Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Blog

Ask a CLC Blog: Loved Ones’ Roles in Feeding & Bonding

There are many ways for partners, family members, and friends to build meaningful connections without feeding the baby. Image Credit: Hannah Shifflette While breastfeeding is a close experience between a mother and baby, the support around them can shape that experience. Family members may sometimes offer strong opinions, make comparisons, or have expectations about feeding. […]

Fast Food and Diabetes: How to Make Informed Choices

When choosing healthier options at fast-food restaurants, you can enjoy the convenience while continuing to effectively self-manage your blood sugar. Image Credit: Conner Russell Fast food is convenient, affordable, and often part of a busy lifestyle. However, many fast-food meals are high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars and are served in large portion sizes, […]

How Caring for Plants Can Improve Your Well-Being

A toddler holding a bucket of flowers in the sun.

Gardening and caring for plants is much more than a hobby. While there are many well-known health benefits of having plants in and around your home, including the physical activity involved in gardening and nutritional value of consuming produce harvested from the garden, there are many other ways tending to plants can support our overall […]

Ask a CLC Blog- Infant Feeding and Sleep

Newborn feeding and sleep can be quite a mystery for new parents. Both are essential for infant wellbeing and are closely connected. In this article, we will look at the connection between infant feeding and sleep, patterns and cues to watch for, the importance of safe sleep, and the power of a bedtime routine. How […]

Guidelines for Proper Breast Milk Expression, Storage, and Handling

Breast milk provides complete nutrition for infants, whether a baby feeds directly at the breast or is given expressed milk. Breast milk expression is the process of removing milk using hands or a breast pump, and may be medically necessary in some situations. Premature birth, certain medical conditions, or periods of separation all may warrant […]

Ask a CLC Blog: Breastfeeding Basics

Introduction  Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both a mother and her baby. Along with being a complete source of nutrients for the baby, breastfeeding is also associated with improved health outcomes for mothers. While the benefits are clear, many new mothers face challenges when beginning their breastfeeding journey. Offering any amount of breastmilk is beneficial, […]

Debunking Common Breastfeeding Myths 

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the gold standard for infant nutrition, offering important health benefits for both babies and mothers. Despite its many advantages, misinformation about breastfeeding continues to circulate, often leaving parents in uncertainty. Access to accurate, evidence-based information is essential for making informed choices. In this article, we will debunk some common myths […]

Growing Healthier Families Through Home Gardening

Home gardening is more than a passion; it can be a powerful tool for building healthier families. Studies show that growing vegetables at home can lead to improved nutrition, encourage physical activity, and support emotional well-being. Beyond the overall health benefits, gardening together can strengthen family bonds and help ease the financial strain of food […]

The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby

Breastfeeding is more than just a way to feed a baby; it is a natural process that offers a wide range of benefits for both mom and baby. Not only does it provide ideal nutrition for infants, but it also offers physical and emotional benefits for mothers. Recognizing these shared advantages can help parents make […]

Winter’s Toll – Why We’re More Susceptible to Illness

One thing is certain: we are in the heart of cold and flu season. But have you ever wondered why we seem more susceptible to getting sick during the winter months? Research shows that spending more time indoors, dry air, and frigid temperatures could all be to blame. Let’s dive deeper into these factors and […]

Overcoming the “Winter Blues”

The trees have lost their leaves, the sun sets early, and the breeze outside is chilling-we are now in the heart of the winter season. While some love the colder months, others may find this time of year puts a damper on their mood. As the weather turns cold and dark, we tend to stay […]