Lactivist Activist

So let's talk a little bit about breast and nipple shapes. I have seen very large breasts with flat tiny areola and nipples~extremely small breasts with long everted nipples. I see nipples that point outward, nipples that point straight down, nipples that are the size of quarters in diameter! And nipples so extremely inverted that they wouldn't even extend into a pump flange or a nipple shield. Wouldn't it be nice if we all had perfect breasts/nipples for baby to latch onto, and produced a full milk supply. In reality, 28-35% of first mothers have issues related to flat, "shy", or inverted nipples. What can be done if you find you have flat or inverted nipples? Well, knowledge is power! You can start with knowing what type of obstacle you may face with nursing your baby. Ideally a prenatal appointment with an IBCLC where she can review any pertinent medical history, and examine your breasts and nipples. Now you will know what you need to do sometimes before

#3 Plan to initiate breastfeeding within the "Golden Hour"   Why is this time frame so important? Well,  babies are fresh from a nourishing placenta (in most cases) and aren't "starving" to eat right out of their mother's womb. We all learn better when we aren't starving! Babies are awake and alert during this special time. They are soaking up this new environment. If I got a nickel from every mother who said, "He nursed really well right after delivery, but now I can't get him to wake up??" I'd be RICH! Yep, it happens, almost every single time. And Mother Nature created it this way. The hormone that stimulates milk production "Prolactin" has been inhibited by the two hormones produced by the placenta (Estrogen and Progesterone) Once the placenta is delivered, there is a significant change in prolactin levels i.e. They skyrocket!! 🚀 This causes colostrum (also known as mother's "first milk,"

# 2 Things I wish mothers knew about breastfeeding before delivery Most mothers are told "Breastfeeding is easy. It just comes naturally." And this may be true for a very select few...however, most mothers struggle during the first 2 weeks, sometimes longer! I'm here to tell you It's can be ROUGH! Mothers may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and like their  life is consumed by breastfeeding the baby...and it IS during that first 2 weeks. But generally speaking, if mom can hang in there, get professional help from an IBCLC if needed.  Here is a directory  In the majority of cases, with the support of a Lactation consultant, and more importantly her husband...mom and baby will prevail with their version of successful breastfeeding.