Christine Swearingen

Coaching You Through the Fourth Trimester

Personalized Support for the 5 Biggest Baby Feeding Questions

Thank you to Emily Sylvester, MS, RD, LDN, IBCLC, and Founder of NurtureTalk for this guest post!

More and more moms are turning to social media as a hub of information or a source of social support in pregnancy or through infant feeding. I mean how cool is it to have millions of other moms, who have real life mamahood running through their blood, available right at your fingertips! But let’s be honest mama, sometimes it can seem like every other response you get expresses a different opinion with comments swinging all over the place. How many times have you read through a mommy social media post and left feeling more confused than when you started? As great as it is to get so many answers to what seems like your endless list of baby feeding questions, and have a posse of moms to lean on, you should never be left wondering what is right for YOU.

So what if mastering baby feeding was so much easier? This is where a baby feeding coach comes in.

I’m sure you know you can find a coach for anything these days -weight loss, money making, spiritual mastery, even bringing your sex life to the next level (yup I said it). Soooo it is time you gained this type of coaching power for the most stressful and unpredictable time in your life-birth and feeding baby.

NurtureTalk is a one-of-a-kind feeding support service giving moms unlimited access to a dietitian (baby feeding/mama nutrition expert) who is a board-certified lactation consultant (breastfeeding expert). Your NurtureTalk coach is there to coach you through any AND every feeding problem in your mama journey.

Continue reading to learn the 5 biggest baby feeding questions at NurtureTalk!

What is a baby feeding coach?

Every mom who subscribes gets a coach that is an expert in all baby feeding. Your NurtureTalk coach is there to help you navigate through any and every feeding problem in your mama journey.

Every mom deserves unbiased support from an expert who gets what you’re going through. And, call us crazy, but we believe you should get that support exactly when you need it so you can spend less time worrying and more time cuddling your bundle of joy.

Every single pregnancy is different and unique to a mama and her baby. That variation in experience is one of the things that makes motherhood so beautiful, and is also what makes it so challenging. What worked for your sister, mom, best friend, or even you two years ago may not be what works for you now. So, whether you are a first-time or veteran parent, coaching can take away the worry.

What if you want to formula feed or are not quite sure about breastfeeding?

Not quite sure? Well, we agree it is oftentimes forgotten in the baby feeding space that there are many paths to get to your feeding goals. Yes, at NurtureTalk we do love breastfeeding! This is because breastfeeding protects the health of you and your baby and is a beautiful opportunity to bond. We have seen NurtureTalk work to help moms achieve their breastfeeding goals even if they are not sure. Studies suggest that moms using NurtureTalk for feeding support are more likely to be breastfeeding at 3 months and less likely to have introduced formula at 3 months than moms who aren’t.

But, while we’re here, let’s clear something up. The number one goal with NurtureTalk coaching is always to feed your baby, keep them growing, and meet your needs as a new mama. Because if you feel informed in your choices, you will have all the mama power in the world. As registered dietitians, we have all the experience and knowledge in the world to advise on mixed formula and breastfeeding and formula choices.

Baby Feeding Q&A with NurtureTalk Founder Emily Sylvester, MS, RD, LDN, IBCLC

Here are five of the most common (and real life) questions we get from real moms navigating their feeding journeys and quick tips to help tackle them.

Note: Questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Q1: I feel like in the first two days of feeding, I let her latch more shallowly and am now struggling to correct some bad behavior. Any suggestions for getting a deeper latch?

Things to look for in your latch. If you don’t see these, go ahead and re-latch! Corner of the mouth is “o” shaped. Now “v” or “I” shaped Nose starts out across from the nipple when latching so baby gets a big cheeseburger biteLips are flanged out (if the rest of the latch feels okay, feel free to flip them with your finger!)There is no clicking sound or puckering of the cheek when sucking and swallowingBaby is more on top of you than you are over them.

Q3: Should I wake him from sleep if it’s time to feed? He takes longgggg naps/sleeps. And how often? Every 2 hours?

Some babies are just especially sleepy! In the beginning it can be advisable to wake him every twoto four hours for feeding. If your baby is falling asleep too soon during feeds you can undress him forfeeds, change his diaper before feeds or in between feeding the left and the right breast, or tickle orplay with his feet.

Q3: Can you tell me more about cluster feeding?

Cluster feeding is a time when your baby wants lots of short feeds over a few hours. It’s exhausting but normal and will often happen in the early days of breastfeeding. There is no particular reason why babies cluster feed, but some experts believe it might be a way to boost mom’s milk supply.
5 Tips To make cluster feedings easier: Relax your baby’s leadEat well Try to rest in the early part of the day to prepareStay hydrated! This is thirsty work Get as much partner and family support as you can
It’s exhausting now, but you can look forward to a sleepy, settled baby after feedings are done being clustered.

Q4: Is there any way to know if my supply is “right” and that my baby is getting enough milk?

Keeping count of wet and soiled diapers is the gold standard for assessing your baby’s intake! Once your milk comes in, you can expect around five or more wet diapers per day and at least three stools. If your baby has fewer than expected wet or soiled diapers or urine darker than a pale yellow, it might be time to follow up with an IBCLC or medical provider.

Q5: Is it true that formula is harder for my baby to digest? What’s your advice on transitioning onto a new formula – would you mix the two formulas or switch cold-turkey?

Breast milk is in fact easier for your baby to digest because it’s made specifically for your baby’s body.
I would not suggest mixing the two formulas. Either fill half of the day’s bottles with the old formula and use the new formula for the other half, or just start the new formula! Whichever way you choose to do it, it will likely take up to a week to see a difference, so I would stick with it unless there are some serious side effects. We want to avoid changing formulas too much too soon to see if there are any changes in tolerance and digestion.

If you have questions about feeding your baby and feel like you don’t know who to ask or what to trust. NurtureTalk can help! And unlimited means unlimited, so send that 2AM text. It’s ever too early, we swear! Visit www.nurturetalk.com or add NurtureTalk on Instagram (@nurturetalk) for more!

Baby Must-Haves from Dana Ivy

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Hi! Dana Ivy here from I Adore What I Love! If we don’t know each other yet, it’s SO nice to meet you! I Adore What I Love is a mom blog showcasing ways to make life a little easier. While I don’t consider myself any kind of parenting expert, I do have lots of mom tips and tricks up my sleeve =)

What makes me qualified for that, you ask? Well, I have two rambunctious boys {Brody is 6 and Levi is 4} who keep me on my toes and a baby girl on the way! We are so excited to add on to our little family and I, in particular, hope this baby girl brings some calm to our crazy chaotic life! It probably will be just the opposite but a mom can dream, right?!

With all that being said, since it’s been over 4 years since I’ve had a newborn in my life, soooo many new products have come out on the market. It’s wild but awesome and I have had so much fun working with Gugu Guru, who helped save me time researching what products I will actually need for baby #3! I thought I would compile a list of all the must-haves I will be purchasing {or even putting on my registry} for the last little love in my life – and yes, she will definitely be our last baby!

Here we go…

1. BabyBjorn Bouncer Bundle with Toy Bar: While this isn’t new to the market, it’s definitely new to me. I know I will need a place for baby to get some R&R aside from being held and this is the perfect, cozy bouncer. It also allows for gentle rocking. YES!

2. Convertible Infant Car Seat/Compact Stroller System with Base: OMG – this genius car seat is an innovative game-changer!! It literally goes from a car seat to a stroller in seconds. You really just have to see it to believe it!

3. Bumbo Changing Pad: It comes in a ton of fun colors and is easy to clean! No laundry machine necessary. Need I say more?

4. Crane Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifier: Yes!! I just said that it’s top fill!! No more having to take the whole thing apart and figuring the best way to put water in it, which used to be no easy task. SO smart!

5. Ruggable Rug: I purchased this <<machine washable>> ruggable rug because hello!! Baby’s are messy and there is no doubt it will get dirty! There are tons of variations but this one is plush and comfortable.

6. The Play Gym by Lovevery: Not your average play mat. This one grows with your baby and provides a whole year of play!

7. Angel Bib with Carrier Pouch: Basically the cutest big I ever did see, which is why these were my first purchase when I found out that I was having a girl! Not to mention, it’s waterproof and super easy to wipe clean!

8. Babyletto Kiwi Power Recliner Glider: These types of gliders were not around when I had the boys! As soon as I heard that this one featured a hidden control panel in the armrest with buttons to recline + a USB port, I knew I had to have it for baby girl!

9. Eufy Spaceview Pro Video Baby Monitor: I might be in the minority, but I am not someone who likes a WiFi baby monitor. I know if I had that, I would be looking at it 24/7 when out of the house. SO, in lieu of that, I have done lots of research and can’t wait to use this one. It has big screen viewing, long battery life, awesome night vision, and whole room coverage. YES!

10. Portable UV Sterilizer and Sanitizer Box: For things like a pacifier, I will be prepared to keep it sanitized and clean. In 59 seconds, this little box eliminates 99.99% of bacteria & viruses from pacifiers, bottle nipples, teethers, small baby items and more at home or on-the-go!

11. Oxo Tot Bathtub: The perfect bathtub that can be used for newborns to babies ages 18 months. It’s easy to store {collapses into a flat surface}, easy to clean, and comfortable for baby!

12. Hatch Rest Plus Sound Machine: This is a sound machine like no other. Controlled from your phone, and provides soft light for those middle of the night diaper changes!

13. Magnetic Me Footies: Footies that close magnetically, need I say more? No buttons to annoyingly close up, no zippers, just a simple magnetic closure. YES.

14. Strawberry Ice Cream Teether: Besides being ADORABLE, this teether is made with 100% food-grade silicone, is BPA, lead, cadmium, and phthalates free, it’s textured design eases teething pain, can be chilled, and comes with a silicone clip. It’s everything you’d want in a teether and more!

And there you have it! I hope this is helpful for you and if you like what you read, be sure to head to my blog www.iadorewhatilove.com and follow me on Instagram, too! I’m @danaivy. We have fun over there! Xox
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BLOG / iadorewhatilove.com
INSTA / @danaivy
SHOP / my faves

Add to Your Registry: NEW! nanobebe Complete Feeding Set

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Your newest baby registry must-have has arrived! We are loving nanobébé’s newest item – the Complete Feeding Set. It really will have you covered, no matter how you end up feeding your little one – because fed IS best.

Whether feeding baby breastmilk or formula, nanobébé is the only line to fully equip you for both. With unmatched convenience and modern style, the nanobébé Complete Feeding Set provides new parents with everything needed for successful feeds from the newborn stage through early toddlerhood. This set truly is the perfect bundle of baby essentials to add to your registry or gift to any new or expecting parent.

This perfect set includes both award-winning nanobebe baby bottles in one set, the Breastmilk bottle and the Flexy Silicone bottle. Both bottles feature a natural mom-like feel, nutrient protection, smooth transitions between breast and bottle, and are easy to clean, making your life easier.

All in all, the set comes with 2 Flexy silicone pacifiers, convenient breast pump adapters, a baby bottle warmer, 4 slow flow nipples, and a bottle brush for easy cleaning. When it comes to feeding necessities for your baby registry, this set will is complete with everything needed for breastmilk or formula feeding, pumping, bottle warming, and bottle cleaning, with a few extras thrown in there too!

Even better, nanobébé takes baby health and safety seriously. All of these products are BPA, PVC, LEAD, and PHTHALATE FREE. Plus, the bottles are anti-colic, featuring the first and only 360-degree, triple-vented nipples that reduce colic and help babies stay latched.

We are loving this set already and can’t wait to hear what you think! The Complete Feeding Set makes an excellent addition to your baby registry, baby shower gift for expecting parents, or even a gift for yourself and your new addition.

Thank you to nanobébé for making this sponsored post possible.

Dr. Noze Best, Because Dr. Really Does Know Best

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Mamas, dadas, we’ve been there. The stuffy nose and nasal congestion making your children miserable. Keeping baby and toddlers (and parents) up all hours of the night. We are all about finding products that make parents’ lives easier and solve a problem. Enter, the Dr. Noze Best NozeBot, the most effective baby nasal aspirator on the market.

Developed by a pediatric ENT, Dr. Steven Goudy, the NozeBot is easy to use, easy to clean, and features three levels of hospital grade suction. It is battery-powered for portable use wherever baby and you are most comfortable. It is designed to gently clear nasal congestion in babies and children.

The nosepiece only requires the use of two fingers, so your other hand and fingers are free to comfort your baby and keep safely keep him or her calm and still during use.

To use, just select one of three hospital-grade suction levels, place fingers in the nosepiece and insert into baby’s nose. When finished, the nosepiece and tubing are dishwasher safe, and the filter is disposable. The NozeBot is simple to clean and simple enough for any parent or caretaker to use on children of any age.

Dr. Noze Best’s NozeBot is also portable and chargeable, so you can take it with you anywhere, or bring it along for any kind of travel. Do your littles always catch a cold when traveling, or is it just us? Problem solved.

The NozeBot is the solution parents have been searching for to ease baby’s discomfort and nasal congestion. Bonus: the NozeBot is FSA and HSA eligible, so families can use their healthcare spending dollars to help baby breathe easily.

Thank you to Dr. Noze Best for making this sponsored post possible.

Bringing the Whole Family Together: Nomi by Evomove

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Family meals are so important for building unity and wholesomeness in a family. Even before your child starts solids, it’s vital for them to be a part of family bonding at mealtime. It also piques their interest in what everyone else is eating! Nomi by Evomove allows you to bring your new baby into such family settings right from day one and it grows with your baby and evolves with your child’s changing needs for support at the family table.

Nomi Baby is a bouncer accessory for the Nomi High Chair stem that brings baby to table height and can be used for newborns to around 6 months. Baby can interact with the family at the dining table from birth, rather than being down on the floor in a traditional bouncer or put in a bouncer on the kitchen counter which can be dangerous. Nomi Baby’s raised height is ideal for keeping good eye contact with your baby and it seamlessly adjusts from almost horizontal to more upright positions as baby grows. Moms swear by the lightweight Nomi Baby, as it’s easy to move around the house wherever they need an extra hand, making a quick shower, meal prep or even a little me-time possible.

When your baby is around 6 months old and is able to sit up on his/her own, it’s time to transition to the Nomi High Chair. The ergonomic design features a low back and open sides that help your infant further develop their core muscles. The shape of the seat helps keep them in a safe upright position which decreases the risk of choking when starting solids. Wheels and extensions on the back feet reduce the risk of tipping over.

When children are exploring new foods, things can get messy! The innovative, sleek design of the Nomi High Chair doesn’t trap food. Simply wipe clean, and it weighs only 10.8 lbs. which makes it easy to move or hang up on your table, to clean under and around the table.

When your child outgrows the high chair, there’s no need to buy an additional booster seat. At around 2 years old, you can transition your Nomi High Chair to the Nomi Chair, which is perfect for mealtime and other activities, such as homework or arts and crafts, and it holds up to 330 lbs. so it truly lasts a lifetime.

Nomi is a dream for parents with fidgety toddlers—the shape of the stem automatically adjusts both the seat and the footrest depth so your child is always comfortable, like you are in an adult chair. No tools required, it does not get any easier!

Nomi is minimalistic, focusing on functionality and ensuring that your child is in the most comfortable, safe, and ergonomic position as they grow, from newborn to teenager and beyond.

Thank you to Nomi for making this sponsored post possible.

Real Mom Review: Thule Spring

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Some of our Village moms recently reviewed the Thule Spring, a fantastic everyday stroller, with a quick and easy one-hand fold for active parents and parents looking to downsize from a larger convertible stroller.

CeCe B. A.: Great news for tall parents! After a few weeks with our Thule, we are absolutely in love. The stroller itself is light, easy to maneuver, and quite intuitive to put together/ adjust— But the very best part are the strides that my husband (6’4”) and I (5’7”) can take while walking our daughter. Different from any other stroller we have tried, we have never once stepped on the undercarriage/basket or had to hold our arms at a weird angle to push. It’s the perfect take-anywhere stroller— Zoo, park, or even for pushing your tired child around the house 😉

Krysta H.: The Thule Spring is exactly the quality you would expect from the well-known outdoor brand. The out-of-the-box setup was easy, intuitive, and straightforward. The wheels handle all different terrains – road, sidewalk, woodchips, gravel, cobblestones, etc very well especially on large bumps where other strollers with 2 front wheels get caught up. The fold and unfold are simple and take seconds. It stores very flat compared to other strollers I have tried, however, the height is tall. We love the telescoping and cushioning on the handlebar. The canopy is HUGE which my son loves to keep the sun out of his eyes, and I love for the UV protection and the vented mesh section lets us keep eyes on him. My 2.5-year-old loves how easy it is to climb into all by himself, and I love the 60lb weight limit which is higher than most comparable strollers. The only negative is that my 5-year-old might outgrow the head height before the weight!

Ann L.:

Installation – The stroller came in a very sturdy box and was easy to open and remove the contents with only one adult. Minimal pieces and easy to understand instructions made putting the wheels on a breeze and it was fairly simple to figure out how to connect the canopy of the stroller.

Ease of use and size – The stroller is very versatile and can accommodate both my 7 month old baby and also my 4 year old toddler with no issues! I was at first admittedly intimidated by the five point harness but have grown quickly to love the design as it’s easy to get the baby out without twisting arms to get them out of loops like other strollers. Once familiar it’s really handy to get the bottom prongs in place and snap in the top two to secure. I was debating getting a double stroller now with two children but seeing as my toddler sometimes will want to walk this is great to have and works for both children, I am so happy with the single seat option. The stroller is light enough that I feel comfortable collapsing and storing it in the compact position by myself. Ideal for city living.

Suspension – stroller is easy to wheel around and the handle is great for taller and shorter adults to push. I found it easy to maneuver within my apartment halls, through doors, and also outside with a single hand, if needed. I also like the location of the safety break, red and easy to see. The stroller is pretty smooth and has minimal bumps on the city sidewalks.

Canopy and seat – This is one of the largest extending canopies I have seen in a stroller which is great! My previous stroller had s smaller canopy and didn’t always cover my child’s body and I was concerned about sun exposure. With the spring, I don’t worry about this and the peek a boo vent on top lets me see my child easily and create additional air circulation. The seat recline is one of the easiest to use just pinch and pull to adjust to a sitting or lie down position and various degrees which is nice because other strollers have preset angles which may not work for all situations.

Thank you to Thule for making this sponsored post possible.

Making Bottle-Feeding a Breeze with comotomo

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding sometimes comes with the challenge of nipple confusion or bottle rejection. The reason for this is that babies sometimes get confused by the different shapes of bottles and nipple textures. This can result in moms completely giving up on their breastfeeding journey, but comotomo is here to help resolve that problem.

The comotomo baby bottle has transformed bottle-feeding with its revolutionary design, creating a bottle that mimics a mom’s breast. This helps to reduce nipple confusion and eliminate bottle rejection. The soft silicone material used for the body of the bottle allows your little one to grip it, much as they would the breast while feeding. The wide base and the nipple of the bottle are both shaped to remind your baby of mom’s breast.

One of the remarkable features of the comotomo bottle is that it’s made from material that’s considered safe for your baby on so many levels. It’s BPA-, PVC-, and Phthalate-free. The comotomo bottle is designed to have fewer pieces to make cleaning much easier. It has a wide mouth, so you can skip the bottle brush altogether if you’d like. The silicone is heat-resistant so your bottle is dishwasher and microwave safe, and can be sterilized in a steam sterilizer or with boiling water.

There are two comotomo baby bottle sizes, 5oz and 8oz, that are available in green and pink. The 5oz bottle has a slow-flow nipple, making it ideal for newborns up to 3 months old. The 8oz bottle includes a medium-flow nipple which can be used for 3- to 6-month-olds. Faster flow nipples are also available to grow with baby. The bottle is fitted with dual vents to promote airflow and reduce colic, gas, or spit-up. It’s also leak-proof to allow for a mess-free feeding.

Whether feeding by breast, bottle, or both, it shouldn’t be a hassle. Comotomo has taken steps to ensure that feeding baby is one less hassle for parents.

Thank you to comotomo for making this sponsored post possible.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Wear from Kindred Bravely

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

As an expecting mom, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for functionality anymore. Get ready to say goodbye to bulky bras, unflattering gowns, and frustrating fastenings, thanks to Kindred Bravely. They have designed three ideal comfort fit maternity wear items that are ideal for your growing body: the Ultra Comfort Smooth Classic Nursing Bra, Clea Bamboo Short Sleeve Classic Pajama Set, and the Eleanora Bamboo Maternity and Nursing Lounge Dress.

The Kindred Bravely Ultra Comfort Smooth Classic Nursing Bra is the answer to your breastfeeding wishes! The bra fits like a glove with a seamless design that eliminates chafing and is undetectable under your clothing. Not only is it comfortable to wear, it has a flattering, feminine cut to give you that extra boost of self-confidence. The straps are adjustable and convert into a racerback so your new favorite bra pairs well with T-shirts and tank tops. It has a one-handed nursing clip that allows you to easily unclip your bra to feed your little one. The padding is removable which makes it a great option for night-time wear.

What goes well with a great nighttime nursing bra? Equally comfortable sleepwear, of course! The Clea Bamboo Short Sleeve Classic Pajama Set is ideal for warm climates and those hot summer months. The breathable bamboo fabric helps to keep you cool and dry even when dealing with hot flashes. The short-sleeved button-down pajama top eliminates the struggle of having to remove your top every time you feed. Forget fussing with clasps and zippers while pregnant or recovering from delivery. These pull-up pajama shorts have an elastic waistband that makes changing a breeze. The set also stretches to accommodate your body’s changes. It evens has pockets!

For daytime, Kindred Bravely created the perfect, fun dress, the Eleanora Bamboo Maternity and Nursing Lounge Dress. The airy dress is lightweight and breathable, made from premium bamboo fabric. It stretches with you as your body grows throughout pregnancy and makes for comfortable day or night-time wear postpartum. With the stylish design, you can easily wear it to school drop-offs or to grab some groceries, and yes, it has pockets too! The Eleanora Dress makes breastfeeding easy with a discreet panel across the top. Once the panel is lifted, there’s a second, lower neckline that gives better access to the breast. It goes perfectly with the Ultra Comfort Smooth Classic Nursing Bra.

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or style in order to have functional clothing. Kindred Bravely is making sure you can have it all. The Ultra Comfort Smooth Classic Nursing Bra, Clea Bamboo Short Sleeve Classic Pajama Set, and the Eleanora Bamboo Maternity and Nursing Lounge Dress are all designed with moms like you in mind. They’re made to grow with you throughout your pregnancy and provide comfort and functionality during postpartum, and beyond.

Thank you to Kindred Bravely for making this sponsored post possible.