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)
Tag: lactation consultant
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
22 Qualities of a Good Practitioner
Over the past four years, I saw many practitioners for an issue with chronic dizziness*. These were both mainstream and alternative practitioners - some great and some not so great. Add to this all the stories I hear from clients, including breastfeeding mothers, about their experiences with practitioners. I began to take note of traits… Continue reading 22 Qualities of a Good Practitioner
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
Tongue-tie and Breastfeeding
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the connective tissue (frenum) under the tongue causes restriction in the tongue movement or function. It occurs in around 8% of babies, is seen more often in boys and can be hereditary. Anterior tongue-tie occurs when the frenum is attached at the front of the tongue, close to the tip.… Continue reading Tongue-tie and Breastfeeding
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.
Flow Cranio and Lactation 