Roots Certified Lactation Counselor

12/19/2023

Grateful to have these services near us in Mason City.

Let’s get together so we can talk about how I can help! From education to support, I’m here through it all!!

12/13/2023

Next newsletter comes out 12/20! I will be going over cold and flu treatments that you can take/do that are breastfeeding safe.

Sign up here so you don't miss this one! https://bit.ly/JoleneNewsletter

12/11/2023

Looking for last minute ideas for an expecting mom or breastfeeding family member or friend? I have some ideas for you!

1. A good baby carrier! Baby wearing helps keep baby close to mom and is right where baby wants to be. Mom and baby both benefit from the comfort and closeness of each other. It also frees up moms hands for those other tasks she is taking on. I love the Solly Wrap for early on and my favorite is the Wildbird!

2. A good nursing and pumping bra. It's so nice to have a bra that is nursing and pumping friendly, comfortable and looks nice. Kindred Bravely has some really nice ones to spoil your mama friend.

3. Water Bottle. This may seem pretty simple, but a big win in my book. Breastfeeding will leave moms feeling SO thirsty and staying hydrated helps their supply and overall well being. A big 32oz or more, with a handle, straw, and ability to keep their drink cool.

4. Gift Card for Lactation Consult or Prenatal Education. What better than a Gift Card to for a Lactation Visit or Prenatal Nursing Class. All moms want support and this truly fits that bill. Having this available to them when they are struggling gives them the easy decision to set up a visit rather than try to continue to figure things out on their own.

5. Haaka. I like the Haaka for a variety of reasons, but I do think it is important that it is used in the correct way (more info on this to come!). It is a handy tool to have and a great way to get some milk stored up pretty easily.

Some other smaller ideas include, cotton washable breast pads, ni**le butter, hand pump, Haaka lady bugs (milk catchers), or a gift basket of their favorite snacks and drinks :).

12/05/2023

Here is why you shouldn't be....

Just like anything online, these pump pictures can be very deceiving. The amount you pump can vary so much based on the time of the day and so many other factors.

For example, the amount of milk you pump in the morning in place of a breastfeeding session is going to be much more than the amount you pump around 10pm right before you go to bed. You can thank your hormone prolactin for that.

On average, once our milk starts to regulate, a normal pump session can be anywhere form 2.5-5 ounces total. Overall, we're looking at about 24-32 ounces per day. Research shows that on average breastfed babies take anywhere from 19-30oz of milk per day.

There are so many factors that can play into how much milk your producing:
❤Your baby’s age
❤Amount of time since your last feeding
❤Time of the day
❤Stress and emotional factors
❤Breast milk storage capacity
❤Effectiveness of your pump and adequate fl**ge sizing
❤Exclusive pumping or breastfeeding

Try to focus more on how amazing your body is and what its doing for your baby rather than comparing it to the next breastfeeding photo you see.

12/01/2023

Pumping is quite the task. There is so much that goes into it. I want to make sure that you are set up for the best possible success and scenario when you start pumping.

First, I highly recommend getting a double, electric breast pump, such as the Spectra for your primary pump. In most women, these pumps are much better at expressing milk than the wearable, hands free breast pumps. We want to make sure you have a well established supply and are able to maintain that when you go back to work or are away from your baby, with an efficient breast pump. Once you know what your baseline is with your primary pump, you can then add in your wearable pump and compare your output to see how well that one works for you.

Secondly, if you saw my previous post, using your hands for massage while pumping can help get more milk out. I understand that this is not always feasible if you're pumping over lunch or have to work during your break, but if you have a chance to use your hands and massage while pumping, give it a whirl and see what difference it makes for you!

Third, I highly recommend meeting with a a Lactation Specialist, such as a Certified Lactation Counselor. There are plenty of questions that will likely come up and I can help answer all of those for you. You will also want to ensure proper fl**ge fitting, which that is something that is always done in my appointments. ❤

11/27/2023

Using our hands while pumping, has been shown to help express more milk. This can also be a very helpful intervention when trying to increase your milk supply.

Prior to pumping, go ahead and give your breasts a light, gentle massage, going in a circular motion around both breasts. Using warm hands or fingertips to roll, knead, and/or tap gently.

Next, pump both breasts at the same time. While pumping, begin to compress both breasts from the back to front.

To try and stimulate more let downs, start out in stimulation mode for 1-2 minutes, switch to expression for 5-7 minutes, then switch back to stimulation and repeat this until your milk has slowed down to only a few drops.

Lastly, once you finish pumping, begin to hand express more milk out for a few minutes. Continue to massage and working your way all around your breast, alternating from each breast. This can be an additional 1-2 minutes or 5, depending on how much time you have (if this is during a work break, etc) and feeling like you have removed much milk as possible.

I always teach hand expression in classes and also in my one on one consults. It's a great tool and you never know when you will be left with a missing pump piece or go an unplanned amount of time away from your baby without your pump. It is also super helpful when you are wanting to just express a little off during the early days due to being engorged and needing to help baby latch and SO many more reasons. It can be uncomfortable or feel like you aren't doing it right initially, but once you got it down, its super helpful!

11/18/2023

Two days left to sign up for my breastfeeding class on Monday November 20th at 6-8pm! Located at Roots Nutrition downtown Mason City at 211 N Federal Ave.

There are still a few seats left! Sign up here: https://rb.gy/72j1cc

Topics will include: Basic structure & function of the breast, the Golden Hour, identifying hunger cues, latch & positioning, what to expect in the first couple weeks, common problems that could arise, and basics of pumping and bottles. We will leave some time for questions and comments at the end.

Cost is $25 and covers the mom and one support person that is highly encouraged to come.

11/18/2023

⭐️Liquid Gold: A term you might hear your breast milk called. It truly is.
⭐️Your colostrum is a rich yellow color that is jam packed with nutrients, more so of immunological properties and protein than lactose, indicating its primary role may be more immunological than nutritional 🤯
⭐️As your milk changes from colostrum to transitional milk (around day 3-5), the composition changes. It has many of the same properties but the nutritional contents are ramped up
⭐️Your milk is made up of mostly water (87-88%), carbohydrates (7%), protein (1%), and fat (3.8%) make up the macronutrients.
⭐️Breastmilk also contains: vitamins and minerals (such as copper, zinc, iron), hormones and growth factors that likely are playing a significant role in development of the babies intestinal tract, microbial communities, and microRNA that plays various roles in supporting the immune system.
⭐️Stem cells, antibodies, enzymes...all of these found in breastmilk!
⭐️Breastmilk composition is changing from day to day, with each feed, from morning to evening, as your infant gets older, when your baby has an illness.
⭐️Mother's breastmilk of a preterm is different than a term baby including higher levels initially of protein, immunological properties, fat, sodium for an example of a few.

Breastmilk is truly amazing in all that is provides. Even if you baby is being supplemented with formula, the breastmilk that is being provided (whatever the amount!) is so beneficial!

11/14/2023

As we approach the Holidays, breastfeeding can be a challenge in many different ways. In this month's newsletter, we will touch on topics such as alcohol, family gatherings and criticism, avoiding mastitis, and immune support.

Sign up here so you don't miss this one! https://bit.ly/JoleneNewsletter

11/13/2023

As I have had a transition over the last few weeks from my previous work schedule, mentorship and getting to be home with my kids(!) it's safe to say life has been a little crazy getting into the new routine.

Since it has been a little bit, I wanted to put up a quick reminder of the services I offer:

Home, office, and hospital visits. I now have more times available as well as afternoon and evening appointments!

Weight checks, help with latch and positioning, breast and ni**le pain, low milk supply, pumping and going back to work support and other issues.

Here is the link to sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/JoleneNewsletter

Here is the link to sign up for my monthly breastfeeding class (next one is on 11/20): https://shorturl.at/cjrK3

Please feel free to reach out to me at lacation@rootsnutritioncounseling.com for questions! ❤