Breastfeeding After a Cesarean

hollymilkowski April 1, 2020

Many studies have noticed the comparative difficulties in breastfeeding between those who experienced surgical and natural births.

One study found that “women who had a cesarean section experienced a significant delay in initiating breastfeeding compared with women giving birth vaginally, with or without instrumental assistance.”

Another paper concluded that “the inability of women who have undergone a cesarean section to breastfeed comfortably in the delivery room and in the immediate postpartum period seems to be the most likely explanation” for decreased rates of exclusive breastfeeding among surgical births.

The key to a sustained future with breastfeeding might be getting through the recovery period, which is usually more grueling and physically limiting for those who have undergone major surgery. That said, those wishing to breastfeed can feel encouraged that an emergency or elective surgical delivery mustn’t necessarily and negatively interfere with their plans.

In fact, Dr. William Sears believes a cesarean section should not dramatically impact breastfeeding, and those who birthed surgically can be as successful as vaginal birthers “as long as their commitment to breastfeeding remains high” (see these other Dr. Sears tips). In other words, breastfeeding people need to be thoroughly informed about what they can expect. Read More

Tips For Breastfeeding Under Quarantine

hollymilkowski March 23, 2020

1. Ease your mind with knowledge.

Thus far, COVID-19 has not been detected in breast milk of infected mothers, though data is still limited. Infectious spread is mainly caused by person-to-person contact through respiratory droplets.

The CDC advises that those confirmed or suspected of having a COVID-19 infection and are planning to breastfeed or are currently breastfeeding should CONTINUE to do so. There are very few medical conditions in which breastfeeding is currently considered contraindicated.

Frequent hand-washing, limiting visitor interaction, and adhering to proper pumping hygiene can decrease risks of acquiring or spreading the virus. CDC recommends infected mothers wear a face mask while breastfeeding, if possible.

In an immediate postpartum setting, follow the infection control guidelines found at CDC.gov. Read More

Responsive Breastfeeding: Watch Your Baby, Not The Clock

hollymilkowski January 5, 2020

Once upon a time, scheduled feeding was the norm for infants. You may have heard of breastfeeding “on-cue” or “on demand,” also known as “responsive breastfeeding.” So what’s the difference? Why is this difference important and why does it matter?

First, absorb this couldn’t-be-truer quote by Dr. Nils Bergman: “Breastfeeding’s worst enemy is separation.” Read More

3 Dental Myths For Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women That May Be Hurting You (guest post)

hollymilkowski September 18, 2019

Guest Post by Dr. Amanda Tavoularis (dentably.com)

While you’re pregnant or breastfeeding it’s very important to stay healthy and watch what you put into your body. What you put into your body eventually makes its way to your baby and it’s important to protect them. One area that has a lot of misconceptions for pregnant and breastfeeding women, is dental health. There are many myths out there on what you can or can’t do, and following some of them can be detrimental to your overall health. I’ve been a dentist for over 20 years, and I’ve heard my share of falsehoods. I’m here today to shed some light on 3 of them, and help you keep your mouth and body healthy. Read More

Celebration of the Breast

hollymilkowski August 25, 2019

A Year of Celebrating the Breast

Images by Blue Fitz Photography. Event co-hosted by Sage Beginnings Doula Services. Thank you to all who participated in this calendar!

Female Nipples Aren’t Obscene

hollymilkowski August 25, 2019

To promote acceptance of human bodies as inherently natural, innocuous, and not obscene, I’m proud to share this project celebrating Women’s Equality Day, Go Topless Day and the “Free The Nipple” movement.

By expressing this vision through art, we aim to encourage a change in societal and legal censorship norms to view bodies of women as truly equal to others.

This project was hosted in collaboration with Your Labor Neighbor | artist Melissa Rose Tylinski | artist Kellyn Kimbrell | North Houston Studio

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If a woman wishes to feel the warm sun on her skin at the beach like her brother… to lay in the grass, babies grazing upon her chest while she picnics with her partner… to pop out of her home to retrieve something from her car without fussing to scramble for an appropriate ensemble… to garden in her yard without needing to keep the neighborly peace by donning a button-down… if she wishes to do these things, why can’t she?

On one level, because of the law. Did you know it’s illegal for women to be topless in public in 35 states, including while breastfeeding?

In a few states, women have a legal right to go topless in the same areas as men, but even those women cannot properly enjoy the freedom (rather an illusion of equality) when faced with risk of harassment and humiliation. Protection from this risk is a privilege men have enjoyed for a long time without even realizing it.

Men have legally been allowed to be topless in public since 1936, a freedom they too had to fight for in ways similar to today’s Go Topless movement. Gaining this legal freedom finally secured their right to go bare-chested on public beaches, in parks, pools, and so on. Men don’t always want their tops on, which is why they fought for their right to choose toplessness without fear of stigma or lawbreaking. Read More

Breastfeeding With Chronic Disease

hollymilkowski March 12, 2019

It’s been well-documented that breastfeeding leads to lower risk of chronic diseases in childhood and beyond (per observational studies that suggest a connection between prevalence of chronic diseases and “suboptimal breastfeeding”). But what happens if the mother is the one affected by chronic disease?

Before you move on, please visit and read my disclaimer. For the TLDR, this information is not to be taken as medical advice as I’m not a doctor. Always consult with your own health care provider regarding any protocols, treatments, and diagnoses related to health.