The Mama Coach - Crystal Nightingale, BSN, RN, IBCLC

09/18/2024

😬😫 Worried about your milk supply? You’re not alone, but it doesn’t have to be so stressful.

Here are 4 steps to help you feel more confident about your milk supply and ensure your baby is getting what they need:

🌟Nurse or Pump Often: The more times you remove milk, the more milk you produce.
Aim to nurse 8-12 times a day, especially during the first few weeks.
Watch for early hunger cues like rooting or sucking on hands, and feed before they start crying.

🌟Check for a Proper Latch and/or fl**ge fit: A deep latch ensures that your baby is effectively transferring milk. The right fl**ge size will maximize comfort and output.
Make sure your baby opens wide and their mouth covers most of the ar**la, not just the ni**le.
If it hurts after the first few seconds, gently break the latch and try again—it should be comfortable.

🌟Track Baby’s Diapers: A great way to monitor if your baby is getting enough milk is by checking their wet and dirty diapers.
Look for 6-8 wet diapers and 2-3 dirty diapers a day as a sign of good intake.
If diapers are consistently wet and your baby seems content after feeding, it’s a positive sign your supply is meeting their needs.

🌟Relax and Trust Your Body: Stress and doubt can impact milk production, so focus on staying calm.
Make sure to stay hydrated and eat regularly to support your body’s needs.
Create a calming feeding environment by minimizing distractions and taking deep breaths before each session.

👍❤️Remember, your body knows how to nourish your baby! If you’re still concerned, I’m here to help—book a free call for personalized support.

09/12/2024

🤰Preparing for breastfeeding starts in pregnancy! 🍼

The updated Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine guidelines highlight how early education and support can set you up for success. Swipe through to learn the key tips to help you feel confident and ready. 💪✨

📲Comment "CALL" for personalized support! 💞

09/11/2024

🇺🇲Today, we honor and remember the lives lost on 9/11. 23 years later, their memory lives on in our hearts. Together, we stand strong in unity and resilience. 🇺🇲

09/06/2024

👃👶 Super Sense of Smell!!

Newborns have a highly developed sense of smell, which they use to bond with their mother. They can recognize their mother's scent shortly after birth, and this helps them to feel safe and secure.

09/04/2024

Share your experience and be entered to win a $100 gift card!

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

09/02/2024

Labor Day is a time to honor the hard work and contributions of all workers. Today, we celebrate the strength, dedication, and resilience of everyone who makes our communities thrive. Enjoy this day of rest and reflection—you’ve earned it! 💪🤰🏻🤱🏽🍼👨🏽

08/27/2024

⁉️Did you know?

Black mothers were historically excluded from breastfeeding resources, yet they’ve always found ways to support one another and preserve breastfeeding traditions. Let’s continue uplifting and celebrating this resilience during . ✨❤️

08/15/2024

➡️Swipe through to learn all the ways I can support you!

My free resources:

🌟Why is My Newborn So Fussy? (Comment “FUSSY”)

🌟Does my Baby Have a Tongue Tie? (Comment “TONGUE”)

🌟Awake Times Guide for 3-12months (Comment “AWAKE”)

🌟Choking Facts You Need to know (Comment “CHOKING”)

🌟Coughs, Colds & Kids (Comment “COUGH”)

Comment “CALL” for personalized support and/or guidance on what package would work best for you and your family. ❤️🤙🏽

08/11/2024

💤☁️Co-Sleeping vs. Crib Sleeping: Safety and Bonding

💤Co-Sleeping:

🌟Pros:
Bonding: Many parents feel a stronger bond when they co-sleep, as it provides more opportunities for closeness and connection.

Convenience: Easier nighttime breastfeeding and comforting can help both mom and baby get more rest.

Reduced Anxiety: Some parents feel less anxious when their baby is close by.

🔴Cons:
Safety Risks: Co-sleeping can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) if not done safely. Soft bedding, pillows, and parents' movements can pose hazards.

Sleep Quality: Parents and babies may experience disrupted sleep due to movement and noise.

Long-Term Habits: It can be challenging to transition the baby to their own sleep space later on.

Crib Sleeping:

🌟Pros:
Safety: Following safe sleep guidelines, such as placing the baby on their back in a crib without soft bedding, can reduce the risk of SIDS.

Independence: Encourages babies to develop their own sleep patterns and self-soothe.

Parental Sleep Quality: Parents often get better sleep without the worry of rolling over onto the baby.

🔴Cons:
Nighttime Waking: Parents may have to get up frequently to feed or comfort the baby.

Bonding: Some parents feel they miss out on the close bonding time that co-sleeping offers.

☁️Safety Tips for Co-Sleeping:

Ensure a firm mattress with no gaps.
Keep pillows and heavy blankets away from the baby.

Avoid co-sleeping if you are extremely tired or have consumed alcohol or drugs.

Safety Tips for Crib Sleeping:

Always place the baby on their back to sleep.

Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet.

Keep the crib free of toys, pillows, and loose blankets.

Every family is unique, and the best choice depends on your circumstances and preferences.

✨ For more tips and support on your baby's sleep journey, visit my blog or book a 1:1 connection call with me. Comment 'CALL' for the direct link! ✨

08/10/2024

👶Babies are born with several innate reflexes that help them adapt to their new environment. These reflexes are crucial for survival and development.

🌟Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex):
Triggered when a baby feels like they are falling. They will spread their arms wide, bring them back in, and often cry. This reflex is a sign of a healthy nervous system.

🌟Rooting Reflex:
When you stroke a baby's cheek, they will turn their head toward the touch and start making sucking motions. This helps them find the ni**le for feeding.

🌟Sucking Reflex:
Present from birth, this reflex allows babies to suck and swallow milk. It is essential for feeding.

🌟Grasp Reflex:
When you place a finger or object in a baby's palm, they will grasp it tightly. This reflex helps with bonding and muscle development.

🌟Stepping Reflex:
When you hold a baby upright with their feet touching a surface, they will make walking motions. This reflex disappears after a few months as they grow stronger and prepare for real walking.

🌟Tonic Neck Reflex (Fencing Reflex):
When a baby turns their head to one side, the arm on that side stretches out, and the opposite arm bends at the elbow. This reflex helps with hand-eye coordination.

These reflexes gradually disappear as your baby grows and gains more control over their movements. Monitoring these reflexes can provide insight into their neurological development.

✨ For more tips and support on your baby’s development journey, visit my blog or book a 1:1 connection call with me. Comment 'CALL' for the direct link! ✨

08/10/2024

🌟Infant massage is more than just a relaxing activity; it plays a significant role in your baby’s physical and emotional development. Here’s why it’s so beneficial:

💫Promotes Bonding

👶Improves Sleep

💫Boosts Circulation

👶Relieves Discomfort:
It can ease common infant discomforts like gas, colic, and constipation

💫Supports Neurological Development

👶Enhances Immune Function

To get started with infant massage, ensure your hands are clean and warm. Use gentle, soothing strokes and talk or sing to your baby to keep them calm and relaxed. Incorporate this practice into your daily routine to maximize its benefits.

✨ DM me if you need help with infant massage or book a 1:1 connection call. Comment 'CALL' for the direct link! ✨