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At TLN, we believe lactation care is a human right. We connect families with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants—the gold standard in lactation care—because every family deserves access to this crucial preventative care. And we help IBCLCs grow their private practices so they can focus on what matters most: Growing families.
Powered by the largest network of IBCLCs in the country, we advocate for a world where all parents have the vital information, resources, and medical attention they need to care for themselves and their children.
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BREASTFEEDING AT A GLANCE
WHO and the CDC recommend six months of exclusive breast(chest)feeding.
84% of American families start out breastfeeding, but only 24% are still exclusively breastfeeding at six months.
That means 60% of American families do not achieve their feeding goals, and they’re missing out on crucial health benefits of nursing longer.
Parents who breastfeed their babies have a lower risk of:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of:
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Type 1 diabetes
- Severe lower respiratory disease
- Acute otitis media (ear infections)
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting)
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants
Low breastfeeding rates costs the American healthcare system $13 billion every year.
The ACA mandates full coverage for lactation care, including education and supplies like breast pumps.
Despite the ACA’s mandate, families still struggle to access this insurance-covered care. This is where TLN comes in: We work directly with insurance providers to make sure families get the expert lactation care they deserve.
TLN NEWS
See the recent steps we’ve taken to create a new standard of care.
What Is Cluster Feeding? The Baby-Feeding Stage No One Talks About
Of the many, many things people never seem to tell you about parenthood, cluster feeding is at the top of the list.
What to Know About Taking Cold Medicine While Breastfeeding
Wondering what medications are a go and which ones are a no? Here’s the lowdown.
The Best Manual Breast Pumps for On-the-Go Parents
These are our top picks for manual breast pumps that come in handy when you’re away from baby or just need to express extra milk.
Spectra S1 or Pumpables Super Genie: Which Hospital Grade Breast Pump is Better?
We surveyed 35 mommies, who used Pumpables Super Genie and Spectra S1/S1+, and interviewed 6 lactation breastfeeding experts. Here are our main findings:
Best Hospital Grade Breast Pumps and Where to Buy Them
Through a series of interviews and surveying 35 mommies, we narrowed down to two hospital grade breast pumps we think would be useful for you.
Power Outage? Here’s How to Pump and Store Breast Milk
Keep the liquid gold flowing when the lights go out
How To Improve Your Company’s Employee Retention
With the “great resignation” still impacting the workplace, it’s more important than ever to figure out ways to support your employees.
What to Expect When Working With a Lactation Consultant
This specialist can provide vital support on your breastfeeding journey.
How to Prepare for the Emotional, Physical, and Social Realities of Life Postpartum
This time can be overwhelming and transformative—but there are ways to make it easier.
WoW Woman in FemTech I Sarah Kellogg Neff, CEO of The Lactation Network
Sarah Kellogg Neff is CEO of The Lactation Network (TLN), where she leads the purpose-driven team in its mission to make lactation care accessible and inclusive.
These are Chicago’s 100 Best Places to Work of 2022
Crain’s partnered with Best Companies Group to survey employees and identify the 100 Best Places to Work
Your Guide To Relactation: What It Is & How To Do It
Yes, you can probably get your milk flowing again.
Best Hands-Free Breast Pumps
Whether you’re going back to work or simply emerging from the newborn haze, you might realize you need a pump that’s a little more mobile. Enter: hands-free breast pumps.
Here are the finalists for Chicago’s Best Places to Work
Here are the 100 companies employees say represent the best workplaces in our area.
Meet the Companies Winning in a Time of Change–And Achieving Spectacular Growth
Delve into the list, and prepare to be wowed by American ingenuity and resilience.
Mastitis Explained: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments
First-time breastfeeding mothers may not yet understand what is happening when they wake up to a swollen, painful, red breast.
11 Resources for Black Breastfeeding Moms
Breastfeeding takes a mother’s willingness and a supportive healthcare community to make breastfeeding successful.
‘It is absolutely not free’: As America’s baby-formula shortage continues, here are all the hidden costs of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a complex task for millions of working mothers, amid an ongoing baby formula shortage
Why saying “Just Breastfeed!” is harmful to mothers
Saying ‘just breastfeed’ furthers the misalignment between our expectations for breastfeeding and the realities of so many families’ experiences.
4 Types of Support Parents with a New Baby Need Most
If you want to support someone while they begin their new journey as a parent, it will be greatly appreciated. If you’re wondering what to do, here are 4 things new parents need most.
11 Small Ways to Practice Self-Care When You’re Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding or chestfeeding has many important benefits for babies and birthing parents. And yeah, our bodies were technically designed to do it. But that doesn’t make it easy.
What Parents Really Need for Lactation Support
When it comes to infant and toddler feeding, informed and supported are best. Experts say policies and society have a long way to go in providing either to lactating parents.
Foods and Drinks That Increase Milk Supply, According to Experts
We talked to dieticians, lactation consultants, nurses, and doulas about what lactating parents may want to add to their grocery list.
Local at-home lactation and family consultants helping Richmond families
“Try to learn all this on your own with a new baby screaming at you,” Lee laughed. “You need a lactation consultant. This is why you need a team.”
Should You Let Another Person Breastfeed Your Baby? Experts Offer Answers
As you’re contemplating whether to allow your baby to be fed by another person, the biggest concern is probably this: is it safe to let someone else breastfeed your baby?
The best time to prepare for breastfeeding? Pregnancy
How a prenatal lactation consultation can set you up for success.
8 breastfeeding benefits for mom and baby
When breastfeeding is an option, it can be good for both mom and baby.
5 breastfeeding positions for moms to try with their baby
The best breastfeeding position is the one that works best for both baby and parent.
Trouble Breastfeeding? Insufficient Glandular Tissue May Be to Blame
A lack of milk-producing glands and ducts isn’t often diagnosed until after birth.
Is it safe to get a tattoo while breastfeeding? Here’s what you should know
Even if you decide to get inked while breastfeeding, many tattoo parlors may discourage it to avoid liability.
What To Know About Your Body Postpartum
Bringing a child into the world is a tremendous gift. But it can also take quite a toll on your body for weeks, sometimes months afterward.
Here’s How A NICU Stay Can Affect Breastfeeding
Even if your baby goes to the NICU, you can still breastfeed.
Ways Your Partner Can Help Make Breastfeeding Easier
Just because you have breasts, it doesn’t mean you have to do all the work.
Here’s how to get a free breast pump through your health insurance
The Affordable Care Act requires health plans to cover the cost of breast pumps.
Bottle and Breast: Your Combination Feeding Survival Guide
Here’s how to strike a balance between using breast milk and formula.
What is Relactation? Starting Breastfeeding Again After a Gap
Lactation consultants are noticing a rise in people interested in relactating. It’s often possible with support, but keeping your mental health in check is important.
The Very Best Breast Pumps on the Market, According to Lactation Experts
We’re assuming you’re in the market for breast pumps for one reason or another, and whatever you want to do with them is completely your choice.
What New And Expecting Parents Can Do To Survive The Baby Formula Shortage
TLN feels that any recommendations to overcome the current baby formula shortage by “just breastfeeding” are ridiculous and harmful, as they fail to acknowledge the realities of breastfeeding.
TSA said screening of breastfeeding mom did not meet ‘standards’
The agency apologized to the mother after her viral tweet on a screening in Los Angeles.
Tips for New Moms Taking Maternity Leave
If this is your first time taking maternity leave, these tips will help make the process easy and smooth.
7 Tips to Support Your Partner While They’re Breastfeeding
Whether you’re having your first child or you’re a seasoned parent, here are some ways you can make things easier for your partner while they’re breastfeeding.
Newborn & Postpartum Resources for New Parents
Read on to find out about the newborn and postpartum helpers new parents can turn to for support and guidance when they need it most.
10 Things Every Expectant Mother Needs
Expecting a kiddo in the coming months? You’re going to need some important items. Discover what you’ll need to have on-hand during pregnancy.
Never Wake a Sleeping Baby (or Should You?)
Postpartum time is stressful enough without worrying about setting a feeding schedule.
The Lactation Network connects moms to breastfeeding support
ABC Chicago interviews The Lactation Network’s CEO, Sarah Kellogg Neff.
The State of Lactation Support in the U.S.
Sarah Kellogg Neff, CEO of The Lactation Network, joins ChedHER to discuss how they are expanding access to lactation support for families nationwide.
The road to becoming a Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
What we do and why you would want one in your life!
Best nursing bras for 2022
Here are our top choices for new parents, including seamless, underwire, bralette, full coverage and pumping bras.
Tips and Tricks for Tandem Breastfeeding Two Kiddos at Once
Whether you have newborn twins or a baby and a toddler, nursing two little ones at the same time is a real feat. Here’s how to get the job done.
6 Expert Tips to Make Breast Pumps More Comfortable
Breast pumps have barely evolved, but you can still make them better. It’s OK to hate your pump—we all do.
How To Make Breast Milk Popsicles Your Baby Will Love
Demi Lucas, IBCLC and senior patient coordinator at The Lactation Network tells Romper how breast milk popsicles are helpful in many ways.
Help Is on the Way: Online & App Resources for Expectant & New Parents
These online resources can connect you with experts, answer your questions, calm your mind, and provide valuable help to you and your baby.
The 5 best breast pumps in 2021, from electric to manual models
Because pumping is as unique as the many bodies in the world, it’s important to note that what works best for someone else might not work best for you.
Why Does My Baby Whine? Experts Explain The Reasons
“Not all whining or whimpering is a bad thing,” lactation consultant Demi Lucas, IBCLC tells Romper in an email. “Babies cry to communicate.”
Everything You Need To Know About Breast Milk Color—From How and Why It Changes to When To Call the Doctor
Why does your breast milk change color, and are these changes cause for concern? Here’s everything you need to know about the color of your breast milk.
Breastfeeding In The NICU Is Not Impossible, But A *Real* Challenge
Having a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is obviously super stressful. But that doesn’t mean you have to totally give up your breastfeeding intention.
