Phases Lactation & Wellness

06/04/2026

“Muscle and Milk" captures a powerful truth about modern motherhood: strength and caregiving are not opposites, they coexist.

Photographed by husband-and-wife duo Anita Clark and Paul Wenham-Clarke and shortlisted for both the 2025 AOP Open Awards and the Sony World Photography Awards, the image features three rugby players breastfeeding their babies moments after finishing a match. The result is both striking and deeply human. A portrait of women refusing to choose between ambition, athleticism, and motherhood.

05/24/2026

Good morning! What a rainy weekend!! ☔️ I wanted to let everyone know that I will be out of country two weeks in June and will be (obviously) unable to host lactation consultations or even be able to communicate. I will post a list of the consultants that I can happily recommend in the comments for those who are needing urgent support.

05/22/2026

What’s one of the hardest parts of adding a new baby to the family? The unexpected guilt associated with bringing a new baby home and not being able to provide your other children with the same attention they have previously.

Many breastfeeding mothers find themselves torn—trying to meet the constant needs of their newborn while also feeling like they’re letting their older children down. You might miss snuggling for story time or saying “yes” to every request like before. And while your heart is full with love for all your children, it can also ache from the guilt of not having enough time, arms, or energy to go around.

If you’re in this season, you’re not alone. It’s okay to grieve the shift while embracing the beauty of your growing family.

Here are a few gentle tips that might help with the transition:
• Involve your older child during breastfeeding sessions—read a book together, let them snuggle beside you, or give them a special “big sibling” basket with quiet toys.
• Schedule short, intentional one-on-one time each day with your older child, even just 10–15 minutes of focused attention can mean the world.
• Talk openly about their feelings—validate their emotions and reassure them that your love hasn’t changed.
• Let go of perfection. This is a season of survival, grace, and new rhythms. You’re doing the best you can—and that’s enough.

Remember Mama, Your love stretches—it doesn’t divide. Give yourself credit. You’re doing an incredible job!

05/04/2026

If Sarah Willis, lactation consultant has supported you with lactation and infant feeding, would you please post a review on this page? Starting over is never easy, but it can be a necessary phase. Thank you! 🫶🏻

04/27/2026

Join us for an in-person support meeting on Monday April 27th. We are meeting in the conference room at the downtown HSV library. (Upstairs)
This meeting is FREE. This meeting will have a “VBAC Theme”, however it is open to all modes of birth. If you have had a VBAC, had a prior C-section, and/or just looking for information or any support we would love to have you at our meeting! All moms/moms-to-be are welcome to come bring their concerns, thoughts, questions, birth plans, birth stories, or listening ears. Babes in arms/nurslings welcome.

04/16/2026

Who knew that breastfeeding positively impacts age of puberty? This 2026 analysis of growth data into adolescence from 613 children found that ≥3 months of exclusive breastfeeding delays puberty onset. Too-early puberty is linked later in life to insulin resistance, high blood pressure and BMI, and cardiac problems. Free download here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916526000171?via%3Dihub

02/17/2026

We’re halfway through February, and for many people, those New Year’s resolutions are starting to fade. Motivation feels different than it did on January 1st. But mental health doesn’t operate on a resolution timeline.

In my office, I continue to see teens and adults walking through very real, very heavy struggles such as: trauma that hasn’t had space to heal, anxiety that keeps them in a constant state of alert, depression that makes even small tasks feel overwhelming, and relationship and sexual wellness concerns that are often hard to talk about out loud.

Healing isn’t about a “new year, new you.”
It’s about support, safety, and sustainable growth.

I’m also incredibly grateful to collaborate with my colleague, Evette Nachtigal, LPC at Compass Counseling Services, who specializes in working with women navigating postpartum changes and gynecological issues that deeply impact mental health.

Together, we’re committed to building a stronger, healthier Huntsville/Madison area one client, one family, one conversation at a time. We also both provide telehealth services in the state of Alabama.

Stephanie: Accepting BCBSAL
Evette: Accepting BCBSAL, Tricare, and United Healthcare

https://www.compasscounselingserviceshsv.com/

https://www.mindinmotioncounseling.com/

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. And if we can’t help, we will find someone who can!

-Stephanie

01/26/2026

01/12/2026