Latched&Loved

11/06/2024

Breastfeeding is a huge commitment! Studies show that a mom breastfeeds for an estimated time of 1,800 hours per year- basically the same amount of time as a full time job!

Studies also show that moms with a positive mindset and who use positive reinforcements have a more successful time with latching and milk production!

It is important to try and stay in the right mindset throughout your journey. You can start off with small goals and once they are reached, set a new one. Like committing to breastfeeding for one month, and once you've reached the end of that month, set a new goal of breastfeeding for three months! You can always reward yourself too! After your reach one month of breastfeeding, treat yourself to something nice! Take it day by day, but never loose your determination!

03/06/2024

When baby is first born, it may seem like all you do is nurse baby! This is for a reason...

Breastmilk digests quickly, which ensures that baby is frequently waking and allows parents to keep a constant eye on baby. It may be exhausting and overwhelming, but just remember that the constant waking serves a purpose and it will not last forever.

Breastfeeding also provides baby with an enormous amount of comfort. Baby is used to hearing your heartbeat and feeling the warmth of the amniotic fluid all around him. Getting cozied up on your body allows him to feel like he is in the womb again, providing a great sense of comfort and security.

29/05/2024

Friendly reminder! We don't know everyone's story and everyone is going through their own personal struggles.

I challenge you to find a mom and share a smile today!

Spread kindness everywhere you go. Our world needs more of it!

26/05/2024

Hand Expression is really important to know how to do successfully!

It can be used when experiencing pain and engorgement, a clogged duct, if seperated from baby immediately after birth, or if you're out and about and forgot your pump.

It's really simple and can be a good tool to use to help establish a good supply in the first few weeks after baby is born.

21/05/2024

A good latch can make or break breastfeeding. It takes a lot of practice from both you and baby to get a good latch. Think of it like going to the gym, your first few days are hard and discouraging, but with consistency, it gets easier and maybe even enjoyable!

Remeber that you aren't Ni**le Feeding, you are Breast Feeding, and you need actual breast tissue inside baby's mouth in order to have a comfortable latch.

The wider baby's mouth opens, the more breast can fit in the mouth, and the better latching experience you will have!!

19/05/2024

Are you a pumping mama!?!

Pumping is a lot of work and it is important to remember the guidelines of proper breastmilk handling and storage!

Some moms may experience a sour taste to their expressed milk. This can be caused by high lipase in their breastmilk. Try adding a dash of alcohol-free vanilla to pumped milk to offset the taste. If the vanilla doesn't help with the taste, the milk may be spoiled and should not be used!

It is also important to remember that a pump does not express milk as well as baby does!! Pumps are not as efficient as a baby, and mom's hormones are not primed for pumping! To ensure adequate milk supply when primarily pumping, keep a piece of clothing that baby has recently wore nearby and smell it while pumping. Visualization is also a great way to encourage milk production. And finally, remember that you will only replenish what is removed, so keep pumping often and ensure you are expressing the same amount that baby is drinking with each feeding.

14/05/2024

Hormones can be a beast. After experiencing the hormones involved in pregnancy for the last 9 months, there are a few new ones introduced to your body after birth. Although they all serve a purpose, some are more welcomed than others.

It is important to understand what is happening inside our bodies so that we can understand why we feel the way we feel. It can help us ensure we aren't crazy after all.

Progesterone, Estrogen, Oxytocin, and Prolactin are four big players after birth. Each playing their own roles and coming with their own set of characteristics.

Keep in mind, all of these hormones should be pretty balanced by 6 weeks postpartum, so if you're still feeling anxious, sad, or withdrawn, or just not like yourself, it might be time to consult a specialist.

09/05/2024

Worried about how much milk baby is getting in the first few days after delivery? It is important to watch baby's diapers and weight gain!

Baby's tummies are extremely tiny when born and really do not require a lot of breastmilk the first few days. Colostrum is truly liquid gold and it is important to think of it as quality over quantity.

Remember to keep baby at the breast as often as possible to allow him to eat when he is hungry without having to show late hunger cues and to help encourage the release of the milk making hormones!

Follow along for more tips!

05/05/2024