Dr Carly Dulabon, MD, IBCLC, NABBLM-C
Written by Dr Carly Dulabon
1 article
Medically Reviewed by Dr Carly Dulabon
50 articles
Nursing Pillow Cover Materials: Choosing Between Sweat Comfort and Milk-Leak Protection
Choose a nursing pillow cover based on your main issue: soft absorbent removable covers manage sweat and low-spill feeds, while verified waterproof liners protect the insert from milk leaks and spit-up. For mixed needs, pair a comfort cover with a protective liner and keep spares ready.
Contact Dermatitis From Nipple Cream: How to Identify, Patch-Test, and Switch Safely
Contact dermatitis from nipple cream can cause itching, burning, and cracking, but symptoms alone don't confirm the trigger. This guide explains how to document the reaction, read ingredient lists, avoid home patch-testing on damaged skin, and know when to seek medical care.
How Long Can a Newborn Stay in a Carrier? Position, Reflux, and Warning Signs
A newborn can safely ride in a carrier only for short, closely watched periods with regular resets for feeding, diapering, and position changes. Start with airway checks, follow the manual for your baby’s size, and remove the baby immediately if warning signs appear.
Meconium and Diaper Pail Odor: Why the First 5 Days Smell Different and What to Do
Diaper pail odor in the first five days after birth usually comes from accumulated diapers and changing newborn stool, not a medical issue. This guide explains meconium and transitional stool patterns, offers low-effort ways to reduce pail odor, and lists when to contact a pediatric clinician.
Baby Swing Seat Cover Pilling or Roughness: Clean, Replace, or Stop Using It?
When a baby swing seat cover pills or turns rough, inspect its structure and follow the manufacturer's care instructions. If approved cleaning fails to restore comfort or damage affects safety components, contact the manufacturer about an exact-model replacement and stop using the swing until confirmed safe.
How to Tell if a Stroller Frame Will Rust in Humid Coastal Climates
This guide explains how to judge whether a stroller frame will rust in humid coastal climates. It covers material differences, finish quality, hardware inspection, and maintenance habits like rinsing and indoor storage to reduce corrosion risk.
How to Check Whether a Stroller Brake Will Hold Safely on Neighborhood Hills
A stroller brake that works on flat ground may not hold on a sloped street. Test it on a gentle hill with your normal load, and stop using it on that route if it creeps, skids, or feels unstable.
Best Stroller Fold Style for Boarding a Shuttle Bus With Other Families
A one-handed, compact, self-standing fold is the best stroller fold style for boarding a shuttle bus with other families. It folds fast, stays small, and keeps the aisle clear, while two-step folds can work if they lock securely and remain compact.
Safe Sleep for Newborns: Pediatricians Answer the Questions New Parents Ask Most
The safest newborn sleep setup is simple: alone, on the back, in a flat crib or bassinet with only a fitted sheet. If you have ever stood over the bassinet afte
How to Choose a Stroller That Works From Newborn to Preschool Without Replacing It
The simplest way to avoid buying multiple strollers is to choose a full-size or convertible model that is newborn-safe from day one, has a higher child weight l
Back to Sleep: Why Some Newborns Resist and What Parents Can Safely Do
Some newborns resist sleeping on their backs because they startle easily, wake often to feed, feel gassy when laid down, or notice the change from your warm arm
How to Choose a Stroller for a Newborn and a Toddler Who Sometimes Wants to Walk
The best stroller for this stage is one that is safe from birth and flexible for an older child who may ride only part of the time. For many families, that mean
Sit-and-Stand Stroller vs Traditional Double: Which Setup Supports Toddler Independence Best?
If your older child already likes to walk, a sit-and-stand stroller usually supports more independence. If you still need reliable naps, full seating, and equal
Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy: What’s Normal, When to Worry, and Safe Ways to Feel More Comfortable
Mild shortness of breath is common in pregnancy, and it often happens because your body starts breathing differently long before your belly gets big. Sudden, se
Sciatica During Pregnancy: Why the Pain Radiates and How to Find Relief
Sciatica in pregnancy usually happens when changes around your lower back, pelvis, and growing belly irritate the sciatic nerve, so pain can travel from the but
Constipation During Pregnancy: Why It Happens and Safe Ways to Get Relief
Constipation during pregnancy is common, uncomfortable, but usually manageable with small daily changes. The safest first steps are more fiber, more fluids, gen
How to Relieve a Clogged Milk Duct Fast Without Making Inflammation Worse
The fastest safe relief is usually to lower swelling, keep milk moving normally, and avoid rough “fixes” that can irritate the breast more. This article offers
How Alcohol and Medication Use by Caregivers Affects Infant Safe Sleep Risk
If a caregiver has been drinking or is taking medicine that causes drowsiness, the safest plan is simple: feed, soothe, and settle the baby, then place the baby
Pregnancy Back Pain and Posture: How to Sit, Sleep, Stand, and Use Support Products Correctly
Pregnancy back pain is common, and posture often makes it worse. The good news is that small changes in how you stand, sit, sleep, and use support products can
Back to Sleep for Newborns: Answering the Questions Parents Ask Most
Yes: for most newborns, the safest sleep starts the same way every time, day or night: alone, on the back, on a firm, flat, empty sleep surface. That one habit
How Freezer Storage Changes Breast Milk Nutrients Over Time
Frozen breast milk is still valuable, nourishing milk. Over time, some fat, calories, vitamins, and immune-supporting parts may decline, but good freezer habits
What Causes Excessive Newborn Weight Loss After Birth and How Is It Managed?
Some weight loss after birth is expected, but too much weight loss usually means a baby is not taking in enough milk well enough or often enough. Management sta
Breast Milk Storage at Room Temperature: How Heat and Humidity Change the Rules
Freshly pumped breast milk usually has up to 4 hours at room temperature when the room is 77°F or cooler. If the room is hotter, the milk is thawed or already w
How Long Can Breast Milk Sit Out in a Warm Room Versus a Cool One?
In plain English: freshly pumped breast milk can stay at room temperature for up to 4 hours if the room is 77°F or cooler . If the room is warmer than that, the
The Right Way to Massage Your Breast for Better Milk Flow During Feeding
This guide gives general educational tips for mild fullness, swelling, or a small tender area during feeding, not home treatment for fever, chills, body aches,
Does Pumping at Work Get Easier? What to Expect in the First Three Months Back
Yes, for many parents it does get easier, but usually because the routine gets better, not because work suddenly becomes less busy. The first few weeks are ofte
How Illness Affects Breast Milk Storage Decisions for You and Your Baby
Most of the time, being sick does not mean you need to throw away your milk or stop using stored milk. The bigger changes are usually better hand hygiene, caref
Breast Engorgement and Fever: When Postpartum Fullness May Signal Mastitis or a More Serious Breastfeeding Problem
Breast fullness is common when milk comes in, but pain that keeps building, a real fever, or a red hot area on one breast needs closer attention. A mild low-gra
Sunflower Lecithin Dosage for Clogged Ducts: How Much, How Often, and When to Stop
A common short-term dose for recurrent clogged ducts is 1,200 mg of sunflower lecithin three or four times a day, then a lower dose or stopping once the lump ha
Ginger for Pregnancy Nausea: What the Evidence Actually Shows
Ginger can help some people with mild pregnancy nausea, but it is not a cure-all. The research points to modest relief, mostly for nausea itself, while severe v
How Pumping at Work Changes When Your Baby Starts Solid Foods
Starting solids usually does not mean you should suddenly stop pumping at work. What changes most is the pace: milk stays important through the first year, but
How to Pump at Work When Postpartum Anxiety Makes It Feel Overwhelming
You do not need a perfect system to make pumping at work manageable. A simple routine, a few comfort fixes, and clear backup plans can lower the mental load eno
Sleeping on Your Left Side During Pregnancy: Does It Really Make a Difference?
Side sleeping matters more than perfect left-side sleeping. Later in pregnancy, the practical goal is to start on your side, use the left when it feels comforta
How to Get Comfortable Sleeping While Pregnant When Your Usual Tricks Stop Working
When your old sleep position stops working, comfort usually comes from better side support, smarter pillow placement, and a few symptom-specific tweaks rather t
How Amino Acid Formula Differs from Hydrolyzed Formula — and Why It Matters for Allergic Babies
Amino acid formula offers the most broken-down protein for babies with severe milk allergies. Unlike hydrolyzed formula, it uses free amino acids, making it a safer option when symptoms persist or growth is a concern.
Round Ligament Pain Relief: Positions and Movements That Actually Help
Round ligament pain relief is possible with simple changes. Get comfort from this sharp pregnancy ache with gentle stretches, supportive side-lying positions, and slow movements.
When Babies Start Rolling: How Safe Sleep Positioning Changes and What Parents Should Do
When babies start rolling, safe sleep positioning is key. This guide covers when to stop swaddling, how to set up a bare crib, and what to do if your baby rolls to their tummy.
What Happens to Your Sleep Architecture During Pregnancy and Why It Matters
Pregnancy sleep architecture changes, resulting in lighter, less refreshing rest. Get practical advice on side sleeping, using pillows, and when to talk to your doctor.
Folate vs. Folic Acid in Pregnancy: Is There a Difference?
The folate vs. folic acid choice is vital for pregnancy. Folic acid is the only B9 form proven to prevent neural tube defects, making it the evidence-based choice for prenatal care.
Your Legal Right to Pumping Breaks at Work: What the Law Actually Covers
Pumping breaks at work are a legal right for most U.S. employees. Get details on federal laws like the PUMP Act, what employers must provide, and your options after one year.
Why the Best Sleep Position During Pregnancy Changes as Your Bump Grows
The best sleep position during pregnancy changes by trimester. Side sleeping is key for circulation and comfort. Get tips on using pillows for belly, hip, and back support.
The Complete Guide to Foods That Are Unsafe During Pregnancy
Foods to avoid during pregnancy include raw meat, unpasteurized dairy, and soft cheeses. This guide details the risks from Listeria and Salmonella to protect your baby's health, offering a complete list of unsafe foods and safe alternatives.
Signs Your Work Pumping Schedule Is Hurting Your Supply, and How to Course-Correct
A work pumping schedule can hurt your milk supply if sessions are inconsistent. Get practical tips to adjust your routine, choose the right pump, and maintain output at work.
How to Pump Discreetly at Work When You Don't Have a Private Room
Pump discreetly at work even without a dedicated lactation room. Get a practical plan for choosing a pump, managing your schedule, and storing milk safely on the job.
Breast Milk Freezer Storage: Why the Back of the Freezer Matters More Than You Think
Breast milk freezer storage guidance for maximum safety. Get tips on placement, containers, portioning, and thawing to protect your milk and reduce waste.
Why Does Frozen Breast Milk Smell Soapy or Sour, and Is It Still Safe?
Frozen breast milk smells soapy due to lipase breaking down fats. This is often safe. The milk's safety depends on proper storage times and temperatures, not the odor alone.
Combination Feeding Schedule: How to Structure Breast and Formula Feeds Through the Day
A combination feeding schedule provides structure for breast and formula feeds. Get sample routines, tips for protecting supply, and safe formula handling rules. This guide helps you create a plan that works for your family's needs.
AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines for Newborns: What Every Parent Needs to Know
AAP safe sleep guidelines reduce the risk of SIDS. This essential guide for parents covers back-to-sleep rules, creating a safe crib environment, and why room-sharing is recommended over bed-sharing.
How to Sterilize Baby Bottles Without a Sterilizer at Home
Sterilize baby bottles safely at home without a dedicated appliance. Get a clear routine for washing, sanitizing with boiling water or steam, and properly drying items.
Contraction Timing: How to Track Them and What the Numbers Mean
Contraction timing helps you understand labor progress. Get a simple guide to tracking duration and frequency, what patterns suggest, and when it's time to call your provider or go to the hospital.