Laura Patterson, Lactation Consultant

If you don't laugh, you'll cry!

Oh, how I'd love to go back to those first weeks and months. I was ever-present, yet never really there at all. My head was elsewhere, caught up in all the shou...lds, in the baby books, the apps, the impossible schedules; all the perceived perfections of motherhood that felt so at odds with what you were telling me you needed. I followed my heart every single time. But never with conviction. Always apologetically as though I were somehow giving in. Not doing it right. I fought it. Like a quiet war. It was exhausting. I'd love to go back and mother that version of you, but as this version of me; the mum I am today. More relaxed, more rested, more sure, no longer seeking approval, embracing the fact that I will be happily rocking my boy to sleep until he doesn't need it anymore. It's not just our babies that grow. --------------------------------------- Art by: @beejohnsonillo Words by Karen McMillan (Mother Truths) Taken from "Lessons: Reflections on Early Motherhood" Available to buy worldwide: https://linktr.ee/mother_truths

If you don't laugh, you'll cry!

Oh, how I'd love to go back to those first weeks and months. I was ever-present, yet never really there at all. My head was elsewhere, caught up in all the shou...lds, in the baby books, the apps, the impossible schedules; all the perceived perfections of motherhood that felt so at odds with what you were telling me you needed. I followed my heart every single time. But never with conviction. Always apologetically as though I were somehow giving in. Not doing it right. I fought it. Like a quiet war. It was exhausting. I'd love to go back and mother that version of you, but as this version of me; the mum I am today. More relaxed, more rested, more sure, no longer seeking approval, embracing the fact that I will be happily rocking my boy to sleep until he doesn't need it anymore. It's not just our babies that grow. --------------------------------------- Art by: @beejohnsonillo Words by Karen McMillan (Mother Truths) Taken from "Lessons: Reflections on Early Motherhood" Available to buy worldwide: https://linktr.ee/mother_truths

Tag a friend who is KILLING it at pumping for their baby and tell them how proud you are! To quote my friend Nichelle Clark, IBCLC of @sonshineandrainb...owslactation, pumping is breastfeeding, period. Did you know that 85% of breastfeeders in the USA have pumped their milk by the time their baby hits 2 months old? Pumping isn’t easy, it feels weird , it can be discouraging, and for the love of God there is SO MUCH DISH WASHING INVOLVED. I see you, pumpers. Nobody pumps for funsies. You’re doing an amazing job. I hope somebody else washes all your pump parts for you tonight! #worldbreastpumpingday #breastpumping #breastpumps #ispeakbaby #rachelobrienibclc #ibclc #ibclccertifiedlactationconsultant #breastfeeding #pumpingisbreastfeeding #epmama #exclusivepumper #exclusivelypumping #exclusivelypumpingmama #postpartumlife #mamatribe #breastfeedinghelp See more

Tag a friend who is KILLING it at pumping for their baby and tell them how proud you are! To quote my friend Nichelle Clark, IBCLC of @sonshineandrainb...owslactation, pumping is breastfeeding, period. Did you know that 85% of breastfeeders in the USA have pumped their milk by the time their baby hits 2 months old? Pumping isn’t easy, it feels weird , it can be discouraging, and for the love of God there is SO MUCH DISH WASHING INVOLVED. I see you, pumpers. Nobody pumps for funsies. You’re doing an amazing job. I hope somebody else washes all your pump parts for you tonight! #worldbreastpumpingday #breastpumping #breastpumps #ispeakbaby #rachelobrienibclc #ibclc #ibclccertifiedlactationconsultant #breastfeeding #pumpingisbreastfeeding #epmama #exclusivepumper #exclusivelypumping #exclusivelypumpingmama #postpartumlife #mamatribe #breastfeedinghelp See more

Parents are always doing and wanting the best for their babies but there are many other factors letting them down. Reach out if you have ANY questions

Cannot be said too often; keep asking if you're not satisfied with the answer (this going for breastfeeding and your body in general)

Merry Christmas from my crazy bunch to yours!

This video!! If the baby is attached to the breast that's great, but time at the breast doesn't mean they got milk. I could sit at the dinner table for an hour in front of a plate with some carrots. When I left the table an hour later(or fell asleep or became fussy) unlikely I'm full. If you need help and can't tell what YOUR baby is doing, I am still available for visits (currently private clinic or virtual)

Every. day. And 2020 didn't make it easier on parents. You.are.awesome. You are doing your best. Our health system has FAILED you . Just look an Ontario's breastfeeding rates. If your nipples hurt, there is a reason why.... If your baby is fussy all day, there is a reason why (and I believe you) If your baby isn't gaining, we can help baby gain AND breastfeed if that is your goal. See more

Your love is not measured in ounces. Love is beyond measure. Your journey is personal and perfect.

I think this must mean the parents, I'm definitely drowsy by bedtime before kids are Sleep is a developmental milestone, if your baby does that, it's likely because of baby's temperament. Because often once we have more than one we realize most things are out of our control. Set the stage and follow your baby's cues. And yes, it's not forever (it can definitely feel like it). I'm going on 5 years with my youngest needing cuddles still. When I look back though, this 5 years will be only a small portion of both our lives but a beautiful memory for both of us.

Not lactation related but we're pretty excited around here!

The baby hasn't read the book. Trust your baby.

yassssssss. Normal (hard AF but still normal)

Your smile for today! This kid has got the moves!!!

Please reach out for help.

OMG Its these moments!

BestfeedingwithMaria we were just talking about this today

THIS! THIS! THIS!

My favorite day of the month! Helping guide families on this amazing journey with my amazing colleague BestfeedingwithMaria

Some day they go from needing you every second of every day, to being able to make YOU food! Its glorious (something to look forward to)

This is a boob. Because it's awesome (and I made it for a great student) @wpglactation

We are running our monthly LIVE solids class on a Saturday this month! Exciting for partners who are working outside the home to be able to join us Let's all be on the same page.

This is a boob. Because it's awesome (and I made it for a great student) @wpglactation

the Vanier Institute of the Family asked the women in my Mom's at work group to share this/complete it for those who work with pregnant women, post partum famil...ies or parents of a newborn! The Public Health Agency of Canada is looking to develop a new postpartum health resource for parents. If you work with pregnant women, postpartum families or parents of a newborn we kindly ask you to complete a short needs assessment using the link below to help us move forward in developing the resource: https://ca1se.voxco.com/SE/ Please submit your response by Sunday, November 8, 2020. Please also share this email with colleagues or stakeholders who work with pregnant and postpartum families.Thank you for taking the time to help the Public Health Agency of Canada in the development of this important resource. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. See more

I'm going to agree! The internet is not assessing you and your babe as a unit. You know who else can't help you? The 17 parents on the fb moms group. Are they watching the feed? I may have 3 kids myself but I've helped over 1000 families (about 250 in my training alone).

It will happen eventually! It's the dreams of new parents!

I talk about this every day!!

Lactation Support!!!! yes!!

My colleague BestfeedingwithMaria introduced me to this technique! And I wish I had known it with my three kids! https://www.instagram.com/reel/CEUGTMmlPBC/

Did you know....