What happens in the first 12 hours after birth sets the tone for your entire breastfeeding journey—and most moms don’t get the support or information they need during that window.

In this episode of The Latch Lounge, we’re breaking down what actually matters when it comes to getting breastfeeding off to a strong start. Whether you're planning a hospital birth or birthing at home, this is your guide to making those early hours count.

Inside this episode:

• What to expect from your baby’s feeding cues in the first 12 hours
• Why skin-to-skin time matters—and how to protect it
• What to say if formula is offered before you’re ready
• How to avoid unnecessary separation or missed latches
• Tips for latching, hand expression, and knowing when to get help

If you're pregnant and planning to breastfeed, this episode will help you feel calm, informed, and ready.

👉 Book your prenatal consult now (covered by most PPO plans):

https://get.thelatchlink.com/consult

💛 Free Guide:

Quick Start Guide for Easier Breastfeeding:

https://thelatchlink.com/free-breastfeeding-guide/

Resources:

TheLatchLink.com

Free Breastfeeding Guide

Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

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Most moms don’t reach their breastfeeding goals—and it’s not because they didn’t try. It’s because they weren’t prepared.

In this episode of The Latch Lounge, we’re diving into why so many new moms hit unexpected challenges—and how you can set yourself up for success before your baby arrives.

Inside this episode:

• Why birth prep overshadows feeding prep—and what to do about it
• What “breastfeeding is natural” leaves out (and why that phrase sets moms up to struggle)
• The key things you need to know before the baby is in your arms
• How prenatal planning can reduce stress and boost success from day one

If you're pregnant and want to breastfeed, don’t wait until it’s hard.

Book your prenatal consult today and leave the hospital feeling confident—not confused.

Resources:

TheLatchLink.com

Free Breastfeeding Guide

Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

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Think your pediatrician knows everything about breastfeeding? Think again.

In this episode of The Latch Lounge, I’m breaking down the most common (and shockingly outdated) pieces of breastfeeding advice moms hear from their pediatricians—and why following it can actually sabotage your feeding journey.

We’ll talk about:

• Why your baby nursing “all the time” doesn’t mean you don’t have enough milk
• What to do before supplementing with formula
• Why breastfeeding pain is common—but not normal
• What real solutions look like when you’re getting dismissive or confusing advice

You deserve expert support from someone who actually understands breastfeeding—not a one-size-fits-all opinion from someone who spent an hour on it in med school.

Book your one-on-one lactation consult today and get the clear, personalized support your pediatrician couldn’t offer.

Resources:

TheLatchLink.com

Free Breastfeeding Guide

Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

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Breastfeeding can be an incredible bonding experience, but moms need to prioritize their mental health to achieve this.

In this episode of The Latch Lounge, host Amber Ginn, IBCLC, dives deep into the complex relationship between breastfeeding and mental health. Amber tackles the mom guilt, shame, and societal pressures that moms often face, offering practical, no-judgment advice to help you navigate your feeding journey.

Whether you’re struggling with breastfeeding, feeling overwhelmed, or wondering if it’s time to make a change, this episode will empower you to prioritize your mental health and make decisions that work for you and your baby.

Key Topics Covered:

• The truth about “mommy guilt” and why it’s okay to admit breastfeeding is hard.
• How societal pressures and marketing can complicate your feeding choices.
• Recognizing when breastfeeding is impacting your mental health—positively or negatively.
• The importance of understanding your “why” behind breastfeeding decisions.

00:00 Introduction to Mommy Guilt and Mental Health

01:11 The Reality of Motherhood

01:57 Challenges of Breastfeeding

03:08 Mental Health and Breastfeeding

05:11 Making Informed Decisions

07:20 Balancing Expectations and Reality

09:43 The Importance of Support Systems

Resources:

TheLatchLink.com

Free Breastfeeding Guide

Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

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The healthcare system in the United States can be tough to navigate—and that’s putting it nicely. So how do you begin to find the breastfeeding support you deserve?

I’m Amber Ginn, IBCLC, and I’m here to breakdown in-person vs. virtual lactation support in the U.S., and how you can find the support you deserve. You’ll get the straight-up truth on what works, why you’re already paying for help through insurance, and how to navigate the healthcare system for quality lactation care.

What You’ll Learn:

• The gaps in continuity of care for maternal health and lactation support.
• How insurance covers lactation care—why you need to use it.
• Benefits of virtual lactation care vs in-person care.
• Confidence to find support that fits your needs.

Do not wait to reach out until things are a mess—you deserve care now! Virtual lactation support gives you expert help that sticks around, teaches you the “why” behind the “how,” and meets you right where you are—no judgment, no pressure. You’re already paying for this through insurance, so why not use it? Reach out now—whether things are smooth or a mess, I’ve got your back.

00:00 Welcome to the Latch Lounge Podcast

01:22 Overview of Maternal Healthcare in the US

02:28 Challenges in Breastfeeding Care

03:18 Importance of insurance Coverage for Lactation Care

03:56 The Role of IBCLCs in Breastfeeding Support

04:37 Addressing the Demand for Lactation Consultants

04:55 The Latch Link: Revolutionizing Lactation Care

09:10 Virtual Care vs. In-Home Care

13:13 Empowering Mothers with Knowledge and Support

16:35 Conclusion: You Deserve Quality Lactation Care

Resources:

TheLatchLink.com

Free Breastfeeding Guide

Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

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Today we’re discussing the truth about baby formula. I know baby formula’s a loaded topic. Maybe you’re curious, maybe you’re stressed, or maybe you’re just tired of the guilt trips. Wherever you’re at in your breastfeeding journey, I’ve got you.

I’m Amber Ginn, IBCLC, and in this episode, I’m cutting through the noise with a no-BS look at baby formula—its messy past, its vital role today, and how it can work for you.

We will be discussing the truths behind baby formula, debunking formula myths, revealing the dark side of formula companies, and providing expert insights on how to safely use baby formula.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The historical issues and ethical concerns related to formula companies—yeah, it’s bad, and I’ll tell you why it still matters.
• The necessity and benefits of formula for many mothers.
• The need for nuance in discussing baby formula and for a balanced perspective that acknowledges the realities of both formula and breastfeeding.
• Real tips: How to prepare baby formula safely, why ready-made formula can be a lifesaver, and why I recommend European brands for baby formula.

Key takeaways:

• Formula’s a tool, not a failure. Need sleep? Struggling with supply? You’re allowed to use it and still rock breastfeeding.
• Prepare it the right way: Boil that water for powdered formula and check the label for instructions.
• Stash some ready-made baby formula for emergencies. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
• Find an IBCLC who gets it. You deserve a plan that matches your life, not someone else’s agenda.

Why this matters to you:

I’m not here to preach or overwhelm you—I’m here to hand you the facts and help you make confident, informed decisions in your breastfeeding journey.

00:14 The Controversy Surrounding Baby Formula

01:53 Modern-Day Formula Use

02:21 Marketing and Formula Companies

03:20 The Importance of Nuance in Formula Discussions

06:26 Choosing the Right Formula

07:37 Proper Formula Preparation

09:35 Deciding When to Introduce Formula

10:54 Empowering Mothers in Their Breastfeeding Journey

Resources:

TheLatchLink.com

Free Breastfeeding Guide

Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

Stay Connected:

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Breastfeeding’s no walk in the park, and figuring out what to eat shouldn’t make it harder.

I’m Amber Ginn, IBCLC, and in this episode of The Latch Lounge, I’m going over the best foods for breastfeeding mothers to support and enhance their milk supply

Here’s What You’ll Learn:

Eat Enough, Seriously: Breastfeeding moms need 2,500–3,000 calories a day. Skimping isn’t an option—your body’s doing big work.

The Importance of Macronutrients:

• Protein: Go for the good stuff—eggs, meat, jerky. Aim for about 1 gram per pound of your lean body weight. More won’t hurt, so load up!
• Carbs: Ripe fruit, honey, or even a sugar hit can power you through and help you sleep (trust me, try it).
• Fat: My fave! Add some butter on that oatmeal, grab full-fat dairy, or cook with coconut oil. Your hormones (and milk) will thank you.

Foods & Boosts I Love:

• Butter’s your new BFF—add it everywhere.
• Try magnesium (glycinate for calm, malate for energy), desiccated beef liver, or oyster extract. Links to my picks are below!
• Seaweed, bone broth, Brazil nuts? Yes, they’re packed with the good stuff.

Stay Hydrated: Don’t just sip plain water, go for mineral-rich options like bone broth or electrolyte drinks.

Keep It Real: Grass-fed isn’t a must. Work with what you’ve got—good quality protein, fat, and carbs beat perfection every time.

The Bottom Line: You don’t need to overhaul everything. Start with simple swaps (margarine for butter, etc), sip that Dr. Pepper if it’s your jam—just prioritize fueling yourself right.

Supplements Mentioned:

• My go-to magnesium (glycinate & malate)
• Desiccated beef liver supplement 15% OFF
• Oyster extract supplement

Stick Around: Hit subscribe for more breastfeeding support every week. Got a question? Drop it in the comments—I’m here for you. 💛 Let’s make breastfeeding simpler, together.

01:03 Caloric Needs for Breastfeeding Moms

02:07 Understanding Macros: Carbs, Protein, and Fats

03:34 The Importance of Carbs in Your Diet

06:02 Best Sources of Protein

07:09 Why Fat is Essential for Breastfeeding

11:14 Supplements for Whole Body Support

14:25 Hydration and Additional Nutritional Tips

16:04 Final Thoughts on Nutrition and Self-Care

Resources:

TheLatchLink.com

Free Breastfeeding Guide

Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

Stay Connected:

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How can you prepare for returning to work as a breastfeeding mom? How can you keep your supply up? What can you do to prepare you and your baby for this transition?

In this episode of the Latch Lounge podcast, Amber Ginn, IBCLC, answers the top questions from breastfeeding moms about returning to work.

Covering topics such as when to start pumping, the best bottles for breastfed babies, maintaining milk supply, suitable foods and drinks, making pumping more comfortable, and managing emotional challenges, Amber provides expert insights and practical advice to help you prepare for this transition.

She emphasizes individualized plans and shares personal experiences to help mothers navigate the transition back to work while continuing to breastfeed.

She’s Answering Top Questions from Breastfeeding Moms About Returning to Work:

Q 1 How soon should you start pumping before returning to work?

Q 2 What are the best bottles to use for breastfed babies when returning to work?

Q 3 How can you effectively maintain your milk supply while working?

Q 5 Are there any food or drinks that can help boost your supply?

Q 6 How can I make pumping at work more comfortable & efficient?

Q 7 What should I do if I don’t have a private space to pump at work?

Q 8 How can I handle the emotional challenges of being away from my baby?

Q 9 What are some tips for building a freezer stash before returning to work?

Q 10 How can I prepare my baby for the transition when I return to work?

00:00 Welcome to the Latch Lounge Podcast

00:07 Q&A Introduction and Episode Overview

01:10 Question 1: When to Start Pumping Before Returning to Work

02:02 Question 2: Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies

03:37 Question 3: Maintaining Milk Supply While Working

05:09 Question 5: Foods and Drinks to Boost Milk Supply

08:25 Question 6: Making Pumping at Work Comfortable and Efficient

09:31 Question 7: No Private Space to Pump? Know Your Rights

10:55 Question 8: Handling Emotional Challenges of Being Away from Baby

12:49 Question 9: Tips for Building a Freezer Stash Before Returning to Work

14:40 Question 10: Preparing Baby for the Transition

16:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

TheLatchLink.com

Free Breastfeeding Guide

Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

Stay Connected:

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FaceBook

Pinterest