Community Lactation and Parenting

07/18/2026

FYI

⚠️ Healthcare providers and caregivers — are you aware of this outbreak?

CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate infant botulism outbreak linked to recalled Nara Organics powdered infant formula. Three infants have been hospitalized across California, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Know the signs. Know the steps. Read the full clinical guidance at the link below.

https://publications.aap.org/redbook/resources/33699/Red-Book-Online-Outbreaks-Infant-Botulism-Outbreak?autologincheck=redirected

06/16/2026

FDA, in collaboration with federal and state partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of three confirmed or suspected infant botulism illnesses. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-powdered-infant-formula-june-2026

Do not use any Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula.

06/16/2026

Important update for SNOO Smart Sleeper users:

If you have, or are considering purchasing a SNOO Smart Sleeper, please be aware that its manufacturer, Happiest Baby, Inc., has been selling new sleep sack sizes and hospital SNOO bassinet bundles without first undergoing FDA review and obtaining FDA authorization.

The FDA strongly cautions patients, caregivers and health care providers that the X-Small and X-Large sleep sacks, and the SNOO Hospital Bundle, have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness by the FDA and pose increased risks as described in the Warning Letter. The FDA also cautions that stains, soiling and unsanitary conditions have been reported on refurbished SNOOs distributed to customers, which may pose risk of infection. The FDA also cautions that mold has been reported on SNOO Smart Sleeper mattresses and/or mattress covers. Users should report any problems with SNOO products through the MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/products-and-medical-procedures/pediatric-medical-devices

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=reporting.home

05/23/2026

Denmark is officially moving away from the cry it out method after a nationwide study revealed it was still being taught in most municipalities. More than 700 psychologists signed a unified statement urging immediate discontinuation of the practice. They emphasized that prolonged crying without comfort elevates cortisol and affects how the infant brain forms emotional and stress regulation pathways. This national push reflects growing scientific awareness of early neural sensitivity.
Researchers highlight that when babies cry alone, their stress signals rise sharply. Without caregiver response, the brain begins wiring for self protection rather than trust. These early patterns influence later attachment styles emotional stability and even learning behavior. Denmark’s decision aligns with decades of neuroscience showing that infants depend on caregiver regulation to build healthy neural circuits.
Despite this, the cry it out approach continues to be recommended in parts of the U.S. where outdated models of infant independence remain common. Scientists argue that babies do not learn self soothing through isolation. Instead they learn through repeated experiences of comfort which stabilize heart rate breathing and emotional processing. This helps form long term resilience.
Denmark’s shift highlights a global conversation about infant well being. The science is clear. Responding to a baby’s distress supports healthier development than leaving them to cry alone.

01/21/2026

🎶What is your baby’s favorite song?

🎼 The one you play when nothing else seems to calm them down and by the end, they’re resting peacefully on your chest?

🎵 The one that makes them giggle during a diaper change?

🥁 The one that reminds you to stay the course—be present and breathe and keep showing up in the best way you can?

Drop it in the comments below! 👇 I’m building a “Calm & Cozy” nursing playlist for my office visits and need some new tunes!

🪄 Music can be magic in early parenting!

🎤 How is music interwoven into your daily routine with your littles?

11/24/2025

I have deleted Messenger and will no longer be replying to business inquiries coming through my personal profile. If you have questions about scheduling, accepted insurances, etc. Please visit communitylactation.com or text 904-321-9089. I look forward to connecting with you and your baby.

“Breastfeeding is much more than feeding; it is the foundation of a relationship that continues to evolve long after weaning.” — Amy Johnston, IBCLC At Community Lactation and Parenting, advanced training in oral function, tongue tie release, gut healing, and functional nutrition, enables us t...

08/04/2025

✨ Deepening my IBCLC practice through years of study with the brilliant Jennifer Tow:

Oral Habilitation for the Breastfeeding Dyad (2020) & Gut-Brain for the IBCLC (2022) 💡

These masterclasses have profoundly shaped my understanding of infant and maternal feeding through a functional, integrative lens—where biology meets behavior, and healing begins with connection.

👅 Oral Habilitation (2020) introduced me to the nuanced anatomy and physiology of the infant oral complex. We’re not just talking about tongue ties—we’re looking at fascial tension, cranial nerve function, and compensatory patterns that affect latch, milk transfer, and maternal comfort. I learned to assess oral function holistically and support families through habilitation strategies that restore balance, coordination, and ease in feeding.

🧠 Gut-Brain for the IBCLC (2022) deepened my understanding of the microbiome’s role in neurodevelopment, regulation, and feeding readiness—not just in infants, but in mothers as well. The maternal gut-brain axis is intimately tied to hormonal signaling, immune function, and mood stability. Gut dysbiosis can disrupt oxytocin and prolactin pathways, directly impacting milk supply, letdown reflex, and maternal-infant bonding.

💡 We explore how birth interventions, antibiotics, stress, and diet shape the maternal microbiome—and how restoring gut integrity can support lactation, reduce inflammation, and improve postpartum recovery. This is about empowering mothers to reclaim their physiological resilience and reconnect with their babies through nourishing, attuned feeding relationships.

💬 I continue to hone my clinical skills through Jennifer’s monthly support webinars, keeping abreast (pun intended!) of emerging research and refining my approach to care. Her depth, compassion, and commitment to the breastfeeding dyad are truly inspiring.

Feeling deeply aligned with this work—and honored to bring this integrative knowledge into practice. 💛

08/04/2025

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve introduced myself.

📷 :

Hi, I’m Amy—an IBCLC and holistic infant feeding specialist with a deep passion for helping families feel supported, informed, and empowered. Over the years, I’ve pursued advanced training in oral function, tongue tie release, gut healing, and functional nutrition so I can offer truly comprehensive care for babies with complex feeding needs.

I believe every family deserves affirming, respectful support—no pressure, no judgment—just guidance that meets you where you are. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, combo feeding, or figuring it all out, I’m here to help you reach your goals in a way that feels right for you.

My care is centered on both the baby and the parent—individually and as a dyad. I support babies in feeding and functional healing, while also helping mothers restore their own wellness, rebuild confidence, and feel deeply seen in the process. While I’m gradually stepping back from parenting work, nurturing both sides of the feeding relationship remains at the heart of everything I do.

My philosophy is simple: feeding is more than nutrition—it’s connection, healing, and growth. I meet families with empathy and expertise, helping them move from overwhelm to clarity, and from struggle to confidence.

07/19/2025

Excellent info for my ADHD moms! We know who we are! ❤ 😉

Breastfeeding parents with ADHD have distinct nutritional needs that are often overlooked in both lactation support and ADHD care. The postpartum period requires increased calories and micronutrients to sustain both the body’s recovery and breast milk production, but individuals with ADHD may struggle to meet these needs due to executive functioning challenges, sensory sensitivities, and emotional regulation difficulties. ADHD is associated with dysfunction in key neurotransmitter systems—particularly dopamine and norepinephrine—which are influenced by diet and nutrient intake. Common nutrient deficiencies that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms include iron, magnesium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA), B vitamins (particularly B6, B9/folate, and B12), vitamin D, and choline. These nutrients are essential for cognitive function, emotional balance, energy regulation, and nervous system health. For example, iron is critical for dopamine production, and its deficiency can worsen focus and fatigue. Magnesium supports relaxation and sleep; low levels are linked to increased hyperactivity and anxiety. DHA, a form of omega-3, supports brain structure and is transferred into breast milk to benefit the baby—but can leave the parent depleted

In practice, breastfeeding parents with ADHD may skip meals, forget to drink water, rely heavily on caffeine, or eat in repetitive, nutrient-poor patterns due to difficulty with planning, initiation, and follow-through. Sensory aversions can further limit food variety, and overstimulation may make mealtimes feel chaotic or unpleasant. These habits can lead to blood sugar crashes, mood swings, and worsening ADHD symptoms, creating a feedback loop of undernourishment and executive dysfunction. Support strategies should be realistic and neurodiversity-affirming—focusing on visual cues (like visible snack stations), simple and repeatable meals, pairing carbohydrates with protein to stabilize blood sugar, and utilizing reminders for hydration and eating

07/09/2025

Now accepting Cigna policies in partnership with Wildflower. Please reach out with any questions regarding scheduling and benefits.