About Us
Lauren Hedden BSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC.
I am a South Jersey native and a mother of two. I received my BSN from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in 2007 then began my nursing career working as a postpartum nurse for 8 years, I then began working in Labor & Delivery where my passion for helping new mommas breastfeed flourished and in 2017, I earned my IBCLC.
My love of educating expecting families and supporting them on their breastfeeding journey has inspired me to create The Leaky Jug as a way to walk this journey with you.
The Leaky Jug.
Things you can do to prepare to breastfeed:
Observe people breastfeeding- a lot can be learned from watching others, it can also help some of our own insecurities. Breastfeeding is a learned social behavior, how can you learn a social behavior if you aren’t seeing it? No one around you breastfeeding? YouTube if full of helpful videos (also can turn into a rabbit hole so use cautiously) try searching breastfeeding education videos and Dr Jack Newman.
Breastfeeding Class- there are lots of options for classes to take during your pregnancy but taking a class is highly recommended whether you do it virtually or in person. These classes teach how breastfeeding actually works, what is normal and not, signs of a good feeding, how to bring in a full milk supply, the list goes on! They are worth every penny and I cannot emphasize this enough.
Prepare your home- set up your breastfeeding area (where you will likely be when feeding your little one) with anything you might need during your feeding. Maybe a basket with nursing pads, burp clothes, nipple cream, snacks, a water bottle, charger, TV remote, etc. Basically anything you may need if you get nap trapped as we all do.
Observe people breastfeeding- a lot can be learned from watching others, it can also help some of our own insecurities. Breastfeeding is a learned social behavior, how can you learn a social behavior if you aren’t seeing it? No one around you breastfeeding? YouTube if full of helpful videos (also can turn into a rabbit hole so use cautiously) try searching breastfeeding education videos and Dr Jack Newman.
Breastfeeding Class- there are lots of options for classes to take during your pregnancy but taking a class is highly recommended whether you do it virtually or in person. These classes teach how breastfeeding actually works, what is normal and not, signs of a good feeding, how to bring in a full milk supply, the list goes on! They are worth every penny and I cannot emphasize this enough.
Prepare your home- set up your breastfeeding area (where you will likely be when feeding your little one) with anything you might need during your feeding. Maybe a basket with nursing pads, burp clothes, nipple cream, snacks, a water bottle, charger, TV remote, etc. Basically anything you may need if you get nap trapped as we all do.
Our Services
Private Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes
This includes an education class with doll demonstrations of positions and techniques, some basic breast physiology to learn how your breasts actually work and make milk, preparation for baby tips and also a prenatal consult with me to discuss medical history that may impact your breastfeeding journey or specific goals you have. Support partners are always welcome and encouraged to attend this class with you.
Initial Consultation
Usually 1-2 hours and includes hands-on assistance with feeding as needed (including pre and post feed weights), a brief physical exam of you and thorough exam of your baby, customized plan for you and your baby for any issue that may be occurring, follow up text messages/ phone calls for a week.
Follow up Consultation
Includes everything from the initial consultation on existing patients that I have seen prior.
*All patients can sign a medical release form and have my notes from our consult electronically faxed to their pediatrician.