Latina Lactation Support
Let's celebrate Latina Breastfeeding Week (Semana de La Lactancia Latina) together! As a proud Latina, I'm excited to join in on this beautiful celebration that highlights the importance of breastfeeding in our community. Breastfeeding is a special bond that connects moms and babies, and it's a tradition deeply rooted in our culture. Across generations, we've shared love and nourishment through this beautiful practice. Read more about getting latina lactation support in charleston, SC.
How Much Breastmilk Should a Newborn Eat (2024)
Many mothers wonder how much should a newborn eat, especially during the newborn stage. If you have concerns about your baby's milk intake, reach out to a lactation consultant for help! I offer IBCLC services to South Carolina and telehealth in the US. Did you know that on day 1 babies stomach is the size of a cherry? It doesn't take much colostrum to fill your baby up at the beginning. Milk intake changes over the first 6 months of a baby's life. This post has a great chart for the amount of milk a baby takes in based on their day of life in the first week
How many diapers does a newborn use a day? (2024)
This is a helpful visual for tracking diapers by day the first week of life. Diaper output is one of several signs of milk transfer. Fewer than 4 stools on day 5 might be a sign of insufficient transfer. Reach out for help from your pediatrician or a lactation consultant if you have concerns. If you found this helpful, there is way more info on my blog. Link in bio! ❤️
Tongue Tie and Breastfeeding (2023)
Are you breastfeeding and suspect your baby has a tongue tie or lip tie? Here are some of the symptoms of tongue tie in babies: pain when breastfeeding, a chompy latch, clicking when feeding, difficulty bottle feeding, long feeds, and slow weight gain slow weight gain. You might see a divot in their tongue or a heart shaped tongue. If you are struggling with breast or bottle feeding and think your baby may have a tongue tie, I can help. Learn more about the services I offer here and get the support you need. I serve mount pleasant SC and the greater charleston area.
Tongue Tie Symptoms in Newborns: Colic, Reflux, Gas (2024)
If you're a new parent, there's no doubt that you have a million questions about your little one's health and wellbeing. One common issue that can arise in newborns is tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia. Tongue tie occurs when the band of tissue (the frenulum) that attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is too short, tight, or thick. This can make it difficult for babies to breastfeed or bottle feed effectively, which can lead to a host of other issues. If you are looking for newborn tongue tie support in Mt. Pleasant, I am here to help.
Newborn Nursing: Latch, Colostrum, Torticollis, Sleepy Babies, Milk Supply, and More (2023)
Are you struggling with early breastfeeding challenges in the Charleston area? From sore nipples to engorgement, our latest blog post at Nurture Nourish Services covers common issues new mothers face when breastfeeding. Our experienced lactation consultant provides expert advice and practical tips to help you overcome these challenges and enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience with your baby. Visit our website to read the full post and learn more about our services
Breastfeeding Tools: Nipple Shields, Pacifiers, and Breast Pumps (2023)
There are so many breastfeeding tools available now. As an occupational therapist, I love having tools to help solve breastfeeding problems. Each tools has its pros and cons. In this new series of posts, I'll describe the pros and cons of each. If you want to learn more about breastfeeding tools. This series is for you. Follow my page to see the rest.
The Lactation Network
Experience accessible and affordable breastfeeding support through The Lactation Network. Connect with experienced lactation consultants who can help you overcome challenges and ensure a successful breastfeeding journey. Discover the convenience of virtual consultations and explore insurance coverage options. Empower yourself with expert guidance for nurturing your baby's health. Visit our page to learn more about The Lactation Network and access the support you need for a positive breastfeeding experience. Included plans are Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Cigna and some Aetna. Find out if services are covered.
Occupational Therapy and Lactation: treatment mastitis, milk bleb treatment, mental health, oral motor therapy, infant therapy (2023)
Breastfeeding and lactation are emerging areas of practice in the field of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is a field I really love, and we have a unique lens we see through. Occupational therapy has a holistic approach that addresses the whole person. We also see the connection between a person's, mind and body. This means that when working with breastfeeding dyads, we can address the breastfeeding parent as a whole and the baby as a whole.
Nursing Station (2023)
Breastfeeding can be challenging at times, so I’m all for tips on how to make it easier. One of my favorite tips is to make your own breastfeeding station. You can have one or multiple stations around the house. You can even make it portable! Here are the nursing station essentials.
Foods that Decrease Milk Supply
A lot of breastfeeding parents are interested in what foods can boost milk supply, but there are also foods that can inhibit milk supply. With the holidays upon us, we will probably be eating delicious foods seasoned with herbs that we may not eat on a regular basis. Some of these are known to decrease supply. Normal culinary amounts of these herbs are probably fine. If you are consuming larger amounts, you might notice a dip in supply. Many of these herbs are from the mint family, so being aware of any essential oils you consume or put on your body is helpful when breastfeeding.
Nurture & Nourish Services can help with
I’m a pediatric occupational therapist and a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and I specialize in infants. I offer developmental, feeding, and lactation support.
How to Increase Breast Milk Supply (2023)
In this blog post, we explore the common challenges faced by new mothers - low milk supply and latch issues - during their breastfeeding journey. Low milk supply, characterized by inadequate weight gain and diaper output, can be overcome through proper hydration, a balanced diet, ample rest, and frequent nursing or pumping. Meanwhile, mastering the art of latching is crucial for efficient milk transfer, and seeking guidance from lactation consultants can prove invaluable. Emphasizing the significance of support, both from loved ones and breastfeeding groups, the post encourages new moms to be patient and kind to themselves while enjoying the precious bonding moments with their little ones.
Signs your newborn is hungry (2023)
Many moms wonder when to feed their babies. There is so much misinformation out there about putting babies on a schedule being the way to go. The best approach for a baby that is gaining well is to watch for signs of hunger. Feeding on demand is optimal and can help you build a robust supply. Nursing on a schedule can lead to low milk supply. This is coming from someone who knows.
Signs your newborn is hungry- Early feeding cues
Many moms wonder how much and how often to feed their babies. The best approach for a baby that is gaining well is to watch for signs of hunger. These signs might be subtle but if you tune into your baby's cues you get the hang of it. This post reviews early feeding cues.
Baby milestones by month
Babies develop on different timelines. Development happens on a continuum, so some babies will develop some skills earlier and some a little later. Here are some of the skills/behaviors that are likely to emerge each month.
Storing and Preparing Breastmilk: CDC Guidelines (2023)
Here are some helpful tips on how to prepare a bottle of breastmilk. There are several good ways to thaw frozen breast milk to minimize the loss of nutritional factors.
The best way to thaw breastmilk to is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also run it under warm water, or set it in a bowl of water. It’s important to know that you should never heat breast milk in the microwave. This can create hot spots and burn your baby. Here are the bullet points of how to prepare a bottle of breastmilk.
What makes me different?
Looking for expert lactation and developmental support in Charleston? As an IBCLC and pediatric occupational therapist, I focus on infant development and feeding. With specialized training in oral motor skills, swallowing function, sensory difficulties, and bodywork like craniosacral therapy, I offer comprehensive support for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding dyads. From positioning guidance to addressing muscle imbalances, I provide therapies in-house to streamline your care. Say goodbye to multiple appointments and stress, and reach out for personalized assistance. Discover how my expertise can help you and your baby overcome feeding challenges.
Feeding is a whole body activity
Feeding is a whole body activity. Babies who have difficulties feeding often have difficulty moving effectively too. Sometimes it's actually what's happening in the body that is affecting feeds. These babies may have a head turning preference, asymmetries, body tension, or decreased strength. That's why getting a provider that addresses the whole body can be so helpful.