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EXPERT Spotlight

Shelly Umstot, BSN, RN

Shelly Umstot is a BSN and has been a registered nurse for over 35 years. She lives in North East Ohio and is a freelance health content writer. Her passion is bringing understanding to those with questions and concerns regarding health issues and helping them obtain and maintain their optimal health. She loves being with her family and has two lovely granddaughters who have stolen her heart. Assisting new parents in finding the information they need to face the joys and challenges of caring for their children is a gratifying experience for her as a professional, parent, and grandparent herself.

WRITTEN by Shelly Umstot

21 articles

Pumping with Momcozy M9: Sample Schedule & Tips

Pumping with Momcozy M9: Sample Schedule & Tips

Maximize your milk production with the Momcozy M9 wearable breast pump! This guide helps you create the perfect pumping schedule for your lifestyle, whether you're a new mom, a caregiver, or a working professional.

1 min read
Breastfeeding Twins: Questions Answered

Breastfeeding Twins: Questions Answered

Breastfeeding twins presents a unique and rewarding challenge. This guide provides new parents with essential information on preparing for and succeeding at breastfeeding twins, including product essentials, practical tips, and helpful schedules.

1 min read
Postpartum Vaginal Care: A Simple Guide for New Moms

Postpartum Vaginal Care: A Simple Guide for New Moms

Postpartum vaginal care is crucial for new mothers. This guide addresses common discomforts like pain, swelling, and bleeding after childbirth, whether vaginal or C-section. It offers practical tips for perineal healing, managing pain, and understanding normal vaginal changes. The goal is to equip new mothers with the knowledge necessary for a more comfortable and effective postpartum recovery.

1 min read
Abdominal Separation in Pregnancy: Recovery Strategies for Diastasis Recti

Abdominal Separation in Pregnancy: Recovery Strategies for Diastasis Recti

Got that post-baby belly that won’t budge? You might be dealing with diastasis recti, or ab separation. This guide breaks down what it is, how to check for it, and simple, effective ways to support healing—from core-safe moves to smart gear like supportive belly wraps.

1 min read
What to Expect of Your Postpartum Belly: Tips for a Healthy Recovery

What to Expect of Your Postpartum Belly: Tips for a Healthy Recovery

After childbirth, your belly won't bounce back overnight—and that's normal. From shrinking your uterus to dealing with diastasis recti, this guide walks new moms through realistic expectations and practical ways to care for your postpartum belly. With advice on exercise, nutrition, and support options like belly wraps, it's your go-to for a healthier, gentler recovery.

1 min read
Let-Down Reflex: What It Is and How It Works

Let-Down Reflex: What It Is and How It Works

The let-down reflex, is triggered by hormones, and releases breast milk. Learn its signs, triggers, and practical tips for managing flow during breastfeeding or pumping. Understand how to encourage let-downs and handle fast or slow milk release challenges.

1 min read
Double Pumping: The Most Efficient Breast Milk Collection Method

Double Pumping: The Most Efficient Breast Milk Collection Method

The double-pumping method uses a two-pump system and simultaneously expresses milk from both breasts. It benefits working mothers, those with multiple children, or premature infants. Key factors include pump selection, a comfortable environment, and increasing milk reserves.

1 min read
How Do You Bottle Feed a Newborn? Tips, Positions, and Advice

How Do You Bottle Feed a Newborn? Complete Guide with Tips and Positions

How do you bottle-feed a newborn? Bottle-feeding a newborn requires careful techniques to ensure comfort and safety for you and your baby. This guide explains how to bottle-feed a newborn, highlighting the best positions to hold your baby, how to prevent air swallowing, and how to hold the bottle. We’ll cover tips for preparing bottles with breast milk or formula and learn about paced feeding to avoid overfeeding. Featuring Momcozy nursing products, this article provides practical advice for creating a soothing and nurturing bottle-feeding experience for you and your baby.

1 min read
Chunky Breast Milk: What are Those White Clumps?

Chunky Breast Milk: What are Those White Clumps?

White clumps or chunks in breast milk can be a source of concern for new mothers. This article explores common causes, including fat separation, plugged milk ducts, and mastitis. It provides guidance on when to seek medical attention and offers preventive measures to minimize the occurrence of clumpy breast milk. By understanding the underlying reasons and implementing appropriate strategies, mothers can alleviate concerns and continue to provide optimal nutrition for their infants.

1 min read
How to Collect Colostrum: Harvesting Liquid Gold

How to Collect Colostrum: Harvesting Liquid Gold

Colostrum, often called liquid gold, is your baby's first meal and a powerful source of nutrients and antibodies. Learn how to harvest this precious early milk, including the best time to start, simple techniques for hand expression, and tips for collecting it before your baby's birth. Discuss what moms shouldn’t collect colostrum before their baby’s birth and why.

1 min read
Colostrum Benefits for Newborns: Healthy Nutrition from the Start

Colostrum Benefits for Newborns: Healthy Nutrition from the Start

Colostrum is the first milk mothers produce after giving birth. It’s packed with nutrients and antibodies that help newborns get a healthy start. This article explains the key colostrum benefits for newborns, including strengthening their immune system, supporting healthy digestion, and encouraging proper growth. Parents need to understand the importance of colostrum to ensure their babies get that boost of essential nutrition from the start.

1 min read
A Guide to Mixing Breast Milk with Formula

A Guide to Mixing Breast Milk with Formula

Parents often wonder whether they can or should mix breast milk with infant formula. Is this okay for the baby? Does it affect their nutrition? This guide will help answer these questions.

1 min read
Wearing a breast pump, a woman in a kitchen preparing food

What is Exclusive Pumping for Your Baby? Your Complete Guide

This comprehensive guide offers essential information for mothers who choose to exclusively pump breast milk for their babies. Discover helpful tips and advice to ensure successful pumping, including guidance on pumping schedules, storage techniques, and overcoming common challenges.

1 min read

Medically Reviewed by Shelly Umstot

50 articles

Momcozy M5 Smart vs M9: Find the Wearable Breast Pump That Fits Your Life

Momcozy M5 Smart vs M9: Find the Wearable Breast Pump That Fits Your Life

Trying to decide between the Momcozy M5 Smart vs M9? Both are hands-free, app-enabled wearable breast pumps, but they differ in motor power, suction levels, pumping modes, design, and price. This guide covers every key difference so you can choose the pump that truly fits your breastfeeding routine.

1 min read
Do Video Baby Monitors Emit Harmful Radiation

Do Video Baby Monitors Emit Harmful Radiation

Baby monitor radiation questions answered. This article details what the evidence says about RF-EMF exposure and gives you simple steps for safe monitor placement and use.

1 min read
Can a Smart Baby Monitor Really Prevent SIDS

Can a Smart Baby Monitor Really Prevent SIDS

Smart baby monitors and SIDS prevention is a top concern for parents. While these devices offer convenience, they cannot prevent SIDS. Get the facts on safe sleep practices that truly protect your infant and see how to use a monitor wisely without adding stress.

1 min read
Is Your Baby Sound Machine Too Loud

Is Your Baby Sound Machine Too Loud

Baby sound machine safety requires keeping volume below 50 dB and the device 7+ feet from the crib. Get clear guidance on placement, volume, and timers to protect hearing.

1 min read
Is It Safe to Use a Baby Nasal Aspirator Every Day

Is It Safe to Use a Baby Nasal Aspirator Every Day

Using a baby nasal aspirator every day can be safe for a congested baby. This guide offers a gentle routine, clear limits on frequency, and how to protect the nasal lining.

1 min read
Pillow for Hip Pain in Pregnancy: Your Complete Guide to Restful Nights

Pillow for Hip Pain in Pregnancy: Your Complete Guide to Restful Nights

Hip pain is one of the most common pregnancy discomforts. Especially as your body changes in the later trimesters. This guide explains how the right pillow can make a big difference. The best ways to sleep for hip relief, and which pillows provide the most comfort. With a few simple adjustments, you can finally enjoy restful sleep again.

1 min read
Baby Carrier Positions by Age: Safe & Comfy Ways to Carry Your Little One

Baby Carrier Positions by Age: Safe & Comfy Ways to Carry Your Little One

Understanding baby carrier positions by age is essential for safety and comfort. From newborn snuggles to toddler adventures. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the right positions for each stage. Provide tips for choosing the best infant carrier and safety guidelines that every parent should know.

1 min read
Are Nursing Pillows Safe and How To Choose One

Are Nursing Pillows Safe and How To Choose One?

"Are nursing pillows safe?" Not many have been asking this before, as this breastfeeding aid seemed harmless. It was recently found out that over 100 deaths from 2010...

9 min read
Baby Spitting Up Curdled Milk? Here’s What’s Normal and What’s Not

Baby Spitting Up Curdled Milk? Here’s What’s Normal and What’s Not

Seeing your baby spitting up curdled milk is overwhelming, especially if it happens when they are asleep. This guide helps you understand why it happens, what it means, and how to help reduce it. From simple at-home tips to knowing when it’s time to talk to your pediatrician, we’ve got you covered.

1 min read
Newborn Lip Blister: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

Newborn Lip Blister: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

Newborn lip blisters are common and usually harmless, often caused by breastfeeding or bottle-feeding friction. This guide explains causes, signs, care tips, and when to contact a pediatrician for peace of mind.

1 min read
What to Do If Your Baby Will Only Sleep on Stomach

What to Do If Your Baby Will Only Sleep on Stomach

Many parents worry when their baby will only sleep on their stomach. Explore the reasons behind this common challenge and learn practical, safety-focused strategies to manage the situation and encourage safer sleep habits.

1 min read
Why Do Babies Throw Their Legs Up and Down While Sleeping?

Why Do Babies Throw Their Legs Up and Down While Sleeping?

Is your baby’s leg-kicking keeping you both awake at night? From seemingly random movements to forceful kicks, this guide will demystify the reasons behind this common behavior. Discover what's normal, what's not, and get actionable tips to help your baby—and you—achieve a more peaceful night's sleep.

1 min read
Why Is My Baby Spitting Up Blood? A Parent’s Guide

Why Is My Baby Spitting Up Blood? A Parent’s Guide

Understanding blood in baby's spit-up can be frightening for parents. This comprehensive guide explains common causes, color variations, warning signs, and when to seek medical attention, helping you make informed decisions about your baby's health.

1 min read
Is It Normal for Milk to Come Out of a Baby’s Nose?

Is It Normal for Milk to Come Out of a Baby’s Nose?

Is milk coming out of your baby's nose causing concern? Explore the common causes, practical solutions, and expert advice on when to consult a pediatrician. Ensure your little one's comfort and health with our comprehensive guide.

1 min read
Why Do Newborns Spit Bubbles And The Reasons Behind It

Why Do Newborns Spit Bubbles And The Reasons Behind It

Is your baby spitting bubbles and blowing raspberries? Don’t worry—this isn't just a messy phase! It's a crucial milestone in their speech and muscle development. This guide will reveal the secrets behind these adorable sounds, explain their surprising benefits, and show you how to playfully encourage your baby's progress.

1 min read
How to Wean Baby Off the Bottle

How to Wean Baby Off the Bottle

Here's how to wean your baby off the bottle smoothly, with expert tips and a step-by-step plan. Follow our guide for a stress-free transition.

1 min read
How Much Milk Am I Supposed to Pump

How Much Milk Am I Supposed to Pump

Get insights into how much milk to pump at different stages, plus strategies to boost your supply and ensure your baby is well-fed.

1 min read
Good Nursing Bras for Large Breasts: Comfort, Support, and Style

Good Nursing Bras for Large Breasts: Comfort, Support, and Style

Discover the best nursing bras for large breasts, combining comfort, support, and functionality. These bras are designed to provide a secure fit, making breastfeeding easier while ensuring style and comfort for women with fuller busts. Find your ideal fit!

1 min read
How to Wean Baby off Formula?

How to Wean Baby off Formula?

Discover essential tips for transitioning from formula to milk, ensuring proper nutrition and an easier feeding journey, while learning how to wean baby off formula effectively.

1 min read
Top 3 Reasons Why Your Breastmilk Is Watery

Top 3 Reasons Why Your Breastmilk Is Watery

This article explains why breastmilk may sometimes appear watery, how the composition changes to adapt to the changing needs of your baby, and why these natural changes are important for your baby's health and development.

1 min read
How to Sterilise a Breast Pump and the Parts

How to Sterilise a Breast Pump and the Parts

Learn how to clean and sterilize breast pump parts with ease. Discover tips for using the Momcozy KleanPal Pro sterilizer for safe, hygienic pumping.

1 min read
A woman with a baby, wearing a pumping bra

How to Exclusively Pump: Tips, Tricks, and Advice

Get tips on how to exclusively pump—we'll help you choose the right breast pump and enhance your milk supply, supporting you at every stage of your exclusively pumping journey.

1 min read
What to Do About Low Milk Supply at Night

What to Do About Low Milk Supply at Night?

Concerned about low milk supply at night? Learn how to naturally boost lactation with targeted tactics and receive quality feeding advice for thriving infants.

1 min read
A woman holds a baby and another woman blows her nose

How to Handle a Milk Supply Drop When Sick

Struggling with a milk supply drop when sick? Discover expert tips to maintain lactation and keep your baby healthy through any illness. Get the advice you need today!

1 min read
A woman smiles while feeding a baby with a bottle

How to Ace Drying Your Sterilized Bottles?

Curious about how to dry sterilized bottles effectively? Ensure your infant’s well-being with our expert methods! Learn the best strategies to keep your baby’s bottles impeccably clean and completely moisture-free.

1 min read