Mom4Life

Birth and Intuition in America- By Julie Johnson

I am still recovering from all the goodies in the house since the middle of December and my head a little fuzzy from all the clean up.  New Year's Resolutions are a big part of January.  Already I am back in the gym, cleaned the house...laundry and taking down all the Christmas decorations are still on the to do list.  Another thing on my to do list is watch on January 9th, Ricki Lake's new documentary called "Business of Being Born" playing at select theaters around the country (and also available on Netfix.com). Her website...www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com and I have no affiliation but I anticipate it's arrival like Dick Clark's New Year's Eve ball dropping. I have known for many years Ricki Lake's passion for natural childbirth and I think this movie is going to rock some solid beliefs. It is nice to know that I don't have to preach about what kind of birth people should have, which I don't but I educate regarding the different options. Ricki Lake will be showing instead of lecturing what I have been trying to convey in my childbirth classes in a powerful, thought provoking way.    

Why care about something like this when we all strive for more important things like world peace or ending poverty? What goes on in a hospital maternity unit and the need of educating the public regarding the usual policy and procedure can be beneficial to all those who need those services. People need to be aware of options and know they have rights in a hospital that are usually down played.   I have had overall good experiences in the hospital as the patient or the advocate, however, I knew who to talk to and what questions to ask to get the care that I or my client needed. (Most do not have this advantage.)  The most important thing you can do in any situation is ask many questions and follow your intuition.  If it means changing doctors, nurses, hospitals, the "usual" procedure at the last second, follow your gut.
       
I hope everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Anyone want to share any experiences where they did or did not follow their intuition during a hospital/doctor visit or during any other life situation as a mother?

CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator and Trainer, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant,  Lamaze childbirth educator, doula, momowner of Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions

How Birth Practices Effects Breastfeeding Part 2: by Julie Johnson

I have been a doula for over 9 years, including running a hospital based doula program at a county facility. There I saw everything from women shackled to the bed watched over by a prison guard 24/7, to teenage girls who insisted that they be back home before 6:00 AM the next day so their mothers wouldn't know they had been gone. Since becoming a breastfeeding professional, I can look back and see how birth does indeed effect the breastfeeding outcome.   Being a birth advocate I want the woman to have what ever she wants during her delivery. It is her choice.  However, if she can labor for as long as possible at home, plan to have her labor un-medicated (easier said than done these days) and avoid routine inductions, her chances of having a complicated delivery decreases and she most likely will experience less breastfeeding difficulties.    

The good news is almost all breastfeeding barriers work themselves out.  In all situations, having a positive attitude goes along way.  Furthermore, research states that having a doula (labor support professional) or just having another woman continually present in the room increases 30% a woman's chance of breastfeeding 6 weeks postpartum.  That sounds good to me.Please keep sharing your birth and breastfeeding experiences. We can learn so much from each other.

CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator and Trainer, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant,  Lamaze childbirth educator, doula, momowner of Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions

How the Birth Experience Effects Breastfeeding: by Julie Johnson

Many people have no idea that there is a correlation between what happened during birth and the breastfeeding outcome.  A few days ago, I brought dinner to a mom in my play group who had recently given birth. She said, "Julie, I am so glad you are here! I was told to supplement and I don't want to supplement." First question I always ask is, "Tell me about your birth experience?" She answered that she had had a cesarean and the baby lost a lot of weight and had not regained the birth weight at the two week check up. I then asked how long she had her IV in, and she answered that she had it for 24 hours. I told her that the IV received in labor or for surgery not only swells other parts of the extremities but that her breasts also got a fluid over-load. Therefore, if her breasts were already full of "fluid" not to be mistaken for milk, then there tends to be a delay in milk production, and wowla the reason her baby hadn't regained his birth weight by 2 weeks.

My friend thanked me, and was angry that no one had explained this reasoning. She was  feeling like a failure not being able to provide enough milk for her baby. Since the swelling had gone away three days before I arrived, she had noticed the baby swallowing more and her breasts softer after a feeding and now she knew what was happening.

Does anybody else see any correlation between what happened during their birth and afterwards with breastfeeding? I am going to continue this topic next week as this is such an important link to successful breastfeeding.   

Julie Johnson

CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator and Trainer
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Lamaze childbirth educator
doula
mom
owner of Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions

It is Cool to Breastfeed by Julie Johnson

For some reason we like to know how celebrities live and if they do the same things we are do as normal people. We hear of their fashion, dating, and, surprisingly, we also hear who is breastfeeding their babies. In a world so caught up in vanity, a lot of Hollywood moms obviously think it is cool to breastfeed their children.  Even though these moms give their children the best education, the most expensive clothes and the most professional nannies money can buy, breastmilk doesn’t cost a thing.

The wonderful thing about breastfeeding is that no matter what financial background we come from, each baby receiving their mothers’milk is receiving the same advantages.  It is no surprise to anyone that breastmilk is superior then artificial baby milk.  Do we really know what those advantages are?  Babies who are receiving breastmilk will not only have less incidences of diarrhea, ear infections, bladder infections, or RSV, but are also less likely to get asthma, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or Crones disease as adults. Brain development and higher IQ are added bonuses.  Basically, whatever family diseases run in your family, you protect your child from those particular health concerns when you breastfeed.  That would certainly explain rock star Gwen Stephani saying, “Breastfeeding gives her super human powers.” 

Please share immediate advantages you've seen in your breastfeeding experience that have been beneficial for you or for your baby.

Julie Johnson

CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator and Trainer
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Lamaze childbirth educator
doula
mom
owner of Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions

To Co-Sleep or Not to Co-Sleep by Julie Johnson

I woke up yesterday morning to a local radio talk show host mentioning  the dangers of co-sleeping. I actually like this guy from past shows. He is funny and interesting. Yet, instead of hitting the snooze button, my ears were ready to hear what he had to say on the subject. The only thing I did like was that his wife was still breastfeeding their 9 month old and she brings the baby back into bed with her to nurse about 3-4 times a week. He doesn't think this is safe and wished that she didn't do it. He went on to mention all the "dangers" associated with bed sharing. Whether I believe in bed sharing or not, let's be practical here. The main concerns that we all hear are the risks of SIDS with co-sleeping. I find it illogical to think that it is safer for an infant to sleep in another room, down the hall no less, instead of being close to it's mother.

With my first two children, my bed was my bed. That was that. If I had to sleep on their floor for whatever reason, so be it. Then came the "princess" and I figured out that I actually slept better with her right there.  When you have a child with you in bed, where are the mother's hands? They are usually laying on top of the baby. When your child moves or lack of movement, a mother is aware. It is real hard to have that kind of reassurance when the baby is down the hall. Now I am not saying that everyone needs to co-sleep. Co-sleeping is kinda like childbirth classes, you prepare for it, study the pros and cons for your family situation and pay attention more to the "technique" of it. 

I would like to hear people's opinion though. Have they done it, was it successful?
As for our "princess" when I was finally sick of being kicked in the back, I attempted to transition her back to her own room.  I will confess...she was ready for a twin bed. (And my back has since recovered.)

CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator and Trainer
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Lamaze childbirth educator
doula
mom
owner of Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions

My 7 y/o's Perspective on Breastfeeding by Julie Johnson

(K at 18 months)

This week I am preparing to teach the CAPPA Certified Lactation Educator Training Course this weekend in Salt Lake City, UT and while preparing for this up coming class, I am reviewing breastfeeding DVD's. While watching a mom and her baby learn how to breastfeed, my 7 y/o daughter walks into the room. Below is a commentary of her reaction (word for word) to this video. I thought it was interesting and kinda funny.

First thing out of my daughter's mouth…"Yuck! That is a real breast!"

"Did you breastfeed us?"— ('Yes K, I did,' I answered back.) "Well, that's good."

"It (the movie) keeps showing 'real' ones!"

Then the video started discussing sore nipples. K is watching intently, and then asked, "Did C, N and I hurt you?"

(I said, 'Yes.') She said, "We were only babies we didn't know what to do."

While continuing to watch, she mentions, "This will help me know what to do when I get older."

…Then she continues to watch as the DVD shows a demonstration on latching,   "Oh that is what we're suppose to do."

She ends it by saying, "…now can we finish coloring?"

Mind you she would attempt to breastfeed her teddy bear in public when she was 3.

Do any of you have any stories to share on how your older siblings have reacted or what they have said about breastfeeding?

breastfeeding, latch, sore nipples, CLE training
CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator and Trainer
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Lamaze childbirth educator
doula
mom
owner of Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions

I don't have any more milk! by Julie Johnson

The most common complaint among breastfeeding mothers is, "I don't have enough milk for my baby." Even though that statement is often told to every lactation consultant in America, it isn't being told to every lactation consultant in the world.  Women outside the United States usually don't have issues with low milk supplies.

So let's think about this for a moment. Why here and not there? Why might one woman  have enough milk for her entire city, and another appears to not have enough to give her week old baby? This can be a complex question and hopefully I can distinguish between actual low supply and thriving milk supply.

In the beginning stages, many new mothers find that they need the "sign" of engorgement before they feel comfortable that their milk is coming in. Actually, it is the complete opposite. Not having engorgement is what you do want. Severe engorgement can actually kill mammary cells and, therefore, in some cases lower a milk supply for good. Engorgement actually indicates that the baby is not being fed enough or perhaps not accurately. Having some firmness during pregnancy and having a baby nurse frequently starting right after delivery is what you do want.

Moms may be confused when their baby wants to suck a lot at the breasts and never appears satisfied. The baby who wants to suck at the breasts all day while maintaining weight and having "enough" wet and dirty diapers IS getting enough. Perhaps the baby needs to suck for soothing and comforting as well as for food. On the other hand, if mom is experiencing pain with vigorous and continual sucking, she needs to see a lactation professional to rule out sucking issues that possibly are causing the baby to continually work "harder" for his food.

The main culprit of low milk supply is lack of breast stimulation. No magic pills can compensate for lack of good stimulation. Occasionally, medication or herbs are additionally needed, but always accompanied with at least 8 or more good feeds at the breast a day and/or using a hospital grade breast pump.

When in doubt about offering supplementation, get a lactation consultant to help make sure that this is in the best interest of the baby and your milk supply. One final comment, the more supplementation and rubber nipples the baby receives, the less milk will be produced …and that is may be one different from other cultures.

For those special circumstances, don't forget to purchase Earth Mama Angel Baby's "More Milk Tea" and other breastfeeding essentials from www.birthandbreastfeedingsolutions.com

CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator and Trainer
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Lamaze childbirth educator
doula
mom
owner of Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions

Changing our Plan of Action by Julie Johnson

It is the day after my annual Disneyland passes expired. Last year at this time, and two weeks before moving out of California, I bought my family their Southern California Annual Passes to Disneyland. I have used it about 10 times this last year, which for some may seem like a lot but when I lived 1 hour away I went about 20 times a year. Disneyland was one thing I could do with all my kids and their friends…we never went without every seat filled in my van. I had planned for six months to return a couple of weeks before the passes expired, but I got sick. I delayed the trip, telling myself that perhaps the next week we would try, but I was still not back to my normal energy levels. Just looking at Disneyland commercials confirmed that. Instead of getting excited, I envision myself sitting on a bench somewhere in the park, falling asleep while my kids were enjoying Space Mountain or even Splash Mountain without adult supervision. Our Disneyland adventures usually took a total 6 plus hours when we lived in California.  Every day I would tell myself I can still make the trip, including driving the extra 11 hours it takes from Salt Lake City to Orange County.  I was telling myself this up until the evening of the last day, when reason prevailed.  The Tower of Terror will have to wait. With that being said, there isn't much coming to my mind about birth and breastfeeding topics this week except that it doesn't always go the way we planned. We may need to make adjustments so we can realize the ultimate goal of a healthy baby, healthy mom and successful outcome. As for me,  I will shoot for Disneyland in January where I will be a regular tourist standing in the ticket line like everyone else.  It also helps me to remember that I really shouldn't be there in October, anyway, as it is one of Disneyland's busiest months.

CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator and Trainer
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Lamaze childbirth educator
doula
mom
owner of Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions

When Breastfeeding isn't Blissful by Julie Johnson

I went on a lactation consult recently where a mom complained of severely sore nipples.  While I was observing the latch she yelped out in pain.  Sometimes sore nipples is an easy problem to fix; sometimes not. When ever mom is experiencing that much pain I usually look at the anatomy of the baby's mouth to rule out other causes.  I look for a short tongue being restricted by a thin membrane that may or may not be seen. I look for an extremely high palate (roof of the mouth) which can interfere with comfortable placing of the nipple in the baby's mouth.  Currently, I am finding a lot of babies who have a thin membranes underneath their top lip attached to the upper gum which restricts a tight seal at the breast, causing the unfortunate outcome of sore, cracked, beat up nipples. These challenges can be a little trickier to fix than just putting a pillow underneath baby to help with positioning or teaching the baby to keep their lower lip down.  These mothers struggle with getting their baby to breastfeed and, occasionally, there isn't a simple solution. Instead of a wonderful bonding moment, these moms have a baby who may cry a lot, while seeking more food, and finding that "right position" at the breast. Or mom is crying from the pain while struggling to get their baby to eat successfully.  In trying to get food into the baby, she may also be pumping, finger feeding, bottle feeding or cup feeding, all the while dealing with healing her damaged nipples.  It can be further discouraging when she sees other women have no pain, no struggle, no pumping, no "special techniques" - just mom, baby and breasts.

It is hard to convince every mom that she will need to do 5 extra things on top of all the other things she has to do in life in hopes that she can get through the storm, and hopefully leading to successful nursing. In MOST cases, if she is diligent, have found the right support for her specific situation, the baby will  breastfeed.  Some don't have the time or hope to wait it out. And in reality, who can blame these mothers?

Will this mom I saw in a recent consult breastfeed?  I hope so. The best thing for a mom to do when having any difficulty is to get a supportive lactation consultant and a knowledgeable (in breastfeeding) pediatrician who can give the mom medical intervention if necessary.  Just a glimmer of hope: MOST breastfeeding hardships that receive the "right intervention" and early on, resolve over time.  Don't wait longer than a few days in hopes that things get better without some kind of professional involvement.

Just a little off the subject; Almost a year long process, Medela finally accepted my pleas to open a retail account and I am now taking orders for Medela's Pump in Style Advanced and Original breastpump at a 10-20% discount. Check out my shopping area on my website for more details.

CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator and Trainer
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Lamaze childbirth educator
doula
mom
owner of Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions

Continuation of Breastfeeding Barriers by Julie Johnson

Sorry it's been awhile since my last blog. It has been crazy at my house with my 13 y/o going to the hand surgeon, eye specialist, fitting for contacts, pediatricians office twice and trying to get into the dermatologist along with trying to figure out premenopausal symptoms at 38!! All I can say is that premenopausal symptoms are very similar to pregnancy without the excuse, "I can have one more donut, I am eating for two." ... 

With that being said, every new mom and dad would prefer a perfect scenario after labor and delivery. To ensure an easier time without breastfeeding barriers, I have listed a few suggestions that will help with your success.

• Couples have found that when they have the labor room all to themselves after childbirth, there are less distractions for bonding.
• Complete skin to skin between mom and her infant not only wakens a baby naturally, the baby will want to look for food. When baby is wrapped in blankets it is hard for the infant’s instincts to kick in.
• A healthy newborn doesn’t have to eat right after delivery, this process may take several hours. Continual skin to skin with mom will adjust the baby’s body temperature as well as regulate the blood sugars.
• The baby shows mom and dad several ways for when they want to eat. First, the baby will start to turn their head, suck on their fist or fingers and/or open their mouths. They make small little noises along with these other signs. Crying is the last sign of hunger. Offering the breast when the baby does these behaviors will ensure a better feed.
• Watching the clock and schedule feedings is not an ideal way to offer the breast to the baby.  The baby can’t tell time and for a healthy newborn, they eat when they are hungry not when a clock tells them so. Baby eats just like you and I do, when our tummy dictates.  Normal newborns eat 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. That may seem like a lot of feedings, however the baby does have a small tummy…the size of a marble the first day and the breastmilk digests quicker than formula.
• If necessary, express colostrum into a plastic spoon. Entice the baby to lick off. The colostrum should interest baby enough to seek out more food at the breast.
• Relax and enjoy the miracle!

CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator and Trainer
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Lamaze childbirth educator
doula
mom
owner of Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions

Barriers to Breastfeeding by Julie Johnson

This typical post-partum scenario describes several barriers to the initiation of breastfeeding. Can you find them?

The baby has just been born and everyone is elated.  Mom had a moment or two to hold her new baby as she was being repaired from the episiotomy and cleaned up after delivery.  Baby is taken to the warmer after Mom and Dad have lovingly touched him.  Those in the room, including aunt Nancy, sister Jessica, and both sets of grand-parents, are so excited for this new little one.  Everyone is talking about how the mother did during labor and delivery and the relief that no one passed out.  As everyone is discussing the miracle of birth and how it affected each of them, they glance at the baby to discuss how his nose looks like Grandpa Ted's or his fingers look long like cousin Richard's. They each question how long the baby needs to be in the warmer.  Once ready, the nurse wraps the baby up in 4 warm blankets similar to what a human burrito would look like, and instructs everyone to keep the baby warm (bundled). The first relative nearest the baby opens his arms to hold the baby, and everyone is hushed in quiet reverence.  Baby starts to open his eyes, but since the lights are on in the room, he immediately shuts them. Aunt Nancy then comes over and says she needs a turn to hold baby.   The baby now is opening his mouth and turning his head around, but his eyes are still shut because of the lights.  Baby is starting to cry, so Grandma Sue takes her turn to hold baby.  Baby is still turning his head.   Now his hand has come up out of the blanket, and he immediately starts sucking it.  He again starts crying, and turns his head with his mouth open similar to a baby bird.  Grandpa Dave comes over to take the baby.  He starts bouncing the baby up and down to calm him.  In fact, Grandpa Dave is so good at quieting the baby, that baby falls back to sleep.  Mom requests to hold her newborn son.  Dad looks admiringly at baby who is now sound asleep.  Mom then decides baby is hungry, and brings him to her breast, but he remains asleep.  Aunt Nancy adjusts pillows.  Baby sleeps.  Mom rocks her little one as she talks to him, and he continues to sleep. The nurse comes in and asks if the baby nursed, and Mom reports, "no."  The nurse picks up the baby and says, "Maybe later.  If we need to, we will give the baby a bottle because a baby needs to eat."  She proceeds to the nursery with the baby in her arms. . . to be continued. (Check back next week Wednesday for the continuation).

Julie Johnson
CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator and Trainer
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Lamaze childbirth educator
doula
mom
owner of Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions

My Introduction as a new Mom 4 Life blogger by Julie Johnson

I have always been fascinated with the subjects of pregnancy and breastfeeding. You know those panicked husbands swerving in and out of traffic to get his wife to the hospital in time for the epidural? Yep that was us! The most surreal moment during labor was after the epidural had taken affect, my legs in stirrups (to this day I have no idea why this was part of the experience... I wasn't ready to push yet), my endearing husband eating a hamburger and sipping a diet coke as he watched from the end of the bed as if I was the half time football game entertainment. 

Since that moment in time, I have become a doula who provides continuous labor support to the laboring mom and her partner. Remember, I am fascinated by the birth process.  Why not be a part of another's experience? It is amazing to see every woman deliver in a different way...some unmedicated and others in stirrups like I  was, although these women were ready to deliver.  I also became a Lamaze childbirth educator and certified in Hypnobirthing so I could experience an unmedicated labor without the epidural and without pain. It does work!!  If all this weren't enough to feed my fascination in the childbirth field, I became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant as well.

Recently we moved from Southern California to a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah. I  have been married to Daron, a native Utahan, for 16 plus years,and we have three kids.  We never thought we would leave California for the cold and snow storms, but we like it here and we couldn't bear to get our two cats back on the plane again...I'll save that story for another blog. I provide private lactation consulting and teach childbirth classes when my kids are in school or when my husband is home to be with them.  I also teach CAPPA's Certified Lactation Educator training course. That's why I am here at Mom 4 Life; I am going to be blogging about breastfeeding, and answering any questions you have as you provide your baby with the best meal in town.