Hi friends!! Hope you're having a great week!
Today's episode is super exciting because we have another special guest with us. Get ready to meet Kimberly Hampton, the lactation consultant extraordinaire behind Middle TN Lactation. Listen to our full interview HERE!
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Now, I have a personal connection to Kimberly because she helped me through my own breastfeeding struggles about five years ago.
(If you want to hear all those details, make sure you go back to episode #3! Also, in episode #10, I spill all the beans about my top 10 breastfeeding must-haves for new moms. Believe me, those hacks saved my life during those early months. So make sure you give it a listen if you haven't already!)
Kimberly is not only a lactation consultant, but also a pediatric nurse. Her journey to becoming a lactation consultant started after she faced her own breastfeeding obstacles with her two kids.
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After lots of reading and research, and a conversation with a pediatrician she worked with, Kimberly decided to pursue a career as a lactation consultant. She went through the process of becoming board-certified, and in 2014, Middle Tennessee Lactation was born. Since then, she has been helping moms all over Middle Tennessee with their breastfeeding journeys. (She even offers virtual consults too, for all you moms beyond Tennessee!)
Kimberly shares a valuable tip for new mamas: line up your postpartum support! And I couldn't agree more. We often try to be supermom and think we can do it all on our own, but trust me, having someone there to take care of you and cook some meals can be a game-changer. It could be your mom, mother-in-law, neighbor, friend, or relative. The important thing is to realize that it's okay to ask for help.
Now, let's talk about why some new moms struggle with breastfeeding. One of the main reasons is a lack of support. If you haven't established a relationship with a lactation consultant during pregnancy, it can be overwhelming when you're home with your newborn and facing latching issues. That's why Kimberly suggests reaching out to a lactation consultant early on to have a game plan and know the next steps to take. Trust me, Google can be helpful, but sometimes it's better to have a knowledgeable expert by your side.
Listen to this episode on Spotify.
Another reason for breastfeeding struggles is a lack of access to lactation consultants. Luckily, things are changing, and more insurance companies are starting to cover lactation care. Kimberly mentions the Lactation Network, which is an incredible resource. However, it's important to note that not all states have the same coverage, so make sure to check what's available to you.
Kimberly suggests expectant moms start researching lactation consultants in your second trimester and schedule one-on-one meetings in your third trimester. This gives you enough time to familiarize yourself with the options and make informed decisions. Plus, if you're still undecided about which pump to choose, you can get expert guidance in choosing the right one for you.
For nursing moms experiencing nipple pain and/or sensitivity, she also recommended a cool new product I'd never heard of - Silverettes!
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Kimberly shared tons more resources in our conversation. We discuss a little-known fact about breast pump flanges, her pro-tips for selecting bottles/bottle nipples and SO much more. Listen to the episode in full HERE for all the details! I know you'll find her insights valuable and empowering - just like I did. Check out the transcript HERE.
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Check out other episodes about breastfeeding...
Can't wait to chat with you again next week!
-Krista-
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