Lactivist Activist

Why should you learn as much as you can about breastfeeding?  Especially before the baby is born? This blog will identify difficulties that mothers might not anticipate..... Below I've listed some common misconceptions new mommas often make: "Breastfeeding will just come naturally," There's no need for a breastfeeding class. "The Nurses and Lactation Consultants will teach me everything I need to know while in the hospital." "I know taking a class is important, but I ran out of time." "I have a specific Birth Plan written. My baby will be latching on within one hour after birth. "My pregnancy has been problem free, so I'm sure the delivery will be healthy and normal as well!" "Yes, we conceived through  IVF  due to 5 years of infertility. I have gestational diabetes, low thyroid hormones. The baby is measuring small and the  perinatologis

I believe there are 4 vitally important rules to follow in regards to breastfeeding an infant specifically in the first month after delivery! ~I believe in a balanced approach to breastfeeding. The approach needs to make sense for the mother and her family at that particular time in their lives. I will always do my best to support a mother in her breastfeeding goals; however, I feel obligated to remind her of the different dynamic she must be willing to work with. For example; a young 25 year old Mother with a 3 year old, 14 month old twins and a newborn...all in diapers, with little family support, and very limited support from father of this new baby (who has to return to work shortly after baby is delivered) This mom has little time or energy to sit for hours with a newborn, working on breastfeeding....she is chasing, feeding, helping, cleaning and protecting 3 other small children! ~I believe that breastfeeding should be an enjoyable experience for BOTH mom and baby! Al

Your beautiful little newborn was just laid onto your chest, skin to skin, your birth plan says you want to breastfeed within the first hour of delivery if possible! But this tired little newborn just lays relaxed on his mother's chest...no rooting, lip smacking, or sucking on his fist...just calm and quiet. What now? There are many reasons that would affect the baby's ability to latch in the time frames we expect, in fact it may take the help of a very experienced IBCLC, cranial sacral therapists, occupational therapists, or even a specifically skilled dentist to help baby latch, and breastfeed effectively! Consider these scenarios to help make  sense about why baby may not be ready or  capable of latching yet: "Hurdles for Babies" After laboring for 15 hours, most of that time on IV pitocin...followed by pushing for almost 2 hours, your baby has finally delivered  with the assistance of a vacuum extractor. Thankfully, you had an epidural and