Snohomish Valley Breastfeeding - Shannon Demiter IBCLC

11/29/2025

11/27/2025

The American Academy of Pediatrics now advises against sleep training before 12 months. Research shows that forcing babies to sleep alone too early can disrupt attachment and the development of their nervous system. During the first year, babies need proximity to caregivers to feel safe and secure.

Sleeping in the parents’ room is more than convenience. It provides constant reassurance, allowing the infant’s nervous system to learn safety and stability. This closeness supports emotional regulation, stress management, and secure bonding, all of which are foundational for long-term mental and emotional health.

Babies who are left alone too soon may experience heightened stress responses, making it harder for them to self-soothe and regulate emotions later. Proximity during sleep wires the brain to understand that the world is predictable and safe.

Parents can implement safe room-sharing by keeping the crib or bassinet next to the bed, maintaining a firm sleep surface, and avoiding loose bedding. This setup allows babies to sleep safely while staying close enough to benefit from the calming presence of their caregivers.

Remember, proximity is not spoiling. It is a biological necessity that helps babies thrive. Safe closeness today builds confident, resilient children tomorrow.

11/12/2025

If you started pumping in the first two weeks after your baby’s birth, your body was going through massive hormonal and physical changes. If there was swelling in your ni**le and engorgement in your breasts, the pump fl**ges that felt comfortable could be larger than your true size. As the swelling decreased, damage healed, and the initial engorgement of making milk subsided, that fl**ge may no longer feel as comfortable or work as efficient at moving milk. I also see A LOT of women who are told in the hospital that they need 21-27mm fl**ges. Those may work OK in the initial stages after birth, but as the fullness of the breast between feedings goes away with supply regulation, it can really make it apparent the fl**ge size is wrong. New research shows most people need significantly smaller than what comes with the pump: somewhere between 11-17mm depending on the measurement of the base and tip of the ni**le. I’m finding more people feel better in smaller, hard plastic fl**ges that allow the milk ducts to stay open and not collapse with the suction of the pump.

Have you considered changing your fl**ges recently? It can make all the difference

08/27/2025

Your body and your baby work together to make the milk your baby needs. Milk supply grows when milk is removed often and effectively. Responding to your baby’s cues, latching well, and spending time skin-to-skin all help keep the cycle going.

08/15/2025

I carried my 9 year old yesterday when we were on a long hike 😬😬😬
Some species park their young in a nest or burrow and come back to feed them (like bunnies). Others, like humans, are built to carry our babies close.

Why?
•Human babies are born very immature compared to other mammals. Their brains and bodies still have a lot of developing to do.
•Staying close regulates their temperature, heart rate, breathing, and even blood sugar.
•Being carried keeps them calm, helps digestion, and supports bonding.
•Your movement is their favorite lullaby—they’ve been rocked to sleep by your walking since before they were born.

What this means in real life:
•Your baby isn’t “spoiled” for wanting to be held. They’re wired for it.
•Baby gear can help, but nothing replaces the biology of your arms or a good carrier.
•You’ll get more done (and have freer hands) if you learn to use a wrap, sling, or soft-structured carrier early on.

So, instead of wondering how to stop holding your baby so much… lean in to it. You were made for this. And so were they. 🤱✨

08/12/2025

08/10/2025

I’m going to get hate for this one. People say “what if someone can’t breastfeed?”. Actually an extremely small percentage can’t breastfeeding but it’s a lack of support and the amazing marketing of formula that plants the seed of “what if I can’t”. It’s not about ability. It’s about support.

08/09/2025

Nursing after a C-section! Beautiful!!

08/08/2025