La Leche League- Thunder Bay

We often hear the phrase 'Nose to Nipple' when people are supporting us with latching, but I've always thought 'nipple up nose' more accurate for the way we nee...d to get them angled. Then Lotus Midwife said this phrase 'Chin to skin' and I LOVE it. Yes, we do want the nipple high enough up the face that it's by the nose (or even higher!) but for a good angle for latching we actually want the chin firmly planted on the breast. This also helps stop the desperate rooting and encourages arms out of the way.

First of all, they’ve always asked for it. Either by crying, rooting, etc. Asking for needs to be met is never a bad sign. There is no too old.

I bet an absolute tonne of you have experienced this. It's something I hear about all the time. Grunty, groany, straining babies! It often starts around week 3.... If your baby is doing this around the clock, its well worth checking in with someone to see what's going on with the way baby is feeding. Something could be contributing to excessive wind or digestive discomfort. For most babies though it mainly happens at night, particularly from around 3/4am onward and *may* not actually be as much of an issue for them as it seems. It looks so so uncomfortable and distressing doesn't it, but it seems its often worse for us than for them! It's near on impossible to sleep next to a baby doing this, partly because you spend every other minute wondering if they need feeding or winding, and partly because they're so LOUD! But they're often asleep when this is happening... There is not a lot of information out there about the causes of this, probably because no one definitely knows why, but here are my observations and thoughts from colleagues. A baby's digestion is really immature in the first few weeks and months and this seems to play a part in why this happens. They wriggle and grunt to move wind and poo about. I mean, we do too actually but we've been doing it for so long we don't really think about it, and its a bit more of a quiet, coordinated affair. Make sure you're winding your baby well by holding them up on your right shoulder (so that they're leaving to their left) throughout the day to stop a build up of gas. Another reason appears to be attempts at coordinating pelvic floor muscles, known as infant dyschezia. Straining and crying out while attempting to pass wind or poo is common while they get to grips with how to use their bodies. A suggestion from a consultant paediatrician colleague and friend of mine is that its partly to do with development of the nerves, sensations increasing, and response to these sensations which are new and unusual. Our brains learn to cope with these as new neural pathways are developed. But what strikes me above all, is that in cultures where babies are held and carried 24/7 this doesn't seem to happen! There seems to be some correlation with lying on their back. *Massive disclaimer of course, if we are putting babies down for sleep, it must be on their back, rates of sudden infant death are much lower when babies are placed on their back to sleep.* We know that babies are much more comfortable held in a fetal position, and ideally next to a warm body with heartbeat and breathing. This squirming, writhing, crying out often resolves when held up on the chest. It can be extremely unsettling for everyone, because they can seem so uncomfortable. The good news is, for most babies it doesn't last too long and seems to pass around 12 weeks ish. In the meantime the easiest way to cope with it is to do lots of cuddling (and offer the breast) If you have some support that lives with you, it's often easiest to 'tag team' it. Take an hour or two each holding the baby on your chest. We're often reluctant to do this because its feels like we're giving in and accepting lack of sleep, but frankly...its happening anyway, and this way there is less worry and less battles. We know that cuddling babies is really good for their development, physically, mentally and emotionally, so it's a win for everyone. Oh, and I promise you're not spoiling them or making a rod for your back, they learn to sleep independently when they're ready. If you're worried about your baby in any way always seek support x

We hear how "breast is best" and the important nutritional and virus fighting, immune building properties there are in our milk. However what is often not spoke...n about is how important breastfeeding is for comfort. For pain relief. For re-connection after a busy day. It's not just about the milk itself. Breastfeeding is connection. It lowers your child's heart rate. It slows their breathing down. It decreases pain and unsettled behaviours. It's love wrapped up in a cuddle. -The Milk Meg. Meg Nagle, IBCLC

Yes eating is important. And drinking water is important. However if you have ongoing supply issues then eating cookies and drinking water is not going to incre...ase your supply. What's important is figuring out WHY you have supply concerns and the best way to improve things. There are different possible reasons that you have low supply. However, if your baby is effectively and efficiently draining the breast then feeding your baby more often is going to put you in the best position to increase your supply. And doing "switch nursing" will increase it even more: "The single most effective way to increase your supply": https://themilkmeg.com/the-single-most-effective-way-to-in/

Did you know what those little bumps are on your areola? They can leak milk in some people too. They can also get inflamed and infected, but don't squeeze them...! #montgomeryglands #montgomerytubercles #breastfeeding #ibclc #lactationconsultant #breastanatomy #normalanatomy #breastmilk #breastfinfections

When your baby first starts to eat solids, always try to offer the breast first as this will help protect your supply. Don’t stress about it though. There’s no ...magical age when you stop doing this, just keep offering the breast frequently when you’re with your baby if you have any worry that they are not breastfeeding enough after starting solids. Just take the time for them to hang out with your breasts if you want to encourage more breastfeeding. And remember! For the first 12 months your milk continues to be the main source of your nutrition. Offer a wide variety of foods once they reach 6 months old but don’t stress if it takes them months to actually become interested in eating food.

This is REALLY IMPORTANT. When you're looking at your baby's weight chart, it's about whether your baby is staying at around the same percentile over time. NOT ...where they are on the chart. Some babies are small...some are big. And it's always looking at the whole picture too! Not just the chart. Here is more on how to know baby is getting enough and that they are OK: https://themilkmeg.com/im-on-empty-i-need-more-milk-maybe/ And here is a checklist to go through if you're in lockdown and cannot access health care providers easily: https://themilkmeg.com/how-to-monitor-your-babys-growth-we/

Babies are intrigued by everything that you do. They enjoy watching you eat and are learning by watching, but that doesn't mean their little body is ready to ac...tually take any on board yet. #startingsolids #signsofreadiness #responsiveparenting #obsessed #food #complementaryfoods #ibclc #lactationconsultant

" Cow’s Milk I get asked whether you *really* have to give your child cow’s milk at 1 year of age. The quick answer is no. The longer, fact filled answer is ...below: - The WHO’s recommendation on breast/chest feeding is up to 2 years and beyond. Knowing this, there is no need to wean in order to give cow’s milk. Human milk is always better than cow’s milk for several reasons - it is species specific, it has all the nutritional needs your baby requires & has a higher fat content. If your toddler is nursing at least 3 times a day, there is no need to add non-human milk to their diet. If you have weaned & want to give cow’s milk, it is recommended: - whole milk from ages 1-2yo - Non-fat or low fat milk after 2yo - Always from a cup, never a bottle - Limit 16-22oz (2-3 cups) a day as after that it can put them at risk for iron-deficiency anemia (Cow’s milk interferes with iron absorption) and can decrease their want for other foods Cow’s milk is an *easy* source of calcium, fats, and protein but you can give your child those things other ways (safflower cooking oil, lentils, avocados, nuts, broccoli, spinach, etc) Alternative milks are also an option (hemp, oat, or pea are great options with low sugar, high protein) - Many parents give cow’s milk because they feel their toddler isn’t eating enough solids. Remember though that if your babe is still nursing, solids make up only 50% of his diet at 18 months!! I recently read that Your only true responsibility is what you offer, when you offer it and how you offer it, not whether or not he eats it. Talking solids is a whole other post but know that in regards to milk, human milk is WHOLE milk - which means there is no reason to switch it out with anything else." Love of a Little One See more

Those of us who are breastfeeding and take the "attachment parenting" type approach, will often be happy to give 110% of ourselves and our energy to our child. ...However as time goes by, many of us get to the stage where we need to get that balance back and put more energy back into ourselves rather than our child. For some of us, this means changing what is happening overnight and we start to realise we do need to get more sleep and change what is happening overnight with breastfeeding and frequent wake ups. Once your child is old enough, you can start to implement gentle night-weaning techniques. I recommend that your child be AT LEAST 18 months old, preferably 24 months old. I have different resources on this topic including: My BOOBinar on gentle night-weaning: https://themilkmeg.com/product/boobinar-3-night-weaning/ My "Sleep Bundle" where you save over 20% off and includes all of my resources including 3 seperate consultations for individualised support during the process: https://themilkmeg.com/the-sleep-consultation-bundle/ My book, "Boobin' All Day...Boobin' All Night": www.themilkmeg.com/author My blog post on night-weaning: https://themilkmeg.com/the-night-boob-how-to-gently-night-/ Or just pick a consultation timeframe: www.themilkmeg.com/breastfeeding-consultations

Far too often parents get told that there is no longer any benefit to breastfeeding past a certain age. It's just not true! Have you been told this? X

Let's talk about contact naps! *gasp* "You need to put them in their crib, they need to learn." "Those sleeps aren't as good quality as crib sleep."... "They can't nap on your forever." Lies. Crap. And yep, that last comment just proved this entire concept. No. They won't always need to nap on you. Your children are only children for so long. No. In arms, contact sleeping, is not less beneficial than crib sleeping. Sleep is sleep. Do you sleep better in a room by yourself, than cuddling up with your partner? MOST babies wake shortly after being set down. This is a normal response to one of the greatest threats babies feel, separation. They are meant to be kept close. They feel your warmth, can hear your heartbeat, can smell you. They feel safe and secure. It won't last forever, this is a season. (Will be talking about ways to cope/manage with a baby who only contact naps, later this week.) See more

Many people are told that infants will sleep best when they sleep alone, independently and without adult soothing. Research shows us the exact opposite. Nils... Bergman’s research shows that when infants sleep close to an adult they have lower stress which nurtures the brain, healthier heart function indicating healthy body function, more sleep cycling necessary for brain development and more quiet sleep necessary for brain development. This research is in newborn infants so we don’t yet know how long this benefit lasts. PMID: 21802659 Knowing that the infant brain is incredibly vulnerable to stress, growing immensely and super sensitive to experience for the first 3 years of life - Nils Bergman recommends that we sleep close to babies for all of the 3-4 years of infancy. Safe sleep guidelines say that babies should not sleep alone for naps or overnight for at least 6 months and up to a year. Some babies need to be in the same room or in contact with a caregiver for naps and sleep. They wake up and signal if they are left alone to sleep. Some babies sleep on their own for long stretches. The research shows that while babies sleeping close and sleeping alone look the same on the outside, they look different inside. The stress level, sleep quality, and heart function are different. It’s possible that the extra stress of sleeping alone is just too much for some little ones. So whether your baby signals or not when they sleep alone, it is very beneficial to hold them for sleep, stay close and respond when they wake. Always following safe sleep guidelines - see my highlights for links to safe sleep. If your baby does need contact to sleep, as mine did for about 10 months, there are lots of ways to make it work for you. I did tons of writing on my phone, watched tv, listened to podcasts, read books, meditated and slept! Not to mention being a nurturing presence facilitating my little ones brain development!!! Contact sleeping was certainly inconvenient at times, but knowing the impact of my presence, I’m really happy my little one asked me to be close.

You may hear people talking about flutter sucking. What is it? Is it important? Is it to do with fat? Comfort? Should I stop it? When healthy, term babies that... are growing well have a breastfeed, they tend to go through a certain pattern of sucking. When they first go to the breast they take quite quick sucks which encourage those lovely hormones and get the milk flowing. The sucking then changes to longer, more drawing sucks with swallows about every one to two sucks, and they will take short pauses during this time. After a variable length of time doing this active feeding, the bursts of sucking will get less, the pauses will become more frequent and longer, and the sucks will begin to change. This is when we get to the 'flutter sucking' bit. Its commonly known as that because it feels, and looks, a lot like little flutters. Do they get any milk at this point? Well if you watch them you'll notice there are very few swallows going on. So whilst they do get a little milk, it's a very small percentage of the overall feed. Are they getting 'the fatty bit'? Yes and no. The fat composition changes during a breastfeed, and because the fat globules are more sticky they tend to take a bit longer to dislodge and come down toward the nipple. But all breastmilk has fat, it can just be a bit more concentrated toward the end of a feed. But not always. This is why you may hear people talking about flutter sucking being the part that gets 'the fat', but that's a bit misleading. Its not the only part, and it's really small quantities at that point anyway. The message to get across really, is that flutter sucking is a valuable part of feeding but as far as fat content and weight gain are concerned, it's only a very small part actually. Is it comfort sucking? Yes, in part. Babies usually get sleepy or fall asleep at the end of a feed, and so the flutter sucking is partly a comfort thing, and partly that they're sleep feeding in a not very enthusiastic way. Should I take them off or leave them on? Ideally the baby should unlatch when they're done, but some babies will stay latched and flutter suck for a really long time which may or may not be an issue for you (I was always happy for the sit down...) It's important they get to the flutter sucking stage, and it's a valid part of feeding, but if you really want to take them off after a bit of time just gently try and unlatch and see how things are. If they show signs of wanting to latch back on it can be a good time to offer the second side. Whilst flutter sucking isn't active feeding in itself, the closeness can help stimulate another 'let down' or milk ejection reflex, and start active feeding/ drinking again. This can be encouraged with breast compressions if you want to help things along. If you have any concerns about the way your baby feeds, seek support. X

5 Reasons to keep breastfeeding your child to sleep... By The Milk Meg. Meg Nagle, IBCLC

What is it? Colostrum harvesting is hand expressing colostrum (the first milk) in the final weeks of pregnancy and storing for use after birth. This colostrum ...gets replaced, so there's no concerns about using it up before the baby arrives. It also doesn't cause the next stage of lactation (milk coming in), as the placenta needs to be delivered for this to happen. Why do it? This used to only be suggested for families who knew their baby might have challenges with blood sugar or feeding after birth, for example gestational diabetes, or cleft lip. But now, it's generally accepted that anyone that wishes to can store colostrum. But why is it worth doing? Firstly, it's a great way of familiarising yourself with your anatomy, and how to hand express. It can be hard to predict which babies might need extra support with feeding and blood sugar after birth, so it's great to know you have some stored in case you need it. When should I do it? Usually suggested from 36weeks. Speak to your midwife about your own individual circumstances, especially if you know you're more likely to give birth early, e.g. twins. You can do it 2 or 3 times a day for a few minutes at a time. Stop immediately if you have any discomfort or experience tummy pain. Where? Wherever you like, but the key is finding somewhere you feel relaxed and comfortable. A private space is often useful. You'll also need to have access to somewhere you can wash your hands, and have a freezer for storage. How? First you'll need to get hold of some syringes with caps so that they can be sealed, and some labels to put on them once used. Wash your hands. Do some breast massage, anything you like really, but whatever you do should be comfortable and warm. This is more about getting relaxed and comfortable than moving the colostrum. Now make a C shape with your thumb and first two fingers. Feel back from your nipple until you feel a change; a firmer, lumpy texture. This is the spot you'll be compressing. Using the C shape you've created, compress for a couple of seconds in a firm but comfortable way and then release for a couple of seconds. Repeat. Build up this slow, steady rhythm without dragging the skin or causing discomfort. It can take a bit of time for the colostrum to come, or you may need to move your C shape back or forward ever so slightly until you 'hit the spot'. Some people find a gentle roll forward with your fingers can be useful. Others may find pushing back a little toward the chest wall before compressing helpful. There are ducts all the way around the breast so once you've finished the first spot you can move your C shape around to a different place. Colostrum is often a yellowy/golden colour, but may be clear too. You may get no colostrum at all, or just get a glistening of it on the nipple, or you may get drops coming out. Anything is normal! If you don't get any or much colostrum at this point it does NOT mean you will have a low milk supply. Any syringes with colostrum in need to be labelled with your name and the date, capped and put into a clean box in the freezer. Make sure the box is deep in the freezer. They can be stored for 6 months, so even if you don't use them in the first few days, you can use them later down the line. (Some people like to think of it as a little immune booster!) The more you practise the more likely you are to get some colostrum to store. Remember, any discomfort at any time please stop x

The human body really is incredible. Skin to skin isn't just for after birth! X #skintoskin #skincontact

You don’t have to sleep train. You don’t have to teach your child to self settle. You don’t have to teach them to sleep alone. You don’t have to stop breastfeed...ing them to sleep. You don’t have to stop breastfeeding them in the night. 100% of children stop breastfeeding. 100% of children eventually sleep on their own. Trust the process. Cuddle them. -The Milk Meg. Meg Nagle, IBCLC

It's time we get real about bedsharing and SIDS risks. The most recent studies show that the vast majority of bedsharing deaths happen when there are risk facto...rs involved including smoking, drinking alcohol or drugs. What this means is that it is not bedsharing in of itself, it is the risk factors that are present. When these factors of not present, the association between SIDS risk and bed-sharing is absent all together, or very weak. No matter where your baby sleeps there always be a small risk of SIDS as tragically, it is not possible to prevent it 100% of the time. This risk is present whether your baby sleeps in a cot, a side car or in your bed. What is important is that you follow safe bedsharing guidelines and eliminate the risks no matter WHERE your baby is sleeping. AND NEVER fall asleep with your baby on a couch or chair. For more on bedsharing and safe sleep guidelines check out my book, "Boobin' All Day...Boobin' All Night" available worldwide including Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/Boobin-All-Day-Night-Br//1511669411 {Meme information from Baby Sleep Info Source - Basis}

How breastmilk makes the perfect antibodies for your baby. Via kellyibclc