There has been some misunderstanding about a current vaccination recommendation from the CDC. Some very worried clients have asked if it's true that they should not breastfeed on days when they vaccinate.  The answer is, absolutely breastfeed, especially on vaccination days! 

The study, that the CDC is responding to, found that oral vaccinations such as the rotavirus vaccine may be better absorbed if breast milk isn't consumed immediately before or after the vaccine is given.  This simply means that they are recommending that, if possible, schedule your visit between feedings so that there is an hour or so before and after the vaccine is given. The reason being that the super powers of breast milk may hinder the uptake of the bugs in the vaccine. This study also giving this as a possible suggestion and does state that more research is needed.

Bottom line: please comfort your babies and continue to nurse regardless of your vaccination decisions. Your baby thanks you!

There's no better greeting to a new community than bringing up a controversial topic.  So here goes.. better to be honest and upfront I always say. 

I LOVE the mama driven passion over at MilkShare.  They are an online breast milk donation and mama connection outfit.  For all families who cannot swallow the idea of formula feeding this is another option.  And the best part is that it's free.  It's illegal to charge for human bodily tissue which is what human milk is classified as, so beware if anyone puts a price tag on their milk. 

This is not the same as a milk bank.  This is a mom-to-mom sharing site.  Milk sharing can be safely done with testing and screening.  It's also possible to meet the moms donating milk if they live nearby.

Just another option if milk supply issues make it impossible for you to feed your own baby or for non-milk making couples (aka men).  

We've discussed Skype previously but I thought it worth mentioning again since these little visits have become more popular.  A Skype visit is not your average in-home visit but it's still just as personal. We meet online, face to face, using any conferencing program you're comfortable with. Skype just happens to be the most common choice. And it's absolutely free to talk! 

You can bet that you'll only be seeing me in my private office on the other end of the camera, privacy is guaranteed.  All it takes is a computer with a camera or a SmartPhone with the right application and we're there. Together. Working out your feeding glitches anytime. 

Your visit can last from 30-45 minutes and will include a follow-up email with all of the details we discussed.  Afterward, we'll stay connect for the 2 weeks following to make sure things are going as smoothly as possible. 

For established clients I can meet you online for $50. If you're new to me, it's only $65. The little bit extra is so I can take time to get to know you and your baby before we dive in.  In some cases Skype just won't cut it but I'll be sure to guide you to the correct consult before booking.

Keep it in mind for the next time you have questions.  It costs a lot less than an in-person visit and you might even get a cameo of my own little man, who is now walking around! I can't believe he's so big!

We've been here in our new home for a month or so and it's clear that Hygeia hasn't made it up this way until now.  I'm very excited to be able to promote such a wonderful pump company.  The products hold up to their reputation and the company does too.

If you or anyone you know in Nevada City, Grass Valley or the surrounding area needs to rent a breast pump or wants to purchase one I'd be happy to help.  See my pump page for a bit of info or find Hygeia's site for loads more info. 

Hygeia products will always be with me during home visits or you can contact me for ordering information.  I ♥ Hygeia!!

I mentioned we've relocated to lovely Nevada City but I haven't provided much of an introduction to my new community. I am a California native, a mom to a bright and loving little boy who is almost a year old, a wife to an engineer (those of you married to one will understand why that's worth mentioning), and a dedicated professional interested in helping families feed and nurture their babies in the healthiest way possible.

My vision for milksupport was to create a wide reaching support network including support groups, doulas, educators and consultants to aide in all aspects of infant feeding.  My work in the SF Bay Area fulfilled most of my dream and in time hopefully a new web will grow here too. 

My philosophy involves baby led feedings from birth throughout the first years.  Most healthy babies are the best at knowing what they need nutritionally. The trick is to learn how to listen to them.  If you pay close attention your baby will tell you all you need to know so long as she is full term and thriving.  For babies who need a little help, it brings me sincere joy to give parents extra guidance.

Collaborating with local practitioners who support natural methods of care provides my clients with the ultimate holistic approach.  The fields I most often call upon include acupuncture, cranio sacral therapy, chiropractic care and naturopathic MDs.

My intent is to help each family reach their individual goals rather than direct them to a generic goal.  I realize breastfeeding may not work for every family and I strive to approach every plan with an open mind.  The bottom line is to offer everyone support as needed.  For some that involves one phone call and for others it's the joy of being there from the day baby is born until baby weans. 

I welcome any opportunity to help you with your growing family.

                                          Me and my little man

I'm returning from a lovely, extended maternity leave now as a working mom and into an entirely new community.  Two beginnings. We are so lucky to be surrounded by luscious, green trees and fresh air every day up here in Nevada City. Some of the comforts of urban living are certainly missed but easily replaced by the peace and quiet of mountain living. We feel at home.

Now to connect with the thriving birth and baby community.  Babies and mamas are everywhere which leads me to believe there must be a need for feeding support.  All recommendations and connections are welcomed!  I'm anxious to begin again and immerse into what feels like a very juicy community.

To all the birthing professionals in the area, I'd love to meet you for tea sometime soon. Afterall, I'm only as helpful as my toolbox is trustworthy! 

So many moms ask the same questions, 'Can I please go back to my nightly glass of wine?'

The answer is going to be a little different for every family but in general it is okay to have an occasional drink.  Here are the guidelines:

• Have a drink after you've just fed your baby or pumped
• Milk to Alcohol ratio is similar to Blood to Alcohol ratio: if you feel buzzed there is alcohol in your milk!
• Time to eat again before the buzz is gone? - It's okay, feed your baby pumped breast milk and make sure you pump in place of that bottle. *No need to dump it unless you're feeling beyond buzzed.

When is it not recommended? If you've had concerns with milk supply you may find that a glass of red wine will further hinder the problem. 

What about Guinness? The old wive's tale is true and false. While it may increase the hormone that makes milk it actually decreases the hormone that releases milk. So it's not really recommended as a true galactagogue but if a half a beer or so will help you to relax and reduce your stress, it's that effect thay may help with your milk supply.

Just a quick word on women being able to find the time for themselves after birth. So many women I meet have extremely high expectations of themselves and sometimes their families do too.  Women are often pushed even by themselves to excel and succeed beyond limits and many do well under this pressure.  Being a mom also involves this same degree of pressure but but it also involves slowing down enough to pay attention to ourselves. There has never been a better time to take care of ourselves whether it means getting extra rest, eating well, taking daily walks, yoga or any thing that will reduce stress and promote wellness.

To all new moms stuggling to find their way and take on this exciting new role, you owe it to your baby to slow down in a fast world.  Take a few minutes each day to take a bath or maybe a nap so that you can be the healthiest mom possible. 

Remember that the first few months are really the fourth trimester. It's a time to get to know your new baby and let your body heal and recover.  Even though it can be challenging to make yourself stay in bed, see how long you can stay in your nest. It may be the only time of your life it's okay to stay in your pajamas all day long - enjoy it!

Everyone asks how to avoid Target and Babies R Us when it seems that the smaller stores keep disappearing.  Or more importantly how to afford the smaller businesses - think of that extra dollar or two per product as an insurance fee that these small stores will be there next time you need to grab an essential and want to avoid the flourescent lights and the crowd of a bigger store. At least that's what I tell myself.

These stores need our continued support:

East Bay

• Crackerjacks in Oakland
• Monkey Bars in Alameda
• Tot Tank in Alameda
• Rockridge Kids in Oakland
• Baby World in Oakland
• Nurture Center in Lafayette
• Day One in Walnut Creek
• Tulip Grove in Montclair

San Francisco

• Natural Resources
• Day One

There are also many online boutiques typically run by stay at home moms. Another lovely alternative to the big box stores without leaving the comfort of home.

Support your village, your community!

We've been offering Skype consults for over a year and very slowly it's gaining popularity. In the meantime there has also been a lot of concern about the over use or the innapropriate use of Skype. 

There is certainly a best use of this type of consult, including:

• Long distance situations when local support is unavailable (better than no support)

• Breast infections that don't require a physical examination

• Repeat clients who have concerns unrelated to latch or positioning

• Follow up visits when the scheduling conflicts create trouble

• Starting solid foods and/or weaning

• Long distance prenatal appointment

• Back to work concerns

Those are just a few that come to mind and certainly there are other very safe uses of Skype.  Modern families have many modern conveniences at their reach, why not use them?  Especially if it their other option is to quit breastfeeding.

disclaimer: face to face appointments are always preferred and a lot more beneficial just not always an option

You can now schedule your Skype visit online!! oh, the modern world...

A little late in reporting the news but certainly still worth the mention - in April a study written up in Pediatrics detailed the benefits of breastfeeding both financially and biologically. Researchers report that $13 billion could be saved annually if 90% of US families were able to breastfeed for the minimum recommendation of 6 months.  The savings are related to the costs of pediatric care required for a variety of diseases.  This doesn't even factor in the additional costs of formula and sick time these families are also affording making breastfeeding an extremely valuable investment.

The report also mentions the near 1000 deaths per year that could also be avoided. Sadly the financial savings will probably be the factor that has most people listening to the ongoing strategies to improve breastfeeding rates.  But in the end whatever works to set the fire under the US to gain the added programs and support staff so desperately needed is appreciated.  Many thanks from this lactation consultant for the continued data that speaks to policy makers and the powers that be, I hope they listen.

These cups are made to help out with inverted nipples. A situation where any help is greatly appreciated!

This product is designed to create a vacuum to gently pull the nipple out to enlarge them for the baby to latch onto.  To be used 5 - 10 minutes prior to latching for inverted nipples or for nipples flattened due to engorgement or edema. 

It all sounds well and good - they have not been tested by current MilkSupport clients.  But I'm always interested in new products and this one has caught my attention.  Look for the report back as this product becomes more available and tested.  If you'd like to find out more or try these products with me I'd be happy to walk down the path with you. 

As always with any product make sure to read the manufacturer's fine print and warnings such as use in pregnancy.

Click on their website for more information and ordering options. 

Many clients ask how infant bodywork can be a helpful practice specifically to improve breastfeeding behavior.  This includes craniosacral therapy, chiropractic adjustments and osteopathy.

It makes sense that after many months in the womb and going through childbirth many infants may benefit from working out any kinks or misalignments in their bodies.  After very gentle touch that these practitioners specialize in babies tend to relax and loosen up so they can happily breastfeed.  Other unhappy cirmcumstances such as reflux and gas are also soothed with bodywork leading to more peaceful feedings.

Don't just take it from me, here are the details and such:

A paper on osteopathy

Benefits of craniosacral therapy by Dee Kassing

Chiropractic care to help with feeding difficulties

You can find many more resources from credible sources online and otherwise, feel free to ask for further direction.

Find local practitioners through Bay Area Family Wellness

A lot of prenatal focus is on the birthing plans and preparation - rightfully so, everyone should be prepared for such a huge endeavor.

Point to consider: more and more people spend less time learning domestic affairs hence the postpartum period has become a bit of an unknown.  Leaving this period to 'happen as it may' can turn a somewhat stressful time into an unmanageable train wreck of a time. Even the smallest bit of preparation can help tremendously be it a book, a class, calling your friends who have kids, flying in your sister to stay for a week or so.. anything to get you started will increase your confidance and your calm.

But when it comes to breastfeeding (or any sort of infant feeding) preparing is beyond a suggestion it is imperative. 

After a small, unregulated and completely unblinded study conducted right here via MilkSupport, the data shows that parents who have taken a class, read at least part of a book AND met with a lactation consultant have far greater success with feeding in the first 2 weeks.  

WHY?

• No crash course in how milk is made needed
• Baby's feeding reflexes are helpful not just cute
• Less crying on everyone's part
• Happier nipples

..to name a few.  The best advice after preparing for birthing the baby is to prepare for feeding the baby.  Please listen to all the parents past and don't wait until you're sleep deprived and desperate. Add it to your prenatal To Do List to check in with some breastfeeding know hows. You'll thank yourself later.  And so will your lactation consultant.

Welcome to the milk notes.. a blog for breastfeeding parents by a very relaxed, open-minded lactation consultant. Live from Oakland..

Keeping it real by giving you the most realistic recommendations for today's parents.

Exploring new products from a professional yet practical stand point.

Reporting the goings on from a political perspective.

Connecting parents to create community in a all to often isolating transition.

And here we go..