BSN, RN, IBCLC
Melissa Kotlen has been advising mothers on breastfeeding issues for 20 years. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a Registered Nurse (RN), with additional background in Midwifery. Melissa also provides lactation guidance and assists with business development matters for MommaWork, a company focusing on supporting working mothers. Melissa assists women on breastfeeding issues in private, classroom, mother’s group, volunteer, and hospital settings. Her breastfeeding expertise has been featured on CBS News and in American Baby, Parents and Parenting magazines, in addition to appearances on major national television and radio programs. She lives in New York City.
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Several women consider using herbs while breastfeeding to boost their milk production and supply. According to studies, herbs such as fenugreek, fennel, blessed thistle, and goat’s rue have galactagogue properties that may help maintain, promote, or induce milk production (1). However, their safety and efficacy for nursing mothers and their babies is inadequately researched. Thus,…
Apple cider vinegar (or ACV) is an apple juice product made through fermentation and is employed as a nutraceutical for its various health benefits. ACV is found to have the therapeutic properties of acetic acid, micronutrients, enzymes, and bioactive substances, making it a medically significant product (1). However, you might be wondering if you can…
Loratadine, commonly known by the trade name — Claritin, is a OTC medicine that is used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever or other allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchiness of the eyes, nose, and throat. But is Loratadine in breast milk safe? It may help to know that while it…
Many mothers may consider giving breast milk baths for babies. Breast milk is packed with antibodies and nutrients to nourish the baby. Although it is unfamiliar for many, a breast milk bath benefits the baby\'s skin. This may help moisten your baby\'s skin and relieve itching and dryness. A breast milk bath may also improve…
Breast engorgement is the painful swelling of the breasts due to them being overfull with milk. Breastfeeding is a special experience for all mothers. But it comes with its fair share of problems as well. One of them is the issue of breast engorgement. The engorgement of the breasts can make them firm and, in…
It is not uncommon for new mothers to experience itchy breasts while breastfeeding. It is one of the many other problems of breastfeeding that may bother first-time mothers. At times, it may interfere with breastfeeding. Moreover, pre-existing sore nipples can lead to increased breastfeeding pain during the process of latching, while nursing. However, breastfeeding is…
Pepto-Bismol is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal ailments such as gastroesophageal reflux, nausea, bloating, stomach upset, belchingiXThe process of releasing excess air or gas from the stomach, commonly called burping. , and diarrhea. However, some parents may wonder if it is safe to use Pepto-Bismol while breastfeeding. If you suffer from diarrhea or acidity while…
If you are currently breastfeeding your baby and notice leaking breast milk, you might wonder as to why it is happening. Breast milk leakage mainly happens due to the overproduction of milk. So much so that it starts to leak out of the breast. This situation might cause mothers to worry about their ability to…
Tingling in breasts is one of the changes your body goes through during pregnancy to accommodate the baby. Even before you give birth, your body prepares your breasts for breastfeeding. Breast milk will be your baby’s sole source of nutrition during the first six months of their life. Therefore, breast milk is produced around the…
Lactation occurs naturally in women after childbirth. However, lactation without pregnancy is characterized by milk discharge from breasts even if one is not pregnant or nursing. It is not uncommon for mothers to experience breast milk production and leakage even one year after weaning the baby. However, in some cases, lactation without pregnancy may be…
Strep throat or streptococcal pharyngitis is a painful throat infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria (1). It causes inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes and tonsils and can pass to others. Hence, if you contract strep throat when breastfeeding, you may want to know if the infection can pass on to your lactating…
You may experience sore nipples from breastfeeding a few weeks after childbirth. This occurs mostly as your baby adjusts to sucking. It is a common condition and does not usually require medical treatment. However, you should discuss with a lactation consultant if cracked nipples with or without pain persist for more than two weeks without…
Antibiotics are medications to treat bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics while breastfeeding may not be wise without consulting a doctor. Medications may reach the baby via breastmilk and cause harmful side effects in them. This holds true for antibiotics as well. Antibiotics may be of several types, and only a healthcare professional can help you identify…
Breastmilk is important because it offers infants complete nutrition for their growth and development. However, if breastfeeding is not possible on demand, mothers should learn how to store breastmilk. Storing breastmilk allows mothers the flexibility to feed their babies in their absence or when they cannot nurse. For example, if you are a working mother…
Breastfeeding can be a difficult task for some women, especially in the early days after the baby’s birth. A nipple shield can help your baby latch onto your breasts and suckle more effectively. They are helpful if you have inverted nipples, your baby is premature, or your baby has tongue issues. A nipple shield helps…