Infant-Led Weaning (ILW) is gaining traction as a responsive, baby-centered alternative to traditional spoon-feeding with purees and cereals. One of the primary benefits of ILW is that it fosters autonomy and self-regulation in infants. Rather than being passively fed, babies are encouraged to feed themselves whole, soft foods from the family’s plate. This helps them develop hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and oral motor strength at their own pace. Because babies are in control of what, how much, and how fast they eat, they are more likely to honor internal hunger and fullness cues, which may help reduce the risk of overeating and obesity later in life. According to the feeding experts, a good time to initiate ILW is 6-8 months.

Nutritionally, ILW introduces infants to a wider variety of tastes and textures earlier than traditional weaning. Purees tend to be bland and uniform in texture, while ILW foods offer more sensory variety. Early exposure to a diverse range of foods can foster more adventurous eating habits in childhood and reduce the likelihood of picky eating. It also allows infants to learn about food through exploration — touching, smelling, mouthing, and eventually chewing and swallowing. That natural progression supports oral development and can make the transition to family meals smoother and more enjoyable for both the baby and the caregiver. If the mother is breastfeeding, it is usually recommended to nurse at a different time than during meals with solids.

Psychologically and socially, ILW encourages inclusion. Babies are invited to participate in family meals, eating the same foods alongside everyone else. This not only strengthens social bonds but also reinforces positive mealtime behaviors through imitation. Infants learn by watching, and sitting at the table with adults and siblings allows them to absorb table manners, food preferences, and the joy of shared meals. This communal aspect is often lost when feeding occurs separately with purees.

Lastly, ILW can ease the pressure on parents and caregivers. Rather than preparing special meals or anxiously monitoring every bite, caregivers become observers and supporters. This shift reduces mealtime stress and promotes a more relaxed, trusting environment where feeding is seen as an opportunity for connection rather than control. While ILW isn’t right for every child or family — and some may choose to blend approaches — its holistic benefits make it a compelling choice for many modern parents. To explore more options, contact Lactationlynn.com to create a feeding care plan.

Pumps, Pumps and More Pumps

Have you noticed the number of electric pump choices available online and in stores? Let’s break down the terms used to clarify the differences in pumps.

Hospitals have industrial pumps that provide higher performance. These are termed hospital grade. Some have a life span of 10 years or more and are meant for multiple mothers to use. The suction on these pumps can be measured from 300 to 350 mmHg. Most mothers find these pumps superior at establishing their milk supply, especially if a mother has special circumstances with their baby or in their health history. Since these pumps are expensive, they are usually rented to mothers. However, some women do purchase these pumps and hold on to them when they anticipate having more children later. Not all women need this type of pump to establish a good milk supply. Currently, the FDA does not have a certification process to specify which pumps are hospital-grade.

Hospital performance and hospital strength are marketing terms used by breast pump companies. These labels can describe personal pumps that may have a pressure of 200 to 300 mmHg. Women who don't have special health circumstances may find this pressure range adequate for their milk supply. No matter which pumps a mother is considering, all pumps should possess a variety of adequate suction options, and also a choice of settings for cycles per minute. This is important for creating a pump session as close to the infant’s suck patterns as possible.

Many pumps have improved in quality over the years. Look for pumps with a closed system; this means that milk cannot back up into the motor. Another advancement with pumps in recent years is warranties; some companies offer up to a three-year limited warranty. A more recent alternative to traditional pumps is the wearable breast pump. Many mothers love the idea of pumping and not having a larger pump that requires plugging into an outlet. Some of the wearable pumps have one motor that can be shared for both breasts, and some include motors for each breast. In general, one-motor systems will not perform as well as two-motor systems. Two-motor systems will have a higher price point.

Another factor to keep in mind when comparing pumps is that wearables work best once a mother's milk supply is established. Some mothers rent hospital-grade performance pumps for one month or more and later switch to a wearable type. if the wearable pump doesn't give her the stimulation she needs throughout the day, she may also need a plug-in pump with a larger motor.

After reviewing these common differences, you may agree that professional assistance in choosing a breast pump might be helpful. While pregnant, or in the early postpartum period, consider contacting a lactation consultant who can help customize selections of breast pumps to meet your needs. Please feel free to contact me for further information and assistance. I would be delighted to help you find the right pump for your individual needs.

Sue was excited expecting her first baby. However, she was also feeling overwhelmed with what she felt she needed to know. Taking care of a newborn was something neither she nor her husband John had much experience with. Also, when she looked online to baby sites or went to the baby stores, she felt she needed advice on what was really necessary to purchase.

One of the things she was intrigued by was the concept of postpartum doulas. After several interviews of postpartum doulas in the area, Sue and John chose me as the best fit for their needs. We met while they were expecting so that we could become more comfortable with one another,as well as get acquainted with their home setting. I was also available for questions about necessities for Sue’s postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and essentials for newborn care. Goals were established as to what their needs would be. During this process and after delivery, both Sue and John were invited to call me with questions they had related to baby and needs for Sue.