Tracey Carolan IBCLC

Tracey Carolan IBCLC International Board Certified Lactation Consultant at By Your Side Lactation,providing in home feeding expertise and support.
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When it comes to expressed breastmilk no it doesn't. If your baby will take their milk cold, there is no need to warm i...
02/20/2026

When it comes to expressed breastmilk no it doesn't.

If your baby will take their milk cold, there is no need to warm it up.

A recent 2026 study showed that there was no difference in the infants body temp, O2 level or heart rate when drinking milk at different temperatures.

One less thing to worry about.

This is making me want to change dentists cause it tells me they dont do their research and are more afraid of liabilit...
02/17/2026

This is making me want to change dentists cause it tells me they dont do their research and are more afraid of liability then anything else.

The medication that was being used does in fact have very little research but clearly states it may be fine for parents nursing older healthy babies.

Pumping milk will not clear the medication from the body any faster so pumping is only for comfort if not being fed to a child.

So how would I council a parent facing this ?
I would ask them to use their BRAIN , and ask them lots of questions about their situation to help them make an informed decision.

B- benefits
R- risks
A- alternatives
I- intuition
N- nothing

I am always available for a phone call, please dont assume your dentist or other care provider knows anything about lactation and medications.

02/17/2026

With Ramadan beginning this week, today we're sharing some information from our guest blog post - Supporting Breastfeeding During Ramadan.

"As peer supporters, we have great duty in supporting mums to feel empowered to achieve their goals by giving information so their decisions are informed. Supporting mothers during Ramadan is no different to helping mums reduce factors that may have a negative impact on their breast feeding or supply.

Things to consider are:

✨Mums will need to eat high nutrient dense food such as date, fruits and nuts to help replace the magnesium, zinc and potassium levels that may reduce during fasting.

✨Avoid drinking too many caffeinated drinks and replace with water, fresh fruits juice, herbal teas and green smoothies.

✨If a mum is fasting during the winter months which can fall between 10/12hrs of fasting, this is much easier as the sunset is much earlier and they have a longer period to eat and drinking during dawn. So really its like having a very late lunch.

For peer supporters who are not Muslim or who may not know much about Ramadan, it is imperative to keep in mind that choice should always be at the forefront of any breastfeeding journey and the support we provide will very much be based on an individual case by case basis. It’s also okay to say I’m not sure and signpost/refer mums to other sources for more information.

For more information on breastfeeding during Ramadan, click here: https://breastfeeding.support/breastfeeding-during-ramadan/"

Full blog post: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-during-ramadan/

EDIT - Fasting while breastfeeding is not an expectation, but you can choose to if you wish, and it is safe for you to do so. If you are considering fasting while breastfeeding, you may find it helpful to talk a health professional.

Please remember, if you need breastfeeding support, our National Breastfeeding Helpline UK is available 24/7 💜

You can also find out if we have a service near you on our website:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drop-in-centres-map/

✨Please share✨

[ID: Breastfeeding during Ramadan. Image of a mum cuddling her baby.] Outlines of lanterns. Purple background.]

I received this email from a past client while she was on holiday and it meant so much I had to share. Thank you for inv...
02/14/2026

I received this email from a past client while she was on holiday and it meant so much I had to share.

Thank you for inviting me into your home to be part of your journey.

Yes, marketing will tell you you need everything under the sun but really, you dont. Nursing pillows- typically puts bab...
02/13/2026

Yes, marketing will tell you you need everything under the sun but really, you dont.

Nursing pillows- typically puts baby at an awkward angle, leaving you hunched over to feed

Ni**le cream - depending on ingredients can cause a rash. Many people use it simply cause they think they need to.

Ni**le shield- Should be used only under supervision from an LC so you are using it properly and for the right reason

Pump- can be rented if needed immediately otherwise there's time to figure out your feeding goals

Nursing bras- nice to have, but honestly your probably going to be naked in the beginning anyways and your breasts will change size a few more times

Bottles- babies can be fed lots of ways, bottles are not needed in the beginning if you are planning to exclusively nurse.

Silverettes- only to be used with ni**le damage and there are better ways to heal. You shouldn't be expecting damage anyways.

A consult from an IBCLC in your own home that first week at home is worth way more than all the things you really dont need.

What else did you buy or receive that you really didnt need ?

I personally nursed my son to sleep for as long as he would let me. It was the easiest, fastest way to do it. Yes we wen...
02/12/2026

I personally nursed my son to sleep for as long as he would let me. It was the easiest, fastest way to do it.

Yes we went through stages where he knew this meant nap/bed time and he would fight it but usually they just cant resist.

There are multiple hormones like melatonin and Cholecystokinin that get passed in breastmilk to increase sleepiness. Oxytocin gets created from sucking. Add in some gently rocking and its a bed time dream.

Never be afraid to tell me you nurse to sleep

02/11/2026

Let’s put to rest for good the false assumptions that bottle-feeding is “easier” for preemies than breastfeeding. Acording to this 2026 RCT, at their first feeding by mouth, preemies breastfed had measurably better oxygen levels and heart rates compared with those whose first oral feed was by bottle. The breastfed preemies even took more milk! Please share these findings far and wide! https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41318959/

My job as an IBCLC is to help you reach your goals when it comes to feeding your baby. And many times that means making ...
02/09/2026

My job as an IBCLC is to help you reach your goals when it comes to feeding your baby. And many times that means making a plan that works for everyone.

It doesnt need to be all of one thing and none of the other.
Every drop of breastmilk you give your baby has loads of benefits for both of you.

Even if you've weaned and are now changing your mind, thats ok. Support is usually what's missing from the early days post partum and Im here to fill that role.

02/08/2026

You searched one thing... Now you have 47 tabs open, three contradicting opinions, and a mild identity crisis.

Pause and take a deep breath.

The internet is loud. Breastfeeding advice online is overwhelming. And when you are tired, hormonal, and trying to do your best, it is easy to spiral.

Before you go down another rabbit hole, talk to someone who will listen first.

At La Leche League Canada, you will find real people with evidence based information. Our drop-ins give a space to ask the question behind the question.

Close the tabs and come to a free drop-in!!!

https://www.lllc.ca/groups-map

❤Your nervous system deserves better than 47 tabs.❤

I absolutely do not agree that the only way both parents can be equal in parenting duties is by formula feeding. Feeding...
02/06/2026

I absolutely do not agree that the only way both parents can be equal in parenting duties is by formula feeding.

Feeding may take up a lot of time in the beginning but lets talk about everything the non lactating parent can do instead, giving you more time to rest and to distribute all the jobs that need to get done.

- Feed the lactating parent. Producing milk takes a lot of energy, add on to that complete exhaustion and they need to be cared for as well

- diaper changing . Guess what, newborns need their diaper change ALOT

- skin to skin. So great for bonding and regulates your babies temperature and heart beat

-Take the dog for a walk, do the laundry, wash some dishes etc

As your baby gets older and feeds take less time, it feels much easier. But for now formula doesn't need to be the only way to divide duties.

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Maple Ridge, BC

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Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
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