Cub Creek Lactation Support

04/02/2025

• T O N G U E • T I E S •

>
* all or nothing, black or white thinking
* one size fits all approaches
* whether or not to get a tie release is subjective - some dentists are more conservative than others

--> Whats important to know:
* The presence of a frenulum doesn't automatically equal a tie, it depends on function and mobility.
* Lactation consultants are not qualified to diagnose tongue ties, only note the quality of function and presence of frenulum and provide referrals to dentists in your area who specialize in tongue ties evaluations for an official diagnosis.
* Three types of ties include: tongue (lingual), upper lip, and cheek (buccal)
* Symptoms like ni**le pain or slow weight gain are often correlated with oral restrictions, which can sometimes be resolved by consistently doing oral exercises and stretches at home (provided to you by a lactation professional), while others may need additional support from a chiropractor and/or dentist.
* Oral tension / restriction in function does not only affect feedings at the breast but also bottle feeding, and sometimes these challenges aren't apparent until around 3-4 months. If your baby is around this age and seemingly out of nowhere has difficulty with feedings, consider scheduling a lactation consultation including an oral exam to assess your baby’s oral strength, mobility, and coordination.
* Pre- and post-release care is crucial for any families who decide that a release is best for their circumstances. We will recommend and demonstrate oral stretches and exercises that are needed for 1-2 weeks before the release in addition to intentional after care strategies.

--> Main takeaway:
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to ties and the decision to release them or not. One of my passions in providing breastfeeding support to families is emphasizing the importance of an individualized care plan uniquely suited for each family's specific needs, goals, and mental health. My role is to assess function and provide information and support, but all the final decisions are up to you and your family.

*I want to hear about your experience with ties and releases in the comments below if you’re open to sharing - and as always, message me with any questions or to book an in home or virtual consultation.*

----------------------------------------------

11/27/2024

✨Clogged ducts can be common during the holidays - here are some tips and tricks if you suspect you may be getting one (or already have it).✨

🔶 Main Goal = reduce inflammation
🔶 Apply COLD: we used to think warm was best but we are now learning that heat can make the inflammation worse, prolong healing, and likely create more pain - apply cold after feedings as needed
🔶 Dangle Feeding: a position for feeding from the breast where baby is laying on the ground and you are on hands and knees, using gravity to help move milk out while passageways are narrowed due to inflammation (this can be awkward to do but worth trying due to its success rate!)
🔶 Lymphatic Drainage and Gentle Breast Massage: very gentle movements to encourage lymphathic drainage to aid in healing and pain relief
🔶 Electrolytes: coconut water is a great option thats easily available - there are also powder mixes available for purchase in a more concentrated form (personally I still use one Cure electrolyte pack each day even years after breastfeeding because they make such a difference for overall wellness!) - additionally you can find recipes to make your own electrolyte drinks online that are actually really simple and delicious!
🔶 Castor Oil Packs: available for purchase online or you can make your own with a cotton pad and castor oil
🔶 Herbal Remedies and Homeopathy: including phytolacca, poke root, anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, infused herbal oils, and herbal poultices
🔶 Contact breastfeeding support or your health care specialist if things become worse rather than better over 2-3 days of using these treatment options or if you notice as systemic symptoms emerging such as fever, body aches, and chills.
🔶Need a personalized plan to get rid of that stubborn clogged duct once and for all? The Breastfeeding Mama Team is here to help! Link to book a virtual, in home, or in office consult with a member of our team in my bio! Please reach out with any questions or concerns!

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
The Breastfeeding Mama

10/24/2024

• What are the ABC’s of latching and positioning and why are they important? •

🔸A = arms around breast • one arm on each side of the breast, making sure neither are tucked or stuck somewhere

🔸B = belly to belly • bring the baby in close to your body with their belly facing in towards and touching yours *be mindful not to have baby’s belly facing up towards the sky with their head and neck completely turned to the side - its hard for them to drink that way and may lead to breastfeeding challenges*

🔸C = chin touches the breast first (below the ni**le) • this stimulates the gape reflex and helps baby open their mouth wide enough to get a deep, asymmetrical latch which encourages effective milk transfer and maximum comfort without pain for you • aim the ni**le towards the back of the roof of the mouth in order to stimulate the sucking reflex thats located on the soft palate

🔸Latch and positioning details are important to optimize in order to maintain a strong milk supply, ensure your baby is transferring milk well during feeds to grow well and feel content, and maximize comfort and eliminate pain.

🔸Helpful Tip : try reclining your body back before latching and bring the baby to you rather than hunching over your lap to bring your body to your baby - this position works with gravity rather than against it to create a deeper latch, more effective milk transfer, and less back pain for you!

✨Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns! There is also a link to book either an in home, virtual, or in office lactation consultation with The Breastfeeding Mama team in my bio if you feel you could use some additional one on one lactation support. We are here to help! ✨

10/15/2024

Learn from a seasoned dairy-free mom about how to navigate being dairy free while breastfeeding. Read about her journey and find out her favorite products to help you make the swap easier. Hello and greetings. My name is Megan Lavin, and I blog over at AllergyAwesomeness.com, and I’m so excited ...

10/11/2024

Love this twist on the halloween trend by The Breastfeeding Mama! Whats your favorite?!

10/07/2024

I have witnessed first hand how many families have experienced more comfort and ease with this positioning tip!

10/06/2024

My mentor, The Breastfeeding Mama, offers courses to help support families along the entire breastfeeding journey. Click to learn more if you’re interested!

10/06/2024

This is something we hear parents talk about often - how, so often, you see things on the internet about moms filling the pumping bottles in one pumping session and having a whole deep freezer stash before returning to work. If thats your story, theres nothing wrong with that! If thats nothing like your story, theres also nothing wrong with that! In reality, you only need a 2-3 day emergency back up supply and each day you can pump the milk needed for the day after that.

If you are feeling the need for one on one lactation support, theres a link to book with The Breastfeeding Mama in my bio. We are here to help!

10/04/2024

Know your rights!

10/04/2024