As cold and flu season approaches, new moms are naturally concerned about RSV

 (respiratory syncytial virus), a virus that can lead to serious complications in infants. Thankfully, breastfeeding offers incredible immune support that can help reduce the risk. In this blog, let’s explore how breastfeeding can help prevent RSV and what you can do if your little one contracts it.

What is RSV?
RSV is a common virus that presents as cold-like symptoms in older children and adults. However, in babies under six months or those with weakened immune systems, RSV can become serious, potentially leading to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. With an RSV shot not always available, breastfeeding can be a natural way to boost your baby’s defenses.

How Breastfeeding Protects Against RSV
Breast milk is more than just nutrition – it’s packed with antibodies, white blood cells, and protective proteins like lactoferrin that help your baby fight off infections. Even a few months of breastfeeding (...

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming, especially with all the advice coming from every direction.

As a certified doula and lactation consultant, I’m here to help you navigate this journey with confidence. Whether you’re newly pregnant or trying to conceive, knowing the essential do's and don’ts of pregnancy can set you up for success.

Here’s a breakdown of the key things you should be doing (and avoiding!) to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.

The Do’s of Pregnancy

1. Take Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are non-negotiable during pregnancy. They provide essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium, which help support your baby’s development and prevent birth defects. If you haven’t started taking prenatal vitamins yet, now is the time to get on board!

2. Stay Active
It’s easy to feel tired during pregnancy, but staying active can actually help you feel more energized. Regular movement—like walking, prenatal ...

Breastfeeding can be one of the most beautiful yet challenging aspects of motherhood.

As a new or soon-to-be mom, you're likely filled with questions: Will I be able to breastfeed? What if I don’t produce enough milk? What if my baby won’t latch? These concerns are incredibly common, and it's totally normal to feel nervous. But with the right knowledge, you can tackle these challenges like a pro.

Hi, I’m Stephanie Poole, a certified lactation consultant and doula. I’ve helped countless pregnant moms confidently prepare for breastfeeding, and today I’m going to walk you through some of the most common breastfeeding challenges and how to overcome them. By the end of this post, you’ll feel more empowered and ready to take on your breastfeeding journey!

1. Latching Problems: The Most Common Issue

Latching issues are at the top of the list for many new moms. You've probably heard that if your baby doesn’t latch properly, breastfeeding can hurt—and that's true. An improper la...

 Are you pregnant and feeling anxious about breastfeeding?

Maybe you’re worried about low milk supply or latching issues—two of the most common concerns for new moms. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place! As a certified lactation consultant and doula, I help pregnant women, just like you, prepare for their breastfeeding journey even before the baby arrives. Today, we're diving into the two most common breastfeeding challenges and, more importantly, how to overcome them.

The Supply Dilemma: Why It’s Demand and Supply

One of the biggest concerns I hear from new moms, especially if you're pregnant and preparing for breastfeeding, is the fear of not making enough milk. I hear it day in and day out: "I don’t think I’m making enough milk." Let me clear this up: breastfeeding works on demand and supply. You demand milk by feeding your baby frequently, and your body responds by supplying that milk. It’s not the other way around.

The more your baby nurses, the more milk your...

The Power of Breast Milk – Why It's the Ultimate Superfood for Your Newborn

 If you're pregnant and gearing up for the breastfeeding journey, you're in the right place. I’m Stephanie Poole, a certified lactation consultant and doula, and today we’re diving deep into why breast milk is the ultimate superfood for your baby. Whether you’ve been listening to my Oh Baybee! podcast for a while or this is your first time here, thank you for joining me on this important topic.

Breast Milk – A Nutritional Superfood

Imagine the cold-pressed green juice trend but, for your baby, breast milk is their “green juice,” the ultimate superfood packed with everything your little one needs, especially in those vulnerable newborn days. It’s more than just nutrition; breast milk is customized to your baby’s specific needs, which formula simply cannot replicate. In fact, breast milk is so powerful that it helps seal your baby’s developing digestive system, something their little bodies aren’t born...

If you're expecting your first baby, you're probably swimming in a sea of advice, information, and maybe even a little anxiety.

It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed—that’s where this guide (and your support team) come in! In this blog post, we’re breaking down the basics of childbirth so that you can approach your big day with more confidence and less stress. And for an even deeper dive, make sure you check out the latest episode of the Oh Baybee! podcast, where we chat all things labor, delivery, and beyond!

1. Labor Doesn’t Always Look Like the Movies

Let’s start by debunking one of the biggest myths about childbirth: It doesn’t always happen in one dramatic push! Labor can be slow, steady, or sometimes a bit unpredictable. Early labor might feel like mild cramping, and it can last hours (or even days). Knowing what to expect helps you feel more prepared and less anxious when things don’t match the Hollywood version.

Tip: It’s common for first-time moms to hav...

Understanding that becoming a mom is more than an Instagram highlight reel is a must! 

It requires a very involved transition that's worth every challenge to be the best mom for your baby. 

You're pregnant, so I'm sure you know the importance of what it takes to give birth. But, are you aware of the common things that happen during postpartum?

 I'll be honest – when I gave birth, I really struggled with my transition into motherhood. I didn't know about baby blues, postpartum depression or self-care... and I made a lot of mistakes in those early days. But it doesn't have to be the same for you! 

Today, you're in the best hands to learn what really happens in the immediate postpartum - after you've given birth but before you're back to feelin' like your old yourself. In today's episode I talk about what the transition of becoming a mommy is actually like.

I'll outline the seven (less talked about but insightful) challenges for new moms. That's right, I cover everything from sl...

"...If I had a dollar for every piece of unsolicited advice I've received as a mom, I'd be in the financial company of Kylie and Rhianna." -Stephanie

#billionaireclub

I'll be honest - while most of it has been well-intended, a lot of it has been inaccurate and sometimes not true! (Just so we're clear: it's impossible to spoil a newborn)

The thing is, when you’re just starting out, you gotta learn how to be confident when tackling the tough issues — and the sooner you understand that the more time you'll have to spend on the important things, like creating special moments with the people who matter most and bonding with your baby.

That’s why I recorded this episode for you. In it, I share the simple yet specific tips for new moms to be confident even when the topics get sticky. 

How do I deal with that family member who insists on offering their opinion? I'm glad you asked my sweet friend.

Tune in to this episode to learn when and how to create healthy boundaries. Let's face ...

Here's what you need to know about your cervix and how it dilates.

Wait... before we jump in to today's topic let me start by explaining why it's important to listen to this episode in it's entirety.

Your cervix is quite literally the gateway to your baby's arrival!

Without the progressive dilation of your cervix, medical interventions will need to be made in order to have a successful delivery.

Needless to say, understanding what affects your cervix dilation is the KEY TO BIRTHING SUCCESS!!!

In this episode, I’m going to walk you through the 6 things that will comprehensively play a part in how you progress when dilating while you labor and during birth.

Whether you plan on having a home birth or if you plan to birth in a hospital or birth center  — this episode is for you! So grab a cool beverage and press play on this informative episode.

As always, thank you so much for tuning in to this episode.

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