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breastfeeding classes UT Archives - Lactation Link

Jan 11
5
Mom holding newborn baby

Caffeine + Breastfeeding

By | Breastfeeding, Can I breastfeed if?, Classes

Is it safe to consume caffeine while breastfeeding? I posted a Fact or Fiction about this topic Friday on instagram and many of you had a lot to say!  The Fact or Fiction statement was, “Caffeine should be avoided while breastfeeding.” Here’s a few comments from you guys.

Elizabeth Kallen said, “If I can’t have caffeine after being up all night nursing, then no one is going to get fed, dressed, or loved!”

Bethany Nixon said, “I have heard up to 5 cups regular coffee a day is okay…am I doing that? NO! But if I need a second cup in the afternoon to get over the afternoon slump I will!”

Addison Fagner said, “I don’t know the answer but I do know every time I drink soda, that same night is sooooo hard on my little one! I’ve stopped all caffeine now. Not worth it!”

Here’s my answer to the statement: Fiction.

Based on research studies, very little caffeine actually passes into mother’s milk (1).  Many experts agree that it takes more than 5 cups of caffeinated coffee daily to see effects in the breastfed baby (2).  That is the equivalent of about 300 mg.  Something to keep in mind is that you are aware of each source of caffeine you are consuming.  Examples of caffeine sources include coffee, iced and hot teas, energy drinks, caffeinated soft drinks, and some over-the-counter medications.  Chocolate contains a substance that mimics caffeine and can produce a similar effect in large quantities.

Newborn baby

While these are general guidelines, we know that every baby is different!  It may take a smaller amount to affect some infants.  Here are some symptoms to watch for indicating your infant is overstimulated due to your caffeine intake.

  • Wide-eyed
  • Alert
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Unusually fussy

If you are noticing these symptoms, try avoiding caffeine and substituting caffeine-free beverages.  Observe your infant and watch for an improvement.  If the symptoms were due to too much caffeine, your infant should improve within a few days to a week.

I hope this is helpful!  My passion is educating you on all your feeding options so you can reach your goals, whatever they may be!  My video classes are available to click and watch at your convenience.  You can learn in the comfort of you home in your jammies!  Also my classes NEVER EXPIRE! You can watch them over and over.  They also come with a notes outline.  A great promo going out to my newsletter subscribers in the morning.  Sign up to see how to get a free full-size nipple cream from Boob and Baby. The photography in this post is by Lizzy Jean Photography.

More on this topic form Lactation Link:

Can I breastfeed if I drink alcohol?

Thanks for coming by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Lindsey Shipley - Lactation Consultant

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Berlin, C. et al. (1984). Disposition of dietary caffeine in milk saliva and plasma of lactating women. Pediatrics(73), 59-63.
  2. Nehlig, A. and Debry, G. (1994). Consequences on the newborn of chronic maternal consumption of coffee during gestation and lactation: a review. J Am Coll Nutr(13), 1, 6-21.
Dec 30
6

Evening fussiness + NuRoo Promo Code

By | Breastfeeding, Classes, Home/Hospital Visits, Recommended Products

Sometimes infants will follow a more consistent feeding pattern throughout the day and then seem to be fussier in the evening and wanting to eat frequently.  Many times mothers will think “What am I doing wrong?” or even, “I must not be making enough milk for my baby’s needs.”  In reality, most likely nothing is wrong!  Especially if baby is having wet and messy diapers, is vigorous at the breast, and gaining weight.  This evening fussiness may be a result of baby being more tired and experiencing over-stimulation.  In certain cases, it could also be due to a slower flow of milk in the evening because milk has been removed efficiently earlier in the day.  This is especially true if Mom has a larger storage capacity and baby tends to sleep longer stretches at night (1).  Not to worry!  This explains why your baby seems to be eating more frequently in the evening — when milk is being removed as its being made, the flow is slower and the volume is less.  Here are a few things to keep in mind about evening fussiness:

#1 – Baby won’t mind having many small meals instead of one large one.

#2 – Mom needs to settle into a comfortable spot and put her milk supply worries to rest.

#3 – Breast compressions/hand expressions during feeding can help maximize milk removal (video tutorials in my video breastfeeding classes).

I’ve also teamed up with NuRoo today to offer a promo code to my readers.  Use code ‘LLINK’ to take 20% off your total purchase today (expires 12/30/16).  They have several items that could come in handy in-between feeds including their pocket, swaddle, and scarf.

NüRoo_Pocket_ShortSleeve_PROD_4

NuRoo Pocket 

The pocket offers full coverage for Mama while allowing for continued skin-to-skin contact with baby.  It comes in black and teal, available in a short-sleeve or 3/4-sleeve option.  The included belt provides safety and support for an infant well beyond the newborn stage!

NuRoo Clouds Lifestyle 3-2

NuRoo swaddler

If you’re looking for a swaddle to soothe baby in-between cuddle time and feeding time, the NuRoo is a great option because it fits newborns up to when baby rolls.  No need to buy multiple sizes, the swaddle grows with baby!  Comes in ten unique and stylish patterns.  Baby can be swaddled at shoulders as pictured, or a bit lower underneath armpits to keep baby warm during play time.

NuRoo Nursing Scarf-2

NuRoo scarf

The NuRoo scarf is a versatile piece that can work as an outfit accessory, also adding coverage and warmth during feeding time.  Comes in five great colors and can be worn during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and after weaning.

I hope this helps!  Come let me know what you think today on instagram.  Many more great tips like this in my in-person and online video breastfeeding classes.  I also love helping Moms with my in-person consults in their homes, my office, and the hospital.  E-consults are also available via phone or secure video chat.  Arrange personal consultations via email.

Thanks for coming by today,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

 

Lindsey Shipley headshot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Cregan, M., Mitoulas, L., Hartmann, P. (2002). Milk prolactin, feed volume and duration between feeds in women breastfeeding their full-term infants over a 24 h period.  Exp Physiology, 87(2), 207-214.
Dec 15
6
mother and child

Tuesday Tools – How to stop biting

By | Breastfeeding, Classes, Home/Hospital Visits, Recommended Products

I’ve had a lot of Moms contact me recently about tips to prevent their infant from biting while breastfeeding.  This can really be an issue as infants get a little older and start to cut teeth.  I talk about this more in my Intermediate Breastfeeding video class.

Easing the discomfort of teething

Wearing a silicone teething necklace.  I like these Chewable Charm necklaces because they are safe for baby and also look cute for daily wear!

baby chewing on teething necklace

Offering cold finger foods (frozen peas, blueberries) or also freezing breastmilk in an ice cube tray and offering it to baby in a mesh feeder.

What to do when baby is biting

Many infants will bite towards the end of a feed when they become bored and want to play.  If you start observing closely, you should be able to recognize this playful behavior coming on and stop the feed before biting occurs.  You can do this by breaking suction and turning baby’s attention to a book or toy.  Make sure baby has gotten what he needs from the breast and don’t be alarmed if your infant wants to ‘snack’ more during the teething period.  By ‘snacking’ I mean shorter, more frequent feedings.  If biting ends up happening, you want to break suction and tell your baby “No, no, no,” repeated 3 times.  Be cautious not to yell or startle your baby as this could cause a nursing strike (breast refusal for 2-7 days).  Baby can come back to breast after this, but if biting continues, break suction, say “No, no, no,” 3 times and set baby down somewhere safe and walk away for a minute or two.  When you return, talk to your baby, letting him/her know that biting hurts, and mommy can’t feed when they bite.  It may seem silly, but with consistency this should do the trick!

baby sucking on his mom's breast

I hope this helps!  My Intermediate Breastfeeding class is a great follow-up to Breastfeeding Basics because it addresses so many common issues like sore/cracked nipples, mastitis, thrush, jaundice, tongue-tie, over supply, slow weight gain, boosting milk supply, how to introduce solids, and much more!  Great information you don’t want to miss out on.  I also offer home/hospital consultations (first priority to those who have taken my classes) as well as e-consults for my clients via secure video chat.  Email me to arrange.  Come say hi on instagram today!  Don’t forget about our current promo code for 25% off your entire Loyal Hana clothing purchase.  Check out the previous post for the code and details.  The photography in this post is by Janae Kristen photography.

Thanks for coming by today,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Lindsey head shot

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec 11
5

Friday Favs – Loyal Hana

By | Breastfeeding, Classes, Recommended Products

Recently some of my clients introduced me to the brand Loyal Hana.  Today they are offering 25% off to my readers with the PROMO CODE ‘LLINK’.  It’s a collection of stylish, comfortable and functional clothes for the expectant or nursing mother.  Stylish clothes while breastfeeding?  Yep, it’s true.  Shelley, the owner and designer behind the Loyal Hana line has a vision that you don’t have to sacrifice style while pregnant or breastfeeding.  Kudos to her for providing breastfeeding mamas lots of options – from tees to sweaters to dresses and jumpsuits.  My favorite part?  All her items come equipped with built-in zippers on each side of the chest for easy access to breastfeeding.  You can go from play time to breastfeeding easily and comfortably, without completely disrobing!  Let me show you what I mean.

two moms and their children

Here are a few of my clients wearing Loyal Hana tops at a recent play date with their little ones.

mom reading a book to her child

Notice the discreet built-in zipper on the ‘Alex’ sweater in grey (Upper left shoulder).

baby breastfeeding with a breastfeeding sweater

Jenica is using the side-lying position to breastfeed her sweet baby girl, and the ‘Alex’ sweater maintains a lot of coverage throughout.  No untucking/re-tucking undershirts or stretching out your top by pulling it up or down for breastfeeding access.

baby reading a book with its mom

Jessica and Lily easily go from playtime to feeding session with the Audrey top.

baby breastfeeding with breastfeeding sweater

Jessica is using the cross-cradle position here (nursing pillow is Ergobaby).

lactation consultant with two moms

 

Hope you enjoyed this post and take a minute to checkout Loyal Hana’s line and don’t forget to use promo code ‘LLINK’ for 25% off your total purchase.  Learn about more breastfeeding positions in my video breastfeeding classes and in-person breastfeeding classes.  Come say hi on instagram today. Photography in this post by Janae Kristen photography.

Thanks for coming by today,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Lindsey Shipley with black jacket

Dec 08
6
mom learning how to breastfeed correctly

Tuesday Tools – Both Hands Make a “C”

By | Breastfeeding, Classes, Features, Recommended Products

In my Breastfeeding Basics class (offered in-person and online) I spend about ten minutes going over latch.  I focus so much teaching here because I find that the majority of my personal consultations are spent improving or correcting a poor latch.  Difficulty with latch is also one of the top 3 reasons mothers wean their infants.

Today for my Tuesday Tools I’m sharing “Both Hands Make a C” when learning the cross-cradle breastfeeding position (one of my favorites to teach).

women in a class

Here I am in a recent Breastfeeding Basics class teaching the attendees about making a C with their hands when latching their infants.  (Nursing Pillow is from Ergobaby).

baby being breastfed

Here you can see one hand is ‘making a C’ supporting the breast.  Keep in mind not to get too close to the nipple or areola.  You don’t want to get in baby’s way!  You can see the other hand is ‘making a C’ by supporting baby’s neck and her fingers are placed loosely below the infant’s ears.  The palm is resting in-between the shoulder blades.

Hope this helps!  More great tips like this in my breastfeeding video classes – Breastfeeding Basics, Intermediate Breastfeeding, and Pumping and Storing Breastmilk.  Once you purchase the classes they can viewed over and over and they never expire!  In-person class dates coming up are 12/10, 1/16, 2/20, 3/12, and 4/9.  If you’d like me to come to your area, I would love to travel for a class size of 5-10. Email me to arrange.

Thanks for coming by,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Lindsey head shot

Dec 01
5
photoshoot with mom and lactation consultant

Tuesday Tools – Hand Expression

By | Breastfeeding, Classes, Home/Hospital Visits

Recently, someone on instagram commented, “Help!  I went to go pump and nothing comes out! But if I squeeze the breast around the nipple, milk is there.  Why won’t the pump draw it out?”

These days, it seems like the only two options presented to Moms are breastfeed or pump.  The pump is a great tool in certain instances.  However, it only applies suction!  It’s missing the positive pressure component of the baby’s jaw moving up and down when latched.  That’s why it’s so important to incorporate hands.  Many women who don’t respond well to the pump alone do much better when they start using hand expression.  I believe all breastfeeding Moms need to know this skill – that’s why I teach it in all my classes and consultations .  It can be done alone or in a technique called ‘hands-on pumping’ (full video tutorial in my Pumping and Storing Breastmilk class).  Here is a short clip of how to perform hand expression, either alone or with a helper.  Remember, PUSH+PRESS+RELAX.  PUSH against your chest wall, PRESS your fingers together, and RELAX your hand.

I hope this helps!  More great tips and video tutorials in my video classes.  I also have in-person consults and e-consults available to help prepare and support you in your goals, whatever they may be.  I also have some in-person classes coming up in Highland, UT.  If you’d like me to come to your area, email me!  Make sure you are signed up for my newsletter for more tips and exclusive promos from me and my clients’ favorite products.

Thanks for coming by today,

Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC

Lindsey head shot white jacket

Nov 04
6

What to do when baby won’t latch

By | Breastfeeding, Classes, Home/Hospital Visits, Recommended Products

Getting baby latched

There is so much emphasis placed on getting a good latch when breastfeeding.  A good latch will help avoid nipple pain and breakdown, lead to more efficient milk removal and an overall good milk supply.  It is important!  But what happens when, despite great technique and positioning, baby won’t latch?  There are more obvious reasons why certain babies may take a little longer to get the hang of it.  For example: prematurity, a difficult delivery, or an oral abnormality to name a few.  Other times, it can take a full-term healthy baby a little longer to catch on for seemingly no reason at all!  I make sure to teach Moms in my classes what to do when baby won’t latch.  This way, if it ends up happening, they are calm and prepared instead of panicked!

Plan B

If baby won’t latch, it is still important to get them needed calories.  After several hours without a good feed, nursing staff will check blood glucose levels.  If those levels drop low enough, it may even mean admittance to the special care nursery or NICU.  Many times when blood sugar is low the first suggestion is formula supplementation with a bottle.  We know from research that early formula supplementation puts you at a higher risk for early weaning.  From my experience, I’ve found that introducing a bottle early on amidst latching problems only makes things worse.  Here’s an alternative that is low-tech, requires little equipment, and works very well to deliver needed calories without the use of a bottle.

breast hand expression in a hospital

Using hand expression to collect colostrum in a spoon

mom feeding baby with a spoon

Delivering expressed colostrum via a spoon

mom and baby eating

Sometimes, offering a few drops of colostrum on a spoon is enough to coat babies tongue, and stimulate them to latch on.  Other times it may take several feeds of delivering the colostrum this way, coupled with frequent attempts at the bare breast to get a good latch.

mom getting help to breastfeed her child

Latching baby to breast

mom swaddling her baby

baby swaddled in a blanketI hope this helps!  One Mom told me, “I’m so glad I took your class!  It took several days for my baby to latch on properly.  The whole time I was relaxed and prepared because I knew how to feed my baby in the meantime while keeping my goal of exclusive breastfeeding in mind.” ~ Maddie

I’m here to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be!  I’m here to provide all the research and options, but I’m a firm believer that “Mama Knows Best”.  I love when Moms tell me that my classes helped them have a good breastfeeding experience.  Breastfeeding Basics is available in-person in Highland, UT (upcoming dates 11/14 and 12/10) and all 3 of my video courses are available to view individually or in a bundle.  The video courses come with an outline for note-taking.  They also never expire and can be watched over and over!  Come say hi on instagram today! The nursing pillow I use in my consultations is from Ergobaby and the photography in this post is by Lizzy Jean Photography.

I’ve created this great e-mail course to help you get breastfeeding started on the right foot! Click the image below for more info.

6-day

Thanks for coming by today,

Lindsey head shot

~ Lindsey, RN, IBCLC

lindsey@lactationlink.com