Low Milk Supply- Digging a little deeper...

Low Milk Supply: Digging a little deeper...

Unfortunately, I have met with many families recently struggling with low milk supply. I always start with back to basics...milk removal 8+ times per 24 hrs by baby and/or pump, maybe an herbal supplement for a boost. But many families end up needing to dig a little deeper, checking in with their providers about bloodwork or possible medications. A few of the conditions that come up that may require some extra TLC are things like anemia, thyroid issues, PCOS, insulin resistance, breast surgeries etc. Every family and every journey is different, and while some do make decisions to combo feed, or switch completely to donor milk or formula (for very valid personal reasons!!) please know that we can always dig a little deeper if desired!

Starting Solids

Starting Solids

Somewhere around the middle of the first year, babies embark on the adventure of starting solids! While it may be awhile before your little one is as skilled as the kiddo in this picture, it does happen! I am a big proponent of waiting until baby is truly ready, with skills like sitting up on their own, and then allowing them to lead the show, stopping when they are done just as we have with breastfeeding! An old La Leche League quote is "Food is fun until you're one," and that is because breastmilk (donor milk, formula) remains the primary source of nutrition for the whole first year of life! When baby is ready (and you are ready), consider a baby-led weaning approach...offering real foods! The fun here is squishing the piece of avocado, smearing it on your face for a taste, and tossing some to the dog! ;)

La Leche League remains a "solid" source of information on all things older baby! https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/starting-solids/

Co-Bathing

Co-Bathing!

I want to draw attention to a useful technique for getting baby back to breast after a disruption, like a baby who has gotten used to too many bottles. Take a warm, relaxing bath WITH your baby! Here is a great article from La Leche League detailing how to "re-birth" and restart breastfeeding when things have gone off course...

https://llli.org/news/co-bathing-a-useful-technique-to-restart-breastfeeding/