Formula plays an important and sometimes essential role in infant feeding, but parents also deserve clear, unbiased information, especially as formula marketing becomes more sophisticated. The recent ByHeart recall highlighted why families must understand both the strengths and limitations of all formulas on the market. In this article, we explore the unique biological benefits of breast milk, the realities of formula feeding, and how parents can make informed, confident decisions.
Author: Kirsten Fisch
Kirsten Fisch, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, LCCE
Kirsten is a women's health nurse who specializes in high-risk pregnancy and postpartum care. She is certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing, a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. She works with women from conception through the postpartum period. Passionate about empowering women throughout their reproductive journeys, Kirsten combines evidence-based care with compassionate support to promote the health and well-being of mothers and babies.
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You always have a voice in your pregnancy and birth. Shared decision-making means your provider brings the medical expertise, and you bring your values, preferences, and lived experience. Using the simple BRAIN tool: Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and Nothing, you can confidently advocate for yourself during critical moments and make informed choices for you and your baby.
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“Unusual” Doesn’t Mean “Unimportant”: Trusting Your Body After Birth
Most postpartum recovery is normal, until it’s not. Here’s why paying attention to your body and advocating for unusual symptoms can make all the difference in your recovery after birth.
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Not Just Titles: The Real Value of Each Provider in Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
When you’re pregnant or navigating postpartum care, you’ll meet many healthcare professionals—OBs, midwives, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, lactation consultants, and pediatricians. Each plays a unique role in keeping you and your baby safe. This post breaks down who’s who on your perinatal care team, what they do, and why teamwork matters more than titles.
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10 Urgent Maternal Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Every year, too many mothers in the U.S. experience preventable complications after childbirth. Knowing the urgent maternal warning signs—like severe headache, chest pain, heavy bleeding, or sudden swelling—can save lives. In this post, we outline the top 10 symptoms you should never ignore and what to do if they appear. Share this guide with your loved ones to help keep every mother safe.
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Swaddling and Breastfeeding: What Parents Should Know
Swaddling can calm babies and improve sleep, but it may also hide hunger cues and make breastfeeding harder. Learn the pros, cons, and a simple tip—unswaddling during feeds—that could make breastfeeding easier.
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Meet Your Birth Team: The People Caring for You and Your Baby
When you head to the hospital to give birth, you’re not alone—and we don’t just mean your partner or support person. From nurses and doctors to lactation consultants and social workers, your birth team includes a wide range of professionals all working together to care for you and your baby. In this post, we’ll introduce you to each member of your care team and help you understand who’s who, what they do, and how they support your birth experience.
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Car Seat Safety for Newborns: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Choosing the right car seat—and using it correctly—is one of the most important things you can do to keep your newborn safe. But did you know car seats can expire? Or that even a minor car accident might mean your seat is no longer safe to use? In this post, we’ll break down everything new parents need to know about car seat safety, including how to spot an expired seat, what to do after a crash, and how to ensure your baby is properly protected from day one.
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When and Why to Supplement with Formula in the Immediate Postpartum Period
While exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for most newborns, there are situations where supplementing with formula in the early postpartum period is necessary and even life-saving. Here’s what new parents need to know.
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Episiotomy and Perineal Tears: How to Heal, Rest, and Recover Postpartum
If you had an episiotomy or a severe perineal tear during childbirth, your postpartum recovery may require extra care and patience. Learn what to expect, how to manage pain, and how to support healing in this critical phase of new motherhood.