Read what our
experts have to say.

If you are planning on breastfeeding, you have likely bought all kinds of things to help you manage those first few weeks at home. But for many parents, pumping quickly becomes part of the breastfeeding journey. So how much thought have you given to pumping and all the gear that goes with that?


Whether you’re planning to return to work or just want to pump extra breast milk so that other caregivers can feed the baby, knowing what you need is key to successful pumping. We asked Dana Czuczka, MPH, IBCLC, the expert that leads our breastfeeding classes, for her top tips for new and expecting parents when it comes to pumping. From what to consider when selecting a pump to knowing what essential items you’ll need, this ultimate pumping checklist will help set you up for pumping success.  The Ulti

When you’re pregnant, your doctor gives you a long list of foods to avoid — soft cheese, unpasteurized dairy, lunch meat, raw fish, and more. But, for a lot of parents, the questions around what they can and cannot eat extend to after the baby is born when they are breastfeeding. While there are no specific guidelines around foods to avoid while breastfeeding, there is some information to keep in mind. So we asked Tinyhood expert, Vanessa Thornton, a pediatric nutritionist, to share some of the most common questions parents ask her when it comes to their diet when breastfeeding. Plus, see her answers below.  Q:

When it comes to breastfeeding there's a lot to learn – for many, it’s not as natural and simple as they imagine. But, learning what to expect from your body and your baby before you start on your breastfeeding journey can set you up for success. We asked our expert Dana Czuczka (IBCLC), the instructor for our Breastfeeding

Gone are the days of large shapeless clothing being the only option for nursing parents. Many companies have come out with the best nursing tops that perfectly address both style and function. If you’re expecting and are planning to breastfeed, you’ll definitely want to add a good amount of nursing tops to your post-pregnancy wardrobe (probably more than you think!). Once you start heading out of the house, these tops with hidden zippers, double layers, easy latches and easy-access flaps will make nursing and pumping so much easier. If you’ve taken a childbirth class or

In this Ask an Expert, we ask Dana C., professional IBCLC and instructor for our Breastfeeding 101 course, exactly how often a breastfeeding parent should pump. Don’t forget to check out our FREE breastfeeding course, to prepare you or help you on your breastfeeding journey.

In this Ask an Expert, we ask Dana C., professional IBCLC and instructor for our Breastfeeding 101 course, about diagnosing and treating a clogged milk duct. Don’t forget to check out our FREE breastfeeding course, as you prepare for your breastfeeding journey.  Question: I think I have a clogged milk duct — how can I be sure, and how can I treat it? Answer: First of all, try not to panic. Clogged milk ducts —sometimes referred to as blocked or plugged ducts&m

In this Ask an Expert, we talk to Dana C., professional IBCLC and instructor for our Breastfeeding 101 course, about taking collagen while breastfeeding. We also chat with Pediatric Nutritionist and instructor for our Introducing Solids 101 class, Vanessa Thornton, about collagen in foods and how it could affect your body. Don’t forget to check out our FREE breastfeeding course, to prepare you, or

In this Ask an Expert, we ask Dana C., professional IBCLC and instructor for our Breastfeeding 101 course, about popping clogged milk ducts. Don’t forget to check out our FREE breastfeeding course, as you prepare for your breastfeeding journey.   

Breastfeeding can be one of the most challenging parts of having a new baby. Despite what society may make you think, it doesn’t come as naturally as you would expect. The most important way you can prepare for a successful breastfeeding journey is by taking a class and educating yourself on all things breastfeeding. In the video below, the expert that leads our

Breastfeeding can be one of the biggest challenges for a new mom. The frustration when it doesn’t come as easily and as naturally as you expect can leave you feeling like a failure. But the truth is, breastfeeding can be hard. It takes a lot of work, and the best thing you can do for you and your future little one is to prepare by taking a breastfeeding class BEFORE birth. 

Tinyhood only recommends products that we genuinely love and are vetted by experts. If you buy something through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Planning on breastfeeding?  While nursing can be one of the most challenging parts about becoming a new parent, there are definitely some ways you can prepare before your baby is born. This will make things a little less overwhelming in those early days and weeks of the newborn phase.

Meet Dana, a professionally trained IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), who has earned the highest credentials one can pursue in lactation consulting and works at a top-ranked hospital where she has helped thousands of families. She is ivy-league educated with a master’s degree in public health, is a mom of two kids (and two dogs), and enjoys tending to her vegetable garden.

In this Ask an Expert, we ask Dana C., professional IBCLC and instructor for our Breastfeeding 101 course, about breastfeeding with breast implants. Don’t forget to check out our FREE breastfeeding course, as you prepare for your breastfeeding journey. 

By Liz Moorhead I’m breastfeeding. Is it safe for me to get the COVID-19 vaccine?While there is no definitive answer just yet, the consensus is that yes, it most likely is safe for a breastfeeding parent to get the COVID-19 vaccine. No one can say with 100% certainty because breastfeeding parents and nursing infants were not included in the first round of clinical trials. We can, however, use what we know about vaccines in general, the two approved mRNA coronavirus vaccines, and the recommendations of your specific provider to make educated assumptions. Though we haven’t studied the effects of the

One of the most common questions we hear from breastfeeding parents is, “Why can’t I get a good latch?!” Many common feeding challenges, including nipple pain, can be resolved from ensuring a good latch. We asked our certified lactation expert Dana, to talk about what makes a good latch and how to troubleshoot if you think your baby is having

Are you experiencing painful or sore nipples while breastfeeding your newborn? From sore nipples, to engorgement, to clogged milk ducts, many moms run into issues during their breastfeeding journey. We asked our Tinyhood Certified Lactation Expert to break down what's normal pain, what's "more than normal", and 8 pro tips for how you can relieve your sore nipples.  

Every October we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a great chance to bring awareness to this incredibly important cause that has touched so many of us, and also a good opportunity to take a look at some interesting science: the research that shows how breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer for both you and your baby. 

Women are constantly reminded to check for lumps in their breasts. But this can be tricky (and scary!) for breastfeeding mamas, since lumps can be quite common and totally normal when lactating. Usually lumps in a breastfeeding mom are a full or clogged milk gland/duct -- if this is the case, the lump should get smaller and/or resolve after nursing or pumping. Treat the lump with warm moist heat, gentle massage, and effective emptying. It is very rare for a breastfeeding mom to develop breast cancer, but it's not impossible, so it's very important to seek care as soon as possible if you no

Having a baby can be stressful for any new parent. If you are temporarily separated from your baby at birth because they are premature or sick, that can feel downright overwhelming -- especially when it comes to breastfeeding. Just know that even if it may be a little more challenging if your baby is in the NICU, breastfeeding is extremely comforting and healthy for the baby and is one of the most important things you can do. By giving your baby breast milk, it’s like you’re giving them a medicine no hospital can make!  With this in mind, we’ve asked our breastfeeding experts to

Relax—this is a common problem new moms face. Most babies take time getting used to the newness and feel of a bottle. It’s important to stay calm and tell yourself this too shall pass—because it may take some time, but you’ll get through it!

Pumping and storing breastmilk is a great way for breastfeeding parents to gain a little flexibility and freedom, have partners help out with feeding baby, and ensure the breastfeeding parent can go back to work and still provide baby with breastmilk. We know the internet has a lot of conflicting information on all the rules around this topic so we've compiled this list of tips based on the recommendations from the latest research and leading experts. This way, there's no uncertainty or guessing if your milk is still safe for baby!

So your parental leave is ending. How the heck did that happen?! For some, it’s an exciting occasion, the chance to focus on something new. For others, it’s more somber because they know they’ll miss their baby like crazy. And for most… it’s both of those things with an added dash of anxiety thrown in. Because you are no longer managing the normal work-life things you know about; you’re also managing new working parent-life things. And if you are breastfeeding, one of those new working parent things is pumping. We asked our expert and certified lactation consultant Dana for her top tips for nursing parents returning to w

If you’re worried about producing enough breast milk for your baby, you’re not alone. This is a common concern among breastfeeding parents at some point in their breastfeeding journey. In all likelihood, your body can produce enough milk. You just need to help it along a bit. How? We asked our expert and certified lactation consultant Dana for her top tips for increasing breast milk production. Here are her recommendations.