Call or text to book an in-home appointment (646) 260-5595.
Or use ONLINE BOOKING to schedule an in-home or virtual appointment now!
Serving Western Massachusetts and beyond.
IN THE PRESS
Lisa has been featured in the following articles and interviews as a breastfeeding resource and advocate.
TOP 12 BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING (the bump.com)
“Breastfeeding isn’t something ‘extra’ mothers can do to give their babies an advantage over other babies—it’s babies' biological norm,” says Lisa Fortin, IBCLC, a Western Mass based lactation consultant and member of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), a global organization that certifies practitioners in lactation and breastfeeding care. “Like any other mammal, we’re programmed to nurse soon after birth, making breastfeeding just plain normal.”
Of course, while breastfeeding is a totally natural behavior, it doesn’t always come naturally or easily to new moms. Fortin’s message to moms who are struggling: Don’t be discouraged! “It’s amazing what moms will go through. I've personally seen women who have jumped major hurdles—adoption, preterm twins, breast reduction surgery--and succeeded in their breastfeeding goals,” she says.
WHEN DO BABIES START EATING SOLIDS (romper.com)
Lisa Fortin tells Romper that there are some signs to look for when you're trying to decide if your baby is ready for solids. "Interest in food, the ability to sit unsupported, absence of the tongue thrust reflux (where your baby pushes the food out of their mouth rather than swallowing), eruption of teeth, and finally, the pincer grip," Fortin says. "You'll know your baby has experienced the latter ability when they start noticing microscopic morsels and attempt to pinch them with their thumb and forefinger. A baby who is just 6 or 7 months old can sit with the family and hold a banana, pincer grip cooked veggies and meat chunks, gnaw on a piece of toasted bread, or enjoy some fresh strawberries. Like breastfeeding, your baby will not overeat. Just make sure you offer healthy choices and stay away from any added sugars or too much sodium."
IF TODDLERS ARE DOING THESE THINGS, THEY WERE BREASTFED (moms.com)
Lisa Fortin, a Western Massachusetts based lactation consultant, says that specific ingredients contained in breast milk, such as unique fatty acids, are very important for a healthy baby brain. It's interesting that the entirety of these elements still can't be replicated for baby formulas.
She says, "A breastfed baby will receive his immune system from his mom, from the first drops of rich colostrum to the disease-specific antibodies mom will make."
"...according to Fortin, breastfeeding can also help maintain a healthy lifestyle in kids later in life, even when they're no longer breastfed, due to the establishment of healthy eating habits. "We know that children and adults who have been breastfed are more likely to have a normal body composition," she says. "Feeding at the breast—even more so than drinking breast milk from a bottle—allows babies from the very earliest age to regulate their food intake. They can eat when they're hungry, take a break if they desire and stop when they're satiated."
REAL BREASTFEEDING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY AN EXPERT (romper.com)
I'm still pregnant, and know of some family members that couldn't produce enough milk. It is scaring me because I find it very important to breastfeed my child. However, I don't know if I should start taking these vitamins I found that are supposed to help increase milk production and prevent blocks. I've been told by friends to wait until I've started lactating, but I've had others tell me to start now.
"It's great that you are thinking ahead," Fortin says, but she suggests you may not have anything to worry about. "Most healthy women who can carry a baby to term will be able to produce enough breast milk for their baby. Many supply issues arise when there is early mismanagement of breastfeeding. I would encourage you to talk to your family members to see if there is a common denominator such as IGT (insufficient glandular tissue) that would genetically predispose you to a low milk supply." Fortin adds that those types of conditions are rare, however, and that it is much more common that breastfeeding interference will affect your milk supply. "Interference in the earliest hours, days, and weeks, often by hospital staff or well-meaning relatives lead toward the downward spiral of low milk supply," she says.
Fortin suggests that instead of vitamins, you reach out to baby-friendly hospitals that encourage breastfeeding and your efforts, as well as choosing a midwife, OB-GYN, doula, or birth partner that supports you. "Attend a local La Leche League meeting to hear what other new moms have experienced and don't be afraid to reach out to hospital staff and lactation professionals if you feel you need help."
What foods make breastfed babies gassy?
"Any and none would be the most accurate answers," Fortin says. "Many mothers can eat a plateful of sauerkraut and bratwurst or steak and kim chi with nary a peep from their breastfeeding babe. Other moms watch every morsel that crosses their lips. Research does not support the idea that gassy foods make gassy babies. However, some babies can be sensitive to cow's milk protein or other common allergens like soy, eggs, or tomatoes, resulting in gas, fussiness, rash, or sleep disturbance." Fortin warns against avoiding foods or cutting things from your diet unless your baby seems to suffer from them. "Remember, breastfed babies develop a palate for a wide variety of flavors based on the diversity in their mother's diet," Fortin adds.
My baby is 9 months old and has refused the breast this past week. She recently became mobile, so I just took it as she was too busy, but now a week later, she wants nothing to do with breastfeeding. She won't even night nurse anymore. Is this normal? I'm beating myself up over it because I had my heart set on the first two years and now, nine months in, she has pretty much fully weaned.
"I would encourage you to keep persisting," Fortin says, noting that nursing for the first two years is the best nutrition your baby will have in that time to help her development. "It is very unlikely that she has weaned herself for good, but rather there may be some extenuating circumstance that has made nursing less enjoyable than it was just a short time ago. Developmental milestones like crawling and walking can definitely keep a baby busy enough to miss a few nursing sessions. Could she be getting a set of teeth, perhaps her incisors, which may be overlooked as they are tucked further back in the mouth? How are you feeling? Any symptoms of a yeast infection or mastitis? Yeast can make nursing painful for both mother and baby, and mastitis can make milk taste more salty." If everything seems fine, don't panic. Fortin suggests that this kind of situation could improve spontaneously and you may never know what the problem was. But if you want to try something, Fortin recommends some skin-to-skin contact. "Stubborn babies have been known to give up a nursing strike when in a warm bathtub with mom, when sleeping with mom, or spending lots of skin-to-skin time with mom."
Is it possible to bring your milk supply back up by pumping more often?
Fortin notes that while pumping is one way to increase milk supply, you need to figure out why your supply is low to begin with. "Low milk supply can be caused by mother or baby, can be physical or physiological, or any combination of these factors," she says. "Meeting with a qualified lactation consultant who can take a detailed medical history for both of you should be a priority if your baby is not gaining well or not producing 3-4 soiled diapers and 5-6 wet diapers in 24 hours." In the meantime, she suggests nursing "1o to 12 times per day. Follow your baby's feeding cues and nurse whenever your baby wakes, roots his head from side to side, licks his lips, puts hand to mouth, or fusses," she says. "Nurse on both sides and pump after breastfeeding for at least 10 minutes or for two to five minutes after milk flow stops." Fortin also adds that a well-latched baby is the best pump, so if your baby's latch is painful, if your nipple comes out of your baby's mouth misshapen, or if you have cracks or bleeding, you should reach out to a lactation consultant.
I am looking to buy a sling for breastfeeding. Any input on the best ones to buy?
"A baby sling is an invaluable tool for a new mother to have in her possession," Fortin says. "A good carrier promotes bonding, facilitates breastfeeding, soothes a fussy baby, frees up a busy mom's hands, and is an excellent system of transport." Fortin suggests watching out for front-facing carriers, as you want your child to face you in a sling, and that these types of carriers can put baby in an unnatural starfish shape. "Look for a woven wrap or sling that can be worn in various ways from infancy to toddlerhood," Fortin says. "Practice before baby comes if possible, and know that there is a learning curve, but many moms become quite adept at wrapping their baby to their body. Check online at sites like Etsy for hand-sewn carriers in amazing fabrics that both you and your partner will like. Many small local baby shops offer free instruction in wearing the particular type of carriers they stock."
My son is 6 weeks old and breastfeeding has been going great; no problems at all. However, yesterday I noticed that my breasts didn't feel as "full" as they usually do. They have decreased in size by half and up until now, they have constantly felt full and heavy, especially when he needed to nurse. Should I be concerned about this? He does seem to get plenty of milk when he nurses and he hasn't been nursing as frequently the past week as he used to, but he doesn't seem extra hungry.
No worries, mama, Fortin says that this is very common at the six week mark. "After weeks of soggy nursing pads, puddles in the bed, and breast milk showers on your baby's face, mother nature is convinced that you are making enough milk and your baby will not starve," she said. " Your supply regulates and your breasts figure out how to produce 30 to 40 ounces of milk a day without causing a major laundry issue. As long as your baby is happy, gaining well, and producing amble diapers, you can congratulate yourself for making it through the first six challenging weeks of lactation."
My question is about yeast infection on the breasts — I have been battling it now for seven weeks. My son is eight weeks old and it has made it very difficult to successfully nurse him. I do a lot of pumping and bottle feeding because of the pain. We do nurse, but I have to take breaks. I have tried every treatment under the sun. I can't get rid of this infection, it is so resistant to everything. I am beyond frustrated right now. I am determined to nurse him and I guess I will do it in pain if I have to, but I just wanted to know if anyone else has had this issue and what I can do to resolve it.
"You may discuss the possibility of a round of diflucan with your doctor and, likewise, the gentian violet protocol can be repeated," Fortin says. "I have seen many moms get relief using Dr. Jack Newman's All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO), which is a compound that needs to be mixed at your pharmacy. You can find the prescription by googling APNO Jack Newman and print the information for your pharmacist." Fortin also adds to check on your bras, and suggests washing them in hot water with a vinegar rinse. Another unexpected culprit? Sugar. "Avoid all sweeteners including honey and maple syrup, as they just feed the yeast. If you continue to attack the yeast from all fronts at once, you should find healing. Contact a lactation professional or call the La Leche League warm line if you continue treatment and do not have at least some improvement in another week or two."
My daughter will be six months old next week and we started solids a couple of weeks ago. I have been giving her about a teaspoon or so of baby food, but the last couple of days, I have been letting her eat as much as she wants at only one meal and we are about to do baby led weaning. Is it normal or good for her to eat a whole four ounces?
"Babies have a remarkable ability to self-regulate their food intake, not only at the breast, but at mealtime, too," Fortin says. "While most of us were probably spoon-fed pureed foods, today the move is toward baby-led solids. Offering your baby small amounts of whatever healthy whole foods are on your plate and letting them feel, explore, taste, and eventually eat, helps your baby develop into a child and adult that likes varied flavors, knows how much to eat, and when to stop eating."
TOP 12 BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING (the bump.com)
“Breastfeeding isn’t something ‘extra’ mothers can do to give their babies an advantage over other babies—it’s babies' biological norm,” says Lisa Fortin, IBCLC, a Western Mass based lactation consultant and member of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), a global organization that certifies practitioners in lactation and breastfeeding care. “Like any other mammal, we’re programmed to nurse soon after birth, making breastfeeding just plain normal.”
Of course, while breastfeeding is a totally natural behavior, it doesn’t always come naturally or easily to new moms. Fortin’s message to moms who are struggling: Don’t be discouraged! “It’s amazing what moms will go through. I've personally seen women who have jumped major hurdles—adoption, preterm twins, breast reduction surgery--and succeeded in their breastfeeding goals,” she says.
WHEN DO BABIES START EATING SOLIDS (romper.com)
Lisa Fortin tells Romper that there are some signs to look for when you're trying to decide if your baby is ready for solids. "Interest in food, the ability to sit unsupported, absence of the tongue thrust reflux (where your baby pushes the food out of their mouth rather than swallowing), eruption of teeth, and finally, the pincer grip," Fortin says. "You'll know your baby has experienced the latter ability when they start noticing microscopic morsels and attempt to pinch them with their thumb and forefinger. A baby who is just 6 or 7 months old can sit with the family and hold a banana, pincer grip cooked veggies and meat chunks, gnaw on a piece of toasted bread, or enjoy some fresh strawberries. Like breastfeeding, your baby will not overeat. Just make sure you offer healthy choices and stay away from any added sugars or too much sodium."
IF TODDLERS ARE DOING THESE THINGS, THEY WERE BREASTFED (moms.com)
Lisa Fortin, a Western Massachusetts based lactation consultant, says that specific ingredients contained in breast milk, such as unique fatty acids, are very important for a healthy baby brain. It's interesting that the entirety of these elements still can't be replicated for baby formulas.
She says, "A breastfed baby will receive his immune system from his mom, from the first drops of rich colostrum to the disease-specific antibodies mom will make."
"...according to Fortin, breastfeeding can also help maintain a healthy lifestyle in kids later in life, even when they're no longer breastfed, due to the establishment of healthy eating habits. "We know that children and adults who have been breastfed are more likely to have a normal body composition," she says. "Feeding at the breast—even more so than drinking breast milk from a bottle—allows babies from the very earliest age to regulate their food intake. They can eat when they're hungry, take a break if they desire and stop when they're satiated."
REAL BREASTFEEDING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY AN EXPERT (romper.com)
I'm still pregnant, and know of some family members that couldn't produce enough milk. It is scaring me because I find it very important to breastfeed my child. However, I don't know if I should start taking these vitamins I found that are supposed to help increase milk production and prevent blocks. I've been told by friends to wait until I've started lactating, but I've had others tell me to start now.
"It's great that you are thinking ahead," Fortin says, but she suggests you may not have anything to worry about. "Most healthy women who can carry a baby to term will be able to produce enough breast milk for their baby. Many supply issues arise when there is early mismanagement of breastfeeding. I would encourage you to talk to your family members to see if there is a common denominator such as IGT (insufficient glandular tissue) that would genetically predispose you to a low milk supply." Fortin adds that those types of conditions are rare, however, and that it is much more common that breastfeeding interference will affect your milk supply. "Interference in the earliest hours, days, and weeks, often by hospital staff or well-meaning relatives lead toward the downward spiral of low milk supply," she says.
Fortin suggests that instead of vitamins, you reach out to baby-friendly hospitals that encourage breastfeeding and your efforts, as well as choosing a midwife, OB-GYN, doula, or birth partner that supports you. "Attend a local La Leche League meeting to hear what other new moms have experienced and don't be afraid to reach out to hospital staff and lactation professionals if you feel you need help."
What foods make breastfed babies gassy?
"Any and none would be the most accurate answers," Fortin says. "Many mothers can eat a plateful of sauerkraut and bratwurst or steak and kim chi with nary a peep from their breastfeeding babe. Other moms watch every morsel that crosses their lips. Research does not support the idea that gassy foods make gassy babies. However, some babies can be sensitive to cow's milk protein or other common allergens like soy, eggs, or tomatoes, resulting in gas, fussiness, rash, or sleep disturbance." Fortin warns against avoiding foods or cutting things from your diet unless your baby seems to suffer from them. "Remember, breastfed babies develop a palate for a wide variety of flavors based on the diversity in their mother's diet," Fortin adds.
My baby is 9 months old and has refused the breast this past week. She recently became mobile, so I just took it as she was too busy, but now a week later, she wants nothing to do with breastfeeding. She won't even night nurse anymore. Is this normal? I'm beating myself up over it because I had my heart set on the first two years and now, nine months in, she has pretty much fully weaned.
"I would encourage you to keep persisting," Fortin says, noting that nursing for the first two years is the best nutrition your baby will have in that time to help her development. "It is very unlikely that she has weaned herself for good, but rather there may be some extenuating circumstance that has made nursing less enjoyable than it was just a short time ago. Developmental milestones like crawling and walking can definitely keep a baby busy enough to miss a few nursing sessions. Could she be getting a set of teeth, perhaps her incisors, which may be overlooked as they are tucked further back in the mouth? How are you feeling? Any symptoms of a yeast infection or mastitis? Yeast can make nursing painful for both mother and baby, and mastitis can make milk taste more salty." If everything seems fine, don't panic. Fortin suggests that this kind of situation could improve spontaneously and you may never know what the problem was. But if you want to try something, Fortin recommends some skin-to-skin contact. "Stubborn babies have been known to give up a nursing strike when in a warm bathtub with mom, when sleeping with mom, or spending lots of skin-to-skin time with mom."
Is it possible to bring your milk supply back up by pumping more often?
Fortin notes that while pumping is one way to increase milk supply, you need to figure out why your supply is low to begin with. "Low milk supply can be caused by mother or baby, can be physical or physiological, or any combination of these factors," she says. "Meeting with a qualified lactation consultant who can take a detailed medical history for both of you should be a priority if your baby is not gaining well or not producing 3-4 soiled diapers and 5-6 wet diapers in 24 hours." In the meantime, she suggests nursing "1o to 12 times per day. Follow your baby's feeding cues and nurse whenever your baby wakes, roots his head from side to side, licks his lips, puts hand to mouth, or fusses," she says. "Nurse on both sides and pump after breastfeeding for at least 10 minutes or for two to five minutes after milk flow stops." Fortin also adds that a well-latched baby is the best pump, so if your baby's latch is painful, if your nipple comes out of your baby's mouth misshapen, or if you have cracks or bleeding, you should reach out to a lactation consultant.
I am looking to buy a sling for breastfeeding. Any input on the best ones to buy?
"A baby sling is an invaluable tool for a new mother to have in her possession," Fortin says. "A good carrier promotes bonding, facilitates breastfeeding, soothes a fussy baby, frees up a busy mom's hands, and is an excellent system of transport." Fortin suggests watching out for front-facing carriers, as you want your child to face you in a sling, and that these types of carriers can put baby in an unnatural starfish shape. "Look for a woven wrap or sling that can be worn in various ways from infancy to toddlerhood," Fortin says. "Practice before baby comes if possible, and know that there is a learning curve, but many moms become quite adept at wrapping their baby to their body. Check online at sites like Etsy for hand-sewn carriers in amazing fabrics that both you and your partner will like. Many small local baby shops offer free instruction in wearing the particular type of carriers they stock."
My son is 6 weeks old and breastfeeding has been going great; no problems at all. However, yesterday I noticed that my breasts didn't feel as "full" as they usually do. They have decreased in size by half and up until now, they have constantly felt full and heavy, especially when he needed to nurse. Should I be concerned about this? He does seem to get plenty of milk when he nurses and he hasn't been nursing as frequently the past week as he used to, but he doesn't seem extra hungry.
No worries, mama, Fortin says that this is very common at the six week mark. "After weeks of soggy nursing pads, puddles in the bed, and breast milk showers on your baby's face, mother nature is convinced that you are making enough milk and your baby will not starve," she said. " Your supply regulates and your breasts figure out how to produce 30 to 40 ounces of milk a day without causing a major laundry issue. As long as your baby is happy, gaining well, and producing amble diapers, you can congratulate yourself for making it through the first six challenging weeks of lactation."
My question is about yeast infection on the breasts — I have been battling it now for seven weeks. My son is eight weeks old and it has made it very difficult to successfully nurse him. I do a lot of pumping and bottle feeding because of the pain. We do nurse, but I have to take breaks. I have tried every treatment under the sun. I can't get rid of this infection, it is so resistant to everything. I am beyond frustrated right now. I am determined to nurse him and I guess I will do it in pain if I have to, but I just wanted to know if anyone else has had this issue and what I can do to resolve it.
"You may discuss the possibility of a round of diflucan with your doctor and, likewise, the gentian violet protocol can be repeated," Fortin says. "I have seen many moms get relief using Dr. Jack Newman's All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO), which is a compound that needs to be mixed at your pharmacy. You can find the prescription by googling APNO Jack Newman and print the information for your pharmacist." Fortin also adds to check on your bras, and suggests washing them in hot water with a vinegar rinse. Another unexpected culprit? Sugar. "Avoid all sweeteners including honey and maple syrup, as they just feed the yeast. If you continue to attack the yeast from all fronts at once, you should find healing. Contact a lactation professional or call the La Leche League warm line if you continue treatment and do not have at least some improvement in another week or two."
My daughter will be six months old next week and we started solids a couple of weeks ago. I have been giving her about a teaspoon or so of baby food, but the last couple of days, I have been letting her eat as much as she wants at only one meal and we are about to do baby led weaning. Is it normal or good for her to eat a whole four ounces?
"Babies have a remarkable ability to self-regulate their food intake, not only at the breast, but at mealtime, too," Fortin says. "While most of us were probably spoon-fed pureed foods, today the move is toward baby-led solids. Offering your baby small amounts of whatever healthy whole foods are on your plate and letting them feel, explore, taste, and eventually eat, helps your baby develop into a child and adult that likes varied flavors, knows how much to eat, and when to stop eating."
