Lactationlady.com

03/20/2024

Join me on Friday, March 22nd, 10-12pm at Little Bipsy for a prenatal class!

Register using the link below:

https://littlebipsy.com/products/feeding-your-baby-a-prenatal-class?variant=40848583327809

03/19/2024

Come join me on Friday, I'm working with Little Bipsy and hosting a prenatal class all about feeding your newborn.

Registration is appreciated:
https://littlebipsy.com/products/feeding-your-baby-a-prenatal-class?variant=40848583327809
The Details:

When: Friday, March 22 | 10am - 12pm

Where: 10315 Airport Rd, Suite 102, Everett, WA 98204

What: Feeding Your Baby a Prenatal Class

When looking at the big picture, newborn feeding is generally done at the breast or with a bottle. But in the first days/weeks after birth, each family can be different and there are a lot of feeding variations.

During this special 2 hour class the following topics will be covered:
Breastfeeding: latch and positions
First couple days
Mature milk
Pumping
What if I don't have enough milk?
Long-term feeding plans: Breast, Bottle, Combo
Q & A

01/04/2024

In the first couple days of life, babies will usually want to nurse frequently, this is called cluster feeding and it's absolutely normal. These frequent feeds help bring in your mature milk. You should expect that your brand new baby will want to nurse 8-12 times a day, yep that's every 2-3 hours around the clock.

Once your milk comes in, the feeds usually space out to about every 3 hours and you should aim to feed your baby at least 8 times a day. You should expect to see several wet and dirty diapers each day. If you're not seeing at least one wet diaper every day, your baby may be dehydrated and might need to be supplemented. Babies should have several wet diapers each day.

If you're concerned about your baby's feedings please reach out, I'm here to help.

12/07/2023

Greetings to all the exclusive breastfeeding families out there! Did you know that a baby's suck reflex tends to diminish around 8 weeks of age? That means introducing a bottle or pacifier after this stage may be met with resistance, as your baby might perceive it as a foreign object and instinctively push it away. This can pose a challenge for bottle feeding and may lead to bottle refusal.
If you're an exclusive breastfeeding family planning to go back to work or anticipating the need for bottle feeding in the future, teaching your baby this skill may become essential. I specialize in providing the tools and exercises necessary to guide both you and your baby in acquiring the skills for effective bottle feeding.
Feel free to reach out to me for more information or to schedule an appointment. Let's work together to make the bottle feeding transition a smooth and successful experience for you and your little one!

Unlocking the Power of Breastfeeding

09/20/2023

With over 4,000 deliveries happening each year at the hospital, I have the privilege of working with numerous newborns regularly. My true passion lies in collaborating with families to support their breastfeeding aspirations right from the very first moments of their child's life.
I work with full term babies who effortlessly latch on the breast, as well as those who arrive prematurely and face latching challenges. Some of these premature infants spend valuable time in the NICU, where I play a pivotal role in assisting mothers to establish their milk supply. My role continues as I help these families navigate their baby's transition from gavage feeding to oral feeding. This journey often begins with bottle feeding but ultimately leads to the incredible milestone of latching at the breast.
However, my commitment to support doesn't end there. For NICU families, the need for in-home assistance is paramount, and the opportunity to be with them in the comfort of their own space is truly invaluable.
Nothing brings me greater joy than aiding families in reaching their breastfeeding goals. Feel free to reach out to me today, and let's work together to achieve those goals.

09/08/2023

Lactation Lady is now open for business!

I am excited to announce the launch of my private practice lactation consultation business. I am a board-certified
lactation consultant (IBCLC) with over 10 years of experience helping moms and babies breastfeed. I now offer home and virtual visits, so you can get the support you need, wherever you are.

I am still working as a lactation consultant at the hospital, but I am
now available to see clients in my private practice setting as well.
This allows me to provide more individualized care and attention to
each of my clients.

I love what I do and I am passionate about helping moms and babies succeed at breastfeeding. I believe that every mom should have the opportunity to breastfeed her baby, and I am here to help make that happen. I am also available for prenatal and pumping consults as well. Wherever you are in your breastfeeding journey, I'm here to help.

Please visit my website for more information about my services and to schedule a consultation. www.lactationlady.com

08/16/2023

05/04/2023

Have you done a weighted feed? What is a weighted feed? A feeding evaluation is where a Lactation Consultant does a weighted feed, where you...

10/26/2022

Good info to remember:

05/26/2021

Things I wish every mom knew BEFORE coming to the hospital:

1. Learn Hand Expression. Watch videos on hand expression and practice it a few times. Make sure you don't do this too much for fear of sending yourself into preterm labor. Remember breast stimulation causes your body to release oxytocin which causes uterine contractions. But know how to do this!

2. Get your pump early. You don't need to bring it to the hospital, but it's nice to have at home if you need it right away. Start with calling your insurance company, most all insurances provide a free breast pump for each pregnancy.

3. Understand that on the baby's first day, he/she may be pretty sleepy. Many babies don't nurse very well on their "birth" day- we call this the "birthday nap day." This is where hand expression comes in handy!! Not all babies follow this behavior, but many do, especially those babies who's mom got an epidural. So if they don't feel like breastfeeding, do some hand expression to provide the necessary breast stimulation and you can give the drops of colostrum to your sleepy baby.

4. Baby's second day will be filled with frequent feedings! Most babies perk up on the second day and start cluster feeding, which means that they may want to eat frequently, especially at night. Be aware, this can get exhausting, but don't worry it's completely normal and won't last forever!! All the cluster feeding helps bring your milk in sooner. The cluster feeding is not a sign that your baby is overly hungry and not getting enough, just the opposite actually. Your colostrum comes in just the right amounts for baby and they absolutely love to breastfeed, so let them!

5. Skin to skin. Do it often! Usually baby goes to mom's chest right delivery, let the baby stay there for as long as possible. Many of the routine newborn checks, vital signs, etc. can be done while snuggling with mom. Skin to skin has so many health benefits like regulating baby's vital signs and blood sugar, helps stimulate milk production, promotes early bonding, and let's face it, it's about the most cozy position ever! I still try to get my kids in skin to skin!! They don't think it's as fun anymore now that they're 8 and 12 years old! Dads should do skin to skin too!!

6. Keep it simple. Babies are just little humans, so treat them like it. I know your first baby or a preemie can be a bit scary at first, but keep working at it. Each time you do a diaper change or move your baby from here to there you will feel awkward in the beginning, but everything gets better with practice. So keep practicing. Feed your baby often (about 8-12 times per day in the very beginning) and love your baby! Keep them warm, fed and change their diapers.