Drops of Hope Lactation Consulting & Doula Services

08/21/2026

10% off now until Labor Day!

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

Great news! Early hand expression/antenatal colostrum collecting can improve rates of postpartum depression and breastfeeding success!

So interesting! https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42592109/
Antenatal or prenatal hand expression has been proposed as a possible intervention for folks with gestational diabetes. Now we have more evidence than ever. I find it interesting that it reduced maternal depressive symptoms.
The study found:
Findings: Over the 8-week postpartum period, the proportion of women exclusively breastfeeding in the intervention group was higher than in control group at discharge (16.3% vs. 8.9%; aOR 2.28 [95% CI 1.01-5.14]), four weeks (30.9% vs. 20.3%; aOR 2.00 [1.07-3.74]), and eight weeks (29.3% vs. 25.2%; aOR 1.37 [0.73-2.56]). The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding over time (adjusted odds ratio 2.43 [95% CI 1.17-5.04], p < 0.05). Regarding secondary outcomes, the intervention group reported significantly lower maternal depressive symptoms at 8 weeks postpartum (mean difference -1.74 [95% CI -2.94 to -0.54], p = 0.004) and higher breastfeeding self-efficacy at 8 weeks postpartum (mean difference 3.30 [95% CI 0.12-6.48], p = 0.042). Rates of any breastfeeding did not differ significantly between groups at any time point (aOR 0.68 [95% CI 0.21-2.20]). Neonatal hypoglycemia and gestational age at birth did not differ between groups.

Interpretation: The GAME program significantly increased exclusive breastfeeding, improved breastfeeding self-efficacy, and reduced maternal depressive symptoms in women with GDM, with no added perinatal risk. Integrating structured AME into routine antenatal care could improve both infant feeding and maternal psychological well-being in this high-risk population.

08/15/2026

Did you know that holding your baby skin-to-skin is one of the best ways to support their health and development?

Skin-to-skin contact means placing your baby directly on your bare chest, allowing them to hear your heartbeat, feel your warmth, and connect with you in a comforting way.

✨ Benefits of skin-to-skin contact include:
👶 Helps regulate baby's temperature, heart rate, and breathing
💤 Promotes calmer behavior and better sleep
💗 Strengthens bonding and attachment between parent and baby
😌 Reduces stress and crying for newborns
🧠 Supports healthy brain development
🤱Encourages feeding cues and successful feeding
❤️ Helps parents feel more confident and connected to their baby

The best part? Skin-to-skin isn't just for the first moments after birth. It can continue for weeks and months as a simple way to comfort, bond with, and support your baby's growth.

A few minutes of skin-to-skin can make a big difference—for both you and your baby.

08/10/2026

Love this!

The prayers were always for them even before I knew who they were 🫶

08/06/2026

What's the tea on self weaning?☕👀 Children who are allowed to self wean typically do so between the ages of 2 and 7 years old. Nursing to natural term is NORMAL and BENEFICIAL! There is no age at which your milk magically loses its benefits! In addition to being chock full of antibodies and other specialized components that help protect your child against illness and disease your milk may also provide as much as:

29% of energy requirements
43% of protein requirements
36% of calcium requirements
75% of vitamin A requirements
76% of folate requirements
94% of vitamin B12 requirements
60% of vitamin C requirements

after the first year. Plus there are benefits for you as well! Reducing YOUR risk of certain types of cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

There is no harm in continuing to nurse until you or your child are ready to wean - so long as it continues to work for BOTH of you.💖

So why don't we see more people nursing older children?🤔 Usually it's because they tend to nurse less often than younger children - sometimes as little as once or twice a day - and typically (though not always) during times when families are usually at home - such as before bed or after they wake up.😊

Wish you had a little more support in your corner? Visit the link in our bio to learn more about our free in-person and virtual support options, or to connect.

📌Please note: It's extremely uncommon for children to self wean before the age of one. If your baby is under 12 months and refusing to nurse you're likely dealing with a nursing strike rather than a baby who’s ready to wean. Hand express or pump to keep your baby fed and your milk flowing, then connect with your healthcare provider or skilled lactation professional to rule out illness, determine the cause of the nursing strike and make a plan to help you and your baby reach your breastfeeding or chestfeeding goals.

08/01/2026

This! Don’t cover those sweet little hands when feeding. They NEED them!

07/29/2026

Hey Mamas, have you ever heard of “Second Night Syndrome”?

On night one, your new sweetie is often content to simply be skin-to-skin with you, where she can feel secure in the warmth of your skin and receive colostrum from your breast. It’s a great time to fall in love, rest, and connect. 😇
..but then, on night two, your once sweet and calm angel baby is crying. A lot! All the calming things that worked before suddenly aren’t working anymore, and Baby is SUPER CRANKY! 🦀

If you’ve experienced “Second Night Syndrome,” it can feel like it will last forever, and often, nursing mothers will offer their baby formula, assuming they are hungry and unsatisfied.

The truth is, the cluster feeding your baby is asking for actually assists with good, healthy milk production. Keeping yourself close to them and gently responding to their cries can help kick-start healthy attachment behaviors. And, of course, we have to consider that Baby might simply need some close, calm snuggling to settle after what was likely a quite overstimulating day of visitors, siblings, and first bouts of hunger.
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Midwife Tips for Night 2:

- Keep Day 2 calm and consider limiting visitors
- Nap during the day to prepare for the night to come
- If the crying begins around sundown, parents can take turns through the night calming baby

When the sun rises, 🌅 your sweetie will be back to her calm, angelic little self...and life will go on as if it never happened!

If you have any other tips for Second Night Syndrome, I'd love for you to share them with us in the comments!