Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a life-threatening adverse event that can occur after the administration of local anesthetic drugs through a variety of routes. In my craniosacral therapy practice, I have treated a few clients (mothers and their babies) who had this unexpected and frightening experience during their birth. I have also personally experienced LAST… Continue reading Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity
Category: Articles
Eight reasons for breastfeeding difficulties (other than tongue tie)
When breastfeeding isn’t going well, it’s a good idea to check for tongue tie. Sore nipples, clicking, difficulty latching, a shallow latch, or baby not drinking enough milk at the breast etc are all signs and symptoms of tongue tie. And it may well be! But there are many other reasons for these (and other)… Continue reading Eight reasons for breastfeeding difficulties (other than tongue tie)
Difficulty breastfeeding? Maybe baby has a sore neck?
Any muscle that is tight in a baby’s neck has the potential to complicate breastfeeding. As an IBCLC, I work with mothers and babies to get a comfortable position and latch. Mothers contact me when this is proving difficult - for either them or their baby. Musculoskeletal issues in the baby is one reason for… Continue reading Difficulty breastfeeding? Maybe baby has a sore neck?
Supporting baby to latch: Listening to baby body language
As an IBCLC, I have seen my fair share of babies who are fussy at the breast or those who refuse to latch at all. I try to help babies to latch, without using my hands, to empower the mother, or to help the baby to find their own way to the breast. Some babies… Continue reading Supporting baby to latch: Listening to baby body language
Supporting babies with discontinuation syndrome
Craniosacral therapy and lactation support can be really supportive for babies after exposure to antidepressants or other medication during pregnancy. I know this is a sensitive issue and hope I have given it the respect and care it deserves. Studies show that thirty percent of babies who are exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy experience side… Continue reading Supporting babies with discontinuation syndrome
Cranial nerve dysfunction and breastfeeding
In an ideal world, babies who are not able to effectively breastfeed would receive skilled lactation support and bodywork. Not being able to breastfeed is a red flag for underlying issues that get missed when the solution offered is to simply switch to bottle-feeding. Difficulty breastfeeding can be attributed to: musculoskeletal issues (eg. asymmetry or… Continue reading Cranial nerve dysfunction and breastfeeding
Why does my baby cry at the end of the day?
Witching hour or “arsenic hour” is that time, at the end of the day, when a younger baby is unsettled, feeding frequently and crying a lot (often for more than an hour!). It is not generally understood why babies do this. Parents may assume hunger, gas, overstimulation or other “present moment” needs. Breastfeeding mothers may… Continue reading Why does my baby cry at the end of the day?
Stress: An overlooked cause of unsettled babies
When our baby cries, we immediately feel they must be hungry, tired, overstimulated or gassy? If it becomes a pattern, we might consider colic - a term often used for babies who cry excessively for no apparent reason. What if there was a reason? And that reason is to communicate stress or repressed emotions from… Continue reading Stress: An overlooked cause of unsettled babies
A Toddler Tells Her Birth Story
Did you know that babies and young children remember their birth? I recall my son saying, when he was a toddler "mum you punched me in the stomach when I was born". Now, I don't remember doing this, but I do remember the scramble to get him from the bottom of the birth pool, when… Continue reading A Toddler Tells Her Birth Story
Food Sensitivities in Breastfed Babies
In my lactation practice I am seeing more and more babies with food sensitivities (allergy and intolerances). In Australia, ten percent of babies have food allergies 1, and these numbers don't include intolerances (non IgE mediated reactions). Unfortunately, many mothers and their uncomfortable babies are dismissed by the medical system, especially if they are gaining… Continue reading Food Sensitivities in Breastfed Babies
Flow Cranio and Lactation 