The Ivy Doula Group, Birth and Lactation Support

11/19/2025

Slate grey nevus, also known as blue-grey spots or congenital dermal melanocytosis, are a type of birthmark that are typically flat and blue-grey, or sometimes purple, in colour.

They are most common on babies with Black and Brown skin and are generally found on the sacrum and buttocks, but can also be observed on arms and legs.

Slate grey nevus are NOT bruises. They are simply the result of pigment cells, or melanocytes, not reaching the surface of the skin.⁣ They do not hurt and generally require no treatment; they often fade by the age of 4.

If you identify a slate grey nevus when doing a baby examination, or NIPE, it is important to document it. This is to avoid it later being mistaken for a bruise.

Finally - you may have heard these birthmarks called ‘Mongolian blue spots’. This is derogatory, racially insensitive terminology and should NOT be used. If you hear it used in practice, please take the time to correct it. We can all play our part in decolonising language and midwifery education.

📸: 💕

11/19/2025

Maternal mortality awareness post

11/19/2025

Another paper from Abi Wheeler's soon to be submitted PhD looking at how, amongst women scoring high for birth trauma symptoms, breastfeeding experience really matters.

For women who wanted to breastfeed, being able to helped ease their experiences of birth trauma, whereas when breastfeeding difficulties arose, this could exacerbate birth trauma.

Lots of women experienced pressure to give formula, particularly if milk supply was taking time (which can happen after a difficult birth). The study is likely weighted towards those who wanted to breastfeed, but it again highlights the importance of asking women about their breastfeeding / feeding goals and working with them to meet those, rather than always trying to solve breastfeeding complications with formula

Full paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0266613825003845

11/19/2025

Birth has its own rhythm… a pace and unfolding that can’t be rushed, predicted, or squeezed into our modern timelines. Just like a rose opens when it’s ready, a mother’s body knows exactly when to soften, when to surge, and when to bring her baby earthside 🤍

One of the greatest honors of midwifery is holding space for that process… not managing it, not controlling it, but witnessing it.
Physiological birth works best when we trust it - when we protect the environment, support the mother, and allow her body to lead.

Every birth blossoms in its own time, and when we stop trying to force the petals open, we’re reminded just how powerful and beautifully designed this process truly is 🌹✨

11/10/2025

Going through a season of cluster feeding with your baby can be a lot. It can feel like baby just can’t get enough, but it’s completely normal. Cluster feeding is your baby’s way of signaling the body to increase milk supply during growth spurts or times of transition. It also offers extra comfort and connection as baby adjusts to new developmental changes.

These stretches can be tiring, but they don’t last forever. With rest, hydration, and support, most parents find that cluster feeding passes within a few days, leaving baby content and your milk supply perfectly calibrated to their needs 💛

11/09/2025

Free lactation support!

🍗🔎Looking for tips and tricks on how to handle the holidays with a new baby? 🦃This Tuesday and next Wednesday are the last meet-ups before the big bird comes out. Stop by with your tips and questions. We can't wait to see you!

TUESDAY at 11am after Baby Time at Handley Library!

Join our Leaders as we discuss the answers to your questions!
🔸️ How can I check if a medication is compatible with lactation?
🔸️How do I avoid the holiday supply slump?
🔸️Ways to respond to rude or uninformed family members?
🔸️Are vaccines compatible with lactation?
🔸️and MORE!

What does a La Leche League NSV meeting look like?
🔹️Leaders introduce themselves and our group
🔹️Ice breaker/ check-in with families in attendance
🔹️Fires First: Coming with a buring question? We address these first. Our participants are the priority!
🔹️Community Chat: Let our community support your journey. Bring any wins, questions, or concerns to share and let us help lighten your load.
🔹️Wrap Up: Closing of our official meeting, although many families stay and enjoy some time in connection with their newfound friends.

Who is welcome at a La Leche League meeting?
▪️New Parents ▪️Expecting Parents ▪️Pumping Parents ▪️Nursing Babies ▪️New Babies ▪️Weaned Babies ▪️Bottle Feeding Babies ▪️Siblings ▪️Grandparents ▪️Friends ▪️Partners ▪️YOU!!!

Do you follow us yet? Follow La Leche League of the Northern Shenandoah Valley on Facebook and Instagram for events, updates, announcements, and more!

For direct support or more personal/time sensitive issues, please reach out to us by emailing NorthernShenandoahLLL edical emergency, please seek attention at your trusted medical provider or nearest emergency room.

La Leche League International La Leche League USA Handley Regional Library System

11/07/2025

Wi******er/Frederick County good resources.

11/06/2025

🎉Team Member Spotlight🎉
My name is Mandee. I'm a birth doula, educator, lactation coach, and placenta artist. I'm a proud wife and mother to two amazing littles (third due May 2026). I'm a musician, animal lover, and La Leche League Leader. I like to say, "I'm your bestie for all things birth, babies, and bo***es." 😁 My current service offerings include:
🤰Birth Doula: Due in December, January, February? Book your consultation today! https://ivydoulaandlactation.com/birth-doula-support
🍼Childbirth/Lactation/Babywearing Classes (private or group) https://ivydoulaandlactation.com/classes
🤱Lactation Coach: Personal one to one support to help you achieve your lactation goals. https://ivydoulaandlactation.com/lactation-support
🎨Placenta Services: Mother Made placenta prints and custom placenta artwork. https://ivydoulaandlactation.com/placenta-services

📨Message me today!
Mandee.ivydoulaandlactation@gmail.com

******erva

11/06/2025

Couldn't have said it better ourselves! Having help overnight is an AMAZING gift; however, be mindful to still protect your supply.

11/05/2025

Practice using your abdominal muscles to support the baby early and often. This can help with things like round ligament pain and urinary stress incontinence. Experiencing uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms? Reach out to The Ivy Doula Group, Birth and Lactation Support and we can help refer you appropriate therapies and/or supports (chiropractic care, pelvic floor therapy, etc)

11/05/2025

📣Every breastfed baby weans. Weaning is a process that begins at different times for diffferent families for different reasons. There are also many different ways to wean. No matter when, no matter your why, lactation consultants can help ease this final chapter of your breastfeeding journey.
💙Assistance in keeping mom comfortable and avoiding mastitis.
🩵Individualized weaning plans.
💙Support in finding additional comfort and care methods beyond the breast.
🩵Emotional support during the hormonal shifts that can accompany the weaning process.
💙Help adjusting routines (like nap/bed time) to be functional without the breast.
🩵Suggestions on medications to dry milk supply.

Questions about weaning? Interested in starting the process? Schedule your consultation today!
The Ivy Doula Group, Birth and Lactation Support
IvyDoulas@gmail.com
IvyDoulaandLactation.com

******er ******erva

11/04/2025

👋Hello!