For those that do not know, I also work for a company called Breastfeeding Conferences where we provide continuing education to midwives, child health nurses, lactation consultants etc. Much of it is breastfeeding related but its also birth, infant sleep, allergy and more. I'm super excited to have curated a webinar based on what I… Continue reading Working with Babies webinar
Category: breastfeeding difficulties
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
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
Laryngomalacia and breastfeeding
Laryngomalacia, also known as "floppy larynx", is a congenital condition where tissues are softer around the voice box and collapse in, partially blocking the airway. These babies tend to present first with feeding difficulties, struggling to transfer milk, and as such, lactation consultants are among the first health professionals to notice it. It may not… Continue reading Laryngomalacia and breastfeeding
Top six reasons your baby would benefit from cranio.
Cranio is a holistic, gentle treatment that supports the nervous system to down-regulate, which triggers the body’s own self-healing mechanism. Because it is so gentle, it is perfect to use with babies. Plus babies systems are so potent and ready to shift easily back to balance - some just need a little cranio support. Because… Continue reading Top six reasons your baby would benefit from cranio.
4 things to consider before posterior tongue tie release
The topic of posterior tongue tie (and lip tie) is a controversial one. Research is limited and opinions are divided. As an IBCLC/CST, my intention is to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals and to minimise unnecessary harm to babies. I have worked with mums who have decided to release their baby's posterior tongue tie… Continue reading 4 things to consider before posterior tongue tie release
Flow Cranio and Lactation 