The Mama Coach - Doreen Brass, RN

The Mama Coach - Doreen Brass, RN OB nurse, IBCLC and mom here to give new parents support based on a combination of science and empathy!

While this is clearly zeroing in on UHC's new lactation coverage, if they get away with it other insurance companies wil...
08/07/2026

While this is clearly zeroing in on UHC's new lactation coverage, if they get away with it other insurance companies will follow...

07/31/2026

When we're trying on clothes or shoes, we know right away that if something feels too tight, it's probably too small.

But breast pump fl**ges don't work the same way.

One of the most common things I hear is, "My fl**ge feels too tight." And one of my first thoughts is:

1. We need a proper fl**ge fitting.
2. The fl**ge may actually be too large.

Here's why.

When the fl**ge tunnel is too big, it doesn't just pull in your ni**le. It can also pull in excess ar**la and breast tissue, creating friction, discomfort, and that "tight" feeling many parents describe.

Recently, while helping a NICU mom, we measured her ni**le and then trialed multiple fl**ge sizes—not just one. During a proper fitting, I often test two to six different sizes to evaluate comfort, milk output, and how the ni**le moves within the tunnel.

The result? She was most comfortable in an 18 mm fl**ge, and her pumping became both more comfortable and more efficient.

The right fl**ge size isn't something you should have to guess.

And because ni**le size can change during the early postpartum weeks, it's worth reassessing your fit as your feeding journey evolves.

If pumping is uncomfortable, don't assume it's something you have to live with. A professional fl**ge fitting can make a significant difference in both comfort and milk removal.

Doreen Brass is a Registered Nurse and IBCLC based in Texas with more than 20 years of experience specializing in infant feeding and pumping support.

She helps families troubleshoot feeding challenges, improve milk transfer, and make pumping more effective and comfortable through personalized, evidence-based care.

She offers both in-person and virtual consultations.

Book a session with Doreen to get a plan that actually works:
https://doreen-brass.themamacoach.com/booknow/

Not local? We can connect you with a Mama Coach in your
community:
https://themamacoach.com/find-a-mama-coach/

07/30/2026

Texas summers aren't for the weak! Stay hydrated my friends especially if you're outside for extended periods. Thankful to have my insulated cup with ice cold water to greet me after every lactation visit!

We've been taught in schools to measure in teaspoons, ounces, gallons etc... And in the US normally this is sufficient t...
07/21/2026

We've been taught in schools to measure in teaspoons, ounces, gallons etc...

And in the US normally this is sufficient throughout your life.

But, now you're a new parent and your newborn is maybe in the NICU or your bottle feeding and you're looking for guidance on volume expectations.

Most hospital speak metric system. You just fed your baby 30mls but how much is that in a language you can understand???

See the graphic for average intake of newborns by age.

07/18/2026

Just hire a Mama Coach, it'll save you a ton of confusion and stress 😉

07/03/2026

When we're trying on clothes, shoes, we know right away if something feels "too tight" it's because it's too small.

But does that logic apply to breast pump fl**ges?

Believe it or not when I hear someone complain their fl**ges feel too tight, I automatically start thinking: 1) we need a proper fl**ge fitting and 2) the tightness often means the fl**ge is too big.

Why is that? When the tunnel is large enough to accommodate more than the ni**le, it keeps going and pulling in beyond that, the ar**la, the breast tissue, excess skin, etc.. This is where that "tight" feeling comes from.

To finish my NICU story: On top of measuring the mom's ni**le we also did a trial of two sizes (minimum 2 but I often do up to 5 or 6 when doing a proper fl**ge fitting) to see the comfort, output and a visual of what was traveling in the tunnel. The result? A much more comfortable 18mm fl**ge that will have her pumping more efficiently for her sweet baby.

What's your size? Get a fl**ge fitting from a lactation expert to help you save the stress of pumping with the wrong size. I recommend more than one as ni**le size can change in the early weeks of the postpartum period

06/03/2026

The dreaded dropping off the growth curve. Cause for concern, yes. Reason to give up breastfeeding, definitely not.
Growth curve issues are often milk transfer issues not low milk supply which is the secondary issue from persistent milk transfer issue.
And the solution most parents get?
Just "add formula"
Just pump and bottle feed
These solutions completely ignore how you got here.
They offer a quick fix without finding out what the root cause is.
You need a real plan that addresses the real problem.
Thankfully, this mom knew to connect with an IBCLC as her first step in solving the problem!

05/19/2026

Reflecting on a great week of learning, laughter and incredible support! Being a Mama Coach is being your own boss but also being accepted and supported by an amazing group of strong nurses. Excited to see how we all grow in the next year. Shout out to my most near and dear Mama Coach .themamacoach for being my ride or die!

Going back to work and stressing about building a freezer stash? 🥴You probably need WAY less milk than social media has ...
05/08/2026

Going back to work and stressing about building a freezer stash? 🥴

You probably need WAY less milk than social media has convinced you.

✨ A 2–3 day supply is usually enough
✨ Start small and consistent
✨ Store milk in smaller portions to reduce waste
✨ Your maternity leave was made for snuggles too — not just pumping around the clock

This breaks down exactly how to build a back-to-work stash without the overwhelm 💛
Save this for later + share with a pumping parent heading back to work soon!

ExclusivePumping BreastfeedingTips PostpartumSupport LactationConsultant BackToWorkMom BreastfeedingJourney NewMomTips

04/16/2026

Not every breastfeeding challenge is a tongue or lip tie—and not every solution is surgical.
Yes, oral ties exist.

But rushing straight to a diagnosis (and procedure) can skip a really important step: understanding how your baby is feeding.
Babies can struggle with:

• Coordination
• Muscle tension
• Positioning
• Oral motor function
…with or without a diagnosed tie.

And cutting tissue without addressing function?
That’s why so many parents complain “it was released… but nothing changed.”

You don’t need a specific diagnosis to deserve support.
A comprehensive feeding evaluation looks at the whole picture—not just one piece.
✨ Because the goal isn’t just a diagnosis. It’s functional, comfortable feeding.
👉 Comment FEEDING and I’ll send you my lactation services link to book an evaluation

💛 Many visits are covered by insurance

Address

1301 E. Debbie Lane Ste 102 #1413
Mansfield, TX
76063

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 2pm
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm

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