Birthwise IBCLC

Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women who:

I have Mothered and who have Mothered me❤️

Been Sisters with through family, marriage and friendship❤️

And to all the strong capable women who have trusted me to be a part of their breastfeeding journey, thank you for this privilege. You are inspiring❤️

Every woman knows their bra size, but do you know your fl**ge size? 🤔

Pumping should feel like a gentle tugging or nothing at all.

Having the right fl**ge size and a good quality pump can help you pump the most amount of milk, in the least amount of time and with the greatest comfort.

We carry fl**ges from size 10mm to 44mm to ensure we find your best fit during your fl**ge fitting appointment.

Don’t buy to try, call or visit our website to book your custom fl**ge fit appointment online!

**gefitting

It’s International Forgiveness Day, a special occasion to reflect on the power of forgiveness, including forgiving ourselves. Today, I want to remind all parents that it's time to forgive yourself if your baby's feeding journey hasn't gone as planned.

Parenting can be filled with unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes our expectations don't align with reality. Feeding your baby is a deeply personal experience, and it's natural to feel a range of emotions when things don't go as anticipated. However, it's essential to remember that you are doing your best and there are many ways to love and nurture your baby.

On this day, let go of any guilt or self-blame that may weigh on your shoulders. Forgive yourself for any perceived shortcomings or moments of doubt. Your love, care, and dedication to your baby are what truly matter.

Remember that each feeding journey is unique, and challenges are a part of the process. It's okay to seek support, ask questions, and adapt your approach. If you’re ready to seek support, it would be my privilege to be the person you turn to.
When you’re ready, visit my website to book an in-clinic or a home visit.
Let's honour this day by fostering a spirit of forgiveness within ourselves, spreading compassion, and supporting one another on this remarkable journey called parenthood.

Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt!

Before becoming an IBCLC Lactation Consultant, I was a palliative care nurse working in hospice. While attending a course about pain, the instructor had us attach a paperclip to one fingernail at the beginning of her lecture. Then she began the course.

Within seconds the finger became uncomfortable. Within a minute it was difficult to concentrate on what she was saying. All I could think about was how much I wanted to take that paperclip off and make the pain stop.

Luckily this powerful lesson only lasted a few minutes.

The ni**le is a far more sensitive area than the finger. Anyone who claims that ni***es will toughen up doesn’t understand ni**le anatomy or pain.

Ni**le pain can be described as pinching, burning, itching, shooting, pins and needles, aching and more. It can be constant or come and go.

Ni**les do not have to be visibly damaged to be painful.

If breastfeeding is causing you chronic pain (you feel it even when you are not feeding) or acute pain (you feel it at latch, during or after the feed), it is a signal that something isn’t right and it is crucial to find and fix the problem as soon as possible.

Pain affects you physically and emotionally. Breastfeeding should be an enjoyable experience that builds a strong bond between you and your baby. Chronic or acute pain is a major reason mothers wean early before achieving their breastfeeding goals.

It can also negatively impact how a mother feels about herself and the relationship
between her and her baby.

When you are in pain, it is hard to feel anything else.

What is normal:
💗 Mild ni**le tenderness in the first weeks of breastfeeding, peaking on days 3-6 postnatal.

What is not normal:
🚫 Constant or acute pain +/- ni**le damage
🚫 Fear or dread associated with breastfeeding
🚫 Discouragement of breastfeeding goals
🚫 Lack of self-confidence around breastfeeding

If something is hurting, you need someone with training in the causes and management of ni**le and breast pain to help you.

It is possible to make the pain stop AND achieve your breastfeeding goals.

Visit my website to book a consult.

https://birthwisewellness.com/

**lePain