In the simplest of terms myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy for the mouth and face!
More technically it is neuromuscular re-education for the muscles of the orofacial respiratory complex which is accomplished through specialized exercises and behavioral modifications.
Why is it important?
The mouth is the beginning of the airway! Without optimal development and function of the face and mouth we see poorly developed or misshapen dental arches and crooked teeth causing impairment of the upper respiratory system. This can lead to poor quality sleep or sleep related breathing disorders in
children and adults. Which may manifest as snoring, parasomnia; like sleep talking / walking, bedwetting beyond a reasonable age, clenching or grinding of teeth; and symptoms that mimic behavioral disorders like ADHD. Sleep related breathing disorders present an increased lifetime risk for dementia, stroke, and cardiac arrest.
4 Primary Goals of Myofunctional Therapy
1. Nasal Breathing
2. Proper oral rest posture
a. Tongue on the palate
b. Lips sealed
c. Teeth slightly apart
3. Elimination of maladaptive muscle patterns
4. Establish functional chew and swallow patterns
Watch a video to see what these exercises look like
How do patients benefit from myofunctional therapy?
Proper oral rest posture promotes optimal growth and development of the face and mouth by providing counter pressure to the external forces of the facial muscles stabilizing the dental arches and stimulating optimal growth of the face allowing for ideal tooth eruption and functional bite. This translates to a wide and functional upper airway and promotes healthy nasal breathing increasing a persons ability to enjoy the restorative sleep that our bodies need, experience better energy throughout the day, but also improve overall health and longevity!
- Written by Rebecca Rose https://www.breathrestored.com/
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If you’ve ever questioned your milk supply, you’re in good company. It’s common to wonder if you have enough milk for your breastfeeding baby. Chances are your milk supply is just fine. However, there are times when your milk supply is in a slump. In this blog post, we'll explore some valuable tips to boost your milk supply and ensure your baby gets the nourishment they need.
**1. Frequent Nursing: Supply and Demand** The golden rule of breastfeeding is supply and demand. The more your baby nurses, the more your body is signaled to produce milk. Aim for at least 8-12 nursing sessions every 24 hours, allowing your baby to dictate when they need to feed. Frequent nursing helps stimulate your milk-producing hormones and encourages a healthy supply.
**2. Drain Your Breasts** Removing milk during nursing and/or pumping sessions is crucial. Draining the breast signals your body to produce more milk. (Remember: your breasts are never 100% empty) Encourage your baby to feed from one breast until it feels softer before switching to the other side. Draining both breasts during each feeding will help establish a robust milk supply. Pro Tip: If you have an oversupply, your baby could get full from one breast.
**3. Skin-to-Skin Contact** Skin-to-skin contact offers a multitude of benefits, including stimulating milk production. Spend time cuddling your baby with their skin against yours. This practice triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk ejection. It's not only beneficial for milk supply but also for enhancing the emotional bond with your baby. Pro Tip: Add in some baby massage!
**4. Pumping After Nursing** Adding pumping sessions to your routine, especially after nursing, can help increase milk supply. Pumping for a few minutes after nursing can signal your body to produce more milk for the next feeding. The combination of your baby's nursing and pumping helps maintain a healthy supply when your baby isn’t quite draining your breasts yet. Be careful! You don’t want to push yourself into an oversupply (think clogged ducts, milk leaking, the freezer is overflowing and maybe even mastitis!)
**5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished** Proper hydration and nutrition are vital for milk production. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and maintain a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Some foods are thought to support lactation, such as oats, flaxseeds, and leafy greens. However, there's no magic food that guarantees an increase in milk supply. A well-rounded diet is the key. Nutrient dense foods and electrolytes added to your water really pack a punch of benefits.
**6. Get Rest and Reduce Stress** Rest is an often underestimated factor in maintaining a healthy milk supply. Fatigue and stress can hinder milk production. Prioritize rest and relaxation, and enlist help from family and friends to ensure you have time to recover. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and gentle exercise can also help reduce stress levels. Pro Tip: Go for a walk outside, while babywearing.
**7. Seek Professional Support** If you're still concerned about your milk supply despite trying these strategies, consider seeking help from a lactation consultant. We can provide personalized advice and support tailored to your specific situation. Get help from anywhere in the world here.
Remember that breastfeeding is a journey, and it's natural to encounter challenges along the way. The good news is that with the right techniques and strategies, you can effectively address concerns about low milk supply. By implementing these tips, you're taking proactive steps to ensure your baby receives the nourishment they need while enjoying the bonding experience that breastfeeding brings. Stay patient, stay positive, and trust in your body's incredible ability to nurture your little one.
Love,
Bri the IBCLC
*These tips apply to what we call “Secondary Low Milk Supply”. On the other hand, Primary Low Milk Supply can occur due to IGT (Insufficient Glandular Tissue), hypothyroidism, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), etc. These syndromes can cause low milk supply even when everything seems to be in order. Please work with an experienced IBCLC who can dig deeper into your health history.
Here are some tips on why they happen:
1. **Nutritional Needs**: Cluster feeding is often a sign that your baby is going through a growth spurt and requires more nourishment. Babies grow rapidly in their first few months, and they may need to feed more frequently to meet their increasing energy and nutritional demands.
2. **Stimulation of Milk Supply**: Cluster feeding can stimulate your milk production. When your baby feeds more frequently, it signals your body to produce more milk to accommodate the growing demand. This helps ensure an adequate milk supply for your baby's needs.
3. **Comfort and Bonding**: Sometimes, babies cluster feed for comfort and bonding. The act of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding provides them with not only nutrition but also emotional comfort and closeness to their caregiver. This can be particularly soothing during periods of fussiness or when they're not feeling their best.
4. **Developmental Milestones**: Growth spurts often coincide with developmental milestones. As your baby's body grows, so does their brain and other systems. During these times, babies might be more restless and seek extra comfort and nutrition to support their development.
5. **Sleep Regression**: Growth spurts can disrupt your baby's sleep patterns. They may wake up more frequently at night and have shorter naps during the day. This can be frustrating for parents but is usually temporary as your baby adjusts to their new growth phase.
6. **Cluster Feeding Patterns**: Cluster feeding typically occurs in the late afternoon and evening, which some refer to as the "witching hours." This pattern might help your baby load up on calories before a longer stretch of nighttime sleep.
7. **Listen to Your Baby**: Pay attention to your baby's cues. If they're showing signs of hunger, such as rooting, sucking on their fists, or becoming fussy, it's a good idea to offer them the breast or a bottle. Responsive feeding can help ensure your baby's needs are met.
8. **Consult with a Healthcare Provider**: If you're concerned about your baby's feeding patterns or growth spurts, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. They can offer guidance, check your baby's growth, and provide reassurance.
Remember that cluster feeding and growth spurts are temporary phases in your baby's development. Being patient, responsive, and flexible with your feeding schedule can help both you and your baby navigate these challenging but ultimately important stages.
]]>Need help with lactation? Work with the Breezy Babies team in person or via telehealth
Need a pumping plan? Click here
Conclusion: Nurturing Confidence in Your Breastfeeding Journey Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Remember that seeking support and guidance when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. By addressing these common lactation questions, I hope to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate your breastfeeding journey with ease and joy.
Love,
Bri
CEO and Owner of Breezy Babies
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"It’s a guess date, not a due date".
I've repeated this saying for years as I've taught Childbirthing classes but ya know what? I found myself struggling to take my advice in the last weeks of my most recent pregnancy.
To give a little background, this was my fourth pregnancy. I already had 3 other kids at home who were 10, 8, and almost 6 ( I was "due" just days before his birthday).
All my pregnancies have been generally great. Low-risk. Healthy. Active. Low Intervention. All the things. Plus my labor time had gotten progressively shortened with every baby.
Well, this time around I was well, older. All my other kids had been conceived, grown, and delivered in my 20's. Now I was 33 which doesn't sound much older but man, I felt it.
Yes, my pregnancy was still overall low-risk, healthy and active. This time around I had decided to go to a midwife who practiced out-of-hospital births. This may come as a surprise because believe it or not, I worked as a Postpartum Registered Nurse in the hospital for years. As much as I had grown to love low-intervention deliveries over the years, I never dreamed of delivering outside of the hospital, let alone at my home.
Perhaps it was because of current Covid-19 hospital rules that pushed me to take a different route. When I envisioned my delivery I just didn't see tests and masks and limited support people in my birth plan.
As an IBCLC lactation consultant, I had gone to visit a few birth centers in my area and had grown familiar with what they had to offer. I started by visiting a birth center about 15 minutes from my home. When I walked in, I still had no plans of delivering at home but by the time I left that tour, something had changed. Yes, the birth center was beautiful, with its 3 different birthing rooms that were homey, clean, and spacious. I knew I could have an amazing birth experience there but the midwife suggested that giving birth at home was not only an option but the "Cadillac" of births, in her opinion. She said it was something to consider and didn't push me into a decision in any way but I knew when I left that giving birth at home was now at the top of my mind.
Why? Well, I had a few reasons.
Number One: I wanted my other kids to be at the birth. I was in a unique position where my other kids were older and at a point in their lives where they could not only be present at the birth of their sibling but be a part of it. This was something they would remember for the rest of their life. Yes, they wouldn't be restricted from visiting the birth center and yes, I would be home shortly after the birth for them to meet their new sibling anyway but I wanted them to have the opportunity to SEE the birth.
Number Two: I wanted to be able to stay in my comfy space. I was induced with my first two babies so when I went into labor at home with my third, I distinctly remember how uncomfortable it was to have to climb into the car and labor in an awkward position on the drive to the hospital. Yes, it was only about 15 minutes but in that time, my labor slowed. It took some time at the hospital to ramp things up again. This time, I loved the idea of being able to stay in my safe space. To end labor where I started.
Number Three: My insurance covered homebirths. Now, this might seem like a silly reason but money can be a factor in choosing where and how you birth. It turned out, in my specific situation, that my birth center was in-network BUT their facility was considered "out of network". That meant that about half of my delivery costs would be covered. Giving birth at home? Well, that (for me) was covered at 100%. We have been lucky enough to have Maternity covered 100% in the past so we felt really lucky that could still be the case with an out-of-hospital delivery.
In the end, I was confident I wanted to deliver with a group that has natural, unmedicated deliveries as their norm. With my first baby, I had used an epidural and overall had a positive experience but when I learned about unmedicated deliveries afterward, I knew it was something I wanted. My second and third were both hospital delivered, unmediated deliveries but something was missing. I wasn't getting the hands-on support I was thirsty for. I wasn't being allowed to eat while in labor. I felt confined to my room and often confined to my bed. I wanted a different experience this time and I felt confident that I was a good candidate too. A had a good track record at this point with three low-risk deliveries.
Luckily, I have a very supportive spouse who was all-in with whatever route I choose. I often got comments like "oh, your husband is okay with you delivering outside of the hospital?". Yes, he trusted my instincts completely. He understood that in the end this was largely my load to bear and he was there to help hold me up, no matter what.
So off we went.
Turns out this pregnancy ended up being my roughest. Overall, I was still very healthy and active. I went to the gym regularly my entire pregnancy. All I can say is that being 6 years older this time around left me more nauseous, tired, and achey. For some reason, my joints were extra loose this time around. It's like the relaxin was pumping extra strong. In my first trimester, I spent months where I couldn't lift my left elbow above my shoulder. It felt like my shoulder might pop right out of the socket if I did. It was because of that pain that I started seeing a chiropractor regularly. I was glad I did because soon after the shoulder pain was gone, I started with severe SPD pain in the second trimester. If you're not familiar with that, basically the left side of my lower pelvis was more forward than the right side. That slight imbalance was so painful but my chiropractor was able to do an adjustment low down on my pelvic bones that aligned everything up again.
Now I was good to go, right? Well, not entirely...
Let's fast forward to my 38-week chiropractor visit. I had visited my regular gym class where I was still of course modifying man of the moves but this time was different. I couldn't even hardly walk or move. Any movement I did in the class felt too painful like something wasn't right. My baby at this point was so low down in my pelvis. I thought there was no doubt that I would be going into labor at any time.
At my chiropractor, he did some adjustments and my pelvis felt better. He said that things were looking good and that there was a high chance of going into labor soon. I was taking it easy at this point because even just walking was getting hard to do. I scheduled a pedicure and made sure everything was ready to go for my home birth. All my supplies were set up and just waiting to be put to use but... nothing happened.
10/15/21 Later that week, on the first day of my kids' Fall Break, contractions started. I thought: "This is it!". It was hard to talk through contractions and they got as close as 3 minutes apart at one point. Much to my disappointment, things started to slow down a bit. We went to bed for the night thinking: "Oh, we'll for sure be woken up with contractions in the night". Much to our surprise, we woke up the next morning with nothing. No baby. No more contractions.
10/18/21 Monday morning. Discouragement set in.
10/20/21 I attended my midwives office and asked that they strip my membranes. That night was also a full moon. My baby was sitting so low. They said, "oh, we hope to get your call tonight. Any time now!". I even went straight to get acupuncture afterward and asked that she hit all the spots that induce labor.
That night I had lots of heartburn. Some contractions kept me up. Again I thought, here we go!
10/21/21 I was now 39.5 weeks pregnant and shocked I had made it this far. I delivered days before my "due date' with my third and now here I was. 3 days before my "due date" of October 24th. At this point, I had delivered my third but here I was and nothing. No signs of labor coming any time soon.
Around this same time, my right hip became so sore that I could hardly walk.
10/24/21 Still having loads of trouble walking at all. It was my "due date" and I was desperate. I had been trying all the things to go into labor naturally. All the "home remedies". Had "sexy time" with my husband and... Nothing.
10/25/21 My hip pain had gotten so bad, I knew I needed to go back to the chiropractor. After my adjustment, I felt a bit improved. Still not great but hey, I had a baby sitting so low, how could I be? The back of my baby's head was directly pushing on my right hip.
(Remember that we still don't know the gender of our baby at this point)
10/26/21 Now that I had been adjusted and was feeling a bit better, I thought a leisurely walk with my friend would be good. I knew I could use the fresh air, movement, and adult conversation to help my wavering mental health. Before we left, I warned her I wouldn't be walking very fast. We went for not even 30 minutes, very slowly, and by the time we got back, I couldn't walk. I spent the rest of the day crawling around my house, crying, with my huge pregnant belly. I felt wrecked not only mentally, but physically now too. I
I desperately called into my midwives office and they fit me in that afternoon. My husband had to come because I couldn't even walk unassisted. I was completely unable to bear any weight on my right leg.
Upon looking me over, they found I had a bulging bag. I asked to have my membranes stripped again. Again, it seemed that labor would be any time now but I had been hearing that for weeks and had done everything in my power to help get things started. I was even more dilated and the baby was in a good position. They confirmed that yes, she was so low which was probably the cause of my extreme hip pain. In desperation, I asked about breaking my bag of water even though my intent this whole time was to NOT do that. I wanted them to break naturally in labor. We decided no, not today. That night, at the suggestion of my midwives, I placed flannel soaked in castor oil and clary sage under my belly and on my back.
10/27/21 I completed the Miles Circuit which is holding different positions to help ensure your baby is in the best position possible and to start up contractions. I was having bloody discharge from having my membranes stripped. I even made myself a castor oil smoothie (2 tbsp was all the strength I could muster up) in a fruit smoothie at 2:30p.
Contractions started around 6:30p. Here we go! Things were feeling intense. Contractions were strong and slowly getting closer together but surprise, surprise... they stopped when midwives came. Since they had already traveled to my house, we proceeded to strip my membranes again, do loads of squats and walk the stairs until my hip hurt too bad to do more. (remember I still couldn't walk on my own at this point, or put any weight on my right leg).
I continued doing more squats. It seemed that my baby was so far forward with my huge belly that we tried to pull my belly up for contractions. It seemed to get things going again. I would lie in my recliner in the chair and "dump" my baby back to help get contractions restarted.
In that time I progressed from 4.5 cm to 7 cm with stretching. Also around that same time, my contractions stopped. Completely stopped. How could this be??
My midwife decided we needed some rest and tucked us into bed around 11p. We woke up with contractions at 1a. I ate some snacks and drank water. I couldn’t even talk through some contractions.
At 2:45a, we went back to bed. I woke up around 5a, unable to sleep, and unfortunately, it wasn't because of contractions. They had stopped again. I talked with my midwives, who had been spending the night at my house. They gave me black cohosh for a mental block. My midwife Miley also used clary sage to give me a foot massage.
It wasn't enough to get things going again. Around 6:30a my midwives left. So did my photographer. It was so disappointing to see all the supplies set up, even the tub we had started to fill, all be left behind in our bedroom.
10/28/21 The whole day was hard to manage, mentally. Would I ever go fully into labor? Why did things keep stopping? Why was this so different than my other labors? Did I need to have my bag of water broken? That's what was always done before to get my labor moving.
My midwives surely felt my deep disappointment even after leaving. Loretta, one of my midwives, called me right before dinnertime and explained that they had a couple of other homebirths coming up and would have to come back to get their supplies, just in case they needed them. I hated the thought of "moving backward" after how close I had gotten. She could tell I hated that idea and offered to come and break my water at 7:30p that night. I took it. We thought, oh perfect! We'll have a baby later tonight! (I was expecting about a 3-4 hour labor, just based on my track record).
My midwives came as planned and broke my water as I lay on my bed. A short time later, my sweet photography/videographer Danielle came again. She didn't live close and had already spent the entire night at my house, just the night before. Here she was again. Round 2.
I tried to walk to get things going but my hip started hurting again and I couldn't. My Midwife Miley massaged my hip to try and release the tense muscles.
No real contractions were happening.
Here's the funny thing about homebirths. In the past, with y hospital deliveries, IV Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) was given to me to start labor. With a homebirth that's not the go-to. Instead, my birth team left me and my husband for some "sexy time" to utilize some natural oxytocin.
It got things going but not enough. My midwives again tucked us into bed, which terrified me. I didn't want to wake in the morning again just to realize that nothing had happened. We slept for 2 hours until 1:30a.
Next on the agenda was a circuit for me to rotate through. I would use my breast pump for 15 min while bouncing on the birth ball, then I would squat for 15 minutes and then lay on my bed with a peanut ball between my legs.
At this point, my poor videographer had been sleeping in my basement and was considering going home. I asked her to come up because contractions were starting to get going on their own. I felt like this was it! Everyone stayed.
Next, I spent some time in the tub. It was lovely. Around this time, my other kids started to wake up and wander in. The warm water helped me to relax. It helped so much that contractions slowed a bit.
That was the last thing we wanted so I got out. This is when things got real. Contractions were so intense. Before I felt that I was able to breathe through every contraction and hadn't felt any real pain. That was no longer the case. As I squatted on the toilet, I had to dig deep through every contraction. My husband was right by my side to do hip squeezes which were my saving grace. It was the only thing that brought relief until I could collapse in his arms and relax until the next contraction came.
We did that for some time and then my midwife moved me over to sit in my recliner chair. I "dumped" my baby back into my pelvis and was there for a bit. Contractions were still so strong that we continued to change positions. Next, I lay on my bed, with the peanut ball between my legs (think knees together, heels apart). It helped. The baby moved down but I was still 9 cm and anterior lip. It wasn't time to push yet.
At this point, I was completely exhausted. I was in so much pain at this point. It was morning. It was taking so long, but why??? I felt like I couldn't make it through even one more contraction. I was screaming out with every single one. They were so strong but my baby wasn't coming.
Finally, I felt that familiar feeling. With natural deliveries, you don't choose when or where to push. Your body does it for you. I felt myself bearing down, ready to push.
I was so uncomfortable in bed but earlier we found the inflatable tub had a hole plus by this point the water was cooled off. I begged to get back in the water. My entire birth team rushed to get the water warm and refilled. In between contractions I somehow moved back in to push which helped a lot. I was getting time to rest in between these last steps. It wasn’t fast and furious like my others.
Pushing. Ouch. Fetal ejection kicked in. I was screaming. Felt like I couldn’t go on. Baby's head would come down and then go back up. It burned so bad. I thought baby just wasn’t fitting. We both felt stuck. I was exhausted. I kept pushing with all my might and yet it felt like I could only feel the tippy top of my baby's head.
I waited for another contraction and screamed my baby out. I kept pushing and pushing even though I felt like I wanted to die. It felt like I might rip in the front but I couldn’t wait anymore. Finally, we got the head but not yet the shoulders. I had to stand because it seemed the baby's face may have come out of the water. I don't know how I managed to stand, but somehow I did. It felt like too much to bear. How could I finish this?
Finally, the baby was out. What a complete relief. My husband caught the baby after the midwives helped it along. They announced the gender but I couldn't quite process it. They passed the baby through my legs and I grabbed her. Yes, her.
IT WAS A GIRL.
It was over. I couldn’t even move. I just held her in relief as I stood in the water. I held her with all my might and cried.
After a moment, I moved to the bed. I was so exhausted. So tired. So happy to have my baby girl. She was covered in thick vernix.
It turns out that my placenta wouldn’t come out. As I held my baby on my chest, I got a shot of Pitocin in my leg. Still wasn't coming out. After all that work my midwives help me into a squatting position in bed. I just wanted to lay. I never had trouble with the placenta before and hardly noticed it coming out. Not this time. It's like my body knew this was my last and wouldn't let it go. We continued with fundal massage as I pushed and would bear down over and over. An hour later, it still wasn’t out. I had to go squat on the toilet and push and push. It felt so cruel after all I had been through. I had to say: thank you placenta but it’s time to go.
It finally came clawing out and plopped into the bowl.
My 8 year old wanted to see the placenta. The midwife showed it all to her. My other two had no interest.
Baby breastfed, of course. I ate oatmeal and savored every single bite. It tasted like the more delicious meal I had ever had. I was so exhausted but relieved. I had labored from 7:30p to 11:30a. I couldn’t believe how long it had taken.
We were all shocked as we realized I had delivered on my sons 6th birthday. That meant my youngest two were now birthday twins. All my son had wanted for his birthday was to go to Boondocks (they got free arcade tokens and bowling if you went on your birthday). We all cooed over the baby, my midwives cleaned everything up. My entire family lay on my bed, surrounding this new baby that had joined our family. After about 2 hours, I was feeling good. My birth team left and I told my family to go ahead to Boondocks. I wanted my son to still have his special birthday and I just wanted to rest anyway. Off they went as I clutched my sweet new baby to my chest. The sweet baby girl that I had worked so very hard to get here.
It was the biggest relief to finally have her here. Baby Mila. Our little miracle.
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If you’re caught in the midst of the weaning battle (whether it’s off of pacifiers, bottles or nipple shields) you may be tempted to just snip the end off (believe me, I’ve been there). You may have even heard it’s a good way to wean. Let’s be clear… IT’S NOT!
Here’s a few reasons why cutting silicone is not a good idea:
If you can’t cut it then what’s the best way to wean?
There are a lot of choices surrounding weaning, whether it’s nipple shields, pacifiers or bottles. Not only do you have to decide when to do it but how to go about it. Hopefully this article helped give you some guidance but as with most things that come to feeding and caring for your baby you’ll know what’s right. Trust yourself to know when it’s the right time and trust yourself to know how to guide your baby through the process. And when in doubt…consulting a wonderful IBCLC like Bri can be a great help!
Bio:
Lindsey Parry is the founder of Back to Mom and inventor of the Nipple Shield Weaning Kit and Breastfeeding Bite Guards. The ideas for her products were born through her own experience of struggling with both weaning off nipple shields and dealing with pain from her baby’s teeth. She went to work with her ideas, and it took years of hard work (while balancing being a mom of 2 active boys) to develop, prototype, test and manufacture her products. Back to Mom was finally launched November 2020. She’s been ecstatic about the response from moms who have been helped by the Back to Mom products! Her greatest desire for her company is to help as many moms as possible to continue their breastfeeding journeys for as long as they want.
]]>The Haakaa. Oh man. How I wish I had this handy little device during my own breastfeeding journey.
You may already know about the classic Haakaa but there's soooo much more to love.
Let's chat and you'll see why I love these simple products that really deliver a huge bang for your buck:
You can't go wrong with the classic. Attach it to the opposite breast while you breastfeed and catch that letdown that's otherwise lost in your breast pad. It likely won't be a lot of milk but all those tiny amounts really add up! Check out my video here that teaches you all the basics of the Haakaa.
This little bug catches milk but does it in more of a discreet way. You can pop this little guy straight into your shirt and it's hardly noticeable. Great way to catch some bonus milk while still going about your day.
I love glass bottles because they are safe for reheating, they look great and pass the test of time. This one holds up to 6 oz which means that it will be the plenty big for a breastfed baby! Bonus: this bottle can easily be converted to a sippy cup as your babe grows!
Let your little one gnaw on this, so she doesn't gnaw on you! Plus she's basically brushing those gums and little teeth so it's a double win.
Have a baby biter? Fill this handy little tool up with some of your breastmilk, freeze it and give it before you breastfeed to help numb up those little gums.
So good, right? I know you're going to love these products too. And p.s., these are affiliate links. Your support helps me, help you get great stuff. Wins all around!
Love,
Bri
]]>Hey girl!
I see you there. Pregnant. Planning to breastfeed.
Putting together long lists of baby registry items...
Asking fellow mamas what they suggest you need and getting 5,000 responses...
Wondering what items are really going to get used...
Now it's true that not EVERYONE loves the exact same baby items but as a Registered Nurse and IBCLC Lactation Consultant, I have traveled to hundreds of homes to help families with all things breastfeeding.
While there, I have noticed common items that multiple families just LOVE and make their lives easier. Wouldn't you love a bit more ease in your new mommy-life too?
I thought so which is why I put together a fun list of some of my favorite things that are perfect for breastfeeding mommies.
So let's do it!
(Tip: The images and links in this blog post are clickable!)
Nursing Bras |
First off, let's talk nursing bras. You're going to need a good one for support and protection but perhaps you'd also like the option of hands-free pumping? I've got just the one for you, girl.
Meet the Bravado Bra:
www.amazon.com/shop/breezy__babies
This beauty does it all, including holding your flanges in place while you pump plus it's way cuter than a cut up, old sports bra! So if you're a working mama or plan to use a breastpump, then I would choose the Bravado.
Another loved hands-free pumping bra that I've seen countless clients with is the Simple Wishes pumping bra. It pops on quick and is adjustable (because we all know there are a lot of changes in size going on after birth, and beyond, right?)
Meet Simple Wishes:
www.amazon.com/shop/breezy__babies
Breast Pumps |
Since we're talking about pumping, you know you can get a FREE breastpump from your insurance right? It's easy too. Just follow this link to find out how:
A simpler breastpump that my clients raaaaaave about is the Haakaa. It's perfect for catching that letdown, that's otherwise lost in your breast pad (or makes a giant puddle-mess on your lap). Yes, a working mama or an exclusively pumping mama will need a double, electric breastpump, but a Haakaa is a bit different. If you're looking to easily and conveniently catch some extra ounces, then you'll love the Haakaa.
Not sure how to use the Haakaa? Watch my Insta story here to find out more deets:
https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18059333473203611/
See what I'm talking about? So slick.
If you wanna grab one or two of these little loves, let me tell you how...
Meet Haakaa:
Nipple Healing |
Important lesson: Take care of your nips, so they can take care of you + your baby.
I not only have my fave nipple ointment to share with you, but something else special that you may not have ever heard of.
First, nipple cream. I like it to work. I like it to not smell strong. I like it to be safe for my baby. (And major perk for organic too!). Motherlove nipple ointment checks all of those boxes.
I don't go to a lactation consult without my Motherlove nipple cream! This stuff is the best.
Meet Motherlove:
www.amazon.com/shop/breezy__babies
Nipple cream is awesome but did you know that there's something called Silverette's that uses the natural properties of silver to heal? If you're already in the painful nipple category, then I'd just skip right to the Silverette's.
These little babies are naturally antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial. What I love about these is that you can use them for years, with all your breastfeeding babies. It's a one and done purchase! Plus, after you're done breastfeeding you can send them in to be made into a darling necklace. No joke!
Meet Silverette's:
www.amazon.com/shop/breezy__babies
Babywearing |
I want you to pause for one second and think about how your baby has been INSIDE your belly, for 9 months or so. Now think about how silly it is to expect a baby to suddenly be okay with being laid down, away from you. Your baby wants to be next to you. She wants to smell you. She wants to hear your heart beating. She wants your warmth. She wants everything that you have to offer but I get it- mama needs her hands-free too!
Wearing your baby is the perfect way to still give your baby that comfort, while still allowing you to have your hands free. If you have to choose between a fancy swing, rocker, whatever expensive gadget that was made to hold your baby, I would recommend first investing in a wrap or carrier!
Would you believe that babywearing helps decrease rates of postpartum depression? It's true! So let's keep that love-hormone flowing.
Meet Solly Baby:
Need something a bit more robust, and that can also grow with your baby?
Meet Ergobaby:
www.amazon.com/shop/breezy__babies
So good, right?
Enjoy friends!
Love,
Bri
Follow me on Insta @breezy__babies
* This links in this blog post are affiliate links but I only promote products I truly love!
It’s the end of your pregnancy and baby is coming soon! You have the car seat ready, hospital bag packed and bassinet set up. Sounds familiar but have you thought about your plan to feed this baby after delivery?
Here are my top 3 tips to help you set a breastfeeding plan:
1- Take a Prenatal Breastfeeding Course:
Did you know that the best time to learn about breastfeeding is BEFORE your baby comes? Having that base knowledge in place before you ever step foot in the hospital will start you off on the best foot. Take a quality breastfeeding course towards the end of your pregnancy and write down your breastfeeding goals and plans. Share these goals with your partner so they can also advocate for you in the hospital or birth center.
2- Learn to Hand Express:
My biggest and best advice for you today? Learn how to hand express! It’s the easiest and quickest way to get your breastmilk to the baby when they’re needing a little extra boost or having trouble latching. (Remember that colostrum is breastmilk too!) To hand express, just hold your breast with a “C” shaped hand. Go in towards your chest wall and then bring your fingers together behind your areola (that darkened area around your nipple). It takes some practice to find that “sweet spot” but once you see some drops forming, you know you’re doing it right! Simply take those drops and put them straight into the baby’s mouth. That may be all the supplement or boost they needed, and your body is still getting the stimulation it needs in the process. Win-win!
3- Get help!
Those road bumps in your breastfeeding journey will still certainly pop up along the way but when they do, get help from a professional! IBCLC's are highly trained in all things breastfeeding. They can be another advocate to help guide you towards your breastfeeding goals.
For more tips, tricks and support, follow Bri on Insta @breezy__babies and visit www.infantmassagewithbri.com
]]>You have waited 9 long months, or possibly much longer, for your sweet baby but you had no way of knowing exactly what to expect. Now you are trying to balance rest and self-care for yourself, while still connecting and bonding with this new, sweet little person. Yes, this is 4th trimester. You didn’t know there was such a thing as the 4th trimester? It’s often the trickiest, yet least talked about, 3 months after giving birth that you are transitioning into being a parent. (Baptism by fire, anyone?) Here are 3 tips to help ease that transition:
1- Skin to Skin Contact
How can I not start with this? Skin to skin is one of the most simple, yet effective things you can do with your child. I like to say that 99% of issues with newborns can be improved with skin to skin contact. That simple skin to skin contact helps to:
Think of yourself as a mama kangaroo. The more time that your newborn can spend touching you, the better!
2- Ease the Transition
Remember that in this 4th trimester period, you are not only adapting to care for this new baby but your baby is also transitioning to life in the outside world. After 9 or so months in your belly, this is quite the change! Think of your body as your baby’s “home”. You are your baby’s happy place! A place of warmth, with familiar smells and familiar tastes, so keep your baby close. It is not uncommon for babies to be fussy and crying but there are some simple, natural tools that you can use to smooth those bumps in the road.
3- Infant Massage:
Who doesn’t love a good full-body massage? It’s calming. It’s relaxing. Did you know those same calming and relaxing effects are especially helpful with babies? I like to think of Infant Massage as a built-in skin to skin plan. Some of the benefits of massaging your little ones include:
If you are a naturally minded mama like me, then you will also love how massage decreases the need for medications and harsh interventions. Infant Massage empowers parents because YOU are the one helping your baby. What a sense of accomplishment you will feel as your little one is in massage heaven.
Learn how to massage through Bri’s online course at www.infantmassagewithbri.com. She’s a Certified Educator of Infant Massage and has seen these techniques improve the overall well being of families all over.
For more tips, tricks and support, follow Bri on Insta @breezy__babies
]]>How Often Should My Baby Poop?:
You may have already noticed that newborns are pooping machines! The amount of wet and poopy diapers your newborn has is one important piece of the puzzle when determining if she's getting enough to eat at the breast. I have helped hundreds of parents along on their breastfeeding journey, and knowing what to expect with wet and poopy diapers is so helpful. So here it is:
Is My Little One Constipated?:
After 6 weeks, poopy diapers can become more irregular and not happen daily. This is not a problem unless you are also seeing some of these other issues:
Natural Methods Are Best:
While laxatives, enemas, and suppositories may be an option for some, many parents don't love the harsh side effects that these bring (and please always check with your healthcare provider before trying such methods!). Certain juices and foods can also help with constipation but may not be an option if your little one is under 6 months old, or has not started solids yet. The beautiful thing about massage is that it's natural and safe to do on babies of ANY age. You can even complete these exact strokes on yourself! Any human has the same basic anatomy that the "I Love You" strokes naturally follow. #familylifehack
Imagine the Poop Pathway:
I want you to lay your little one in front of you, with her legs towards your body. Imagine how her little GI tract would look inside of her body. Her large intestine is the last part that her stool moves through before she poops it out and it's not comfortable when it's backed up! It starts on the bottom left corner of her stomach as you look at her (bottom right for her), then it goes up towards her ribs, over to your right-hand side (your baby's top left side of her stomach) and then it goes down and out! This poop pathway may seem weird to talk about but if you understand basic anatomy then the direction of massage quickly makes sense.
Clockwise Motion Massage:
Now that you understand how your little one moves poop OUT of her body, an easy rule of thumb is to always massage bellies in a clockwise motion. That way we are naturally helping that poop to come out, and not further back things up (yikes!). The "I Love You" stroke is great because it not only follows a clockwise pattern but it is also is easy to remember. You can make this stroke fun and interactive as you do it. The easiest way for me to explain this stroke is to SHOW you. So here you go:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw19eD5MY_g&feature=youtu.be
Would you like to learn more? This is just ONE stroke of many that I teach in my Infant Massage with Bri Online Course. It will empower you to help your little one relax and bond while experiencing the benefits of full body massage. Your little one will be in massage heaven! (Even my school-aged kids begged to be massaged every night!). www.infantmassagewithbri.com
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