Nurture Family Feeding Clinic

Nurture Family Feeding Clinic Southern Alberta's infant feeding specialists! Not only are our physicians also lactation consultants... they are mothers themselves!

No referral is needed and all appointments that are attended are covered by your Provincial Health Care Provider.

There’s a reason we call Oxytocin the "Love Hormone." ❤️While Prolactin makes the milk, Oxytocin is the one responsible ...
02/09/2026

There’s a reason we call Oxytocin the "Love Hormone." ❤️

While Prolactin makes the milk, Oxytocin is the one responsible for the letdown. It’s the hormone of connection, relaxation, and trust.

When you’re stressed, your body produces Adrenaline, which literally blocks Oxytocin from doing its job. This is why you can feel "full" but struggle to get the milk out when you're in a rush or feeling anxious.

3 Ways to Trigger "Love" for Better Letdowns: 1️⃣ The Scent Secret: Smell a onesie your baby has worn recently. 2️⃣ The Photo Scroll: Look at videos of your baby laughing or sleeping while you pump. 3️⃣ The 4-7-8 Breath: Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8 to "force" your nervous system into a relaxed state.

Remember: Your mind and your milk are connected. Take a deep breath—you’ve got this.

When it’s freezing outside, the last thing most of us want is a cold glass of water. ❄️But here’s the reality: Indoor he...
02/07/2026

When it’s freezing outside, the last thing most of us want is a cold glass of water. ❄️

But here’s the reality: Indoor heating is incredibly dehydrating, and your body needs more fluids than ever to maintain milk production. If you’ve noticed a slight dip in your output lately, you might be falling into the "Winter Hydration Trap."

The Fix: Switch to warm electrolytes! ☕️ Warm Bone Broth: Packed with minerals and incredibly hydrating. 🍋 Hot Lemon Water with Sea Salt: Gentle on the stomach and keeps your cells hydrated. 🍵 Oat Straw or Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: Nourishing herbs that support supply while keeping you warm.

Pro-Tip: If your skin feels itchy or your lips are chapped, your milk supply is likely feeling the dryness, too. Double down on fluids today!

Stop measuring your worth by the number of times you plug in. 🛑If you’re pumping 8, 10, or 12 times a day and seeing you...
02/04/2026

Stop measuring your worth by the number of times you plug in. 🛑

If you’re pumping 8, 10, or 12 times a day and seeing your supply stall, you aren’t failing—you’re likely just exhausted.

The "Pumping Backwards Method" is all about working WITH your hormones instead of against them. By dropping your least productive sessions and prioritizing your sleep and the early morning Prolactin peak, you can actually see a boost in volume.

Why? Because a rested body produces milk more efficiently than a stressed one.

Ready to audit your schedule and find your flow? Click the link in our bio to read the full guide! 🔗

February is peak "everyone is sick" season. If you’ve been hit with a winter bug, your first thought is probably: Is my ...
02/02/2026

February is peak "everyone is sick" season. If you’ve been hit with a winter bug, your first thought is probably: Is my supply going to tank?

Here is your 3-step protocol for feeding through a fever:

1️⃣ Prioritize Calories over Schedule: If you’re too exhausted to hit your 8-pump-a-day goal, don’t panic. Focus on 4-5 high-quality, "hands-on" sessions where you fully empty. Quality > Quantity when your body is fighting an infection.
2️⃣ Watch the Decongestants: Be careful with OTC cold meds. Ingredients like Pseudoephedrine are designed to "dry you up"—and they don't differentiate between your nose and your milk ducts. Stick to saline sprays and honey for coughs.
3️⃣ The "Temporary Dip" Mindset: Your supply will likely dip while you have a fever. This is normal! Your body is diverting energy to your immune system. Once you are hydrated and fever-free, your volume will bounce back.

Save this post for when the sniffles hit! 📌

It’s peak cold and flu season. While most meds are safe for baby, some are "Supply Killers" for you.The Red List (Avoid)...
01/31/2026

It’s peak cold and flu season. While most meds are safe for baby, some are "Supply Killers" for you.

The Red List (Avoid):
❌ Pseudoephedrine: (Common in Sudafed) It’s designed to dry up mucus, but it doesn't distinguish between your nose and your milk ducts. Even one dose can cause a significant dip.
❌ Phenylephrine: Found in many "Multi-Symptom" daytime cold liquids.

The Green List (Usually Safe):
✅ Acetaminophen & Ibuprofen: Great for fevers and aches.
✅ Saline Sprays & Neti Pots: Best for congestion without the side effects.
✅ Plain Honey: The best natural cough suppressant!

Save this for when the sniffles hit your house! 📌

We have an important update regarding our services.Just prior to returning from the holiday break, Dr. Appleton was invo...
01/30/2026

We have an important update regarding our services.

Just prior to returning from the holiday break, Dr. Appleton was involved in a skiing accident that has temporarily left her unable to work. She's OK, but as a result, the clinic is closed until further notice.

While our physical doors are closed, Dr. Appleton’s expertise is still available to you through Latching Logic - a resource for families seeking breastfeeding support. This is a self-paced, evidence-based course designed by Dr. Appleton to give you practical strategies from the comfort of your home. You can enroll immediately at the link in bio.

For those requiring in-person feeding therapy, we recommend reaching out to Kristen Andre at Tiny Ties Feeding Therapy at 403-634-3834. If you have an urgent health concern, please call 811 Health Link or the New Parent and Newborn Line at 1-833-805-BABY.

Thank you for your trust in Nurture and for your patience as Dr. Appleton recovers. We look forward to updating you soon.

If you dread your next pump session, the problem is likely mechanical, not biological! You don't need to pump more; you ...
01/28/2026

If you dread your next pump session, the problem is likely mechanical, not biological! You don't need to pump more; you need to pump smarter.

The easiest way to stop pain, boost efficiency, and reclaim your time is by upgrading your setup with the right tools. We're talking about things that actually make the process sustainable.

Swipe through for the 5 non-negotiable accessories—from the Hands-Free Bra that grants you multitasking freedom to the Electrolyte Mix that acts as a secret supply booster.

Ready to stop stressing and start pumping better? Upgrade your pump kit! The right tools drastically reduce pain and dramatically increase efficiency. Find the link to our full gear guide in the bio.

Is that pain just a bad latch, or is it something serious? This is the most common confusion that prolongs suffering.If ...
01/26/2026

Is that pain just a bad latch, or is it something serious? This is the most common confusion that prolongs suffering.

If you have stabbing, deep burning pain that continues between feeds, you need to stop troubleshooting the latch and check for Thrush (a Yeast Infection). This requires immediate medical intervention!

Knowing the difference between mechanical pain (friction from a shallow latch) and medical pain (infection) is the fastest way to relief.

Don't wait! Check your symptoms and call your doctor if the pain is deep and persistent. For a full troubleshooting guide on pain and latch issues, find the Latching Logic™ link in our bio!

nfection

Are you hunched over your pump or baby right now? 😬That neck and shoulder tension is more than just an ache—it can actua...
01/23/2026

Are you hunched over your pump or baby right now? 😬

That neck and shoulder tension is more than just an ache—it can actually block your letdown! The nerves and blood flow critical for transporting Oxytocin (your milk-releasing hormone) can be restricted by tight, hunched muscles.

Your 30-Second Fix: Every time you sit down to feed or pump, take a moment to:

Slowly roll your shoulders back and down.

Gently stretch your neck side to side.

Releasing that tension signals safety and relaxation to your brain, allowing the Oxytocin to flow freely and smoothly.

Try it now! Did you feel the tension ease? 👇

Want more expert strategies for faster, more comfortable letdowns? Find the Latching Logic™ program link in our bio!

Are you stressing out because your 2 PM pump is half the size of your 7 AM pump? Stop! It's science, not failure! 🤯Your ...
01/21/2026

Are you stressing out because your 2 PM pump is half the size of your 7 AM pump? Stop! It's science, not failure! 🤯

Your body's milk-making rhythm is entirely governed by two hormones: Prolactin (high in the morning) and Oxytocin (easily blocked by midday stress).

Swipe through to see exactly why your first pump of the day is always your biggest, and the simple trick you need to use to beat the Midday Oxytocin Block. Knowing this map eliminates panic and helps you strategically maximize your output.

Which part of the day do you find most stressful for pumping/feeding? Tell us below! 👇

Ready to master your body's rhythm and optimize your supply? Find the Latching Logic™ program link in our bio!

The sudden, dramatic drop in supply after a stressful day (travel, fight, sickness) is TERRIFYING. But take a deep breat...
01/19/2026

The sudden, dramatic drop in supply after a stressful day (travel, fight, sickness) is TERRIFYING. But take a deep breath—it's likely hormonal blockage, not supply failure.

Here's the science: A major stressor causes your body to flood with Cortisol and Adrenaline. These hormones are survival tools, and they temporarily block Oxytocin (the milk-releasing hormone). The milk is still there; it just can't flow!

Your 3-Step Fix to Restore Flow:

Deep Breathing: 60 seconds of slow, controlled breathing.

Dim Lights: Find a quiet, dark space.

Comfort: Focus on peace to signal your brain that it is safe to release Oxytocin.

You can reboot your system and restore flow within hours. Don't panic and don't supplement!

Want more science-backed hacks for managing your hormones and milk flow? Find the Latching Logic™ program link in our bio! 👇

The moment your period returns, it can feel like your supply has completely crashed. Panic down! Your body is not failin...
01/16/2026

The moment your period returns, it can feel like your supply has completely crashed. Panic down! Your body is not failing; it’s simply cycling.

Here’s the science: The surge of Estrogen right before and during your period can temporarily inhibit the milk-releasing effects of Prolactin and Oxytocin, leading to a noticeable (and frustrating) drop in volume for a day or two.

The Good News: It is temporary! It almost always bounces back.

Your Action Plan: A few days before your period starts, try boosting your intake of Calcium (1,000mg/day) and Magnesium (350mg/day). These minerals can help counteract the estrogen effect and stabilize your flow.

Save this post so you can reference it the next time the dip hits!

If you need more help understanding hormonal changes and managing your supply, find the Latching Logic™ program link in our bio! 👇

Address

931 19 Street South
Lethbridge, AB
T1J5E3

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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