Birthwise IBCLC

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the women who have spent time in my clinic or invited me into their homes! You are amazing and inspiring. I hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by Love 💙

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

Vasospasm is a painful condition caused by changes in blood flow that can affect one or both ni***es and be felt deep in the breast related to the complex nerve system of the breast, ar**la, and ni**le.

Signs & symptoms

💗 Hardening of ni**le and colour changes
💗 Pain may be described as sharp, shooting or burning
💗 Pain that is worse after breastfeeding or pumping and can last up to 30min
💗 Pain that is worse after moving from a warm to a cold environment

Causes:
💗 History of Raynaud’s phenomenon, ni**le trauma or no known trigger

You don’t have to suffer from vasospasm pain, book an appointment to find and fix the cause!

***es

Around 3-4 months, baby discovers their hands, fingers and sometimes toes! They want to put everything in their mouth, and it looks like they are always hungry, or they are teething, but they may only be “practicing” chewing as they get ready for solid foods in a few months time.

This is an expected phase of oral development and signals the instinctive sucking reflex has integrated and now sucking is a choice, rather than a reflex. Now the focus is on developing the oral skills needed for biting, chewing, licking, and swallowing solid foods safely.

Offering toys like the ones in the picture can help soothe tender gums, habilitate a tongue that hasn’t been moving properly and help baby practice chewing.
These toys are favourites of babies I see in my practice. Toys with long textured projections they can hold easily in their hands are best and provide an excellent sensory experience. And of course, nothing beats their own delicious little fingers!

Shown in the picture
Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy
Mombella mini mushroom teether toy
Fu Store Hollow Teether Tube (comes in 6pack)
Papachoo Pineapple Baby Teething Toys
Fluxy Oral Motor Tool and Therapy Aid

This can be a difficult “transitional” time when breast or bottle feeding. Baby may appear hungrier, distracted, be waking more at night, you may be worried about milk supply and how much milk baby is getting or that baby is teething. Book a consultation if you have any concerns!

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.

Supporting breastfeeding and bottle feeding families in London, St. Thomas and Elgin County.

Here are the different ways you can work with me:

1️⃣ Book an in-clinic appointment and visit me at 130 Thompson Road (TMC building), London Ontario.

2️⃣ Schedule an in-home visit- available for London, St. Thomas and Elgin County.

3️⃣ Virtual consultations are available in certain circumstances. Please call or email me to discuss if this is the best type of appointment for you.

Booking is easy, call or visit my website to book online! see you soon 😊

Hey Dads…we see all the things you do to support your families. Often on the sidelines, this is your day! We wish you a very Happy Father’s Day!

I often get asked by fathers how they can fit into the breastfeeding journey. Here are a few ideas that can make a big difference:

💗 Ask what she would find helpful: Simply asking your partner what she needs can go a long way in showing your support.
💗 Be there for feeds and pumping sessions: Breastfeeding can be a lonely task, especially in the early weeks when it can take a while. Your presence will provide much-needed companionship.
💗 Attend baby appointments: Whenever possible, join your partner for baby's check-ups. Your presence will be greatly appreciated.
💗 Set up a feeding "station" (or two, or three!): Create a comfortable and convenient space for your partner to breastfeed or pump. A cozy chair, footstool, snacks, water bottle, charging cables, and any necessary supplies can make her sessions more comfortable.
💗 Bring snacks and keep her hydrated: Surprise her with her favorite snacks and make sure her water bottle is always filled, without waiting for her to ask.
💗 Offer skin-to-skin contact or take over baby duties: Give your partner a chance to rest or enjoy an uninterrupted shower while you bond with your little one.
💗 Get involved in diaper changes, tummy time, and paced bottle feeds: be an active participant in baby care routines.
💗 Assist with pumping: Help with cleaning, sterilizing, and organizing the pump equipment.
💗 Prepare light, nutritious meals: Take charge of meals by making easy-to-heat or cold options that are nourishing and delicious.
💗 Help with household chores: Take the initiative to do a load of laundry, tidy up the kitchen, or vacuum without being asked.
💗 Shower her with encouragement, write little notes of love and appreciation, and surprise her with flowers already in a vase. Your thoughtfulness will brighten her day!

Baby having a hard time latching? Are you experiencing ni**le pain? Any problems with weight gain? It could be a tongue-tie but not always.

To breastfeed effectively, baby’s tongue must be able to do these 4 essential movements:
💗Extend- by extending the tongue over the lower gums and lip, baby finds the ni**le, triggers the beginning of a deep latch and protects the ni**le
💗Cup- the front of the tongue cups firmly around the ni**le and surrounding tissue, drawing it in for a deep latch and creating a trough for milk to travel from the front to back of the tongue for a safe swallow
💗Elevate- The cupped tongue must be able to elevate fully to the roof of the mouth. The ni**le is held in place by the tongue, the roof of the mouth, the cheeks, soft flexible lips and a seal is created
💗Wave movement (Peristalsis)- The lower jaw and front of the tongue drop first, followed by the back of the tongue. This dropping creates the vacuum that sucks the milk from the breast into baby’s mouth. Then the front of the tongue elevates, the back follows, and the sucking cycles begin until baby tires, needs a burp, change breasts or is full.

Some of the many reasons baby’s tongue may not be moving properly include:
💗Position- if baby is not in an optimal breastfeeding position, they may not be coming close enough to the ni**le or at the right angle.
💗Time- sometimes babies need some time to build their strength and stamina or to recover from their birth.
💗Tightness anywhere in the body may cause tension on the tongue that affects one or both sides ability to move properly. The body is all connected!
💗Tongue tie- a restrictive frenulum may not allow the tongue to do one or more of the 4 essential movements and all are needed to feed effectively.

If you are concerned your baby’s tongue is not moving properly, book an appointment with an IBCLC for a full feeding assessment and functional oral assessment.

Wouldn’t it be nice if your breasts had a measuring gauge so you knew in real-time how much milk they were making and how much milk baby was getting?

Worrying about milk supply and whether baby is getting enough milk is the number one reason women wean before meeting their breastfeeding goals.

It can be hard to interpret baby’s hunger cues from “I need to suck to regulate myself” and later “ I have found my hands and they are delicious and fun” cues. How to know if baby has had enough to eat? Especially if they are rooting, or feed from a bottle after breastfeeding.

Doesn’t that mean they didn’t get enough? Not necessarily.

Learn what signs an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) checks for by reading my latest blog post, link in bio.

If you are concerned your baby isn’t getting enough milk, book an appointment with a lactation consultant for a thorough assessment.

Hi, I’m Lori Cowx! I’m the owner of Birthwise, a registered nurse (RN), an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), mother of 6 and grandmother of 2.

Rooted in a large extended family, I grew up loving babies and children, and a career working with families was a natural choice. I have always loved the quote, “Choose a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I feel so grateful to be living those wise words.

I take great pleasure in supporting women as they grow in confidence in themselves as mothers. When our babies are first born, unable to talk, and tell us clearly what they need, want and how they are feeling, it can be such a confusing and overwhelming time full of complex emotions.

I understand firsthand how feeding challenges can be worrying, discouraging and frustrating. I’ve helped countless women feed and care for their babies. Witnessing their relief and joy when they overcome those challenges is why I do what I do.

If you are a breastfeeding or bottle-feeding mother and have concerns or are struggling, you are not alone, please visit my website to book an appointment.

Photo courtesy of The Mini Studio

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

🌟 Exciting find at the today! 🌟

These handmade teething toys from a local vendor, are absolute gems!

Toys like these, with their textured projections, are perfect for multiple reasons:
1️⃣ Soothing sore gums: Teething can be tough for little ones, but these toys provide relief and comfort to their delicate gums. 🦷❤️

2️⃣ Developing oral skills: As your baby progresses to solid foods, these toys help them explore different textures and practice new oral motor skills. 🥕🍎

Around 3-4 months, your baby starts discovering their little fingers, hands, and even toes! This is a clear sign that they are ready to explore and interact with toys like these.

By supporting this local vendor, you get quality teething toys and contribute to our community's growth.

Let's show some love and buy local!
https://beestillandco.com/

Birthwise IBCLC updated their business hours.

On this Mother’s Day weekend, I reflected on things I wish I had known at the beginning of raising my 6 (now grown) babies. Perhaps something in my experience will make parenting easier for you.

Happy Mother’s Day! I hope you are surrounded by love:) Lori



1. You will grow into your own unique way of being a mother. You won’t have it all figured out at the beginning. Don’t worry, you will find your way.
2. You will make mistakes. Be gentle with yourself. You are doing the best you can. Ask for forgiveness when you need to. Learn the lessons and move on.
3. Your best is good enough. Your best will change as you learn and grow.
4. Your greatest gift you will give to your children is for them to know you love them fiercely and without conditions.
5. Your children will grow up fast. Let them be babies and kids for as long as possible.
6. You will never regret time spent gazing at, playing with, cuddling and comforting them.
7. Your responsibilities will feel crushing at times. Focus your energy wisely.
8. Two things can be true at the same time: you can adore your babies and need a break from caring for them sometimes.
9. Don’t compare yourself to other moms and don’t compare your babies to other babies.
10. You must do what is best for you and your family and allow others to do the same without judgement.
11. Expectations. It’s okay to have expectations of yourself, of your partner, of your baby. But make sure they are reasonable and let go of what is not.
12. Being comfortable with “good enough” means you are living what is possible. Don’t create stress and unhappiness in your life with your pursuit of “perfect”.
13. Some days you will be full of energy and others you will not. It’s ok to rest and make things easy on the days that you are not. In fact, it’s crucial that you do.
14. The image you had in your mind about being a mother and the reality of it are going to be very different. Let it go, live in the now and be happy.
15. Nobody cares whether your house is spotless. And if they do, don’t invite them over.
16. As much as possible, experience moments through your child’s perspective.
17. Celebrate the changes in your body from pregnancy and breastfeeding. Look in your eyes and smile every time you see yourself in a mirror. You are amazing.
18. You are a mother, not a robot. You are going to feel joy, wonder, excitement, love and you are going to feel frustration, impatience, overwhelm and uncertainty. Stop feeling guilty for being a normal human.
19. Schedule time for yourself. A little bit every day and a lot at least once a year. This goes on the calendar and is non-negotiable. You are doing the hardest job in the world, vacations are necessary.
20. Give yourself credit for all the “trying” that you do. Though things may not always work, your continuous effort is the stuff of motherhood.
21. Sometimes what the situation needs is for you to do less, not more.
22. You will never be able to be everything for everyone. This is a fantasy that only makes you feel bad. Drop it.
23. You are going to long for simplicity in a messy and complicated world. What becomes part of your day and life are up to you. Be thoughtful about what you allow into your world.
24. Surround yourself with helpful people who love your kids. Find your tribe and they will share the joy and work of raising your family.
25. Every single day, take a few minutes to really look at your baby and marvel at what you made.
26. You are a good mother.
27. Your children are going to love you.

As a person who has lost my mother, this lesson has been profound and came too late.

28. Your mom is giving you advice because she wants to connect with you over your shared motherhood roles. Not because she is trying to control you or criticize you or tell you what to do. Don’t dismiss or reject her. One day you will wish you she was here to talk with.

Wishing all the nurses I've worked with, learned from, laughed and cried with a Happy Nurse's Day!