Fever in Babies: When to Call the Pediatrician vs Go to the ER
Few things spike a parent’s anxiety faster than seeing a high number on the thermometer.
But here’s the truth:
A fever itself is not the enemy.
Fever is part of the body’s immune response. It helps fight infection. In many cases, it’s doing exactly what it was designed to do.
We shouldn’t focus on treating the fever and looking only at the number.
We should treat the baby, considering their age and overall condition.
Let’s walk through what actually matters.
Breastfeeding During Ramadan: Caring for Yourself is an Act of Worship
You’ve been looking forward to Ramadan — the prayers, the reflection, the sense of community. But this year, you’re also breastfeeding. Your body is still recovering from childbirth, and the nights are full of feeds. You want to participate in the fast, to join in the spiritual practice, but you’re unsure if you should.
For many mothers, this mix of excitement and uncertainty can quickly turn into guilt or worry. Watching others fast while you navigate sleepless nights and frequent feeds can make you feel left out — or even like you’re falling short.
The good news is that our faith anticipated this season of life. Mercy and flexibility were built into the practice — not as an exception, but as care for you and your baby.
What is Every Baby Feeds?
In the early weeks, parents are constantly asked to make decisions without context — and exhaustion makes uncertainty feel heavier.
When most families search for feeding support, they expect a single answer to a single problem: fix the latch, increase supply, stop the pain, help the baby gain weight. And sometimes it really is that straightforward.
But often, it isn’t.
Many parents come in thinking they need help with breastfeeding and discover what they actually needed was clarity — understanding what their baby’s behavior means, how recommendations fit together, and how to make decisions without constantly second‑guessing themselves.
Every Baby Feeds was created to bring three pieces of early parenthood together in one place: hands‑on feeding support, guidance through the healthcare system, and education that builds confidence beyond one appointment.
You Were Referred… Now What?
You leave an appointment and your provider says:
“I’m going to place a referral.”
You nod… and then later realize you have no idea what happens next.
Days go by.
No call.
No appointment.
Maybe a message from insurance. Maybe nothing at all.
Many parents assume they’re waiting for the system to move forward on its own — but most of the time, referrals require a little navigation. Not because anyone did something wrong, but because healthcare is complicated and no one really explains the process.
This post will help you understand what a referral means, why delays happen, and what you’re actually allowed to do next.
How to Achieve a Good Latch (and What to Do When Breastfeeding Is Painful)
Breastfeeding is often described as “natural,” but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy—especially in the early days. One of the most common challenges new parents face is achieving a comfortable, effective latch.
If breastfeeding is painful, if your baby seems to struggle at the breast, or if feeds feel stressful, you’re not alone. Latch issues are common, and in most cases, they’re fixable with small adjustments and the right support.
This guide walks through what a good latch looks like, signs the latch may need help, and simple strategies you can try to improve comfort and milk transfer.
Breastfeeding Basics for Newborns: What You Really Need to Know
There’s something magical—and messy—about those first days of feeding your newborn. One minute you’re staring down a tiny, hungry mouth; the next, you’re wondering if you’re doing it “right” at all.
Let’s clear up what you can expect in those early weeks and what’s truly normal, so you can breathe a little easier and enjoy the baby cuddles instead of stressing through every feeding.
Breastfeeding Your Baby with Congenital Heart Disease: What You Need to Know
Think breastfeeding isn't possible with a cardiac baby? Think again.
I get it. When your baby is diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD), feeding becomes one more thing on an overwhelming list of medical concerns. Between cardiology appointments, echo results, oxygen saturations, and surgery discussions, figuring out how to feed your baby can feel impossibly complex.
But here's what I want you to know: breastfeeding is not only possible for many babies with CHD—it can offer unique, cardiac-specific benefits that make it worth pursuing with the right support.
When YOU Get Sick: Why You Should Keep Breastfeeding (And How to Do It)
It's 2 AM and you're awake with a pounding headache, body aches, and a fever. Your baby stirs and wants to nurse. And in that moment, you might wonder: Should I even be doing this right now?
The short answer? Yes. Absolutely yes.
If you're sick and breastfeeding, I want you to know what's actually happening when you continue to nurse through your illness. Because it's not just about getting through another feeding. It's about giving your baby the most powerful protection they could possibly have right now.
When Your Kids Get Sick: The Extraordinary Power of Breast Milk
This week, my kids got sick. And while I've been up at night with feverish little ones who just want to snuggle, I've been reminded of something truly extraordinary: my body used to create custom medicine for them.
Colostrum Harvesting Before Birth: What You Need to Know About Collecting Liquid Gold
Colostrum harvesting — also known as antenatal expression or prenatal colostrum collection — is the practice of hand-expressing and storing your first milk before your baby arrives. If you're in your third trimester and wondering whether colostrum harvesting is right for you, this guide will walk you through the benefits, safety considerations, and step-by-step instructions for collecting and storing this precious "liquid gold."
Choosing the Right Bottles & Pacifiers: A Lactation, OT, and PT Perspective
Bottle nipple and pacifier shape can directly impact your baby’s latch, tongue movement, oral motor development, and overall feeding success. In this guide, a collaborative team—IBCLC, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy—breaks down which shapes support healthy feeding patterns and which ones may lead to compensations. If you’re looking for the best bottles and pacifiers for breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or feeding therapy, this article will help you understand exactly what to look for.
Feeding a Baby With Sensory Needs: Signs, Tips, and Support
Feeding your baby should be a time of connection, comfort, and nourishment — but for some families, it can feel stressful or challenging. If your baby seems easily overwhelmed by textures, gagging, or turning away from the breast, bottle, or spoon, you’re not alone. These behaviors can sometimes point to sensory differences that affect feeding. Understanding what to look for and how to support your baby can make a huge difference for both you and your little one.
Understanding Tongue & Lip Ties: Why a Team Approach Matters for Feeding Success
Tongue ties and lip ties are topics that come up often in my practice, especially when families are struggling with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or their baby simply seems uncomfortable during feeds. If you’ve been searching for answers about feeding challenges, latch difficulties, or whether a tongue tie might be part of the picture, you’re not alone.
Understanding Newborn Hunger and Fullness Cues: Learning Your Baby’s Language
In the first days and weeks with your baby, feeding can feel like a full-time job — and in many ways, it is! Newborns eat frequently, and every feeding helps establish your milk supply, support growth, and build trust. But beyond schedules and ounces, one of the most helpful skills you can learn early on is how to recognize your baby’s hunger and fullness cues.
Feeding a Baby with a Cleft Lip and/or Palate: Finding What Works for You and Your Baby
Feeding your baby is meant to be a time of connection, comfort, and growth — but when your baby has a cleft lip and/or palate, feeding can come with extra challenges and questions. Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or using specialty bottles, there are ways to help your baby thrive. With the right guidance and support, feeding can still be a beautiful, bonding experience.
Birth Control and Breastfeeding: Finding the Right Balance for You
Choosing birth control while breastfeeding doesn’t have to be confusing. This guide explores safe postpartum contraception options — including hormonal, non-hormonal, and fertility awareness methods — and explains how each can impact milk supply, recovery, and family planning.
Breastfeeding and Torticollis: Positioning, Support, and What to Watch For
Torticollis is a tight or shortened neck muscle — most often the sternocleidomastoid — that causes a baby to tilt or turn their head to one side. While it’s fairly common, it can make feeding a bit tricky. Babies with torticollis may prefer turning their head one way, struggle to latch on the non-preferred side, or feel uncomfortable in certain feeding positions.
The good news? With the right support and positioning, feeding can become much smoother and more comfortable for both baby and parent.
What Do I Do With My Hands?
Every baby — and every feeding journey — is unique. The way you position your hands while supporting your breast can make a big difference in how your baby latches, how comfortable you feel, and how efficiently your baby feeds.
In this post, we’ll explore several helpful breastfeeding hand positions — including the C-hold, U-hold, Sandwich hold, Dancer’s hold, and two modified Dancer’s holds — to help you find what works best for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding a Baby with Hypotonia: Tips, Support, and Hope
Breastfeeding a baby with hypotonia (low muscle tone) can look and feel very different from a typical feeding journey. Babies with hypotonia may have weaker muscle control in their mouth, jaw, or body, which can make it harder to latch, stay latched, and transfer milk effectively. While these challenges can feel overwhelming at times, with the right support, positioning, and guidance, many babies with low tone can successfully breastfeed—fully or partially.
Breastmilk & Formula Storage: The Rule of 5s
As a parent, figuring out how to safely store breastmilk or formula can feel overwhelming. You want to make sure your baby’s milk is both nutritious and safe. That’s why I love using “the rule of 5s” – a simple way to remember storage times for breastmilk – plus a few key tips for formula.