VitaNurture Toronto Breastfeeding Inc.

VitaNurture Toronto Breastfeeding Inc. Breastfeeding help and guidance. We will do a thorough breastfeeding assessment and help you identi

VitaNurture is your one stop shop from pre-conception, pregnancy, labour/birth, post-partum through the parenting journey, we will provide all the holistic prenatal, childbirth, lactation services to fit your needs. Services include: Nutrition,childbirth classes, prenatal breastfeeding classes, HypnoBirthing classes, lactation consulting, Doula services. Maria Lameiro is the mother of three breast

fed home schooled children. Her children and loving husband have been her inspiration and teachers and her own experiences lead her to seek education in order to professionally help families in the most important period of their lives! Maria is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, IBCLC, Certified Labour Doula with CBI and DONA, and is a Certified Postpartum Doula (CBI) and CAPPA trained, HypnoBirthing Practitioner (HypnoBirthing Institute), Earned a Diploma in Childbirth Education (CBI), and has graduated from a rigorous Lactation Medicine programme, earning a Diploma in Lactation Medicine with over 650 hrs (18 months clinical internship) at the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic,
(International Breastfeeding Centre). Maria is also a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Sports Nutrition Consultant, Natural Nutrition Clinical Practitioner through the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners. Maria is passionate about her beautiful job, and enjoys educating families and empowering them to facilitate conscious decision making in order to facilitate living a healthy lifestyle! Visit VitaNurture´s website for more information: www.vitanurture.ca

04/15/2026

PCOS is not just about missed periods.

It’s a metabolic and hormonal condition that can affect your fertility, your skin, your hair, your body composition, and even your breastfeeding journey.

Insulin resistance is one of the main drivers. Higher insulin levels stimulate androgen production, which can lead to symptoms like acne and hirsutism, and also disrupt ovulation.

That same metabolic environment can make fat loss harder and muscle building less efficient, even when you’re consistent with training and nutrition.

And something that is rarely talked about… PCOS can also impact lactation. Some women may experience delayed milk production or low supply, especially when hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance are significant.

This is why a one size fits all approach does not work.

Support needs to go beyond just calories and workouts. It includes improving insulin sensitivity, prioritizing resistance training, optimizing protein intake, sleep, and getting early lactation support when needed.

If you’ve been feeling frustrated with your progress, there is a reason.

And more importantly, there is a way to support your body better.

Sources
Teede HJ et al. 2018 International Evidence Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of PCOS
Diamanti Kandarakis E, Dunaif A. Insulin resistance and the polycystic o***y syndrome revisited, Endocrine Reviews
Legro RS et al. Diagnosis and treatment of PCOS, Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
Marasco LA et al. Polycystic o***y syndrome and lactation, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics
Vanky E et al. Breastfeeding in women with PCOS, Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

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04/13/2026

We’ve overcomplicated burping… and it’s taking attention away from what actually matters 👶🏻

Burping is not required after every feed, especially for breastfed babies.

Evidence shows routine burping does not reduce colic and may even increase spit-up in some infants.

If there’s air, baby will release it naturally.

But here’s the part many parents miss 👇

Evening fussiness is often blamed on gas…

When one of the first things to rule out is actually hunger.

Milk flow can slow down later in the day, and some babies are very sensitive to that change.

They’re not uncomfortable from gas, they’re frustrated with flow.

Supporting milk transfer, keeping baby actively drinking, and using compressions can make a huge difference.

Shift the focus from burping… to feeding 💛

Sources:
Kaur et al. 2015, Journal of Pediatrics, burping and colic outcomes
American Academy of Pediatrics, Infant Feeding Guidelines
Canadian Paediatric Society, infant feeding and behaviour

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04/10/2026

Colic is one of the most overwhelming phases for parents 😞

Crying that feels endless… even when you’re doing everything right.

Before calling it “colic,” always rule out the basics:
✔️ Adequate intake
✔️ Effective latch and milk transfer
✔️ Medical causes with your baby’s physician

In many cases, what looks like colic can be related to feeding challenges.

And if it truly is colic…
Know this: it often peaks around 6–8 weeks before improving.

You are not doing anything wrong. This phase is temporary 🤍

If you’re going through this, support matters. Assessment matters. You matter.

Sources:
Barr RG. Infant colic: Clinical features and treatment. UpToDate.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Crying and Colic
Wolke D et al. Developmental course of crying in infancy

04/09/2026

Not every feed looks the same… and it’s not supposed to.

Breastfed babies don’t take in the same amount at every feeding. Some feeds are small, like snacks. Others are full meals. What actually matters is total intake over 24 hours, not one single session.

And here’s something most people don’t realize…

As babies grow, breast milk volume doesn’t necessarily increase, but its composition adapts. Protein, fat, immune factors, and bioactive components change over time to match your baby’s developmental needs.

In my practice, we don’t rely on pre and post weights. Measuring one feed does not tell us the full story. Feeding varies based on time of day, environment, and growth phases.

Instead, we follow trends over time.

Weight gain patterns, diaper output, feeding behaviour, and how baby is actually doing.

Because growth is not just about numbers.

A baby can be gaining weight, but still showing signs of frustration or needing adjustments in feeding.

The real markers of adequate intake are consistent weight gain over time, appropriate diaper output, and a baby who is settling and developing well.

Trust the process, and trust the biology.Sources

Kent JC et al. Breastmilk intake in exclusively breastfed infants. Pediatrics, 2006.
Victora CG et al. Breastfeeding in the 21st century. The Lancet, 2016.
Ballard O, Morrow AL. Human milk composition and bioactive factors. Pediatric Clinics, 2013.
WHO. Infant and young child feeding guidelines, 2021.

04/03/2026

Friday, end of my shift 😌
We’ve gone through everything… baby and mom assessed, supported, feeding plan clear, follow-up explained.

Me: “Any other questions at all?”
Parents: “No, we’re good!”

5 minutes later, as I’m wrapping up…

“Actually… baby only burps if we bounce on one foot, spits up only after I eat dairy, feeds better facing the window, and cries specifically at 6:12pm… is that normal?”

Me: 💁🏻‍♀️

I love what I do, I really do… and I’m always here for my families 🤍
But the timing is undefeated 😂

03/25/2026

If your pump is “only” getting a small amount… please read this 👇

Your pump is NOT your baby 🤍

A pump has the same suction, same rhythm, and never complains about flow. Your baby does. Babies respond to changes in flow, latch depth, comfort, and even bottle preference.

That means:
• You can pump more than your baby gets
• Or your baby can get MORE than your pump

Both can be true.

And yes… different pumps give different results too. Hands free pumps often remove less milk than hospital grade or double electric pumps.

So please don’t use pump output alone to judge your supply.

Look at what actually matters:
✔️ weight gain
✔️ diaper output
✔️ feeding behaviour
✔️ effective latch

You and your baby are a dynamic system, not a machine 💫

If you’re struggling with feeding, supply, or baby refusing the breast, I’m here to help. Send me a message 🤍

Sources
Kent et al., 2006, Breastfeeding Medicine
Meier et al., 2016, Journal of Perinatology
Geddes et al., 2008, Pediatrics

03/13/2026

Not every feeding problem is a tongue tie. 👶

Sometimes the real issue is a nutrient deficiency.

Two deficiencies that can significantly impact breastfeeding babies are vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

When a breastfeeding mother is deficient in vitamin B12, her milk will also be low in B12. This can affect the baby’s neurological development and feeding ability.

Signs in babies can include
poor feeding 🤱🏻
gagging at the breast
hypotonia, baby feels floppy
failure to thrive 📉
developmental delays

These babies are sometimes evaluated for reflux or oral restrictions before anyone checks micronutrient status.

Vitamin D is another important piece of the puzzle. ☀️

Breast milk naturally contains low vitamin D levels, especially if maternal levels are low. That is why many pediatric guidelines recommend vitamin D supplementation for exclusively breastfed infants.

Low vitamin D levels can affect bone development, immune function, and growth.

Maternal symptoms of deficiencies can include
fatigue
brain fog
low mood
numbness or tingling in hands and feet
recurrent infections

Maternal nutrition is infant neurology and development.

Sometimes the solution is not another feeding intervention.

Sometimes it is correcting a nutrient deficiency. 🧠

Have you seen a case like this in practice. Share below. 👇

, , Allen LH. Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency. Advances in Nutrition.

Dror DK and Allen LH. Vitamin B12 deficiency in infancy and neurodevelopment. Pediatric Research.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants.

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D fact sheets.

World Health Organization. Micronutrient deficiencies in pregnancy and lactation

03/06/2026

Sometimes the hardest part of the appointment… is actually leaving the room. 😅

You say, “Okay, I’ll let you get dressed.”
You step outside…

And then…

“Actually I just have one more question.”

Five questions later and three patients waiting… I slowly open the door again like… are we done now? 👀😂

Healthcare professionals, tell me the truth… does this happen to you too?

03/02/2026

Herbal galactagogues 🌿 can support lactation in certain situations… but they are never a substitute for effective milk removal.

After the early hormonally driven phase of lactogenesis, milk production becomes primarily supply and demand 🤱🏼 If milk is removed, milk is made. If milk sits, production slows.

Low supply is often not about needing a magic pill 💊 It is about:
• Shallow or painful latch
• Oral restrictions 👅
• Ineffective milk transfer
• Incorrect pump fl**ge sizing
• Infrequent or inefficient pumping

What the research says 📚
• Fenugreek and blessed thistle show mixed, limited-quality evidence
• Moringa has demonstrated modest increases in early postpartum milk volume in small randomized trials
• Goat’s rue is traditionally used for low glandular tissue, but strong human data are limited
• Sunflower lecithin supports ductal flow and recurrent plugged ducts, not true supply

The backbone of milk supply is physiology and mechanics, not just supplements.

If you are worried about your milk supply, book an appointment with an IBCLC for a full feeding assessment. Latch, transfer, oral function, and pumping technique matter more than any capsule.

Let’s address the root cause, not just the symptom 🤍

Sources
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol 9
LactMed Database, National Library of Medicine
Mortel and Mehta 2013
Estrella et al. 2000

02/18/2026

Ice storm outside.
Moms still showing up like it’s a sunny Tuesday. 😅😂

Nothing stronger than a determined breastfeeding mama… not even Canadian ice. 🇨🇦❄️

My student Jocelyn is nearing the completion of her clinical practice mentorship toward becoming an IBCLC, and I could n...
02/11/2026

My student Jocelyn is nearing the completion of her clinical practice mentorship toward becoming an IBCLC, and I could not be more proud of the depth of growth I’ve witnessed.

At our clinic, mentorship goes far beyond textbook protocols. Every mother, every baby, and every feeding journey is different. Care is never cookie cutter. It is thoughtful, individualized, and grounded in both clinical skill and metabolic understanding.

Here is how Jocelyn describes her experience:

“What stood out most during my mentorship was learning what true client-centred care looks like in real practice. Every family comes with a different story, background, physiology, and set of challenges. No two babies are the same, and no two feeding journeys are the same.

I gained hands-on experience supporting babies with latch at different ages, using techniques tailored to each dyad. I was exposed to complex clinical scenarios including ni**le blebs, tongue ties, breast refusal, mastitis, breast lumps, and low milk supply.

Beyond latch mechanics, I learned how metabolic processes can influence lactation. I gained insight into how insulin resistance, hormonal balance, and overall metabolic health can impact milk production. I was able to observe how comprehensive nutritional assessments, targeted supplementation, and individualized guidance can support mothers in optimizing lactation outcomes.

What truly shaped me was seeing how care is adapted based not only on physiology, but on what each mother is ready, willing, and able to implement. The goal is never perfection. The goal is support. Meeting families where they are and helping them reach their own feeding goals with compassion and evidence-based care.”

It is an honour to mentor future IBCLCs in a model of care that respects physiology, individuality, and maternal autonomy ♥️

02/03/2026

Breastfeeding and postpartum nutrition is not about “bouncing back”, it’s about rebuilding, nourishing, and supporting your body during one of the most demanding seasons of life 🤱✨

Protein and vitamin D are two of the most important nutrients for postpartum recovery, hormone balance, immune health, muscle repair, and milk production 💪☀️

Research shows that higher protein needs during lactation support tissue healing, energy levels, and breast milk synthesis, while vitamin D plays a key role in maternal mood, bone health, immune function, and infant development through breast milk 🦴🧠👶

Many postpartum women, especially in northern climates, are deficient in vitamin D without realizing it, which can contribute to fatigue, low mood, and weakened immunity ❄️

For vegetarian and plant based moms, nutrition needs even more intention 🌱
Protein quality, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, omega 3s, and vitamin D can be harder to meet without proper planning

The postpartum period is not the time to under eat or restrict.
It’s a time to fuel your body so you can heal, produce milk, and feel strong 💖

Evidence based sources include data from World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on lactation nutrition, protein requirements, and vitamin D status in postpartum women.

If you’re postpartum, breastfeeding, or vegetarian and want to feel energized, supported, and nourished, it starts with proper nutrition 🌿

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M9B0B 1
Toronto, ON

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+16472141516

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