Liz’s Story: Struggles with Tongue-Tie and Weight Gain
Liz Bergstrom, Fort Worth, Texas My first child (my son) is a little over two years old, and I’m now breastfeeding my second baby. My son had an undiagnosed tongue- and lip-tie for two months. I...
View ArticleGratitude
Kristen Witucki Birth was over. I held my son on the hard bed in Labor and Delivery, buoyed by very soft pillows that offered as much support as a rapidly deflating balloon. Someone—maybe a nurse or...
View ArticleEasing the Distress of Major Surgery: Part I
Shannon Gill, Denver, Colorado Originally published in Close to the Heart (LLL Asia & Middle East’s periodical magazine) Vol 17, No. 1. Last July, my husband and I were dreading the 7,000-mile...
View ArticleEasing the Distress of Major Surgery: Part II
Shannon Gill, Denver, Colorado Originally published in Close to the Heart (LLL Asia & Middle East’s periodical magazine) Vol 17, No. 1. Editor’s Note: Part I of Shannon and Hunter’s story was...
View ArticleBorn Unable To Swallow: My Journey To Breastfeeding My Son
Jennifer Clevenger, Scio, Oregon Bodhi is my fourth baby. I was young when I had my first baby. I nursed him for a little over a week, but with little to no help I switched to formula. My... Read More...
View ArticleBreastfeeding During Illness
You’re sick. You wonder if you should temporarily stop breastfeeding until you feel better. Should you continue to provide your expressed milk, or should you wait until you’re well? The Womanly Art of...
View ArticleParenting and Breastfeeding Through COVID-19
Grace C., Texas Editor’s Note: The following is the journey of one family with COVID-19. LLL USA realizes that illnesses can come with many levels of severity and that COVID-19 may affect your family...
View ArticleI Didn’t Know
Danielle Heckel, Phoenix, Arizona “I need a picture of this,” I croak at my husband. He looks at me unable to hide his surprise, “Seriously? You want a picture of THIS?” It was an odd request, because...
View ArticleDonating Milk During A Pandemic
Human milk donation has long played an important role in saving the lives of infants, many of whom are preterm or otherwise medically fragile. This need remains during the COVID-19 pandemic, and...
View ArticleResults Of The COVID Mothers Study
Editor’s Note: From time to time, LLL USA shares information about research studies relating to breastfeeding/chestfeeding/human milk feeding. The researcher agrees to provide the results of the study...
View ArticleJustine’s Story: Meeting Breastfeeding Challenges As A Young Parent
Justine Najera, Fort Worth, Texas Breastfeeding was the only option for me. I grew up around it, and there was no stigma (about breastfeeding) in the town I grew up in. I saw my sister-in-law do it...
View ArticleExpectations
Erica Goehring, Washington, Pennsylvania I had always wanted to be a mother. I had explored the many details of pregnancy, babies, and parenting for years. I felt ready for the next chapter of the life...
View ArticleLooking Back: Born With A Clubfoot
Linda Shawcross, Colorado Editor’s Note: Published in the January-February 1982 issue of La Leche League News (originally from the Montana, Wyoming, Colorado LLL newsletter, Building Blocks). The first...
View ArticleAmanda’s Story: Birth, Breastfeeding And My Neurodivergent Child
Amanda Hartman, Winchester, Virginia My son is neurodivergent and had a rough start to life and breastfeeding, but with dedication, perseverance, and support he just self-weaned in August at a little...
View ArticleSpeaking Out About Postpartum Mood Disorders: From The New Beginnings Archives
By Rita Brhel, Nebraska Editor’s Note: Over the years, many “classic” New Beginnings articles were available through both the La Leche League USA and La Leche League International websites. As these...
View ArticleKylie’s Story Of Postweaning Depression: Still Growing Together
Kylie Powell, Lorton, Virginia I never really pictured myself as a parent before I became one. I had no picture in my head of how it would look. “Mom” is a role I am still growing into all... Read More...
View ArticleLa Leche League USA Resources Spotlight: Medications and Breastfeeding
Recently, New Beginnings received inquiries about resources parents can refer to when they have questions about the safety of using medications while breastfeeding. We thought we’d take this chance to...
View ArticleShanice’s Story: Addressing My Mental Health Improved My Breastfeeding Journey
Shanice Linnen, South Carolina Editor’s Note: Black Breastfeeding Week is celebrated August 25-31, 2023. This year’s theme is BBW 2023: We Outside! Celebrating Connection & Our Communities. For...
View ArticleFive Tips For Breastfeeding With Chronic Illness: A Parent’s Story
K.P., Virginia I am writing this story about my experience with ulcerative colitis and breastfeeding/parenting. It is not a glamorous disease, but there may be a nursing parent reading this who is...
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