The same mother sits across from me a week or so after giving birth. I ask, “So, how are you?” She proceeds to tell me her story. Ahh, the ‘birth story’ one she will forever remember. Some stories are great, some not so good. I always allow the time for mothers to share their stories. She must be heard. I then ask,” How is breastfeeding going for you and your baby?” All too often the response sounds like this:
My baby latched on fine in the hospital but when we came home, baby would not. I am not making enough milk, so I am formula feeding. My nipples hurt so much that I had to stop. My baby does not like it and so on. I almost feel her sense of resignation as she settles into a method of feeding not of her choice. What she is not telling me is that what she really needs is support and for someone to help her find her way back to her plan to breastfeed.
The good news is that I am here to help you prepare during the prenatal stage and support you during the early postpartum stage when the potential for things to go wrong is high. I want to put you in the driver’s seat so that the story you share will be a good one.
My business offers home visits that will help you get off to a great start. Maternal and infant behaviors that support successful breastfeeding are addressed. I delve into greater detail about the benefits of breastfeeding, the importance of skin-to-skin care and why it is important not to be separated from your baby. Early and frequent feeding is encouraged to build and maintain your milk supply. I will help you decode your baby’s language by helping you understand infant cues and states. Fundamental physical changes in your body and unborn baby are explained so that you will trust your baby’s innate, survival reflexes and your breastfeeding skills.
For over 25 years my career path has been inseparable from community work which enabled me to network with other healthcare professionals. Earlier on in my career I served pregnant women and their families as a Public Health Nutritionist and Clinical Dietitian. I was responsible for providing nutrition education and promoting breastfeeding. As an avid advocate for breastfeeding, I am proud to have been an integral team player of collaborative initiatives implemented to increase breastfeeding rates in New York and Northern New Jersey.
Mothers can be met anywhere along their breastfeeding journeys but research has shown that best health outcomes result from best practices initiated during the prenatal period.
It is during the early postpartum period that most mothers give up. My services will provide the support and guidance needed.
Discussions focus on pumping strategies, readiness for solid food, growth and development, baby-led/mother-led weaning strategies and more.
I am committed to providing informative and supportive breastfeeding and prenatal classes. Join me for expert guidance on breastfeeding techniques and essential prenatal education. Together, we’ll navigate this important journey towards motherhood with confidence and knowledge.
