Designed to Thrive

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it doesn't always come naturally.

Feeding difficulties can cause stress and impact your ability to relax and enjoy your sweet baby as you transition into motherhood-but it doesn't have to be that way. Many new mothers find themselves overwhelmed by conflicting advice, unexpected challenges, and the pressure to navigate feeding decisions alone. The journey into motherhood deserves to be marked by confidence, peace, and joy rather than anxiety and frustration.

In Designed to Thrive, registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Lindsay Gustafson shares years of clinical expertise alongside her own personal experience as a mother, offering an invaluable resource for all expectant and new mothers. Drawing from countless hours spent supporting families through their unique feeding journeys, Lindsay has crafted a comprehensive guide that addresses both the practical and emotional aspects of infant feeding.

Lindsay's goal is to educate, encourage, and nourish your heart while teaching you about God's perfect, intricate, and beautiful design for motherhood and infant feeding. She approaches each topic with grace, acknowledging that every mother's journey looks different while providing evidence-based information rooted in both clinical research and biblical truth. With easy-to-understand principles and step-by-step guidance presented in an accessible, compassionate manner, she helps you embrace the joy of nourishing and bonding with your baby during this precious season.

Whether your baby nurses at the breast, drinks from a bottle, or is fed with a combination of the two, you will discover practical tools and encouragement for your specific situation. Designed to Thrive meets you where you are and equips you with knowledge to make informed decisions. You will learn how to:

Gain confidence in feeding your baby while understanding biological newborn feeding norms and developmental milestonesEstablish and maintain your milk supply through proven techniques and troubleshooting common challengesAchieve optimal breast and bottle-feeding positions, latch techniques, and feeding routines that work for your familyNavigate common concerns such as growth spurts, sleep patterns, and introducing solid foodsTrust your intuition and thrive in motherhood by recognizing your own strength and God-given maternal instinctsDraw closer to our Creator by examining His beautiful design for the mother-baby relationship and finding spiritual encouragement in your parenting journeyMore than just a feeding manual, Designed to Thrive offers a holistic approach to early motherhood that honors both the science of lactation and the sacred calling of nurturing new life. Lindsay's warm, encouraging tone makes complex information accessible while her faith-centered perspective provides hope and purpose during challenging moments.