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As I sit here watching my 13-day-old nephew while my sister-in-law takes a well-deserved nap, I’m reminded of the essential role that support plays during those early days of new parenthood. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to prepare a meal, fold some laundry, or simply offer a helping hand. These small gestures can lift so much weight off new parents' shoulders.

A father feeding his baby a bottle. There is so much conflicting information when you look up storage guidelines for breastmilk. And heating it? That is a whole other can of worms. How do you know what to look at, what to believe, and what guidelines to follow? First, it helps to understand the terminology used by health organizations: Guideline : A general rule, principle, or piece of advice. Recommendation : A suggestion or proposal for the best course of action, usually pu

Is Your Baby Suddenly Distracted? Do you have a wriggly baby in your lap? A baby that is popping on and off when latching? This can be very normal. Babies around 3-4 months old start to investigate their surroundings and notice sounds and movement more and more. The transition from a sleepy newborn to an active explorer is one of the most noticeable nursing stages. At 3-4 months, your baby is no longer a passive participant, but a curious investigator. Newborns vs. Older Babi

Wall pump vs. wearable? Discover real-world insights on the most popular breast pumps. Learn why comfort, suction, and frequency of milk removal are the keys to a successful pumping journey.

Big news for Gulf Coast families! Gulf Coast Lactation is restoring breastfeeding continuity of care by accepting insurance again starting January 1, 2026. Learn how our proactive, insurance-based appointments ensure your baby gets a healthy start.

Are you using a Haakaa to "catch leaks"? Be careful! For most babies, using a milk collector on the opposite breast while nursing is essentially "pumping" milk the baby would normally receive. If you're using a Haakaa, you must know when and how to use it to ensure your baby is getting the volume they need to grow and thrive.

I often get asked which bottle to use. With so many choices available, it can feel overwhelming. It has taken me years to navigate all the different brands, flows, shapes, and textures of bottles. Then you have to consider the baby—the shape of their mouth, the strength of their suck, and whether the suck is organized or unorganized. Giving a parent a simple, direct answer isn’t always possible. I do have some favorites, but that doesn’t mean another baby won’t do better with

Learn how HAMLET cells and HMOs protect your baby’s developing gut, build the immune system, and offer incredible long-term health benefits.

I was talking to one of my cousins recently, and we started talking about food quality and how it affects the gut microbiome. Research shows how important the gut microbiome is in relation to chronic illnesses. When we clean up our diets and change our microbiome, it directly affects our physical and mental health. That led us straight into the foundation of a healthy gut: birth and breastfeeding. Research over the last two decades has shown that this early microbial coloniza

My dad and I I had a conversation with my mother recently about tongue and lip ties. We have recognized that my father had a severe tongue tie, and very few could understand him. It wasn't until many years after his death that it all clicked for me. Before he died, I remember having a conversation with him. He asked if I could roll my tongue and if I could stick my tongue past my lips. We sat at the table, sticking our tongues out at one another. Fast forward, and a niece and

The first few days after birth are an incredible time of transition for both you and your baby. Your body is learning to make milk, and your baby is learning how to feed. These early days, especially the first 72 hours, set the stage for your milk supply in the weeks and months to come. What’s Happening in Your Body During pregnancy, your breasts begin making colostrum , the thick, golden milk often called “liquid gold.” After birth, hormones signal your body to begin produci

I got a call the other day from a mama that was asking why one breast was bigger than the other and could she do anything to change it. Many women notice that one breast makes more milk—or that the baby prefers one side over the other. Many breastfeeding mothers have one breast that makes more than the other. This is completely normal, but it can sometimes leave you wondering why  it happens and what  to do about it. Many women have one breast that is slightly larger than the

Ribbon Cutting with Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce The Gulf Coast Lactation Community Center proudly celebrated its Grand Opening on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, with a joyful morning filled with community, connection, and family-centered support. The event was held at the new center, located at 25421 State Hwy. 181, Suite 101, Daphne, AL 36526, and was covered by Fox 10 News.   Click here for coverage. The celebration began with local mothers and babies participating in a

Gulf Coast Lactation is here for you. Our mission is to increase the number of mothers who are successful at breastfeeding. We believe that this is the first step in improving the health of our children and mothers and, so, our community and nation. Let’s breastfeed together! ​ According to the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC), among infants born in 2019, most (83.2%) started out receiving some breast milk, and 78.6% were receiving some breast milk at 1 month. At 6

Scotty Thomson RN, BSN, IBCLC, the founder of Gulf Coast Lactation, and the woman who makes our mission possible. Our mission is to make breastfeeding easy, but breastfeeding isn't always easy. Gulf Coast Lactation works to make breastfeeding successful and beneficial for both you and your baby. Scotty will give you the help that you deserve, “I believe that all moms deserve a more holistic approach to continued support after leaving the hospital so they can be successful in