The Lactation Network

Breastfeeding is a learned skill — but you don’t have to figure it out alone. ➡️ 93% of parents who had a lactation consultation before their baby was born said it contributed to their success in breastfeeding (TLN Survey 2023). ➡️ And 78% of TLN mothers were able to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, the clinically recommended timeframe (TLN Survey 2024). With the support of a TLN International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), you can prepare to breastfeed and overcome challenges that arise along the way.

Did you know? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that health plans cover breastfeeding equipment AND lactation consultants. Tip: Consult with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) first to help you decide which breast pump is right for you. Request a visit today at tln.care

There are a few extra steps to take — and things to know — when it comes to storing your breast milk properly. Follow these 5 tips to ensure your fridge and freezer stash don’t go bad, because that’s the type of spilled milk we *will* cry over. Want more storage tips from an IBCLC? Read our full guide here: https://lnkd.in/gEMafbGU

The Lactation Network can help you get the breastfeeding support you need — whenever and wherever it's most convenient for you. Learn more about requesting a consultation at tln.care

Breastfeeding is magical. Myth. Breastfeeding is easy. Myth. Truth? Breastfeeding is different for everyone, and pretending the experience is universal can lead to shame and discouragement if challenges arise. Let’s talk openly about the good, the not so good, the surprises, and the solutions. It’s all part of the journey. What’s something you wish you knew before your breastfeeding journey? 💭 ⤵️

Providing lactation care benefits to working moms isn’t just a family-friendly policy. It’s a planet-friendly one, too. #EarthDay 🌎 Curious how? Read all about the environmental benefits of breastfeeding here: https://bit.ly/3WI7YBN

“My prenatal lactation appointment was super helpful. My IBCLC gave me a timeline of what to expect as my milk started to come in during the early days of postpartum (including what might feel alarming but was actually normal). What surprised me most was that she showed me how to produce colostrum before I had the baby. She also helped me figure out how my pump worked and the right size flange to use. Being able to “practice” pumping made it all seem a lot less scary, and it was also sort of reassuring to know that biologically, everything was working as intended. It took some of the apprehension out of breastfeeding once the baby was here. I wish more people knew that prenatal breastfeeding consultations are an option, and just how valuable they are. Not only was my visit anxiety-reducing, but it truly set me and my family up for success.” — Sela F., TLN patient Want to start your breastfeeding journey off strong? Request a prenatal lactation consultation here: https://bit.ly/441sYHs #PrenatalCare #BreastfeedingSupport #IBCLC #LactationConsultant #TLN #ParentPrep #PostpartumPrep #NewParentSupport

New job: Job training ✅ New baby: Breastfeeding training❓ Like any new skill, breastfeeding requires expert guidance, too! But while job training doesn't start until your first day, you can prepare for breastfeeding *before* your baby arrives with a prenatal lactation consultation. During this visit, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can set expectations for the first latch and the first few weeks with your baby (a time when breastfeeding hurdles are most common!). They can also review your anatomy, discuss potential challenges, and share troubleshooting techniques. Once your baby arrives, you’ll have a solid foundation to master this new skill together. Learn more about the benefits of early breastfeeding prep at https://bit.ly/4jxfMOT

It’s no secret that the United States falls (very) short in the paid parental leave department. Sweden offers 480 days of shared leave for parents, paid at 80% of their wages. In Bulgaria, mothers are entitled to 410 days of maternity leave paid at 90% of their salary, starting 45 days before their due date. And Chile offers 30 weeks of maternity leave, six weeks before birth and 24 weeks post-birth, at full pay. Meanwhile, in the United States, the contrast is stark. New parents are offered just 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) — and even then, only if they meet certain eligibility requirements. This puts new parents in a stressful bind during an already vulnerable season of life for them. And many return to work before they’re physically and emotionally ready. Without a national federal paid leave policy, the responsibility of caring for new families falls to employers. Creating a workplace that truly supports new parents means going beyond the bare minimum and offering: 🗓️ Extended paid leave 👩💻 Flexible working arrangements 💼 Phased return-to-work policies 🍼 Proper lactation rooms and accommodations 🚼 On-site childcare The impact is undeniable: Research shows that longer parental leave leads to better mental health for parents and stronger emotional, cognitive, and physical development for infants. And when parents have the time and space to heal, bond, and adjust, they return to work more engaged, more productive, and more loyal. Simply put, supporting new parents isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a smart business decision. Want to learn more about how you can support your employees before and after leave? Read our guide here: https://bit.ly/41EHe6l