La Leche League of Bakersfield

If you are pregnant or nursing and want to meet up with other parents, we are having our first meeting in the NW tomorrow :). Babies and siblings are welcome, and please make sure everyone is healthy and well. Midwife Marivette Torres is hosting us, which is awesome -- we are so grateful to have found a cozy, child-safe space to gather. We know babies have blow outs, or need to be fed, or something happens that prevents you from getting places on time, so we flow on baby time. We plan to end at 11:30, so come when you can. Let me know if you have any questions. We'd love to see you there! Share if you'd like! -Leader Stacie

Did you experience nipple pain or tenderness? Is it supposed to hurt?" "When will it get better?" Typical nipple pain (sometimes called transient soreness) includes: Latch-on pain that lasts no more than 30 seconds into the feeding. It is often described as mild pain or discomfort, but since the pain sensation is very subjective every parent experiences pain differentlysome parents feel more severe pain. It is often described as similar to a bad sunburn. ... The pain should not continue through the entire feeding, and there should not be pain between feedings. Pain usually peaks around the third day after birth, and is gone within two weeks. There is no skin damage no cracks, blisters, or bleeding. Your nipple should look the same before and immediately after the feeding not flattened, creased or pinched. Get help from a La Leche League Leader or IBCLC if you have: Intense, excruciating pain Pain that continues through the entire feeding Pain between feedings Pain that continues past the first couple of weeks Skin damage including cracks, blisters, or bleeding More info at: https://www.laleche.org.uk/nipple-pain/ http://kellymom.com/hot-topics/sore-nipples-breasts/ [Image: Photo of a mother looking down at her nursing son. Text: Up to 90% of nursing parents experience nipple tenderness, but nipple pain that increases or lasts beyond the first couple weeks should be interpreted as a warning that something may be wrong.]

Always discovering new things in human milk

Spotted at the Vegas Airport! Where else have you spotted public lactation accommodations?

Forth of July Have you had trouble understanding the recommendations around #alcohol and #breastfeeding? Things to consider when #drinking and nursing include:... your baby's age your weight amount of alcohol will you be eating? Check this link for more evidence-based information about #drinkingwhilebreastfeeding here: https://www.laleche.org.uk/alcohol-and-breastfeeding/ [Image: Photo of a pink cocktail with straws and a lemon. Text: Thinking of drinking alcohol while nursing? Alcohol is present in breastmilk at the same levels as it is present in the nursing parent's blood. As alcohol leaves the bloodstream, it also leaves breastmilk, so there is rarely a need to pump and dump.]

Still feeling unsure? Don't hesitate to reach out to the local Leader before the meeting to find out more specifics. Still feeling unsure? Don't hesitate to reach out to the local Leader before the meeting to find out more specifics.

Take the information that works for you and leave the rest behind. Take the information that works for you and leave the rest behind.

Expectant parents are encouraged to attend to help get off to a good start. Expectant parents are encouraged to attend to help get off to a good start.

Babies are always welcome to meetings Babies are always welcome to meetings