Why do you need a Lactation Consultant?
Congratulations on the birth of your new baby and ...
It's 3 am ...
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding baby is painful ...
Baby is crying ...
You are worried about milk supply ...
You are exhausted and feel like you are failing ...
I believe that parents can learn to experience feeding their baby with confidence, with comfort and with mindfulness.
As an experienced Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) I believe that new families need skilled support and access to evidenced based knowledge about what’s normal for their newborn in less medicalized terms and with a natural approach.
Many health care providers are more focussed on the objective numbers and values rather than what a new mum might be feeling or saying. Meeting a new family where they are, with no judgment. New parents need knowledge and support even before their baby is born. New parents need to know where and when to reach out for help.
New mothers often feel that they are not good enough and when breastfeeding isn’t going as expected they often feel like failures. I focus on the most natural basics of newborn care starting with the magic of keeping baby skin to skin with their parents starting in the first hour of life and beyond into the early weeks.
I teach the value of trusting our bodies, our maternal instincts and the incredible skills and communication that babies are born with. I am passionate about babies receiving breast milk because of the legacy it provides to each subsequent generation and the increased health and wellness for our communities when a baby is fed breast milk.
There is a lot of contradictory information around feeding babies and ‘Baby Feeding’ is a global industry machine which knows just how vulnerable new parents are to marketing practices. Learn the history of Nestle company and their immoral marketing practices to African nations back in the 70s.
My passion is to support you by meeting you where you are, answering your questions and offering practical skills and individualized care to achieve your feeding goals.
"We are forever grateful for Debby's knowledge, compassion and of course patience! Give her a call and I promise you will not regret it" Misha D.
Common reasons for needing an LC are:
- Latching difficulties including nipple or breast pain, frequent or prolonged feeding, positioning and attachment and a sleepy baby
- Milk supply concerns including low supply, over abundant supply and baby's slow weight gain
- Breastfeeding a premature baby and/or multiple babies
- Maternal support for: breastfeeding after a Cesarean section, prior breast surgery, engorgement, blocked ducts and mastitis
- Reassurance that breastfeeding is going well through mindfulness and relaxation
New motherhood
In-home Consultations
Whether you are a first time parent or want some new breastfeeding/chestfeeding tips the second (or third) time around, a Lactation Consultant is an important part of your network.
- Help you achieve your own unique feeding goals
- In-home visits are typically same day or next day appointments.
- Evening, weekend and urgent appointments are available
- Family members and support people are welcomed and encouraged to participate in these sessions.
The length of a home breastfeeding consultation depends on the concerns at the time. I am committed to supporting and informing you as you learn to navigate the joys of new parenthood, regardless of how that journey looks.
Maternally Yours Home visits are typically 1-2 hours and include personalized care plan to help meet your goals. On-going support by phone and/or text is available to new parents following the initial visit for Premium services.
Follow-up Home visits are generally shorter, again, based on your individual needs. A personalized care plan will be available for your ongoing support.
Prenatal Classes
Peace of mind through knowledge
Studies have shown that women make their decisions about whether or not to breastfeed their baby either before or during pregnancy. Factors that influence your decision include:
• your intentions about feeding your baby – Do you want to breastfeed?
• your commitment to breastfeeding – How long would you like to breastfeed?
• your attitude towards breastfeeding – How do you feel about breastfeeding?
your ethnic background – How does your family support breastfeeding?
• your social support system – Is your community “breastfeeding-friendly”?
• exposure to other women who have breastfed their babies – Do you know women who have breastfed their babies?
The Best Start Nursing Best Practice Guideline 2008
Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes offer you and your family/support an opportunity to learn and talk about breastfeeding with honesty, no-judgement and realistic expectations.
By the end of the class, you will be able to identify:
1. How to get breastfeeding off to a good start.
2. How to know baby is breastfeeding well.
3. How to deal with common concerns
4. Breastfeeding support in the community
5. New mothers and Mental Health
Classes at Uptown Midwives & Family Wellness
Partnering with Uptown Midwives and Family Wellness Centre in North York, Toronto, Maternally Yours is excited to offer:
1. Prenatal Breastfeeding classes
2. Clinic Consultations
3. Breastfeeding support
FAQs
Why does breastfeeding hurt?
There can be many reasons why breastfeeding can be painful. Most often it is simply a positional problem. Understanding how a baby drinks and how you can be most comfortable are common ways to help. Sometimes there are anatomical issues or medical situations which can interfere with breastfeeding. Early breastfeeding support in hospital and in your home can make a huge impact on your comfort and relaxation during feeds.
Why does it feel like I don't have enough milk for my baby?
Breastfeeding is a very dynamic process beginning when you first became pregnant and your body began to change. This is the first stage of milk production called 'Lactogenesis 1' and Mother begins to produce colostrum. After baby is born this colostrum, a thick and sticky substance, packed with anybodies and other vital immunological properties protects your baby's entire digestive tract. Generally, about 72-96 hours after birth the second stage of milk production occurs. Lactogenesis 2 brings copious milk which has changed in consistency and provides baby with more volume and more properties to help baby's growth and development. Getting early and professional breastfeeding help ensures that your baby is getting everything baby needs.
Photo cred: Kristina and Baby A.