Cuddles and Milk Petaluma

Covid-19 is changing our world, in ways we never imagined. None of us ever thought we would be wearing masks everywhere we go. There are LOTS of different styles of masks. Cloth tie, ear loops, bandana, neck gaitors, even some with clear windows to see your mouth. Masks do protect each of us, some better than others. However, what's VERY important to remember is that while masks are safe, helpful, and many places required for adults, they are NOT safe for children under 2 years old. Please do NOT put a mask on your little one. Babies cannot safely breathe with a mask.

It's Thursday! That means FREE Breastfeeding support virtually at Cuddles and Milk Petaluma. Every Thursday 1-1:30. Come meet other new moms, ask questions of Katie Oshita, RN, IBCLC and get the community you are missing. Email for virtual link. All are welcome.

Common not normal: Nipple pain Nipple pain while breastfeeding is NEVER normal. That needs to be said again, so that everyone- all new parents, Doctors, nurses, midwives, friends, doulas and anyone talking to a breastfeeding parent knows- Nipple pain is NEVER normal during breastfeeding. There are multiple possible causes of nipple pain, the most common is latch issues. However, if your nipple turns white or blue while feeding, or in the cold, and then gets red and usually... quite painful after the feeding or when you are warm again, that is not a latch issue. That is most likely a vasospasm. There are lots of reasons breastfeeding can hurt, but the most important thing to know is that if it does hurt, GET HELP!! Find an IBCLC in your area, or even reach out to a virtual IBCLC. Since I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant I can see clients anywhere in the world, as long as we have internet and can find a time that works for both. Help is out there no matter where you live. Don't suffer thinking this is just how breastfeeding is, get help today.

Tuesday tip: pump flange size is SUPER important!! This actually might be the most important information you learn about pumping- which so many moms do. If the size is too small you might get not get as much milk as is possible for you. If the size is too large you might get recurrent blebs and even plugged ducts.... So how to you know the proper size? Well first make sure that the areola is in the wide part and the small tube part of the flange ONLY has nipple, not areola in there. Also, call an IBCLC! That's what we are here for. An IBCLC is a feeding expert, and a lot of our job is knowing about pumping as well. Another side tip- it's not uncommon to need a different size flange for each breast!

Why breastfeed Monday? A happy gut makes a healthy body. You may have heard about "Leaky gut syndrome" or "the Gaps diet" or about how over half of your immune system is in your gut! Maybe you haven't heard these things. Let me tell you medicine is changing. We are learning how important the gut is. So much of our health- immune response, hormones, and more are all controlled by our gut! Can you imagine!! Talk about you are what you eat.... That's just one more fantastic reason to breastfeed your baby, as long as you can. Every time you feed breastmilk, it goes in and gently coats baby's whole gut lining, PREVENTING leaky gut, diseases like Chron's, IBS and more. This will mean that when your child comes into contact with a food their body doesn't like, their healthy gut will be able to deal with it easier than an unhealthy gut. Can you imagine how healthy we would all feel if our guts- the organ regulating our hormones and immune funtion- felt amazing?!?! That's a gift you can give your child. Each drop of breastmilk is precious. And if you ever need to feed both breastmilk and formula at the same feed, keep them in separate bottles and ALWAYS feed the breastmilk first. Let your little ones gut be protected before the cow's milk protein based formula comes in- we know that is irritating to little guts.

Breastfeeding is hard. Getting support from an IBCLC can make it much easier. What's even better is when you can get the support paid for from your insurance, WITHOUT the headache and paperwork of insurance. Let me help you with breastfeeding needs using The Lactation Network to offer you lacation visits AT NO COST TO YOU!... From a prenatal visit to prepare for breastfeding to weaning at the end of you breastfeeding journey I can be there to help you.