Top Tips for Breastfeeding Success: Advice from Ronie

Jose Moreno
Apr 11
3 min read

At our April 2025 CinnaMoms virtual gathering, Rhonda, our wonderful hostess, welcomed everyone and encouraged us to learn together. She shared the CinnaMoms mission statement and made a few important announcements, spreading joy and encouragement to the group.

Why Choose to Breastfeed?

The amazing Ronie, a dedicated IBCLC from PHFE-WIC, took center stage to lead the discussion on breastfeeding and the challenges many moms face and continued the conversation by asking why CinnaMoms breastfeed. Here are just a few of the many benefits for both you and your baby:

For Mom: It helps with healing after delivery, lowers the risk of breast and other cancers, and improves bonding with the baby.
For Baby: Helps with better growth and development, weight regulation, lower risk of illness and diabetes, and is environmentally friendly.
Convenience: Once you get the hang of it, breastfeeding is easy, quick, and always available!

Two of the most common problems that families experience when trying to breastfeed their babies are the ability to put their baby onto the breast in a comfortable way and make all the milk their baby needs. CinnaMoms then asked, "What are a few tips to Get Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start?"

Ensure a Good Latch: Proper positioning and skin-to-skin contact helps.
Breastfeed Early and Often: Trust your body; don't be afraid to ask for help.
Don't Forget Skin-to-Skin: Is vital in establishing and maintaining milk supply.

What does that look like, you asked? A latching video was shared that clearly demonstrates good positioning and latching techniques.

The video also emphasized the importance of swallowing while at the breast, complete with audible gulps to help confirm that milk is being drawn from the breast and then ingested by the.

This and other amazing videos are available 24 hours a day on WIC's online education website www.wichealth.org.

More Breastfeeding Tips

The conversation continued with topics surrounding latching during the golden hour (also known as kangaroo care), participant's questions, insights from the lactation consultants, and troubleshooting a few common issues:

Pain on One Side of the Breast: Ronie explained that pain in one breast could indicate an issue with latch depth. She reminded attendees to check how their nipples looked after detaching (e.g., lipstick-shaped). The latch may not be deep enough if it seems pinched or distorted.
Sensitive Nipples: Even with a good latch, some moms experience nipple pain, especially if their breasts are large. It's important to address any discomfort and seek help if needed.

Ronie reassured the group that experiencing some challenges with pumping and breast refusal is common, especially when returning to work. She emphasized the importance of pace bottle feeding (a bottle feeding method that lets babies set the pace) to help with the transition between breast and bottle.

"Babies are Smart" and quickly learn what they prefer, and might prefer, the faster flow from a bottle. Ronie proceeded to demonstrate how adjusting the bottle positioning can slow the flow, prevent bottle preference, reduce the risk of overfeeding, and address a host of other issues.

Don't Suffer in Silence!

It's crucial to reach out for support whenever needed. If you're struggling with breastfeeding or using tools like nipple shields, don't hesitate to ask for help from lactation consultants and breastfeeding support groups.

Breastfeeding is a journey, and while it's natural for all mammals to nurse, it's not always easy. That's why WIC and CinnaMoms are here to help guide you through every step of the way. You are not alone in this – reach out for help whenever you need it!

To be a part of CinnaMoms' virtual and in-person events, visit CinnaMoms Today!

Important Announcements:

Use Your WIC Foods – They Do Not Roll Over!

WIC benefits are loaded monthly and are valid for 30 days; they expire, and the remaining benefits do not carry over to the next. If we do not use them, we lose them and can give the impression that the benefits and the program are not needed.

Contact your local WIC center if experiencing difficulties in purchasing all of your WIC foods!

The Abundant Birth Project is Still Taking Applications!

If you live in LA or Riverside counties, are 6–23 weeks pregnant, and meet the income and risk requirements, check out the Abundant Birth Project today to see if you qualify for cash assistance. Apply today!

CinnaMoms Crenshaw Breastfeeding Support

Are you curious about your baby's latch, milk transfer, or weight? Drop in for in-person support! CinnaMoms is here to help you meet your breastfeeding goals with a dedicated staff that reflects the community we serve: Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

CinnaMoms Crenshaw is located at 3667 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA, 90016. Visit us today!