The most important thing you'll do as a new parent is feed your baby! Are you ready?

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Jennifer Gathman, NP, IBCLC, PMH-C

Jennifer Gathman, RN, IBCLC, PMH-C

Introducing Solids at 6 Months: What Families Should Know

The Benefits of a Prenatal Lactation Appointment

Infant Fun in the Sun!

Welcome to Nightingale Nursing

New website on the way!

For the moms who need a space to be seen, to be he

For the moms who need a space to be seen, to be heard, to receive u conditional support in motherhood…..

Be sure to join us in this tranquil, healing space for our MomStrong Support Groups!

Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding
Wednesdays, 10am-11am
@lovestrongwellness

Mother’s Circle
Wednesdays, 11am-11:45am
@lovestrongwellness

No need to be right on time. We welcome to you join us anytime between 10am-11:45am.

We begin by answering questions you may have about infant feeding, whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, or formula feeding. This space is for you.

Our Mother’s Circle follows with heartfelt conversations about all things motherhood and the occasional special guests.

Join us for community, friends, and support!

#momstrong #lovestrong #ittakesavillage #postpartum

When Should You Start Solids? Here’s What the Am

When Should You Start Solids? Here’s What the American Academy of Pediatrics Says!

According to the AAP, infants should be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months of life.

Here are the signs to know your baby might be ready for solids…..

✨Is 6 months old - A baby’s sensitive tummy isn’t meant to digest solid foods too soon because they take time to mature and establish a healthy gut microbiome. No need to rush. It’s ok to let their gastrointestinal system develop. They should receive exclusive breastmilk (or formula when necessary) for the first 6 months of life.

✨Sit upright unassisted - They should be able sit in a high chair or infant chair unassisted and with good control. This helps ensure they are stable enough to explore food with less risk of choking.

✨Good head control - No bobble heads! Just like sitting, they should have good head control to make sure there is less risk for choking on the foods they are exploring.

✨Loss of tongue thrust - Babies have a built in reflex to push food out of the mouth when they aren’t ready for solids as a protective feature. If your baby is still thrusting their tongue forward, they aren’t quite ready for solids. Give them just another week or two.

✨Adequate growth - It’s important babies are growing well and develop before initiating solids. The AAP recommends infants have doubled their birth and are at least 13lbs or more before it’st time to start solids.

Other signs you’re looking for is your babies increased interest in food. If they are trying to steal your food, then they’re interested. But to ensure their transition to solids is a safe one, be sure they also meet the criteria above. Know which foods are safe to give, how to handle potential allergies, and reach out to an NP, IBCLC for guidance if you’re not sure.

Introducing solids too early or too late can increase the risk of illness, allergies, or missing out on key nutrients. Always ask your provider for tips on how to begin.

What first foods are you excited to try with your little one? Share below!

#startingsolids #complementaryfoods #babyledweaning

It’s World Breastfeeding Week! Let’s get you

It’s World Breastfeeding Week!

Let’s get you and your baby off to the best start. We’re offering FREE prenatal lactation appointments to help you feel confident, supported, and ready to feed your baby!

Maybe it’s your first baby or your fifth…early support makes a big difference. Whether you plan to breastfeed, pump, bottle feed, or everything in between, come with your questions and get the support you need!. We’ve got you!

Not sure why you need a prenatal appointment? At your prenatal lactation visit we cover…
✨ What to expect in the first days after birth
✨ Risks for low milk supply and how to get it established.
✨ Personalized tips based on your health history and your feeding goals
✨ Prepare for potential challenges before they start
✨ Get fitted for your pump flanges
✨ Ask your questions and feel more empowered and less overwhelmed when baby arrives

This is the perfect time to ask questions, address concerns, and create a plan that works for you. You’ll also be connected with your own personal lactation nurse practitioner to support you every step of the way!

Limited free spots available! Your appointment can be scheduled for anytime in the future, but you MUST book your appointment by August 30 for your free prenatal appointment. Message us or call/text 858-225-4691.

We can’t wait to support you to reach your infant feeding goals.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

#ibclc #lactation #breastfeeding #newborn #lactationconsultant #bottlefeeding #pumping #breastfeedingsupport #momstrong #sandiego

🤔 Baby-Led Weaning vs. Parent-Led Weaning: What

🤔 Baby-Led Weaning vs. Parent-Led Weaning: What’s the Difference?

Starting solids is an exciting milestone—but which method is right for your family?

👶 Baby-Led Weaning (BLW):
Baby self-feeds soft, graspable pieces of food—no spoon-feeding or purées. It supports self-regulation, motor skills, and mealtime independence.

🔒 Safety Tip: Always offer soft, age-appropriate foods (like steamed veggies, ripe fruits), avoid choking hazards (nuts, raw apples, whole grapes), and make sure baby is sitting upright and supervised during meals.

🥄 Parent-Led Weaning (PLW):
Caregivers spoon-feed purées and gradually move to textures. Offers more structure and control, especially for families new to solids or navigating developmental or feeding concerns.

💡 You don’t have to choose one! Many families do a responsive combo approach—some spoon-feeding, some self-feeding—based on baby's cues.

No matter the path, the goal is the same: a safe, fun, and pressure-free feeding journey.

Your community is right here!!! To all our MomStr

Your community is right here!!!

To all our MomStrong Mamas out there, you got this!

Breastfeeding, infant feeding, tongue tie support group!
Wednesdays, 10am-11am

MomStrong Mother’s Circle
Wednesdays, 11:00am

Join us for our infant feeding, breastfeeding, and tongue tie support group at 10am-11am. Whether you just want to connect with other moms, have questions about feedings, or want to weight your baby, we’ll be there to welcome you!

MomStrong Mother’s Circle happens right after at 11am where we check in each of you and talk about the wins and the struggles!

Both free and both open to anyone and everyone….dads, partners, and caregivers too!

See you Wednesdays!

How does your baby’s weight change during their

How does your baby’s weight change during their first year? Let’s break it down by age and feeding focus!

0–14 days: It’s not uncommon for babies to lose 5-7% of their birth weight in the first few days, but most regain it by 10–14 days. If your baby loses more than this or is slow to regain their weight, you’ll want to seek the support of an advanced NP-IBCLC. There are many reasons why babies lose more weight and sometimes they need supplementation…..sometimes they don’t. This phase is all about establishing feeding routines and protecting your milk supply.
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1–6 months: Babies gain about 0.5–1 oz per day, especially in the first 3–4 months. Human milk is the recommended primary food, providing not only all the nutrients they need, but also specialized immune properties and components that promote the optimal gut microbiome. If human milk is not available, babies may be supplemented with donor milk or formula as needed.. Growth rate naturally slows after 4 months of age. Don’t be in a rush to start solids just yet!! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends solids begin at about 6 months.
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6–9 months: By now, babies have typically doubled their birth weight. This is when the fun of introducing solids is typically safe. Be sure you know the criteria your infant has to meet to begin solids including being able to sit up on their own, having good head control, and more. This protects their airway as they swallow solid foods. Although solids can be safely introduced around 6 months, human milk (or formula) should still be the main source of nutrition.
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9–12 months: Most infants will triple their birth weight by 12 months. Solids begin to make up a larger portion of daily calories as they explore more foods. This is when they will decrease their intake of human milk, but it will continue to play a vital role in nutrition and immunity through two years of life.

Every baby grows at their own pace, but tracking trends and milestones helps support healthy growth and development.

Have questions or concerns about how your baby is growing? Reach out to our advanced NP, IBCLC for answers and support!
#newborn #infantweight #postpartum #lactation

Supporting your baby’s gut health starts at birt

Supporting your baby’s gut health starts at birth and lasts a lifetime!

Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing both—there are ways to help shape a strong, diverse microbiome.

Breast milk provides beneficial bacteria (like Bifidobacterium) and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that feed good gut microbes and support immune development.

Formula-fed babies can also benefit from options enriched with prebiotics and probiotics, which are shown to promote healthy gut flora and reduce inflammation risk.

But remember…just because prebiotics and probiotics are available for your baby does not mean they need them! Be sure to check with your NP/IBCLC or other medical provider before trying to adjust your infants microbiome.

Start early. Feed responsively. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics.

Your choices do influence your baby’s gut—right from the start.
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Posted by a Nurse Practitioner & IBCLC who believes in meeting families where they are—with science, support, and zero shame.

#InfantGutHealth #MicrobiomeMatters #BreastfeedingSupport #FormulaFeedingFacts #IBCLC #NursePractitionerMom #EvidenceBasedFeeding

Wishing all the beautiful families a wonderful 4th

Wishing all the beautiful families a wonderful 4th of July!

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