’t still be happening in 2025.
Here’s my IBCLC Betrayal List, aka the moments that make every lactation consultant want to scream into a burp cloth:

🚫 When pediatricians say “there’s no such thing as tongue tie.”
💔 When parents are told “breastfeeding is supposed to hurt.”
😩 When sleep books promise “12 hours by 12 weeks.”
💸 When insurance won’t cover lactation services (because feeding support IS healthcare).
🍼 When pump companies still only include two fl**ge sizes… both way too big for most people.

Parents deserve better. Better education, better support, and better access to care that actually helps them thrive — not just survive. 💛

💬 Comment “support” if you’re ready to finally get real help for your feeding journey — whether that’s breastfeeding, pumping, or combo-feeding.

Address

218 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester, MA
01604

Telephone

+15082037797

Website

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