Lactation Resources
I often get messages from clients as they are preparing for the postpartum time and feeding their baby that include the question,
"Why does breastfeeding seem so hard?"
One of the biggest speedbumps is that we're not exposed to it daily like we once were. Generally, as a population, we know very little about how this system of hormones and supply and demand works, and we need more hands-on support. Gaining some prenatal knowledge on the subject and getting support can be a huge advantage!
When I work with clients, I send an ebook full of info for getting started and give them a "quick tips" postcard to keep handy for the postpartum time. In addition to doing a whole prenatal session dedicated to understanding lactation and feeding baby, I love to recommend other various readings and videos to help parents feel prepared and confident!
Some of my Favourite Resources
Below are some of the most common links that I share. I suggest watching them with your partner, co-parent, or chosen support person because in the first few days, if not weeks, feeding directly from the body/ lactation/ breastfeeding is a two-person job!
Visual Guide to Breastfeeding. This video is a great primer from Dr. Jack Newman's clinic here in Toronto. (about 33 mins)
Really good drinking. This short video shows very clearly, a baby drinking well also from Dr. Newman. (2:00)
Kellymom - A great “general resource” for evidence-based lactation and breastfeeding information
Antenatal Expression (prenatal colostrum collection) Many parents-to-be ask about and are interested in this. It can be beneficial when a baby is suspected to be quite big (>90%) or small (<10%) or has a health condition. Pamphlet courtesy of Mount Sinai Hospital.
You can use syringes from the drugstore, online one millilitre syringes from this medical supply store, or this Haaka colostrum collection kit. One millilitre syringes work really well because they are small enough to thaw quickly by holding them in your hand!
Have you heard of baby-led latching?
Newborn baby breast crawl/baby-led latching—When given the opportunity to be skin-to-skin with you in the first hour or two after birth, babies have the innate ability to find the nipple/ breast and latch themselves on! It takes lots of time and a relaxed, patient atmosphere. Here are a few videos that will give you an idea of what that looks like.
“Breastcrawl” - Baby gets latched on by themself, hasn't started suckling and drinking yet. Lots of patience here. (9:17)
“Beautiful breast crawl by newborn baby” Baby is approximately one hour old. This one also gives you an idea of the amount of patience required. (6:19)
"Natural breastfeeding" aka laid back breastfeeding (about 38 mins). It's a method for a very relaxed positioning that supports your baby's natural instincts and reflexes for nursing, and sets them up easily for a good latch. This positioning can be used right from birth to work with the baby-led latching seen above. It can be beneficial as you learn this dance together in the early days. As your baby gains more strength and head control and becomes more proficient in latching, it becomes easier to nurse in other positions, some of which may be more upright.
Other methods
You can also be much more directive in supporting your baby's latch by holding your baby in various positions and using your hands to guide your baby and latching. This link is a quick little clip of multiple positions you can use to encourage deep latching and use gravity to help control the speed of milk flow - Nursing positions. I’m happy to go through any and all of these methods, techniques and tips. How you choose to approach feeding and lactation is up to you!
Book a prenatal education session with me to go over all the ins and outs of feeding your baby! Be in Touch!
