Above: Maureen Andersen, a certified nurse midwife and lactation specialist, appears on KATU's "AM Northwest."
September 2026
Breastfeeding can be rewarding, but it rarely comes naturally without support. For many new parents, the early days of feeding a newborn bring questions, uncertainty and a flood of advice. That's why having expert guidance can make all the difference.
Finding confidence in the early days
Maureen Andersen, a certified nurse midwife and lactation specialist at Providence Mother and Baby Clinic, helps families navigate feeding challenges while building confidence in their ability to care for their newborn.
One of the most common misconceptions she hears is that parents should know exactly what to do from day one.
“I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that you should be able to do it completely on your own and that is bunk,” Maureen says.
Support that meets families where they are
Whether parents choose to breastfeed for weeks, months or use a combination of feeding methods, Maureen emphasizes that support is available and every family's journey is unique.
“There's lots of help out there,” Maureen says. “I think sometimes people are really reticent to reach out because they feel like they have to be silos of strength.”
She encourages families to seek guidance early and remember that feeding a baby is a learning process.
“And there's lots of ways to do it,” Maureen says. “But no way of feeding a baby is wrong ever.”
Related news
- Schedule an appointment at Providence Portland Medical Center's Mother and Baby Clinic.
- See a story of donor milk helping new mothers and babies at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital.
