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You Made It Through the Hardest Part

As baby grows, so does your feeding routine. We are here to help you continue with confidence.

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You’ve Got the Basics, Now What?

You've figured out a rhythm that works for you — parenting win! Let's plan for whatever stage comes next. Flow Lactation can help with transitioning back to work, starting solids, sleep strategies, how to keep going as baby grows, and when the time is right, how to wean. This is your baby, and your feeding journey.

Flow can help build on your success and strategize what’s next.

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Explore More Breastfeeding Resources & Supports

  • Predictable-ish nap routines...yay! Make the most of your day with baby and check out these Cville small businesses that make life with baby just that much easier.

    Explore Our Favorite Local Businesses

  • Registry items got you through the first stage, now what? Wondering what feeding favorites are best for life with an infant, crawler, and toddler? Flow Lactation has favorites!

    Explore Our Favorite Products

  • The Community Calendar helps you find Charlottesville events, meet ups, and support groups as you adjust to life with baby.

Best Comebacks for Fielding Unwanted Opinions

  • 1. Are you still breastfeeding?

    • Yes, Karen..."still breastfeeding"...also known as "breastfeeding" is what's working best for me and my child. Thanks!

  • 2. Don't you think they are too old for all of that?

    • No, Barbara, but I am too tired for all of this. Mammals generally nurse their babies until the baby teeth or "milk teeth" fall out, which for humans is usually between age 2-7. I may not go until they are 7, but don’t try me. I’m hormonal and determined, which is a dangerous combination.

  • 3. They don't really need to eat at night after a certain age/weight.

    • Thanks, Nancy. Please come by at 2am to share that wisdom with my child. Until then, I’m not giving up my guaranteed way to get them back to sleep. Also, I remember being very pregnant and hangry at 2am- growing bodies sometimes need a little midnight snacky-snack.

  • 4. If they're old enough to ask for it, they're too old to have it.

    • Love that for you, Susan, but I'm not penalizing my child for communicating. I remember life with a newborn and wishing they could just tell me what they needed, and I'm so glad we have made it here. 

  • 5. Wow I wish I got paid to have 3 breaks every day at work.

    • Listen, Carol, these aren't smoke breaks. First, they are pump "sessions" and not pump "breaks". Second, me continuing to pump means my baby stays healthier, which means fewer call outs to care for a sick baby at home. I am a team player, and you are welcome. 

  • 6. How much longer do you think you'll keep going with all of...that?

    • You know, Janet, I'm not sure. I worked so hard to get here with feeds all day and night when baby was small. Now that I'm only nursing/pumping a few times a day, I feel like I'm on the other side of things. Plus it's my go-to solution for meltdowns, boo-boos, getting a nap, getting baby to sleep, calming them when they are overtired, scared, getting a snuggle in, getting them to sit still for a hot minute, making sure they stay hydrated through a stomach bug, easy travel snacks, and more. I guess thats just a long way of saying ...it's not your business

  • "Weaning can be a challenge and Ashley was there to help me with the information and encouragement needed to be successful. Even though our daughter was my third breastfed baby, I struggled with weaning her and needed additional support and reassurance. She was an excellent resource, and I couldn't have done it without her knowledge and help."

    Casey, Charlottesville

  • "Ashley met me at my home for a consultation with my 3-month-old exclusively breastfed daughter. We were struggling with slow weight gain and a pinching latch. I had breastfed my two other children for about a year. Although I was knowledgeable about breastfeeding, I could not figure out how to get a good latch with my daughter. Ashley took the time to listen, talk me through my concerns, watch me latch and relatch, and did an assessment. Ashley identified that my daughter had many symptoms of a tongue and upper lip tie. She provided me with educational resources and referred us to a pediatric dentist who was able to diagnose and correct the problem quickly. Ashley also helped me with strategies to ease discomfort of breastfeeding until the lip and tongue tie could be released. After the tongue tie was released, we met with Ashley again to adjust the latch and support my daughter in healing from the release. Ashley was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. I am so appreciative of Ashley. Because of her support, I was able to have a strong breastfeeding relationship with my child!"

    Laura, Crozet