KRISTA GRAY, LACTATION CONSULTANT

With more than a decade of dedicated experience in lactation consulting, Krista Gray is a passionate International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) committed to supporting and empowering breastfeeding families. As a mother of four, including premature twins, she has firsthand experience navigating the unique challenges and joys of breastfeeding.

Her journey into lactation support began with her personal experiences as a breastfeeding mother, igniting a deep-seated passion for helping others on their breastfeeding journeys. Over the years, she has honed her skills and knowledge, becoming a trusted resource for families seeking guidance and support.

Krista believes in a compassionate, evidence-based approach to lactation support, tailoring her guidance to meet the individual needs of each family. She has extensive experience with tongue ties and low milk supply. Whether assisting with latch issues, addressing concerns about milk supply, or providing emotional support during the breastfeeding journey, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care that empowers families to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Lactation

Breastfeeding overview

Breastmilk is produced naturally by women and provides the basic nutrition for a baby during the first several months of life. Breast milk has three different and distinct stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Visit with a Lactation Consultant to learn more about breastfeeding and breast milk

Colostrum

Colostrum is the first stage of breast milk that occurs during pregnancy and lasts for several days after the birth of the baby. It is either yellowish or creamy in color. It is also much thicker than the milk that is produced later in breastfeeding. Colostrum is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins are antibodies that pass from the mother to the baby and provide passive immunity for the baby. Passive immunity protects the baby from a wide variety of bacterial and viral illnesses. Two to four days after birth, colostrum will be replaced by transitional milk.

Transitional milk

Transitional milk occurs after colostrum and lasts for approximately two weeks. The content of transitional milk includes high levels of fat, lactose, water-soluble vitamins, and contains more calories than colostrum.

Mature milk

Mature milk is the final milk that is produced. 90% is water, which is necessary to maintain hydration of the infant. The other 10% is comprised of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats which are necessary for both growth and energy. There are two types of mature milk: foremilk and hind-milk.

Foremilk: This type of milk is found during the beginning of the feeding and contains water, vitamins, and protein.

Hind-milk: This type of milk occurs after the initial release of milk and contains higher levels of fat, and is necessary for weight gain.

Both foremilk and hind-milk are necessary when breastfeeding to ensure the baby is receiving adequate nutrition and will grow and develop properly. You might also be interested in taking a supplement that helps deliver vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are important for healthy and plentiful breastmilk production.

Lactation Consultant

Are you planning to breastfeed? Here at Juniper Women's Health & Wellness, we are committed to helping you learn — before and after delivery — how to develop a successful breastfeeding relationship with your new baby. We invite you to discuss your needs and preferences with our staff so we can better assist you in meeting your breastfeeding goals. Krista Gray is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant & we are very pleased to have her on our team!