Mama Bear Family Care

11/22/2025

Another holiday season is here! 🍂🍽🍗🥧☕🍁

I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge that babies do not take holidays! In fact, all three of my kiddos have birthdays near major holidays -- two near Independence Day and one near Thanksgiving (next week!) 🥳🥳🥳

So if you find yourself needing lactation support 🤱 this next week -- or around any holiday! -- please do not hesitate to reach out!📱💻

Our online scheduler has some availability always set, but if you need an appointment sooner, please contact us directly and we will do our absolute best to fit you in ASAP. 🐻💙 Virtual appointments always available!

* Online scheduling: https://mamabear.intakeq.com/booking
* Text: 715-204-4060
* Email: Jennifer@MamaBearFamilyCare.com

with Jennifer Hafele, M.Ed., IBCLC in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

11/21/2025

That pretty blue angelic glow is coming from a plug-in-bug-zapper-thing in the kitchen space at our office. 🐻💙

Pretty romantic, huh? Haha.

But I like it because it's the color I call "Mama Bear blue."

And it occurred to me that I hope I give off whatever the equivalent attracting energy is to people meant to be in my orbit.

Is that you?

I promise you won't get zapped. Just noticed. Heard. Accepted. Loved. Empowered.

So you're invited ...

Come be seen, Friend!

We're meeting tomorrow (Saturday 11/22) for 🐻💙 Baby Bear Bunch starting at 9:30 AM. Loose topic: BEING SEEN.

There are still a couple open slots left for 🐻💙 Weight Checks before or after BBB ... and I believe I still have a consult slot available in the afternoon for whoever that might be waiting for.

https://mamabear.intakeq.com/booking

Can't wait to gather!

~ Jennifer

11/20/2025

Great tips here! 🐻💙

11/17/2025

Spontaneous Personal Retreat Vibes 🐻💙

My Dear Friends,

We will not be meeting this evening for a live virtual support circle.

I’m in , of all places, taking care of ME right now, in an unexpected and inspired twist following a working retreat for IBCLC’s in private practice (more on THAT amazing experience another day).

But I wonder … how are you taking care of YOU today?

I know you’re probably not at a Franciscan Spirituality Center in rural Iowa.

And your brain might be telling you that you need THAT (or your mind’s equivalent) in order to truly rest and reset.

I’m not going to lie, friends, this is feeling like exactly what I’ve needed for a ridiculously long time. I’m celebrating it for me, AND I’m choosing to share it with you. Not to rub it in, but rather to model for you how non-negotiable being ourselves really is to our well-being and that of our loved ones.

May I encourage you to get quiet for a few moments and tune into your own inner knowing …

What is one small step you could take to bring yourself into closer alignment with who you are and what you need … right now, right where you are, in all the messiness of the moment?

And, just as important — will you give yourself that gift?

Sending love, peace, and light. We’ll catch up soon.

~ Jennifer

P.S. Present me is writing this not only for you, but also for future me, who will undoubtedly forget and need this gentle encouragement herself long about, oh, Thursday … please will you remind me?

11/13/2025

Watch Kate's video to hear about and how there is hope for your sleep situation with your Little(s)! 🐻💙

https://vimeo.com/1134348397/f9577cd5ff?fl=pl&fe=sh

Interested in a FREE 15-minute Exploratory Call with our , Kate Kleven?

Now you can book it online!

https://MamaBear.intakeq.com/booking?serviceId=f3e7235e-73a3-4f84-8fe1-afc8d449d045

11/13/2025

Helpful info here 👍🐻💙

11/13/2025

🐻💙

Before you do anything save this to refer back to!
⭐️Co-regulation is the ability to use your nervous system to help regulate someone else’s, in this case your child.
The biggest sensory tool that you have to offer your child is yourself! You will notice the majority of these strategies involve using your body and yourself as a sensory tool! They do not involve any fancy equipment or toys, just you!
✨Sensory based strategies for co-regulation can often be over complicated, when actually what is needed the most is to simplify & remove stimuli.
⭐️When a child is dysregulated they are often experiencing sensory overload. So the most effective strategy is to minimize the sensory input in their environment and to utilize their sensory preferences to assist with regulation.
✨Something as simple as lowering your body, having a softer presence and encouraging your child to lower their eye gaze is so effective. Think less is more, less talking, less moving, and less doing.
⭐️When are children are dysregulated we all have a tendency to want to do everything at once to help. They escalate and we escalate, but we need to be that calming and grounded presence.
✨Model deep breathing, mindfulness, and a preferred sensory activity rather than suggesting they do it can be so helpful. Eventually, you will notice they will join in!
⭐️Every child’s nervous system is unique, what works for one child will not work for the next and it can even change on a day to day basis. So remember it is a process to identify what will work best for your child.
🎯Remember, co-regulation is not just happening in times of distress it is also happening in times of joy! So doing these activities when your child is regulated will only further help to strengthen those pathways in their brain for when they are dysregulated.
Words and Photo Credit:
Kristin P***n, OTR/L Pediatric Occupational Therapist

https://www.facebook.com/coastalconnectionsotobx/photos/pb.100064211644068.-2207520000/522078639826710/

11/13/2025

Yes, our INFANT FEEDING BASICS class is different. 🐻💙

Yes, our class might be more expensive.

Yes, we think you deserve to know about ALL the ways you COULD feed your baby before they arrive, as well as the make-or-break practical things that could significantly impact your early postpartum experiences in infant feeding.

And YES, you will be prepared differently precisely BECAUSE our class is different.

Oh, and here’s one single solitary “NO” for you …

NO, not ONE participant in all the years I’ve been teaching this class has EVER said they regretted taking it, even the ones who had ALREADY TAKEN other prenatal feeding classes and thought everything would be “repeat” info (surprise!)

You’re invited to watch this 12-minute video to get an idea as to why the feedback I get looks the same … class … after class … after class … after class …

Infant Feeding Basics + the value of prenatal education:
https://vimeo.com/1080265444?share=copy

One-evening-and-done for this in-person group class, and we give equal parts of attention to the BIG THREE:

✅ breastfeeding
✅ bottle feeding
✅ pumping

Details:

🤱 INFANT FEEDING BASICS In-Person Group Class ($110), taught by Jennifer Hafele, M.Ed., IBCLC.

🍼 Last date in 2025: Thursday, Nov 13. All classes held in-person from 6-9 PM.

❣️ https://MamaBear.intakeq.com/booking?serviceId=8adce2cc-fba6-431a-b5cd-7455d97f1daf

👶 INVESTMENT: $110 / pair

You and a partner or coach are encouraged to attend together!


[Please note: all recommendations made by the Mama Bear team are free of commercial bias. 👍 That means no one pays us or gives us samples "for free" in exchange for recommending them.]