Emily Silver, IBCLC

05/21/2023

Yesterday I got to present to the counseling team about Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex, aka D-MER. (PS how amazing is it that Nature’s Playhouse has a whole team of therapists who specialize in perinatal mental health??)

I have worked with a handful of folks with D-MER but preparing for this presentation taught me a few new things! One of which is that people with ADHD may be more likely to experience D-MER symptoms and (anecdotally) staying on top of your ADHD meds can potentially help! I think that this connection is so interesting and would love to hear from folks with ADHD if any of these D-MER symptoms resonate with you.

D-MER is just one type of breast/chest-feeding aversion. There are other reasons that nursing, pumping, or letdown in general could feel uncomfortable, painful, or make you feel queasy or light-headed, so please reach out to me or another IBCLC for help with troubleshooting if you are having any of these issues. Ultimately, I want you to know that if you do have some type of aversion, it’s not your fault, you’re not alone, and help is available 💜💜💜

02/03/2023

Join Ruth Blake, LMSW & Briana Brown, LLPC for a special family edition of Black & Brown Mama's Inspired. A free in-person parent support group with stories, arts/crafts and light refreshments for BIPOC families.

Wednesday, February 15th 6pm

Link in comments

02/02/2023

Even if you decide not to sign, take a minute to read through the comments on this petition and see how much midwifery care matters in our community.

402 signatures are still needed! Save Accessible Midwifery Care for Detroit-Area Families

01/23/2023

BLW class coming up this Sunday 🍌🫐🍉🥦

Have you been thinking about trying baby led weaning, but feel totally overwhelmed with how to start? I used to feel the same way!

As an IBCLC, I am trained in infant and toddler nutrition, including introducing solid foods. I’ve also done extra training in baby led weaning, intuitive eating, and health at every size. Food is about nutrition, but it’s also about culture, connection, and community. Our babies want to be included in our family traditions — why not invite them in with food!

In this class we will learn:
-modified BLW principles
-gagging vs choking
-dealing with common allergens
-maintaining milk supply after intro of solids

Cost is $50/family and babies are more than welcome to attend ☺️

Sign up at: naturesplayhouse.com/schedule

01/19/2023

Emily Silver, IBCLC, CBS will be at the Royal Oak Library this morning leading a FREE session, Introducing Solids, for the Baby Size program.

As a result, Latch & Play will be cancelled at the Playhouse today. We'll see you next week!

01/03/2023

Just for fun! This is what’s in and what’s out in the world of lactation, according to me 😅

Can we also add to the “out” list:
Medical racism
Paternalistic care practices
Trans-exclusionary parenting spaces
All forms of parental guilt
24mm flanges as the default size

What else is on your list??

12/15/2022

When I tell you I have the best clients, I mean it 💕

I’m so thankful to all of the families that have welcomed me into their lives this year. This work is hard and the stakes are often high, but my cup is filled by the commitment and dedication that you all show to yourselves and your families. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be a witness to your journey.

12/12/2022

"You are a retreat, a safe space, a perfect tonic" 💕

You are not a milk factory. As you feed, your child's heart rate slows, their attachment hormones spike, their microbiome is nourished and their brain falls into a deep, restorative calm, much like adult brains do during meditation.⁠
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Suckling causes oxytocin release in both mother and child, promoting a felt sense of wellbeing, safety, love and contentment. ⁠
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Oxytocin lowers blood pressure and stress reactivity in mothers. In infants, oxytocin increases resilience to stress and drives the formation of more oxytocin receptors in the amygdala (for healthy social behaviour and a lowered risk for anxiety). ⁠
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Simultaneous oxytocin release, repeated over time, changes both mother and infant brains, in ways that underpin long term attachment and synchronicity. It literally rewires brains in favour of love and wellbeing.⁠
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You are not a milk factory.⁠ You are a retreat, a safe space, a perfect tonic.⁠
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You are laying the foundations of long term wellbeing with every feed. ⁠
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You are a hero.⁠

⁠incredible words by

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12/04/2022

This Tuesday I'll be taking over the instagram page! I'm going to spend the day sharing some lactation and infant feeding tips, as well as answering your questions about pumping, breast/chestfeeding, life as an IBCLC, and whatever else you want to talk about!
Make sure to follow and I'll see you on Tuesday! 🌱💜

12/02/2022

I got a sneak peek at the *new* Nature's Playhouse playspace and lactation room today!! I promise, you are going to love it! It's giving: open floor plan, natural lighting, multiple bathrooms and so much more. Come by during the Open House/11th Birthday Party tomorrow from 10-noon or just go ahead and get your Family Enrichment Class pass here: https://www.naturesplayhouse.com/dropin-play-family-services