Category: Uncategorized

How to increase supply on a slacker boob

- Julie Matheney
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Slacker boob, AKA “shitty titty”, is the way some breastfeeding parents refer to one breast producing less milk than the other. It's important to note that breast milk production can naturally vary between breasts, and having one breast that seems to produce less milk doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. 70% of us naturally make more milk on the right side due to asymmetries in our anatomy! Breasts can have different storage capacities and respond differently to the baby's nursing patterns.

Factors such as latch quality, frequency of nursing, and hormonal fluctuations can influence milk supply. In some cases, a perceived difference in milk production might be due to variations in the baby's sucking efficiency or preference for one breast over the other.

Here are some strategies for dealing with your lower producing side:

⭐️Frequent Nursing: Ensure that baby nurses more frequently on the slacker side. Start with that side a little more often and use it as the pacification boob.

⭐️Switch Nursing: Alternate between breasts during a single feeding session, starting with the slacker side. This encourages more thorough draining of the breast and signals your body to produce more milk.

⭐️Pump After Feedings: After breastfeeding, consider pumping on the slacker side for an additional 10-15 minutes. This can help to fully empty the breast and signal your body to produce more milk.

⭐️Breast Massage and Compression: During breastfeeding or pumping, use breast massage and compression techniques. Gently massage the breast from the back down to the front and compress it to help express more milk.

⭐️Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Proper nutrition is essential for optimal milk production.

⭐️Comfortable Latching: Ensure that your baby is latching well on the slacker side. A proper latch helps the baby effectively remove milk from the breast.

⭐️Consult with a Lactation Consultant: If you're struggling with milk supply imbalances, seek guidance from a lactation consultant such as myself. I am available for virtual and in person consultations and have worked with families all over the world. Finding a local ibclc lactation consultant  can assess your breastfeeding technique, provide personalized advice, and address any specific concerns.

Remember that breastfeeding is a dynamic process, and milk supply can fluctuate throughout the day. If you have persistent concerns about milk supply or notice significant differences between your breasts, consulting with a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant is recommended for personalized support.

Alcohol and breastfeeding

- Julie Matheney

Current scientific research, including studies published in reputable journals such as 'Journal of Human Lactation,' supports the idea that moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered acceptable during breastfeeding. The key is understanding the timing of alcohol metabolism and its presence in breast milk. A study published in the "Journal of Pediatrics" found that alcohol concentrations in breast milk peaked around 30 to 60 minutes after consumption and gradually declined thereafter. If you’ve had one standard drink, that alcohol should be completely out of your milk 2-3 hours after you drank it. Research suggests that waiting a few hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding can significantly reduce the amount present in breast milk.

It is generally considered acceptable that breastfeeding mothers can typically enjoy up to one standard drink per day without compromising the well-being of their infants. A standard drink, equivalent to approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol,  would equal a 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce beer, or a 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits.

Understanding the timing of alcohol metabolism is crucial. Waiting a few hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding allows for a decline in alcohol concentrations in breast milk. If there's a need to breastfeed within this waiting period, pumping and storing milk in advance can be a practical solution.

Do be mindful of individual factors and how they impact alcohol consumption while breastfeeding—metabolism, body weight, and other personal characteristics. Mothers are encouraged to consider these factors when making choices about alcohol consumption during breastfeeding. If there are uncertainties or unique circumstances, our team is here to provide personalized guidance and support.

At LA Lactation, we believe in empowering mothers with knowledge to make informed decisions that prioritize the health and well-being of both mother and baby. For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. Your can email [email protected] 🌟🤱 #LALactation #BreastfeedingGuidance #EvidenceBasedSupport"

Postpartum Rage: It may also be grief

- Julie Matheney
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Social media is filled with pictures of overflowing bottles and serene mothers cradling their content newborns to their breast. For many, though, the breastfeeding journey may not be what was planned for or expected, leading to intense emotions that go beyond frustration. Postpartum mood disorders, including postpartum rage, are on the rise. Postpartum rage, characterized by intense, often unexplained anger, can be heightened when breastfeeding expectations are unmet. It's crucial to recognize that this anger may, in fact, be a form of grieving as well. Whether hindered by physical challenges, birth trauma, societal pressures, or other unforeseen medical complications, the gap between expectations and reality can be a source of profound sorrow. Acknowledging breastfeeding rage as a potential facet of grief allows for a deeper understanding of these complex emotions. Seeking support, both emotionally and professionally, becomes paramount in navigating through these feelings.

#BreastfeedingRage #GrievingProcess #MotherhoodRealities #BreastfeedingGrief #MotherhoodJourney #SupportEachOther

Toddler Breastfeeding

- Julie Matheney

Breastfeeding toddlers offers a range of benefits that extend beyond infancy, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the child. One notable advantage is the continued nutritional support provided by breast milk. As toddlers transition to a more varied diet, breast milk remains a valuable source of essential nutrients, offering a balance of proteins, fats, and antibodies tailored to the child's needs.

Moreover, breastfeeding fosters a strong emotional bond between the toddler and the mother. The act of nursing provides comfort, security, and a sense of connection, promoting the child's emotional development. This nurturing aspect of breastfeeding can be especially beneficial during times of stress, illness, or significant developmental milestones.

Breast milk adapts to meet the changing nutritional requirements of a growing toddler, offering a dynamic source of antibodies that help bolster the child's immune system. This immune support is particularly valuable as toddlers explore their environment, encountering new germs and pathogens.

The act of breastfeeding also promotes optimal oral and facial development in toddlers. The natural sucking motion required during breastfeeding contributes to the development of facial muscles, jaw alignment, and palate shape, potentially reducing the risk of orthodontic issues later in life.

Beyond the physical benefits, extended breastfeeding can support a smooth transition into more independent eating habits. Toddlers who breastfeed often exhibit a greater acceptance of a variety of flavors and textures in their diet. Breastfeeding can serve as a bridge between the comfort of nursing and the exploration of new foods.

In conclusion, breastfeeding toddlers offers a multitude of benefits encompassing nutritional, emotional, and developmental aspects. The continued provision of breast milk aligns with the evolving needs of the growing child, fostering a strong parent-child bond and contributing to the overall health and well-being of the toddler.

Can I take medications while breastfeeding?

- Julie Matheney

Women are often told they need to stop breastfeeding because of medical testing or a medication. Or told that they cannot receive treatment until the child is weaned. The good news is that most medications (even many antidepressants and meds for ADHD) are compatible with breastfeeding, and for those few medications that are a safety issue there are usually acceptable substitutions.  If you do need to take a medication, there are reliable resources to help you make the decision for if it is safe to continue breastfeeding

According to Thomas Hale, RPh, PhD (Medications and Mothers’ Milk 2014, p. 7-12): “It is generally accepted that all medications transfer into human milk to some degree, although it is almost always quite low. Only rarely does the amount transferred into milk produce clinically relevant doses in the infant… Most importantly, it is seldom required that a breastfeeding mother discontinue breastfeeding just to take a medication. It is simply not acceptable for the clinician to stop lactation merely because of heightened anxiety or ignorance on their part. The risks of formula feeding are significant and should not be trivialized. Few drugs have documented side effects in breastfed infants, and we know most of these.”

When you are taking medications and breastfeeding, the age of the baby, the dose of the medication, whether the medication is immediate or extended release, etc are all considerations for the timing of when to take the medication. Always double check your particular medication for drug interactions (for example: if you’re on a thyroid medication you need to avoid fenugreek because it can cause a drug interaction. Fenugreek is one of the most common herbal supplements used in “milk boosting” products). If you’re concerned about the medication you’re being prescribed or are being told you need to pump and dump or wean, please consult with an IBCLC to confirm. 

Breastfeeding with nipple piercings

- Julie Matheney

Will nipple piercings impact breastfeeding? In my experience, the majority of people who’ve had a piercing will have absolutely ZERO issues with breastfeeding. But every body is different in how it reacts to taking out the jewelry out prior to breastfeeding. Just like with pierced ears,  occasionally the hole left by jewelry will scar closed, or partially closed, which can inhibit milk from coming out certain nipple pores. Often, the longer the time since the piercings were initially placed the better the outcome as the nipple has had time to properly heal. Other concerns may include nerve damage (the piercing happened to go through right at the nerve and damages it) that impacts milk let down or extra holes created by the piercings that lead to milk coming out of unexpected places! I have (rarely) seen mastitis and abscesses from previous nipple piercings, but that is NOT common.

Breastfeeding with the nipple jewelry in place is never recommended as it can make it difficult for the infant to latch-on correctly, increases the risk of choking on loose or dislodged jewelry, and can damage the inside of the baby’s mouth. If you are going to take your jewelry in and out every feeding, make sure you are being extremely careful with hand washing and jewelry sanitizing to reduce the risk of infection. Best practice says take the piercings out for the entirety of your breastfeeding journey. Laid back breastfeeding positions and extra nursing pads to catch the excess milk can help. You may also need to find which direction your baby needs to face if you notice leaking milk from additional holes created by the piercing if they are not in baby’s mouth. Many women go on to breastfeed successfully with a history of pierced nipples, but if you’re having any problems or have concerns, see an IBCLC lactation consultant. 

 

Breastfeeding grief: When feeding your baby doesn’t go as planned

- Julie Matheney
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Many times things don’t go as expected during labor and delivery and/or with breastfeeding. The loss of our expectation of what we thought would happen become the root of our grief and depression. It’s so easy to blame ourselves when things go wrong, even though our society is not set up to support postpartum families in any capacity, especially related to breastfeeding. This happens more than you think and I see it every day in my practice helping families in their breastfeeding journeys.

Grief is a spectrum that is different for everyone. You may not have even realized that the emotions you’re experiencing related to your breastfeeding journey not going as expected are in fact grief. Rage, anger, sadness, depression, anxiety, shame and guilt could all actually be stemmed from grief.

Different people need different ways to approach and process their grief. How do you start the grieving process? Recognition that you’re grieving the loss of an expectation is the first step. Realizing that you’re not the only one who is grieving their birth or breastfeeding story at this very moment can also normalize what you’re feeling. Give yourself permission and time to grieve. You may have a healthy, thriving baby. You may have really supportive family. You may have every resource available to you. That doesn’t negate your experience or the emotions you’re feeling.

Other steps to working through your postpartum and breastfeeding grief:
⭐️Avoid self blame
⭐️Surround yourself with people who will support you or who have gone through a similar experience
⭐️Talk to someone safe about what you’re experiencing. This may need to be a trained therapist
⭐️Find an IBCLC to help you reach your feeding goals. Schedule your consultation with me at www.lalactation.com
⭐️Hire a postpartum doula to help with baby and self care
⭐️Honor your story and the journey you’re on
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🖊@lalactation on IG
#postpartumbody #postpartumrevolution #postpartumdepression #postpartumanxiety #postpartumgrief #newbornmom #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodunited

My let down doesn’t feel as strong. Am I losing my milk supply?

- Julie Matheney
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It is normal for you not to feel your let-down as strong as your baby gets older. Some never feel let-down, and some stop feeling the let-down sensation as time goes by. This does not necessarily indicate that let-down is not taking place.

Reliable signs of a healthy, functioning let-down include:
* In the first week or so, feeling uterine cramping during letdown.
* Baby changes sucking pattern from short and quick (like a pacifier suck) at the beginning of the feeding to more long, rhythmic suck a minute or so into the feeding. You’ll start to hear consistent swallowing that sounds like a “uh” or small puff of air. Baby’s jaw will drop lower with the swallow than with sucking
* A feeling of calm, relaxation, sleepiness or drowsiness
* Strong thirst when breastfeeding.
* Occasionally people can experience itching, nausea, headaches, or negative emotions during let down
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It’s quite normal to have a harder time letting down to a pump than to baby. The milk may be in the breast, but the stimulation from the pump may not be enough to trigger the release needed for the milk to flow. Although rare, this can occasionally happen when directly breastfeeding as well.

Many things can be the cause of a slow or inhibited let-down: anxiety, pain, embarrassment, stress, cold, excessive caffeine, smoking, use of alcohol, or certain medications. People with breast surgery or nipple piercing history may have nerve damage that can interfere with let-down. In extreme situations of stress or crisis, the release of extra adrenaline (the “fight or flight” response) can reduce or block the hormones which affect let-down.

Let down can be a conditioned response. Sometimes a cycle is created, where baby fusses and pulls off because the let-down is slow, which makes mom tense up, which makes the let-down even slower, etc. You can use relaxation techniques and let-down cues to break this cycle.

#letdown #letdownreflex #letdownmilk #milkstash #treeoflifebreastfeeding #treeoflifeart #breastfedbaby #breastfeedingbabies #breastfeedingbaby #breastfeedingart

Constantly feeding breastfed baby: Is it normal for them to want to feed all the time?

- Julie Matheney
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CONSTANT FEEDING
Do you some time feel like baby is constantly feeding? As long as breastfeeding is pain free, baby is making 6+ wet and consistent poops and gaining weight over time, everything is going as it should!! The more baby removes milk from the breast, the higher your supply actually is!!

Myth: If baby wants to feed more frequently than normal, and is super fussy, it means I don’t have enough milk or my milk is drying up.
Fact: babies want to be at the breast for all kinds of reasons: hunger, thirst, boredom, comfort, pain relief, for sickness/feeling unwell, when they’re grumpy, soothing, sleep, because they’re a baby. Babies are constantly going through growth spurts and requires more food. By the time they go through multiple growth spurts it’s time to teethe. By feeding more frequently they are meeting their caloric needs while helping you increase your supply while being comforted and getting some sleep. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, sleep, hydration and food to meet this increased demand.

If breastfeeding is established and going well (you’re past 2-3 weeks and you have an established milk supply), don’t be so quick to always blame the breast for baby’s fussiness. And don’t withhold the breast because of the clock or some other “schedule” baby “needs to follow” because “the book said...” trust your body. Trust your baby. When in doubt, boob out.

Conversely, do you feel your older baby doesn’t nurse enough? Like they used to feed every 2-3 hours for 20-30 minutes and now they feed for only a few minutes? Babies 3+ months are more efficient at breastfeeding. How quickly can you drink a glass of water? Normally we don’t chug it quickly, but we can. As babies learn there’s an exciting world out there, they can some times feed really quickly to get back to what they were doing. Don’t be surprised if your older baby has quick feeds.
Myth: my baby needs to eat 15 minutes on each side
Fact: every baby feeds in their own unique way. Some can take a full feeding in just a few minutes and others like to hang out at the breast.
Learn your baby. If they’re making good wet and dirty diapers and happy, let them feed in their own way

When should my baby sleep through the night?

- Julie Matheney
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There are many reasons why your baby would wake more often to feed at night. Regardless of what you find online or from well meaning family and friends, there is no specific, developmental weight or age when a child no longer needs to feed overnight. There is no scientific or medical standard or recommendations for when a baby no longer needs nutrition at night. Society also says babies shouldn’t need tended to at night time and that we should teach them, often from a ridiculously early age, not to need us at night. In reality, we are not in control and neither are our babies. We’re in a mutual relationship where we are learning what our babies need and when they need it. Reasons why babies wake to feed over night:
💡Growth spurts
💡Developmental leap
💡You were gone at work and they missed you, they want breast milk straight from the breast, they didn’t take as much from the bottle while you were gone
💡Teething
💡They were distracted during the day because the world is an amazing place to learn in and they’re making up for calories over night
💡Sickness
💡They had a bad dream or are scared without you
💡Because they’re human

Per current research, 78% of babies wake up at least once a night and 60% of waking to feed until 1 year (Brown, 2015). That’s NORMAL. Between 12-18 months your toddler may still occasionally wake to feed. Or they may just need an adult to help them transition back to sleep. It’s not until 24 months that the human baby has matured enough to not consistently need an adult to help them transition back to sleep over night (Paavonen, 2020).

It’s normal for your child to wake to feed, but if at any time it starts to wear on your physical, emotional, or mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. There are strategies to help with routines to find the balance between biology and sanity.

#sleeplikeababy #growthspurt #developmentalleap #wonderweeks #nightfeeds #nightfeeding #toddlerbreastfeeding #momhood #motherhoodjourney #sleeptraining #sleeptips