CBS Katie Parson

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!!

Let's talk about mastitis.
If you experience a fever, chills, intense pain at sight, flu like symptoms, redness or streaking on the breast, these are signs of mastitis. It is hot to the touch, usually occurs in only breast, and can occasionally contain mucous, pus, or blood.
If you suspect mastitis, continue to breastfeed starting on the affected side. Babies will sometimes refuse this breast because the milk does change taste. Make sure to apply heat, massage the breast, and pump for complete drainage. As they told us in my class, HEAT, REST, EMPTY THE BREAST.

For my pumping moms! You can cause ni**le damage if your fl**ge is too small. You won't get sufficient milk if it is too large. Pumping shouldn't be painful, it should be comfortable.
Tips* Massage your breasts as you pump. This is a great way to drain your breasts, causing you to get more milk at each session.
If you are at work, pump in an office or other secluded space. Make it a relaxing environment, its been proven that looking at videos or pictures of your baby can help stimulate the milk ejection reflex. Some women even put a warm compress on their breasts 5 to 10 mins before pumping. It can help your milk flow.

Breastfeeding Harvey was a breeze. He latched right on and took off. I didn't expect anything different when it came to Alice. I was VERY wrong. I made it about 3 or 4 months with her, pushing my sanity OVER the limit. When Alice was born, she would gag constantly like she was choking. I was terrified to bring her home. She screamed nonstop. But she was gaining weight (slowly) so the pediatrician said it was fine. Adequate input is important, but so it adequate output, which she had none. She went days without a bowel movement and would bleed when she finally had one. It was not the normal breastfeeding color or texture at all. The pediatrician never referred me to a lactation consultant, knowing I had exclusively breastfed my first child and was doing the same for her. Needless to say we switched pediatricians after that. We got Alice in with a GI specialist and started formula and she slowly got straightened out. After taking lactation consultant classes, I learned several things that I could have done to help our breastfeeding journey last longer and decrease both our pain.
In this picture, her latch is more shallow, she has more of the tip of my ni**le in her mouth rather than the wide latch she should have. I didnt know what to look for if she had a tongue tie, that could have affected the latch. Reflux wise, if I had positioned her differently, I could have reduced her reflux and maybe she wouldn't have been in as much pain. These are just a few things off the top of my head that could have been addressed if I had known to contact a Lactation Consultant. I thought I knew what I was doing since I had done it before. I am disappointed that no pediatrician ever suggested I see one. Don't make the same mistake! I am here to help! I am here for you ❤

These lactation cookies are AMAZING! They taste so good, my husband was stealing them when I made some for Kelsey earlier this week. You can double the recipe and freeze the dough so you can just throw them in the oven whenever.

https://www.howsweeteats.com/2015/02/lactation-cookies/ =5718438

Lactation Cookies. These are the best lactation cookies you will ever make! And they actually work to increase milk supply. They are a delicious late night snack!

As a breastfeeding specialist, I can help prepare women for nursing. (Did you know you don't have to be pregnant to lactate!?) I can assit you how to use a pump, increase milk supply, and educate you on how to efficiently empty your breasts. I can assist you on any latch issues, positioning, and help you through any engorgment or pain problems. Most importantly, I will be your biggest supporter, cheerleader, and friend through your breastfeeding journey. Text, message, or email me for any questions you may have.

I am certified through LER. My goal is to work until I can take the IBLCE and become a board certified Lactation Consultant.